The Aviator (2004)

All the right ingredients for a compelling biopic: Great turns (Leo’s a good lead but Kate, I mean Cate, is a standout support), a complex character to study, and an epic plot that flies high (the dual ambitions in film and aviation make for a riveting back-and-forth script) but also digs deep (“Howard, we’re not like everyone else. Too many acute angles”). Interesting editing adds some spice while a soaring climax and a great final line wrap things up nicely (“the way of the future…”).

7

Canadian Bacon (1995)

The U.S. President, low in the opinion polls, gets talked into raising his popularity by trying to start a cold war against Canada. (IMDb)

The classic American and Canadian stereotypes are played up to their fullest potential and elicit plenty of chuckles throughout (e.g. the gun auction; enforcement of bilingualism with the truck insults) as they’re laced with sharp American political satire (see the meeting with the Russians; hilarious anti-Canadian propaganda). The plot is unnecessarily layered though (see extra adversary Hacker and his confusing actions with the Hellstorm), coming to a goofy and unsatisfying ironic climax.

6.5/10 (Alright)