MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Angela Bassett, Greg Tarzan Davis, Henry Czerny, and Shea Whigham Director: Christopher McQuarrie AMARÚ Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is really two movies, one after another. The first is a montage fest that leans on nostalgia from one explanatory scene to the next, killing all emotional connection. But once a certain character walks in, Reckoning ’s actual story begins. From then on, it’s an exciting mix of nice call backs, emotional tidbits, funny moments, and most of all, edge-of-your-seat action set pieces that Tom Cruise, somehow, manages to make more intense, yet uniquely reminiscent, than anything the franchise has seen. Ultimately, though flawed, this love letter delivers a fitting sendoff for arguably the best franchise in movie history. ADRIANO If the mission was not to be let down by the (alleged) final outing of a great series, then it turns out this one was impossible. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning's desire to beat you over the head with franchise continuity is eye-roll inducing and uncharacteristic. Hell, the first hour is practically a clip show. The plot paces itself terribly, feeling convoluted beyond repair. But I know what y'all are here for, and yeah, the set-pieces and death-defying stunts are remarkable, giving the movie colossal weight in the final hour and salvaging the experience, if not fully saving the movie's disappointment. NICK Considering what we get with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning , this was probably the right time to end things. Some of the series’ trademarks (extreme exposition and death defying stunts) are either overdone or simply don’t hit the same. Yes, the airplane stunt from the poster is cool, but the story surrounding it is lacking; so much so that a significant portion of the film is just scenes from prior entries in the franchise. It’s still a Mission Impossible movie so it’s not bad, but compared to the rest of Ethan Hunt's (Tom Cruise) escapades, this franchise closer is more than a little disappointing. ROBERT I’m aware there is some disagreement on the nature of whether Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning will be the last of the series, but it didn’t set that standard of finality. Beyond an impossibly long runtime, it felt as if every loose thread and past MacGuffin had to tie into the greater story at large, including inflating the importance of a previous side character. The dialogue is so fast paced that it feels like 1.5x speed, the acting from tertiary characters is wooden, and the stunts, while impressive, are second-rate to those in prior, and superior, entries. I won’t choose to accept another entry like this. BODE There are many (needless) callbacks in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning , yet I often thought of John Woo’s second entry the most. Both films have overstuffed plots, to the point where they feel incomprehensible. However, Woo’s wild formalism in II makes it easier to forgive. Christopher McQuarrie, the talented filmmaker he is, seems to struggle with this, which makes this film's flaws, which populate its disjointed first half, harder to accept. It eventually improves, with the second half providing some of the franchise’s highest highs (including the biplane setpiece), making it impossible to say I disliked this Mission . But I’m disappointed that I didn’t love it. QUENTIN If The Final Reckoning truly is the end for Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), I have no problems with the call-backs and nostalgia baiting that occupy the first hour. It provides a lovely appropriate finality to the proceedings that, if there happens to be another entry, will be completely lost. Operating under the assumption that this is the final mission, however, I was fully on board. It’s action-packed (obviously), low-key funny, emotional, and an earnest love letter to everything that came before (especially the underrated third installment). It pulls from all previous entries, in both varied tones and admittedly forced continuity, working perfectly as a franchise capper. KATIE Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a wonderfully fitting finale for the best action franchise out there. It stays true to everything I love about these movies, providing thrills, a fantastic cast with great chemistry, a nonsensical plot, and Tom Cruise pushing the limits with breathtaking and nail-biting set pieces. It’s blockbuster cinema at its finest, and there was not a second that I wasn't entertained, and although it's heavy on the references and callbacks, it's deservingly so. It's a perfect tribute that celebrates Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his crew’s insane adventures over the past 30 years. Want to hear even more of our thoughts? Nick, Adriano, and guest Amanda Guarragi join Amarú to take A Bigger Bite out of Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning HERE .

THE GIRLFRIEND Starring: Robin Wright, Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson, Waleed Zuaiter, Tanya Moodie, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Karen Henthorn, and Anna Chancellor Creators: Naomi Sheldon and Gabbie Asher QUENTIN The Girlfriend comes so dangerously close to falling face-first into the campy trash bin that the modicum of restraint it does demonstrate results in a tease that makes the series even more entertaining. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely dips its toes in that bin, but you’ll be having too much fun with all the twistiness to notice. Particularly great is the story structure that shows both Cherry’s (Olivia Cooke) and Laura’s (Robin Wright) perspective of the same events, which gives both actresses the opportunity to create two vastly different personas that will keep your loyalties in question. Overall, a delightfully sinister snack of a series.

MACGRUBER: SEASON ONE Starring: Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Sam Elliott, Laurence Fishburne, and Billy Zane Creators: Will Forte, John Solomon, and Jorma Taccone QUENTIN It’s hard to say if the uninitiated will fall for MacGruber ’s dumb-funny charms, but for fans of the 2010 movie, this sequel series hits the sweet spot by being absurd and nonsensical in the best of ways. It’s the type of movie where a character, completely straight-faced, says “We are the fucking cavalry!” while struggling to put The Club on a mid-90s Mazda Miata. Ultimately, MacGruber is to Rambo as Austin Powers is to James Bond, and this show should be on your radar if you love over-the-top, lowbrow humor. Plus, Maya Rudolph’s opening recap song is a hilarious banger.

Previous Next October 26, 2023 WRITTEN BY: NICK Although I’ve had the chance to virtually cover this festival in the past, this was my first time attending Toronto After Dark in person. It won’t be my last. The fanbase for this festival is rampant, and it felt like a more controlled Midnight Madness screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Plus, the Q&As were more fan centric, even featuring some of the participants giving away merchandise from their films. It helped create a very special vibe. Due to time constraints, I was only able to attend the Opening and Closing Night Screenings, but this did allow me to see Late Night with the Devil , which I’d missed at this year’s Fantasia Fest, as well as a strong collection of short films. It was a good time, not a long time… but here is my wrap-up of Toronto After Dark 2023. THE LAST EXIT The Last Exit (aka Little Bone Lodge ) is quite the ride. What starts off feeling like a run-of-the-mill home invasion thriller soon becomes something far more interesting. Director Matthias Hoene isn’t afraid to take big swings, and while they don’t all pay off, the attempts should be commended. The film is more than just the sum of its twists, however, as Joely Richardson and Neil Linpow are the ones who really sell the somewhat convoluted script with honest performances. The Last Exit isn’t without flaws – it’s low on re-watch value and drags a little – but it’s bound to keep your attention. IT'S A WONDERFUL KNIFE No question, there are moments in It’s a Wonderful Knife that work – Justin Long’s over-the-top mayor is ridiculous enough to be funny, for example. However, where the film falters is in its unwillingness to go full spoof. The comedic aspects of the film are its strongest facets, but they’re bogged down by a desire to be taken seriously. You could still have the entertaining horror moments, such as the strobe sequence, and maintain the tone of a parody, but by not going that route, It’s a Wonderful Knife becomes a slightly below average horror flick that feels destined to be forgotten. LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL Late Night with the Devil is an impressive feat. The film not only transports you back in time to the 1970s, but it does so while seamlessly blending its timeline into our actual past. This smart directorial decision makes everything feel authentic to the period. David Dastmalchian plays the host of the proceedings, and he channels the squeaky-clean cheese of yesteryear with an era-perfect performance. You feel as if you’re sitting in the audience of this supposed pivotal moment in time, and it makes for a special theatrical experience. Go out of your way to catch this one when it releases wide. SHORTS Although we only cover feature films and series with our patented bitesize reviews, with a festival like this, it only seems fair that we give somewhat equal time to the 10 short films I was able to check out, just with an even smaller bite… a nibble so to speak… BYE-BYE is a short that feels like a teaser trailer. It’s a nice little snippet of horror, like a nightmare you dozed into. BIRD HOSTAGE is ridiculous in the best way possible. Not quite a horror, this quirky tale of a housesitter and a bird is a good time. Oh, and the bird is voiced by Jay Baruchel. Need I say more? POOL PARTY spends the majority of its runtime setting up a finale that it doesn’t earn. It’s an interesting premise with lacklustre execution. GAMESMANSHIP was a highlight of the short films. It’s a clever premise (which I won’t spoil) that is well executed thanks to some quality humour and effects. I’m glad I got to see this one with an audience. MYSTERY BOX is a poorly acted short that fails to build the suspense it necessitates. Its cliff-hanger conclusion is neither satisfying, nor does it leave any interest in a continuation. FORGOTTEN LAKE feels more like a TV ad or an SNL horror-themed skit than anything that should be taken seriously. That said, it is self-aware, so that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. CAMP doesn’t do anything to make itself stand out; it plays like a singular scene from a movie instead of being a fully fleshed-out idea. DEMON BOX is a documentary about the making of a film, so it’s like watching a film with the director’s commentary on. A personal story for the director, he goes over the reality of growing up a Jewish child who fears Nazis. SOUL PROPRIETOR flips the exorcism trope on its head in this comical short with just enough legs to stretch into a feature. THRIVING: A DISASSOCIATED REVERIE is another winner from the duo of Nicole Bazuin and Andrea Werhun! Much like their prior shorts Modern Whore and Last Night at the Strip Club , this is a well-done character study featuring sharp directorial decisions. Photo Credits: Toronto After Dark

YOU: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON Starring: Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Lukas Gage, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, Brad Alexander, Niccy Lin, Aidan Cheng, Stephen Hagan, Ben Wiggins, Eve Austin, Ozioma Whenu, Dario Coates, Sean Pertwee, Alison Pargeter, and Adam James Creators: Sera Gamble and Greg Berlanti QUENTIN PART ONE After a relatively subpar Season Three, You has returned to flip the script, making stalker Joe (Penn Badgley) the stalkee in a binge-worthy whodunnit. In making that switch, You plays with genre tropes while also delivering a commentary on today’s trendiest topic: toxic wealth. Admittedly, satirizing the rich is becoming played out, but it works here because it isn’t the story’s primary focus. Mostly, this is a story about Joe and whether he can be redeemed, but when those two angles are joined together, they create a terrific Part One that is Knives Out meets Dexter . I can’t wait for Part Two to drop next month. PART TWO After the strong and refreshing redirect that was Part One, Part Two fumbles away the season before it can reach the goal line. There is a late twist that is admittedly unexpected, but it’s so clumsily and confusingly executed that it ruins the momentum of the final three episodes. All the interest, intrigue, and tension dissipate because of this shark-jumping moment. That said, the season ends on a note that makes for an interesting direction in Season Five, but only time will tell if they can capitalize on it or if the show has run its course. PAIGE PART ONE Oh, how the tables have turned on Joe (Penn Badgley), who is now getting a taste of his own medicine in the first part of Season Four, which is an Agatha Christie-style whodunnit with a dash of social satire. It’s a different approach than what we’re traditionally used to with this series, but it’s actually quite clever and bloody fun. So far, it’s got me contemplating if creepy Joe can actually be redeemed, but we’ll have to wait for Part Two to find out. Either way, in the end, it’s always been about you , Penn Badgley, and you deliver a killer performance once again. PART TWO This season of You feels tonally different from the others. The first half of the series is structured like a whodunnit, and it was a promising bloody start that I quite enjoyed. However, the second half takes a totally different approach, prattling on to add more nuance but ultimately fumbling the ball. The last few episodes just feel rushed because they are tying up loose ends in a lazily sloppy way, and while the end of the season positions Season Five to go to an intriguing place, I wonder if it's the overall right decision to take the story in that direction.

Previous Next As we approach 2025 and the end of the 21st century’s first quarter, we wanted to look back to see which actors, actresses, directors, and movies have stood the test of time. With that in mind, for the rest of the year, the Bitesize Top Five will be giving a consensus view on what we think are the Bests of everything since 2000. We are only looking at work released since January 1, 2000, so don’t get mad because your favourites of the 90s didn’t make it. As always, each writer ranks his or her top 15 in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. TOM CRUISE From a supporting role in Endless Love at the age of 19 to the Oscar-nominated Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning at 60, Tom Cruise’s renowned career and famous love of stunt work has cemented him as one of the best actors of the century, and my personal first choice for the title. His iconic filmography from just the last 25 years includes Collateral, Minority Report, War of the Worlds, Tropic Thunder, Edge of Tomorrow, The Last Samurai, and so many more. Not only is he an incredible actor, but he may well have revived the industry from the impacts of the pandemic with Top Gun: Maverick , which earned just shy of $1.5 billion worldwide. I believe Tom Cruise is one of our last true Hollywood stars, and his films have and will continue to thrill audiences everywhere. - Katie 4. CHRISTIAN BALE The word that comes to mind for me when I think of Christian Bale's career is versatility. He started off the century with a bang as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho , then proceeded to star in every genre possible, be it sci-fi, thriller, western, romance, war, or comedy. He even mixed in a few established franchises (Batman , The Terminator , Thor ). However, it's his work portraying real-life people where he truly shines brightest. As a matter of fact, on three different occasions these have led to Oscar nominations, with his work in The Fighter taking the trophy. At just 50 years old, we can expect many more memorable showings, and likely some more hardware to come. - Nick 3. RYAN GOSLING Remember the Titans . The Notebook . Half Nelson . Blue Valentine . Drive . Crazy, Stupid, Love . The Place Beyond the Pines . The Big Short . The Nice Guys . La La Land . Blade Runner 2049 . The Gray Man . Barbie . Ryan Thomas Gosling has dominated the totality of the 21st century (not to mention, even before, as a child actor). With a childhood that loosely resembled my own, being around the same age, and whose restaurant is a testament to a similar passion for food, it is easy to feel a personal connection to the acting star. The similarities end there, though, as his unending talent as a dancer, singer, and actor with spot-on comedic timing is enough to hate him; if his charm, wit, and character weren’t enough to absolutely adore him. - Preston 2. BRAD PITT It’s no surprise that Mr. Brad Pitt is #2 on this list. The man can truly do it all: lead a film, be a trusty sidekick, and even shine in a cameo role. From Snatch , Burn After Reading , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , Inglourious Basterds , and the Ocean's trilogy to his most recent features, Bullet Train and Babylon , he has starred in some of the most iconic movies of the past two decades. Over the past 24 years, he has been nominated for an Oscar three times for acting, finally winning Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood . He has consistently demonstrated that he has the charisma, swagger, and acting chops necessary to be considered one of the few true movie stars left in Hollywood. - Paige 1. LEONARDO DICAPRIO Leo might not be my favorite actor in the world, and he might not even be the best actor in the world (that’s an amazing debate topic, though). What’s not debatable, though, is that there really wasn’t another answer here for best actor this century. The man has been in his bag even before Y2K was a thing, but when that new millennium hit, there was no looking back. How it took 15 years and a bear fight for him to finally get an Oscar makes no sense when Jordan Belfort, Frank Abagnale Jr., Cobb, and dozens of other iconic roles demonstrated the absolute monster that is Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio. If his name is on it, you’re gonna go see it. You know I ain’t lying. - Amarú HONORABLE MENTIONS DENZEL WASHINGTON JOAQUIN PHOENIX PHILLIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN WILLEM DAFOE JAKE GYLLENHAAL Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 2, 4, 5 - Warner Bros.; Photo 3 - Scandia Entertainment

GRIMSBURG: SEASON ONE Starring: Jon Hamm, Rachel Dratch, Erinn Hayes, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Alan Tudyk Creators: Catlan McClelland and Matthew Schlissel QUENTIN Grimsburg is by no means the next great animated classic, but if you’re the type of person who still enjoys Family Guy reruns, there is enough here to make for an entertaining 30-minute time killer. In fact, Grimsburg plays a lot like Family Guy mixed with Criminal Minds . Each episode revolves around a murder case, and the jokes, cutaway gags, and pop culture references come at a fast and furious clip, so much so that episodes might get better upon a rewatch. It’s a silly yet solid parody of crime procedurals, and though it may feel overly familiar, it’s a good series for casual watching.

OUTER RANGE: SEASON ONE Starring: Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, Lili Taylor, Tom Pelphrey, Lewis Pullman, Noah Reid, Shaun Sipos, Olive Abercrombie, Tamara Podemski, and Will Patton Creator: Brian Watkins NICK Throughout its first season, Outer Range tends to play things close to the chest - so much so that it doesn't really start providing answers until its final few episodes. However, the mystery it tells is enthralling, which makes the journey worthwhile. On top of that, there isn’t a weak performance to be found. Josh Brolin will deservedly get the headlines, but each supporting cast member deserves props for rounding out this universe in a believable manner. Whether it’s the writing, editing, or cinematography, it’s airtight on a technical level. This is a glowing example of what a series like Under the Dome could have been. QUENTIN Outer Range , which is like Yellowstone if it came from the mind of Alex Garland or Denis Villeneuve, does a great job of setting up puzzle box mysteries that immediately rope you in. Sadly though, it doesn’t seem too interested in answering many of the questions it presents. It just keeps stacking mysteries on mysteries without giving you much in the way of closure by season’s end. Truthfully, the acting is fantastic and I’m very engaged, but if Outer Range isn’t renewed for a second season, I’m going to be sooo pissed. I can’t genuinely recommend it without knowing if Season Two is coming.

THE PERIPHERAL: SEASON ONE Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Jack Reynor, Gary Carr, Eli Goree, Louis Herthum, JJ Feild, T’Nia Miller, Charlotte Riley, Katie Leung, and Melinda Page Hamilton Creator: Scott B. Smith QUENTIN Despite a captivating pilot, The Peripheral fails to capitalize on its instantly intriguing setup, instead falling down poorly explained rabbit holes concerning alternate realities, conspiracies, heady sci-fi ideals, and terrible southern accents. With that in mind, it shouldn’t be surprising that it comes from the people behind Westworld (namely, executive producers Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan). Much like Westworld , there probably is a good show in here somewhere, but the writers are too busy trying to be clever and cerebral to let it breathe. I suppose the book on which it’s based could be to blame, but either way, it’s not worth the effort.

THE MORNING SHOW: SEASON FOUR Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup, Marion Cotillard, Mark Duplass, Karen Pittman, Nestor Carbonell, Greta Lee, Nicole Beharie, Boyd Holbrook, Jeremy Irons, William Jackson Harper, Jon Hamm, and Aaron Pierre Creator: Jay Carson NICK Although Season Three soured me on The Morning Show , I caught up with the latest season and was glad I didn’t walk away for good. Season Four is a bit of a rejuvenation for the series thanks to its latest power dynamic storyline and a new cast of characters. Actors such as Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, and Boyd Holbrook breathe new life into the show as it navigates new pathways for its original characters. Although there’s no guarantee Season Five will pick up where Four left off, I have a lot more faith in The Morning Show ’s future. Check out our reviews for Season Three HERE .

Previous Next April 16, 2025 WRITTEN BY: NICK Canadian films tell us Canadians about ourselves and our neighbours. They tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to live in. They showcase our incredible achievements and our stories. In celebration of that ideal, today is National Canadian Film Day, a day that gives us the opportunity to share those stories while celebrating with people from across the country. With over 1800 free screenings from coast to coast, there is a Canadian film for everyone. If you need help finding one right for you, a list of some of the best films this country has to offer is available HERE . With 38 pages of films, I tried to narrow down to a mixture of my personal favourites, under-appreciated features, and films I think best showcase Canada. Still, there are plenty of great recent indies, like Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person and I Like Movies , that I don't even mention. There have also been notable documentaries, like Wrestling with Shadows and The Carter Effect . Hell, I don't even get into the early works of directors like Denis Villeneuve, David Cronenberg, and Sarah Polley. Canadian cinema is just that good. So, while there is a wealth of films I implore you to seek out, let's talk about just a few of the films I think best encapsulate the spirit of the day. STRANGE BREW (1983) If you have a very stereotypical view of Canadians, you're probably picturing Bob and Doug McKenzie (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas), a duo that got their start on SCTV before blowing up with their big screen feature, Strange Brew . This is our Dumb and Dumber , featuring two dimwitted friends who supply lowbrow humour and charm in an outrageous and ridiculous story about commandeering free beer — a truly Canadian prize if I've ever heard one. Oh, and did I mention it's a loose re-telling of Hamlet ? Yup. You should definitely check out the pair from The Great White North ; otherwise, take off, ya hoser. THE WRONG GUY (1991) In the world of intentionally dumb comedies, The Wrong Guy is one of the most overlooked. Let's start with the premise: after discovering his boss murdered, Nelson Hibbert (Dave Foley) attempts to flee to Mexico as he believes he is the prime suspect, except, unbeknownst to him, the authorities are aware he is not at fault. It's such a simple and silly idea that brings forth plenty of laughs thanks to Foley's over-the-top antics and some repeat gags (Lynn’s (Jennifer Tilly) narcolepsy gets me every time). I'm not one to call for remakes, but you could easily revamp this thing to great effect, too. Until then, the original Canadian comedy gem is there for your viewing pleasure. SHARKWATER (2006) One of the most affecting documentaries I've ever seen is 2006's Sharkwater . Director Rob Thomas (no Matchbox Twenty affiliation) travels the world to explore the plight sharks are facing, as well as the people who continue to disobey the laws meant to protect the endangered giant sea wonders. Thomas is front and center as he showcases his humanity and the beauty of these animals. It will change the way you look at sharks, as it did for many others as Sharkwater led to the banning of shark finning in 90 countries across the globe. Unfortunately, Thomas passed away in a diving accident while shooting the follow-up Sharkwater: Extinction , but his team finished the film, which acts as a wonderful tribute. ROOM (2015) I admit, some of these films aren’t well-known outside of my home country, but that is not the case with Room . The harrowing story of a mother and her child raised in captivity led to multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for star Brie Larson (which she won). Larson, along with the feature debut of young Canadian Jacob Tremblay, are sensational in the film as they tell one of the most poignant stories of survival in the face of domestic abuse. Room is the kind of film that makes you think, sticking with you long after the credits finish rolling. If you somehow haven't seen this one, make sure you change that. LONG TIME RUNNING (2017) I don't expect non-Canadians to understand the way The Tragically Hip are tethered to the DNA of this country. Hell, I didn't understand until I was older. However, when Gord Downie, the lead singer of the band was diagnosed with brain cancer, leading him to embark on a final tour, it was a national event. Long Time Running captures the ups and downs of this tour, all leading up to the final performance in the band's hometown of Kingston, Ontario. With Downie passing a year later, you're literally watching a man dying in front of you, yet still doing what he loved all his life. He goes all out, performing at the top of his game and closing his career with an unbelievable final performance. The inclusion of a "concert" film here may seem strange, but if you're from here, you get it. BROTHER (2022) Brother was my introduction to rising star Aaron Pierre, and it put him on my radar well before Rebel Ridge and Lanterns . The film, which I originally saw at TIFF, didn’t initially hit me at the levels it has grown to since. I was always high on Clement Virgo’s direction and the stunning cinematography, but it is the dynamic between the two brothers that made the lasting impact. Watching Francis and Michael (Pierre and Lamar Johnson) as they navigate the city of Toronto while battling others’ expectations of who they should be is something to behold. Virgo keeps the story feeling intimate and homegrown, adding to the authenticity, and even though I initially pushed back on the portrayal of Scarborough, Ontario, it still feels like Toronto in many ways. BLACKBERRY (2023) “I’m from Waterloo, where the vampires hang out!” is just one of the many great lines from Glenn Howerton’s Jim Balsillie in BlackBerry . Playing somewhat against type while still harnessing his It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia rage, Howerton is terrific as the bombastic BlackBerry investor Balsillie. It’s a performance that could have easily gone too far over-the-top to be believable, but he finds ways to ground it. It also helps that he’s juxtaposed well to Jay Baruchel’s quiet and reserved Mike Lazaridis, the CEO of Research in Motion (and creator of the BlackBerry). You get the full story of the company’s rise from practically nothing to its legendary downfall. There are comedic moments, yes, but the drama outweighs them in what ended up being one of the biggest surprises of 2023. HEY, VIKTOR! (2023) A large part of this country is its indigenous people, and we're starting to see a lot more of their stories being told. One example, which flew under the radar last year, is Hey, Viktor! This comedy about the journey to make a sequel to the 1998 cult classic Smoke Signals is hilarious. Cody Lightning is a big reason why it’s so funny because he plays into the absurdity of it all while never shying away from poking fun at himself. Even the mockumentary format, which I'm more than tired of, is used sparingly enough that it actually enhances the film. This is probably the most hidden of the gems on this list, but I promise it's worth your time. MR. DRESSUP: THE MAGIC OF MAKE-BELIEVE (2023) I've always been big on nostalgia, and nothing is more nostalgic to my childhood than Mr. Dressup . For those born between 1967 and 1996, Ernie Coombs helped raise us. He was our Mr. Rogers, which is only solidified by the fact that the pair maintained a close professional and personal relationship. This documentary explores the cultural impact the series had, featuring interviews with numerous Canadian stars who speak of their connection to the show and share some never-before-heard stories about Coombs himself. Whether it's his emotional performance on Fred Penner's Place following his wife's passing, or the tear-jerker of a story his son tells about Coombs' stroke, this film does for Coombs what Won't You Be My Neighbor? did for Fred Rogers. That is to say, it does him justice.

Previous Next March 27, 2024 WRITTEN BY: THE BITESIZE CREW One of the many things the pandemic took from us was the ability to see movies in a theatre. It was something many people took for granted, and even now, the industry is still trying to get back on its feet as it contends with new options that fall in favour of things like convenience, on-the-go watching, and not having to pay insane concession prices. Still, while the theatrical experience is no doubt something in need of refreshment (something Caleb examined HERE ), it also is something that cannot be fully replicated at home. There's something inherently personal about sharing a first-time experience with a group of people you'll likely never even say a word to. You gather with shared love, then you experience that love together with unspoken acknowledgement. Whether it's for shock & awe, tearjerkers, technical marvels, or blood-curdling scares, it's an experience everyone inside that room won't soon forget. For a couple of hours, you and a group of strangers from all walks of life are connected as one. Isn’t that beautiful? So, with that in mind, let’s talk about some of our most memorable theatrical experiences. Who knows? We may have even shared a few together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4PMoTT9dxc When Jackass: The Movie released in 2002, I was one of only seven students of color in my entire 7th grade class. That context sets up how hilarious it was for my brother, sister, and me to watch “The Burglars” scene in a packed Ohio theater. Everyone in the theater cackled once Bam Margera and Johnny Knoxville fell through the office ceiling... but then, the lone black prank victim in the scene got up, ran across the office, and SPRINTED down the street non-stop while his white counterparts stared at the burglars in awe. The three of us kept laughing deep from our souls while every other (white) theatergoer stared at us wondering, “why are you still laughing?” from their unknowing eyes. Look, being black in America is a uniquely joyful experience, and this one will forever be imprinted in my brain. If you know, you know. - Amarú One of the most memorable and moving movie-going experiences I’ve ever had was when I was just a wee padawan. In 1999, before the release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace , Lucasfilm re-released Star Wars: A New Hope in theaters. At the time, I had no idea my life would change forever. I remember the day like it was yesterday. My aunt had called my mom to ask if I could skip school and go to the movies with her. I remember just being happy that I got to skip school, but I wasn’t prepared for what was to come next. Once the opening scroll began, and the words “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” appeared on the big screen, that was it. A flame ignited inside me, and my love for all movies, but specifically Star Wars , was born. Fast forward 25 years: I have two Star Wars tattoos and a bunch of Star Wars memorabilia, and I make it a point to be there opening night for every new franchise entry. - Paige https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZMKMoPpVAo The trailers for Godzilla (2014) were shrouded in secrecy, so when I sat down to watch the reboot in theaters, I had no idea what Godzilla was going to look like. As a massive Godzilla fan, this was equal parts exciting and excruciating, but I’ll never forget watching his reveal for the first time. After teasing the monster throughout the first act, Godzilla’s massive foot finally crashes down outside the Honolulu airport. The theater fell dead silent as the camera moved upwards, slowly revealing this new Godzilla in all his glory. It was everything I could have hoped for. He looked pitch perfect. As Godzilla let out his iconic roar, I knew that the king of the monsters was finally back. - Caleb On Barbenheimer weekend, I saw Barbie at my favourite local cinema. They encouraged everyone to dress up as Barbie, offering free drinks to anyone who participated. This resulted in a multitude of people, including myself and my boyfriend, clad in pink and sparkles greeting each other with an excited “Hi Barbie!” The thing is, on the whole, British cinema audiences are generally quiet and polite, which is how I like it. However, on this occasion, with the joyful atmosphere, I loved hearing everyone around me shamelessly cheer and cry. I had never experienced such a sense of community and spirited atmosphere in a cinema audience. - Katie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f35nmDjc60 From Pulp Fiction to Snakes on a Plane , Samuel L. Jackson’s voice looms large when thinking back on his movies, but none made a bigger impact on me than when my brother, a good friend, and I saw Deep Blue Sea . SLJ was undoubtedly the biggest name amongst the Thomas Janes and Saffron Burrows of the cast. So, by the time the sharks had bitten off Stellan Skarsgård’s arm and trapped the survivors under water and rubble, we were ready for SLJ’s rousing speech when his character finally yelled “ENOUGH!” They weren’t going to fight each other anymore. They were going to pull together, and they were going to “OH SHIT THEY ATE HIM!! A FUCKING SHARK ATE HIM!!!” We jumped full-out of our seats laughing at the randomness that had happened. I’m laughing now just thinking about it. I’m so glad there wasn’t social media back then to spoil that viscerally funny WTF theater moment. - Amarú When I was 17 years old, my friends and I decided to sneak in to see a new, original, R-rated comedy from a debut filmmaker, The Coup frontman, Boots Riley. Since seeing it, Sorry to Bother You has continued to be one of my absolute favourite films, partially because I was able to experience it with an audience. Watching the originality and chaos, and laughing along with my friends, was just too much fun. However, the highlight of that experience was (if you haven't seen Sorry to Bother You , stop reading now) the big reveal of the horse-people, which caused a variety of reactions from the audience: laughter, shock, fear, and confusion…all at the same time. That shock and awe drove us to the end, as we couldn't stop laughing at it; when it comes to comedy, there's not much more one can ask for in a theatrical experience. - Adriano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My8kfz_Ddqg I’ve seen excellent twists before, including from filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, but I’d never seen a twist that retroactively created a cinematic universe… until Split . Picture this: a great film is coming to a close with everyone on a high, but just before the closing title card hits, a subtle music cue begins. The theater starts to murmur a little as a smattering of the audience realizes that it’s the theme from Unbreakable . Personally, I recognized the music, but couldn’t quite place it. Then the camera pans through a diner as a news story about The Horde plays, which leads to a customer recalling “the crazy guy in the wheelchair from 15 years ago.” He had a “funny name” that she can’t recall. At this point, a larger portion of the audience gasped as they (and myself) made the connection. Finally, the pan ends on the man at the end of the counter. “Mr. Glass,” he says, as you realize it’s Bruce Willis’ David Dunn. Fade to black, uproarious applause. It was a moment made for the theater, and it was exceptionally executed in a way that led to an audible crescendo of anticipation. Unforgettable. - Nick The year was 1999, and the literary titan that you read before you was an English-class-ditching-skateboarder who had just entered his final formative high school year. At that time, a little-known director by the name of M. Night Shyamalan was about to break through with his third movie, The Sixth Sense . One of my best friends had already seen the film, and he was super excited about it. As he raved, I rushed to interrupt him. “Don’t spoil anything becau…” Then he said it. ”Bruce Willis is dead the whole time!!” Maybe the biggest surprise ending in all of film history, and I knew the whole time! This little tale has entered my back pocket as a story trumper whenever spoilers are discussed and, as things often do, recalling a thing that once made me angry will now always make me smile. Isn’t that how life goes? R.I.P. Gian Carlos. - Preston https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOFGL7-qmqs When I sat down to watch Arrival for the first time, I wasn't expecting it to blow my mind - but it did just that. Without giving too much away, Arrival ’s big twist is so ingeniously interwoven into the fabric of the story that it managed to catch me off guard despite staring me in the face the entire time. It flipped the entire movie on its head, and immediately made me rethink everything I thought I knew about the story. Once I finally clued-in to what was actually happening, I remember gasping so loud that my buddy actually had to shush me. It's probably not my finest theater-going moment, but it was certainly one of the most memorable. - Caleb You had to be there in 2003 when countless lines of people waiting to see The Matrix Revolutions snaked outside theater doors across the country. There is one line, in particular, I remember, and I shudder thinking about it as I write this. As my family and I were leaving the movie…as we walked by a long row of people waiting to get in…one unnamed family member says, fairly loudly, “well, we all knew Neo had to die.” You could hear the imaginary record scratching as everyone in line yelled “NOOOOO!!” This person calmly spoiled the biggest movie of the decade for those poor, unfortunate souls. I never walked so fast and so far away from a person in my life. To this day, that person says those in line shouldn’t have been listening to our conversation, and I just shake my head in disbelief. - Amarú As a movie fan who grew up before the internet became ubiquitous, I’d spend time reading movie magazines about the almost-fantasy world of Hollywood. To me, there was one Hollywood staple that seemed too prestigious, glamourous, and most importantly, unattainable for a fat, mulleted kid from Kentucky: The Red Carpet. But you know what? Apparently not. Through luck, timing, and a modicum of not-so-hard work, I became accredited press for Toronto International Film Festival in 2022. Somehow, I’d done it. I made it to the thing I’d read about long ago. But first, if I may digress, attending a film festival as press is an unforgettable experience. Was I one of the first people in the world to see the 7x Oscar-nominated The Fabelmans , with director Steven Spielberg and the cast in attendance? Mmhmm. Did a stunning Kate Hudson make the “I see you” hand gesture to me at the Glass Onion world premiere? Fuck yeah, she did. Did I awkwardly meet Finn Wolfhard at a urinal? Yep. But that all pales in comparison to the Red Carpet because that is where I met NICOLAS. FUCKING! CAGE!! I asked questions, I shook his hand, I peed a little. Honestly, the rest is kind of a blur since I blacked out like Will Ferrell’s character in Old School , but I can’t help but think about the young Kentucky fatty with the Camaro Cut. What would he say knowing that, someday, he’d be on the Red Carpet with nothing but a cell phone, sandwiched between the elaborate camera setups of Variety and Al-Jazeera, rubbing elbows with the stars? Then, what would he say knowing he’d get to do it again at Berlin? And Venice? And soon, Cannes? That Tons O’ Fun with the Kentucky Waterfall is living his best movie life these days. - Quentin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bfJ3lnjN4U Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the first film I ever saw in IMAX. I was 17 years old, I went with my boyfriend to the IMAX in Leicester Square on Boxing Day, and I was so excited to see the iconic screen I had heard so much about. We bought overpriced popcorn, found our seats, and I was overwhelmed by the scale of it. Plus, I loved the film. The action was captivating, the effects were fantastic, and I loved the darker, more grounded approach the film took to the Star Wars universe. But the best thing was the emotional final scene, which was breathtaking to watch for the first time on the biggest screen I had ever experienced. - Katie In case you didn't know, Quentin Tarantino is my all-time favorite director. He is one of those filmmakers whose style and storytelling are so unique and bold that I always find myself in literal awe when watching his films. So, when I found out he had his own movie theater, New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles, where he plans the film program and only projects movies on actual film, I dreamt that maybe one day I could see something there. I had to fulfill this desire, but I couldn't simply watch just any movie — I had to see a movie written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The emotion I get when I watch his films at home was multiplied just by approaching the box office window, prepared to buy a ticket for Reservoir Dogs , his directorial debut. This small, retro cinema has an atmosphere and style straight out of a Tarantino film, a perfect pairing for the small and retro Reservoir Dogs , and I will forever treasure the experience. - Paige https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyrhikYaRrk Another movie memory comes from my senior year of high school (maybe my love of film had something to do with the last couple of years of high school note to discuss with therapist ). Funds-shortage was always a problem, so when I wasn’t going to what we called the “dollar movies'' (old films played at the mall theater), I was really splurging. Thankfully, one of those splurge sessions led me to see The Matrix . As a wanna-be tough guy and philosopher beset by an age-defining existential crisis, this industry-revolutionizing film could not have come at a more appropriate time. One of my favorite bands at the time happened to be Rage Against the Machine, and when that final scene hits, whew! The guitar riff on “Wake Up” starts to play as Keanu Reeves walks out of the phone booth, looks around at the sad souls still trapped in the matrix, and then…WHAT?! Is he flying?! Queue Zack De La Rocha. Freaking goosebumps every time! - Preston This past December, TIFF held a month-long program that showed classic and contemporary films on 70mm print. It was my mission to watch the entire program, and while I wasn't successful, I still seized the opportunity to see Boogie Nights , Lawrence of Arabia , and West Side Story . However, the crown jewel of the program, in my opinion, was Stanley Kubrick's influential 1968 masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey . Seeing it not only on the big screen, but also on print, was magical. I'd already seen and loved the film, but something about watching the film's colours, ideas, and enthralling final act on one of my favourite theatre screens in Ontario, on a style of film that allows for all the detail to be seen even clearer…I don't see myself ever forgetting such an experience. - Adriano https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQd1-4tqymo Inception is my favorite movie of all time, so, naturally, I watched it four times in the theater. The last time was the best, though. I excitedly re-lived Paris exploding in Ariadne’s (Elliot Page) mind. I was still mesmerized at Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) floating around in that awesome hallway fight scene. I happily uttered “you mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling” alongside Eames (Tom Hardy). I still got emotional when Hans Zimmer’s “Time” boomed alongside the emotional catharsis that Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) felt walking through that airport. I was already planning my fifth theater-watch as Mal’s (Marion Cotillard) totem started spinning. However, when the screen went to black, keeping the totem’s fate forever a secret, an older black woman said, very loudly for all to hear, “oh HEEEELLLL NAW.” Yep. Nothing was going to beat that. I never watched Inception in theaters again. - Amarú Media Credits: Media 1, 9 - Paramount Pictures; Media 2, 8, 12 - Walt Disney Studios; Media 3, 5, 10, 14, 16 - Warner Bros. Pictures; Media 4 - Kelly Bagwe; Media 6 - Annapurna Pictures; Media 7 - Universal Pictures; Media 13 - New Beverly Cinema; Media 15 - MGM Studios