Dir: Scott Stewart - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Adrianne Palicki, Lucas Black, Kevin Durand, Tyrese Gibson, Kate Walsh, Willa Holland, Jon Tenney
USA, 2010
Seen: January 25, 2010
Reason to see: Apocalyptic, Paul Bettany, Angels... I'm there
Legion placed #8 on my list of Most Anticipated Films of the Year, which is quite a feat for a January release which is often full of not the best horror films and festival/awards spill over from the year before which made it all the more fun to trek out to the theatre and be genuinely excited about what I was about to see.
I didn't know a lot about the story going in other than that it had angels, action, inferences to an upcoming apocalypse, probably a prophecy and starred Paul Bettany and all of that sounded great to me! Although I could easily sit here and pick apart the film, especially when it comes to images or ideas that very familiar from other films, that doesn't change the fact that it was really fun to watch. In fact, it's a great film to mull over afterwards because you can pull the parallels to other films but it also raises several of it's own questions and ideas.
I do wish Legion had focused a little more on character development, although several of the actors brought a lot more to their characters than I would have expected. In particular, Tyrese Gibson does a great job throughout the film giving us a something different that I would have expected. But when it comes to characters, Paul Bettany as the angel Michael is the heart of the film bringing us strength, courage and defiance - a temperamental trio that is bold and brewing.
In terms of supernatural/religious based thrilled, it's not up to the level of Constantine being more action centric and not as unique in it's art direction, but it's still a fun ride and one I know I'd be happy to see again and again.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it as a fun action film of the supernatural flavour
15 minutes of preshow including 3 commercials and 5 previews: Season of the Witch, Kick-Ass, Hot Tub Time Machine, Death at a Funeral (2010) and Takers
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
Legion
Legion
Dir: Scott Stewart - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Adrianne Palicki, Lucas Black, Kevin Durand, Tyrese Gibson, Kate Walsh, Willa Holland, Jon Tenney
USA, 2010
Seen: January 25, 2010
Reason to see: Apocalyptic, Paul Bettany, Angels... I'm there
Legion placed #8 on my list of Most Anticipated Films of the Year, which is quite a feat for a January release which is often full of not the best horror films and festival/awards spill over from the year before which made it all the more fun to trek out to the theatre and be genuinely excited about what I was about to see.
I didn't know a lot about the story going in other than that it had angels, action, inferences to an upcoming apocalypse, probably a prophecy and starred Paul Bettany and all of that sounded great to me! Although I could easily sit here and pick apart the film, especially when it comes to images or ideas that very familiar from other films, that doesn't change the fact that it was really fun to watch. In fact, it's a great film to mull over afterwards because you can pull the parallels to other films but it also raises several of it's own questions and ideas.
I do wish Legion had focused a little more on character development, although several of the actors brought a lot more to their characters than I would have expected. In particular, Tyrese Gibson does a great job throughout the film giving us a something different that I would have expected. But when it comes to characters, Paul Bettany as the angel Michael is the heart of the film bringing us strength, courage and defiance - a temperamental trio that is bold and brewing.
In terms of supernatural/religious based thrilled, it's not up to the level of Constantine being more action centric and not as unique in it's art direction, but it's still a fun ride and one I know I'd be happy to see again and again.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it as a fun action film of the supernatural flavour
15 minutes of preshow including 3 commercials and 5 previews: Season of the Witch, Kick-Ass, Hot Tub Time Machine, Death at a Funeral (2010) and Takers
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
Crazy Heart
Dir: Scott Cooper - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell
USA, 2010
Seen: January 15, 2010
Reason to see: The trailer moved me almost to tears
I've sat a little bit on reviewing Crazy Heart, because after seeing it I became stumped on how to express what I thought about it. My initial reaction to the trailer was so strong that it put my expectations rather high, add to that Jeff Bridges has received several acting nominations for his performance, and since then has won not only the Golden Globe (Acting - Drama) but also the Screen Actor's Guild Award. Is it an award worthy performance? Yes it is, I can't deny it that but I'm stuck because it's a story we've seen many times before.
I'm not usually one to complain over seeing one story more than once, and it's not like we will likely every stop seeing films about troubled artists because seeing their journey can often be heartbreaking, inspiring, emotional and showcase their artistry - which is a great story to show in film. But here it feels so very similar to A Star is Born, even though Crazy Heart is based on the novel by Thomas Cobb.
I wasn't connecting as much to this film as I expected so, as much like The Wrestler I didn't feel much empathy to the main character. Do I feel like they are in a tough situation? Yes. Do I think they do anything to change that? Not so much. I think the tolerance level for empathizing with troubled artist is lower than it used to be, or perhaps it is that the expectations are higher.
As the film is character driven, what it does have on it's side is the performances. As already mentioned Jeff Bridges is intense in his performance as country singer Bad Blake. Maggie Gyllenhaal does a great job as well, even though her character's back story as a journalist feels underdeveloped, it actually works in the favour of the film as if it's from Bad Blake's perspective. Colin Farrell was completely compelling in his supporting role, even though I was completely surprized to see him in it as I don't remember seeing that in any of the trailers or promos at all, which is a little strange.
Overall, even though the story felt familiar it is still a powerful journey. But what really stood out for me was the quiet moments of the film, the relationships as they built up tenderly and the awkward moments of truth. But tragedies do hit their marks very well along, all of which felt genuine which made them the harder to watch to see happen.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it, but not as much as I expected
I'm not sure I'd watch it again but I'd get the soundtrack
I'd recommend it to fans of music films and those who enjoy watching films for great performances
16 minutes of preshow including 4 commercials and 5 previews: Greenberg, A Prophet, Nowhere Boy, Knight & Day and Date Night
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
Crazy Heart
Dir: Scott Cooper - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell
USA, 2010
Seen: January 15, 2010
Reason to see: The trailer moved me almost to tears
I've sat a little bit on reviewing Crazy Heart, because after seeing it I became stumped on how to express what I thought about it. My initial reaction to the trailer was so strong that it put my expectations rather high, add to that Jeff Bridges has received several acting nominations for his performance, and since then has won not only the Golden Globe (Acting - Drama) but also the Screen Actor's Guild Award. Is it an award worthy performance? Yes it is, I can't deny it that but I'm stuck because it's a story we've seen many times before.
I'm not usually one to complain over seeing one story more than once, and it's not like we will likely every stop seeing films about troubled artists because seeing their journey can often be heartbreaking, inspiring, emotional and showcase their artistry - which is a great story to show in film. But here it feels so very similar to A Star is Born, even though Crazy Heart is based on the novel by Thomas Cobb.
I wasn't connecting as much to this film as I expected so, as much like The Wrestler I didn't feel much empathy to the main character. Do I feel like they are in a tough situation? Yes. Do I think they do anything to change that? Not so much. I think the tolerance level for empathizing with troubled artist is lower than it used to be, or perhaps it is that the expectations are higher.
As the film is character driven, what it does have on it's side is the performances. As already mentioned Jeff Bridges is intense in his performance as country singer Bad Blake. Maggie Gyllenhaal does a great job as well, even though her character's back story as a journalist feels underdeveloped, it actually works in the favour of the film as if it's from Bad Blake's perspective. Colin Farrell was completely compelling in his supporting role, even though I was completely surprized to see him in it as I don't remember seeing that in any of the trailers or promos at all, which is a little strange.
Overall, even though the story felt familiar it is still a powerful journey. But what really stood out for me was the quiet moments of the film, the relationships as they built up tenderly and the awkward moments of truth. But tragedies do hit their marks very well along, all of which felt genuine which made them the harder to watch to see happen.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it, but not as much as I expected
I'm not sure I'd watch it again but I'd get the soundtrack
I'd recommend it to fans of music films and those who enjoy watching films for great performances
16 minutes of preshow including 4 commercials and 5 previews: Greenberg, A Prophet, Nowhere Boy, Knight & Day and Date Night
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
Film Fan Fridays for Friday January 29, 2010
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday January 29, 2010! This week we are heavy on the limited releases which include two Canadian films La Donation / The Legacy and Grown Up Movie Star and we also have our first slew of festivals of the year. If you want to keep up to date on upcoming festivals around Toronto I've got you covered - check out the 2010 Toronto Film Festival Listing which has not only this weeks festivals but well festivals into the future as well.
In limited release this week we have 5 releases and 2 of those are Canadian to boot. I'm thrilled to share that the beautiful film La Donation / The Legacy is hitting theatres, it's the third film in Bernard Émond humanist trilogy exploring Faith (La neuvaine), Hope (Contre toute espérance) and now Charity with La Donation but don't let the fact that it's in a series keep you away - you can watch it as a stand alone film if you haven't seen the first two yet, and I highly recommend catching all of them when you can. Next up for Canadian releases is Grown Up Movie Star which is hitting out theatres straight after being at Sundance 2010. Also in limited release is the award winning drama Bliss / Mutluluk, Brazilian thriller Body / Corpo and the documentary The Yes Men Fix the World.
In wide release this week we have just 2 releases. First up is When in Rome a romantic comedy starring Kristen Bell who is unlucky in love and decides to take matters into her own hands and out of a lucky fountain which result in some bizarre results. Also in wide release is Edge of Darkness a crime/thriller of the revenge flavour starring Mel Gibson and Ray Winstone from Casino Royale director Martin Campbell.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
The 8 Fest Small-Gauge Film Festival
A festival focusing on small-gauge film including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm, loops and zoetropes
January 27 - 31, 2010 at Canadian Corps Headquarters, 201 Niagara Street (Just South of King), in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Caribbean Tales Youth Film Festival
February 2 - 25, 2010 at the William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks Avenue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Friday
Bliss / Mutluluk
Dir: Abdullah Oguz (Sicak, O simdi mahkum)
Cast: Özgü Namal, Talat Bulut, Murat Han
Turkey/Greece
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page
Body / Corpo
Writers/Dirs: Rossana Foglia & Rubens Rewald - feature film directorial debuts
Cast: Regiane Alves, Rejane Arruda, Louise Cardoso, Chris Couto, Leonardo Medeiros
Brazil
Limited Release
No Official Film Site or Trailer Found, IMDb Page
Dir: Bernard Émond (La neuvaine, Contre toute espérance)
Cast: Élise Guilbault, Jacques Godin, Éric Hoziel, Françoise Graton, Angèle Coutu
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Edge of Darkness
Writer/Dir: Adriana Maggs - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Shawn Doyle, Tatiana Maslany, Jonny Harris, Julia Kennedy, Mark O'Brien, Steve Cochrane, Andy Jones
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
When in Rome
Dir: Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider, Daredevil)
Cast: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Anjelica Huston, Jon Heder, Will Arnett
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Yes Men Fix the World
Dirs: Andy Bichlbaum & Mike Bonanno - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary
France/UK/USA
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 January 29, 2010**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday January 29, 2010
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday January 29, 2010! This week we are heavy on the limited releases which include two Canadian films La Donation / The Legacy and Grown Up Movie Star and we also have our first slew of festivals of the year. If you want to keep up to date on upcoming festivals around Toronto I've got you covered - check out the 2010 Toronto Film Festival Listing which has not only this weeks festivals but well festivals into the future as well.
In limited release this week we have 5 releases and 2 of those are Canadian to boot. I'm thrilled to share that the beautiful film La Donation / The Legacy is hitting theatres, it's the third film in Bernard Émond humanist trilogy exploring Faith (La neuvaine), Hope (Contre toute espérance) and now Charity with La Donation but don't let the fact that it's in a series keep you away - you can watch it as a stand alone film if you haven't seen the first two yet, and I highly recommend catching all of them when you can. Next up for Canadian releases is Grown Up Movie Star which is hitting out theatres straight after being at Sundance 2010. Also in limited release is the award winning drama Bliss / Mutluluk, Brazilian thriller Body / Corpo and the documentary The Yes Men Fix the World.
In wide release this week we have just 2 releases. First up is When in Rome a romantic comedy starring Kristen Bell who is unlucky in love and decides to take matters into her own hands and out of a lucky fountain which result in some bizarre results. Also in wide release is Edge of Darkness a crime/thriller of the revenge flavour starring Mel Gibson and Ray Winstone from Casino Royale director Martin Campbell.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
The 8 Fest Small-Gauge Film Festival
A festival focusing on small-gauge film including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm, loops and zoetropes
January 27 - 31, 2010 at Canadian Corps Headquarters, 201 Niagara Street (Just South of King), in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Caribbean Tales Youth Film Festival
February 2 - 25, 2010 at the William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks Avenue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Friday
Bliss / Mutluluk
Dir: Abdullah Oguz (Sicak, O simdi mahkum)
Cast: Özgü Namal, Talat Bulut, Murat Han
Turkey/Greece
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page
Body / Corpo
Writers/Dirs: Rossana Foglia & Rubens Rewald - feature film directorial debuts
Cast: Regiane Alves, Rejane Arruda, Louise Cardoso, Chris Couto, Leonardo Medeiros
Brazil
Limited Release
No Official Film Site or Trailer Found, IMDb Page
Dir: Bernard Émond (La neuvaine, Contre toute espérance)
Cast: Élise Guilbault, Jacques Godin, Éric Hoziel, Françoise Graton, Angèle Coutu
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Edge of Darkness
Writer/Dir: Adriana Maggs - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Shawn Doyle, Tatiana Maslany, Jonny Harris, Julia Kennedy, Mark O'Brien, Steve Cochrane, Andy Jones
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
When in Rome
Dir: Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider, Daredevil)
Cast: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Anjelica Huston, Jon Heder, Will Arnett
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Yes Men Fix the World
Dirs: Andy Bichlbaum & Mike Bonanno - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary
France/UK/USA
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 January 29, 2010**
Christopher Booth Live Interview 1/29/2010 5:00/C
1/29/2010 5:00/C We Welcome Christopher Booth Director who works hand in had with brother Phil. There films include DEATH TUNNEL, a horror documentary feature. Children Of the Grave and The Possessed as seen on Sci Fi Channel. We will discuss his films, experience and personal views on Child spirits along with his upcoming projects. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/arsradio