Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame / Di Renjie

Dir: Tsui Hark (Once Upon a Time in China film series, Seven Swords)
Cast: Andy Lau, Bingbing Li, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Ka-fai
China/Hong Kong, 2011

Reason to see: Sounded like a totally cool Sherlock Holmes spin on historical martial arts film

I was totally psyched to see this mystery/Martial arts flick set during the reign of China’s first female Emperor Wu Zetian and based on and actual person: Di Renjie (Detective Dee), a minister of state who was known for his ability to solve the complicated cases through knowledge of science and human nature plus a mastery of martial arts.

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame / Di Renjie stars Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs, The Warlords / Tau ming chong) as Detective Dee, who is recruited by Empress Wu Zetian (Carina Lau) to solve an very unusual case during the time leading up to her coronation. As it's a time of political transition there are eyes set on many as the culprit of the bizarre case that they show seen through different perspectives of forensics, to folk lore & superstitions. I loved how it showed the different perspectives and tones, because it alleviated my only concern about the film: that it would feel like CSI but during the Tang Dynasty. Thankfully, not so. It brings in the forensic investigational spirit but also has a great sense of adventure and an espionage paranoia element that piled all together in a mystery story makes for intensely engaging entertainment. The historical setting during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) and around an Empress' coronation allows for a multitude of lush settings and events that are gorgeous to look at. Plus: action, because we can't leave out that aspect of a historical Asian film! It's the high flying, creative thinking and with flourishes action which completely aligns to the tone of the film. I was really impressed with how the film brings this all together without feeling overwhelming but rather always takes it to the right heightened level. I would have loved to see more of Empress Wu, and maybe we'll get more about her in future films.

A great story and a true mystery, Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame / Di Renjie delivers on many fronts from it's gorgeous look to compelling characters. I'd strongly recommend it to any fan of historical action films, and anyone who loves a good mystery and even those who like to delve in the supernatural. Pure entertainment value on so many levels, and a truly enjoyable film.

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame / Di Renjie opens in Toronto & Vancouver on September 23, 2011 and plays at the Dark Bridges Film Festival in Saskatoon on Sunday October 2, 2011

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I strongly recommend it to fans of historical martial arts films

Also see: All 2011 Films Reviewed and All Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011


Andy Lau as Detective Dee


Li Bingbing as Shangguan Jing'er in Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame / Di Renjie

Film Fan Fridays for Friday September 23, 2011

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday September 23, 2011! TIFF has come and gone for another year and we are back to having a packed Friday of 11 releases, some of which are coming to us hot off the festival trail. Let's take a look at what we have to choose from this week.

In limited release this week we have 6 films to choose from including Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame / Di Renjie a highly stylistic and intriguing mystery flick set during the reign of China’s first female Emperor Wu Zetian and based on Di Renjie, a minister of state who was known for his ability to solve the complicated cases through knowledge of science and human nature plus a mastery of martial arts. We also have two docs including the compelling film Limelight focusing on the trials against New York nightclub owner Peter Gatien and also in the doc corner is Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles looking at cryptic messages in tiles. Everything looks interesting this week! I'm also very curious to see Higher Ground which is Vera Farmiga's feature film directorial debut and Starbuck a French Canadian film starring Patrick Huard as an man who acts as a teenager who ends up having that catching up to him. Plus we have even more Canadian releases with the drama Afghan Luke starring Nick Stahl.

In wide release this week we have 5 films to choose from and there is not one but two action films from the big boys to the young starting with the Taylor Lautner identity-mystery/action/thriller Abduction. Wow. I think that's officially a subgenre. Also for action is Killer Elite based on the 1991 novel The Feather Men by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, from which there was controversy over the 'based on true events' aspect and the film stars Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Yvonne Strahovski & Robert De Niro. We also have more based on true stories that are more for pulling your heartstrings over hamstrings with Dolphin Tale based a true story of a tail-less dolphin and the humans who strive to save & support (I have to see that one!) and Moneyball a sport film/biopic based on true story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt). Last up for wide releases is the Bollywood film Mausam , and I have to get out to more Bollywood. Maybe this week will be the time to go for it.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon
Festival Watch

COMMFFEST
(Global) Community Film Festival
September 22 -25, 2011 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Special Screening

White on Rice
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival gets ready to rev up their 15 Years of Festivalling with a free screening of the comedy White on Rice at the Toronto Underground this Saturday Septmeber 24, 2011 at 7pm.

Friday September 23, 2011 Releases

Abduction
Dir: John Singleton (2 Fast 2 Furious, Shaft (2000), Poetic Justice).
Cast: Taylor Lautner, Lily Collins, Jason Isaacs, Alfred Molina
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Afghan Luke
Dir: Mike Clattenburg (Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day, Trailer Park Boys: The Movie)
Cast: Nick Stahl, Stephen Lobo, Vik Sahay
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame / Di Renjie
Dir: Tsui Hark (Once Upon a Time in China film series, Seven Swords)
Cast: Andy Lau, Bingbing Li, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Ka-fai
China/Hong Kong
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Dolphin Tale
Dir: Charles Martin Smith (Stone of Destiny)
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, Nathan Gamble
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Higher Ground (2011)
Dir: Vera Farmiga - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Joshua Leonard, Dagmara Dominczyk, John Hawkes
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Killer Elite (2011)
Dir: Gary McKendry - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Yvonne Strahovski, Robert De Niro, Dominic Purcell
USA/Australia
Official Film Site, Official Facebook Page, IMDb Page, Trailer

Limelight
Dir: Billy Corben (Square Grouper, Cocaine Cowboys)
Documentary on New York Nightclub owner Peter Gatien
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Mausam
Dir: Pankaj Kapur - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak, Callum Fuller, Ken Matthews
USA/UK
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Moneyball
Dir: Bennett Miller (Capote)
Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Pratt, Casey Bond
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles
Dir: Jon Foy - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Starbuck
Dir: Ken Scott (Les doigts croches)
Cast: Patrick Huard, Julie LeBreton, Antoine Bertrand
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of September 23, 2011**

Movie Moxie Pocast 48: TIFF11, Warrior, Drive & Owned/Unseen Challenge

On this weeks episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast I do a TIFF post-mortem looking at several of the film I caught at the festival and also how I snuck out to see theatrical releases of Warrior and Drive as well as recent DVD releases. I also introduce a new feature on the podcast which is to get through "The Pile" of owned/unseen DVDs by the end of 2011 starting off with the biopic Attila.

0:00 - 1:05 Intro
1:05 - 18:05 TIFF 2011 Post Mortem
18:05 - 25:25 Warrior Review
25:25 - 32:05 Drive Review
32:05 - 45:45 Owned/Unseen intro & Attila Review
45:45 - 52:00 DVD Release Sept 13 & 20, 2011 and Upcoming this week
52:00 - 53:51 Outro

Show Notes:

• Link to all my TIFF 2011 Coverage
• TIFF 2011 Films mentioned: Arirang, Livid, Snowtown, Sleepless Night, The Raid, Tyrannosaur, Wuthering Heights
• I mention Kim Ki-duk's films Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ...and Spring / Bom yeoreum gaeul gyeoul geurigo bom 3-Iron & The Coast Guard
• I mention the Aussie crime films of Animal Kingdom, Cactus & The Square
• I mention that Iko Uwais did a martial arts demonstration during the screening of The Raid and you can see a video of it here.
• I mention not loving the book of Wuthering Heights, see my review of the here.
• My previous TIFF palette cleansing films have been Quarantine, Whiteout & The Protector
• I mention Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn's films The Pusher Trilogy, Valhalla Rising & Bronson
• I mention my 2011 Owned/Unseen list and my new incentive to get through "The Pile" by the end of the year by podcasting my way through it week to week.
• I've also had Owned/Unseen lists in 2009 (completed!) and 2010 (not so completed).
• I mention my Sword & Sandals marathon in 2010
• See more about Attila at IMDB
• DVD releases for Sept 13, 2011 and Sept 20, 2011
• DVD reviews of En Terrains Connus / Familiar Ground and Meek's Cutoff
• I mention my buddy The Mad Hatter of Matinee.ca

You can also subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Subscribe through iTunes here.

Meek's Cutoff (Two Disc Special Edition with Blu-Ray and DVD) Review

Dir: Kelly Reichardt (Wendy and Lucy, Old Joy)
Cast: Michelle Williams, Zoe Kazan, Shirley Henderson, Bruce Greenwood, Paul Dano, Will Patton, Neal Huff, Tommy Nelson, Rod Rondeaux
USA, 2011

Reason to see: I have a soft spot in my heart for westerns, plus it's extremely rare for them to feature women

I was aching to see Meek's Cutoff, as it looked like a western with a female protagonist which is something extremely rare. After seeing it I'd want to call it an ensemble cast though, but that might just be due to the fact that everyone here is so great from Shirley Henderson to Bruce Greenwood, Paul Dano to Zoe Kazan, but in all honestly it's Michelle Williams' show here. She is the one we are watching most of the time and she drives the story across the desolate land of the dust and darkness.

There are certain directors who have a very clear stamp on their work, and Kelly Reichardt is definitely a director that has a stamp. From the real-time feel of the pacing to naturalistic light, to following a piece of a journey without telecasting a back story which I actually really love because it in combination with the slower pace create a very engaging piece of cinema where the viewer has to work out the story for themselves. Who are these people? Why are they here? How do they know each other? Where are they going? Why? It might be crazy-making for some, but I love it. It's like figure out a puzzle where you don't even know what the picture on the box is, or even if you have all the pieces to make it work but you keep trying to fit piece to piece and see what sticks.

While we are trying to understand our characters on their long pilgrimage from somewhere to somewhere, we are treated to absolutely gorgeous landscapes of vast bleakness in dry, dusty weather giving the film a worn and tired energy as the characters continue to stumble through. There is amazing resilience and stubbornness on the trek, but when facing the vast unknown it's clear that making decision isn't an easy thing and even though we are following a small troupe of folks there are multiple, subtle power balances in play and what happens if that shifts and who can you trust, if anyone? It's a fascinating, subtle study of human nature against the forces of nature and against ourselves. A gorgeous, insightful and engaging film, Meek's Cutoff is one I'd easily recommend for all western fans for a refreshing new take on the genre with strong performances and beautiful scenery. Dive into the dust bowl and check it out.

DVD Extras:

• The Making of Meek's Cutoff (9 minutes) behind the scenes prop preparation, animal wrangling, weapons and transportation footage and just like the film itself this extra feature has a very fly on the wall feel. There are no direct to the camera interviews, discussions or moments, it is all watching them work on and make the film. Very impressive to see the actual physical locations they filmed at, and the amount of work that went into making all the practicals happen, especially the work with the carriages.
• Exclusive Essay by Richard Hell (on physical package)
• Original Theatrical Trailer

Meek's Cutoff is available on DVD as of September 20, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd highly recommend it to fans of dark westerns & existential films

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011

En Terrains Connus / Familiar Grounds (DVD Review)

DVD review of the quirky brother/sister road trip drama En Terrains Connus / Familiar Grounds directed by Stéphane Lafleur starring Francis La Haye & Fanny Mallette


Image Courtesy of eOne Films

Dir: Stéphane Lafleur (Continental, un film sans fusil)
Cast: Francis La Haye, Fanny Mallette, Michel Daigle, Sylvain Marcel, Suzanne Lemoine, Denis Houle
Canada, 2011

Reason to see: I loved Stéphane Lafleur's first film Continental, un film sans fusil (one of my faves of 2007)

I often like to start a film review by sharing the general premise or starting point of a film, but with En Terrains Connus / Familiar Grounds saying that it's about a family who is rather unconnected, especially the brother living with their Dad and a sister in an unhappy but not dismal marriage, doesn't really do the film justice. On that alone, it feels like a straight-up family drama, which again does not do it justice. It's all about the tone with En Terrains Connus / Familiar Grounds, and a beautiful acceptance factor paralleled by a quirky sentiment that runs strong here just as it did with Stéphane Lafleur's first feature film Continental, un film sans fusil. This tone of the bizarre being taken on face value, is one of the many things that I love about the film.

It's also this tone that makes the film get away with things that no family drama feels like it should, like moments of magical realism or possibly even science fiction that just are ... there. It might feel absurd from the outside looking it, but it's treated with total realism, and it just feels right. I loved watching the stories and characters lives unfold and come together Benoit (Francis La Haye) who doesn't have much success or experience in life to his sister Maryse (Fanny Mallette) who falls into a normal rhythm of life for the most part and then there is their father Alain (Sylvain Marcel) who just wants them all to have a family dinner to honour the memory of their mother.

It's not so much about the actual happenings as it is about the moments, especially the moments in the relationships. It's so nice to see a quote-unquote family drama that isn't people at each others throats or screaming or hiding dark secrets to shock the nation but rather to get an entire understanding of a relationship from a single moment, word or look. I loved that. It's subtle and beautiful, and the strength of the actors brings it home time and time again. The film does have a fun road movie element to it although it's literally an icy one which gives an unexpected parallel to needing to be able to go with the flow even under the forces of nature. And that's the best way to approach En Terrains Connus / Familiar Grounds, to go with the flow of it and enjoy the ride. I know I did.

DVD Extras (in French):

• L'homme du futue / Man of the Future (9 selections, 12 minutes) reflections, promos, moments and insights with the character 'The Man of the Future' played by Denis Houle. These are pretty interesting and some quite funny, although I could only understand bits & pieces as they are all in French.
• Joue moins fort / Don't Play So Loud (3 minutes) outtakes of Francis La Haye playing guitar.
• Trailer
• All extras in French
  

En Terrains Connus / Familiar Grounds is available on DVD as of September 20, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I already look forward to watching it again
I highly recommend

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011


Francis La Haye as Benoit in FAMILIAR GROUNDS Courtesy of eOne Films


Fanny Mallette in FAMILIAR GROUNDS. Courtesy of eOne Films.

DVD Releases for September 20, 2011

Time to take a look at a selection of DVD releases for Tuesday September 20, 2011!

• En Terrains Connus / Familiar Ground (DVD Review) a brother/sister road trip film and I'm thrilled to see another film director Stéphane Lafleur, as I loved Continental, un film sans fusil / Continental, a Film Without Guns.
• Meeks Cutoff (DVD Review) I've only heard good things about the period set western following the tough life of settlers in 1845 and stars Michelle Williams and directed by Kelly Reichardt (previous Canadian release date was September 13, 2011).
• Dumbo 70th Anniversary Edition Classic Disney film following our big eared Elephant friend Dumbo gets a reissue for it's 70th Anniversary.
• Good Neighbours Canadian thriller set in an apartment complex during the 1995 winter; stars Jay Baruchel, Scott Speedman, Emily Hampshire & Xavier Dolan directed by Jacob Tierney (US release date Sept 27, 2011).
• Circo I really want to see this circus documentary that came out in limited release earlier this year.
• We Are The Night German vampire film about a trio of female vampires on the verge of recruiting another when to cops come out to play. I've a lot about this one and not sure if it falls in the sexy/fun or campy or racy or dark...but feels like it's at least a few if not all of those categories.
• ChromeSkull - Laid to Rest 2 Sequel to slasher flick Laid to Rest, and this on stars Brian Austin Green, Thomas Dekker, Gail O’Grady, and Nick Principe, directed by Robert Hall.
• Hawaii 5-0 (2010) Season 1 Last year saw the very successful reboot to this series that packs in action alongside great buddy cop energy. I watched most of the season and found it very entertaining.
• Castle: The Complete Third Season Nathan Fillion stars as the mystery writer that helps solve real crimes and I'm surprized this one is already in it's third season. I couldn't get into it but I know there is lots of love for the show out there.
• Body of Proof: The Complete First Season Pretty impressive & quick release on this one which started airing just in March 2011, it stars Dana Delany as a neurosurgeon turned medical examiner. Also stars Jeri Ryan & heads into it's second season ...tonight!
• Supernatural Box Set Season 1 - 6 Because 1 season just ain't enough - with the Winchester Brothers fighting the supernatural takes time, and you have to have it all. Supernatural heads into it's seventh season this fall, premiering Friday September 23, 2011.
• Vampire Diaries: Season 1 & 2 I would actually love to get this as I don't have either season of Vampire Diaries on DVD and the show moves at such a break neck speed that watching it multiple times is an easy, and rewarding, task.
• Bridesmaids This Apatow formula with gender switch comedy has made big box office all summer long, but I still have no interest in it.

Titles on Amazon.ca(Canada):


Titles on Amazon.com (US):


En Terrains Connus / Familiar Ground, Supernatural Box Set Season 1 - 6 and Vampire Diaries: Season 1 & 2 not currently available on Amazon.com.

TIFF 2011 Coverage

I got to see 15 films this year but as always the festival provides countless memories in just 11 days. Let's have a look at the experience from start to finish.

Pre-Festival Coverage
July 27, 2011 - TIFF 2011: Opening Night Film & First Set of Titles
July 27, 2011 - Movie Moxie Podcast 43: TIFF 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 plus One Month of DVD
August 3, 2011 - TIFF 2011: Vanguard & Documentaries Announced
August 4, 2011 - TIFF 2011: Midnight Madness Unveiled!
August 9, 2011 - TIFF 2011: Canadian Titles Unleashed!
August 16, 2011 - TIFF 2011: Galas, Special Presentations, Contemporary World Cinema & Visions Films Announced
August 21, 2011 - Book to Film News: Women in Black Still & Trailer, Book Adaptations at TIFF, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Trailer
August 23, 2011 - Festival Goes Live!
September 8, 2011 - Day 1: TIFF Picks
September 8, 2011 - Movie Moxie Podcast 47: TIFF Picks 2011

Daily Coverage
Day 3 - Saturday September 10, 2011: Vlog, Write Up
Day 4- Sunday September 11, 2011: Vlog, Write Up
Day 5 - Monday September 12, 2011: Vlog, Write Up
Day 6 - Tuesday September 13, 2011: Vlog, Write Up
Day 8 - Thursday September 15, 2011: Vlog, Write Up
Day 9 - Friday September 16, 2011: Vlog, Write Up

Film Reviews
388 Arletta Avenue
Arirang
Extraterrestrial / Extraterrestre
Fable of the Fish / Isda
Headshot / Fon Tok Kuen Fah
i am a good person i am a bad person
Incident, The / 2011 Incident at Sans Asylum
Livid / Livide
Raid, The
Sleepless Night / Nuit blanche
Snowtown
Swirl / Girimunho
Trespass
Tyrannosaur
Wuthering Heights

Polls
Are You Going to TIFF this year?

Post-Festival Coverage
Awards
Wrap-Up

The Toronto International Film Festival 2011 ran from September 8 - 18, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


Even the chairs are ready for a rest!