The Founder: Movie Review

Traditional bio-pic removes the emotion to tell an interesting story.

Structurally, The Founder is a traditional bio-pic, and I’m sure the brand name McDonald’s turns off a lot of people; however, the story itself is interesting. Perhaps most interesting and polarizing is the subject of the bio-pic and how this person alone can veer this film very far from a traditional bio-pic. Most bio-pics have the audience caring about the subject by the end; they have overcome adversity, achieved success and have an inspiring and touching story to tell.		2016 Directed by: John Lee Hancock Screenplay by: Robert Siegel Starring: Michael Keaton, John Carroll Lynch, and Nick Offerman

Lion: Movie Review

Beautifully touching, deeply affecting film of hope, tragedy and triumph.

The true story that Lion is based on is one of those tug-at-your-heart-strings, clear-your-tear-ducts type of stories that you hope is more uplifting than just sad. That’s one of the things about Lion that stands out the most: it never concentrates on the sad or heart-string-y moments. It focuses on the interesting moments and just enough of everything else to make it emotionally-satisfying and not emotionally-draining. It’s a story so sincere and honest that Lion will stick to your heart.		2016 Directed by: Garth Davis Screenplay by: Luke Davies Based on the book by Saroo Brierley Starring: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar

Hidden Figures: Movie Review

Crowd-pleasing history.

The best thing about Hidden Figures is its story. Based on real events about a trio of African American women who worked for NASA and literally helped launch a man into space, it’s a story that’s not all that well known, you’ll learn something, and it’s easy to get interested in. It also helps that the entire cast works well together and can add a lot of bravado and humour to the movie. A true crowd-pleaser in every sense of that phrase.		2016 Directed by: Theodore Melfi Screenplay by: Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi Based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner

La La Land: Movie Review

A movie of love, music and soul.

La La Land couldn’t have a more fitting title. An homage to LA, but more than that, an homage to the dreamers of LA and the life-as-a-musical that they could have. La La Land sells itself strictly as a romantic musical. The characters sing and dance as they fall in love – and even if that’s all it is, it would still be a pretty good movie. It's a movie that survives on the pure cinematic experience, but also provides a bit of soul.		2016 Directed by: Damien Chazelle Screenplay by: Damien Chazelle Starring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling