We all know the big draw is this weekend will be Watchmen, which is why it seems like epic fail to have anything opening against it, even if it’s in a different market. So when I found out that two of the biggest Canadian movies of the year were opening this weekend I was just kinda sad. So here, my friends, is what you can see when every screening of Watchmen in the city is sold out.
One Week: The story of a man who comes face to face with his morality (it doesn’t say it anywhere, but I believe he has ‘one week’ to live) and goes on a cross-Canada bike tour to free himself from what he believes to be the constrains of his life. Stars Joshua Jackson, Liane Balaban, with voiceovers by Campbell Scott. Find it at your local Cineplex. Website and trailer: http://oneweek.ca/.
Pontypool: This is the story of a viral outbreak in small town Ontario, specifically Pontypool of the title, which creates something like zombism. The twist is that it’s set entirely in a church basement which is now the town’s local radio station. Check out my review and definitely don’t miss this brilliant turn by director Bruce McDonald. Find it at your local Cineplex, however, there are two screenings on Saturday night that star Stephen McHattie will be at (I’ll be covering one of these). Tickets available to the public, screening at the Varsity. Incidentally, Stephen McHattie is also in Watchmen. Just sayin’. No specific website. Trailer below.
Nightwatching: This is a Canadian co-production from director Peter Greenaway. The movie is about the creation of Rembrandt’s most famous work, The Night Watch, which involves a murder and a great deal of intrigue. It sounds kinda like ‘The Rembrandt Code’, but I think I’ll actually check this movie out. Stars Martin Freeman. Check listings for showtimes. Website and trailer: http://www.nightwatchingthefilm.com/.
So when you can’t get a ticket to Watchmen anywhere, these are three excellent options. Don’t worry. Watchmen will still be there. It’s important to support really good Canadian cinema.
