Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) – Kenneth Branagh

  The final version of Frankenstein to be suggested for viewing by the Sci-Fi Chronicles book is this 1994 adaptation by actor/writer/director Kenneth Branagh. He takes on this version of the tale by creating a lush and beautiful looking period film. Despite the films he would later make, this one feels restrained, not quite stuffy but…

Relative Happiness (2014) – Deanne Foley

  The Canadian Film Fest continues this evening, beginning at 7pm at the Royal Cinema on College St. Deanne Foley directs the rom-com feature, Relative Happiness, which this evening is preceded by the beautifully shot short, Speak Now, directed by Raj Ramnauth, which is about a relationship leading up to the big day… Relative Happiness…

The Cocksure Lads Movie (2014) – Murray Foster 

  From the 25 to the 28th, The Royal Cinema on College St is playing host to The Canadian Film Fest. A festival intent on showcasing and promoting Canadian film. It starts off this evening  at 6:45, with a delightfully retro-pop confection; a musical comedy from Great Big Sea’s Murray Foster. The Cocksure Lads, Dusty (Lyndon…

Paths of Glory (1957) – Stanley Kubrick

  Kirk Douglas stars as French army Colonel Dax in this next film recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of All Quiet on the Western Front. Kubrick brings his inimitable style to bear on the Great War in this film that tells the tale of a failed…

Sergeant York (1941) – Howard Hawks

  The next film in my viewing line-up following my screening of All Quiet on the Western Front for the chapter on war films for the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film is this biopic based on the diary of Alvin York, himself. This may seem like an odd statement, but this film does…

Young Frankenstein (1974) – Mel Brooks

  The Sci-Fi Chronicles book has been very enjoyable so far, and I’m still at the beginning of the massive tome! It was with great joy that I settled in to watch Mel Brook’s homage and send-up of the Universal Frankenstein films. Gene Wilder headlines a laugh-infused cast, that is just a joy to watch,…

Turn: Washington’s Spies – Season 1

  The third title releasing from Anchor Bay today is  AMC’s first season of the smart, tightly paced character drama set during the American Revolutionary War. Taking its cues from actual historical figures and events, the series charts the creation and implementation of a spy ring that served as Washington’s source of information on the British. Leading…

Muck (2015) – Steve Wolsh

  After I am ZoZo, this horror feature, also releasing from Anchor Bay today, was much more enjoyable, looked so much more professional, and to sound completely like a guy, did not skimp on the cleavage. Muck is a welcome throwback. Using 21st century pacing, and filming techniques, Muck is very much an 80s horror…

I Am ZoZo (2014) – Scott Di Lalla

  I am ZoZo releases today from Anchor Bay, cashing in on the resurgence of Ouija board movies. To differentiate itself from the theatrical films dealing with the same subject matter, the entire thing was shot on Super 8mm. This gives the film a rather enjoyable, almost old-fashioned look, but, sadly, is the only redeeming…

Westfront 1918 (1930) – G.W. Pabst

  My foray into the war genre continues following my viewing of All Quiet On The Western Front for the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book. This time we take on life, both the terror and the tedium, of trench life on the German lines, in this, Pabst’s first talkie. The film came…