September 01, 2023

WIFF’S WEEKEND WATCH LIST — 9/1

Check out our recommendations of what to watch this weekend.

if you WANT some big laughs

no hard feelings

Vincent Georgie: To my real delight, I think this is a film that fully achieves its mission. It pulls off a very tricky premise by casting the leads perfectly, mastering a specific balance of tone and, above all, being thoroughly entertaining. Don’t miss it.

Synopsis: On the brink of losing her childhood home, a desperate woman agrees to date a wealthy couple’s introverted and awkward 19-year-old son. However, he proves to be more of a challenge than she expected, and time is running out before she loses it all.

Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

if you love suspense

the lesson

Vincent Georgie: This one’s a goodie. A real hidden gem that is enjoyed, once discovered. An elegant, well-acted suspense thriller. An easy recommendation.

Synopsis: Liam, an aspiring and ambitious young writer, eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author JM Sinclair. But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment, and retribution.

Available on iTunes and YouTube.

if you want excellent performances

the seduction of joe tynan

Vincent Georgie: This intelligent political drama stars a terrific Alan Alda (who also wrote the script) but it’s supporting stars Meryl Streep and Melvyn Douglas who walk off with the film. Incredibly, both Streep and Douglas won Oscars that year…for other films. When you’re good, you’re good.

Synopsis: A liberal United States senator, Joe Tynan is in over his head with both his work and his home life. Joe sees little of his wife, Ellie, due to the demands of his job, and their relationship is further strained when he begins to fall for Karen Traynor, a pretty attorney. Working with Karen on a Supreme Court appointment case that could mean a big boost for his career, Joe has to weigh various compromises against staying true to his ideals.

DOUBLE FEATURE

chills

Spend this Labour Day weekend relaxing and enjoying some family time and more than a few chills. The first film is a great relatively family-friendly thriller, while the second film is a good time with the older kids. Enjoy.

arachnophobia

After a nature photographer dies on assignment in Venezuela, a poisonous spider hitches a ride in his coffin to his hometown in rural California, where arachnophobe Dr. Ross Jennings has just moved in with his wife, Molly, and young son. As town residents start turning up dead, Jennings begins to suspect spiders, and must face his fears as he and no-nonsense exterminator Delbert McClintock fight to stop a deadly infestation.

Available on iTunes, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

wolf

After being bitten by a wolf in rural Vermont, aging book editor Will Randall finds himself full of youthful vigor. Randall then discovers that he’s been fired and replaced by Stewart Swinton, a vicious young executive. As Randall struggles to regain his position, he becomes enthralled with Laura Alden, his former boss’s daughter. And, as increasingly animal-like urges begin to overwhelm him, Randall worries that he may be a werewolf.