In order of my favourites…
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Really, really well done. Modernized, fast paced version of the King’s rise to fame under the guided hand of a snowman. It definitely reminded me of the style of Moulin Rouge and only now found it out it was the same director Baz Luhrmann. 8/10
Even on a small Air Canada screen, the action was still magnificent. Except for the expected melodrama and close to “jump the shark” story manoeuvres, the rest was perfect. I’m man enough to say I bought in and my emotions were along for the warp speed ride. I had heard about the accuracy (or lack of) the flight sequences so I’ll have to now do a little more research (lots of real pilot comments that suggest a lot of it was possible, if not realistic). Regardless, very impressive production, great cast, cool music and all around great fun. 8/10
I loved the story and Michelle Williams’ portrayal was mesmerizing. But it was the filmmaking of the filmmaking that I really enjoyed. Capturing the joy of film within a film. Solid old-time movie with strong modern, complex themes of family and a personal journey. 7/10
Original notes that are a little cryptic now:
New release
Storytelling within moviemaking
Moviemaking = storytelling
Colour, framing, moments, editing
Very meta
Loved the Toronto connection and found the Chinese heritage interesting. Fun, cute and superb rich animation. Very cool to find out a friend taught the director Domee Shi at Sheridan College. 7/10
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Very long very slow. Cool style was just enough for 6/10.