Michael Dowse

It isn’t very difficult to fathom why It’s All Gone Pete Tong was well received back in 2004 and is still cited as of one of the better films to emerge out of Canada in the past decade or so (although to be fair, it features few Canadian actors and its story is set overseas). It has its funny moments, features a story of redemption that most can find a liking to, looks very handsome thanks to the Ibiza setting, and frequently gets rocking via a pleasing soundtrack.

What If Written by Elan Mastai Directed by Michael Dowse Ireland/Canada, 2013 While the new indie rom-com, What If, has a serious aversion to conflict, it’s also inescapably charming.  A strong cast delivers enough laughs and cheeky irreverence to elevate this otherwise breezy tale to more delightfully cynical heights.  You probably won’t remember it in …

Disclaimer: I purposefully did not include Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. For my purposes, it’s too American. I am interested in hearing if you think it should qualify and if you are willing to undertake a discussion on defining National Cinema. It is tricky, I certainly don’t object to others who would include it on …