Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 6, 2009

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 6, 2009!

In limited release this week we have the Canadian documentary When We Were Boys, which following the lives of students at private boys school in Toronto. More docs to choose from with Inside Hana's Suitcase. If you are looking for comedy check out Gentlemen Broncos from Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess. Also in limited release is the Bollywood film Ajab Premki Ghazah Kahani.

Looking for an interactive experience? The screenings of When We Were Boys from November 6 - 12, 2009 at the Royal will have Q&A's with director Sarah Goodman after each screening.

In wide release this week we have the one of the scariest looking film with The Fourth Kind starring Milla Jovovich, and the scary part is that this thriller based on facts and footage of unexplained disappearances in Alaska. Looking for more What Would You Do? thriller, then check out The Box that asks the question on what you are willing to do for money. We also have the comedy that was a hit at TIFF'09 The Men Who Stare at Goats starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges. And pull out the sleigh bells as with Halloween is past it's fair game on holiday films, this week starts it off with Disney's A Christmas Carol. And it's in 3D.

Be sure to check out my daily coverage of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival at Movie Moxie between November 11 -15, 2009.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

International Diaspora Film Festival
Selections from a wide spectrum of diverse ethnicities and cultures from Eastern Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Asia.
November 1 - 8, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

KinoArt Festival
For the Love of Russian Film, Music and Art
November 5 - 8 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 4 - 7, 2009 at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 5 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival
Spanish language film festival featuring dramas, comedies, and documentaries from Spanish speaking countries
November 6 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
November 11 - 15, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Advance Screening

Sneak peak of Pirate Radio this Saturday November 7, 2009 at 7pm. What could be more fun that a British radio station that flies under the radar by taking the task and station to sea to continue broadcasting? From Love Actually director Richard Curtis and starring Stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost, Rhys Darby, Kenneth Branagh and Bill Nighy it looks like one heck of a film. Toronto advance screenings include the Varsity and Scotiabank among others.

Friday November 6, 2009 Releases

Ajab Premki Ghazab Kahani
Dir: Rajkumar Santoshi (Halla Bol, Khakee)
Cast: Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan
India
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

The Box
Writer/Dir: Richard Kelly (Donnie Darko, Southland Tales)
Cast: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Disney's A Christmas Carol
Dir: Robert Zemeckis (Beowulf, The Polar Express, Cast Away)
Cast: Jim Carrey, Steve Valentine, Daryl Sabara, Sage Ryan
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Fourth Kind
Dir: Olatunde Osunsanmi (WIthIN)
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Gentlemen Broncos
Dir: Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre)
Cast: Michael Angarano, John Baker
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Inside Hana's Suitcase
Dir: Larry Weinstein
Documentary
Canada/Czech Republic
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page

The Men Who Stare at Goats
Dir: Grant Heslov (Par 6)
Cast: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Robert Patrick, Rebecca Mader
USA/UK
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

When We Were Boys
Dir: Sarah Goodman (Army of One)
Documentary
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 6, 2009**

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

When I went to see Bronson earlier this week I was mystified by this poster for A Christmas Carol. Not the poster itself, I was vaguely aware that we had an upcoming animated film based on the classic tale, even knew that it starred Jim Carrey. Turns out it's also in 3D. Also turns out that it opens.... tomorrow November 6, 2009 with select screenings tonight at midnight. Whoa. Tonight? November 5th? A Christmas film... in early November... at midnight. That's a new one.

I didn't expect to see any Christmas films until December at the earliest. The only other upcoming holiday film I can see so far is Everyone's Fine starring Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsdale, Drew Barrymore and Sam Rockwell (see Trailer). But... November? At least they waited the obligatory wait until after Halloween. What are your thoughts, it is too so to get in the spirit?

See the trailer for A Christmas Carol here.

Martin

Dir: George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead, Diary of the Dead, Survival of the Dead)
Cast: John Amplas, Lincoln Maazel, Christine Forrest, Elyane Nadeau, George A. Romero
USA, 1977

Seen: November 3, 2009 on DVD

Reason to Review: Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon *

I had zero expectations going into this film, all I knew was it was a vampire film and directed by George A. Romero (aka King of zombie films) which was enough to get me interested. It is certainly one of the most unique vampire films I’ve seen as it acknowledges but distances itself from classic vampire lore, recognizes 'old world’ idea and is set in 70s suburbia. Sound bizarre? It is.

As a vampire film it has a very different feel, there is zero romanticism, but there is a far share of nudity. What's interesting about omitting any romance or seduction from a vampire's bag of tricks is that you are left with the bare bones of the need to feed. Seeing it in this light makes the actions align to that of a stalker, which is what made this film more uncomfortable to watch than expected. The is a harshness of take what you need mentality. Did I mention that it's from the 70's yet?

I thought the unique take on the lore was clever, and it is address on several levels from the idea of wanting or needing connection to even how vampires are created, but overall I found the distancing and rationalization of the violent acts rather disturbing.

Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it
I'd likely watch it one more time
I'd recommend it to for vampire film completists and if you are a fan of both arthouse & thrillers with a slasher sensibility

Return to Film Reviews, See all Vampire Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* Vampathon is a 16 week marathon explore vampire films from Nosferatu (1922) up to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Week in Film Vlog

Films Discussed
In Theatres: Bronson
Random Watching: Brideshead Revisited, Barton Fink, Iron Maiden: Flight 666, The Machinist, Hello Mary Lou, Prom Night 2 and Prom Night III: The Last Kiss.
Actor from Blood & Donuts and Stargate: Universe mentioned is Justin Louis

Bronson

Dir: Nicolas Winding Refn (The Pusher Trilogy, Valhalla Rising)
Cast: Tom Hardy, Matt King
UK, 2009

Seen: November 2, 2009 at AMC Yonge & Dundas

Reason to see: I'll see anything by Nicolas Winding Refn

Knowing little about the film upon going in, I admit I was curious as to why this particular subject matter was chosen. What is the inspiration to do a biopic on a man in prison who supplanted his own personality with that of Charles Bronson and has the goal of reaching fame through becoming known for being violent. I'll tell you one thing I wasn't expecting to see - a film heavily influenced by theatre with a strong performative nature. Leave it to Nicolas Winding Refn to surprize us, yet again.

The film has a unique feel right from the get go using straight to the camera monologues is intercut with regular narrative as well as almost dreamlike sequences. This works surprizingly well to capture the bizarre character and journey of the self titled Charlie Bronson. We are seeing what he wants us to see. Hearing the story that he wants to tell us. Sometimes that looks like reality, and other times... not so much. Reality or not, it always hones in on his desire and need for fame. This driving force literally and violently obliterates anything in it's way or perhaps obliterates it so that it can pave the way to becoming famous.

The unusual storytelling style guarantees that it is an memorable viewing experience but the phenomenal performance by Tom Hardy is what escalates it to a compelling and fantastic film. I've only seen his previous work in Star Trek: Nemesis as the character Praetor Shinzon, and it was initially hard to believe I was seeing the same person considering the huge physical transformation. Quite a feat, and once the fists start flying it wasn't hard to see the embodiment and fierceness of the character. A challenging role considering there is not only a huge amount of brutal physicality in the film but also a lot of dialogue that comes straight from him to us, the audience and often in the form of a story. Slightly distant, never apologetic and always bizarre what we hear and see always shows sincerity and utter determination. A paradox of thoughts, ideas and images keep us attentive, curious and waiting for more. Fantastic

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it people interested in performative and/or art house film, who can also take the high level of violence

4 minutes of preshow including 1 commercial and 2 previews: The Crazies and The Road

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

That Was That: Canadian, North American & UK Box Office October 30, 2009 Weekend

Michael Jackson's This Is It hits it big last weekend topping the Canadian, North American and UK box office. In fact, in Canada it was the only release of the week that even hit the Top 20. But seeing as it was Halloween weekend, spooky films like Paranormal Activity, Halloween II (released back in August!) and Saw VI did some damage all landing in the Canadian top 5.

Top 20 Movies in Canada for the October 30, 2009 weekend
1. Michael Jackson's This Is It *
2. Paranormal Activity
3. Halloween II
4. Couples Retreat
5. Saw VI
6. Where the Wild Things Are
7. Astro Boy
8. Zombieland
9. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
10. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
11. The Stepfather
12. The Metropolitan Opera: Tosca
13. Amelia
14. A Serious Man
15. Coco Before Chanel
16. An Education
17. The Invention of Lying
18. 5150 Elm's Way
19. Capitalism: A Love Story
20. Fiesta Patria

Top 20 Movies in North America for the October 30, 2009 weekend
1. Michael Jackson's This Is It *
2. Paranormal Activity
3. Law Abiding Citizen
4. Couples Retreat
5. Where the Wild Things Are
6. Saw VI
7. Astro Boy
8. The Stepfather
9. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
10. Amelia
11. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
12. Zombieland
13. A Serious Man
14. The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day *
15. An Education
16. Halloween II
17. Good Hair
18. The Invention of Lying
19. Capitalism: A Love Story
20. Toy Story & Toy Story 2 Double Feature in 3D

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the October 30, 2009 weekend
1. Michael Jackson's This Is It *
2. Up
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox
4. Saw VI
5. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
6. Couples Retreat
7. 9 *
8. An Education *
9. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
10. Dead Man Running *

* indicates opening weekend in noted location, red text indicates Canadian film release

Source: Canada & North America info, UK info

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 25: News to October 30, 2009

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 25 is up!

Tune in to Before the Dawn to hear Marina & I's discuss all the latest news in the world of Twilight. As we get closer and closer to the release of New Moon there is more and more out there to talk about! This week we dish about the 15 city tour, upcoming TV appearances of the cast, some imagery from Eclipse and more!

Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast is a weekly 1/2 hour podcast meeting all your audio Twilight needs!

DVD Releases: November 3, 2009

Got My Eye On
Yes, I'll admit it. This week I'm most looking forward to the release of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, one of the funnest straight-up entertaining films from the past summer. Also in release is the documentary looking at the business of food with Food, Inc., the surprizingly sweet comedy I Love You Beth Cooper and the Canadian comedy 40 is the New 20.

Wildcards
Every week going through the releases I'm surprized at how many titles are completely unfamiliar. This week there are three that looked interesting and the first time I've heard of them. Not Forgotten a thriller starring Simon Baker and Paz Vega, Dark Mirror which is about a strange house and a creepy mirror (scary!) and Before the Fall / Tres días an award winning Spanish Sci Fi film about a meteor set to collide with the Earth.

Gifty Goodness
With the holidays getting closer, which I only acknowledge *after* Halloween, we start to see more and more gift like items, and this week the one that sprung off the screen was High School Musical 3 pack, which includes all three of the High School Musical films. I'm refraining from bursting into song as we speak.

Blast from the Past
The highly acclaimed Wings of Desire receives a Criterion release and several Pedro Almodóvar films are newly available including my favourite Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, along with Matador and All About My Mother.

You've Heard of 'em
Along with G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, this weeks big players releases are subway train action flick The Taking of Pelhem 1, 2, 3 (although I'd be more likely to buy the original 1974 version The Taking of Pelhem One, Two, Three, which luckily enough was released on DVD back in June), romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You and the animated flick Aliens in the Attic.

Titles on Amazon.ca (Canada):


Titles on Amazon.com (US):

New Moon Monday: Post Halloween Pre New Moon

New Moon Re-Read Countdown
Getting hyped for New Moon? Of course you are! Re-reading the book? I bet you might be? Don't want to go at it alone? You don't have to! The great folks over at NewMoonMovie.org are having a New Moon Re-Read Countdown where they read & post a chapter a day until the release of the film on November 20, 2009. Today the chapter in question is Chapter 7 so even if you just started re-reading that isn't too far along to catch up and play along! I know I will.

New Moon 15 City Tour
Between November 6 - 19, 2009 there is a 15 city tour over the US starting in LA and ending in Times Square, New York. Cast members at the events are subject to availability and several of the events will have New Moon Soundtrack artists performing at the events. Thanks to Geeks of Doom for the heads up!

Eclipse Shooting Done & Xavier Samuel as Riley
Although I'm trying to stay focused on New Moon as it's just over 2 weeks again, it's hard to not heard, share & be excited about Eclipse new. Last week we got to see the Eclipse title card, and now that shooting for Eclipse is official done, David Slade treated the Twitter folk to an image of Xavier Samuel (The Loved Ones, September, Newcastle) as Riley in Eclipse. Looking good! I impressed that the look and feel are different than Twilight, but still fit in really well with the world.

I Want Some More: Vampathon
The Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon continues with reviewing vampire films and last week I went double bill style with Anne Rice book adaptations of Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned. Amazing how they don't feel like the two films are related at all. If you don't feel like reading you can always watch the vlog when I talk about them along with other recent viewings including Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant. Next vampire film for review is George A. Romero's Martin. I've very curious to what the king of zombies does with vamps. Review will be up Wednesday October 4, 2009.

Twilight Halloween Costume Contest
Did you dress up for Halloween? And if so, was it Twilight related? If yes why not enter the His Golden Eyes Costume Contest? And because I if you talk the talk... walk the walk. I went as Victoria. Here are some pics!

Poll Results: The Scariest Films Are...

The votes are in and Psychological films are voted the scariest with a whopping 46%. Ideas... scary! Paranormal films takes second place with a spooktacular 30%, still pretty high - although I thought this one would win hands down! Aliens are 10% scary and Creatures & Slashers film tie for 6%. Looks like no one gets scared by Gore films which bottomed out at 0%.

46% - Psychological
30% - Paranormal
10% - Aliens
6% - Creatures
6% - Slasher
0% - Gore

Thanks for voting!