A Closer Walk
Directed by Robert Bilheimer
USA 2003
85 minutes
Rated PG
A Closer Walk is an insightful documentary, the first film to depict humankind’s confrontation with the global AIDS epidemic. For the film, more than 50 women, men, and young people have been interviewed or profiled in such locations as, Uganda, South Africa, Haiti, Switzerland, India, Nepal, Ukraine, Cambodia, and various US sites. Several universally recognized individuals appear in the film, including, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and Bono of U2. Glenn Close and Will Smith provide the film’s narration. This is a fundraising screening for Bracelet of Hope (formerly Masai For Africa), a charitable organization supporting a variety of projects in the African Kingdom of Lesotho. Providing assistance to both the HIV/AIDS infected and affected. The Bracelet of Hope itself is hand crafted by the women of Inina, a crafting co-operative based in the town of Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Tickets are $10.00 and include a Bracelet of Hope. (June 10)

Creation
Directed by Jon Amiel
UK 2010
108 minutes
Rated PG (mature theme)
Jon Amiel’s film focuses on a brief and emotionally intense period in the years preceding Charles Darwin’s publication of, On The Origin of Species. While assembling his field notes and forming the theories that will become one of the most important scientific books ever written, Darwin’s 10-year-old daughter Annie dies. Creation places Darwin in the middle of a nasty bit of business, grieving his beloved daughter, trying to appease his wife, Emma, a devout churchgoer and facing his parish neighbours who view him as a heretic. This is a portrait of one man’s inner struggle. Starring Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Jeremy Northam and Martha West. (June 3,4)

Death at a Funeral
Directed by Frank Oz
UK 2007
90 minutes
Rated 14A (mature theme, nudity, coarse language)
This is, probably the only funeral that people gladly return to and it delivers all the belly laughs one would want from a top-notch (or is that bottom rung?) British farce. With all the decorum and etiquette expected at such a ceremony, the comedic pickings are ripe; there’s the delivery of the wrong casket, the squabbling siblings of the deceased, the bottle of prescription drugs that aren’t and of course, a most uncomfortable family secret about to be unveiled. The recent release of an American copy brought requests for the original and since it prompted some of the loudest laughter ever heard in the cinema, why not? The laughs’ are on us. (May 7,8)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Directed by Thor Freudenthal
USA 2010
92 minutes
Rated PG (language may offend)
Jeff Kinney’s illustrated novel of sixth-grade shenanigans and survival techniques comes to the big screen just in time for a PD Day and weekend matinees. Riotous humour is extracted from the growing pains of the pre-adolescent years. Matinees only. All Seats $5.00. (Apr 30-May 2)

Ed Video
24 Hour Video Challenge
Ed Video presents the results of our annual 24 hour film challenge, a competition where local filmmakers and video enthusiasts are given just 24 hours to create a short film from scratch. This event is open to the general public. $5 admission for non-competitors. (May 16)

The Ghost Writer
Directed by Roman Polanski
France/Germany/UK 2010
128 minutes
Rated PG (mature theme, language may offend)
Robert Harris has adapted his own bestselling novel about a fictional, former British prime minister, Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) who hires a young writer, simply called the Ghost (Ewan McGregor), to write his political memoirs. The Ghost is suddenly beset with unnerving, and sometimes violent intrusions and personal threats that raise questions about the previous ghost writer’s untimely death. Curiosity is piqued by parallels to Tony Blair, and the possible involvement of covert US agencies, but it is the director’s skill with suspenseful storytelling (with comparisons to Hitchcock!) and a superb cast that also includes, Kim Cattrall, Tom Wilkinson and Olivia Williams, that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Recommended and certainly for those drawn to political thrillers. (May 14-20)

The Girl with Dragon Tattoo
Directed by Niels Arden Oplev
Sweden 2010
151 minutes
Rated 18A (sexual violence, coarse language)
Stieg Larsson’s phenomenal bestselling trilogy of novels have been adapted for the movie screen and finally arrived in Canada. Originally titled, Men Who Hate Women, the books introduce us to Mikael Blomqvist, an investigative journalist, determined to expose the wrongdoings of Sweden’s rich, powerful and privileged elite and a young cyberpunk computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) who exacts revenge upon the men who harm her, and any other woman. This is smart, entertaining and fast-paced fiction that jumps off the page, and now the screen, with a muscular verve for fighting evil. While impossible to capture every page of the thriller, the film does capture the essence of the book and Ms Rapace embodies the grit, determination and spirit of Lisbeth. Noomi, I’m your fan. I’m ready to watch it again and eagerly await the release of film versions two and three. Must-read books, become must-see movies!
(Apr 30-May 13 & May 21-27)

Greenberg
Directed by Noah Baumbach
USA 2010
106 minutes
Rated 18A (sexual content, coarse language, substance abuse)
Ben Stiller drops his superstar comic doofus persona to join screenwriter/director Noah Baumbach’s (The Squid and the Whale) latest artistic endeavour. Fresh from a stint in a psych institution, Roger Greenberg (Stiller) returns from New York to California, to house-sit for his brother. The scope of Roger’s neuroses and narcissism are readily apparent as he drifts into his old home town, expecting to return to where life was when he left, and even return to his old girlfriend. Thankfully, Roger’s barbed wit and navel gazing are pierced by the astounding, yet low-key performance of big screen newcomer, Greta Gerwig, as Florence, the Greenberg’s personal assistant. Florence’s even-keeled demeanor is the perfect antidote to Roger’s Peter Pan flights of self-indulgent fancy. Another excellent, and sometimes awkward, psychological dramedy from Mr Baumbach. (May 14-18)

How to Train Your Dragon
Dir by Dean DeBlois & Chris Sanders
USA 2010
98 minutes
Rated PG (some scarey scenes)
The hugely popular film adaption of Cressida Cowell’s heads to Guelph’s downtown (in 2D). It’s crowd-pleasing tale of a young Viking boy, Hiccup, who yearns to be a great dragon-slayer, like his forefathers and the aptly named dragon, Toothless. Matinees Only. All seats $5.00. (June 4-6)

Labyrinth
Directed by Jim Henson
UK/USA 1986
101 minutes
Rated PG
Muppet master Jim Henson’s imaginative storytelling skills shine, with the help of Canadian co-writer Dennis (Alligator Pie) Lee. Frustrated while babysitting her younger brother, Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) wishes her sibling might be taken by goblins. Cue the arrival of Jareth, The Goblin King (David Bowie) and Sarah’s journey through the labyrinth, to save her brother. This screening is a celebration of the mid-80s cult classic and a bitter farewell, as the film print goes “out of service” shortly afterward. (May 19 & 21)
This presentation is also in junction with the Guelph Faery Fest that celebrates its 5th Anniversary, June 19,20.

The Last Station
Directed by Michael Hoffman
UK/Russia 2010
112 minutes
Rated 14A (nudity, sexual content)
The performances of Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren, alone, are worth the price of admission, in this film about the final days of the highly-revered Russian author Leo Tolstoy. In his latter years, the author had eschewed all material and sensual influences for a simple, more esthetic life. Surrounded by a coterie of sycophants praising his every breath, the iconic author plans to sign over all future book sale royalties to the Russian people. Well, not over the living (or dead!) body of Countess Sofya, Tolstoy’s long-suffering wife and muse. The Last Station is Recommended. (June 5,6)

Mao’s Last Dancer
Directed by Bruce Beresford
Australia 2010
117 minutes
Rated PG (language may offend)
Mao’s Last dancer is a glorious hybrid, blending the physical beauty of dance with history and politics. It is based on the autobiography of Li Cunxin, who was taken from his impoverished rural home to be trained for Madame Mao’s ballet in Beijing and indoctrinated to the Cultural Revolution. Through hard work and extraordinary determination, Li rises to the top of the academy and is chosen to join a cultural exchange trip to America. Li’s refusal to return to China ignites a diplomatic firestorm between the two nations, but the film’s greatest strengths are the dance scenes, as captured by veteran filmmaker, Bruce Beresford. A Must for dance fans! (June 11-17)

Micmacs
(Micmacs a tire-larigot)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
France 2010
105 minutes
Rated 14A (violence, sexual content)
Amelie director Jeunet is back with another fabulous film.
Dany boon stars as Bazil, the innocent victim of a random bullet from a drive-by shooting. He recovers from the incident but finds himself homeless and unable to work. But don’t despair for Bazil, (this is a Jeunet film) whose life picks-up upon meeting the ingenious junkman, Tire-Larigot and his merry gang of misfit friends (micmacs). In a colourful metaphor for society’s marginalized, the micmacs thrive on finding practical uses for things that others discard. Together, Bazil and the micmacs conjure a magical array of schemes and devices to exact sweet revenge upon the bullet-making arms dealers. And visually, the film is a gorgeous, picture postcard to the beauty of Paris. Micmacs is a charming cinematic delight! Most Highly Recommended. French with subtitles. (June 25-30)

Mother and Child
Directed by Rodrigo Garcia
USA 2010
125 minutes
Rated 14A (sexual content, coarse language)
This engaging, multi-layered drama revolves around Karen (Annette Bening) and her, now adult daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts) whom she gave up for adoption. Both women carry personal issues and character traits borne of the past that now affect their current relationships and possible romances with co-workers, Paco (Jimmy Smits), Paul (Samuel L Jackson). Mother and Child weaves through the emotional complexities these women experience while searching for the roots of their past and meaning in their future. This star-studded feature is a worthy new venture from Rodrigo Garcia, whose previous movie credits include Mi Vida Loca, Four Rooms and an impressive resume of quality TV titles that includes The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Big Love and In Treatment. Recommended. (June 18-24)

Please Give
Directed by Nicole Holofcener
USA 2010
90 minutes
Rated 14A (sexual content, coarse language)
Ms Holofcener’s third feature (following Lovely & Amazing and Friends with Money) again displays her keen skill for observation and social commentary in this dramatic comedy about love, death and liberal guilt. Kate (Catherine Keener) and Alex (Oliver Platt) are Manhattanites who stock their vintage furniture store with the goods from the apartments of the recently deceased. They also plan to expand their home, when their elderly neighbour’s apartment becomes “available”. Complications ensue with the arrival of their neighbour’s granddaughters Rebecca (Rebecca Hall), who sees Kate as a vulture, and Mary (Amanda Peet) who preys upon Alex. Yikes, what a premise. Please Give is an odd, but thoughtful and good little film. (June 18-24)

The Red Shoes
Directed by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
GB 1948
136 minutes
Rated PG
This 1948 classic was restored and released in New York last year, and championed by Martin Scorcese, who lists it as one of his all-time favourite movies. Highly-ranked on any Top 100, or essential viewing list, The Red Shoes is a magnificent tragic melodrama, considered to be the best ballet film ever made. It is the story of a young dancer, Victoria Page (Moira Shearer) and a young composer, Julian Craster (Marius Goring) who come under the powerful spell of ballet impresario, Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook). Lermontov offers the lead role to Vicky and the score composition to Julian for his new production of The Ballet of the Red Shoes, inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story. The ballet is a huge success and Lermontov offers Vicky the world. But she must forgo her love for Julian and their plans to marry. The intense melodramatic style and visual composition belie the film’s age, but for those willing to visit an earlier era of filmmaking, The Red Shoes has so much to offer. Highly Recommended. This is a rare and limited opportunity to view the restored 35mm print before it returns to the vaults. (June 7-9)

The Runaways
Directed by Floria Sigismondi
USA 2010
105 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, substance abuse, sexual content)
Using the book, Neon Angel: The Cherie Currie Story, as her inspiration, Ms Sigismondi delivers a hard-driving portrait of the 1970s all-girl rockers, The Runaways. From the opening scene of blood on the pavement, it announces the arrival of the girls into the all-boy realm of ‘70s rock (often dubbed, “cock-rock”). As coached, cajoled and goaded-on by music producer/freak, Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) the band takes shape and eventually grabs some success...they’re especially big in Japan. This rough and rockin’ slice of music history features Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star as Joan Jett and Cherie Currie. Good stuff.
Put another dime in jukebox Baby! (May 28-June 3)

The Secret in Their Eyes
(El Secreto de sus ojos)
Directed by Juan Jose Campanella
Argentina/Spain 2010
129 minutes
Rated TBA
Mr Campanella’s Oscar-winner (Best Foreign Film) is a complex, cerebral crime mystery and a romance that investigates an old crime and uncovers long-suppressed emotions. Recently retired court official Benjamin (Ricardo Darin), is writing a novel about a 30-year-old case of rape and murder. He is haunted by the details of the crime, memories of his old partner, Pablo and Irene, his attractive co-investigator. Through his work on the novel, Ben revisits locations and evidence surrounding the crime and fuelled, as the title suggests, by the secrets in people’s eyes, he traces the remaining survivors, which may well lead to Irene. This film is well-written and performed, deserving of its numerous international kudos. Recommended. Spanish with subtitles (June 4-10)
The SharpCuts Saturday program features the usual slate of compelling dramas and hot button documentaries, and the filmmakers will be on hand to discuss their films and answer questions. Additionally, the afternoon will kick off with ScienceCuts, part of Science Rendezvous 2010. Listen to scientists and filmmakers talk about the portrayal of science in popular films. ScienceCuts begins at noon. Docs & Dramas start at 1:45 p.m. www.sharpcuts.ca

A Shine of Rainbows
Directed by Vic Sarin
Canada/Ireland 2010
103 minutes
Rated PG
Cinematographer turned director, Vic Sarin captures the visual splendour of Ireland in this co-production of Lillian Beckwith’s novel for children. Marie (Connie Nielsen) brings the eight-year-old orphan, Tomas home to meet her husband Alec (Aidan Quinn), who’s is less than enthusiastic at the prospect of adopting the “wee runt”. Wee Tomas struggles to fit in to his new surroundings and Alec slowly sheds his gruff ways, but when tragedy strikes, they both must find new strength. This is a heartwarming family drama set amongst the breathtaking beauty of the Irish coast. (May 25-27)

A Single Man
Directed by Tom Ford
USA 2009
99 minutes
Rated PG (nudity)
Co-written with Vancouverite, David Scearce, A Single Man is adapted from Christopher Isherwood’s novel about a closeted gay professor, George Falconer (Colin Firth), whose life is tragically changed with the sudden death of his lover, Jim (Matthew Goode). Prevented from attending the funeral (by Jim’s family) and unable to publicly mourn his loss, the grief-stricken George is trapped under a weight of loneliness and despair. His bosom buddy, Charley (Julianne Moore) offers gin and sympathy, but can’t help with George’s immense sense of loss. Colin Firth gives the best performance of his already much-rewarded career, he is magnificent in his subtle intensity. A Single Man returns by popular demand and as part of Gay Pride Week. (June 1,2)

The Square
Directed by Nash Edgerton
Australia 2010
106 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, violence)
Ray is a construction foreman, in love (or at least in lust) with the Carla, an attractive and younger, hairdresser. Both are married, but not to each other. If only they had the means to escape and start a new life together. But wait, Ray’s got a kickback scheme with the cement contractor and Carla has discovered her husband’s secret stash of cash. What could be easier, a simple plan, a clean break, a new life, what could go wrong? The Square follows in the blood-stained footsteps of films like Body Heat and Blood Simple and the writings of James M Cain. Especially for fans of the genre, this worthy new Australian crime drama is worth the trip down under. (June 11-17)

The Trotsky
Directed Jacob Tierney
Canada 2009
113 minutes
Rated TBA
Jay Baruchel (How to Train Your Dragon, Million Dollar Baby) is Leon Bronstein, a privileged and rather cheeky Montreal teenager who approaches life with all the dedication and zeal of someone convinced he is the reincarnation of Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky. After attempting to unionize the workers at his father’s factory, Leon’s private school funding is cut-off. His new public school classmates are less than enthused by the wannabe revolutionary. As are the Principal (Colm Feore) and other school officials (Domini Blythe, Genevieve Bujold). Jacob Tierney’s latest feature is comedic, culturally-specific, mildly caustic and unapologetically Canadian. Comrades, join arms in cinematic solidarity! (June 25-30)

Voyage to Betterment
Directed by Andrew Facca
Canada 2009
108 minutes
Rated G
Voyage to Betterment is a thoroughly researched and insightful look the power of the mind-body connection and the work of medical intuitives. In a journey that took over three years and 5000 hours of footage to capture, author Andrew Facca follows the story of patients who access the alternative, holistic medical community for their healing. Voyage to Betterment features interviews with physicians, renowned healers and numerous people whose lives have changed for the better. Watch for an appearance by Guelph-based Holistic Energy Therapist Atherton Drenth.
(May 20 & June 9) All Seats $10.00.
Advance tickets for May 20 show, on sale Apr 30.
Advance tickets for June 9 show, on sale May 21.

Women Without Men
Directed by Shirin Neshat
Germany/Austria/France 2010
95 minutes
Rated 14A (sexual and disturbing content)
Shirin Neshat’s adaptation of the famous Persian novel narrates the story of four women from different social backgrounds in the 1950s Iran. Upper-class Fakhri moves to a large garden home in suburban Tehran, leaving her loveless marriage. Fed up with restrictive measures and orthodox morality in a patriarchal society, two others, Zarin, a prostitute, and Faezeh a girl obsessed with her virginity, choose to live without men and seek refuge in Fakhri’s garden home. The fourth woman, Munis, joins the political activists on the streets of Tehran. These women present four different faces of Iranian society, but all are indelibly touched by the brutal suppression of the the American-led coup that toppled Iran’s elected government in 1953. Through deeply-felt emotional expression, Women Without Men delivers a strong political message. Recommended. Persian with subtitles. (May 28-31)