Image
File
ARTS.
Have an idea for a story or review? Contact the editor at arts@theotherpress.ca
Grand Theft Auto:
Online’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
ockstar Games has
definitely made a name for
itself in the past five years with
the 2010 Game of the Year, Red
Dead Redemption, and the most
recent must-have game, Grand
Theft Auto V.
Now there is an add-on for
the Grand Theft Auto: Onlme,
which was released on October
The reason I didn’t review
this last week is there were
so many problems and bugs
with it, I thought it best to give
Rockstar Games time to fix
everything. It would’ve been
better if the company had
released the online component a
couple weeks later and fixed the
problems first.
But let’s just get to the
game.
It is the most exciting
online experience I’ve ever had.
One minute you're holding up
a store just trying to scrape up
some cash, and the next minute
You can do everything, and then some
you're racing airplanes with
your friends. There is almost no
end to what you can do in the
world of Los Santos.
You also have many
different game modes like
Races, Deathmatch, and Last
Man Standing.
Rockstar Games has
confirmed it will be adding
more components in the
following months, like complex
bank heists and a map creation
tool.
There will be more than
enough to do until then. I can’t
wait.
Screen shat GTA V Online | Courtesy of www.cinemablend.com
Jodies emotional journey
Beyond: Iwo Souls’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
£3 £3 3 & &
ave you ever wondered
what would happen if
movies and video games melded
into one awesomely massive
genre? In Beyond: Two Souls, you
basically control a movie.
Made by Quantic Dream
(makers of Heavy Rain), this
supernatural thriller provides
an interactive experience and
features amazing performances
from A-list actors Willem Dafoe
and Ellen Page.
I know I’m talking about a
video game, but the graphics are
so good it made me forget that
it’s not a movie. More than once
I got hurt in the game because
I forgot I was holding the
controller.
The story of Beyond: Two
Souls starts with a young girl
named Jodie Holmes (voiced
by Page) who has a gift: she
is linked to a ghost-like entity
named Aiden that she has some
control over.
The entire game is about
how she learns to control Aiden
through experiments conducted
by Nathan Dawkins (voiced by
Dafoe).
The story is broken up into
a non-chronological sequence of
Jodie’s memories. It would’ve
been a little better if they were in
the right order.
The entire game is built
on using quick time events
(QTEs) and the right analogue
stick moves to interact with the
world. Some would say that this
approach might be too passive,
but I didn’t mind taking a break
from the thumb candy games.
One thing I didn’t see
coming is the co-op: one player
can play as Jodie, the other as
Aiden. This adds another layer of
intensity with teamwork.
Overall, this is not a game
to be missed, especially to enjoy
Page's finest performance.
Screen capture from Beyond: Two Souls | Courtesy of www.giantbomb.com
Overcoming a minor dilemma at VIFF
Gabrielle review
Cazzy
= Lewchuk
Staff Writer
9
t was my first time visiting the
Vancouver International Film
Festival (VIFF). Frustratingly
for me as a minor, many of the
films are shown at the Vancity
Theatre, a licenced venue.
This means alcohol is freely
served and nobody under 19 is
admitted. I understand many
like to enjoy a drink at a film
festival, but this excluded me
8
from seeing most of the films
at VIFF. I suppose it’s the
fault of the BC drinking laws
and not VIFF itself, but it was
nevertheless frustrating.
Fortunately, after some
searching, I was able to find
a film that looked interesting
and was being shown in an
all-ages venue—in this case,
the Vancouver Playhouse. I’ve
seen many plays at this venue,
but was unaware it was able
to be used as a movie theatre. I
bought a membership and my
first VIFF ticket ever and headed
in.
The best part about seeing
a VIFF movie is the incredibly
respectful tone of the audience.
I’ve never been to a movie
where there wasn’t at least one
person using their phone, eating
and drinking loudly, talking,
wandering in and out, elbowing
me in the face, or other rude
things moviegoers tend to do.
This venue had none of it—even
the staff was incredibly formal
and nice. It’s a nice change
and one of the top reasons I'd
recommend VIFF, along with the
chance to see unique movies not
normally in theatres, of course.
The movie itself, Gabrielle,
directed by Louise Archambault,
was excellent, and a welcome
alternative to most of the
movies I see—which typically
include loud pre-show trailers,
explosions, gratuitous sex, and
A-list actors (not that any of
these are a bad thing).
This film was a touchingly
realistic look at the challenges
faced by mentally handicapped
adults and their families today.
Filmed and set in Quebec,
in French with English subtitles,
Gabrielle follows the story of the
titular young woman who has
Williams syndrome, a disability
that includes notable musical
ability, lower intellect, and a
highly social personality.
She meets another mentally
challenged boy, Martin, in the
choir at their day centre. An
unusual romance follows, along
with the challenges associated
with their relationship: how to
be alone together, independence
from their families, and how
their relationship affects their
performance in the choir.
In addition to the romantic
storyline, Gabrielle seeks more
independence from her mother
and caregivers. Her sister, who
wants to join her husband
teaching in India, is held back
by her concern for Gabrielle.
The film featured some
fairly well-known Québécois
actors—including a cameo
from famous singer Robert
Charlebois—but also includes
newcomers like the title actor,
Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who
also has Williams syndrome.
Overall, I quite enjoyed
the VIFF experience. I’m glad |
chose something a little different
to see in the theatre, as this
drama does not disappoint.
In fact, it has been selected
as Canada’s candidate for
Best Foreign Language Film
in the 2014 Academy Awards
nominations, and is well-
deserved.
Have an idea for a story or review? Contact the editor at arts@theotherpress.ca
Grand Theft Auto:
Online’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
ockstar Games has
definitely made a name for
itself in the past five years with
the 2010 Game of the Year, Red
Dead Redemption, and the most
recent must-have game, Grand
Theft Auto V.
Now there is an add-on for
the Grand Theft Auto: Onlme,
which was released on October
The reason I didn’t review
this last week is there were
so many problems and bugs
with it, I thought it best to give
Rockstar Games time to fix
everything. It would’ve been
better if the company had
released the online component a
couple weeks later and fixed the
problems first.
But let’s just get to the
game.
It is the most exciting
online experience I’ve ever had.
One minute you're holding up
a store just trying to scrape up
some cash, and the next minute
You can do everything, and then some
you're racing airplanes with
your friends. There is almost no
end to what you can do in the
world of Los Santos.
You also have many
different game modes like
Races, Deathmatch, and Last
Man Standing.
Rockstar Games has
confirmed it will be adding
more components in the
following months, like complex
bank heists and a map creation
tool.
There will be more than
enough to do until then. I can’t
wait.
Screen shat GTA V Online | Courtesy of www.cinemablend.com
Jodies emotional journey
Beyond: Iwo Souls’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
£3 £3 3 & &
ave you ever wondered
what would happen if
movies and video games melded
into one awesomely massive
genre? In Beyond: Two Souls, you
basically control a movie.
Made by Quantic Dream
(makers of Heavy Rain), this
supernatural thriller provides
an interactive experience and
features amazing performances
from A-list actors Willem Dafoe
and Ellen Page.
I know I’m talking about a
video game, but the graphics are
so good it made me forget that
it’s not a movie. More than once
I got hurt in the game because
I forgot I was holding the
controller.
The story of Beyond: Two
Souls starts with a young girl
named Jodie Holmes (voiced
by Page) who has a gift: she
is linked to a ghost-like entity
named Aiden that she has some
control over.
The entire game is about
how she learns to control Aiden
through experiments conducted
by Nathan Dawkins (voiced by
Dafoe).
The story is broken up into
a non-chronological sequence of
Jodie’s memories. It would’ve
been a little better if they were in
the right order.
The entire game is built
on using quick time events
(QTEs) and the right analogue
stick moves to interact with the
world. Some would say that this
approach might be too passive,
but I didn’t mind taking a break
from the thumb candy games.
One thing I didn’t see
coming is the co-op: one player
can play as Jodie, the other as
Aiden. This adds another layer of
intensity with teamwork.
Overall, this is not a game
to be missed, especially to enjoy
Page's finest performance.
Screen capture from Beyond: Two Souls | Courtesy of www.giantbomb.com
Overcoming a minor dilemma at VIFF
Gabrielle review
Cazzy
= Lewchuk
Staff Writer
9
t was my first time visiting the
Vancouver International Film
Festival (VIFF). Frustratingly
for me as a minor, many of the
films are shown at the Vancity
Theatre, a licenced venue.
This means alcohol is freely
served and nobody under 19 is
admitted. I understand many
like to enjoy a drink at a film
festival, but this excluded me
8
from seeing most of the films
at VIFF. I suppose it’s the
fault of the BC drinking laws
and not VIFF itself, but it was
nevertheless frustrating.
Fortunately, after some
searching, I was able to find
a film that looked interesting
and was being shown in an
all-ages venue—in this case,
the Vancouver Playhouse. I’ve
seen many plays at this venue,
but was unaware it was able
to be used as a movie theatre. I
bought a membership and my
first VIFF ticket ever and headed
in.
The best part about seeing
a VIFF movie is the incredibly
respectful tone of the audience.
I’ve never been to a movie
where there wasn’t at least one
person using their phone, eating
and drinking loudly, talking,
wandering in and out, elbowing
me in the face, or other rude
things moviegoers tend to do.
This venue had none of it—even
the staff was incredibly formal
and nice. It’s a nice change
and one of the top reasons I'd
recommend VIFF, along with the
chance to see unique movies not
normally in theatres, of course.
The movie itself, Gabrielle,
directed by Louise Archambault,
was excellent, and a welcome
alternative to most of the
movies I see—which typically
include loud pre-show trailers,
explosions, gratuitous sex, and
A-list actors (not that any of
these are a bad thing).
This film was a touchingly
realistic look at the challenges
faced by mentally handicapped
adults and their families today.
Filmed and set in Quebec,
in French with English subtitles,
Gabrielle follows the story of the
titular young woman who has
Williams syndrome, a disability
that includes notable musical
ability, lower intellect, and a
highly social personality.
She meets another mentally
challenged boy, Martin, in the
choir at their day centre. An
unusual romance follows, along
with the challenges associated
with their relationship: how to
be alone together, independence
from their families, and how
their relationship affects their
performance in the choir.
In addition to the romantic
storyline, Gabrielle seeks more
independence from her mother
and caregivers. Her sister, who
wants to join her husband
teaching in India, is held back
by her concern for Gabrielle.
The film featured some
fairly well-known Québécois
actors—including a cameo
from famous singer Robert
Charlebois—but also includes
newcomers like the title actor,
Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who
also has Williams syndrome.
Overall, I quite enjoyed
the VIFF experience. I’m glad |
chose something a little different
to see in the theatre, as this
drama does not disappoint.
In fact, it has been selected
as Canada’s candidate for
Best Foreign Language Film
in the 2014 Academy Awards
nominations, and is well-
deserved.
Edited Text
ARTS.
Have an idea for a story or review? Contact the editor at arts@theotherpress.ca
Grand Theft Auto:
Online’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
ockstar Games has
definitely made a name for
itself in the past five years with
the 2010 Game of the Year, Red
Dead Redemption, and the most
recent must-have game, Grand
Theft Auto V.
Now there is an add-on for
the Grand Theft Auto: Onlme,
which was released on October
The reason I didn’t review
this last week is there were
so many problems and bugs
with it, I thought it best to give
Rockstar Games time to fix
everything. It would’ve been
better if the company had
released the online component a
couple weeks later and fixed the
problems first.
But let’s just get to the
game.
It is the most exciting
online experience I’ve ever had.
One minute you're holding up
a store just trying to scrape up
some cash, and the next minute
You can do everything, and then some
you're racing airplanes with
your friends. There is almost no
end to what you can do in the
world of Los Santos.
You also have many
different game modes like
Races, Deathmatch, and Last
Man Standing.
Rockstar Games has
confirmed it will be adding
more components in the
following months, like complex
bank heists and a map creation
tool.
There will be more than
enough to do until then. I can’t
wait.
Screen shat GTA V Online | Courtesy of www.cinemablend.com
Jodies emotional journey
Beyond: Iwo Souls’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
£3 £3 3 & &
ave you ever wondered
what would happen if
movies and video games melded
into one awesomely massive
genre? In Beyond: Two Souls, you
basically control a movie.
Made by Quantic Dream
(makers of Heavy Rain), this
supernatural thriller provides
an interactive experience and
features amazing performances
from A-list actors Willem Dafoe
and Ellen Page.
I know I’m talking about a
video game, but the graphics are
so good it made me forget that
it’s not a movie. More than once
I got hurt in the game because
I forgot I was holding the
controller.
The story of Beyond: Two
Souls starts with a young girl
named Jodie Holmes (voiced
by Page) who has a gift: she
is linked to a ghost-like entity
named Aiden that she has some
control over.
The entire game is about
how she learns to control Aiden
through experiments conducted
by Nathan Dawkins (voiced by
Dafoe).
The story is broken up into
a non-chronological sequence of
Jodie’s memories. It would’ve
been a little better if they were in
the right order.
The entire game is built
on using quick time events
(QTEs) and the right analogue
stick moves to interact with the
world. Some would say that this
approach might be too passive,
but I didn’t mind taking a break
from the thumb candy games.
One thing I didn’t see
coming is the co-op: one player
can play as Jodie, the other as
Aiden. This adds another layer of
intensity with teamwork.
Overall, this is not a game
to be missed, especially to enjoy
Page's finest performance.
Screen capture from Beyond: Two Souls | Courtesy of www.giantbomb.com
Overcoming a minor dilemma at VIFF
Gabrielle review
Cazzy
= Lewchuk
Staff Writer
9
t was my first time visiting the
Vancouver International Film
Festival (VIFF). Frustratingly
for me as a minor, many of the
films are shown at the Vancity
Theatre, a licenced venue.
This means alcohol is freely
served and nobody under 19 is
admitted. I understand many
like to enjoy a drink at a film
festival, but this excluded me
8
from seeing most of the films
at VIFF. I suppose it’s the
fault of the BC drinking laws
and not VIFF itself, but it was
nevertheless frustrating.
Fortunately, after some
searching, I was able to find
a film that looked interesting
and was being shown in an
all-ages venue—in this case,
the Vancouver Playhouse. I’ve
seen many plays at this venue,
but was unaware it was able
to be used as a movie theatre. I
bought a membership and my
first VIFF ticket ever and headed
in.
The best part about seeing
a VIFF movie is the incredibly
respectful tone of the audience.
I’ve never been to a movie
where there wasn’t at least one
person using their phone, eating
and drinking loudly, talking,
wandering in and out, elbowing
me in the face, or other rude
things moviegoers tend to do.
This venue had none of it—even
the staff was incredibly formal
and nice. It’s a nice change
and one of the top reasons I'd
recommend VIFF, along with the
chance to see unique movies not
normally in theatres, of course.
The movie itself, Gabrielle,
directed by Louise Archambault,
was excellent, and a welcome
alternative to most of the
movies I see—which typically
include loud pre-show trailers,
explosions, gratuitous sex, and
A-list actors (not that any of
these are a bad thing).
This film was a touchingly
realistic look at the challenges
faced by mentally handicapped
adults and their families today.
Filmed and set in Quebec,
in French with English subtitles,
Gabrielle follows the story of the
titular young woman who has
Williams syndrome, a disability
that includes notable musical
ability, lower intellect, and a
highly social personality.
She meets another mentally
challenged boy, Martin, in the
choir at their day centre. An
unusual romance follows, along
with the challenges associated
with their relationship: how to
be alone together, independence
from their families, and how
their relationship affects their
performance in the choir.
In addition to the romantic
storyline, Gabrielle seeks more
independence from her mother
and caregivers. Her sister, who
wants to join her husband
teaching in India, is held back
by her concern for Gabrielle.
The film featured some
fairly well-known Québécois
actors—including a cameo
from famous singer Robert
Charlebois—but also includes
newcomers like the title actor,
Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who
also has Williams syndrome.
Overall, I quite enjoyed
the VIFF experience. I’m glad |
chose something a little different
to see in the theatre, as this
drama does not disappoint.
In fact, it has been selected
as Canada’s candidate for
Best Foreign Language Film
in the 2014 Academy Awards
nominations, and is well-
deserved.
Have an idea for a story or review? Contact the editor at arts@theotherpress.ca
Grand Theft Auto:
Online’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
ockstar Games has
definitely made a name for
itself in the past five years with
the 2010 Game of the Year, Red
Dead Redemption, and the most
recent must-have game, Grand
Theft Auto V.
Now there is an add-on for
the Grand Theft Auto: Onlme,
which was released on October
The reason I didn’t review
this last week is there were
so many problems and bugs
with it, I thought it best to give
Rockstar Games time to fix
everything. It would’ve been
better if the company had
released the online component a
couple weeks later and fixed the
problems first.
But let’s just get to the
game.
It is the most exciting
online experience I’ve ever had.
One minute you're holding up
a store just trying to scrape up
some cash, and the next minute
You can do everything, and then some
you're racing airplanes with
your friends. There is almost no
end to what you can do in the
world of Los Santos.
You also have many
different game modes like
Races, Deathmatch, and Last
Man Standing.
Rockstar Games has
confirmed it will be adding
more components in the
following months, like complex
bank heists and a map creation
tool.
There will be more than
enough to do until then. I can’t
wait.
Screen shat GTA V Online | Courtesy of www.cinemablend.com
Jodies emotional journey
Beyond: Iwo Souls’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
£3 £3 3 & &
ave you ever wondered
what would happen if
movies and video games melded
into one awesomely massive
genre? In Beyond: Two Souls, you
basically control a movie.
Made by Quantic Dream
(makers of Heavy Rain), this
supernatural thriller provides
an interactive experience and
features amazing performances
from A-list actors Willem Dafoe
and Ellen Page.
I know I’m talking about a
video game, but the graphics are
so good it made me forget that
it’s not a movie. More than once
I got hurt in the game because
I forgot I was holding the
controller.
The story of Beyond: Two
Souls starts with a young girl
named Jodie Holmes (voiced
by Page) who has a gift: she
is linked to a ghost-like entity
named Aiden that she has some
control over.
The entire game is about
how she learns to control Aiden
through experiments conducted
by Nathan Dawkins (voiced by
Dafoe).
The story is broken up into
a non-chronological sequence of
Jodie’s memories. It would’ve
been a little better if they were in
the right order.
The entire game is built
on using quick time events
(QTEs) and the right analogue
stick moves to interact with the
world. Some would say that this
approach might be too passive,
but I didn’t mind taking a break
from the thumb candy games.
One thing I didn’t see
coming is the co-op: one player
can play as Jodie, the other as
Aiden. This adds another layer of
intensity with teamwork.
Overall, this is not a game
to be missed, especially to enjoy
Page's finest performance.
Screen capture from Beyond: Two Souls | Courtesy of www.giantbomb.com
Overcoming a minor dilemma at VIFF
Gabrielle review
Cazzy
= Lewchuk
Staff Writer
9
t was my first time visiting the
Vancouver International Film
Festival (VIFF). Frustratingly
for me as a minor, many of the
films are shown at the Vancity
Theatre, a licenced venue.
This means alcohol is freely
served and nobody under 19 is
admitted. I understand many
like to enjoy a drink at a film
festival, but this excluded me
8
from seeing most of the films
at VIFF. I suppose it’s the
fault of the BC drinking laws
and not VIFF itself, but it was
nevertheless frustrating.
Fortunately, after some
searching, I was able to find
a film that looked interesting
and was being shown in an
all-ages venue—in this case,
the Vancouver Playhouse. I’ve
seen many plays at this venue,
but was unaware it was able
to be used as a movie theatre. I
bought a membership and my
first VIFF ticket ever and headed
in.
The best part about seeing
a VIFF movie is the incredibly
respectful tone of the audience.
I’ve never been to a movie
where there wasn’t at least one
person using their phone, eating
and drinking loudly, talking,
wandering in and out, elbowing
me in the face, or other rude
things moviegoers tend to do.
This venue had none of it—even
the staff was incredibly formal
and nice. It’s a nice change
and one of the top reasons I'd
recommend VIFF, along with the
chance to see unique movies not
normally in theatres, of course.
The movie itself, Gabrielle,
directed by Louise Archambault,
was excellent, and a welcome
alternative to most of the
movies I see—which typically
include loud pre-show trailers,
explosions, gratuitous sex, and
A-list actors (not that any of
these are a bad thing).
This film was a touchingly
realistic look at the challenges
faced by mentally handicapped
adults and their families today.
Filmed and set in Quebec,
in French with English subtitles,
Gabrielle follows the story of the
titular young woman who has
Williams syndrome, a disability
that includes notable musical
ability, lower intellect, and a
highly social personality.
She meets another mentally
challenged boy, Martin, in the
choir at their day centre. An
unusual romance follows, along
with the challenges associated
with their relationship: how to
be alone together, independence
from their families, and how
their relationship affects their
performance in the choir.
In addition to the romantic
storyline, Gabrielle seeks more
independence from her mother
and caregivers. Her sister, who
wants to join her husband
teaching in India, is held back
by her concern for Gabrielle.
The film featured some
fairly well-known Québécois
actors—including a cameo
from famous singer Robert
Charlebois—but also includes
newcomers like the title actor,
Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who
also has Williams syndrome.
Overall, I quite enjoyed
the VIFF experience. I’m glad |
chose something a little different
to see in the theatre, as this
drama does not disappoint.
In fact, it has been selected
as Canada’s candidate for
Best Foreign Language Film
in the 2014 Academy Awards
nominations, and is well-
deserved.
Have an idea for a story or review? Contact the editor at arts@theotherpress.ca
Grand Theft Auto:
Online’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
ockstar Games has
definitely made a name for
itself in the past five years with
the 2010 Game of the Year, Red
Dead Redemption, and the most
recent must-have game, Grand
Theft Auto V.
Now there is an add-on for
the Grand Theft Auto: Onlme,
which was released on October
The reason I didn’t review
this last week is there were
so many problems and bugs
with it, I thought it best to give
Rockstar Games time to fix
everything. It would’ve been
better if the company had
released the online component a
couple weeks later and fixed the
problems first.
But let’s just get to the
game.
It is the most exciting
online experience I’ve ever had.
One minute you're holding up
a store just trying to scrape up
some cash, and the next minute
You can do everything, and then some
you're racing airplanes with
your friends. There is almost no
end to what you can do in the
world of Los Santos.
You also have many
different game modes like
Races, Deathmatch, and Last
Man Standing.
Rockstar Games has
confirmed it will be adding
more components in the
following months, like complex
bank heists and a map creation
tool.
There will be more than
enough to do until then. I can’t
wait.
Screen shat GTA V Online | Courtesy of www.cinemablend.com
Jodies emotional journey
Beyond: Iwo Souls’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
£3 £3 3 & &
ave you ever wondered
what would happen if
movies and video games melded
into one awesomely massive
genre? In Beyond: Two Souls, you
basically control a movie.
Made by Quantic Dream
(makers of Heavy Rain), this
supernatural thriller provides
an interactive experience and
features amazing performances
from A-list actors Willem Dafoe
and Ellen Page.
I know I’m talking about a
video game, but the graphics are
so good it made me forget that
it’s not a movie. More than once
I got hurt in the game because
I forgot I was holding the
controller.
The story of Beyond: Two
Souls starts with a young girl
named Jodie Holmes (voiced
by Page) who has a gift: she
is linked to a ghost-like entity
named Aiden that she has some
control over.
The entire game is about
how she learns to control Aiden
through experiments conducted
by Nathan Dawkins (voiced by
Dafoe).
The story is broken up into
a non-chronological sequence of
Jodie’s memories. It would’ve
been a little better if they were in
the right order.
The entire game is built
on using quick time events
(QTEs) and the right analogue
stick moves to interact with the
world. Some would say that this
approach might be too passive,
but I didn’t mind taking a break
from the thumb candy games.
One thing I didn’t see
coming is the co-op: one player
can play as Jodie, the other as
Aiden. This adds another layer of
intensity with teamwork.
Overall, this is not a game
to be missed, especially to enjoy
Page's finest performance.
Screen capture from Beyond: Two Souls | Courtesy of www.giantbomb.com
Overcoming a minor dilemma at VIFF
Gabrielle review
Cazzy
= Lewchuk
Staff Writer
9
t was my first time visiting the
Vancouver International Film
Festival (VIFF). Frustratingly
for me as a minor, many of the
films are shown at the Vancity
Theatre, a licenced venue.
This means alcohol is freely
served and nobody under 19 is
admitted. I understand many
like to enjoy a drink at a film
festival, but this excluded me
8
from seeing most of the films
at VIFF. I suppose it’s the
fault of the BC drinking laws
and not VIFF itself, but it was
nevertheless frustrating.
Fortunately, after some
searching, I was able to find
a film that looked interesting
and was being shown in an
all-ages venue—in this case,
the Vancouver Playhouse. I’ve
seen many plays at this venue,
but was unaware it was able
to be used as a movie theatre. I
bought a membership and my
first VIFF ticket ever and headed
in.
The best part about seeing
a VIFF movie is the incredibly
respectful tone of the audience.
I’ve never been to a movie
where there wasn’t at least one
person using their phone, eating
and drinking loudly, talking,
wandering in and out, elbowing
me in the face, or other rude
things moviegoers tend to do.
This venue had none of it—even
the staff was incredibly formal
and nice. It’s a nice change
and one of the top reasons I'd
recommend VIFF, along with the
chance to see unique movies not
normally in theatres, of course.
The movie itself, Gabrielle,
directed by Louise Archambault,
was excellent, and a welcome
alternative to most of the
movies I see—which typically
include loud pre-show trailers,
explosions, gratuitous sex, and
A-list actors (not that any of
these are a bad thing).
This film was a touchingly
realistic look at the challenges
faced by mentally handicapped
adults and their families today.
Filmed and set in Quebec,
in French with English subtitles,
Gabrielle follows the story of the
titular young woman who has
Williams syndrome, a disability
that includes notable musical
ability, lower intellect, and a
highly social personality.
She meets another mentally
challenged boy, Martin, in the
choir at their day centre. An
unusual romance follows, along
with the challenges associated
with their relationship: how to
be alone together, independence
from their families, and how
their relationship affects their
performance in the choir.
In addition to the romantic
storyline, Gabrielle seeks more
independence from her mother
and caregivers. Her sister, who
wants to join her husband
teaching in India, is held back
by her concern for Gabrielle.
The film featured some
fairly well-known Québécois
actors—including a cameo
from famous singer Robert
Charlebois—but also includes
newcomers like the title actor,
Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who
also has Williams syndrome.
Overall, I quite enjoyed
the VIFF experience. I’m glad |
chose something a little different
to see in the theatre, as this
drama does not disappoint.
In fact, it has been selected
as Canada’s candidate for
Best Foreign Language Film
in the 2014 Academy Awards
nominations, and is well-
deserved.
Have an idea for a story or review? Contact the editor at arts@theotherpress.ca
Grand Theft Auto:
Online’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
ockstar Games has
definitely made a name for
itself in the past five years with
the 2010 Game of the Year, Red
Dead Redemption, and the most
recent must-have game, Grand
Theft Auto V.
Now there is an add-on for
the Grand Theft Auto: Onlme,
which was released on October
The reason I didn’t review
this last week is there were
so many problems and bugs
with it, I thought it best to give
Rockstar Games time to fix
everything. It would’ve been
better if the company had
released the online component a
couple weeks later and fixed the
problems first.
But let’s just get to the
game.
It is the most exciting
online experience I’ve ever had.
One minute you're holding up
a store just trying to scrape up
some cash, and the next minute
You can do everything, and then some
you're racing airplanes with
your friends. There is almost no
end to what you can do in the
world of Los Santos.
You also have many
different game modes like
Races, Deathmatch, and Last
Man Standing.
Rockstar Games has
confirmed it will be adding
more components in the
following months, like complex
bank heists and a map creation
tool.
There will be more than
enough to do until then. I can’t
wait.
Screen shat GTA V Online | Courtesy of www.cinemablend.com
Jodies emotional journey
Beyond: Iwo Souls’ review
Steve Cayer, Senior Columnist
£3 £3 3 & &
ave you ever wondered
what would happen if
movies and video games melded
into one awesomely massive
genre? In Beyond: Two Souls, you
basically control a movie.
Made by Quantic Dream
(makers of Heavy Rain), this
supernatural thriller provides
an interactive experience and
features amazing performances
from A-list actors Willem Dafoe
and Ellen Page.
I know I’m talking about a
video game, but the graphics are
so good it made me forget that
it’s not a movie. More than once
I got hurt in the game because
I forgot I was holding the
controller.
The story of Beyond: Two
Souls starts with a young girl
named Jodie Holmes (voiced
by Page) who has a gift: she
is linked to a ghost-like entity
named Aiden that she has some
control over.
The entire game is about
how she learns to control Aiden
through experiments conducted
by Nathan Dawkins (voiced by
Dafoe).
The story is broken up into
a non-chronological sequence of
Jodie’s memories. It would’ve
been a little better if they were in
the right order.
The entire game is built
on using quick time events
(QTEs) and the right analogue
stick moves to interact with the
world. Some would say that this
approach might be too passive,
but I didn’t mind taking a break
from the thumb candy games.
One thing I didn’t see
coming is the co-op: one player
can play as Jodie, the other as
Aiden. This adds another layer of
intensity with teamwork.
Overall, this is not a game
to be missed, especially to enjoy
Page's finest performance.
Screen capture from Beyond: Two Souls | Courtesy of www.giantbomb.com
Overcoming a minor dilemma at VIFF
Gabrielle review
Cazzy
= Lewchuk
Staff Writer
9
t was my first time visiting the
Vancouver International Film
Festival (VIFF). Frustratingly
for me as a minor, many of the
films are shown at the Vancity
Theatre, a licenced venue.
This means alcohol is freely
served and nobody under 19 is
admitted. I understand many
like to enjoy a drink at a film
festival, but this excluded me
8
from seeing most of the films
at VIFF. I suppose it’s the
fault of the BC drinking laws
and not VIFF itself, but it was
nevertheless frustrating.
Fortunately, after some
searching, I was able to find
a film that looked interesting
and was being shown in an
all-ages venue—in this case,
the Vancouver Playhouse. I’ve
seen many plays at this venue,
but was unaware it was able
to be used as a movie theatre. I
bought a membership and my
first VIFF ticket ever and headed
in.
The best part about seeing
a VIFF movie is the incredibly
respectful tone of the audience.
I’ve never been to a movie
where there wasn’t at least one
person using their phone, eating
and drinking loudly, talking,
wandering in and out, elbowing
me in the face, or other rude
things moviegoers tend to do.
This venue had none of it—even
the staff was incredibly formal
and nice. It’s a nice change
and one of the top reasons I'd
recommend VIFF, along with the
chance to see unique movies not
normally in theatres, of course.
The movie itself, Gabrielle,
directed by Louise Archambault,
was excellent, and a welcome
alternative to most of the
movies I see—which typically
include loud pre-show trailers,
explosions, gratuitous sex, and
A-list actors (not that any of
these are a bad thing).
This film was a touchingly
realistic look at the challenges
faced by mentally handicapped
adults and their families today.
Filmed and set in Quebec,
in French with English subtitles,
Gabrielle follows the story of the
titular young woman who has
Williams syndrome, a disability
that includes notable musical
ability, lower intellect, and a
highly social personality.
She meets another mentally
challenged boy, Martin, in the
choir at their day centre. An
unusual romance follows, along
with the challenges associated
with their relationship: how to
be alone together, independence
from their families, and how
their relationship affects their
performance in the choir.
In addition to the romantic
storyline, Gabrielle seeks more
independence from her mother
and caregivers. Her sister, who
wants to join her husband
teaching in India, is held back
by her concern for Gabrielle.
The film featured some
fairly well-known Québécois
actors—including a cameo
from famous singer Robert
Charlebois—but also includes
newcomers like the title actor,
Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, who
also has Williams syndrome.
Overall, I quite enjoyed
the VIFF experience. I’m glad |
chose something a little different
to see in the theatre, as this
drama does not disappoint.
In fact, it has been selected
as Canada’s candidate for
Best Foreign Language Film
in the 2014 Academy Awards
nominations, and is well-
deserved.