June 14, 2024

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 6/14

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you WANT to be ENTERTAINED

hit man

Vincent Georgie: A World Premiere at TIFF 2023, this blend of rom-com and action film works like a charm thanks to the substantial charisma and appeal of new superstar Glen Powell. Not only does he have great chemistry with his leading lady, but he also gets to stretch in this film playing multiple personas. Powell was one of the film’s producers and co-writers to boot. The excellent Richard Linklater directed the film.

Synopsis: Professional killer Gary Johnson breaks protocol to help a desperate woman trying to flee an abusive husband and finds himself falling for her.

Available on Apple TV and YouTube.

if you want a strong drama

camille claudel

Vincent Georgie: Playing the famed mistress of sculptor Rodin, Isabelle Adjani received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her passionate portrayal of the titular character. This film is a wonderful exploration of the romantic bowels of art history.

Synopsis: When renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin (Gérard Depardieu) notices the raw sculpting talent of the beautiful and precocious Camille Claudel (Isabelle Adjani), the two artists begin a scandalous love affair. Camille becomes Auguste’s muse and assistant, sacrificing her own work to contribute to his sculptures. However, when her work goes unrecognized and she desires attention of her own, Camille is left alone and gradually spirals into mental illness.

Available on Apple TV.

if you love great superhero villains

batman returns

Vincent Georgie: The Batman series has seen many memorable villains featured, but I would argue the tag-team of Danny DeVito as The Penguin and the purrrrfect Michelle Pfeiffer as The Catwoman is the strongest double-villain pairing we have ever been given in a Batman film. Both actors are clearly having the time of their lives, and are perfectly cast.

Synopsis: The monstrous Penguin (Danny DeVito), who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) to topple the Batman (Michael Keaton) once and for all. But when Shreck’s timid assistant, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she is transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.

Available on Apple TV, Crave and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

great movies for dad

Vincent Georgie: If you need some entertainment to enjoy with Dad, here are two exciting, quality choices sure to be enjoyed. Vroom-vroom.

gran torino

Retired auto worker and Korean War vet Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood) fills the emptiness in his life with beer and home repair, despising the many Asian, Latino and black families in his neighbourhood. Walt becomes a reluctant hero when he stands up to the gangbangers who tried to force an Asian teen to steal Walt’s treasured car. An unlikely friendship develops between Walt and the teen, as he learns he has more in common with his neighbors than he thought.

Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and Netflix.

ford v ferrari

American automotive designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete against the race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.