Reel Alternatives, Huntsville’s connection to the TIFF Film Circuit, will present three films in March and April: a revealing documentary about one of the biggest folk icons of our time, bookended by two comedies that deal with matters not usually associated with humour (climate change and economic dire straits in one and abject grief in the other).
First up on Monday, March 4th is A Difficult Year, a comedy with a conscience from the directors of 2011’s The Intouchables (an uplifting and hilarious film about an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his caretaker just released from prison). This new film is a satiric romp about two swindlers who infiltrate a group of activists when they are attracted to the free beer and food being offered. When the main characters, Bruno and Albert first meet, neither is in a good way but they have something in common – both are drowning in debt. Bruno has just stolen a television, while Albert responds to being evicted with a bumbling suicide attempt. Bruno manages to save this doped-up stranger’s life and a friendship is born.
One day, Bruno and Albert crash a meeting held by a group of activists. The guys are only attracted by the free beer and have zero interest in speeches about climate change or new agey, energy-boosting hugs — well, maybe they like the hugs, especially if they come from the group’s beautiful leader who calls herself Cactus. She manages to persuade them to participate in elaborate demonstrations that Bruno hopes will spark a love affair — if he doesn’t get arrested first.
The next film in Reel Alternatives’ line-up is Joan Baez I Am A Noise which screens on Monday, March 18th. This searingly honest documentary shines a light on the legendary singer and activist as she takes a hard look back and a deep look inward to try and make sense of her large, history-making life, and the personal struggles she’s kept private until now.
Then, in Better Days, screening on April 29th, Sonja Smits (Street Legal) is brilliant in the role of a bereft widow, Kate, who must start over after losing her husband of over 30 years. After her husband’s death, she withdraws into a world of vodka and grief – and his beloved Halloween costumes. When she befriends three lonely teenagers who share her enthusiasm for dressing up, her friends and family are appalled. Alarmed by her increasing recklessness, they insist she go back to the woman she was – just as she is discovering the woman she might become.
Movie tickets for all three films are available online at reelalternativeshuntsville.ca, at the door or by calling the Algonquin Theatre box office at 705-789-4975.
Now in its 24th season of bringing fine Canadian and international films to Huntsville, Reel Alternatives is a non-profit group working in partnership with the Algonquin Theatre to enrich the cultural experience of the community. Reel Alternatives Huntsville gratefully acknowledges their partnership with Film Circuit, presented by TIFF, and its sponsors and supporters.
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The Monday evening “Reel Alternatives” movie night is fantastic! Movies that make you think and hit an emotional or riveting chord are worth the admission. Grab something from the bar, find a seat where you’re comfortable and enjoy.