Movie Reviews By Robert Waldman
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Updated: June 3, 2025
100 Yards Black Bag Can I Get A Witness! Clear Cut Clown in a Cornfield Dangerous Animals Eye For an Eye 2: Blind Vengeance Final Destination: Bloodlines Little Miss Sociopath McVeigh My Dead Friend Zoe On Swift Horses Rust Sharp Corner Striking Rescue The Accountant 2 The Friend The Penguin Lessons The Phoenician Scheme To see my reviews of some great older movies please visit and subscribe to my YouTube Channel. And maybe give a thumbs up if you like the review. Many more reviews to come soon. So stay tuned and be safe. |
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Dangerous Animals(PG) * * * *
Troubled Waters! Hook, Line and Sinker!
Back in 1975 a little know movie with an unknown director took the world by storm. That film was JAWS and it marked the effective debut of Hollywood wunderkid Steven Spielberg. Credited with ushering in the summer blockbuster Stevie has gone on to have a pretty successful career. Now that fear of the water comes full circle with the Elevation Pictures release of Dangerous Animals. Be prepared to think twice about going in The water if you dare see this thriller now showing at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across land-locked British Columbia.
Well made and precisely acted Dangerous Animals takes place in balmy Australia. Long known as a watery destination that lures both locals and tourists to gorgeous beaches something here may be amiss. Perhaps there's a killer or two on the lose. Oh oh.
Part of the fun of going to any coastal resort is fishing. Typically people hire boats with seasoned skippers to navigate all those troubled water. Loner type Bruce Tucker has a passion for fish - and kidnapping. In just a brilliant performance as a demon of the seas is Jai Courtney. Besides enjoying such mainstream pastimes as fishing our sailer boy also likes the odd abduction or two of innocents .
Never the Twain shall meet. Tucker definitely has a thing for sharks and beautiful young women that he abducts and "stores" on his vessel. Call him a serial killer on the high seas. But just what this maniac does to his captives is so sickening and stomach churning. And when it's feeding time for these predators of the sea well you know exactly what's on the menu. Think SAW on the big wide ocean. Ghastly! And Grisly too.
So with Dangerous Animals you have danger everywhere - on land and on/under the ocean. Here we have two predators at the height of their cunning and prowess. So it's game on. But wait. Hold on. One of Tucker's new victims may give him and all those ever hungry sharks a run for their money.
Pretty, young and athletic best describes Zephyr. Born to play this role and set to go toe to toe with these gruesome blood-curdling monsters is Hassie Harrison. Smart, strong and with a will to survive Zephyr uses all her talents and then some to try to stave off an unspeakable death. Along the way there are tons of close encounters with just a brute of a man and some sharks that know all too well when it's feeding time,
One of the best thrillers in years Dangerous Animals is a rip-roaring descent into hell. Full of mind-blowing tension director Sean Byrne has composed a sensational terror treat. Superbly acted here's a film that definitely will keep you intrigued and set your heart a racing.
The Phoenician Scheme(PG) * * *
Dreamer/Schemer!
Looks like he's at it again. Never one to rest on his laurels quirky avant-garde director Wes Anderson is up to his old tricks in The Phoenician Scheme. Completely original and totally different The Phoenician Scheme is well worth your time if you like quirky amusement. Fans of Anderson will feel right at home as a group of wacky characters will take you to a never never land that's full of fun surprises. Check into this festive treat at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres courtesy of Touchwood PR.
Good directors, like actors, can attract a following. Almost like a cult. When people age there is also the dilemma of what to do with your hard-earned wealth. In the case of criminals this can be even a more daunting task. And with The Phoenician Scheme we meet up with the ultimate con artist and power broker who's now at a crossroads in his rather productive and mysterious life. What to do?
Many choices and challenges face criminal mastermind Zsa-zsa Korda Who's long past his expiry date having stared down countless attempts on his life. Mind you what else would you expect from an international arms dealer played brilliantly by Benicio del Toro. Watch in awe as Korda tries to divvy up his criminal empire before embarking on one last bit of flimflam chicanery to further bolster his criminal resume and fortune.
Blessed with an unbelievable talent-driven cast including Tom Hanks, Willem Dafoe, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Cera, to name just a few, The Phoenician Scheme is dripping with sparkling dialogue and eccentric characters. Soak it all in with a smile as Anderson's patented story-telling abilities have never been better. Also, the film features two James Bond adversaries - del Toro and Mathieu Amalric for all you trivia buffs.
Offbeat, unusual and decidedly delicious The Phoenician Scheme will simply thrill Anderson's ever-expanding fan base and appeal to others. Different and delightful here's a film you'll shake your head at and walk out with a smile.
Sharp Corner (PG) * * *
Dead End!
Driving is a privilege not a right. Being on the road can be dangerous in any number of ways. See the turmoil that befalls a young family in the unnerving Sharp Corner. Presented by Elevation Pictures this high stakes drama is showing at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
Relocating can be a trying experience for anyone. Happy at first to make this move to a rural life out in the country is Josh McCall and his loving wife Rachel Davis with their young boy. Together Ben Foster( The Mechanic) and Vancouver's own Cobie Smulders (Jack Reacher: Never Go Back) are convincing and amiable enough. Their marriage is hot but blows cold when a series of unexpected events occur.
First off, the new home the family buys is in need of some tlc. If there's one thing prospective home purchases should do is check out the neighbourhood. In the case of the McCalls there new abode is set a bit off of the roadway and it just so happens there is a very sharp corner eerily close to the house.
Bad things can happen to good people. So when a vehicle "accidentally" veers onto their property the McCalls are naturally shaken. Little do they know that this house has a history of facing similar rendezvous with cars and trucks and motorcycles. When the accidents start anew Josh gets deeper and deeper concerned. Trying to be a kind Good Samaritan can only go so far. Feel the pain as this normal man descends into a bad space that simply gnaws away at his mind, his family and his soul.
Thoughtful and effective Sharp Corner shows just how bad situations can become when no one seems to care and one is left to his own devices to solve a problem. The results are both emotional and shattering and quite sobering.
Final Destination: Bloodlines(PG) * * * *
Family Ties!
Effective. Chilling. Exciting. These three words kind of describe the goings-on in Final Destination: Bloodlines. Expect the unexpected in this rousing thriller that delivers a host of scares . Presented by Warner Brothers this slick saga of mayhem is now packing them in at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmak Theatres across B.C.
Never is it easy to make a hit movie. Smart directors Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky clearly know what they're doing and have brought out an exciting new movie that continues in the tradition of the Final Destination series. Unlike the previous films this newest installment is vastly superior to its predecessors as the core theme to the crazy goings-on focuses on the tumultuous lives of a family on edge.
Told in a flashback style Bloodlines relates to a horrendous event that happened many, many years ago. Laying the foundations of an unbelievable journey into hell all roads lead to the life ( and death) of a young girl called Iris Campbell. Actress Brec Bassinger is in the zone as she faces down unspeakable danger from high above. Let's just say what should have been a joyous night out turns out to be a dangerous wake-up call for a young woman whose big date night ushers in decades of horror for an unsuspecting family that falls prey to a devilish curse. Flash forward to the plight of college-bound Stefani Lewis whose claim to fame is being the granddaughter of the much maligned Iris. With a certain special mental power Kaitlyn Santa Juana suspiciously channels the past to try to stave off death in the present as family members one by one encounter dangerous situations.
Consider the sixth in the Final Destination series to be just a rousing roller coaster ride full of danger, fun and unchecked emotion. With a wow opening high up in the sky the humour, gore and campiness shines through brightly. Hang onto your seats as audiences are whisked into a one of a kind journey whose off ramp is clever, cunning and immensely fulfilling. If you enjoy thrills and chills then Final Destination: Bloodlines is your wet dream escapist romp guaranteed to leave you shaken and stirred, to coin a Sean Connery witticism. And fully satisfied. Oh, and let's not forget it was filmed in Vancouver which continues to be a standout standup location that is second to none .
The Accountant 2(PG) * * *
Family Matters !
No one can predict whether a movie will be a hit. Some odd 10 years ago Warner Brothers took a chance when making The Accountant. The move paid off. Likeable and original with sparkling performances they have now brought out The Accountant 2. Despite the lengthy delay this subdued thriller hits all the right notes. See the mayhem unfold at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theaters around B.C.
If you make money your number one job should be to shield it from the ever prying omnipresent government. Just ask Mark Carney an expert at financial wizardry. We all know Al Capone got arrested finally over a simple tax matter. Even criminals need smart number crunchers to hide their money - and make more of it. This point and truism was brought home in The Godfather with Hyman Roth. Now it's up to the ultimate accountant to return to the fore when an innocent family is put under duress.
Not missing a beat Christian Wolff is more than ready to pick up the challenge. Affable Ben Affleck is pressed back into action when his rather stead life takes a u-turn with the death of a covert government operative. Right from the start the action is hot and heavy as our tax man tries to find a horrendous murderer somehow connected to a missing family whose roots go deep into cross border trafficking of all sorts of wicked things. Talk about an open door policy.
Oh, there's more going-on here. A lot more. Throw into the mix an elite assassin and an out of control brother and all bets are off in this delicious, delightful action romp that smartly ramps up the humour in a tour de force chase romp that's unpredictable and rather "eventful" to say the leafiest.
Hot with the humour and brave with the fists ( and kicks) is best bro Braxton. Always ready with the quick quips unlike his staid emotionless brother is Jon Bernthal whose wild bits spark off perfectly with Affleck. Together this oddest of all couples manage to put their differences aside and join forces to take down some pretty nasty criminal cutthroats who will stop at nothing to retain their power and control.
Full of smart and not so subtle wall to wall action (with a purpose) The Accountant 2 is high voltage revenge laced fun. Keep your eye on the prize as director Gavin O'Connor cleverly blends story and action flawlessly together. Expect the Accountant 3 to be heading into production quite soon.
Clown in a Cornfield(PG) * * *
Laugh-In!
Correction. Maybe I should have titled my review of our next movie kill-in. Either way you will be in the zone for scares and fun if you dare venture out to see Clown in a Cornfield. No, we're not talking Donald Trump here. Instead we are about to ramp up the humour when a loving dad and his daughter relocate to a quaint mid-western town. Feel all that small town hospitality ( and then some ) at local Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
Set near Winnipeg but with a considerable flown-in British Columbia crew all things good seem to be happening in company town Kettle Springs, Missouri. Sophisticated newcomer Doc Glenn Maybrook and his rather worldly daughter Quinn seem at first quite out of place. Both Aaron Abram's and Katie Douglas effectively play father daughter and quite naturally don't often see eye to eye when it comes to dating, amongst other things,
When Quinn gets accepted into this rural high school clique she latches onto Cole, the sort of heir to the Baypen Corn Syrup factory of considerable renown.
The factory mascot/trademark is a childlike clown. Little does the naive Quinn know that that clown has a dangerous past and not before long it returns to its killing ways.
Director Adam Cesare has a lot of fun with this flick. Somehow the cast manages to keep straight faces throughout as the killings begin. It's in total camp mode and a lot of fun as you really don't know what to expect and what's coming next in this wacko town filled with wacko people. Oh, yes - and a freaked out freaky clown.
Rust(PG) * * * *
True Grit!
Controversy typically is bad for a movie - or anything else in life. Despite a tragic accident on set that shook Hollywood and the entertainment industry to its core now out after a long delay is Rust. Yes, that's the same movie where a cinematographer was tragically killed when a gun supposedly holding blanks somehow mysteriously had a round of live ammunition in it which sadly led to her death. Now everyone can see firsthand the results of a pretty good film. Rust is now showing at The Park Theatre in Vancouver and other select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C. courtesy of Route 504 PR.
Life on the range is tough. This western takes place in the 1800s and follows the rather disjointed life of young Lucas Hollister. In a terrific performance 16 year old Patrick Scott McDermott stars as the shy but tough acting youth who above all else takes care of his young brother. When an innocent business transaction turns testy and confrontational an unexpected chain of events occurs. Charged with a crime the boy now has a price on his head and with the clock ticking to face justice a mystery man comes to his aide. Perhaps.
By all accounts Harland Rust is a man you don't want to mess with. Alex Baldwin (The Hunt for Red October) comes on strong as the straight talking fast shooting man who becomes a kind of guardian avenging angel to the youth.
So the chase is on as a gang of lawmen and various cutthroats scour the badlands in hopes of capturing these fugitives. Frontier justice of a sort is on the menu in this well-acted western soap opera that is gritty. Despite the unfortunate death on set of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins Rust still is worth seeing and a fitting tribute to a fallen hero.
On Swift Horses(PG) * * * *
Power Play!
In just a few days on May 3 live horse racing Will return to Vancouver's historic Hastings Park which also marks the running of the fabled The Kentucky Derby, the fastest two minutes in sports. Perfect timing from Mongrel Media sees the release of Swift Horses, a sensational drama with tons of heart. See this explosive emotional film at Cineplex International Village Cinemas and other Cineplex Theatres along with Landmark Theater screens across B.C.
Full of intense emotion and struggle Swift Horses focuses on the tumultuous lives of a young brother and a returning brother from the Korean War . Director Daniel Minahan effectively transforms the hit Bryce Kass novel to the silver screen. We all know that two things can make for a successful movie: a good story and great casting Fortunately for Minahan and us both elements blend effectively in this tale of hope and endurance.
At its heart Swift Horses is a story about two brothers who have totally different outlooks on life and a girl caught between them. Love triangles can be perilous and young Muriel may face lots of second guessing when newly minted husband Lee gets a surprise visit from brother Julius. Terrific performances from Daisy Edgar-Jones, Will Poulter and Jacob Elordi will have you on the edge of your seats as you get drawn into the sexually charged cravings of this trio. Not explicit but full of raw intense emotion On Swift Horses shows how far people will go in the pursuit of money, family and love (though not necessarily in that order).
What drives the passion is ultimately the aphrodisiac of money and lust. The story begins in Kansas, heads to the west coast and gets lots of its sizzle in Las Vegas. Man of the moment Julius is the ultimate wild card with his penchant for cards and all things taboo impacting the lives of family and friends. Oh, and let's not forget the lure of luck and the dollar as desperate people in tough times turn to gambling. In The case of Muriel that lure of quick money leads to the racetrack with unforeseen consequences
Full of heart and soul On Swift Horses is a little film with king-sized performances that will leave you wanting more!
Striking Rescue(PG) * * * *
Daddy Dearest!
Father knows best. Oldies will remember that classic T.V. show from the early 1960s. Well to no one's surprise the latest thriller from Well Go USA has absolutely nothing to do with those nice and wholesome family values made so popular in The 50s and 60s. Still to no one's surprise to this day family means everything. So when an innocent man sees his family brutalized and his child murdered those memories truly die hard. See a man take matters into his own hands in The action-packed Striking Rescue. So mark your calendars for April 15 when this movie comes out on all digital services across the world or make the wise choice to buy the dvd on May 13. In Chinese with english subtitles.
Drugs are dangerous. And deadly. Set in present day China this revenge thriller sees a helpless Bai Ann see his wife and daughter murdered mercilessly. And messily. How can one get over this ? Well, in Bai Ann's case he decides to get physical, train, and prepare to exact his own brand of justice no matter how long it takes.
Back in action and ready to settle a score is legendary Muai Thai master
Tony Jaa. Cold and calculating our Man Bai waits years but the perseverance pays off when he finds the man responsible for his daughter's slaying. There's an old saying: an eye for an eye. So when Bai learns a much feared drug lord is responsible for his daughter's death he decides to kidnap the man's daughter. What follows is a deadly descent into the chaotic world of ruthless gangs and criminals who will stop at nothing to continue their winning ways.
Director Cheng si-you unleashes Jaa whose fists ( and legs) of fury do all the talking. Amazingly choreographed stunts show Jaa as his best taking on hoards of gangsters and somehow miraculously coming out on top,
If you like strong one man taking on the world a la Rambo or Arnold you will love this movie.
Eye For an Eye 2: Blind Vengeance(PG) * * * *
Eyes Wide Open!
Well go USA Entertainment ramps up the action with their latest import from China named Eye for an Eye 2: Blind Vengeance. Just a barrage of non-stop action explodes on the screen in this well-crafted thriller now out on DVD and Blue Ray as well as on select streaming services. Made in Chinese with English subtitles that don't deter here's a film that's smart and stylish and packs quite the punch.
Fans of John Wick will feel right at home watching this fable unfold in ancient China. In a quaint village we see a young girl witness the brutal slaying of her mom. That trauma strikes a chord and somehow the kid meets a blind bounty hunter known as Lieutenant. Together the pair form an unlikely and at times testy friendship as each goes about their merry ways. Oh and this little girl has vengeance on her mind built up over time.
Oh, and I be would be remiss in not saying that this is a man of few words who still packs quite a punch and kick - and also turns out he to be blind. Cast as the mysterious Lieutenant is Miao Xie in a zestful performance. Let us not forget the uncanny and charming acting of young Enyou Yang.
Director and writer Bingjia Yang does a tremendous job choreographing all the fight scenes that are spellbinding and brilliant. And both main characters are wonderfully developed. You feel both compassion and sorrow for these two lost souls who somehow come together and bond over a tragic incident.
One for the action crowd An Eye for an Eye 2: Blind vengeance has it all and is well worth watching if vengeance is and revenge are gentle on your mind. Well, not so gentle or subtle.
Harbin(PG) * * * *
Soul Survivors!
We live in a troubled world. Lessons can be learned from the past. Settle in for quite the adventure with Harbin. World politics are clearly on the menu in the latest thriller from Well Go USA Entertainment which is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Set in the early 20th century our story follows the actions of a group of Korean freedom fighters out to stop Japan's military campaign to annex South Korea.
Personal egos play a key role as a determined group of men (and women) do whatever they can to stop the Japanese advance. War is war and everything is on the table in this determined group's effort to derail Japan and keep Korea safe.
As can be expected during this time of upheaval and with survival on everyone's mind sometimes loyalties can be divided and pushed to the limit. So when suspicions among the closely knit ( well, maybe not so close) rebel force begin to mount over a potential spy the stakes are raised sky high.
Now Harbin becomes a case of spy vs spy minus all that Sean Connery James Bond glamour. It's a race against time as an elaborate plan is hatched to stop Japan in its tracks. All eyes focus on a mysterious rendezvous scheduled en route to Russia . Or maybe not.
Great acting, a spine tingling cloak and dagger atmosphere, tension galore , a keep them guessing approach and a fight to the finish showdown make Harbin a heart-pounding reality driven adventure.
The Friend(PG) * * *
Puppy Love!
It's an unusual love story to be sure. Heartfelt and emotional are the performances that unfold effortlessly in the New York set The Friend. Brought to British Columbia by Mongrel Media this loving portrait is currently playing at Vancouver's Park Theatre.
Losing a loved one is a painful process. So when author and educator Walter dies it leaves a big hole in the hearts of all his friends, including Iris. Funnyman Bill Murray (Caddy Shack) turns down the comedy while Naomi Watts rises to the occasion and steps up to take care of her friend's prized possession - a pooch named Appolo. (Played by Bing).
Maybe it's the dog that's the real star of this show as it takes centre stage turning Iris's life upside down. At first reluctant to take in The Great Dane over time the two "bond" in a poignant way. Just how this woman copes with looking after an animal in the big city is wonderfully depicted in an honest, accurate and emotional way.
Front and centre in The Friend is the realistic way with which it portrays the grieving process. Adding to the drama are the problems associated when trying to find a place to rent which are exacerbated when an animal is thrown into the mix.
Ideal for both romantics and dog lovers The Friend is full of good vibes and will leave its mark on you.
McVeigh(PG) * * * *
Lone Wolf!
Go behind the scenes to track a determined killer in the spine-tingling McVeigh. Based of course on the life of notorious bomber Tim McVeigh this drama from Route 504PR being backs lots of memories. Bad memories. Check out this slice of American folklore and history at select theatres across BC. Before it makes its way onto streaming services as well as on Blu-Ray and DVD.
Shot in the land of bourbon and fabled thoroughbred horse farms and racing in Kentucky McVeigh follows the drive and determination of the ultimate loner/loser. A man of few words and questionable motives actor Alfie Allen is as intense as they come in portraying Tim McVeigh, superbly conveying all that raw rage and pent-up emotion buried deep inside a calm demeanor.
Director and co-writer Mike Ott does a great job recreating an unsettling atmosphere as this determined man out to blow up a federal building in Oklahoma makes his way from Kentucky to his final destination. Along the way he meets up with the usual suspects and undesirable wannabe revolutionaries, Nazis and the hard right extremists. More into gun shows than hooded rallies you can sense the desperation in all who cross paths with this ticking time bomb who somehow succeeds in creating chaos at a troubling time in American society. Chilling to the core.
Black Bag(PG) * * *
Lover's Tryst!
It's spy vs spy with a sexy twist in Black Bag. Forgot about all those fanciful James Bond extravangzas a la Connery. Consider all those Mission Impossible and Jason Bourne escapades to take a back seat to the danger a loving couple faces In this meticulously acted espionage thriller from Touchwood PR which is now entertaining audiences at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C.
Moles aren't just blemishes on your face. In spy parlance a mole is a "plant" embedded in a security organization. On the surface husband and wife tag team spies George Woodhouse and Kathryn St. Jean seem to have a good thing going. Too bad for them MI6's top pair of assassins may be guilty of betraying their paymasters. Both Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett are superb as the meticulous lovers who get caught up in a dastardly plot to ruin their careers, bring down MI6 and maybe destroy the world. Sounds interesting.
A list director and George Clooney partner Steven Soderbergh is in top form reviving that spy who came in from the cold Harry Palmer era. To make the movie work you have to buy into the whole premise of a husband wife spy team not letting their personal feelings interfere with their work. Yes, we've seen films like this before. But thanks to the great acting from Fassbender and Blanchett it all seems so real.
you really don't know what's going on and who are the traitors in this smartly written story that truly leaves you guessing. If you want to see great characters going at it hot and heavy then Black Bag will be worth your time. Besides, it also features Pierce Brosnan and Naomi Harris .
The Penguin Lessons(PG) * * *
Lesson Learned!
A lesson learned. And earned. That about sums up the goings on in The Penguin Lessons. Sometimes small films can be good. And entertaining. So let the good times roll and flow which they do in this quaint little movie from Mongrel media now enchanting folks at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
South America Is full of mystery. And danger. But let's not forget instability. Into this smouldering setting wanders globe-trotting teacher Tom Michell. Funnyman Steve Coogan ( Night at the Museum) turns down the comedy and ramps up the drama as a long haired English teacher doing his best to tutor some well-heeled boy students at St. George's college a prestigious boarding school in Buenos Aires.
Set in Argentina during the turbulent mid 1970s when martial law was in vogue The Penguin Lessons shows the fine line that had to be drawn between doing the right thing or staying out of jail. With whimsical humour thrown in to take the edge off the incessant danger communities were facing at the time Coogan carefully weaves his way through the countless challenges he faces to retain his job, his sanity, and a new Penguin friend named Juan Salvador who somehow provides the glue it takes to survive.
Poignant, uncertain and thoroughly enjoyable The Penguin Lessons is based on a real story and shows how people can overcome fear and desperation when all hope seems to be lost. Bolstered by a charming performance by former James Bond nemesis Jonathan Pryce (Tomorrow Never Dies) as Buckles, the flimsy school headmaster The Penguin Lessons will leave you smiling all the way home. And happy you saw it!
Little Miss Sociopath(PG) * * *
Fraudsters!
Watch out for those small indies! Hot on the heels of Oscar winning surprise winner Anora comes an equally sizzling Little Miss Sociopath. Can lightening strike twice?You never know. Check it out on streaming services in British Columbia such as Amazon, Google Play and YouTube Movies thanks is your Access 2 Productions.
At a time when audiences are by and large fed up with superheroes and train wreck dull stories along comes another offbeat lark that may just click with the cinematic minions. Enter into the fray Little Miss Sociopath, otherwise known as one Clementine, who is a hard worker seemingly getting nowhere at a medical office. In an over the top yet captivating performance Jenny Tran lights up the screen as just an ordinary girl who wants to get ahead.
Chances of upward mobility are hard enough for the best of us. So with the aid of an unscrupulous friend the pair latch onto an outlandish get rich scheme. Heaven help anyone who gets in Their way.
Director/writer Miv Evans effectively uses what looks like quite the low budget well and allows her characters to blossom in some very unpredictable ways. Not to be co fused with Little Miss Sunshine this dark comedy lark keeps you on your toes throughout which is one of the most Important factors in any movies success. You just don't know what's going to happen next in this movie, Fun and flambouyant make Little Miss Sociopath well worth delving into when it reaches streaming services and comes out on DVD and Blu-ray.
Can I Get A Witness!(PG) * * * * *
Tough Love!
Talk about an offbeat film. Dark, mysterious and definitely different along comes Can I Get A Witness? On the surface one might think this film has something to do with the courts or police. Not so. Here we have a spooky look at a futuristic society where end of life comes under close scrutiny. Brought here by Mongrel Media and now showing at The Fifth Avenue Cinemas this movie might even be thought of as a wake-up call for a brave new world. Or not.
What a mixed bag. Made with loads of Canadian money and your hard earned tax dollars this movie presents a jaded look at a future where government controls everything - even death. Two young people are thrust into the limelight as greeters of sorts set to help "guide" their clients into a better (?) world. Creepy in the extreme are the final rites visited on various people in this utopian society.
Steady as he goes slick well-mannered Daniel is a mentor of sorts to new assistant trainee Kiah. Kind of believable are the performances of Joel Oulette and Keira Jang who are an unusual couple trying to work with each other as well as others to send them off to a better world. Just how they deal with these patients is spooky and interesting,
Surreal to be sure this movie also is relying on the "star power of Sandra Oh. Definitely offbeat and for acquired tastes Can I Get A Witness is a pretty somber affair and deals with a subject most of us fear. Filmed in Vancouver this film has good creepy performances and takes onnrather difficult subject matter that likely won't have mainstream appeal.
My Dead Friend Zoe(PG) * * * *
Second Thoughts!
Compelling. Considerate. And full of compassion. That about sums up My Dead Friend Zoe. Give it up and give in to small independent cinema. Despite having a few big stars it's the story and acting of the "smaller" performers who turn in some memorable performances here. Consider this film to be symbolic of the little movie that could. My oh my there's a lot going on in this small gem from 504PR now staking out its territory at select Cineplex Screens and Landmark Theatres around B.C.
War is hell. Someone smart said that back in the day and was 100% right. Move onto 2016 where we encounter two young women pressed into duty for the army in Afghanistan. The friendship that Merit and Zoe would forge on the battlefield would come home to haunt them and others upon their return to Portland Oregon when their tour of duty ended a few years later. Both Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales are sensational as the long term buddies whose friendship is put to the test when they return.
Yes, we've all heard about post dramatic syndrome and the way vets have been treated when they return to civilian life. All that plight and trouble is on full view when Merit must cope with not only the pressure and demons she encountered while overseas, as if that wasn't hard enough, but the difficulty she must face with an aging family member. Just how this plays out is meticulously crafted by director/writer Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and brilliantly presented by Ms Martin-Green who absolutely hits it out of the ballpark. It's hard to imagine a seasoned veteran actress doing a better job.
Imagine having a movie that includes acting heavyweights Ed Harris (Absolute Power) and Morgan Feeeman (Seven) not taking the lead. instead their compassionate and caring work as a respective therapist and career military man simply adds to the intensity of this well written well thought out movie that was actually inspired by real events.
Though some folks have suggested this film has elements of comedy they are wrong. Forget about the romance and sporadic joke thrown it. My Dead Friend Zoe is all about just how screwed up someone can get during and after going to war. It's a lesson some of our leaders should well learn from. And heed.
100 Yards(PG) * * * *
Battle Stations!
A call to arms. You want action ? You got action and then some in the crowd-pleasing 100 Yards. Settle in to a soon to be classic actioner from Well Go USA now out on select streaming services as well as on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Set in ancient China where martial arts was born our saga follows the quest to take control of a highly regarded Kung-fu school. This dynasty is run by a committee of sorts who must who must find a "suitable" candidate to replace the school leader. Can you say a fight to the death? You should.
Two men go toe to toe with gangs aplenty vying to control the streets In this action-packed saga. Family intrigue, double crosses and hard to fathom explicitly choreographed battles put you in the zone for all the mayhem that ensues.
Far-fetched to be sure yet yet 100 Yards is acfion-packed to the max. It's a cut above! Moody performances put you in the right frame of mind as you can't help but wonder who will ultimately win the prize - and of course survive.
