Trigger (DVD Review)

DVD Review of Bruce McDonald's brilliant women of rock drama Trigger starring Tracy Wright & Molly Parker

Image Courtesy of eOne Films

Dir: Bruce McDonald (This Movie Is Broken, Pontypool, Hard Core Logo, Dance Me Outside, Roadkill, Highway 61)
Cast: Tracy Wright, Molly Parker, Don McKeller, Sarah Polly, Callum Keith Rennie
Canada, 2010

Reason to see: Bruce McDonald films are always must-see films for me.

Trigger stars Molly Parker and the late Tracy Wright as friends who reunite, reignite and walk down memory lane to their rock'n'roll days. It have a nice strolling pace to it, but it certainly isn't misty eyed of the 'good old times', but rather is quite clear about the darker shadows of each of their pasts and the challenge and reality of deal, or not dealing, with those shadows in their current day life.

I loved how it incorporated nostalgia on the good and the bad fronts, and how moving ahead if life can lead to different directions for different people. Looking at the choice of 'keeping it real' vs 'making a living', along with posing the question of at some point to you have to make the choice between prosperity and art and if have to be mutually exclusive. I also loved that it featured women in the arts as rock stars, their effect on others and their relationships which all felt truly authentic.

As the film firmly centres on two women, it's a absolute treat that we are privy to the sensation performances by Molly Parker and Tracy Wright. They have great dialogue to work with and they really stay present throughout the film, with an understated comfort level that really resonates of a longterm friendship, even though they haven't seen it each other for many years and obviously have unfinished business, but still are there for each other as friends. It's so great to see a different but very authentic side of women in terms of the lives, friendships and relationships.

The film also have a lovely and gentle Toronto-ness about it. I'm sure fellow Torontonians will have fun picking and recognizing many of the locations, but it's not overly broad casted in the film, which is a choice I really enjoyed. That's one of the amazing things about the film overall is that it deals with harsh things gently but truly, keeping the emotions real and issues up front but always in a very respectful, intriguing way. I absolutely loved it.

DVD Extras:

• Table Read (2 minutes) footage with Molly Parker and the late Tracy Wright from table reading on January 16, 2010 - a unique addition for a DVD extra and touches on several of the emotional moments in the film and shows the strength of the actors in every moment.
• One Breath (5 minutes) beautiful & inspiring video directed by Dale Hildebrand on the power and belief of being able to change the world and connect to greater understanding. Plus, lots of Toronto footage to boot!

Trigger is available on DVD as of July 26, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I own it
I highly recommend it

Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2010-2011
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - October 1, 2010


Tracy Wright and Molly Parker in TRIGGER Courtesy of eOne Films


Tracy Wright and Molly Parker in TRIGGER Courtesy of eOne Films

Poll Results: What July Release Are You Most Looking Forward To?

It's not a surprize to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 as the clear winner of which July release you are most looking forward to with an whopping 47%. Coming in at an impressive second was this weekends big opener of Captain America: The First Avenger 31%, and then we get a big drop with Cowboys & Aliens at 10%. It's clear that the summer is a time for the superheroes & the fantastical - or both!

47% - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
31% - Captain America: The First Avenger
10% - Cowboys & Aliens
5% - Tie: The Trip & Zookeeper

Thanks for voting!

Film Fan Fridays for Friday July 22, 2011

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday July 22, 2011! On my pre-birthday newsletter I feel like I should be sharing the wonderfulness of happily settling into my new home, finally having internet, making it out to the theatre for the first time this month (for Harry Potter, of course!) and more good stuff. But in all honesty it's 37 degrees Celcius out and I gotta get this to everyone hop, skip, quick and turn my computer off so it can cool down. I hope you enjoy the short & sweet style for this week.

In limited release this week we have four films to choose from, all of which are slices of real. That's right, each and every one of them is a documentary from biography-doc Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul Watson to circus doc Circo to location doc The Last Mountain. Rounding out the four is the highly acclaimed Project Nim from Man on Wire director James Marsh, this time he takes on the subject of a chimpanzee raised as a human - and I've already heard people say that it's their favourite film of the year. That's pretty impressive!

In wide release this week we have two films to choose from and the biggie of the week has to be Captain America: First Avenger starring Chris Evans (Push, Sunshine) as a meek but determined young man that undergoes military experiment to become a superhero, directed by Joe Johnston (The Wolfman (2010), October Sky, Jumanji) and also stars Hugo Weaving, Stanley Tucci, Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones and Hayley Atwell. We also have the aptly titled Friends with Benefits starring Milas Kunis & Justin Timberlake, which I guess technically qualifies as a romantic comedy.

That's it for this week folks! Stay out of the heat!

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

Shinsedai Cinema Festival
The New Generation of Japanese Film Festival
Continues until July 24, 2011 at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Friday July 22, 2011 Releases

Captain America: First Avenger
Dir: Joe Johnston (The Wolfman (2010), October Sky, Jumanji)
Cast: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Stanley Tucci, Dominic Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones, Hayley Atwell
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Circo
Dir: Aaron Schock - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
Mexico/USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul Watson
Dir: Trish Dolman
Documentary
Canada
Limited Release
Official Facebook Page, IMDb Page, Trailer

Friends with Benefits
Dir: Will Gluck (Easy A, Fired Up!)
Cast: Mila Kunas, Justin Timberlake
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Last Mountain
Dir: Bill Haney (The Price of Sugar, A Life Among Whales)
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Project Nim
Dir: James Marsh (Man on Wire).
Documentary
UK
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 July 22, 2011**

Insidious (DVD Review)

DVD review of the supernatural horror film Insidious from Saw director James Wan, starring Patrick Wilson, Rose Bryne & Ty Simpkins.


Image: Courtesy of Alliance Films
Legal Line © 2010 Alliance Films (UK) Limited. All Rights Reserved. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Alliance Films. All Rights Reserved.

Dir: James Wan (Saw)
Cast: Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson, Ty Simpkins, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye, Andrew Astor, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson
USA, 2011

Reason to see: Supernatural horror is always a must-see for me.

I'm always excited when a new supernatural film comes out and especially supernatural horror because those are the ones that can really creep me out. Yes, I like my horror subtle scary over slasher scary any day. When Insidious was bring promoted as "from the people who brought you Saw (re: director James Wan) and Paranormal Activity", I was excited because I loved Paranormal Activity, but hesitant with the Saw connection. Good thing I threw that hesitation to the wind as the lasting impression that carries through all three films is intensity, a good story and the fact that the filmmakers really know their audience.

I really enjoyed Insidious, and it definitely scared me and those are the two very important factors in a supernatural horror movie. The film is centred on the Lambert family, including couple Renai & Josh (Rose Byrne & Patrick Wilson) and kids, who have enough normal family drama for the audience to easily connect to, until things start to get creepy at which point you are already with them and need to just hold on for the ride. The slow transition from normal to unnerving is a great one filled with a great combination of normalcy and subtly that keeps you in in enough light to know you are going somewhere...but not sure where. The film did a great job of building the tension and playing well to the audience, bringing and old school vibe with an up to date feel. I also really enjoyed Rose Byrne's character of Renai and was particularly fond of Barbara Hershey portrayal of Josh's mother Lorraine.

I'm a big fan of less is more with supernatural films, and I felt that Insidious when it played that card it played it very well. I felt that it came through softly strong with the great story at the heart of the film, but there were also louder, brasher elements that aspect of the film in terms of the art direction and score which were the only things that I didn't love about the film. Other than that, it was completely solid. I enjoyed the story, I connected to the characters and empathized with their journeys and it certainly had some great scares. Great paranormal fun.

DVD Extras:

• Horror 101: The Exclusive Seminar (10 minutes) film clips and interviews screenwriter/actor Leigh Whannell and director/editor James Wan on the idea and inspirations that they brought to the film, devices used to set the tone of the film, the things that make scary films work and many aspects of horror films including commentary on the connecting to the audience, the use of jump scares of horror films, relating to characters, and on different subgenres of horror films and what makes them work.
• On Set with Insidious (8 minutes) behind the scenes with actor Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Ty Simpkins along with interviews screenwriter/actor Leigh Whannell and director/editor James Wan on being on set, working with the actors, especially with Patrick Wilson and working with kids, how plus stunt work and how all the effects are practical and how they made it less scary for the younger actors plus discussing ideas and showing some behind the scenes footage of scenes that didn't make it into the finished film
• Insidious Entities (6 minutes) film clips, behind the scenes and interviews screenwriter/actor Leigh Whannell, director/editor James Wan, production designer/co-producer Aaron Sims, costume designer Kristin M. Burke, department head - make up Eleanor Sabaduquia, department head - hair Yesim 'Shimmy" Osman and actor J. LaRose on the several entities/characters created for film including the inspiration for the characters, the motivations of the characters, the supernatural background for the characters including the tone and level of scariness of the different entities and how their look & style was created and achieved.
• Theatrical Trailer

Insidious is available on DVD as of July 12, 2011. Check it out over at Amazon.ca & Amazon.com

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it *and* it scared me: win-win!
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it fans of supernatural films and horror films

See also: All 2011 Films Reviewed, All Film Reviews and DVD Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2011
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - April 6, 2011


Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne star in INSIDIOUS an Alliance Films' release.


Leigh Whannell, also writer of INSIDIOUS, and Lin Shaye in INSIDIOUS an Alliance Films' release. Photo Credit - John Darko

DVD Releases July 19, 2011

Time to take a look at a selection of DVD releases for Tuesday July 19, 2011!

• Small Town Murder Songsthis gem is one of my favourite films of 2011 so far, Peter Stormare stars as a cop in a small town trying to solve a murder. I highly recommend checking it out and you can also listen to iInterviews with writer/director Ed Gass-Donnelly and actor Aaron Poole on Episode 25 of the Movie Moxie Podcast.
• A Film With Me In It Thrilled to see this one hit DVD, it's a fantastic dark comedy that I caught at TIFF way back in 2008 and now everyone can enjoy it!
• Limitless I'm surprized I haven't checked out this slightly scifi feel thriller starring Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro, but I think it's because I want to read The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn first, the book it's based on.
• The Way of the West aka The Mountie I'm surprized this one is hitting DVD so quickly, it was just out in theatres here in with it's more Canadian title of The Mountie on July 1, 2011.
• Beauty and the Beast: Criterion (BluRay) The classic fantasy/romance tale hits BluRay with a Criterion release.
• Republic of Doyle Season Two Canadian crime comedy detective series set in the East Coast.
• Doctor Who: Season Six, Part 1 Wow this first half of this sixth season went by so quickly, I already feel like it's still on but here it is on DVD
• Torchwood: The Complete Original UK Series Like Torchwood? Now you can have it all! This is one I've never caught up with but it's nice to know that now I could if I wanted to!

Titles on Amazon.ca(Canada):


Titles on Amazon.com (US):


A Film With Me In It & Republic of Doyle Season 2 are not currently available on Amazon.com

So - It's Been Quiet at Movie Moxie

It may seem very strange that I've only had a few posts up in the past little while. It feels even stranger to me as I've just recently moved and been without my own internet access until today. A week into the new place and more than halfway through the boxes, I still have lots to go but I thought I would share the first full and complete set of items that I unpacked: my DVD (and VHS!) collection. It may be the first (and only) time I've had room for all of them on the shelves, and I lonly have room for about 5 more and since I have about 40 out on lend I know there isn't technically enough room but it still feels pretty awesome to see them nice & neatly lined up.



There are a lot of reviews that will be coming down the pipe in the next few days including lots on DVD of course the most recent and last in the Harry Potter series (yes, it's amazing), which is oddly pretty much the only theatrical release I've seen in July so far. Ah, moving. Always throws a wrench in the works of life.

Film Fan Fridays for Friday July 15, 2011

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday July 15, 2011 aka Harry Potter Finale Day! I can't believe it, it's finally happened. The final film in the epic fantasy series about the boy who lived hits screenes everywhere (and in 3D - odd choice given the rest are 2D, but there you have it!). Everywhere! With it being the 8th film in a extrodinarily sucessful franchise I'm surprized to see a total of 7 releases with week, albeit most of them are limited releases

Speaking of! In limited release this week we have 4 limited releases to choose from including with 3 heartfelt dramas: A Better Life from director Chris Weisz (The Twilight Saga: New Moon), Snow Flower and Secret Fan based on the novel and South Africa/Germany co-production Life, Above All. Rounding out the limited releases is the documentary Blank City.

In wide release this week we have 3 films starring with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 bringing the epic saga to a close with this second part to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, and eighth film in the series based on the books by J.K. Rowlings. It really feels like it's going to be the final battle between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) & Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) with all the film regulars included in the cast (Rupert Grint, Emma Watson). I'm really surpized to see the hand drawn animated Winnie the Pooh film on this weeks roster as it's animated and kid-centric which seems close in audience with Harry Potter, but perhaps the Hogwarts kids have grown up and out of the tales of Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Christopher Robbins (although, I don't think we ever grow up and out of any great stories). Last up for wide releases is the Bollywood film Zindagi Na Mileqi Dobara.

If Harry Potter isn't your summer hero of choice, you may be pleased to hear that Captain America: First Avenger which is out next weeks will have late night screenings on Thursday July 21, 2011 if you *need* to see it as soon as (augmentally) humanly possible.

Have a great weekend!

Shannon

Festival Watch

Shinsedai Cinema Festival
The New Generation of Japanese Film Festival
July 21 - 24, 2011 at The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Friday July 15, 2011 Releases

A Better Life
Dir: Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass, The Twilight Saga: New Moon)
Cast: Demian Bichir, Jose Julian, Dolores Heredia, Joaquin Cosio, Carlos Linares
USA
Limited Release
Official Facebook Page, IMDb Page, Trailer

Blank City
Dir: Celine Danhier - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Dir: David Yates (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1)
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes
UK/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Life, Above All
Dir: Oliver Schmitz (Paris, je t'aime)
Cast: Khomotso Manyaka, Lerato Mvelase, Harriet Manamela, Keaobaka Makanyane, Aubrey Poolo
South Africa/Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Snow Flower and Secret Fan
Dir: Wayne Wang (A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, Maid in Manhattan, The Joy Luck Club)
Cast: Bingbing Li, Gianna Jun, Vivian Wu
China/USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Winnie the Pooh
Dir: Stephen J. Anderson (Meet the Robinsons) and Don Hall (directorial debut)
Voices: Jim Cummings, Tom Kenny, Craig Ferguson, Travis Oates, Bud Luckey, Jack Boulter, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Wyatt Hall, John Cleese
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Zindagi Na Mileqi Dobara
Dir: Zoya Akhtar (Luck By Chance)
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif
India
Official Film Site, IMDb Page

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of July 15, 2011**