Soundtracking: "The First Wives Club"

Chris Feil's series on music in the movies dips into some actressexuality this week!

Do you and your friend group have a song, one that defines and unites you instantaneously? Or is that just something that happens in the movies? I’ve certainly never had that, but my two best gays from college do namesake ourselves by a set of cinematic galpals that do: The First Wives Club. (I’m the Bette.)

This film has the good sense to capitalize on the musical charms of its legendary actresses Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. This threesome foursome *technically* (RIP Cynthia) has their origins defined by their place in musical history, with Diane Keaton’s opening narration evoking Woodstock and The Beatles. But its the beginning twinkle of Hal David / Burt Bacharach fantasy over the opening credits that more musically defines the feminine fantasy thrust upon their generation - idyllic beauty, subservience to men, etc. By the time Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox have them breaking down literal walls in the third act, these sisters are doin’ “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” for themselves.

But obviously the film’s most enduring and notorious musical impact comes from Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me”.

Click to read more ...

Yes No Maybe So: LBJ

 by Seán McGovern

Debuting at TIFF on September 9th and primed for a theatrical release on November 3rd, Rob Reiner's LBJ brings to life the story of the man who immediately succeeded John F. Kennedy, following his assassination.

Lyndon B. Johnson appeared on our screens twice last year, with Bryan Cranston in All The Way and John Carroll Lynch in a supporting role in Jackie. Reiner's film looks set to follow the Vice President as he navigates his way from tragedy to the Oval Office. For this LBJ we get Woody Harrelson at his brusque best, with what looks to me like a... prosthetic chin? And when actors get out the heavy make-up you know they mean busines...

Click to read more ...

Review: The Incredible Jessica James

By Spencer Coile 

 The Incredible Jessica James is a marvel to watch -- at a sharp 85 minutes, it breezes by as if on a cloud. It premiered on Netflix last week, and tells the story of its leading character named, you guessed it! Jessica James (Jessica Williams). Living flat broke in "deep, deep" Bushwick, she is harping over the recent break-up of her and her ex (Lakeith Stanfield), all the while struggling to get one of her plays produced on Broadway. 

When given the chance to go on a blind date with an app creator (Chris O'Dowd), Jessica soon finds herself questioning herself, her potential as a writer, and what it means to be a 20-something living in contemporary New York City. If that plot sounds generic, well, it is. But what makes the film truly soar is its star, Jessica Williams. 

Click to read more ...

First & Last: The Bravest Of Us

the first image and the last line of dialogue from a motion picture

His song shall be sung forever."

Can you guess the movie?

"Borg/McEnroe" to Open TIFF

Chris here. We're very excited that the Toronto Film Festival is right around the corner, and last week's first announcement of the films in the lineup were just the beginning. One of the conspicuous gaps in last week's films was the fest opener - and now we know that film to be tennis biopic Borg/McEnroe.

This makes the second real-life period tennis film playing the fest, after the likely more lighthearted Battle of the Sexes. Here Shia Labeouf stars as the hot-tempered John McEnroe facing off against his rival Björn Borg, played by Sverrir Gudnason, during Wimbledon 1980. The opening slot hasn't had the best luck in recent years, with past films being the The Magnificent Seven remake, Demoliton, The Judge, and The Fifth Estate - bet you hadn't thought of those movies in a bit! Could Borg/McEnroe turn it around? Or, perhaps more importantly, is tennis the next sports movie obsession?

TIFF also just announced their Midnight Madness, Docs, Shorts lineups! Check those out after the jump...

Click to read more ...