December 27, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 12/27

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want an entertaining drama

juror #2

Vincent Georgie: Clint Eastwood is still making unfussy yet satisfyingly dramatic films, right into his 90s. This is one of the best films of the year, thanks to its entertaining and intelligent script, pacing and performances of Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette. Strong recommendation here.

Synopsis:A juror for a high-profile murder trial finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma that could influence the verdict and potentially convict, or free, the accused killer.

Available on Crave.

if you love snl

Saturday night

Vincent Georgie: The definitive tale of all the behind-the-scenes shenanigans that almost saw the first episode of “Saturday Night Live” not see the light of the day. This is an interesting look at the creative process and there is a fun and generally a well-cast array of character actors taking on SNL ensemble parts. The film’s tone does not always work, but there is more than enough going on here to enjoy.

Synopsis: Tensions run high as producer Lorne Michaels and a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers prepare for the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 11, 1975.

Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

if you want a Christmas family classic

a Christmas story

Vincent Georgie: This Canadian film is a must to watch with family over the holidays and, most certainly, to introduce it to a new generation of younger cinephiles.

Synopsis: Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Frequently at odds with his cranky dad (Darren McGavin) but comforted by his doting mother (Melinda Dillon), Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas Day with his glasses and his hopes intact.

Available on Apple TV, Crave and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

all hail, bob dylan

Vincent Georgie: As Timothee Chalamet has been earning rave reviews and doing big box office with his new Bob Dylan biopic, let’s take a trip down memory lane with other cinematic treatments of Dylan. The first film is the definitive documentary treatment of Bob Dylan, with incredibly intimate access to the legend by documentary master D.A. Pennebaker. The second film is an inventive fictionalized drama starring Christian Bale, Ben Whishaw and even Cate Blanchett, all of whom are playing a version of Dylan himself. It’s a special and strange film.

don’t look back

In 1965, the iconic troubadour Bob Dylan toured the United Kingdom at the age of 23, and director D.A. Pennebaker was allowed behind the scenes to provide one of the most intimate glimpses of the private and frequently cantankerous songwriter. The film chronicles Dylan’s concert appearances, hotel room conversations, and transportation downtime, pulling back the curtain on the folk messiah at the end of his relationship with Joan Baez and on the cusp of his creative shift toward rock music.

Available on Apple TV.

I’m not there

Several actors portray legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan at different stages in his personal life and career. In 1959 a guitar-strumming youth (Marcus Carl Franklin) rides the rails, calling himself “Guthrie.” Then a man named Jack (Christian Bale) emerges in New York’s Greenwich Village, followed by “Robbie (Heath Ledger),” Jude (Cate Blanchett) and other personalities.