On Screen

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

  • Review: ‘Paddington’ movie is sweeter than marmalade (Includes first-hand account)

    Many adults are seeing their childhood favourites reimagined on the big screen, though it’s not always everything for which they could have hoped. In some (many) cases, the spirit of the source material is lost and the end result is a hideous, mutant incarnation of the original — or at least that’s what it feels like. But there are other times when the new version is the perfect embodiment of everything that was wonderful about the original, seamlessly transferring it from the page or small screen to a new cinematic landscape. Admirers and those with fond memories of the well-meaning bear will be happy to know Paddington falls squarely in the latter category.

  • Review: ‘Two Days, One Night’ is an inspiring one-woman tour de force (Includes first-hand account)

    Job security is practically an oxymoron in today’s economy. Companies are still filing for bankruptcy with alarming frequency and downsizing or “reorganizing” is a common cost-cutting strategy. Taking extended leave for any reason can be frightening as it gives the employer the opportunity to realize they can operate at full capacity without you. Unfortunately that is the case in Two Days, One Night as one woman tries to overturn her dismissal.

  • Review: ‘Taken 3’ closes the series with a thud, not a bang (Includes first-hand account)

    Seven years ago, Bryan Mills’ daughter was Taken while vacationing in Europe. He, with the help of his retired special forces buddies, tracked down the human traffickers, murdering them and freeing her. Something similar happened in 2012 involving his wife, comprising an equally action-packed sequel. Now in Taken 3, Bryan is the target and his family are the weapons being used to inflict maximum pain.