Trailer Watch: Avatar

As you probably know, tomorrow, August 21st, is Avatar day. Today, Apple Movie Trailers has made available the teaser trailer for the film. Here is a direct link to the trailer in 3 HD formats, which I got off of Marketsaw 3D.

480p

720p

1080p

While the look of the Na'vi isn't as realistic as I had heard it would be, nor as beautiful as the posters, the film looks to be filled with spectacular animated action. And the CGI is quite good. I will have to wait and see the footage in IMAX 3D to get the full experience. One thing's for sure, if this film doesn't deliver on every possible level, it could end up being one of the biggest failures in the history of film making. But if it does deliver, it will be a huge leap forward. It's kind of a gutsy move by James Cameron, especially considering the rumored over $300 million budget.

Check back tomorrow night for my report on Avatar day in Toronto.

Have you seen the trailer yet? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

-John C.

17 Again + St. Trinian's on DVD:

I understand it's late coming, but this announcement was meant for last week but never posted...

Last Tuesday, August 11th, Alliance Films' released 17 Again on DVD. In Canada, it can be bought as a two pack with a 2007 remake of the film St. Trinian's. We reviewed 17 Again back when it was in theatres on April 17th. Read our reviews here. Our consensus was:

"This is harmless fun that everyone 10 and up will be able to enjoy. Go out and see 17 Again if you have the chance. ***"

Watching the film again, I feel my original review still stands up. I would recommend buying this one.

- Erin V.

The Simpsons: The Twelfth Season on DVD Today

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has released the complete twelfth season of The Simpsons on DVD today. The DVD set includes 21 episodes over 4 discs, all packaged together in a cool pull-out cardboard sleeve. It also includes a “comic book” which lists the contents of each disc and has a synopsis for each of the 21 episodes. The special features include audio commentaries on every episode, deleted scenes, an introduction by Matt Groening, animation showcases, original sketches, and much more.

It’s available at most retailers, but can also be purchased off of Amazon here.

-John C.

Trailer Watch: New Moon

Yahoo! has made available a new trailer for The Twilight Saga: New Moon. I’m assuming this is the trailer that is playing in theatres right now in front of the great new movie Bandslam. As Edward isn’t around as much in New Moon, it’s clear that the producers are trying to push Jacob (Taylor Lautner) as the new character and actor for teenage girls to go crazy over. Watch the trailer here, and go see Bandslam in theatres.

-John C.

Traileranous Watch: Gentlemen Broncos

Fox Searchlightonious had released the traileranous for Gentlemen Bronos (or Broncanous), this past week. It’s the story of a homeschooling teenager who has his sci-fi story stolen by the famous Dr. Ronald Chevalier. I assume that this traileranous will play in theatres before Post Grad starting this Friday. Save yourself the wait and watch the hilarious traileranous on Apple here.

-John C.

Bandslam

Bandslam

http://bandslam-movie.com/

Release Date: August 14th, 2009

Rated PG for some thematic elements, and mild language

Running time: 111 minutes

Todd Graff (dir.)

Josh A. Cagen (screenplay)

Todd Graff (screenplay)

Josh A. Cagen (story)

Aly Michalka as Charlotte Banks

Vanessa Hudgens as Sa5m

Gaelan Connell as Will Burton

Scott Porter as Ben Wheatly

Ryan Donowho as Basher Martin

Charlie Saxton as Bug

Lisa Kudrow as Karen Burton

Tim Jo as Omar

(Left to right) Charlie Saxton, Gaelan Connell, Alyson Michalka and Tim Jo star in Bandslam

- An E1 Films Release

Our reviews below:

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Bandslam Review By John C.

***1/2 (out of 4)

What I found most surprising about the opening scenes of Bandslam, is that it was actually making some smart and funny observations about different types of music and the people who listen to them. More surprising is how much I enjoyed this film. The script is smart and genuine, both in its scenes of comedy and drama, and the writers also really know music.

The story follows Will Burton, who is almost like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to music, but at school is a loner. When him and his mom move to New Jersey, one thing leads to another and he ends up managing a school rock-band. The trio of a bass player, guitarist and lead singer Charlotte (Aly Michalka), soon becomes a full-fledged band. Will recruits a cellist, pianist and saxophone players to give them a a fuller sound, and to increase their chances of making it to Bandslam, a “battle of the bands” type competition.

When it takes a more serious turn about half an hour from the end, it started to feel like something that the late, great master of teen comedies with heart, John Hughes, would have produced back in the ‘80’s or ‘90’s.

It also has a surprisingly great soundtrack, featuring a crazy-fun cover of Bread’s 1972 hit “Everything I Own” remixed to a Ska/Reggae beat. As well as playing a prominent role in the script, some of David Bowie’s songs are also heard.

I walked in not expecting much, and I left very pleasantly surprised. The only real problem with the film is that one character, Charlotte’s boyfriend Ben Wheatly, is meant to be about 17, but looks more like 25. Sure enough, he’s played by 30-year old Scott Porter.

Centered around teenagers, there are so many routes they could have gone with this film. But, the characters are never obnoxious, there’s no foul language, and practically no sexual content. This is truly a film that a 7 year old can enjoy, just as much as a 17 year old. And I think adults will like it pretty much equally. This is a smart, truly entertaining crowd-pleaser that audiences are really going to love.

It’s a very smart marketing move by Summit Entertainment (American distributor) and E1 Entertainment (Canadian distributor) to show the trailer for The Twilight Saga: New Moon before the film. Anyone who goes to the movie just for the trailer will leave having loved the film. This “little indie that could” could easily end up being one of the break-out hits this summer.

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Bandslam Review By Erin V.

***1/2 (out of 4)

In Bandslam, main character Will is happy to leave his old Cincinnati high school for New Jersey, since the only people who acknowledge the fact that he exists in Cincinnati, do so in order to bully him. In New Jersey, he is given the opportunity for a fresh start, and soon becomes the manager of a 'struggling to get off the ground' school band...

I was pleasantly surprised by Bandslam. I thought it looked about **1/2 stars judging by the trailer, but I am happy to say that it is a much better film by far. Yes, the storyline is kind of clichéd in it's own way, and not all that complicated, but the characters all change throughout the film, which is something that you generally want to see. The main characters are all likable, and well acted by the wonderful young cast here. The film has some great humour in it, although it never reaches the point of being too silly.

I also loved the music choices for this film. Some of the retro sounds that they have chosen over more modern music was great, and all of the cast were really playing their respective instruments, which is always more authentic to see. The idea that all music is rooted in each other, so those from different musical backgrounds can play together, was a concept I was glad to see explored as well. Bandslam is a movie that has great music, with both humour and heart. This is one you definitely should see this Summer.

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Bandslam Review By Nicole

***1/2 (out of 4)

When I first heard about Bandslam, I figured it would be entertaining, but just your average movie for preteens. I was happy to discover that Bandslam was more than that. The main character, Will Burton, is an average, slightly geeky 16 year old. Every day, Will writes a letter to David Bowie, hoping to get a response. (Will's letters become the narration for the film.) And every day, Will is bullied at his Cincinnati school.

Things start to improve however, when Will and his mom move to New Jersey. Here at his new school, Will puts his love of music to good use, when he gets recruited by a girl named Charlotte to be manager of her band. Will also becomes friends with a girl named Sa5m (the 5 is silent), through a school assignment.

The band, which Will names "I can't go on, I'll go on", has really taken shape with Will as manager. And with the annual high school band competition, Bandslam, coming up, Will and his friends have a lot of work to do.

Through Will's new school, Will develops friends, and even finds love. And through music, Will finds healing for a tragedy in his past. The ending of Bandslam is very heartwarming.

I really liked Bandslam. The music is great, and the young actors are really playing and singing. The story line is intelligent, and the acting is decent. The only minor flaw is that while Charlotte's ex boyfriend is meant to be 17, he is played by a 30 year old who looks 30. However, he is not really a main character, and is not a big part of the film.

Bandslam is a completely clean movie. It has been ages since I have seen a live action film, not produced by Disney, that has not even one swear word. There are no sex scenes, and no drug, alcohol, or drug references anywhere in this movie whatsoever {at least not in a positive light}. While the PG rating is deserving, for a mature theme, this movie is fun for anyone ages 8 to adult. Go out to see Bandslam, for toe-tapping family fun.

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Bandslam Review By Maureen

***1/2 (out of 4)

Bandslam is an uplifting, full of musical energy, better than average, teen comedy. This film surprised me. I went in not expecting much and found myself smiling, toe tapping, and rooting for the characters right through to the end.

Main character Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) is a geeky, music loving teenager who is teased and bullied at his Cincinnati High School. Will copes by writing regular letters to his hero, David Bowie. A lot of Will's thoughts are narrated to the viewer through the letters.

Life seems to improve when Will and his mother move to New Jersey. At the new school Will is recruited by popular senior student, Charlotte Banks (Aly Michalka) to help her manage her new band and maybe beat out previous Bandslam finalist Ben Wheatley (Scott Porter) and the Glory Dogs at this year's competition. Will meets up with and recruits an interesting mix of musically inclined misfit students for Charlotte's band. Will also is paired up with classmate, Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens) for a Human Studies class project.

The dialogue in Bandslam is witty without being over the top. The characters are quirky and fun and the acting excellent all around. The highlight of course is the music. Aly Michalka and Vanessa Hudgens do a great job with the vocals. The Bandslam competition is energetic and fun. The ending works with a nice twist.

Overall, this is a movie with a lot of heart and soul and lots of good music. Bandslam had my heart when Will's band, "I Can't Go On, I'll Go On" sings an updated version of '70's group Bread's "Everything I Own". Vanessa Hudgens nailed it. I really enjoyed Bandslam. This is good clean fun for the whole family. If you are looking fora fun, energetic movie to end the Summer, Bandslam is it. Go out and enjoy.

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Bandslam Review By Tony

***1/2 (out of 4)

Will Burton (Gaelan Connell) didn’t fit in at his Ohio high school. His eclectic musical taste wasn’t appreciated there and he was bullied. Moving to New Jersey with his single mother (Lisa Kudrow) he found at his new school an E-Street style band entering the Bandslam competition for a $10000 prize and record deal. In a Human Studies mutual profile assignment he was teamed up with (the 5 is silent) Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens). He was also recruited by Charlotte (Aly Michalka) to help out in the school daycare centre. While Sa5m at first appeared cynical and depressed, Charlotte was full of energy, starting up a garage band that had broken away from her former boyfriend Ben’s (Scott Porter) competition band. Charlotte realized that in spite of his awkwardness, Will’s talent would make him a perfect manager for the band. He immediately set to work finding students to fill out their basic 3 guitar sound with drums, a keyboard, horns, and a cello and whipping them into shape. With a bit of coaching from the worldly Charlotte, Will was developing a relationship with Sa5m, but his devotion to the band put a strain on it. After a few twists of fate, the competition arrived with their band now fronted by Sa5m rocking out a good cover of a Bread song that had an excellent chance to win. I won’t spoil the ending.

Never being interested in any of the High School Musical franchise, we didn’t expect to like Bandslam that much. However, we have really enjoyed School of Rock, and with its more substantial story I liked Bandslam even more. The music was good and the cast was fine, though Lisa Kudrow was a bit annoying and Scott Porter (having just turned 30) looked just too old for high school. As a bonus, its freedom from vulgarity makes it appropriate for the whole family.

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Vanessa Hudgens stars in Bandslam - Photos Credit: Van Redin

- Courtesy of E1 Entertainment

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Consensus: A surprisingly good movie, with great music, humour, and heart. Bandslam is one that you really should check out this Summer. It's a lot of fun. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

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Tim Jo, Alyson Michalka and Charlie Saxton star in Bandslam

- Photos Credit: Van Redin - Courtesy of E1 Entertainment

Ponyo

Ponyo

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/ponyo/

Release Date: August 14th, 2009

Rated G

Running time: 100 minutes

Hayao Miyazaki (dir.)

Hayao Miyazaki (writer)

Joe Hisaishi (music)

Cate Blanchett as Gran Mamare (voice: English version)

Noah Lindsey Cyrus as Ponyo (voice: English version)

Matt Damon as Koichi (voice: English version)

Tina Fey as Lisa (voice: English version)

Frankie Jonas as Sosuke (voice: English version)

Cloris Leachman as Yoshie (voice: English version)

Liam Neeson as Fujimoto (voice: English version)

Lily Tomlin as Toki (voice: English version)

Betty White as Noriko (voice: English version)

(L-R) Ponyo, Sosuke © 2009 Nibariki-GNDHDDT© 2008 Nibariki-GNDHDDT. All rights reserved

Our reviews below:

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Ponyo Review By John C.

***1/4 (out of 4)

The latest from master film maker Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo, is not as mature as his other outings, but still a wonder to watch. It’s the story of a little girl fish, who longs to be a human princess. It’s a tale that would make Hans Christian Andersen proud, and is actually based in part on The Little Mermaid.

Already a hit in it’s native Japan, it’s been dubbed to feel like something straight out of the mouse-house. Even though the dubbing was done under the direction of Pixar chief John Lasseter. The voice acting by the all-star cast of adults is good, but they seemed picked to headline posters more than anything else. If it gets people to the theatre, then that's fine. But, the two kids seemed to be picked for nothing more than their last names. Frankie Jonas (younger brother of the three singing Jonas’) is fine as Sosuke, but I found Noah Cyrus’s, (Miley’s younger sister), shrill vocals for Ponyo to be kind of grating, especially when the character is shrieking for ham.

Why is ham the human food that she desires most? I’m not sure, it may have been something that made more sense in the original version, but was changed in the translation. It may have also just been a whimsical plot-point that we aren’t mean’t to quite understand. I’m also not sure why Ponyo is always referred to as a gold fish, because she’s pink, and looked more like a baby mermaid. She’s very cute, but doesn’t really resemble a fish.

The part that really dampened my appreciation of the of the movie was the song over the end credits. We are first treated to an English translation of the Ponyo theme song, which has terrible lyrics like, “Ponyo, Ponyo, Ponyo, fishy by the sea - Ponyo, Ponyo, with the round tummy”. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, the Jonas’ come on and start singing a rap version. Who wants to listen to kids rapping what sound like Raffi lyrics. This is truly dreadful, especially after the wonderful animation and beautiful orchestral score.

The hand-drawn animation is magnificent, and the story is sweet. This film is beautiful to look at, but I can’t say it left a lasting impression on me. Unlike other recent animated films like Coraline and Up, which I still find myself thinking about long after I’ve seen them. While it is great to look at, it’s definitely more for kids.

All negatives aside, Ponyo is a very well-made film. The fact that every image was drawn by hand makes it even better. For kids, it’s excellent entertainment. It’s also great to look at, and will keep the adults who bring them fully immersed in the visuals. Whether you go to the theatre, or wait for the DVD, it’s definitely worth watching with the entire family.

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Ponyo Review By Erin V.

***1/2 (out of 4)

Ponyo, originally known as Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, (Gake no ue no Ponyo in Japan), is the story of a little boy named Sosuke, who finds a little 'fish' in the ocean. He rescues her from a jar, and puts her in his bucket, and proudly shows his mother his new pet 'goldfish'. She is a very cute little thing, but not quite like a fish though. Little does Sosuke know that she actually is a little mermaid of sorts, who longs to be a human girl much to her father's dismay. The story is quite interesting, but also quite straightforward at the same time. Younger audiences will definitely be able to follow along and enjoy this film.

I found this movie to be quite beautiful to watch. The animation is exquisite, and the music throughout the film features a wonderful orchestral score. The dubbing was done ok, although I would love to see the original Japanese version at some point. The fact that this is all drawn by hand is what really amazes me though. The level of work put into this film really shows dedication. Like other Studio Ghibli films, the English version was handled by Disney and John Lasseter of Pixar.

The one thing that I found kind of brought the film down for me, was during the end credits. The original 'Ponyo' song in Japanese is alright, although the English translation sounds slightly strange. If that wasn't bad enough, the Jonas Brothers' kind of do a rap version of the song. Their style of music just doesn't fit this kind of movie with it's orchestral score and all. There is a time and place for everything. Just because Disney was involved doesn't mean that they need the Jonas' to cover the song. But, most people I guess won't stay for the credits anyways, so for them, it won't matter. I just hope next time maybe the decision will be made to leave the original language version of whatever song is there, rather than trying to dub/westernize the songs.

To finish though, I hope that people will go and see this film. As always, Hayao Miyazaki delivers a fine piece of work that is a delight to watch on screen.

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Ponyo Review By Nicole

***1/2 (out of 4)

Ponyo is a beautifully animated film about an unlikely friendship. Sosuke, a five year old boy, finds a baby mermaid trapped in a discarded jar. He thinks she is a goldfish, whom he named Ponyo. Sosuke puts Ponyo in a bucket of water, shows her to his mother, and brings her everywhere with him; to school, on car rides, and to the nursing home where his mother works. Much to Sosuke's delight, Ponyo can talk, and likes to eat the ham of of Sosuke's sandwich. Meanwhile, Ponyo's father, the sea wizard, is unhappy that Ponyo is not only with a human, she wants to be human. After all, humans were the ones who polluted the ocean. Things have become so out of balance, that a huge tsunami wave comes in, flooding the town, and putting everyone, including Sosuke's seafaring father, in danger. Can the friendship between Ponyo and Sosuke be enough to restore balance and save the town?

I really like Ponyo. The animation is very detailed, colourful, and pleasant to look at. The modern day, environmentally themed story, inspired by The Little Mermaid, is engaging, entertaining, and very timely. The score by Joe Hisaishi is very beautiful, complementing the visuals and story quite nicely. I also enjoyed seeing the beauty of the Japanese culture richly portrayed in another one of Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpieces. The only thing that didn't work was the Jonas brother's take on the Ponyo theme at the end of the credits. This took me completely out of the quiet mood of the film. However, most people will not be subject to this song, as they will have long since left. Overall, Ponyo is an interesting and intelligent movie that will entertain anyone from age 6 to adult.

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Ponyo Review By Maureen

***1/2 (out of 4)

'Ponyo' is an absolutely charming, beautifully animated, modern-day fairy tale. The opening five to ten minutes of this film are a visual and auditory delight. The music score is rich and classical and just beautiful. Ponyo is truly an artistic gem.

The story itself is simple and sweet. The main character is a five year old mermaid who longs to be a human girl. This angers her seawizard father who feels humans are to blame for the pollution in the oceans and the imbalance in nature. The imbalance shows itself in a powerful tsunami.

When Ponyo ends up on land she is found by a five year old boy named Sosuke. Sosuke thinks Ponyo is a goldfish and is thrilled when Ponyo evolves into a human girl. The two become best friends and together they help save Sosuke's mother and the senior residents at the nursing home where Sosuke's mother works from the terrible floods.

The friendship between Ponyo and Sosuke is really sweet to watch. There is also enough adventure to keep the story interesting for older children and adults. Overall, this is a lovely movie. Ponyo provides a nice change from a lot of the mediocre animation that many children watch on television.

If you appreciate beautiful animation and music and want to expose your six to ten year olds to something different then go see Ponyo in theatres. Just be sure to leave before the awful Jonas Brother's song in the final credits. It just doesn't fit the mood of the movie.

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Ponyo Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

The latest feature from the hand-drawn Animé master Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo is a contemporary Japanese variant of the mermaid-turned-human myth. As a Gaijin (non-Japanese), I didn’t get all the underlining meaning, some of which was no doubt lost in translation, but at the simplest level the tale is appealing to all ages. As expected, it is beautiful to watch. Ponyo is adorable, though underwater she no more resembles a goldfish than Arthur looks like an aardvark. The American voice cast is all good, even if the principals–the little boy Ssuke and fish-turned-girl Ponyo–may have been chosen for this Disney release on account of their surnames Jonas and Cyrus respectively.

Unfortunately, we have to downgrade our rating of the American version. The largely romantic symphonic score includes three songs, the first of which is a languid operatic tune that beautifully evokes the underwater world at the beginning. As the story draws to a close over an orchestral climax, the screen goes blank, followed by the credits. The first group of “talent” credits, with the hand-printed names whimsically placed with rebus-like icons over colourful stills, is accompanied by the happy title song sung by children. Despite the sudden change in musical style and dumb English translation, I didn’t mind being reminded in this way that the film is for little kids as well as the rest of us. What follows under the long black and white list of technical credits made me regret for once our unusual practice of staying right to the end. Presumably in an attempt by the Disney suits to be “cool”, the song suddenly turned into a Jonas rap (a dreadful oxymoron) that wiped the smiles off our faces.

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(L-R) Lisa, Sosuke, Ponyo © 2009 Nibariki-GNDHDDT© 2008 Nibariki-GNDHDDT. All rights reserved

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Consensus: With beautiful animation and background orchestral score, Ponyo is a nice film to watch. While it is not without it's flaws, this is one that you can bring younger audiences to, and they will really enjoy it. ***1/3 (Out of 4)

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Ponyo © 2009 Nibariki-GNDHDDT© 2008 Nibariki-GNDHDDT. All rights reserved

Trailer Watch: 14-second Preview of The “New Moon” Trailer

For those of you who can’t wait until Friday to see the new trailer for New Moon, can now watch a 14-second teaser for the trailer. Although it is very brief, this will likely get “Twilighters” very excited for the film. The new trailer can be veiewed theatrically starting Friday, playing in front on the wonderful new music-driven, teen comedy Bandslam. Reviews of Bandslam will be coming on Friday, watch the New Moon preview here.

-John C.

Waltz With Bashir DVD Review

Waltz With Bashir - An E1 Films Release

http://waltzwithbashir.com/

On DVD: August 11th, 2009

Rated 18A

Running time: 9o minutes

Ari Folman (dir.)

Ari Folman (writer)

Max Richter (music)

Ron Ben-Yishai as Himself (voice)

Ronny Dayag as Himself (voice)

Ari Folman as Himself (voice)

Dror Harazi as Himself (voice)

Yehezkel Lazarov as Carmi Cna'an (voice)

Waltz With Bashir - Courtesy of E1 Entertainment

Our reviews below:

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Waltz With Bashir DVD Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

In 2006, director Ari Folman met with a friend from the army at a bar. When his friend tells him of the 26 vicious dogs that have been haunting him in his nightmares for over the past two years, Ari Folman starts to remember things from the Lebanon war. The film plays out almost like a mystery as he tries to remember things that his mind has made him forget.

Waltz With Bashir is a haunting, powerful animated masterpiece that will stay with you long afterwards. The stark contrast of it’s disturbing scenes of brutality, and it’s hauntingly beautiful scenes of soldiers walking out of water, set against a backdrop of the rising sun, make for a stunning and fascinating experience.

Waltz With Bashir was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at last years Academy Awards. It lost to the Japanese drama Departures, which I thought was an equally excellent film.

The DVD includes director commentary, a making-of, a Q & A with Ari Folman, and Building The Scenes: Animatics.

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Waltz With Bashir DVD Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

Waltz With Bashir plays out like a mystery as director/writer Ari Folman tries to remember what happened in Lebanon during his time as a soldier in the war. He becomes haunted by the past he had blocked from his memory many years ago, when a friend shares with him the nightmares he has been having about 26 dogs chasing him from his time in the war. While the subject matter make it at times hard to watch, this is a very real and important film.

The animation style is like a graphic novel, with black outlines around the characters in the present day, but not so much in the past, where things are not clear until the end. The animation style has a very beautiful artistic sense to it, especially the scenes in which the colour palette consists of only black, white, and golden-yellow tones.

This stunning film was nominated at the Academy Awards last year for Best Foreign Film. Departures, a film which I loved, ended up taking home the award. It must have been a tough choice for voting members...

Simply put, this is an emotionally powerful and moving film. This is not a big action movie, but on the contrary, the way the war scenes are executed is done in such a stunning simplicity. It leaves nothing to imagination. These scenes, coupled with the animated interviews are so thought-provoking. By the end of the film, you are left in silence.

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Waltz With Bashir DVD Review By Tony

*** (out of 4)

Waltz With Bashir is a unique documentary based on a series of interviews taped by director Ari Folman in an attempt to reconstruct his lost memories of Israeli military service during the occupation of Lebanon in 1982. When the Christian Phalangist leader Bashir Gemayel was killed, Israeli soldiers surrounded the Palestinian Sabra and Shatila refugee camps and allowed the Phalangists to enter the camp to root out Palestinian fighters. On the third day when met with a small group of wailing women emerging from the camp in panic, the Israelis only then discovered the massacre of the camp’s inhabitants that the Phalangists had carried out. Though Israeli government complicity in the massacre was suspected, the soldiers were completely unaware of it until it was too late, and many suppressed their painful memories, often with the help of alcohol or other drugs.

The film begins with a recurring dream sequence of one of Folman’s buddies where he is being chased to his home by 26 dogs. There is no such thing as Conscientious Objector status in Israel. The only alternative to universal military service is prison. This soldier’s objection to killing humans had been accommodated by his assignment to shoot dogs instead, which still haunted his dreams many years later. With the help of other buddies, including a shrink who attributed Folman’s memory loss in part to the effects of the Holocaust on his family, his unwitting role in the massacre finally becomes clear.

Waltz With Bashir uses a combination of Flash Animation and classic and 3D animation with a comic book or graphic novel look that resembles rotoscoping despite being fully drawn. The often murky images commensurate with challenged memory become increasingly clear, and at the very end are replaced shockingly with real documentary footage. It is a powerful testimony to one of the less admirable moments in the history of Israel, which if not made by one of its own distinguished filmmakers might be condemned by the politically correct as “antisemitic”.

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Consensus: Coming Soon! ***2/3 (Out of 4)

Gooby DVD Review

Gooby - An E1 Films Release

http://www.thegoobymovie.com/

On DVD: August 4th, 2009

Rated G

Running time: 99 minutes

Wilson Coneybeare (dir.)

Wilson Coneybeare (writer)

Kevin Lau (music)

Ronald Royer (music)

Robbie Coltrane as Gooby (voice)

Derek Scott as Gooby (acting)

Matthew Knight as Willy

Eugene Levy as Mr. Nerdlinger

David James Elliott as Jack Dandridge

Ingrid Kavelaars as Elize

Gooby, (Voiced by Robbie Coltrane), trekking through the woods - Courtesy of E1 Entertainment

Our reviews below:

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Gooby DVD Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

Gooby is the story of Willy (Matthew Knight), an 11 year-old boy, who is worried that his new house might be infested with Hoonies (evil, two-headed space aliens). At some points I wasn’t sure whether to dismiss it as an over-active imagination, or if he was hallucinating. When his teddy bear, Gooby (voiced by Robbie Coltrane), comes to life, Willy is able to let go of his fears and make new friends. It’s a somewhat standard storyline, but is made original by the fact that it’s a giant teddy bear by his side, and not a stray dog.

The film stars Matthew Knight, who also starred in the near-terrible Finn on The Fly. Needless to say, this is a much much better live-action, Canadian family/kids film.

Gooby is probably the weirdest, trippiest kids film I have ever seen, but it’s also, as far as live-action kids films go, somewhat of a small gem. I felt a little silly liking it as much as I did, but the storyline is sweet, and the antics of the lovable Gooby are truly funny. It’s great for kids of all ages, and has enough manic appeal to keep everyone, including adults, entertained.

The DVD includes games, a music video and and some fun facts.

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Gooby DVD Review By Erin V.

*** (out of 4)

Gooby is about a boy named Willy, who is unsure about moving to a new house, since there might be evil space aliens there. His mother thinks that his teddy bear, Gooby, would help him, but he dismisses him as just a kid’s toy. Of course, soon enough, Gooby comes to life.

Surprisingly, this tale of a 11 year old boy’s old teddy bear come to life is actually pretty good. Gooby is voiced by Robbie Coltrane, and Derek Scott - the man inside the bear suit - does a great job with the physical acting while as a ‘mascot’. It actually follows a good enough storyline - that pretty much makes sense - and keeps you entertained to the end. Granted, Gooby will definitely be enjoyed more by a younger, maybe 5-12 year old crowd, but this being said, I was pleasantly surprised by this film.

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Gooby DVD Review By Nicole

*** (out of 4) (**** for it’s intended audience of ages 6 to 10)

When I first saw the trailer for Gooby, I thought it would be mediocre at best. I was pleasantly surprised however, to discover a fun, lighthearted family comedy about friendship. Gooby tells the story of a ten year old boy, Willy, who is moving to a new home. He doesn’t want to leave his old home, and is afraid that his new house has imaginary two-headed aliens living in it. But when Willy moves into the new home, he finds not aliens, but a big, lovable, muppetlike, Sasquatch type creature. The friendly ursine is none other than his teddy bear, Gooby, come to life. Gooby and Willy help each other get over their fears. These adventures ultimately bring Willy closer to his father.

Gooby is a lot of fun. The acting is good, and the casting is perfect. Robbie Coltrane works as the voice of Gooby, and Eugene Levy is hilarious as Willy’s teacher. The storyline is sweet, and the score by Ronald Royer and Kevin Lou has just the right amount of suspense.

This film has no objectionable material, and has a lovely message about family. What works about Gooby is that the movie never gets cloying, and is quirky enough to appeal to adults. An added bonus is that this movie is Canadian. Gooby is a fun movie that the whole family can enjoy.

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Gooby DVD Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

Gooby is great! This movie took me by surprise. I found it oddly appealing and really sweet. The storyline itself is not very original with the new kid at school, Will (Matthew Knight) having trouble fitting in and making friends. The twist in this story is having Willy’s old teddy bear, Gooby magically come to life and help Willy face his fears and learn about friendship.

What makes this movie work is Gooby himself. This man-sized, awkward and anxious teddy bear is funny, believable and completely likable. Robbie Coltrane, (better known as Hagrid from the Harry Potter movie) voices Gooby in a low-key, unassuming manner that works really well. I really liked the scenes with Gooby. One of my favorite scenes is the segment in the grocery store with Willy and Gooby. The low-key comedy in these scenes was fun to watch.

Another fun element in Gooby is Eugene Levy’s performance as Willy’s teacher who keeps trying unsuccessfully to get a picture of Gooby. The acting in Gooby is good all around and never goes over the top with silliness or slapstick humour. Matthew Knight as Willy gives a believable performance. This is a better movie than his recent other Canadian kid’s movie, Finn on the Fly.

Overall Gooby is definitely worth a rental. The whole family can watch this one without worrying about content or language. This is a solid Canadian family comedy/adventure movie.

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Gooby DVD Review By Tony

**1/2 (out of 4)

Willy (Matthew Knight) is scared to move into a big new house surrounded by lots of land where aliens may be lurking. Since his hard-working parents are not there enough for him, his old teddy bear Gooby (Derek Scott in the bear suit, voiced by Robbie Coltrane with his native Scottish accent) comes to life to help him work through his anxieties and ultimately forge a bond with his father. Despite being almost two metres tall with a voracious appetite for cookies, Willy tries to keep Gooby hidden, except on Halloween when he passes him off as his father. Having felt alienated by peers at his new school, Willy suddenly gets their respect in the mall when Gooby lets out a roar that leaves the school bully in a yellow puddle and then gets them into a 14A horror movie under his supervision. Eugene Levy pops up repeatedly as an annoyingly eccentric substitute teacher obsessed with the chance to gain fame by taking Gooby’s picture, particularly in a supermarket where the film takes on a farcical stop-action quality reminiscent of A Hard Day’s Night.

Given an unimpressive trailer and the dreadful Finn on the Fly (starring the same kid) fresh in our memories, we did not have great hopes for Gooby. Its true that Gooby also has a low-budget feel to it, with shameless product placement from a cereal company named for a founding Pennsylvania sect and large Canadian grocery and home improvement chains. However, with its well-acted, charming and gentle story it turned out to be much more watchable than the previous film and will no doubt delight children.

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Consensus: Coming Soon! *** (Out of 4)