Untitled Document

Across the Universe
Directed by Julie Taymor
US 2007
133 minutes
Rated 14A (violence, nudity, substance use)
I'm not so sure about this. Turning the Beatles into some cheesy musical! I don't think so, thought the dedicated Beatle aficionado. But as one song led into another it didn't matter which segments worked better than others, the music kept me watching and listening. Julie Taymor brings the same innovative visuals and creative style to this project as she made famous with her staging of the Lion King. Set in the heady days of Beatle-era 1960s, with characters named Maxwell, Jude, Rita, Prudence, you get the drift, (and one even comes in through the bathroom window) we follow our young protagonists through love, partys , trips and protests, all to the music of the Fab Four. “ Nothin ' you can do that can't be done. Nothin ' you can sing that can't be sung...” Recommended if you know the rest. (Dec 26-Jan 3)

Control
Directed by Anton Corbijn
UK 2007
121 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, substance abuse)
I went to the TIFF 2007 screening of Control with doubt and trepidation. I knew nothing of the band, save their early 80s anthem, Love Will Tear Us Apart , and didn't feel curious to know more. But it fit with my schedule and it had a growing buzz of enthusiasm, so I took a chance. The doubts disappeared as I was drawn into the story of a young couple in love and four guys determined to start a band. The early 70s influence of David Bowie reminded of C.R.A.Z.Y ., and the luscious black & white photography brought back memories of A Hard Days Night . But comparisons aside, Control quickly gets your attention, as if grabbed by the wrist, and takes you into the life of singer Ian Curtis and the sparse but infectious sounds of Joy Division. Curtis' teenage marriage, fatherhood and mortgage are at odds with his life in the band and his passionate affair with a Belgian woman, drives a wedge between him and his wife, Deborah. Control is a compelling dramatic portrait with exceptional performances by Sam Riley (Ian) and Samantha Morton (Deborah), sure to rank as one of the year's best films. (Dec 7-13)

The Darjeeling Limited
Directed by Wes Anderson
US 2007
91 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, not recommended for children)
The recurring themes of family dysfunction, embittered and battling siblings, characters with bizarre traits and anti-social forms of behaviour are abundant in Wes Anderson's latest masterpiece of familial dystopia. After years apart, the Whitman brothers, Francis (Owen Wilson), Peter ( Adrien Brody) and Jack (Jason Schwartzman) embark upon a train (named The Darjeeling Limited ) journey of self-indulgence and self-discovery, that just so happens to be going through India. Hop on, we're all aboard for the sharply perceptive witticisms, smug banality and jauntily twisted humour of Wes Anderson. Keenly observed and photographed visuals, with a memorable and endearing soundtrack are assured. Recommended. The 13 minute short titled Hotel Chevalier offers an insightful introduction to The Darjeeling Limited , available to view at www.madwell.com/flash/hotel.htm (Dec 14-23 & 26,27)

Death at a Funeral
Directed by Frank Oz
UK 2007
90 minutes
Rated 14A (mature theme, nudity, coarse language)
Death at a Funeral 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. This witty and slapstick procession arrives just in time to chase away the November blahs. (Nov 23-29)

Eastern Promises
Directed by David Cronenberg
Canada/UK 2007
96 minutes
Rated 18A (brutal violence, sexual content)
Mr. Cronenberg continues in the style of his last and highly successful film, History of Violence , where unspoken tensions rise and multiply faster than narrative events unfold. Naomi Watts stars as Anna, a nurse trying to protect a newborn infant, orphaned when her mother dies giving birth. The mother was connected to the Russian mob in London , and Anna and the baby soon find themselves in great peril. As if protected by her innocence, Anna dodges the ever-increasing presence of densely tattooed, heavily armed cutthroat criminals. The mostly male cast includes Armin Mueller-Stahl, Vincent Cassel and the incredibly buff, famously naked Viggo Mortensen . Eastern Promises stands as concise, masterful filmmaking with strong, physical performances, but it's vivid portrayal of a brutal underworld is not for the squeamish. (Nov 5-8)

Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Directed by Shekhar Kapur
UK 2007
114 minutes
Rated PG (mature theme, not recommended for young children)
Ten years after Shakur's original film portrait of the “Virgin Queen”, Cate Blanchett returns to portray Elizabeth I , and in regal splendor, she stands above all else. In her court, we are subject to the comedy of numerous suitors sent to capture the Monarch's hand in marriage, Sir Walter Raleigh and his flirtatious advances as well as threats from near and far. While Shekhur plays fast and furious with the details surrounding Britain 's sea battles with the Spanish, he has a fine eye for the customs and costumes of the Elizabethan era. Resplendently attired throughout, Cate Blanchett is radiant in the title role, with strong supporting perfs from Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Rhys Ifans , Abbie Cornish and Samantha Morton. (Nov 30-Dec3)

Everything's Cool
Directed by Daniel B. Gold and Judith Helfand
US 2007
95 minutes
This film is presented as part of the Guelph Festival of Moving Media . For film details consult the GFMM program or call 519-822-3110, or guelphfilmfest.org. Festival passes are for sale in the bookstore at The Bookshelf and various other locations. www.guelphfilmfest.org

The Impossible Elephant
Directed by Martin Wood
Canada 2000
95 minutes
Rated PG
Winner of the Audience Award for Best Feature Film, Sprockets 2001, The Impossible Elephant is a marvelous tale of finding friendship in unlikely places. Daniel (Mark Rendall ) has more than his share of problems. His mother has recently passed away and he's having difficulties with bullies at school. Daniel really wants a pet, but his father, Stephen (Nicholas Lea) isn't so sure about the idea. Seeing a falling star one night, Daniel wishes for a pet that is both loyal and cool. In the morning, he discovers an elephant named Lumpy in his backyard. Much to Daniel's disappointment, Stephen takes Lumpy to live in the zoo. Daniel recognizes that Lumpy is unhappy being confined and he hatches a plan to free him. During the escape he discovers that Lumpy has some very special talents. The film is considered appropriate for ages 6 & up. (Nov 15, 6:30pm & Nov 17, 2:00pm) This is a special presentation in co-operation with the Sprockets Festival, the childrens ' film branch of the Toronto Int'l Film Festival Group (TIFFG). ADMISSION IS FREE. Please show your support by attending and perhaps we can convince the Sprockets organizers to supply us with more quality, alternative programming for younger audiences.

In the Shadow of the Moon
Directed by David Sington
UK 2007
100 minutes
Rated G
Locally premiered at this year's Festival of Moving Media, this thoroughly engaging doc mixes never-seen-before NASA footage and interviews with 10 of the remaining Apollo astronauts. It also looks at a period of recent history that includes the US-USSR Cold War politics and posturing that inspired much of America 's drive to land on the moon. But the most lasting memory of this film comes from the highly personal recollections of the astronauts, how they were totally awed by the experience and how most have committed their remaining years to works of religion or environmentalism. Recommended. www.intheshadowofthemoon.com (Nov 18-20)

Into the Wild
Directed by Sean Penn
US 2007
148 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, nudity)
In 1992 two hunters found the starved and frozen body of Christopher McCandless in an abandoned bus in an isolated region of Alaska . What brought Chris, a child of privilege and comfort, to such a tragic death attracted the attention of writer Jon Krakauer , whose research led to the compelling bestseller of the same title. After graduating from college, Chris gives his savings to charity, destroys his ID and hits the road on a quest for the imagined ideals of clarity and simplicity, rooted in his mind by the writings of Thoreau, London , Tolstoy and others. His naiveté is frustrating, his fearless enthusiasm is exhilarating and yet, his death feels like a modern American tragedy, where a young man can disappear into the wilderness with a head full of romanticized ideals and youthful vigor, but very few practical survival skills. Mr. Penn's adaptation for the screen is completely respectful to the McCandless family and Christopher's life. The director, like Chris, stops to take in the visual splendor that surrounds and the film's running time reflects this relaxed and appropriately indulgent style. Emile Hirsch inhabits the character of Chris with such ease that you forget he is acting. The excellent supporting players include; Jena Malon , Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Catherine Keener and Hal Holbrook. This is a heartbreaking true story and the film is Highly Recommended. (Nov 9-22)

The Jane Austen Book Club
Directed by Robin Swicord
US 2007
105 minutes
Rated PG (mature theme)
It may not be that far from Regency England to Sacramento, California where we meet the six members of the Jane Austen book club, who have each chosen one of Ms Austen's novels to read over the next six months. As each character contends with the daily demands of life, love, work, marriage and friendships, they ponder the undeniable similarities to the writings of their favourite author. And as affairs are discovered, romance blossoms and life plods onward, the bonds of friendship grow deeper. Fine ensemble cast includes Kathy Baker, Jimmy Smits , Maria Bello , Hugh Dancy , Lynn Redgrave and Emily Blunt. Set back, rest your feet and enjoy this Big Chill (ed) Chardonnay. (Oct 26-Nov 8)

Journey to Nangchen
Tibet/US 2007
29 minutes
In Nangchen , an isolated corner of Tibet , Buddhists have practiced their spiritual works for centuries. In the early 1800s, Tsoknyi Rinpoche I, established a most impressive system of nunneries throughout Tibet to offer the same opportunities afforded to monks. During the last 40-50 years, the Chinese military has been destroying monasteries and nunneries throughout Tibet , forcing many Buddhists into increasingly remote places of hiding in order to survive. This inspirational short film introduces us to a group of nuns who persevere through great hardships to carry on the tradition of their spiritual works. Admission to this special one-time screening is $10.00, with all proceeds going to the Tsoknyi Nangchen Nuns Preservation Project, which uses the funds to provide basic food and shelter for those displaced by the Chinese government. This short documentary includes vast landscapes, big skies, ritual pomp and circumstance and lots and lots of love. It is part pilrimage , travel adventure and dharma experience. (Sat. Dec. 1, 2:00pm) www.pundarika.org

Lars and the Real Girl
Directed by Craig Gillespie
US 2007
106 minutes
Rated PG (mature theme, language may offend)
Lars is a painfully shy young man living in a converted garage next door to his brother and his wife. One day he orders a life-size blow-up doll to quell his loneliness and introduces her (he names her Bianca) to his family. Lars' brother and sister-in-law seek the advice of a therapist who suggests that everyone go along with Lars ‘delusion until he confronts it himself and is able to move on. Bianca goes to church, volunteers at the school and soon the whole town has adopted her, in what is surely one of the most outrageous story concepts ever. Six Feet Under scribe, Nancy Oliver has written this absurdly charming comedy that extols the virtues of acceptance, kindness and the patience needed to give of oneself to help another, until they've outgrown their (blow-up) doll. Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner and Patricia Clarkson star in the surprise comedy hit of the year. Lars and the Real Girl is Most Highly Recommended. (Dec 28-Jan 3)

Lust, Caution
(Se, Jie )
Directed by Ang Lee
Taiwan 2007
157 minutes
Rated 18A (sexual content)
With such diverse and acclaimed films as Sense and Sensibility, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain (to name a few), Ang Lee is considered one of the best film directors working today. As the title suggests, his latest work combines the abandonment and immediacy of lust with the thoughtful apprehension of the cautious. Newcomer Tang Wei stars as Wang Jiazhi , an idealistic young woman, who with her fellow resistance members is committed to fighting the Japanese invaders in China during WWII. To infiltrate the enemy, Wang is forced to seduce Mr. Yee (Tony Leung Chui Wai ) a powerful member of China 's collaborationist government. Initially Wang succumbs to Yee's sadistic need for control, but their relationship shifts to one of mutual gratification. Wang awaits the moment when her comrades are ready to kill the traitor Yee, but their plans become muddled. Perhaps love has entered somewhere between lust and caution. The film has earned some reputation for its brief, yet notorious sex scenes, but it is actually an art film that takes the time (2 1/2 hours) to languorously explore a relationship that symbolizes a nation torn asunder. Mandarin with subtitles. (Nov 23-29)

Madame Tutli-Putli
Directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski
Canada 2007
17 minutes
Rated PG
This award-winning short film (including two awards at the 2007 Cannes Film Fest!) will be shown preceding Bruce McDonald's film The Tracey Fragments . (Nov 30-Dec 3)

Michael Clayton
Directed by Tony Gilroy
US 2007
119 minutes
Rated 14A (mature theme, c oarse language)
After scripting all three of the highly-successful Bourne films, Tony Gilroy makes his directorial debut with Michael Clayton , a contemporary morality play set in the world of big business and the big law firms they retain. George Clooney stars in the title role. He is dispatched to help his friend (and the company's hot-shot attorney) Arthur, who has had a naked, ranting complete mental breakdown while defending an agri-business corporation charged with knowingly polluting and killing people. As the plot thickens, Michael and Arthur discover that no one is safe and no one can be trusted. This is taut, thoughtful and suspenseful filmmaking, as much about ideas as outcome. Rightfully compared to the best paranoid political thrillers of the 1970s, Michael Clayton is Highly Recommended. (Dec 26-Jan 3)

Mr. Bean's Holiday
Directed by Steve Bendelack
UK 2007
87 minutes
Rated G
Mon Dieu ! What have the French done to deserve this? To those unfamiliar with Mr Bean , he is the creation of British comedian Rowan Atkinson. The rubber-faced, jug-eared Mr. Bean combines a childlike innocence with a nasty mean streak that covers the full comedic spectrum. Our intrepid, klutzy hero of slapstick and sight gags takes us on a whirlwind tour of France that feels like the entire country has been turned upside down by this petit, manic Brit. Beaucoup de hilarity ensues. (Nov 9-13)

My Kid Could Paint That
Directed by Amir Bar-Lev
US 2007
82 minutes
Rated PG
In 2004, four-year-old Marla Olmstead had a solo gallery show of her abstract paintings in her hometown of Binghamton , New York . Director Bar-Lev approached the Olmsteads about shooting a documentary profiling the talented young Marla. The US TV media also discovered Marla and the rapidly growing number of collectors eager to buy her works. Then 60 Minutes did an investigative segment that questioned Marla's ability and the authenticity of her work. Now, Bar-Lev and the Olmsteads found themselves in the middle of a media-driven nightmare. What began as an intriguing artist profile that questions the world of contemporary, and particularly abstract art, soon blows up into a major scandal. This film poses so many questions, the audience is left to decide. Mesmerizing stuff! Recommended. (Nov 7-13)

Once
Directed by John Carney
Ireland 2007
87 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language)
Once has been heralded as the little film that could; surprise and charm the audiences at Sundance (winning the audience fave award) and sneak in under the radar of the Hollywood blockbusters to win the hearts and ears of North American moviegoers. It is the tale of a woman, recently emigrated from Prague , who meets a man busking on the streets of Dublin . In the tentative, early stages of their friendship, we hear his plaintiff ballads and learn of her classical training at the piano. They both have romantic pasts and neither character is given a name, but as portrayed by Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard (of the Irish band the Frames and guitar player in the film The Commitments ), they capture an honesty rarely seen in movies. The couple's friendship intensifies as they join with a ragtag band of street musicians to record his songs in the studio. This quiet charmer of a film defies expectations and avoid the clichés of movies that combine music and romance. Recommended. (Dec 4-6)

Silk
Directed by Francois Girard
Canada 2007
108 minutes
Rated 14A (nudity, sexual content)
From the award-winning director of 32 Short Films about Glenn Gould and The Red Violin , Silk is based on the internationally (translated into 26 languages) best-selling novel by Italian author Alessandro Baricco . It is the late 1800s and a deadly plague threatens the silkworm hatcheries and therefore, the lucrative European silk trade. A French trader, Baldabiou (Alfred Molina) dispatches a young military officer, Herve Joncour (Michael Pitt) to travel to Japan to acquire their highly-coveted silk worms. Herve leaves his lovely wife Helene ( Keira Knightly) in France , to embark on his treacherous 3,000 mile overland trek. Reaching Japan , Herve will discover the precious silkworm eggs owned by a feared and powerful baron, and will fall under the allure of the baron's beautiful concubine. (Oct 26- Nov 1)

Stardust
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
UK/US 2007
128 minutes
Rated PG (violence, not recommended for young children)
This summer past, a lucky few of us caught sight of this gem of a film. Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess ' graphic novel is brought to life, full of magic and imagination. Yvaine (Claire Danes) is literally a falling star who takes human form upon landing on earth. Tristan (Charlie Cox) is an innocent love-struck young man on a quest. When their star-crossed paths meet, there must be romance, but not before many life-threatening feats are performed. There are three evil witches who covet Yvaine's magical powers, and a sort of Greek Chorus of seven murderous princes, all trying to kill each other to inherit the throne and a band of pirates who fly in their sailing ship capturing lightning. The favourable comparisons to The Princess Bride are obvious and justified. While a little too mature for young kids, Stardust is romantic, fantastical, ridiculous at times, funny, imaginative and thoroughly entertaining. Recommended. (Dec 4-6)

Superbad
Directed by Greg Mottola
US 2007
114 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, substance abuse)
As the clocks change and winter approaches, here's one last chance to visit the superbadest comedy of the summer. Apparently, the script from Seth Rogen ( Knocked Up ) and his buddy Evan Goldberg is based on events in their own teenage years. Yikes! The boys need to buy booze to get into the party where they'll “meet” the girls. Much zaniness ensues for all the members involved. Don't bring your parents. Bring on the McLovin . Laugh-out-loud comedies are best shared in theatres. (Nov 2-4)

The Tracey Fragments
Directed by Bruce McDonald
Canada 2007
78 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, disturbing content, substance abuse)
Bruce McDonald's latest film bursts onto the scene with the same sense of fresh urgency as his earlier works, Roadkill and Highway 61 . Using multiple images that are more collage than split-screen, he tells the story of Tracey, a young woman who finds herself surviving on the streets of Winnipeg , looking for her missing younger brother while avoiding a less-than-ideal family home. The up and coming star Ellen Page plays Tracey in this adaptation of Maureen Medved's novel. The Tracey Fragments will be preceded by the multiple award-winning short, Madame Tutli-Putli . (Nov 30-Dec 3)

Waitress
Directed by Adrian Shelly
US 2007
108 minutes
Rated PG (mature theme)
Waitress is one of those rare films. Written and directed by actress Adrienne Shelly, it was a critical and audience favourite at the 2007 Sundance film fest, that also received wide critical praise and sustained popularity at commercial theatres across North America . On a sadly tragic note, Ms Shelly was murdered in her New York apartment in the spring of 2007. Waitress was her only film. Felicity star Keri Russell plays Jenna, a waitress with extraordinary pie-making skills, trapped in an unfortunate marriage to a small-minded lout, living in a small-sized town in deep-south America . But like many women before and after her, Jenna not only survives but flourishes by cooking, baking pies with such creative and cathartic names as, I Hate My Husband Pie and I Can't Have No Affair Because Its Wrong and I Don't Want Earl to Kill me Pie. Pull out your forks and dig into this highly recommended slice of cinema. (Nov 16,17)