Hot Docs 2011: 5 capsule reviews, including “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold”

By John C. The 18th annual Hot Docs Film Festival kicks off this evening, with the Toronto premiere of Morgan Spurlock’s brilliant documentary, POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold.  From April 28th to May 8th, the documentary festival will screen 199 films from 43 different countries on 12 screens across Toronto.  Please get… Read More Hot Docs 2011: 5 capsule reviews, including “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold”

Interview: Christopher Vogler, Author of ‘The Writer’s Journey’

By Erin V. Two weeks ago, I attended a panel at the Toronto Screenwriting Conference, which ran April 9th & 10th.  The one I attended was with author/script consultant Chris Vogler who gave a talk on story structure in film.  After the panel I had the opportunity to speak with him for about 15 minutes,… Read More Interview: Christopher Vogler, Author of ‘The Writer’s Journey’

DVD Review: Casino Jack

Casino Jack – An eOne Films’ Release http://casinojack-movie.com/ DVD Release Date: April 26th, 2010 Rated 14A for coarse language Running time: 108 minutes George Hickenlooper (dir.) Norman Snider (writer) Jonathan Goldsmith (music) Kevin Spacey as Jack Abramoff Barry Pepper as Michael Scanlon Jon Lovitz as Adam Kidan Graham Greene as Bernie Sprague Our reviews below:… Read More DVD Review: Casino Jack

DVD Review: I Love You, Phillip Morris

I Love You, Phillip Morris – An Alliance Films’ Release http://www.phillipmorrismovie.net/ DVD Release Date: April 19th, 2010 Rated 14A for violence, coarse language and sexual content Running time: 98 minutes Glenn Ficarra (dir.) John Requa (dir.) John Requa (writer) Glenn Ficarra (writer) Based on a book by Steven McVicker Nick Urata (music) Jim Carrey as… Read More DVD Review: I Love You, Phillip Morris

DVD Review: Somewhere

Somewhere – An Alliance Films’ Release http://focusfeatures.com/film/somewhere/ DVD Release Date: April 19th, 2010 Rated 14A for coarse language and nudity Running time: 98 minutes Sofia Coppola (dir.) Sofia Coppola (writer) Phoenix (music) Stephen Dorff as Johnny Marco Elle Fanning as Cleo Chris Pontius as Sammy © 2010 Somewhere LLC. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in… Read More DVD Review: Somewhere

The World’s Run on Tricks: Thoughts on “Water for Elephants”

By John C. Water for Elephants opened over the weekend, comfortably coming in at number three at the box office, despite receiving a decidedly mixed critical response.  The film stars Robert Pattinson in his first big role outside of the Twilight series, and it’s a good film worth talking about even though we unfortunately didn’t… Read More The World’s Run on Tricks: Thoughts on “Water for Elephants”

Movie Review: African Cats

African Cats – A Walt Disney Pictures’ Release http://disney.go.com/disneynature/africancats Release Date: April 22nd Rated G for violence and some scary scenes Running time: 89 minutes Alastair Fothergill (dir.) Keith Scholey (dir.) Keith Scholey (story) Owen Newman (story) Nicholas Hooper (music) Samuel L. Jackson as Narrator (voice) ©Walt Disney Pictures.  All Rights Reserved.  Photo by Keith… Read More Movie Review: African Cats

DVD/Blu-ray Release: The King’s Speech

Today, Alliance Films’ released The King’s Speech on DVD.  The deserved winner of four Academy Awards (Best Picture, Actor [Colin Firth], Director [Tom Hooper], & Screenplay), this is a beautiful film that I wholly recommend owning in its uncensored entirety.  This was one of my personal favourites of last year.  We reviewed the film when… Read More DVD/Blu-ray Release: The King’s Speech

DVD/Blu-ray Release: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Last Friday, Warner Home Entertainment released Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 on Blu-Ray & DVD.  The film that grossed more than $940 million at the worldwide box office, fans will want to get this one to re-watch in crystal clear HD before the release of the final installment this July.  We reviewed… Read More DVD/Blu-ray Release: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

DVD/Blu-ray Release: Gulliver’s Travels

Today, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is releasing Gulliver’s Travels on Blu-ray & DVD.  Starring Jack Black in an amusing performance, this provides a fun diversion for those of all ages.  We reviewed the film when it opened in theatres on December 24th, our overall consensus was: “With a winning performance by Jack Black, and… Read More DVD/Blu-ray Release: Gulliver’s Travels

DVD/Blu-ray Release: Glee Encore

Today, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is releasing the Glee Encore on Blu-ray & DVD.  Including such personal favourites as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Lean on Me” and “Imagine,” the full-length disc features a complete set list of songs from the first season of the hit musical TV show. Although I’ve personally found the current second… Read More DVD/Blu-ray Release: Glee Encore

Blu-ray Release: The Incredibles

Today, Walt Disney Studios’ Home Entertainment is releasing Pixar’s masterpiece, The Incredibles, for the first time on Blu-ray.  Originally released in theatres in 2004, director Brad Bird’s story of a family of undercover superheroes is packed with action and strong characters, and is still just as entertaining and original as it ever was.   I’m… Read More Blu-ray Release: The Incredibles

For Audiences, Russell is a “Brand” Name

By John C. Over the weekend, the box office was dominated by both a kids flick about the Easter Bunny and a comedic remake centred around a billionaire playboy.  Hop enjoyed repeat success after last weekend’s $37.5 million opening, easily coming in first with an estimated $21.7 million domestic.  Arthur narrowly edged out Hanna for… Read More For Audiences, Russell is a “Brand” Name