The Scares Without the Story - The Woman in Black review

Plain and simple, I am a horror buff. I love a good scare. With the recent slew of torture films, and the growing trend of the “found footage” sub-genre, I am always excited for a return to atmosphere over gore, and creepy over gimmicky. This is what The Woman in Black promised. While it delivered some of what I expected, it also failed in areas that surprised me. 

The film follows a grieving lawyer (played by Daniel Radcliffe) as he travels to a small village to settle the estate and papers of a dead woman. In the meantime, he uncovers the truth behind her death, a spooky town superstition, and a seriously haunted house. While the plot seems easy to follow, it was muddled by useless characters, confusing story diversions, and random children dying left, right, and center. There needed to be more background information, more character development, and ultimately, more answers. 

Generally, in Hollywood horror, children and animals are off limits. They never die. Sure, there have always been demonic youngsters, but innocent children aren’t usually killed. They are always saved at the last minute. So, one of the novel elements of The Woman in Black (and don’t worry, I’m not giving anything away here) is the fact that so many kids die onscreen. In this way, the film is reminiscent of international horror films, like The Orphanage, and A Tale of Two Sisters. It was refreshing to see a director pay homage to such great, scary films, without doing an actual remake. However, the film’s murky delivery reminded me too much of said remakes, like the American versions of The Ring and The Grudge. 

The good news is if you’re looking for nothing but a good scare, this is the movie to see in the coming weeks. Personally, I found most of the scares to be cheap and easy shots, but they nonetheless do the trick. That being said, there were a few moments where the director, James Watkins, used impeccable timing, candlelight, and set design to deliver the thrills. 

There has been much speculation about Radcliffe’s performance. Will he be able to pull off this role, or will he forever be Harry Potter? To be honest, I was impressed. Radcliffe was dedicated and believable. I have absolutely no qualms with his acting. The supporting cast was also strong, coming together well as a nervous small seaside town with secrets and mysteries to hide. 

Without too much thought during or afterwards, The Woman in Black, is a fun night out to the movies. It’s a good old ghost story, grounded in local folklore. Even if you aren’t afraid of the dark, there’s no saying that you won’t turn on every light in the house after seeing this flick. 

Why is everyone queuing?

This was a question asked by an odd British gal arriving mere minutes before the premiere of Daniel Radcliffe’s latest flick, The Woman in Black. “We are waiting for Daniel Radcliffe,” everyone replied. She looked puzzled and asked again, “I KNOW, but WHY is everyone QUEUING?” A collective sigh was heard from the “fangirl” mob that had, in fact, been queuing since 9am. 

Personally, I arrived at the Scotiabank Theatre closer to 10am, bundled up in preparation for a nine hour day braving the cold, rain, and snow. As I waited for my eleven year old cousin, Jett, to be dropped off, I manned our spot, which was third in line. What we were lining up for was yet to be determined, but either way, it was going to be a long day. I made friends with the two girls in front of me, whose names I never learned even though we became quick allies in the fight against other people trying to “butt” ahead of us. Yes, butt. That term still applies beyond third grade. 

The general manager came out soon after I arrived and told us we were waiting in the right spot, but he wasn’t sure if Daniel would be entering through the main entrance or not. It wasn’t all bad news because he also assured us that if there were extra tickets, we would be the first to get them. That little bit of hope was all we needed to keep us going throughout the day. Even if we didn’t catch a glimpse of Daniel himself, maybe we would score tickets for the premiere where he was expected to participate in a Q&A after the film. 

Fast forward nine hours, numbing limbs, and new friends - the time of the premiere was near approaching and it was chaos. People trying to get inside, people trying to get near the doors, people all over the road. Despite security’s best effort to keep the peace, things were getting out of hand. Everyone still expected Daniel’s SUV to pull up in front and for him to walk out, but considering there were no barricades, I knew it wasn’t happening. I’ve been to enough TIFF events to know that if the crowd is acting deranged and uncivilized, no celebrity will appear. The people with tickets were let in the doors, while the rest of us waited nervously. Jett and I, with our new friends, were prepared to make a human chain so no one could pass us.

As it turns out, the cards played in our favour and we scored tickets to the premiere! Shout out to the manager of Scotiabank - he followed through with his promise and made sure we were the first to get tickets. It was very much appreciated. Also, shout out to our new friends because they made sure Jett and I weren’t left in the dust - they also made sure we got tickets right along with them. The world isn’t such a bad place sometimes - nice humans still exist. Jett and I went inside and upstairs to the red carpet. We caught a glimpse of Daniel and excitedly ran to the theater to find front seats, thinking ahead of the Q&A after the film. 

Before the screening, Daniel Radcliffe and Toronto film critic, Richard Crouse, came out and said a little introduction. You could feel Potter passion fill the room. After their quick hello, the lights dimmed and the movie started. I love seeing advanced screenings of horror films.. the energy is just right for a good scare. There is a lot of hype, but no spoilers or plot details yet circling around. 

After the film and applause ended, Daniel and Richard reappeared. Upon arrival, Daniel waved back at the hundreds of fans, all the while shouting “Hello!!!!” in his boyish, charming way. Richard asked great questions about preparing for roles, theater, and sources of inspiration. Daniel answered thoughtfully and graciously. There were audience questions as well. He was as endearing as ever. We learned that one of his favourite films is Dr. Strangelove, and from the Harry Potter movies, he kept his famous round glasses from the first and the last films in the series. 

All in all, it was a great experience. Now that my appendages have begun to defrost, I can reflect lovingly at the closest I’ll ever get to Hogwarts.

10 Reasons to Love Patricia Clarkson

Today is Patricia Clarkson’s birthday. This list is in honour of that. For some reason, she is incredibly underrated and lesser known, so hopefully this list showcases to the world why she is deserving of much more recognition. Happy Birthday! 

1. She is long time friends with Stanley Tucci. And anyone who is friends with Stanley Tucci is a-okay in my books. 

                               

2. The “Motherlover” SNL short, which can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0DeIqJm4vM&ob=av3e

3. It is impossible to take your eyes off of her in the beautiful film, Cairo Time. Her charisma and ability to light up a scene is breathtaking, especially for someone who isn’t typically a leading lady. 

                                  

4. She plays the coolest mom in one of the best movies of 2010, Easy A. 

5. Her versatility. Whether she is playing an eccentric hippie in Six Feet Under, a cancer patient in Pieces of April, or a shrink in Lars and the Real Girl, she always creates full, interesting characters. 

6. Her signature golden locks. If this isn’t a mane to be jealous of, I’m not sure what would be. 

                              

7. She certainly ascribes to the Stanislavsky philosophy of, “there are no small parts, only small actors.” She often plays small parts, but makes the most of each one. It keeps her current and in high demand. 

8.  She was inspired to become an actress because of Ingrid Bergman, who is equally as lovely, talented, and feminine. 

9. Most of her films are independent ones. She is a big supporter of indie films and filmmakers. 

10. She has an old Hollywood glam style that she perfects with ease and grace. Her beauty is natural. 

                                      

My Take on My Week With Marilyn

My Week With Marilyn follows a young hopeful, Colin Clark, as he falls in love with Marilyn Monroe while working on the set of her film “The Prince and the Showgirl.” He, like the rest of the world, becomes enchanted with her. The film is pitch-perfect as a period piece, capturing the late 1950s. The clothes were alluring, the hair and make-up were spot on, and the set design was encapsulating. 

The film is based on a diary account written by Clark during his time spent with Marilyn. This gives way to many private moments between the two of them. The director, Simon Curtis, uses this to its full potential. During many a scene, I felt like I was witnessing something that no one was meant to witness. It was all very seductive, just like Marilyn herself. The seductiveness was only interrupted once another character interrupted it. For me, these moments were the ones that made the film special. To add to this, the direction and cinematography were skillfully done.  A lot of soft light and appealing colours made the film very delicious eye candy. It is a true ode to the beauty that was Marilyn. 

There is a lot of Oscar buzz surrounding Michelle Williams’ performance. Albeit, it was good, but there was something missing. At times, I was completely absorbed, and other times, she missed the mark. It seemed wooden. On the other hand, this film had a strong supporting cast. First of all, WHERE did this Eddie Redmayne come from? He is the cutest thing. Wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, he was wonderfully cast as Colin. When he was excited, I was excited. When he was heartbroken, so was I. Perhaps he fell into his role more easily than Michelle Williams because he wasn’t the one playing Monroe, but at the same time, he deserves a lot of praise for his performance. Judi Dench and Emma Watson also give lovely performances. Their onscreen time is short, but memorable, which is often a hard feat to accomplish. 

For me, this film was less about Marilyn Monroe, and more about the questions the film left me with. Was Marilyn forced into her persona, or did she choose it? Did she do anything to stop it, or did she perpetuate it? Or maybe a bit of both? She wished to be thought of as a real actress, and not just a pretty face. This was something she never truly accomplished. Now, here we are more than fifty years later, and actresses still face these same challenges.  It is sad to think that not much has changed. 

homage to my hips by Lucille Clifton

these hips are big hips. they need space to move around in. they don't fit into little petty places. these hips are free hips. they don't like to be held back. these hips have never been enslaved, they go where they want to go they do what they want to do. these hips are mighty hips. these hips are magic hips. i have known them to put a spell on a man and spin him like a top

I spent a good part of the week writing an essay about this poem, comparing it to another. One of two things happen when writing an essay - you either end up hating what you're writing about, or you end up loving it. This time, it is the latter. There is something about this poem that is so simple, but it says so much. She doesn't skirt around the fact that she has big hips - she announces it in the first line of the poem and it is empowering. She is not ashamed of them, because there is nothing to be ashamed of. That is what more girls should realize.  Yes, she is talking about her hips, but she is also talking about being a woman. She will no longer conform to patriarchal society's ideas ("little petty places") about how she should look or act ("these hips are free hips"). I really can't help but smile by the end of this poem. It sends a great message and was written with so much precision and power. Good on ya, Lucille Clifton. 

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?

I sit here writing this blog basking in my post-Wizard of Oz glow. Last night was the first screening of TIFF Bell Lightbox's program TIFF in the Park. The summer-long program consists of free outdoor screenings at David Pecault Square beside Roy Thompson Hall. This summer, the chosen theme is musicals, which is of course, my absolute favourite theme! Last night, filmies and families alike gathered around to watch the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. You know, Toronto gets a bad rap sometimes - we are often called a dirty, rude, and dangerous city. But the fact of the matter is, I love that we can screen The Wizard of Oz outside in the very heart of downtown, steps away from King Street. It doesn't get much more wholesome and delightful than that.

For me, The Wizard of Oz is one of those movies I always forget how much I love watching. I am a huge Judy Garland fan (not surprising, I know) and I love seeing her baby-faced and innocent in her break out role as Dorothy. She is almost sickeningly sweet, but that is the appeal. Garland pulls it off because she is so bright eyed and believable. She really does just want to get home to Kansas and we are pulling for her every step of the way.

My obsession with Judy Garland aside, it is a film that has aged very well. I was amazed at how beautiful the Technicolor looked on the big screen. It was delectable. Munchkinland and Oz come to life through saturated greens, yellows, blues, and reds. Seventy years later, The Wizard of Oz is still a visual masterpiece. The Wicked Witch's puffs of smoke, the horse that changes colours in Oz, the Yellow Brick Road, and even as small a detail as the red sand in the Wicked Witch's hourglass, all jump off the screen and add to the fantasy and whimsy of the film.

Nearing 11:30 last night, the film finally came to a close. The ending is my favourite part. Dorothy is tearful as she bids farewell to her new friends, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. With his recently gained heart, the Tin Man exclaims "Now I know I've got a heart, 'cause it's breaking." For the record, that line caused the entire audience to utter a collective "awww!" - so who says Torontonians are cold? All in all, it was a fabulous evening spent with fabulous people and I can't wait for next week's screening of the French musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Catherine Deneueve at her best!). See everyone there!

Odd Couples

Friends are awesome. So are movies about them. However, not all pals go together like peanut butter and jelly, or Thelma and Louise. Some movies are about how opposites attract when two completely different people develop a most unlikely bond. These are my ten favourites of this unsung sub-genre!

Up
No one does the odd couple flick like Pixar. Whether it's Buzz and Woody, or Dory and Marlin, Pixar has it down pat. My favourite, though, is Carl and Russell in the lovable Up - a crotchety old man who has lost his beloved wife and an adventurous young boy who needs a friend. Together they soar through the sky in a house lifted by balloons, coming across adventures along the way. The reason Up works so well is that Carl is everyone's grandfather and Russell is everyone's little brother. Both characters are so tangible; we all know people just like them. It is a pairing we'd all like to imagine happening in real life. Is there anything more endearing than watching an old person and a little kid enjoying each other's company? I doubt it.

About a Boy
This is Hugh Grant doing what Hugh Grant does best. He plays Will, a curmudeonly, rich Brit who thinks "every man is an island." On the other end of the spectrum is Marcus, played by Nicholas Hoult. He is a nerdy, sensitive kid who gets teased at school. Long story short, Will joins a single parents support group (despite not even being a parent, let alone a single one) to meet damaged, attractive women. Karma decides to have a sense of humour and Will ends up meeting Marcus, who is the son of one of the women in the group. At first Will is reluctant, but soon begins to warm up to Marcus and they develop a relationship that seems genuine and mutual. This is a movie about what we can learn from each other. Sounds cheesy, but coming from an adaptation of a Nick Hornby novel, it has all the wit and charm one could want in a movie.

Midnight Cowboy 
For all you youngsters, this one's a classic. It stars Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman, as two outcasts trying to make it in New York City. It's a heartbreaking story, but one worth watching. It goes to show that you can find a friend when and where you least expect it. Both actors are extraordinary in their roles. Not to mention, it is a blessing to see Dustin Hoffman pre- Meet the Fockers. Equipped with a killer theme song sung by Harry Nilsson, famous lines, and an ahead of its time perspective, Midnight Cowboy is a total must-see.

Ghost World 
Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi form the odd couple in Ghost World. Thora Birch plays Enid, the clichéd indie girl with a chip on her shoulder. Just graduated from high school, she is trying to figure out what to do with her life. Steve Buscemi plays Seymour, a social outcast who collects records. They cross paths through a practical joke and begin an uncomfortable, co-dependent friendship. This movie is definitely the least warm and fuzzy of the bunch, but it is not without its charm. In the end, there are no life lessons, no everlasting bonds, and no real conclusions. Instead, there is a string of quirky characters, hilarious social commentary, and a true to life script.


Harold and Maude
This is my personal favourite of the group and a movie I hold very near and dear. It is about Harold, played by Bud Cort, who is a young adult struggling to find a reason to live. He goes to funerals as a hobby. Maude, played by the wonderful Ruth Gordon, is an 80-year-old eccentric. She goes to funerals to celebrate life. As fate would have it, they come together and share a short, only-in-the movies kind of romance. In essence, Maude teaches Harold how to live and appreciate each day. While it carries a sentimental message, the film also has a dark humoured edge. Beautifully directed by the wildly underrated Hal Ashby, Harold and Maude is the perfect rainy day, life affirming movie that should be in everyone's DVD collection. Not to mention, the killer soundtrack by Cat Stevens.

Half Nelson
It is no secret that I love Ryan Gosling. My sixteen year old self got him to sign my copy of The Notebook at TIFF and it is now a prized possession. Half Nelson is his Oscar-nominated role as a lonely, rough around the edges teacher in an inner city high school. One of the girls he teaches, played by newcomer Shareeka Epps, catches him in a sticky situation. With their shared secrets, they find a much needed friend and confidante in one other. I like that this film doesn't go into the creepy, affair with a teacher territory - it is simply about two people helping each other through difficult times. This is probably the least known, smallest film on the list, but it is a quiet gem worth seeking out.

Driving Miss Daisy
Who doesn't love Morgan Freeman? Let's be honest, he is the human equivalent to sunshine. For those of you who haven't seen it, Driving Miss Daisy is the story about an old Jewish woman, Daisy, (Jessica Tandy) and her African-American chauffeur, Hoke, (Morgan Freeman) in the old time American South. At first, Daisy is weary of Hoke and racial tensions run rampant, but over the years, Daisy leans on Hoke more than she would have ever expected. Their friendship ascends race, gender, and class, which makes this film such a special one. We've all seen the themes before, but Driving Miss Daisy does it with more heart than any of them. It is probably your grandma's favourite movie, but that isn't always a bad thing!

Hearts in Atlantis
With the novel written by Stephen King, one can expect this film to be a bit odd and spooky. While not a horror, it certainly has a subtle eeriness throughout. It takes place over a summer in the 1950s, when a strange man moves into the apartment above a boy and his mother. Anthony Hopkins is perfectly cast as the mysterious Ted Brautigan who speaks of yellow men and being watched. Bobby, the young boy, spends a lot of time with Mr. Brautigan over the course of the summer and in between does a lot of growing up. With the help of his new friend, Bobby becomes aware of the dangers of the world, but also the beauty of it. For me, this film sums up the nostalgia of childhood summers and coming of age.

Knocked Up
Plain and simple, this movie makes me laugh so hard I almost pee. Also plain and simple, Knocked Up is about what happens when a one night stand ends up in pregnancy as written by Judd Apatow. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl play as the odd couple who are brought together by the miracle of life. If nothing else, Knocked Up gives all the Seth Rogens of the world hope that they, too, can have sex with the Katherine Heigls of the world. That being said, the two of them have an amazing amount of chemistry and you can't help but want them to live happily ever after. With a hilarious supporting cast and a clever script, Knocked Up is the one to grab if you need a good laugh.

Big Business
Everyone who knows me knows exactly why I picked this one so I won't even try to lie about it. I picked Big Business because of Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler. These two funny ladies play identical twins switched at birth. Before Lindsay Lohan did it in Parent Trap, Lily and Bette play their own twins. One twin of each pair was switched at birth and given to the wrong parents. It is too confusing to explain further so you'll just have to watch it for yourself. I will admit, Big Business has no artistic merit and it is as cheesy as any other 80s movie, but it is a fun romp through New York City with two of the greatest comediennes of all time. What could be bad about that?

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With my list completed, I can safely say that for me, the appeal of these movies are their ability to make us believe that true friends do exist. They are positive examples of the important roles we play in each other's lives. Whether it is through comedy or melodrama, each of these movies make us wish we had friends like the characters we are watching. And if you're lucky, you do have friends like Maude, Hoke, Russell, and all of the others I've mentioned.