December 06, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 12/6

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want a true story

super/man: the Christopher reeve story

Vincent Georgie: This new doc is both insightful and measured as it approaches the heroic, tragic and inspiring life of Reeve. Your respect deepens for the good actor that he was, let alone the incredible odds he conquered.

Actor Christopher Reeve rises to stardom when he lands the role of Superman in the 1970s. When a horse-riding accident leaves him paralyzed in 1995, Reeve spends the rest of his life searching for a cure for spinal cord injuries.

Available on Apple TV and YouTube.

if you Want SOMETHING touching

the lunchbox

Vincent Georgie: A beloved hit on the Festival circuit upon its release in 2015, star Irrfan Khan shines brightly here. An easy recommendation. Don’t hesitate on this one.

Synopsis: Lonely housewife Ila (Nimrat Kaur) decides to try adding some spice to her stale marriage by preparing a special lunch for her neglectful husband. Unfortunately, the delivery goes astray and winds up in the hands of Saajan (Irrfan Khan), an irritable widower. Curious about her husband’s lack of response, Ila adds a note to the next day’s lunchbox, and thus begins an unusual friendship in which Saajan and Ila can talk about their joys and sorrows without ever meeting in person.

Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

if you want something with a kick

less than zero

Vincent Georgie: The brooding 80s cast. The soundtrack. All based on a Bret Easton Ellis novel? You can’t go wrong. Pour yourself a drink and check this one out.

Synopsis: Clay (Andrew McCarthy) comes home to Los Angeles after his first semester of college and encounters some disturbing developments. His former lover, burgeoning model Blair (Jami Gertz), has begun to abuse cocaine. But her addiction pales in comparison to the drug dependency of her new boyfriend, Julian (Robert Downey Jr.), who’s also Clay’s childhood buddy. Clay tries to help them get sober, but the process is complicated by Rip (James Spader), a callous dealer Julian is indebted to.

DOUBLE FEATURE

all hail, madonna

Vincent Georgie: While acknowledged more as a showperson extraordinaire (which she is) as opposed to a great actress (which she’s not), let’s take a look at two films that nailed her screen persona and how to use her talents effectively: once as “herself” (though still fully performing for the camera), and another incarnating a legendary Broadway role.

madonna: truth or dare

This documentary chronicles Madonna’s controversial 1990 “Blonde Ambition” international tour, kicking off in Japan during its rainy season, then traveling to North America with significant stops in Los Angeles, Detroit, Toronto, and New York. The film is a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers and crew, her then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, and her family and friends, achieving an intimate glimpse into the boundary-pushing singer’s drive and individuality.

Available on Apple TV.

evita

Eva Duarte Peron rises from poverty to become an Argentinian actress and the wife of powerful President Juan Peron. Through a series of flashbacks, Eva transforms from an impoverished teenager into a woman of influence and power. After the death of her father, Eva travels to Buenos Aires and begins a string of relationships with powerful men before she meets Juan. Eva’s ultimate power and influence earn her both admiration and hatred.