[Anchor] It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.
[Report]
A hard-hitting action crime drama, and an animated family adventure. They couldn’t be further apart, but this weekend, they come together to offer up a large slice of fun before Marvel’s Black Panther shows up next weekend to steal the spotlight.
Jackie Chan is back in action in The Foreigner, and everyone’s favourite little bear, Paddington, is back in the adorable Paddington 2.
So put on an extra layer of socks, because it is still very cold out, folks, and let’s traipse into the theatre for a little warmth, and a lot of fun.
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Mike Laidman
Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.
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The Foreigner (2017, Martin Campbell)
A man with a buried past seeks justice for his child’s murder.
Starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan, The Foreigner is an action thriller from none other than the director of Casino Royale, of 007 fame. That alone is pretty telling as to how things are going to unfold.
The film tells the story of humble London businessman Quan, played by Chan, whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love - his teenage daughter - is taken from him in a senseless act of politically-motivated terrorism. In his relentless search for the identity of the terrorists, Quan is forced into a cat-and-mouse conflict with a British government official, Pierce Brosnan, whose own past may hold clues to the identities of the elusive killers.
While the movie adheres pretty strictly to the action thriller tropes, there is enough breathing room for Chan to flex a little dramatic muscle, and for Brosnan to have fun playing against type.
The treatment of the female characters is less than stellar, however, but all in all, this is still an exciting ride, and above-average action thriller.
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Paddington 2 (2018, Paul King)
Paddington buys a gift for Aunt Lucy, only to have it stolen.
A follow-up to the very well received Paddington, Paddington 2 finds Paddington Bear happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy's hundredth birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it's up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.
It’s not often that a sequel meets, or in this case, improves upon its predecessor, especially for a children’s movie. But Paddington 2 manages to find something for everyone, despite being essentially about the importance of family and good manners. It’s cheerful, colourful, whimsical, and just plain old fun. Paddington himself is a joy, and the supporting cast all turn in excellent performances to boot.
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