Canadian FIlm — Movie Reviews

'I Used to Be Funny' Review: Rachel Sennott's Star Power is Impossible to Ignore

Using darker themes, this film allows Sennott to branch into a performance that removes this typical layer of humorous invincibility, raw emotion on display. This role gives Sennott a chance to prove herself beyond a hilarious addition, but as a powerful lead.

Canadian FIlm, Independent FilmTayler WellsJune 28, 2024I Used to Be Funny Review, Rachel Sennott, Ally PankiwComment

'The King Tide' Review: One of the Eeriest Films of the Year

‘The King Tide’ will get under your skin by showing the failings of human nature, and how quickly people will exploit, abuse, and conspire in order to preserve the status quo. It is a horrifying thriller which will remain with you long after the end credits have finished rolling.

'Bones of Crows' Review: The Truth is More Horrifying Than Fiction

All in all, Bones of Crows is a challenging, harrowing portrayal of suffering, but the film does not wallow in that suffering either. The film might one day be considered a time capsule of how things used to be, and its very existence might one day serve as an example of how things eventually got better.

'BlackBerry' Review: Matt Johnson's Superb Biopic Gives The Competition a Run For Its Money

‘Blackberry’ has no right to be as good as it is, but its frantic style, masterful performances, and tight script make it one of the very best, if not the best, biopic of the year.

Drama, Biopic, Canadian FIlmMaxance VincentMay 12, 2023BlackBerry, Movie Review, Matt Johnson, DramaComment

'Women Talking' Review: Confronting The Patriarchy Both Then and Now [TIFF 2022]

Canadian director Sarah Polley brings her adaptation of Miriam Toews’ Women talking to TIFF, telling the story of resilience in the face of danger where a group of women must overcome the society around them.

‘Something You Said Last Night’ Review: A Beautifully Understated Vacation Story [TIFF 2022]

Something You Said Last Night is primed to be a gem ripe for discovery coming out of this year’s TIFF Festival, and will hopefully gain an audience and bestow its extremely resonant experience onto the larger film world.

‘Le Coyote’ Review: No Sophomore Slump for Director Katherine Jerkovic [TIFF 2022]

Le Coyote does not make any large pronouncements on life, and the high stakes revolve only around a single family’s attempt to heal itself. It is a slice of life which countless people endure on a daily basis, and the film’s strengths come from its authenticity and unruffled style, making it one of the most poignant and emotionally genuine films of the year.

'Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song' Review: It Will Mean Exactly as Much as it Means to You

The impact which the late Leonard Cohen left upon the arts is impossible to doubt. Yet even in Cohen’s impressive catalog, there is no song which left such an impression as the song “Hallelujah.” Its journey is explored and covered in the documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song.

'Turning Red' Review: A Puberty Tale With Heart And Flair

Turning Red is easily one of the most visually appealing and immersive films Pixar has released to date. From the first frame, the visual aesthetic of the film is wholly unique, and there is a creativity and passion from director Domee Shi that is on full display throughout. It’s just a shame that a Pixar entry like Turning Red must be dumped on Disney+, rather than being given a full theatrical release.

Animation, Canadian FIlm, Movie ReviewTom ChatalbashMarch 12, 2022turning red, pixar, animated, Disney, Disney+Comment

‘Oscar Peterson: Black + White’ Review: An Ode to Canada’s Most Beloved Musician [TIFF 2021]

‘Oscar Peterson: Black + White’ is one of the great music documentaries, and an essential release out of TIFF 2021. Guided lovingly by Barry Avrich, this tribute to the extraordinary life and career of Oscar Peterson must be seen by anyone who loves music, and especially if they love Oscar Peterson.

'All My Puny Sorrows' Review: Alison Pill Excels in this Sad and Sweet Canadian Drama [TIFF 2021]

The appeal of ‘All My Puny Sorrows’ comes not necessarily from the heavy subject matter, but the novel and stimulating manner in which it presents the story. The film is packed with stellar performances, lead by Alison Pill, and captained by a director who always seems to get ‘stellar’ out of his actors.