2 Days In Paris
I just spent 2 hours enjoying myself in Paris. Julie Delpy is one talented beautiful lady. She wrote, directed and acted in this whimsical comedy. Julie plays the part of Marion. Marion and her boyfriend, Jack comes to Paris from the United States to visit her birth city. Jack is a hypochondriac and very insecure .He also can be rude as when he gave very wrong directions to a group of tourists. He isn’t too impressed with her apartment and finds fault with a lot of things. He is also adorable but who could live with him?. Marion keeps bumping into her past loves. This further aggravates Jack. We meet Marion’s family and her friends. Her father is an artist of rather pornographic like pictures. I must say I didn’t find him too believable. Her mother was a character. Maybe her sister had it right when she said,” We’re shallow with bourgeoisie problems.” I love the scenes in Paris. I was sorry when they argued but didn’t take it all too seriously. One of the characters states that it is hard being in a relationship. What else is new? It is a summer frolic and good entertainment. I enjoyed my 2 Days In Paris from the cool comfort of a cinema here in Toronto
Monday, August 13, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Film Review: Manufacturing Dissent
I have a passion for viewing films. I confess I know little about what goes on behind the scenes in producing a film. Michael Moore makes controversial movies. He is despised by many and revered by others. I was fascinated with the concept of this documentary film. Torontonians Debbie Melnyk and Rick Caine had quite a challenge in directing this documentary. They follow Michael Moore over a few years. They film interviews with Micahel as well as other associates and friends of the controversial film maker. I was riveted to my seat and loved every minute.
We see protestors waving placards in support of Bush and against Moore. We meet supporters of Moore and his techniques in making his point in a film. Michael Moore certainly has the capacity to raise emotions. We hear many of his emotional speeches. He claims he is doing it because he is an American and as such has the democratic right to say what he thinks and feels. The irony is that he supports free speech unless the cameras are turned on him. It was interesting to see how he avoided arranging interviews with these directors and could almost become abusive when confronted about his facts.
Originally the directors wanted to do a biography of Michael Moore but it developed into something much more critical. The directors were present in the theatre following the film. They claim that they see Michael Moore as a documentary film maker, a journalist and an entertainer. It was interesting to see Debbie Melnyk being asked to leave a Michael Moore speaking engagement because she did not have the proper credentials. We were reminded that Michael Moore often thrust his large presence on meetings and events without being invited.
The film was fascinating and well produced. I enjoyed the interviews getting a deeper look into the psyche of Michael Moore. It also clearly pointed out how editing and bias can alter true facts. So how do I feel about Michael Moore now? I certainly see a new side. I always wanted to believe he was an idealist and wanted to point out the facts in exposing wrong situations. I guess I was naïve because it clearly pointed out the egocentric Michael Moore who has come to love being rich. I will continue to see any film produced by Michael Moore. He makes controversial entertaining films. Much of his presentation is brilliant and points out the wrongs in our society. I have learned that I need to be more critical of his methods and facts and to be more objective when viewing the film.
Congratulations to these young film makers for this fine production.
We see protestors waving placards in support of Bush and against Moore. We meet supporters of Moore and his techniques in making his point in a film. Michael Moore certainly has the capacity to raise emotions. We hear many of his emotional speeches. He claims he is doing it because he is an American and as such has the democratic right to say what he thinks and feels. The irony is that he supports free speech unless the cameras are turned on him. It was interesting to see how he avoided arranging interviews with these directors and could almost become abusive when confronted about his facts.
Originally the directors wanted to do a biography of Michael Moore but it developed into something much more critical. The directors were present in the theatre following the film. They claim that they see Michael Moore as a documentary film maker, a journalist and an entertainer. It was interesting to see Debbie Melnyk being asked to leave a Michael Moore speaking engagement because she did not have the proper credentials. We were reminded that Michael Moore often thrust his large presence on meetings and events without being invited.
The film was fascinating and well produced. I enjoyed the interviews getting a deeper look into the psyche of Michael Moore. It also clearly pointed out how editing and bias can alter true facts. So how do I feel about Michael Moore now? I certainly see a new side. I always wanted to believe he was an idealist and wanted to point out the facts in exposing wrong situations. I guess I was naïve because it clearly pointed out the egocentric Michael Moore who has come to love being rich. I will continue to see any film produced by Michael Moore. He makes controversial entertaining films. Much of his presentation is brilliant and points out the wrongs in our society. I have learned that I need to be more critical of his methods and facts and to be more objective when viewing the film.
Congratulations to these young film makers for this fine production.
Film Review: The Cemetery Club
This amazing documentary really grabbed at my heart strings. A group of senior Israelis meet regularly in the Mount Hertzl National Cemetery in Jerusalem. They walk by the small stones and often read the names and ages of those buried there. They carry their small light garden chairs and meet at a regular spot every Saturday. Mostly they are Polish survivors of the Holocaust. They talk about philosophical issues or read poetry. They eat food using plastic utensils. It doesn’t look very appetizing. They sit in a circle and obey the rules and regulations they have set for themselves. The woman in charge blows a whistle to announce the beginning of the sessions.
There is no makeup. You see these aged faces up close. Every line and wrinkle is evident. You see tears and hear laughter. Mostly we meet Lena and her sister-in-law. Lena is a former lawyer and a bit of a bully to her sister-in-law. They are inseparable. I loved the scene where they have traveled to the Dead Sea. They cover themselves with the black mud. They sit in the sun with their feet in the water. They talk about former memories and discuss family issues. It is so sad and yet it is uplifting to see the group. Their mandate is to alleviate the loneliness. In that sense they fulfill their goal. On the other hand it is so sad to see the aging group together. Throughout the filming several of the members die. We see part of the ritual burying process.
This is not a film for entertainment. I loved every minute. I loved these people. They were so real and genuine. You see some lovely cinematography. It is hard to imagine but the cemetery is a beautiful place. We often see the large tomb of Hertzl, whose name was given to the cemetery. I don’t imagine this film will have a large following. I saw it as a beautiful character study and a case history of survivors from the holocaust. One woman is constantly seen lighting a cigarette. I don’t think she says one word. She doesn’t need to. The filming of her wrinkled face lighting a cigarette is pure artistry. In many ways it is like viewing a home movie. The writer and director can be seen in many shots. I felt privileged to be invited into the lives of these lovely seniors.
There is no makeup. You see these aged faces up close. Every line and wrinkle is evident. You see tears and hear laughter. Mostly we meet Lena and her sister-in-law. Lena is a former lawyer and a bit of a bully to her sister-in-law. They are inseparable. I loved the scene where they have traveled to the Dead Sea. They cover themselves with the black mud. They sit in the sun with their feet in the water. They talk about former memories and discuss family issues. It is so sad and yet it is uplifting to see the group. Their mandate is to alleviate the loneliness. In that sense they fulfill their goal. On the other hand it is so sad to see the aging group together. Throughout the filming several of the members die. We see part of the ritual burying process.
This is not a film for entertainment. I loved every minute. I loved these people. They were so real and genuine. You see some lovely cinematography. It is hard to imagine but the cemetery is a beautiful place. We often see the large tomb of Hertzl, whose name was given to the cemetery. I don’t imagine this film will have a large following. I saw it as a beautiful character study and a case history of survivors from the holocaust. One woman is constantly seen lighting a cigarette. I don’t think she says one word. She doesn’t need to. The filming of her wrinkled face lighting a cigarette is pure artistry. In many ways it is like viewing a home movie. The writer and director can be seen in many shots. I felt privileged to be invited into the lives of these lovely seniors.
Restaurant Review: Cava
1560 Yonge St. ( at St Clair).
416.979.9918
I call my friend Yolanda my manager because she is always scouting around for new spots for us to enjoy a drink, good food and stimulating conversation. On this occasion I would say she found the hottest spot in town. I had heard about it and was anxious to see what all the hype was about. This sparkling new eatery is a combination of a tapas bar, a wine bar and fine dining. The idea is to sample a variety of food by ordering several small size dishes. The servers are all young and bubbly. They explain the process and continue to be of assistance throughout. At each table a high grade bread stick is cleverly folded into the napkin. There is a wide selection of drinks available on the menu. This is indeed a sipping and supping kind of menu.
It was a hot night or I would have ordered my favorite soup, Yucatecan Tortilla & Lime Soup. ($9.75) That alone will get me back to this bustling spot. Yolanda had previously dined here and once again ordered her favorite Broiled, Cider-Glazed Sablefish. It was served with black rice and escarole. ($16.00) It was an ample piece of fish placed on the bed of vegetables. Yolanda said it was the best ever. These are not dinner portions. You do need to order several dishes. I started with one of my favorites, Watercress and Roasted Beet Salad with Valdeon and Marcona almonds. ($9.75) I enjoyed it immensely... The vinaigrette enhanced the taste of the beet and watercress. Little dots of wonderful blue cheese gave the final taste of perfection. I would have been happy with two of the same. We then shared the Wild Mushroom & Fresh Corn Tamale served with an ancho chile Sauce.($8.75) Asparagus A La Plancha is served with a lemon – pepper aioli. ($7.00) Roast Boneless Quail is filled with spiced chicken and served with Moorish style spinach. ($15.00) Orrechiette is served with arugula. ($7.75) Clams with House Made Albondigas are served with a Tomatillo-chipotle sauce. ($13.50) Grilled Cuttlefish Salad comes with white beans and a saffron orange sauce. ($9.75) Yellowfish Tuna Tartare is served with frisee in balsamic vinaigrette. ($14.75)
Save room for dessert. Warm Ybarra Chocolate Cake is offered at $9.00 Dessert Tapas is a way of experimenting with a variety of tastes. If calories are not an issue you may want to enjoy the Churros Con chocolate. ($7.00)
There is a lot of variety. The plating is artistic and appetizing. The service is warm and efficient. This type of dining becomes expensive. The portions of wine are small. The food is for tasting so the portions once again are less than a dinner size. It is a fun place to go with a group of high spending friends. It can get quite noisy as the evening progresses.
I wonder what spot Yolanda will pick for our next soiree?
416.979.9918
I call my friend Yolanda my manager because she is always scouting around for new spots for us to enjoy a drink, good food and stimulating conversation. On this occasion I would say she found the hottest spot in town. I had heard about it and was anxious to see what all the hype was about. This sparkling new eatery is a combination of a tapas bar, a wine bar and fine dining. The idea is to sample a variety of food by ordering several small size dishes. The servers are all young and bubbly. They explain the process and continue to be of assistance throughout. At each table a high grade bread stick is cleverly folded into the napkin. There is a wide selection of drinks available on the menu. This is indeed a sipping and supping kind of menu.
It was a hot night or I would have ordered my favorite soup, Yucatecan Tortilla & Lime Soup. ($9.75) That alone will get me back to this bustling spot. Yolanda had previously dined here and once again ordered her favorite Broiled, Cider-Glazed Sablefish. It was served with black rice and escarole. ($16.00) It was an ample piece of fish placed on the bed of vegetables. Yolanda said it was the best ever. These are not dinner portions. You do need to order several dishes. I started with one of my favorites, Watercress and Roasted Beet Salad with Valdeon and Marcona almonds. ($9.75) I enjoyed it immensely... The vinaigrette enhanced the taste of the beet and watercress. Little dots of wonderful blue cheese gave the final taste of perfection. I would have been happy with two of the same. We then shared the Wild Mushroom & Fresh Corn Tamale served with an ancho chile Sauce.($8.75) Asparagus A La Plancha is served with a lemon – pepper aioli. ($7.00) Roast Boneless Quail is filled with spiced chicken and served with Moorish style spinach. ($15.00) Orrechiette is served with arugula. ($7.75) Clams with House Made Albondigas are served with a Tomatillo-chipotle sauce. ($13.50) Grilled Cuttlefish Salad comes with white beans and a saffron orange sauce. ($9.75) Yellowfish Tuna Tartare is served with frisee in balsamic vinaigrette. ($14.75)
Save room for dessert. Warm Ybarra Chocolate Cake is offered at $9.00 Dessert Tapas is a way of experimenting with a variety of tastes. If calories are not an issue you may want to enjoy the Churros Con chocolate. ($7.00)
There is a lot of variety. The plating is artistic and appetizing. The service is warm and efficient. This type of dining becomes expensive. The portions of wine are small. The food is for tasting so the portions once again are less than a dinner size. It is a fun place to go with a group of high spending friends. It can get quite noisy as the evening progresses.
I wonder what spot Yolanda will pick for our next soiree?
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Film Review: Introducing the Dwights
Australian films are so different from Hollywood films and are able to combine comedy and pathos in a most wonderful way. The dysfunctional Dwight family will keep you discussing the film well after the final curtain. This film cleverly and creatively deals with one family’s relationships. It centers on the mother, Jean Dwight played to perfection by Brenda. Bleythn. She is a ‘want to be’ singer and entertainer. We learn that she had moved from England to Australia to be with her husband John. He also had been an entertainer but had given it up to become a security guard. They are divorced but he does keep in touch with their sons. Poor Mom will not give up. She wears silly bright inappropriate clothes and thinks she can entertain. It is so pathetic and funny at the same time. She has a beautiful smile and tries to use her charm to entertain. Her act is raunchy and bad. She plays at low level casinos and is not about to make it big. She tries to be a good mother to her two boys but does a bad job in this role as well. Mark has a handicap due to a birth problem. Mother smothers him at times and we almost feel as if she needs his handicap because it gives her a sense of power over him. Tim is developing into a self sufficient man. He helps transport his mother to and from her gigs. He feeds into her vanity. At the same time he is struggling to become himself. The charming young Jill seduces Tim and so begins the struggle for Tim to pull away from his mother’s power. Mom does not like Jill and probably sees her as a rival. There are also some very touching scenes. I loved the wedding scene with Tim and Jill. You sense that they have a chance together. You also feel the love that Mom has for her son and hope that she will grow into the relationship with her new daughter-in-law.
These are sad real people. The story is believable and well told. It is almost haunting because the characters stay with. You find yourself laughing at the incidents and then realize that it is very sad. Unfulfilled desires can make for a painful experience and they are so well portrayed by the mother. We watch Tim becoming sexually active and we feel his anxiety and desire. You may not want the Dwights as neighbors but you will enjoy meeting them.
These are sad real people. The story is believable and well told. It is almost haunting because the characters stay with. You find yourself laughing at the incidents and then realize that it is very sad. Unfulfilled desires can make for a painful experience and they are so well portrayed by the mother. We watch Tim becoming sexually active and we feel his anxiety and desire. You may not want the Dwights as neighbors but you will enjoy meeting them.
Restaurant and Jazz Review: Dominion on Queen
500 Queen St E ( at Sumach)
416.368 3693
I have just discovered the perfect way to celebrate summer on a Sunday afternoon. Mark Sundays on your calendar from 3:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. Come hungry and thirsty and prepared to hear outstanding jazz. The trio plays outside on the patio. This is an interesting part of town. Little old houses still remain as part of historical Toronto. There is a surge of building going on. Little galleries and new town houses are sprouting up in the area. The building at 500 Queen St looks as if it could tell many historical stories. Now it is a café/ bar featuring great music. Today the Ed Vokurka Trio is playing. Ed is the winner of the 2006 National Jazz Award as Violinist of the Year. He is great. It is showmanship and skilled violin playing all the way. When he plays When Time Goes By I always shed a tear and I have heard him play it often. It is obvious that he loves his music and it is great entertainment. Alex Goodman is currently studying jazz at the Faculty of Music at U of T. He plays two types of guitars and gets my vote for the most upcoming jazz musician in the city. Maxine Willan is always perfect on the keyboard. Together the sounds meld and you are in for a treat.
This is a great place to have a meal. The outside patio is attractive and inviting. There is also a large indoor area. A large selection of fine beers and cocktails are offered as well as wine. You can have a drink and nibble on a starter or order something much more substantial.
Wings are served mild, medium or hot. 1 lb is $7.95. Nachos are served with cheese and olives. ($9.95) Fried Calamari is served with a jalapeno mayo dip.($7.95) Italian Spring Rolls are filled with red pepper, onion, rapini, olives and artichoke. ($5.95)
Burgers are served on Ace Bakery buns. A 6 oz. Dominion Burger comes with fries or sweet potato taters. ($8.50)
Grilled Panini or Sandwiches are a favorite item on the menu. Ace Bakery bread is used and served with a side salad. Pesto Chicken Panini offers roasted chicken, wild mushrooms, Mozzarella cheese and pesto.($8.25) The Veggie Panini will be my choice on my next visit. Grilled eggplant, sweet peppers, zucchini, Asia go cheese and a sun dried tomato spread are combined for a yummy taste. ($7.25) The Rueben Sandwich combines corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing on a fresh European rye.($9.95) A variety of salads is offered for the ‘good health watchers.’ Spinach Salad is a combination of baby spinach, mushrooms, sprouts, served with a poppy seed, honey, and mustard dressing. It is topped with egg, Mozzarella cheese, strawberries and roasted almonds. What a feast!
Entrees are also available on the menu. They are served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of potato or fries. Seared Salmon Filet is topped with mango salsa. ($15.95)
Please save room for dessert. Who could refuse to try the Chocolate Truffle Royale? Chocolate cake is layered with dark chocolate truffle with a further layer of white delicate chocolate truffle. It is all topped with caramel and roasted pecans. I can’t wait to try the Caramel Wacky Apple. A sweet crust is baked with caramel, custard, apples and nuts. Desserts are $5.95)
Come for the music. Come for the food. Your spirits will soar and your stomach will also thank you.
416.368 3693
I have just discovered the perfect way to celebrate summer on a Sunday afternoon. Mark Sundays on your calendar from 3:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. Come hungry and thirsty and prepared to hear outstanding jazz. The trio plays outside on the patio. This is an interesting part of town. Little old houses still remain as part of historical Toronto. There is a surge of building going on. Little galleries and new town houses are sprouting up in the area. The building at 500 Queen St looks as if it could tell many historical stories. Now it is a café/ bar featuring great music. Today the Ed Vokurka Trio is playing. Ed is the winner of the 2006 National Jazz Award as Violinist of the Year. He is great. It is showmanship and skilled violin playing all the way. When he plays When Time Goes By I always shed a tear and I have heard him play it often. It is obvious that he loves his music and it is great entertainment. Alex Goodman is currently studying jazz at the Faculty of Music at U of T. He plays two types of guitars and gets my vote for the most upcoming jazz musician in the city. Maxine Willan is always perfect on the keyboard. Together the sounds meld and you are in for a treat.
This is a great place to have a meal. The outside patio is attractive and inviting. There is also a large indoor area. A large selection of fine beers and cocktails are offered as well as wine. You can have a drink and nibble on a starter or order something much more substantial.
Wings are served mild, medium or hot. 1 lb is $7.95. Nachos are served with cheese and olives. ($9.95) Fried Calamari is served with a jalapeno mayo dip.($7.95) Italian Spring Rolls are filled with red pepper, onion, rapini, olives and artichoke. ($5.95)
Burgers are served on Ace Bakery buns. A 6 oz. Dominion Burger comes with fries or sweet potato taters. ($8.50)
Grilled Panini or Sandwiches are a favorite item on the menu. Ace Bakery bread is used and served with a side salad. Pesto Chicken Panini offers roasted chicken, wild mushrooms, Mozzarella cheese and pesto.($8.25) The Veggie Panini will be my choice on my next visit. Grilled eggplant, sweet peppers, zucchini, Asia go cheese and a sun dried tomato spread are combined for a yummy taste. ($7.25) The Rueben Sandwich combines corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing on a fresh European rye.($9.95) A variety of salads is offered for the ‘good health watchers.’ Spinach Salad is a combination of baby spinach, mushrooms, sprouts, served with a poppy seed, honey, and mustard dressing. It is topped with egg, Mozzarella cheese, strawberries and roasted almonds. What a feast!
Entrees are also available on the menu. They are served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of potato or fries. Seared Salmon Filet is topped with mango salsa. ($15.95)
Please save room for dessert. Who could refuse to try the Chocolate Truffle Royale? Chocolate cake is layered with dark chocolate truffle with a further layer of white delicate chocolate truffle. It is all topped with caramel and roasted pecans. I can’t wait to try the Caramel Wacky Apple. A sweet crust is baked with caramel, custard, apples and nuts. Desserts are $5.95)
Come for the music. Come for the food. Your spirits will soar and your stomach will also thank you.
Film Review: Titus
You may not want to accept my optimism with this film if you read the reviews. Sometimes you want to believe that you can do whatever you set your heart on. While you are watching the film you can at least enjoy the von Holzen family realizing their dreams. I loved every minute. Titus is a precocious genius of a child. His piano playing is amazing. He is much smarter than his teachers and often talks back to them causing him much anguish in school. His parents are believable loveable characters. Vitus especially relates to his grandfather. The grandfather works building things but his true talent is bringing out the dreams and thoughts of Vitus. Their relationship is precious. Vitus has tough times. His parents fire his favorite baby sitter and Vitus rebels. Vitus wants to fly. He builds an elaborate set of wings and tries to fly. He falls from his balcony. The injury results in a lowering of his intelligence. He goes to a regular school and gives up on the piano. However with his grandfather he continues to dream. He becomes brilliant in investing money in the stock market under a pseudonym. The winnings go to his grandfather. When the grandfather dies the money permits the father to buy the business from which he has been fired. Titus starts to play the piano again and all is well. The former baby sitter even comes to the performance with a bouquet of flowers.
I know many readers will feel that this ‘stuff of dreams’ is not worth watching because it couldn’t happen and it is untrue. We all need to dream and it is uplifting to view the results of Vitus using his talent and skill to help his grandfather. The grandfather loved his family and wanted to help them. Vitus puts aside his talent as a pianist as he is searching for his fulfillment in other directions. The acting is delightful. Several actors play the part of Titus from a young boy to a teenager. I felt good when I left. I enjoyed the film. In my opinion it has merit and is worth watching. Everything doesn’t have to be believable. Sometimes it feels good to stretch our imagination and enjoy something that might be or at least view it as an analogy of something that could happen.
I know many readers will feel that this ‘stuff of dreams’ is not worth watching because it couldn’t happen and it is untrue. We all need to dream and it is uplifting to view the results of Vitus using his talent and skill to help his grandfather. The grandfather loved his family and wanted to help them. Vitus puts aside his talent as a pianist as he is searching for his fulfillment in other directions. The acting is delightful. Several actors play the part of Titus from a young boy to a teenager. I felt good when I left. I enjoyed the film. In my opinion it has merit and is worth watching. Everything doesn’t have to be believable. Sometimes it feels good to stretch our imagination and enjoy something that might be or at least view it as an analogy of something that could happen.
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