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About Last Night... | 1986 | M | ls |
Screening: July 31st
Genre: Romance
Director/s: Edward Zwick
Cast: Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, James Belushi, Elizabeth Perkins
Rob Lowe doesn't want to get serious. Demi Moore doesn't want to get used. Together, they're an unforgettable couple.
After drinks at a favourite Chicago hang-out, Danny Martin (Lowe) and Debbie Sullivan (Moore) head to Danny's place to indulge in the predictable single's quest: the one-night-stand. Their affair is casual, sensual and supposedly over until something happens. They want to see each other again.
It's the start of an intense relationship that irritates Danny's rowdy best friend (James Belushi) and astounds Debbie's cynical roommate (Elizabeth Perkins), who do everything possible to break them up. But Danny and Debbie wind up living together, and amidst the daily drudge of domestic life, they begin to realise that being in love is very difficult.
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All The Good Ones Are Married | 2007 | M | sd |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Terry Ingram
Cast: Daryl Hannah, Joanna Douglas, James McGowan
Daryl Hannah stars as Alex, a woman going through an amicable divorce who is suddenly confronted by her husband's mistress Zoe (Joanna Douglas), about whom she knew nothing. Alex suddenly sees her marriage and the reasons for its ending in a new light.
Zoe has recently been dumped by Alex's husband as well and offers to help with the divorce proceedings. Though at first Alex is wary of Zoe, they soon form an unlikely alliance. This unlikely friendship inspires each woman to move past their bitterness and fears and to emerge stronger and happier from the experience.
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Amelie | 2001 | M | s |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Cast: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Clotilde Mollet
Oscar nominee Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Delicatessen) directs the much acclaimed Audrey Tautou as Amelie, who has had an isolated childhood. Whilst working as a waitress, she decides to help other lonely people fix their lives.
Her widowed father yearns to travel but won't, so to inspire the old man she sends his garden gnome on a tour of the world and with whispered gossip, she brings together two cranky regulars at her cafe.
Amelie reverses the doorknobs and reprograms the speed dial of a grocer who's mean to his assistant. Gradually she realises her own life needs fixing, and a chance meeting leads to her most elaborate stratagem of all.
When Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz) loses one of his photo albums which Amelie later finds, she returns the photos in a truely magical way.
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An Awfully Big Adventure | 1995 | MA | als |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Mike Newell
Cast: Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Georgina Cates
Director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) returns with this darkly humorous story set in the microcosmic world of repertory theatre starring Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman.
Georgina Cates stars as Stella, a stage-stuck 16-year-old who throws herself at a loathsome director (Grant) and gets caught on the rebound by the sleazy leading man (Rickman). Now Stella is lured into an adult world where lust, rivalry and jealousy reap consequences that are both comical and chilling.
TRIVIA:
Alan Rickman was reportedly upset to find out that Georgina Cates had lied about her age (she was in her early 20s) in order to land the role of Stella. He had gone out of his way to be extremely gentle around her during their intimate scenes because of her perceived age.
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Atonement | 2007 | MA | l |
Screening: July 13th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Joe Wright
Cast: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Vanessa Redgrave
In this thought-provoking Oscar and Golden Globe-winning film, based on Ian McEwan's celebrated novel, Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice) directs Oscar nominee Keira Knightley and Golden Globe nominee James McAvoy in this haunting story spanning the decades from the interwar period to the turn of the millennium.
Robbie Turner (McAvoy) is wrongfully accused of a crime, so he enlists in the armed forces to avoid jail time and must survive WWII in order to return home to his one true love: the exquisite Cecilia Tallis (Knightley).
Nominated for seven Oscars and winner of Best Achievement in Music, the superb cast includes Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave, Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn, Patrick Kennedy (Bleak House) and Romola Garai.
TRIVIA:
The small English town of Redcar stood in for the French city of Dunkirk; the 4.5 minute long Dunkirk beach scenes took under five takes to film; the Dunkirk street scenes and generator room scenes were filmed on Grimsby Docks; the green dress Keira Knightley wore in the film has been named "the best of all time" by InStyle magazine.
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Bella | 2006 | PG | |
Screening: July 10th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Alejandro G. Monteverde
Cast: Eduardo Verastegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manny Perez
This powerful and moving story stars Eduardo Verastegui as an international soccer star who is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that brings his career to an abrupt end. Tammy Blanchard (The Good Shepherd) stars as a waitress, struggling to make it in New York, who discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for.
In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down, until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience.
Winner of the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival.
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Bootmen | 2000 | M | vl |
Screening: July 5th
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director/s: Dein Perry
Cast: Sam Worthington, Adam Garcia, Sophie Lee
Tensions mount between two tap dancing brothers working at a Newcastle steel mill when they both fall for the same woman (Sophie Lee).
Sam Worthington stars as Mitchell who starts a dodgy trucking business and Adam Garcia as Sean, who joins a famous dance troupe. But the town's misfortunes force both brothers to re-evaluate their lives and their toe-tapping talents come to the fore as they re-create the sounds and rhythms of the steel mills in dance.
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Breaking Bad: Seven Thirty-Seven | 2009 | M | vd |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Bryan Cranston
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
In Season 2 of this groundbreaking drama series, Emmy winner Bryan Cranston returns as Walt White. After seeing the ruthless gang leader Tuco kill one of his underlings for no apparent reason, Walt and Jesse (Aaron Paul) realise that they may be in over their heads with their new meth distributor.
While a panicky Walt returns home to assess his options, Jesse takes matters into his own hands and buys a gun for protection. Meanwhile, after encouraging his increasingly unstable wife, Marie (Betsy Brandt), to keep seeing her psychotherapist, Hank (Dean Norris) sees a surveillance videotape of a recent methamphetamine theft, unaware that the masked crooks are Walt and Jesse.
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Brotherhood: Give Me The Ocular Proof... | 2008 | MA | ldsv |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Crime
Director/s: Alik Sakharov
Cast: Jason Clarke, Jason Isaacs, Annabeth Gish
Declan's push to build a case against corrupt local politicians sends up red flags in the State House and Tommy tries to charm him into sharing information about the investigation. Rose discovers the truth about her health and confides in Eileen. Tension builds between Michael and Colin as they help Freddie plan a heist.
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Butterfly On A Wheel | 2007 | MA | sv |
Screening: July 16th
Genre: Thriller
Director/s: Mike Barker
Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Maria Bello, Gerard Butler
In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, Neil and Abby Warner have the perfect life and a perfect marriage. With their beautiful young daughter, Sophie, they are living the American dream; until today.
Pierce Brosnan stars as Ryan, a cold and calculating sociopath who has kidnapped Sophie, taking over their lives with the brutal efficiency of someone who has nothing to lose. They have no choice but to comply with his demands.
In the blink of an eye Neil and Abby's safe and secure existence is turned upside down. It soon becomes clear that Ryan's demands are all the more terrifying, because he doesn't want their money. What he wants is for Neil and Abby's life to be systematically dismantled and destroyed; piece by piece.
With time running out on their little girl, Neil and Abby realise their nightmare is about to take its most deadly turn: they will have to face Ryan's final, horrifying challenge - would they kill an innocent man to save their own child?
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Canvas | 2006 | PG | |
Screening: July 6th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Joseph Greco
Cast: Marcia Gay Harden, Joe Pantoliano, Devon Gearhart
Marcia Gay Harden gives a powerful performance as Mary Marino, a mother whose bouts of schizophrenia give new meaning to the term dysfunctional family. Newcomer Devon Gearhart gives a sensitive portrayal as 10-year-old Chris, who just wants his mum to be normal. Joe Pantoliano steps out of Sopranos' mode and stars as husband, John, who struggles to pay for Mary's medical expenses as he searches for the right treatment.
As Mary's behaviour takes a dangerous turn, father and son watch helplessly. Unable to face his wife's illness or console his son, John becomes obsessed with a boat he's building in the driveway. Ridiculed at school, Chris is left adrift without a mother or father's support.
TRIVIA:
The film was shot in Joseph Greco's hometown where a hurricane nearly shut the Florida production down.
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Carrier: Show Of Force | 2008 | M | a |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Documentary
Director/s: Maro Chermayeff
Cast: Captain Ted Branch, Major Justin Knox, Lieutenant Commander Kevin McLaughlin
The mission really kicks off when the Nimitz arrives in the Gulf. The conditions are extreme: flight deck personnel endure temperatures hovering around 120 degrees, while the pilots undertake gruelling six-hour missions over Iraq.
Some of the pilots are frustrated that they're not dropping bombs because, as they describe it, that's what they've been trained to do.
The aircraft carrier's role and effectiveness in this particular war are questioned. Meanwhile, the strike group searches for terrorists on small dhows and intercepts cargo ships to search for weapons and bomb-making materials.
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Caught | 1996 | M | vls |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Robert M. Young
Cast: Edward James Olmos, Maria Conchita Alonso, Arie Verveen
Nick (Arie Verveen), a young drifter down on his luck, is taken in by Joe (Edward James Olmos) and Betty (Maria Conchita Alonso) who offer him a job at their fish market and a room in their home, which used to belong to their son Danny.
The arrangement works well, Joe feels he has found a new son. But emotional entanglements ensue when Nick's bond with Joe competes with his growing desire for Betty. It all becomes complicated when the obnoxious Danny returns and suspects what's going on between Nick and his mother and exposes the lust and betrayal that threatens to tear their family apart.
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Death At A Funeral | 2007 | M | dls |
Screening: July 11th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Frank Oz
Cast: Matthew Macfadyen, Rupert Graves, Jane Asher
The Emmy winning Frank Oz (Bowfinger) does it again with this hilarious look at the various aspects of a dysfunctional family's funeral for a father who may have a secret or two, which might, or might not, be revealed during the service if drastic steps are not taken immediately.
Matthew Macfadyen (Mr Darcy of Pride & Prejudice, Spooks) stars as Daniel and Rupert Graves (V for Vendetta) as Robert, two brothers whose father's death brings their entire family together to mourn his passing. The lovely Jane Asher (one of Paul McCartney's ex ladies) stars as their mother, who knows a lot more about their dad than she's letting on to her boys.
When a man (Peter Dinklage) shows up at the funeral threatening to reveal a shocking secret unless he gets some cash, the two brothers are forced to figure out a way to deal with the blackmailer, whilst chaos ensues when some of the guests get hold of some mysterious pills they believe to be valium.
The excellent support cast includes Ewen Bremner, Alan Tudyk (Knocked Up), My Family's Kris Marshall and the wonderful Peter Vaughan as the irascible Uncle Alfie - everyone has one of these in the family.
TRIVIA:
The closing credits give the name of each performer with a blooper shot of them cracking up during filming; the film was shot in seven weeks.
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Death Defying Acts | 2007 | PG | |
Screening: July 18th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Gillian Armstrong
Cast: Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Saoirse Ronan
Combining both fact and fiction, Gillian Armstrong directs Guy Pearce as superstar escape artist Harry Houdini. On arriving in Edinburgh on his 1926 world tour with his manager, the long suffering Sugarman (Timothy Spall), Houdini offers a $10,000 reward to anyone who can contact his late mother and repeat what she told him on her deathbed. Houdini always thought that science, not superstition, should rule.
Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as the beautiful but deceptive Marie Magarvie, who has a psychic cabaret act with her young sidekick daughter. Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) is outstanding as the worldly wise Benji and the two of them survive on their combined wits.
Marie decides to take the challenge and she manages to convince Houdini that she is indeed someone special - her likeness to his late mother helps. Although married, Houdini is taken in by her charms, and what begins as a con evolves into a complicated and dangerous affair.
TRIVIA:
Houdini died of complications caused by a ruptured appendix; his wish was that a seance be held on the anniversary of his death; he was reported to have said, "If it is possible for anyone to come back from the afterlife, Harry Houdini will do it."
Houdini died on Halloween, 31 October 1926, and is buried in the Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, New York.
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Deep Water | 2006 | G | |
Screening: July 4th
Genre: Documentary
Director/s: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell
Cast: Tilda Swinton, Simon Russell Beale, Robin Knox-Johnston
In 1968 The Sunday Times announces the first non-stop, single-handed round-the-world sailing race. There are two prizes; the Golden Globe for the first man home and a cash prize for the fastest voyage. Tilda Swinton narrates this stunning true story of the fateful voyage of Donald Crowhurst.
Crowhurst, a 36-year-old father of four, is compelled to enter and is certain that a trimaran, the newest and quickest boat available will secure him the fastest circumnavigation. If he retires from the race he faces financial ruin, he will lose everything, including the family home.
The documentary uses Donald Crowhurst's original 16mm films and tape recordings to reconstruct his extraordinary journey. Much of this incredible archive has not been seen for over 30 years and was only recently re-discovered.
Today, Donald Crowhurst's boat lies abandoned on the Caribbean island of Cayman Brac. His body was never found.
Of the nine who set out, Robin Knox-Johnston was the only one to finish. He donated prize to the Crowhurst family.
Bernard Moitessier finally ended his voyage in Tahiti, after 10 months at sea.
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Dexter: Turning Biminese | 2008 | MA | lva |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Marcos Siega
Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jimmy Smits, Julie Benz
Dexter argues with Rita's because of her desire for them to move in together before they get married. While playing Golf together, Miguel tells Dexter about a husband who he has been unable to convict over killing two of his wives for financial gain.
Meanwhile, Debra works with Anton, her confidential informant to track down one of Freebo's criminal confidants. But Debra is finding herself oddly attracted to Anton.
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Dinner With Friends | 2001 | M | lsv |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Comedy Drama
Director/s: Norman Jewison
Cast: Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell
What happens when your best friends turn out to be strangers? Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell, Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette star in this candid, often-funny drama from Norman Jewison, exploring the bittersweet side of friendship.
Two couples. Four friends. Gabe and Karen introduced Tom and Beth to each other. It's been a happy foursome for 12 years, sharing extravagant gourmet dinners, vacations on Martha's Vineyard and child-rearing. They all expected "to grow old and fat together, the four of us."
Then, one night at dinner, somewhere between the pumpkin risotto and the lemon almond polenta cake, Beth blurts out the news that Tom is leaving her for another woman. This unexpected revelation catapults both couples into a re-evaluation of their lives, their friendships, their marriages and their dreams for the future.
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Durham County: What Lies Beneath | 2007 | MA | avl |
Screening: July 7th
Genre: Crime
Director/s: Holly Dale
Cast: Hugh Dillon, Justin Louis, Helene Joy
They say there's only six degrees of separation between you and anyone else in the world, but sometimes it's not even that. Sometimes the most brutal evil you can imagine is already in your world. Sometimes he's just across the street.
This emotionally powerful Showcase Original Presentation revolves around Detective Mike Sweeney (Hugh Dillon) and his family, as he hunts a serial killer he's certain is the guy across the street, Ray Prager - a dangerously fragile man whose need for total control feeds his paranoia.
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Extraordinary Rendition | 2007 | MA | v |
Screening: July 6th
Genre: Thriller
Director/s: Jim Threapleton
Cast: Omar Berdouni, Andy Serkis, Ania Sowinski
Extraordinary Rendition: the abduction of terror suspects who are transported in private jets to prisons scattered around the world where they are held indefinitely without legal process, interrogated and often tortured.
Omar Berdouni and Andy Serkis star in this thought-provoking and disturbing story of a man who is snatched from the streets of his home-city and transported to an unknown destination. Advanced interrogation techniques are used to break him down. His life deconstructed with such manipulation that even he begins to question his innocence.
Upon release he is expected to return to his family and resume his normal life, but his life can never be the same and he can't put into words the terrible ordeal he has endured.
A feature debut for director Jim Threapleton who also penned the script.
BACKGROUND:
Since September 2001 more than 1100 people have been illegally transported by the CIA to countries which practice torture; European prosecutors currently have 39 outstanding arrest warrants for known CIA Agents charged with carrying out extraordinary renditions in EU countries.
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Generation Kill: Get Some | 2008 | MA | lv |
Screening: July 28th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Susanna White
Cast: Alexander Skarsgard, Lee Tergesen, James Ransone
From the creators of WIRE comes this true story of the highly trained Marines of First Recon Battalion during the first 40 days of the Iraq war detailing their experiences on the front line of the American invasion, as they contend with equipment shortages, incompetent commanding officers, ever evolving Rules of Engagement and an unclear strategy.
Adapted from the award-winning book by Rolling Stones correspondent Evan Wright, who was embedded with the Marines during the first wave of the American-led assault on Baghdad in 2003.
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Happy, Texas | 1999 | M | lva |
Screening: July 27th
Genre: Comedy
Director/s: Mark Illsley
Cast: Jeremy Northam, Steve Zahn, Ally Walker, William H. Macy
In this hilarious comedy, Texas townsfolk mistake two escaped convicts for gay lovers and beauty pageant professionals, hired to transform its dishevelled little girls into candidates for the upcoming Little Miss Squeezed pageant.
Jeremy Northam and Steve Zahn are the fugitives who think they've found the perfect hideout, and while one sets about putting together a real-life pageant, the other romances the lovelorn locals.
Support cast includes William H. Macy in a star turn as the town sheriff, Illeana Douglas, Ally Walker and Ron Perlman.
TRIVIA:
William H. Macy's character has a discussion on the phone where he complains he cannot read a smudgy fax, and the message should be mailed, not faxed. This is exactly like a conversation his character has in Fargo (1996).
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He Kills Coppers: Part 3 | 2008 | M | vl |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Crime
Director/s: Adrian Shergold
Cast: Rafe Spall, Steven Robertson, Mel Raido
In the conclusion to this excellent crime drama, reporter Tony Meehan's (Steven Robertson) career is on the skids. He has been exiled from Fleet Street and now edits a tawdry magazine called Murder Monthly.
When a publisher shows interest in his unfinished manuscript on Billy Porter (Mel Raido), Tony knows this could be his final chance for genuine success. But the book needs an ending - he has to find Billy.
Meanwhile, Frank (Rafe Spall) has managed to keep climbing the greasy pole and is now a DCI. But the rank doesn't bring the satisfaction he had anticipated.
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Hollywood Shootout: Toronto Film Festival - Part 2 | 2007 | PG | |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Entertainment
Director/s: Stephanie Medina
Cast: Peter Bart, Peter Guber
The hit series that puts you in the crossfire of two Hollywood power brokers. Join Variety boss Peter Bart and uber-producer Peter Guber at the Toronto Film Festival as they take shots at the movies, the stars, the awards and each other.
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Hunting & Gathering | 2007 | M | ls |
Screening: July 6th
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director/s: Claude Berri
Cast: Audrey Tautou, Guillaume Canet, Laurent Stocker
From master director Claude Berri (Jean de Florette) and starring two of France's brightest young stars, Audrey Tautou and Guillaume Canet, comes an enchanting romantic fable about a collection of misfits in Paris.
Camille (Audrey Tautou) is doing her best to disappear. She barely eats, works at night as a cleaner, and lives in a tiny unheated attic in an 18th century apartment building that also houses the ornate apartment of the stuttering aristocrat Philibert (Laurent Stocker).
Philibert, who sells postcards outside a museum, is every bit the gentleman when called upon by circumstances. His penchant for helping people is realised when he rescues Camille from her freezing garret one evening and invites her to stay.
Philibert's unlikely flat mate Franck (Guillaume Canet), is a moody young chef, made more obnoxious by the guilt he experiences for putting his beloved grandmother Paulette (Francoise Bertin) into a home.
Hunting & Gathering is the story of this curious quartet. Without each other, Camille, Franck, Philibert and Paulette's lives feel empty, but through one another they rediscover their passion for life and learn to face the world.
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If Lucy Fell | 1996 | M | la |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director/s: Eric Schaeffer
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Eric Schaeffer, Ben Stiller
Sarah Jessica Parker stars as a therapist attracted to a dreadlocked Ben Stiller. Eric Schaeffer directs and stars as an artist infatuated with Elle Macpherson. Best friends since childhood, they make a pact to throw themselves off the Brooklyn Bridge if they don't find love by the time they're 30, taking angst to a whole new level.
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Ira And Abby | 2006 | M | ls |
Screening: July 6th
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director/s: Robert Cary
Cast: Chris Messina, Jennifer Westfeldt, Fred Willard
A sweet, hilarious and slightly subversive romantic comedy that examines the issues of marriage, monogamy and whether "I do" is the only path to life-long love and happiness.
Six Ft Under's Chris Messina stars as Ira Black, who is brilliant, neurotic and Jewish and has so many issues he can't fit them into 12 years of analysis. Jennifer Westfeldt wrote the script and stars as Abby Willoughby, a free spirit working in a gym who is better at solving her friends' problems than selling memberships. When the two meet, the impossible happens: they fall in love, meet each other's parents (Fred Willard, Frances Conroy, Judith Light and Robert Kline) and decide to get married, all in a few breathless hours.
And life is good, for a while, until a series of comic misadventures (multiple divorces, in-laws, affairs, exes, and too many therapists) force the couple to rethink their strategies.
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John Adams: Unnecessary War | 2008 | M | a |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Tom Hooper
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Danny Huston
Abandoned by Jefferson for retaining Washington's cabinet, President Adams holds firm on keeping the nation out of war, despite French aggression and pro-war sentiment among his advisors. Abigail urges him to sign the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, seeing them as a way to preserve domestic security. Meanwhile, Adams faces a crisis at home when he disowns his alcoholic son Charles.
Drained by politics and family tragedy, Adams exits the new capital, Washington City, having only recently moved in to the still unfinished White House.
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John From Cincinnati: His Visit: Day One | 2007 | MA | lda |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Mark Tinker
Cast: Rebecca De Mornay, Bruce Greenwood, Luke Perry
From the creators behind Deadwood and surf-noir writer Kem Nunn, this Showcase Original Presentation is set in Imperial Beach, California, the last great surf-break before Tijuana.
Starring Rebecca de Mornay, Bruce Greenwood, Luke Perry and Brian Van Holt, this is a story about the Yosts; a family of surfers whose awesome athletic talents have seemed for generations to come with a curse attached. The Yosts' reign and reputation has been eroded by years of bad luck, addiction and hubris and just as things are looking like they can't get worse, a stranger named John arrives - and the Yosts' banal existence is lifted into something profound, miraculous and, possibly, universal.
The distinctive theme song is by the late Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros.
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Lady Chatterley | 2006 | M | ns |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director/s: Pascale Ferran
Cast: Marina Hands, Jean-Louis Coulloc'h, Hippolyte Girandot, Hippolyte Girardot
Based on the second version of D.H. Lawrence's erotic tale about Constance, Lady Chatterley (Marina Hands), and her husband Clifford (Hippolyte Girardot), who have been living on the Chatterley estate in the heart of England.
A few months after they married, Clifford, who was serving as a lieutenant in the British Army, returned from Flanders permanently paralysed from the waist down. Trapped by her marriage to Clifford and her sense of duty, Constance feels her vital energy gradually ebbing out of her. When her sister demands that Clifford employ a nurse to look after him, Mrs Bolton moves in and Constance's new life begins.
Whilst taking a daily walk in the forest, Constance becomes acquainted with Parkin (Jean-Louis Coulloc'h), the gamekeeper. This story traces the profound impact he has on Constance's life; their first awkward encounters and their subsequent discovery of each other.
TRIVIA:
Director Pascale Ferran scheduled six weeks of intensive rehearsal to help put the actors at ease with each other in preparation for the explicit scenes.
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Marathon Man | 1976 | M | vl |
Screening: July 7th
Genre: Thriller
Director/s: John Schlesinger
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, Roy Scheider, William Devane
Oscar winner John Schlesinger directs this ground-breaking story starring Laurence Olivier as former Nazi dentist Szell who comes out of hiding to recover some stolen diamonds from an American secret agent who he believes has hidden them.
The unrelenting plot is driven by riveting performances from Olivier as the sadist and Hoffman as Babe Levy, the Jewish grad-student who takes him on after his brother is stabbed to death, culminating in one of the most horrendous torture scenes ever - you'll never see your dentist in the same way again.
TRIVIA:
Dr. Szell is based on the historical Doctor Josef Mengele, head SS Doctor of Auschwitz, who was living a fugitive's life in South America when the movie was produced; the torture scene was shortened after preview audiences were taken sick; Laurence Olivier was so afraid that he would accidentally hurt Dustin Hoffman during the torture scene that he would constantly ask Hoffman if he was all right after shooting a take. As a joke, Hoffman tried to make Olivier think that he had really hurt him by screaming in a very convincing and unexpected manner.
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Messiah 4: The Harrowing: Part 2 | 2005 | MA | a |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Crime
Director/s: Paul Unwin
Cast: Ken Stott, Neil Dudgeon, Hugo Speer
The final episode begins with another horrific murder. Red Metcalfe (Ken Stott) is at a loss to understand why the killer has chosen Dante and, more importantly, how is the killer selecting the victims?
Red has to rely on his own unique style of feeling the pain of each victim, trying to see what they see before they die, which usually leads him to the killer. Can Red reach the killer in time to stop them committing their final act?
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Nine Lives | 2005 | MA | la |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Rodrigo Garcia
Cast: Holly Hunter, Robin Wright Penn, Sissy Spacek, Ian McShane
This moving exploration of the individual experiences of nine women examines how we so often find ourselves captive in relationships, both past and present.
Sandra (Elpida Carrillo) is in prison and wants desperately to connect with her visiting child. Diana (Robin Wright Penn) confronts the sudden flash of a past relationship long after she has moved on to a new life.
Holly (Lisa Gay Hamilton) can't seem to move forward until her stepfather acknowledges the pain he has caused her. Sonia (Holly Hunter) reels from her boyfriend's disclosure of an intimate secret to their closest friends.
Teenager Samantha (Amanda Seyfreid) is caught in a static loop as the peacemaker between her parents. Lorna (Amy Brenneman) attempts to comfort her ex-husband after his wife's suicide and finds herself implicated in the tragic death.
Ruth (Sissy Spacek) considers straying from married life during a motel rendezvous; Camille (Kathy Baker) faces the limitations of her previously dependable body and Maggie (Glenn Close) allows her own life to be eclipsed by that of her young daughter, Maria (Dakota Fanning).
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Once | 2007 | M | l |
Screening: July 6th
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director/s: John Carney
Cast: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, Darren Healy
In this Oscar-winning modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin, featuring Glen Hansard and directed by John Carney from the Irish band The Frames, a street musician and a Czech immigrant who meet each other by chance write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story.
TRIVIA:
The "look" of Dublin in the film is a call-back to John Carney's and Glen Hansard's recollection of Dublin 10-15 years prior to the film's making; the flashback footage of Guy's girlfriend is actually that of director John Carney's girlfriend; Glen Hansard's mother plays a cameo as one of the singers during the party; the featured motorcycle is a 1966 650cc Triumph 6T Thunderbird, the same model as Marlon Brando's motorcycle in The Wild One (1953).
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Paris | 2008 | M | l |
Screening: July 4th
Genre: Comedy Drama
Director/s: Cedric Klapisch
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Romain Duris, Fabrice Luchini
Cedric Klapisch (The Spanish Apartment) directs Romain Duris as Pierre, a young man who is a male dancer at the Moulin Rouge. When Pierre is diagnosed with a serious heart condition that, even with a transplant, could end his life, he takes stock of his surroundings.
Juliette Binoche stars as Pierre's not-so-close sister who he calls and together they try to find a way of coping with the possibility of a life ending. All around them Parisians are getting on with their lives; working, loving and sometimes dying.
As Pierre waits for a suitable donor, these lives intersect with his, each with its own triumphs and failures. It's only when he finally goes by taxi to the hospital for the operation that he really sees Paris as the thriving, vibrant city it is.
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Razzle Dazzle | 2007 | PG | |
Screening: July 4th
Genre: Comedy
Director/s: Darren Ashton
Cast: Ben Miller, Kerry Armstrong, Nadine Garner
Darren Ashton (Thunderstruck) directs this heart-warming, hilarious comedy starring Kerry Armstrong, Ben Miller (Moving Wallpaper), Nadine Garner, Denise Roberts, Toni Lamond, Barry Crocker and Leo Sayer.
The tension is palpable and the excitement is mounting as hundreds of contestants prepare to take part in Australia's most prestigious dance competition. Amidst parental politics, dance school rivalry, creative controversy and hysterical pushy stage mothers, Mr Johnson (Miller) prepares his Jazzeteers for the chance of a lifetime. But he also has to contend with Miss Elizabeth and her Talent Academy dancers who are going to make sure that no outside school creeps in and steals their thunder.
An excellent cast and a foot-tapping soundtrack will have you reaching for your dancing shoes.
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Recount | 2008 | M | al |
Screening: July 23rd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Jay Roach
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Denis Leary, Laura Dern
Mixing larger-than-life personalities with a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction storyline, this Emmy-winning hugely entertaining story goes behind the headlines to explore the human drama surrounding one of the most controversial elections in US history.
Beginning on Election Day 2000, Recount focuses on the public and private machinations that fuelled a bizarre 36-day struggle to determine which candidate won Florida.... and the presidency.
Directed by Jay Roach, the very talented cast lead by Kevin Spacey includes Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Laura Dern, John Hurt, Denis Leary, Bruce McGill and Tom Wilkinson.
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Saawariya | 2007 | PG | |
Screening: July 16th
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director/s: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor
Saawariya means " beloved." But he's not just any beloved. He's the dusky, blue tinged God Krishna who is adored as Saawariya. On a more sublime note, Saawariya is the beloved who is always in love.
Raj is an artist, a free spirit, an idealist and dreamer who is certain that he has found his ultimate dream when he arrives in the mist-shrouded mountains of Simla where on a silent, bright and starry night he has a chance encounter with the shy and quiet Sakina, a melancholic and enigmatic girl who intrigues him.
Raj with his most charming ways and an undying spirit tries to win Sakina's heart, but their friendship pulls him into a whirlwind of desire, madness and romance.
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Satisfaction: Running Girl | 2007 | MA | sna |
Screening: July 20th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Ken Cameron
Cast: Diana Glenn, Kestie Morassi, Robert Mammone
Satisfaction is a Showcase Original Presentation about friendships, family, lust and love and is unlike anything seen on Australian television. Set in and around 232, an up-market city brothel, it reveals the world of five high-class escorts and their manager as they juggle the pressures of their private lives with their secret profession. The superb cast includes Diana Glenn, Kestie Morassi, Peta Sergeant, Alison Whyte, Robert Mammone and Nicholas Bell.
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Saving Grace: Bring It On, Earl | 2007 | M | avl |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Guy Ferland
Cast: Holly Hunter, Laura San Giacomo, Leon Rippy
While hunting deer, Grace and Ham (Kenny Johnson) get called into work on their day off. Oilman Beau Grady was murdered with a tire iron. Grace unravels a love triangle between Beau, his business partner, and his wife; a triangle that reflects Grace's relationships with Ham and Butch.
For a pair of shoes, an informant named Pup supplies our officers with a man who may be helpful in solving the crime. Unfortunately, he turns out to be Lieutenant Yukon's (Roger Aaron Brown) brother, and the results are disastrous.
Rhetta (Laura San Giacomo) starts an Earl (Leon Rippy) file in the office, based on angel evidence Grace brings in. Earl attempts to get Grace closer to God by any means necessary; even wrestling her in Athens to prove a point. And as hard as they try, Leon and Grace can't remember what Earl looks like.
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Scoop | 2006 | PG | |
Screening: July 9th
Genre: Comedy
Director/s: Woody Allen
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Woody Allen
Oscar-winning screen legend Woody Allen directs and co-stars in this intelligent, dark comedy in which the lovely Scarlett Johansson plays a college newspaper journalist who stumbles upon a sensational story while studying abroad in London. Hugh Jackman stars as a charming British aristocrat with whom she develops a romance.
Allen does what he does best here as he deftly blends love and death in this fresh and modern addition to his already wildly impressive body of work.
Deadwood's Golden Globe winner Ian McShane also stars.
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Showcase & Nida Present...: Kimberly Peirce | 2008 | M | al |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Entertainment
Director/s: Nicole Coventry
Cast: Nell Schofield, Kimberly Peirce
Recorded in front of an audience of NIDA students, writer/director Kimberly Peirce talks with Nell Schofield about her film Boys Don't Cry, Hilary Swank's Oscar-winning performance and her follow up feature Stop Loss starring Australian actress Abbie Cornish.
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Sleeper Cell: Al Fatiha | 2005 | M | vl |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Crime
Director/s: Clark Johnson
Cast: Michael Ealy, Oded Fehr, Blake Shields
Michael Ealy stars in this Golden Globe-nominated series as an undercover FBI agent who connects with an Islamic extremist ready to unleash biological warfare on Los Angeles. With his identity a secret from everyone including his girlfriend, Agent Darwyn Al Sayeed must befriend those he despises and make a mockery of his own faith in order to covertly thwart the unthinkable.
From the people who brought you Bulletproof Monk, and with contributions from Emmy Award-winning film-makers, including The Sopranos' Mick Gomez, this explosive series premiere unravels some of the complexities and contradictions behind the War on Terror.
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Sleeping With The Enemy | 1991 | M | vs |
Screening: July 17th
Genre: Thriller
Director/s: Joseph Ruben
Cast: Julia Roberts, Patrick Bergin, Kevin Anderson
In this thriller, Julia Roberts stars as Laura, who married Martin Burney (Patrick Bergin) nearly four years ago, but had no way of knowing the depth of his passion for her. On the outside, they are the ideal couple. As a beautiful and perfect housewife, she sees to his every need. He is handsome, successful and seductively attentive.
In the Burney household, however, things are not as they appear to be. Inside is a woman living a terrifying secret, waiting for a chance to escape her nightmare, forced to take desperate measures to escape the destructive relationship.
TRIVIA:
Julia Roberts caused a controversy after she left Abbeville, South Carolina, where the film shot some location work. She said the place was a living hell and a horribly racist town and she would never return there again; features haunting music from Hector Berlioz' "Symphonie Fantastique".
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Smart People | 2008 | M | ls |
Screening: July 25th
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director/s: Noam Murro
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page
Dennis Quaid (Far From Heaven) stars as Lawrence Wetherhold, a widowed, brilliant and self-absorbed literature professor who has alienated his two children following the death of their mother.
Ashton Holmes (A History of Violence) stars as his son James and Ellen Page (Juno) as his teenage daughter Vanessa; an acid-tongued, friendless over-achiever. Thomas Haden Church (Sideways) stars as Chuck, Lawrence's down-on-his-luck adopted brother who is always low on cash and is now in need of a place to stay.
When the professor ends up in hospital, he falls for a former student who is his doctor. Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Janet, who endeavours to draw Lawrence out of his mundane existence, but first he has to get his family in order.
The soundtrack includes the Baby Animal's "You Still Need Me".
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Smother | 2008 | M | sl |
Screening: July 11th
Genre: Comedy Drama
Director/s: Vince Di Meglio
Cast: Diane Keaton, Dax Shepard, Liv Tyler
Nearly everyone has fears of their mum coming to stay and never leaving - no matter how loving she may be!
Dax Shepard stars as Noah Cooper, a 29-year-old therapist who is fired from his job and thinks his day can't possibly get worse. On arriving home he finds his already full house is even crazier.
Diane Keaton stars as Marilyn, Noah's overbearing mother who has left his father and is on his doorstep with her five dogs in tow needing a place to stay. Chaos ensues as Noah learns to deal with the pressures of finding a job, a wife who desperately wants a baby and a mother who just won't quit smothering.
Talking Heads, Musical Youth, The Kinks and Perry Como contribute to the soundtrack.
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So Goes The Nation | 2006 | M | l |
Screening: July 4th
Genre: Documentary
Director/s: Adam Del Deo, James D. Stern
Cast: George W. Bush
The 2004 presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry provides the stage to examine America's tumultuous electoral process through the eyes of diverse politicians, activists, and voters showing how the voting public is manipulated by both parties' leaders and their political marketing machines. Political activism and the thoughts of voters themselves are revealed in the ultimate cross-section state: Ohio. In addition to interviewing American voters and grassroots campaigners, filmmakers James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo gained unprecedented access to high-ranking Republican and Democratic campaign strategists and officials.
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Sons Of Anarchy: The Revelator | 2008 | MA | v |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Ken Sutter
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Ryan Hurst, Katey Sagal
In the dramatic conclusion to this series, friends and family gather at Opie's house to offer support. Jax arrives, and comforts his old friend the best he can, but Opie still feels responsible for his wife's death.
At the Morrow home Gemma asks Clay if SAMCRO was involved in Donna's accidental death. His silence speaks volumes.
At the Charming PD, Unser goes through the motions of investigating the killing, but both he and Hale know SAMCRO was involved. Hale wants to take action, but the Chief suggests they let the outlaws administer their own justice.
Jax arrives at home, and helps Wendy settle Abel down. She asks about their night together, but he chalks it up to stress. She says she wants more from him. Feeling pressed, he gives her hope by saying they can spend time together and see what happens.
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Stardust | 2007 | PG | |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Adventure
Director/s: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Sienna Miller, Charlie Cox, Claire Danes
Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake) directs this rip-roaring tale of love and high adventure, featuring an all-star cast, which begins in the sleepy English village of Wall, so called for the cobblestone wall that keeps the villagers safely apart from the supernatural parallel universe that lies on the other side.
Charlie Cox stars as Tristan Thorne, who makes a promise to the prettiest girl in the village (Sienna Miller), whose heart he hopes to win, that he will bring her back a fallen star. To do this, Tristan must cross the forbidden wall and enter a mysterious kingdom lit by unending magic and unfolding legends of which he will become a part.
The cast includes Claire Danes, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ricky Gervais, and Rupert Everett. Narration is by Sir Ian McKellen.
TRIVIA:
The last film of Mark Burns who plays Bishop, who died before the film came out; all princes wear clothing with a pattern spelling out their number in Roman numerals, composed by smaller Arabic numerals. Septimus wears a vest with the numeral 7 on each button; the three witches share their names with demonic creatures from Greek mythology.
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Stephanie Daley | 2006 | M | al |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Hilary Brougher
Cast: Tilda Swinton, Amber Tamblyn, Timothy Hutton
In this evocative film, Amber Tamblyn stars as 16-year-old Stephanie Daley, who is hospitalised unexpectedly during a school fieldtrip while, in a nearby public restroom, a dead newborn is discovered. Faced with charges of murder, Stephanie claims she never knew she was pregnant and that the child was stillborn.
Tilda Swinton stars as Lydie Crane, a forensic psychologist hired to determine the truth behind Stephanie's continuing state of denial. Coincidentally, Lydie is herself pregnant and struggles with an impending fear that her marriage and her pregnancy are in jeopardy.
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Sugar Rush: Ep 9 | 2006 | M | asnl |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director/s: Harry Bradbeer
Cast: Lenora Crichlow, Olivia Hallinan, Jalaal Hartley
Sugar's thrilled when Mark (Jalaal Hartley) invites her to meet his mum (Sally Edwards) and dad (Peter Gunn). But when Kim makes a chance remark about being on her best behaviour, Sugar turns herself into My Fair Lady meets the Stepford Wives. How long can she keep up the act?
Meanwhile, the improvement in Stella and Nathan's sex life has a very unexpected consequence.
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The Best Man | 1999 | M | ls |
Screening: July 9th
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director/s: Malcolm D. Lee
Cast: Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau
Spike Lee writes this intimate tale of a group of college friends reunited for a wedding. Taye Diggs stars as a novelist who has penned an autobiographical steamy novel full of revelations about the bridal party - especially that the best man has slept with the bride-to-be. A heartwarming film that explores the ups - and the downs - of friendship.
Also starring Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Terrence Howard and Sanaa Lathan.
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The Legend Of Bagger Vance | 2000 | PG | |
Screening: July 9th
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Robert Redford
Cast: Matt Damon, Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Bruce McGill
Oscar winner Robert Redford directs Matt Damon and Will Smith in the story of Rannulph Junnah (Damon), the best golfer in Savannah. WWI begins and Junnah goes to Europe to fight. The only survivor of a dangerous mission, he doesn't return to Savannah for 15 years.
In 1930 he returns to find that his girlfriend Adele's father has committed suicide and there are mounting debts. Adele vows to bring to Savannah the greatest match ever played and is able to round up the two best golfers of their time, Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen.
Rannulph Junnah is called upon to take part in the tournament. Now an alcoholic who has lost his swing, a mystic caddy, Bagger Vance (Smith), appears and teaches Junnah the secret of the authentic golf stroke.
The story is narrated by Junnah's number one fan, Hardy Greaves, voiced by Jack Lemmon, in his final film. When Lemmon tees up at the beginning of the movie, he says, "It's magic time." That is the phrase Lemmon would say before every take in every movie he ever did.
TRIVIA:
"Bagger Vance" and "R. Junuh" are representations of Bhagavan (Krishna) and Arjuna, from the Hindu text "The Bhagavad Gita". The lessons learned by Rannulph are loosely based on those Krishna teaches to Arjuna while masquerading as his lowly chariot driver; Matt Damon did not have any previous experience playing golf.
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The Life And Times Of Tim: Angry Unpaid Hooker/Rodney's Bachelor Party | 2008 | MA | ls |
Screening: July 4th
Genre: Comedy
Director/s: Steve Dildarian
Cast: Steve Dildarian, Mary Jane Otto, Nick Kroll
From the mind of Steve Dildarian - the Clio-winning ad man behind Budweiser's famous 'Lizards' campaign - this animated series follows this everyday working guy from one scandalous crisis to the next.
Everybody makes mistakes, but for Tim - a self-conscious young guy living in New York - just getting out of bed in the morning could be the worst decision he makes all day. No matter the situation, life's little challenges always manage to demand the most offensive solutions, which wouldn't be such a problem if he weren't continually caught red-handed.
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The Playlist: Ep #0010 | 2009 | M | |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Entertainment
Director/s: Nicole Coventry
Cast: Andrew Mercado
TV guide show hosted by Andrew Mercado provides a critic's eye view of the stuff worth watching. Features reviews and previews of the best (and worst) of the box.
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The Prince & Me II: The Royal Wedding | 2005 | PG | |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director/s: Catherine Cyran
Cast: Luke Mably, Jonathan Firth, Kam Heskin
This sequel follows shortly after the events of the first film, starring Luke Mably (28 Days Later...) as Edvard and Kam Heskin (Pride & Prejudice) as Paige, just weeks away from the big day.
All is proceeding according to plan, until a conniving royal named Albert (Jim Holt) finds a centuries-old Danish law that forbids the ascension to king if the prince were to marry a non-royal, which Paige is certainly not.
To "help out" in the matter, Albert offers a solution in the form of his own daughter, Princess Kirsten (Clemency Burton-Hill), a childhood friend of Edvard's that has blossomed into an attractive and graceful adult. The Danish tabloids are swarming for juicy gossip, setting forth a chain of events that threatens to make Edvard have to choose between his kingdom and his heart.
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The Recruiter | 2008 | M | al |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Documentary
Director/s: Edet Belzberg
Cast: Clay Usie
Receiving Official Selection at 2008 Sundance Film Festival, this documentary, directed by Oscar nominee Edet Belzberg, follows Sergeant First Class Clay Usie as he goes on a recruiting drive for the US Army in his home town, providing a rare glimpse inside Army training facilities.
The documentary chronicles Sgt. Usie and four of his high school recruits before, during and after basic training, up until deployment to Iraq. Valuing love of country above all else, Usie's commitment to nurturing the next generation of soldiers often leads him to put work before family, as he serves as mentor, father figure, role model and friend to the young recruits.
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The Riches: Slums Of Bayou Hills | 2008 | M | lsva |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Comedy Drama
Director/s: Seith Mann
Cast: Eddie Izzard, Minnie Driver, Shannon Marie Woodward
Living honestly isn't as easy as Dahlia had hoped; Wayne runs into trouble when Doug's past creeps up on him; and Cael and DiDi try to recapture the spirit of their Traveller childhood.
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The Street: Bold Street: The Accident | 2006 | M | lsva |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Drama
Director/s: David Blair
Cast: Jane Horrocks, Timothy Spall, Daniel Ryan
In this excellent BAFTA-winning British drama series written by Jimmy McGovern (Cracker), Jane Horrocks stars as Angela Harper, a mother-of-three trapped in a stale marriage to the dull Arthur (Daniel Ryan).
She finds friend and neighbour Peter Harper (Shaun Dooley) only too happy to oblige.
Together, they indulge in breakfast sessions of sex, chocolate and escapism from the struggle and monotony of family life.
But a driving accident in the street, involving Angela's lover, Peter Harper (Shaun Dooley), throws her emotions into turmoil and leaves her family devastated.
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The Tudors: Episode 1 | 2009 | M | sna |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Ciaran Donnelly
Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, James Frain, Max Von Sydow
In Season 3 of this Emmy Winning historial drama, King Henry VIII takes Jane Seymour as his third wife, convinced she is the woman destined to bear him a son.
Though Jane's pregnancy is cause to rejoice, Henry faces mounting threats to his authority from a commoners' revolt inside England and a Pope in Rome who is determined to stem Protestantism's rise. As attacks on his new church foreshadow trouble for the King, the increasingly powerful Thomas Cromwell redoubles his efforts to crush Catholicism across England.
When Jane dies shortly after giving birth to Henry's first son, Cromwell looks to capitalise on the tragedy to find a new wife who will bring with her the alliances needed to stave off a Catholic invasion - only to be undermined by Henry's staunchest supporters.
And as an anguished Henry struggles to codify his position as the head of the new church, no one is safe from his growing madness.
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Then She Found Me | 2007 | M | sl |
Screening: July 2nd
Genre: Comedy Drama
Director/s: Helen Hunt
Cast: Helen Hunt, Colin Firth, Bette Midler, Matthew Broderick
Helen Hunt directs and stars as April Epner, a schoolteacher in New York who was adopted at birth. Nearing 40, April wants to have a baby of her own; a desire made that much stronger by the fact that she never knew her biological mother. Matthew Broderick stars as her sweet but immature husband Ben who announces one night that their marriage was a mistake, leaving April devastated and bewildered.
With her life in disarray, one more surprising bolt is thrown April's way in the form of Bernice (Bette Midler), an eccentric local talk show host who declares herself to be April's birth mother. Despite the influence of her newfound mother and a relationship with Frank (Colin Firth), the father of one of her students, April's once simple life begins to spiral out of control.
Salman Rushdie also features as a doctor with Ben Shenkman as April's brother.
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True Blood: The First Taste | 2008 | MA | vls |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Drama
Director/s: Scott Winant
Cast: Anna Paquin, Ryan Kwanten, Stephen Moyer, Lois Smith
Bill (Stephen Moyer) returns Sookie's (Golden Globe winner Anna Paquin) favour by rescuing her from the Rattrays' revenge, healing the wounded waitress with his own blood and leaving her, temporarily, with heightened senses.
When they end up at at Bill's place, he fights off his primal vampire urges. Sookie's desires get the better of her, but she is greeted by some of Bill's bloodthirsty vampire friends.
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Unfinished Sky | 2007 | M | vl |
Screening: July 10th
Genre: Romantic Drama
Director/s: Peter Duncan
Cast: William McInnes, Monic Hendrickx, David Field
In this powerful, poetic and sensual love story directed by Peter Duncan (Children of the Revolution), William McInnes (Kokoda) stars as John Woldring, who lives on an isolated Australian farm and is not inclined to welcome visitors, and even less inclined when it involves the police.
Monic Hendrickx stars as Tahmeena, who is from war-ravaged Afghanistan and stumbles onto John's farm; an illegal refugee, she's been badly beaten and speaks no English. John feels he has no choice but to take her in. As they communicate through signs, pictures and a gradual understanding of each other's language, John and Tahmeena both begin to recover their faith in each other and their trust in humanity.
Tahmeena brings the homestead back to life, reopening John's eyes to the beauty of his land. In return, John tries to track down the daughter Tahmeena sent ahead. With renewed confidence, they step out of the sanctuary of the farm, but in doing so reveal themselves to the violent criminals who've been looking for Tahmneena and John finds friends whom he has known all his life are not what they seem.
Official selection Toronto International Film Festival 2007, Contemporary World Cinema.
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Why We Fight | 2005 | M | avl |
Screening: July 1st
Genre: Documentary
Director/s: Eugene Jarecki
Cast: John McCain, Gore Vidal
This 2005 Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance, directed by Eugene Jarecki, is an unflinching look at the anatomy of the American war machine, weaving unforgettable personal stories with commentary by a who's who of military insiders. Featuring John McCain, William Kristol, Gore Vidal and Richard Perle, this documentary launches a bipartisan inquiry into the workings of the military industrial complex and the rise of the United States. Jarecki asks how a nation's survival has come to depend on a state of constant war.
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Woman On Top | 2000 | M | ls |
Screening: July 4th
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director/s: Gina Torres
Cast: Penelope Cruz, Murilo Benicio, Harold Perrineau Jr, Harold Perrineau, Jr., Jr
Penelope Cruz (Blow) stars as a master chef who opts out of an unpalatable marriage, heading for TV cooking show fame in America. After a few spells cast by a conjure woman to help her forget her romantic woes, life blossoms for the Brazilian beauty, but chaos ensues when her errant husband turns up in San Franciso, begging for a second chance.
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Year Of The Dog | 2007 | M | a |
Screening: July 3rd
Genre: Comedy Drama
Director/s: Mike White
Cast: Molly Shannon, Peter Sarsgaard, Laura Dern
With an all-star ensemble, Molly Shannon (now starring in the US version of Kath & Kim) stars as Peggy, happily entrenched in a satisfying relationship with her beloved Beagle, Pencil. When Pencil meets a mysterious demise in the neighbour's yard, Peggy's world comes crashing down and she embarks on a personal journey to fill the void.
Friends, family and co-workers all try to distract Peggy from her misery, but in the end she emerges from her loss with a new found sense of what she wants from life and what it takes to make her happy.
The ensemble cast includes Laura Dern, Peter Sarsgaard, John C. Reilly and Regina King.
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