Movie Review

Film Review: THE WRITER’S WOMAN, Mexico, Romance/Drama

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Hot and smoldering with intensity, THE WRITERS WOMAN is a piece about love, jealousy, and control. This 23 minute mexican film coming to us from director Leslie Aldana, is a masterful work of cinematic seduction.

Our heroine is in love with her husband. Her husband is in love with her. But he also has affairs. So she decides to have one of her own, with a beautiful woman he has been eyeing. And when the three all get together at last the tension is equal parts sexually exciting and painfully tense.

What is so vibrant about this film isn’t just the slowly burning sexual fire ever present within the characters, or the fantastic performances, or even the larger free-love philosophy constrained by societal stigma. What is fascinating is that this story revolves around a mature relationship- a couple that has been married decades. Unlike young love, so prone to jealousy and heartbreak, this relationship has stood the test of time and still falls victim to the fears and insecurities that claim so many young lovers. What THE WRITERS WOMAN reminds us, in its own tragic, beautiful and sensual way, is that we are never too old to hurt. Exceptional performances and gorgeously composed, THE WRITERS WOMAN will take your breath away.

Review by Kierston Drier

Film played at the 2018 ROMANCE Film Festival on Valentine’s Day in downtown Toronto, Canada

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THE WRITER’S WOMAN, 23min., Mexico, Romance/Drama
Directed by Leslie Aldana

At the end of the 1940s, the poetess Helena is the couple of acclaimed writer Martin. She constantly knows that Martin has had different lovers, before the anguish of losing him decides to seduce the one who could become the next lover. A game of power and jealousy is transformed into a new love story, which fades the search for a structured love imposed by society for a free love regardless of gender.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: 116, USA, Romance/Experimental 

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A beautiful mature woman wakes up in a hotel with a beautiful young man. Sounds great yes? Certainly. What follows is an sizzling experimental romantic piece- the dialogue utilizing only lines from Shakespeare’s sonnets. 116, directed by Julia Campanelli, will delight a Shakespeare lover. And if you are not a lover of Shakespeare, then you will love the rich and sumptuous details loving woven into this piece. It sizzles and crackles with sexual energy and rich and lush sense of heavy dramatic style.

Being and experimental film, it is best to go into 116 with an open mind, as it is highly interpretive. We do not know the relationship of the man and woman (although we can guess, wink, wink) There sensual, passionate, dramatic yet playful struggles are not made overtly clear by the use of the minimalist interpretive scripts of Shakespeare’s sonnets. But 116 is a delight to watch. It has intensity, romance and sparkles with lust. Who wouldn’t love it?

116, 15min., USA, Romance/Experimental 
Directed by Julia CampanelliLove – no bed of roses.
A woman wakes up in a hotel room with a younger man at her side. She insists he leave, he resists, and the struggle begins.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: GOD CAME ‘ROUND, Italy, Romance/Comedy 

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This five minute romantic comedy from Italy is a bizarrely literal take on a music video. Sandeep (Deep Roy), a flower peddler who can’t catch a break, falls passionately in love with a beautiful passerby he believes to be the girl of his dreams. She, however, doesn’t feel the same way. Sandeep is dragged through depression, hope, despair and desperation while trying to win her affections.

Utterly hilarious with its vibrance, literal comedy and the wonderful performance stylings of Deep Roy, GOD CAME ROUND will make you laugh. A comical trip worthy of watching for its absurdist comic style and total commitment to literal humor. The piece sparkles with Deep Roy as the star and Derek Fey’s direction is sharp and effective. A film to sure to entertain.

Review by Kierston Drier

Film played at the 2018 ROMANCE Film Festival on Valentine’s Day in downtown Toronto, Canada

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GOD CAME ‘ROUND, 5min, Italy, Romance/Comedy 
Directed by Derek Frey Down on his luck flower seller Sandeep (played by Deep Roy) pines to make a connection with the girl of his dreams.

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Film Review: THE WEDDING SONG, Romance. USA

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This 13 minute romantic drama from the USA, is a charming and bright film about temptation, love and the power of music. When soon-to-be-married Mae decides to write a song for her husband for their wedding day she enlists the help of an old classmate to teach her to play the ukulele. But her new teacher Johnnie and her soon strike up a close and endearing friendship and quickles begins to sparkle with a tantalizing sexual energy. Equal parts innocent and dangerous, the two carry on their music lessons, all the while pursuing a goal of writing a love song- for the groom we never get to see.

Beautifully shot, fantastically performed and boasting an exceptional soundtrack, THE WEDDING SONG has the ability to do something all short films should strive to do- make you think. While we root for the lovers we see on the screen (Johnnie and Mae), we wriggle with discomfort for the relationship suspended in jeopardy (Mae and her fiance). Do they ever cross a line? You’ll have to watch and find out. THE WEDDING SONG will make you laugh, make your heart skip a beat, make you feel and most importantly- make you think.

Review by Kierston Drier

Film played at the 2018 ROMANCE Film Festival on Valentine’s Day in downtown Toronto, Canada

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

THE WEDDING SONG, 13min, USA, Romance/Drama 
Directed by Thia Schuessler & Rex New

When bride-to-be Mae hits a wall writing a song for her future husband, she solicits the guidance of her musician friend Johnnie, who helps her find the inspiration she was lacking.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: EASY, A 3 MINUTE LOVE STORY, (USA, Romance)

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We all want a fairytale ending. Fairytales are not always being swept away to a castle to live a life of luxury. Sometimes a fairy tale is simply loving someone effortlessly, without fear of repercussion. Enter EASY, A 3 MINUTE LOVE STORY. A love story about two high school boys in love. Although they belong to different faiths, and although one family is pleased and the other disapproving- their love is unchanged.

What is so special about this sweet, simple and beautiful film is that is speaks to something every person, from every walk of life can understand. That love makes you invincible, impervious to pain. Moments exist in our chaotic and terrifying world that save us from losing our minds- they are moments born out of love. They are moments that make fairytales things of reality. EASY A 3 MINUTE LOVE STORY is about moments like these.

Review by Kierston Drier

Film played at the 2018 ROMANCE Film Festival on Valentine’s Day in downtown Toronto, Canada

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

 

EASY, A 3 MINUTE LOVE STORY, 3min., USA, Romance/Drama 
Directed by Robert GuthrieTwo high school guys are in love. One’s Christian. One’s Jewish. A father disapproves – the other’s parents are thrilled. Who cares that it’s not perfect? They got this.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: WHAT IF?…. (Hungary, Romance)

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Hot with wit and hitting the ground running, WHAT IF…? Is a romantic drama from Hungary directed by Balazs Juszt. It follows a long-parted couple who now meet to pick up their children from dance class. The children they have with other people. The first part of their tale is the world where they recount what might have been- a romance they shared that died too soon, paths that parted too early and the fleeting promise of the world they could have had together. Sexy, witty and filled with sparkling dialogue the two dance the dance of lovers who knew each other once upon a time. The second half, however, shows what the world would be like for them had they stayed together. In this reality, their relationship is no less passionate, but it is ten times darker and more filled with tension. These are the lovers who have had their young love eroded away by a year after year of unaddressed problems.

WHAT IF is a story about never knowing the truth- but instead seeing the polar extremes of possibilities- the world of what might have been at odds with the world that was never meant to be. So what is the world are lovers really live in? What is their happy medium? That, is for the audience to decide.

Gripping, sensual and full to bursting with palpable emotion, WHAT IF…? Is a strong and engaging film. Spectacular performances make this film a powerhouse to watch.

Review by Kierston Drier

Film played at the 2018 ROMANCE Film Festival on Valentine’s Day in downtown Toronto, Canada

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

WHAT IF…?, 14min., Hungary, Romance/Drama
Directed by Balazs Juszt

When it comes to relationships, everyone has a story. Whether it’s the one that is, the one that could have been or the one that never was meant to be – one thing is for certain: we can only tell after the fact, and then it’s too late. Then we’re left to wonder, what if…?

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: VIOLET AND JUNE (Romance)

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VIOLET AND JUNE, a six minute Canadian Rom-Com from director Linnea  Ritland, is a delightful and charming in every way a Rom-Com should be. Endlessly popping with color and fun, the tone falls somewhere between the more lighthearted moments in Juno and the more whimsical moments of any great Wes Anderson piece.

Violet is in love. And all the wonderful oh-so-familiar romantic feelings that come along with being in love plague her. Except she is in love with her best friend June. Who has a boyfriend and is otherwise totally unaware of Violet’s affections. Doom, despair and melancholy will follow Violet as she falls into the vibrant and artistic world of her mind’s’ eye, and wrestles with her feelings.

VIOLET AND JUNE is a sweet, simple and utterly adorable comedy about coming out and coming of age. A playful and wonderful romp into the world young love.

Review by Kierston Drier

Film played at the 2018 ROMANCE Film Festival on Valentine’s Day in downtown Toronto, Canada

WATCH the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

VIOLET AND JUNE, 6min., Canada, Romance/Comedy
Directed by Linnea RitlandViolet & June is a short film about falling in love, the terror of being alive in a cold heartless universe, and butts.

CLICK HERE – and see full info and more pics of the film!

Film Review: JUGGERNAUT (Canada 2017) ***

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Juggernaut Poster
After a lengthy absence, a small town outlaw returns to his hometown, violently obsessed with the notion that his Mother’s death was not a suicide.

Director:

Daniel DiMarco

Writer:

Daniel DiMarco

Stars:

Amanda Crew, Jack Kesy, Ty Olsson

 

This JUGGERNAUT is not to be confused with the Richard Lester film of the same name that starred Richard Harris about bombs planted on a cruise liner.  JUGGERNAUT 2017 is a very different Canadian nitty-gritty family crime drama that America churns out quite well.  This one turns out pretty solid as well.

JUGGERNAUT is the story of two brothers, one good and one bad. Sounds like a parable (Caine and Abel) from the Bible.  Of course, good and bad are relative.  The protagonist is the ‘bad’ one for the obvious reason that not only is the bad one a more interesting character but there is a chance for redemption as well.

Saxon (Jack Kesy) has just been released from prison.  Saxon is, as described in the film, a misanthrope (a person who dislikes and distrusts all human beings).  He re-unites with his older brother, Dean (David Cubitt) in a small agricultural town in British Columbia.  Dean is the town hero, bringing jobs to the town.  Saxon learns from Dean that their mother has passed away while he was in prison, but he believes and goes out to prove that it was not suicide as stated in the death certificate.

A few incidents are too predictable. The first girl Saxon meets happens to be Amelie (Amanda Crew).  When Amelie confesses that she is Saxon’s brother’s fiancee, one can tell that thee is an affair that is just waiting to happen. 

There is a debate about bad person doing a good thing versus a good person doing a bad thing.   It is too obvious that the audience is made to consider which one Saxon is.  Not that it really matters to the plot.

To enhance the film’s nitty-grittiness, DiMarko often shoots in dimly lit settings with moody period music and songs.  Veteran actors Stephen McHattie (as bad guy Hank Sr.) and Peter McRobbie as the father also add to the atmosphere. The film has a side plot regarding Saxon’s estranged relationship with his father who favours Dean over him.  Here, there are EAST OF EDEN overtones especially felt during the reconciliation (well, sort-of) scene.

DiMarco paints a good character out of this chosen hero.  Saxon is described as dumb but not stupid.  Kesy, portrays Saxon with a rugged charm that eventually wins Amelie over.

The story moves along at a good pace but suffers from an odd ending which at least is unpredictable.  But he shoot-out ear the end is a bit of a cop out stretching the story’s credibility.

JUGGERNAUT is a satisfying small Canadian film that achieves what it set out to do, entertain with a story set in a grim atmosphere.  The film opens this week with a VOD/Digital release on March 27, 2018.  The film marked its world premiere at the Shanghai International Film Festival in 2017 as part of the Panorama program and was also screened at the San Diego International and Whistler Film Festivals.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBOs-_RB28o

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Film Review: 7 DAYS IN ENTEBBE (UK/USA 2017)

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7 Days in Entebbe Poster
Trailer

Inspired by the true events of the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight en route from Tel Aviv to Paris, and the most daring rescue mission ever attempted.

Director:

José Padilha

Writer:

Gregory Burke (screenplay by)

Stars:

Rosamund Pike, Daniel Brühl, Eddie Marsan

 

There has already been 2 television movies (released theatrically outside the U.S.) on the 1976 rescue/hijack event, VICTORY IN ENTEBBE and RAID ON ENTEBBE  including the  documentary OPERATION THUNDERBOLT.  I have not seen the doc but the two made for television movies were quite bad.  So, is this new 2017 version the definitive Entebbe film?  (Note that the closing credits list the film as a 2017 production though there is a statement on screen stating that there is presently no peace alliance between Israel and Palestine with the date, March 2018 flashed on the screen.  The only explanation is that the statement was put into the film in 2017 and not in March of 2018.)

Who else then to direct the Entebbe raid true story than Brazilian director, José Padilha who helmed the excellent documentary BUS 174 way back about the hijacked bus in Rio de Janeiro?  But despite the impressive cast and crew, 7 DAYS IN ENTEBBE that unfolds from Day 1 (June 25th,1976) to Day 7 is incredibly boring.

The film is based on the real life rescue of the hijacked Air France passengers in Uganda by Israeli forces.  The plane was hijacked from its Athens, Greece departure by a group of 4, 2 Germans, Brigitee Kuhlmann (Rosamund Pike) and Wilfred Bose (Daniel Bruhl) and 2 Palestinians.  Instead of centring on the actual raid and heroics, the script by Gregory Burke focuses on the conflict between Israel and Palestine.  The film itself begins with a reminder of the fact that an Israeli state was formed in 1947 and fighting between Palestine and Israel has been going on ever since – the fighters for liberating the land back to Palestine known to the Palestinians as Freedom Fighters but as terrorists to the Israelis.  The film contains a lot of talk behind the scenes of the planning, between Minister of Defence, Shimon Peres (the always excellent Eddie Marsan in extreme makeup) and Israel Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (Lior Ashkenazi).  There is also a debate on the insufficient funds in the defence budget.  One of the soldiers has a girlfriend in dance.  He is advised by a fellow soldier to have her join the army or be forever apart.  This explains the dance scenes in the film.

The dance sequences appear at length not only at the start and end of the film, but interspersed at other points during the film.  Besides the soldier’s girlfriend being in dance, what are the dance sequences really doing in a supposedly action film?  The dance metaphor, if there is one, surely escapes me.  Anyway, too much time is wasted watching the dancers in tights prancing around on stage.  The dance sequences go right into the closing credits.

Acting is surprisingly good with a jolt of hilarity provided by Nonso Anozie in the role of Dictator Idi Amin.  Bruhl and Marsan also stand out.

The individual film scenes are well directed by Padilha.  But the problem is that they all do not come together as a whole or for the right purpose.  A film that stresses the needed peace agreement between Israel and Palestine should not be one that centres on heroic Israeli forces rescuing a hijacked plane.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuTBea8_-LY

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Film Review: A WRINKLE IN TIME (USA 2018)

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A Wrinkle in Time Poster
After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him.

Director:

Ava DuVernay

Writers:

Jennifer Lee (screenplay by), Jeff Stockwell (screenplay by) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon

 

A WRINKLE IN TIME is the new Disney family fantasy based on the 1962 science fantasy novel written by American writer Madeleine L’Engle.   The book won the Newbery Medal, Sequoyah Book Award, and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, and was runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.  This is Disney’s second film adaptation following the 2003 TV movie.

The film follows daughter, Meg (Storm Reid) who with the help of Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey), Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling) and Mrs. Whatsis (Reech Witherspoon) and accompaniment of adopted brother (Deric McCabe) search for her 4-year missing scientific father, known as Dr. Murry (Chris Pine).  They encounter different characters and strange animals and things before finally  rescuing the father after wining the fight of light vs. the darkness.

Music and soundtrack are not impressive.  The ending song “I believe (in me)” by DJ Khaled is the typical ‘America is great, I can do anything’ mentality that President Trump so often engages that non-Americans are sick of. The soundtrack has the ‘wowing’ sound that is supposed to enhance at the audience’s ’wow’ factor.  The music also goes up and down in mood as if to constantly remind the audiences how to feel during the film.

The script and film concentrate more on the rescue of Dr. Murry that on the universal fight of good vs. evil.  The result is a rather sappy film.  The family reuniting scene does not bring tears into the audience’s eyes as the film is bad that there is little emotion to be felt anywhere.

The film delivers mixed messages among them: “Be a warrior:” “I can do anything”; and others.  But unfortunately the negative message of putting work before family also comes through.  There is also an odd moment when the camera shows that Meg has forgiven her taunting schoolmate, Veronica.

The cinematography By German D.P. Tobias A. Schliessler is impressive and the film looks occasionally stunning though all this would be put better into perspective if the film was not all over the place.

The film is enough to give one a splitting headache.  Besides the screeching children – young actor McCabe has an especially high-pitched shrill voice.  If he not taunting his sister when ‘possessed’  he will certainly be taunting the audience with his voice.  The other scene is the bouncing ball scene whee a dozen or so boys in a neighbourhood simultaneously bounce their basketball as they go: “Thump, thump, thump…” indefinitely.

A WRINKLE IN TIME is noticeable for making a point of having a higher percentage of African Americans and women working in the film.  Director DuVaernay’s resume includes only one past documentary MIDDLE OF NOWHERE and SELMA, quite different for big budget sci-fi films.  Making the Murry family mixed, the husband white (Chris Pine) and the mother black (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) for no apparent reason except to be currently politically or racially correct, does not really work either.  

Disney has had a solid string of hits, the latest being the Oscar winning animated COCO and the box-office hit BLACK PANTHER.  A WRINKLE IN TIME, which is plain awful puts a huge wrinkle in this trend of hits.  It is noticeable worse than the second of Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND movies and prove that good intentions do not necessarily turn out good movies.  The element of wonder is missing in this fantasy picture.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4U3TeY2wtM

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