Hocus Pocus!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Get set for a wild ride as Disney unleashes The Sorcerer's Apprentice, now putting a spell on audiences at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

Fresh from the Jerry Bruckheimer school of blockbusters, this tempting treat continues the producer's winning ways. If you like how Bruckheimer's creative team uses history as a jumping off point a la National Treasure you'll get a charge out of The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Director Jon Turtteltaub (Instinct) has a nose for storytelling and here our quest begins in the days of the mythological Merlin the Magician. All of that fabled power he had has been transferred down onto three noble disciples. Trickery and a bit of thievery sees this trio on opposite sides in a multi-generational quest for world domination, or something to that effect.

Led by Balthazar are the forces of good. Family man Nicolas Cage (National Treasure) returns to familiar ground as a good guy sorcerer who's been attempting to find the rightful heir to Merlin's throne. After years of looking he accidentally runs into Dave, a boy who, when grown up, takes the form of Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up). Reluctant at first to take up the challenge Dave finally lets up and winds up in a huge power struggle between Balthazar and his sworn enemy, Horvath.

Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2) makes evil look good as the dapper magic man who does his best to torpedo Balthazar and his new underling. Why this film works so well as an entertainment vehicle, despite some unfair reviews by high brow critics, is that they just don't get this is all done for laughs. All the special effects are good, the dialogue is snappy, and the whole fish out of water growth of a physics nerd into a champion sorcerer is fun to watch. Add on a short but spunky out of place romance with a girl called Becky and the jury is out with a positive verdict on this 109 minute flick. Australian born Teresa Power (Wolf Creek) continues that nation's pedigree of quality young actresses making an easy transition to North American audiences as Becky.

Sure to be popular with kids and those into camp, The Sorcerer's Apprentice takes a few liberties with story line and plot. And sometimes the chases are a bit overblown. Overall, however, the film is a nice ride that has a good tempo, an interesting idea and it works well as a fantasy vehicle with changing cars and crazy evil demons brought forth to disrupt an otherwise normal New York.

Pleasant Dreams!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Sweet dreams and getting to bed on time may become a thing of the past after watching Inception, the latest yarn from Warner Brothers now waking people up at Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

After a successful movie the rule of thumb in Hollywood is that the director can get any project green lit and made. That's the case with Christopher Nolan who brought us The Dark Knight, one of the biggest hits of all time. Earlier Nolan got good notices for Memento. People who saw that film know it was tricky to follow. Folk like me found the film hard to comprehend at times. With Dark Knight the story was easy to understand. In Inception Nolan ends up giving us a film that's complexity and ability to understand clearly falls somewhere between Memento and The Dark Knight. Take an interesting idea and twist it around and you may come up with a winner - or else a jumbled mess. Inception lies between these two extremities.

Long time followers of Hollywood know that rarely does anything new get produced. Rare is the fresh idea and rarer do those scripts get made. What lies behind the genesis of Inception is an interesting idea. Nolan wrote this story and it involves a team of "agents" who manage to get into people's dreams and alter the outcomes. Sounds something far-fetched but thanks to strong acting and a plausible plot the whole thing works.

Young people dominate the goings on in Inception. Head of the pack of ultimate dream manipulators is Cobb. Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic) continues his quest to take chances and as Cobb you see how one mastermind of a unique plan gets sidetracked by, what else, a girl. At the core of Inception is a tale of intrigue that bounces back and forth and hop scotches between this team of super sleuths who are interested in getting into the mind of some corporate elite in a bitter power struggle to control a company.

Back and forth we bounce back into the heads of the "targets" in a wicked game of trying to see what's going on in the victim's head and the efforts made to alter those views. Science fiction fans will eat this stuff up as will those into fantasy. Other members of the team include a professional called an extractor and one named the architect. Ellen Page (Juno) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (The Lookout) make up part of this group and they do a good job with their roles.

Lots of action dominates Inception and there are great psychological probes used constantly. Also, the sense of urgency and emphasis on time for extraction and getting the job done and regaining consciousness are brilliantly executed. Come Oscar time you can expect numerous nominations to come Inception's way, particularly in the sound editing, sound and cinematographic categories.

Length however is one of this film's detriments. Almost 2 ½ hours makes Inception simply too long. Boredom won't set in, but you will squirm a bit in your seats. Also, the film looks to resemble a James Bond epic in the last twenty minutes that will make 007 fans reminisce about On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the film that Sean Connery let get away.

Many people admire Christopher Nolan as a film maker and already Inception has gotten a lot of good buzz. Overly complex and too long, Inception is still a good film with effective performances and engaging ideas and execution.

Growing Pains!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Mixed relationships provide lots of food for fodder in The Kids Are All Right, a fresh look at family turmoil now unraveling at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas. Smart dialogue abounds in this Alliance Films release that's sure to garner lots of acclaim come Oscar time next year.

Modern families come in all shapes and sizes. Gay lifestyles today are in vogue in some areas while despised in others. Personal values and choices play a big part in the make-up of a California family headed by two women. Ten years has been a good decade for Jules and Nic. Julianne Moore (Hannibal) and Annette Bening (Bugsy) play the female lovers who are "blessed" with having two children. Bright beyond their years are Joni and Laser now undergoing the usual tough transition as teens. Young stars Mia Wasikowska (Defiance) and Josh Hutcherson (Fragments) shine bright as the children to these strong women.

Lots of child rearing issues face the women of the house along with one other "minor" dilemma. When the kids decide its time to meet their father they learn that this mystery man is a sperm donor who gave them life. Many people in the same predicament try to find out about their past and often their quests go unfulfilled. Not so here. Soul searching yields results and the kids end up meeting Paul. Efforts to convey the emotions of a sperm donor can be hard at the best of times to pull off but under the masterful conveyance of Mark Ruffalo (In The Cut) you get to feel the connection.

Once the elder women meet up with Paul things go a bit off the rails. Cleavages develop in the household which leads to major drama. Build-ups of tension happen often in films but seldom have the impact as what transpires in The Kids Are All Right. Guidance to the pressures all family members face here are expertly acted on all counts. Doing justice to the gay lifestyle is hard at the best of times but both Annette Bening and Julianne Moore are outstanding as the battling bitches who wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Not everything in this 104 minute drama is a battle of the sexes or a battle between the sexes. Here the whole family dynamic is wonderfully developed through a very witty, timely and insightful script from director Lisa Cholodenko (Laurel Canyon). Told from a female perspective The Kids Are All Right deftly explores modern relationships that aren't always conventional. Choices are everything in life and here we get to see two women struggle with all the pain and emotion something new can precipitate.

The Kids Are All Right will make some cry, others laugh and cause much time to pause and discuss the most inner personal of all issues. Smart, sophisticated and witty The Kids Are All Right turns out to be one of the most emotional films of the year and a roller coaster ride of turmoil inspired by change.

Man Hunt!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

A missing person ushers in a whole lot of angst for a young woman in Winter's Bone, a sensational character driven thriller from Maple Films now turning heads at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas.

Broken families are all too common place in this modern world. A struggle to survive is at the heart of Winter's Bone. Set in the backwoods of Missouri one young girl, all of 17, is charged with trying to lead a household on the brink. Ree Dolly has more than her hands full trying to cope with a sick mom and a much younger brother and sister. Jennifer Lawrence runs with the role and shows considerable poise and stamina as a caring person out to keep her family together. Too bad the same can't be said of other members of her extended family.

Dirt poor are the Dollies and the atmosphere generated by director Debra Granik is spot on. Ms. Granik also wrote this gritty tale that truly takes you into the backwater of the Missouri hillside. Up close and personal we get to the men and women who frequent this region. Many of these folks and the people Ree come into contact with are not exactly of the model citizen variety.

What sets Ree off is a missing dad who apparently is in trouble with the law. 100 minutes later we're left with lots of unanswered questions as Ree encounters a world of graft and corruption all in an effort of keeping her clan together. Friends are few and far between for Ree and we do sense an aura of isolation and desperation for the girl. Rural living is also highlighted here complete with a gun culture and a don't ask questions attitude that permeates this small farm community.

Something really bad has happened in these parts and into this mix comes one girl on a quest to find answers. Relative Teardrop is enlisted in the battle and he is a whole mystery onto himself. Cast as this relation is John Hawkes (American Gangster) who has a sinister streak.

Difficulties of being a single mom and caregiver are only part of the problems facing one young woman with a host of problems. Into a crime driven culture we descend where secrecy is everything and heaven help those who stray. A sense of fear and lying flow through Winter's Bone that is chilling and claustrophobic. Small-minded townfolk are also a staple in this movie and the supporting characters are equally compelling and evil.

One of the best acted films this year, Winter's Bone presents a haunting vision that will grip you. After seeing this movie you'll want to take a shower as it explores the exploitive nature of some very sick people.

Jungle Love!  
 

By ALAN SAMUEL  

Who needs to visit Broadway when the great white way comes to Vancouver. Local audiences are in for a real treat when they see The Lion King, a red hot show from the folks at Disney now heating things up at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Full on fun is on tap and this charming musical extravaganza sets sail for your hearts.

Storytelling is what The Lion King is about. Off we go to Africa where we bear witness to a political vacuum in the wild kingdom. When head lion Mustafa passes two likely suitors are son Simba and a wayward brother. Poor Simba gets passed over and that nasty cad of a brother gets the coveted throne. Later on when Simba comes home there's a power struggle. You have to see this story unfold to appreciate the human aspect to is. Though animals are the star players its really the human condition that The Lion King is all about.

Humour runs deep in this 2 ½ hour masterpiece whose songs will captivate onlookers. Full of special effects, robotics and very witty byplay between a host of animal characters The Lion King is major entertainment that is spectacular. Broken up midway with a 20 minute intermission there's hilarious interaction with the audience as a series of characters careens down the aisles on route to the stage. Almost circus-like in the delivery The Lion Kings boasts a cast of hundreds, orchestral accompaniment and is full of caring gestures.

Charming characters, some local references, meaningful dialogue and unforgettable actors dressed up as animals make The Lion King must see entertainment for children and adults alike.

Check out The Lion King at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver until early August. It's well worth a trip into the city to experience this spectacular, live theatre presentation whose actors are as good as any in the Broadway or London versions.

Burnt Offering!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Can lightning strike twice? When it comes to classy suspense it's hard to overlook this year's earlier The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Hot on the tails of that chiller comes the second installment in the best-seller from Sweden, The Girl Who Played with Fire. Heating things up at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking) and the Fifth Avenue Cinemas this sub-titled film from Alliance Films is sure to raise more hell as the saga continues.

Explosive action highlighted the first in the Swedish trilogy. To appreciate The Girl Who Played with Fire you needn't have seen the first movie in the series, though it would have helped a bit. Flashbacks at the start of The Girl Who Played With Fire help explain the "trauma" our heroine(?) Lisbeth Salander has had to endure. Back for another kick at the can is the vengeance-seeking Naomi Rapace. Cut from the Dirty Harry mould though not exactly on the side of the law our "modern" girl is bent on revenge for the unspeakable horrors she suffered the first time out. Now it looks like the police and more bad guys/women are after her.

Set again in Sweden poor Lisbeth has unearthed more troubles. Smart writing allows us to enter Lisbeth's past as the fugitive on the run is sought by both the police and various criminals. Family matters a lot to Lisbeth and The Girl Who Played with Fire hones in on some of this woman's closest relatives who may not exactly be 100% kosher. Again caught in the cross fires of this wicked power play of control and coercion is a crusading reporter who feels Lisbeth may be the fall gal for some very unscrupulous people.

Newshounds will be urging on the relentless work of Mikael Blomkvist who has a habit of taking on corruption wherever it rears its ugly head. Actor Michael Nyqvist has more material to work with this time as additional scandals are in the air. Faint of heart people need to be warned that again there's some "kink" in this 129 minute thriller which director Daniel Alfredson delicately handles. Sympathies are all over the map as you kind of root for Lisbeth but may find some of her tactics a tad overblown.

Like the title suggests that burning sensation figures prominently in this story. Traces to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo abound and again will leave you wanting more. Loose ends assure a third movie that has already been filmed based on the characters. And yes, Hollywood obviously knows a good thing and some big names are attached to an "Americanized" version of this Scandinavian treat including Daniel Craig as the reporter of note.

Quality performances register will in this film. Naomi Rapace rivets your attention as the woman in peril with Peter Andersson's bedside manners again sure to revolt all onlookers. Though the pacing here is good The Girl Who Played with Fire can't measure up to the tone or tenor of the first film that truly had you on pins and needles throughout. Still smart and engaging The Girl Who Played with Fire nicely fleshes out the beginnings of some very desperate and dangerous people.

Loveable Lout!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Losers come in all shapes and sizes. Universal Studios seems to have latched onto a winner with Despicable Me, the latest comedy causing chaos at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

Yet another movie joins the 3-D bandwagon and once again we're blessed with an animated treat. Smart writing and a winning way shines bright as we "track' the weird and wonderful life of a guy named Gru. Hot comic Steve Carell (Get Smart) lets loose with a Russian accent and a devilish plan as a mad scientist of sorts with a criminal bent out to take over the world. Our Gru thinks he's tough and has been responsible for one of the biggest crimes of the century. New targets are hard to come by and he faces constant challenges by pretenders to the throne. Little does Gru know that a trio of little ladies may put a dent in that outer nasty streak.

Shot for fun and full of outlandish characters Despicable Me is a wondrous affair that little kids in particular will fall in love with. So silly are the scenes, the contraptions and a group of pint-sized elves with squeaky voices that you're easily pulled in. Audiences will get pulled in by the weirdness of the whole experience and there's a telling moral added in just for good measure. Our big question is whether a tough guy can show a more human side and this is the true thrust of Despicable Me.

Played completely for laughs the 3-D effects here aren't really that evident or necessary. Here it's the charming writing and seeing Gru grow as a person and change over time that's the real treasure. A series of big name comics including Russell Brand,Jason Segel and Julie Andrews lend their voice talent to these uproarious characters. 95 minutes sails by with no bumps in the road thanks to the free-styling level headed ways of joint directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. Insertion of some pop tune classics further ramps up the levity of the whole experience. Vibrant colours, great comical scenes and an ability to make the ordinary seem extraordinary turns Despicable Me into a fun fest for all ages.

Despicable Me again shows the multifaceted talents of Steve Carell who proves he can fire up audiences in any language

Kill Zone!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Prepare to be taken on the ultimate thrill ride in Predators. A remake of sorts to the Arnold Schwarzenegger hit of the 80s the 2010 version of this cult classic comes out of the 20th Century Fox canon. Guilty pleasure seekers will be left sweating bullets while this 106 minute suspense ordeal unfolds at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites across B.C.

No, it doesn't matter if you saw the first Predators to understand what's going on here. Put simply seven people at random wind up in a jungle in the middle of nowhere. Hold onto your seats as it's a fight for survival with some mysterious force out to get the "humans."

Tension abounds in this movie that starts off with an unexpected bang. Everything here happens in the thick fauna of a jungle. Once we meet up with these strangers they have to bond to survive. Director Nimrod Antal (Armoured) has chosen his cast wisely as it's a good representation of various ethnicities that populate our world. Too bad for them they've been let loose in a territory that's anything but common on Earth.

Friction abounds in Predators. Whether it's the humans not trusting one another and getting itchy trigger fingers or some monster or monsters on the loose you can't help but get caught up in the ordeal. To survive it helps if you have a leader and tough guy Royce seems a good candidate for the job. Going a bit against type Adrien Brody (Cadillac Records) proves he's got the macho thing down pat as the gung ho warrior trying to make sense out of the predicament this group has found themselves in. Along with Royce are a rag tag team of low lives who all have particular talents they bring to the party. Each one of the men and women are tested to the limit as one by one they fall prey to this evil force.

Smart writing and excellent special effects makes these monsters real scary. Good thrillers need no advance warnings of what's going to come next and Predators achieves this high level of suspense. Tension engulfs this gripping tale of desperate people trying to stay alive while fighting some unbelievable (and some would say unworldly) enemy.

Part of the rag tag team of humans in survive mode include Alice Braga (Crossing Over) as a woman on a mission, Topher Grace (Spider-Man 3) as a medical man and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix) as a late arrival. Atmosphere plays a big role in the believability of these type of movies and director Antal does a good job showing the elements arrayed against the humans. Quick thinking and a bit of luck are needed by the good guys (and gal) to stay alive and their instincts prove invaluable to weather the inevitable storm of terror about to descend on them.

Grown up scares don't happen too often in most modern movies. Predators delivers the goods with chilling performances from Brody and co and some evil alien monsters sure to go down good with science fiction fans and thrill seekers ready for a little warfare on screen.

Power Youth!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Mythology and rituals play integral roles in The Last Airbender, the latest spectacle from multi-talented M.Night Shymalan. Once the darling of trend seekers after his spirited The Sixth Sense Mr. Shymalan has fared poorly ever since. Naturally Paramount Pictures hopes that downward trend can be reversed as fans flock to Empire Oakridge Cinemas, Empire Esplanade 6 Cinemas, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City theatres. At least one early adopter has come to his own conclusions.

Imagination meshes with folklore and tradition to make The Last Airbender a very appealing movie. Striking visuals highlight this gorgeously shot film that traces one boy's upbringing. From an early age one can sense that Aang is different. First time actor Noah Ringer makes an impressive debut as a diminutive lad from which the fate of the world rests. Set to be a monk Aang is "saved" by a pair of adventure seeking youths quite by chance. Amidst this old ice age a series of events unfolds where young Aang is at the centre of a power struggle involving rival factions.

Warlords come and go and they do provide the gravitas for the crazy goings-on here. Our boy has unique magical powers that forces of evil want to use for their own vile purposes. Expect lots of battles and power struggles as Aang goes toe to toe with a ruthless warlord.

In The Last Airbender it's not just the young versus the old. Hot off a breakout role in Slum Dog Millionaire Dev Patel shows he's got a big future in Hollywood thanks to his portrayal of Prince Zuko. Gone is the goody-two shoes approach of Patel's Best Picture Oscar winner as here he plays a mischievous cad who thinks nothing of fighting Aang to please his ruling father. Family plays a big part of empire building here and there is loads of palace intrigue.

Shymalan co-wrote this movie as well as produced and directed the 103 minute yarn. Escapist in nature there's also a strong theme of right versus wrong and Chinese philosophy that runs through the movie. Creative tools including computer constructed monsters that slither and a luke-warm youthful romance that's saccharine induced in the extreme will excite some and get guffaws from others. One also has to wonder who came up with the term avatar first, Shymalan, James Cameron or some other visionary screenwriter.

A few long stretches take away a bit form The Last Airbender. Neat battles at sea and the use of "the elements" present interesting challenges to the central figures in this action event that stimulates the mind and the senses. Shot also in 3-D again it's questionable whether that technology is really necessary for this film as there are very few jump at you scenes that pull you in. Still, kids will get a kick out of the way the technicians have been able to bring some novel uses to both fire and water.

For a different view on an ancient world and a boy hero whose acrobatic in the extreme with limited dialogue The Last Airbender is breezy fun especially for the child crowd.

Wonder Boy!  
 

By ALAN WALDMAN  

Love among the ruins provides a fitting backdrop for an amazing struggle in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Get set for behemoth line-ups at the Oakridge Empire Cinemas, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City Cites across the world. Lucky audiences won't have to pay extra dollars to see this film in 3-D as a superior story makes this film superb entertainment without resorting to those extra sensory gimmicks.

It helps, but it's not essential to have seen the first two Twilight flicks to experience the third in the series. Smart producers have wisely chosen consummate director David Slade to direct this installment. In case you're not familiar with Mr. Slade's work he pulled off a dynamic movie a few years back called Hard Candy which was one of the greatest power house dramas of the decade. Inner turmoil was a theme in that unsettling classic and a similar plot runs through The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Taken from the pages of the bestselling Stephenie Meyer novels again we come face to face with vampires tangling with werewolves. Caught in the midst of this power play is all human girl Bella Swan. Once again Kristen Stewart (Adventureland) weighs in as a young woman in turmoil. Bella is in love with vampire in hiding Edward Cullen. Teen age girls will have loads of time to fawn over Robert Pattinson (Little Ashes) and again get to pant whenever his pouting face is on screen. Shots of the hormones raging between Bella and Edward are subdued but the dialogue given these two and the other love interest in the story is realistic, gripping, and fun to listen to. Truth be told we bear witness to an epic love story as one woman needs to choose between two potential suitors. Lover number two, or is that number one, is Jacob Black. Gasps will be heard whenever Taylor Lautner (Cheaper by the Dozen 2) appears on screen, whether shirtless or fully clothed. Tongue in cheek humour abounds in this movie that also emphasizes various Aboriginal roots that further make the whole adventure even more compelling. Oh, and while Bella dilly dallies to show her true feelings there's a small little matter of an impending war that sees those vampires and werewolves go at it hot and heavy.

Set in Seattle Washington The Twilight Saga: Eclipse is major rollicking entertainment that truly works on all levels. Even the flashback scenes that show the roots of some of the characters is fun and those period set pieces, though corny, are a hoot. Most of the cast from the first two Twilight encounters reappear. Teens and parents will surely be able to relate to some of the angst Bella encounters as she's living with her dad and the broken family theme is something many people today experience. Charlie Swan, Bella's law abiding father, offers some stern advice and is well enunciated by Bellingham born Billy Burke (Fracture).

Part of the fun in the Twilight series is the actual transformations into wolves and vampires. Here the special effects are strong as the chases through the forest are intoxicating. Good pacing at 124 minutes keeps viewers intrigued throughout. One small downfall to the film are those European vampires who are part of the central plot to the story but seem to have lost their way and back off just as things should be heating up. Maybe they're saving most of their firepower for the fourth installment which you can bet will be inevitable.

Made in British Columbia The Twilight Saga: Eclipse shows just how our natural beauty can catapult a timeless tale of romance to the stratosphere.

Group Hug!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Affairs of the heart can be tricky matters. Fox Searchlight Films unleashes Cyrus, a telling tale of emotion and struggle that's now unraveling at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas and Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking).

Smart films don't happen that often. Small casts can make big impacts on a film if the story is fresh and invigorating. Standout acting turns Cyrus into a must see film that boasts terrific performances from those who you'd least expect.

Been there done that is a common thread in relationships and in life in general. Take the case of John. Funnyman John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) leaves the humour behind to play a cast-off lover now at wit's end. Married once upon a time to Jamie our man John is in the doldrums. Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin) has a habit of coming across as warm and caring in all her performances and here is no exception. Often former spouses are at each other's throats as bad feelings from a break-up can linger for an eternity. In Cyrus there still is a connection between John and Jamie though it now falls into the "feeling sorry" category.

Now that Jamie has her life together she feels sad that John is not getting on with his life. Being alone is no good for anyone so finally John gets out and at a party meets a new woman named Molly. Opposites can attract and Academy Award winning actress Marisa Tomei (In the Bedroom) struggles with her new found friend.

Being able to connect with someone is not easy and the relationship between John and Mary is all the more complicated because of Cyrus, Jamie's grown son. Hot off his starring role in Get Me To The Greek Jonah Hill (Superbad) gets to explore his darker side as a mama's boy not too thrilled with the new man of the house.

True to form, Cyrus is a very clever tale about how people adapt to new surroundings and getting to know potential partners. Joint directors/writers Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass first made a stir in the film world with the different and raucous Baghead. Producer Ridley Scott clearly liked their work as do scores of fans to make that previous film and likely this one a hit on the independent film circuit.

Expect the unexpected doesn't happen too often when you go to see a movie. Hollywood films are notorious for being mainly formulaic. Not here. Outside the box thinking is what you get in Cyrus that has pitch perfect acting. Here you see the characters grow and search out new experiences leaving you with a sense of discovery. Both Hill and Reilly are perfect as sparring men in a house of love with Marisa Tomei dazzling as a confused, caught in the middle female figure also at her wit's end.

Struggle, pain and uncertainty all rise to the fore in Cyrus, a telling tale of love, family and bitter rivalry. Dark in tone, strong in emotion Cyrus turns out to be one of the best dramas of the year. Crisp writing and not knowing what will happen next makes Cyrus highly entertaining and serious/realistic drama at its best.

Creative Cleavage!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Artists can be fickle at times. So can be corporate types. A chance meeting between two up and coming trendsetters sets of turbulence in Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, an eye-popping expose from Mongrel Media now courting your favour at the Ridge Theatre.

French is in for some reason, especially as it relates to Coco Chanel. Just a year or so ago North American audiences saw the first big screen portrait of this fashion icon and, I'm told, a smart look at her career made inroads on cable T.V. Now we learn more about this dynamic woman in Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky. This time we get to see up close and personal the French diva's relationship with a visiting Russian conductor.

Igor Stravinsky in 1920 was the toast of Russian music. Brought to audiences here by way of top Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale) you can sense the nobility of this perfectionist. Meanwhile, this Russian pianist extraordinaire is married to a woman with a string of children. Igor gets literally "taken in" by Madame Chanel who is robustly portrayed in an award winning performance by Anna Mouglalis.

Director Jan Kounen here has crafted a beautiful biographical portrait of two rather strained lovers. Being able to conceal an affair from one's spouse is no easy task but our man Mads does his best to keep the secret going. Pity his poor wife who has to "take" it. Impressive is the take no prisoner's attitude by Ms. Mouglalis who runs with the part of this domineering woman who runs roughshod over all who come her way. That sense of elegance is well presented here along with the rather revering behaviour all who comes Coco's way seem to get caught up with.

Beautiful music, as could be expected, fits both lifestyles of these two larger than life figures. Once inside the Chanel mansion you see all the trappings of success that this woman clearly enjoyed. Only the start of this movie seems a bit flat as it lingers. You do, however get a sense of the passion thee two had for each other and their particular diverse pursuits.

Told in French with English subtitles Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinskyshows a side of two 20th century cultural/business giants in a light few have likely seen before. 120 minutes slides by with a certain foreboding.

Comedy of Errors!  
 

By ALAN SAMUEL  

Bard on the Beach is back with a vengeance. Leading off this Shakespearean festival is Much Ado About Nothing, a riotous affair unfolding live on Vanier Beach, a stone's thrown from the Vancouver Planetarium just off the Burrard Street Bridge in the heart of Kitsilano.

Unlike many of the Bard's plays Much Ado About Nothing is not confusing and you don't need a scorecard to understand what's going on. Lovely Italy plays host to this "family" affair where two aristocratic families collide after a mysterious miscue.

Love is in the air in this daffy tour de farce. Act 1 under the big main stage tent sees us get to know the main players in this laugh filled outing. Early on we see the crazy rantings of Beatrice. Jennifer Lines shines as the fast talking foot stomping lass who lives with a bunch of other "eligible" women where maid duty is a higher calling. Our lady has eyes for Benedick, a rather pasty faced nobleman acted out by John Murphy. While these two hide their love the same can't be said for the main romantic thrust, Hero and Count Claudio. Military might runs deep for Claudio who along with his two brothers give their blessing to the lovely Hero. This is Act 1. During Act 2 when a marriage is set things go a bit off the rails.

Marriage is the biggest decision in a man and woman's life. Normally when the I Dos get said not a whimper of dissent surfaces - at least that's how it's supposed to be. Not so here as knives come out, hearts get broken and emotions run hot as Shakespeare takes us on a wild ride. Both Gaelan Beatty and Almeera Jiwa shoot from the cuff and audiences will lap up their love tryst and struggle as the supporting cast ramps up the humour in this song-filled laugh infested two and a half hour show with a slight fifteen minute intermission.

Some slapstick rears its head as a bunch of military dimwits tries to sort out the subterfuge that threatens to torpedo the pending nuptials. Red faces abound when things go off the raisl with the would-be bride turning red as a beet.

Perfect for people of all ages Much Ado About Nothing is joyous fun that's easy to follow with classy performances. Nice costumes, a fun-filled air and a colossal struggle between man and woman make Much Ado About Nothing an excellent way to get to know William Shakespeare. Nice pacing and a breezy well acted style brought forth by director Dean Paul Gibson makes this play invigorating fun for novices and experts of the classic Brit scribe.

Performed live Much Ado About Nothing holds court until September 25. For more information on Much Ado About Nothing or tickets call (604) 739-0559 or go to www.bardonthebeach.org

Class Act!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Hip hip hooray! School's out and the kids must be cheering while some parents curse over how to keep the little one's occupied. What better way than to take them to a new play. Get ready for a new lesson on wholesale fun with the arrival of The Arts Club's latest production, the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee now enlisting onlookers at the Granville Island Stage.

Set at a school in small town U.S.A. this show follows the trials and tribulations of a group of kids gathered to compete in a spell off. Today spelling bees are big business across North America and this flambouyant recounting of an actual contest is simply loads of fun. What makes the presentation work so well is the cast of kids all out to win that coveted trophy.

Tension runs high in the small school auditorium which is done up with all the traditional adornments. Net results are a trip back to your own school days or those of your present children or other little ones. Rah rah spirit is in evidence as a tough talking principal minces out words and those eager beaver kids do their best to come through with the correct answers. Edge of your seat fun ensues as the rivalry is contagious. On hand also is a svelte and savvy moderator just to keep the whole event running smooth. Numerous miscues occur as the laughter ramps up in this zestful two hour show that boasts great song and dance numbers all done in that school spirit mode.

Director Michael Shamata turns ten talented kids loose and even gets some audience members to partake in the festivities. Atmosphere means everything for this kind of production and count on the entire auditorium to get in on the act. Participants on stage feed off of the crowd and the results are uncannily effective and real, as if you're on hand at an actual contest.

Crowd pleasers among the kids include Josh Epstein who shines as a stuttering youth with a particular foot fetish and Tracy Neff as a timid girl with a big heart. Rapid fire questions are belted out by the stern and strict announcer played hilariously in a baritone voice by Brian Linds with Sara-Jeanne Hosie a showstopper of a moderator out to ease the nervousness of the group. Sly references to British Columbia geography and local political events further give this play a home-grown feeling that will key in with members of the community.

Aided by a three man orchestra The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is an invigorating journey down memory lane with the focus on words but the payoff on big time laughs.

Showing at the Granville Island Arts Club Stage until July 31 call (604) 687-5315 for tickets or go to www.artsclub.com for more information.

Canine Crusader!  
 

By ALAN SAMUEL  

Who let the dogs out? That about sums up the exploits when one klutzy canine creates chaos for all who encounter him in Marmaduke, a child friendly flick from 20th Century Fox now barking it's way all over Tinseltown (at Pender, free parking), Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

Dogs gone crazy best describes the wild pandemonium that ensues whenever our lead star takes to the screen. By all accounts Marmaduke is not your ordinary dog. For starters, he can talk like all the other animals in this 89 minute comical romp. Lots of other films have featured talking animals and most miss the mark. Here, director Tom Dey (Shanghai Noon) has a field day as all the different canines and friends are given snappy lines and they play off of each other quite well. Kids will find the whole movie full of fun and even adults will nod approvingly as Marmaduke offers up some quality lessons on life in general and how to live it to the fullest.

Lots of heart is exposed in Marmaduke but it's a long process to unfold. Members of the Windlow family "own" Marmaduke though he's got a mind of his own. When father Phil decides to move the humble clan from sedate Kansas to trendy California it sends shockwaves through the household - including Marmaduke. Lee Pace (When In Rome) acts like a fish out of water when it comes to "managing" his dog and this creates loads of opportunity for pandemonium inside the house - and wherever else this critter roams.

Sooner rather than later a wedge comes between family members and there's quite a bit of testiness that unfolds. All the normal issues parents and kids face are handled well here but the real payoff in this movie are the crazy predicaments poor Marmaduke encounters when he hits the coast.

Like all hot-blooded males Marmaduke longs for romance and a dalliance with a lady or two casts the die for all sorts of trouble as this newcomer to the hood locks horns with a local canine named Bosco who rules the roost. Just how Marmaduke handles the many challenges that fall his way are delicately probed and the solutions are downright contagious.

It helps if you're an animal lover to truly appreciate the wild antics that befall our hapless mutt. Also on hand to make the transition to the coast an easy fit are house cat Carlos. Funnyman George Lopez (Balls of Fire) manages to out joke Shrek's Puss n' Boots here which only shows you the cleverness of this story. Taken from the classic comic book series Marmaduke is flush full of a swarm of A-listers. Top dog Owen Wilson (A Night at the Museum) gets off the best lines as Marmaduke, a dog who changes over time. Out for his heart are two diametrically opposed animals well voiced by Emma Stone and Stacy Ferguson (9).

Few voices are instantly recognizable. Chief winner of the most famous voice is likely James Earl Jones. While Mr. Jones is not in this movie a sure fire runner up in the familiar talking sweepstakes may well be Sam Elliott who all will remember as a junkyard dog/protector of sorts.

Fun and cute, Marmaduke is a light weight animal farce full of warmth and hilarious furry friend taunts and dance numbers sure to be a hit among the little ones and older folks too.

Desert Storm!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Back in time we go to ancient history to unearth some dark secrets in the mysterious Middle East. Walt Disney Pictures shows us the past in a new light through Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a rollicking ridiculous and highly entertaining epic in the making. Box office champion Jerry Bruckheimer is behind this adventure romp and you can see whenever he dives into a project the money truly shows up on screen. Major fun is on tap at Oakridge Cinemas, Esplanade 6, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Silver City Theatres around B.C.

Ancient Persia is full of intrigue. Family figures prominently in this tale as a king must decide what is to come of his kingdom. Heirs to the coveted throne are numerous with three full grown sons at the ready. Truth be told one of these potential heirs comes with a cloudy past. You see Dastan, the youngest, was actually adopted. Jake Gyllenhaal (Zodiac) graduates to leading man status, if he wasn't there already, as the cocky Dastan. Street smarts are within this potential royals blood, along with a sense of bravado second to none.

All that cockiness gets put to the test when the sons launch an attack against a city. Aided and abetted by Uncle Nizam the trio come to a parting of the ways during the assault. Oscar winning acting giant Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi) doesn't exactly turn the other cheek as a brother whose counsel the king seeks out on numerous occasions. Family plays a crucial part of the puzzle depicted in Prince of Persian: The Sands of Time which, as the title suggests has some bearing on the importance of living in the moment.

British born director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) knows his way around big budget flicks as he did a previous Harry Potter escapade. Here he has a lot of good things to work with. For starters, all the actors look great and have a nonchalant, devil may care kind of attitude that perfectly suits the source material. Wizards of special effects, a Bruckheimer staple, let loose with a barrage of exciting encounters sure to get a rise out of audiences. 3-D isn't needed here to entice fans; the story does the trick.

Adventure on a grand scale awaits audiences at Prince of Persia. Hints of black magic and evil forces at work only further ramp up the fun element to this film which also gets a quirky performance out of Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2) as a Sheikh on the make.

Take what you see in Prince of Persia all with a big grain of salt. Bits of history get redone to excite audiences as you have power struggles going on in the Kingdom that leave no one untouched. James Bond alumnus Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) also gets in on the act as Tamina, a mysteriour ruler of a religious sect linked to the plans of high level Persian insiders.

116 minutes flies by as you're having fun watching this flick. Take lots of liberties with the script here as our Mr Gyllenhall does more side-stepping danger moments, bouncing here, there and everywhere just like an old time Spiderman. Shirtless shots of Jake on the make with Molina on the take only add to the excitement given off by Prince of Persia, another winner from the creative team led by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Grudge Match!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Getting even takes on a whole new meaning in Harry Brown, a suspense yarn with attitude from E1 Films now aiming for your hearts at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking).

People are living longer nowadays. Golden years just aren't what they used to be. Take the case of unassuming Harry Brown. Veteran acting great Michael Caine (Alfie) returns to his old British stomping grounds as a retiree just trying to get by in the modern world. Not all is well, however, in Harry's neighbourhood. Daily jaunts to the local watering hole offer the old sod time to reminisce with best buddy Leonard Attwell. Nothing could ever come between these two men and David Bradley (Hot Fuzz) has all the qualities one would want in a best friend. Something, however, is terribly wrong in the neighbourhood both these men share. Like cities across North America it appears that the thugs are on the rise.

Bad things happen to good people and when something happens to Leonard Harry seems to go ballistic. Not in a crazy way, mind you, but in a cold, calculated fashion. Shades of Dirty Harry come to mind or the vigilantism that Charles Bronson pioneered in Death Wish. Unable to rely on the police to do justice it comes down to one man motivated to take action to clean the neighbourhood streets. Who better than Harry Brown to make things right?

Director Daniel Barber succeeds in showing us a gritty part of big city life. Creeps and low lives are well depicted here and the attitude of the two old timers is well developed. Early on we see how an aging man like Harry goes about his normal day to day activities - until he's faced with a demon that unearths a hidden ability within his psyche to rise to a challenge and come to the rescue of a seemingly ineffective police department. Cast as the officers on the case are Emily Morton (The Pink Panther 2) and Charlie Creed-Miles (King Arthur) who seem to get no traction as true blue sleuths. Maybe in Britain policing is a bit more genteel, unlike the gung ho attitude of take charge U.S. Law enforcement officials in the Detective Harry Calaghan mould.

It takes a long, long time for things to heat up in Harry Brown. Once the vengeance begins its compelling and a few of the underworld kingpins, really two-bit gang members, are extremely grotesque and memorable. You haven't experienced bad apples like this before. Unfortunately, the rest of the hoods in question are your common garden variety. Also, some of the police techniques leave a lot to be desired and some sloppy editing or misplaced scenes seem problematic from a crime solving standpoint making Harry Brown just a standard police yarn despite a compelling performance from Caine.

103 minutes goes by at times pretty slowly but in the end there's a payback that's all too familiar to North American audiences who know what's coming a mile away, spoiling the impact of any real monumental payoff.

Second Chance!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Never look a gift horse in the mouth. One washed up rock star gets a new lease on life in Get Him To The Greek, a hilarious politically incorrect bit of tomfoolery from the suits at Universal Pictures now hitting all the right chords at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City arenas around B.C.

Judd Apatow is to comedy as Jerry Bruckheimer is to action films. Quite simply Apatow knows his audience. Not one to rest on his laurels the creative producer is behind the utter zaniness in Get Me Him To The Greek, a wild romp with a first class cast that boats big laughs, insane situations and is this years The Hangover, albeit with a rock twist.

Let's set the stage for this ridiculous, over the top, 109 minute laugh filled escapade. Mild-mannered Aaron Green has got to be the most infamous intern since the days Monica Lewinski graced the media stage. Under the wise demeanour of likeable Jonah Hill (Superbad) this poor slob has the uneveniable task of working for "the man" at Pinaccle Records. The Los Angeles based record company is fronted by an utterly obnoxious boss played to the hilt by rapper turned actor Sean Combs. Whether the big P actually steals this movie from the other comic heavyweights here is questionable but what can't be denied is the big laughs this man generates. Things go from bad to worse for poor Mr. Green when one of his ideas manages to strike a chord with management and gets implemented. Rock and roll will never be the same.

To help make Pinaccle more successful they agree to resurrect the career of aging rock star Aldous Snow. Who better than the flambouyant Russell Brand (Bedtime Stories) to bring this bad boy of music to life? And he does so in spades. Both rock stars and fans will be able to relate to the zany antics of this larger than life person. On screen for everyone to judge are the excesses these public performers indulge in; out in the open are all the drugs, wild women and destructive behaviour.

Director and co-writer Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) simply lets the actors run with their roles and things fly by with jokes coming fast and furious. Stoller is smart enough to insert some good commentary on the important things in life, like values, and laces it all together with very crisp and witty dialogue. Banter between Brand and Hill is particularly engaging and there's an entire realistic tone running through this film. Divisions between male/female relationships and family dynamics are also explored here with reckless aplomb. And there's one sexual moment, sure to go down in the annals of comedy and social behaviour who's humour and impact ranks right up there with such classic scenes as the hair gel moment from There's Something About Mary. That's how funny this movie really is.

Told completely in a ribald and rather risque tongue in cheek fashion Get Him To The Greek is all about one wild trip to get a has been British rocker from England to sunny L.A. to perform at a famous local venue. Along the way mishaps aplenty occur which will have audiences rolling in the aisles in disbelief, wonderment and dare I say even admiration for being willing to push the envelop. End results are a hoot to behold.

Rock On!  
 

By ALAN SAMUEL  

Kick off the good weather in style by taking in Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story. Said to be the most successful musical in the world this tour de force outing comes for all British Columbians to enjoy at the Arts Club Stanley Alliancel Stage on South Granville in Vancouver.

Prepare to be dazzled as director Bill Millerd unleashes what's got to be the most vibrant sound and dance experience that's hit our town in years. 2 ½ hours bookends the phenomenal life story of one lonely Texas boy who made history in rock and roll. Told in two acts the first part of our saga explores the origins of Lubbock's most famous resident. Cast in the pivotal part of Buddy is Zachary Stevenson. Song and dance is what that this boy is all about and the young teen early on runs into a smack dab of resistance when he tries making it on country radio stations. All those decision makers at the radio stations want country but Buddy has different ideas. Along with two back-up musicians the trio, known as The Crickets come up with a new sound. Rock and roll from Buddy's perspective is all fresh, vibrant and dynamic. Texas and North America would never be the same once this band starts rocking.

Great set design that harkens back to the late 50s when Buddy Holly was in full bloom perfectly gives off that music atmosphere. From the sound booths to recording stations to radio broadcast platforms you feel part of the music and experience all the pent-up excitement as one young boy manages to "click" with a whole new generation of kids. Along the way we see the emotional upswings and downswings in Buddy's life as he has to cope with band problems, management dilemmas, a reluctant home town at the beginning and even female woes. We're left with a dynamic portrait of witnessing the birth of a legend in the making. And this is only in the first act.

On the back end of this program we see Buddy and The Crickets blossom. This portion features guest appearances by friends The Big Whopper and Richie Valenz. Much of this portion is set at a dance hall and here things get even crazier. Cast as Valens is Michael Scholar Jr. who really lights up the stage. This man is a Latino ball of fire and his energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Humour is supplied by a an elderly wacky MC and the fiery Kieran Martin Murphy as The Big Bopper. And, on the romantic side, it's not hard to see why Buddy's heart was captured by secretary turned wife Elena Juatco. Side trips to the Apollo Theatre add on an Afro American flavour that subtly examines race relations during this charged time in U.S. society.

Above all else the success of Buddy rests, naturally, with the actor/musician cast as the pop icon. Not enough can be said about the performance of Zachary Stevenson. Along with the other entertainers no less than 27 songs are belted out. Stevenson has the right demeanour, attitude and just stage presence to bring off an unforgettable performance. Storm kicking is this man's forte along with guitar picking. Electrical is the results of this one of a kind experience.

Memorable songs like That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and It Doesn't Matter Anymore make Buddy matter. Perfect for all ages Buddy is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Sing alongs are encouraged and standing ovations happen often to this momentous musical that will provide guests with unbelievable memories.

Don't lose out by waiting too long as this show is only in town at the Arts Club until July 11.. For more information on Buddy The Buddy Holly Story and tickets call (604) 687-1644 or go to www.artsclub.com

People's Man!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Heroic figures come and go but legends live on. Sure to transfix historians and action fans alike is Robin Hood, a clear winner from Universal Studios now taking audiences by force at Empire Oakridge Cinemas, The Ridge Theatre, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Silver City cites around B.C.

Smart from start to finish, this new version of Robin Hood wisely looks at the origins of the man and how the legend began. Trust Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe to again prove to be that winning connection under the tutelage of Imagine Entertainment and master producer Brian Glazer. Again the fix is in as Scott (Gladiator) pulls off a magnificent epic that's stirring and full of punch.

Set in the 12th Century this two hour and twenty minute blockbuster truly traces the roots of the whole Robin Hood legend. Action here takes place in both England and France and the story is full of intrigue, subterfuge and nefarious plots. Heroic battles bookend this tale that focuses on the life of charismatic archer Robin Hood. Macho man Russell Crowe (State of Play) fits the role like a glove as the soft spoken loyal soldier who learns later on that his king may in fact be a bad seed. Once noble men see first hand the evil conduct of the King of England it's not hard to break ranks, or is it?

Unable to condone the violence Robin Hood breaks free of serving the heir to the throne. Soon an even more dangerous situation develops when a king is killed and a new ruler takes the throne. However, this younger leader turns to be even more treacherous than his slain forerunner and with the aide of trusted aide Godfrey the British countryside is turned into a killing ground,. Fresh off his stunning work in the Sherlock Holmes blockbuster Mark Strong, bald head and all, wreaks evil as the henchmen from hell who takes treachery to a new level.

Alliances come and go in this story but the true test of fortitude is how the citizenry will take to the threat of war with France. Epic battles erupt on screen and Scott gets down and dirty in these rousing encounters. Full value goes to all the secondary characters in this appealing showdown of good versus evil, England versus France and a society torn apart by tyrannical rulers.

Here the cinematography is breathtaking as the chases through the forests have a very authentic feel to them. Triumphant music simply enhances the mood as the stakes are raised sky high in this showdown pitting a peasant renegade soldier against a system of ingrained evil that shows just how dangerous absolute power can become. Politicians everywhere should take note of what can go wrong when the people are "squeezed" too tightly. Wound up born to lead figures like Robin of the Hood thrive in these explosive situations and Crowe easily bats this movie out of the park. Oh, and let us not forget fellow Oscar winning Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth) as the much maligned Marion who also makes a pretty good Marion Luxley. Strong performances by Max Von Sydow (Never Say Never Again) and William Hurt further enhance this exciting tale.

To make history engaging is no easy feat. Give it up to Ridley Scott who's one director who always delivers the goods with Robin Hood continuing that winning tradition.

National Treasure!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Different countries have treat people differently. Mao's Last Dancer, the freshest film from Mongrel Media, takes us back in time to explore the tumultuous welcome a Chinese national gets when he journeys abroad. Experience this momentous journey at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking) and the 5th Avenue Cinemas.

True stories can make the most intriguing movies. Director Bruce Beresford (Evelyn) excels at storytelling. Give this man a camera and a genuine story and there's no telling where things will end up. Thanks to a stellar cast Mao's Last Dancer becomes an unforgettable film experience laced with politics, intrigue and dare I say love.

Mystery surrounds some cultures and China is no exception to the rule. Mention the name Mao and it conjures up all sorts of images about the famed leader and the Communist state. Out west we have for years harboured certain conceptions about Socialism and all its ramifications. Though borders have become less defined in recent years back in the early 80s there was still a big divide between east and west. Able to expose those differences in one small way is part of the message behind Mao's Last Dancer, a true story about one gifted peasant who somehow manages to "escape" to the mainland and then take one part of the world by storm abroad.

Hand picked by the rulers of the day to learn the craft of dance is Li Cunxin. Cast as the older Li is Chi Cao whose presence will grow on you throughout this wondrous film. Mao's Last Dance begins in the present and moves back to the past, alternating, to flesh out Li's upbringing and plight. Character building under the Communist regime is painfully re-enacted which further magnifies the problems Li encounters later on in life. Born to a peasant family Li is taken from the country to the big city of Beijing to learn the craft of dance. Early flashes of brilliance are few and far between as this shy child undergoes rather harsh subjective treatment at the hands of the school instructors who have their own personal agendas. Obedience to the Party is the school's mantra but somehow Li doesn't quite fit the mould.

Flash forward a decade or so and we now see Li travelling to the United States. Once in America Liu winds up as a visiting student at a Houston Ballet troupe. Culture shock greets the young man whose English gives him a leg up but he can't quite make the adjustment fully despite the help of his navigator, Ben Stevenson. Versatile Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek) brushes up on his gay demeanour to pull off a compelling version of a ballet director trying to guide his new charge through the ropes. Naturally, along the way, as could be expected this fish out of water experiences all sorts of difficulties. Causing Li trouble in his new land are women, racism, and a ruling elite who can't quite accept his new sense of freedom.

Barriers are exposed and broken down in Mao's Last Dancer which beautifully contrasts the different east and west divisions from a political and social standpoint. Beautiful dance numbers showing ballet at its best highlight this 117 minute movie which will make converts to those not accustomed to all those leaps and bounds. Though a love angle falls somewhat flat the desire for a new life shines bright and that whole immigrant experience wanting a better future rings true.

Tempo and pacing means a lot to the flow of a film and here Beresford manages things perfectly. Hankies may well come out as you feel for the huge decisions this foreigner must take and endure as the stakes are raised to incredible heights when it's a question of going home or staying and creating a new life. Matters of conscience and a whole series of questions get raised by the underlying themes in Mao's Last Dancer. Above all else the lure of dance and expressionism raises the stakes even higher in this story of personal liberty, freedom and the ultimate underdog that few gave a chance to survive and adapt, much less prosper. Watch out world!

True Love!  
 

By ALAN SAMUEL  

Big things are expected whenever a new Shrek movie appears. Kids again will no doubt flock to Shrek Forever After, the third and apparently final outing for the loveable ogre from Dreamworks Pictures now appealing to fans at the Park Theatre, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

Deuce Bigalow director, yes you heard me right, Mike Mitchell, takes over the reigns of this fantasy juggernaut. By now kids and parents know all about the character known as Shrek. Thanks to three unbelievably successful animated trailblazers we've all become accustomed to the predicament this green slimed wonder has faced, not the least of which is the ultimate princess in distress.

All of the cast we've come to love from the first three movies are brought back. Danger, however has set in along with desperation. Princess Fiona has become "trapped" and mom and dad are out to try to set her free. Cameron Diaz (Charlie's Angels) voices this displaced royalty while Canadian Mike Myers (Austin Powers in The Spy Who Shagged Me) gives his all to get her back as Shrek. Completing this cast of crazies are Eddie Murphy voices Donkey and Antonio Banderas (The Mask of Zorro) as that ever pesky cat Puss in Boots.

Great stories benefit from good villains and cast as the meanie here is Rumpel Stilskin. Small kids will enjoy all the colourful characters and charming bits. Adults, on the other hand, will be mildly amused by the goings on here. Yes, there are some great moments of reflection by Shrek on the importance of love, something we can all relate to. Let downs, however, will be evident especially when you compare this story to the first two. Perhaps such comparisons are unfair as the original Shrek was truly a technical marvel and ingenious storytelling that uplifted the fairy tale genre to a new level. Put simply, Shrek Forever After suffers from a lack of creativity. It's almost like the writers ran out of good ideas. Many of the secondary characters are wasted by not being given enough comical situations to run with. We're left with a tale that has its heart in the right place but without enough jokes to come close to the orginal's stellar impact.

What saves Shrek Forever After from being just a run of the mill story are the special effects. Again, the real 3-D effects are marvelous and really take the art of animation and fairy tales to a whole new level. Like James Cameron's Avatar the visuals presented here are fun, engaging and as good as the storytelling itself, if not better.

Said to be the final chapter in the Shrek juggernaut Shrek Forever After still is must see entertainment for the kids. Unfortunately, unless new writers can step up to the plate and come up with fresh ideas for the supporting characters perhaps this version may be best laid to rest.

Return to Sender!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

To be fair, the above title to this review is misleading. Bon Voyage would be more appropriate as a caption for Letters to Juliet, a nice if not too neat romance from E1 Films now warming hearts at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking) and Empire Esplanade 6 Cinemas.

Prepare to be swept away with ageless romance as director Gary Winick (13 Going on 30) continues to capture the female audience. Young and old women alike will be transfixed to the plight of fact finder Sophie. Hot as a pistol Amanda Seyfriend (Mean Girls), fresh off her dynamic vixen role in Chloe, changes gears considerably as sweet and naïve Sophie. Busy in New York makes end meet as a "fact checker" for the prestigious New Yorker. Besides work Sophie is ready to wed the man of her dreams, Victor. Mexican heartthrob Gael Garcia Bernal goes through the motions as a husband in waiting but somehow you just don't sense a real conviction here. Simply put Victor is very preoccupied with his work. What better way than to get the passion juices flowing than to take a trip to Italy.

Once in the Mediterranean Sophie and Victor do the tourist thing but again the connection doesn't feel that gripping. While on her own free time Sophie meets up with a pair of visiting Brits that are linked to a letter she replied to at an Italian version of the Wailing Wall. Discover of that one special piece of prose, a love letter of sorts dated 50 years earlier, sets off a change of events that are madcap and fully engaging. Get ready to bring out the handkerchiefs ladies as most of this film is set trying to find a lost love.

Veteran actress and political activist Vanessa Redgrave portrays the elderly British woman madly trying to find her lost paramour. Along for the ride is her grandson Charlie. New to North American audiences Australian born Christopher Egan (Eragon) comes on like a breath of fresh air as a stuffy Brit wanting no part of this silly exercise in trying to find an old flame. An air of superiority and snobbery exudes from his attitude and disinterest, if not outright contempt, for the uppity and bubbly Sophie.

Unfortunately, we all can foresee what will happen to all members of this party about a mile away. Still, for 105 minutes you'll fall in love with the lush cinematography and gorgeous images of the Italian countryside. Lush vineyards are only one of the pleasantries encountered on this travelogue of a movie that takes us into the heart of the gorgeous towns of Siena, Tuscany and Verona and Soave in Veneto.

Feel the heat of both the young and old actors here as there is chemistry in the air. Coy byplay that mixes things up between the different ages of our central characters also gets a winning nod as does the smart soundtrack including some classic pop tunes all decked out in Italian lyrics.

Males may well be bored silly with Letters to Julie but true men should invite their girlfriends/wives to check out this movie if they want to "get some" later in the evening. Odd enough, Letters to Julie is the second film this year to use Italy as a romantic base with When in Rome being the first entry. That film was largely a stupid farce that gave way to stupid slapstick. Instead with Letters to Juliet you feel the warmth and heat of the Mediterranean region and the chemistry among the central characters making it a nice night out for film goers or arm chair travelers.

Solidarity Forever!  
 

By ALAN SAMUEL  

Sharp wit and engaging performance take off in The Trotsky, a dynamic expression of freedom run amuck from E1 Films now going for acceptance at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking) thanks to Alliance Films.

Who says history can't be fun? Dry is not in the vocabulary of writer/director Jacob Tierney who lets loose in this raucous homage to one of Russia's greatest free thinkers. Students of history and class distinctions know full well the name Leon Trotsky and what he has meant to workers the world over. Fast forward a century or so and The Trotsky explores a reincarnation of this famed philosopher/practitioner extraordinaire.

Welcome to La Belle Province, Quebec. Good old Canada is home to Leon Bronstein and this high school student isn't your typical teen. Canadian actor Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up) returns to his Montreal roots and comes across cool, calm and collected as Leon. Well, maybe not so calm. You see our Leon believes he's the reincarnated soul of union icon Leon Tolstoy. Never mind that no one in their right mind believes that this kid is anything but a flake and thorn in the side of his elders.

Old people don't take Leon seriously. Tierney has concocted an extremely witty satire that has this wayward boy lock horns with all those in authority. Whether he "engages" with his dad, his extended family, women or the school administration this mild-mannered boy really believes with all his heart that he's Mr. Tolstoy himself. What follows is a hilarious look at how a modern North American can get so wrapped up in history and a famous political figure and how he can shape modern youth in the process.

Baruchel turns in a dynamic performance as the misguided, fully determined lad ready to tangle with all who challenge his viewpoint. There's sidesplitting fun when Leon tussles with good old dad who just happens to own a clothing factory. Veteran actor Saul Rubinek (Nixon) has to stand back and "take it" once our Leon boy goes on a linguistic tirade. Things heat up when a newly minted student decides his school needs a union. Sparks fly as the whole establishment is turned on its ear. Not even Colm Feore (The Sum of All Fears) can figure out how to deal with this rabble rouser as a school principal fighting change.

Satires can be great if done properly. Just a superb no holds barred relentless comical performance by Baruchel (though his character's not meant to be humous) lights up the screening making The Trotsky a superior guilty pleasure bound to get tongues wagging in a hurry.

Flower Child!  
 

By ROBERT WALDMAN  

Canadian filmmakers sometimes can take an international story and make it their own. Though the Charlie Manson murders may have gotten coverage previously by American filmmakers E1 Films presents a pretty interesting look at this massacre through Leslie, My Name is Evil, now freaking folks out at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking).

Here the title says it all. Through a smart story director/writer Reginald Harkema takes us back in time to look at Manson and his clan. In Leslie My Name Is Evil Harkema cleverly explores the life of a young student busy at school who somehow winds up associated with the crime of the century.

Young Perry is your typical nerd trying to finish his studies at school. Here Gregory Smith (The Patriot) looks like a young Tobey Maguire. Under the spell of his conservative dad Perry holds deep religious beliefs. Christians everywhere will find solace in his attitude and the approach of a new friend in his life, Dorothy. Kristian Adams plays Dorothy, a bible thumper if there ever was one who links up with Perry at school amidst the chaos of the Nixon years and the Vietnam War.

While a slow moving romance blossoms between the two we are sidetracked to the horrors that struck Los Angeles during this period. In stark contrast to the lovey-dovey courtship of these upstanding young Californians we are whisked away into the lives of the "beat" generation and in particular the crazy world of Charles Manson.

Fiction follows real events as one young girl named Leslie befriends members of Manson's mysterious, murderous cult. Coy and naïve at first is Kristen Hager (Aliens vs. Predator-Requiem) who shines as Leslie, a rather misunderstood woman trapped in a love with one of Manson's troupe. At the ranch we see the mind games Manson unleashes on the girls in his posse and under the crazy gaze of Ryan Robbins (Walking Tall) you do sense the zany demeanour of this madman who uses his preaching to create and condone murder.

How Perry gets tangled up with the Manson clan occurs during a trial where he is one of the jurors. Inside the courtroom details of the horrific events that gripped Los Angeles in the early 70s are recounted and well documented. Tension develops and the antics inside those hallowed halls contrast starkly with the gruesome killings that this movie glosses over.

How a cult can motivate and manipulate its followers receives plausible explanation in Leslie, My Name is Evil. Maybe better suited as a movie of the week Leslie My Name is Evil is nevertheless a pretty interesting look at a tragic event. Shot in Toronto this 85 minute guilty pleasure is nevertheless a grim reminder of terrible murders that shocked North America. Good performances from all the leads effectively examine the paranoia and mob mentality that can lead otherwise normal people to do horrific deeds.