December 22, 2020

WIFF’s Weekend Watch List — 12/23

THE MIDNIGHT SKY (If you want to gather your relatives for the hottest new film) Vincent Georgie: George Clooney is quite the enigma. A charismatic (even…

THE MIDNIGHT SKY

(If you want to gather your relatives for the hottest new film)

Vincent Georgie: George Clooney is quite the enigma. A charismatic (even underrated) actor, a versatile (again, underrated) director and one of the last true stars that Hollywood has constructed. Still, he remains somewhat of a mystery which is part of his appeal. His latest work here as director-star is both unexpected and impressive.

Synopsis: A lone scientist in the Arctic races to contact a crew of astronauts returning home to a mysterious global catastrophe.

Watch on Netflix

LOVE ACTUALLY

(If you want your heart to swell over the holidays)

Vincent Georgie: I came very late to the LOVE ACTUALLY party and was sceptical that it was a holiday film. Yeah, I was wrong. Big time. The film is achingly sincere, but never saccharine. The laughs are genuine and well-earned, and the characters have a terrific rooting factor. Emma Thompson, Laura Linney and Bill Nighy stand-out among a wonderful and appealing cast.

Synopsis: Eight London couples try to deal with their relationships in different ways. Their tryst with love makes them discover how complicated relationships can be.

Watch on iTunes

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Watch on Crave

Watch on YouTube

HOME ALONE

(If you want something to watch as you wrap presents)

Vincent Georgie: This little film that no one expected to succeed turned into the mega-hit of a generation. I re-watch this film every Christmas season as I wrap presents. It’s entertaining, cheerful, funny and nostalgic. Try it out as you are knee-deep in wrapping paper and name tags. Works like a charm.

Synopsis: Eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for France. At first, he is happy to be in charge, but when thieves try to break into his home, he tries to put up a fight.

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Watch on Crave

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DOUBLE FEATURE

THE HOLIDAYS GONE DARK

DIE HARD

Vincent Georgie: A late 80’s Bruce Willis? Check. Alan Rickman with a pretty good accent? Check. Terrorism in a high-rise before Christmas? Sure, why not. Have fun with it. It holds up well 32 years later.

Watch on iTunes

Watch on Amazon Prime

Watch on Crave

Watch on YouTube

THE REF

Vincent Georgie: If you like your chocolate dark, your coffee bitter and your holiday laughs to match, nothing will compare to the misbehaving family and acid-tongued one-liners at the heart of this film. When you cast Denis Leary, Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey in a dark holiday comedy, you know you’re in for a naughty ride. Give in to the charms of this hysterically nasty film.