The one thing that I came out of Fuze knowing for sure is that this is the first time I’ve seen Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a role where I thought, yes, I can see this fella playing 007. Now, it hasn’t been announced he is, or anything of the sort, but I’m saying what I saw…
TIFF 25: Retreat dir. Ted Evans
Ted Evans wrote and directed this engaging thriller that takes us inside the lives of Eva (Anne Zander) and Matt (James Joseph Boyle) when Eva joins Matt and a collection of deaf people living at a residence they know as Chilmark. Under the watchful eye, and guidance of Mia (Sophie Stone), the residents are establishing…
Get Smart (1965) – KAOS in CONTROL, The Day Smart Turned Chicken, and Satan Place
CONTROL is preparing to host a conference for some of the luminaries of the day, but KAOS is planning to hit them with a regression gun, turning their minds to those of children. Can Maxwell Smart (Don Adams) and 99 (Barbara Feldon) save the day? Written by Hal Goldman and Al Gordon this episode was…
Superman: Dawnbreaker (2019) – Matt de la Pena
I’m going to restart Smallville this week. I never finished it when it was airing and writing about them guarantees that I have to watch them all and explore the whole series. And since Superman has always been a hero of mine, I’ve also been scouring for a good Superman novel. Dawnbreaker is that. Giving…
TIFF 25: Kokuho dir. Lee-Sang Il
Kokuho is an epic tale, a decades-long story that takes us inside the world of kabuki, and features some outstanding performances. Kikuo (Ryo Yoshizawa) has always had a talent as an onnagata. These are the female characters in kanubi shows, all played by men. He’s taken in by Hanjiro Hanai (Ken Watanabe!!), who will serve…
TIFF 25: Degrassi – Whatever It Takes dir. Lisa Rideout
Degrassi has been with me since 1989. I was living on my own out in Halifax, and discovered it airing on television and was hooked. I recognized myself in these characters. Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to chat and befriend members of the original Degrassi Juniour High and Degrassi High cast. I was…
TIFF 25: The Balloonists dir. John Dower
John Dower delivers a fascinating and occasionally tense documentary that follows the journey of Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones as they circumnavigate the globe in a hot-air balloon. Never before accomplished the pair take the Orbiter 3, leaving behind their wives and loved ones for a trip they may not come back from. As other…
TIFF 25: Nuremberg dir. James Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt wrote and directed the powerhouse film that is Nuremberg. Using The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai as it’s basis, Vanderbilt grounds the film in facts and strong performances. Front and center in those performance is Russell Crowe who turns in what is arguably his best performance in years. Crowe plays Hermann Goring,…
TIFF 25: Frankenstein dir. Guillermo del Toro
I’ve been a fan of Guillermo del Toro since I took home the film Chronos one night from my video store. Since then, I haven’t missed anything he’s done, and look forward eagerly to each new project. When I heard that he was taking on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I was delighted. The classic monsters have…
Stargate SG-1 (2006) – The Scourge, and Arthur’s Mantle
SG-1 is given a babysitting detail when the International Oversight Advisory committee wants to visit the Gamma Site. Mitchell (Ben Browder), Carter (Amanda Tapping), Daniel (Michael Shanks) and Teal’c (Christopher Judge) are less than impressed. As often happens, things will go sideways and everyone, including Woolsey (Robert Picardo) will be glad SG-1 is there. Written…
The Mind Reels 