Movie Reviews By Robert Waldman
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Updated: June 18, 2026
A Magnificent Life At The Place of Ghosts Carolina Caroline Cold Storage Deep Water Dial M for Murder In Cold Light Lone Samurai Pressure Revolver Lily Scarlet Song Sung Blue STOP! THAT! TRAIN! The Beekeeper The Devil Wears Prada Two The President’s Cake The Sheep Detectives The Things You Kill This Ordinary Thing Unit 731 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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This Ordinary Thing(PG) * * * * *
Brave New World!
Words can not describe the meaning conveyed through This Ordinary Thing. To be fair there is nothing remotely "ordinary" from the righteous deeds done by the brave souls depicted in this heart-wrenching documentary. Extraordinary were the actions taken by the interviewees who put their own lives ( and those of their families) on the line when they helped save the defenseless. Hear just how these people saved hundreds of men, women, and children from certain death. A must see movie for children, adults and dare I say educators and so-called politicians This Ordinary Thing can now be found on streaming services across Canada. Contact your cable company or internet provider to watch this historic story unfold thanks to EGPR.
They say history has a way of repeating itself. And how. Timing is everything. As Canada and the world is now seeing the scourge of anti-semitism explode largely due to misguided left leaning lunatics and crazed terrorist supporters how enlightening it is to see just what a real genocide looks like and not a fictionalized trumped up version. All the horrors of what a real Holocaust looks like comes through loud and clear in this historically accurate depiction faithfully and truthfully recounted in This Ordinarry Thing.
Holocaust movies are not new. What makes This Ordinary Thing so extraordinary is that it tells the stories of many gentiles who went out of their way to save innocent Jews from Hitler's killing machine in Germany and throughout Europe. Voiced by actors we get to see and hear the words of the brave men and women still alive who reveal how they saved Jewish families while most in their cities and countries simply followed the orders of the Nazis as they too control.
Chilling and emotional yet must see viewing acclaimed director Nick Davis lets those who were there tell their own story. Fortified by vintage footage from the war and the pain and struggle of those who lived during the Nazi /SS occupations you can feel the horror. You can sense the hurt in the miraculous survivors' voices whose haunting memories should be a stark reminder and warning about what can happen if people allow a minority whose penchant for hate obscures the truth from becoming gospel and mainstream. Never Again!
Pressure(PG) * * * * *
Total Impact!
Now and then filmmakers get the name for a movie right. Just like the title suggests Pressure is a movie that simply put is about pressure - the worst kind. When decisions about life and death are on The line the best judgment matters - and counts. When the going gets tough the tough get going and Focus Films delivers a wonderful film now showing at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres around B.C.
Take a look outside your front door or window. Snags the first thing you notice? The weather. Odd as it may be sound the entire focus of Pressure relates to , not surprisingly, the weather. When planning a battle there's no such thing as a sure thing and when lives are on the line nothing can be taken for granted - especially the weather. So it's up to the highest echelons of the U.S. army to decide should they should stay or should they go in this nail biter of a thriller.
Based on the hit London play our story focuses on the decision being contemplated by U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower as to when to launch the Invasion of Normandy and Europe in what was to become known as D-Day. Former comedian Brendan Fraser (The Mummy) delivers a compelling performance full of emotion and rage as he must weigh rather heavily the date of the attack.
To help him decide when to launch the attack Ike must rely on the advice of two weathermen with totally distinct personalities and viewpoints. As if Eisenhower doesn't have enough on his plate he has to "referee" the competing views expressed by fellow countryman Irving Knick and Scottish transplant Dr. James Stagg. Together Chris Messina and Andrew Scott (SPECTRE) look like prizefighters out to win over Ike to their way of thinking. You just have to be in the room to see the split and tension between these two scientists who give compelling evidence to bolster their choice of day to start the invasion.
In an Oscar bound performance Scott is sensational as the Academic who tries to win Ike over and in The process he will win you over too with his reasoned approach to make his case
Both history buffs, armchair generals and people wanting to watch tremendous acting will find Pressure to be immensely appealing,
STOP! THAT! TRAIN!(PG) * * *
Rough Ride!
Ready for a good laugh. Better fasten your seatbelts as a couple of ladies wreck havoc on a cross country trek in the laugh-filled STOP! THAT! TRAIN! Now showing at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across BC this cloud pleaser from Mongrel Media is a blast.
Made in the spirit of Road Trip and It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World this mixed up mess up follows a pair of women on a zany trip from the East Coast to California. You can sense the comedy when two dingbat losers who work for a low budget rail line get the opportunity of a lifetime when they land work on an ultra luxury line - The Glamazonian Express.
Hairspray director Adam Shankman has a field day directing a group of women who delightfully play off one another flawlessly in this madcap tale of a couple of misfits who mange to wreck havoc on the rich elite. Fast quips and raunchy gags elevate the story as this bullet train escapade has the laughs coming fast and furious.
Over the top fun is the order of the day in this wild and wacky farce that makes travel time sure look like a fun time good time.
Carolina Caroline(14A) * * * *
Crime Pays!
Crime Pays! How many times have you heard that slogan? Well, maybe not so fast. Sparkling performances turn what could have been just a so so ho hum movie Into a bonafide winner . Check out this sexy thriller thanks to Route 504 PR at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
Smart and sexy. Three words that fully describe the goings on in Carolina Caroline. Chance encounters can be oh so sexy - and deadly. With a nod to the themes present in The late 1960s classic Bonnie and Clyde comes this small film with heart.
Small town people usually yearn for escape. Such is the case for daddy's girl Caroline Daniels. Sultry Australian actress Samara Weaving ( Babylon) perfectly portrays Southern Belle Caroline who just yearns for excitement - and oozes sensuality. Now that's quite the combination just ready to be unleashed.
When travelling man Oliver Anderson comes a calling he kind of "connects" with Caroline. Able to rise to the occasion as a caring, charismatic con artist Kyle Galler (Red Eye) turns up the heat and puts all that charm to good use - refining your low life petty crimes to an even higher art form - robbing banks.
Together these two star-crossed lovers turn up the heat and "bond" between the sheets leaving a not so clear path of destruction in their wake. Now on the FBI's most wanted list it's fun to watch just how these two manage to elude the law In this delightful Robin Hood like yarn.
Check out this fun crime spree full of hot romance delightfully presented by director Adam Rehmeier.
The Sheep Detectives(G) * * * *
Rural Bliss!
Good family comedies are few and far between. In a sign of good things to come à la Bond Amazon Studios delivers an absolute charmer with The Sheep Detectives. James Bond studio MGM reigns supreme In this whimsical adult farce that the whole family can ( and will) enjoy. Share In the fun throughout British Columbia at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres.
It's always told to arrive at a theatre with low expectations and be pleasantly surprised when the film reel gets going. Director Kyle Banda has more than his hands full directing a cast of wily sheep and Hugh Jackman. Yes Hugh Jackman. The versatile man who was born to play Bond is charming as ever as farmer George Hardy. Living a pleasant rural life In the British countryside George treats his flock of sheep with the utmost respect.
When something bad happens and the sheep are left on their own somehow they must come together and solve just a diabolical crime. And just who might want to harm all around nice guy good guy George. Well, in a unique blend of teamwork and problem solving ability that would warm Lieutenant Columbo's heart a dedicated group of sheep go about solving what appears to be an unsolvable murder - yes murder! Most foul.
Utterly charming The Sheep Detectives will steal your hearts away. It's an underrated film with gorgeous scenery and terrific acting from the entire cast. Witty and whimsical with just a wonderful free wheeling this film reminds one of Babe. Check it out! It will definitely put a smile on your face - and warm your heart.
The Devil Wears Prada Two(PG) * * *
Vogue!
Let's dance! Well, maybe not so fast. Get caught up and swept away by the delicious eye candy that's fun and centre in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Let's all go back to the familiar territory made famous by the first juggernaut only now with an updated story. Made by 20th Century Fox and now showing at all Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across BC this well grounded fantasy hits all the marks.
Let's just assume that most of us know the characters from the original version Prada No. 2 is updated and just not as fresh as the original as could be expected. But still it's a lot of fun and a visual delight. Oscar winner Meryl Streep (Out of Africa) is catty as ever though someone muted in her performance here as Miranda Priestly. Faced with turmoil at her fashion house former assistant Andy Sachs returns to the fray. Again Anne Hathaway is sweet as punch and a great counterpoint to Streep.
Together these two must contend with a takeover of the firm. So there is a strong dose of reality that runs through the entire storyline. Lush locations in Europe add to the whole aura of luxury that permeates the whole film. You'll be swept away!
Clearly made for the large female audience both sexes will enjoy this real time romp which has at its heart that theme of the importance of having a job, retaining it and fighting for it. People will appreciate this not so subtle message during these trying times which we all are living through these days.
Deep Water(14A) * * *
Friendly Skies?
Danger. Suspense. Survival. Three words that have considerable meaning in the just released Deep Water from Route 504 PR. Refine the classic slogan Fly The Friendly Skies of United and you'll learn rather quickly that there's just not a thing friendly for passengers on a routine fight that turns out to be anything but. Get in on the bumpy ride at select Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C.
Fear of flying and reluctance to tip your tows in the water are smartly intertwined in this savvy thriller. Brought back to helm this action-packed ordeal is master director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2/Cliffhanger).Thankfully this visionary hasn't lost a step and is in fine form as tension mounts in this well -paced actioner. Oh, and having a competent cast also helps.
To set the stage Deep Water is just about some people wanting to take a break and go somewhere. Little do they know that a problem or two while airborne puts their lives on the line and in jeopardy.
No one stepping on a plane expects there to be a problem. At least that point is made crystal clear with likable aviators Ben and Rich are at the controls. In times of trouble you want calm, cool and collected people in charge and Aaron Eckhart (Erin Brockovich) and Sir Ben Kingsley (Gandhi) rise to the challenge. It's all steady as she goes for these two masters of the universe as their competence and considerable talents are put to the ultimate test. Apart from needing to gently (?) make a landing at sea the unlucky passengers and crew need to navigate their way through some very troubled waters. Think of it all as a blend between Airport and Jaws and you get the picture.
Tense and fun Deep Water needs to be taken with a big grain of salt. Believable - maybe not 100%. Fun? Definitely yes. For a somewhat schlocky B-grade thriller Deep Water is definitely worth checking out. It's a rather restrained blast. Buckle up!
At The Place of Ghosts(14A) * *
Grisly!
Bad blood emerges in the breakout At The Place of Ghosts. A unique bond and between two disjointed brothers with a common history explodes In this chilling tale from VVS films and Touchwood PR now intriguing audiences at select cinemas across B.C.
Made with tons of Canadian taxpayers money this Halifax shot thriller has legs. Director Bretten Hannam wrote this chiller which involves a trip down memory lane and into the past for two reluctant siblings. It's a haunting expedition and quite the reunion for Mise'l and Antle as they journey back to their childhood haunts deep inside the forested woods. By foot and canoe Actors Blake Alec Miranda and Forrest Goodluck journey and they do need a lot of luck and good fortune as they blemd their way through treacherous territory and an assortment of ghosts to try to remedy a past wrong,
Tension builds as fear of the unknown and an evil spirit or two touches raw nerves In the now grown men. Made In Both English with Micmc with subtitles At The Place if Ghosts is different and well-intentioned. Some surprises along the way keep you intrigued and on high alert.
The Beekeeper(PG) * * *
Buzz Off!
Computers can be a blessing - or a curse. See sparks fly when an elderly woman gets taken big time in the engaging The Beekeeper. Back In Action and not a moment too soon is fan Favourite Jason Statham in a tailor made role sure to appeal to his legion of fans. Sit back and enjoy vengeance taken to a new level in This high octane thriller is now heating things up on Netflix and also out on DVD and Blu-ray and well worth checking out,
Everyone needs a time out. Even old assassins. Ex gun for hire Adam Clay has carved out an exceptional career doing clandestine work for an ultra secret government agency charged with carrying out various deadly operations. Above the law is their modus operandi and few have the killing/blowing up skills that Clay once possessed. Jason Statham smokes them out as Clay in one of his best roles yet. All those deadly reflexes come back into play when a friend gets taken for the ultimate ride.
These days all Clay wants is to retire peacefully on a remote farm run by a gem of a woman who wouldn't hurt a fly. So it's not hard to fathom the reaction of Clay when this living angel is ripped off big time by the scam to end all scams. So many elderly fall victim to fraud especially via on line threats and intimidation that this film is both timely and ultra important . And rest assured if you have Adam Clay in your corner good is on your side. So bad guys had better watch out.
Statham is excellent as a lone world operator out to find the baddies and mete out his own brand of Justice for those responsible for his friend's unceremonious downfall. Watch the bodies fall in a tidal wave as our man infiltrates a corporate behemoth whose evil tentacles seem to be spread everywhere without fear or regret. Well, not any more.
Director David Ayer gives what fans want: wall to wall action. Despite being far-fetched there is more than a tinge of truth to The Beekeeper. Sometimes you just need someone to kick a little _ _ _.I had a blast watching The Beekeeper. So will you!
Unit 731(PG) * * * *
Criminal Intent
War brings out the worst in people. While the U.S. is doing the world a favor by rooting out terrorists in the terror state of Iran people should learn from history - or face a repetition. By now all of the world knows of the evil emanating from the minds of wicked clerics bent on destroying their neighbors - let alone their own people. Just like the Nazis. What most people don't know is that the Japanese were just as bad. Now a new film called Unit 731 dramatizes wicked experiments perpetrated on prisoners in Manchuria from 1936-1945. This new movie, a dramatization from Well Go USA is a must see movie. See it first on digital screening by contacting your local cable company or internet provider or enjoy it ( if you can call it that) by getting the DVD or Blu-ray exclusively through Amazon. Unit 731 also goes by the name of Evil Unbound - how appropriate- and is with English subtitles which does't deter.
Told through a Chinese interpreter acting as a bridge for the prisoners and guards/administrators Unit 731 is just a harrowing experience. Deep inside a massive compound we bear witness to the evil experiments performed on innocent people. Here the order of the day is to create a host of chemical and biological weapons to subdue the enemy - in This case the Chinese. Green-lit by the government in Tokyo this division of the Imperial Japanese Army spares no expense to develop dastardly weapons of mass destruction - just like the mindset of the religious maniacs currently running Iran or their forerunners Hitlers Nazi SS killing machine.
Talk about a haunting atmosphere. Director/writer Linshan Zhao deserves credit for shining light on a little know part of Japanese history that has been glossed over by history books. What makes the film all the more devastating as that this facility actually existed and was in full operation. These biological weapons were in fact used on civilians in China with plans well underway to attack the west coast of the United States - just like Iran has threatened San Francisco as we speak by ships/tankers in the pacific. That's another good reason why such evil needs to be stopped once and for all. At all costs.
Smart, emotional and gripping Unit 731 is an unforgettable movie on an unforgivable subject. And it all happened in real life. Lest we forget.
A Magnificent Life(PG) * * * *
Through the Years!
Some movies you just wish wouldn't end. Animated films can tell quite a story. Sit back, relax and enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful true life story unfold in A Magnificent Life. Acclaimed at last years coveted Cannes Film Festival this French- Luxembourg- Belgian co-production is visually stunning and boasts a wonderful storyline. Brought to BC. By Mongrel Media this Sony Pictures Classics is an absolute charmer bound to make you fall In love with the lure of France and early cinema. It will be showing at the VIFF Centre in Vancouver.
Made with a little help from Netflix and the good stewardship of the genius behind The Triplets of Belleville A Magnificent Life brings to life the up and down world of once upon a time writer Marcel Pagnol. At the outset we see Marcel as an elderly man but thanks to a very smart creative twist a young boy helps take us back in time to see how this French artistic powerhouse came into being,
With a focus on family we see just how a young boy deals with loss and a drive to become someone. Through schooling, drive and hard work Marcel becomes a playwright and the toast of the Marseilles theatrical circuit. Director /Writer Sylvain Chomet wisely divides the film into yearly time spans and perfectly captures the colorful atmosphere of the different time periods.
Each character Marcel encounters is fully fleshed out and memorable. Backed up by some soothing music the animation effects are almost surreal and they paint a picture of the whole vibrancy that seems to surround this gifted artists life.
A joy to watch A Magnificent Life is a love poem to fans of the movies and young lovers of all ages. It's a movie well worth seeing on the big screen and definitely worth seeking out.
Lone Samurai(PG) * * * *
Sole Survivor!
Forget about watching Survive on T.V. Ditto for The Bone Temple on On Demand. Instead take your chances on Lone Samurai and absolute shocker from Well Go USA sure to leave you in a cold sweat. Get set for a devil of a good time when you order this thriller on digital, Blu-ray and DVD.
Set in the rambunctious times of famed warrior Kublai Khan our tale follows a samurai on a perilous mission. Thanks to unexpected dangers at sea our nomad gets displaced on a mysterious shore. Fantasy Island this place just ain't.
Beautiful scenery can't displace the hurt and pain that this transplant encounters when he recovers from his injuries. In a regimen bound to make the original Rocky Balboa proud the nomad nurses his way back to health. Md that's a very good thing because he's not the only one on the island. Guided by some happy go lucky kids the marooned soldier comes face to face with a cult of savages put to make min 'em eat of their new found prey. You get the picture.
It's one man against a thousand in this rock em sock em adventure flick pitching one master swordsman against a cult of cannibals. All in all it's great fun if you can stomach it.
The Things You Kill(PG) * * *
Danger Point!
Deep divides haunt a troubled man in the high stakes drama The Things You Kill. Presented by Mongrel Media this haunting tale will resonate with all onlookers at the VIFF Centre in Vancouver.
Set in the muddled world of the backward Middle East American educated Ali seems to have his head on straight. Ah, but looks can be deceiving as actor Elon Koc so masterfully displays. Quite the lady's man the popular prof of literature at the local Turkish university shows a caring attitude as a momma's boy.
When a routine visit to check in on his aging mother becomes steeped in intrigue it sets off all sorts of warning bells. As if that isn't enough on his plate Ali has percolating friction with his wife. How it all turns out shows the layers of pain a family must endure as old values and masculinity issues wreck havoc on loved ones .
One must remember values in many Arabic counties are totally different than those common in the West and steeped in history and tradition. With pride also coming into play The Things You Kill is quite the ordeal to watch and very revealing. It's the type of film that keeps you guessing which is a good thing.
The President’s Cake(PG) * * * *
Sweet Dreams!
Get set for an extremely good movie. Let's go back to 1990 to explore the inner workings of a repressive regime with the eye-opening The Presidents Cake. Yet another winner from Mongrel media this quint charmer takes us back in history to the always troubled Middle East. Get a front row seat to history smartly revealed at the Van City Theatre in Vancouver, B.C.
Dictatorships are bad for the people. As the United States is doing the world a favour by taking on those blood thirsty power fanatics in charge of Iran this safeguard of the free world provided a similar use of force when dealing with Iraq In 1990. Set against this turmoil our story follows the tale of a young girl sent by a fanatical hard-line teacher to perform a special task: bake a cake for her class in honour of Saddam Hussein, their esteemed leader. Sounds like a simple chore but it's how this whole episode unfolds that is truly captivating.
Children rule the day in this award winning movie and young Baneen Ahmed Nayyef is sensational as Lamia. Living like most at the time in poverty out in the countryside Lamia lives with Bibi, her aging grandmother. Like all children at school she must endure the typical government propaganda from her fanatical teacher with all obediently forced to worship Saddam Hussein. So forced to bake a special cake for their tyrannical leader the pair make a pilgrimage to the big city to find just the right ingredients to make the desert a success. This journey is full of danger every step of the way.
Along the way Lamia hooks up with her school time chum Saeed and the two engage in a host of adventures that are both unpredicable and full of danger. Cast as Saeed is Sajad Mohamad Qasem who also is very believable and engaging as a licensed troublemaker who isn't afraid to take matters into his own hands - for better or worse. Well, boys will be boys. Just how this perilous trip turns out will have audiences on the edge of their seats and rooting with their hearts for a safe return for one gutsy and feisty little grade three year old.
Terrific acting, sharp dialogue, winning background characters, effective time capsule memories with an atmosphere meticulously recreated for the era and tension galore make The Presidents Cake a superbly made excellently executed joy ride. Director/writer Hasan Hadi pulls off an amazing heartfelt tale of struggle and determination. And hope.
In Cold Light(14A) * *
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Going to jail is no picnic. Getting out can also lead to problems. See the toll a stint behind bars takes on a jailed felon in the gritty In Cold Light. Not to dare be confused with the classic In Cold Blood this tale looks at a criminal trying to possibly make amends . Perhaps. Looks like you cant trust anyone which is what this hard luck lass learns first hand in a new drama from Elevation Pictures now taking hold at Cineplex Cinemas and Lionsgate Theatres across B.C.
Set mostly at a rural rodeo circuit somewhere in Small town U.S.A trouble seems to follow Ava Bly
Wherever she goes. Cast as the downtrodden girl is Maika Monroe who does a good job sleepwalking her way into and out of turmoil. Her portrayal as a newly released felon on edge comes full circle when she is accused of a crime. So the rest of the film is about her trying to stay alive and find out who a mysterious killer is. The problem is that we've seen this story time and time again. And here there is really nothing new that unfolds.
Shot in Alberta at the Ponoka Stampede In Cold Light nicely captures the essence and vibe of The Whole rodeo spirit. You really feel the grit of these modern day cowboys immersed in this fabled western culture and the cast does a a great job expressing this enthusiasm and capturing the essence of the lifestyle. Weighing heavily against this rough and tough and "honest" way of making a living is the quick draw lure of fast money which drugs so often thrust onto unsuspecting youth.
Director Maxime Giroux presents a realistic tale of small town corruption and how it can eat away at families - and lives.
Cold Storage(14A) * *
Spaced Out!
They say space is the final frontier. See what happens when some debris turns deadly in Cold Storage.
Just like the title suggests something cold and unusual is stored in a Facility and left largely unknown . Over time strange things develop in this offbeat offering from Route 504 PR now drawing crowds to Cineplex Cinemas and Lionsgate Theatres around BC.
People with good memories will likely recall the accident that befell the Space Lab back in the 1970s. Little do the scientists know that some of that highly secret debris reached Earth. That's where our story picks up and takes off as something green and wicked latches on to some of that space junk - creating havoc years later.
When bad things happen In the remote and desolate Australian outback in modern times who ya gonna call ? No not ghostbusters but an illustrious team of techies sent down to try to solve the dilemma. Bad news travels fast so when a sticky slime appears to be at the root of the problem one by one humans seem to be on the chopping block as hunting season arrives.
Take it all in with a large grain of salt. Cold Storage is a Wickedly fiendish smorgasbord of fun and high level camp in the extreme. it's so bad it's good as two out to lunch workers played effectively by Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell must root out the contagious extraterritorial biological virus before it spreads outside a warehouse full of all sorts of dangers emanating from a room or two . Director Johnny Campbell serves up lots of laughs in this Liam Neeson (Taken) headliner which somehow manages to keep straight faces on all the actors.
Dial M for Murder(PG) * * * *
Mixed Blessing!
In the aftermath of the tragic Rumbler Ridge school shootings healing is the order of the day. Coming together is paramount for everyone in the community and across British Columbia. On a local smaller level the arts can bring that sense of community together. That was the takeaway presented by the artistic director of the Arts Club Theatre on the opening night of their latest offering Dial M for Murder. Somehow those words resonated as does the presentation. Of this drama now unfolding at the Stanley Alliance Theatre in Vancouver.
Way back when cinephiles may remember British thrill master Alfred Hitchcock achieved more international acclaim and notoriety with his similarly named movie. Now the Arts Club does one better as they team up with a Calgary troupe to pull off a stunting Modern day rendering of this classic whodunnit all done with considerable finesse. None of the cast miss a beat and along with some smart writing this show will keep you fully immersed from start to finish as this fiendish fantasy unfolds. Why even Lieutenant Columbo would have a hard time figuring out who did that dastardly act. Murder most foul indeed.
Affairs of the heart can be vexing. With Valentines Day now in our rear view mirror timing is everything. So are romantic liaisons. And indiscretions.Enter the world of Tony and Margot Wendice. Let's just say their marriage may be a bit on the rocks as Tyrell Crews and Emily Dallas so ably demonstrates. Most people know that many marital break-up revolve around extra curricular affairs or money. Both these vices and indiscretions figure oh so prominently as the two lovebirds fight it out. And when a surprise murder occurs there's no telling who did the dirty deed or why.
Catch me if you can is part of the fun in this truly expertly acted fantasy where voyeurism reigns supreme as others enter into the fray. Will justice be served as the countdown to the hangman looms large? Stay tuned. Crimes of passion never seemed so appealing. Director Jillian Kieley delivers a knockout punch as its gut check time for one of Scotland Yard's finest attempts to get at the truth.
With great support from acting heavyweights Olivia Hutt, Shekhar Paleja and Stafford Perry Dial M for Murder is dangerous fun and top notch entertainment definitely worth seeing.
For more information and tickets go to artsclub.com or call (604) 687-1644
Revolver Lily(PG) * * * *
Quick Draw!
Hell hath no fury like a scorned woman. Or an underestimated one. All bets are off when a passive lady returns to her fabled roots in the action-packed Revolver Lily. And I do mean action. Settle in for a thrilling tale of friendship, revenge and a never say die spirit all engineered by Well Go USA Entertainment and now available on demand and through your cable company or internet server.
Lock and loaded. That about sums up the current life of famed Japanese courtesan and proud brothel owner Miss Yuri. In a knock-out performance that makes John Wick look like a choirboy Ayase Haruka simply sizzles as her old ways come into play big time when a young boy comes her way.
The boys dad apparently had a friendship with Yuri years ago and now she is propelled into a dangerous tug of war resulting in her once upon a time former life now resurfacing. Trained originally as a master assassin those skills come in handy as all sorts of bad actors will stop at nothing to find the boy - and worse. Heaven help anyone who gets in their way. Ah, but they never expected to run into this babe.
Director Isao Yukisado delivers an epic tale of espionage and deceit that is full of suspense and never lets up. Set in 1924 amidst a time of turmoil within Japan's military hierarchy this movie shows just how far one lady can and will go to protect a little boy and safeguard the future of a nation. It's a tall order for one woman to fulfill but somehow Lily rises to the challenge. And how!
Scarlet(PG) * * *
Relentless!
Vengeance can take many forms. Family ties can be enduring. See a young woman go to the ends of the earth and beyond to right a wrong in the eventful Scarlet. Presented locally by Sony Puctures Classics and Mongrel Media this foreign animated saga is quite different and unique. And entertaining. So visit a far off land currently on view at Cineplex Cinemas in iMAX at the Riverport and in Coquitlam and Landmark Theatres across B.C. In Japanese with English subtitles that don't deter.
From Japan with love rises Scarlet. Step back in time before jettisoning off to the future as we track the plight of a rather disenchanted princess to right a wrong. Once upon a time in The feudal past a sticky family feud develops between a Devil May care king and his well-serving brother. Bad blood develops runs deep in this time -bending saga that some say has a plot line reminiscent of Shakespeare.
Director/writer Mamoru Hosoda takes this originally titled Hateshinaki Sukaretto story and brings it to pulsating life on the big screen. Hosoda has a born knack for storytelling and Scarlet truly is a visually stunning movie. While we may have seen this story before it moves here at a crackling pace and you do get caught up in all the family intrigue. With a never say die spirit you'll be hissing at the villain and pulling for the heroine all the way. Maybe a touch confusing with all the back and forth time leapfrogging Scarlet is kind of original and fun and well worth a look,
Song Sung Blue(PG) * * * *
Soul man!
Say the words Song Sung Blue and everyone in the world knows what it is. Hey it's a famous song by a master musician. Man of all seasons Hugh Jackman is pitch perfect in his portrayal of the one and only Neil Diamond in this mesmerizing tale. Still holding over from Christmas this tough love drama is reeling them in at Cineplex Cinemas and Landmark Theatres across B.C. Now that's stying power.
What we have with Song Sung Blue is a tale of family. Two families to be exact. And it's a love story to boot. Sparks eventually fly when down a down on his look imitation singer meets up with a feisty Patsy Kline songstress at your typical small town bar. But there's nothing "typical" about the budding friendship both Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson convey as Mike and Claire.
After some initial reluctance the pair hook up and form their own act: a tribute band pretending to be Neil Diamond, and yes, they are good. Life on the road can be both tough and grueling. Nd when the pair become more than just friends each brings their own family into the fray.
But just as things start cooking and the band become a local and state phenomenon an accident shatters their dreams. This in when the film kicks into high gear s both Hudson and Jackman must come to terms with how fragile life really is. Lesser actors would not be able to pull off this struggle but you feel these two characters care for one another and may be able to pull off some sort of comeback -in music and in life.
Party music, part romance and let drama Song Sung Blue turns out to be. Solid and memorable movie that tugs at your heart strings and comes through as a rel feel good flick.
