Richard Gere is a great liar. He plays the role of author Clifford Irving. You may recall the great scandal in 1970 when Clifford Irving and partner Richard Suskind wrote an autobiography of Howard Hughes. What a scam! They collected a million dollars from the book company and had them fooled for a very long time. Howard Hughes was such a recluse that they figured they would never be discovered. Clifford Irving never even met Howard Hughes. Clifford and Richard did a lot of research and had enough facts to make it all seem real. Many human interest stories about Howard Hughes were complete fabrication. For a long time Clifford Irving convinced the publishers that he had written the most important book of the time. He was such a good liar that he also cheated and lied to his wife and his mistress. At times you are confused wondering what is real. You are supposed to feel that way because a good liar can confuse anyone. History tells us that Richard Nixon and Howard Hughes did not like one another. It is thought that Howard Hughes may have actually given some disturbing facts to Clifford Irving about the political shenanigans of Richard Nixon. All of this was the prelude to the Watergate affair.
Clifford Irving did serve time in jail for writing this false book and claiming so much money from the publisher. It was interesting to read at the end of the film the follow up for all the main characters. It was an incredible story in an interesting time of history. Richard Gere is always pleasant to watch and he portrays the character very well. He could teach anyone the skill of effectively lying.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Film Review: After the Wedding
I haven’t seen a good Danish film for a long time and this was a great change from the movies I have recently viewed. I want to say it was great but unfortunately there were too many contrived actions. However I do recommend the film on several levels. Mads Mikkelsen is a handsome brooding type that kept my attention throughout. He plays the part of Jacob. We first meet him in India. He is a dedicated worker in an orphanage in India. I loved the shots of the streets of India and the orphanage. I felt I was there. The colors and sounds were vivid. Jacob is loving and caring to all the children but gives special attention to one little boy. He will melt your heart. We learn that the orphanage is in dire need of funds. Jacob has the possibility of obtaining a large sum of money from a benefactor in Denmark but he must go there in order to obtain the funds. The film is great up until this part. When he arrives in Denmark he is invited to the wedding of the benefactor’s’ daughter. We soon learn of the previous involvement with Jacob and the wife of the benefactor. It is so terribly contrived but makes a good fictional tale. I chose to see it as a story and not worry about accepting the role of fate and contrived facts. I did believe in each character and thought that the performances were well done. The ending does take a few turns so you are interested right up to the end. This could have been a great movie. I will settle for saying I enjoyed a good film.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Film Review: Radiant City
This is a most unusual documentary about living in the suburbs. It made me very happy to be living in the inner city in a condo. It basically is discussing the suburban spread and its inherent problems. We are introduced to the Moss family. Mom loves her suburban home, especially the big kitchen. When she does go into the downtown area she is reminded that she has five bedrooms and a big kitchen. The children talk about living in the suburbs. They live in a mythical place called Evergreen. The streets are prim and quiet. We see the expanse of this community and others being developed. You are introduced to a real estate agent trying to sell the sprawling homes. You meet town planners. We are told that the suburbs continue to sprawl but there is a need to retrofit. With the cost of gas and excessive need of energy changes in suburban living are necessary. One planner also talks about the cookie cutter design. He states that a shift of paradigm is necessary. Malls need to have housing and people need to be able to walk to all the facilities required. One developer claims that suburbs attempt to have a small town feeling but it doesn’t work. He calls the houses ‘ containers.’ It is stated that the young people move into a new suburb. They all have children at the same time and the community becomes a social apartheid.
To add a little creativity and diversion to the discussion we are treated to parts of a musical presented by people living in Evergreen community. The musical is called Suburbs and the songs are all about living in the suburbs. The cast is in shorts and T shirts and they sing songs while mowing the lawn and telling about life in the community. It is very clever and delightful
At the end of the documentary we discover that the Moss family is fictional but all the actors do live in the suburbs. I was fascinated with the whole concept but did see flaws in some of the concepts. They constantly showed streets with no people and talked about how quiet it is. My impression is of streets filled with kids playing. In the summer people are outside and everybody sees their neighbor. I totally agree with the understanding that this giant sprawl is taking a toll on energy. The central downtown area has been forced to build multi dwellings and town houses because of the cost of land.
I love a good documentary that teaches you something and is fascinating to watch. The creative approach made for good viewing.
To add a little creativity and diversion to the discussion we are treated to parts of a musical presented by people living in Evergreen community. The musical is called Suburbs and the songs are all about living in the suburbs. The cast is in shorts and T shirts and they sing songs while mowing the lawn and telling about life in the community. It is very clever and delightful
At the end of the documentary we discover that the Moss family is fictional but all the actors do live in the suburbs. I was fascinated with the whole concept but did see flaws in some of the concepts. They constantly showed streets with no people and talked about how quiet it is. My impression is of streets filled with kids playing. In the summer people are outside and everybody sees their neighbor. I totally agree with the understanding that this giant sprawl is taking a toll on energy. The central downtown area has been forced to build multi dwellings and town houses because of the cost of land.
I love a good documentary that teaches you something and is fascinating to watch. The creative approach made for good viewing.
Film Review: Reign Over Me
I strongly believe in women’s intuition. So why didn’t I follow my instinct? Adam
Sandler is mainly a comic. I don’t enjoy his type of film. Whatever made anyone think he could do serious drama and especially one about the emotional 9/11? His nasal voice and speech from clenched teeth was annoying. I am totally empathic to anyone who suffered such a blow. Adam Sandler plays the part of Dr Charlie Fineman. His wife and three daughter were killed in the plane during the 9/11 tragedy. He simply couldn’t cope. He becomes slovenly in appearance. He refuses to even remember that he had a family. He will have nothing to do with his in-laws. He has rage tantrums to the extent that hospital treatment is recommended. By chance Charlie Fineman meets his old college roommate Dr Alan Johnson played by Don Cheadle. Alan is a successful dentist but not a totally happy person. He is married to his gorgeous wife played by Jada Pinkett Smith. He has two children and everything that should make for a positive life. He just doesn’t feel free. When he encounters Charlie and they once again become friends Dr Alan Johnson almost loses what he has. His marriage hits a skid mark. He becomes so involved with Charlie that he forgets what he has in his home life.
I do believe that tragic circumstances can ‘unhinge someone.’ I can even accept the rage and the lifestyle of Charlie Fineman. Why did the director have to ruin it with silly sub plots? I suppose that the funny nurse in Dr Johnson’s office is supposed to bring dramatic relief. The beautiful patient who tries to seduce Dr Johnson is fodder for another film. When she shows up as a friend of Charlie Fineman at the end of the film I become angry. Adam Sandler is not appropriate for this part. The film does not ring true. I thought it was inexcusable to have a film on this topic done so badly.
Sandler is mainly a comic. I don’t enjoy his type of film. Whatever made anyone think he could do serious drama and especially one about the emotional 9/11? His nasal voice and speech from clenched teeth was annoying. I am totally empathic to anyone who suffered such a blow. Adam Sandler plays the part of Dr Charlie Fineman. His wife and three daughter were killed in the plane during the 9/11 tragedy. He simply couldn’t cope. He becomes slovenly in appearance. He refuses to even remember that he had a family. He will have nothing to do with his in-laws. He has rage tantrums to the extent that hospital treatment is recommended. By chance Charlie Fineman meets his old college roommate Dr Alan Johnson played by Don Cheadle. Alan is a successful dentist but not a totally happy person. He is married to his gorgeous wife played by Jada Pinkett Smith. He has two children and everything that should make for a positive life. He just doesn’t feel free. When he encounters Charlie and they once again become friends Dr Alan Johnson almost loses what he has. His marriage hits a skid mark. He becomes so involved with Charlie that he forgets what he has in his home life.
I do believe that tragic circumstances can ‘unhinge someone.’ I can even accept the rage and the lifestyle of Charlie Fineman. Why did the director have to ruin it with silly sub plots? I suppose that the funny nurse in Dr Johnson’s office is supposed to bring dramatic relief. The beautiful patient who tries to seduce Dr Johnson is fodder for another film. When she shows up as a friend of Charlie Fineman at the end of the film I become angry. Adam Sandler is not appropriate for this part. The film does not ring true. I thought it was inexcusable to have a film on this topic done so badly.
Restaurant Review: Kiwe Kitchen
Kiwe Kitchen 587 King St West (south west corner at Portland) 416.203.0551
What a visual treat! What a gourmet delight! This is truly a discovery that tantalizes all the senses. The sleek modern design of the restaurant is a thing of beauty. There is a small bar at the front of the restaurant. Don’t stop there. Walk through the restaurant to appreciate the large bar at the back of the restaurant. You have the choice of modern booths that offer more privacy or tables at the back of the restaurant. The wooden floors and the beautiful filigree ceiling are pure art. The service was impeccable. We were delighted with the attention given us by Sylvia, our server. No wonder she is so professional. She is a graduate of the cooking school at George Brown. This young lady has a future in front of her. The very handsome classy owner Steve Cecelia dropped by several times to make sure we were happy campers. It was one first class designer that did the business cards and post card size announcements and descriptions of the restaurant. Everything here is done with good taste and a fine sense of artistic creation.
I complimented the owner on the menu. It is not excessively large. It is the type of menu that will please anyone. If you want light fare there are many options. Cheese plates are offered as well as a series of tasty dips.
We both ordered the Roasted Beet Salad. I can safely say it was the best salad I have ever had. ($9.00) Three types of beets are served with French style green beans and fingerling potatoes. A light sprinkling of frisee compliments the presentation and taste. The vinaigrette was perfect. There was a light taste of fresh lime juice. It was all served in a large white bowl. My friend Elaine and I opted for 2 appetizers. Following the salad Elaine enjoyed the Squid with Du Puis Lentils.($12.00) I hardly called our dishes appetizers. They were generous portions and the taste was superb. I opted for the Chilled Shrimp.($14.00) Five giant shrimp were served in a large bowl of ice. Two sauces and pieces of lemon were presented to enhance the taste. They had been perfectly cooked and maintained a firm texture with a delightful flavor.
Four pasta options were tempting. I was tempted by the Lemon Linguini($18.00) or Linguini with shrimp. ($21.00) Several heartier dishes are also available for anyone wanting a full course meal. Tuna is my favorite fish. I was delighted to see it on the menu as a main course or Tuna Tartare as an appetizer.
Blackened Cod fish is also on the menu. There are several specials each day.
This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. They are closed on Monday. In April Kiwe will be starting to serve brunch on Sunday.
King Street is such a vibrant part of town. Even on this March evening there were a lot of patrons sitting in patios in the myriad of restaurants... Kiwe is new to the block as of October. It is a complete winner. I was dazzled from the moment I entered the restaurant.
. I loved the total experience.
What a visual treat! What a gourmet delight! This is truly a discovery that tantalizes all the senses. The sleek modern design of the restaurant is a thing of beauty. There is a small bar at the front of the restaurant. Don’t stop there. Walk through the restaurant to appreciate the large bar at the back of the restaurant. You have the choice of modern booths that offer more privacy or tables at the back of the restaurant. The wooden floors and the beautiful filigree ceiling are pure art. The service was impeccable. We were delighted with the attention given us by Sylvia, our server. No wonder she is so professional. She is a graduate of the cooking school at George Brown. This young lady has a future in front of her. The very handsome classy owner Steve Cecelia dropped by several times to make sure we were happy campers. It was one first class designer that did the business cards and post card size announcements and descriptions of the restaurant. Everything here is done with good taste and a fine sense of artistic creation.
I complimented the owner on the menu. It is not excessively large. It is the type of menu that will please anyone. If you want light fare there are many options. Cheese plates are offered as well as a series of tasty dips.
We both ordered the Roasted Beet Salad. I can safely say it was the best salad I have ever had. ($9.00) Three types of beets are served with French style green beans and fingerling potatoes. A light sprinkling of frisee compliments the presentation and taste. The vinaigrette was perfect. There was a light taste of fresh lime juice. It was all served in a large white bowl. My friend Elaine and I opted for 2 appetizers. Following the salad Elaine enjoyed the Squid with Du Puis Lentils.($12.00) I hardly called our dishes appetizers. They were generous portions and the taste was superb. I opted for the Chilled Shrimp.($14.00) Five giant shrimp were served in a large bowl of ice. Two sauces and pieces of lemon were presented to enhance the taste. They had been perfectly cooked and maintained a firm texture with a delightful flavor.
Four pasta options were tempting. I was tempted by the Lemon Linguini($18.00) or Linguini with shrimp. ($21.00) Several heartier dishes are also available for anyone wanting a full course meal. Tuna is my favorite fish. I was delighted to see it on the menu as a main course or Tuna Tartare as an appetizer.
Blackened Cod fish is also on the menu. There are several specials each day.
This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. They are closed on Monday. In April Kiwe will be starting to serve brunch on Sunday.
King Street is such a vibrant part of town. Even on this March evening there were a lot of patrons sitting in patios in the myriad of restaurants... Kiwe is new to the block as of October. It is a complete winner. I was dazzled from the moment I entered the restaurant.
. I loved the total experience.
Film Review: Congorama
I really tried to like this film. It had a lot going for it and at the same time it was confusing and contrived. Well known Belgian actor Olivier Gourmet plays the part of Michel. He is an engineer living in Belgium with his father, Congolese wife and child... His father is a famous author. He is paralyzed and must be carried up and down stairs. Michel tends to his father and seems to be a loving father to his son. He is also rather quiet and lethargic. Later we realize that there is a lot of resentment boiling over under the surface. We learn that Michel does not know the identity of his real father and that he was born in a barn in Quebec. We also know he is an inventor of sorts and not totally successful. Michel heads out to Quebec to try and find his identity.
By coincidence Michael meets Louis. He is a strange man who has never known his father. He lives with his mother. She runs a café in a small town in Quebec. For a short time their lives become intertwined. The basis of intrigue centers on plans for an electric car developed by Louis’s father. I found the concept of the early plans for an electric car quite fascinating. Louis discovers an old video of Expo 67 in Michel’s place. It was such fun to see scenes from that famous event.
I don’t mind mulling over ideas after a film. I rather like that. It is another thing to find it confusing and contrived. Maybe fate really does occur in strange ways
By coincidence Michael meets Louis. He is a strange man who has never known his father. He lives with his mother. She runs a café in a small town in Quebec. For a short time their lives become intertwined. The basis of intrigue centers on plans for an electric car developed by Louis’s father. I found the concept of the early plans for an electric car quite fascinating. Louis discovers an old video of Expo 67 in Michel’s place. It was such fun to see scenes from that famous event.
I don’t mind mulling over ideas after a film. I rather like that. It is another thing to find it confusing and contrived. Maybe fate really does occur in strange ways
Restaurant Review: Kamasutra
Kamasutra 1522 Bayview Ave. 416.489.4899
Thursday evenings I like to dine with my grandson, Brad. When he suggested Indian food I was delighted. It is a favorite of mine and I haven’t had it for a long time. Kamasutra is ideally located on Bayview Avenue at Millwood. It has been an instant success since it took over from a pub several years ago. It is an upscale restaurant offering outstanding authentic Indian food. The place is always packed. It was lovely to see families from the neighborhood enjoying this exotic food.
We ordered a Thali Special for 2. I could not believe all the food. We were in heaven and devoured more than our share and there was still food left. For $48.95 two people can dine on the wonderful garlic naan and pakora. An appetizer plate had some chicken, vegetable samosas and lamb. We had the option of ordering three dishes from the regular menu. My favorite vegetable dish is Palak Paneer. Creamy spinach and cubes of cottage cheese make the most wonderful taste. We ordered Shrimp Masala. The sauce was an exotic blend of ginger, garlic, cumin, pepper and onions in a creamy home made yogurt. The shrimp were plump and tasty. The sauce was divine. Our third choice was Fish Filets in a Vindaloo Sauce. Bring out the fire extinguishers. Goan spices combine to make a rich flavorful but very hot sauce. The pieces of fish were meaty and delicious. We felt the dinner was very reasonable and the food outstanding. If you are new to this wonderful food you might want to start with Vegetable Pakora. Mixed seasonal vegetables are fried in a batter like a fritter and served with tamarind sauce.($4.95) the Vegetable Samosas are a favorite of mine. They are traditional fried pastries with potatoes, green peas, and cumin seeds served with a chutney.($2 pieces for $4.95) Pepper Shrimps are tiger prawns seared with spring onions, garlic cloves, and crushed black pepper. ($13.95) Fish Pakora offers velvety morsels of salmon deep fried in a batter of Indian herbs and spices and served with chutney.($9.95) It is always fun to eat this food with a group. That way you can sample many dishes. The Chefs Platter is perfect for a group. It contains chicken pakora, shikampuri kaba, vegetable pakoras and popadoms served with mint and tamarind chutney.($9.95) The mint and tamarind chutney are so delicious. I love to dip the naan and popadoms in the chutney. Butter Chicken is a signature dish for all Indian restaurants. Tender cubes of chicken are cooked in light cream, tomato and fenugreek.($11.95) Bombay Bakra is delectable sliced lamb simmered Karachi style in a fricassee of sliced onion and ginger, green pepper, tomatoes, green chillies and cumin.($12.95) Tandoori is a special Indain flavor. The ingredients are marinated in a variety of spices and cooked in a clay oven. It is wonderful. You might like to try the Tandoori Sampler. It featues chicken tika, Seekh kabab, sufiyani salmon and paneer tika served with mint chutney.(16.95)
There are a variety of exotic sauces. You can order chicken, lamb, veal, king prawns or fish in any of the many sauces. The Shakuti Sauce is a rich and creamy sauce with cool coconut flavor. The Rogan Josh is a base of bhoona tarka with a flavor of cream and fesh ground tomatoes. The Mewa Masala is a mild creamy sauce with tomatoes, cashews, whole nuts and raisins. Indian food is a mélange of exotic spices. The flavors combine and enhance whatever the main ingredient is.
The menu is extensive. Take out is very popular.. At lunch the restaurant offers special combinations from $7.95. I have dined here on many occasions.It is always excellent but
this time it was fantastic!
Thursday evenings I like to dine with my grandson, Brad. When he suggested Indian food I was delighted. It is a favorite of mine and I haven’t had it for a long time. Kamasutra is ideally located on Bayview Avenue at Millwood. It has been an instant success since it took over from a pub several years ago. It is an upscale restaurant offering outstanding authentic Indian food. The place is always packed. It was lovely to see families from the neighborhood enjoying this exotic food.
We ordered a Thali Special for 2. I could not believe all the food. We were in heaven and devoured more than our share and there was still food left. For $48.95 two people can dine on the wonderful garlic naan and pakora. An appetizer plate had some chicken, vegetable samosas and lamb. We had the option of ordering three dishes from the regular menu. My favorite vegetable dish is Palak Paneer. Creamy spinach and cubes of cottage cheese make the most wonderful taste. We ordered Shrimp Masala. The sauce was an exotic blend of ginger, garlic, cumin, pepper and onions in a creamy home made yogurt. The shrimp were plump and tasty. The sauce was divine. Our third choice was Fish Filets in a Vindaloo Sauce. Bring out the fire extinguishers. Goan spices combine to make a rich flavorful but very hot sauce. The pieces of fish were meaty and delicious. We felt the dinner was very reasonable and the food outstanding. If you are new to this wonderful food you might want to start with Vegetable Pakora. Mixed seasonal vegetables are fried in a batter like a fritter and served with tamarind sauce.($4.95) the Vegetable Samosas are a favorite of mine. They are traditional fried pastries with potatoes, green peas, and cumin seeds served with a chutney.($2 pieces for $4.95) Pepper Shrimps are tiger prawns seared with spring onions, garlic cloves, and crushed black pepper. ($13.95) Fish Pakora offers velvety morsels of salmon deep fried in a batter of Indian herbs and spices and served with chutney.($9.95) It is always fun to eat this food with a group. That way you can sample many dishes. The Chefs Platter is perfect for a group. It contains chicken pakora, shikampuri kaba, vegetable pakoras and popadoms served with mint and tamarind chutney.($9.95) The mint and tamarind chutney are so delicious. I love to dip the naan and popadoms in the chutney. Butter Chicken is a signature dish for all Indian restaurants. Tender cubes of chicken are cooked in light cream, tomato and fenugreek.($11.95) Bombay Bakra is delectable sliced lamb simmered Karachi style in a fricassee of sliced onion and ginger, green pepper, tomatoes, green chillies and cumin.($12.95) Tandoori is a special Indain flavor. The ingredients are marinated in a variety of spices and cooked in a clay oven. It is wonderful. You might like to try the Tandoori Sampler. It featues chicken tika, Seekh kabab, sufiyani salmon and paneer tika served with mint chutney.(16.95)
There are a variety of exotic sauces. You can order chicken, lamb, veal, king prawns or fish in any of the many sauces. The Shakuti Sauce is a rich and creamy sauce with cool coconut flavor. The Rogan Josh is a base of bhoona tarka with a flavor of cream and fesh ground tomatoes. The Mewa Masala is a mild creamy sauce with tomatoes, cashews, whole nuts and raisins. Indian food is a mélange of exotic spices. The flavors combine and enhance whatever the main ingredient is.
The menu is extensive. Take out is very popular.. At lunch the restaurant offers special combinations from $7.95. I have dined here on many occasions.It is always excellent but
this time it was fantastic!
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