It’s that time of year in Toronto again. The summer is winding down, there is the first hint of the crispness of fall in the cooling evening air, which can mean only one thing. No not pumpkin spice lattes, it’s time for the CNE, TIFF, back-to-school prep, and the gathering of geeks from all over…
Tag: artist
Starman (1987) – Fathers and Sons, and Starscape: Part 1
Three stories to go? Somehow we’re rushing towards the end of the series, and it seems to be gearing up to go out on a high note. Fathers and Sons is a wonderful episode, even if it still subscribes to the formula that moves us from week to week. Written by Syrie James this episode…
The Equalizer 2 (2018) – Antoine Fuqua
Sure the first installment of the Antoine Fuqua/Denzel Washington actioner came out in 2014, and I watched it for the first time nine years ago, and hadn’t watched any of the films since. And yes, I’m a fan of the original series with Edward Woodward. but I rather enjoy Washington’s interpretation of the character. The…
Family Ties (1987) – Oh, Brother: Part 2, Higher Love, and Architect’s Apprentice
With the arrival of Maureen (Julie Cobb) the divorce discussion between her and Rob (Norman Parker) turns the Keaton household into a warzone as the kids try to figure out how these things happen. Oh, Brother: Part 2 was written by Alan Uger, and first aired on 17 January, 1987. Alex (Michael J. Fox), Mallory…
Candyman (2021) – Nia DaCosta
Writer/director Nia DaCosta updates the Candyman story, by making a direct sequel to the classic 1992 film, and giving the narrative a new spin as it expands on the legend of Candyman, and ties it into the continuing cycle of prejudice and racial violence. The whole film is about reflections, perspective, and narrative, as up-and-coming…
TIFF ’23: Lee
Before this morning, I had a broad, very generalized knowledge of who Lee Miller was. Now, thanks to this fantastic biopic directed by Ellen Kuras, based on The Lives of Lee Miller by Anthony Penrose and a powerhouse performance (would we expect anything less?) from Kate Winslet as Lee I find my imagination fired, and…
Empire Records (1995) – Allan Moyle
Empire Records was one of those films that gained cult status in the video store I worked in when the film was released to, yup, VHS. My staff loved it, and it would go into high rotation as something played in the store. Set in a music store, the film is set over the course…
TIFF ’22: Moonage Daydream
Moonage Daydream, a film by Brett Morgen, is a frenetic, fever dream glimpse into the life, music, and art of David Bowie. Clocking in at just over two hours, the archival collage of performances and interviews combine in a colourful, kaleidoscopic form that becomes an experiential event. Morgen takes the viewer on a trippy exploration…
The X-Files (2016) – Mulder & Scully Meet the Were-Monster, and Home Again
Fan favorite writer Darin Morgan returns to The X-Files with Mulder & Scully Meet the Were-Monster. First airing on 1 February, 2016, While Mulder (David Duchovny) questions whether or not he’s wasted his life chasing UFOs, aliens, and monsters, Scully (Gillian Anderson) arrives in the office with another case… a monster. But, of course, with…
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) – Howard Deutch
While arguably a riff on his own Pretty In Pink, John Hughes delivers another fantastic teen dramedy, overseen by director Howard Deutch that plays role reversal with its Molly Ringwald alter-ego film. This time the main character is Keith Nelson (Eric Stoltz), a high schooler who wants to be an artist, but his family’s blue…
The Mind Reels 