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"Category: Movie Reviews
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"
Bros is a desperately needed studio LGBTQ romantic comedy that has been long-overdue for many years at the box office. It is ridiculously absurd that LGBTQ people still have a hard time seeing themselves in studio comedies. Why is it so hard for studios to make LGBTQ comedies? What makes this film different from Happiest Season is that nobody is going back in the closet, thank G-d. I’ll be happy if I never see another…
"Bros – Toronto 2022"
Moving On might have some touching moments of drama but the Jane Fonda/Lily Tomlin team-up is full of nonstop laughter. The two actresses are fresh off of Grace & Frankie and at it again. This time, they play a pair of best friends, Claire (Jane Fonda) and Evelyn (Lily Tomlin), attending the funeral of college roommate, Joyce. Both of them want to get revenge on Joyce’s widower, Howard (Malcolm McDowell), for previous events that transpired.…
"Moving On – Toronto 2022"
After going all in on gross-out humor in its second act, Triangle of Sadness never recovers in what is one of the weirdest films of 2022. When it comes to Palme d’Or winners, they can be hit or miss. I went into Toronto heavily anticipating the film on the heels of its Cannes award. What I got is, well, I don’t even know how to describe it. It starts out as an outright relationship drama…
"Triangle of Sadness – Toronto 2022"
Ryan White’s newest documentary, Good Night Oppy, follows the twin Mars rovers during what was supposed to be a 90-day mission. There’s a story that Jews love to tell each year about the miracle of Chanukah oil. There was enough to last for one night but it miraculously lasted for eight nights. Cut to many centuries later and Good Night Oppy is telling a similar story, only it’s a fight against age and nature. A…
"Good Night Oppy – Toronto 2022"