On Screen

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

  • Review: ‘Don’t Breathe’ holds on until the very end(s) (Includes first-hand account)

    There’s no such thing as the perfect crime; there’s always unexpected variables that require alterations or improvisation, and sometimes these surprises are enough to derail the whole operation. Murphy’s Law states that something can and will go wrong in even the best laid plans — the question becomes one of the final outcome. In Don’t Breathe, a group of amateur thieves discover their victim is a bigger problem than the police in even their worst case scenario.

  • Review: ‘Hell or High Water’ blends tradition with contemporary drama (Includes first-hand account)

    No matter what people say, sometimes defining right and wrong is a tricky business. The differences aren’t as clear as black and white nearly as much as people would like. Moreover, the answers can change depending on who you ask and/or on what side of the debate their interests lie. What one person may view as an offense, the other sees as justified retribution. But these gray areas are often the most interesting to explore, particularly in the realm of fiction. In Hell or High Water, the main characters definitely have a difference of opinion when it comes to the legitimacy of their actions.

  • Review: Can’t take your eyes off ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (Includes first-hand account)

    Storytelling has taken many forms over time. While many now rely on movies and TV to deliver their narratives, before that books were key sources of entertainment. But even before the inventions of ink and paper that allowed for any of these tales to be recorded, they were passed on through word-of-mouth. Sharing ancient stories between generations was a favoured pastime and encouraged everyone to use their imaginations. With a touch of magic, Kubo and the Two Strings revives this tradition in Laika‘s latest stop-motion animated film.

  • Review: ‘Sausage Party’ doesn’t know the meaning of taboo (Includes first-hand account)

    While carnivores are aware the meat they consume was once a living creature, in most cases it’s safe to assume they’re no longer alive once meal preparation begins (save for shellfish, poor things). However, this is not even a question with most other products available at the supermarket, such as produce, baked goods and especially manufactured items. These things never had a conscience and therefore are unaware of their fates as consumables… but what if they were cognisant? Sausage Party explores the horror they’d experience if they discovered the true fates of the chosen.

  • Review: ‘Lights Out’ is scary in all the right places (Includes first-hand account)

    It’s not the actual darkness that frightens most people, but whatever danger may be lurking in the black void that they can’t see – and therefore can’t effectively defend against. Whether real or supernatural, we’re taught from an early age to be cautious of things that go bump in the night. Moreover the ancient dichotomy of light and dark is ingrained in our consciousness, inherently teaching that one is good and the other bad. Horror movies often exist in the shadows, taking advantage of these impulses and the lack of visibility to tell scary stories. Lights Out is one of the best concepts to leverage these fears in cinema.

  • Review: New ‘Ghostbusters’ makes us feel good (Includes first-hand account)

    The leading issue with pre-determined notions regarding a yet-to-be-released movie is that they’re generally unfounded, even if not always disproven. Most people are aware that promotional campaigns, particularly trailers, can do a great disservice to otherwise likeable and/or respectable films. And while a distaste for remakes that don’t add anything meaningful to the conversation is warranted, there are exceptions to the anti-remake position. One of the most notable is when a studio and/or filmmaker is eager to deliver a new perspective on a classic narrative, rather than simply rehashing what was done before. Paul Feig‘s Ghostbusters is that exceptional movie.

  • Review: ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’ gives the gift of laughter (Includes first-hand account)

    Infantile men have often been a source of comedy as their inability to grow up and assume responsibility for their lives provides a wealth of opportunity to make fun of them. Calling it “Peter Pan syndrome” makes it sound a little more whimsical, but the results are the same. In the case of the movies, adult men get into an array of outrageous situations before finally realizing their adolescent behaviour is no longer acceptable. Thus we have the premise of Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.

  • Review: ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ is the realization of our pet dreams (Includes first-hand account)

    As much as animal lovers like to imagine what the inarticulate creatures are thinking, owners enjoy imagining what their pets do in their absence. Even though most know the truth is as exciting as a really long nap, it’s more fun to envision them living a clandestine second life that will forever remain a secret from the human race. In this latest animated feature, creators take these ideas even further by fashioning a world in which animals communicate between species and have regular gatherings to pass the time. The Secret Life of Pets is a glimpse into this surreptitious realm.

  • Review: ‘Weiner’ is an intimate portrait of a man who defies privacy (Includes first-hand account)

    There are certain jobs that inherently put people in the public eye. However, this can be a double-edged sword as both their virtues and mistakes are widely scrutinized by the world at large. The latter deeds are obviously the more troublesome as what would often be a private matter is splashed across the front page. For the inconveniently named former congressman Anthony Weiner, his poor judgement would repeatedly impact his personal and professional life. The aptly titled documentary, Weiner, chronicles how the crisis was managed behind the scenes.

  • Review: ‘Swiss Army Man’ is the solution to run-of-the-mill comedies (Includes first-hand account)

    Narratives that are wholly conflicting are a rarity. To know something was enjoyable, but not whether you really liked it or not is a strange and challenging position in which to find oneself. It requires further consideration and analysis, constantly running the risk of over-thinking the film and ruining the possibility of deciding in its favour. But in the case of Swiss Army Man, it almost demands audiences examine its multiple layers and like it because of the many things it offers.

  • Review: ‘The Neon Demon’ is a spellbinding creature (Includes first-hand account)

    In a sea of basic conformity and rehashed storylines, auteurs stand out more than ever. When a particular name is attached to a film, audiences know they can expect something outside the box — a specific style and feel that will likely be as contentious as their previous works, since anything with a resounding voice laid throughout tends to split people’s opinions one way or the other. Even though this is only Nicolas Winding Refn‘s third theatrical release since the writer/director made a splash with Drive, he’s already been established as a director with a unique approach to filmmaking. Once again applying his signature to a fresh narrative, The Neon Demon is a stunning picture that definitely exhibits new influences.

  • Review: ‘Raiders!’ doc leaves audiences wanting more (Includes first-hand account)

    It’s said imitation is the best form of flattery and for years admirers have taken this sentiment to heart. Fan fiction and art exist in abundance as enthusiasts try to reproduce and/or extrapolate their favourite stories and characters. Via the increased accessibility of home video, their devotion found a new outlet. While most aficionados settled for recreating a beloved scene, there was a group of kids from Mississippi determined to produce a shot-for-shot remake of their favourite new adventure. Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made is their tale as they attempt to complete the picture decades later.