“Twilight” Is Pretty Great Actually

We are in something of an era of revisiting “Twilight” in more neutral-to-positive terms, as we come to understand that much of the backlash against the series was built on a general societal hatred for teenage girls and the media made for them. I’m embarrassed to say I was a part of that backlash, poking fun at my sister and mum for their enjoyment of the series despite never reading any of the books or watching the films. Though I had absolutely zero taste in media as a teen so I don’t know why I thought I could judge. Continue reading “Twilight” Is Pretty Great Actually

A Sampling Of Toxic Relationships In Film

Over time we’ve been blessed with a lot of many amazing couples on screen. Sometimes, the film is incredible, but the relationship? Not so much. Depending on the film, the toxicity of the coupling can accentuate some of its intentions, other times, it’s not even recognized as such. I think the sense of awareness for the subjects makes a real difference. There are a lot of ways to look at toxic relationships in films, and these are several that should get attention, but as you’ll see, it’s for differing reasons. Continue reading A Sampling Of Toxic Relationships In Film

JC’s Top 20 Movies Of 2019

As we approach the end of 2019, the ITOL team are compiling their end of year lists of their favourite films. Here’s James Cain’s list and his personal top 20 films of 2019!

Another year, another fresh bout of shame. I didn’t see “Hustlers”! I didn’t fit “Always Be My Maybe” onto my list of favourite movies! Anyway, here are my Top 20 Films of 2019. Continue reading JC’s Top 20 Movies Of 2019

ITOL Top 50 Films of the Decade, Entry 29: High Life

Claire Denis’ experimental sci-fi “High Life” (2018) is utterly bizarre- yes, but it’s also a reclusive and powerful picture. It’s a difficult film to quantify, and yet, despite its space odyssey setting, it really gets down to the meat of humanity. It’s more about relationships and isolation than it is about the exploration of black holes, or scientific experimentation.

Yes, that’s where it starts. As we eventually learn this ship once contained a group of previously death row inmates (including Mia Goth and André Benjamin) who were given the choice to be used as lab rats on a suicide mission. It gives you more time, and it may potentially help society find an alternative energy source, so it seems like an easy choice, right? Continue reading ITOL Top 50 Films of the Decade, Entry 29: High Life