The Genie Awards
By Larry Anklewicz
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Despite the worse snow storm of the winter hitting the GTA last Tuesday, Feb. 13th, the Genie Awards show was a star spangled event with the biggest names in Canadian cinema in attendance.
The big winners at the Canadian version of the Academay Awards, were two films made in Quebec, The Rocket and Bon Cop, Bad Cop.
But for one of the first times in my memory, both films succeeded in reaching a broad general audience throughout Canada.
The Rocket tells the exciting story of a Canadian legend, Maurice The Rocket Richard, one of the greatest hockey players this country has produced. The film has great action sequences showing the Rocket's exploits on the ice, as well as detailing some of the behind-the-scenes activity that made the Rocket the man he turned out to be.
The Rocket won nine Genie awards, out of thirteen nominations, far surpassing the totals of any other film.
It's victories included Genie Awards for Roy Duypuis, as Best Actor (he also won the Best Actor award two years ago), Julie Le Breton for Best Actress, Stephen McHattie for Best Supporting Actor, Charles Biname for Best Director, as well as awards for Art Direction, Costume Design, Cinematography, Editing and Sound Editing.
Bon Cop, Bad Cop won the Genie Award for Best Picture and Best Overall Sound. In addition, it won the Golden Reel Award for having taken in more money at the box office than any other Canadian film.
Bon Cop, Bad Cop was a buddy comedy about a police officer from Quebec and another one from Ontario working together to solve a crime that extended into each of their jurisdictions. The film was a big success at the box office and a sequel is already in the works.
Both The Rocket and Bon Cop, Bad Cop are now available on DVD and should be in plentiful supply at your local video store.
Other winners at the Genies included Carrie-Anne Moss, for Supporting Actress in the film Snow Cake; Jean Robitaille for his Original Score for the film Without Her; Jennifer Kreisberg for her song, Have Hope, from the film Unnatural & Accidental; Philippe Falardeau for his Original Screenplay for the film Congorama; and Robert Favreau and Gil Courtemanche for their Adapted Screenplay for the film Sunday in Kigali.
A Special Award for Make-Up Design was given to Nick Dudman for his work in the film Beowulf & Grendel and the Best Documentary award went to Jennifer Baichwal for her film, Manufactured Landscapes. The award for Live Action Short went to Red and for Animated Short went to The Danish Poet.
Recent DVD Releases
Flyboys
Period action film set in Europe during World War I. A group of American adventurers volunteered to fly warplanes for the Allies before the United States entered the war. The Allied powers were on the ropes against the German war machine and were desperate for men to join their air forces and stand up to the German fliers. A small group of Americans came overseas and became America's first fighter pilots.
The film features lots of beautifully shot aerial combat scenes and great action.
Starring: James Franco, Martin Henderson, Jean Reno
Open Season
Animated comedy about the unlikely friendship between Boog, a domesticated bear and Elliot, a one-antlered mule deer, who join forces to take back the forest from the hunters.
Lots of special features are included in this DVD, including a new animated short, Boog and Elliot's Midnight Bun Run, DVD-ROM links and lots more.
Starring the Voices of: Ashton Kutcher, Martin Lawrence, Debra Messing, Gary Sinise.
Flicka
Family film that has something for everyone. Story is about Katy an independent 16-year old girl and her quest to tame a wild mustang. She wants to work on her family's horse ranch, but her father wants her to finish boarding school. Katy finds a mustang and sets out to tame the horse and prove that she can take over the running of the ranch some day.
Starring: Tim McGraw, Maria Bello, Alison Lohman
Jann Arden: A Work In Progress
A portrait of the pop artist set against the backdrop of her music. The successful vocalist, composer and actress takes the viewer on a personal journey of her life, from her humble beginnings to her first big break.
Ronnie Hawkins: Still Alive and Kickin'
A celebration of one of the most popular rock performers in Canada, his life and his music. This music documentary includes excerpts of live performances and some of his classic hits. It follows a year in the life of this music legend, from the time he is diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer until his cure.
MusiCares Presents A Tribute To Brian Wilson
DVD documentation of an incredible night in the music industry--a tribute dinner to Brian Wilson. The evening included performances by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Richie Sambora, Barenaked Ladies, John Legend, Backstreet Boys, Shelby Lynn, Michael McDonald and Billy Preston, Earth, Wind & Fire, Darlene Love and the Brian Wilson Band.
Barry White: The Story
Portrait of the life and work of Barry White, as told through interviews with the man himself. Also includes interviews with White's family, Smokey Robinson, Ray Parker Jr., and many more. Also featured are excerpts from some classic Barry White songs.
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