My View: The Giver (2014) PG-13 In a world where there are no wars, conflict, racism or sickness, every member of society has a specific role. 16-year-old Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) has been given the job of being the Receiver of Memory. Once again we have a Young Adult book that is so much better than the film. The lead, Thwaites isn’t bad, but much like the movie, is kind of bland and boring. Unlike The Hunger Games or Divergent, this film has almost no action and suffers for it. Jeff Bridges, who plays “The Giver,” is, as usual, superb, but even he can’t spice up this film. My Rating: Bargain Matinee The Giver Website
Indiefest: What If (2014) PG-13 Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) hasn’t had much luck in love. He meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), and they instantly become best friends. Too bad Chantry has a boyfriend as Wallace slowly realizes that she is the woman of his dreams. I loved this movie due to it’s great dialogue. The chemistry between Radcliffe and Kazan is impressive, and their bantering back and forth is what makes this film so much fun. The supporting cast is outstanding with Adam Driver as Wallace’s roommate / best friend and Mackenzie Davis as the crazy girlfriend adds a nice spice to the film. This is a romantic comedy that works, hitting all the right spots. My Rating: Full Price What If Website
Indiefest: Calvary (2014) R Father James Lavelle (Brendan Gleeson) is taking confessionals when a parishioner tells the Father that he was abused as a child by a priest and plans on killing the Father next Sunday. Now, will Father Lavelle die for someone else’s sins? I loved the 2011 film The Guard, which starred Gleeson and was written / directed by the man who brings us this film, John Michael McDonagh. Unfortunately, this film isn’t on the same level as it doesn’t balance the comedy parts with the drama. It’s a rather depressing film with very few likeable characters. Gleeson is brilliant, but the script just doesn’t match his performance. My Rating: Bargain Matinee Calgary Website
Indiefest: Land Ho! (2014) R Colin (Paul Eenhoorn) and Mitch (Earl Lynn Nelson) are former brothers-in-laws. Now, they are off to seek adventures in Iceland. This is a marvelous quiet, unassuming film about two men dealing with the aspects of aging. The chemistry between the two men is impressive, and the dialogue is natural. At times funny, this moving film is a joy to watch, and the scenery of Iceland is beautiful and breathtaking. It’s a film with not a lot of action, but it’s a fun ride. My Rating: Full Price Land Ho! Website
Forgotten Film: Moscow on the Hudson (1984) R A Russian saxophone player (Robin Williams) for a traveling circus defects to the U.S. in the middle of Bloomingdales. After living in the tough winters of Moscow, you would think that Vladimir would find it easy to live in New York City, but he has a tough time adjusting to his new world. Robin Williams gives an outstanding, understated performance as a sweet, quiet man struggling to come to terms with his brand new situation. Two scenes stand out for me; Vladimir has a panic attack when he becomes overwhelmed by the excess of a grocery store, and, at a late night diner, people from different nationalities recite the Declaration of Independence. Added bonus is Maria Conchita Alonso is brilliant as the Bloomingdales saleswoman who takes Vladimir under her wing. My Rating: Full Price Moscow on the Hudson Info
Weird Credits: From the credits of The Expendables 3: Russian arm precision driver
Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: Love Is Strange (2014) R After Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) are married, they fall on hard times and have to live separately with friends which makes it difficult for them to stay married. This film has been playing to rave reviews and big crowds on the film festival circuit.
Until Next Time!
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