Film Spotlight

GOLDEN TICKET
By Alexandra Breen

Directed by Mike Nichols (Closer), Charlie Wilson’s War offers the perfect opportunity for you to brush up on your history while catching some award worthy performances. Nominated for five Golden Globe awards, this biographical drama starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman tells the story of Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson’s (Hank) covert mission to assist rebels in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion.

CROWD PLEASER
By Alexandra Breen

Juno is definitely on our must-see list and not just because it’s directed by Canadian Jason Reitman(Thank You For Smoking)and stars Canuck actors Ellen Page(Hard Candy)and Michael Cera(Superbad). This Toronto Film Festival favorite is a quirky comedy about a brainy 16-year-old virgin(played by Page)who sleeps with her classmate(Cera)and winds up pregnant. It has the same mix of charm and wit that made Little Miss Sunshine a huge hit. And, Page’s brilliant performance will definitely have Hollywood taking note.

FAMILY TIES
By Alexandra Breen

It’s easy to see why Director James C. Strouse’s directorial début, Grace is Gone, was such a huge hit at the Sundance Film Festival—the flick won both the Screenwriting and Audience Awards. The ever-so-loveable John Cusack(Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity)shines as a father who is unable to tell his two daughters(played by newcomers Shélan O’Keefe and Gracie Bednarczyk)that their mother has been killed in the Iraq war. Instead, he decides to take them on a road trip to a Florida theme park. What unfolds is heartfelt drama about love, loss and the aftermath of war that is equal parts crowd pleaser and tearjerker.

CHANNELING DYLAN
By Alexandra Breen

Seven different actors – including Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Richard Gere, play different stages of Bob Dylan’s life in the rightfully hyped I’m Not There – a super stylish, abstract biopic by director Todd Haynes(Velvet Goldmine, Far From Heaven).  Blanchett will likely garner a fourth Oscar nod for her seemingly effortless portrayal of the many dimensions of Dylan(from his shabby look to his gravelly tone, all the way through to his shaky mannerisms).