The mothership has landed at the Regent Theatre. Loved the re-introduction of this venue for #MIFF2018.

SHOPLIFTERS – ★★★☆ – I was looking forward to this film, as I really enjoyed Kore-Eda’s ‘Still Walking’ (MIFF 2009). Safe to say that if you like one, you’ll like the other, as this also is a family based drama that runs at a pleasant, leisurely pace, and gives some insight into Japanese family life and culture. The final act was a little surprising to me and altered the tone of the film, but I still very much enjoyed it. #MIFF2018

POPE FRANCIS: A MAN OF HIS WORD – ★★★☆ – I don’t believe in any single religion’s god, and am skeptical of one that isn’t based in science, so I was hesitant to see this, but what a great doco. If you could hope for a leader of a church to say the best possible things, it seems that he is doing that. An inspiring film that makes you want to do better for the world, not because God said so, but because it’s the right thing to do. #MIFF2018

YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE – ★★★ – A fine performance (as usual) by Joaquin Phoenix in this suspense/drama around an ex-military guy in NYC that rescues young girls in sex rings. Nicely made, but feels like some depth might have been missing from the book it’s based on. #MIFF2018