Reuben Francis, Elizabeth Atkinson, Terence Daniel in The Mountain
The Mountain
Sam, a 12-year-old with cancer, escapes from the hospital in order to climb a mountain that she believes will heal her. Along the way, she’s joined by a shy boy named Mallory and a Maori boy named Bronco, who brings his bike everywhere. Bronco is very concerned about the environment, and keeps picking up balloons that Sam released from the hospital with notes saying “Let me live.” The three form a close friendship on their quest to get Sam up to the mountain. Although first-time actors, the three young actors are stellar. Reuben Francis plays Mallory with a quiet kindness, Terence Daniel portrays the spirited Bronco with an offbeat energy and Elizabeth Atkinson’s Sam is a fierce, determined girl who’s eccentricities make her all the more lovable. The film is mostly shot outdoors and the New Zealand scenery is gorgeous. This may be director Rachel House’s first feature film, but she has done an incredible job – this film is not to be missed.
Rumours
This dark comedy takes place at a meeting of the G7 leaders. Like all politicians, they spout nonsense and have grandiose ideas of what to present to the public, but things go awry when they suddenly realize they’ve been abandoned by their aides and are surrounded by zombies. Canadian Roy Dupuis plays the Canadian prime minister, who’s emotional and lives for the moment. British actor Charles Dance humorously plays the President of the United States complete with a British accent (he was asked by the directors to retain his natural accent), and Cate Blanchett plays the German Chancellor with more warmth than you’d expect from someone in her position. It’s a fantastical story, told with humor.
Better Man
Better Man is a biopic of English singer/songwriter Robbie Williams, from his childhood when he idolized his wannabe performer father who neglected him, his turbulent time with the boy band Take That and his struggle to establish a solo career, all while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the movie has a unique quirk, that was explained prior to the Gala Premiere at TIFF. Gracey said Robbie told him he felt like a performing monkey at times, so Gracey decided to portray Williams as a chimpanzee. Does it work? At times it does, especially when he’s a little boy, but as he grows up, I was expecting him to morph into a human. It’s tough to gauge someone’s emotions when they’re presented as a chimp. Nonetheless, the movie is entertaining and has incredible musical numbers.
The Friend
Naomi Watts plays Iris, a writer whose mentor is Walter, played by Bill Murray. Walter discovers a stray Great Dane and takes him home. However, when Walter commits suicide, his wife tells Iris he wanted her to have the dog. Living in a small apartment, and not a huge fan of dogs, she’s reluctant but because of her fondness for Walter, finally gives in, agreeing to take the dog until she can find another place for him. Unfortunately, her apartment doesn’t allow dogs and she’s threatened with eviction. Based on an award-winning book, this movie will tug at the heartstrings. ~Alexandra Heilbron
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Better Man, reviews, Rumours, The Friend, The Mountain
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