Toronto Real Estate Agents | Julie Kinnear

This movie has an excellent female cast including Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack, Catherine Keener and Jennifer Aniston it is a little hard to believe that Jennifer Aniston plays a house maid (as that just seemed too out of character), but it was fun, especially the pot smoking, sex in the afternoon scenes. The film actually touches on a few realistic issues that grown women and families go through, and it is entertaining. A Sundance Film Festival Choice. Enjoy.

• IMDB link: Friends With Money
• Rating: ***½

Kathleen loves the Dixie Chicks. In fact, it's safe to say that she has a Dixie Chick "problem". So you can imagine how excited she was to see Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing, the new documentary from Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck, at TIFF '06. Chronicling the backlash the Chicks dealt with after lead singer Natalie Maines expressed her opinion about the pending war in Iraq at a packed show in London, Shut Up & Sing provides a candid and emotional look at the Chicks and the role celebrity plays in politics. While the importance of freedom of speech plays an important role in the film, Natalie's vulnerability and resolve are what hold your attention. Enjoy this film - it's smart, witty and reminds us of the true value of friendship. Oh, and Toronto is mentioned a LOT! The Dixie Chicks are performing in Toronto on October 28th & 29th. Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing is scheduled to open in limited release on October 27th.

• IMDB link: Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing
• Rating: *****

The third installment from Irritu's trilogy playing witness to the relationship between parents and their children, Babel is simply a stunning film. This film pushes the "Citizen of the World" mentality to the forefront while subtly commenting on the nature of family and the love and strength that can come from vulnerability. Irritu and the creative team behind Babel have manipulated language, sound and the visual image to an outstanding level. The uniqueness of their techniques is significantly less important than their mastery - you can't help but be overhwelmed by this film. Not to be missed! Babel is set for limited release beginning October 27th!

• IMDB link: Babel
• Rating: ****