Skip to main content
Home Header image

That Shelf

  • FILM
  • TV
  • GAMES
  • PODCASTS
  • LISTS

Now in Theatres: 6/22/14

Avatar by  That Shelf Staff  |  June 22, 2014, 4:56 pm

Hi guys. Sorry things have been quiet on the film front for the past couple of weeks. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll explain as briefly as possible. First, my computer and my external hard drive got completely fried and it took over two weeks to fix it. Sadly, anyone that I could have turned to for assistance in this matter was either out of town or working on other projects. On top of that, I had other work to do – having just finished writing a book that will come out later this year, but more on that at a later date – and with no back up or anyone else to assign to stuff, we are super behind in our film coverage. Anything that was posted over the past couple of weeks were things I was either able to finish in a very short amount of time on a borrowed computer or things that I had already completed in advance.

The good news: everything seems to be back on track. Apologies for any major releases we might have missed (which really means only All Cheerleaders Die, which rightfully came and went quietly because it wasn’t very good the first time I watched it), but here are some brief reviews of the past several weeks of releases for you to catch up on. Next week, everything should be back to normal.

1200290 - THINK LIKE A MAN TOO

Think Like a Man Too

There seems to be no stopping the Kevin Hart juggernaut these days, and with his favourite collaborator and director Tim Story on board, the diminutive and hyperactive comic seems to be staking a claim to become the next Adam Sandler. This Vegas set sequel to the 2012 ensemble comedy hit (based on the writings of stand up comic and talk/game show host Steve Harvey) offers Hart more of a chance to shine, pushing him front and centre, often to the film’s detriment.

Advertisements

It’s not that Hart isn’t funny when he’s on screen, but the film goes out of its way to very awkwardly give him a ton of obvious and over the top narration that isn’t necessary since it just explains everything that the audience can already see on screen.

But take the narration out of the equation, and Think Like a Man Too is a great bit of summertime lowbrow fun. It’s certainly not aiming high, the jokes are easy, and the whole thing feels like a less douchy kind of Hangover or Bridesmaids flick as the crew from the first film heads to Vegas for a friend’s wedding (while also suspiciously aping Detroit Rock City of all things), but at least there’s a consistency that suggests Story and his cast know exactly what the audience wants and expects.

It’s an unabashed crowd pleaser with no delusions of grandeur that gives the men just as many chances to act as foolish as the women. It’s easy going down, a lot of fun in parts, and despite most of the characters either being interchangeable or underdeveloped, it’s easy to see why it has become such a success this weekend. It’s a safe bet, but one that largely pays off and honestly the most satisfying comedy of the summer thus far. Now that’s a bet I never would have taken.

JERSEY BOYS

Jersey Boys

Advertisements

Clint Eastwood takes on the story of the formation of the 1960s troubadour group The Four Seasons with mixed results in this okay, if somewhat somnambulant porting of the titular Broadway musical to the big screen.

There’s nothing on display here that doesn’t conform to standard rock and roll biopic tropes. There’s the rise, the fall, the falling out, the understanding, the shady aspect of the business. You can almost guess every single thing that’s going to happen even if you’ve never heard of The Four Seasons.

Clint seems constrained here by the film’s standardized structure, and with the exception of roaring to life briefly thanks to some great musical numbers and a few decent performances, particularly from John Lloyd Young’s depiction of Frankie Valli and Vincent Piazza’s Tommy DeVito, the film feels like being stuck in a RV on a desert highway that’s been put on cruise control for 142 minutes. It’s not a bad film, but it’s one that’s so blandly competent that there isn’t much in either direction to say about it positively or negatively, making it the most disappointing entry in Eastwood’s late career renaissance. The tunes have some heart, but the movie doesn’t have much to offer other than that. And the less said about the bafflingly histrionic final third, the better.

 

Ill follow you down

I’ll Follow You Down

Advertisements

Canadian filmmaker Richie Mehta returns to his sci-fi roots with this amusing, if somewhat slight family drama about abandonment and the ethics of time travel. Focusing on a young university student (Haley Joel Osment) who discovers his absentee dad (Rufus Sewell) actually found a way to make time travel work only to get stuck in the past and killed, Mehta wisely doesn’t focus on the sometimes wibbly-wobbly-timey-wimey aspects of his film’s core conceit, but instead asks deeper questions about fate and the choices people make to alter their lives. In truth, the highest compliment that could be paid to his work here is that Mehta could have entirely excised the time travel aspects all together and the film would have made perfect sense, but as a genre twist it adds a pretty killer hook. He also gets great supporting turns from Gillian Anderson and Victor Garber as Osment’s addled mother and concerned grandfather, respectively. The film starts to unravel a bit once the actual time travelling has to take centre stage, but that’s largely relegated to the final 15 minutes and it doesn’t negatively impact the film’s ultimate emotional and narrative goals.

 

Uvanga

Uvanga

Canadian filmmakers Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Ivalu follow up their award winning 2008 film Before Tomorrow with this much more deliberately paced and cerebral look at a family cracking at the seams in the secluded Nunavut community of Igloolik.

Not long after the death of his father, Montreal teenager Tomas (Lukasi Forrest) is brought North by his white, teacher mother (Marianne Farley) to take stock of their lives in the Inuit community where he was conceived.

Advertisements

Until the final third there isn’t a heck of a lot of fence swinging drama going on, but the culture shock Tomas and his mother are experiencing seems real, unforced, and deeply empathetic. They’re both on a search for answers of some kind, but neither can really understand the questions, leading to sometimes rocky interactions with their extended family. Cousineau and Ivalu shoot the film exquisitely and they never hammer home the obviousness of the narrative, making for an effectively low key character study instead of an Inuit porting of the early 80s melodrama the film’s script suggests.

 

How to Train Your Dragon 2

How to Train Your Dragon 2

An equal in every way to the original 2010 animated megahit, this continuation in the adventures of a young Viking named Hiccup (voiced perfectly by Jay Baruchel) and his loving dragon Toothless feels like more of a conscious effort to mount a flourishing franchise this time out. But the remarkable visual splendor and a real effort to give the characters a lot more depth and heart make this one go the extra mile.

Sure, the actual plot involving a rival dragon trainer who wants to use all the dragons of the land for evil purposes (menacingly performed by Djimon Hounsu) has some wonky set up that can be surmised in a single sentence, but it’s enough to create a much larger visual and emotional world. Within seconds of starting, this effort shows that absolutely none of the magic that made the original such a disarming delight has disappeared. With this entry, the series moves from just being a good idea to a potentially vital movie franchise. It has grand ambition, and one hopes that this film will be successful enough for it to continue along those same lines.

Advertisements

THE IMMIGRANT

The Immigrant

Thankfully still showing in theatres and expanding to new markets despite not getting a chance to talk about it when it came out a couple of weeks ago, this latest effort from American auteur James Gray follows in the footsteps of his previous films that showed the intersection of crime and the pursuit of the American dream, but this one becomes his most beautiful and literal to date.

Using the historical backdrop of New York City in the early 1920s to show a culture in a constantly uneasy state of flux, The Immigrant follows a Polish Jew with an unearned bad reputation (played by Marion Cotillard) as she tries everything in her power to keep from getting deported and to help free her sister from the Ellis Island infirmary. She falls in with a kindly local pimp (Joaquin Phoenix) that loves her, but that she has no interest in, and becomes a pawn in his sibling rivalry with his crappy, but kind hearted magician brother (Jeremy Renner).

Gray shoots and directs like he’s trying to make the Academy Award winning best picture of 1984, which I mean as a high compliment. Literally no one makes historical dramas this way anymore, and everything being attempted here from the loose plotting with almost episodic asides to a complete lack of empathetic characters hits like a breath of fresh air. This might be Gray’s best constructed film to date, and one that takes what might have been lesser archetypes in unskilled hands and makes them into a riveting and well acted drama. It’s one of the best films of the year.

 

The Double

The Double

Speaking of films that will pop up once again on my year end best list, actor and filmmaker Richard Ayoade’s doppelganger comedy is unlike anything I’ve seen since David Lynch, Terry Gilliam, and Jacques Tati were all in their prime. It’s a playfully bizarre and dizzyingly funny tale of personal identity that also features leading man Jesse Eisenberg’s best performance to date.

A largely uninteresting and unremarkable corporate drone who works for the government in the somewhat distant, almost Eastern European looking future finds his life gradually being taken over by the arrival of a man who looks and sounds his equal, but who actually has low morals and a personality that can actually make a difference to the people around him.

A thoughtful Dostoevsky adaptation with a lot of cutting jabs at conformity and how people can misread bravado as being something exceptional, Ayoade makes a quantum leap in filmmaking prowess from his previous effort, Submarine. It’s all very silly and frightening, but it’s also impeccably mounted and singularly unique. You absolutely won’t see anything like this in this or any other year at the cinema. It has the ability to become a future classic.

The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne

Oh, and if you are looking for my take on the pretty great documentary The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne (which is the one new release at The Bloor this weekend), check out my review from NOW Magazine and an interview I did with co-director Matthew Pond from last year’s Hot Docs festival.

0 0 vote
Article Rating
film • How to Train Your Dragon 2 • I'll Follow You Down • Jersey Boys • reviews • The Double • The Immigrant • The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne • Think Like a Man Too • Uvanga
« Previous Article
Next Article »


Comments

Subscribe
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Please login to comment
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Advertisement



Advertisement


FROM AROUND THE WEB

Advertisement

  • Advertisement

  • Twitter – @thatshelf

    MorganScorpionJulia Morgan@MorganScorpion·

    @ThatShelf Suspiria.
    Inferno.

    Argento!

    Reply on Twitter 1365842021240471559Retweet on Twitter 13658420212404715591Like on Twitter 13658420212404715591Twitter 1365842021240471559
    filmfest_caJason Gorber@filmfest_ca·

    I'm still holding Michael Shannon to his promise to help host my dream public screening of these back-to-back https://twitter.com/ThatShelf/status/1365838943367929856

    That Shelf@ThatShelf

    Your perfect double movie bill....go.

    Reply on Twitter 1365840511697891328Retweet on Twitter 13658405116978913281Like on Twitter 13658405116978913287Twitter 1365840511697891328
    marcelocordovaMarcelo Córdova@marcelocordova·

    https://twitter.com/ThatShelf/status/1365838943367929856

    That Shelf@ThatShelf

    Your perfect double movie bill....go.

    Reply on Twitter 1365840207770230784Retweet on Twitter 13658402077702307841Like on Twitter 13658402077702307842Twitter 1365840207770230784
    Load More...
  • Advertisement

  • Popular Posts

  • Top Posts & Pages

    • When Does Season 3 Of Barry Start?
      When Does Season 3 Of Barry Start?
    • Horoscopics: The Top 10 Pisces Season Movies
      Horoscopics: The Top 10 Pisces Season Movies
    • Awards Shelf: Golden Globe Picks and Predictions
      Awards Shelf: Golden Globe Picks and Predictions
    • From Right to Left: Ranking the Politics of Superheroes
      From Right to Left: Ranking the Politics of Superheroes
    • Lazarus Trailer: A Superpowered Hero Rises from the Darkness
      Lazarus Trailer: A Superpowered Hero Rises from the Darkness
    • The United States vs. Billie Holiday Review: Lady Day
      The United States vs. Billie Holiday Review: Lady Day
    • 10 Pop Culture References from Ready Player One That You May Have Missed (SPOILERS)
      10 Pop Culture References from Ready Player One That You May Have Missed (SPOILERS)
    • Star Trek: Discovery's Depiction of Captain Pike's Disability is a Betrayal of Roddenberry's Utopian Vision
      Star Trek: Discovery's Depiction of Captain Pike's Disability is a Betrayal of Roddenberry's Utopian Vision
  • Instagram
    @thatshelf

  • Our staff picks and predictions for this weekend’s #GoldenGlobes -head to the link in our bio! Do you agree with our choices? Who are you cheering for on Sunday?
#awardsrace #awardsseason #2021goldenglobes #goldenglobes2021
    Choose life. Danny Boyle’s iconic movie #Trainsp Choose life. Danny Boyle’s iconic movie #Trainspotting premiered on this day 25 years ago. A day which just happens to be #kellymacdonald’s birthday. Which iconic scene has stuck with you?
#ewanmcgregor #dannyboyle #renton #sickboy #begbie #robertcarlyle #ewanbremner #jonnyleemiller #kevinmckidd #spud #diane #movieanniversary #1996 #chooselife
    On this quarantine-y Valentine's Day, take a break On this quarantine-y Valentine's Day, take a break from your screen and indulge with our curated playlist of cinematic love songs. And yes, Jareth/David Bowie from Labyrinth is in here...we’re not monsters. Listen at the link in our bio!
#playlists #spotify #spotifyplaylist #valentines #valentinesday #romance #movieromance #film
    Opening in (some) theatres tomorrow, LAND marks a Opening in (some) theatres tomorrow, LAND marks a confident feature debut for Robin Wright. Read @mullenpat’s full review at the link in our bio!
#sundance2021 #sundance #robinwright #directorialdebut #film #movies
    Loki and Killmonger share a birthday? That seems f Loki and Killmonger share a birthday? That seems fitting. Happy 40th to Tom Hiddleston and happy 34th to Michael B. Jordan! Aside from their Marvel roles, which are your favourite from each?
#tomhiddleston #michaelbjordan #birthdays #mcu #marvelactors
    Iconic Oscar-winner Christopher Plummer has passed Iconic Oscar-winner Christopher Plummer has passed away at 91. The Canadian actor dominated stage and screen for decades, and succeeded in becoming a true legend in both. So long and farewell, good sir. We take a look at 10 of his most essential films at the link in our bio.
    The 2021 #GoldenGlobes nominees have been announce The 2021 #GoldenGlobes nominees have been announced! Head to the link in our bio for the full list. What do you think of this year’s batch?
#awardseason #goldenglobes2021 #promisingyoungwoman #onenightinmiami #soul #thequeensgambit #hamilton #schittscreek
    Read @victorjstiff’s full review of one of 2021’s most anticipated movies, #judasandtheblackmessiah. Link in our bio.
#sundance #sundance2021 #filmfestival #lakeithstanfield #danielkaluuya #shakaking #jesseplemons #dominiquefishback #filmreview #film #reviews #hbomax
    Load More... Follow @thatshelf
  • Recent Posts

  • Recent Posts: That Shelf

    The Criterion Shelf: Starring Peter Sellers

    The Criterion Shelf: Starring Peter Sellers

    Awards Shelf: Golden Globe Picks and Predictions

    Awards Shelf: Golden Globe Picks and Predictions

    The United States vs. Billie Holiday Review: Lady Day

    The United States vs. Billie Holiday Review: Lady Day

    Army of the Dead Trailer: The Year’s Finest Zombie Heist Flick

    Army of the Dead Trailer: The Year’s Finest Zombie Heist Flick

    Disney+ Canada: What to Watch – March 2021

    Disney+ Canada: What to Watch – March 2021
  • film

    army-of-the-dead-feature-image (1)

    Army of the Dead Trailer: The Year’s Finest Zombie Heist Flick


    Netflix just released the trailer for Zack Snyder’s next action epic, Army of the Dead.

  • TV

    waffles+mochi-feature-image

    Waffles + Mochi Trailer: Watch Michelle Obama Hang with Puppet Foodies


    Michelle Obama’s cute puppet friends, Waffles and Mochi, travel the world exploring the wonders of food and culture.

  • games

    The Last of Us Part 2 Review

    The Last of Us Part II Review: Game of the Generation


    The Last of Us Part 2 is exciting and visceral. The team at Naughty Dog overcame many obstacles and delivered a worthy sequel to one of the biggest games of all time. It will be another decade before we see anything as stunning and personal in a major console release.

  • podcasts

    comPOSERS Episode 100: Serendipity


    This week we celebrate our 100th episode in true comPOSERS fashion: by covering a film and soundtrack that nobody cares about. Not even us. Join us anyway, as romcomPOSERS month continues, for Alan Silvestri's Serendipity.

  • About Us
  • Reviews
    • interviews
  • podcasts
    • Videos
  • Contests
    • lists
  • Contact
sponsored
wpDiscuz
0
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
| Reply