A Month in Film: November 2025Back to the Future (1985)
Not much to say that hasn't been said already. It's perfect blockbuster filmmaking. So much about it is iconic, from the premise, to the characters, to the set pieces. And I just love that the franchise has been left intact. No half-assed reboot attempts. Let's hope the series can continue to bask in its legacy for years to come.
Watched at Landmark Kanata in IMAX, for its 40th anniversary! Went with the whole family, which was only fitting, since it's always been my family's favourite movie series.
Watched at Landmark Kanata in IMAX, for its 40th anniversary! Went with the whole family, which was only fitting, since it's always been my family's favourite movie series.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Self-aware '80s cheese. It's almost hard to remember it's a John Carpenter movie, but then he'll drop in some awesomely grotesque creature for a few minutes like it's no big deal. There's a hell of a lot going on here, overwhelmingly so at times, but there's no denying it has a ton of character.
Watched at the Bytowne in Ottawa. First time back there in a hot minute.
Watched at the Bytowne in Ottawa. First time back there in a hot minute.
Predator: Badlands (2025)
It's... fine. It's hard to go in with high expectations, because attempts at improving on what's one of the greatest action/horror hybrids ever made have proven to be feeble. I have to question the decision to make the Predator character here less ominously threatening. Him being so badass is a huge part of the appeal of the original, but in this one he essentially meets his match, which I can't really see as anything other than a buzzkill. I kinda liked the monsterverse / Jurassic Park approach to the large scale combat, but it's just funny that the Predator doesn't have much to do with it. There's more Alien influence here than I expected. And it's pretty easy to read this as a cash grab — Elle Fanning, and whoever was playing the clone army of synthetics, was just about the only casting they had to do.
Watched at Landmark Kanata in IMAX. Early access screening. They gave out keychains of the Predator at the end. No posters.
Watched at Landmark Kanata in IMAX. Early access screening. They gave out keychains of the Predator at the end. No posters.
Train Dreams (2025)
In the midst of a nation relentlessly pushing towards a new frontier, there ought to be lots of stories to tell from those that shaped it. There’s just something comforting using that backdrop to tell the humble story of a man searching for meaning in his own life. And in terms of execution, it’s like a PNW hybrid of Days of Heaven and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Roger Deakins would be proud. Clint Bentley came out of nowhere with this one. Definitely will keep an eye on his work.
Watched on 35mm at the TIFF Lightbox. Another limited theatrical film print release from Netflix, following Frankenstein and After the Hunt. Jay Kelly is getting a similar release, but I already saw it at VIFF. Love that they are doing this, but surprised it’s coming from Netflix of all sources. This played at VIFF too, but it wasn’t even on my radar.
Watched on 35mm at the TIFF Lightbox. Another limited theatrical film print release from Netflix, following Frankenstein and After the Hunt. Jay Kelly is getting a similar release, but I already saw it at VIFF. Love that they are doing this, but surprised it’s coming from Netflix of all sources. This played at VIFF too, but it wasn’t even on my radar.
Good Fortune (2025)
This will definitely scratch that itch for anyone who's a fan of Master of None, specifically its acute ability to hone in on how we're all feeling right now. A 2025 vibe check, if you will. I do think it felt a bit watered down compared to the show though, and the pacing had me wondering how it could go anywhere, but it's a solid watch. Loved seeing so much Canadian talent assembled here.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
Léolo (1992)
Once upon a time in Quebec! To romanticize the most fucked up parts of adolescence is certainly a choice. I do think it deserves the reverence it gets for being a standout in Canadian cinema, mainly because it operates on its own wavelength, not for a second excusing itself for being what it is. We don't do that a whole lot as Canadians. That being said, I'm not saying I enjoyed it much. It was an uncomfortable watch.
Watched on 35mm at the TIFF Lightbox. Part of their Luc Moullet: High Altitude programming, as a selection from Moullet himself.
Watched on 35mm at the TIFF Lightbox. Part of their Luc Moullet: High Altitude programming, as a selection from Moullet himself.
Full Contact (1992)
I say this a lot about various things, but I just can’t help but be fascinated that this exists. And I’m certainly glad that it does. It's a grandiose affair in hyper-stylized Hong Kong action cinema. Exactly what I was hoping for in the genre department. But it’s the wildly dramatic character development that’ll stick with me, and the absolutely unhinged approach to everything about it. Homoerotic, misogynistic, and not at all romantic. And it’s the lack of romance that sets it apart from the only other director from the same era I’m familiar with, in John Woo.
Watched on 35mm at the Revue, part of their monthly Neon Dreams programming. I loved hearing about the print itself before the film. The programmers explained that it was brought in from New Jersey, and was actually an English dub, with a title card introducing it as Hard Boiled 2, since it had failed at the box office domestically. Which is hilarious in retrospect. The title card, coupled with the janky translations... what a wild way to experience this thing. Peak grindhouse energy. Great first visit to the Revue. I knew this place would be something special.
Watched on 35mm at the Revue, part of their monthly Neon Dreams programming. I loved hearing about the print itself before the film. The programmers explained that it was brought in from New Jersey, and was actually an English dub, with a title card introducing it as Hard Boiled 2, since it had failed at the box office domestically. Which is hilarious in retrospect. The title card, coupled with the janky translations... what a wild way to experience this thing. Peak grindhouse energy. Great first visit to the Revue. I knew this place would be something special.
Nuremberg (2025)
It's hard to pass up some good 'ol historical drama Oscar bait. It does a fine enough job, and I think in a sense gets a lot of leverage out of something that doesn't scream "made for cinema". And I have to imagine it was awfully hard to write this thing, let alone perform it. But I think that could explain why the tone is all over the place here. The performances lack cohesion, no one playing off one another, save for maybe Rami Malek and Russell Crowe. Malek has assured me here that he is indeed capable of playing a character that isn't awkward. And Crowe is just doing his damn thing, not getting his heart rate up too high. Good for him.
Watched at the Imagine Cinemas at Market Square. First time here, but what a fascinating little place. After printing out your ticket in an empty ground level lobby, you descend the escalator to the basement floor, which is where all the theatres actually are. Talk about liminal spaces! The screen, at least for the theatre I was in, felt awfully small when I first walked in, but I think that was just how the pre-show was letterboxed. It felt better for the actual movie. Recliner seats and cheap tickets are the main appeal for most moviegoers here. Or perhaps you live nearby, like me, as my new place is literally right across the street. Not sure how often I'll find myself here, but it's certainly alright for dramas and comedies that don't warrant big-screen spectacle. I once proclaimed that Saturdays are are for watching mostly forgotten blu-ray era thrillers that somehow involve Russell Crowe... Nuremberg can now serve as the streaming era answer to said adage.
Watched at the Imagine Cinemas at Market Square. First time here, but what a fascinating little place. After printing out your ticket in an empty ground level lobby, you descend the escalator to the basement floor, which is where all the theatres actually are. Talk about liminal spaces! The screen, at least for the theatre I was in, felt awfully small when I first walked in, but I think that was just how the pre-show was letterboxed. It felt better for the actual movie. Recliner seats and cheap tickets are the main appeal for most moviegoers here. Or perhaps you live nearby, like me, as my new place is literally right across the street. Not sure how often I'll find myself here, but it's certainly alright for dramas and comedies that don't warrant big-screen spectacle. I once proclaimed that Saturdays are are for watching mostly forgotten blu-ray era thrillers that somehow involve Russell Crowe... Nuremberg can now serve as the streaming era answer to said adage.
The Running Man (2025)
If this was helmed by someone other than Edgar Wright, I'd probably be pleased enough. But I know he's capable of a lot more. His signature style was nowhere to be found here, even though I feel like it would have been a great fit for this material. I haven't read the novel, nor have I seen the '80s version with Arnold, but too often it felt like this was lacking context. Jarring transitions and a lack of continuity had me guessing all the way where we actually were within the 30 day timeline. Glen Powell was great though!
Watched in IMAX at the Yonge-Dundas Square Cineplex. First time at this Cineplex. Surprising that Scotiabank Theatre didn't run this on IMAX. I would definitely go the extra mile to catch any IMAX release at Scotiabank over this one, which was pretty run-of-the-mill.
Watched in IMAX at the Yonge-Dundas Square Cineplex. First time at this Cineplex. Surprising that Scotiabank Theatre didn't run this on IMAX. I would definitely go the extra mile to catch any IMAX release at Scotiabank over this one, which was pretty run-of-the-mill.
A Few Good Men (1992)
Worth the price of admission just for the iconic quote, which definitely lands with extra oomph watching the whole movie. But I won't lie, the plot here ultimately boils down to what feels like a bit of a nothingburger. Especially if you compare it to some other classic courtroom dramas like Anatomy of a Murder, 12 Angry Men, or Witness for the Prosecution, which stand out for their honest portrayals of sobering realities, or pull off a shocking twist. Neither of which really happen here. And given that it's not based solely on a true story, more so influenced by one, Aaron Sorkin could've popped off a bit more here. Great ensemble cast, with a few surprise appearances.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Picked it up used at BMV Books. Always nice to take on a long-standing item on my watchlist, on 4K to boot.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Picked it up used at BMV Books. Always nice to take on a long-standing item on my watchlist, on 4K to boot.
Bugonia (2025)
I missed Kinds of Kindness, but this definitely felt like a return to form for Yorgos Lanthimos. At least to me, because I wasn't a fan of Poor Things. I guess I prefer him operating in a modern context, as I would probably put this just under The Lobster. It's a bizarrely funny take on this conspiracy filled world we live in, especially where it decides to take things. Emma Stone kills it, to the surprise of no one. And lastly, I can't help but think we were one "pushing the needle" away from a full-on corporate speak bingo here. Well done!
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
Spotlight (2015)
Investigative journalism always makes for great cinema, and this is one of the finest examples of it. It's a masterclass in driving momentum, unfurling itself methodically, teasing you with just enough as it marches along. Everything about it just screams "important". The kind of movie that had to be made, just as the reporting in the film had to be done. The casting and performances are both absolutely fantastic. And the score works phenomenally, oscillating between the telling and the unnerving. I know this movie has been seen by many, but I genuinely think it's underrated. One of the best of the 2010s.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Brand new 15th anniversary release from Shout Factory. Now I'm living in Toronto, what a treat it is to be able to stop by Bay Street Video and pick this up on release week.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Brand new 15th anniversary release from Shout Factory. Now I'm living in Toronto, what a treat it is to be able to stop by Bay Street Video and pick this up on release week.
Brazil (1985)
With Terry Gilliam, it's all about the creativity. This one has it in spades. It's quite unlike any other sci-fi, forgoing a typically brutalist and operatic approach and favouring the more dreamy and whimsical. The production design is so rich, with world-building that had to have been conceived by some unfathomably talented minds. Definitely had to have been an influence on Gattaca, and maybe even Vanilla Sky.
Watched on 4K blu-ray, recent release from Criterion. It's not as sharp of a transfer like some other '80s releases from Criterion, like After Hours, but I imagine it's the best this film will ever look.
Watched on 4K blu-ray, recent release from Criterion. It's not as sharp of a transfer like some other '80s releases from Criterion, like After Hours, but I imagine it's the best this film will ever look.
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Classic film noir. But a bit funnier than you might expect! Love the way it bookends itself with that eerie shot of the pool, letting the narration do the magic the rest of the way. Love me some movies on movies, and the silent era is underrepresented in that niche. Maybe that's because this one did it so well. It does make me want to re-watch Babylon though!
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Recent release from Paramount. Looked pretty good, though not as stellar as Double Indemnity. I've been wanting to see this one get a 4K release for a while, great to see it finally happen. Out of the Past next please!
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Recent release from Paramount. Looked pretty good, though not as stellar as Double Indemnity. I've been wanting to see this one get a 4K release for a while, great to see it finally happen. Out of the Past next please!
Ordinary People (1980)
Honestly devastating, but what strikes me is the manner in which it's devastating. Because wherever you may be in your own life, there's probably a perspective here you can identify with. We all process trauma a little differently, and the depiction of that here is so brutally real. I don't like to think of it, but I can't help but feel awful for whoever went through what they had to go through to form the basis of this film.
Watched at the TIFF Lightbox. 45th anniversary members only screening, in memoriam of Robert Redford, part of their activities for their supporter appreciation weekend. Also picked up a Ferrari poster from their poster sale, and scored a free program from this years' festival on their spin the wheel.
Watched at the TIFF Lightbox. 45th anniversary members only screening, in memoriam of Robert Redford, part of their activities for their supporter appreciation weekend. Also picked up a Ferrari poster from their poster sale, and scored a free program from this years' festival on their spin the wheel.
Morvern Callar (2002)
If the term "indie sleaze" can be applied to a film, this would be a good candidate for it. Like an OG Spring Breakers. But a lot more self-aware, in that it's opening up to this free-spirited lifestyle as a response to tragedy, not just for the hell of it. Great use of colour, and some very creative camerawork, making it feel like an early archetype of the A24 style, hence the Spring Breakers comparison. And it features some of the thickest Scottish accents I've heard in film.
Watched on 35mm at the TIFF Lightbox, presented in celebration of Lynne Ramsay’s new film, Die My Love. Great looking print.
Watched on 35mm at the TIFF Lightbox, presented in celebration of Lynne Ramsay’s new film, Die My Love. Great looking print.
Die My Love (2025)
The dichotomy of maternity and matrimony. It definitely felt powerful! But would likely garner a bit more of a visceral reaction out of future me. Feels like Jennifer Lawrence has been building towards this role her whole career, considering she has played maternal roles in both a literal sense, like with Joy, and more of a protector role in a broader sense, like in The Hunger Games series. And then whatever mother! was trying to do. But this felt like the most evolved iteration of these roles, and could perhaps get her some serious attention come awards season. Robert Pattinson honestly didn't do much here.
Watched at the Varsity Cineplex. Last legs for its theatrical run.
Watched at the Varsity Cineplex. Last legs for its theatrical run.
The Florida Project (2017)
Nothing really captures both the blissful ignorance of childhood and harsh realities of adulthood quite like this one. As adults, we reminisce on the simpler times of our youth, when rent or grocery bills didn’t loom large on everyday life, and all that mattered was getting that scoop of ice cream by any means necessary. And now, as adults, we understand it’s our duty to protect this exact naivety of childhood, to make it one to remember for all the right reasons. This parallel struggle is reflected so damn accurately here. Could be my favourite performance from Willem Dafoe, if The Lighthouse didn't exist.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Picked it up from Bay Street Video today. Had no idea it had gotten a 4K release — it's a UK import from Second Sight. I wouldn't be surprised if Criterion got their hands on it for a region A release at some point. In any case, the pastel purples look great here in HDR.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Picked it up from Bay Street Video today. Had no idea it had gotten a 4K release — it's a UK import from Second Sight. I wouldn't be surprised if Criterion got their hands on it for a region A release at some point. In any case, the pastel purples look great here in HDR.
Cocktail (1988)
This movie doesn’t really need to exist… but I’m not mad that it does! Tom Cruise was a real busy guy in the mid to late '80s, so I don’t blame him for taking this muffin of a movie and making a vacation out of it, letting his cheeky grin do the heavy lifting. Well worth a watch just because it might be the epitome of melodramatic cheese.
Watched on 35mm at the Revue. Part of their Destination Love programming, which I now understand is actually a series of films that focus on romance AND travel, not just romance. But this is the kind of movie best experienced with a crowd, where the weirdness becomes a communal thing. The "Kokomo" needle drop went over quite well.
Watched on 35mm at the Revue. Part of their Destination Love programming, which I now understand is actually a series of films that focus on romance AND travel, not just romance. But this is the kind of movie best experienced with a crowd, where the weirdness becomes a communal thing. The "Kokomo" needle drop went over quite well.
Hamnet (2025)
They really didn't have to get me like that with those final few shots... genuine chills. But overall, what a way to extrapolate the unknown years of Shakespeare's life into something so poetic, something only befitting the greatest writer English has ever seen. Interesting that it parallels Sentimental Value in a way, portraying an artist circumnavigating familial relationships through art itself — intentionally or not, but only naturally, if that's what they know best. I don't get a semi-autobiographical vibe from this one though, it's more so an exercise in imagination. Both are fantastic though, and will go down as two of my favourites of the year.
Watched at the TIFF Lightbox. It won the People's Choice Award at this year's festival. Glad to catch it in release.
Watched at the TIFF Lightbox. It won the People's Choice Award at this year's festival. Glad to catch it in release.
Rope (1948)
Airtight early Technicolor Hitchcock. It's pretty much a oner, and I would have to think it's one of the earliest examples of one. Not surprising at all that Hitchcock was behind it, being such a technically sound filmmaker. And I just love the stage design here. I could stare at that artificial evening sky setting into night all day.
Watched on 4K blu-ray, from the third volume Hitchcock 4K set. All the movies in these sets look great. It's crazy how prolific Hitchcock was — even with three volumes, which Universal is now evidently done with, given that they released a master boxset containing all three, he still has a bunch of classics yet to hit the format. Like Strangers on a Train, Spellbound, and my top pick, Dial M for Murder.
Watched on 4K blu-ray, from the third volume Hitchcock 4K set. All the movies in these sets look great. It's crazy how prolific Hitchcock was — even with three volumes, which Universal is now evidently done with, given that they released a master boxset containing all three, he still has a bunch of classics yet to hit the format. Like Strangers on a Train, Spellbound, and my top pick, Dial M for Murder.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
I’ve watched this a few times now, and it never gets old. The movie says it best — no dream is just a dream. Everyone is unforgivably horny, and deception lurks behind every corner. It’s the wee hours of the morning, and Tom Cruise is wandering around New York City. He's so confused, unsure if he wants to get his freak on or just go home. And the innocently festive Christmas atmosphere just makes it feel so much more dangerous. Fantastic stuff.
Watched on 4K blu-ray, brand new release from the Criterion Collection! What a treat to finally get this on 4K. It was definitely one of the most demanded 4K releases, and it was left in great hands with Criterion. The look and feel is quintessentially Kubrick.
Watched on 4K blu-ray, brand new release from the Criterion Collection! What a treat to finally get this on 4K. It was definitely one of the most demanded 4K releases, and it was left in great hands with Criterion. The look and feel is quintessentially Kubrick.
Wicked: For Good (2025)
My suspicions were correct — this would have been better served as a single three hour plus epic. I get that that's not very palatable for the average moviegoer, especially because this is aiming to be family friendly and fun for all ages. But the sickos like me out there would love to see it. And because of this structure, there is a lot of bloat here. But when it does lock in, it definitely soars. Loved the "As Long As You're Mine" and "For Good" sequences, with the latter definitely clocking in as movie magic. I do commend it for getting the youngins familiar with themes of corruption early. And lastly, my complaints about the look and feel of the original still apply here.
Watched in IMAX at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
Watched in IMAX at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
The Great Escape (1963)
The ultimate hangout movie. It executes a three act structure perfectly, giving the characters and setting enough room to breathe. It's a three hour movie, but you end up missing everyone by the end of it. The original cool guy Steve McQueen is so awesome here. Can't recommend this one enough to anyone that may be hesitant to watch older films — it's aged like a fine wine, thrilling from start to finish.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Been sitting on this Kino Lorber release for a while. Speaking of Steve McQueen, I would LOVE to see Bullitt get a 4K release.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Been sitting on this Kino Lorber release for a while. Speaking of Steve McQueen, I would LOVE to see Bullitt get a 4K release.
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
Prison escape movies go over incredibly well with me. This is about the most nuts and bolts example of one that I've seen — we hardly know anything about these characters, but I'll be damned if we aren't locked in from the get-go, intensely waiting for that one sliver of hope that could lead to an escape. And from that point forward, everything is surgically precise in set-up and execution. Clint Eastwood was absolutely in his bag during this era.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Another prison break movie, which also happens to be a Kino Lorber release, after watching The Great Escape yesterday. Le Trou and A Man Escaped are two other prison break movies that I hope make the jump to 4K at some point. And if we're talking Alcatraz, Point Blank would make for a cool double feature with this, and would also be great to see land on 4K. I owe a lot to Quentin Tarantino's book Cinema Speculation for introducing me to this kind of New Hollywood stuff.
Watched on 4K blu-ray. Another prison break movie, which also happens to be a Kino Lorber release, after watching The Great Escape yesterday. Le Trou and A Man Escaped are two other prison break movies that I hope make the jump to 4K at some point. And if we're talking Alcatraz, Point Blank would make for a cool double feature with this, and would also be great to see land on 4K. I owe a lot to Quentin Tarantino's book Cinema Speculation for introducing me to this kind of New Hollywood stuff.
