The American
Directed by Anton Corbijn
USA 2010
105 minutes
Rated TBA
Picture George Clooney; a cast of sexy, seductive co-stars; lush, Italian mountainside locales. Now consider this your invitation to go there. What else do you need? No passport or plane ticket required to follow Jack (Mr Clooney), the American operative who is cooling his assassin’s heels with Clara (Violante Placido). Has Jack really found love while awaiting retirement from “the game”, or is he just being played? Without any “Bond”age, The American represents all the sexy, dangerous things one expects in a spy action movie. Sneak out and see this.
(Oct 16-21)

Babies
Directed by Thomas Balmes
France 2010
79 minutes
Rated G
Forget the faithful, marching penguins. Babies is quite possibly the “awwww” cutest documentary film ever made. French filmmaker Thomas Balmes travels the globe to record the first glorious year in the lives of four babies: Hattie (San Francisco), Ponijao (Namibia), Bayarjargal (Mongolia) and Mari (Tokyo). Geographical and cultural differences are obvious, but so are the similarities of observation, curiosity, crying-out or the need to be cuddled. Babies is in English, Japanese and Mongolian with subtitles. How can we not recommend Babies?
(Sept 17-23)

Countdown to Zero
Directed by Lucy Walker
USA 2010
91 minutes
Rated PG (disturbing content, violence)
Lucy Walker’s documentary undoubtedly wishes to send a clarion call to the citizens of the planet. Much like Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth pointed to the perils of global warming, Ms Walker shines her light on the alarming proliferation of nuclear weaponry. She uses the traditional documentary tools of archival footage and interviews, combining those involved in the science and politics, with street level opinions. Countdown to Zero is a cautionary tale, a call to (dis)arms and inspiration for those with little confidence in a militarized existence. (Sept 21-23)

Despicable Me
Directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin
USA 2010
88 minutes
Rated PG (some scary scenes)
Peeking out from behind Toy Story 3, Despicable Me is the most highly-regarded kids’ film of 2010 (by adult critics). But then, what do stories (and kids) need more than outstanding villains? Gru (Steve Carell) definitely stands out. Not an ordinary bad guy, he’s not satisfied with simply stealing the JumboTron from Times Square, he plots also to steal THE MOON. Yes, THE MOON! How despicable is that? Oh, what magic we create when kids learn to recognize, and forgive, those evildoers who really just want to be loved. All Seats $5.00 for Family Matinees.
(Oct 16, 17)

The Disappearance of Alice Creed
Directed by J Blakeson
UK 2010
100 minutes
Rated 14A (nudity, coarse language, disturbing content)
First viewed at TIFF ‘09, The Disappearance Alice Creed stood out for its exceptional quality as a concise, tautly-paced cat & mouse-type thriller. Essentially a three-hander with three locations, ...Alice Creed feels different from the beginning, as two men work silently and with cold precision to ready the getaway vehicle and their hideout. As their plot takes shape, it appears that they may have pulled-off the perfect little crime...until, within the claustrophobic confines of their hideaway, tables are turned and neat seams begin to unravel. For those not turned-off by the disturbing content of a kidnap story, ...Alice Creed is a pleasant surprise and welcome addition to the crime caper genre that also features great perfs from Martin Compston, Eddie Marsan and Gemma Arterton. Recommended. (Sept 24-30)

Eat Pray Love
Directed by Ryan Murphy
USA 2010
139 minutes
Rated PG (mature theme, language may offend)
Following a failed marriage and a rebound romance, Elizabeth Gilbert set out for Italy, India and Bali, in search of herself. The result was her bestselling book, Eat Pray Love. The film adaptation stars Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem and the aforementioned exotic locales. This spiritual-quest tale offers lush landscapes, ripe with fruitful opportunities for Liz’s re-awakening. Handsome supporting cast also includes James Franco, Richard Jenkins and Billy Crudup. (Oct 15-21)

Exit Through The Gift Shop
A Banksy film
USA/UK 2010
85 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language)
Exit Through The Gift Shop is a canny exploration, a skewed portrait and a compulsively watchable film about art and commerce. Hooded and obscured by shadows, the elusive British street-artist Banksy, explains the film’s origins. Beginning with Thierry Guetta, a French clothing dealer in Los Angeles, who insinuates himself into the lives of street artists like LA’s Shephard Fairey and eventually, Banksy. Thierry was a compulsive videographer, taping almost everything he saw. His hours of video are a concise, street-level chronicle of the rise in popularity and influence of street art. By the film’s end, the lines between sidewalk and gallery have been spray-bombed, and arguments over art vs commerce are stencilled over with commentary. Recommended.
(Sept 14-16)

Get Low
Directed by Aaron Schneider
USA 2010
100 minutes
Rated PG
Felix Bush announces that it’s time for him to ‘get low’. But before he’s dead and buried, he wants to plan his own funeral and be at the party. With the help of funeral director Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), Felix plans his own farewell gathering. But the problem is that gruff, reclusive old Felix is the most feared, misunderstood, mistrusted and just plain disliked man in all the surrounding counties. Undaunted by the ideas or feelings of others, Felix presses on with his plans which will force him to confront the ghosts of his past. Lucas Black and Sissy Spacek offer strong support but the film belongs to Robert Duvall, his Felix Bush joins a list of storied characters as portrayed by one of America’s best screen actors. Recommended. (Aug 27-Sept 9)

Millennium I & II Double-Bill
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Directed by Niels Arden Oplev
Sweden 2010
151 minutes
Rated 18A (sexual violence, coarse language)
The Girl who Played with Fire
Directed by Daniel Alfredson
Sweden 2010
130 minutes
Rated 18A (violence, sexual content)

In celebration of the bestselling novels by Stieg Larsson (dubbed the Millennium Trilogy after protagonist Mikael Blomkvist’s news magazine) and in anticipation of the upcoming release of the film version of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, we present a limited (two day only) two-for-one double bill! Same day, two-for-one double bill prices, $10.00 for members, $14.00 general admission. Regular prices apply for admission to single screenings. There will be a break, with time for dinner, between shows. To check for Greenroom dinner specials and to make reservations call (the week before) 519.821.3311 x126
(Oct 9&10)

I am Love
(Io sono l’amore)
Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Italy 2010
120 minutes
Rated 18A (nudity, sexual content)
Tilda Swinton stars as Emma, a woman of Russian descent, married to the head of the very wealthy Recchi family of Milan. Commanding a small army of serving staff, Emma maintains a household designed and decorated to reflect the aristocratic sense of style and fashion incumbent upon a family of such social stature. When Emma meets Antonio, a handsome and highly-skilled young chef, her controlled life of austere privilege melts under the influence of passion and sensuality shared with Antonio. Among the many rave reviews is the Orlando Sentinel’s Roger Moore, stating, “I Am Love is a cinematic orgy, a sensual Italian feast of food, sex, guilt and grief. An intimate, quiet and even slow movie, its subtle shadings veil turbulent emotions.” Italian with subtitles. (Sept 17-20)

Inception
Directed by Christopher Nolan
USA/UK 2010
148 minutes
Rated PG (violence, language may offend)
Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) continues to impress critics and audiences with his latest cinematic mindbender, Inception. Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard and Ellen Page star in this twisted tale of mind control through dream extraction. As the Toronto Star’s Peter Howell urges, “It’s that demanding a film, one that will puzzle and infuriate as many people as it enraptures and enchants. Repeat viewings are recommended.” (Oct 1-4)

Jack Goes Boating
Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman
USA 2010
89 minutes
Rated TBA
Having won the respect of his acting peers, kudos for his stage performances and a Best Actor Oscar (Capote), Mr Hoffman makes his directorial debut adapting Bob Glaudini’s play, which he also performed onstage. Jack (Hoffman) is a shy man. His buddy from work, Clyde (John Ortiz), sets him up with his wife’s co-worker, Connie (Amy Ryan). With Clyde’s help, Jack embarks on a course of self-improvement, taking swimming and cooking lessons, so that he may one day impress Connie. While Jack and Connie tentatively stumble towards dating, Clyde and his wife Lucy struggle to keep their marriage alive. This is a charming and, at times, comic character study of two couples at opposite ends of the romantic spectrum. Todd McCarthy, head writer at Variety notes, “Jack Goes Boating is something of a refreshing, anachronistic throwback to a time, more than half a century ago... Hoffman brings a sympathetic touch to a small dramatic piece that recalls the warm-hearted ‘little people’ dramas of the ‘50s”. Recommended. (Oct 22-28)

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Directed by Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg
USA 2010
84 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language, crude content)
Behind the much-publicized and surgically-enhanced visage of Joan Rivers, there is a story of determination, groundbreaking creativity and a pre-feminist, one-woman-assault on the chauvinistic, protectionist boys club of TV, entertainment and particularly, comedy. This is an incredibly honest profile of a remarkable woman who still works, actually lives to work, while in her mid-70s. Joan’s encyclopaedic catalogue of jokes is like a walk through comedy history, complete with successful zingers and off-colour flops that define the boundaries of stand-up. Surely a frontrunner for Best Doc Oscar, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work is a brutally candid, mesmerizing and, of course, an entertaining film. (Oct 12-14)

The Kids are All Right
Directed by Lisa Cholodenko
USA 2010
106 minutes
Rated 18A (coarse language, sexual content)
By all appearances, Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) share a perfectly comfortable California life with their two teenage kids. But their domestic idyll gets thrown for a loop when the kids, 18-year-old Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and 15-year-old Laser—Dude! it’s California—(Josh Hutcherson) decide to contact their sperm donor ‘dad’, Paul (Mark Ruffalo). Paul’s arrival makes things awkward, at first attracting the teenagers’ interest and gradually driving a wedge between Nic and Jules. Indeed, Paul becomes the catalyst as Nic, Jules, Laser and Joni confront each other on many unresolved issues, enroute to discovering what it really means ‘to be family’. With a smart script, well-developed characters and finely understated performances (some have started shining-up the Oscars), The Kids are All Right is a comedic drama of contemporary family values, capable of coaxing laughter and tears. Highly Recommended. (Sept 10-16 & Oct 12-15)

Lebanon
Directed by Samuel Maoz
Israel/France/UK/Germany 2010
93 minutes
Rated 18A (violence, coarse language, disturbing content)
Since winning the top prize at the 2009 Venice Film Festival, Lebanon garnered many more prizes, awards and critical kudos on the way to its eventual Canadian release in late August this year. Set in June, 1982, the film drops us inside a tank with four Israeli youths performing their military service at the beginning of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. We share the stifling hot, cramped quarters with the young soldiers, whose only view of the surroundings is through their gun sight. The futility of warfare and the damage done on both ends of a gun barrel become increasingly evident from within the creaking metal confines of the military tank. After noting the warnings that accompany the film’s OFRB rating, Lebanon is Recommended. Hebrew with subtitles. (Oct 1-5)

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! (Sept 25-29)

Nanny McPhee Returns
Directed by Susanna White
UK 2010
106 minutes
Rated G
And so does Emma Thompson, as the writer and star in this ever-so-British tale of the nanny who knows best. This time Nanny McPhee is dispatched to keep the peace between Norman, Megsie and Vincent (the country kids) and their city cousins, Cyril and Celia, brought together during the WWII blitz on London. Regardless of your take on the CGI animal antics, Nanny McPhee continues to rule the roost with moral-minded behaviour tips. This is smart, irony-free, movie magic for kids. (Oct 23, 24) All Seats $5.00 for Family Matinees.

Oceans
Directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud
France 2010
84 minutes
Rated G
Originally released to celebrate Earth Day 2010, Oceans is an underwater exploration of the miraculous creatures that inhabit the sea. Under the watchful eyes of Mssrs Perrin, Cluzard and their savvy technical team (who previously brought us Winged Migration) Oceans is a spectacular visual celebration of the planet’s deep sea splendours. As the Globe and Mail’s Liam Lacey suggests in his ****star review, “Dive into a masterpiece”. (Oct 2, 3 & Oct 8-10) All Seats $5.00 for Family Matinees only. Regular pricing at evening screenings.

(The Adventures of) Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Directed by Stephan Elliott
Australia/UK 1994
104 minutes
Rated 14A
Sixteen years since Priscilla leapt from the Australian outback to North American movie screens, it still holds audiences in rapture. Terence Stamp is the elder of a trio of outrageous cross-dressing showmen whose musical camp doesn’t always jive with the small town locals on their tour. The handsome, young and charismatic Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving co-star. The story has enjoyed such popularity it has become a smash hit musical stage show, and comes to Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre, Oct 12 – Nov 28. Thanks to the generous folks at Mirvish Productions, we’ll be giving away tickets for the Toronto stage show at our screenings. Prizes for best costumes. (Oct 7, 8)

Ramona and Beezus
Directed by Elizabeth Allen
USA 2010
103 minutes
Rated G
Without 3D glasses, space aliens, super heroes or screeching CGI effects, Ramona and Beezus is a welcome addition to the expanding universe of kids’ movies. Based on Beverly Cleary’s kidslit classics first published 1950s, we meet the Quimby family: Mom, Dad, nine-year-old Ramona (sometimes known as “The Pest”) and her teenaged sister, Beatrice (“Beezus”). Suitable for all ages, Ramona and Beezus is a wholesome family film starring Joey King as Ramona and Selena Gomez as Beezus. It also opens the doors for avid young readers to discover Ms Cleary’s wonderful eight-book series and further writings. All seats $5.00 for Family Matinees. (Sept 18, 19)

Restrepo
Directed by Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
USA 2010
93 minutes
Rated 14A
Bestselling author Sebastian Junger (The Perfect Storm) and photographer Tim Hetherington spent over a year with American infantry troops in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. Restrepo is the platoon’s operating post, named for PFC Juan Restrepo, a medic who was killed in action and it is a white-knuckled, bullet-dodging first-hand account of life with the troops assigned to do battle with the Taliban in the country’s mountainous northeastern region. Restrepo is also surely to be shortlisted for a Best Documentary Oscar. All Canadian Forces personnel are invited to attend at our members’ reduced admission prices. (Sept 29, 30)

Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Directed by Edgar Wright
USA 2010
112 minutes
Rated PG (violence, language may offend)
The city of Toronto is the location and co-star with Michael Cera in this screen adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s popular graphic novels of the same name. Musician slacker Scott Pilgrim (Cera) falls hard for the rainbow-haired Amazon.ca delivery girl, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). To date her he must defeat in video-game inspired battle her seven evil exes, though he’s not even sure who they are. This is modern romance interpreted through graphic novel and video game, as shot by Bill (The Matrix) Pope’s camera, and directed by Edgar (Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) Wright. With a soundtrack from excellent bands (Beck, Broken Social Scene, Metric) and a visual feast of effects and sight gags, this moving adaptation of an already kinetic story is tons of fun. (Oct 5-7)

The Secret in Their Eyes
(El secreto de sus ojos)
Directed by Juan José Campanella
Argentina/Spain 2010
129 minutes
Rated TBA
Mr Campanella’s Oscar-winner (Best Foreign Film) is a complex, cerebral 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 Pablo his old partner, and the wiles of his attractive co-investigator Irene. Through his work on the novel, Ben revisits locations and evidence surrounding the crime. 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 (Sept 11-13)

Solitary Man
Directed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien
USA 2010
90 minutes
Rated 14A (sexual content, coarse language)
Surrounded by an all-star supporting cast (Susan Sarandon, Jenna Fischer, Danny DeVito, Mary Louise Parker and Jesse Eisenberg) Michael Douglas stars as Ben Kalmen, once a wealthy and powerful salesman, now down on his luck. Despite his recent divorce and hard times, Ben still puts on the hustle of a younger man, hungry for the wealth and women of his glory days. With his grandson, Ben shuns the word granddad, lest it impede his ability to attract young women. Oh yes, Ben is a piece of work, and Mr Douglas brings just the right blend of arrogance, vulnerability and charm to the role. Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers sums up the summer’s surprise hit film, “Douglas never makes a false move, delivering a tour de force in human weakness.” (Sept 3-9)

Toy Story 3
Directed by Lee Unkrich
USA 2010
109 minutes
Rated G (some scary scenes)
Yes, it’s been eighteen years since we met Andy, the youngster with a toy box full of such memorable playthings as Buzz Lightyear, Mr & Mrs Potato Head and Woody the cowboy. As Andy prepares to leave for college, his old friends in the toy box face an uncertain future. By all accounts, Pixar has created another great kids’ movie, although some scenes may prove too scary for younger auds. (Sept 24-26) All Seats $5.00 for Family Matinees, regualr prices for evening screenings.

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 therapists Atherton Drenth, Larry Steele, Lori Wilson, and Judy Bechard. (Oct 6) All Seats $10.00.
Advanced tickets on sales Sept 7.

Winter’s Bone
Directed by Debra Granik
USA 2010
101 minutes
Rated 14A (coarse language,substance abuse)
Winter’s Bone loudly announces the arrival of rising young star Jennifer Lawrence. Last seen performing (and holding her own) alongside Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger in The Burning Plain, Ms Lawrence takes the lead role as Ree Dolly, a seventeen-year-old living in the Missouri Ozarks. Ree’s drug-dealing Papa has skipped bail having used the family home as collateral, and she must bring him back or lose the homestead. Searching for her father, Ree uncovers dark family secrets and her inquiries prompt guarded silence and violent reprisals. Director Debra Granik and her young star have created an exceptional piece of work that captures the strength and warmth of Dee’s heart, surrounded by a harsh and chilling world, in Winter’s Bone. (Aug 27-Sept 2)

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Directed by Woody Allen
UK/Spain 2010
99 minutes
Rated TBA
Like a long-distance runner Mr Allen seems to have conjured a second wind in the latter years of his prolific and storied career as a writer and director of movie comedies. The film’s title of course, refers to the oft-quoted observation of soothsayers. The psychic here is Cristal (Pauline Collins) who advises Helena (Gemma Jones) after her husband, Alfie (Anthony Hopkins), abandons her for a foolish dalliance in youthful pursuits. The all-star cast also features Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts, Antonio Banderas and Frieda Pinto as the younger set, who also bounce from romantic missteps to philosophical musings typical of many characters in a Woody Allen film. (Oct 22-28)