Heather Ibbott
Micmacs
2009 (Jean-Pierre Jeunet) 14A, 105 min
Starring: André Dussollier, Dany Boon, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Nicolas Marié
French with English Subtitles
Jean Paul Jeunet’s latest film Micmacs tells the quirky, imaginative story of Bazil, a video store clerk, whose life has been seriously upended by weapons of war not once, but twice in his life. Orphaned as young boy when a landmine killed his father, the adult Bazil is shot in the head by a stray bullet as he is leaving his store. Alive but homeless, having lost his job and his apartment, Bazil is taken in by a unique crew of oddly talented individuals. Together, they create a world that gives place and purpose to the special skills that make them freaks in the outside world. When chance reveals to Bazil the location of the two weapons manufacturers responsible for the pain in his life, he and his newfound family concoct a complex and wildly creative plan for revenge. Intoxicating to the eye, this movie is so inventive, dazzling, and enjoyable that you are bound to leave the theatre feeling like you’ve been visually tickled and wishing there was more.
-Heather IbbottWatch the Trailer
Babies
2010 (Thomas Balmes) PG, 79 min
in English, French, Japanese, Mongolian with English subtitles
Without dialogue or narration, Babies, a surprisingly engrossing film, follows four babies from culturally different parts of the world as they journey from birth to first steps. The stars of the film are: Ponijao, from Namibia, a happy little fellow who’s learning how to get along with others; Bayarjargal, from Mongolia, who’s a most curious and mischievous little boy; Mari from Tokyo who shows her frustration at a new toy in a most adorable way; and Hattie from the United States, who doesn’t seem to think much of her parent/tot drop-in program. All the various domesticated animals, including cats, goats and cows, deserve supporting actor credit, helping these little stars shine as they learn life’s lessons along their at once unique and universal journeys. Throw out your expensive ‘how to’ books- this movie is a simple and joyous reminder of how basic and natural child rearing really is.
-Heather IbbottWatch the Trailer
Greenberg
2010 (Noah Baumbach) 18A, 106 min
Starring: Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig, Rhys Ifans
Expect to be irritated, frustrated and annoyed by Roger Greenberg (Stiller). He is, after all, a misanthropic character just released from a psychiatric ward following a failed suicide. A man who, as his psychiatrist points out, can never enjoy the present moment as he is too busy regretting what he may have missed out in the past. He sabotages the opportunities in his own life and disparages the efforts his friends make in their own lives. And yet, it’s hard to deny that there is a little bit of Roger Greenberg in all of us. A character study in the extreme, there isn’t much plot in Greenberg, except for his heroic efforts to prove his reliability by saving his brother’s dog, and a turbulent romantic relationship with his brother’s young assistant Florence. Greta Gerwig’s wonderful portrayal of Florence, an aimless yet optimistic college grad, provides the lighter, more colorful brush strokes to Greenberg’s gloomy character. Fans of writer/director Noah Baumbach should find lots to sink their teeth into in Greenberg, but don’t expect to like the guy!
-Heather IbbottWatch the Trailer
Alice in Wonderland
2010 (Tim Burton) PG, 108 min
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carte, Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska
Alice in Wonderland is Tim Burton’s whimsical take on Lewis Carroll’s beloved books.
Described as a kind of sequel, it is the story of 19-year-old Alice, who has long since forgotten her previous exploits in Wonderland and is facing an unwanted marriage proposal. Taking a moment to ponder her choices, she finds herself chasing a familiar white rabbit down a hole. Tim Burton’s Wonderland is a colourful and often visually striking world filled with fantastical creatures and quirky characters, while provides young girls in the audience with a wonderful role model. Showing remarkable courage in negotiating unfamiliar experiences, Alice builds bridges with her enemies, faces her own fears to make a better world, and in the end picks a life of her own choosing over an arranged marriage. A visually stunning coming of age film!
Watch the Trailer
