V6A

This is going to be an unpopular opinion perhaps, but I just have to say that the film V6A is a mess. It has heart and its intention is good, but as a documentary, I wanted more of a narrative to it. Instead, we get clips of people from the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver that seems to be all shot in one day. Yes, they are characters and they deserve the on screen time, but I just wanted some more substance and direction to what the filmmaker was aiming to do. Showcase the folks in the Downtown Eastside? Make a statement about poverty in Vancouver? Or was he putting mental illness on display? Or did he exploit these people just so he could make a film? I don't know the answers to this because it isn't really clear. The filmmaker is not even from Vancouver, so is that also something to take into consideration?

With all that being said however, it's just my opinion and judging from the sold-out showings of the film, V6A is doing just fine and my humble review here won't really make much impact. It's just my thoughts and maybe the film wasn't for me, but could be for you. (Though the friend who went with me had similar thoughts on the film.)

One storyline I really wished the filmmaker had explored more was the homeless gay man that gets interviewed for a mere 5 minutes. I wanted to know his story, how he got to where he was, etc.

If you want to catch V6A, there are several more times scheduled at the Vancity Theatre with tickets going fast.

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes

Before Jane Goodall made a name for herself, there was a woman - a CANADIAN woman - who had gone off to Africa in 1956 to study animals in the wild, specifically giraffes. This uplifting documentary of Anne Dagg is exactly what the world needs right now. It's a celebration of a
pioneering woman who went ahead and made her mark on the world, despite the sexism she encountered along the way.

With superb footage of her trip in 1956 and present-day filming of giraffes, this film is just an absolute delight and will inspire you and fill your heart right up.

It has been selling out at the Vancity Theatre, but luckily they have added several more screenings, so get your tickets now before they're gone!

Roma

Holy smokes. ROMA is amazing.

Yes, yes, I know it's on Netflix. But to see it on the big screen? Do NOT miss your chance to do so. It's a beautiful - nay, GORGEOUS  - film.  I was enraptured from the very first minute of the movie. To me, the direction and the way this was all filmed is downright BRILLIANT.

Story-wise, it's also fascinating. It's the story of a nanny in Mexico City during the 70s. The movie is in black and white, in Spanish with English subtitles. Just utterly amazing and probably going to win more awards once the Oscars roll around.

From what I know, the Vancity theatre is the only theatre in town who is showing this on their screens, so make sure you  make it to one of the many added screenings now before it's too late!

Nothing Like a Dame

I was quite excited to see this film for some reason. I like Judi Dench and Maggie Smith and had no idea who the other two were, but it seemed deliciously catty and gossipy so I thought Yes I want to go see this!

However, the moment the film started, I thought to myself, "I think I've made a huge mistake."

It's not that the film was bad. I did find out some interesting information. There's some stuff in there about Laurence Olivier that seemed a bit questionable to me. But mostly, it was just watching these four actresses chat with one another. It just wasn't as interesting as I had hyped it up to be in my mind.

However, Nothing Like a Dame has been selling out at the Vancity Theatre and they've added extra screenings, so that shows you how much I know!