Saint (Sint) – Closing out the Late Night Series With a Bang

It’s been a wild ride throughout the course of this year’s Late Night series, ranging from the campy, to the creepy, to the delightfully gory. With this in mind, it seems appropriately fitting that tonight’s final Late Show presentation is an entertaining blend of all three aforementioned elements. Saint (Sint) is a ludicrous and wild romp of a movie, coming to us straight from the Netherlands.

The film takes the traditionally joyful and whimsical myth of Saint Nicholas and flips it right on its head. Directed under the watchful eye of Dick Maas (a true pioneer in Dutch genre cinema), Saint is a ridiculous and altogether fantastic B-movie masterpiece. The gore fest begins as December 5th quickly approaches, the traditional start of St. Nicholas themed festivities across the Netherlands. The film introduces us to Frank and his jolly gang of high school pals, as they are dressing up as jolly old Saint Nicholas and his infamous blackamoor helpers for a party at a nearby friend’s house. Unfortunately, Frank and his friends encounter a slight mishap on the way to said party, and lets just say they don’t necessarily all make it there in once piece…

Just who is to blame for this goretastic bloodbath? Well according to one local policeman, the myth of Saint Nicholas is founded on a gigantic misunderstanding, and the true nature of Niklas is a whole lot less jovial and a whole lot more evil. According to his research, Saint Nicholas was in fact just plain ol’ Niklas, your average run-of-the-mill rogue bishop turned sadistic killer. Him and his eclectic gang of robbers once terrorized villages during the medieval era; until being burned to death by a number of Dutch vigilantes. Now whenever December 5th and the full moon happen to align, Niklas and his gang of thieves return from the depths of hell to extract their revenge on the living. As you have probably already suspected, the full moon just so happens to reach its apex at the start of the movie, and total chaos ensues.

Is the plot utterly ridiculous bordering on laughable? Absolutely! And the film plays up this comedic nature the best it can. Even the manner in which the film was shot reflects a grainy B-movie feel to it. Past comparisons of Saint to former Late Night series hit Dead Snow are both warranted and appreciated, making a nod to past horror classics, but with its own unique twist. Stop by the Plaza tonight at 11:30pm if you dare to learn the truth behind the story of jolly old Saint Nick. It promises to be a ghoulish good time!

Posted by: Melissa Rygus

An Ordinary Family is no ordinary film

Religion and sexual orientation. Ask the average person for a list of  conversation topics they are ‘most likely to avoid’, and these two tend to top the list. Very rarely are these issues discussed in a manner that doesn’t involve a degree of conflicting interests, and most people will choose the path of avoidance over engaging in a heated argument any day. An Ordinary Family is most certainly a film brought to the screen by people who fall into the latter category; unafraid to rock the boat and tackle tough issues head-on.  The best part about this brave and sincere approach to filmmaking? This seemingly heavy dish of social commentary is served alongside a number of truly genuine and poignant moments that at some points had me stifling laughter-enduced hiccoughs, and holding back tears at others.

The film opens with Steve and his boyfriend William pulling up in front of a gorgeous lake house, about to embark on a week-long vacation with Steve’s family he has grown apart from in recent months. As Steve and William gather their things and head to the door, Steve has a small confession to make. Not only did he fail to tell his family that William was coming along with him on the trip, he hasn’t even told them that he is gay. Thus begins an emotional roller coaster ride as Steve comes out to his family and each individual strives to digest and grow accustomed to the news in their own way. Faith plays a fundamental role throughout this journey of acceptance, as Steve’s late father once worked as a Protestant minister in central Chicago, a profession that his brother Thomas has also entered to. Much of the movie focuses on the relationship between Steve and Thomas and their religious beliefs that serve to both drive a wedge between them and bring them closer together.

Two of the film’s producers Matt Patterson and Richard Jones were both in attendance earlier this week when I was fortunate enough to attend the film’s Canadian premiere. After being greeted with thunderous applause and cheering as the credits began to roll, the two took to the stage as Matt fielded questions about the film. Despite being a happily married straight man, Matt was adamant that issues dealing with the conflict between religion and sexual orientation affect us all. He said that frankly both him and the other producers had seen too many homosexual friends and peers grapple with similar issues to sit idly by any longer; and I for one am thankful they felt this way.

Regardless of whether you’re someone who is extremely passionate about social issues, or just someone seeking a little food for thought, An Ordinary Family is certain to have something for you. You can catch an encore screening of the film -with both Matt and Richard in attendance- at 9:30pm tomorrow night at the Plaza.

Posted by: Melissa Rygus

Have a Hot Saturday night

This being the final weekend of CIFF 2011 related fun, why not make the most of your Saturday night screening plans?  While nestling into your favourite seat at the cinema – I’m a ‘dead-centre’ fan myself – is certainly the most exciting part about an evening trip to the movies, your film experience needn’t end (or begin) there.  If you’ve never taken advantage of the great promotions at CIFF Hot Spots, tonight would be the perfect night to check it out!

Hot Spots are ‘a collection of local pubs, bars and restaurants that share the spirit, energy and enthusiasm of CIFF and honour film fest fans with exclusive offers’.  If you’re looking for a spot to begin your evening with dinner before catching a flick, or need a place to unwind at afterward with a drink and some cinematic conversation, these venues offer some great deals to film-goers.  Whether your Saturday screening plans be part of a date night, friendly get-together, or a solo trip to the cinema, one of the following venues will cater to your particular social needs.

The Belfry Gastro Lounge

Location: 630 8th Ave. SW

Deal: 10% off your entire bill

Double Zero

Location: 751 4th St. SW

Deal: 25% off all pizzas from 2PM to close by showing your CIFF ticket or pass

District

Location: 607 11th Ave. SW

Deal: $2 off a pint of Stella

Earl’s Banker’s Hall and V-lounge

Location: 315 8th Ave. SW

Deal: $1 off a pint or bottle of Stella Artois, $10 off any bottle of wine

JAROblue

Location: 1314 17th Ave. SW

Deal: 20% off your entire bill

Mango Shiva

Location: 218 8th Ave. SW

Deal: 15% off your entire bill

Ship & Anchor

Location: 534 17th Ave. SW

Deal: 20 oz Stella Pints for $6.75, Mini Sofia Sparkling Wine (187 ml can) for $8.00, ‘Moules Marinere’ – Mussels steamed in white wine with garlic, onsions &fresh parsley, finished with cream & served with Herb & Parmesan Flatbread – for $9.95

Wurst

Location: 2437 4th St. SW

Deal: 25% off all food items from 2PM to 7PM in the Beer Hall by showing your CIFF ticket or pass

Making an evening of it doesn’t have to break the bank, so these Hot Spots offer some great opportunities to make the most of the downtown film atmosphere during the final weekend of CIFF.  So get out of the house, take it all in, and who knows?  Maybe you’ll share a conversation with a new friend as eye-opening as the film you just attended.

Though they don’t all specify, I would suggest having your CIFF ticket or pass with you at all venues, just in case.  Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. ;)

–Erin Fox

CIFF Opening Gala

Almanya vs. Monster Brawl

Uh oh, the ends coming near…and I don’t know about you but I’m not sure what I did with my time before the Film Festival! Whatever it was, I don’t want to return…The films are too good and the popcorn too delicious! So this weekend GET IN as much viewing time as YOU CAN, I know I will.

We’ve got two Headliners hitting the big screen tonight, so here’s a little insight.

Almanya- Welcome to Germany is playing at Eau Claire tonight (Friday, Sept 30^th) at 7:00pm &  Monster Brawl is at the Plaza tonight (Friday, Sept 30^th) at 9:15!

Unless you’re unimaginably talented I doubt you’ll be able to hit both. So here it goes; A battle.

Feel-good Comedy with a dash of tear jerker and a pinch of crowd pleasing in the Programmers Pick of the day: ALMANYA

OR

The Black Carpet Gala’s horror induced monster film mixed with a good dose of professional wrestling in MONSTER BRAWL

So there’s a taste, now you decide!

Documentaries: BECOMING SANTA

 

While introducing BECOMING SANTA last night at The Plaza, CIFF lead programmer Brenda Lieberman talked about discovering the movie at Hot Docs in Toronto earlier this year, and immediately knowing that she HAD to have it for CIFF.  And watching the movie, it’s not hard to see why: BECOMING SANTA is a warm, happy, feel-good movie that also happens to be a fantastic documentary.

BECOMING SANTA follows Jack Sanderson after he decides to transform himself into one of “Santa’s Regional Representatives”, from dying his hair and beard, to getting a custom-made Santa suit, to attending Santa school in Denver.  It also provides an enlightening (and occasionally shocking) history of the Santa story across many cultures.  There are many highlights in the movie, but for me its finale was truly remarkable.  I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s about as perfect a representation of the magic of the Santa story as I’ve ever seen.

Special guest Donner entertains the crowd before BECOMING SANTA

One factor that saves the movie from becoming unbearably treacly is Sanderson himself.  He’s a witty guide for these adventures, and he’s got a sarcastic side to his sense of humor that makes his transformation more relatable.  Sanderson was in town to introduce the movie, and he provided a very entertaining Q and A session afterward.  Regarding the recent trend of slimmed-down Santas to help kids live healthier lifestyles, a woman in the audience commented that she preferred chubbier Santas.  Sanderson, with a come-hither look, quipped “I’m at the Ramada.”

Sanderson also said, “I wanted to make a documentary where people left the theater feeling good, not wondering how many weeks they had left on the planet.”  If a movie like this can melt the cold, black heart of a bitter, sarcastic misanthrope like me, it must be something special.

Don’t miss the encore screening of BECOMING SANTA on Sunday at Eau Claire, at noon.

Posted by Randy Perry.
twitter.com/randois

Finally, a Puppet Show for Adults: Sunflower Hour

Have you ever wondered who’s behind the loveable faces of your children’s – and yours? – favorite television personalities? Wonder no more! Sunflower Hour (2011) is a hilarious glimpse into the lives of four puppeteer hopefuls – the suspiciously Irish Shamus O’Reilly (Ben Cotton), closeted homophobe Leslie Handover (Patrick Gilmore), Satan’s Spawn, a.k.a., Olivia (Kacey Rohol) the gothic teenager with the vulnerable underbelly, and the passionate David Spencer (Amitai Marmorstein) – as they complete to win a place on Vancouver’s favorite children’s show, Sunflower Hour.

Run by adult entertainment producer turned children’s television show exec Donald Dirk (Peter New), Sunflower Hour is recruiting new talent and Donald’s ex-porn star wife Melissa (Johannah Newmarch) - who’s out to destroy him – has made sure that only the best of the worst made it through to the final round. This bawdy mockumentary follows Shamus, Leslie, Satan’s Spawn and David as they face down naysayers – often from within their own less-than-supportive families – on their journey to stardom.

With cutting humor, more sexual innuendo than you can shake a stick at – and then some - and heartfelt looks at how these four misfits became the people they are today, Sunflower Hour is sure to please. Don’t miss the encore screening of Sunflower Hour Saturday, October 1 at 9:30pm at The Plaza Theatre.

~Shannon McClennan
@shannoetry