DVD Review: Wonderful World

Wonderful World - A Mongrel Media Release

http://www.wonderfulworldfilm.com/

DVD Release Date: March 16th, 2010

Rated 14A

Running time: 95 minutes

Joshua Goldin (dir.)

Joshua Goldin (writer)

Craig Richey (music)

Matthew Broderick as Ben Singer

Sanaa Lathan as Khadi

Michael Kenneth Williams as Ibu

Philip Baker Hall as The Man

Our reviews below:

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Wonderful World Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) is a close-minded cynic. But then again, his life isn’t exactly exciting. He lives in a small apartment with his roommate, Ibu (Michael Kenneth Williams), he only sees his daughter on weekends, and his job security may not be as secure as he thought. Then the unthinkable happens. Ibu ends up in a diabetic coma. The chemistry between Matthew Broderick and Sanaa Lathan is undeniable and believable, and the scenes with Ibu are very nice.

The film draws obvious comparisons to such great films as The Visitor and Goodbye Solo. Though it is not in the same league as those great films, it is still worth seeing. Despite a few moments that don’t quite gel with the rest of the movie, overall Wonderful World is a good film, with a few moments of near-greatness. If the film had ended a few scenes earlier, though, with a scene vaguely reminiscent of Magnolia, then perhaps it would have had more of a profound, lasting effect.

The DVD includes a couple of featurettes on the characters and making-of the movie.

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Wonderful World DVD Review By Erin V.

*** (out of four)

Wonderful World tells the story of Ben, a cynical man who seems to have lost the ability to see the beauty in the world around him. He used to play music, but has all but abandoned this, and being divorced, barely sees his 11 year old daughter who finds some of his remarks too depressing. His roommate, Ibu, from Senegal is the opposite of him in many ways though, always trying to get him to see the lighter side of things. But when Ibu becomes sick, Ben has to figure some things out for himself.

Wonderful World is a good movie that's worth a rental, but there were parts of it that kept it from becoming something more. There is a scene near the end, that could have been the last scene in the film, leaving a more emotional effect, but then the film continues on for a good five minutes more. That scene was one of my favourite scenes in the film, and if you want to know what scene I mean (perhaps after seeing the film), you can get a clue by looking up the word 'gleb' in this book.

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Wonderful World DVD Review By Nicole

*** (out of 4)

Wonderful World is a sweet, low key film about friendship. Ben, (believably played by Matthew Broderick), is a depressed man, who lives with his Senegalese roommate, Ibu. Ben, who used to be a children’s folk singer, is now a cynical, divorced individual who only sees his daughter on weekends. Ibu is Ben’s only friend, who tries to help Ben see a positive view of the world. But when Ben finds Ibu in a diabetic coma, Ibu’s sister, Khadi, comes over from Senegal to take care of both of them. Ben begins to fall in love with Khadi. She brings Ben to a new perspective on what is really important in life.

While the DVD package describes Wonderful World as a dark comedy, it is more of a drama along the lines of Goodbye Solo or The Visitor. With good acting, an interesting, quiet score, and a good storyline, Wonderful World is worth checking out.

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Wonderful World DVD Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

Ben’s (Matthew Broderick) life would be described as anything but wonderful. His job is uninspiring, his relationship with his daughter is strained, he is a weekends-only Dad, he lives in a small place with a Senegalese roommate, Ibu, and his parking lot neighbour is a jerk. Ben is not a happy guy.

When Ibu (Michael Kenneth Williams) has a medical emergency, Ibu’s sister Khadi (Sanaa Lathan) arrives to lend a hand. The unexpected turn of events turn out to be a turning point for Ben. Maybe Ben does’t have to remain pessimistic.

Wonderful World is optimistically low-key. Matthew Broderick is completely believable as the pessimistic, stick it to the man, Ben. The rest of the performances by the other actors are also believable and heartwarming. The music score by Craig Richey is really nice and matches the movie’s mood nicely.

I enjoyed Wonderful World. It has a nice even pace and comes to a nicely, believable conclusion without being sentimental. Wonderful World is worth checking out.

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Wonderful World DVD Review By Tony

**1/2 (out of 4)

Ben Singer (Matthew Broderick) is going through a cynical and depressed midlife, seen through a haze of pot smoke in a flat shared with Senegalese immigrant Ibu (Michael K. Williams), an entry level proofreading job he has held for eight years, and weekend visits to his preteen daughter. Having been stung once, he doesn’t see a way out without giving in to “The Man” (personified by actor Philip Baker Hall, appearing to him several times like a ghost). When Ibu is hospitalized in a diabetic coma, his very attractive sister Khadi (Sanaa Lathan) comes to help out, sharing the flat with predicable and not so predictable consequences. Despite setbacks, the film ends on a hopeful note once Ben realizes what is really important.

Not as good as The Visitor and Goodbye Solo, Wonderful World deals like those films with an uptight American enriched by contact with a third world roommate. Unlike their previous counterparts, the immigrants here are played by American born actors. Though the film is somewhat brooding and confused at times, Matthew Broderick has enough residual charm to carry us through it.

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Consensus: Wonderful World is a fine film, though there are a few scenes that could have been cut. Although it is not in the same league as The Visitor or Goodbye Solo, it is still a well-acted, worth checking out drama. *** (Out of 4)

DVD Review: Capitalism: A Love Story

Capitalism: A Love Story - An Alliance Films Release

http://www.capitalismalovestory.com/

DVD Release Date: March 6th, 2010

Rated PG for coarse language, and a mature theme.

Running time: 127 minutes

Michael Moore (dir.)

Michael Moore (writer)

Jeff Gibbs (music)

© 2009 Overture Films, LLC and Paramount Vantage, a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Our reviews below:

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Capitalism: A Love Story Review By John C.

***1/2 (out of 4)

Michael Moore documentaries are always thought provoking and entertaining. His latest, Capitalism: A Love Story, his fifth feature documentary, is no exception.

Capitalism may jokingly be called a love story, but it is one filled heartbreak. It’s thought-provoking, terrifying, and strictly as a movie, if a little too long, actually entertaining.

Moore’s distinctive style shines through, and this is one of his finest achievements. It could perhaps even make Gordon Gekko rethink his motto. An excellent, powerful documentary, that is a must see.

The DVD includes a bunch of bonus features, all written and directed by Michael Moore.

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Capitalism: A Love Story DVD Review By Erin V.

***1/2 (out of four)

Michael Moore makes the subject of foreclosure and capitalism actually watchable, as he goes about his shtick of trying to get the money back from the banks in an armoured truck, arrest their board members, and close their buildings off like a crime scene. The documentary is also full of little videos that talk about the subject in a humorous way, while actually getting you to listen to the point he’s making. He also speaks to people who have been closely affected by the banks and about the large gap between rich and poor. He shows how the people who are sidelined, when standing together, can make change. It’s his balance in the film between humour and reality that make it keep holding your attention.

It’s a good film and my only real complaint is that at 2 hours and 7 minutes, it is a little bit long. Cut by 15-20, it would have held my interest that much more, but still this one is worth watching.

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Capitalism: A Love Story DVD Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

Once again, Michael Moore has created a thought provoking, funny, and informative documentary. This time, Michael Moore takes on capitalism. We are introduced to several people who have been hurt by financial greed. They include families who have been kicked out of their foreclosed homes, children who have been locked up in a shady private prison for trivial offences, airline pilots who are paid less than minimum wage, and shady companies that care more for money than people.

Michael Moore also interviews two Catholic priests and a bishop, asking the question "What would Jesus do?"

Told through interviews, spliced with arresting images of people losing everything they've got, as well as news clips, and clips of old films, Capitalism: A Love Story is fast moving and seldom drags. This documentary doesn't just depict the negative, but offers hope for the future. Moore shows us some of the brave individuals who have stood up against oppression and won. Capitalism: A Love Story calls everyone to create a world where everyone is treated equally fair. In our "me" society, this is an incredibly important film to see.

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Capitalism: A Love Story DVD Review By Maureen

***1/2 (out of 4)

Only Michael Moore could take topics like foreclosures, evictions, and layoffs and turn them into a highly entertaining and though provoking, hold nothing back documentary. Capitalism: A Love Story is brilliant. Narrated by Michael Moore, he uses interviews, footage of families being evicted, old film footage from the 1950's and humour to get his message across about the downfalls of capitalism. Essentially the film exposes how as big corporations and financial institutions get richer, the middle class disappears and the gap between rich and poor widens.

I like how Michael Moore explores the issue of capitalism from a religious point of view asking the philosophical question 'Is capitalism evil?' It's not often in this politically correct world that a film-maker dares to bring God into the equation.

Overall there is a sense of hope in Capitalism: A Love Story. Michael Moore's goal is to increase awareness and incite people towards a change in attitude.

Change comes from Knowledge. This would be a good choice for secondary and post-secondary students. Watching Capitalism: A Love Story is a great way to learn and be entertained for two hours.

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Capitalism: A Love Story DVD Review By Tony

***1/2 (out of 4)

Capitalism: a Love Story is the latest documentary by Michael Moore. Rather than focusing on a specific issue such as guns or health care, it ambitiously challenges the very basis on which the American economy has been increasingly based over the last 40 years or so. The postwar prosperity due to American industrial dominance free from the competition of war-ravaged Europe and Japan supported a strong middle class of unionized workers producing goods for a comfortable lifestyle. As industries started to decline in the 1970s, the brightest young adults were attracted away from industry and into the financial sector where corporate greed led ultimately to such egregious practices as derivatives (sheltering executive bonuses on the backs of small investors), condo vultures (flipping foreclosed homes at enormous profit), “dead peasant” insurance policies (leaving the families of dead employees with massive medical bills while their employers collect on their life insurance), and subprime mortgages (luring high-risk borrowers into mortgages with temporarily low interest rates). The overall result has been an increasing gulf between rich and poor, gutting the middle class. A proposed worker’s bill of rights by FDR died with him and when Jimmy Carter preached against the consequences of corporate greed he was met with the same public indifference as the biblical prophets, replaced by the eager embrace of the glib optimism of Reagan and later Clinton, who doesn’t fare much better in Moore’s view. The systematic deregulation of financial institutions by successive financial cabinet secretaries taken from the executive ranks of the biggest banks helped inflate the bubble which finally burst within weeks of the 2008 election when, all facing the polls, the congress was railroaded into passing the huge bailout. There is some guarded optimism at the end of the film where some little people begin to fight back, with token encouragement from the new president.

Capitalism: a Love Story is an effective look at how capitalism has trumped democracy in recent years. Interspersed with the usual hard luck cases of foreclosed families and laid off workers is footage from vintage educational films on the values of capitalism and the decline of the Roman empire, as well as Moore home movies from happier times. In an amusing sequence taken from a cheesy biblical epic, the doctrine of capitalism overdubs the voice of Jesus. Though a bit long at just over two hours, the film doesn’t drag, though we could have done without the typical Moore stunt at the end where he drives up to corporate offices in an armoured truck to take back the money and make a citizen’s arrest of the executives, to be met as usual only by bemused security guards. However, the final shot where he surrounds the big Wall Street buildings with yellow police tape leaves a memorable image.

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Consensus: Capitalism: A Love Story, though perhaps a bit too long, is another interesting and entertaining documentary from Michael Moore. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

DVD Review: Planet 51

Planet 51 - An Alliance Films Release

http://www.sonypictures.com/sonywonder/planet51/

DVD Release Date: March 6th, 2010

Rated G for violence, and frightening scenes.

Running time: 97 minutes

Jorge Blanco (dir.)

Javier Abad (co-dir.)

Marcos Martinez (co-dir.)

Joe Stillman (writer)

James Seymore Brett (music)

Dwayne Johnson as Captain Charles T. Baker

Seann William Scott as Skiff

Jessica Biel as Neera

Justin Long as Lem

Gary Oldman as General Grawl

John Cleese as Professor Kipple

© 2010 Remstar. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Our reviews below:

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Planet 51 DVD Review By John C.

*1/2 (out of 4)

Planet 51 is a new animated comedy. No wait, it’s animated, that’s for sure. Is it a comedy? Yes, in the sense that it tries to make us laugh. But I can’t call it a comedy, because I didn’t actually laugh. Will kids like it? Sure. But for older kids and adults, it’s pretty lame.

It’s the story of a dumb human astronaut who lands on a planet that is inhabited by strange green aliens, who inexplicably speak English. But to them, he’s the alien! Brilliant premise, huh? Oh yeah, and the aliens spend their time listening to records from the 1950’s and ‘60’s. This is a fact that I actually didn’t mind, because if you close your eyes as they blare on the soundtrack, you can just pretend that you’re actually watching a good period piece.

The jokes are lazy and crude, and the timing is pretty sloppy. There is ample discussion of, I kid you not, plugging a certain orifice with a cork. I’m sure I’m not the only one that duly noted every time the aliens had their backs to the screen that they indeed have nowhere to stick the said cork.

Am I the only one that thought the weird grey alien dog with the strange tongue, no eyes and acid urine, was just plain creepy? Rover the robot, who does nothing more than just rip-off WALL•E, is kinda cute, but really nowhere near as adorable as WALL•E. When the film tries its hand at pondering deep thoughts, it just seems sort of cynical.

The voice acting is average at best, and a talent like John Cleese is completely wasted. Though I must say that Jessica Biel’s wooden voice acting is marginally better than in her shrill performance in the schlocky Valentine’s Day.

In an age of CGI masterpieces like Up, and even the not great, but good Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Planet 51 really falls flat. Despite good intentions and some nice animation, the film ultimately plays like a pile of rocks that Rover would hoard into his compartment, and the script is like a pile of litter that WALL•E would recycle in his compactor.

The DVD includes games, exteneded scenes, and a bunch of featurettes.

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Planet 51 DVD Review By Erin V.

** (out of four)

In terms of films that are animated these days, such a high bar has been set by the major studios that - especially last year, a film like Planet 51 couldn’t even come close.

The story is an ok premise that could have gone somewhere, but was not executed into anything special. Teenager Lem, who lives on ‘Planet 51’, has his world turned upside down when an ‘alien’ spaceship lands to plant the American flag. It’s Astronaut Chuck Baker, who to the audience looks like a weird cross between some sort of guy for an animated toothpaste ad and Mr. Clean, but to the aliens is a big scary monster that has a laser in his helmet and will turn them all to zombies. Oh yeah, and he’s voiced by Dwayne Johnson. Kind of strange really.

Anyway, the best parts of this movie actually come from the WALL•E copy robot who shovels rocks (not trash - you see? It’s different!), into his little chest compartment. This is mostly due to the fact that he doesn’t have the capacity to say any badly written dialogue, and is the most visually appealing character. Actually, he’s the only thing in this movie that’s kind of cute.

I guess kids are going to have fun with this film, but there are so many better films to watch that they’d also probably really enjoy. Still, if you have a 7 or 8 year old having a birthday party, this is worth renting for a bunch of hyper kids.

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Planet 51 DVD Review By Nicole

**1/2 ([*** for it’s intended audience of 4-12] out of 4)

Parodying the idea of alien invasion, Planet 51 tells a story of what happens when a human visits another inhabited planet. When dimwitted astronaut Charles T. Baker visits Planet 51, a world that is still in our late 1950’s-early 1960’s era, the locals think Baker is a menace that will turn them into zombies. But one of the residents, a teenager named Lem, who works at the local planetarium, befriends Baker. So when military dictator General Grawl and Professor Kipple try to destroy Baker, it is up to Lem and his friends to get the astronaut back home safely.

This movie could have been really clever and original. Instead, it simply recycles plots and characters from other films For example, Baker’s pet robot Rover, while incredibly appealing, is nothing more than a blatant ripoff of WALL•E. And the humour, which often contains anal probe jokes, is absurd when the aliens don’t even need pants.

However, I am not the target audience for this film. When I saw it in theatres, young viewers in the 6-10 range seemed to love the movie. Personally, I found it entertaining enough for adults, and great for young children. If you are a parent or grandparent with young children, then Planet 51 is worth adding to your collection.

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Planet 51 DVD Review By Maureen

** (out of 4)

The odd plastic looking green creatures that live on Planet 51 are living a happy 1950's America meets the Jetsons existence until an unexpected visitor turns their world upside down. Dwayne Johnson voices the arrogant blond astronaut who lands on Planet 51 hoping to quickly plant a flag and return to earth.

The nod to 1950's America in a futuristic kind of way is mildly amusing and the 50's type of music fun to listen to. However the dialogue and action in the movie are geared mainly to the 6 to 9 year boy demographic. For the rest of us, the jokes fall flat and the storyline predictable. There are a few cute moments in Planet 51 thanks to a WALL•E type robot called Rover. The similarities to other movies is none too subtle. Unfortunately there's not a lot of originality or cute appeal to Planet 51.

Planet 51 is the kind of DVD you can put on for kids in the 6 to 9 age range and it will keep them entertained for an hour and a half. If that's what you are looking for, than go ahead and rent it.

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Planet 51 DVD Review By Tony

*1/2 (out of 4)

No doubt Ilion Studio is the pride of Spain. With an in-house crew of hundreds they are clearly competent in the production of animation that can look good. Too bad that their first international feature Planet 51 is so uninspired that its appeal should be limited to the single-digit age group. It is interesting how trailers can sometimes be misleading. Another film we recently saw, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, was also not so good, but turned out to be somewhat better than the trailer suggested, redeemed by its clever spoof of disaster films in the last act. Compared to its trailer however, Planet 51 was disappointing from beginning to end, totally derivative and predictable at best and at worst just dumb. What might have been a decent premise of a human astronaut striking fear among the somewhat humanoid inhabitants of a 1950s suburban style planet is largely wasted. For example, the astronaut is a vain moron, and his robotic rover is an obvious Wall-E derivative, though it admittedly has a bit of canine charm with its wagging antenna. I haven’t seen so many lame gags since Old Dogs. Save this one for grade-school parties if you insist, but there is so much better to choose from.

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Consensus: Planet 51 will entertain younger kids, but not many others. It is certainly not on par with most of the animated films released theatrically last year. Still, for 6 - 9 year olds, it's worth a rental. ** (Out of 4)

Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland - A Walt Disney Pictures’ Release

http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/aliceinwonderland/

Release Date: March 5th

Rated PG for fantasy action/violence involving scary images and situations, and a smoking caterpillar

Running time: 108 minutes

Tim Burton (dir.)

Linda Voolverton (writer)

Lewis Carroll (books)

Danny Elfman (music)

Johnny Depp as Mad Hatter

Mia Wasikowska as Alice

Helena Bonham Carter as Red Queen

Anne Hathaway as White Queen

Crispin Glover as Stayne – Knave of Hearts

Matt Lucas as Tweedledee / Tweedledum

Stephen Fry as Cheshire Cat

Michael Sheen as White Rabbit

Alan Rickman as Blue Caterpillar

(L-R) Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Our reviews below:

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Alice in Wonderland Review By John C.

***1/2 (out of 4)

I am sitting at my raven as I write this, with my feet firmly resting on a warm pig belly.

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is a deliriously twisted and bizarre take on Lewis Carroll’s deliriously twisted and bizarre piece of literature. And Burton has found the story’s muchness. This is a sequel of sorts to the original books, with a now-19 Alice, (played wonderfully by Mia Wasikowska), escaping a forced engagement and following the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole.

In Underland, which could be misinterpreted as Wonderland, she meets a strange, yet strangely endearing cast of characters. Including the Mad Hatter, who is truly mad and played wonderfully by Johnny Depp, the Mad March Hare, also truly mad, The Red Queen, (Helena Bonham Carter, with an enlarged, bulbous head), and her sister The White Queen (Anne Hathaway). She is chased by a Bandersnatch, and has to battle the evil Jabberwocky. But my favourite character has to be the Chesire Cat.

Not your cup of tea poured through a smashed tea cup? Well then you obviously aren’t familiar with the source material. Though being a sequel, it draws much inspiration from the pages of the books.

Despite having both names on the poster, this is more Tim Burton than Disney, and parents should see this as a warning. While it will be immensely enjoyed by older kids and adults, this is not a film for young kids. Some scenes are quite creepy. But they’re also scenes that are just off the wall, like when an obviously CGI Mad Hatter dances the Futterwacken.

The look of Underland is a cross between darkly beautiful, beautifully dark and wonderfully bizarre, as every scene grows curiouser and curiouser. Although there are a few arguably uninspired moments, like a CGI battle that could have perhaps used a touch more wonder, the visuals of the film are spectacular.

My biggest complaint is that, while adding a nice sense of depth to the entire movie, the 3D in the opening sequence really dulls the picture. Despite this technical flaw, Alice in Wonderland is another great collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. One of the very best movies of the year so far, this is definitely one worth going out to see.

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Alice in Wonderland Review By Erin V.

***3/4 (out of 4)

As you read the following, klotchyn, some words may not make much sense...

As the story begins, we meet Alice once again who has grown into a young lady of 19. She is to have an arranged proposal (that everyone but her knows about) with the uppity Lord Ascot, who has absolutely no imagination.

Needing a moment to think once this is presented to her, she runs off and falls back into 'Underland' on Gribling Day after following the familiar white rabbit, McTwisp. Turns out they have been waiting for her, as she is destined to slay the slurvish Red Queen's Jabberwocky in the Tulgey Wood on Frabjous Day, in order to restore power to the White Queen for the first time since it was taken from her on Horunvendush Day. Once that has been done, the Hatter may finally be able to futterwacken once again... Downal wyth Bluddy Behg Hid!

And I do understand how that last paragraph must have sounded absolutely gallymoggers to you, and for that I apologize, but nunz - I have more to say.

I absolutely loved the artistic style of this film, which is very close to the original drawings. The colours are stunning, and the cinematography beautiful. I found Alice in Wonderland to be paced well, and the characters appealing. A few of my favourites are the Cheshire Cat and the Mad March Hare. The costume design was also very good, as was the editing, and musical score. I also really liked the messages in this film about trusting yourself.

This film is very close to a four star film for me, but not in 3D. It worked very well and I enjoyed the sense of depth it gave, if only it weren't so dark. I hope they find a way soon to make the glasses not dim the picture by approx. 30%. This was particularly apparent in some of the opening scenes, parts of which I watched with my glasses off. I'd be interested to see this one in 2D to get a better feel for it. Judging from the pictures from the film, I would love to see it in it's full colourful glory. And I don't even know why I would add this, but I would have loved to have seen Underland on Gleb, the day when the sky rained fish for no apparent reason.

Fairfarren. Thanks for reading all of this slightly nonsensical review, which made spellcheck go gallymoggers... Oh, and for explanations of all of those Outlandish words, you might want to seek out this book... Review here.

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Alice in Wonderland Review By Nicole

**** (out of four)

“Twas brillig, and the slithy toves.” So goes the first line of The Jabberwocky, a poem that appeared in Through the Looking Glass, and which has become the basis of Tim Burton’s latest masterpiece. Combining characters from both of Lewis Carroll’s Alice books, and drawing inspiration from John Tenniel’s illustrations, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland takes off where the two original books left off. In the film, Alice is now 19, and is expected to marry stuck up Hamish Ascot. She doesn’t want to be stuck with him. So when Alice spots a familiar white rabbit, she follows him, falling once again into a large hole. Back in “Underland,” (Alice thought it was called “Wonderland”), Alice finds things out of sorts. The cruel Red Queen has taken control of Underland away from the gentle White Queen. The only way to defeat the Red Queen is to slay her guard dragon, known as a “Jabberwocky,” on “Frabjous Day.” According to the Oraculam, a prophetic scroll that catalogs every day in the past, present and future, Alice is the one who is to slay the Jabberwocky with a Vorpal sword. Alice, being a gentle individual, is not sure if she is right for the task.

Tim Burton has proven himself to be the right one to adapt Lewis Carroll’s classic Jabberwocky poem into a film. Many of Carroll’s famous characters and inventions are here, including the White Rabbit, Dormouse, Mad hatter, (brilliantly played by Johnny Depp), the Dodo, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, and Queen of Hearts (Red Queen - from Alice in Wonderland), and Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the talking flowers, the Looking Glass Insects, the White Queen, the Bandersnatch, and the Jungle Bird from Through the Looking Glass.

This is the darkest, and one of the most imaginative adaptations of the original books. Although quite different from the original, this film captures the feel of the original perfectly. The visuals are incredible, dark, but with a magic that rivals the Harry Potter films. The acting is amazing, and the score by Danny Elfman has a magical, haunting quality to it. Alice is a likable and strong, inspiring female character. As a fan of the original books, I was pleased with this film. Just leave young children at home.

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Alice in Wonderland Review By Maureen

***3/4 (out of 4)

Tm Burton’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland is a deliciously dark visual treat. This story is a sequel with Alice, now 19, falling down the rabbit hole as she runs off to avoid becoming engaged to the dreadfully boring Lord Hamish Ascot. It turns out that the inhabitants of Underland (the proper name) have been waiting for Alice to return and save them from the heartless Red Queen of Hearts.

Back in Underland Alice meets up again with White Rabbit, March Hare, Dormouse, Tweedledum, Tweedledee, Cheshire Cat, and of course Mad Hatter played with brilliant madness by Johnny Depp. The crazy cast of characters must convince Alice that it is her destiny to slay the Red Queen’s Jabberwocky and restore control to the much nicer White Queen, played beautifully by a very pale Anne Hathaway.

The cast of characters stay close to the original books. The spectacular visuals and special effects that bring the characters to life are uniquely Tim Burton. This is a stunning movie to watch. The fight scenes between the Red Queen’s and White Queen’s armies have a medieval and gothic feel to them. There are a lot of dark images and scary scenes throughout the movie. This is not a little kids’ Alice in Wonderland.

This Alice in Wonderland has an excellent acting cast, (especially newcomer Mia Wasikowska as Alice), beautifully original visuals, and a perfect Danny Elfman score to match the overall mood. The closing credits include an original song by Avril Lavigne.

My only complaint would be about the 3D. While it was amazing in most scenes, particularly with my favourite, the Cheshire Cat, the 3D dulled the colour in the opening segments before Alice fell down the rabbit hole. It will be interesting to see it again in 2D.

Alice in Wonderland is a must-see for older kids, teens and adults. This one’s a real treat and is destined to be a classic.

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Alice in Wonderland Review By Tony

**** (out of 4)

Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton and 3D–it’s all we can expect and more. It is actually a sequel with the 19 year old Alice revisiting the Wonderland largely forgotten since her last visit 12 years prior. She discovers her destiny as the champion of the White Queen is to battle the jabberwocky, the dragon champion of the tyrannical Red Queen. Those coming to her aid will include the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, Bandersnatch (a sort of terrible snow leopard) and Bayard the faithful dog. I don’t want to spoil the fun by providing too much detail, but be warned that Alice in Wonderland has disturbing images that may not be for small children, such as the Red Queen’s castle moat filled with severed heads.

The 3D and special effects work perfectly as human and non-human characters interact seamlessly together–a tribute to the director and actors that often worked to a blank screen with minimal cues. As expected, the cast is brilliant, with Australian Mia Wasikowska in the title role, Johnny Depp (inevitably) as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway as the Red & White queens, Crispin Glover as the Knave of Hearts, and classic British talent voicing the various creatures. The score by Burton’s house composer Danny Elfman is brilliant as always. Perhaps Tim Burton has some clout with the Disney Studio since the good closing song was not sung by someone named Cyrus or Jonas, but by Avril Lavigne.

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Alice in Wonderland Film Frame Johnny Depp ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Consensus: Alice in Wonderland is a visually stunning achievement from Tim Burton. Though it will be too dark for young kids, this is a dark delight for teens and adults. Hugely enjoyable and tons of fun from beginning to end. ***7/8 (Out of 4) [Sorry for the Gallymoggers 7/8 stars, we must really be bonkers - all the best people are]

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(L-R) The White Rabbit, The Dodo, Helena Bonham Carter ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Movie Review: Best Picture Nominee Avatar (1 of 10)

Each day this week, we will be having capsule reviews of 2 of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture. They will be featured in the official, alpabetical order.

Avatar was released in theatres on December 18th, and is slated to come to DVD in May. We have not previously published reviews of this title.

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Avatar Review By John C.

***3/4 (out of 4)

As a piece of entertainment, I loved it. It’s visually stunning, with a few moments of absolute greatness. At 163 minutes, it never dragged and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Though I can’t quite give it 4 stars, because I honestly think there was room for improvement. It simply isn’t perfect.

The film falls short several times due to cheesy dialogue, and the fact that the nearly unobtainable mineral the humans are after is named “Unobtainium”. The new age elements are also a little weird. The overall story just isn’t quite up to the level of the groundbreaking, breathtaking special effects. Though a very good one, it is not the best movie I saw last year.

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Avatar Review By Erin V.

***2/3 (out of 4)

When I saw Avatar, there was not a doubt in my mind that I had seen a visually stunning film. But, I was not fully blown away, as some have been with the film, when I walked out of the theatre. I really liked the film, but other than the effects, I didn't find it to be totally solid all the way through. A lot of the dialogue sounded kind of fake, and I don't just mean the parts in Na'vi. The acting by some of the actors, Steven Lang and Michelle Rodriguez in particular, was stereotyped and over the top I found, and the music while technically good, was not all that memorable like that of other huge blockbusters that make history. I also found some of the film a bit too pushy and strange, like their link to the tree, but on the other hand, the storyline overall was pretty standard, and I wish that it had been something more unique.

On it's side though, at over 2 1/2 hours it kept me interested and like I said, the scenes - including the battle sequence at the end of course - were quite stunning look-wise. Don't get me wrong with a lot of what I have said though. I did really like the film, but also think that it has been over hyped by many. Was it the best film of last year? In my mind, no. Is it going to go down in film history? Yes, and I must say for it's achievements, deservedly so.

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Avatar Review By Nicole

***1/2 (out of 4)

N/A

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Avatar Review By Maureen

***1/2 (out of 4)

N/A

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Avatar Review By Tony

***1/2 (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: Avatar is incredibly entertaining and the special effects are groundbreaking, but there were things that could have been improved. Though at this point it is the front runner for Best Picture, along with The Hurt Locker, it is not the best movie of last year. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

DVD Review: The September Issue

The September Issue - An E1 Films’ Release

http://www.theseptemberissue.com/

DVD Release Date: February 23rd, 2010

Rated PG for mature themes and coarse language

Running time: 90 minutes

R.J. Cutler (dir.)

Craig Richey (music)

Anna Wintour as Herself

Our reviews below:

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The September Issue DVD Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

Remember the film The Devil Wears Prada? Where Meryl Streep played the uptight editor of a fashion magazine? Well, this documentary makes you realize just how brilliant a performance it was. The shallow-harshness, yet love of fashion that was depicted in that fictional film, are all on display here, if not quite as drastic.

This is the story of Anna Wintour. The famed, but famously hard to work with, editor of Vogue Magazine. Though the film is a bit long, and didn't quite keep my utmost interest from beginning to end, it is still a well made, entertaining, and worth watching look behind-the-scenes at the fashion industry. Though not groundbreaking, it's worth renting, regardless of whether or not you're a reader of Vogue.

The two-disc "double issue" edition of the DVD includes audio commentary with director R.J. Cutler, over 20 deleted scenes, (over an hour of extra footage), and exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.

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The September Issue Review By Erin V.

**1/4 (out of 4)

The September Issue is about the weeks leading up to the release of the huge new September issue of Vogue. Giving a unique look at the world run by Anna Wintour, and populated by famous models, designers, editors, and photographers, this documentary will be quite fascinating for some.

A couple of years back, The Devil Wears Prada was released, a fictional story about the fashion world that bares a remarkable resemblance to the world depicted in this documentary. I did find it interesting watching the world of fashion, although I really don’t have much interest in it.

I suppose if you are into the fashion industry, then this film would definitely hold your interest. It is overall well made, but I found it to be a little too long watching the same things over and over again for an hour and a half.

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The September Issue DVD Review By Nicole

*** (out of 4)

When I watched this film, I found it hard to believe that some of these people are for real. Watching Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue Magazine, boss the photographers around as well as seeing all the models and fashion designers work was like watching The Devil Wears Prada. I felt sorry for photographer and creative director Grace Coddington when, after working so hard, would have her photos rejected by Wintour.

This documentary is funny, not to mention the costumes, which are mostly absurd. The film does drag a bit, and would have been better at 75 minutes, as opposed to 90. However, for those into fashion, The September Issue is an interesting documentary to check out.

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The September Issue DVD Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

I have fond memories of heading back to university in the fall with the big September issue of Vogue packed into my bag. There was something about the pages and pages of unrealistic but beautiful fashions that I would never wear. This was a fun fantasy world that made me feel very grown-up.

Director R.J. Cutler has created a documentary, The September Issue, that gives a fascinating peek into the creative, frantic and temper mental world of creating Vogue. It was interesting and entertaining to watch editor in chief, Anna Wintour and her long time colleague creative director, Grace Coddington in their power struggle to each assert their own creative control over the magazine.

While the film drags a little at times, it still is an entertaining and fascinating glimpse into the world of high fashion. If you're a Vogue reader, you'll want to check out The September Issue on DVD.

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The September Issue DVD Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

The September Issue follows the preparation of the 2007 issue of Vogue, which had a record 840 pages. Naturally, comparisons have been made with The Devil Wears Prada, with Meryl Streep portraying the all-powerful editor-in-chief as a vain insensitive taskmaster capable only of cutting criticism and never praise. The actual boss Anna Wintour appears to be much more personable, at least while the documentary camera is rolling, offering praise where it is deserved and more gentle criticism when needed than in the fictional story. Though her creative staff know her decision is final, they are not too intimidated to defend their work when she criticises it. In fact, the film covers many aspects of the issue’s creation, with the boss only one of a large cast of creative talent working in New York, Paris, London, and Rome. It is well-paced and maintains interest for folks like us who would otherwise have nothing to do with the fashion industry.

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Consensus: Though the film does drag at points, The September Issue is an interesting, and at times unbelievable, behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry, and what goes into the making of a September issue of Vogue Magazine. **3/4 (Out of 4)

Movie Review: Soundtrack for a Revolution

Soundtrack for a Revolution

http://www.soundtrackforarevolutionfilm.com/Home.html

Release Date: Special Screening on February 17th, 2009

Rated PG for violence

Running time: 82 minutes

Bill Guttenberg (dir.)

Dan Sturman (dir.)

Bill Guttenberg (writer)

Dan Sturman (writer)

Phil Marshall (music)

John Legend - performer

Wyclef Jean - performer

The Roots - performers

Joss Stone - Performer

The Blind Boys of Alabama - performers

Mary Mary - performers

Richie Havens - performer

Anthony Hamilton - performer

Angie Stone - performer

Soundtrack for a Revolution is playing tonight as part of the Doc Soup monthly screening series, at the Bloor Cinema. Tickets are just $12, and show times are at 6:30 PM and 9:15 PM. A limited number of free tickets will be available for the 9:15 PM showing, will be available to students with valid student ID. Go and see it.

Our reviews below:

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Soundtrack for a Revolution Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

Soundtrack for a Revolution is a brilliant, flawless and incredibly moving documentary about overcoming racial segregation in the 1950's and '60's. Set to an amazing soundtrack of freedom songs, the film, at times, plays like a music video.

In one of the films best sequences, we see pictures of all the arrested protesters as if we are looking through a yearbook. In one powerful scene, set to Richie Haven's cover of the song Will the Circle be Unbroken, we see pictures of people who were killed. With their faces, a subtitle tells us their cause of death.

The last image of the film is one of incredible power. Soundtrack for a Revolution delivers the same, raw emotional power that I felt while watching Trouble the Water. (Incidentally, one of the songs sung here, Wade in the Water, is the same song that gave that Oscar-nominated hurricane Katrina doc its name.)

This film gets 4 stars because it is a flawless, riveting, and powerful piece of contemporary documentary film making. Go and see it.

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Soundtrack for a Revolution Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

One of the most powerful documentaries I've seen, Soundtrack for a Revolution chronicles an important part of history - that of the revolution led by Martin Luther King, and brought together through the power of music.

The historical footage coupled with interviews with some of those who took part in the revolution and performances of the 'freedom songs' make this film flow so well in telling it's historical account.

Though less so today, the amount of racism in the '50's and '60's in the USA was at an intolerable level. People were being killed in the streets for being the so-called 'wrong race', be them young or old. Child protesters were sprayed by fire hoses - water with enough power to throw them backwards, while the adults were beaten relentlessly. But still, the peaceful revolution they were staging pushed on, not resorting to violence themselves.

In one of the most powerful sequences in the film, is when the photos of some of those who were killed are shown on the screen, and when many of the survivors show their mug-shots, since the majority of them had been arrested for everything from sitting in a 'white' chair at a restaurant, to stepping somehow 'out of line'.

Words cannot quite describe this film, and I urge you to see it yourself. It is a very well put together piece of work, and an important film to seek out.

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Soundtrack for a Revolution Review By Nicole

**** (out of four)

Soundtrack for a Revolution tells the fascinating, inspiring, and sometimes heartbreaking story of Martin Luther King Jr., and the American civil rights movement. What makes this documentary unique is that the interviews with some of the civil rights leaders, as well as historical footage, is spliced with classic spirituals such as "Wade in the Water" and "This Little Light of Mine". These spirituals, as well as many written for the civil rights movement, inspired both African American and white people to lead peaceful marches and protests in the quest to break down barriers that were solely based on skin colour.

Soundtrack for a Revolution is an excellent documentary, especially during black history month. This documentary would also be a good choice to show in schools.

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Soundtrack for a Revolution Review By Maureen

***1/2 (out of 4)

The power of music to change mind and move souls is well known. Soundtrack for a Revolution highlights the music and songs that played a big role in the black civil rights movement with Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1950’s and ‘60’s.

The powerful documentary combines original black and white news footage, present day interviews with activist of that time, and footage of musicians such as The Blind Boys of Alabama, John Legend and many more performing freedom songs. Hearing songs such as “This Little Light of Mine”, “Wade in the Water” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” in the context of the civil rights movement is powerful and emotional.

Soundtrack for a Revolution at 82 minutes is a very watchable documentary about this important period in history. With February being Black History Month, it is worth attending a special screening of Soundtrack for a Revolution happening now.

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Soundtrack for a Revolution Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

Soundtrack for a Revolution is a documentary on the U.S. civil rights movement and the music that inspired those who participated in it. Narrated by the survivors, seen as they were then in mainly black and white news clips as well as now, it is accompanied by mainly new performances of the spiritual, gospel and folk songs that were always on the lips of the demonstrators.

Those of us who grew up in the period, and certainly younger people with no memory of the struggle, need to be reminded how scarcely one generation ago in the southern U.S. and even more recently in South Africa, it was taken for granted that people of black African ancestry needed by law to be kept apart from whites. Just how brutally these laws were enforced, and nonviolently resisted, is brought home once again in this film. Segregated buses, used mainly by blacks in the age of the automobile, were boycotted. Blacks would fill the white only seats in restaurants, singing all the while as they were dragged out. Some of the now elderly protesters pose proudly with their mug shots, while those of others are shown with captions about their deaths by lynching, beating, bombing, drowning, gunshot, etc. When hundreds of children joined the demonstrations, they were pushed back by fire hoses.

The bigoted opinions of ordinary whites and politicians such as Alabama governor George Wallace are contrasted with the stirring oratory of leaders such as Rev. Martin Luther King preaching the doctrine of nonviolent struggle. The tide turned with the march on Washington, where the support of millions of Americans was too much to ignore, and when president L.B. Johnson announced “We shall overcome” the war seemed won. However in 1968 the foreboding of King’s final speech was followed the next day by his assassination. The final image, meant to show how far we have come, is from the 2009 inauguration.

As far as it goes, Soundtrack for a Revolution is a good overview of the civil rights movement up to 1968, and a stirring tribute to the role of music in nonviolent struggle. The intervening 40 years, including setbacks starting with the 1968 riots, are not mentioned. It is interesting for example how quickly attitudes have changed overall, with isolated exceptions as seen in such recent films as Liberty U.S.A. and Prom Night in Mississippi. Once forced to desegregate, George Wallace spent the rest of his life trying his best to make life as good for the blacks as he had all along for the whites. Ironically, it has just been revealed that the glass ceiling preventing air force women from becoming pilots was due to president Johnson’s reluctance to allow black pilots either.

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Consensus: Soundtrack for a Revolution is a well made and very interesting documentary about overcoming segregation. The film is set to an amazing soundtrack of "freedom songs". This is one worth seeing. ***3/4 (Out of 4)