Weekend Triple

I saw a movie every night this weekend, and everything I saw was good! How often does that happen? It all started on Friday, when I went with a group of friends to see The Cured. Part of the Fantastik Friday series at Cinemapolis, The Cured is not your typical zombie movie. Set after 75% of infected zombies had been given a "cure", the film tells the story of a pack of former zombies reintegrating into life in northern Ireland. Naturally, it isn't easy, as the general populace is against them rejoining society, unable to get past the horrors of what these people had done while infected. And the cured can't forget it either, as they are still aware of what they did while infected. Senan (Sam Keeley) is plagued by nightmares of what he had done while infected, but is trying to get back to his normal life, living with his sister in law Abbie (Ellen Page) and young nephew. But there is no normal life anymore. An uprising is stirring among the former infected, and Senan is caught up in it while Abbie struggles with supporting Senan, and finding out about things he did while infected. Very intense, very original, and very, very good.

The Cured (2018)

On Saturday, I saw a film I have been anticipating for months. There is a reason A Fantastic Woman won the academy award for best picture- it is timely, harrowing at times, and completely riveting. The story of Marina (Daniela Vega) who loses her lover Orlando after he suffers an aneurysm, and dealing with the loss coupled with his family. Orlando's ex wife and adult son want nothing to do with Marina, someone they don't respect as she is much younger and also transgender. So, in addition to dealing with her grief, Marina is dealing with the bullshit that comes along with being persecuted for being different. But she is strong, and Vega is absolutely mesmerizing in the role, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. It is not an easy film, but it is an excellent film, so please see it if you can.

A Fantastic Woman (2017)

Today, I saw a movie I normally would never have bothered with, even thought it's gotten great reviews. Even with Movie Pass, I'm a bit of a snob, but I'll talk about that in a future blog. A friend suggested we see Tomb Raider or Love, Simon, and I said hell no to both. "I'm going to use and abuse my Movie Pass for as long as I can!" she said. "I've got to stop being such a snob" I replied. This morning, another friend asked if I would go See Love, Simon and I thought why not. And I am very glad I did. Love, Simon is based on the YA novel by Becky Albertalli and tells the story of Simon (Nick Reynolds), a high school senior with a big secret- he's gay. When someone in his school posts on a blog that they're gay, Simon reaches out and starts an online friendship, with neither knowing who the other is, and questioning whether he should come out to friends and family and stop hiding that part of who he is. This is a really good film featuring all the feels as Simon deals with being blackmailed by a classmate who stumbles upon his emails, and trying to solve the mystery of who he is emailing (and falling in love with). The cast is great, there are plenty of laughs to be had, and watching Simon deal with not only keeping his secret but also navigating high school life was very entertaining. Also, feels. This movie has so many feels! So. Many. Feels! 

Love, Simon (2018)

Here's hoping for plenty more lucky weekends of 3 great flicks in 2018.