My Winnipeg

My Winnipeg; Completely bizarro way to reflect upon and explore one’s hometown and life story. Indescribable, but in the right way. Fascinatingly offbeat, experimental and personal. Definitely not for all audiences or tastes, but strangely compelling; B

Drowning in Dreams

Directed by:  Tim Southam
Starring:  Fred Brehome
Running Time:  1h 20min

A fascinating story about a millionaire who throws all his money away in his crazed obsession with a sunken yacht is turned into a toned down exploration that creeps along with little interest.  This is a story that can be tapped for great drama, suspense and an intriguing look into what drives us.  Instead, it loses us by blandly giving us testimonies from people in a structure that strips them of their impact on each other's lives.  A few good editing techniques are used but they could have been more effective.  The underwater shots are dull.  The fading out of the voice overs is mind boggling!  Why?  We WANT to hear their words!  Interesting only because of the real life story and people, not because of the style and direction of the film.

Grade: C

Going Down the Road

Going Down the Road; Canadian cinema at its best, full of real drama and real scenery. Shebib captures Toronto with his lens as the two leads capture the audience. Hilarious at times intended, and other times not, the film truly became a fable of the East Coast jobless coming to the heartland of Canada, only to find that its the same situation, different locale. The honesty that comes forth from the two leads is brilliant, and their friendship is one that is often ignored in filmmaking. Their bond and the strains placed upon by women, economics, and just plain stubborness is a treat to watch. Though they seem to be on a constant downward spiral the duo (and Shebib) still manage to find a pleasantry in their otherwise awful existence. An unforgettable tale; B+