Spinning Reels

TRICK OR TREATY? 

Trick or Treaty? A documentary

In recent years, we’ve seen an ever-increasing number of incidents with Canada’s First Nations as they’ve tried to present to both the government and people of Canada their understanding of the challenges and uneven opportunities within our modern society. From the ‘Highway of Tears’ to the blockade in Caledonia, calls for a Royal Commission into the disappearance of women and girls, to the question of pay for Tribal chiefs or residential schools, the issues continue to reverberate and always seem to start with the original Treaties signed on behalf of the Canadian people. Trick or Treaty? focuses our attention on Treaty 9, signed in 1905, and allows us to view the interpretations and results through a clear, unblinking lens. This will be an incredibly powerful, emotional and thought-provoking documentary.

Thank you to this movie’s sponsor

 It’s going to be an amazing season of summer stock at Actors’ Colony Theatre. www.actorscolonytheatre.com  705 641 2949

How could something so bad, be so good?

Monsoon a documentary by Sturla Gunnarsson

Although we may feel that a Monsoon can only herald death and destruction, veteran filmmaker Sturla Gunnarsson presents a visually stunning essay on both the destructive and beneficial aspects of this particular force of nature. While following the monsoon as it cuts a swath across India and some its largest cities, we see the effects it has on everyday life as well as the surprising and occasionally funny aspects. ‘Stunningly shot, Monsoon balances an almost religious awe in the face of the rains’ monstrous power with a profoundly empathetic appreciation of both the toll it takes and the boons it bestows on those at its mercy. Thoughtful, affecting, finally overwhelming, this is a powerfully emotional journey through anticipation, joy, heartbreak, and relief. ‘

108 minutes

This movie’s sponsor

Karen Acton Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka

A 2012 President’s Gold Winner, Karen is known for her outstanding customer service and integrity.

Rosewater- March 23, 2015

Gael García Bernal and Kim Bodnia in ‘Rosewater’

For those of us who watch “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart, the arrival of his first directed movie Rosewater is something to anticipate. Unlike the satire of his show however, Stewart delivers a taut, gripping psychological drama which outlines the ordeal that Iranian Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari lived through. Ironically, it was an interview which Bahari gave for Stewart’s show wherein he joked about being a spy which would come back to haunt him.  During the film, we are privy to the 118-day stay in prison, where Bahari’s main interrogator, whom he names Rosewater due to his strong scent, tries to coerce a confession from the fairly naive journalist. Stewart deftly shows us how nuanced and yet dangerous a journalist’s life can be while telling the world of ‘the truth’

103 min.

Thank you to this movie’s sponsor

Seltzer Design Partnership

The Seltzer Partnership is a function driven design build firm that specializes in the reconstruction of private residences in a manner that reflects contemporary elements and timeless architectural style. For more information, e-mail: gseltzer@seltzerpartnership.com

Thanks for supporting Muskoka’s Movie culture!

1980’s England saw strange political bedfellows indeed!

It’s said that politics make strange bedfellows, and Pride may be one of the strangest, most amusing, and moving combination of all. In the midst of the government tightening of Maggie Thatcher’s England in the 1980’s, a group of London gays decide that the only group who gets pushed around more than they do is the striking miners. On that basis, they form Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, and the comedy, dancing as well as some darker elements take over. With outstanding performances by Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Bill Nighy (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and Ben Schnetzer (The Book Thief) we are propelled back to that time to see a true story unfold with all the fun, disco, and warts exposed. As roger ebert.com said, “[it’s] a movie that is a lot of fun to watch and…was profoundly moving at numerous intervals.”

117 minutes

This movie’s sponsor

Wayne Mochrie Bookkeeping “+”   Personal and Small Business Tax Services

Personal and Small Business Tax Services with over 25 years experience preparing income tax for individuals, proprietorships, and commissioned sales persons- in Bracebridge since 2004

36 Ridge Valley Drive, Bracebridge ON

705-801-5353              BOOKK45@gmail.com

Christopher Plummer as Fred in Elsa & Fred

In this December-December romance, recently widowed Fred (Christopher Plummer) is forced to move his home to New Orleans where his curmudgeonly spirit just wants to be left alone. Although he’s play this type of part before, Plummer is outstanding at his resentful, bitter self. Neighbour and life-long unrequited romantic Elsa (Shirley MacLaine) has no intention of letting him live like this as she blows (and lies) her way into his life. Their charisma and chemistry alone are a joy to behold as she embarks on an effort to make dreams come true.

Supported by an outstanding cast, including the scene-stealing George Segal, Elsa & Fred navigates the perils of romance with aplomb leaving us to admire their dignity and glamour.

97 minutes

This movie’s sponsor:

Kawartha Credit Union is one of the fastest-growing credit unions in Ontario. Kawartha employs over 325 people, and serves 50,000 members in Central and Eastern Ontario with 25 branches. With $1 billion in assets under administration and with 60 years of banking history, Kawartha delivers a full range of financial services, solutions, and advice tailored to meet each member’s individual needs, including access to The Exchange® Network with more than 3,200 surcharge free ATMs in Canada. Membership at Kawartha is open to anyone looking for a local-focus financial services provider.

We pride ourselves on offering all of the products and services of a big city bank while always maintaining the personal touch. In addition, we give back to the communities that support us through our Community Involvement Program. In 2013, we will donate over $200,000 to causes that matter most to our members…those that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Force Majeure

What would You do?

On Monday, February 9th at 7PM, Spinning Reels screens Force Majeure, which will pose that question.

A typical, ordinary family is enjoying a not uncommon European  family trip- skiing in the French Alps- until they are faced with one of nature’s terrors: an avalanche.

A winner at both tiff and Cannes, the film monitors the fallout from this fateful incident. Both psychologically and sociologically acute, Force Majeure boasts a number of bravura moments that range from terrifying to comic. It’s a movie that the Globe and Mail says “For those trying to position Gone Girl as the date-and-debate movie of the season… it isn’t half the unsettling thriller Force Majeure is.”

118 min.

Many thanks to our sponsor:

Kevin Kline and Maggie Smith star in My Old Lady

A witty and resonant blend of light comedy and adult drama, My Old Lady is, in every sense, the product of a master storyteller. Kevin Kline (The Big Chill, A Prairie Home Companion) plays New Yorker Mathias who journeys to Paris after learning that he has inherited a spacious apartment from his estranged father. Mathias hopes to liquidate his new property and return home, but his plan hits a snag when he discovers that the elderly Mathilde (Maggie Smith, Quartet, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and her daughter (Kristin Scott Thomas, The Invisible Woman, Sarah’s Key) are inhabiting the space and have no inclination — nor a legally enforceable reason — to leave. In fact, in accordance with centuries-old tradition, the apartment will not revert to his possession until its present occupant passes away.

The memorable acting by this remarkable cast results in emotional performances in this heartfelt drama.

107 minutes

Many THANKS to this Movie’s Sponsor:

Catherine Nasmith Architect

Catherine Nasmith Architect is one of the province’s leading heritage advocates who practices what she preaches. She offers architectural and heritage planning services from the former Windermere post office and general store, a building she and her husband returned from dereliction.
Her most recent Muskoka project is an extension to a 1920’s cottage, built on granite piers and incorporating restored, reclaimed windows, doors, and cabinetwork, an approach she pioneered in the rehabilitation of the cottage next to her office. Both projects have a timeless quality to them, blending perfectly into the Muskoka landscape and architectural traditions.

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon in The Trip to Italy

Last seen together touring the finest restaurants of Northern England’s Lake District in the Film Circuit favourite The Trip, the dynamic duo of Steve Coogan (Philomena, Alan Partridge) and Rob Brydon (Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story) returns for seconds in this much- anticipated sequel, trading drab-grey British skies for the glorious Italian coastline.

While supposedly following in the footsteps of those giants of English literature, Shelley and Byron, they pay the tab, while we enjoy not only their meals and the scenery, but also their humorous repartee. Though all may not be perfect on the trip, as they do come up against issues like fidelity and aging, it’s a savoury mixture of comedy which will have you asking for more.

108 minutes

Many THANKS to this movie’s sponsor

Dr. Stuart Robson, Dentist

Committed to Dental Excellence

149 Manitoba Street, Bracebridge

(705) 645-4151