Scene Creek

Win passes to see an advance screening of THIS IS THE END in select cities!

Scene Creek — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:15:40 +0000

If you live in Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary or Vancouver you can win movie passes to see an advance screening of THIS IS THE END courtesy of Sony Pictures!

TORONTO
Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Silvercity Yorkdale Cinemas

CALGARY
Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Sunridge Spectrum Cinemas

EDMONTON
Thursday, June 6th, 2013
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Scotiabank West Mall

VANCOUVER
Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Silvercity Metropolis

To enter is simple. LIKE OUR PAGE ON FACEBOOK then fill out the form below and submit your info!

Get Bonus entries for spreading the word by sharing this contest on Twitter or Liking our post on Facebook!

Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via e-mail. Contest deadline is May 26th at 12:00am. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. Good luck!

Synopsis:
The comedy This Is The End follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.

In Theatres: June 12th
Distributed by: Sony Pictures

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Win run-of-engagement passes to see MUD in theatres!

Scene Creek — Wed, 22 May 2013 01:05:07 +0000

If you live in Canada you can win run-of-engagement passes to see MUD in theatres courtesy of eOne Films!

To enter is simple. Fill out the form below and submit your info!

Bonus entries if you share this contest on Twitter or Facebook with a @SceneCreek mention!

Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via e-mail. Contest deadline is May 26th at 12:00am. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. Good luck!

Synopsis:
Mud is an adventure about two boys, Ellis and his friend Neckbone, who find a man named Mud hiding out on an island in the Mississippi. Mud describes fantastic scenarios-he killed a man in Texas and vengeful bounty hunters are coming to get him. He says he is planning to meet and escape with the love of his life, Juniper, who is waiting for him in town. Skeptical but intrigued, Ellis and Neckbone agree to help him. It isn’t long until Mud’s visions come true and their small town is besieged by a beautiful girl with a line of bounty hunters in tow.

Now Playing!
Distributed by: eOne Films

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Win a NOW YOU SEE ME prize pack!

Scene Creek — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:38:55 +0000

If you live in Canada you can win a NOW YOU SEE ME prize pack courtesy of eOne Films! Prize pack includes a NOW YOU SEE ME T-Shirt and a special mug that changes when you pour hot water in it.

To enter is simple. Fill out the form below and submit your info!

Bonus entries if you share this contest on Twitter or Facebook with a @SceneCreek mention!

Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via e-mail. Contest deadline is May 30th at 12:00am. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. Good luck!

Synopsis:
Starring an amazing cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Michael Cain and Morgan Freeman, NOW YOU SEE ME pits an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against “The Four Horsemen”, a super-team of the world’s greatest illusionists. “The Four Horsemane” pull off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders during their performances, showering the stolen profits on their audiences while staying one step ahead of the law.

In Theatres: May 31st
Distributed by: eOne Films

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Win a double pass to an advance screening of THE ABCS OF DEATH in Toronto and Vancouver!

Scene Creek — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:14:56 +0000

If you live in Toronto or Vancouver you can win double passes to see an advance screening of THE ABCS OF DEATH playing as part of Cineplex’s Sinister Cinema series!

TORONTO
Thursday, May 23rd, 2013
Show Time: 9:30PM
Yonge and Dundas

VANCOUVER
Thursday, May 23rd, 2013
Show Time: 9:30PM
International Village

To enter is simple. Fill out the form below and submit your info!

Bonus entries if you share this contest on Twitter or Facebook with a @SceneCreek mention!

Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via e-mail. Contest deadline is May 22nd at 11:59pm. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. Good luck!

Synopsis:
The ABC’s of Death is perhaps the most ambitious anthology film ever conceived, with productions spanning 15 countries and featuring segments directed by over two dozen of the world’s leading talents in contemporary genre film. Inspired by children’s educational books, the motion picture is comprised of 26 individual chapters; each helmed by a different director assigned a letter of the alphabet. The directors were then given free rein in choosing a word to create a story involving death. Provocative, shocking, funny and ultimately confrontational, The ABC’s of Death is the definitive vision of modern horror diversity.

Review: Mud

Anthony Marcusa — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:33:06 +0000

Synopsis:
A pair of boys crosses paths with a strange man hiding away on a small island down the river from their rural Arkansas town. A curious bond forms, and the kids agree to help the man known as Mud reunite with the girl he loves, while evading those who are looking for him.

Who’s in It?
Matthew McConaughey is superb (and eventually shirtless) as the titular enigmatic Mud. Youngsters Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland are both wonderful and authentic as best friends Ellis and Neckbone respectively. Reese Witherspoon is on point, while Michael Shannon is brilliant and hysterical each and every time he makes one of his few appearances as Neck’s odd uncle.

Review:
Writer and Director Jeff Nichols completes his Arkansas trilogy of sorts, which began with Shotgun Stories in 2007, continued with Take Shelter in 2011, and now concludes with Mud. They are not connected by way of characters or plot, but they are set against an atmospheric and almost eerie backdrop that is rural Arkansas. Born in Little Rock, Nichols here creates a character in the setting, as a river unites unlikely peoples, and there are distinct differences between those who live on its shores, and those who reside in town.

What’s more, Nichols presents us with Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer type characters in Ellis and Neckbone, savvy young explorers with proud, charming, and fragile. They are adventurers, imaginative yet sharp, naïve yet proud. They discover a wrecked boat on a small island, but they are not alone. There they meet the mysterious Mud, a grizzled and famished man who treats the boys as adults, and seeks their assistance.

Ellis is especially intrigued. He is more the leader of the two friends, more curious and thus more often getting in the way of harm. Ellis is also more in need of an escape. His parents fight, he struggles to talk to both of them, and his riverside home may be taken away. He too though is idealistic, and hopeful, and despite his quick mouth, quicker right hook, and tough exterior, he is still a boy.

His fascination grows with Mud, even as he slowly learns details of a past that may or may not be true. The film isn’t a mystery by any means, but from the viewpoint of Ellis, we’re not sure what can be trusted. Nichols puts us in the mind of the child, a boy looking for a stronger father figure (there’s a lot of that going on), and one who is given conflicting ideas on everything around him. He is told Mud is a criminal, but he sees him to be friendly and wise. Mud says he has a girlfriend, but this woman doesn’t appear to hold the same feelings. Ellis’s parents say they love him and each other, but why do they fight? A girl from school holds his hand, but are they dating?

These confusions blur the line between boyhood innocence and idealism with the harsher realities of adulthood. The drama that unfolds around Ellis, Neck, and Mud, while a bit extreme towards the finale, is all a means to explore the spirit of bright-eyed youth. It is beautiful, charming, masterful piece of cinema that immerses you in a world likely unfamiliar. Even though some moments may be a bit too convenient, your heart will race, melt, swell, and open up to these fascinating, real life characters.

Nichols triumphs, McConaughey is brilliant, evocative, and the two young leads rope you in immediately and carry you through this tense, emotional journey.

Should You See It?
Absolutely, post haste.

Memorable Quote:
“This way of life ain’t long for this world.”

Win passes to an advance screening of NOW YOU SEE ME across Canada!

Scene Creek — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:53:41 +0000

If you live in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Ottawa, Vancouver or Winnipeg you can win movie passes to see an advance screening of NOW YOU SEE ME courtesy of eOne Films! A special red carpet screening will be taking place in Toronto with Jesse Eisenberg in attendance!

TORONTO
Wednesday, May 29th, 2013
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Scotiabank Theatre

*Jesse Eisenberg in attendance

CALGARY
Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Show Time: 7:30PM
Scotiabank Theatre

EDMONTON
Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Show Time: 7:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre

HALIFAX
Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Show Time: 7:00PM
Bayers Lake

OTTAWA
Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Show Time: 7:00PM
Cineplex Coliseum

VANCOUVER
Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Show Time: 7:00PM
Scotiabank

WINNIPEG
Thursday, May 30th, 2013
Show Time: 7:00PM
Empire Grant Park

To enter is simple. Fill out the form below and submit your info!

Bonus entries if you share this contest on Twitter or Facebook with a @SceneCreek mention!

Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via e-mail. Contest deadline is May 25th at 12:00pm. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. Good luck!

In Theatres: May 31st
Distributed by: eOne Films

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Review: Iceman

Anthony Marcusa — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:33:59 +0000

Synopsis:
Based on a true story, Ariel Vromen (yes, that Ariel Vromen) presents his vision of the life (and death?) of Richard Kuklinski, an infamous assassin whose cold interior was matched only by the love he had for his family – three women from whom he tried to keep his murderous side secret.

Who’s in It?
Michael Shannon is brilliant as the titular Polish hitman, while Chris Evans later makes an appearance as an equally deranged psychotic named Mr. Freezy (for reasons that will become very apparent). Winona Ryder plays Shannon’s innocent wife, while Ray Liotta, wait for it, is a man involved with the mob. By the way, is that David Schwimmer and James Franco!?

Review:
It shouldn’t be at all surprising that a film titled The Iceman is dark and cold, but what isn’t necessarily a given is that it is done well. Vromen creates an uncertain and eerie atmosphere for the audience to explore, but it’s Shannon who keeps you rapt and scared as this crime drama progresses.

He inhabits the notorious killer, a man who initially seems to attract unwanted attention simply by his bad attitude and piercing stare. It really does seem he either can attack you at any moment, or is just thinking about doing so but then quickly realizes it’s not worth it. A moment as such is part of our first startling introduction to the man.

The reason Shannon triumphs, and ultimately carries the movie that at times feels too cold and lifeless, is that he shows another side that is more or less a polar opposite (let’s see how long we can keep this ‘ice’ theme going). What makes Kuklinski a compelling character is (was) his love for his family – a wife and two daughters – to whom he lied to protect and provide. You see the warmth in Shannon’s eyes towards his wife, from their first awkward and endearing date, through to struggles with marriage and raising children.

Evans’ character, a more outgoing sociopath, offers an interesting dynamic as well, but for the most part, the film proceeds along hitting all the standard points. Kuklinski reluctantly kills, he becomes talented, he gets cocky, he acts out, he risks everything, and then, well, you know the rest. It’s a journey that takes place over the 1960’s and 70’s in New Jersey (not so much cold as dank), so the pacing is hard to uphold, and the finale is less outrageous than a bit deflating.

Vromen does a fine job directing, but The Iceman sets itself apart from its acting, even if everyone is on a slightly different page. Evans is loud, erratic, Liotta is his typical funny, hysterical self, while Franco and Schwimmer, although making brief appearances, are funny but not only because it’s Franco and Schwimmer. All the while Shannon is captivating, haunting, and imposing screen presence with whom to reckon.

Should You See It?
Eventually, but no need to rush for the big screen.

Memorable Quote:
“I feel alone when I’m around other people.”

Win run-of-engagement passes to see OLD STOCK in Toronto!

Scene Creek — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:04:42 +0000

If you live in Toronto you can win run-of-engagement passes to see OLD STOCK in theatres! OLD STOCK opens exclusively in Toronto at the Carlton Cinema on May 31st. The films stars Noah Reid, Melanie Leishman, Jack Daniel Wells, Corinne Conley, Ana Gerguson and Gene Mack.

Visit the official Old Stock website: www.oldstockthemovie.com

To enter is simple. Fill out the form below and submit your info!

Bonus entries if you share this contest on Twitter or Facebook with a @SceneCreek and @OldStockMovie mention!

Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via e-mail. Contest deadline is May 28th at 12:00pm. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. Good luck!

Synopsis:
STOCK BURTON (Noah Reid) is a local legend. A monumental event from his past has frozen him, sent his family into a tailspin and pitted his small town against him. Now he’s simply chosen to drop out of life and ‘retire’, joining his recently separated grandfather, HAROLD, (Jack Daniel Wells) at the Golden Seasons senior’s home, where life is safe, comfortable and worry free with three delicious meals a day. But after two years of crokinole playing, pill-popping and blissful denial of his problems, Stock is forced to return to reality. Outside the safety of Golden Seasons, Stock’s past quickly catches up with him, and he knows he must finally face DAHLIA (Meghan Heffern), the person who suffered most from Stock’s past mistake. With the help of PATTI, (Melanie Leishman) a cute girl with a criminal record who recognizes all the good in him, Stock starts to muster the strength he needs to finally make things right. Along the way he must learn to look life in the eye, accept its imperfections, and re-open his heart for a chance to move on.

In Theatres: May 31st (Toronto)
Distributed by: eOne Films

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Review: Fight Like Soldiers Die Like Children

Scene Creek — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:42:06 +0000

Synopsis:
In Fight Like Soldiers Die Like Children, retired general Romeo Dallaire, who led the United Nations peacekeeping force during the Rwandan genocide, focuses on his humanitarian efforts to end the use of child soldiers. Directed and produced by Patrick Reed, the documentary explores Dallaire’s journey from North America to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and South Soudan, where he addresses the urgent issue of child soldiers and unveils the people who help these children escape the militia groups that have kidnapped them.

Review:
Throughout the documentary Romeo Dallaire explores the ways in which militia leaders are able to create their armies by using children. Dallaire does not just focus on the use of children as an expendable weapon but also highlights the dilemma soldiers’ face when they are forced to shoot at an army that is comprised mainly of children. What Dallaire expresses is that when they are fighting, these children are trained to be as deadly as adults, but despite the atrocities they have been trained to commit, they are ultimately still children.

Dallaire performs interviews with many people who are affected by the phenomenon of child soldiers. Much of the documentary focuses on him talking to child soldier survivors, parents whose children have been abducted by militia groups, and the people on the front lines who are trying to save these children. It is these interviews that make up some of the most moving moments in the documentary. The film also sheds some light on the Lord’s Resistance Army, which is one of the most dangerous groups that unabatedly uses children. As a result of the constant threat that the LRA poses, another dilemma arises, since in order to protect their homes and families, villages create armed forces which often contain local children.

The documentary does have a distracting element, which is a graphic-novel style animation that is interspersed throughout the film. The animation illustrates a story that is told from the perspective of a young boy who is kidnapped and forced to become a soldier. The use of animation distracts from the harsh realities that are explored in the majority of the documentary. It is certainly a tragic and important story to hear, but it is the animation that fails to add to the horror that is being conveyed.

Although it is not fully discussed, the documentary does mention that the issue of child soldiers is the result of larger problems that need to be addressed. The film leaves it unclear in regards to if and how these greater issues are being dealt with. Dallaire does acknowledge that truly preventing the use of child soldiers may not happen in the immediate future, but by continuing to work towards eradicating this problem, a solution will eventually be achieved.

Should You See It?
Fight Like Soldiers Die Like Children is worth watching since it provides a greater awareness of a crucial issue.

Movie Q&A: Star Trek Into Darkness

Jake Horowitz — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:41:50 +0000

Four years ago a movie came out that was so innovative and successful that talk immediately turned to a sequel. The film was shot beautifully, it was well acted, and the amazing score by Michael Giacchino helped to elevate it above all others. Between the lush, high-tech visuals and the incredible flying headquarters that housed the main characters as they fought a bad guy in another giant flying device, it was hard to imagine any other movie that could even come close to matching the originality displayed in this film. That movie was UP.

See that? I set you up for one thing, and then switched it on you. Kind of like what Star Trek Into Darkness does, which, by the way, hits theatres today. To prepare for the film here’s a list of the most commonly asked questions about it.

Q: How does Star Trek Into Darkness begin?
A: The movie opens up almost exactly like an episode of LOST, but only if that episode was run through a red filter and all the trees in the forest were red.

Q: Other than that, are there any other ways Star Trek Into Darkness is like LOST?
A: Well, it was directed by J.J. Abrams, so it’s got the same amount of heart, style, and humour that LOST had. Also, everything in it was kept a secret, and revealing any one thing would ruin everything else about the film.

Q: How so?
A: When Abrams was shooting the movie, he intentionally kept almost all details under-wraps, including who the villain was. All I can tell you is that he was played by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Q: What was the most exciting part about Into Darkness?
A: The most exciting part was when [SPOILER ALERT] and then [SPOILER ALERT] totally [SPOILER ALERT].

Q: Wow, that does sound exciting.
A: It was.

Q: Will I understand this movie if I’ve never seen any of the old Star Trek series or movies?
A: Yes, Into Darkness does not require knowledge of previous Star Trek cannon, however, there are many homages and references to past Star Trek moments that left many people in the audience, presumably Trekkies, applauding and cheering with joy.

Q: Can you give one example of this?
A: When [SPOILER] was [SPOILER] he totally looked up to the sky and [SPOILER].

Q: Awesome!
A: Yeah, exactly.

Q: How does this movie compare to this summer’s other blockbuster, Iron Man 3.
A: Into Darkness has a larger scale than Iron Man 3, more destruction, and a way cooler villain.

Q: So the villain is definitely [SPOILER]?
A: I can’t answer that without giving away any [SPOILER].

Q: Does this movie mostly appeal to “Nerds” or “Trekkies?”
A: When J.J. Abrams rebooted Star Trek, he made it appealing to anyone who enjoys a good blockbuster. That being said, to use your terminology, a fair amount of “Nerds” do still love these films, as the people sitting directly behind me would not stop talking about levelling up their online characters in World of Warcraft (so I assume) and how good Mountain Dew tastes.

Q: Was there anything bad about this movie?
A: Into Darkness had no parts that stood out to me as bad. Maybe all the explosions were distracting me too much, but in terms of a massively satisfying action movie, Into Darkness had it all.

Q: So you’re saying I should go see this movie?
A: I’m saying [SPOILER].