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Movies
Staff Picks
The Forgotten Woman
I was initially drawn to this film because of my love of a good documentary, and because of my East Indian heritage and fascination for all things Indian. This documentary however showed me a darker side of India’s society and traditions.
Director Dilip Mehta‚ brother of well known Indian director Deepa Mehta‚ was inspired by his sister's film Water‚ a movie that explored the plight of a widow in 1930’s India. This documentary film is a powerful portrait of the real widows living in India today (numbering some 45 million) who due to antiquated traditions and ignorance are discriminated against and in most cases forced to live in poverty.
Hauntingly melancholy music and striking cinematography frame the story of these marginalized women and the people who are actively trying to bring change through awareness‚ support and education.
- Michael Burgess‚ Creative Director
Southland
First off‚ you’re going to recognize some faces in this gritty L.A. cop drama. There’s Ben McKenzie (Ryan from The O.C.)‚ Regina King (24‚ Ray)‚ Tom Everett Scott (Law & Order‚ Sons of Anarchy)‚ and C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders - not very current‚ but one of my fave’s). Second‚ you’re going to realize this is unlike other police/cop drama you’ve seen. It’s more character driven than about police procedure and legalities. In fact‚ the well-developed characters are what will hold your attention (the good‚ the bad‚ AND the ugly). The LAPD are far from squeaky clean and the line between right and wrong is sometimes very blurry. Each character has their own story that is explored‚ which ultimately makes the show feel more real than others in its genre. The pace is quick‚ the mood is dark‚ and you won’t know what tragedy or unspeakable sight will be around the next corner. Southland is my pick. Monday nights at 10 ET on HD1/SC1.
- Kim Vanstone‚ Writer‚ Producer
Holly
This emotionally provocative film sheds a light on the very real problem of child sex trafficking in South East Asia. Set in Cambodia‚ the film details the story of Patrick (Ron Livingston)‚ an American drifter who attempts to save a young Vietnamese girl named Holly (Thuy Nguyen) who has been sold into the sex trade by her mother. Not for the faint of heart, Holly proves to be a dark and gut-wrenching near-documentary of one man’s attempts at making a difference.
- Brad Hunka‚ Supervising Editor
Moscow‚ Belgium
Sure‚ my Dutch roots made this movie extra recognizable for me‚ but I can honestly say that Moscow‚ Belgium has captured me in all its authenticity. Matty is a newly separated mother of three who has not exactly a whole lot going in her favour right now‚ and things seem to get even worse when she has a parking lot fender-bender. Little does she know though that this encounter with Johnny‚ which starts as a shouting match‚ will soon turn her life around. The story takes several tumultuous turns as the many relationships are played out between Matty and her admirer‚ her kids and her husband who left her for another woman. Moscow refers to the working class neighbourhood of the Flemish town of Ghent‚ and its industrial setting is very recognizable‚ no matter where you grew up. The actors are cast perfectly with the same no-frills credibility and stay true to their character throughout the movie. As a result very little background story is necessary to understand these characters. Matty’s stubbornness and Johnny’s bravado create an excellent on-screen chemistry that will make you soon forget that this movie is subtitled.
- Jelle Spijker‚ Broadcast Designer
Gunnin’ For That #1 Spot
Sports fans shouldn’t miss Gunnin’ For That #1 Spot‚ a documentary focusing on the “Elite 24” all-star basketball game held every September (in this case‚ 2006) in Harlem’s famous Rucker Park. The United States’ top twenty-four high-school basketball players are brought together for a chance to demonstrate their skills on the Rucker’s outdoor cement courts; while the whole neighbourhood‚ and more than a few college and NBA scouts‚ anxious to sign a deal with the latest‚ greatest‚ up-and-comer‚ looks on. This documentary‚ directed by Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys‚ featuring an excellent hip-hop soundtrack‚ offers a glimpse inside the lives of these exceptionally talented young athletes as they are being “courted” for careers in the NBA. How does the prospect of wealth and celebrity affect their relationships with friends and neighbours? How do they respond to the pressures of big business‚ and being thrust into the spotlight? This is real reality TV.
- Ronald H. Holmes‚ Broadcast Media Specialist
Justified
Watching Justified reminds me a lot of what Dirty Harry would have been like with Kentucky roots… no nonsense‚ the gun speaks for me style of law enforcement. Timothy Olyphant‚ best known for his role as Seth Bullock in Deadwood‚ is just such a lead character. A man of few words who “likes to shoot bad guys, but only if they draw first”. Sporting a Stetson‚ badge on his belt‚ cowboy boots and a holstered glock‚ Olyphant’s character U.S. Marshal Raylen Givens is the type of hero lawman we yearn for these days. When you watch the first scene of the pilot‚ you will know what I’m talking about and with Writer/Producer Graham Yost (The Pacific‚ Band of Brothers‚ From the Earth to the Moon) as the show’s Executive Producer‚ you can be assured that Justified will be a series that will have superior writing‚ characters‚ action and excitement. It’s a must see!
- Todd Page‚ Writer/Producer
Music Within
Music Within is one of those movies that catches you a little by surprise. You’re expecting another run-of-the-mill biopic; instead you’re met with a story about a man, Richard Pimental, who not only meets adversity head-on, but goes far beyond in the service of people who experience discrimination because of the way they look, sound or act. An inspiring and entertaining film.
- Michael Burgess, Creative Director
The Inbetweeners
I just watched the first episode of this series and I have to say it’s going to be one of my favourites. It’s a comedy from Britain, which means the humour is pretty different from anything produced in North America; very witty, satirical, and even slightly offensive (in the good way of course). We Canadians understand and appreciate this brand of hilarity. The series follows four students through 6th form college, as they try their hardest to get popular, get larger, and get the girls. Absurd, uncomfortable, and completely entertaining — The Inbetweeners is my pick.
- Kim Vanstone, Writer/Producer
Sons of Anarchy
After watching Sons of Anarchy’s amazing Season 1 ending, I wondered if Season 2 could top it and guess what…it did and then some! This show pulls me in at every twist and turn, bringing more grit and realism to each episode. Season 2 also develops more of the secondary characters which completes the show as we follow the intimate lives of the entire SOA cast. What fans will feast on this season is the clash at the top between Jax and Clay and the tension in the club after the death of Opie’s wife in Season 1. The acting continues to be superb with industry veterans Ron Pearlman (Hell Boy), Katey Sagal (Married with Children) and young stars Maggie Siff (Mad Men) and Charlie Hunnam (Undeclared) leading the way. If you love intense action, Harley’s, sex and violence, then Sons of Anarchy‘s Season 2 will rev you up full throttle. Bring on Season 3!
-Todd Page, Writer/Producer