On Screen

Smart reviews for the visually obsessed. On Screen features film reviews and festival coverage, spotlighting cinematic craft, storytelling and standout performances.

  • Review: ‘Green Book’ is swelling with kindness and humour (Includes first-hand account)

    Though it may not seem like a big deal now, there was a time when certain things simply weren’t done… and many of those things stemmed from the colour of our skin. While some areas were quicker to progress past segregation and the like, others were staunch in their backwards beliefs and tightly held on to them until the choice was no longer theirs. But there were brave men and women who accepted the responsibility of forcing change, as well as the consequences when their efforts were poorly received. In Green Book, an accomplished black musician embarks on a tour of the South.

  • Review: ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ has fun with our virtual vices (Includes first-hand account)

    Whether animated or live-action, great movies are made by great characters that audiences want to watch. The same is doubly true for pictures that get sequels because if you didn’t like it the first time around, you’re probably not going to give round two a shot. The one studio(s) that’s never seemed to have a problem in this department is Disney*Pixar, who knock it out of the park every time by creating endearing personalities that live on well beyond their theatrical life expectancy. Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 is only Disney’s third animated sequel in its history, but they’ve certainly made the right call with this one.

  • Review: ‘Creed II’ takes what worked and rejigs it for a dual sequel (Includes first-hand account)

    It took time and couple of not great movies for studio execs to realize audiences no longer desired narratives centred on Rocky Balboa. Watching a now much older Sylvester Stallone be pummelled in the ring by a young upstart is more sad than thrilling. Just because the actor is still physically fit enough to do the scenes doesn’t mean he should. Then they decided to reboot the franchise and give Rocky a more fitting role as the coach of a young a boxer with a connection to his past. Now, in Creed II, the past comes knocking and Donny feels an overwhelming need to answer.

  • Review: ‘Widows’ is an electrifying narrative grounded in the real world (Includes first-hand account)

    Heist movies have been known to come in all shapes and sizes. The amount of the plunder, the number of participants, the complexity of the plan and, more recently, the gender of the thieves are all variables with which storytellers have the freedom to play. There have been a number of similar plots rehashed in different ways over the years, but it’s always notable when something new is brought to a longstanding genre. Widows is that film, finding a unique narrative to share with audiences eager for something new.

  • Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ rambles onward (Includes first-hand account)

    There are certain worlds in which fans don’t mind spending all of their time. The opportunity to see elements for the first time, learn things one didn’t already know or realize, and simply hang out with beloved characters is appealing in itself. However, it’s not necessarily enough to maintain their attentions over long periods of time. Thus, sophisticated stories are required to fill the gaps and tie everything together so it’s not just a conveyor belt of things to look at. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is filled with amusements, but it needs a solid narrative accompaniment.

  • Review: ‘Boy Erased’ only has to tell its story to be affecting (Includes first-hand account)

    In spite of certain actions, behaviours and programs proving harmful, it’s been exceptionally difficult to eradicate them. Therefore, it’s become the work of the survivors to educate others about the negative effects and warn them away from these damaging elements. Of course, those who choose not to believe will never be convinced, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try — saving one is better than none at all. Gay conversion therapy is a prime example of a destructive system that is meant more for the people around the person enrolled than the person themselves, yet they continue to operate across the United States. Boy Erased is one man’s experience at such a camp.

  • Review: ‘The Grinch’ appreciates and builds up from its roots (Includes first-hand account)

    It seems like one of the simplest ways to capitalize on the holidays is recycle/reimagine a classic tale for a contemporary audience. Granted, many of the most beloved Christmas cartoons are more than half-a-century old — but their age doesn’t make them any less endearing or enjoyable. Nonetheless, there is an unexplainable and explicit need to remake these specials using modern techniques and padded storylines. The latest to get this treatment (for the second time) is Dr. Seuss’ own green grouch, who despises merry occasions and happy people. The Grinch is now a feature-length animation with some extra plot.

  • Review: ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ is a candy-coated venture (Includes first-hand account)

    There are Christmas traditions that are passed down through generations and even though they may not be unique to one family, they are observed annually because over the years they’ve come to have personal meaning. A film, a book, a recipe or a ritual, simple or complex, individually or as a group, there is no wrong way to celebrate. For some, the tale of the Nutcracker has taken on significance. Whether it’s watching a favourite version or reading the story, attending an annual performance or displaying the wooden figure, this creative fantasy is a holiday custom in many homes. Now, some may choose to add The Nutcracker and the Four Realms to the mix.

  • Review: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is all cheers, no tears (Includes first-hand account)

    Origin stories are so powerful — and not just for superheroes. Seeing where and how someone or something began in some ways removes a bit of the mystique; but it can also earn them respect, admiration and gratitude. People are naturally curious, particularly about things they feel close to, so they are keen to consume information and media related to the object at the centre of their fandom. In some ways, it bridges the gap and strengthens their connection to something that will always be out of reach. The aptly titled, Bohemian Rhapsody, is another way into the world of Queen.

  • Review: ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ needn’t ask to forgive anything (Includes first-hand account)

    There are certain narratives, which even though they are based on true stories, they are difficult to believe. Generally, these involve the gullibility of those around the protagonist as they are permitted to enact their scheme with little to no resistance. There are people who will continue to push the boundaries until they are firmly stopped; but until then, they will take advantage of any loophole they can uncover to skirt the rules and maintain their ruse. The puzzling thing is it’s almost never a malicious act but rather one of defiance or self-interest. In Can You Ever Forgive Me?, it’s a bit of both.

  • Review: ‘Halloween’ erases a franchise and has no regrets (Includes first-hand account)

    Sequel, prequel, remake, reboot, reimagining. All of these words mean the current rendition stems from something that came before it, which consequently means it’s not original — though it could have a unique approach. Styles and methods of making films in these categories widely differ as does their quality and acceptance. While there are likely too many of these pictures regularly hitting cinemas, some of them rise above the din by making a notable impression on audiences. Fortunately, the latest franchise installment, Halloween, does all the right things in all the right ways to climb out of October horror obscurity.

  • Review: ‘The Hate U Give’ is a vital picture in the cultural zeitgeist (Includes first-hand account)

    Stories about inner city life are often about gangs or rising above one’s class to be better; but it’s not often a narrative finds a way to combine these aspects and portray a more realistic depiction of people from these neighbourhoods where those things are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Everyone is a product of their environment, but that doesn’t mean they have to accept, abide by or sink down to its lowest expectations. The Hate U Give creates the acronym “THUG” and is about “thug life,” but not the derogatory definition that’s pervaded and is most often associated with these tales.