Trailer for Canadian Buddy Cop Comedy “Bon Cop Bad Cop”
Anyone in Canada who saw Clerks II this past weekend probably also caught the trailer for what looks like a spectacularly unfunny comedy called Bon Cop Bad Cop. It’s billed as the first “bilingual” movie in Canadian cinematic history, and it urges me to ask the question, why must all Canadian movies try so damn hard to be Canadian? This is a buddy cop movie about one English-speaking cop from Ontario and one French cop from Quebec who must solve murders that are happening in a hockey league. Come on! A hockey league?? This reminds me of that curling flick Men With Brooms. Who the heck could possibly want to see this thing? I’d love to see more home grown movies happening over here in Canada, but if crap like this is representative of our filmmaking “scene”, I want nothing to do with it. If you’re curious about this train wreck, check out the trailer via the link below. Bon Cop Bad Cop hits theatres in Canada on August 11th.
Comments (58)
i cant see paying money for this flick.
Posted by Chopper on July 25th, 2006So, you are basing your entire opinion of this movie on a trailer? You have not actually seen it? Sounds logical.
Posted by Joanna on August 8th, 2006“So, you are basing your entire opinion of this movie on a trailer?”
someone want to tell this lady what trailers are for?
Posted by Goon on August 8th, 2006Trailers are for marketing.
Posted by georgebob on August 10th, 2006Bon cop bad cop is a very good movie you should go see it !
Posted by Athena on August 10th, 2006I think that you don’t understand the point of this movie. It’s not meant to be an artsy movie, or a movie that make you think about society or crap like that… it’s a comedy. Plus, I can’t see how you can bash a movie without having seen it. For example, I have seen the preview for the night listener. To me, the story has no appeal, and actually, I don’t think I’d go see it just by watching the trailer, BUT, I might go see it because of reviews that I’ve read. It’s hard to compare the two I guess, but my point is that you can’t bring a movie down by watching it’s previews. Also, if you don’t think that there are great home grown movies in Canada, it’s probably because you haven’t looked for them.
Sebastien
Posted by Sebastien on August 10th, 2006Yeah I know I haven’t seen it, but let’s just say I have a hunch that this won’t be my cup of tea. Come on, French Canadian jokes? Talk about limiting your audience.
I do know there are good Canadian movies out there, but this is the kind of stuff that is getting wide distribution and, in my opinion, misrepresenting our home grown talent.
Posted by Sean on August 10th, 2006I bet this got linked somewhere like the “Trailer Park Boys” thing did. I look forward to more friends of the director and/or Extras from the “Exploding Poutine” scene showing up on FilmJunk.
when you make a preview for the film, you are selling the entire film in under 2 minutes. If its stupid, people will say so, and they will not go to it, and in fact urge others not to go to it. They has as much pull and importance as actual reviews, if not more so. If you dont like what we have to say about the trailer, maybe you shouldnt have made such a stupid movie that embarrasses Canada as much as yourselves for having thought it up.
Posted by Goon on August 11th, 2006It’s actually a very funny film. I went in with the expectations that it would be simply hilariously bad, not knowing whether it was being marketed as a comedy or a serious action movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s genuinely funny in most parts, but it’s definitely the kind of humor only born-and-bred Canadians will understand.
I thought it was great even despite the obviously cheesy elements (does every Canadian movie have to involve hockey?) It wasn’t trying to be artsy or self-important, it was just a great Canadian film, and ultimately just a great parody of other films.
Posted by Sean M. on August 16th, 2006who are you people and how can I join you. I’m sure you’re all being paid very well. I want some of that Crap Movie Blurb Cash.
Posted by Goon on August 16th, 2006ok so you don’t think you’ll like it. but i’m going to go see it because i love colm feore. and in case you haven’t noticed, and canada is supposed to be bilingual so you should be able to understand the jokes. even if you can’t, just read te subtitles.
slamming a canadian film doesn’t only make canadian film industry look bad, it makes you look bad aswell. have some national pride, it’s only a comedy.
Posted by r.w. on August 17th, 2006if ‘national pride’ means talking up a bad movie simply because it comes from your own country, fuck national pride.
Strange Brew, Hard Core Logo, hell even Kitchen Party, Waydowntown and otheres, there are many fine Canadian films. But this just looks ridiculous as hell to me in that very bad way.
Posted by Goon on August 17th, 2006im not saying you have to endorse it, but slamming it won’t get you anywhere.
now having said that, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Posted by r.w. on August 18th, 2006k first of all im a Quebecer Cris de tabarnac lol. I moved 2 B.C when i was 6 so i have the best of both worlds and this is why this movie looks hallarious. allso this film shows how anglish-canadian act towards french-canadian.and if u know nothing about canada’s history with quebec and ontario then it might be a bit harder 2 get the movie.
Posted by jesse on August 19th, 2006I grew up in a very bilingual part of New Brunswick. The town was very tense towards each other and even as a kid i saw it was ridiculous. I ‘get’ it. i know the stereotypes. Ontario has a stick up its ass and Quebecers are supposedly pompous. so what.
Posted by Goon on August 19th, 2006you have to understand tabbernaccywackaway guy, we are flat out SICK of the fact that every Canadian movie to get a push has to somehow be Canada – themed. are we that lame? we cant make something universal? the killer has to wear a hockey mask and kill hockey players? a movie about curling?
I dont care for Trailer Park Boys but theres a reason it has reach outside this country, why Kenny vs Spenny has inspired versions in other countries, why Tom Green was able to land on MTV, whey even Puppets Who Kill has fans outside this country, why Hard Core Logo, FUBAR, Ginger Snaps and Its All Gone Pete Tong have reach outside this country. Why David Cronenberg is known outside of Canada… they dont do goofy shit like this.
this French/English gimmick is just as lame as slapping Eugene Levy with Samuel L Jackson and playing up how white one is vs how black and cool the other is. its lame, its cliched, its been done, and when you take that away all you have is a bad cop movie.
Man, I remember when CBC decided not to pick up Tom Green but instead produced pilots for ‘Rideau Hall’ and “an American in Canada” and within their debut episodes exhausted every canadian joke… it appears in order to get a push in papers or money from the government (whcih is maybe one of the biggest problems here) that we have to force “Canadian culture” on ourselves. Thats ridiculous. Just make a good story, I dont care where is set, I’m not saying we cant have movies set in Canada, because we shoudl – I’m saying we are forcing Canada THEMED movies on ourselves, and it sucks the proverbial dick.
I’m telling you, the next big movie from Canada to get a push wont end up being Atom Egoyan’s new film, it’ll be something like “Hockey Dads”, a goofball comedy about two dads stuck in Newfoundland who need to make it home to Winnepeg in time to catch their kids big game. On the way they will visit the covered bridge in Hampton New Brunswick. hilarity ensues. In fact, that is so much what gets made, I should write up a pitch for it and see if i can make a couple hundred dollars profit by subjecting a naive patriotic crowd to pure shit.
Posted by Goon on August 19th, 2006Hey Goon, a TON of US movies are very blatantly set in the US. As for good stories, well, take a few story classes. Not sure you know what one is. Good luck with that grant, BTW. Let me know how that pans out for ya.
Bon Cop Bad Cop’s made a million dollars ROC on its opening day. It’ll probably wind up grossing $15M domestic. (BTW I work in the film business in case you wanna tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about) Why don’t you quit your whining and see if you can do any better. It may not br ultra-original and it’s a fun popcorn movie. And it got a standing ovation everywhere I saw it – incuding Oakville, possibly one of the most Anglo-Saxon communities in Canada.
Posted by Skycron on August 19th, 2006almost all the business you so proudly claim is from Quebec, where they have their own star system and an audience that is much more open to domestic films. that a movie does well in part of the country should be no defense of its actual quality.
I cant think of ONE US film that blatantly goes for such a patriotic populist appeal thats actually any good. can you?
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006and I’ll have you know “hockey dads” has already signed on Brent Butt and Paul Gross to star, with cameos from Dan Aykroyd and Steve Smith as the other teams’ two competing hockey dads who try to foil their sceme from afar. The ‘tainted cruller’ scene is sure to inspire a humorous reference on a future Air Farce episode. I hear they’re going to fire the Chicken Cannon at Ryan Reynolds, who will play a stereotypical American who intends to broadcast the hockey game with a blue streak so people can follow the puck…
We’re going to do 5 days of re-shoots as theres been a demand to include a line about being sick of these ‘motherfuckin hosers in the motherfuckin Tim Hortons queue’ – anybody seen Rick Mercer around? I’m sure he can pull it off with a smug knowing smile that pulls you completely out of the scene, as only a Canadian actor who only works in Canadian film and TV can.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006I mean seriously. Everything I’ve seen from this thing indicates a massive Canadian inferiority complex, that the best we can do is make a big in-joke with no appeal outside our border, that emulates the lower end of Hollywood garbage.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006Golly! Les Québecois make films for a Québecois audience and do a pretty decent job of making a buck and reinforcing their culture, not counting on appeal outside their border. How about we just shoulder our way into the cinemas dominated by the latest overhyped, formulaic 2-star Hollywood schlock and at least get a chance to see a film with Canadian jokes for Canadians? Could I care less whether someone from Buffalo gets it? No. Should I? No.
BTW, Goon? The reviews are pretty good all-around. I guess it’d be too much crow for you to eat to actually pay to see this, wouldn’t it? Ton pit!
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006How do we always get stuck with people arguing over the stupidest shit on this site? Why are you guys defending this movie? You are all actually involved in the production right?
Look we’re not trying to insult your livelihood. I’m sure there’s people out there who will find it funny. I can imagine that as a Francophone that this would really be a movie you can get behind. But you’re still not going to convince the rest of us to see it.
Posted by Sean on August 20th, 2006Of course Francophones are going to go see a movie thats at least partially in French that makes fun of Anglos. Fine, go ahead. But see, some of us… don’t care, and in fact find this sort of thing… old, done, unfunny, and all the jokes obvious. “why are you so rude?” “no, why are YOU so rude?!”
you say ‘overhyped formulaic hollywood schlock’ but thats exactly what you’ve made yourself, but it different because its YOUR formulaic schlock, right? right? and we should support it becuase YOU made it, right?
so with Cutter’s comment, I feel even more justified in my stance. ” Canadian jokes for Canadians ” – Canadian jokes for Canadians suck, have been done to death, especially on CBC TV, I’ve heard them so many times they cant possibly be funny except in an ironic sense. Even when AMERICANS make them they’re lame. ha ha ha canadians say “Aboot” i’ve never heard that one before, thanks Joe from St. Louis.
NONE OF US HAVE SAID YOU CANT MAKE QUEBECOIS FILMS FOR A QUEBECOIS AUDIENCE. We just think that a) Canadian jokes are lame b) the trailer looked like shit and c) that we are sick of seeing the Canadian films that DO get attention being ones with Canadian jokes about Canadians. We’d like to see a Canadian film get attention with a UNIVERSAL theme that you dont have to be born in Moose Jaw to get.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006“The reviews are pretty good all-around. I guess it’d be too much crow for you to eat to actually pay to see this, wouldn’t it?”
i have seen a few good reviews. The good reviews are praising it for the very things I dont want to see, and the bad reviews are bringing up the very thing I dont want to see. Its getting good and bad reviews for the SAME REASONS. One persons “it humorously pokes fun at our differences and is a decent action thriller!” is anothers “these jokes are cliched and the plot and execution is formulaic Hollywood schlock”
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006Of course them Frenchies’d pay good bucks to hear la langue Francias on the big screen. We jus’ know how they’re suckers that way. But boy-oh-boy, you just gots ta see Snakes On A Plane! THAT’S some quality entertainment. And odd old thing; I seem to recall one of those Frenchie films winning an Oscar not so long ago. I guess the Academy felt sorry for them. Sheesh!
I talked about the “latest overhyped, formulaic 2-star Hollywood schlock” (which describes the majority of Hollywood films throughout the year). So what about that makes it superior to BCBC? Jus cuz its frum Amurica? And of course, we all know that American jokes haven’t EVER been done to death for the rest of the world to politely snicker to. What gets me is you haven’t even seen the film!!!!! You’re astounding! You’re the self-hating Canadian who would sooner walk a mile on broken glass than give something that clearly a lot of people who’ve actually seen the film a chance. Of course, I know your type. Mike Myers had you pegged. If it’s Canadian, it’s CRAP!
Les Québecois couldn’t give a flying fuk whether the Anglos went to see C.R.A.Z.Y. or Seducing Dr. Lewis. We’re icing on their producer’s cake. That the films were worth seeing despite the subtitles speaks to the quality of the films themselves. Of course, they’re frog films so they don’t really count, now do they? So tell me. What are the Canadian films that you’ve seen and liked? An enquiring mind wants to know..
Bring it if you have any stones.
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006Attention Sean,
It isn’t all about them froggie-types inflicting something on the poor deluded Anglo population. Perish the thought that we might take a moment away from slagging the froggie-types to acknowledging that our differences can make for some amusing film. FWIW, I work in television so my paper-thin ego isn’t going to be crushed if you don’t like the film. But there’s one thing necessary for an informed opinion about the film that both you and Gooner seem to be overlooking: Ya gots ta see the film to be able to profer an informed opinion. Otherwise, you come off as yet another Internet slackjaw.
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006“I seem to recall one of those Frenchie films winning an Oscar not so long ago. I guess the Academy felt sorry for them. Sheesh!”
you’re not even reading my posts… we have NO PROBLEM in general with Canadian films, we are just SICK TO DEATH of the ones that get wide distribution being dumb Canadian in-jokes like Men With Brooms, Duct Tape Forever and Bon Cop Bad Cop. C.R.A.Z.Y. didnt get this type of distribution, nor did Its All Gone Pete Tong or even FUBAR, which had a pretty wide appeal.
“So what about that makes it superior to BCBC? Jus cuz its frum Amurica?”
well for one, nothing we have said is a defense of American schlock, we just think that its sad that a Canadian film would emulate it and somehow pretend its any better, just because its from here. But for the record, if I’m watching an action/comedy, I’d rather see one with a big dumb budget to match its big dumb script. Also, its my own experience that even the average bad Hollywood actor is usually more entertaining than the average Canadian actor. Very few Canadians who can act stick around. The good French Canadian actors have a bias against them from Hollywood so they are more likely to stay where they can work, which is why Quebec has built a star system and the rest of us have not. You have a bias against you from Hollywood to keep them out, so you have made the most of the situation. Therefore its no surprise that the most artful Canadian films are usually from Quebec.
“You’re the self-hating Canadian who would sooner walk a mile on broken glass than give something that clearly a lot of people who’ve actually seen the film a chance.”
Listen douchebag, I’ve given example after example of fine Canadian films we stick up for. Just becuase we dont want to see a cheesy action movie full of Canadian cliches you want to pull out the ’self hating Canadian’ card, and again backing up my own complaint to begin with. These shitty in-joke movies are getting pushes from people like you, demanding to be supported, because they are Canadian. If you dont like them then somehow you hate Canada. If standing up for shit is patriotic, then fuck patriotism. Do you hate America if you dont see “World Trade Center”?
“Of course, they’re frog films so they don’t really count, now do they?”
Now you’re playing up the Anglo vs. French debate, wow, you’re rich – the only thing I’ve said about French film on this thread is a POSITIVE – that they have developed their own star system and will support each other. If the rest of Canada did this we’d have GREAT films that WERENT funded by the government that people would go to see because of the story, not because doing so is patriotic.
“So tell me. What are the Canadian films that you’ve seen and liked? An enquiring mind wants to know”
I’ve named plenty. Thanks again for not reading. A nice little list AGAIN, since you apparently you havent evolved the thumbs to scroll back up: Its All Gone Pete Tong, FUBAR, C.R.A.Z.Y., waydowntown, Kitchen Party, Ginger Snaps, Hard Core Logo, Exotica, Barbarian Invasions, does Triplets of Belleville count?, The Corporation, Last Night, Ryan, and one of my favorite films of all time – The Red Violin… those just off the top of my head. I’d also make an argument for Brain Candy considering the people involved but I dont think that really counts. theres plenty more I look forward to seeing but have a hard time finding, such as Whale Music, Jesus of Montreal, etc.
Once again I have to whittle down my point: There are plenty of good Canadian films. WE ARE SICK AND TIRED of the ones that get wide distribution being self referencing Canadian ones that are meant to only appeal to Canadians like Men With Brooms and yes, Bon Cop Bad Cop. I am especially sick of Canadian TV shows that do the same, since they are the majority of Canadian TV. And dont get me started on the Air Farce, a TV show so terrible that only is allowed to continue to exist because its a Canadian institution.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006“Ya gots ta see the film to be able to profer an informed opinion.”
I agree its usually bad form to review a film we havent seen, but this whole news post was about the trailer that we saw and DID NOT LIKE, and how it reminded us of the big point – we want Canadian films that ARENT big in-jokes to be pushed instead. We are embarrassed that we have to constantly self reference ourselves with stereotypes to get any attention from distributors. Tell me why this DOESNT concern you? If you’re in Quebec you see way more homegrown stuff in theatres, but we in Ontario and the rest of Canada – DON’T. I continue to trash the film becuase its easy to make fun of, and it gets a rise out of me to see people so vehemently defend what by all reviews seems to be exactly the type of film I avoid.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006I’d rather see affectionately humourous stereotypes played out than “dick & fart” jokes. The more Canadian in flavour, the better.
Posted by Bassmasta-Baychuk on August 20th, 2006It’s business, Goon. If people are going to pay to see it and help it make a profit, yours is a voice in the wilderness. If it takes 5 BCBC’s to help get wider exposure for a less easily-approached film, is that a problem? Or would you rather it just didn’t happen? As for trailers, they’re to get you in the door in whatever manner necessary. If the guy going out the door feels he got more of his money’s worth from this as opposed to Sweet Hereafter, who are you to tell him his opinion’s less worthy than yours?
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006“If it takes 5 BCBC’s to help get wider exposure for a less easily-approached film, is that a problem?”
it wouldnt be a problem if a BCBC actually got wider exposure in the rest of Canada for a less easily approached film – except for the fact that they dont. Men With Brooms was a failure, and BCBC hasnt done shit outside of Quebec, where help isnt exactly needed to get the less exposed films out to the public.
“If the guy going out the door feels he got more of his money’s worth from this as opposed to Sweet Hereafter, who are you to tell him his opinion’s less worthy than yours?”
its real swell of you to play the ‘its just your opinion man’ card after you picked on Snakes on a Plane and typical Hollywood shlock to try and make a point….
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006“BCBC hasnt done shit outside of Quebec”
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006First weekend, quickshot. Maybe you should wait for the boxoffice to comeback before you shoot your toes off. And it was the biggest boxoffice opening in Quebec, topping the “Les Boys” franchise. IIRC, this is thew first BCBC flick. You positive that it isn’t going to happen? MWB got middling reviews and was pretty flawed though it had its moments. I picked SOAP because it’s emblematic of the schlock that so many in this country have come to be brainwashed into thinking is ‘quality’ film. Yea, Sam Jackson says “Motherfuckin’”. There’s deep scriptwriting originality for you. In case you hadn’t noticed, short of cinema CanCon, we’re going to have to coerce people into Canadian films for a bit and if it takes a buddy flick to break the ice, why are your knickers in such a complete twist? What’s your great altenative suggestion?
“I picked SOAP because it’s emblematic of the schlock that so many in this country have come to be brainwashed into thinking is ‘quality’ film. Yea, Sam Jackson says “Motherfuckin’â€Â. There’s deep scriptwriting originality for you.”
wow, you are so completely out of the loop about why people are seeing that movie.
“What’s your great altenative suggestion?”
Your ‘whats your suggestion’ question is entirely moot – its not the onus of critics or moviewatchers to ‘fix’ the Canadian industry.
If Canada truly has what it takes to compete with films from around the world, especially Hollywood – it will just happen, we cant force feed it to people as a duty, which is what is happening, and you have even seemed to push in some of your comments.
Its up to indviduals who make the films to make a better product. Instead its being pawned off on the public, begged to support films that dont appeal to them. There are inherent problems. French language films dont have much pull outside of Quebec because the general public is biased against reading in a theater. Second, truly great scripts by talented writers usually get pitched to the Hollywood studios, even if they might end up getting raped, because its just better business for themselves. Theres a great Canadian comic series that makes reference to Toronto locations frequently called “Scott Pilgrim” – its almost our version of Ghost World – and it has been optioned by an American studio already.
This isnt just a problem within movies. IT was also a problem in music and still sometimes is. Pushing CanCon regulations on radio stations, the government paying for music videos to promote them – in the 90s to me at least all it did was create mediocre band after mediocre band and it was embarrassing. But Canada, especially Toronto and Montreal lately, have been putting out artists that not only can compete globally, but put out the best records of the year. And they didnt do it with the help of the government or by begging people to buy it as a patriotic duty – they made it because they were just flat out GOOD.
If THEY can break through, so can some films.
As a movie fan, all i can do is give advice – Give me something edgy, different, unique, funny – dont play on my patriotism and beg me to do some duty, dont give me jokes i can see suck for free on Rick Mercers program every week, dont feel you have to play to the widest audience possible, hook up with Canadian talent before they get courted by Hollywood. Or maybe even take a different route and make films that dont need budgets but still have appeal – like documentaries. Theres no good reason why Canada doesnt have an Oscar caliber documentary every year – instead they end up just made and broadcast on CBC and forgotten before they can really gain approval and notoriety outside our country.
Example: I’d have paid to see Kenny Hotz’ “Papal Chase” in theatres, as I’m sure the other Filmjunk staff would have. It was named best Canadian film at the Whistler festival, has an edgy youth appeal and a smart premise that would draw viewers the way that Super Size Me, Jackass and Michael Moore films do. Theres no reason that movie had to just fade away like that.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006“Its not the onus of critics or moviewatchers to ‘fix’ the Canadian industry.”
You have a big opinion about why a film you haven’t seen can’t possibly be good and yet you wimp out when challenged to suggest a workable alternative. So all you wanna do is bitch without actually providing some constructive help. Great. Spoken like a true 905-er. Of course, we have to hog-tie the industry to live up to your stringent standards of how things should be. Boy, that’s realistic. And of course, CanCon didn’t do a thing for the music business because you said it didn’t. Gimme a break. And of course, we all know that films don’t cost anymore to produce than music and there’s as many oulets for films as music, right? And why should we limit ourselves to documentaries? Why shouldn’t we be able to enjoy our fiction on-screen? ‘Cuz Hollywood bought everybody? Sheesh!
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006thanks for not reading my post. again.
It isnt up to moviegoers to make better movies, but I gave advice in that post anyways. God damn. I give you enough respect to reply at length to your posts and you dont even have the courtesy to read them. If moviemakers cant make art that can get people to the theater and then actually LIKE the film, its not the fault of the people. If I shit on a flag and hang it in a gallery and it never sells, I cant just go blame the public and say “well lets see you do better”… critics are often annoying and wrong but you to go and pin the failure of a project on them, telling them they are self hating Canadians for not enjoying it. Thats bullshit.
CanCon has helped artists, but I dont see many cases where they are truly responsible for breaking any amazing ones. Just because they fund art doesnt mean the art will be any good. My opinion of CanCon is the cost the government puts into these musicians and films hasnt reaped enough benefit to the public. They benefit the artists more than the art or the viewers of the work itself. Thats my opinion. Also on top of that, CanCon, and I know many artists who agree with me here, has made US labels pay less mind when something does succeed, because whether its Our Lady Peace or the Tragically Hip or whoever, “they only succeeded because the government forced it on the people” – CanCon creates a built in bias and a glass ceiling… stuff that actually succeeds here has a hard time breaking through to international success.
But thats another topic…
“why should we limit ourselves to documentaries”
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006I never said that. I just think we would benefit ourselves to make more, as we have a true talent for it that is being ignored. But on the flip side, yes, Canada is probably better off putting out a high quality drama or comedy film of medium to low budget rather than emulating a Hollywood style action movie without the budget to really thill people. Red Violin and Pete Tong look world class in spite of low budgets. It was our opinion from the trailer that BCBC looks feels sounds and smells like low budget crap that neither looks funny enough or fun enough to make up for those shortcomings. The title especially makes me cringe.
Do you even have a clue what CanCon is? It’s the regulations dictating how much Canadian Content appears on Canadian television and radio, dimbulb. It isn’t about funding. Stay with the tour.
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006when I refer to CanCon, and I often do with people – we have an understanding – we are refering to both government regulations, as well as grants both from the government and outside it ie VideoFACT.
but especially Telefilm, whose first mission point is “to tell unique Canadian stories”. thats what you get by tying yourself to a Crown Corporation – having to push a Canadian themed story rather than just a story – its almost like they make Canada the star of the film and there just so happens to be people in it who do things. I hate that. The NFB isnt much better, also reporting to Parliament through the Heritage Minister.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006So long as artists have to run to the NFB and Telefilm to get anything made, the more we are going to see stuff like BCBC. Are there any real Canadian film studios that have no ties to the government/CBC? i must say I dont know of any. Without one, this is going to continue.
How many British films have you seen that rely on making stereotypical British jokes to carry the entire film? DOnt get me wrong, those films and shows are undeniably British, whether its the Office or Snatch… but they dont exist to push British culture, they exist to entertain first and foremost. I’m not asking Canadian films to disavow themselves of a Canadian feel, by all means pronounce about “aboot” or “aboat”, say pop instead of soda, show the CN Tower proudly – fine – but is it possible for people to make a horror movie liek Britains Dog Soldiers or 28 Days Later that just so happens to take place in B.C – isnt is possible to produce something like Trainspotting that just so happens to take place in Iqalit? Would it be a crime to hire an American actor to tell a story that happened in Canada, like Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Owning Mahowney” if it would make a better film?
Why does it instead have to be like BCBC instead of one of these? Ginger Snaps was low budget but it had a unique take on horror films, it seemed to be Canadian in some ways but didnt throw it in your face, make the Werewolf wear a Leafs jersey for one extra laugh, and the film is better for it. Kitchen Party feels very Canadian and even says some things about polite Canadian suburbia but it doesnt wave it in your face…
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006So where’s all this alternative money coming from, Goon? CanCon is Canadian Content. Totally different concept from Telefilm or any other funding agency. Do you actually understand how Telefilm works? Nobody’s twisting anyone’s arm to take the money. I guess you just hate the idea of government being in any way involved.
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006I hate the government being involved if the requirement is to make the stories “more Canadian”
It seems to the government that ‘heritage’ means screaming “THIS MOVIE IS ABOUT CANADA!” rather than just making a good story that happens to be made by a Canadian. In the end its the latter that will build us a stronger heritage, not the former. That we continue to celebrate our heritage through broad plaid-out stereotypes, to me, is embarrassing.
Do you have a problem with that line of thinking?
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006Don’t take the money. Then all these wonderful movies can be the best they can be. Of course, they’ll most likely be “Greek Wedding”ed. Do you know what that is? That’s when U.S. money takes a Canadian story and relocates it to somewhere in the States. But you know this. I mean, you’ve made these same arguments on FD
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006I dont like it when films are intended to play out here but then ‘relocated’ to the States. I’d hate to see it happen to the Scott Pilgrim movie if it ever gets made. That said, “Greek Wedding” probably turned out a better than it would have been if it were forced to conform to Telefilms mission statement.
For someone who has at times suggested “business” is more important than quality, its funny that you’d trash Nia Vardalos for that decision. Are you suggesting she’s a traitor for allowing it to be relocated, or not working within Canada?
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006(or are maybe jealous that her film turned out to be such a huge success after going that route? is she a sell-out to other Canadian film makers?)
Nia didn’t have a choice. She created a lovely play set in Winnipeg. But Tom didn’t think Winnipeg would resonate in the States. So off to Chicago “My Wedding” went. Money talked, Nia walked. I’m just shaking my head at how blindly anti-Telefilm and anti-CanCon you are. You’ve taken the blue pill, son
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006Telefilm has put out some good material, however like I said most of the time I think their mission statement gets in the way of making good films better and more resonant. There are many films they have made that I’ve liked and disliked that dont really match my stereotype – like Phil the Alien would be a good example of the latter. The Statement would be a good example of the former.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006So Corey,
Was Greek Wedding better being set in Chicago instead of Winnipeg as-written? I mean, if it’s all about universal themes, why the shift?
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006I already said I dont really like that the location was switched, because nothing was made of the location – it didnt matter. I dont like it because it was unnecessary but the truth is it was inconsequential to the film. I havent read the script, I could only have my mind changed if there was something unique to Winnipeg that got cut that would have made it better.
You say I’ve taken the blue pill, but I think you’ve taken the Kool-Aid. Your position through all of this comes across that the Canadian film industry is just fine in its current state and that its the moviegoers that are the problem for not supporting whats currently there. Am I wrong?
I want to know what you feel the shortcomings are, if any, of the Canadian film industry, what you would do to change it, what you think are the best examples of Canadian film are… Its time for you to put up, Cutter.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006uhhh, actually YOU’RE the one saying the status quo’s peachy, don’t make populist Canadian entertainment. Or are you switching gears? And you’re the one bitching without providing alternatives.
Posted by Cutter on August 20th, 2006Who are you lying to, Cutter? I’ve stated that a status quo exists because of outside factors, but not that it is ‘peachy’, I have openly stated again and again I’d like non-populist (and by that I mean pushing ones that rely on jokes about Canadian culture and stereotypes, not necessarily “mainstream” in the Greek Wedding sense) Canadian films given better promotion, and have given advice on what I want even after I said its not the onus on the fans. I’ve explained why The Quebec star system would be a model for the rest of Canada if things could only be. I’ve explained how a move away from Telefilm might make things better. I cant think of a question you’ve asked I didnt answer.
So dislike me all you want, at least show some respect to the conversation by asking the question I most want an answer of: tell me your opinion on the current state of the Canadian film industry – what you want more of, less of, what gets on your nerves… Otherwise I will conclude that my assessement of you is accurate. Am I misrepresenting you or what? i wont know unless you explain yourself.
Posted by Goon on August 20th, 2006I live in Ontario and saw it opening night. I actually thought it was quite funny. The body being split in two between Quebec and Ontario as an analogy for the idea of seperation politically, culturally, idealogically between Quebec and the ROC was pretty good. The reference Colm Feore makes to stuffing bodies in the trunk of the car being Quebec tradition – of course the reference being to FLQ members Francis Simard, Paul and Jacques Rose and Bernard Lortie, seizing Quebec’s deputy premier and labour minister, Pierre Laporte while he was playing football with his children and stuffeing his body in the trunk of a car.
The exchange going on in language, insult and reference to culture and history was constant and pretty funny. It was nice to see someone actually step up and broach the cultural issues in film. It’s a big cliche and that’s exactly what makes it so damn funny.
The theatre wasn’t packed but everyone laughed almost non stop throughout the movie and everyone seemed to quite like it. I guess if you don’t know your historical references, you like dumb American fart and pee humor, or you don’t have a sense of culture or humor, you won’t like the movie. Otherwise, I’d definitely recommend it.
Posted by me on August 21st, 2006“I guess if you don’t know your historical references, you like dumb American fart and pee humor, or you don’t have a sense of culture or humor, you won’t like the movie.”
I dont agree with this statement. Da Vinci Code is fully of cultural and historical references, but that doesnt mean its a good movie.
Posted by Goon on August 21st, 2006It was a very funny movie. We loved it.
Well acted, witty script.
At last, a movie making fun of our differences and our stereotypes! Bilingual as well…brilliant!
Curious though some of the stereotypical, negative responses from some???
Posted by Mike on August 21st, 2006I just saw the film and it is unbelievably funny! As an anglophone who has spent some time in Quebec, I found this to be genuinely Canadian. Go and see it!!
Posted by Sean on August 23rd, 2006After the entertaining chit chat that I have read I have to say it seems like the whole point of this conversation was that “Canadian’s HAVE to make their movies abundantly clear that it is in fact a Canadian movie” well this film was writen and filmed to be exactly what it is, there was no intention of HAVING to be advertisment for the Quebec population. Before seeing this movie, being an anglophone myself living in a francophone communitee in New Brunswcik, I had my reluctances myself saying exactly what “Goon” has been saying, cheesy action movie “trying” to be a good buddy cop movie, well AFTER seeing it, my opinion changed, you can tell this movie is coming accrossed as what it is, which is a comedy about Quebec and Ontario police officers and their differences. Who cares if it goes beyond our boarders, it wasn’t meant to just as Les Boys weren’t ment to leave Canada. I say enough of the bashing and enough of the defencivness and accept this movie for what it is, the first bilingual Canadian movie that is absolutely entertaining, and funny using the everyday lingo from our country and an entertaining plot using the well known Canadian sport of Hockey. This Canadian movie did what it was made to do which was entertain a Canadian audience.
Michel Aube
Posted by MichelAube on August 24th, 2006I have seen this movie and have to admit that if you don’t want to see a movie that is very obviously set in Canada, don’t go see it.
I respect Goon’s opinion in the manner that canadian movies seem to be forced to show, deliberately, that they were made by canadians, and most of the time, for canadians. Our movies seem to be targeted ONLY towards a canadian audience, except for a few exceptions, like great examples cited by Goon earlier. Other countrys don’t seem to rely on that as much as we do. Take “Night watch” for exemple, a great Russian movie that didn’t force the russian flag down your throat as opposed to most canadian films.
But this movie did target a canadian audience, and for those that are tired of jokes targeting our culture, don’t go see it. But if you’re not tired of that, like myself, go see it right this instant!
This movie was intended to be an action/comedy movie about canada for canadians and at that, it excelled. Most of the actors played their roles to the fullest, be it Colm Feore, Patrick Huard, Rick Mercer or Louis-José Houde. All of them were hilarious. Although I must admit that the plot wasn’t all it could have been, the dialogue was enough to make up for it. For an 8M$ production, it can easily surpass many american-made movie. The chase scene and special effects were, to me, more impressive than the entire Miami Vice movie with it’s 100M$ budget, although MV isn’t really hard to beat.
All in all, I’d say it was a very impressive movie and with a few improvements plot wise, I will look forward to a sequel.
Posted by JFx on August 29th, 2006OK – first how many REALLY dumb trailers have we all sat through and then eventually seen the movie and thought “They took the stupidest parts of that movie for the trailer – it was actually OK.” Trailers are often made to appeal to the lowest commmon denominator – and this can sometimes mean that it doesn’t truly reflect the whole movie. Reviewing a movie for which you have only seen the trailer is like writing a book report when you’ve only read the back cover. Simply put in both cases – it isn’t the full story.
First this movie is a Canadian movie written to appeal primarly to Canadians. If hockey is used as a device to help give the movie some appeal from coast to coast – so what? There are some jokes that you’ll more fully appreciate if you’re Canadian – but Non-Canadians would enjoy the film too. The use of both official languages is brilliant.
Canada has the techincal and creative talent necessary for great film – they are used all the time for Hollywood films – finally they are being put to use for a Canadian film – about time!
I really enjoyed this film – a sequel to this particular film or more of it’s ilk would be welcome.
Posted by Me on September 3rd, 2006“First this movie is a Canadian movie written to appeal primarly to Canadians. If hockey is used as a device to help give the movie some appeal from coast to coast – so what?”
What I’m saying is I’m sick of seeing the movies that gain attention feeling they have to use such devices to gain appeal. I dont remember any prominent British films with serial killers in soccer uniforms… when I see us resort to this sort of shit to carry a film like in Men With Brooms its just too cheesy to bear.
http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_08.17.06/film/onscreen_4.php
whats funny is that in this review, they thought it was a good trailer but that the movie was exactly what i figured it would be.
Posted by Goon on September 3rd, 2006I just watched the movie and I have to say, I’m not a big fan of Qc movies but this one is amazing, it touches every Canadian. What I have a hard time with is people from Ontario refusing to see the movie because it’s “quebec made”… such a shame… but shame on you Ontarian… your ontario culture is better?? Cherry, Tucker and Oshawa fashions… yark!
Posted by Michelle on October 23rd, 2006Seems to me Goon would rather froth at the mouth than actually have to admit he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He’s spent a very long amount of time arguing. Goon, don’t you have a girlfriend to go home to?
Posted by M on April 7th, 2008Leave a Reply