Film613 blog

04/10/2023

"Fire Island (2022) is surprisingly fun. It feels lived-in and genuine, like real people in real dating scenarios." - Alvin Tsang

https://film613.ca/review-fire-island/

"Fire Island (2022) is surprisingly fun. It feels lived-in and genuine, like real people in real dating scenarios." - Alvin Tsang

04/07/2023

"Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a good popcorn flick. I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10. Definitely worth checking out." - Alvin Tsang

https://film613.ca/review-shazam-fury-of-the-gods/

"Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a good popcorn flick. I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10. Definitely worth checking out." - Alvin Tsang

03/15/2023

"Dune is a theatrical experience with effects that affect the audience. It is a marvel that encapsulates everything you want in a film." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-dune-part-one/

"Dune is a theatrical experience with effects that affect the audience. It is a marvel that encapsulates everything you want in a film." - Catharine Horsley

03/13/2023

"Creating a fake trailer is a fun way to practice your skills at writing and ex*****on, and is a clever way to attract potential funders, for the right project." - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/favourite-fake-trailers/

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"Creating a fake trailer is a fun way to practice your skills at writing and ex*****on and is a clever way to attract potential funders, for the right project." - Jith Paul

03/09/2023

"On the surface, 'I Like Movies' is a coming-of-age film paying homage to cinema through the lens of a teenage cinephile working at a video store. At its core, it is so much more." - Zach Chabot

https://film613.ca/review-i-like-movies/

| | | International Film Festival of Ottawa | Mongrel Media | ByTowne Cinema

"On the surface, 'I Like Movies' is a coming-of-age film paying homage to cinema through the lens of a teenage cinephile working at a video store. At its core, it is so much more." - Zach Chabot

03/09/2023

"Langley's direction, the stunning cinematography, and the strong performances from the cast make for a truly unique and captivating horror film." - Lisa Meuser

https://film613.ca/review-bunker/

"Langley's direction, the stunning cinematography, and the strong performances from the cast make for a truly unique and captivating horror film." - Lisa Meuser

03/07/2023

"Jungle Cruise is a mediocre jovial film with a repetitive storyline and familiarity; a brainless watch." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-jungle-cruise/

"Jungle Cruise is a mediocre jovial film with a repetitive storyline and familiarity; a brainless watch." - Catharine Horsley

03/02/2023

"The film nimbly dances around the questions of free will versus predetermination with a side helping of causality to top it off. " - Blair Campbell

https://film613.ca/review-predestination/

"The film nimbly dances around the questions of free will versus predetermination with a side helping of causality to top it off. " - Blair Campbell

02/28/2023

"I didn't enjoy this third standalone Ant-Man film as much as I would have liked to, and I thought it fumbled on a couple of things." - Alvin Tsang

https://film613.ca/review-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania/

"I didn't enjoy this third standalone Ant-Man film as much as I would have liked to, and I thought it fumbled on a couple of things." - Alvin Tsang

02/26/2023

“On a remote coast of the Russian Arctic, Chakilev waits alone in a wind-battered cabin to witness a natural event that happens there once a year.” - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/review-haulout/

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“On a remote coast of the Russian Arctic, Chakilev waits alone in a wind-battered cabin to witness a natural event that happens there once a year.” - Jith Paul

02/23/2023

"A Man Called Otto delves into the importance of community, and how connecting with others can drastically change your outlook and improve your life." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-a-man-called-otto/

"A Man Called Otto delves into the importance of community, and how connecting with others can drastically change your outlook and improve your life." - Catharine Horsley

02/22/2023

"The film's portrayal of women and their role in society is problematic at best. At the same time it’s an extremely well-made and thrilling film." - Blair Campbell

https://film613.ca/review-the-wild-bunch/

"The film's portrayal of women and their role in society is problematic at best. At the same time it’s an extremely well-made and thrilling film." - Blair Campbell

02/21/2023

"The two leads in 'Your Place or Mine' lack chemistry and this creates some uncomfortable acting in many scenes." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-your-place-or-mine/

"The two leads in 'Your Place or Mine' lack chemistry and this creates some uncomfortable acting in many scenes." - Catharine Horsley

02/20/2023

"Like its title, the movie comes at you in waves; many highs and many lows, and never really gives you a chance to breathe." - Zach Chabot

https://film613.ca/review-waves/

"Like its title, the movie comes at you in waves; many highs and many lows, and never really gives you a chance to breathe." - Zach Chabot

02/20/2023

🚀 A few days left to take advantage of early bird discounts.

The Call for Submissions for OCan23 is now open. Check https://ocanfilmfest.ca for details.

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02/19/2023

“The intimate venue and chill vibe made it feel like a small group of friends getting together to make a mix-tape. This is the first year of the DiverCITY festival and I hope to see more of these gatherings in the city. “ - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/event-divercity-film-festival-2023/

| | | Ottawa DiverCity Film Festival | 1st Ottawa DiverCity Film Festival

"It felt like a small group of friends getting together to make a mix-tape. This is the first year of the DiverCITY festival and I hope to see more of these gatherings in the city. “ - Jith Paul

02/17/2023

"The series is basically 'Fifty Shades of Grey' for college kids. These movies aren't for everyone, but they're fun. Actually they're not even fun, they're just plain addicting." - Alvin Tsang

https://film613.ca/review-after-ever-happy/

"The series is basically 'Fifty Shades of Grey' for college kids. These movies aren't for everyone, but they're fun. Actually they're not even fun, they're just plain addicting." - Alvin Tsang

02/15/2023

I wouldn’t recommend this to the faint of heart. It is an accurate depiction of the time and it deserves praise for not being scared to show it." - Zach Chabot

https://film613.ca/review-all-quiet-on-the-western-front/

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I wouldn’t recommend this to the faint of heart. It is an accurate depiction of the time and it deserves praise for not being scared to show it." - Zach Chabot

02/13/2023

"If you are a fan of the Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins combo (Road to Perdition, Skyfall, 1917), you’re in for a treat." - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/review-empire-of-light/

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"If you are a fan of the Mendes and Deakins combo (Road to Perdition, Skyfall, 1917), you’re in for a treat." - Jith Paul

02/10/2023

"Lurhmann personifies the fantasy land that is Las Vegas while simultaneously showing the audience how the city can be as addicting as the games within it." - Zach Chabot

https://film613.ca/baz-lurhmanns-elvis/

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"Lurhmann personifies the fantasy land that is Las Vegas while simultaneously showing the audience how the city can be as addicting as the games within it." - Zach Chabot

02/09/2023

"Fresh (2022) is captivating, highly romantic and absolutely horrific, and in my opinion, one of the best horrors in the last two years." - Alvin Tsang

https://film613.ca/review-fresh/

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"Fresh (2022) is captivating, highly romantic and absolutely horrific, and in my opinion, one of the best horrors in the last two years." - Alvin Tsang

02/03/2023

“The 3-minute episodes of Stories in 180 are a perfect length if you are looking for a quick chuckle or an amusing tale to check out on a short break or on your commute.” - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/review-stories-in-180/

| | | | Ottawa StoryTellers

“The 3-minute episodes of Stories in 180 are a perfect length if you are looking for a quick chuckle or an amusing tale to check out on a short break or on your commute.” - Jith Paul

01/28/2023

“The Hire series from BMW was viral branded content before the age of viral branded content.” - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/review-the-hire/

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“The Hire series from BMW was viral branded content before the age of viral branded content.” - Jith Paul

01/24/2023

“Long takes at the beginning of films are used to establish locations and characters. They usually have that ‘grab factor’ or a slight of hand that really pulls in an audience.” - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/favourite-movie-opening-long-takes/

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“Long takes at the beginning of films are used to establish locations and characters. They usually have that ‘grab factor’ or a slight of hand that really pulls in an audience.” - Jith Paul

01/19/2023

“I found Nuno Rocha’s film tongue-in-cheek, fun, innovative, and particularly entertaining to watch as a filmmaker.” - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/review-vicky-and-sam/

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“I found Nuno Rocha’s film tongue-in-cheek, fun, innovative and particularly entertaining to watch as a filmmaker.” - Jith Paul

01/13/2023

Ever Deadly invites its viewers to take a peek behind the curtain of the life and work of award-winning singer, artist, author, and activist Tanya Tagaq. Weaving together concert footage and inspiring sequences filmed on location in Nunavut, seamlessly bridging landscapes, stories and songs with pain, anger and triumph—all through the expressions of Tanya Tagaq, one of the most innovative musical performers of our time.

Best known for her powerful throat singing, Tanya uses her platform to speak about issues that matter to her, and the painful story of her family, Inuit, and Canadian history.

Screening at the ByTowne Cinema in Ottawa, January 22 and 23. Details and tickets: https://www.bytowne.ca/movies/ever-deadly/

https://youtu.be/RBHUvomFleU

In theatres January 20: https://events.nfb.ca/events/tags/in-theatres/Avant-garde Inuit throat singer, Tanya Tagaq, leads audiences through pain and triumph ...

01/13/2023

“The Phone Call is a quiet film that really stays with you, days after you see it. I found it gut-wrenching to watch at times, but ultimately, the film is an inspiring story about humanity.” - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/review-the-phone-call/

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“The Phone Call is a quiet film that really stays with you, days after you see it. I found it gut-wrenching to watch at times, but ultimately, the film is an inspiring story about humanity.” - Jith Paul

01/08/2023

"Having your passion project resonate with a jury far away, and with audiences you have never met, is validating." - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/tips-making-the-most-of-a-festival-run/

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"Having your passion project resonate with a jury far away, and with audiences you have never met, is validating." - Jith Paul

01/05/2023

"This film still haunts me. The story is relatable. Many of us want to escape what we sometimes see as our destiny." - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/review-buzkashi-boys/

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"This film still haunts me. The story is relatable. Many of us want to escape what we sometimes see as our destiny." - Jith Paul

01/02/2023

"From a technical and practical aspect, I marvel at the ability to hide crew, camera and equipment, especially when it is done practically with little to no post-production help. " - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/favourite-mirror-shots-in-movies/

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"From a technical and practical aspect, I marvel at the ability to hide crew, camera and equipment, especially when it is done practically with little to no post-production help. As a filmmaker, I realize that this is especially challenging to achieve in a shot with camera movement." - Jith Paul

12/31/2022

"Barbarian is an artistic, well made horror film that succeeds in keeping its audience on edge and constantly afraid of what might happen next. It is well worth the time spent watching." - Nick McKay

https://film613.ca/review-barbarian/

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"Barbarian is an artistic, well made horror film that succeeds in keeping its audience on edge and constantly afraid of what might happen next. It is well worth the time spent watching." - Nick McKay

12/22/2022

"Whether you are gearing up for a festival run or theatrical exhibition, a trailer can be used to showcase the talent of your cast and crew, show off your locations, and even the scale of your production." - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/tips-creating-a-trailer-to-promote-your-film/

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"Whether you are gearing up for a festival run or theatrical exhibition, a trailer can be used to showcase the talent of your cast and crew, show off your locations and sometimes the scale of your production. " - Jith Paul

12/19/2022

"You’ve gone through pre-production, shot and edited and mastered your film and it is spectacular. Now you want to share this masterpiece with the world. Here are a few tips." - Jith Paul

https://film613.ca/tips-getting-your-film-seen-by-an-audience/

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"You’ve gone through pre-production, shot and edited and mastered your film and it is spectacular. Now you want to share this masterpiece with the world. Here are a few tips." - Jith Paul

12/17/2022

"The technology has changed but the fundamentals of visual story telling are still the same and it's great to see that spirit of continuous learning and camaraderie carry forward into a new generation of filmmakers." - Jith Paul

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"The technology has changed but the fundamentals of visual story telling are still the same and it's great to see that spirit of continuous learning and camaraderie carry forward into a new generation of filmmakers." - Jith Paul

11/30/2022

"If you are thinking about watching a film that addresses mental health, or you are someone who struggles with mental health and may be searching for a character to relate to, then this movie is not for you." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-dear-evan-hansen/

"If you are thinking about watching a film that addresses mental health, or you are someone who struggles with mental health and may be searching for a character to relate to, then this movie is not for you." - Catharine Horsley

11/27/2022

"This film is heartwarming, and conveys a sense of nostalgia by causing the audience to reflect on their own lives when they were kids." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-clifford-the-big-red-dog/

"This film is heartwarming, and conveys a sense of nostalgia by causing the audience to reflect on their own lives when they were kids." - Catharine Horsley

11/15/2022

"The next time you are looking for an action film on Netflix, do not choose this one, unless you’re looking for a distraction." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-red-notice/

"The next time you are looking for an action film on Netflix, do not choose this one, unless you’re looking for a distraction." - Catharine Horsley

11/11/2022

"The film falls short, only scratching the surface of being entertaining." - Catharine Horsley

https://film613.ca/review-black-widow/

"The film falls short, only scratching the surface of being entertaining." - Catharine Horsley

10/31/2022

" I see this movie as a reminder to appreciate some things we might take for granted in life. A must-see film!" - Philippe Macdonald

https://film613.ca/review-baduk-2/

| | ByTowne Cinema | Ottawa Canadian Film Festival

"Baduk is a beautiful reminder to always cherish those beautiful moment with the people we care about, a reminder to appreciate some things we might take for granted in life." - Philippe Macdonald

10/28/2022

"An adorable new take on a possible budding romance that doesn’t involve today’s usual dating alternatives, such as online dating and swiping left or right on a potential suitor." - Philippe Macdonald

https://film613.ca/review-magic-trick-2/

| | ByTowne Cinema | Ottawa Canadian Film Festival

"A cute little story that gives viewers a refreshing and adorable new take on a possible budding romance that doesn’t involve today’s usual dating alternatives, such as online dating and swiping left or right on a potential suitor." - Philippe Macdonald