Empire of Light Arrives on Blu-ray, DVD

Following its theatrical and digital releases, Empire of Light is now available for audiences to bring home on Blu-ray and DVD. My review ran shortly after the Canadian premiere during TIFF. There’s no denying that the film is the cinematography from Roger Deakins is beautiful. This is one of a number of films about the power of cinema in 2022. As for the rest of the film, not everyone will agree. To each their own.…

"Empire of Light Arrives on Blu-ray, DVD"

Empire of Light – 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"

Operation Mincemeat Is Stranger-Than-Fiction

Operation Mincemeat has the pedigree to draw viewer interest in this stranger-than-fiction true story of World War II events in 1943. I should warn you first and foremost that if subtitles are not your thing, this film will not be for you. While much of it is in English, there are a number of scenes that have subtitles on screen. The gist of the film is that the Allies are trying to put a stop…

"Operation Mincemeat Is Stranger-Than-Fiction"

What a Girl Wants: Born To Stand Out

An American girl dreams of meeting her father in What a Girl Wants and is born to stand out in this teen comedy starring Amanda Bynes. When you’re hanging around the Roy family for several hours at a time, you need a comedy to wind down from all the drama. The comedy of choice is What a Girl Wants (okay, actually two comedies). It’s been several years but it’s still a fun comedy to watch.…

"What a Girl Wants: Born To Stand Out"

1917 Is Now Available On Home Video

1917, which took home a few Oscars in early February, is now available for audiences to bring home on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, or rent on Digital/VOD. To put it simply, Sam Mendes’ 1917 is a masterpiece achievement in filmmaking and without a doubt one of the best war films to ever be made. Lance Corporals Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are on the biggest missions of their young lives.  Over 1,500…

"1917 Is Now Available On Home Video"

1917: A Masterpiece Achievement In Filmmaking

To put it simply, Sam Mendes’ 1917 is a masterpiece achievement in filmmaking and without a doubt one of the best war films to ever be made. Lance Corporals Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are on the biggest missions of their young lives.  Over 1,500 lives depend on their ability to finish the mission.  Without being able to do so, a countless number of British lives could be lost because of walking into…

"1917: A Masterpiece Achievement In Filmmaking"

Mary Poppins Returns Captures The Spirit

Featuring all new music and a completely different cast, Mary Poppins Returns is able to beautifully capture the essence of the 1964 film. Taking place some 24 years following Mary Poppins, a lot has changed.  Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) lives with his three children at 17 Cherry Tree Lane.  The widowed Michael has three young children: Anabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh), and Georgie Banks (Joel Dawson).  Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer) has her own flat…

"Mary Poppins Returns Captures The Spirit"

The Mercy aided by Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz

If not for captivating performances from Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz, The Mercy would be a largely forgettable biopic. Donald Crowhurst (Colin Firth) had a lofty goal.  In a perfect world, the amateur sailor would have completed the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race.  The goal of the race is to sail around the world without stopping.  There’s a danger that comes with these sort of competitions that need to be stressed.  They almost always result…

"The Mercy aided by Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz"

The Happy Prince: The Life of Oscar Wilde

The Happy Prince offers some interesting insight into the life of Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde towards the later days of life. Oscar Wilde was an interesting character.  He was also a victim of an unjust law in the United Kingdom.  Wilde would formally be pardoned for his actions by England in 2017 but that didn’t change the past.  Could his life have ended differently if the LGBTQ community were accepted for who they…

"The Happy Prince: The Life of Oscar Wilde"

TIFF 2018: Kursk

Kursk tells a worthy story but one wonders what the film would look like if left to examine everything from the submarine to the government. It’s been just over 18 years in which the submarine fell to the bottom of the Barents Sea.  This was a submarine that was over 200 yards long.  The submarine in the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet is said to be unsinkable.  Unlike the Titanic, most of the men serving on board…

"TIFF 2018: Kursk"