Movie Box Review

Dir: Peter Cornwell
Cast: Virginia Madsen, Kyle Gallner, Amanda Crew, Elias Koteas, Erik J. Berg, Martin Donovan
USA, 2009

Seen: March 30, 2009 at Scotiabank

Reason to see: Horror film! Poster and preview looked freaking scary so I was hooked.

I was really looking forward to The Haunting in Connecticut. Truth is, I've made it out to almost every horror film released in 2009 and it's been a voluminous but not great group of films. I really thought this pattern would be broken with this based on true events/supernatural/haunted house story. Comparatively it shines brighter than other horror films of the year, but not by too much.

At this point I must point out that the screening I went to, the image quality of the film was completely inconsistent. For example, if two people were talking face to face, they would show one person spot on and image looked great. Then, it would switch to the other person and it was grainy image and the darks areas were no where near black. This would happen with interiors and exterior shots, so I can't imagine it was an intentional effect. Every time it happened it was jarring and confusing, and that did effect my impression of the film. Horror films and so reliant on tone, that when this happened it took me right out of the flow.

But, even putting the technical issues aside, the film did not meet expectations. Sure, there were scares and I even at one point had to cover my eyes but all in all there were too many obvious scares and convenient explanations to push the plot forward. I find this to be a real shame because it is an awesome story, has the whole based on true events for the extra creepy factor and very capable cast. Unfortunately the majority of the scares are either jump out moments or lose the surprize effect due to non subtle foreshadowing and creepy but revealing poster & trailer. Why oh why we keep seeing such pivotal content in advertising I just don't understand.

The big plus to the film was the strong performance by Kyle Gallner, whom I continue to be impressed with. I last saw him in Red at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival in 2008 and he has yet again delivered believable, varied performance in a challenging role.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it/loved it/didn't love it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it for horror completists

17 minutes of preshow including 6 commercials and 5 previews: Pandorum, Drag Me to Hell, Orphan, Battle for Terra and Crank 2: High Voltage

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Monsters vs. Aliens landed with a bang at the box office on the March 27, 2009 weekend. Not only did the film top both the Canada and North America charts, it also have the biggest opening weekend of 2009 so far bumping out Watchmen from just a few weeks ago. The Haunting in Connecticut also had a successful debut landing in the top 5 films for all three charts.

Top 20 Movies in the Canada for the March 27, 2009 weekend
1. Monsters vs. Aliens *
2. I Love You, Man
3. Knowing
4. The Haunting in Connecticut *
5. Duplicity
6. Race to Witch Mountain
7. 12 Rounds *
8. Watchmen
9. Slumdog Millionaire
10. The Last House on the Left
11. Taken
12. Dédé, à travers les brumes
13. Grande ourse : la clé des possibles *
14. Coraline
15. He's Just Not That Into You
16. One Week
17. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
18. Sunshine Cleaning *
19. Confessions of a Shopaholic
20. Gran Torino

Top 20 Movies in the North America for the March 27, 2009 weekend
1. Monsters vs. Aliens *
2. The Haunting in Connecticut *
3. Knowing
4. I Love You, Man
5. Duplicity
6. Race to Witch Mountain
7. 12 Rounds *
8. Watchmen
9. Taken
10. The Last House on the Left
11. Sunshine Cleaning
12. Slumdog Millionaire
13. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail
14. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
15. He's Just Not That Into You
16. Gran Torino
17. Hotel For Dogs
18. The Cross: The Arthur Blessit Story *
19. The Reader
20. Coraline

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the March 27, 2009 weekend
1. Knowing *
2. Marley & Me
3. The Haunting in Connecticut *
4. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
5. The Damned United *
6. Duplicity
7. Gran Torino
8. Lesbian Vampire Killers
9. Watchmen
10. The Young Victoria

* indicates opening weekend in noted location

Source: Canada & North America info, UK info

Dir: David Carson
The Next Generation Cast: Patrick Stuart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Whoopi Goldberg
The Original Series Cast: William Shatner, James Doohan, Walter Koenig
Additional Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Alan Ruck, Barbara March, Gwynyth Walsh
USA, 1994

Originally Seen: At the legendary Uptown in Toronto, on Opening Night 1994 with a gaggle of friends.

Revisited: March 28, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Oddly, this instalment of Star Trek is one of the few films that is injected with a fair amount of sad memories. I went on opening night at the glorious uptown theatre and convinced all of my friends to go. I picked up the tickets on my lunch and swore to them that we *had* to see it there. I didn't even think to go early for seats so we ended up in the 2nd last row because we needed something like 13 seats - they were not impressed with me. Also, someone used their cell phone during the film! This was 1994 - back when cell phones were only often seen in the hands of Doctors and other high paying jobs but certainly not for regular theatre goers. I can still hear them shouting on the phone "I'm watching Star Trek at the moment".

My second set of memories for this film were from when I was going through a very strong bout of insomnia. Sadly, Star Trek: Generations was the cure. I was out like a light within minutes. Possibly before any dialogue was spoken.

Third set of memories begins now with this countdown. After revisiting Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country I became acutely aware of the fact it must have known it was the last film with the original full cast & crew. This realization led to some embarrassing sniffling moments and being on the brink of tears. Funny, few films get to me like this but the thought of not hearing Chekov's one liners, Scotty's feats against the clock or the camaraderie between the Trek trio of Kirk, Bones and Spock got me all emotional.

I think it was pretty clear the intention of the film was a way to ease the fans from the Original Cast to that of The Next Generation. I am a fan of The Next Generation series. Initially a reluctant fan, but it wormed its way to my heart and I've seen every episode and can identify them in seconds. They often have nick names like "The Bags of Mostly Water One", "The Binars" or "The One Where They Run" and of course it brought us the fabulous conversation starter question of "If you were to de-evolve, what creature would you become?".

Is Star Trek: Generations successful in bridging the two series? Yes, but you can feel that it's more of a set up for The Next Generation cast than a stand alone film. Add to the fact that it was released only months after the series ended, we didn't have enough time to miss the crew yet. The sections dedicated to The Next Generation cast felt a lot like a regular episode but punched up with things that you can't get away with on TV like huge special effects and 'bad' language. Those moments did get cheers in the theatre, but over time it feels pretty gimmicky.

Sidenote: Worf ROCKS. Everything should have more Worf. Even things that have nothing to do with Star Trek, should have more Worf.

Funny insight: Use of the handheld flashlights of TNG folks made me realize on The Original Series they never landed anywhere dark.

Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it, but it has its moments
I own it and it is an insomnia cure
I'd recommend it for Next Generation fans (although you've all seen it!)

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

SPOOKED TELEVISION RELEASING: The Possessed on DVD May 1, 2009

Every Vlog I've done is here for your enjoyment.

Marathons Wrap Ups
Harry Potter
Star Trek
Vampathon: A Vampire Film Marathon
Sword & Sandals Marathon
Wolfathon: A Werewolf Film Marathon

Week in Film - 2010
July 18, 2010 - Inception, Despicable Me, Predators, The Girl Who Played with Fire, The / Flickan som lekte med elden, Coco & Igor, The Karate Kid (2010), Knight & Day and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
June 21, 2010 - Black Field, The A-Team, Agora, Winter's Bone, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Sex and the City 2, Ladyhawke, The Fury of the Wolfman / La furia del Hombre Lobo & The Howling
May 25, 2010 - Harry Brown, Robin Hood (2010), Letters to Juliet, The Trotsky, A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), Gunless, She-Wolf of London, Bad Moon, Wolfen
April 26, 2010 - How to Train Your Dragon, The Losers, Kick-Ass, The Expendables trailer, Werewolf of London, House of Wax and the Pusher Trilogy
April 19, 2010 - The Square, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor, The Eclipse and The Wolf Man (1941)
April 12, 2010 - The Wild Hunt, The Misfortunates / De helaasheid der dingen, Love at the Twilight Motel, La Danse: The Paris Opera, Date Night, Layer Cake, L'Avventura, 6ixtynin9 & Penelope
April 5, 2010 - Clash of the Titans (2010), A Simple Heart, In Your Arms, The Barons, Swimming Pool, Summer Hours, Darkon and Julie & Julia
March 29, 2010 - Le Divan du Monde, Le Coach, Eden a L'Ouest, 3 Saisons, Mother, Chloe, Cooking with Stella, Somersault & Pathfinder
March 22, 2010 - The Runaways, Repo Men, Ghost Writer, The Twilight Saga: New Moon (DVD), There Will Be Blood, Domino, Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End, Balls of Fury and Troy
March 15, 2010 - Cactus, The Red Baron, Green Zone, Remember Me, A Prophet, Cool Hand Luke, Giant, Flickering Lights, For Your Consideration, You Got Served, Hercules (1983) and upcoming trailers for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse & I Love You Philip Morris
March 8, 2010 - Academy Awards Winners & Ceremony Discussion, Alice in Wonderland (2010), Fish Tank, Avatar, Julius Caesar (1953), Cleopatra (1963) & Double Dare
March 1, 2010 - The Crazies, Edge of Darkness, Shutter Island, Dear John, Reel Injun, Coraline, Outlander and Upcoming Trailers for A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) & MacGruber
February 15, 2010 - The Wolfman (2010), Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Alexander, Roman Holiday, The Last Waltz*, Chopper and Upcoming Trailers: The Karate Kid (trailer), The Last Airbender & Repo Men
February 8, 2010 - 82nd Academy Awards Nominations, Grown Up Movie Star, Frozen, J'ai tué ma mère / I Killed My Mother, Daytime Drinking / Naj sul, Gladiator, The Passion of Joan of Arc, Joshua, IP Man, The Strangers and Sars Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis
February 2, 2010 - The Last Station, Creation, The White Ribbon, Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, The Bad & The Beautiful, Into Great Silence, Monsters vs Aliens, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, I've Loved You So Long and 2010 Book to Film Challenge
January 25, 2010 - Cairo Time, Passenger Side, High Life, Legion, The Warriors, Eraserhead, Happy Together, Brides of Dracula, Jason in the Argonauts (1963), Curse of the Werewolf and The Proposal
January 18, 2010 - Golden Globes Awards, The Wild Hunt, J'ai tué ma mère, The Trotsky, Crazy Heart, The Book of Eli, A Prophet trailer here, Mon oncle Antoine, Spartacus
January 11, 2010 - Daybreakers, A-Team Trailer, Blow-Up, Duck Soup, Clash of the Titans (1981), Horror of Dracula, Dracula (1979 version with Frank Langella), Synecdoche, New York and I Love You, Man and The Soloist
January 4, 2010 - An Education, Nine, The Princess and the Frog, Precious Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, It's Complicated, Someone Like You, Silk, Game of Death, Game of Death II, Blue Velvet, Election / Hak se wui, Knowing, Sunshine Cleaning & 17 Again

Week in Film - 2009
December 27, 2009 - Sherlock Holmes, The Hustler, Yi Yi, The New World,Brødre and Court Jester
December 21, 2009 - Golden Globe Nominations, Up in the Air, The Young Victoria, Bright Star, A Single Man, The Man with the Golden Arm, David Copperfield, Herbie Full Loaded, Speed Racer, Garden State, The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008), Oceans 13 & Prancer
December 14, 2009 - Invictus, Me and Orson Wells, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, No Country for Old Men,
Decade-Ness, Oceans Twelve, Inkheart, Speak, Fulltime Killer / Chuen jik sat sau, White Christmas and Holiday Inn
December 6, 2009 - Brothers, Red Cliff / Chi bi, Crazy Heart trailer, Public Enemies, Safe, Idlewild, Marie Antoinette, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, D.O.A. (1950), Journey to the Far Side of the Sun and The Order
November 30, 2009 - Ninja Assassin, Big Fan, Parking / Ting Che, The Road, Little Robbers, Out of Africa, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), 27 Dresses, The International and The Orphanage
November 21, 2009 - The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Blade Trilogy: Blade, Blade II & Blade: Trinity, Into the Wild, The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl, My Bloody Valentine (2009), My Beautiful Laundrette, Connected (Bo chi tung wah), Australia and Street Kings
November 10, 2009 - The Fourth Kind, Zombieland, Antichrist, Léolo, Martin, Jarhead, Happy-Go-Lucky, Chinango, Prom Night IV: Deliver Us From Evil, Village of the Damned (1995)
November 4, 2009 - Bronson, Brideshead Revisited, Barton Fink, Iron Maiden: Flight 666, The Machinist, Hello Mary Lou, Prom Night 2 and Prom Night III: The Last Kiss.
October 29, 2009 - Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, New Avatar Trailer, Frozen River, Jet Li's Fearless, Exiled, "V" (1983). Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned
October 19, 2009- Where the Wild Things Are, Whip It, Paranormal Activity, Amarcord, Belle et la Bete, Black Sabbath, The Hanging Garden, The Grudge (US version), Bolt, Prom Night (Original), The Bride and The Stuff
October 12, 2009 - Fame (2009), Coco Avant Chanel, Haeundae, The Sting, Nosferatu Phantom Der Nacht, Lust, Caution, Rogue and C.H.U.D.
September 28, 2009 - Whiteout, Pandorum, Black Sunday, Macbeth (2006)
September 7, 2009 - Gamer, The Things We Lost in the Fire, The Haunting of Molly Hartley, Angels of the Night, The Night Flier and Blood & Donuts
August 31, 2009 - Orphan, District 9, In the Loop, The 400 Blows, Vampyr, Rabid, Dracula 2000, A Scanner Darkly and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Empero
August 9, 2009 - G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Thirst, Séance, Ballet Shoes, Near Dark and A Star is Born
August 4, 2009 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Hurt Locker, Pusher, Sudden Death, High School Music 3: Senior Year and Kiltro
July 13, 2009 - Kambahkht Ishq, I Love You, Beth Cooper and Valentino: The Last Emperor
July 6, 2009 - Up, Drag Me to Hell, Moon, The Man from Laramie, Laura, Persona, Terminator 1-3
May 26, 2009 -X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Day For Night, Harvey, McCabe & Mrs. Miller and Aguirre Wrath of God
April 27,2009 - Sunset Blvd., The Thing From Another World, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), Onibaba and Clash of the Titans
April 20, 2009 - Two Lovers, Chunghyang, In A Lonely Place, American Psycho, Sleuth (1972), Dracula (1931) and Wolf Creek
April 14, 2009 - Fanboys, Before Tomorrow, The Necessities of Life / Ce qu'il faut pour vivre, Nosferatu (1922) and The Brood
April 5, 2009 - The Haunting in Connecticut, Adventureland, Dawn of the Dead (1978 and 2004), Bob le Flambeur and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
March 29, 2009 - Polytechnique, U2 3D, Amores Perros, Twilight DVD Release
March 22, 2009 - Race to Witch Mountain, Southland Tales, Red River, Bride of Frankenstien & Come Drink with Me
March 14, 2009 - Who Does She Think She Is?, Push, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, The Conversation, Zatoichi and The Virgin Suicides
March 5, 2009 - The Class / Entre les murs, The Apartment and If...
September 22, 2008 - [REC], I Think We're Alone Now, La Crème, Rojo Red, Kingz and Treevenge

Film Festivals

Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2010
Day 1 - The Necronomicon, The Last Lovecraft
Day 2 - Shorts program: Thomas Beale Cipher, Frank DanCoolo: Paranormal Drug Dealer, Pumzi, Off Season, Deus Irea & The Library and Features: Doghouse & Evil in the Time of Heroes.
Day 3 - Cargo, Robogeisha and High School
Day 4 - The Last Exorcism and Alien vs Ninja
Day 5 - Phobia 2 and All About Evil
Day 6 - Centurion and Heartless
Day 7 - Black Death and I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
Day 8 - Rubber, The Human Centipede

Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2009
Day 1 - Captain Coulier (Space Explorer), Black Dynamite
Day 2 - The Dark Hour, Hirsute, Franklyn, Becoming, Black, The Killer Bra and Embodiment of Evil
Day 3 - When it Will Be Silent, Practical Guide for the Imaginary Friend (Abridged), Zombie Zombie, King of Power 4 Billion %, The Horribly Slow Murderer with the Extremely Inefficient Weapon, Zero/0, The Warlords, Dead Snow and The Revenant
Day 4 - Blackheads, Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl, Fallow and Strigoi
Day 5 - The Children and Someone's Knocking at the Door
Day 6 - Must Love Death and Rough Cut
Day 7 - Danse Macabre, The Forbidden Door and Trick 'r Treat
Day 8 - Danse Macabre, Next Floor and Grace.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2008
Pre-Fest Vlog
Day 1 - The Facts in the Case of Mister Hallow and Let the Right One In.
Day 2 - The Flower, Repo! The Genetic Opera, Donkey Punch and Mirageman
Day 3 - Zombie Day! Bring out your brains. The Attack of the Robots from Nebula-5, Doxology, The Queen, Transrexia, The Goblin Man of Norway, Deadspiel, Kevin Tenney's Brain Dead and Trailer Park of Terror
Day 4 - Vengence, Red, Lucky 10 and 4BIA/Phobia
Day 5 - Netherbeast, Incorporated and Who is KK Downey?
Day 6 - Lazer Ghosts 2: Return to the Laser Cove, Mutant Chronicles and South of Heaven
Day 7 - Tokyo Gore Police and Home Movie
Day 8 - Closing Night: Treevenge and I Sell the Dead

Toronto International Film Festival 2009
Pre-Festival Vlog - Looking Forward To...
Pre-Festival Vlog 2 - Short Film Preview & Parnassus
Day 1 - Nymph
Day 2 - Like You Know It All, Face, The Wild Hunt, Beautiful Kate and Daybreakers
Day 3 - The Year of the Carnivore, Samson & Delilah and La Soga
Day 4 - Last Ride, Valhalla Rising, Applause and Air Doll
Day 5 - George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead and The Road
Day 6 - The Warrior and the Wolf, The Loved Ones, Every Day is a Holiday and La Donation / The Legacy
Day 7 - Mao's Last Dancer, Defendor, Toad's Oil, The Ape and Castaway on the Moon
Day 8 - The Damned United, Kamui, Solomon Kane and Deliver Us From Evil
Day 9 - She, A Chinese, Whip It, Phantom Pain, Timetrip: The Curse of the Viking Witch and The Good Heart
Day 10 - The Unloved, Symbol, Sawasdee Bangkok, The Waiting City, The Disappearance of Alice Creed and Ong Bak 2: The Beginning

Toronto International Film Festival 2008
Pre-Fest Vlog 1 - TIFF pick up, ticket and schedule process
Pre-Fest Vlog 2 - Advance order process, pick up, exchanges and single ticket purchases
Pre-Fest Vlog 3 - Picking up advance orders, "The Board", Offsale and Rush
Pre-Fest Vlog 4 - What to Expect / Film Preview
Day 1 - Ocean Flame and JCVD
Day 2 - Dernier Maquis and C'est pas moi, je le jure / It's not me, I Swear!
Day 3 - The Sky Crawlers, Detroit Metal City, Un été sans point ni coup sûr and Patrik 1,5
Day 4 - It Might Get Loud, Derrière moi, The Real Shaolin, White Night Wedding and Vacation
Day 5 - Still Walking, Every Little Step and Fear Me Not
Day 6 - Kisses, 24 City, Toronto Stories and A Film with Me In It
Day 7 - Ashes of Time Redux, Tale 52, One Week and Radio Love
Day 8 - Sauna, Winds of September, The Dungeon Masters and Tokyo Sonata
Day 9 - Empty Nest, Martyrs, Universalove, Pontypool and Achilles and the Tortoise
Day 10 - The Biggest Chinese Restaurant in the World, Chocolate, Eden Log, The Secret of Moonacre and All Around Us

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2009
Day 1 - Live Long and Prosper, Overheard
Day 2 - Fruit Fly and Yanggaw
Day 3 -White Boy From the East and Red Heroine
Day 4 - Unlocked, White on Rice, Yang Yang, The Animated Heavy Metal Parking Lot and Fish Story
Day 5 - Chosun Forever, A Schoolgirl's Diary, Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly and Breathless

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2008
Day 1 - Opening Night! The Others & The Drummer
Day 2 - Confessions of a Salesman, Full Boat Program, Hansel & Gretel
Day 3 - Twelve, Everybody's Children, Wonderful Town, The Playgrounded, Summer Afternoon, What You Eat
Day 4 & 5 - Long Story Short, Daddy Tran: A Life in 3-D, Tiger Spirit, Flower in the Pocket, Oh Saigon, West 32nd and Adrift in Tokyo

Hot Docs 2010
Day 2 - Women with the 5 Elephants
Day 3 - Talhotblond, His & Hers, the People vs George Lucas and 1991: The Year Punk Broke
Day 4 - Bought a Rainforest, The World According to Ion B., A Small Act and Soundtracker
Day 5 - Joan Rivers - A Piece of Work, Steam of Life / Miesten vuoro
Day 6 - This Way of Life, Tankograd, David Wants to Fly
Day 7 - B1 & Freetime Machos
Day 8 - Space Tourists & Nénette
Day 9 - Into Eternity
Day 10 - Gaea Girls & Leave Them Laughing

Hot Docs 2009
Day 2 - From Burger it Came, Zombie Girl: The Movie and Best Worst Movie
Day 3 - Nobody Waved Good-bye, Presidio Modelo and Audition
Day 4 - Ma Bar, Big John, My Greatest Escape, Art & Copy and Objectified
Day 5 - Action Boys and Farmers Song
Day 6 - Plane Days, Ascension and Old Partner
Day 7 - We Live in Public and Hunting Down Memory
Day 8 & 9 - Big River Man, pereSTROKIA: The reCONSTRUCTION of a Flat and Another Perfect World
Day 10 & 11 - Ali Shan,65_REDROSES *, Statistics,Cat Ladies and Rise Up

Cinéfranco 2010
Part 1: Le Divan du Monde, Le Coach, Eden a L'Ouest and 3 Saisons
Part 2: Un couer simple / A Simple Heart, Dans tes bras / In Your Arms and Les Barons/ The Barons

Films Discussed: Polytechnique, U2 3D, Amores Perros (101 Films), Twilight DVD release/extras

References:
- Check out Trista's review of U2 3D and thoughts on 3D over at 10 Movies to See Before You Die
- Avatar is the upcoming James Cameron 3D SciFi film reported to be using new technology for the special effects. Current release date for Avatar is Dec 18, 2009.

What do you think?
- If you've seen Amores Perros please let me know what you think of the film
- 3D Films - Wave of the future? Do you want to see them? For genre films? All films?

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday March 29, 2009! With todays releases we are one third of the way into 2009. How does the time go so quickly?

Speaking of time going quickly, our limited release this week three films total, 2 of which are Canadian: Before Tomorrow / Le jour avant le lendemain a selection at Canada's Top Ten 2008 and Hank and Mike a dark comedy of two Easter Bunnies that find themselves with no more eggs to deliver. Our third limited release is the creepy and colourful South Korean horror film Hansel & Gretel.

In wide release this week we have more scares with The Haunting in Connecticut, based on true events and has the creepiest poster for this year by far. Slightly furrier creepiness comes with the latest 3D animated film Monsters vs. Aliens which looks quite charming. Sunshine Cleaning starring Amy Adams and Emily Blunt opens this week in more theatres than I'd expect. Perhaps being 'from the producers of' Little Miss Sunshine and the casting pushed it to a wide release - I know I'll be seeing it! Last up is the cop/thriller 12 Rounds starring John Cena.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

Banff Mountain Film Festival
March 27 - 29, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cinéfranco
12th Annual Celebration of International Francophone Cinema
March 27 - April 5, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Female Eye Film Festival
7th annual festival showcasing women directors
Continues until March 29, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Images Festival
Festival of independent film, video and other time-based media
April 2 - 11, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mpenzi Black Women's International Film & Video Festival
March 27, 2009 at University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Friday March 27, 2009 Releases

12 Rounds
Dir: Renny Harlin (Deep Blue Sea)
Cast: John Cena, Ashley Scott, Aiden Gillen, Steve Harris
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Before Tomorrow / Le jour avant le lendemain
Writer/Directors: Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu - feature film directorial debuts
Cast: Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq, Madeline Ivalu, Paul-Dylan Ivalu, Mary Qulitalik, Tumasie Sivuarapik
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailere, IMDb Page

Hank and Mike
Dir: Matthiew Klinck (Greg & Gentillon)
Cast: Thomas Michael, Paolo Mancini, Chris Klein, Joe Mantegna
Canada/USA
Limited Release
Official Website & Trailer, IMDb Page

Hansel & Gretel
Dir: Yim Pil-sung (Namgeuk-ilgi / Antarctic Journal)
Cast: Chun Jeong-myoung, Eun Won-jae, Shim Eun-kyoung, Jin Ji-hee
South Korea
Limited Release
More info at: Evokative Films, IMDb Page

The Haunting in Connecticut
Dir: Peter Cornwell - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Virginia Madsen, Elias Koteas, Martin Donovan, Kyle Gallner
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Monsters vs Aliens
Dir: Rob Letterman and Conrad Verson (Shrek 2)
Voices: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Keifer Sutherland
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Sunshine Cleaning
Dir: Christine Jeffs (Sylvia)
Cast: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, Steve Zhan
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of March 27, 2009**

Dir: Paul Wendkos (Gidget Goes Hawaiian, Angel Baby)
Cast: Sandra Dee, James Darren, Cliff Robertson
USA, 1959

Seen: A zillion times, usually with a bowl of popcorn. Before I even saw it I knew about it from my friend Danette who would call me Gidget in art school when I wore my hair long, blonde and in a high ponytail. But I finally saw it for first time around 2000 when my sister Jamie called me and said with excitement "Gidget is on TV!". I've been hooked ever since.

Reason to Review: For The Underrated Blog-a-thon over at Chicago Ex-Patriate

"The Day, the Hour and the moment has arrived"

When I mention to people that Gidget is one of my favourite films of all time, I usually get one of two reactions: a suprized and confused look or a giggle. But I'm not joking. Gidget is planted firmly in my top 5 films, right after Star Wars and before The Professional.

Why, do you ask? I'll tell you why! On the surface, the film starts off feeling like a standard beach movie. A girl with her friends, it's the beginning of summer and time to look out for some boys! It could all go predictably along but it doesn't because Gidget plays by her own rules - something that is pretty freaking awesome for a film with a female protagonist that came out in 1959! There is a lot we can learn from Gidget!

Gidget does not give in. Peer pressure and expectations be damned. They aren't going to nudge out Gidget to do something she doesn't want to. Of course she's perfectly polite about this, and everything else she does which is something we can all keep in mind.

Gidget does not give up! Persistence pays off. I'll quote directly from the film for this one.
Kahuna "Don't you ever give up?"
Gidget "Not when I want something. If you want something bad enough you work for it"
And boy, she does!

Gidget has her own interests and excels at them. Sure they may not always fit along the lines of what girls are 'suppose' to do but she doesn't let that get in her way! Go surfer girl go.

Gidget believes. In herself, in her friends, even in people that others have given up on. Sure, at times it is slanted at a bit of naiveté, but it's also comes from the heart. This in turn inspires those around her.

Along with all these awesome positive traits, the movie is just plain fun. Or, better yet "It's the absolute ultimate!"

Shannon's Overall View:
I love it
I watch it again and again
I recommend it

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

The word is, folks want to know. Knowing picked up top spot on both the Canadian and North American box office charts for the March 20, 2009 weekend beating out both Duplicity and bromance I Love You, Man. Watchmen sits at a #5 on all three charts in its third week and Sunshine Cleaning starring Amy Adams and Emily Blunt sits at 16 in North America but won't be released here in Toronto this Friday March 27, 2009.

Over the pond dogs are still taking top honours with Marley & Me reigning supreme for a second week running. The buzz around Lesbian Vampire Killers pays off with the film first week in release landing at #4 on the UK right after its SXSW appearance. The buzz on this film has been all over the place for quite a while. No Canadian or North American release date as of yet. I was hoping it was lesbians that kill vampires but considering the poster, trailer and site all note the two male leads its clear they kill lesbian vampires. See more at the Lesbian Vampire Killers website.

Top 20 Movies in Canada for the March 20, 2009 weekend
1. Knowing *
2. I Love You, Man *
3. Duplicity *
4. Race to Witch Mountain
5. Watchmen
6. The Last House on the Left
7. Slumdog Millionaire
8. Coraline
9. Met Opera: La Sonnambula *
10. Taken
11. Dédé, à travers les brumes
12. He's Just Not That Into You
13. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
14. Miss March
15. Confessions of a Shopaholic
16. Hotel For Dogs
17. One Week
18. Fired Up
19. The Pink Panther 2
20. Gran Torino

Top 20 Movies in North America for the March 20, 2009 weekend
1. Knowing *
2. I Love You, Man *
3. Duplicity *
4. Race to Witch Mountain
5. Watchmen
6. The Last House on the Left
7. Taken
8. Slumdog Millionaire
9. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail
10. Coraline
11. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
12. He's Just Not That Into You
13. Confessions of a Shopaholic
14. Gran Torino
15. Fired Up
16. Sunshine Cleaning
17. Miss March
18. The Reader
19. Hotel For Dogs
20. Under the Sea 3D

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the March 20, 2009 weekend
1. Marley & Me
2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop *
3. Duplicity *
4. Lesbian Vampire Killers *
5. Watchmen
6. Gran Torino
7. Slumdog Millionaire
8. The Young Victoria
9. Bolt
10. Bronson

* indicates opening weekend in noted location

Source: Canada & North America info, UK info

Dir: Denis Villeneuve (Maelstrom)
Cast: Maxim Gaudette, Karine Vanasse, Sébastien Huberdeau, Evelyne Brochu
Canada, 2009

Seen: March 23, 2009 at the Cumberland

Reason to see: Canadian

When I first heard that there was a film being made based on the 1989 Montreal Massacre, I was hesitant. I wondered why would we want to see this? Is this the right time for a film of this nature, is there ever the right time for this kind of film? Then I found out it was being directed by Denis Villeneuve, and realized this tender topic was in the safest hands out there.

The events that occur are, of course, brutal and upsetting. However it is shown with such a sensitive touch where there is almost no judgement, but depiction. Judgement isn't even necessary as we all know it was a horrifying day. Therefore we see a portrayal and the accounts flow seamlessly from portraits to everyday life moments to the surreal history itself. Shown in black and white we can feel the chill of the December day as the narrative unfolds. A quiet score fits in perfectly shifting from calm to panic. The actors performances are so on, that you never doubt them for a minute. It's hard to say that I 'enjoyed' watching the film, but I was amazed at how at the same time it was equally tactful, honest and scary. Quite a feat.

Those of us who were around at the time of the event will remember how it shook us as a people, as a country and for those of us who are women, as women. We do need to remember.

Shannon's Overall View:
I was moved by it
I'd love to see it again in French with English subtitles *
I recommend it

* I was very surprized that it was shown in English. It appears that there is are French and English version - I hope this leads to it been seen and heard to a wider audience.

13 minutes of preshow including the short film NFB 70 Years/ONF 70 ans, 1 commercial, 2 previews: Hunger and The Brothers Bloom

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

The resounding answer for when you like to go to the theatre is on the weekend with a whopping 43%! Sounds like many of us have busy lives as next up is 30% with picking whenever you can fit it in - believe you me, I've had those times too! I'm in the 13% who prefer to go during the week and we have good company with another 13% liking the razzle dazzle of opening night.

43% - On the weekend
30% - Whenever I can fit it in
13% - Opening Night! *or* During the week
0% - No preference

Thanks for voting!

Glore Museum Goes Sci-Fi Story. The Glore Psychiatric Museum will find its way on the sci-fi channel.The Booth Brothers and film crew visited the St. Joseph museum getting shots for their upcoming project, "The Possessed.

http://stjoechannel.com/content/fulltext/?cid=21721
Glore Museum Goes Sci-Fi Story Link

Films Discussed:
Theatrical - Race To Witch Mountain

101 Films: Red River, The Bride of Frankenstein



Bonus - Southland Tales, Come Drink with Me
Correction: Come Drink with Me was released in 1966

Interference caused by:

I think this is the first DIY club where I've not only seen but reviewed all the films I purchased. This month was a 2-step process, my original selections were Twilight and [REC], but I couldn't resist picking up Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in so I could enjoy both of the fantastic vampire films released in 2008. The common theme, beyond the fact that the three films are rather dark, is that they were all big experiences of last year. The Twilight phenomena exploded from book to screen this fall along with tons of news and rumours about the upcoming adaptations of "New Moon" and "Eclipse" (2nd and 3rd books respectively). The vamps don't stop there as the Swedish vampire film won over the hearts of festival goes & film fans everywhere with Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in. At times I call it the Juno 0f 2008 - sure the films are nothing alike, but everyone, and I mean everyone, loved them. Last but not least is the Spanish horror film [REC] which I was thrilled to see in the theatre with a captive audience. This is a brilliant film that unfortunately did not get a regular release but was subjected to becoming remade to the sub par Quarantine. The happy news is that [REC] is available on DVD and there are musings of a sequel in the works.

Reviews:
Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in
[REC]
Twilight

Amazon.ca Links:
Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in
[REC]
Twilight (2-Disc Special Edition)

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday March 20, 2009! This weeks releases are full of numbers, art & commentary as well as big names and laughs. Let's get right to it!

In limited release this week we have a plethora of films to discover. First up is the Canadian Polytechnique, a dramatization of the 1989 Montreal Massacre. I was surprized to hear of this story being brought to film, but after realizing it is in the adept hands of director Denis Villeneuve (Maelstrom, Next Floor) intrigue crept in and makes it a must see. Keeping with the real we have The Art Star and the Sudanese Twins, a documentary on controversial artist Vanessa Beecroft's and her adoption obsession which was a huge hit at Hot Docs in 2008. Blurring the lines between documentary and drama we have 24 City / Er Shi Si Cheng Ji from director Jia Zhang-Ke explores what factory life in China with a unique storytelling style. Numbers persist with 12 a re-telling of the 1957 classic 12 Angry Men which picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film in 2007. Last up for limited releases is Kenneth Branagh's The Magic Flute.

In wide release we have three films that have been pumping out trailers and ads like mad. First up is Knowing from director Alex Proyas (Dark City, The Crow) which is our first disaster-style mystery/thriller of the year and has a slight SciFi feel. I've got my fingers crossed that it will deliver. We also have Duplicity with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen starring as ex-federal intelligence agents looking for a score. Last but not least according to the poll results is the 'bromance' I Love You, Man.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

The Female Eye Film Festival
7th annual festival showcasing women directors
March 25 – 29, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Queer 2 Fly Film Festival
March 21 - 22, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Special Screening

Unspoiled Gore
A blind double bill of gore films!
Saturday March 21, 2009 at 7:30pm at Onofono, 193A Augusta Ave, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Friday Month 20, 2009 Releases

12
Dir: Nikita Mikhalkov (The Barber of Siberia / Sibirskiy tsiryulnik, Territory of Love / Urga)
Cast: Sergei Makovetsky, Nikita Mikhalkov, Sergei Garemashs, Valentin Gaft, Aleksei Petrenko, Yuri Stoyanov
Russia
Limited Release
Official Film Site (Russian), IMDb Page, Trailer

24 City / Er Shi Si Cheng Ji
Dir: Jia Zhang-Ke (Useless / Wuyong, Dong, Still Life / Sanxia haore)
Documentary starring Joan Chen, Tao Zhao, Jianbin Chen
China/Hong Kong/Japan
Limited Release
No Official Film Site found, more info: IMDb Page, Trailer

The Art Star and the Sudanese Twins
Writer/Dir: Pietra Brettkelly (Beauty Will Save the World)
Documentary on artist Vanessa Beecroft's controversial adoption obsession
New Zealand
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Duplicity
Dir: Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton)
Cast: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Tom Wilkinson, Oleg Shtefanko
USA/Germany
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

I Love You, Man
Dir: John Hamburg (Along Came Polly, Safe Men)
Cast: Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones, Jason Segal, Sarah Burns, J.K. Simmons, Andy Samberg
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Knowing
Dir: Alex Proyas (Dark City, The Crow)
Cast: Nicholas Cage, Rose Byrne, Chandler Canterbury, Nadia Townsend, D.G. Maloney
Australia/USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

The Magic Flute
Dir: Kenneth Branagh (Sleuth (2007), As You Like It, Love's Labour's Lost, Dead Again)
Cast: Joseph Kaiser, René Pape, Silvia Moi, Teuta Koço, Lyubov Petrova, Benjamin Jay Davis, Tom Randle
UK/France
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Polytechnique
Dir: Denis Villeneuve (Maelstrom)
Cast: Maxim Gaudette, Sébastien Huberdeau, Karine Vanasse
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of March 20, 2009**

If you missed it live you can now listen online or download from iTunes The Unnamed Movie Podcast Episode 10. You can listen to Andrew, Douglas and Damion of gmanReviews and I have an in depth discussion horror and whether or not it sucks, film related news, trailers talk and review John Carpenters The Thing.

Want to see the trailers for films discussed? Here are the links: Public Enemies, Pandorum (review) and The Hangover.

For the spoiler sensitive we do discuss the horror films in detail, although if you are a fan you've will have seen all or most of them. Also spoilers for Public Enemies at 1h40 - 1h44 minutes, but as it's historical film you may already be aware of the content.

Dir: Andy Fickman (The Game Plan, She's the Man)
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, Alexander Ludwig, Carla Gugino, Ciarán Hinds, Garry Marshall
USA, 2009

Seen: March 16, 2009 at Scotiabank

Reason to see: Looked fun, hype few positive and hey... Dwayne Johnson is it it.

I'll admit it feels a little strange to review a family movie when I a) never saw the original b) not really into kids movies and c) don't have kids. But, it was fun and this is a non-nostalgic, non-parental point of view review.

The strongest impression I was left with from the film was that it is trying to appeal to both kids and their parents. I can see the logic of this given that it's a remake of Escape to Witch Mountain from 1975 which makes it a good fit for nostaliga and a reboot. But, I found that you could feel the film shift when it is directed to one audience and then the other without a strong enough crossover appeal. Adults could certainly appreciate the kid directed content via nostalgic, but I think kids would be lost at the adult references. Maybe that is fair, especially considering the film is set in and around Vegas - what more of an adult playground could you find? There isn't any objectionable content but it just seems odd to have a kids film set there.

Speaking of the kids, the ones in the theatre were attentive and non disruptive so that speaks volumes that it retained there attention. AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig, who played the two kids were a shining light of the film with believable performances in a range of situations from delivering articulate dialogue to the action sequences. There sure is a fair share of action, way more than I was expecting and certainly had some "Bourne" tendencies, which sounds like it is in line with the 1975 version.

Overall I was expecting a little more fun and a little less action, especially considering the action was from a chase/evade point of view - again, pretty scary concept to have anyone going after kids. I think it was well balanced being engaging but not too scary. The film also had soft but notable 'lessons' and 'messages' in it, but that is to be expected from a Disney film and in all honesty they are pretty heartfelt and positive.

Shannon's Overall View:
I wanted to enjoyed it more
I'll definitely give it another go
I'd recommend it as an action-y family film

13 minutes of preshow including unknown amount of commercial and at least 3 previews: Monster vs. Aliens, earth and Up!

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Although the talk on the internet is all about the Watchmen not being #1 it actually is here in Canada, making $2 million on the March 13, 2009 weekend with Race to Witch Mountain coming in at #2 with $1.57 million. The Canadian film One Week holds strong only dipping 1 place from it's opening weekend.

In the UK Marley & Me debuts at #1 (what is it about dog films?) and we get another glance at a new title that hits the charts at #10: Bronson, a biopic on Charles Bronson directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (Pusher Trilogy) and starring Tom Hardy (RocknRolla, Star Trek: Nemisis) in the title role. No Canadian release date noted for Bronson yet, but it's set to hit screens in the US in October 2009. See more about Bronson at its IMDb page.

Top 20 Movies in Canada for the March 13, 2009 weekend
1. Watchmen
2. Race to Witch Mountain *
3. The Last House on the Left *
4. Slumdog Millionaire
5. Taken
6. Coraline
7. He's Just Not That Into You
8. Miss March *
9. Confessions of a Shopaholic
10. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
11. One Week
12. Fired Up
13. The International
14. The Reader
15. Hotel For Dogs
16. The Pink Panther 2
17. Gran Torino
18. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail
19. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
20. Jag Jeondeyan De Mele

Top 20 Movies in North America for the March 13, 2009 weekend
1. Race to Witch Mountain *
2. Watchmen
3. The Last House on the Left *
4. Taken
5. Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail
6. Slumdog Millionaire
7. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
8. He's Just Not That Into You
9. Coraline
10. Miss March *
11. Confessions of a Shopaholic
12. Fired Up
13. Gran Torino
14. The Reader
15. Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience
16. The International
17. Friday the 13th
18. Hotel For Dogs
19. The Pink Panther 2
20. Push

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the March 13, 2009 weekend
1. Marley & Me *
2. Watchmen
3. Gran Torino
4. Slumdog Millionaire
5. The Young Victoria
6. Bolt
7. Confessions of a Shopaholic
8. The Unborn
9. Hotel for Dogs
10. Bronson *

* indicates opening weekend in noted location

Source: Canada & North America info, UK info

Dir: Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
Regular Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig,
Additional Cast: Kim Cattrall, Christopher Plummer, Brock Peters, David Warner, Rosanna DeSoto, Iman, Michael Dorn
USA, 1991

Originally Seen: In the theatre, likely Towne & Country which was renamed it to something else but that is how I always remember it.

Revisited: March 15, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

I remember loving this film in the theatre, and I'm sure a large part of that is from being previously disappointed in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. When I started this marathon it was hard not to skip ahead to the fun ride that is Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, but I am glad I waited and it sure lived up to the memories.

All the themes of the film speak to how times are changing. Considering the film came out in 1991, which is well into the popularity of the show Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) they embraced rather than ignored that the direction and focus of the films would soon fall to new cast.

Although I didn't know this, it shouldn't be a surprize that this film which is very dear to my Star Trek heart is directed by Nicholas Meyer who also directed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Similar to Wrath of Khan, it focuses on a thread of the Star Trek universe that involves both the movie and TV series. This time we follow an arc of the relationship between the Klingons and the Federation which lends itself beautifully to themes of change, resistance and various 'isms'.

Considering one end is near, it would have been so easy for the film to fall to into sentimentality but it doesn't. A strong plot surrounded in mystery along with great and innovative action sequences keep us engaged throughout. Fantastic supporting cast flesh out the ranks including Kim Cattrall as a Vulcan and Christopher Plummer as the formidable Klingon General Chang.

It is clearly one of the strongest films of the series, and it was a great joy to watch it again.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll watch it again, and again, and again
I'd highly recommend it

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

This is a listing of confirmed dates for film festivals in 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. More festivals are sure to come throughout the year, feel free to see the 2008 listing for an idea of how the year may turn out!

Prefer seeing in calendar format? Check out the 2009 Toronto Film Festivals & Special Screenings Calendar.

January 2009

The 8 Fest Small-Gauge Film Festival
A festival focusing on small-gauge film including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm, loops and zoetropes
January 30 - February 1, 2009 at Trash Palace, 89-B Niagara Street (west of Bathurst) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

February 2009

Reel Politik
Film Festival showcasing films that address issues of global concern
February 5 - 7, 2009, at the Vivian and David Campbell Conference Facility, in the Munk Centre South House, University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Caribbean Tales Youth Film Festival
February 13 - 27, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

OzFlix
Australian Film Weekend
February 13 - 16, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2nd Annual Toronto-Romanian Film Festival
February 13 - 15, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Human Rights Watch
February 24 - March 5, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Canadian Art Reel Artists Film Festival
6th Annual film festival celebrating film about visual art and artists
February 26 - March 1, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

World of Comedy Film Festival
February 27 - March 1, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

March 2009

UofT Film Festival
March 9 - 14, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

CMW's Music For The Screen Film Festival
One day of music related films during the Canadian Music Week
Saturday March 14, 2009 at the NFB Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Queer 2 Fly Film Festival
March 21 - 22, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Female Eye Film Festival
7th annual festival showcasing women directors
March 25 – 29, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Banff Mountain Film Festival
March 27 - 29, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cinéfranco
12th Annual Celebration of International Francophone Cinema
March 27 - April 5, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mpenzi Black Women's International Film & Video Festival
March 27, 2009 at University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

April 2009

Images Festival
Festival of independent film, video and other time-based media
April 2 - 11, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Singapore Film Festival
4th annual festival introducing Singapore film to Canadians
April 3 - 4, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Tibet Film Festival
April 3 - 4, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Si-Si Cine Toronto Latin Film Festival
April 3 - 5, 2009 at the NFB in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Reelworld Film Festival
9th annual festival celebrating diversity in film, video, and new media
April 15 - 19, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sprockets
Toronto International Film Festival for Children
April 18 - 24, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Jewish Film Festival
April 18 - 26, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

May 2009

Hot Docs
Canadian International Documentary Film Festival
April 30 - May 10, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ryerson University Film Festival (RUFF)
5th annual presentation of films by the graduating class at Ryerson University
May 14 - 16, 2009 at The Royal in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Inside Out
19th Annual Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival
May 14 - 24, 2009 in various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Over the Top Fest
Film, music and art festival.
May 21 - 24, 2009 in various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto International Deaf Film and Arts Film Festival (TIDFAF)
May 21 - 23, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

June 2009

Luminato
Toronto Festival of Arts + Creativity
June 5 - 14, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

June 16 - 21, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

June 17 - 21, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ReelHeART International Film Festival
The Filmmakers Film Festival
June 22 - 27, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

July 2009

No Listings

August 2009

Toronto After Dark Film Festival
Horror, Sci-Fi, Action & Cult Film Festival
August 14 - 21, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Shinsedai Festival
The New Generation of Japanese Film Festival
August 21 - 23, 2009 at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Fan Expo
August 28 - 30, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

September 2009

Brazilian Film Festival of Toronto (BRAFFT)
September 4 - 8, 2009, at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Climate Change is Coming to Town Film Festival
September 8 - 13, 2009, at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto International Film Festival
September 10 - 19, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Urban Film Festival
Collection of 1 minute silent films shown on the TTC
September 11 - 20, 2009 on TTC subway platforms in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

COMMFFEST
(Global) Community Film Festival
September 17 -20, 2009 at St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Canadian Black Film Festival
September 25 - 27, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Spinning Wheel Film Festival
Festival of films by or about Sikhs
September 25 - 27, 2009 at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Palestine Film Festival
September 26 - October 2, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

October 2009

Filmi
South Asian Film Festival
October 1 - 4, 2009 at the various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Muck
It is the inaugural year for this festival on Movies of Un-Common Knowledge, films that challenge us and views of the world around us.
October 1 - 4, 2009 at The Royal in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Canadian Sport Film Festival
October 2 - 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ekran - Toronto Polish Film Festival
October 2 - 4, 2009 at The Revue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Indie Can Film Festival
Indie Can is a film festival that screens non-judged independent films
October 2 - 4, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Abilities Arts Festival
Disabilities arts organization, promoting inclusiveness and and diversity
Film Forum Schedule - October 8 & 10, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Celebrating works of Indigenous peoples from around the world
October 14 - 18, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Macedonian Film Festival
October 15, 17 -18, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Est Docs
Estonian Documentary Film Festival
October 16 - 23, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Moving Image Film Festival
This festival focus is to welcome fusion and clash of different genres and the experimentation of moving images
October 16 - 18, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Snowboard Canada Film Festival
October 16 - 17, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Darryl's Hard Liquor & Porn Film Festival
October 17, 2009 at The Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Israel Film Festival
October 18 - 22, 2009 at the Sheppard Grande Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Planet in Focus Film Festival
International Environmental Film and Video Festival
October 21 - 25, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Brazil Film Fest
October 22 - 25, 2009 at The Royal in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cine Cuba
More info on the screenings at Cuba In Toronto and The Revue websites
October 22 & 23, 2009 at The Revue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Zombie Short Film Festival
October 30, 2009 at the Revue Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

CMAST Pan-African Film & Literary Festival
October 30 - November 1, 2009 at University of Toronto, William Doo Auditorium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

November 2009

International Diaspora Film Festival
Selections from a wide spectrum of diverse ethnicities and cultures from Eastern Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Asia.
November 1 - 8, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival
Spanish language film festival featuring dramas, comedies, and documentaries from Spanish speaking countries
November 2 - 8, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 4 - 7, 2009 at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

KinoArt Festival
For the Love of Russian Film, Music and Art
November 5 - 8 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 5 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
November 11 - 15, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

aluCine
Toronto Latin Media Festival
November 12 - 28, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Reel Awareness
Human Rights Film Festival
November 12 -15, 2009 at the NFB Cinema , Toronto, Ontario, Canada

New Serbian Film Festival
November 12 - 15, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mobifest
made-for-mobile-movies
Toronto Awards & Symposium November 16 - 17, 2009
Finalists screened November 17, 2009 at The Revue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

European Film Festival
November 19 - December 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Breast Fest
Film festival dedicated to breast cancer awareness
November 20 - 22, 2009 at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Canadian Labour International Film Festival
November 23 - 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

December 2009

10th Annual festival presenting films from Italy and the Italian Diaspora
December 2 - 6, 2009 at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Do you know about a festival or screening not on the list? Email the details to moviemoxie at gmail dot com to have it added to the list.