Posted in: News and Opinions, Release Announcements, The Reel World by William O'Donnell on October 30th, 2011
The Toronto After Dark film festival has left it's claw marks all over the Big Smoke and in the fallout, audiences were floored by two feature length delights by Canadian film collective ASTRON-6. Father's Day, a revenge tale about a vigilante group tracking a “father-rapist,” and Manborg, a lo-fi, sci-fi epic about a cybernetically altered soldier facing the forces of Hell in the future, both made their Canadian theatrical premieres at TAD and have been receiving not but rave reviews since.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on October 12th, 2011
Written by John Delia
Most everyone would like to be the boss, but in most instances there’s only one. I hope my readers don’t have a boss as despicable as the ones in Horrible Bosses, a nicely funny comedy directed by Seth Gordon. Filled with a lot of hilarious situations, this film is perfect for mature adults. If you are not offended by sexuality and a lot of crude language, then run to see Horrible Bosses.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on October 4th, 2011
Written by John Delia
It’s a chick flick, so there you go, I said it right up front. And What’s Your Number? is very predictable, so there you go again. AND it’s 27 Dresses with a bit more sex and without Katherine Heigl. Actually, I almost liked the film up until two scenes that show the moral decay of American cinema.
Posted in: The Reel World by Gino Sassani on October 4th, 2011
Written by John Delia
When I see Seth Rogen’s name listed in the cast of a film, the first thing that comes to my mind is a wild comedy. But in 50/50 Rogen adjusts his bizarre persona and creates a character that provides the right medicine to a poignant situation. Although the film gets a little sappy at times, it delivers a strong, meaningful story.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on September 23rd, 2011
Written by John Delia
The inspiring, moving, poignant true story Dolphin Tale splashes into theaters this weekend with a family friendly theme that’s sure to touch your heart. Filmed in Florida where it happened, it’s a movie about a dolphin that receives a compassionate helping hand and a strange new lease on life.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on September 23rd, 2011
Written by John Delia
The film Killer Elite plays out like you are watching a video game -- kill an assassin and move up to the next level. Exciting, power-packed, and relatively predictable, the film tends to mirror other action movies that have been released this year. The thing that does play better than the rest involves the suspense that comes with trying to decide who really is the bad guy here.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on September 23rd, 2011
Written by John Delia
Sweet, charming and touching, My Afternoons with Margueritte has what it takes when it comes to entertainment value. What makes the film so good comes from the acting of Girard Depardieu, Gisèle Casadesus and fine directing by Jean Becker. If you prefer a film that has excellent acting with a loving script, then My Afternoons with Margueritte is your French strawberry croissant.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on September 16th, 2011
Written by John Delia
Here’s a remake that actually makes for better entertainment. It’s called Straw Dogs, and the cunning little tale takes you into the dark side of a dysfunctional town and renders fear. I was very much blown away by the film from its mellow beginning to a buildup of concern and a final turn of events that made me shudder. If you like films that have a deep seeded alarming undertone, then rush to see Straw Dogs.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on September 16th, 2011
Written by John Delia
Just to make sure that the trailer for Drive doesn’t give you the wrong idea, NO, this is not a Jason Statham movie in the vein of the adrenaline pumping Transporter series. Ryan Gosling holds his own in this rough surrealistic drama that inserts all the thrills shown in the preview and more. If you like looking into the mind of a tough loner who is on a road to a life full of angst, then take a ride to Drive.
Posted in: The Reel World by Archive Authors on September 9th, 2011
Not all documentaries can make a mark in society, but I found Genius On Hold a remarkable film that takes a crack at big business and proves positive. Genius On Hold is eye opening, courageous and extraordinary. It’s a father and son story of fate that intertwines life struggles, crime and monopolies, which decide their future. If there’s one documentary you see this year, make it be Genius On Hold.
From a meager life to a chance at gaining a fortune, Walter HL Shaw starts out as the model for the epitome of the American dream. Raising a family, Shaw took any job he could get leading to his union with Bell Telephone who discovered that he could invent things for Bell that others of his ilk could only take a back seat. With his development of the telephone like two-way communications, feedback neutralization, etc. for the sole telephone giant Shaw was dismayed that he was not receiving credit or monetary recompense equal to the task.