On Screen

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

  • 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.

  • Review: ‘First Man’ puts audiences in the front seat for the moon landing (Includes first-hand account)

    To make history is to be forever immortalized and even though there are sometimes countless people who contribute to the ground-breaking feat, only one or two names are often remembered. Most things are accomplished on the successes and sacrifices of others, but the only story that seems to matter is that of the victorious. Yet, even then, the final act may be recounted in detail while everything that led to it remains in darkness. First Man chronicles Neil Armstrong‘s revolutionary moon mission, but it begins its tale well before the launch.

  • Review: ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ will shock its spellbound audience (Includes first-hand account)

    There are many types of venues that gather strangers into a single spot, each with their own stories that briefly intersect for this comparatively brief and forgettable period of time. Whether they’re attending for food, lodging, business, entertainment or some combination, the reason for congregating can also be inconsequential and just a matter of necessity or obligation. But occasionally something extraordinary (or extraordinarily horrific) occurs that forever links these people to each other, intertwining their narratives in a manner no one expected when they crossed the threshold. This is what happens when patrons check-in in for Bad Times at the El Royale.

  • Review: ‘The Sisters Brothers’ doesn’t try to abide by tradition (Includes first-hand account)

    While the Western’s heyday may have passed, there is no shortage of new entries to the genre, especially of late. The narratives in the category allow for interesting explorations of race and class, as well as greed and justice. The era of gunslingers and gold diggers invites any number of conversations of right and wrong, good people and bad… and what’s right may not always be good, and vice versa. Legends were created as their feats were immortalized in the written word and fame became a goal rather than an abstract idea. This is the world in which The Sisters Brothers unfolds.

  • Review: ‘A Star is Born’ plays an unanticipated melody (Includes first-hand account)

    This film has been remade multiple times, in different languages and has generally featured compelling actors in the leading roles. This tale of discovery, stardom and disappointment is timeless, and each rendition is enriched by the individuals’ interpretation of the role. The other pivotal element of the picture is the soundtrack, which drives the relationship at the centre of the narrative. It requires performers with range as they must convey deep emotional connections as well as sing. The film being described is none other than A Star is Born.

  • Review: The best reason to have a ‘Bad Reputation’ (Includes first-hand account)

    One of the great things about film in recent years is their increased (and somewhat begrudging) willingness to tell female stories. In some cases, it’s hard to believe they weren’t told before and in others it’s easy to see they couldn’t have been told correctly until now. But as others have said, seeing oneself on-screen is a powerful thing and women at the forefront have been grossly underrepresented in spite of comprising half the world’s population. That, of course, doesn’t mean they haven’t been doing great things — just that no one was sharing them with the masses. In Bad Reputation, audiences learn about Joan Jett‘s barrier-smashing music career.

  • Review: ‘Fahrenheit 11/9’ tells it how it is as only Michael Moore can (Includes first-hand account)

    There are people who are not inclined to seek out information about politics, social issues or the world at large, but they are more likely to consume this material if it’s presented in the form of entertainment. A movie, documentary, late-night talk show or news satire television program is a digestible source of intelligence that’s able to summarize from a vast array of sources. Of course, that’s not to say those delivering these communications don’t have their own agenda or biases, but it is still a way to ensure people receive information and hopefully take steps to draw informed conclusions. Filmmaker Michael Moore is one of the most prolific producers of issue-based documentaries for the masses and his latest picture is Fahrenheit 11/9 (not to be confused with the previous release, Fahrenheit 9/11).

  • Review: ‘The Wife’ will not play second-fiddle to anyone ever again (Includes first-hand account)

    “Behind every successful man, there is a woman.” This popular saying may sound complimentary, but it actually speaks to the systemic oppression that relegated an entire gender to the background. It suggests women are best suited in a supportive role that encourages a man’s career rather than embark on one of her own. It’s not surprising the saying was popularized more than half a century ago, when it was expected a woman’s primary life goals were marriage and motherhood regardless of what skills or potential she might possess; and those who went against the grain would forever be considered “uncouth.” It is this environment that informs the story of The Wife.