100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 101: Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet

Director: Dennis Bots

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 96 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Hanna Obbeek, Nils Verkooijen, Johanna ter Steege, Reinout Bussemaker, Fiona Livingston, Bram Flick, Amin Beyandouz, Eva van der Gucht, Loek Peters, Chrisje Comvalius, Lieke van Lexmond, Hanna Verboom

Description: Tough prime school girl Akkie (Hanna Obbeek) loves soccer and can be a real bully. Love is the only thing she's scared of. When Akkie is diagnosed with Leukemia, she has to fight for her life. On the verge of going to high school, Akkie has to allow love to enter her life, and thus gain courage to accept the inevitable.

Review: How to write a children’s book about cancer? Jacques Vriens, one of the most popular Dutch children’s book writers, can answer that question. His book “Achtste Groepers Huilen Niet” touches the heart and tells us the relatable story of sixth graders dealing with one of their own who is diagnosed with leukemia. Director Dennis Bots also did a good job adapting the book to the big screen.

Hanna Obbeek plays Akkie, a very brave role for a young girl. The director choose not to center Akkie’s decease, the focus lies on her and her classmates and how they deal with it. The young cast manages to convince the audience, but also the roles of the teacher, parents and doctors are portrayed very well.

This movie is perfect for kids who want to know more about leukemia and kids who are in a similar situation. As a teacher, I once read this book to my class. Tears are guaranteed and the movie does the same.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Trailer Sunday (154)

Here are this weeks trailers.

As Above/ So Below

Description: When a team of explorers ventures into the catacombs that lie beneath the streets of Paris, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead.

Director: John Erick Dowdle

Starring: Perdita Weeks, Ben Feldman, Edwin Hodge, Fraçois Civil

Trailer: Trailer "As Above/ So Below"

Comment: This reminds me of "The Descent", it gives you a claustrophobic feeling.

The Pyramid

Description: The ancient wonders of the world have long cursed explorers who've dared to uncover their secrets. But a team of U.S. archaeologists gets more than they bargained for when they discover a lost pyramid unlike any other in the Egyptian desert. As they unlock the horrific secrets buried within, they realize they aren't just trapped, they are being hunted.

Director: Gregory Levasseur

Starring: Ashley Hinshaw, James Buckley, Denis O'Hare, Christa-Marie Nicola, Amir K

Trailer: Trailer "The Pyramid"

Comment: Another claustrophobic horror film, creepy...

Rosewater

Description: Maziar Bahari (Gael Garcia Bernal) is a broadcast journalist with Canadian citizenship. In June 2009, Bahari returned to Iran to interview Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who was the prime challenger to president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. As Mousavi's supporters rose up to protest Ahmadinejad's victory declaration hours before the polls closed, Bahari endured personal risk by sending footage of the street riots to the BBC. Bahari was arrested by police, led by a man identifying himself only as "Rosewater," who tortured and interrogated him over the next 118 days. With Bahari's wife leading an international campaign to have her husband freed, and Western media outlets keeping the story alive, Iranian authorities released Bahari on $300,000 bail and the promise he would act as a spy for the government.

Director: Jon Stewart

Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal

Trailer: Trailer "Rosewater"

Comment: This looks amazing!

Shaun the Sheep Movie

Description: Shaun's mischief inadvertently leads to the Farmer being taken away from the farm, Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go into the big city to rescue him, setting the stage for an epic adventure.

Director: Mark Burton, Richard Starzack

Starring: -

Trailer: Trailer "Shaun the Sheep Movie"

Comment: I love claymation.

The Equalizer

Description: Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is a former black ops commando who faked his death for a quiet life in Boston comes out of his retirement to rescue a young girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and finds himself face to face with Russian gangsters.

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Starring: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo

Trailer: Trailer "The Equalizer"

Comment: Denzel Washington hardly ever disappoints.

Movie Favorites: "(500) Days of Summer"

Synopsis: After it looks as if she's left his life for good this time, Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) reflects back on the just over one year that he knew Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel). Despite being physically average in almost every respect, Summer had always attracted the attention of men, Tom included. For Tom, it was love at first sight when she walked into the greeting card company where he worked, she the new administrative assistant. Soon, Tom knew that Summer was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Although Summer did not believe in relationships or boyfriends - in her assertion, real life will always ultimately get in the way - Tom and Summer became more than just friends.

 

Unique Selling Point: When you thought “(500) Days of Summer” was just another rom-com, you’re wrong. The way this story is told is unique and that makes it inventive, funny and true.

Most Valuable Player: Screenwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, for this originally told story.

Best Moment: The expectations versus reality scene, with the split screen, is nothing like I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing.

Pic Spam: Zoe Saldana

I was introduced to this great actress in "Avatar" and she has proven herself as a worthy actress and action star. In "Guardians of the Galaxy" she shines once again. Here are some of the best pictures of Zoe Saldana.

Top 5 Thursday: Characters from "Guardians of the Galaxy"

I finally saw “Guardians of the Galaxy” this week and I LOVED it. And all five of the lead characters are amazing. I decided to make a top 5.

5. Drax the Destroyer

Drax is a big man, a strong man. He doesn’t get metaphors and that also gives him this dry sense of humor.

 

4. Gamora

Talking about a kick-ass chick, we’re talking about Gamora. You don’t want to mess with her, she’ll kick your but anytime. Gamora is a warrior and an assassin.

 

3. Peter Quill aka Star-Lord

Peter was abducted from earth and raised a thief. Every time he’s in a sticky situation, he tries to joke himself out of it. Peter is a good leader.

 

2. Groot

Groot is a tree-like creature, has a very limited vocabulary and looks scary. He’s actually a very gentle and kind being.

 

1. Rocket

Rocket is a genetically manipulated racoon with a wise guy attitude. He’s very good with weapons and firearms and is very inventive. And you don’t want to make him mad. I loved Rocket from the start.

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: -

Movie Battle: The Truman Show Vs. Edtv

Two movies where the lead characters are being watched by… well everyone, 24/7. When the movies were released, reality television just started and became extremely popular. Today, they make shows about everything. To battle it out, here is “The Truman Show” Vs. “Edtv”.

 

CAST

The Truman Show: Mostly known for his comedic roles, rubber face Jim Carrey takes the lead. And very well indeed. I think this is Carrey’s best performance so far. Laura Linney, Ed Harris and Natascha McElhone also take part.

Edtv: The relatively unknown Matthew McConaughey plays Ed and is accompanied by Woody Harrelson, Jenna Elfman, Ellen Degeneres and Elizabeth Hurley. The cast looks less impressive, but do a solid job.

STORY

The Truman Show: Truman is unaware that his life has been followed ever since his birth. His whole life has been planned out, but he starts to be suspicious. Trying to follow his own path, the TV people try to stop him. It’s a drama, mixed with subtle comedy.

Edtv: Unlike Truman, Ed volunteers to be followed. He is supposed to make the rates go up, but at first his life doesn’t look all that interesting. That soon changes and Ed is loved by many. It’s more of a comedy.

EFFECTS

The Truman Show: Truman lives in a picture perfect town, with picture perfect citizens. It all looks stunning.

Edtv: Nothing special here.

WINNER

It’s kind of a no brainer, “The Truman Show” is without a doubt the better movie of the two.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - Goal Reached!

In january 2014 I set a goal for myself: watch 100 movies that I haven't seen before 2014. And yesterday, when I went to see "Guardians of the Galaxy" I reached that goal of a hundred movies! And how because it's an amazing film. What does this mean for the challenge? I will still continue and share the movies I've watched with you.

 

 

 

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 100: Guardians of the Galaxy

Director: James Gunn

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction/ Comedy

Runtime: 120 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio Del Toro, Djimon Hounsou

Description: After stealing a mysterious orb in the far reaches of outer space, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is now the main target of a manhunt led by the villain known as Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace). To help fight Ronan and his team and save the galaxy from his power, Quill creates a team known as the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' to save the world.

Review: The popularity of the Marvel movies doesn’t seem to end. After big names like Iron Man, Thor and Captain America getting their own film, the spotlights are now for the heroes from “Guardians of the Galaxy”.

The gang of superheroes was created in 1969, even before “Star Wars”. In 2008 it got a reboot and that’s the focus of this movie. We first meet Peter Quill. The only thing that reminds him of earth is a mix taped with classic pop songs. Quill, aka Star-Lord, is on an expedition to track down a mysterious orb. During his quest he gets ambushed by the Kree, an alien race lead by Ronan the Accuser. Quill manages to escape, but is then attacked by assassin Gamora, who also wants the orb. Bounty hunters Rocket and Groot are after Quill, because of the price on his head. The four get arrested and end up in jail. They make a deal to split the money they get for the orb and Drax also joins the group for his own reasons.

Between all the reboots and sequels that premiered this summer, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is a breath of fresh air. It shows that this movie was made with so much joy, it’s hard not to tag along. The eccentric and nostalgic tone is perfectly complimented by the soundtrack. But it doesn’t only please your ears. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is a visual treat. Everything looks beautiful, the special effects are amazing and mind-blowing.

What really seperates “Guardians of the Galaxy” from its competition is the high dose of humor. People who watch “Parks and Recreation” already know that Chris Pratt’s a comedic talent. But also Rocket, Groot and the dry humor delivered by Drax will definitely make you laugh out loud.

With movies like this, it’s always hard to create depth in characters. That’s also a point “Guardians of the Galaxy” does extremely well. In the first hour the main characters are introduced and you immediately like them and relate to them. Although raccoon Rocket and tree Groot steal the show, all characters have their qualities and you easily fall in love with all five of them.

Marvel has done it again, it really exceeded itself. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is heaps of fun and you immediately want to rewatch it. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Rating: 5/ 5

Video of the Week (17)

Off course I couldn't ignore last nights Emmy Awards. "Breaking Bad" was the big winner (never watched an episode in my life, I feel so ashamed) And even when it wasn't his award, Bryan Cranston stole the show. When Julia Louise Dreyfuss was announced as a winner for het role in "Veep", Cranston grabbed her and kissed her. Dreyfuss' response: "He was on Seinfeld".

 

 

Movie Trailer Sunday (153)

Here are this weeks trailers.

Men, Women & Children

Description: We follow the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives.

Director: Ivan Reitman

Starring: Adam Sandler, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kaitlyn Dever, Ansel Elgort, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Dean Norris

Trailer: Trailer "Men, Women & Children"

Comment: Sandler in a more serious film again, can't wait.

Automata

Description: Jacq Vaucan (Antonio Banderas), an insurance agent of ROC robotics corporation, routinely investigates the case of manipulating a robot. What he discovers will have profound consequences for the future of humanity.

Director: Gae Ibáñez

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Birgitte Hjort Sorensen, Dylan McDermott

Trailer: Trailer "Automata"

Comment: Something like "I, Robot,", but with Antonio Banderas.

White Bird in a Blizzard

Description: Kat Connors (Shailene Woodley) is 17 years old when her perfect homemaker mother, Eve (Eva Green), a beautiful, enigmatic, and haunted woman, disappears - just as Kat is discovering and relishing her newfound sexuality. Having lived for so long in a stifled, emotionally repressed household, she barely registers her mother's absence and certainly doesn't blame her doormat of a father, Brock, for the loss. In fact, it's almost a relief. But as time passes, Kat begins to come to grips with how deeply Eve's disappearance has affected her. Returning home on a break from college, she finds herself confronted with the truth about her mother's departure, and her own denial about the events surrounding it...

Director: Gregg Araki

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Eva Green, Christopher Meloni, Shiloh Fernandez, Gabourey Sidibe, Thomas Jane, Dale Dickey, Mark Indelicato, Sheryl Lee, Angela Bassett

Trailer: Trailer "White Bird in a Blizzard"

Comment: I already shared it once, but this looks amazing. SHailene Woodley is Hollywood's newest Jennifer Lawrence.

Young Ones

Description: Set in the future when water is hard to find a teenage boy sets out to protect his family and survive.

Director: Jake Paltrow

Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Elle Fanning, Michael Shannon, Kodi Smit-McPhee

Trailer: Trailer "Young Ones"

Comment: I love dystopian stories.

Two Days, One Night

Description: Sandra (Marion Cotillard), a young Belgian mother, discovers that her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus, in exchange for her dismissal. She has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job.

Director: Luc Dardenne, Jean-Pierre Dardenne

Starring: Marion Cotillard, Fabrizio Rongione

Trailer: Trailer "Two Days, One Night"

Comment: Marion Cotillard is fantastic, looking forward to seeing her in this.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 99: Let's Be Cops

Director: Luke Greenfield

Genre: Comedy/ Action

Runtime: 104 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Damon Wayans Jr., Jake Johnson, Rob Riggle, Nina Dobrev, James D’Arcy, Andy Garcia

Description: Two struggling pals, Justin (Damon Wayans Jr.) and Ryan (Jake Johnson) dress as police officers for a costume party and become neighborhood sensations. But when these newly-minted "heroes" get tangled in a real life web of mobsters and dirty detectives, they must put their fake badges on the line.

Review: This time, not two cops undercover as citizens, but two friends going undercover and pretending to be cops. Cop movies have this timeless formula that can be mixed and matched with countless of genres. Most of the time it’s two totally different characters that have to team up. That’s not any different here, but this time it’s two buddies impersonating cops and they choose to work together.

First we have Ryan, who doesn’t have a job. He could have been a professional football player, but after an injury he never picked up the ball again. His best friend Justin works for a gaming company, where he is trying to sell his game, without any luck. When they are going to a school reunion, where they have to go in costume, the decide to dress up as cops. Soon they realize that those uniforms have big advantages and gives them a big confidence boost.

The strongest point of the movie is the chemistry between the two leading men. Both actors are masters at portraying the clumsy, frustrated losers. Although the buddy cop movie is sometime getting old, it never bothers you here. The comedy finds a balance between funny and obscene. Sometimes the jokes are a bit predictable and obvious, but the easy likeable characters played by Johnson and Wayans Jr. make up for it.

The concept of “Let’s Be Cops” is very pleasant. It’s not a very intelligent comedy, but that’s not something you should expect. For a movie I didn’t have high expectations of in the first place, it was very enjoyable and funny. It had a strong opening and a strong ending. Some minor flaws, but you can forgive those.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Vietnam War Movies

War movies, something my dad loves to watch. Making a list is hard, so I decided to narrow it down a bit and just pick movies that are set during the Vietnam war. Still a tough task, but here are my favourite Vietnam war movies.

5. Apocalypse Now

For many this is the best in the genre. For me it isn’t but it does need to be in this top 5. Martin Sheen does a fantastic job and although it’s a very long movie, that never bothers you. More memorable was Marlon Brando’s role, which is only a small supporting role but one you’ll never forget.

 

4. Full Metal Jacket

Stanley Kubrick made a realistic portrayal of the Vietnam war. This needs to be on anyone’s list and it probably will.

 

3. Rescue Dawn

It’s the true story of Dieter Dengler who was shot down and captured by villager sympathetic to the Pathet Lao during an American military campaign in the Veitnam war. Christian Bale is fantastic in this movie, a very overlooked film.

 

2. Born on the 4th 0f July

It’s the true story of Ron Kovic, who is paralized after serving during the Vietnam war. He is now wondering why he was there, what it was all for. Tom Cruise in his best performance so far.

 

1. Platoon

In this classic Oliver Stone film, we follow new recruit Chris Taylor. The most interesting thing in this movie is the tension between moral good Sergeant Elias and the violent Sergeant Barnes, respectively played by Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger. In my eyes, definitely the best Vietnam war movie.

 

They Almost Made the Top 5: The Deer Hunter, Casualties of War

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 98: Premium Rush

Director: David Koepp

Genre: Thriller/ Action

Runtime: 91 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dania Ramirez, Michael Shannon, Wolé Parks, Jamie Chung, Aasif Mandvi

Description: In Manhattan, bike messenger Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) picks up an envelope that attracts the interest of a dirty cop (Michael Shannon), who pursues the cyclist throughout the city.

Review: “Premium Rush” throws us viewers right in the middle of the busy New York traffic, in a rather original way. We are used to car chases, this time it all happens per bicycle. We follow bike messenger Wilee, who is the best in the field. He receives an envelope that has to be delivered to the other side of town. Soon he discovers it’s a pretty important package, because Wilee is in serious danger.

Director David Koepp had a plan in his head, which was very well executed. With a minimum use of computer animation, the spectacular bike rides through New York are a big adrenaline rush. Great camerawork, with shots from different points of view. Shots from the steer, wheel or an overall view of New York. With all this happening, you sometimes forget that there is also a story going on. That is pretty superficial, but a fun way to get to know a new subculture: the life of a bike messenger.

The use of the 3D New York map is pretty cool, but I especially liked the moments where Wilee is thinking over different options while being in a difficult situation. It reminded me of “Sherlock Holmes” where Robert Downey Jr. does a similar thing. Like I said before, the story isn’t all that deep. Some darker and emotional issues are added, but that wasn’t really necessary. You start to ask yourself several question, that you just really don’t want to ask. With that, the ending is a bit disappointing and the romantic storyline is not interesting enough.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a man that can easily carry a movie and Michael Shannon is very good as the villain. With their performances, the constant movement the movie is literally in and the excitement, “Premium Rush” is worth watching and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: 3/ 5

Video of the Week (16)

Another video with Jimmy Fallon, I just love his show. His guest was Jason Statham, whom I'm not a big fan of by the way, but I love that he wanted to do this idiotic hamster ball race with Jimmy. Both are locked in one of those giant inflateable hamster balls. It's just so hilarious!

 

 

Best & Worst: Steve Carell

He got his fame for his role in “The Office” which is one of the best comedy shows ever. Later Steve Carell got a lot of lead roles in comedies and even in more dramatic movies he proved he had what it takes. Here are my picks for best and worst of Steve Carell.

 

How could I not go with this. “Little Miss Sunshine” is one of my all-time favorites and every time I watch it, it puts a big smile on my face. The movie literally makes me feel better. All the great characters, so quirky together, and that cool, yellow van that they are driving. And Steve’s characters Frank is just so sad, yet loveable.

Honorable Mentions: “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”, “The Way Way Back”, “Despicable Me”, The 40 Year Old Virgin”

 

It’s a spin-off movie, because Carell already played this characters in “Bruce Almighty”. That one I liked, but “Evan Almighty” isn’t that good. It’s not a total stinker though, but it’s not Carell’s finest moment.

Dishonorable Mentions: “Dinner for Schmucks”

In the Picture: The Characters from "The Lego Movie"

I wasn't too sure about "The Lego Movie", but when I heard so many great things about it, I became curious. So I saw it and I loved it! And now I feel like watching it again... But first, I'm going to share all the awesome characters from "The Lego Movie" with you. It's filled with them, because 'Everything is awesome... lalalala'!

Emmet

Voiced by: Chris Pratt

Emmet is an average Lego minifigure, who is mistakenly identiefied as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is ordinary and follows all the rules. He’s sucked into the eventful life of Wyldstyle, who catches Emmet’s attention.

Wyldstyle

Voiced by: Elizabeth Banks

Wyldstyle is a free spirit who loves pushing boundaries and being creative. She is strong and independent. She believes Emmet is the “Special” and sparks fly between them, but she has a boyfriend.

Vitruvius

Voiced by: Morgan Freeman

Vitruvius is an ancient and heroic wizard, who prophesizes that a “Special” wil defeat Lord Business and become the greatest Master Builder. When it’s believed to be Emmet, Vitruvius tries to teach him that the key to true building is to believe in yourself.

President Business/ Lord Business

Voiced by: Will Ferrell

President Business is an uptight CEO who has a hard time balancing world domination with micro-managing his own life. His successful business contains creating music, TV, surveillance systems, history books and voting machines, dairy and overprized coffee. His secret identity is Lord Business, an evil tyrant who want to take over the entire Lego universe.

Good Cop/ Bad Cop

Voiced by: Liam Neeson

He is Lord Business’s number 1 guy, whom he can always rely on. He has both a good and a bad side, but Lord Business takes away the good side. But deep down there is still a good cop.

Metalbeard

Voiced by: Nick Offerman

Metalbeard is a fierce Master Builder. He has the head of a pirate and the body of a multi-purpose utility knife. All he wants is to beat Lord Business, because the last time he badly failed.

Unikitty

Voiced by:

Alison Brie Unikitty is from Cloud Cuckoo Land, the capitol of rainbows and puppies. She is half unicorn, half kitten. She loves dancing and is very positive. Unikitty is happy to follow her Master Builders in the quest to defeat Lord Business. And you really don’t want to make her angry.

Benny

Voiced by: Charlie Day

Benny is a ‘70s era spaceman, who suffers from a cracked helmet and lack of oxygen. He loves spaceships and he is always finding a moment to build one. And when he finally can….

Batman

Voiced by: Will Arnett

Batman makes it no secret he prefers working alone, since he could probably get the job done better and faster. He is Wyldstyles’ boyfriend, is very confident and likes to show off his skills and coolness.

 

 

Favorite: Emmet

Movie Trailer Sunday (152)

Here are this weeks trailers.

Mortdecai

Description: Juggling some angry Russians, the British Mi5, his impossibly leggy wife and an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part time rogue Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) must traverse the globe armed only with his good looks and special charm in a race to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain the code to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold.

Director: David Koepp

Starring: Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum, Paul Bettany, Aubrey Plaza

Trailer: Trailer "Mortdecai"

Comment: What a great cast!

Rudderless

Description: Sam (Billy Crudup) is a former high-profile advertising executive whose life is torn apart by the sudden death of his son. Living off the grid on a docked sailboat, he wastes away his days while drowning his pain in alcohol. When Sam discovers a box filled with his son's demo tapes and lyrics, his own child's musical talent is a revelation for him, a grieving father who felt he'd been absent from his son's life. Communing with his deceased son's dashed dreams, Sam learns each song and eventually musters the will to perform one at a local bar. When Quentin (Anton Yelchin), a young musician in the audience, is captivated by the song, the unlikely duo forms a rock band that becomes surprisingly popular and revitalizes both of their lives.

Director: William H. Macy

Starring: Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin, Felity Huffman, Laurence Fishburne, Selena Gomez, Jamie Chung, William H. Macy

Trailer: Trailer "Rudderless"

Comment: William H. Macy's directorial debut.

The Canal

Description: Film archivist David (Rupert Evans) has been having a rough time lately, as he suspects that his wife Alice (Hannah Hoekstra) has been cheating on him with Alex (Carl Shaaban), one of her work clients. This stress is compounded when David's work partner Claire (Antonia Campbell-Hughes) gives him a reel of to-be-archived footage that shows that his house was the setting for a brutal murder in 1902. Becoming progressively more unsettled and unhinged, David begins to believe that a spectral presence is in his house and ends up following his wife to a nearby canal, where he discovers that she is indeed having an affair with Alex. When Alice goes missing shortly afterwards, David contacts the police- only to become the prime suspect in her disappearance. As the police grow more convinced that David has murdered his wife, he struggles to find proof of his growing suspicion that something otherworldly was instead responsible.

Director: Ivan Kavanagh

Starring: Rupert Evans, Antonia Campbell-Hughes, Steve Oram, Hannah Hoekstra, Carl Shaaban

Trailer: Trailer "The Canal"

Comment: Creepy...

Revenge of the Green Dragons

Description: Two immigrant brothers Sonny (Justin Chon) and Steven (Kevin Wu) try to survive the impoverished despair of New York in the 1980s by joining Chinatown gang "The Green Dragons." The brothers quickly rise up the ranks, drawing the unwanted attention of hard-boiled city cops. After an ill- fated love affair pits Sonny against his own brother, he sets out for revenge on the very gang who made him who he is.

Director: Andrew Lau

Starring: Justin Chon, Kevin Wu, Harry Shum, Jr., Shuya Chang, Geoff Pierson, Billy Magnussen, Ray Liotta

Trailer: Trailer "Revenge of the Green Dragons"

Comment: Martin Scorsese was involved as well. And that poster is amazing! 

The Calling

Description: Detective Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon) hasn't had much to worry about in the sleepy town of Fort Dundas until a string of gruesome murders in the surrounding countryside brings her face to face with a serial killer driven by a higher calling.

Director: Jason Stone

Starring: Susan Sarandon, Topher Grace, Gil Bellows, Donald Sutherland, Ellen Burtsyn,

Trailer: Trailer "The Calling"

Comment: I Always like a good murder story.