June 16, 2023

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 6/16

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you want an incredible true story

and still i sing

Vincent Georgie: Some stories are so outstanding, so rousing and engaging that they can be both terrific entertainment and also enlightening. This is one of them. A favourite from this past weekend at WIFF Under The Stars.

Synopsis: Under the mentorship of controversial pop star Aryana Sayeed, two young singers vie to become the first-ever female winners of Afghan Star. As their dreams are within grasp, their lives change when the Taliban returns to power.

Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

if you want high-risk and high style

django unchained

Vincent Georgie: Tarantino’s energy and confidence exhibited in this film cements him as a fearless director of tone, style and creativity.

The cast, lead by Jamie Foxx, is clearly having a ball in this high-style revisionist history. Leonard DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz both chew scenery with gusto, and Samuel L. Jackson steals the whole show. A masterpiece of self-assured, entertaining filmmaking.

Synopsis: Two years before the Civil War, Django, a slave, finds himself accompanying an unorthodox German bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz on a mission to capture the vicious Brittle brothers. Their mission successful, Schultz frees Django, and together they hunt the South’s most-wanted criminals. Their travels take them to the infamous plantation of shady Calvin Candie, where Django’s long-lost wife is still a slave.

Available on iTunes, Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

if you want a touching drama

gabrielle

Vincent Georgie: I was speaking with my friend Andrew over the weekend and he reminded me of how outstanding, nuanced and realistic the storytelling and performances are in this film.

Winner of the LiUNA! People’s Choice Award in 2013, and it was that year’s Opening Night Film to boot. The film is simply terrific.

Synopsis: A young woman who has Williams syndrome possesses amazing musical talents but struggles continually to gain her independence.

Available on iTunes and Amazon Prime.

DOUBLE FEATURE

lighthearted laughs

Our whole team had a ball last weekend at WIFF Under The Stars. We all had some good, lighthearted Summer laughs with these two under-the-radar comedies. Definitely check them out.

drinkwater

Awkward Canadian teen Mike Drinkwater has trouble fitting in, but his father, Hank, is dealing with his own difficulties. When a girl from the United States comes to town, her courage inspires them to overcome their challenges.

Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

I’m totally fine

Vanessa embarks on a solo trip after the death of her best friend, Jennifer. However, her self-care plans change when she finds Jennifer standing in her kitchen, claiming to be an extraterrestrial.