February 02, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 2/2

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want to BE UPLIFTED

LIFE, ANIMATED

Vincent Georgie: Oscar-winning filmmaker Roger Ross Williams has made one of the most touching, sincere and life-affirming films you will ever see. Based upon an incredible true story that asserts, ultimately, the transformative power of film.

Synopsis: After watching animated Disney movies, including The Little Mermaid and the Lion King, a young autistic man finds a common language with his parents, and sees his communication skills develop.

Available on iTunes, YouTube and Plex.

if you want SOMETHING UNUSUAL

EL CONDE

Vincent Georgie: Oscar-nominated for it’s showboat cinematography, filmmaker Pablo Larain has imagined a gothic revisionist spin on Chilean political history. A vampire-loving, head-tilting original. The film definitely marches to its own beat.

Synopsis: Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet is a two-hundred-and-fifty-year-old vampire. Now tired of his life, he wants to die at last after the disgrace and family crises he has caused.

Available on Netflix.

if you want a COMEDY FAVOURITE

HOUSESITTER

Vincent Georgie: Working with a pretty funny script, this film rests entirely on the terrific opposites-attract casting of the wry Steve Martin and the screwball Goldie Hawn. It’s easy to take their talents for granted. This is a successful showcase for their wonderful chemistry. A light, engaging comedy favourite.

Synopsis: Architect Newton Davis (Steve Martin) is distraught when his girlfriend, Becky (Dana Delany), spurns his proposal and refuses to move into the lavish house he designed for her. Davis, who cannot imagine himself living alone in the house, shares his tale of woe with Gwen (Goldie Hawn), a dishonest waitress he thinks doesn’t speak English. Complications arise when Davis, on the brink of reconciliation with Becky, discovers that Gwen has moved into the couple’s soon-to-be dream home.

Available on iTunes and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

ALL HAIL JODIE FOSTER

The two-time Oscar Winner is hotter than ever thanks to her latest Oscar-nominated performance in Nyad as well as her starring role in the terrific new season of “True Detective”. Let me highlight two lower-profile but excellent Foster films, Little Man Tate marked Foster’s debut as a director, in addition to her riveting lead role in The Brave One.

LITTLE MAN TATE

Fred Tate (Adam Hann-Byrd) is a 7-year-old with a genius IQ. Single mother Dede (Jodie Foster) worries Fred might have an easier time fitting in around other child prodigies. Despite reservations, she allows Fred to go to a smart summer camp run by child psychologist Jane Grierson (Dianne Wiest), a former child prodigy. Fred’s studies advance, but, as he prepares for a national TV competition, he is torn between following through with his advanced education or building a normal life.

Available on iTunes, YouTube and Amazon Prime.

the BRAVE ONE

New York radio host Erica Bain (Jodie Foster) endures a brutal attack that leaves her badly injured and her beloved fiance dead. The tragedy haunts her, and she sets forth on a personal quest for revenge. Her exploits captivate city residents but, as a determined detective (Terrence Howard) closes in on her, Erica wonders if she is now no better than those she hunts.