ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

CBC Gem

The Cast Against Cosby: Hope After the Horror

We?ve heard a lot of tales of male toxicity and abuse in Hollywood over the past few years. But maybe none have hurt more to the general public than the truth about Bill Cosby.

As the star of such benchmark television programming as?The Cosby Show?and?I Spy, Cosby was a fixture in American living rooms for decades. However, after allegations from an endless parade of other women revealed the truth about Cosby?s actions, ?America?s Dad? drew public ire yet was only found guilty of allegations made by Andrea Constand. Now, in the new CBC documentary,?The Case Against Cosby, Constand shares her painful and abusive journey with Cosby and the extraordinary road to healing that she has taken.

Directed by Karen Wookey,?The Case Against Cosby?is unflinching, horrifying and brutally honest. It?s also one of the best documentaries in recent memory. With each scene, Wookey puts the emphasis where it needs to be ? on the voices and stories of the victims that were devastated by Cosby?s serial violence against women. Although the narrative voice is primarily through Constand, Wookey never shies away from the endless parade of women who were damaged by Cosby as well. In doing so, she focuses the viewer on the lives and souls that were damaged by his criminal sexual recklessness.

At the same time, Wookey also juxtaposes these traumatic tales of sexual abuse with clippings from Cosby?s innumerable characters from television. In doing so, she creates a distinction between his public persona and the reality that was taking place behind the scenes. Beloved by millions, Cosby?s character was an icon to the point that people believed that they could trust him as a person. By inviting him into their homes every week, there was a certain warmth in the relationship between viewer and actor that developed over the years. But, in?this Case Against Cosby, we understand that the man we?thought?we knew was never real. Instead, his fictional persona only allowed him the opportunity to hurt innumerable others. (And the doc does?not?shy away from the fact that his repeated actions were intentional.)

Even so, despite the horrific realities that it shares,?Cosby?still feels like a story that’s rooted in hope. By framing Constand?s journey through the lens of therapeutic exercises and conversations, Wookey embeds her tale with a sense of healing and a desire to move forward. Conversations about the nature of trauma, abuse and self-actualization serve to acknowledge the past while giving hope for the future. (?My life has never been the same but I believe and have faith that it will be better,? one victim states.) As such,?Cosby?becomes more than the story of one predator?s prey and becomes an opportunity for all women who have been victimized to be encouraged.

In other words, this Case may be Constand?s but it could also be anybody else?s.

It?s this lens that makes?The Case Against Cosby?such an alarming and poignant narrative. While this focuses on the damage of a high-profile public figure, Wookey acknowledges that Constand is far from alone in her story. But that?s why it’s also?so powerful and fearless. This is a tale meant to empower women who have been victimized to speak up and share their stories.

In doing so, perhaps they can make a Case for themselves as well.

The Case Against Cosby?is available to stream now on CBC Gem.

Son of a Critch (S2): Everything Will be Okay

It?s time to head back to the 80s.

Created by Mark Critch,?Son of a Critch?returns with more stories from his childhood. For those unaware,?Critch?is based on Mark?s best-selling memoir and takes the viewer back to 1980s Newfoundland where a young Mark (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) continues to grow up before his time. Living with his parents (Mark Critch and Claire Rankin), his older brother Mike Jr. (Colton Gobbo) and his eccentric grandfather (Malcolm McDowell) as he attempts to navigate small town life and young relationships.

By telling his own story, Critch has recreated a world so genuine that one cannot help but be drawn in. Though set over 30 years ago, there?s something timeless about this series that connects with the modern era. School bullies, part-time jobs and young love are simply part of the human experience and Critch lets his story feel like it could be anyone?s. With heart and humour,?Son of a Critch?has quickly filled the void left by departing?Schitt?s Creek?and?Kim?s Convenience?as the next generation of Canadian comedy. (Though, to be fair,?Run the Burbs is also top tier Canadian entertainment as well.)

Once again, the relationship between McDowell and Ainsworth continues to be the anchor to young Mark?s childhood journey. With each passing episode, the young star grows in his ability to balance emotion and laughs with increasing confidence. (In fact, this season?s pop culture vignettes show his improved poise with the material, especially in the first episode?s Casablanca parody.) At the same time, McDowell?s skill as an actor prevent him from offering a one-note performance. Whereas some actors may lean too heavily on tropes like the ?grumpy old man? or ?charming elderly person?, McDowell?s character feels authentic. Together, they are easily the best relationship within the series, creating an inviting atmosphere that still feels real.

In Season 2, Mark returns from the summer off to find that Fox (Sophia Powers) has moved on? Or has she? Questions about her new relationship are raised and Mark must ask himself whether or not it is time to move on from his first love.

And moving forward seems to be a key theme for this season. 

This is a time for change in young Mark?s life. On the cusp of high school, Mark is leaning into puberty and wondering what the future has in store. But, as Mark is growing up, so too is his brother prepping for the next chapter of his life after high school. In fact, even best friend Ritchie has also found a new running crew that share more of his similar interests.

But change is simply part of the journey. Much like the classic 90s series The Wonder Years, Critch acknowledges that maturity isn?t always easy but that there?s a certain sense of magic to it. Telling his story through nostalgic goggles, Critch shares the ups and downs of his youth without ever losing the sense that everything is going to be okay. As a result, there?s a joy in this journey that comes through, even in Mark?s most challenging moments.

So, as the 2nd Season begins, Son of a Critch remains one of the current gems of Canadian television. This is a series that?s not just funny and heartwarming. It?s honest. And it helps you realize that, maybe, everything is going to be okay.

Son of a Critch is available to stream on CBC Gem and airs Tuesdays @ 8:30pm.

Son of a Critch: Memories are Made of Critch

They say you can never truly go home again. But can you feel welcome revisiting someone else’s home?

In CBC?s new comedy?Son of a Critch, author and comedian Mark Critch tells his story of?growing up in St. John?s, Newfoundland. As the youngest in a family of (mostly) adults, Critch grew up with more mature sensibilities and style than other kids his age. While his unique family and different interests made it difficult to make friends at school, it also gives him a humility and innocence as he attempts to navigate the complicated world of childhood relationships.

Even though its set in 1980s Newfoundland,?Son of a Critch?almost feels timeless. In other words, despite the specificity of its time and location, there?s something about this series that feels like it could take place anywhere, making it accessible for all. Best known for his work on?This Hour has 22 Minutes, Critch has sharp comedic timing and a satirical eye. Mostly though, his charm and warmth for his family creates an infectious invitation into the past.?

While the structure of the series feels similar to other nostalgia comedies like The Wonder Years or Young Sheldon, Critch still manages to set itself apart with its snappy writing and distinctly Canadian voice. (Shout outs to Anne Murray and The Raccoons!) Even so, while the show may be nostalgic, that nostalgia never takes primary focus. Instead of merely focusing on the ?remember when?? moments, the past is merely a setting for Critch?s coming-of-age story and the focus remains on the characters and their journeys.

And the characters really are the story.

In?Son of a Critch, Critch has assembled a cast with some incredible chemistry between them. There?s an ease between cast members that makes the series instantly likeable and they have created something truly special onscreen. Young star Benjamin Evan Ainsworth sparks the series with an old soul but shows a light heart. Young Sophia Powers and Mark Rivera provide a fun trio of strange supporters for the young protagonist. Even Critch himself gets in on the fun as he steps into the slippers of his own father. However, the most welcome surprise is McDowell as Mark?s cranky but empathetic grandfather. Best known for his work in darker films such as?A Clockwork Orange,?Halloween (2007), and?Caligula, McDowell has had limited opportunities to lean into his lighter side. As such, he uses that experience to mix a sense of gravitas into his playfulness and his performance absolutely pops.?

Aside from the family fun,?Critch?is an adventure into the world of perspective. Based on Critch?s best-selling memoires of the same name, Son of a Critch is a love-letter to his childhood. Having rebuilt his family home for the set, Critch has done his best to recreate the place where he grew up. (He even went so far as to pull up some of his family?s belongings out of storage to add authenticity to the scene.) While there?s an absolute fondness for his upbringing throughout the series, there?s little doubt that his childhood produced moments that would have left him frustrated and hurt. Bullied for his unique take on the world, Critch?s experiences may be played for laughs here but there?s no question that these times can be difficult for children to endure. However, his position as narrator (not to mention playing his father) shifts his understanding of events from the eyes of a child to that of an adult. Knowing how the story unfolds, Critch is in a better position to remind himself that everything is going to be okay in the end. As a result,?Critch?balances the frustrations of youth with the hopefulness of adulthood.

Backed by a wonderful cast, Critch?s memories have created something truly memorable. Fun and endearing,?Son of a Critch?is a tribute to the innocence of youth but still revisits these moments with a wink. From his commitment to authenticity to his willingness to reveal his family?s quirks, Critch breathes such love into this series in such a way that one can?t help but feel like they?ve gone home too.

To hear our interview with writer/star Mark Critch, click here (YouTube) or here (audio).

Son of a Critch streams at 8:30pm on Tuesday, January 4th, 2022 on CBC.

For the Record: Replaying the Soundtrack of Relationships

What makes up the soundtrack to your life?

It?s safe to say that we all have certain songs that remind us of moments that have left an imprint on our lives in one way or another. Whether the experiences they prompt are positive or negative, there?s no doubt that these tunes are embedded with pieces of our lives. In the new anthology series, For the Record, some of these iconic songs take centre stage as they entangle themselves with stories of love and loss.

Written and directed by Julian De Zotti, For the Record plays out like your favourite album. Similar to the way that an LP builds a story from track to track, each episode leans into the next in ways that create a thematic atmosphere. In this way, Record is less a series about individual performances (although those are solid across the board) and more about narrative fluidity.

Streaming exclusively on CBC Gem,?For the Record?begins with the story of Ray (De Zotti) and Angela (Lisa Baylin), a young couple sorting through the wreckage that was their relationship. When the two gather to divvy up their shared records between them, they recognize the power that these iconic songs have had in their romance and the memories that they carry with them. As their story together comes to a close (or does it?), the viewer follows the interconnected lives of others who struggle with the complications of their own relationships as well.

Unlike other films and shows that attempt to force relationships to intersect with one another, the connections between stories remains fluid and loose. While characters may appear briefly in each other?s lives, the stories entirely focus on their subject rather than get bogged down by side plots. For example, as one episode begins with a young man meetings his girlfriend?s parents for the first time, the next will feature those same parents in marital counselling with a local pastor. By taking this approach, De Zotti gives?Record?a lyrical atmosphere that allows for the narrative to breathe and move freely amongst their very different character journeys.?

With each story, De Zotti explores the shape (and cracks) of love from different sides. Rather than idealize his characters, De Zotti shows virtually every character in all their brokenness. In an atypical twist on the romance genre, every story features individuals that struggle with their flaws and live with the consequences of their actions. While this can feel cynical at times, it also feels genuine and honest in its approach as the series follows the eb and flow of love and its challenges.

What?s more, by showcasing a variety of ethnicities and sexual identities, De Zotti also highlights the complex conversations that our relationships so often carry with them. Whether it?s an elderly Asian grandmother going through a sexual awakening or an African-American family grappling with modern issues of race and gender, the series is more than willing to wade into some murky and complicated waters with self-awareness and care. 

However, even with its variety of stories, what remains constant within?Record?is the music itself. In each episode, music becomes the link that brings people together (or drives them apart). Featuring wonderful songs that ranges from classics by the Beach Boys and Marvin Gaye to more modern hits by the Weeknd and Johnny Orlando (who also stars),?Record recognizes the power of music to create moments that last in our memory forever. Playing out as a quasi-soundtrack of their lives, every tune creates an almost spiritual connection with the piece that showcases it, bringing deeper meaning to the story and the characters. In essence, though characters may move freely as individuals on their own journeys, their passion for music unites them.

Crackling along like the needle on a record player,?For the Record?moves freely between its different characters as they explore the pratfalls of modern romance and cultural conversations. As a result, this anthology is definitely worth a spin.

For the Record is available on CBC Gem now.