TIFF Kids'18 Film Review - Zoo

The Belfast Blitz is the backdrop of Colin McIvor's Zoo which was inspired by try events. Tom (Art Parkinson) handles narration explaining how the German raids over Belfast meant something different to him than others. Shift to the city port for the offloading of a special crate that contained a baby elephant for the zoo. The highlight of the opening segment follows as the townsfolk march following the new arrival and zoo staff through town and up the hill to the zoo. The public can't enter but Tom slips in as his dad is the vet at the facility. The war comes closer leading to the first bombing of Belfast. The government authorities determine that the predatory animals could be a threat if they escaped leading the military to shot them down. Tom seeing that Buster the Elephant could be next springs a plot to free him accompanied by his classmate Jane (Emily Fan) and Pete (Ian O'Reilly).

Director Chris McIvor pulls his story from the pages of history. Tom Hall hatched the plan believing that his father who had been called up to the war would have stopped the shootings at the zoo that he was not strong enough to do. The youngsters turned to the towns cat lady Denise Austin (Penelope Wilton) who is the central historical figure in this event having photos in the cities archive of the real Sheila the elephant and her in her backyard. McIvor includes themes of value to a young audience such as treating animals with respect., Standing up to bullies and a common thread at TIFF 18' drop all preconceived notions.

Art Parkinson runs with the lead youth role building his team to rescue Buster the elephant from the Zoo.  Emily Fan has the complicated role of a 12-year-old girl with the abusive town drunk as a dad and no mum in the picture. The third member of the youthful trio Pete portrayed by Ian O'Reilly pals around with the school bully beating up kids that are different at school while secretly caring for his disabled brother. Toby Jones is the biggest name in the cast as Charlie the security guard. He occupies the hut at the Zoo entrance is strict on admission but at the moment of truth chooses the right thing to do. Penelope Wilton gives a multifaceted performance as Mrs. Austin. At first glimpse, she is the crazy woman in town with way too many animals in her flat. But deep down she is very aware of her surroundings still grieving from a loss she suffered years before.

Zoo is the telling of a little-known event that helped to build the morale of the town at the time when its citizens were put to the ultimate test. Director McIvor and his effects and sound teams do fine work bringing the sensation of the Belfast bombings to the screen. the young leads inject comedy and a sense of purpose and duty that goes beyond the character of may adults in the film. It's a historical event that is worth a watch.

*** Out of 4

Zoo | Colin McIvor | Ireland/UK | 2017 | 97 Minutes.

Tags: Bellevue Zoo, Belfast, Air Raid, Gas Mask, WWII, Elephant, Tiger, Giraffe, Bomb Shelter, Letters, Bully,

TIFF Kids '18 Film Review - The Giant Pear

Solby is the best town in the world because the sun always shines and the inhabitants are all really happy.  The beloved mayor J.B. is open and available to the community not wanting to make any changes that would affect the well being of the town. His only annoyance is vice mayor Twig who wants to erect a grand  town hall grand that would block out the sun casting a shadow over the town. Mayor J.B. disappears one day without a trace until a bottle turns up caught by his friends Sebastian and Mitcho along with a seed that turns into a giant pear.  The pair along with local scientist Professor Glykose of the Atomic Institute head out in the pear turned  houseboat to find J.B. who is marooned on the Mysterious Island.

Directors Philip Einstein Lipski, Amalie Naesby Flick and Jorgen Lerdam craft a tale that teaches children not to believe or act on rumors but to go out and seek the facts. As the trio start their journey they have many fears. Sebastian cannot swim and is generally afraid of everything, Mitcho is a cat that hates the water. On their path to the island legend has it they will be faced with Pirates, a Sea Dragon and the Pitch Black Sea. What they find when they come face to face with these obstacles they are all not as advertised.

The art department create a bright and colourful world that will mystify and delight their the films target audience. Solby is dotted by unique buildings, winding roads and green spaces. Humans live alongside animals all interacting in their daily lives. Best illustrated by our young elephant hero Sebestian alongside Mitchco a cat who go on an adventure to rescue a human mayor J.B. alongside another one Professor Glykose.

The Giant Pear is an adventure story that will captivate its intended audience of 4-7 year olds. The directors have some messages that are also valuable for children beyond the demographic. Themes like look within to find another way of achieving a difficult goal and don't fall victim to preconceived notions are beneficial. Sebastian grows from a mindset of fear and timidness to one where he is willing to take on a challenge with satisfying results. I'm not too fond of the small man stereotype of Vice Mayor Twig but overall it's a piece producing several positive lesson for the viewer.

*** Out of 4.

The Gian Pear | Philip Einstein Lipski / Amalie Naesby Flick / Jorgen Lerdam | Denmark | 2017 | 79 Minutes.

Tags: Message in a Bottle, Juicy Pear, Pirates, Sea Dragon, Town Hall, Disappearance, Watermelon, Dragon's Dip, Yatzee.

levelFILM Review - Juggernaut

You can never go home to the small town that you left in a cloud of dust in is the message of Daniel DiMarco's Juggernaut. Saxon Gamble (Jack Kesy) returns to his hometown in 1986 after a stint of prison time. His beloved mother had died two years ago with his estranged brother Dean (David Cubitt) the town golden boy having brought a private prison to the town. Saxon also has an uncomfortable reunion with his dad turned preacher Leonard (Peter McRobbie) as he settles into the abandoned farm where his mother lived prior to her suicide.

As Saxon works his way around the property he comes across some evidence which on top of his gut leads him to investigate his mother's death as not a suicide. He teams up with his old buddy Hank Jr. (Ty Olsson) plus seeks advise from Hank Sr. (Stephen McHattie) to turn over some rocks. Meanwhile, his presence makes most of the locals uncomfortable. He spars with the town Sheriff (Philip Granger) most of the locals wonder openly why he came back with his Dad and brother at the top of the list. The only person willing to give him the benefit of the doubt is Dean's fiancé Amelia (Amanda Crew) who identifies with Saxon as she is also an outsider with some unresolved issues from her past.

Cinematographer Patrick Scola plays a large role in setting the scene for the story. From the first shot of Saxon coming back into town in the back of a pickup truck with green mountains in the distance Scola's eye is key in transmitting the big sky feel of the small western town. Writer-Director DiMarco script communicates the deep-seated anger in our protagonist both physically and verbally. He also captures the mid 80's feel with the big American cars corded phones and a regular use of pay phones.

Jack Kesy is formidable as Saxon. He's a man of view words, direct and has a habit of jumbling common sayings. The nothing's all good I hope, Well don't believe everything you think and The friend of my enemy is my enemy are three particular gems. Amanda Crew walks a delicate line as Amelia. She meets Saxon at a town hall and is immediately warned by Dean to stay away from him. But his wounded spirit attracts her against her better judgment. Look for veteran actors Peter McRobbie and Stephen McHattie as Leonard Gamble and Hank Senior respectively. Leonard has found god becoming a preacher after a life of hard living. Hank Sr. is the epitome of unseemly. The pair have an epic scene where Hank Sr.'s involvement with Saxon is strongly opposed by Leonard.

Juggernaut is the tale of the bad son coming. Saxon's return is not wanted by his family, local law enforcement and the townsfolk all expecting that he's fixing to start trouble. However, his close relationship with his mother drivers him to investigate her suicide. Along the way, he and his confidants rattle some cages causing to life changing results.

*** 1/2 Out of 4.

Juggernaut | Daniel DiMarco | Canada | 2017 | 105 Minutes.

Tags: Ex-con, Brothers, Suicide, Life Insurance, Inheritance,, Ex-Con, Private Prison,Triumph Motorcycle, Suicide, Pay Phone, Lil' Buddy.

Filmoption International Film Review - Boost

Hakeem (Nabil Rajo) has a lot on his shoulders as a teenager in Montreal. His best friend Anthony (Jahmil French) is always in trouble at school making Hakeem often guilty by association. He lives with his hard-working proud mother Amina (Olunike Adekiyi) and younger brother Ali (Djibril Toure) in a small bad neighbourhood apartment. After school, he goes to for with Anthony at Uncle Ramaz' (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine) car wash. However, Ramaz is involved in shady business operations on the fringes that had severe consequences for Hakeem's dad.

Writer-director Darren Curtis starts with a common premise that builds in unexpected directions through staging and writing. The helmer has an innate ability to create tension at every turn of the production. Curtis set the bulk of the story in Montreal's Parc-Ex melting pot. It's a culturally rich community where children of immigrants switch often back their parents' language English and French.

Hakeem and Anthony continue down the path towards Ramaz' shadier activities as the action unfolds. Ram's heavies Ilija and Aleksy are always lurking around the car wash and at the scrap yard owned by the businessman. After the pair dip their toes into this world Hakeem makes a purchase where he meets Maxine (Juliette Gariepy) then later Anna (Juliette Gosselin) The pair join Hakeem and A-Mac for a night of cruising which produces the most carefree moments of the film. However, Curtis can't resist  injecting some suspense even in the most light-hearted moments.

Nabil Rajo is not out of place as the central character Hakeem. He is in just about every frame of the picture switching hats between best friend, loyal soldier, love interest, big brother son and family breadwinner. His hectic life leaves little time for being a teenager. Jahmil French does a lot with the role of troublemaking screw up. He plays A-Mac as more self-aware than expected adding to the drama and angst in the story. Olunike Adeliyi continues a string of strong Canadian indie roles as Hakeem's mother Amina. She is trying to raise her sons on her own terms all the time weary of Ram's activities as that lead to her husband's downfall and could now take her son.

Boost is the singular vision of an immigrant son trying to balance doing the right thing vs the lure of quick money knowing that his family is struggling to get by. The protagonist has a challenging best friend, difficulties focusing on
school and work and a very complicated relationship with his absent dad. It's a solid piece of Canadian indie filming that is worth a watch.

*** Out of 4

Boost | Darren Curtis | Canada | 2018 | 95 Minutes.

Tags: High School, Eritrean, Suspension, Car Wash, Car Theft, Cadillac, Montreal, BMW, Joyride, Food Court.

Film Review - Annihilation

A woman sits in a sanitized room with dozens of scientists in hazmat suites surrounding the space. She is being questioned by a man about what happened on her mission and the fate of the others that went out on the expedition. Here answers are vague and incomplete leading to frustrations of the questioner. The scene shifts to Lena (Natalie Portman) in class discussing cell division with her students. A cancer cell is on the screen splitting from one to two then four. Lena comments that everything starts with one cell and builds from there.

Director Alex Garland's Annihilation is a study change or reshaping. One thing evolving to become something different or splitting ints two to duplicate. Ground zero for the event is a lighthouse near the coast. Something hit it went through a wall and impacted into the ground beneath. The result is the shimmer extending outward from the lighthouse claiming more land each day reshaping every living thing as it progresses.

Alex Garland adapts Jeff VanderMeer first southern reach trilogy book for the screen. The narrative is heavy on flashbacks and short on explanation of the events that are occurring around the team of 5 women entering The Shimmer. Lena is the biologist, Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) the psychologist, Jose (Tessa Thompson) Physicist, Gina Rodriguez's Anya paramedic and Cass (Tuva Novotny) the scientist. The visuals a mix of work of Cinematographer Rob Hardy, Special effects, visual effects and art departments are stunning and a strong reason to see this production on the big screen. Multi coloured   species of flowers grow on the same stem, flowerbeds take human form, seemingly incompatible animals crossbreed with all DNA including human become fluid.

Natalie Portman heads the cast as Lena the biologist. She is a 7-year army veteran now teaching at John Hopkins. He Husband Kane Garland muse Oscar Issac was on the prior mission into the Shimmer but came back sick and changed. Jennifer Jason Leigh is the lead psychologist at area X the staging ground just outside of the shimmer She puts the teams together that go in reckoning it was about time she joined one. She is singleminded and nonsense with a focus to keep moving to get to the lighthouse.  Tessa Thompson's Physicist Jose offers the best theory on what the shimmer is doing while Gina Rodriguez draws the short straw playing the most cliched character on these types of missions.

Annihilation is a visual marvel with a plot that is vague and open-ended that makes the viewer think. The pace is measured and intense with an opening post-mission debriefing scene that does not take away from what's to follow. Several scenes will say with the viewer long after the lend credits. It's an intellectual piece that may not strike a chord with the multiplex crowed but for the imagery and the injection of sound where many would expect dialogue it's definitely worth a watch.

*** Out of 4

Annihilation | Alex Garland | U.S.A. /U.K | 2018 |123 Minutes.

Tags: Cancer, Cell Division, Biology, Prism, Refraction, Meteor, Plants, Bear, Army, Physiology, Video Camera.

Film Review - Black Panther

Starting in Oakland in the early 90's, an animated historical recap followed by a London museum heist  Black Panther manages to get through the exposition elements right off the top of the proceedings. Things begin to pick up when the breakaway tribe appears at the coronation ceremony to challenge for the throne. The upward trajectory continues as the Wakandans get a tip on an old foe Klaue (Andy Serkirs) a South African arms dealer one of the few outsiders to have penetrated the cloaked Wakanda border. A team headed by new King T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) General Okoye (Danai Guria) deft spear wielding head of the all-female royal guards and Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) T'Challa's old flame turned embedded government operative. The trio head to South Korea to cut off Klaue's deal for the heisted London vibranium backed virtually by T'Challa's little sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) who with all of the wonderful tech provided by Wakanda's vibranium is Q on steroids.

Director Ryan Coogler who also has a co-writing credit with Joe Robert Cole tackles some major themes successfully in the film. The first being Wakanda's long-standing policy of secrecy and isolation. They have had alien technology for a generations thanks to a vibranium meteor strike but instead watched their African neighbours be colonialized, sold as slaves and suffer in great poverty. Their technical and medical knowledge if shared could cure many diseases, calm flash points between nations  but could bring scrutiny from the outside world.

Coogler muse Michael B Jordan blasts of the screen as Black Panther's foil Eric Killmonger Stevens. He first appears as a glasses wearing intellect at the London Museum, then we learn that he is deeply connected and affected by the opening events in Oakland. Killmonger turned to the military sporting marks on his body to represent each kill he has had over the years. Chadwik Boseman is even keeled as T'Challa / Black Panther. He battles his nature of being a kind and good person versus the hard choices he has to face as the new king. The lead male roles are flanked by a trio of very strong female performances by Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Guria, and Lelita Wright. Look for Get Out's Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi the Chief guard of Wakanda's cloaked boarder and This is Us' Stirling K Brown who dominates the early 90's Oakland storyline.

Black Panther is a visually stunning marvel. The bright glow of the Wakanda technological achievements, tribal garments and sweeping lush landscapes jump off the screen. The filmmakers have crafted a project that is definitely in the reified air atop the marvel universe. A stellar cast does not set a foot wrong in this highly anticipated feature that I can fully recommend.

**** Out of 4

Black Panther | Ryan Coogler | USA | 2018 | 134 Minutes.

Tags: Marvel Universe, Meteor, Technology, Challenge, Isolation, Busan, United Nations, Oakland, Colonialism.

Netflicks Film Review - Cloverfield Paradox

Ava Hamilton (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is sitting in a car in traffic with her husband Michael ( Roger Davies) Earth is in an energy crisis with blackouts occurring on an increasingly regular basis. The plan: to fix the energy crisis using the Shepard Particle accelerator if successful would provide infinite energy for the earth. Hamilton is one of the scientists on the team that would test the device from space. As countries see their energy reserves lower the threat of armed conflict rises.

The scene shifts ahead to a space station orbiting earth with the future which Hamilton on the mission in space with the 6 other members of the crew. The initial time of the mission filled with particle accelerator failures runs through the opening credits with the linear narrative starting after the two-year mark. Team member Schmidt (Daniel Bruhl) in charge of firing the particle accelerator dominates the early action in the first moments in space. As the story begins the crew is at a raw nerve with Commander Kiel (David Oyelowo) trying to keep the troops in one piece.

The Oren Uziel Doug Jung story is complexed yet hits the familiar beats of a crew in space. There are games, the light infused dining table, the talk of the risky nature of the mission from skeptics. The skeptic serves to deliver plot exposition too complicated for the crew to discuss in regular banter. The new elements are an effective role for a 3D printer and a wide knowledge of Mandarin that the crew flip freely between.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw leads the cast as Hamilton. She is the only character with a somewhat developed backstory with identified loved ones back on earth. The overly intense Daniel Bruhl's Schmidt explains the paradox as particles interacting with each other across two dimensions. Two distinct realities fighting to occupy the same space, creating chaos. Chris O'Dowd's Mundy plays wisecracking grunt Irishman the counter to Askel Hennie doom and gloom Russian crew member Volkov. Look for Elizabeth Debicki to turn up at a key interval in the proceedings to provide a timely boost to the storyline.

The traditional Cloverfield horror elements begin to appear at the end of the first act. The plot moves fast as the crew reacts to an unexpected result of a test. Netflicks decision to release the film directly after the Super Bowl instead of the rumored April date was a surprise that we hope will continue. However, this effort despite some intriguing elements does not quite do enough to be a film that I can recommend.

** 1/2  Out of 4.

Cloverfield Paradox | Julius Onah | U.S.A. | 102 Minutes | 2018

Tags; Energy Crisis, Space Station, Scientist, Particles, War, Dimensions, Gyroscope, Worms, Monsters, Demons.