By: Dustin ChaseThe international component of The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF23)has vast offerings and really traversed the map on day two of the festival. Day 2 of TIFF23, has another replay from Cannes earlier this year and the likely submission from Italy for the Academy Awards international submission. “Kidnapped” (Rapito) is an operatic-style drama detailing […]
It’s puzzling to understand what interest French actress turned director Mélanie Laurent (“Operation Finale”) had in adapting Nic Pizzolatto’s (“True Crime”) first novel to film. She wasn’t the first choice for director, and Ben Foster replaced European Matthias Schoenaerts, the first choice for the lead role. The biggest gaffe here, not only is a film
The struggle is real in “Leave No Trace.” It’s another indie film from a child’s perspective, facing uncertainty from parental and societal nurturing. “Leave No Trace” doesn’t exude that kind of crowd pleasing energy that it’s wilderness cousin “Captain Fantastic” captured and captivated audiences with. “Leave No Trace,” Debra Granik’s subtle drama doesn’t cover any new ground
“Crazy Heart”, “Out of the Furnace”, “Black Mass” and now “Hostiles”. Scott Cooper, the actor turned director, has quickly become one of the most prolific American cinematic voices. His latest film “Hostiles”, the darkest subject matter yet, but also his most accomplished. Cooper’s scripts have a slow burn about them, you don’t even realize “Hostiles”
Why are these films so bad, and why do they keep getting made? When Tom Hanks did the first “Da Vinci Code” (2006) film it was a hit because of the fandom with the books, but was poorly received. Hanks hasn’t been nominated for an Oscar since becoming involved with the Dan Brown adaptation franchise.
Denis Villeneuve’s creative direction with “Sicario” last year was nothing short of masterful. His work, so good, that it nearly overshadowed the stellar script by actor turned screenwriter Taylor Sheridan. The sophomore script from Sheridan is the real main character in Hell or High Water and the most original writing I’ve seen this year. Similar
“Stupid”, that’s usually non-video game playing viewers response to movies based on video games. Warcraft looks no different with its CGI heavy introduction into yet another fantasy franchise. Then you see the cast which includes actors that have all made strides in independent film, not to mention director Duncan Jones whose films Moon and Source
Expectations have to be adjusted anytime Disney delivers a “based on a true story”, much like their sports movie department.
Most of us already know the rise and fall story of world renowned cyclist and celebrity Lance Armstrong. Arguably too soon to dive into a feature film exploring the seven time Tour de France winners’ doping scandal.