Love, Sex, and Eating the Bones (2003)

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I am so glad I discovered this gem of Canadian cinema. The performances, especially by the two leads, Hill Harper and Marlyne Afflack in the roles of Michael and Jasmine, were gripping and heartfelt. Harper and Afflack were so natural and appealing in portraying the chemistry and the many emotional upheavals of their characters' relationship, that I found myself rooting for this couple to survive against all the odds (Michael is addicted to porn and a regular customer of the video store Pornucopia). The film explores some thought-provoking and somewhat dark themes, such as obsession, sexual dysfunction, escapism and the frustrations of aspiring artists. But comedic touches abound: Mark Taylor (Romeo in the sitcom Student Bodies) puts on a very respectable "Jafakin" accent as Michael's mama's boy/playa friend; there's outrageously campy fake porn scenes from Michael's imagination and from the tapes he loves and much, much more. As a Jamaican Canadian, I loved the elements of black Canadian culture that shine through in the film: the dance hall songs in the soundtrack, eating chicken bones, Caribbean slang, Haitian Creole, lack of punctuality...The black characters also experience the subtle, but damaging form of racism prevalent in Canada when they are dismissed and typecast. However, the viewer is constantly reminded that black people are and will always be an integral part of Canadian life: the characters speak to each other in English and French, Barenaked Ladies and hip hop go hand in hand and hockey brings everyone together. Sudz Sutherland deserves some serious props for his screen writing/direction: the film is well-paced, nice to look at, smart, sexy, stylistically innovative in blurring the lines between fantasy and reality and full of wry, self-mocking, distinctively Canadian humour. I was very satisfied with the quality of the DVD in general, which includes an insightful making-of featurette, but the quiet sound and lack of subtitles were disappointing. I recommend this film highly to all film lovers and especially people who like their romantic comedies with a strong twist (think of Mambo Italiano, another Canadian classic).

Pleasantly surprised and a little jealous. There is nothing cloying or PC about this movie. It is totally entertaining and manages to be both blatantly Toronto-set and immediately identifiable to Anywhere, USA. The actors are well served and the apparently writing is quite funny. The directing and editing have style without any loss of the emotional arcs involved. Definitely for the young audience of early Kevin Smith. It means that some of us have to work a little harder on scripts that touch on similar subject matter. I have to admit it is good, although the title might have put off a few people - it is the only element that may be too arty for its intended audience. I especially like the skateboarder scene, and I am not a fan of skateboards. (It's not showing off skateboarding skill, it's the context; very true of those of us in Michael's profession too.)

Truthfully, i was expecting the worse when i attended a screening of this movie last Thursday (Jan 22, 2004 at Canada Square Cinemas in Toronto). But, what i received was a gut-breaking-laugh-fest.I LOVED IT!!This is the way more Canadian films should be...smart, sexy, and funny as hell.I don't want to give too much away, but as the director said, "this is a film for people who like to kiss."Highly, highly, highly recommend.Also, if you are a Barenaked Ladies fan, Ed Robertson is also a great actor. Be sure to check it out!

Hill Harper plays Michael - a porn addicted man who, after starting a relationship with a celibate woman, wins a contest to do a sex scene with his favourite porn star.This small independent film (2.5 million dollars) is absolutely delightful. It's a sure sign that innovative and imaginative films need not come from Hollywood.This is the Toronto director's first feature film after his award winning short film.