Elizabeth Banks settles into the director’s chair again and delivers a mostly entertaining comedy thriller, which is loosely based on a true story, Cocaine Bear. Featuring an all-star cast led by Keri Russell, the film swings from working brilliantly to just falling a little flat. But damn if Banks doesn’t swing for the fences. There…
Tag: funny
The Impossible Fortress (2017) – Jason Rekulak
I loved Rekulak’s Hidden Pictures, so when I checked to see what else he’d written and discovered he’d penned a coming-of-age story in the 80s with characters who were exactly the same age I was in the year 1987, I had to check it out. And I LOVED it. The Impossible Fortress takes us into…
Shaolin Soccer (2001) – Stephen Chow
Writer/director Stephen Chow delivers another highly entertaining live-action cartoon that shows what happens when some washed-up Shaolin masters rediscover their powers and come together to play in the Chinese SuperCup competition. Chow is Mighty Steel Leg Sing. Despite his abilities, he can’t make a living and is trying to find a way to turn Shaolin…
How to Sell a Haunted House (2023) Grady Hendrix
I have greatly enjoyed Grady Hendrix’s books so far, there are still a couple more for me to track down, and I’m willing to say How to Sell a Haunted House is one of his best. Combining a story of loss with a puppet that seems to be the equal of the clown doll in…
Wonderfalls (2004) – Barrel Bear, and Lovesick Ass
Jaye (Caroline Dhavernas) and Mahandra (Tracie Thoms) find themselves on opposite sides of an argument over Niagara legend and history in Barrel Bear. Written by Tim Minear and Bryan Fuller this episode was never aired which is too bad, because it’s damned funny, and features two fantastic guest stars, Louise Fletcher and Rue McClanahan. Jaye…
About Time (2013) – Richard Curtis
Writer/director Richard Curtis brings together an all-star cast to deliver a time-travel tale that is frequently funny, emotionally poignant and a reminder that life is pretty beautiful and amazing if we remember to take the time to appreciate it, and all the little things it shows us. Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy star…
The Menu (2022) – Mark Mylod
The Menu is a remarkable thriller sauteed with a little comedy to deliver a confection that may not meet with delight with all moviegoers’ palettes, but if you’ve got a cynical streak, especially as it leans towards societal behaviours and elitism, this one will be met with a chef’s kiss. The story follows a group…
Rushmore (1998) – Wes Anderson
As much as I tried, though it was a long time ago, Bottle Rocket, Anderson’s first feature film, never really clicked for me. I realized there were good things in it, but for some reason it didn’t work for me. But it may be time for a rewatch considering how much I’ve enjoyed the rest…
TAD 2022: International Shorts Program
Festival directors and Scotiabank Theatre invites After Dark fans to attend the International Shorts Progam this afternoon. Take in an offering of strange and unusual entries from around the world that will bemuse, beguile and befuddle. Bug Bites, directed by Daniel DelPurgatori is a bizarre little short about what we are led to believe, initially…
TAD 2022: H4Z4RD dir. Jonas Govaerts
Noah (Dimitri Thiviaos) is about to have a very bad day in H4Z4RD an energetic action film from Belgium that boasts a really dark sense of humour and serves as the second film in Toronto After Dark’s opening lineup, having its Canadian Premiere. Driven by a Euro-pop-techno beat, we catch up with Noah, who loves…
The Mind Reels 