This Week in Film: February 14th 2008

I feel slightly pressured this week; it isn't easy to recommend movies for Valentine's Day weekend. On one hand, you'll have people specifically looking for the best in the first-run fluff fare (hint: it won't be Fool's Gold) in contrast to the anti-Valentine's crowd who will probably be more satisfied with Romero's latest zombie installment Diary of the Dead or sci-fi novel-turned-film Jumper. But whichever camp you fall into, I'll try not to disappoint.

Forget Ryan Reynolds and that cherub from Little Miss Sunshine, if you want a romantic comedy this weekend, be sure to take your date to Enchanted. When I saw this film the audience was comprised of grown men cooing, children cheering, couples cuddling and parents laughing. With innuendo, witticisms and the unending Disney references, there is literally something for everybody in this film. Enchanted is screening at the Bloor Cinema and the Fox Cinema from Friday through next week.

CINSSU's Free Friday Film this week is the terrifying Funny Games. Directed by Michael Haneke, who recently brought us Cache, Funny Games follows two young sociopaths who take a family hostage to torture for sheer fun. The film was just remade by Haneke, starring Naomi Watts and will be released in March. But don't wait, go see the original film at 8:30pm Friday evening at Innis Town Hall.

Valentine's Day or not, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that one of the best releases of 2007 (and ever?) is also playing this weekend. If somebody took me to see this movie it would definitely be considered a Valentine's Day date (hint hint). In case you missed it at the Regent, Blade Runner: Final Cut is being screened at the Bloor on Sunday evening and Monday afternoon.

On one last note, the Cinematheque Ontario is screening the sold-out film Lola tomorrow night to begin their retrospective on the films of Jacques Demy. Look for a separate post about it tomorrow.

Image "Enchanted-Giselle" from Laughing Palace