Gareth’s Picks

A Touch of Sin (2013)

Written and directed by Jia Zhenke, this powerful Chinese drama reveals the underbelly of failure in the Chinese economic system.  It won for best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival and indeed the complexity of the characters and the world they inhabit comes to life in often violent ways, all with the poetic realism that Zhenke is famous for presenting. He beautifully interweaves the stories of a minor, a receptionist, and a migrant and how their worlds are interconnected.

Available on Kanopy

Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

Need some classic British comedy? Look no further than this Ealing Studio classic, starring Sir Alec Guiness in one of his career defining roles. Here he plays eight different roles of people from the same family (move over Eddie Murphy) who are all liable to be murdered for an inheritance.  Deliciously dark, this film is perfect for a day in avoiding the pollen count.

Available on Kanopy

Craig’s Picks

The Long Goodbye (1973)

Robert Altman does a neo-noir take on Raymond Chandler’s novel starring Elliot Gould as Phillip Marlowe in 1970s LA. He also love his cat.

Go see this at Sidewalk this weekend.

SIDEWALK!

Space Camp (1986)

Who didn’t want to go to Space Camp in Huntsville in the 80s?? Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston, Larry B Scott and young master Joaquin Phoenix accidentally get launched into space. Oops!! It’s a fun 80s movie. They all live.

Watch for free in the lobby at Sidewalk on April 20