Monthly Archives: July 2011

PREVIEW: Sci-fi meets the Wild West in ‘Cowboys & Aliens’

Posted on July 31, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett Many moviegoers hold the view that science fiction epics such as “Star Wars” were merely Westerns in outer space since both genres feature adventurers who face unknown terrors on a wild frontier. Paramount’s potential blockbuster “Cowboys & … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Previews | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

PREVIEW: Mischief in blue in 3D from ‘The Smurfs’

Posted on July 31, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett For those who do not spend much time watching children’s television, the title characters in “The Smurfs” are a mischievous, blue-coloured animated breed that might remind you of gremlins and Snow White’s dwarfs. They get up to … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Previews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

PREVIEW: Apes rise in a tale of simian alienation

Posted on July 31, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett The last time James Franco starred opposite a simian was in “The Ape”, a 2005 comedy about office politics that he directed, but the creature was just a guy in a mask. It’s a whole different thing … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Previews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

PREVIEW: No escape in ‘Final Destination 5 3D’

Posted on July 31, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett Maybe it’s because the key word is franchise, but films with titles that begin with “F” certainly manage to keep coming back for more including “Fast & Furious”, “Friday The 13th” and “Final Destination”, the fifth edition … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Previews | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Tree: sentimental family film for serious tree-huggers

Posted on July 30, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett French-born filmmaker  Julie Bertucelli’s “The Tree” takes tree hugging to extremes. It will appeal to those who like to believe that upon death human beings take other forms, in this case a towering woody perennial, and bore … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Another great movie selection set for Toronto film festival

Posted on July 30, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett After several years as a regular at the Venice International Film Festival, it was a pleasure last year to review films at the Toronto International Film Festival, and I hope to again this year. There’s a terrific set-up … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, News | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Judge tells BT to block file-sharing website

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett In a landmark decision, the UK high court has granted an order that requires internet service provider BT to block subscriber access to the illegal file-sharing website Newzbin 2 following a suit brought by the Motion Picture … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, News | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Anthony Hopkins’s film music is a revelation

Posted on July 28, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett In an evening of film scores played impeccably by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shore’s theme from “The Silence of the Lambs” caused shivers and every attempt was made to warn that Hannibal Lecter was … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Music, Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A good man down: Brian Vallée dies

Posted on July 23, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett My good mate Brian Vallée died Saturday in a Toronto hospital after a fight with cancer. He was 70. That’s him in the centre of the photo with me and another great chum Ron Base on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Notes | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Rita’s ‘Gilda’ gets digital polish for UK cinemas

Posted on July 22, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett Distributor Park Circus said that the 1946 Rita Hayworth film “Gilda”, in which she performed the hit song “Put The Blame On Mame”, will screen at the BFI as an all-new Digital Cinema Presentation that showcases Rudolph … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment