By Amanda Gilmore

Writer-Director Warwick Thornton brings this beautiful examination of spirituality and survival. He’s questioning the fact that if one faith exists then why can’t all faiths exists?

The Film is set at a remote Australian monastery in the ’40s, where a mission for Aboriginal children is run by a renegade nun, Sister Eileen (Cate Blanchett). When an Aboriginal boy (a mesmerizing performance by newcomer Aswan Reid) who appears to have special powers is delivered to the monastery the balance of the it becomes challenged. The boy’s Indigenous spiritual life does not gel with the mission’s Christianity and his mysterious power becomes a threat. Sister Eileen is faced with a choice between the traditions of her faith and the truth embodied in the boy.

When the new boy arrives, he’s brought into this world he doesn’t know, a faith that he’s never encountered. But all he really wants to do is survive. He only knows how to survive in nature. As there is a hierarchy that Sister Eileen gives the boys, the new boy attempts to get to the top of it. Additionally, just as most children believe, he thinks he needs to please those with authority to achieve survival.

The thing that pleases Sister Eileen more than anything is a relic of Christ on the cross which was recently delivered. The new boy observes the nun as she praises the religion and the symbol. Soon, the new boy becomes transfixed by this faith he’s never known. However, when he shows his special powers, Sister Eileen fears them rather than attempting to understand them.

As always, Blanchett delivers a tremendous performance. This time as a nun whose passion for Christianity is deep-rooted and unwavering. Although Sister Eileen is willfully blind to other religions, Blanchett creates space for mystery. We find ourselves wondering if she will open her mind to the new boy’s spirituality.

Thornton delivers the harsh reality about those faithful to Christianity. That it must conquer all and there’s no space for others. It’s clear that the new boy was willing to learn and accept another faith. In doing so, it’s a message that other faiths are open to the belief that all can co-exist. Only Christianity believes it should be the sole survivor.

The New Boy screens at Cannes ’23:

Fri May 19 at 4PM at DEBUSSY THEATRE

Sat May 20 at 11AM at CINEUM AURORE

Sat May 20 at 5:30PM at BAZIN THEATRE

Sun May 21 at 9AM at CINEUM AURORE

Sun May 21 at 11:15AM at LICORNE

FAST X is showing no signs of slowing-down for the beloved Fast and Furious franchise! It debuts with $66 million from 4,046 theatres. This latest entry ges 56% on the Tomatometer, with a Franchise best still going to 2015’s Fast 7, opening with $147 million domestically for Universal Pictures.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 still is going strong in its third weekend with $33 million from 4,450 theatres for Marvel/Disney. This brings its run to $267.2 million.

Third is THE SUPER MARIOS BROS. MOVIE with $9.5 million for Universal Pictures, a run of $549 million. Staggering. The Blockbuster just got a digital release this week as well to propel it along further.

BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER is in fourth with $3 million in its second weekend out, a total $13 million for Focus Features/Universal Pictures.

EVIL DEAD RISE rounds the Top Five out with $2.2 million, bringing its tally to $63.9 million for Warner Bros.

By Amanda Gilmore

Molly Manning Walker makes an exceptional, daring Feature directorial debut.

Three best friends, Tara (Mia McKenna-Bruce), Em (Enva Lewis) and Skye (Lara Peake) go on a vacation to a small town in Greece. The Brits plan this vacay to be what is typically called a rites-of-passage holiday — drinking, clubbing and hooking up. This should be the best summer of their lives but not for Tara.

We’re introduced to these three charismatic young women as they make their way to their hotel. The chemistry between the three actors is palpable. It’s a delight watching their first interaction with the receptionist. Lying through their teeth in order to get a pool-view room. It’s rare to see the openness with which they speak to each other on screen. They converse freely about which one of them will get laid the most. It’s here we learn that Tara is a virgin and is looking at this holiday as her chance of sealing the deal. They’re hilarious, complex, and authentic women on the cusp of adulthood.

Shortly after we become completely beguiled by the Trio, Manning Walker introduces us to the world they’ve entered. It’s one filled with a non-stop party clock and a sea of horny partygoers. Manning Walker’s unflinching direction takes us into this world. Each pool and party scene oozes with energy and unapologetic authenticity. So much so that you can smell the chlorine and sun tan lotion by the pool. And we can smell the stench of sweat and alcohol in those crowded parties filled with hard bodies.

The first half of How To Have Sex is filled with daring, raw scenes of rowdy behaviour. Manning Walker gives us the uncomfortable truth of what these types of holidays can be like. Not only for the girls but the neighbours they meet while there. But it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt right? Few Filmmakers can master the tonal shift that happens in the second half of the Film. But Manning Walker can and exceeds this feat beyond limits.

The latter half of the Film delves deep into consent, particularly for people who have a 24-hour party clock. Once again, Manning Walker’s lens is raw and unflinching. However, this time it isn’t showing us the fun party lifestyle. Now she’s showing us the cruelty inflicted on Tara. From the moment the event happens, we stay with Tara and her state of mind. The parties are no longer fun. Her friends are irritating. Most heartbreakingly, we feel the misguided shame she feels.

This might be the most painful part of How To Have Sex. Manning Walker’s Script examines the stigma attached to this type of assault. It’s this stigma that makes survivors internalize their pain. The shame Tara feels is shown by her never telling anyone what happened, even her friends. These are the same friends she was tied at the hip to only a couple of days before. McKenna-Bruce gives a breakout performance that encapsulates the lively Tara before the horrific event and gives a heartrending performance as Tara battles her inner turmoil.

Overall, How To Have Sex is one of the best films of the year. We will be hearing the names Manning Walker and McKenna-Bruce for years to come.

How To Have Sex screens at Cannes ’23:

Fri May 19 at 1:30PM at DEBUSSY THEATRE

Sat May 20 at 8:30AM at DEBUSSY THEATRE

Sat May 20 at 5:30PM at CINEUM AURORE

Sun May 21 at 11AM at CINEUM SCREEN X

Sun May 21 at 4:30PM at LICORNE

By Amanda Gilmore

Indy (Harrison Ford) is back and once again is in a race against time. This time around he’s attempting to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), a former Nazi who works for NASA.

Director James Mangold has kept intact what’s made this franchise which Steven Spielberg built and made so popular but added his own flair. For those familiar with his most recent films, such as Ford v Ferrari and Logan, you’ll see the shift. And just like in prior entries, the action sequences are fast-paced humour-induced joy rides.

The thrilling opening of Dial is set back in the ’40s during WWII. A younger Indy (Ford but using de-ageing technology) finds himself on a train full of Nazis attempting to retrieve an old relic. When he realizes it’s fake, his pal Basil Shaw (Toby Jones) discovers that the Dial of Destiny is on-board. The two set their mission to steal the dial from the Nazis and Jürgen before it gets placed in Hitler’s hands. As expected Mikkelsen is fantastic as the villain. He plays Jürgen with a sense of superiority that intrigues him. He’s truly a masterclass in acting, excelling in the many franchise villain roles he’s taken.

After that scene, we jump forward to 1969. Unlike prior entries, Dial shows us a scruffy, aged Indiana Jones. We’re introduced to this seasoned version of him in his small New York City apartment. While music blares in the background, he bangs on his neighbour’s door to keep the noise down.

This different version of the beloved hero is inspiring. Ford looks like he’s having the time of his life back in one of his most treasured characters. He does give off the grumpiness that you’d expect Indy at 80 to have. But that’s where the zealous Helena evens him out. Waller-Bridge comes in with the ambition and energy that Indy used to have. She brings out that spirit in our beloved character again. Waller-Bridge is magnetic as Helena and nearly steals the entire show.

As this is the final entry in a cherished franchise there are always going to be people who are disappointed. Disappointed they have to say goodbye and disappointed that it didn’t end the way they expected or wanted it to. There will be some who feel that way about Dial. But overall, it’s a really fun and entertaining time at the cinema while paying homage to the Films that came before it.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny screens at Cannes ’23:

Thu May 18 at 7PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri May 19 at 8:30AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fans are invited to come out and celebrate the Canada’s Walk of Fame star unveilings of some of their latest inductees Friday, May 26, 2023 between 12:15-12:30 PM! This event will go on rain or shine!

WHAT: Canada’s Walk of Fame is rolling out the red carpet for a special ceremony to unveil 11 newly minted sidewalk stars that will permanently line Toronto’s Entertainment District. Stars for Inductees such as Keanu Reeves, Senator Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire, and Bruce Cockburn will be recognized from the Class of 2020 and 2021, along with an esteemed group of Inductees who will be in attendance to unveil their permanent place in history and share the milestone with family, friends, and fans invited to join in the public street celebration outside of Roy Thomson Hall.

As the organization celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, Canada’s Walk of Fame has commemorated more than 200 stars to date along King Street and Simcoe Street in Toronto. In 2018, Canada’s Walk of Fame expanded its star unveilings across the country with the launch of the Hometown Stars initiative, providing future Inductees with an opportunity to celebrate their induction with a free public celebration in their hometown.

Canada’s Walk of Fame will also unveil the stars for Inductees Allan Slaight, Bruce Cockburn, Damian Warner, Keanu Reeves and Senator Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire.

More here.

Chris Hemsworth is back in EXTRACTION 2 and in time for the long weekend, we get a brand new official Trailer for this latest from the Russo Brothers who serve as Executive Producers.

Synopsis:
Hemsworth reunites with director Sam Hargrave, with Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO producing and Joe Russo writing. Golshifteh Farahani reprises her role from the first film, with Daniel Bernhardt and Tinatin Dalakishvili also co-starring. This is a sequel to the first film that was based on the graphic novel ‘Ciudad’ by Ande Parks, from a story by Ande Parks, Joe Russo & Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. EXTRACTION 2 is produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Newall and Sam Hargrave, with Angela Russo-Otstot, Jake Aust, Benjamin Grayson, Steven Scavelli, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as executive producers.

EXTRACTION 2 arrives June 16, 2023 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

By Amanda Gilmore

Cinematographer Sean Price Williams (Good Time) steps into the Director’s chair and delivers the engrossing The Sweet East.

It follows Lillian (Talia Ryder) who’s craving more excitement in her life. While on a high school trip to Washington, D.C. an opportunity arises to get a first glimpse of the wider world. This takes her on a road trip across the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. Along the way she runs into many different personalities.

The Sweet East plays out like Alice In Wonderland, but is set in present-day America. Lillian initially begins her road trip odyssey by travelling through a glass mirrored door in a karaoke bar. From there she begins the journey that takes her across different ‘worlds’, just as Alice does. She hops across these worlds and experiences different parts of modern-day America. Some may argue that these different realms resemble different cults operating within the country today. Those people wouldn’t be far off. One of the most memorable stops on Lillian’s journey is when she meets Lawrence (Simon Rex) at what can only be considered a white nationalist gathering.

Director Williams and Screenwriter Nick Pinkerton know what the preconceptions of Lawrence will be, as they are what Lillian’s preconceptions are. But Pinkerton and Williams are more concerned with delivering complex characters. Ones who are deeply flawed but will surprise you and make you see them in different lights. For instance, no matter how many times Lillian attempts to seduce Lawrence, his morals won’t allow him to indulge.

Rex gives a controlled, nuanced performance as a white nationalist (who idealizes Nazis and has Hitler’s Autobiography in his house) with set morals on the sexual front. Sure, he considers and romanticizes the idea of being with Lillian. Yet, he’ll never give in to those desires.

As Lillian travels through each ‘world’ it becomes clear that Williams and Pinkerton are delivering a critique on present-day America. Each ‘world’ delivers a different point of American idealism, possibly none more so than when she happens to run into Producer Matthew (Jeremy O. Harris) and Director Molly (Ayo Edebiri) in New York City who demands she is in their film. This clearly plays into the belief in the American Dream. Lillian comes from no film background but because of her look, this duo MUST have her play their lead role. Harris and Edebiri are outstanding and share a magnetic chemistry that demands to be witnessed.

With a subject such as this, you’d assume The Sweet East is a dark Drama. However, it’s actually a delightful witty Comedy. There is perfect comedic timing from the entire Cast and the precision with which the Script is carried out, in the steady hands of Williams, makes for a singular viewing experience.

At the heart of the Film is Lillian played by insurmountable upcoming talent Ryder, who some will know from her powerful performance in Never Rarely Sometimes Always. She commands each frame of the Film in a true star-making role. The Sweet East is really about a teenage girl going on a gritty road trip through the East of America. Most thrilling is that Lillian is never naive or gullible. Ryder plays her with full control of her own circumstances and uses her own devices to get herself out of sticky situations. 

The Sweet East screens in part of the Director’s Fortnight sidebar of Cannes ’23 on:

Thu May 18 at 12PM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

Thu May 18 at 8:45PM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

Fri May 19 at 9AM at LICORNE

Fri May 19 at 11:30AM at ARCADES 1

Fri May 19 at 4:30PM at ALEXANDRE III

By Amanda Gilmore

Sean Penn’s latest is one brutal look into the lives of paramedics in East New York. It follows Ollie (Tye Sheridan) a rookie on the job. At the scene of a shooting, Ollie meets veteran EMT Rut (Penn). From there the two become paired up for Ollie’s first year on the job. Leading to the young paramedic getting a crash course in lifesaving techniques while working with the grizzled New York City veteran.

Black Flies is a raw look at the daily working life of paramedics in Brooklyn. Director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire doesn’t spare us of just how brutal the job is. And the responsibility it carries — these people are carrying patients’ lives in their hands. It’s a tough and uncomfortable watch as it plays out like a Horror Film about a descent into hell. We watch three different paramedics at different points in their careers.

Ollie is at the very beginning and wants to save people’s lives. He’s shocked at the cruelty and inhumanity he sees every day. Sheridan, who also produces, turns in his greatest performance to date as an EMT attempting to maintain his morality while watching his colleagues lose theirs. There’s enough background given to Ollie that makes us invested in his journey. We hope he holds onto the light.

Rut has been at this for a long time and is at the point of snapping. Penn turns-in a captivating performance as a veteran paramedic who’s basically on his way out. He shows the audience the true struggle of making quick tough decisions. Then there’s Micheal C. Pitt’s character who has already snapped. He tells Ollie that they are the ones who play God as soon as the ambulance doors shut. Stating he decides who lives if he believes they are worthy of it.

Although it’s necessary to have a character who has already hit their breaking point, there are times this character feels like a distraction from the main purpose of the Film. Because Black Flies feels like its intention is to be a love letter to paramedics. The true heroes. Another distraction is the romantic storyline given to Ollie which doesn’t add anything substantial to the narrative.

Black Flies is a Film about the realities and the horror that Paramedics face every day and the mental toll the job takes.

Black Flies screens at Cannes ’23:

Thu May 18 at 10:30PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri May 19 at 11:30AM at LICORNE

Fri May 19 at 11:45AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri May 19 at 2PM hat CINEUM IMAX

Sat May 20 at 1PM at CINEUM SCREEN X

Sun May 21 at 9PM at AGNÈS VARDA THEATRE

…

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone of the generation who was affected by Disney‘s 1989 animated classic, THE LITTLE MERMAID. The release of its live-action adaptation directed by Rob Marshall finally is before us after a five-plus year labour of love getting it readied and after having seen it myself, I can say without a doubt fans will adore it. Spectacular visuals, affecting song and superb performances from its Ensemble sweep you away into Ariel’s (Halle Bailey) world as she must choose between leaving her family behind for love, after meeting Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) whose life she saves.

One of the Film’s stars, our very own Jacob Tremblay returned to Toronto to walk the Blue Carpet. The Vancouver-born star who got his big break mesmerizing us in Toronto-made and Oscar-winning “Room” certainly is growing-up quickly, now 16-years-old. Tremblay plays Flounder in the Film, one of Ariel’s confidantes and a key part of the story in her overcoming the villainous Sea Witch Ursula, played by Melissa McCarthy.

We had the joy of reuniting again with Tremblay, having followed his career from the start.

We ask Tremblay about his fondest memories of the City.

Tremblay: “I really like visiting the Aquarium and what was really cool was one time I got to go to a Blue Jays game. That was a really cool experience.”.

The comraderie shared between him, Awkwafina who plays Scuttle the Seagull and Daveed Diggs who plays Sebastian the Crab is so palpable and a key component to the Film’s success. We ask him about the bonding process and actually having the luxury of doing voice work in-studio.

Tremblay: “Well yeah, you’re right. We were able to do it literally right before COVID happened, so getting to work with everyone was really cool and it was really great having the ability to just riff off one another when we were recording altogether. It definitely helped the performance a lot.”.

We ask him on a personal level what The LIttle Mermaid means to him.

Tremblay: “I don’t even remember watching it for the first time because I had been so young when I was shown it. These songs have been on replay for most of my childhood. This Movie was definitely a family favourite of ours and I watched it a bunch. Being able to part of the live-action is very exciting for me.”.

Tremblay‘s Wonder Co-Star Millie Davis also came out to show support and walk the Carpet with him!

Some Snaps from the night:

Walt Disney Studios Canada release THE LITTLE MERMAID Friday, May 26, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

We get new Character Posters from SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE!

Synopsis:
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero.

Directed by:
Joaquim Dos Santos
Kemp Powers
Justin K. Thompson

Written by:
Phil Lord & Christopher Miller & David Callaham

Based on the MARVEL Comics.

Produced by:
Avi Arad
Amy Pascal
Phil Lord
Christopher Miller
Christina Steinberg

Executive Producers:

Bob Persichetti
Peter Ramsey
Rodney Rothman
Aditya Sood
Brian Michael Bendis

Cast:
Shameik Moore
Hailee Steinfeld
Brian Tyree Henry
Luna Lauren Velez
Jake Johnson
Jason Schwartzman
Issa Rae
Karan Soni
with Daniel Kaluuya
and Oscar Isaac

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE is in theatres June 2, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

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