Films That Matter
Meta Mega Mecca
If there ever was an Academy Award Best Picture nominee that throws everything at you but the kitchen sink, 2022's Everything Everywhere All at Once, written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, would be it. A philosophical thinking piece woven within an Asian infused Marvel-style multiverse of madness – which incorporates kung-fu action, quirky comedy, marital stress and romance, familial drama, and plenty of adventure, the narrative follows the Wang family: mother Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh), father Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu), and visiting grandfather Gong Gong (James Hong).
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Amazon Prime
Wonder WomanJuly 23, 2017Very much a coming of age story, Patty Jenkins’ 2017 comic book film Wonder Woman is a tale of adventure and self discovery, a sweeping journey into all of the beauty and horrors this planet, and those living on it, must contend with. A young Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), for those of you who do not know, is an Amazonian princess, the daughter of Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen), living on the untraceable island of Themyscira. Mixed up in the age old story of the Greek Gods, their protector Zeus, though dying by the hand of his war driven son Ares, is able to protect the race and give them a weapon for when the God of War mends his wounds and returns to create havoc once more (the historic scene is beautifully depicted as if we were observing a moving Italian fresco).
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Star Pick with Kimberly Leemans
Double, Double Toil and TroubleHocus PocusMay 31, 2017One of those rare movies that has been slowly reappraised with time, Kenny Ortega’s 1993 Disney family flick Hocus Pocus was panned by critics upon its release. Much like other films, including It’s a Wonderful Life, television played a major role in its rejuvenation (as well as its release for home purchase), finding a more than willing audience each and every Halloween as part of ABC Family’s 13 Days of Halloween – grabbing well over two million viewers (record breaking numbers) and transforming it into a true cult classic. At the third annual CAPE (Cornwall and Area Pop Expo), I chatted with up and coming actress Kimberly Leemans. Getting her start on America’s Next Top Model back in 2007, she has transitioned into the realm of television and film. Perhaps best known for her turn as Crystal in the first Hilltop episode, 2016's "Knots Untie", in the hit television show The Walking Dead, she had the unenviable task of punching fan favourite Rick right-off-the-bat. . . she is then taken down by Michonne. Still wandering around in the zombie filled world, we will have to wait and see when she reappears.
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Star Pick with Noah Lang
Off to See the WizardsWizardsApril 11, 2017Some time ago, I was fortunate enough to attend a special screening of the Tribeca Audience Award Winner for Best Picture, Here Alone, at an event held by the St. Lawrence International Film Festival in Potsdam, New York. In attendance were director Rod Blackhurst, writer David Ebeltoft and producer Noah Lang. Over the next several weeks, each of their respective Star Picks will be posted (in honour of the release of the film in theatres), each with a lengthy interview that should give you an insight into the world of movie making from three talented up and comers in the industry. Today, I introduce Noah Lang. Son of talented character actor Stephen Lang (Avatar; Don’t Breathe), Noah has had a fruitful start to his career. With a wide array of films to his name already, he also produced another feature that was shown at the St. Lawrence International Film Festival, the well received Band of Robbers, though Here Alone is what I am going to focus on today – as it has solid momentum heading into its release. Lang’s work on the project is detailed quite nicely in the interview, and it will most likely say more that I can say here with the written word, so check it out below. It will give you insight into Here Alone, a clear picture for those unsure as to what a producer actually does, an idea of the complexity of the business, as well as so much more.
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Air Jordan
Here Comes Mr. JordanApril 9, 2017There may be no film with a more influential pedigree that is lesser known than the fantastical 1941 romantic dramedy Here Comes Mr. Jordan. Honoured with a sort-of-sequel (1947's Down to Earth – starring Rita Hayworth, it also features reprisals from actors James Gleason and Edward Everett Horton. . . which itself inspired the 1980 feature Xanadu), it was also remade by Warren Beatty in 1978 – titled Heaven Can Wait. Chris Rock had a go with the subject matter in 2001 with his version, Down to Earth – reusing the title from the original sequel. In 1968, it was even remade in India – Jhuk Gaya Aasman – English translation: The Skies Have Bowed. At one point, even Bill Cosby tried to get a version of the story produced – though this iteration fell through. The intensely bitter and sweet tale of a boxer who gets in a plane crash, which is followed by a mistake in Heaven, it can also be seen as the precursor and inspiration for motion pictures like A Guy Named Joe (1943), It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), A Matter of Life or Death (1946), The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947), as well as so many others. Mashing together a multitude of genres which I will explain later, the boxer, Joe Pendleton (Robert Montgomery), who is soon to be competing for the world title, is gearing up for his next big bout. Trained by his loyal manager, Max Corkle (James Gleason), the two argue over the fact that he wants to fly himself to his next fight in New York City. Unable to convince the genial but stubborn athlete, it is soon after that he plummets to his ‘supposed’ death.
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Star Pick with Kim Campbell
Here’s to Christmas SpiritsA Christmas CarolDecember 13, 2016A little while ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to interview The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, the 19th Prime Minister of Canada (and to date, the only female to land the top job), about her favourite film. Transporting me to ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, she illuminated me as to her Christmas program watching traditions. She explained that, each time December comes around, she makes time to gather round the television with her entire family and watch, back to back, The Muppet Christmas Carol starring Michael Caine, followed by the classic 1951 version of A Christmas Carol, with Alastair Sim taking on the legendary role of Ebenezer Scrooge. She lit up talking about her family custom, clearly cherishing the memories made by gathering the family to watch these two festive films. As I am only able to review one film as part of the Star Picks section, I will be looking at the 1951 incarnation of the Charles Dickens’ tale. Make sure to track down the Muppet version as well to get the full Prime Ministerial experience. Arguably the most iconic version of the miser, Alastair Sim has been etched in the collective psyche as the perfect Scrooge. With his receding hairline, bulbous eyes and curmudgeonly attitude, it is easy to buy him as a true hater of all things Christmas.
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Star Pick with Rudolf Schenker
Fly Me to the MoonAvatarOctober 25, 2016Soon after Avatar’s release, it became evident that it was not only a movie – it was a worldwide phenomenon that was bringing people together, getting young and old to sit in darkened cinemas for over two hours and forty minutes (promptly making it the highest grossing film of all-time – ending just shy of 2.8 billion dollars). The creative piece of world building, with its vivid, alien landscape and intoxicating mythology (while also ushering 3-D back into the cinematic limelight), also caught the eye of Rudolf Schenker, a founding member (and guitar-god) of the iconic German hard rock band The Scorpions. A master song-writer, the man has concocted numerous classic rock tunes, with catchy riffs, iconic lyrics and impressive solo work. Sharing solo and rhythm duties with co-guitarist Matthias Jabs, Schenker and the band have become known for their unforgettable, high-octane, crowd-pleasing live performances.
