It's a surprisingly serious week in the world of new theatrical releases, with two documentaries, three Canadian dramas and an Oprah-adjacent movie adaptation of a weepy novel hitting the big screen. But before selecting the angst that's right for you, check out the Exclaim! Recently Reviewed section to see what we had to say about the latest releases.
Water for Elephants, the big studio release of the week, features Reese Witherspoon and Twilight's Robert Pattison waxing forbidden love in the middle of a circus during the Great Depression. The big question here is whether this tearjerker can transcend its actors and screenwriter Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You) to deliver something watchable. Hopefully, reading our review will shed some enlightenment.
On the documentary front, Disney has an Earth Day reminder of the circle of life with African Cats, which appropriately features cheetahs and lions, as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Unfortunately, Jackson never exclaims, "Damn it, cheetah, get your motherfucking cubs away from those motherfucking hyenas," much to the chagrin of everyone over the age of nine. If a more mature documentary is on the agenda, Bill Cunningham New York, about the titular reclusive fashion photographer, will fill that void.
For something a little more Canadian, we also have a review of "surprisingly moving character piece" The High Cost of Living, wherein Zach Braff accidentally runs down a pregnant woman, speeds off and then re-enters her life under false pretences. It's a bit more straightforward than Repeaters, which our reviewer suggests is like Groundhog Day meets Degrassi Junior High, as three drug addicts are forced to relive the same day repeatedly.
Also Canadian, but decidedly more culturally critical, is the parable of loose Canuck morals, Lost Journey, which follows Pedram and his Persian homies through the Toronto nightlife with improperly recorded sound and amateur porn direction. Our reviewer calls it "unthinkably hilarious," in the unintentional sense.
Read these theatrical film reviews and more over at the Exclaim.ca Recently Reviewed section.
Water for Elephants, the big studio release of the week, features Reese Witherspoon and Twilight's Robert Pattison waxing forbidden love in the middle of a circus during the Great Depression. The big question here is whether this tearjerker can transcend its actors and screenwriter Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You) to deliver something watchable. Hopefully, reading our review will shed some enlightenment.
On the documentary front, Disney has an Earth Day reminder of the circle of life with African Cats, which appropriately features cheetahs and lions, as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Unfortunately, Jackson never exclaims, "Damn it, cheetah, get your motherfucking cubs away from those motherfucking hyenas," much to the chagrin of everyone over the age of nine. If a more mature documentary is on the agenda, Bill Cunningham New York, about the titular reclusive fashion photographer, will fill that void.
For something a little more Canadian, we also have a review of "surprisingly moving character piece" The High Cost of Living, wherein Zach Braff accidentally runs down a pregnant woman, speeds off and then re-enters her life under false pretences. It's a bit more straightforward than Repeaters, which our reviewer suggests is like Groundhog Day meets Degrassi Junior High, as three drug addicts are forced to relive the same day repeatedly.
Also Canadian, but decidedly more culturally critical, is the parable of loose Canuck morals, Lost Journey, which follows Pedram and his Persian homies through the Toronto nightlife with improperly recorded sound and amateur porn direction. Our reviewer calls it "unthinkably hilarious," in the unintentional sense.
Read these theatrical film reviews and more over at the Exclaim.ca Recently Reviewed section.
