What Mark Saw

WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? - ★★★★☆ - Wonderful documentary about Mr. (Fred) Rogers, whose kids show I watched regularly when I was young. A touching tribute to a man who contrasted what is fed to kids as entertainment. Would have loved to hear a little more about his upbringing, but easily one of my favourites at MIFF this year. #MIFF2018

MUSUEM - ★★ - Mexican film loosely based on the true story of the heist where many ancient artifacts were stolen out of the national museum. I found it hard to feel empathy for the main characters and it felt like the film dragged on. Was disappointed as I had high anticipation for this one. #MIFF2018

THE CHILDREN ACT - ★★☆ - British film about a justice (Emma Thompson) and her dealings with a case of a minor who is a Jehovah's Witness and refusing a blood transfusion (yep, another film about this at MIFF) while her marriage breaking down. Maybe the novel was better but the film was just okay. #MIFF2018

AND BREATHE NORMALLY - ★★★ - Decent enough film about two struggling mothers, one a refugee attempting to enter Canada via Iceland, and the other an Icelandic woman training as a border patrol agent. Needed to suspend disbelief, but not bad. #MIFF2018

KNIFE + HEART - ★★☆ - French film set in the late 70s about a killer going after actors in a gay porn flick. Good soundtrack, watchable film, Hollywood remake unlikely. #MIFF2018

APOSTASY - ★★★ - A firm reminder of why you’ve got to be a little crazy to have blind faith in organised religion (in this case Jehovah’s Witnesses) #MIFF2018

KUSAMA: INFINITY - ★★★ - Inspiring documentary about Japanese contemporary artist , Yayoi Kusama. An interesting take on the art world; her story is an inspiring one of success by never admitting defeat. #MIFF2018

THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER - ★★★☆ - I wouldn’t say I lived this film, which edges on disturbing, but the motives of the teacher kept me thinking for a couple of days after seeing it. Maggie Gyllenhaal was great as usual. #MIFF2018

THE KING - ★★☆- Just okay documentary that is trying (and only partially succeeding) to tie the story of Elvis' career to the state of the American dream. Well shot, lots of good interviews, but doesn't succeed in its aim. #MIFF2018

SHOCK WAVES: DIARY OF MY MIND - ★★ - Beyond belief attempt at finding cause for a student killing his parents and whether his literature teacher may have had some bearing. If you think you can blame music|books|video games for violent crimes maybe this'd be your thing. #MIFF2018

THE BILL MURRAY STORIES - ★★★ - Documentary investigating the stories around Bill Murray mingling with the public unexpectedly. Interesting stories, but I wonder his motives, and wish the documentary had dug a little deeper into the why. #MIFF2018

AMERICAN ANIMALS - ★★★☆ - Very well polished American film telling the true story about four young gentlemen who decide to try and steal some rare books from their university campus library. Enjoyable, but unsure if they deserve the fame/limelight for committing a crime. #MIFF2018

THE GUILTY - ★★★★ - Brilliantly made, short and tense Danish film completely set in a small police emergency call centre. Deep story and character development done entirely by one man's interaction with others, almost entirely by phone. Must see. #MIFF2018

FIRST REFORMED - ★★★☆ - Ethan Hawke is great in this film by Paul Schrader, about a minister dealing with his past demons, while trying to assist his small clergy with theirs. Amanda Seyfried (Twin Peaks 2017) also top notch. Ending was a little unpredictable, but not in a bad way. #MIFF2018