By Anne Brodie Charles Officer’s deeply affecting film Akilla’s Escape a “crime-noir about the urban child-soldier” in Toronto looks at the toll taken on Black youth at risk in a cycle of generational poverty, violence and gangsterism. Officer traces the tragic and seemingly immovable pattern back to its roots in Jamaica. A stunning performance by Thamela Mpumlwana as young Akilla… View Post
By Anne Brodie A devastating decades-long love story from writer-director Heidi Ewing sheds new light on the Mexico/US immigration crisis. I Carry You with Me starring Armando Espitia and Christian Vazquez follows a young man in Mexico City with a fiancee and son, who falls in love with a man. He faces life-changing consequences as a result, his fiancee leaves… View Post
Michael Douglas’ brilliant dramedy series The Kominsky Method enters its third season on Netflix. Smart writing and knowing acting lift it above the fray, as does its focus on older friends and family as they navigate each other and the Hollywood Dream. Sarah Baker plays Douglas’ character Sandy’s long-suffering daughter Mindy; she’s decided to marry her much older boyfriend Martin… View Post
By Anne Brodie Let’s start with my favourite summer blockbusters! They don’t make ’em like they used to, and that’s a pity, so why not locate these masterpieces of boredom-busting? Check your streaming homes, pour some cool lemonade and get into the best of the best: Steven Spielberg’s Jaws – The greatest summer blockbuster of them all. Intelligent, thrilling, made… View Post
Presented by RBC Natasha Patten is the owner and creative force behind mycoatisblue™, which elevates winter wardrobes with their stylish outerwear for men and women. Designed and manufactured in Toronto, their luxury items create the perfect balance between classic and modern, creating timeless pieces which move from day to evening. The brand has been featured in FASHION Magazine, Addicted Magazine,… View Post
Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald was unforgettable in No Country for Old Men, the intensity of her performance as a woman trapped is indelible. And the tension doesn’t let up as Macdonald plays an extremely complex Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Davidson in BritBox’ Line of Duty S6, meaning she could swing either way, abuser or abused. Another season of Jed Mercurio’s… View Post