griz-259-175100 Reviews

Tom & Thomas (2002)

Thoroughly enjoyable

[8/10 · 29 March 2017]

I won't re-hash what other proponents of this movie have already said so well. I wasn't expecting a lot and got far more than I expected. Sean Bean's quieter role as a concerned parent was bang on. He added huge depth to the movie without stealing the thunder . . . which quite rightly belongs to young Aaron Taylor-Johnston. The whole movie few or flopped on the acting skills of this young man and it flew. He so competently played two different characters that I had to check the credits the first time actually thinking they had cast twins for the roles. His reactions particularly as Tom retreating from gestures of affection were powerful, revealing hints of his abusive past. Also powerful, were his periods of absentia when he was sharing in Thomas' dire flight from the baddies and eventual capture. And personally I found it very amusing when Tom lost composure and hurled a bit of a curse at his father followed by a totally believable "Sorry Sir!". A very talented, very young actor. It is a movie well worth a watch: and I disagree with the assessment that it doesn't have "enough energy" to be a children's movie. My thought is that we've endured too many Disney-type movies with with an energy-level geared to an ADHD child slamming back Red Bulls!

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Languishes without a moral center

[4/10 · 12 May 2016]

As a long-time fan of Marvel it pains me to deliver such a review. I cannot fault the special effects, the production, the integrity of the story-line in spring-boarding off of past stories/events. The introduction of some new faces and powers is good, including a truly twitchy, nerdy, genuine-teen SpiderMan. But this movie very quickly succumbs to a kind of Americana propaganda where "freedom" means nothing more noble than a lack of accountability for one's actions; and what is "truly American" is defined by the person with the biggest "gun". Captain American apparently has that gun, in the power to do "what he thinks is right" even unto becoming a criminal in the eyes of the nation he alleges to represent. Because he has the power, he gets to decide what is right and "American" over everyone else; and one ends up with a person or a group of people causing terrific damage to property and life because they feel their cause is noble. In any arena other than "Americana entertainus" this would be called terrorism. Especially when Cap's "justification" for even more loss of property and life . . . turns out to simply be the machinations of one man imprisoned by a need for revenge and willing to go to terrorist ends to sate it. So the movie ends with even those allegedly championing "freedom", all being "imprisoned". To vengeance; to terrorism; to even a propagandacized interpretation of "freedom". A good mindless story, no doubt . . . and well-done in this regard. But not the usual caliber one has come to expect from the franchise of Stan Lee. His "flagship" creations usual have just as much if not more to do with moral fiber as with action and destruction. I reserve my highest ratings and reviews for movies that leave you with something beneficial to chew on. Captain America: Civil War lacks this.

Midnight Special (2016)

To echo another reviewer, good but not special

[5/10 · 9 April 2016]

My impression after watching this movie is that a lot of good doors were opened, but few were actually walked through. I find I'm not disappointed with what the writer did and where we went, so much as with what he didn't do and where we didn't go. Sparse is a good descriptor of the story-line. A lot of things picked up and then just dropped. What some reviewers call "mysterious" I would tend to call "unfinished": story elements just thrown in but not developed to any kind of meaningful conclusion. Midnight Special is not a bad movie. But after a movie like Mud, this one just seems sort of thrown together without a lot of development. Perhaps its biggest downfall is that for me at least, it did not live up to the hype its ads presented. The acting and production was quite good. But I found myself glad that I only paid "early-bird" rates for it's premier showing. I get the feeling that the other 4 people at the premier showing might have agreed.

The Journey Home (II) (2014)

Irresponsible Story-telling, but everything else is good!

[5/10 · 21 November 2015]

I sought this movie out because it stars my nephew's favorite rising young Canadian actor Dakota Goyo of Real Steel and Dark Skies. All of the actors give excellent to passable performances. The cinematography is excellent, capturing eye-filling scenes of rugged Arctic beauty and wildlife. The story moves quickly, though a tad too quickly without taking the time to develop the characters. But that's perhaps a good thing with the attention-challenged target audience! My nephew found no faults with the movie and it was "really cute" to boot! Now perhaps I'm being overly harsh on the writing because I'm a Canadian and know a bit about the hostile northern environment. I don't expect entertainment events to be documentaries or full of useful information. But this story is full of nega-information; with the lead character of Luke rushing from one incident to another in ways seemingly designed to kill a child, render them a kiddie-Popsicle or little piles of bear-dung out on the ice. For starters though a polar bear might look cute and fluffy, they are one of the few creatures left on the planet that will go out of their way to stalk and kill a full-grown adult as if they are simply another prey item. A child is an hors d'oeuvre. Luke being on the street while there is a full grown sow scrounging for herself and a cub while eye-catching, is just irresponsible story-telling. Standing policy in many northern communities is to use bullets and lots of them -- not a trank -- if there's a child and a bear in such close proximity. And even the cub playing with and running his claws over Luke's face (with at least 3x the muscle mass of a human) gave me the willies. I can buy wiping out in a fresh-water melt-pool and then driving at high speeds home on a skidoo without freezing. But full body immersion in sub- zero ocean brine even in the "kind" arctic spring is not something one shrugs off in one night -- or while still wearing their wet clothes! (Even for the sake of keeping the "family" rating as Luke is warmed by the friendly natives!). Neither does one just bounce back in one night after almost dying from frostbite, exhaustion and exposure. I think this does a great disservice to the young target audience in seriously underplaying the seriousness of such things. (I know they shouldn't look on movies as "reality", but they do; most of them lacking any meaningful exposure to the "real world" beyond cities and electronic entertainment) Also, trying to use a compass pointing north that close to the magnetic north pole will have you going west, not north! And relying just on animal movements for direction-finding is about as reliable as finding out which side of the tree the moss is growing on. But the biggest slight against young audiences is seeing young Luke take off on an alleged 100-mile trek without a single reserve can of fuel on his sled. There is no sign the character was even thinking beyond his "need" to do this "nice" thing. At least we see Muktuk very conspicuously take 4 spare cans of fuel. The very core of this movie mistakes young foolhardy determination to "a cause" as some kind of noble coming-of-age ritual. Time after time it is only dumb luck that keeps the lead character from meeting a frozen end or being torn apart by a predator who is only cute in appearance -- and at a time of year when their normal diet of seals is unavailable to them. I know that I had to sit down with my nephew afterwards and do some serious de-programming lest he think there was any useful survival information in this offering. (One of the things we look for in our choices of movies in the survival genre). Do writers have any responsibility to young audiences other than to deliver fluff and candy? Should at least some useful life-information be provided to them? I think so. But anti-information that will hasten their demise? I'm still shaking my head.

Dark Skies (2013)

A good watch

[8/10 · 30 October 2015]

I'm not a regular partaker of horror/thriller movies but picked this one up because it had some good actors who's works I've enjoyed in the past. The actors don't disappoint, nor does the storyline or directing. I see many throwing down on it because it apparently doesn't match or out-do expectations built from past movies. But un-encumbered by this I found it quite an engaging ride. Keri Russell is excellent as normal. And young Dakota Goyo continues to show an acting talent beyond his years. The one look he throws the camera near the end is haunting.

And I would differ with those who say it's not a true horror flick. They must not have noticed the various 60's wall coverings in the Barret home. The scariest thing I've seen in nigh 40 years!

Lord of the Flies (1990)

A well-made adaptation honoring the spirit of Golding's work

[9/10 · 25 October 2015]

Don't make the mistake of thinking this movie is just parroting the book. It is a fresh, updated telling of a time-honored story. All of the key elements are there, just spun artistically into a different era. To enjoy this movie you will have to manage your expectations. If you go into viewing it with bias as to what it "must be" you will probably score it low as a lot of others have.

The story line is good. The lead actors are quite good, delivering performances beyond their years that have them coming off as quite fluid and natural. Some of the other performances are strained . . . but I find it quite acceptable that such a troop of young actors would deliver a performance in keeping with their age. Perhaps we the viewers have become so spoiled with astounding performances, we're jaded against simple good performances.

While changed up a bit, this is the same classic story of striving for civil order yet having it inevitably fall to struggles of power and ego and fear. Made all the more poignant for having it performed by such a young cast. A huge hats-off to the production crew. Filming with just one or two children and animals is said to be quite the monumental undertaking. Managing a young cast of over a dozen and coming out with such a good film deserves far greater notice than many reviewer are granting.

Pan (2015)

An enjoyable movie

[6/10 · 17 October 2015]

I'm a bit of a fan of JM Barrie's works so unless the movie essentially butchers it I find it an enjoyable watch. As others have already said, cute, lots of special effects, and there's hardly an actor that doesn't do an admirable job of bringing their character to life. It's very clear how much everyone put into this production and I don't want to discourage others from giving us fresh slants on this old classic. But this particular movie does seem to be like too many Hollywood offerings these days, a celebration of fashion (glitz, special effects) over function. It's a good story-line that makes use of many of the foundational elements of Barrie's original work, but really falls short of any meaningful back-development of those elements. Still though, very watchable. Enjoyable. Family-friendly except for a few scenes some might find frightening. Those who seek to enjoy this movie will have to be good managers of their expectations and simply let the movie be what it is and not get all bitter that it's not what they wanted/needed it to be.

But if you are a fan of Barrie's works and crave a prequel with more thoughtful meat to it and more respectful development of the essential characters consider this title http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1720619/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2 It's a Syfy channel mini-series with fewer big Hollywood names (though notably Bob Hoskins farewell performance as Smee). Still it manages to do magnitudes more in deepening the characters Barrie created; and with just a fraction of the budget. Excellent story-telling, acting and respect for Barrie's work more than make up for the occasionally hokey special effect!

Neverland (2011)

A well thought-out prequel with great respect for JM's work

[9/10 · 15 October 2015]

One gets the feeling that writers and producer have a great respect for JM Barrie's original work. They've exercised their personal artistic vision well (the crocs, possible logistics of the power of flight and how Peter came by them, the hooded figure, "Captain Bonnie", friends becoming enemies, Peter's life before "Pan"); while paying a kind of homage to the original work by taking the time to fold elements of it into their story. Things like the possible origin and depths of the animosity between Hook and Pan; what happened to Hook's hand and how the croc got a "taste for him"; why Peter can have such fits of forgetfulness and lack of concern with his past -- remain "forever child-like and innocent; why he had to return to the real world to eventually encounter Wendy and her brothers (I LOVE how they fold this in at the end!). Everywhere one looks, one sees respect for the original story. It was also a pleasure to see Bob Hoskins once again -- and for the last time -- revive the character of Smee as only he can. Well acted, well written, well conceived. Most of the negative reviews seem to hinge upon the story or characters not being what the reviewer wanted them to be. One of the essentials of watching this kind of movie is the ability to put one's expectations on hold for long enough to see just what the writers and producer have in mind and respect that this COULD be a valid prequel to a well-loved story.

The Scouting Book for Boys (2009)

Nicely shot, well directed and acted . . . but flops on the writing!

[1/10 · 19 September 2015]

A movie entirely about selfishness. Everyone is so wrapped up in their own childish dramas of dysfunctionality that nothing of substance results. It's not "bittersweet" because it's only bitter. If the writers were looking for some kind of Romeo/Juliet analogy it would have to be a version where Romeo force-feeds Juliet the worst kind of painful slow-acting poison before suffering a fit of conscience and killing himself. The only two characters that rise to some semblance of "the top" are the police inspector who is too "Cluseau" to be taken seriously and the pedophile who threatens to break the legs of the boy if he is not truthful with him.

A triple-tragic movie where the greatest tragedies are 1) that someone would conceive and write such a story 2) a movie company would consent to it being produced 3) that it would manage to gain a following that thought it was in any way good.

There is no good in this story-line. Period. I hope it doesn't ruin the young actors who showed at least a bit of promise.

Joe (I) (2013)

Disappointingly dysfunctional and desolate

[2/10 · 19 September 2015]

The latest offering in a genre of movies that audiences are eating up because it's so depressingly dismal that it would make whatever darkness a watcher is going through look like a bed of roses. A slow and plodding start eventually opens up to reveal . . . well, what? If this is any passable sort of representation of the American south, it is a skeleton that perhaps should have been left in the closet and not lauded before audiences. The performances are believable, well acted out. But the source material limits what the actors can do with it. Nicholas Cage's performance of the part was OK, but I find myself disappointed that he would attach his name to such a work. Perhaps he had gambling debts to pay off? Tye Sheridan was the only possible twinkle of hope -- but one has to plod through dysfunction and shocking displays of what Americana has come to call "normal". It's hard to believe this movie rated such returns or such reviews. One might find some small nugget that shines in a mountain of turds. But mostly, one will just stink after finding said small nugget of worthwhile entertainment.

Kauwboy (2012)

An original, well received movie

[8/10 · 23 August 2015]

In an era when many movies are just re-hashes of other movies this little production distinguishes itself. Very watchable. Touching. Engaging. Real. Anyone who has known loss way too soon in life will identify. The lead actor has real talent. You quickly forget you're watching an actor, so natural is his performance. And the directing distinguishes itself as well. It's said never work with animals or children, or animal-like children (hey, he growls and bites!). But the performance coaxed out of this young talent is notable. And I can't imagine working with a bird was any easier. Kudos all around And please do watch it until the very end for a very special scene.

Alec in WILDerland (2012– )

A good process-in-action

[9/10 · 5 April 2015]

Keep in mind that this is a work in progress. It is written by and stars a young lad who's story-telling and cinematic skills are developing and being exercised. It also has the very laudable goal of encouraging kids to get off their butts and out from in front of their game and computer consoles and interact with the real world. Alec's episode on children who want to interact with the real world being classified as "an endangered species" show that this lad has his eyes open and his brain in gear: and is also motivated to do something about what he sees. It is an enterprise and a process that is well worth supporting -- to encourage it to grow and get even better.

Early episodes are just that. Early attempts. I found them a little plodding at times; but kids respond very well to another kid out doing things like this. As Alec grows and starts to have more fun with the process I found myself laughing out loud at his sheer exuberance to be out playing and interacting with nature.

Later episodes fold in awareness of endangered species and introduce younsters to the notion that a valuable part of their natural heritage is in peril and they need to say something and act before it is lost.

I wholeheartedly support this process and look forward to seeing what this aspiring young film-maker with a good cause will come up with next.

10½ (2010)

A well-crafted work

[10/10 · 8 April 2012]

This movie is perhaps more education than entertainment. It is not an easy movie to watch because of the subject matter. Those who have been psychologically abused by parents may find themselves too easily drawn in and identifying with the plight of the young lead. Those who have not, may find it hard to believe that such thing happen; or shocked at how devastatingly the dysfunctions of the parents can become magnified in vulnerable children.

Young Tommy is the victim of an upbringing heavily seasoned with drug abuse, neglect, psychological abuse and mental illness. Easy access to porn videos entices him to recruit a younger boy into a sexual experiment he's still too young to understand and this ends up with his being brutally beaten by his victim's older brother. This lands Tommy in a high-security youth treatment centre -- with an incredibly hard defensive shell for the social workers to crack.

The combination of acting and directing is chillingly superb; making it easy to forget one is watching a performance an not a documentary. Everyone from the young lead to the supporting adult actors give amazing performances. The tantrums and the scenes of confinement are difficult to watch; but one cannot turn away. The ending is superbly executed -- leaving you wanting more, yet also content that a good path has been started. This is a movie that hopefully will have a lasting bittersweet impact on most viewers.

Cowboys Don't Cry (1988)

A simple movie, but with strong messages for both teens and adults

[7/10 · 19 March 2012]

Some classic Canadian drama. More than a "B" western, pulls some heartstrings along the way. Some might cite it for predictability and some forced acting in spots . . . but as it progresses it can be easy to chalk this up to some very genuine characters going through some very tough times.

Young Shane has grown up on the rodeo circuit. His dad, Josh Morgan, is a 2- time world bull-riding champ and sits pretty tall in the saddle in young Shane's eyes. Tall enough that his problem drinking is sort of taken in stride. But then a tragic drunken accident leaves the two of them all alone in the world to sort themselves out. And as the song on the camper radio says, a man can be a drunk sometimes, but a drunk cannot be a man. Shane loses his mother to an accident, and both his father and his hero to the bottle.

Four years later finds the two of them barely scraping by. Shane inherits a small Alberta ranch from his grandfather and finally has a chance to settle down. And it seems to be working for a while, but Josh remains unforgiven both by his son and himself. It haunts him and he finds himself unable to break the bottle's hold, or hold a job. Even though the plot is predictable, it draws you in. The acting is good imho, and has you believing you are right there, watching Shane come of age in some very trying times. A strong performance by Zack Ansley of a young teen trying to be a strong man; but with the hurting child just under the surface. The rest is for you to discover. But there are strong messages of abandonment, coping with grief, the compassion of small-town community, love, and the forgiveness that lets hearts mend.

Even though they are imperfect, your folks are the only ones you'll ever have. It's a movie that left me with a lot to think about.

I love this kind of Canadian cinema, and wish there was more of it.

The Last Airbender (2010)

A directing flop, abysmal entertainment at best

[1/10 · 19 March 2012]

Rarely have so many paid so much to support such incompetence. It's like M.Night was out from the get-go to sabotage excellent source material. The kids and I are big fans of the original animated series; but I would count watching this reeking mis-fire as one of the most disappointing entertainment flubs we've ever made. I was totally disillusioned with the movie adaptation by about 7 minutes into it; forcing myself to watch on out of respect for the few few half-decent actors who were at least trying to salvage it.

I really hope the bumbling incompetence manifest in the adapting and directing of this monumental cinematic flop doesn't sabotage the acting careers of any of the young talent. And it is painfully obvious that the director had low respect for the source material, even munging the names perhaps in a vain attempt to make it more "his"? Ung and Zuko's Uncle Ear-hole and the Uvotar? GMAB!

I can offer no spoilers. This flick was pre-spoiled the moment they gave it to this production team.

South of the Moon (2008)

A very "real" movie

[8/10 · 26 February 2012]

What a mystery this movie is! Reviews about it are rare. Finding out much about it online is hard. Few have heard of it.

But I think it's worth it. I found the plot a little slow at first; but now I think that's just because the writer wanted the story to fully develop at a pace that wasn't rushed. It's a good story line that keeps you engaged and even a little off-balance at times. Some unexpected twists! I thought the flashbacks were handled well. The acting is amazing a relatively low- budget production and I found myself being drawn deeper and deeper into the lives of the characters. They were just so "real". It ceased to be acting and it was quite easy to believe you were "a fly on the wall" in these very real people's lives. Bravo on new-comer Jake McLeod. It's a very heavy load he carries, a very emotional performance at times. But he handles it like a pro. Actually, all of the performances were very "natural" -- genuine and not at all forced as can happen in some lower-budget production. Some mature themes, but overall an enjoyable movie. The ending was an interesting touch; leaving one with a lot to think about long after the credits are over.

To say any more would rob you of the chance to fully enjoy this good movie for yourself.

Address Unknown (1997)

An enjoyable, family friendly movie.

[7/10 · 3 February 2012]

Not a blockbuster, for sure. More of a Saturday Afternoon at the Movies or "Showcase Family Festival" calibre (when such existed. Boo on Showcase!). Still very engaging. The younger actors carry their lead roles very well. Totally genuine in their reactions. Some good teen humor thrown in. Howard's being older than he looks produces young-looking characters with an impressive emotional depth.

Responding to an earlier reviewer's comment wondering why the two men in the opening scene were driving around with a bag of US mail with just one valuable letter. It can be easy to miss that Matt's father had been a very good investigative reporter: and that one letter to his then- infant son was a form of "insurance" that would explain and exonerate them for their actions and blow the case wide open. It's no wonder they treated it as something so valuable. And the bad guys not looking for it showed they had no idea the reporter had been so shrewd in making sure the story would be told even in his absence.

Logan (2010)

Whot happen?

[10/10 · 20 January 2012]

I was watching what seemed to be just another pre-chewed, low budget, Disney-esque movie about a kid with aspirations and a shallow family that was just droning on and on. . . when something amazing happened. A move that started off so tame, so "common", suddenly surprised me: seized me: captivated me: moved me. Why hasn't someone told this story earlier? It's certainly needed -- on the order of a "public service".

Zero spoilers here; and a pox on anyone who reveals so much that this excellent movie cannot have it's full positive impact on those who haven't seen it yet. The reviews and synopsis to date give you some idea what it's about. I will just say that it tackles SEVERAL VERY prevalent youth issues; but that parents might consider watching it first by themselves before sharing it with your tweens and teens. (Or if you're brave and you want to ride the roller coaster with them, go for it! It's a very intense . . . but ultimately "safe" ride.)

You will be shocked: but for the youth audience there is nothing unwholesome or damaging in this movie once the final curtain draws.

Just the opposite.

An amazing move, professionally executed by a very young and talented cast and (from what I've heard), production team. This is probably the highest praise I've ever given to a movie. If you have kids or are concerned with youth issues, just watch it!

A Cry in the Wild (1990)

Low budget, but a good movie.

[7/10 · 19 January 2012]

I'll start by saying I've not read the book, so I looked at the movie more for "what it was" than "what it wasn't". What it is, is a good story of a boy caught up in all kinds of bad things beyond his control and not just surviving; but triumphing. Accidentally discovering his mom is having an affair. Watching his dad pack up and leave. Oh, and having the only other person in your plane (who also happens to be the pilot) die right before your eyes, riding the plane out of radio range 'till your flying coffin runs out of fuel and crashes in a remote northern lake can suck too! The movie is perhaps not as polished and handed to you on a silver platter as some here might like. There are points one can fault and poke at if one wishes. But the cinematography is great, and the young actor carries his role well. While the character of Brian is lucky, he's also a young man reacting genuinely to what life hands him AND STILL using his brain. There's nothing presented there so far as survival, that a young person who is not a stranger to thinking couldn't come up with. And perhaps it not being so "polished" brings an air of "real-life" and "genuine". One can easily believe this is a young person reacting as a boy in that situation would. You can easily believe he is totally cut off from the world -- rather than just being an actor surrounded by dozens of support and artistic staff watching him perform. I think the plot flows, the flashbacks work, the setting is perfect, and Jared's portrayal of a boy abandoned first by parents then by the world, is professionally delivered considering his age. Not too many spoilers, but my favourite moments were the worms, how nonchalantly he handled the opening of the survival pack and tossed aside the survival guide (having already learned what he needed on his own), and how casually he greeted his rescuer, asking him if he wanted some supper!

The ending gave a lot to think about too. Brian's reaction to the plethora of food suddenly laid out before him; comforts and luxuries galore; the look and smile he gave his mom; how well he handled mom's new boyfriend; his taking his place at the head of the family table not as a hurt boy, but as a recovering young adult. (Those reviewers guffawing that he seems to have done this "without therapy" under-sell the resilience of the Human spirit greatly.)

A good watch if you like survival movies, coming-of-age movies, can relate to childhood abandonment issues like divorce . . . and are willing to grant a respectable movie enough artistic license to truly connect with what the writer is trying to convey.

Kid Colter (1985)

Definitely a B movie, but in the day B stood for "best"

[8/10 · 11 January 2012]

Kid Coulter is low budget, typical 80's class, mediocre acting, beautiful location, WAY too many cuddly animals, plot-you-could-drive- the-space-shuttle-through . . . but thoroughly enjoyable flick if you can grant the writers enough artistic license! (Say, just shy of "license to kill"!?) Throughout the movie there is more than enough action/plot/comedy/intrigue/twists to keep one's attention. There are moments of pure comedic genius and timing from Burk and Hogan on par with Laurel and Hardy: from the soap opera to the Kid's daring (though unlikely) escape and chase scene. Even the Kid takes a respectable stab or two at it. Ansel Flint Highlander Ford and his inventions are almost too wacky, nearly stealing the plot -- but his skunk-berry tea riff is more than sufficient recompense!

My rating is clearly colored by my love of both "lost in the wilderness" and "coming of age" films, and the fact I was at the "target age" when this came out. But even watching it years later, knowing what happens, I laugh and enjoy the intrigue just as much. If I could find a DVD version I'd buy it, just to show the kids what kind of movies I enjoyed at their age. And as we all know that directing animals and children (and animal-like children) can be a nightmare, my hat is off to an enjoyable, family-safe flick that boasts an abundance of both. "B" stand for "bravo".