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Reviews
Adam and Dog (2012)
An amazing and uplifting film
I genuinely enjoyed this film. I saw it today along with the other nominated animated shorts. I thought this film stood apart from the others, even from Paperman. The other films are indeed all excellent, including the honourable mentions. Adam and Dog, though, captures the essence of engaging animated story-telling. The film's realistic and stylized depiction of the dog and its behaviour were both spot-on and very charming. However, the film's evocative aesthetics, and rich, painterly illustrations really drew me in. I was transported. It's unlike any animated film I'd seen before. Realistically, I don't think the film will beat the Paperman juggernaut, which is marching smartly to the Oscar podium. But it's my favourite and I hope Academy voters will appreciate this film's sublime sensibilities, enough to snatch the statuette. (I don't wish to disparage Paperman in any way. It is a stunning and fresh work, and worthy of the highest accolades.)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
A train wreck
I was looking forward to this. Unfortunately, my two buddies and I left the theatre quite disappointed. The plot was weak and full of holes and often as unintelligible as the villain. I appreciate that the actor was supposed to be speaking through a mask, but one really has to strain to hear what he was saying. It was too long, by at least 30 minutes.
The conclusion and wrap up were lazy. I felt like I was being treated like an idiot fan-boy. The special effects and cinematography were superlative. Granted. But one has to assume that will be on the screen for a bloated blockbuster like this. We, the audience, deserve better and we deserve more. Batman deserves better!
Ultimately, it's just another stupid movie, but some folks get so caught up in this fluff - a movie very few will care or be talking about six months from now. That's my opinion. And I'm not alone.
Moving Day (2012)
Charming and entertaining
I thoroughly enjoyed this great little movie. Was not expecting a blockbuster (thank god, especially after the train wreck better known as The Dark Knight Rises), and got exactly what I was hoping for. Witty, endearing and quite enjoyable. WILL SASSO SHOULD WIN AN Oscar FOR THIS!! (kidding). But I can find fewer more pleasant things to do in downtown Toronto on a soggy, muggy summer afternoon. The cast was great and the script, although a bit light, is nonetheless lighthearted. Cheers to cast and director and the great city of Halifax (which I visited once). Look out for a great performance by the doyenne of east coast comedy, Cathy Jones.
Goon (2011)
Excellent little movie - 6 thumbs up!
I went to see this film with two buddies and we are unanimous in our view that Goon is a thoroughly enjoyable, well crafted little movie. The script is sharp and witty. The lead and especially the secondary characters are all superb. Baruchel is hilarious. Expect more great things from this young man. The hockey sequences are very believable. Just as important, the fight scenes are spot-on ... Gnarly, rough and stupid, just like real small town hockey fights. Seann William Scott is very charming and his performance is note-perfect as the dumb but lovable goon. The music is also great. I have to tip my hat to whomever decided to select Pagliaro's "Rain Showers" for one of the scenes. Brilliant. By the way, it's perhaps not going to be seen as great a film as "Slapshot", but "Goon" is infinitely more satisfying. Six thumbs up!