On Screen

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

  • Review: ‘Steve Jobs—The Man in the Machine’ penetrates below the surface (Includes first-hand account)

    The path to success is not generally without obstacles, but a person’s manner of dealing with these complications is a good indication of their character. If they exhibit callousness early in their career, there’s little hope their disposition will improve over time; rather it’s more likely that insensitivity will grow in parallel with their accomplishments since it appears to be a verified means to the desired end. The key, however, is to conceal any unpleasant behaviour behind the guise of a liked and respected façade. Documentarian Alex Gibney examines one of the world’s most successful and possibly most misunderstood figures in Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine.

  • Review: ‘Fort Tilden’ is shameless in its humorous portrayal of ignorance (Includes first-hand account)

    Living in New York and doing nothing or close to it seems to be a rite of passage for some twenty-somethings. They use their copious amounts of free time to form worldly philosophies from the rooftops and patios of cheap cafés; make impractical plans for inconceivable affairs that they forget moments later; and cling to dream jobs that will eventually land on their doorsteps while they mock any opportunity that doesn’t fit the mold. Frivolity as a life choice is as unproductive as it is entertaining to observe. Case in point: Fort Tilden.

  • Review: ‘Mistress America’ wears its crown proudly (Includes first-hand account)

    Divorce is a recurring subject in fiction. Even though it’s no longer true that 50 per cent of marriages fail, it was at some point. However re-marriage and the blending of families is portrayed less often, unless in the form of a family-friendly comedy. Being an adult suddenly connected to another adult because of a choice made by your parents is a strange proposition; though it could also be an exciting opportunity to bond with someone who you otherwise would never have met. Both are true in Mistress America, which features a whirlwind sisterhood.

  • Review: ‘Final Girl’ values visual style over character development (Includes first-hand account)

    In the ‘80s, it became apparent that characters that committed certain sins in slasher films — sex, drugs, alcohol — were destined to literally get the axe. These signs of imminent death gradually evolved into rules for surviving a horror movie, as so eloquently expressed in Wes Craven’s self-referential slasher Scream. But in addition to the killer’s practices, another convention emerged — the sole survivor or hero of these bloody rampages was almost always a young woman. She became known as the “final girl” and a symbol of female strength (though there were definitely some issues with her construction). Now a movie has taken the title and used it to turn the tables on the attackers in Final Girl.

  • Review: Robin Williams moves and inspires in his last role in ‘Boulevard’ (Includes interview)

    Just days after the one-year anniversary of his passing, one of Robin Williams‘ most moving performances will be going to theatres. His last year was a busy one with four titles slated for release, this being the last to reach audiences. Williams built his career on being a reliable funny man, but he was equally effective in more serious roles. While some parts required a mix of his comedic and dramatic talents, others were much more sombre and meant to rouse rather than amuse audiences. Boulevard is the touching tale of a man who’s lived a lie most of his life.

  • Review: ‘Straight Outta Compton’ isn’t as controversial as the group was (Includes first-hand account)

    The content of a biopic can be projected based on who is involved in its creation. Certain filmmakers are known for delivering uncensored, controversial portrayals of celebrated figures. However if the subject(s) of the film are still alive and specifically if they are credited with some aspect of the movie’s production, it’s expected that they also had a hand in the direction of the story; therefore, it’s unlikely the picture will be contentious or considered an exposé. Straight Outta Compton chronicles the rise and fall of 80s rap group N.W.A. and is produced by two of its surviving members.

  • Review: ‘Return to Sender’ shows rape-revenge movies can be subtle (Includes first-hand account)

    Trauma affects people in a variety of ways. There is no escaping its memory, but how it manifests for each individual can vary. For some it’s crippling, perpetual fear; for others it’s strength, anger… vengeance. Closure also comes in many forms; some peaceful, others less so. Many films have centred on the aftermath of a painful experience with contrasting paths and results. The latest is Return to Sender, which follows one woman’s recovery after a vicious attack.

  • Review: ‘Steak (R)evolution’ offers disorganized enlightenment (Includes first-hand account)

    There is a growing desire to know where one’s food comes from and how it’s cultivated. Various documentaries and investigative news articles have highlighted concerns regarding processed foods, farming systems and countless other practices that could affect people’s health and eating habits. While there’s undoubtedly some fear mongering associated with many of these topics, the concept of being more conscious of what goes into your body is a sound one. But the other factor that probably receives attention equal to nutritional value is quality, which is the subject of the majority of other films. Steak (R)evolution travels the world in search of the best tasting cow.

  • Review: ‘Dark Places’ is an evocative well of deceit and despair

    Childhood trauma is often accompanied by deep regret. Moving forward is difficult, but one way is to accept what happened and in some cases, convince yourself you did everything that was in your power at the time. Revisiting those long past events, whatever the cause, can be as upsetting as the original incident — or it can reveal hidden truths that provide a new perspective on the affair, which were never considered or purposely concealed. Dark Places centres on such a mystery in which hindsight makes all the difference.

  • Review: Meryl Streep is dazzling in ‘Ricki and the Flash’ (Includes first-hand account)

    Children are regularly told they can be anything they want; that their dreams are obtainable. No one ever mentions that life doesn’t always go as planned and can get in the way of achieving your goals. Or that ambitions change and life choices with them. It’s not easy and there’s always sacrifices to be made, but those are the decisions everyone must make for themselves. In Ricki and the Flash, a woman chose the less beaten path and is now hoping it can reconnect to the original.

  • Review: Best to watch ‘Bite’ on an empty stomach (Includes first-hand account)

    There are so many things that could go wrong on a vacation, it’s impossible to prepare against everything. But returning home is generally supposed to bring a sigh of relief. Even though it means coming back to the everyday stresses of life, the familiarity of these issues is a comfort. But the bliss of resuming a daily routine can be shattered by the lingering repercussions of any holiday mishaps. In Bite, those consequences are both emotional and physical, and well beyond anything for which anyone could have planned.

  • Review: ‘Shaun the Sheep the Movie’ doesn’t need to say a thing (Includes first-hand account)

    Just because a select group of companies have a monopoly on something doesn’t mean there isn’t an alternative provider offering a quality product in the same field — it’s just more difficult for their voices to be heard over the din. When it comes to animated movies, there are three studios that are likely first-of-mind and Aardman Animations is not one of them. Yet the British company has produced quality, award-winning entertainment for decades, most notably creating the lovable duo Wallace and Gromit. The company is once again entering feature-length territory with another popular character in Shaun the Sheep the Movie.