April Movies 2023

In Theatres

Everything I saw on the big screen this month

The Super Mario Bros. (2023) - 3.5/5 🪩

I dragged my roommates to see the Mario movie super last minute because I was in denial about all of the schoolwork I had ahead of me. Though the plot was a little incoherent, I had fun! Should Chris Pratt have been cast as Mario? Maybe not. But, surprisingly, I didn't hate him as the lead. Also, Jack Black deserves an academy award for his performance as Bowser. Literally, no one else could've turned "Peaches," into a hit.

Adolfo (2023) - 4/5 🪩

Adolfo was the first of three films that I watched at the TIFF Next Wave Festival. I was a little late getting to the Lightbox, so I missed a bit of the beginning (my biggest pet peeve ), but I was able to catch up on the storyline. I love works that take place over the course of a night, and Adolfo was executed wonderfully. The plot of finding a home for a cactus was fun, and the lead characters were so dynamic and had excellent chemistry. There was also a Q&A with the director after the screening which is part of what makes TIFF screenings the best. I really liked this film so hopefully, I'll get a chance to watch it again in full.

The Ordinaries (2022) - 3/5 🪩

The Ordinaries was the second Next Wave film I watched, and I had never been more confused by a movie. There was a lot that happened that I wasn't able to process, which I thought was because it was meta-focused content, but after reading some reviews, it turns out I wasn't the only confused one. I did enjoy the visuals though!

The Lost Boys (Le Pardis) (2023) - 4.5/5 🪩

I watched The Lost Boys right after The Ordinaries, so I was already a little drained. I was pretty attentive for most of the film, but I faded in and out a little during the middle. It was a beautiful film with excellent casting and cinematography. It gave Call Me By Your Name but if it took place in a halfway house for youth and the relationship wasn't predatory. The script was also fantastic. I really hope I get a chance to rewatch this film because it has the potential to become one of my favourites.

Brother (2023) - 5/5 🪩

My mom grew up in Scarborough which made seeing Brother an extra special experience. Clement Virgo is a genius. The way he was able to capture the essence of being a Black Canadian living in that area of Toronto while simultaneously telling a riveting, heartwrenching story of a broken family was mind-blowing. It was also cool to see some familiar actors in a different context, Lamar Johnson especially. I didn't watch his episode of The Last of Us so it was a little jarring to see such an excellent drama performance after having only watched him in children's programming. I'm glad that it was greatly recognized at the Canadian Screen Awards, but it should've had a longer run in theatres.

The Rest

Other movies I watched this month (scored out of 5 🪩)

• John Wick (2014) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• Hamlet (1996) 🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩

• Prom Pact (2023) 🪩🪩🪩

• She's the Man (2006) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

• Crazy, Stupid Love (2011) 🪩🪩🪩🪩

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