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Home , Anjelica Huston, Carey Mulligan, Colin Farrell, Colin Firth, Fred Willard, Guy Pearce

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KIDS MATINEE Sun 1:00! FEB 23 (7:00 & 9:00) FEB 24 & 25 (7:00 & 9:00) FEB 26 & 27 (3:00 & 7:00 & 9:15) KIDS MATINEE Sat 1:00! UP CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS THE DAMNED PRECIOUS FEB 21 (3:00 & 7:00) Director: (USA, 2009, 131 mins; DVD, 14A) Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire FEB 22 (7:00 only) Cast: Ralph UNITED Director: Lee Daniels Fiennes . (USA, 2009, 111 min; 14A) THE IMAGINARIUM OF “AN INSTANT CLASSIC!” – Journal Director: (UK, 2009, 98 min; PG) Cast: , Cast: , Paula Patton, Mo’Nique, Mariah , Colm Meaney, , Stephen Graham, Carey, Sherri Shepherd, and Lenny Kravitz “ENTERS THE PANTEHON and Peter McDonald DOCTOR PARNASSUS OF GREAT AMERICAN WAR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS MO’NIQUE !” –San Francisco “ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE GENRE!” –Golden Globes, Director: (UK/Canada/, 2009, 123 min; PG) – Cast: , , , Chronicle ####! The One of the most telling moments of this shockingly beautiful , , , and Hurt Locker is about a bomb Can viewers who don’t know or care much about soccer be convinced comes toward —the heroine glances at a mirror squad in present-day Iraq, to see Damned United? Those who give it a whirl will discover a and sees herself. Until then mirrors have reflected her des- Imaginarium is unusual and idiosyncratic—you’d expect no but it could be taking place delightfully comic and sympathetic portrayal of British life in the hard- perate fantasies of who she might be—a bejeweled black less from Terry Gilliam, and admirers will be pleased to know anywhere in the world, at vir- scrabble, ciggies-and-lager ‘70s, fueled by Michael Sheen dancer or cover girl. That’s because Precious (Gabourey it is one of his most original and accessible works. A member tually any time in the last (Frost/Nixon, The Queen)’s portrayal of the mouthy legend Brian Sidibe) has found the sight of her physical self—like the of the Monty Python troupe, Gilliam (Brazil, Time Bandits, 12 century. Our guide to this Clough, who modeled his arrogant public persona after Muhammad plight of her spiritual self—unendurable. A 16-year-old Monkeys) is nothing if not audacious. Here he applies his fan- sand-blasted landscape of Ali. Clough’s Leeds debacle was the denouement of his long-running African-American in Harlem, she is mountainously obese, NOMINATED FOR 6 tastical imagination to a visually dazzling tale of combat for sudden, pulverizing death is feud with former Leeds coach Don Revie (Colm Meaney), a gruff NOMINATED FOR 9 sexually and psychically abused, illiterate, and pregnant with men’s souls. Though Imaginarium’s -spinning plot, part a cowboy named William father figure who had led the team to repeated glory — and to a her second child. The begins by giving her including metaphysical allegory, part knockabout farce, resists easy summation, the film has a back story no one is likely to forget. When ACADEMY AWARDS James (Jeremy Renner), nationwide reputation as thugs and cheaters. While Clough enchant- voice—and follows her growth to a formidable young BEST PICTURE, actor Heath Ledger died, this was the project he left half-finished. And it would have stayed that way if colleagues Johnny Depp, whose arrogance and cock- including BEST PICTURE! ed fans and played the media, Taylor actually worked out such on- woman with a life full of promise and hope. Precious is gen- DIRECTOR, Jude Law and Colin Farrell had not pitched in to finish it seamlessly. Dr. Parnassus (a letter-perfect Christopher Plummer) is an sure manner frankly terrify his new squadmates (Anthony the-field matters as players, tactics and strategy. It’s a classic and uinely and irresistibly inspirational. This is a fine movie, and ancient, far-seeing shaman who runs a traveling show with the help of his beautiful daughter (Lily Cole). The heart of the doc- Mackie and Brian Geraghty), who are already frazzled enough. even charming yarn of vanity, hubris and redemption, played out a deep one. It’s about unearthing buried treasure. SCREENPLAY, tor’s show is a magic mirror that allows those who go through it to experience another dimension of their own minds. This being Bigelow follows these characters through one life-or-death sit- against the bizarre, intense alternate universe of ‘70s English soccer. — ACRESS, a Gilliam film, the devil is no theological concept; he is played with fiendish panache by Tom Waits…Don’t worry if you don’t uation after another, ratcheting up the tension over and over —Salon.com “FINE ACTING AND DIRECTING, SPLENDID Sponsored by the Anti Violence Project at UVic. SUPPORTING ACTRESS! understand it all immediately. If you are looking for pure mad fantasy, for someone to take you through the doors of perception again, letting it subside only when absolutely necessary. This is DIALOGUE AND A STORY TOO OUTRAGEOUS TO BE MADE UP!” Refreshments and conversation following the 7:00 themselves, this is the place to go. – Times the best movie she's made in two decades. --Now Magazine – show on Friday only. Everyone welcome! KIDS MATINEE Sun 1:00! NOMINATED FOR 3 ACADEMY AWARDS! MAR 3 & 4 (7:00 & 9:25) NO KIDS MATINEE UP BEST PICTURE, ACTRESS, SCREENPLAY BROKEN MAR 5 & 6 (3:00 & & 7:00 & 9:30) SATURDAY EMBRACES THE BLIND SIDE BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Director: Pedro Almodóvar Director: NOMINATED FOR 2 ACADEMY AWARDS! (Spain, 2009, 128 min; Spanish with subtitles; 14A) (USA, 2009, 129 min; PG) BEST PICTURE, BEST ACTRESS FEB 28 (3:00 matinee & 7:00) Cast: Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portilla., Cast: , Tim McGraw, , Quinton Aaron, Lily MAR 1 (7:00 only) “LUSH, DEEPLY ROMANTIC Collins, and Jae Head MAR 2 (7:00 & 9:00) SPECIAL EVENT! …UTTERLY IRRESISTIBLE!” BEST ACTRESS! SANDRA BULLOCK –New York Magazine –Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild (UK, 2009, 101 minutes; rated PG) FOR THE NEXT 7 From the director of Cast: , , Alfred GENERATIONS Volver, , Talk to Her. “MAY BE SANDRA BULLOCK’S Molina, Dominic Cooper, , A vibrant, mature love letter to the meaning of movies, BEST PERFORMANCE. EVER.” Directors: Carole & Bruce Hart (USA, 2009, 90 min; DVD) –Film Threat Narrated by . and the dark-eyed muse Penélope Cruz, Almodóvar’s “ !” –The Globe and Mail Broken Embraces doesn’t so much break new ground #### Blind Side is much better than its 7 Generations documents the momentous journey of thirteen in the filmmaker’s instantly recognizable terrain as “CAPTURES THE VERY LIMITED ads, largely because it’s based on a indigenous Grandmothers as they travel around the globe—to deepen an understanding of how this stylish Spanish POSSIBILITIES FOR FEMALE LIBERATION true story. Sandra Bullock, making a Mexico, the Brazilian Amazon, the Vatican, and an audience artist sees the world. And as every frame of this chic IN EARLY-’60S .” –Salon.com comic-dramatic play for Erin with the Dalai Lama in —to promote world peace and and playful comedy/melodrama attests, he sees the Brockovich territory, is perfectly Invariably funny and inexpressibly moving in the way it looks at a young girl’s journey from innocence to experience, An share their indigenous ways of healing. Originating from all four world — of personal relationships and creative collabo- suited to play the tart, no-nonsense Education does so many things so well, it’s difficult to know where to begin. What’s easy is knowing where you’ll end up, which corners, these wise elders, shamans and medicine women ration — through a cinephile’s magnifying lens. Lluís Leigh Anne, who, when she sees is marveling at the performance by Carey Mulligan that is the film’s irreplaceable centerpiece. Mulligan seizes the character of decided to form an alliance and in so doing they are lighting a Homar plays a blind screenwriter who once loved his Oher (Quinton Aaron) walking alone 16-year-old Jenny in a once-in-a- way. This British was written by (High Fidelity, About way to a peaceful, sustainable planet. Presented by Dr. Lorna leading lady (Cruz, delectable). As for the lady, she was once the mistress of a jealous tycoon, who once bullied his gay son into spy- on a cold, rainy Memphis night, spon- A Boy) from a memoir by journalist Lynn Barber. Carey Mulligan is gifted with the ability to make us believe in Jenny as an inno- Williams. Sponsored by the First Peoples’ Heritage ing on the mistress by documenting the shooting of their ill-fated collaboration…See Broken Embraces twice! –Entertainment taneously invites him to stay with her family. What ensues is the kind of entertaining uplift Hollywood does best, leavened cent, Jenny as a person of experience and all the Jennys in between. This is a performance, and a film, to cherish for this year Language Culture Council and by the Anti Violence Project Weekly “Penelope Cruz exudes a sensual aura of mystery that holds you spellbound. And Almodóvar, a true poet of cine- by frequent moments of comedy and stirring sports sequences. Viewers can’t help but be enormously entertained and and always. –Los Angeles Times “THRILLING! Carey Mulligan is a dazzling new star! The whole film is phenomenal. at UVic. Refreshments and conversation following the first ma, creates images — horrifying and healing — that live inside your head like a waking . You want to miss a movie moved by its irresistible story. Especially in the film’s soaring, triumphant final moments…. —Washington Post I love it.” —The Wall Street Journal screening. Everyone welcome! like that? I didn’t think so.” – sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday

NO MATINEES MAR 9 (7:00 & 9:00) MAR 12 & 13 (3:00 & 7:00 & 9:25) KIDS MATINEE Sat 1:00! DUE TO POWER OUTAGE MAR 10 & 11 (7:00 & 9:00) THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG MAR 7 (7:00 only) RUSHMORE “SEXY AND ENTERTAINING!” –The Wall Street Journal Director: (USA, 1998, 93 min; DVD; 14A) THE HORSE BOY MAR 8 (7:00 only) Director: Rob Marshall (USA, 2009, 119 min; PG) NOMINATED FOR 4 ACADEMY AWARDS! Wes Anderson’s smart, refreshing picture is all about Max Director: Michel O. Scott (USA, 2009, 95 min; PG) Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, , Penelope Cruz, , , Fergie, Kate BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, INVICTUS NOMINATED FOR 2 Fischer (), who is in the tenth grade. He “REMARKABLE!” – Hudson and . ART DIRECTION, ACADEMY AWARDS! runs the ambitious group; he hangs out with Mr. Blume COSTUME DESIGN, ORIGINAL SONG Director: (), the father of a friend; and falls in love with a “ASTONISHING!” – “DAZZLING! A HOT-BLOODED MUSICAL FANTASIA.” (USA, 2009, 134 min; PG) BEST ACTOR, –Rolling Stone teacher, Miss Cross (). All is well until Blume, “POWERFUL!” –San Francisco Chronicle Starring BEST SUPPORTING too, falls in and ACTOR love with Miss Nine is a savvy piece of musical filmmaking. How far would you travel to heal someone you love? An Sophisticated, sexy and stylishly decked out, Rob “It’s an exciting sports movie, an inspiring tale of prej- Cross; from intensely personal yet epic spiritual journey, The Horse Boy here on, Max’s Marshall ()‘s film impresses and amuses as it udice overcome and, above all, a fascinating study of follows one couple and their autistic son as they trek on extravagantly renders the creative crisis of an Italian political leadership.” –The New York Times world starts to WES ANDERSON horseback through Outer Mongolia in a desperate attempt to come apart at director, circa 1965. Given its basis in a Broadway treat his condition with shamanic healing. When two-year-old show, which itself had its origins in ’s Clint Eastwood’s stirring tribute to Nelson Mandela’s moral the seams. The Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson, a writer whole movie 1963 classic “8½,” the film will probably find a more grandeur and practical wisdom carries a whiff of the offi- and former horse trainer, and his wife Kristin Neff, a psychol- receptive audience among culture vultures than with cial—but the importance of such virtuous public specta- marks the tri- ogy professor, sought the best possible medical care for their umph of the the masses. The musical has found its proper place on cles is itself the subject of the movie. The drama concerns son—but traditional therapies had little effect. Then they dis- the big screen, along with a cast that could scarcely be Mandela’s embrace, in 1995—soon after his election as d e a d p a n . covered that Rowan has a profound affinity for animals— Anderson finds bettered. Not only can they act, but Daniel Day-Lewis, South Africa’s first post-apartheid President—of the coun- particularly horses—and the family set off on a quest for a Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole try’s rugby team (loved by whites and hated by blacks) the ideal comic possible cure…. rhythm for all Kidman, , Fergie and Sophia Loren can when the country hosted the sport’s World Cup tourna- The Horse Boy is part travel adventure, part insight into sing….The first big scene establishes the film’s styl- ment. Morgan Freeman brings a sublime dignity and self- this—it’s a shamanic tradition and part intimate look at the autistic mind. mature riff on ized method, as the many women in the life of dashing mastery to the role of Mandela. As Francois Pienaar, the The filmic companion to Isaacson’s best-selling book of the cinema genius Guido (Day-Lewis) musically make their team captain to whom Mandela reaches out, Matt Damon the absurdity same name and a festival favorite, this ravishing documen- of growing up. way onto a giant stage. The glory days of Italian film- lends good-humored smarts to the athlete’s quiet rise to tary odyssey gives insight into how, in life’s darkest making are depicted for their chaotic fun, and the enlightenment. Eastwood’s view of South Africa is sketchy but warmhearted and filled with fine-grained details. We mostly see –The New moments, one can find the gateway to joy and wonder. Yorker delight for the cast plainly shows in their spirited per- Mandela at work, exerting power gracefully and compassionately. — —filmswelike formances. —Variety KIDS MATINEE Sun 1:00! MARCH 16 & 17 & 18 • SPRING BREAK MATINEE 1pm • ALL SEATS: $4.25 KIDS MATINEE Sat 1:00! THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG FANTASTIC MR. FOX 87 minutes; rated G – violence FANTASTIC MR. FOX “HUGELY ENJOYABLE BIOPIC!” –ViewLondon Wes Anderson’s animated stop-motion fable, based on ’s children’s book, about the adventures of a family of foxes (, , Jason Schwartzman). MAR 14 (3:00 & 7:00) MAR 17 & 18 (7:10 & 9:00) MAR 15 (7:00 only) AUDIENCE FAVOURITE! WES ANDERSON THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD - Victoria Film Festival Mar 19 BROTHERS A spirited evening of silent classics with live accompani- Directors: Andy Bichlbaum & Mike Bonanno ment by local artists including Run Chico Run, David P. Director: (USA, 2009, 87 min; rated G) Smith, Dan Wisenburger, Ryan Beattie, Forestry, Walrus (USA, 2009, 105 min; PG) “OUTRAGEOUSLY ENTERTAINING!” and many more. Cast: , , –New York Magazine , Sam Shepard. SILENT SHORTS (7:00) A series of silent shorts and vignettes by Chaplin, Melies, From the director of In America, “MORE LAUGHS PER DOLLAR THAN ANY Edison, Lloyd and more, punctuated by dynamic original In the Name of the Father, . MAR 16 (7:00 & 9:10) OTHER FILM FUEL.” –Monsters and Critics scores by local musicians. A man goes to war and comes back a spec- Take the prankster chutzpah of . SILENT FEATURE - “FAUST” (9:15) NOMINATED FOR 3 tral presence in his home, thin, scarred and Pair it with Michael Moore’s crusading lefty outrage. Fw. Murnau • 116 mins. • Germany • 1926 ACADEMY AWARDS! Director: Wes Anderson (USA, 2001, 109 min; DVD; 14A) haunted, an empty shell who left everything Add two frazzled-looking guys in cheap suits. What BEST ART DIRECTION, Cast: , , , Gwyneth Enormously imaginative and epic in its scope, Faust is the in Afghanistan except his anger. The power do you get? The Yes Men, globe-trotting “culture Paltrow, , , , archetype of all fantasy films and a beautiful rendering of MAKEUP, of war to transform people, the subject of Jim Sheridan’s Brothers, is brought home in the performance of Tobey Maguire. jammers” who pose as corporate mouthpieces - and and Bill Murray Goethe's tale of God and Satan's wager over the fate of COSTUME DESIGN Brothers touches on the effects of war and also on the culture of a specific type of family. The father, played by Sam Shepard, cause all sorts of mischief for all sorts of people in Dr. Faustus. Original score performed by ensemble. is a former soldier, a very hard, limited man and a nasty drunk. His sons grew up to play the roles this mean, stupid man assigned This sophisticated comedy tells the tale of the talented, but power. In 2003, they released The Yes Men, a doc- Advance tickets $8 / $7 for students, seniors & to them, Sam (Maguire) as the family hero and Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) as the black sheep. Brothers has the careful observa- dysfunctional, Tenenbaum family. The father (Hackman), has umentary tracking their exploits. In their new sequel, MAR 20 (3:00 & 7:00 & 9:10) tion, measured pace and lived-in feeling of a good European film. Gyllenhaal and Maguire have the flashy roles and they don’t lived apart for many years. Over those years, the children they’re no longer content to just spoof monolithic Cinemagic members at Ditch Records. $10/$8 at the shrink from them. But it may very well be Natalie Portman, as a military wife and the mother of Sam’s two daughters, that you’ll (Stiller, Paltrow, and Luke Wilson) grew up as prodigies, but in business interests. Instead, they want to change things. In the spotlight is Andy Bichlbaum, an angular, nervy fellow who shows up door. Sponsored by Monday & Cinevic. find yourself thinking about the next day. In a role without any flamboyant touches, playing what is essentially just a decent, intel- adulthood their lives fall apart, and all come home to live with to speak whenever one of the group’s fake Web sites - mocking Dow Chemical, Exxon Mobil, Halliburton - draws an invitation to speak Please note: separate admissions, no passes. ligent woman, Portman lends the film dignity, understanding and true radiance.. –San Francisco Chronicle “A brilliant, the mother, Etheline (Huston). While the film has lots of sarcas- at a convention. Politically, Yes Men Fix the World uses broad absurdity and agitprop performance art to make its point. Beyond ques- Complete list of films & performers available at: beautiful, harsh, gut-punching, 21st century war story with Biblical overtones.” –Richard Roeper & the Movies tic humor, it ultimately offers hope and warmth. –About.com tion, the results are overstated, outrageous and wildly juvenile. But they’re also a hoot to watch. –San Francisco Chronicle www.oliocooperative.ca Please see March 21-22 for description. KIDS MATINEE Sun 1:00! KIDS MATINEE Sat 1:00! NOMINATED FOR 3 ACADEMY AWARDS! MAR 24 & 25 (7:10 & 9:00) NOMINATED FOR 6 ACADEMY AWARDS! FANTASTIC MR. FOX! BEST ART DIRECTION, MAKEUP, COSTUME DESIGN “CURIOUSLY ENTERTAINING!” –eye Weekly WES ANDERSON BEST PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR, SUPPORTING WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE ABSURDISTAN ACTRESSES, SCREENPLAY MAR 21 (3:00 & 7:00) Director: Veit Helmer (Germany, 2008, MAR 26 & 27 Russian with subtitles; 85 min; PG) MAR 22 (7:00 only) (3:00 & 7:00 & 9:15) “A comedy with plenty of hilarious THE YOUNG VICTORIA visual gags…refreshingly offbeat, Director: Jean-Marc Vallée delightfully funny and irresistibly Director: (UK/USA, 2009, 105 min; rated G) entertaining without a dull moment.” (USA, 2009, 110 min; PG) Cast: , , Paul –NYC Movie Guru Cast: George Clooney, Vera Bettany, , Jim Though not strictly a silent movie, Veit Farmiga, , Broadbent, MAR 23 (7:00 & 9:20) Helmer’s latest is a delightful fable sans “EMILY BLUNT SHINES!” –Salon.com dialogue, like his debut Tuvalu. While the “A SMART, SUPREMELY Emily Blunt is such a wily and playful actress THE LIFE AQUATIC market for this kind of parabolic former- ENTERTAINING MOVIE!” Eastern-bloc whimsy isn’t what it used to that in Young Victoria, she makes her twinkly –Washington Post ivory radiance fit the role. Her beauty comes with Steve Zissou be, Absurdistan is too enjoyable to go off not as the usual period eye candy but as an Director: Wes Anderson (USA, 2004, 118 min; DVD; PG) unappreciated. Here are a few of the kinds of expression of Victoria’s inner grace. Victoria’s Cast: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, , Anjelica The titular mountain village is so isolated movies that I wish Hollywood problem is deciding which colleague to trust: Huston, . that it’s been virtually forgotten, claimed made more often: a drama that the unctuously affable Lord (Paul by no country since perestroika. An connects to an audience Bettany), who exploits her insecurities, or her Wes Anderson, who’s spent most of his unique career poking underground water delivery system con- because it taps, in a bold and cousin Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), whom she amusingly about in the midst of dysfunctional families, ups the structed generations ago now provides immediate way, into the fears falls in love with, but who’s essentially working ante this time to focus on a Jacques Cousteau-like ménage of barely a trickle, and local men are too lazy and anxieties of our time; a in which the dialogue pings with stylish wit; a film that keeps surprising us as an undercover agent for his uncle, the king oceanographer/filmmakers. Fronted by a deadpan Bill Murray to fix it. Fed up, their industrious wives strike at the one thing these virility-proud husbands can’t do without: Not only do they with- because its characters keep surprising themselves. The beauty of Up in the Air is that it’s all those things at once. It’s a of Belgium. At first, Victoria trusts too much; then, she trusts too little. She’s trying to figure out how much manipulation is just as the team’s leader, the movie’s humour is nicely pitched hold sex, they create an “iron curtain’” separating the genders, and perform armed guerrilla maneuvers. Meanwhile, young Temelko rare and sparkling gem of a movie, directed by Jason Reitman (Juno) with the polish of a master. One man living inside right. Director Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.)‘s images have a creamy stateliness, but this is no princess fantasy — it’s the story somewhere between an absurd and a more (Maximilian Mauff) frantically tries to repair the pipe by himself, having been told his long-awaited deflowering of Aya (Kristyna the cocoon of an overly detached culture comes to see the error of his own detachment. Up in the Air is light and dark, of a budding ruler who learns to control her surroundings, and Blunt makes that journey authentic and relevant. Victoria, a leader naturalistic comedy. It’s fun, especially if you’re familiar with Malerova) must take place during a current, short-term celestial alignment. Physical comedy, charmingly primitive f/x, robust perform- hilarious and tragic, romantic and real. It’s everything that Hollywood has forgotten how to do; we’re blessed that Jason who changed the world, becomes any young woman brave enough to seize her moment. — the original template…”—The Globe and Mail ances and imaginative design contributions make Absurdistan a treat for the eyes and funny bone.—Variety Reitman has remembered. —Entertainment Weekly KIDS MATINEE Sun 1:00! MAR 31 & APR 1 (6:45 & 9:25) NOMINATED FOR 2 ACADEMY AWARDS! KIDS MATINEE Sat 1:00! WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE BEST FOREIGN FILM, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY NOMINATED FOR 2 ACADEMY AWARDS! WES ANDERSON ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL MAR 28 (3:00 & 7:00) BEST ART DIRECTOR, ORIGINAL SCORE MAR 29 (7:00 only) Director: Michael Haneke (/Germany, 2009, 145 min; PG) APR 2 (no matinee 7:00 & 9:30) IT’S COMPLICATED WINNER! PALME D’OR Director: Nancy Meyers – APR 3 (3:00 & 7:00 & 9:30) (USA, 2009, 121 min; PG) WINNER! BEST FOREIGN FILM Cast: Meryl Streep, , Alec –Golden Globes SHERLOCK HOLMES Baldwin, , and Director: (UK/USA, 2009, 129 min; PG) Some of the best — and dirtiest — lines “A SUPERB CINEMATIC WORK.” Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel in It’s Complicated aren’t even lines. – McAdams. Instead, they’re looks, landed with the skill MAR 30 (7:00 & 9:10) “My life is spent in one long effort to escape from of two masters of comic acting in this very “IMMACULATELY CRAFTED IN the commonplaces of existence,” Sherlock grown-up — and very funny — love BEAUTIFUL BLACK AND WHITE.” Holmes tells his sidekick Dr. Watson at the conclu- story. The romantic comedy about a plus the short HOTEL CHEVALIER –Variety sion of Arthur Doyle’s “The Red-Headed divorced couple having an affair manages Director: Wes Anderson (USA, 2007, 104 min; DVD; PG) League.” It’s one of Doyle’s hints that his hero The small north German in The to be both light on its feet and heavy uses his brilliance to placate a tortured psyche. White Ribbon looks like a pristine paradise enough to deliver something of a mes- Wes Anderson’s captivating road movie that views life as a Doyle’s character has an unparalleled genius for of rural . The buildings are hand- sage. The masters in question, of course, Great Train of Being. Francis (Owen Wilson) organizes a railway detection, but he’s also a drug-abusing weirdo some structures, photographed in nostalgic are Meryl Streep and . As trip across India so that he, middle brother Peter (Adrien kept from turning into a total recluse only by black-and-white. It’s very much a doll- Jane and Jake Adler — 10 years divorced Brody), and baby Jack (Jason Schwartzman) can get to know Watson’s friendship. Robert Downey Jr. sounds house village, where the family lives are intertwined: But - and here is where things get vague and eerie - there exists the distinct and with three grown children, yet sud- one another as adults. The more Francis micromanages their that eccentricity from his first appearance, and his possibility that the children are raising hell. The dollhouse, you see, belongs to the Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke. And a few of denly drawn back into each other’s lives (and beds) after a drunken fling — the stars pick up the movie and run away with it. spiritual quest, the more the heavens (and the audience) laugh winning performance returns to it throughout the film. It’s as true in its own way to the source. In all other respects, how- the dolls have a monstrous side. They must. How else to explain the events that befall the village in the year before World War I? Fires, The writing and direction, by rom-com veteran Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give), are deft enough. But it’s Streep and at his presumption. Darjeeling is a movie about people who lit- ever, this is very much a Sherlock Holmes movie for the blockbuster era, a propulsive, noisy, visually immersive machine an impaled house pet, abductions, gouged eyes. We don’t know who is behind what, and Haneke leaves us to pick over the particu- Baldwin’s gamely ribald performances, and their seemingly effortless, effervescent chemistry, that put the pep in this movie’s erally carry a lot of emotional baggage, metaphorically unpack that pits Downey’s Holmes against a secret society and breaks up the investigation with a series of action set pieces. lars much as he did with his great, equally unknowable Caché, whose final shot remains a hotly debated matter. The ends remain highly choreographed, yet richly entertaining step. What’s not to love? —Washington Post “You don’t have to feel guilty for it, and spiritually lighten their loads. Which is closer to enlight- Fortunately, it’s a highly entertaining example of the form, directed with just the right amount of panache by Guy Ritchie loose in White Ribbon. But that lack of closure is thrilling. Haneke writes and directs with ominous majesty. –Boston Globe lapping up this froth. Just don’t expect nourishment.” –Rolling Stone enment than most movies get. –Philadelphia Inquirer (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels). —The Onion AV Club KIDS MATINEE Sun 1:00! KIDS MATINEE Sat 1:00! “CLEVER AND OFTEN RIOTOUS.” APR 9 & 10 (3:45 matinee & 7:00 & 9:00) ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL APR 7 & 8 (7:15 & 9:10) –San Francisco Chronicle YOUTH IN REVOLT Director: Miguel Arteta (USA, 2009, 90 min; 14A) Director: (USA, 2009, 101 min; PG) Cast: , , , Nicholas Hoult Cast: , Portia Doubleday, , Justin Long, Ray BEST ACTOR – COLIN FIRTH – Liotta, , . ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE – BEST ACTOR – COLIN FIRTH Michael Cera exudes a geeky charm and Colin Firth is an intensely tender vulnerability that’s hard to resist likable actor, but in A — probably because he’s far easier to Single Man, I felt as if I relate to for most of us than we’d like to were seeing him for the admit. A hyper-articulate teen with a first time. As George APR 6 (7:15 only) deep-seated sense of lust and a lovable Falconer, a 52-year-old way of stammering his way through homosexual English pro- human interactions, his Nick Twisp falls fessor from London who POLYTECHNIQUE head-over-heels for a girl (Portia teaches college in L.A. Director: (Canada, 2009, 78 min; DVD; 14A) Doubleday) he meets on vacation. They’re (the year is 1962), he has Marc Lepine’s slaughter of fourteen women at Montreal’s École a perfect match, nerds of a feather. If only a different look and vibe. Polytechnique in 1989 remains one of the most shocking they didn’t live in different towns. If only George is in mourning APR 4 (3:00 & 7:00 & 9:30) events in Canadian history. The expertly crafted Polytechnique Sheeni’s parents weren’t religious fanat- over the death of Jim recounts events leading up to the crime, the crime itself and ics. And if only Nick wasn’t bursting with (Matthew Goode), the APR 5 (7:00 only) the aftermath. Denis Villeneuve (Maelstrom) takes a profound sexual urges. His solution: He invents a younger man he lived and compassionate look at the women who were victimized by rebellious alter-ego — complete with a with for 16 years. To this violence. The actors’ performances are breathtakingly pencil mustache — to do all those things George, Jim is his one and only love. And all the beauty of the world is now just a reminder of what he’s lost. A Single SHERLOCK HOLMES truthful. It is the strongest film since Les Ordres by he dares not do. — Times- Man is suffused with beauty — it’s based on a 1964 novel by Christopher Isherwood, who wrote tales of liberated love in Please see April 2-3 for description. . –Canada’s Top Ten Picayune “Bursting with smart a pre-liberated era. This is the first movie directed by Tom Ford, the former fashion designer, and he proves a born film- Sponsored by the Anti Violence Project at UVic. dialogue and humor that springs from maker with a rapturous eye. A Single Man takes place over one long day in which George teaches, commiserates with Refreshments and conversation following the screening. richly imagined characters!” his lonely lush of a best friend (a marvelous Julianne Moore), and gets drawn to the gaze of an adoring student (Nicholas Everyone welcome! –St. Louis Post-Dispatch Hoult). He’s addicted to his own broken heart. A Single Man may break yours as well. –Entertainment Weekly

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