Author Archives: James McNally

My Arthouse Education

I’ve just realized that 2009 marks the more-or-less 20th anniversary of the beginning of my cinephilia. Back in the late ’80s, Toronto had a handful of repertory cinemas under the Festival banner. The flagship was the Bloor Cinema, but I … Continue reading

Posted in Lists | 4 Comments

Black Narcissus

Editor’s Note: I’m introducing a new category called Snapshots with this review. These are short takes on older films. Short takes because I’m either too lazy to attempt a full review or else I’m intimidated by the wealth of other … Continue reading

Posted in DVD, Snapshots | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Black Narcissus

Humpday

Humpday (Director: Lynn Shelton): Two reviews in a row about films by women directors about the delicate relationships between men. But Humpday and The Hurt Locker (review) couldn’t be more different. Where the latter ratcheted up the tension with action … Continue reading

Posted in Theatrical Release | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Humpday

Fantasia International Film Festival 2009

Although this site generally focuses on Toronto-area film festivals and events, I can’t resist putting in a plug for Montréal’s incredible Fantasia International Film Festival. Running all the way from July 9-29 (and yes, I know the poster says the … Continue reading

Posted in Film Festivals | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Fantasia International Film Festival 2009

The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker (Director: Kathryn Bigelow): I have only seen one other Kathryn Bigelow film, the oddly miscast Strange Days (1995), so I’m far from an expert on her work, but other critics have pointed out that she’s a first-rate … Continue reading

Posted in Theatrical Release | Tagged , | 2 Comments