Ten Canoes
Directed by Rolf de Heer and Peter Djigirr
By Travis Mackenzie Hoover

Ten Canoes begins with a voiceover stating, “once upon a time…” then laughs at the pomposity of such a leadoff. Thus the movie had me at “hello,” with its remarkably loose and humorous trip through Australian aboriginal legend.

Nobody beats any Joseph Campbell drums here, it’s just a story told to a young tribesman by his older brother as they build canoes to hunt for goose eggs. And it’s a fairly mundane story at that, a largely political affair in which a wife goes missing and mistaken identity leads to death and intertribal tensions.

It wouldn’t be cricket to reveal more, as you should discover the details and nuances on your own, but let it be known the film is funnier, better made and more compelling than most of the pretentious “archetypal” romps that litter the multiplexes these days. Not only is its approach to myth in general remarkably relaxed but it also explodes the stereotype of so-called “primitive” peoples being solemn, mystical beings without a sense of humour.

The parallel stories of Ten Canoes are told with a casual touch and a flair for vulgarity, not missing the opportunities for mocking a fat leader with a craving for honey and examining the negative magical properties of captured bowel movements. Directors Rolf de Heer and Peter Djigirr cap things off with a languid, flowing aesthetic in which images of the bush all flow into each other, keeping continuity with both the narrative lines and the idea of the land as infinite.

It’s one of the most enjoyable films of the year, not some virtuous chore one feels duty-bound to sit through but an entertaining yarn that draws you in and makes you laugh. (Kinosmith)
Bayonetta [PS3 / Xbox 360]
"I've got a fever and the only cure is dead angels."
-Bayonetta

Ever since the Christmastime gaming deluge ended, I've been killing a lot of angels. Though God's messengers have been bad guys in other pop-cultural products ― His Dark Materials book trilogy, the pas... Full Review
Leif Vollebekk - Inland
Although he's a Montreal native, this debut album sparkles with many of the magical elements associated with Vollebekk's Scandinavian heritage. At times recalling Nick Drake's Bryter Layter in its fragility and subtle deployment of strings, but also the playfulness of fellow Montrealer Patric... Full Review
Lindstrøm Explores
Don't count on Norway's premier disco revivalist Hans-Peter Lindstrøm to ever turn in the same record twice. "All the artists and bands that I really like do surprising stuff every time, and I guess I just copy their way," he says from his Oslo home studio. "But it's also about not getting bored myself."... Read More
Viewing the June 2007 Issue: • Contents Page • News • Click Hear • Articles --> On the Cover  •  Front Five  •  Points  •  Comics  •  Questionnaire  •  Release Dates  •  Research  •  Timeline  •  Videogames  •  Web Exclusives • Music Reviews --> Recently Reviewed  •  Aggressive Tendencies  •  Beats & Rhymes  •  Destination Out  •  Frequencies  •  Groove  •  No Future  •  Pop Rocks  •  Wood, Wires & Whiskey  •  Concert Reviews • Motion Reviews --> Recently Reviewed  •  Dvd Reviews  •  Film Reviews  •  Music DVD Reviews  •  Hot Docs  •  Videogame Reviews • Music School --> Label Life  •  Where I play • Contests • Contact --> About Us  • Advertising  • Distribution  • Getting Reviewed  • Getting Published  • Letters To The Editor  • Partnerships  • Subscriptions • Exclaim! Radio --> Aggressive Tendencies Radio  • Beats & Rhymes Radio  • Frequencies Radio  • Destination Out Radio  • Groove Radio  • No Future Radio  • Pop Rocks Radio  • Wood, Wires & Whiskey Radio • Exclaim! TV • Home & Latest Issue • Browse Issues