Writer-director Aitch Alberto adapts Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, for the screen. The film focuses on a pair of Mexican-American teenagers, Aristotle Mendoza (Max Pelayo) and Dante Quintana (Reese Gonzales), in El Paso during the late 1980s. Their friendship isn’t like most and it leads them down a path of self-discovery. The pair initially meet at a swimming pool where Dante teaches Ari how to swim. One…
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – Toronto 2022"Category: Movie Reviews
Devotion brings the Adam Makos book to the big screen in this inspiring true story about Navy fighter pilots Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner. The climax of the film focuses on the most brutal battle during a war that most people tend to look over these days: the Korean War. But before this, he focus is on an unlikely friendship between a pair of US Navy fighter pilots, Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and Tom Hudner…
"Devotion – Toronto 2022"
The Menu isn’t a dish that you can eat but a fine dining experience that one must savor and relish in order to get the most out of it. There are some elements of horror but they are minor compared to the laughs in this satire. Trust me, I would never have seen this film if it were a horror movie! Given that Adam McKay is among the film’s producers, audiences should know that they…
"The Menu – Toronto 2022"
The Banshees Of Inisherin reteams filmmaker Martin McDonagh with In Bruges stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. The newest McDonagh film is a pitch-black comedy set along the coast of Ireland. Pádraic Súilleabháin (Colin Farrell) and Colm Doherty (Brendan Gleeson) have been friends since as long as they can remember. Until now. For one reason or another, Colm decides that he no longer wants to be friends with Pádraic. Pádraic does what he can to…
"The Banshees Of Inisherin – Toronto 2022"
There’s no denying that Empire of Light is a beautifully shot film but there’s something about the Sam Mendes picture that feels off. I’m gonna be honest here in that this is the film in which I had to fight to stay awake. When one is running on little-to-no sleep, films need to be engaging to keep one’s attention. Factor in Sam Mendes at the helm and Olivia Colman in a leading role, this film…
"Empire of Light – Toronto 2022"
Viola Davis turns in an award-worthy performance in The Woman King, a new historical epic that just premiered in Toronto. I had to juggle my schedule a bit in order to attend one of the TIFF screenings. It isn’t unfair to say that Viola Davis should get an Oscar nomination for her role as General Nanisca. This is an epic true story set in the African Kingdom of Dahomey in 1823. Nanisca (Viola Davis) leads…
"The Woman King – Toronto 2022"
The Lost King focuses on Philippa Langley’s efforts to find the burial place of King Richard III after 500 years of being lost to history. The film’s world premiere came just over ten years to the date since the discover of the remains. It may just be a coincidence but this is a truly inspirational film about one woman’s journey. A release date is unknown as of right now. Philippa Langley (Sally Hawkins) kept going…
"The Lost King – Toronto 2022"
A dying father seeks a second chance with his daughter in the newest film from director Catherine Hardwicke, Prisoner’s Daughter. Max (Brian Cox) is dying of pancreatic cancer and is being given a second chance after being released from prison. To be fair, the warden would only let him out on house arrested provided he stay with his daughter, Maxine (Kate Beckinsale). It’s not surprising that she is initially reluctant, what with his past. Maxine…
"Prisoner’s Daughter – Toronto 2022"
The Grab is perhaps one of the most horrifying documentaries anybody will watch with its focus on food and water security. This is the film that a number of world leaders do not want you to see. In fact, it might just be the film that places pressure on the Department of Justice to take action against companies profiteering off of our own resources. What is it that people frequently say? Oh, yes, follow the…
"The Grab – Toronto 2022"
The new Brett Morgen documentary, Moonage Daydream, is not a revelatory David Bowie documentary but more of an art house experience. Being a fan of David Bowie’s music does not necessarily mean that one will leave the film with a satisfying feeling. Take it from me, I’m a fan of his work but this isn’t the revelatory documentary that I thought it would be. Part of it comes off as a concert film and the…
"Moonage Daydream – Toronto 2022"