The Reader (2008) – Stephen Daldry

The final recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of Schindler’s List, is this moving, and thoughtful film based on the novel by Bernhard Schlink. Kate Winslet stars as Hanna Schmitz, a role for which she won an Oscar for Best Lead Performance. Set in Post World War…

Walk the Line (2005) – James Mangold

Joaquin Phoenix brings the legendary Man in Black, Johnny Cash to life in this biographical drama that is the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of The Sound of Music. The film gives an unflinching look at the life and times of the musician, from his…

Ray (2004) – Taylor Hackford

An all-star cast brings the life of the legendary musician Ray Charles in Ray, the next recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book following my screening of The Sound of Music. Jamie Foxx leads the cast as the titular Ray and is joined by Terrance Howard, Regina King, Larenz Tate, Warwick…

Father Figures (2017) – Blu-Ray Release

Hitting blu-ray and DVD from Warner Brothers this week is this goofy, semi-sweet, adult-humoured quest story from first time director, but experienced cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, starring Owen Wilson and Ed Helms. Helms and Wilson play fraternal twin brothers, Peter and Kyle, who lead separate and different lives from one another and the rest of their…

The Last Metro (1980) – Francois Truffaut

The next film on the What Else to Watch list of DK Canada’s very enjoyable The Movie Book is this classic Truffaut film from 1980 featuring performances from Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu. It’s the early 1940s in occupied France, and theatres are doing a booming business chasing away the spectre of war. But the…

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1993) – Tapestry and, Birthright Part I

Captain’s log: stardate unknown With an airdate of 15 February, 1993, Tapestry immediately became a fan favourite. Written by Ronald D. Moore, the episode is immersed in series continuity, especially that of Captain Picard (Patrikc Stewart). When the captain is injured in a fight, his artificial heart, which we know about from season two, is…

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1992) – Schisms, and True Q

Captain’s log: stardate 46154.2 Airing on 19 October, 1992, this one has always been a favourite, and is a bit creepy. Written by Brannon Braga from a story by Jean Louise Matthias and Ronald Wilkerson. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) is suffering from insomnia, but he soon learns he is not the only one, and the crew…