Movie Reviews By Robert Waldman
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Updated: January 21, 2025
A Complete Unknown Before Dawn Carry-On Clear Cut Conclave Goodrich Justice Memoir of a Snail September 5 The Brutalist The Last Showgirl The Room Next Door Werewolves Woman of the Hour Young Werther Whistler Film Festival
Diving into the Darkness Documentaries: Skategoat and Resident Orca Kneecap Housewife of the Year The Legend in Me 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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September 5(PG) * * * * *
Riveting!
Lessons can be learned . How appropriate it is for Paramount Films to bring out September 5. Those old enough will remember the 1972 Olympics In Munich Germany. Known not for sports but cold blooded murder this riveting movie is must see entertainment that is historic and meaningful. It is now showing at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C. thanks to The Taro group.
At a time when Anti-semitism is spreading across the world September recounts how a group of Palestinian Terrorists took captive 11 Israeli athletes and murdered them in cold blood. No one did anything and the games went on - at least for a while. Funny but sad it is so ironic how history has a way of repeating itself as leaders like Canada's Trudeau and those in Australia and Ireland are so blind to hate that they allow Jew hatred to run rampant in their society. A movie like September 5 shows how sick these warped people are and their followers are as just as culpable as the trigger pullers.
What sets September 5 apart from most thrillers is that it real. Unbeknownst to many while the athletes were kidnapped and tortured no one knew what was going on. Somehow a sports program was able to connect the dots and turned out to be the only feed to the outside program. That show was ABC sports and this film goes behind the scenes to see how a team or rag tag jocks was able to make broadcast history by finding a way to document and film the horrors on display while the rest of the world stood idly by in silence.
Full of raw emotion and sizzling performances backstopped by Peter Sarsgaard and Ben Chaplin hearts will go out to these brave gutsy journalists who pulled out all the stops to let the world what was happening in Munich. Never again.
The Last Showgirl(PG) * *
Last Gasp!
Work is good. Sooner or later all people need to retire. Watch the fallout when a dancer needs to come clean in The Last Showgirl. Like the title to this Mongrel Media film suggests here's a movie about the ups and downs of a dancer. See this penetrating documentary now at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C. Before it arrives on streaming services.
Fresh off its world premiere at the recent Whistler film festival former Baywatch babe and ex-British Columbian Pamela Anderson returns to familiar territory and the big screen as Shelly. Life has been good for Shelly. Or so it seems. Long a staple "performer" in the Razzle Dazzle revue in Las Vegas all seems to be going well for the seasoned vet. But after 18 years on the job change is inevitable.
What The Last Showgirl does so well is its ability to get into the mindset of the dancers. People are people and we get up close and personal with the girls whose livelihoods all revolve around their physique. Age can be hard on people and aging has not gone well for Shelly. Anderson does a great job showing the emotional toll a cabaret dancer experiences with a life in front of the public.
Director Gia Coppola goes deep into the personal lives and personalities of the performers who make their livings showing off. Here the atmosphere is spot on as are the personal pettiness that many reveal which appears to be a pretty honest portrayal of this industry.
Bolstered by strong backup performances from most notably former James Bond baddie Dave Bautista The Last Showgirl is an honest portrait of the struggles aging has on people?
A Complete Unknown(PG) * * * *
Rebel!
Born to rock. And to talk. That about sums up the story behind A Complete Unknown, the newest film from Searchlight Pictures. Now playing to sell-out audiences at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C consider this biography to be a must see movie for fans of musical icons. Mind you, what else would you expect from master director James Mangold who always gets up and close and personal with his subject matter. Can you dig it?
Hot off his captivating role in Dune chameleon-like actor Timothée Chalamet turns his talents to bring the unbelievable life of Bobby Zimmerman to life. Oh, check that. This was this talented man's name before he changed it to Bob Dylan and the rest, as they say, is history.
Here the cameras tracks this magical minstrel as he sought out and found his musical icon Woody Guthrie. Didn't Guthrie or friend Pete Seeger know that this young nobody could write? And how! From playing tiny bars to headlining the prestigious Newport Folk Festival and its Monterrey California counterpart A Complete Unknown does an impressive job sketching out the life of an aloof loner who did his own thing, created his own songs and in the process took the world by storm.
Blessed with an impressive cast Including an almost unrecognizable Ed Norton here Mangold does an excellent job recreating the 60s with all the unrest over Vietnam and Civil Rights bubbling to the surface. Through it all Dylan's somewhat tumultuous personal life and relationships are front and centre with Chalamet uncanny resemblance to the great one (sorry number 99) and his remarkable singing voice making for a remarkably entertaining two and a half hours.
Young Werther(PG) * * *
Puppy Love!
Love is a many splendored thing. Watch the trials and tribulations a young man endures in the rambunctious Young Werther. Based on the hit novel VVS Films and Route 504PR smoothly release this fun romantic flick now showing at Cineplex Cinemas and Lionsgate Theatres across B.C.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner comes along this tender tale of a lost in love prep boy who, you guessed it, gets smitten by a vexing blonde beauty. To buy into this story you have to just go with the flow and believe in the main characters. And you do! That's half the battle as this sad sack loser (?) goes all out to win the girl of his dreams.
Cast as the Romeo with a big vocabulary but not so much winning way with the ladies is Douglas Booth (Jupiter Ascending). This likeable actor is spot on as a fish out of water and his cocky yet charming attitude and approach to life reminds one of Canadian Ryan Reynolds in his breakout role in National Lampoon's Val Wilder. Alls fair in love and war and the girl caught in the middle of an impossible love triangle is Charlotte. Bubbly Allison Pill (Milk) pulls off a complicated role in captivating fashion. You just like these people while even the outliers in the piece have a lot to say.
Funny, poignant and full of twists and turns Young Werther is a winning date movie perfect for romance enthusiasts and those looking for a little harmless fun with heart.
Made by double threat man with the long name Jose Lourenco Young Werther is definitely worthy of your time.
The Brutalist(PG) * * * * *
Comeback King!
First off: Don't let the length of this film turn you off. Quite the contrary . Very few films can hold your attention for an hour, let alone 3 1/2 hours . This one can. And does. Superb on every level The Brutalist is an astounding movie that will make you think and cry. See superb performances unfold in this magnificent tour de force experience from Elevation Pictures now unraveling at The Park Theatre and select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across British Columbia.
With the rise in racism and anti-semitism sweeping across the world fueled by left leaning radicals and fanatical terrorists and their misguided messed up supporters the release of The Brutalist couldn't be more timely. Or appropriate. Set during World War 2 and its aftermath this film traces the life of a Holocaust survivor with a will to live.
For Laszlow Toth all that mattered was to escape the concentration camp he was sent to. And to live. Adrien Brody gives everything to this role and leaves nothing on the screen as the conflicted prisoner who miraculously gets a new lease on life. Unfortunately Good news was lacking at the time for his wife Erszebet. Felicity Jones is beguiling and compelling as the left behind woman. Separated from his loving life this once renowned architect somehow managed to flee to the promised land: America.
Told in two parts with a 15 minute intermission The Brutalist really hones in on three things: the immigrant experience, business and anti-semitism. Director Brady Corbett co-wrote this story and managed to blend all these experiences together flawlessly. Where the business angle kicks in again concerns the plight of immigrants and need for money to survive. In Laszlow's case the pivotal point was a chance meeting with Philadelphia industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren Sr. Somehow these two men clicked and thus begins a new chapter in this displaced man's life. Trust Guy Pearce (LA Confidential ) to pull off a captivating performance as the intriguing millionaire. Build baby Build is this tycoons motto. Canadian politicians take note.
Full of surprises, twist and turns and mesmerizing performances.
Along with a pitch perfect sometimes eerie sound track consider The Brutalist to be the best film of 2024. And you can take that to the bank. Guaranteed.
The Room Next Door(PG) * * * *
Last Rites!
Death is hard. No one likes to die or be sick. Feel the pain of a person in pain in The Room Next Door. Settle in for quite the ride as Sony Pictures Classics and Mongrel Media present a serious look at a serious subject that sooner or later everyone faces. Check in to see this first class drama at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
Friends matter. So does family. When your family deserts you or you never were close to your clan then your pals take on greater relevance. This at least is the dilemma facing elderly Martha. Accomplished actress Tilda Swinton rises to the occasion and then some as a woman with major health concerns. Not happy with the results of her cancer diagnosis and given some unhealthy choices to get better she seeks out advice from her friends.
Thanks to a chance encounter old time pal Ingrid reappears from out of nowhere. Over 40 dynamo Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights) does her best to soothe Ingrid's pain but not before long she must face some demons her own.
The Room Next Door is all about friendship. And the fine line between living and dying. Trust notable Spanish director Pedro Almodovar to again take on a harsh subject and embrace all sides of the issue. Above all else casting matters immensely with this sort of story. It's hard to think of any two actors who could connect as well with each other and audiences. Both Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore pull off tremendous performances that are heartfelt and sincere. And highly relevant.
Impressive on all counts Almodóvar again delivers another tour de force movie. Oh, and the icing is on the cake comes with the inclusion of John Turturro as a go-between friend.
Carry-On(PG) * * * * *
Bon Voyage!
We all know travel can be unpredictable. So many factors can lead to delays - or worse - when going on a trip. Whether it's the weather, a mechanical breakdown or some other unscheduled event it may add to both the anxiety and cost associated with leaving on a journey. Buckle up for the ride of your life in Carry-On. Hint: it will be a bumpy ride. Now out on Netflix this heart-pounding thriller is the ultimate joy ride.
Remember Steven Spielberg? How well do you know the maestro of cinema and ost successful director in history. Not happy with inventing the summer blockbuster by way of Jaws Spielberg was not one to rest on his laurels. Spielberg created his own studio: Dreamworks after first starting his Amblin production company. One of the earlier success of the studio that Steven built was a film called Red-Eye which helped launch the careers of Academy Award winning Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) and Canadian crown jewel Rachel McAdams (The Notebook). Someone at the studio must have a thing for flying since Carry-On is all about the joy ( and perils) of taking off. All aboard!
Perfect timing with the holiday season fast approaching sees the release of Carry-On. Anyone whose gone on a plane in recent years has seen the delays at getting bags checked to prevent hijackings or madmen like the shoe bomber. Even the news of a two time stowaway can't compare to the determined efforts of a madman (or two) with ill designs on a flight.
Caught in the middle of a man on a mission to do harm to many is rookie TSA screener Ethan Kopek. Besides being sort of new on the job Taron Egerton is on edge throughout as a maniac targets him to let a bag go unchecked. You can feel the heart pounding and smell the sweat as this novice somehow must talk down a lethal lunatic who will stop at nothing to create chaos and get his way.
Funnyman turned high teck terrorist Jason Bateman is icily cold (and bold) as the master manipulator known as stranger ( or traveler). In a race against time these two men duke it out mentally and physically in this non-stop thriller.
Sure Carry-On is a bit far-fetched. So what? Set on Christmas Eve at LAX thanks to strong acting here's a great thriller that is an action fan's wet dream. Forget about reading other reviews on IMDB or the like. Take my word for it: Carry-On is a lot of fun and a rock 'em sock 'em affair, Fans of classics like Speed and Die Hard and countless Liam Neeson films iwill feel right at home boarding for this movie. And that's a sure bet and great use of your time.
Memoir of a Snail(PG) * * *
Friendly Fire!
Done well animated films can be a blast. Recent years have seen the flourishing of films made with clay animation. Funny, smart and sophisticated humour is on tap in Memoir of a Snail. Original and somewhat saucy this new release from Mongrel Media is bold and different. And definitely worth your time. Catch it at select theatres around B.C.
Despite its gone off the rails government, like so many others, Australia creativity is oozing forth in Memoir of a Snail. Credit director/writer Adam Eliot for taking us on an unbelievable journey. In a nutshell this fun comedy/drama recounts the rather eventful and tumultuous life of one Grace Pudel. Just like the famous The Lion King looks at the life cycle of a Lion Memoir of a Snail follows the life of a young girl through adulthood. During this journey we encounter a number of Grace's zany friends who all have a message that resonates in her ( and perhaps your) life.
Funny, frank, and at times raucous Memoir of a Snail is uniquely original. And into this mix comes the story of collecting snails. Odd for sure but definitely interesting and intriguing here is one film that is so different yet full of everyday experiences many, many people will be able to relate to. Why it even has busy in Vancouver actor Eric Bana ( Munich) adding his voice as a Magistrate to these wild proceedings.
Werewolves(PG) * * *
Freak Out!
Ready for a wild and bumpy ride? Fear not as a new thriller will give you the chills. In a tribute of sorts to schlocky horror films of the 1980s with a lace of science fiction comes Werewolves courtesy of VVS Films. Now showing in theatres across B.C. This sharply acted thriller is definitely a guilty pleasure and deserves an A for reviving B grade thrillers.
Like the title suggests Werewolves is all about, not surprisingly, werewolves. Only served up with a twist. Society seems to be freaked out as some strange moon event once a year transforms everyone into werewolves for a day. Or something like that. Now the powers that be aren't going to let this carnage happen again.
With the bloody moon approaching all that matters is protecting one's home and family. Wesley is the Man on the hot seat and part of a select team of scientists out to stop the carnage and chaos. Go to guy Frank Grillo steps into this fight for salvation with gusto, using his military training and prowess to try to elude these half man half animal beasts, protect his family and deliver a knock out blow to these home grown maneatjers once and for all. Take it all with a large grain of salt.
Fun special effects with some down right scary blood thirsty animals gives Werewolves a cheeky feel to it. With all that doom and gloom atmosphere and time running out the stakes seems sky high in this emotional battle for survival. Good pacing and some genuine scary/silly moments makes Werewolves a fun outing at the movies if horrors your thing. Besides, it's a lot cheaper than attending a Taylor Swift concert though a bit far-fetched to be sure. Mean is good!
Documentaries: Skategoat and Resident Orca - Whistler Film Festival(PG) * * * * *
Ready or not the 2024 Whistler Festival is at hand. Full of first class movies that often don't get broad releases two dramas stand out. Skategoat looks at the most unconventional of athletes and Resident orca follows the tale of a captive whale. Both are must see movies and well worth the drive to this winter wonderland.
Skategoat looks at the unbelievable life of skateboard champion Leandre Sanders. While just a teen director Van Alpert " armed" this slum boy with an old iPhone and other rudimentary camera devices with the intent of getting him to film his athletic prowess on a skateboard. Little did both men know that this cocky kid from the wrong side of the tracks would become a world champion. Candid interviews and superb footage show how this uneducated boy from a broken home would take the skate board world by storm.
On a somewhat different track but equally emotional is the heartbroken tale spun In Resident Orca. With connections to the Pacific North West this tale follows the sad plight of Lolita, an Orca abducted in the Salish Sea by some unscrupulous mariners and sent to a sea world like attraction in Miami. Here we see the dedicated attempts of two women with the First Nations Lummi Nation in Washington State who go out to rescue a captive mammal whose days are dwindling. How their efforts turn out will have you pulling for Lolita all the way.
Showtimes:
Skateboard. Friday Dec 6. 8:00 PM. Maury Young Arts Centre. Whistler
Resident Orca Friday Dec 6. 4:45 PM. Rainbow Theatre. Whistler
For tickets please go to Whistlerfilmfestival.com or call 1-877-838-3456
Housewife of the Year - Whistler Film Festival(PG) * * * * *
Model Mom!
How fortunate we are to have film festivals in B.C. Once again the world's most famous ski resort has assembled a spectacular array of films. Like the beauty of this all season resort this year's film festival brings some amazing films to local audiences and visitors. One must see film is Housewife of the Year. This Irish gem must be seen to believed. Check it out Friday Dec 6 at 12:00 PM High Noon at the Village 8 Cinemas Theatre 7.
Documentaries come in all shapes and sizes. Just like the title suggests Housewife of the Year is a recollection of a contest that seemingly gripped the nation for many years. Television like film is certainly engaging. Somehow someone came up with the brilliant (?) idea of holding a contest to crown the Emerald Isle's top housewife.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yet after watching this movie you can't help but shake your head as to how these women went about their lives - often under the watchful eye of the ever prying and pervasive Church. You have to remember that back in those days The Catholic Church had a grip on Irish society. And the women who appeared on this show clearly followed the tradition of the church where women were urged to stay home and raise children while men went to work. My have times changed.
Now we get to see women who appeared on this highly rated TV show back then and now comment on the whole experience. And it's an Eye-opener. Candid, effective, genuine, folksy, interesting, sincere and above all else entertaining Housewife of the Year is a time capsule of life in Ireland in the not too distant past that truly explores the role of women in society. It's not to be missed.
For tickets to the Whistler Film Festival go to Whistlerfilmfestival.com or call toll free 1-877-838-3456.
Kneecap - Whistler Film Festival(PG) * * * *
Rogue Warrior!
Hollywood for years has been accused of doing nothing new. So studios have art divisions in hopes of finding new original material.Leave it to Sony Pictures Classics to scour the earth and come up with Kneecap, a jarring thought-provoking Irish shot movie that shines a new light on that part of the world. Presented in British Columbia by Mongrel media this movie is bound to set of a stir - in a nice kind of way. Sure to be a big highlight of this years Whistler Film Festival check it out on Friday Dec 6 at the Village 8 Theatre 2 at 7:45 pm.
For years Ireland has been producing good movies with Irish themes to them. Those themes resonated with global audiences since their thoughts can be embraced universally. Ever since the 1980s the Emerald Isle has produced some great movies. To this list must now be added Kneecap.
Smartly set over the years in Belfast its themes can't be denied. Especially with the long lasting tradition of English French friction in Canada seemingly at odds since Confederation. Naturally in Northern Ireland the struggle is all about British rule over the land. Only in this case the pivotal provocation relates to the Irish language itself.
Said to be partly based on facts Kneecap decisively delves deep into the politics of the day and in particular a family with a very determined dad. But it's the kids in later years who "graduate" into expressing their political and everyday living views through music. So a punk rock group called Kneecap is formed with these two disillusioned lads and a guiding maestro music school teacher whose own family is caught up in the language debate.
Graphic and exciting Kneecap thrusts you head first into the turmoil just bubbling beneath the surface. Throw in the odd corrupt cop or two, age-old grudges and undeniable stage presence along with a raucous bedside manner befitting a rock star and you've got a pretty appealing, original and eventful movie that's sure to leave you awestruck no matter whose side you're on.
To buy tickets in advance or learn about other entertaining movies at this year's festival go to Whistler filmfestival.com or call toll free 1-877-838-3456.
The Legend in Me - Whistler Film Festival(PG) * * *
Soul Man!
Legend. Few people earn that title let alone deserve it. Even less are the number of Canadians worthy of that status. From out of nowhere somehow the Whistler Film Festival managed to secure The Legend in Me. This dazzling documentary explores the unbelievable life of a sports dynasty. Share the love, heart and soul of a one of a kind true legend making its Canadian premier in scenic Whistler on Thursday December 5 at 4:45 Village 8 - Theatre 2 all thanks to Route 504 PR.
By now you're no doubt wondering just what is this movie about. Even this writer had to do a double take as The Legend in Me takes a deep dive into the unbelievable story of the Conacher family. More impressive is how director Calvin Hwang was able to get members of this family to open up about how through the years they handled the aura of family patriarch Lionel Conacher.
What goes into making a legend? Lots of hard work, practice and perseverance. Funny how you think you know someone and are blown away by just how little you know and how much more there is. With Lionel Conacher I learned that this man excelled in the minor leagues and professionally as a hockey great, baseball stalwart, football leader and boxing champion. And this is just one person. Imagining being a hero in just one sport. And this guy excelled in four. Amazing.
Now no family is without its problems no matter how rich, famous or successful. Candid interviews with household sports celebrities reveal the inspiration Lionel Conacher gave them. Less known and the true focus of this story is how a great grandson took a different path from the sporting world and just how difficult that road was to travel due to narrow mindedness and perhaps more dubious discrimination. Hey, it just ain't easy.
Smart, sincere, provocative,inspirational and highly emotional The Legend in Me has it all!
For tickets or more Information go to Whistlerfilmfestival.com or call toll free 1-877-838-3456
Diving into the Darkness - Whistler Film Festival(G) * * * * *
Water Warrior!
Whistler Mountain is known for the best skiing in North America - if not the world. Now an all year resort with recreational activities for everyone and not just the international jet set as a stop-over Robin Leach and the Hollywood elite would be oh so proud. Today this winter wonderland is more than just a one hit wonder.
One of the bright spots of this so close to home resort is the Whistler Film Festival. Just a two hour drive from Vancouver weather permitting this years festival is well worth the trip. Check out movies being offered this year at Whistlerfilmfestival.com. The film festival is short and sweet going from Dec 4-8.
A must see film and at the top of my list is Diving into the Darkness
This movie has everything Whistler has to offer: breathtaking natural beauty, adventure, action, excitement and a hero you can root for. No, we're not talking a James Bond Movie from the 1960s a la Sean Connery (though this years festival also showcases Daniel Craig's controversial Queer sexcapade) you can actually see some similarities to agent 007 if you pay close attention. Combining themes of space and aquatics befitting Starbucks Wars and Aquaman Diving Into the Darkness boldly goes where no other person has ventured. It's one small step for man one giant leap for mankind as we follow the incredible life of Jill Heinerth.
This documentary is simply amazing. Told in her own words the movie takes a deep dive into this woman's life when as a child we see her quest for knowledge and adventure. From this point onward we would see this humble Canadian born champion become a cave diver going deep into the bowels of the Earth on scientific journeys. All the danger facing this brave woman is front and Centre brought forth in amazing detail. With a watery atmosphere it is simply amazing how this rookie explorer braves the depths of a watery wonderland deep inside underwater cave networks in Mexico and beyond in a path of discovery, beauty and danger.
Edge of your seat cinematography and amazing tension abounds in this up close and riveting portrait of a one of a kind Canadian woman who broke barriers in science and exploration with a passion that must be seen to be believed.
For tickets to this amazing movie and more information at other films at this years festival go to Whistlerfilmfestival.com or call 1-877-838-3456.
Justice(PG) * * * *
Time's Up!
Good movies can be made everywhere. Hollywood no longer has a monopoly on audiences as it once had. Netflix shows the way to success with Justice. From Poland with love comes this well-acted head-turner that American studio heads can certainly learn a lot from.
Thought to be inspired by true events settle into a crackerjack of a movie. When some bank employees at a prominent bank in Poland are methodically killed during a robbery it sends shock waves through the country. With Poland's top police officials and the nations top level security apparatus charged with apprehending the robbers/killers all does not seeming to be going well. When in doubt go deep. And in this case an old washed-up (?) investigator is called back into active duty. It pays to have friends in high places. Or does it?
Man of the hour Olaf Lubaszenko is terrific as the old veteran cop whose methods may not be pretty but his results are. Teamed with a younger woman officer the pair navigate through a minefield of corruption and evil as they search for a killer or two. Or three.
Effective pacing and a tight taut tempo give Justice a very appealing if not thrilling atmosphere. All the characters here are interesting and the action though muted is highly engaging. Top performances and zestful directing from Michal Gazda make Justice a thrilling tale of crime and deceit. Highly enjoyable.
Conclave(PG) * * * *
Second Thoughts?
Religion can be fraught with errors. Subject matters. So does delivery. See the turmoil the death of a Pope causes in Conclave. No, you don't have to be religious or like religion to enjoy one of the best films of the year. Lucky British Columbians may have had the chance to watch this masterpiece at this years Vancouver International Film Festival. So here's an opportunity for others to see this one of a kind film at local Cineplex Cinemas or Landmark Theatres thanks to Elevation Pictures.
Former James Bond 's assignment dispatcher M takes centre stage in this majestic movie. Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List) is the man of the moment as Cardinal Lawrence, the man charged with electing a new Pope in the most ancient and mysterious transfers of power ever conceived. And secretive.
Behind those closed doors and trappings of elegance are a group of diverse men ( and women) bounded by traditions - and egos. One by one day by day the personalities of each of the likely candidates are laid bare in just an unforgettable process. As dark secrets are revealed emotions run high with our Favourite Cardinal facing a seemingly impossible task on the way to salvation - or redemption.
Flawless acting by all the actors here makes Conclave so gripping you can't for a second take your eyes off the screen. Fiennes must win an Oscar for his work here. Also brilliant are the depictions set forth by the always ready to please Stanley Tucchi and John Lithgow among others. Touching on all kinds of dirty secrets the Church had become known own for Conclave shies away from nothing and will take your breath away.
Director Edward Berger does a monumental job here examining this ancient transfer of power rite. Gorgeous cinematography and a boisterous witty script help make Conclave a truly memorable movie with jarring jaw dropping performances.
Goodrich(PG) * * * *
Mr. Mom!
Remember Mr. Mom? That film from a few decades back was ahead of its time. For sure. Versatile actor and former caped crusader Michael Keaton (The Founder) returns to rather familiar territory with the topical Goodrich. No relation to the famed tire manufacturer this wholesome drama from Elevation pictures is relevant and entertaining. And even rather endearing. See some quality acting and drama unfold at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
Families. Love em or hate em. One thing is certain: never a dull moment transpires with families and relationships. Our man Goodrich is no exception to the good times - and setbacks. Being successful can only go so far. On the outside it seems that
Our good man has it all. Too bad for him that that fabled lifestyle has a bump in the road. And not just a minor irritant. When Mrs. Goodrich suddenly without warning decides to up and leave it puts the man of the house in quite the predicament.
Taking care of kids is no easy job so Andy Goodrich calls upon Grace, the daughter of his first marriage, to come to the rescue. Well, not so fast. You see Grace is busy having her own baby and the two don't seem to get along. Mila Kunis does a great job trying to cope with motherhood and deal with her somewhat aloof and disjointed dad.
Let's be clear: the heart of this film rests with the performance of Michael Keaton. And he does a wonderful job navigating all the stresses, heartaches, triumphs and sorrows parenting and marriage entail. Director/writer Hallie Myers-Shyer pulls of a heartwarming tail of life and family emboldened by top performances, realistic dialogue and a sincerity that shines bright.
Woman of the Hour(PG) * * *
Creepy Crawly!
Perfect timing as the witching season nears sees Woman of the Hour come along. Not for the faint of heart this thriller from VVS Films is now showing on various screening services such as Netflix, Apple TV , Roku and Fire TV.
Said to be based on real events Woman of The Hour is an eye-opener. Told in a flashback style that works this film is all about a fledgling young actress trying to "make it" in Hollywood. So often we hear of these hard luck tales of disappointment when dreams disappear. Only in the case of Cheryl Bradshaw One wrong turn can lead to untold disaster. Cast as this lady in distress is Anna Kendrick who also directs and co-produced this freaky thriller.
Set in the trendy early 70s Cheryl decides to audition for the ever popular Dating Game tv show. Game shows come and go and our Cheryl ultimately gets over her coy shyness and reluctance to pepper three "eligible" bachelors for her dream date. What follows the interview and live television performance reveals one of the bachelors may not exactly be marriage material. Or so the story goes.
Watch out for newsman in the making Rodney Alcala. Looks can be deceiving so it's not surprising when this enterprising photographer sets off Cheryl's spidey senses. What follows is an intriguing game of cat and mouse with pretty girls being more than willing subjects for an aspiring cameraman's film reel.
Based on a serial killer that plagued California throughout the 1980s Woman of the Hour shows just how dangerous it is to meet strangers no matter how charming and Charismatic. Anne Kendrick is terrific as the lonesome lady with Daniel Zovatto downright chilling as a wolf in Sheep's clothing.
Before Dawn(PG) * * *
Rough Ride!
War is hell. No doubt about that. While two wars are currently raging in Ukraine thanks to deadly Russian Aggression and in the Middle East owing to terrorist worshipping Iran let's take a walk back in time. Weaponry was decidedly different during World War 1. Upstart Well Go USA Entertainment shines a bright light on the intensity of combat in the gut-wrenching Before Dawn. Armchair generals and those into history or modern times will be well advised to check out this dynamic drama which is now out on DVD, Blu-ray and streaming services on line.
A smart script and realistic acting sets the tone for this combat outing as we follow the wear and tear on a Group of boys . Friends for life may as well have been the motto for this group of Australian young men who saddle up and enrol to combat the German forces on the move in Europe. They wind up in France and over nearly three years they face untold hardships in the trenches.
Very good cinematography hones in on all the hand to hand combat and strategy as the western general in charge of the division does his best to try to outfox his German counterpart. All the emotion, struggle and bravely is front and centre in this effective movie that shows the horrors of war, up close and personal, most often seen through the lens of Jim Collins who is well portrayed by Levi Miller.
