January 28, 2021

WIFF’s Weekend Watch List — 01/29

AMMONITE (If you want a beautiful love story) Vincent Georgie: Director Francis Lee made an understated splash of a film with GOD’S OWN COUNTRY…

AMMONITE

(If you want a beautiful love story)

Vincent Georgie: Director Francis Lee made an understated splash of a film with GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (a wonderful title I shared with you a few months ago). In his latest film, he brings together Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan as two women in love circa 1840s rural England. The two stars are terrific together, in this deliberate and intimate gem of a film.

Synopsis: Acclaimed palaeontologist Mary Anning works alone selling common fossils to tourists to support her ailing mother, but a chance job offer changes her life when a visitor hires her to care for his wife.

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SOUND OF METAL

(If you want to see a future Oscar Nominee)

Vincent Georgie: This is one of the more unique film experiences I have had in a while. Telling the story of Ruben, a raucous drummer who begins to lose his hearing, the film is anchored by a full-throttle performance by Riz Ahmed. Ruben is a man living with multiple challenges and struggling with a few more, and Ahmed brings longing and dignity to the part. Largely unknown actor Paul Raci is perfect as the man who tries to save him. If there’s any justice, expect both actors to be dark-horse nominees at the upcoming Oscars.

Synopsis: Ruben is a drummer and one half of the duo Blackgammon along with his singer girlfriend Lou. A former drug addict, he is sober for four years. Suddenly, he begins to lose his hearing. His sponsor makes him go meet Joe, who leads a deaf community. With help from them, Ruben struggles to accept his situation.

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SOME KIND OF HEAVEN

(If you want the hottest new doc)

Vincent Georgie: Based upon director Lance Oppenheim’s undergraduate research project at Harvard, this highly-stylized and impeccably framed film is an entertaining curiosity.

With a visual aesthetic that is colourful, grotesque, and warm all at once, the film will create much-discussion about dreams vs reality, and will surely be a word-of-mouth hit.

Synopsis: Filmmaker Lance Oppenheim cracks the manicured facade of The Villages — a massive, self-contained retirement community located in Central Florida. Behind the gates of this utopia lie a small group of Villages residents and one interloper who are unable to find happiness within the community’s pre-packaged paradise.

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DOUBLE FEATURE

POPCORN WITH 420 TOPPING

Two of the most memorable stoner comedies of all-time will surely make for a relaxed, and enhanced evening of film. McConaughey, Jovovich, Bridges, Goodman, Turturro…come on! Float away with these two classics – and maybe support a downtown cannabis retailer to boot.

DAZED & CONFUSED

Synopsis: In 1976 Texas, a bunch of teenagers celebrate the last day of high school by hazing freshmen, partying at a local pool, indulging in drugs and following it up with a keg party.

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THE BIG LEBOWSKI

Synopsis: Two goons mistake ‘the Dude’ Lebowski for a millionaire Lebowski and urinate on his rug. Trying to recompense his rug from the wealthy Lebowski, he gets entwined in an intricate kidnapping case.