EXAM (2008)

This well intentioned thriller, a mix between The Cube and the Spanish movie The Method, fails spectacularly not only at creating tension, but also at a very childish commentary about the “humanity” in mankind.

8 people are sitting in a room waiting to pass the final test to get a job in a super prestigious company, they only have to answer one question but the piece of paper in front of them is blank; they are not allowed to speak to the guard next to the door nor to leave the room and they only have 80 minutes to find out the answer. Now, while you were reading this description you’ve probably imagined what’s gonna happen. And you’re probably right! While well made and reasonably well acted, Exam is painfully conventional and boringly paced. People, as you can imagine, get crazy, over the top and get eliminated one by one and no intention to twist conventions is made; the hotshot is the youngest looking, the psychologist wears glasses and the cool gambler tosses a coin once in a while, just for kicks. I shit you not.

GETEVEN (aka Road to Revenge)

So, you’ve probably heard of The Room (if not, then check your pulse), self proclaimed “auteur” Tommy Wiseau’s magnum opus that plays like an SCTV riff on daytime soaps. Well, he’s not the only humorously untalented hack to write, direct and star in his own self-aggrandizing piece of crap.

Enter John De Hart: writer, director, producer… and he wrote and performed all the music and songs!!

Plot… yes, there is a plot… something about corrupt judges and a clan of Satan worshiping kidnappers… or something like that… but that’s neither hear nor there. What is important is that Mr. De Hart somehow managed to wrangle (or coerce) Wings Hauser (venerable 80′s B-grade action stalwart – VICE SQUAD, STREET ASYLUM) and William Smith (this guys been in everything!!!) into “acting” in his film!! Apparently, in this instance, “acting means drinking heavily and then rolling the camera.

But it’s the songs that make this such a memorably bad film. Highlights include the “shimmy-shake”, De Hart’s take on the “Achy-breaky” line dance hit from years ago, and the Endless Love inspired ballad, that accompanies the intimate scenes, that De Hart performs as a duet with his equally tonally challenged female co-star. There is nothing ironic about the enjoyment to be gleaned from such “diamonds in the rough”, bad films are as equally important do the enjoyment of the medium as the “good” ones.

- Daniel Hanna

PLAGUE TOWN

Now this is a shitty movie; and not in the sense of so shitty it’s good, but more like it’s so shitty it’s completely shit. Ok, I may be overstating things but the truth is that, even though Plague Town has a couple of OK moments, at the end the feel of having watched a incredibly mediocre film is unwatchable.

So about the story, well… i can imagine there was a lot of that in the mind of the creators but as far as the plot is concerned there is some kind of plague, maybe related to the devil, that fucks up little children and then become ugly evil playful things, keen on beating helpless women, too dumb to get up and run, with plastic wheels and branches. Something apparently goes bad and now they are trying to fix the “disease” using healthy foreigners. I think. One of the main problems of Plague Town is that it pretends to have some sort of mystery but this is never clearly layout and even less competently resolved.

So what about fun? Well, we have some gory moments here and there and an admittedly pretty creepy scene with the woman on the cover of the DVD case, but besides the amusement of ridiculously retarded kills and the lamest dysfunctional family ever, the pleasures of this horror film championed by Fangoria are almost non-existent. Meaning that is not even amusing to make fun of it while watching. Don’t be fooled by the pretty cool trailer (Which i saw 4 years ago and still was in my mind. Yes I’m a trailer whore.) this one is just bad.

- Daniel Montiel

SHARKS IN VENICE

There are bad movies, there are shitty movies and then there is Sharks In Venice, a movie so amazingly awful that it transcends all classification! A movie so schizophrenic that you are never sure exactly what kind of movie you are watching at any given moment! …and, in true B-Movie tradition, the box art is so completely misleading that you want to feel disappointed… but the movie is so full of outrageous cliche, that you can’t help but feel like you just discovered a winning lottery ticket in the trash!!!

You sit yourself down to see a giant shark gobbling gondolas and instead you are transported to ultra low budget b-movie hell! When a movie stars Stephen Baldwin, you know that you are in for it!!! …but, instead, you get far more than you ever bargained for!!

Here, in point form, are some of the treats that await you:

sharks
scuba diving
action scientists
sunken treasure
evil mafia don
dead father/avenging son
smug police
more sharks
templar knights
blackmail

Nightmare on Elm Street Review by Justin Lourenco

“Red and green colour combination is the most difficult for the human eye to process”

When I was five, Fred Kruger was my hero. While older kids on my block wanted to be Leonardo, Donatello, or one of Ivan Reitman’s famous phantom exterminators, I wanted nothing more than to don the burnt visage of a mass murdering pedophile. I’d lure unsuspecting eight-year-old victims with the promise of a new episode of “The Real Ghostbusters” on my grandmother’s projection television. Laying in wait in that darkened basement, I would don the red green-stripped sweater, claw, and burn mask. Looking back on it now, I reminisce, thinking, this must be how Wes Craven felt watching his film with an audience for the first time. Because unlike all of the silly sequels that followed, Nightmare on Elm Street is one scary-as-shit surrealist ride through cinema. The film redefined what a slasher film could be in the middle of the sub-genres golden age, and built New Line an empire.

“The claw in carnivorous mammals is primarily used to ensnare prey before they feed.”

Nightmare on Elm Street is a slasher forged in the passion of independent European auteurist cinema. Birthed from the still hungry cinephile mind of a mid-career-crisis Craven; the film is littered with homage’s to favourite art-house European auteurs. While the film never quite succeeds in reaching the depth of character and subtlety of his Swedish professor Ingmar Bergman, it is at once apparent that this film was written with both passion and purpose. Nightmare on Elm Street unfolds as a subversive allegory about the real nightmares that creep into our lives if we don’t pay attention, and take care of our societies children. And it does so remaining true to genre; the film is a no holds barred slasher with a particularly notorious set piece evoking rape, as a teenager is slashed open, penetrated, and dragged up a bedroom wall. It’s blood soaked social commentary scrawled in the bedrooms of suburban families the world over, and that’s precisely what makes this film so frightening.

“What is to give light must endure burning.”

- Viktor E. Frankl

As of today, the lights in the halls of the house that Freddy built are all but extinguished. My grandmother’s basement is collapsed and filled in with concrete; foundation for the next generation of condominiums. Even though I know my childhood, and New Line Cinema are buried and gone, there is still a part of me locked in that darkened basement laying in wait for the next slasher film that will redefine a generation the way Nightmare on Elm Street has.

CREEPSHOW (1982)

Creepshow is a perfect example of a lost sub-genre of film, that being the anthology film. Most notably a horror convention, the anthology seems to me like the perfect vehicle for entertainment. If you hate the story or characters, give it ten minutes, and there’s a whole new set of both.

Creepshow is a great anthology horror film directed by George Romero, and written by Stephen King (He also stars in one of the segments, “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill”, as a goofy hillbilly who has a run in with a meteor). The film is heavily influenced by the notorious E.C. comics of the 1950’s, like “Tales From The Crypt”, so many stylistic touches featured in “Creepshow” are reminiscent of comic books, such as framing devices and lighting. The stories range from subjects such as re-animated corpses, crate-dwelling monkey monsters, and flesh-eating cockroaches. There’s something there for everyone. If you grew up reading those old horror comics, this is essential viewing.

- Trevor Henderson

HALLOWEEN (1978)

So, leave it to me to choose the most original Halloween movie as my favorite one of the Halloween season to commemorate Halloween, John Carpenter’s Halloween. Right. So what can be said about this masterpiece; a defining film, not only as part of the horror genre but as a triumph of independent film-making, that hasn’t been said before? Well probably quite a lot but i will just dedicate myself to stress two important characteristics of this movie: its simplicity and its never diminishing effectiveness.

Halloween’s is very clear and confident about the plot that wants to develop during its tight running time and the wonderful thing is the richness behind the “Evil Terrorizes Dorky Girl” premise. Carpenter defined the basic elements well enough as to become symbols, and at the same time left them with the possibility to live and to change and transform in the public’s mind, elevating the material to, in my humble opinion, the heights of a timeless fable. A violent, suspenseful, fun and scary as shit fable that is.

This well developed elements also help Halloween stand in a position that sometimes is difficult for horror movies to maintain, apart from a nostalgic appreciation, and that is continuing to be scary. So, yeah, just watch it again and think “Damn, they really don’t made them like they used to.”
- Daniel Montiel

DEAD ALIVE a.k.a BRAINDEAD (1992)

The question always comes up eventually, the person lowering their voice to a conspirator whisper, as if the mere thought of it could get them into trouble:

“So…What’s the goriest film you’ve ever seen?”

People’s answers will vary – some will say it’s an Italian Cannibal film, others a seedy Japanese torture fest, and my answer comes to me incredibly easily: The goriest film of all time is DEAD ALIVE (Or BRAINDEAD for you European folk). Director Peter Jackson (Yep, of LORD OF THE RINGS fame) tells the simple story of a boy, his manipulative mother, a girl and an army of undead. Heads get ripped off, guts get munched, rib cages pulled out and life are lesson learned

Oh, and there’s a lawnmower massacre.

DEAD ALIVE isn’t just gory, it’s RIDICULOUSLY gory, and it’s not merely content to deliver the quantity but gives you the creativity behind the mile high spurts of the red stuff. It’s all about the laughs here, not the scares, and Director/Writer Peter Jackson just wants you to have a grand old time watching horrifying acts of slapstick violence. Put down the ‘SCARIEST FILM OF ALL TIME’ for a second and let yourself be taken away in something that’s just a grand old fun time at the movies. BIGGEST GIANTEST RECOMMENDATION!

- Justin Decloux

NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (1988)

There are several films that have a very warm spot for me every Halloween. There was a time when horror was gross, scary, no holds barred but still carried this wonderful level of innocence. Halloween is not just a time of horror but a time to remember when children dress up as monsters and get to be brave and scary while having a good time. Monster Squad, The Gate, Peter Jackson’s Dead Alive and Killer Clowns from Outerspace are all examples I would use. Scary, gory effects but a fun and cheeky sense of humour that makes the forth coming nightmares more fun than scary. This years pick for me is 1988s NIGHT OF THE DEMONS. It plays by all the classic stereotypes and rules that make a fun Halloween party flick. A bunch of odd balls kids go to a party at a haunted funeral home. To quote the movie, this house is not haunted it’s possessed. Funny gore gags and a one by one set of creative deaths for a motley crue of characters makes for an entertaining movie. The characters you hate die quick and fast and the ones you like, well they die too. Classic cheesie monster effects with a few creative twists all set on a Halloween party. The main bad girl Angela is dressed in a black wedding dress and talks like Dr Claw but when she dances to a soundtrack provided by The Bauhaus we will quickly understand the goth tongue and cheek humour of this movie. This movie is a no-brainer but a perfect party flick. Booze Boobs Beasts and 80s rock. Please over look the terrible remake of 2010 with the same plot but updated hip characters, just ruins the full point. This Halloween beware of bobbing for bat apples (watch the movie you will know what I mean).
- Adam Thom

SESSION 9 (2001)

Some people want their Halloween movies to be fun… or gory … or gory fun. I prefer my Halloween movies to be SCARY!!!!

Session 9 came out of nowhere in 2001, with it’s odd cast of second tier but recognizable unknowns led by ginger CSI diva David Caruso and Directed by relative newcomer – Brad Anderson (The Machinist).
The story follows an asbestos removal crew into their new job site, the imposing and abandoned Danvers State Mental Hospital – the real “star” of this film. Personal and professional tensions mount as the job drags on, personalities clash and a pall falls over the job site. While exploring the labyrinthine facility, the discovery old files and tape recordings of the previous patients/inmates instills the proceedings with a definite sense of dread that crawls slowly up your spine… grabs you by the scruff your neck …and whispers sweet evils in your ear.

Playing off of our collective subconscious fears and some truly disturbing mental imagery, Session 9 is a haunting, atmospheric masterpiece of the macabre… the only film to truly frighten this well jaded, long time horror fan in the last 25 years. Whenever I’m asked to recommend a truly scary movie, this is always my go to first choice! There are plenty of grotesque, violent, blood-spattered torture films and even more choice when it comes to goofy, over-the-top, nonsensical horror comedies… but there are so few films that can actually unnerve us and send our minds to the dark recesses of our own psyches… just the idea that a mere collection of images on celluloid can reduce a grown man to the state of a frightened child reveals the true power of film as art.

EyeSore Cinema (801 Queen St. West, 2nd Floor) is reviewing movies for us now. Yeah that’s right, Daniel and the boys who tell you what to rent every week when you’re IN the store, and now gonna tell you want to rent BEFORE you go. How do you like them apples? This rainy, shitty, perfect-date-night-on-the-couch day outside marks the inaugural post by EyeSore. Couldn’t of planned it better ourselves. Read, learn, rent.

Kill List (United Kingdom, 2011) – Review By Trevor Henderson @ Eyesore Cinema

“Kill List” follows a family man, Jay (played by an intense Neil Maskell) and his long-time friend Gal as they reunite for a dinner party. Jay’s been out of work for quite some time due to a back problem (that may be completely psychosomatic), and Gal has a new job prospect to offer Jay. After some convincing, the two get to work, with Jay’s behaviour growing increasingly erratic and violent. I’m reluctant to say any more than that, as some of the greatest joy this film has to offer come through the twists in the plot, and just how off the map director Ben Wheatley decides to go. By the time the last act kicked in, I was as disoriented as the characters, feeling as if the already dark story I was watching had accidentally broken through some wall into a nightmare. It’s nothing short of masterful the way the director uses music, title-cards, and strategic editing of scenes to foreshadow what’s to come, making the audience feel dread from otherwise innocent early scenes of Jay at home with his wife and daughter. Without a doubt, the best new horror movie I’ve seen in years. Try to avoid plot-spoilers as much as you can and just see it.

THE RAID (Indonesia, 2011) – Review by Justin Decloux @ Eyesore Cinema

THE RAID is a lean mean action machine. You have a building, you have the police trapped inside and then there’s the hundred or so bad guys that want them dead. Director Gareth Evans ditches the classical martial arts approach of his last picture MERANTAU and trades it in for a more handheld, gritty, but still completely comprehensible, style of close combat action cinematography. No one is fighting for the sake of fighting in THE RAID – they just want to kill their enemy as quickly as possible. Iko Uwais is a dominating physical presence as the star, he delivers every bone crunching move with the perfect snarl of rage. The action itself is varied and brutal while still retaining the back and forth missing from the fights choreographed by Panna Rittikrai. It’s refreshing to see a film that has combat that’s carefully planned, edited, and directed with this much love and care. It was so popular that not only has it been picked up for international distribution, but there’s talks of a remake (WHY?) already on the calendar. SEE IT!

Plot Synopsis:
A biography based on the untold story of John Lennon. The film begins with a 16 year old John, and ends right before The Beatles (in their earliest incarnation) went to Hamburg. To clarify, this is not a Beatles bio, it’s a John Lennon bio.

Genre:
Biography

Starring:
Aaron Johnson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Thomas Sangster, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey, Sam Bell

Director:
Sam Taylor-Wood

Review:
To be honest, I’m not usually a fan of biographical films. For the most part, they are poorly made and researched, and never grasp what the person they are based on went through or experienced (see: Factory Girl or Norma Jean & Marilyn). That said, I still give it a chance when the film is about someone I’m thoroughly interested in, because I tend to hang onto the hope that one day, maybe, someone will make something good.

Nowhere Boy hit the mark, for the most part. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t terrible either. I didn’t hate it, but I felt that it was a bit of a fantastical version of John’s early life and a lot of crucial points were cut out, for example, his first wife Cynthia. At the same time, a lot of important parts were included, like the death of John’s Uncle George, at the beginning of the film. George had a huge influence on John’s early childhood and was one of the few people that ever showed him love and tenderness while growing up with his rigid Aunt Mimi.

The relationship between John and his mother made me a bit uncomfortable at the beginning. I think it was just the interaction between Aaron Johnson and Anne-Marie Duff, but she seemed to be looking at him a bit more like a 15 year old school girl than a mother, if you catch my incestuous-vibed drift. Eventually it evened out, though, and the film became very good.

In essence, see this film if you want to be entertained and gain a brief summary of John Lennon‘s early life, before Beatlemania, bed-ins for peace and most definetly before Yoko.

Watch the trailer here.

Plot Synopsis:
An in-depth documentary on The Doors featuring never-before-scene footage of the band and it’s members. The film begins with the meeting of Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek at UCLA’s film school and ends with Morrison‘s untimely death at the age of 27.

Genre:
Documentary

Narrated by:
Johnny Depp

Director:
Tom DiCillo

Review:
I hate to admit it, but I’m sort of a film elitist lately. I’m beginning to turn into one of those people who thinks that the only real type of cinema is documentary film. What’s the point of telling a story unless there’s something to really tell? And at the same time, what better way to tell that story than by showing it in real life. That being said, I don’t like when films falsely advertise their content, which ended up being the case with When You’re Strange.

Turns out, it’s just another Jim Morrison movie, and not a Doors bio, as I had expected it to be. Although it wasn’t as bad as other films I’ve seen (ie. Oliver Stone‘s The Doors), it still centrally concentrated on Morrison, his antics and how he inevitably destroyed one of the greatest rock bands of all time with drugs and booze. There were highlights about the rest of the band, of course, such as how John Densmore once quit the band after a turbulent day in the studio thanks to Jim’s drunken behaviour, or how Robby Krieger

Plot Synopsis:
Following the death of their son, a married couple go on a trip to ‘Eden,’ their cabin in the woods, but the wife finds it just a bit too hard to cope with the pain.

Genre:
Drama/Horror

Starring:
Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe

Director:
Lars Von Trier

Review:
Every once and awhile, a movie comes along that rekindles my love with cinema and in today’s word of recycled film, it’s nice to see something as original as this.

I loved this movie. Two words: genital mutilation. When I think back to when it premiered at Cannes, I remember reading about how audiences were leaving the theater due to it’s graphic nature, and laughing. I tend to not get disgusted by these types of things, but I will admit that Antichrist did leave me a bit… discomposed?

Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg are two of my favourite actors, for obvious reasons. They’re both outrageously talented and the fact that Lars Von Trier casted the two of them in this movie made my 2009 movie year that much brighter. The cinematography was fabulous, the score was perfect for the film, the script was perfect; I honestly couldn’t find one flaw in it, personally.

I will say that, for the faint of heart, this movie might not be for you. It’s very graphic, so when I say genital mutilation, I mean genital mutilation; male and female. It’s also very philosophical and has a heavy storyline, so not something you’d want to watch at your best friend’s birthday party or something, unless you’re the artsy-type perhaps? Oh, and feminists, beware! It does have a slightly mysogonistic undertone.

Anyway, I give this film two big thumbs up! Enjoy!

Where to see it?
It’s currently available on DVD, although I wasn’t able to find it on Canadian Amazon. Here it is on the American one.

Watch the trailer here.

Plot Synopsis:
After the successful hanging of their biggest nemesis, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are thrown into a whole new world of trouble when the occult mastermind returns from the dead with hopes of overthrowing British parliament and taking over the world.

Genre:
Action/Comedy

Starring:
Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Eddie Marsan, Mark Strong

Director:
Guy Ritchie

Review:
Alright…so I’m a little biased; I love everything that Guy Ritchie has ever made (except that Madonna movie), so it was no shock that I adored Sherlock Holmes. I was lucky enough to go to the world premier of Rock n Rolla, and I have to say what an honour it was to see one of his pictures before anyone else.

The total awesomeness of this movie started with the opening credits.. They were illustrated and just fabulous. Guy’s intro and end credits are always super cool.

Right off the bat, the music was perfect for the film; The Rocky Road to Dublin during the boxing scene was probably one of my favourite scene/music combos ever and that’s saying something.

The acting was golden, as can be expected by the dreamy Robert Downey Jr who really never disappoints, heroin addiction or not. Jude Law posed a lot, being the pretty boy he is, but still pulled off the role. The only one who I wasn’t happy with was Rachel McAdams. Her acting was fantastic, but I just felt that she didn’t fit the role. I wish the casting directors had chosen Kelly Reilly as Irene Adler, as opposed to the Watson‘s fiancee.

Anyway, I hope that they make like 65 more of these, as long as the quality stands, because the film definetly had the potential to become a franchise, and it was my absolute favourite adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s book series. It was an A+ film and you should go see it. Now-like!

Where to see it?
It’s still playing all over the city.. Click here for the specifics!

Watch the trailer here.

Plot Synopsis:
Bright Star is based on the 3 year relationship between John Keats and the love of his life, Fanny Brawne, before his early death at the age of 25.

Genre:
Romance/Biography

Starring:
Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish

Director:
Jane Campion

Review:

I absolutely loved this movie. It was like a John Keats poem within itself. From start to finish, the cinematography was absolutely ravishing with it’s vivid blues and purples and just spoke of a doomed romance. Sorry if that’s a spoiler for ya’ll, but it’s pretty much known to everyone that Keats got died super young, and the trailers make it pretty obvious, as well.

Anyways! My one complaint it that the acting didn’t speak to me as much as everything else (directing, writing, cinematophraphy, etc). This is Abbie Cornish‘s first big American role and she’s finally getting her footing as an up-and-coming actress, so I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt; but Ben Whishaw, whom I love and adore unconditionally, just wasn’t putting out enough for me here. I just wasn’t getting the “love” vibes from him and I didn’t think that there was very much, if any, chemistry between the two lead actors.

That all being said, it was a wonderful movie and I highly recommend it if you want a beautifully shot tear-jerker with some grand poetry thrown in the mix! Oh! And in terms of eye-candy, Ben Whishaw was looking fiiiiine as always! :)

Where to see it?
It is now available on DVD.

Watch the trailer here.

Plot Outline:
Creation is the story of Charles Darwin, his journey to the single most important discovery in the history of mankind and how it challenged every relationship he had within his life.

Genre:
Drama/Biography

Starring:
Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Jeremy Northam, Toby Jones, Benedict Cumberbatch <- Best name evur.

Director:
Jon Amiel

Review:
I have always been thoroughly fascinated by Charles Darwin and his life and discoveries, so when I heard that Creation, a new film about his life, was being made, I was totally excited. After watching the trailer, I expected to see a movie that was about his research in the Galapagos islands and about the battle he had with the Church while trying to get his discoveries published. Instead, I later found out that the movie was based on the book Annie’s Box, which chronicles Darwin’s relationship with his eldest daughter, Anne, who died at the age of 10, and the effect this had on his marriage, research and his own personal health and state of mind.

After watching the film, I can say that it was well-made, had a fantastic story and was greatly acted, by both Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly, who are married in real-life, if you didn’t already know that. : ) It barely touched on his research as a naturalist (in terms of what he’s best known for) but mostly on the publishing of “The Origin of Species.”

It’s a very good film and I highly recommend it if you like the more biographical, emotionally charged film. If you’re only going for entertainment value, then I’d say see something else. Hope you enjoy it!

Where to see it?
The three locations it is currently being played at in Toronto are:
- Cineplex Odeon Queensway
- Cineplex Odeon Varsity
- Cineplex Odeon Sheppard

Watch the trailer here.

Plot Outline:
Legion shows us what happens when God stop giving a crap about mankind. The film takes place in a diner in the middle of nowhere, which ends up becoming ground zero for the fight for humanity.

Genre:
Thriller

Starring:
Paul Bettany, Dennis Quaid, Tyrese Gibson, Lucas Black, Charles S. Dutton, Adrianne Palicki, Willa Howland, Kevin Durand, Kate Walsh

Director:
Scott Stewart

Review:
Alright… I don’t typically go to see movies that I know will be bad.. or watch them at all. I actually expected Legion to be a good movie.. The concept is amazing and Paul Bettany typically doesn’t make bad films (aside from The DaVinci Code), but this movie sucked. It was terrible. I think that the only reason that Bettany agreed to make the film as because he just played Charles Darwin in Creation and needed a way to appease anyone who thought he was anti-God.

Like I said, the concept was amazing… The idea of an apocalypse where angels are sent by God to destroy humanity and the one child that could save us all does have some potential. The creepiness of some of the characters (ie. The old lady and the ice cream guy) could have been placed throughout the film, but where instead only featured in pretty much only those two parts. It wasn’t scary, it just dragged and was totally lame.

That being said, Paul Bettany looked hotter than ever, and not just because of his sexy six-pack. Dark hair totally suits that fine, fine man.

In conclusion, I’d say don’t waste the $12.50 to see the movie, because you’re more than likely going to be disappointed.

Where to see it?
It’s pretty much playing in every theatre in Toronto, but I’d still check here if you want to see it at all.

Watch the trailer here.

Plot Synopsis:
Based on the book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy, The Road is a story about a man and his son in a post-apocalyptic world, where all that matters is survival at any cost.

Genre:
Drama

Starring:
Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Robert Duvall

Director:
John Hillcoat

Review:
I always love to watch movies about the apocalypse, because frankly, I’m a negative Nancy and I love seeing other people’s view points about what humanity would be like if we were truly faced with the idea of complete obliteration. The Road didn’t disappoint me at all. I haven’t read the book yet, so I can’t say how good the movie was in comparison, but as a film, I loved it.

In a world where there are only a few decent human beings left, the connection the film showed between father and son was wonderful. It’s very difficult to say much about the film without giving away any plot points, and I think after seeing it, you’ll understand what I’m saying, but just the interpretation of human connection, and how they can be lost in such a horrific way through final desperation, was beautifully expressed through the film. There are some parts that are a bit messed up for people with sensitive stomachs, but it’s not too too bad. Cannibalism = hawt.

So if you’re up for a downer of a movie, but one that’s awesome. Check out The Road, ya’ll!

Oh, and PS, another reason to sea the movie….. You get to see some Viggo butt action. Hallelujah! If he’s going to retire, we need all we can get!

Where to see it?
The only place it’s still playing in a close proximity to Toronto, is at Colossus… which isn’t very accessible to most (without a car), but I’m sure it’ll be out on DVD within the next few months. :)

Watch the trailer here.

So since it’s New Year’s Day, I decided to do another ‘Best of ….’ list, and will return to my regular broadcast next Friday. So here they are, in no particular order, because honestly.. there were so many goodies this year, I couldn’t just pick one as my favourite:

The Cove

(500) Days of Summer

Up

An Education

A Single Man

Up In the Air

Moon

Inglourious Basterds

Sherlock Holmes

The White Ribbon

Runners up:

Antichrist, Public Enemies, District 9, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Precious, Coco Avant Chanel, A Serious Man, Avatar, Invictus, Bright Star, The Hangover, Zombieland, Anvil! The Story of Anvil, Pirate Radio, Bronson, The Road