Here we are on Day 4 and the fun is still continuing. I love having the opportunity of seeing so many movies. One of the great experiences of coming to TIFF is being able to take part in Q&A’s with the director and some of the cast after the screenings. I’ve had the chance to ask questions of ‘A United Kingdom’ director Amma Assante, from ‘Barry’ Anya Taylor-Joy and Jenna Elfman and got a pic with Reese Witherspoon on festival street.
Here are some more quick reviews of the films I’ve seen
#6. When the Bough Breaks
Had a break between movies and checked out this non-TIFF Film. Starring Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall as a couple who have been experiencing fertility issues they enlist the help of a surrogate who turns out to be cray-cray. This movie is full of ‘been there, done that’ and really offers nothing original. I’ll give credit to Jaz Sinclair and her performance as the crazy surrogate.
Wait for Netflix and save your money.
Grade: C-
#7. A United Nation
David Oleyowo and Rosamund Pike star in this movie about the true story of a man from African Royalty who jeopardizes his right to the throne by becoming involved with a white woman. The performances in this movie are very strong as Mr. Oleyowo proves he is to be considered one of the best actors working and Ms. Pike turns in an equally strong performance.
Congrats to the director Amma Assante on crafting such a well made film.
Grade: A-
#8. The Magnificent Seven
Antoine Fuqua who brought us ‘Training Day’ opened the festival with this Western. This was such an enjoyable film. He takes time to develop characters and let us in on their backstory. This pays homage to the type of Westerns our parents watched. Denzel Washington is the star but the entire cast contributes to this cinematic wonder.
Grade A-
#9. Barry
No this isn’t ‘The Barry Manilow Story’. Barack Obama’s university years are explored in this film by Vikram Gandhi. While Devon Terrell does a very good job as the 44th Commander in Chief it is the performance of Anya Taylor-Joy that I found stood out the most. She plays Barry’s university girlfriend and once again her performance didn’t go unnoticed
Grade: B
#10. The Birth of a Nation
Nate Parker wrote, directed and stars in this movie about a slave who launches a rebellion. Movies about slavery are very difficult for me to watch and this one was no exception. Mr. Turner leaves the audience with images and dialogue they won’t soon forget. Considering this is the first feature film that he directed is mind blowing. He has spared no expense of capturing a time we would all like to forget. This is not to be missed
Grade: A
#11. The Belko Experiment.
It is kill or be killed in this thriller. An office is under siege and the only way to survive is to kill your co-worker. This movie is not for the faint of heart but it is a perfect entry into the Festivals Midnight Madness program. This film does a very good job of shining a spotlight on how we tend to deal with dire circumstances.
Grade: B+
0 Comments