Film Reviews – Page 3 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Auction

The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) kicked off on Thursday, January 2, with its Opening Night and its widely acclaimed *Talking Pictures program.

This review is for the movie “AUCTION;” an intriguing French drama, which I saw at the Annenberg Theatre (at the Palm Springs Art Museum) but there are a few more upcoming showings at the Camelot Theatre.

Image courtesy of PSIFF.

I’ve always been intrigued by live auctions. The adrenaline in the room is contagious. So far, I’ve only been to one live auction because I don’t want to run the risk of raising my hand ~~again~~.

But really; I’m more intrigued by how art collectors know, or trust, why certain works of art are worth so much money. We’re not talking thousands, we’re talking millions. You must have a trained eye. Then again, how do they determine the worth of a certain painting? That was what got me to this movie. The idea that a lost masterpiece from 1939, from an artist I’ve never heard of, was re-discovered in recent years in the home of a young man who inherited the home from his deceased grandfather.

The young man noticed the painting in a book, so decided to contact a hotshot dealer to have the piece evaluated. André Masson, specialist in modern art, receives a letter according to which a painting by Egon Schiele had been discovered in Mulhouse, France.

Of course not being familiar with Schiele, I Googled him. Of Austrian descent, he was known as an expressionist painter. It also noted that he was incestuously attracted to his sister Gerti, to the great consternation of their father (which makes sense, although father went on to die of syphilis himself). At age 16, Schiele took Gerti, then 12, by train to Trieste and spent the night with her.

What a lovely story. Kidding of course. A lot of artists of that era were tragic figures.

The painting in this film is slightly along the lines of Van Gogh Sunflowers, if the sunflowers are on their way out. It’s a dark painting with sad flowers -maybe alluding to how the artist himself felt at the time.

I also didn’t know that certain paintings were referred to as “degenerates” by the Germans during WWII. The looted ones which they did not deem worthy were either destroyed or given to families who they considered lower class. I’m guessing that is how the grandfather ended up with the painting in the first place.

This thrilling French drama (with English subtitles),directed by Pascal Bonitzer, is filled with deceit, surprises, double dealings and a few little things that don’t make complete sense. But it is very interesting and always good to learn something new…or old in the world of Art. Overall I enjoyed it very much.

The Fesival is on until January 13^th. For tickets:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/film-festival-2025

From Thursday, January 2 – Saturday, January 4, the *Talking Pictures program began with a Q&A following “A Real Pain” with actor, director and producer Jesse Eisenberg at the Annenberg Theater, “Sing Sing” followed by a Q&A with actor Colman Domingo, “Babygirl” followed by a Q&A with actress Nicole Kidman at the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School, “Emilia Perez” presented by Kering followed by a Q&A with director Jacques Audiard and actors Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Edgar Ramírez, and “Wicked” followed by a Q&A with an extended introduction with actresses Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and director Jon M. Chu.

FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.

NOTE: If you attend the Annenburg Theatre make sure to bring a sweater.

Film Reviews

VIFF: Emilia Pérez

Blood, Ballads, Dance Numbers, Drug Lords, Surgery…

Plenty of surgery…

This movie was chosen as the closing film at VIFF. It’s a strong message about how everyone deserves to live an authentic life no matter what the circumstances or the cost. And if money is no object, there could still be a price to pay!

I’d like to start off by saying that I have no personal connection to this movie – none! I have no intention of harming any cartel members. Okay; having said that…this movie is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I think that anything I write here will not do it proper justice. It needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a work of art; really! With this movie I had no idea what to expect, and I was in awe of the actors’ ability to pull off such a complicated and interesting story with such believability and style.

If you love musicals, gun violence, reality TV and court dramas, you’ll probably love this movie. It covers all genres and interests. It does have a lot going on; but somehow it manages to all come together. It’s an incredible accomplishment from director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet; Rust and Bone) to make something like this work.

The cast of Zoe Saldana (Rita, a Mexico City defence attorney), Selena Gomez (Jessi – drug lord’s wife) and Karla Sofía Gascón (leader of a criminal organization before becoming Emilia Pérez) is outstanding. Gascón especially is absolutely mesmerising to behold as a cartel leader before transitioning to become a woman striving for actualization and redemption. This is Oscar-worthy material.

The Spanish actress was the first transgender woman to win an award for this film which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last May.

I had to give a little more away than planned so readers can understand what they’re in for. However; there’s still so much left out that believe me, you’ll still be surprised to find out where the direction takes you.

In an interview with Variety Magazine Gascón said that she felt that it was “absolutely obvious” that she had to play both roles. “I do not see which actor would not have had this desire to follow their character in all its evolution,” she said, adding that “very few actors and actresses” get roles like the one she got in “Emilia Pérez.” “I haven’t seen many roles like it, not even with Javier Bardem or Marlon Brando’s careers.” Gascón admitted, however, that she dived into the role so deeply that she struggled to come out of it once filming wrapped.

I can only imagine. She did an impressive job of portraying two amazing characters. Zoe Saldana was excellent. I wasn’t really familiar with her work, but she’s amazing.

I would recommend this movie for anyone wanting a departure from the norm with something unexpected and exciting. And very well executed (to be taken two ways).

This movie is scheduled to be released to multiple theaters on November 1^st.

The festival is now over, however you can enjoy movies that are part of VIFF playing all year round.

Here:

https://viff.org/#year-round-series

Film Reviews

VIFF: CONCLAVE

DRAMA, SUSPENSE, INTRIGUE…

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of viewing two fantastic films that are part of the VIFF Special Presentations – Emilia Pérez & Conclave. Both films have extraordinary stories and the actors were truly outstanding. While these two films are completely different from each other (as they should be), they share a common human thread. I’m still wrapping my head around Emilia Pérez so I’ll focus on CONCLAVE for this post.

The movie was shot entirely in Rome. The story centres around a sitting Pope who becomes an unexpected deceased Pope which leaves the Cardinals to deal with what to do about that?

In the Roman Catholic Church, a conclave is when its cardinals from around the world assemble to discuss the thorny matter of choosing a new Pope. The conclave elects the new Pope from members within its ranks. As this process usually takes several days and multiple ballots, it is thick with drama. Whoever is first to garner two thirds of the votes, wins. But this story comes with a lot of layers before, during and after the new pope becomes the chosen one.

When Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with leading one of the world’s most ancient events (selecting a new Pope); he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Church. This movie is a Vatican Thriller with some unexpected turns – purposely left out for you to be surprised. Because…don’t you love surprises?

The excellent cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and Carlos Diehz.

I also wanted to see this movie because of my personal connection with Isabella Rossellini, whom I got to know years ago when she was filming a movie here in Vancouver. She hired me to do a variety of things like; look after her daughter, plan a party, run errands, pick up an ex-hubby at the airport, etc. Her long time regular assistant had to go back to New York for business so I took over for a bit shortly after being introduced to Isabella when visiting my camera operator friend on set. She was very pleasant – even made me dinner one night. I had so much fun, and my then-boyfriend made no secret of having such a crush on HER…I had to introduce them before breaking up with him.

Rossellini plays a nun. Coincidentally, her mother (the great Ingrid Bergman) also played a nun garnering an Oscar nomination for “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” Like mother, like daughter.

THIS MOVIE is a must-see and a possible Oscar contender. I’ll even go so far as to predict that Ralph Fiennes will get a best actor nomination and John Lithgow a best supporting actor nomination. Let’s see how that plays out.

Carlos Diehz is a Mexican actor who only ventured into the craft of acting in 2020, and landed a lead role in this movie through a global search. He plays an important role.

Taken from the VIFF website:

When the sitting Pope shuffles off this mortal coil, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is handed the responsibility of marshalling the Catholic Church’s most influential figures and orchestrating the arcane process of electing a successor. Sequestered in the Vatican, several cardinals—including John Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay—turn cutthroat in their bid to lay claim to the papal throne. As conspiracies come to light and factions are formed, the unassuming Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) harbours a secret that may have seismic consequences.

In his follow up to the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, Edward Berger delivers another immaculately crafted, psychologically complex morality tale. Gifted with a gloriously refined screenplay by Peter Straughan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Berger elicits finely calibrated performances from a powerhouse cast that includes Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. And while Stephane Fontaine’s cinematography ensures a succession of sublime compositions, it’s the dramatic tension resulting from faith running afoul of corruption that keeps us riveted.

The festival is on until October 6th (that’s tomorrow) but there’s viff movie screenings all year long. Check it out:

https://viff.org/

Film Reviews

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is celebrating 43 years of showcasing exceptional cinema in an exceptional environment – beautiful Vancouver. You’ll see some of the best cinema from around the globe, one-of-a-kind live performances, talks, industry sessions, and other unique events celebrating film and film culture. I try to never miss this festival.

This year, due to other events and circumstances I’m starting later than planned. Better late than not at all, right? Last night I went to a theatre close to where I live (VIFF is expanding their viewing theatres to include a few more – other than the downtown area – YAY!) I saw CAN I GET A WITNESS? at Fifth Ave Cinemas to full capacity seating. The timing of this movie is supposed to take place in the very near future; maybe too near for most. I didn’t realize that it was filmed in Powell River; a city known for its natural beauty, world-class rock climbing and home to the Sunshine Coast Trail, until the credits.

This particular film has been creating some BUZZ.

I like to say…,.Remember the Past, Think about the Future, but Stick to the Present.

Kiera Jang as “Kiah”- Photo courtesy of VIFF

Sometimes the present sucks! Especially if you’re about to turn 50! And you probably don’t even know what I mean by this if you haven’t seen the movie. Turning 50 is a milestone for everyone who is lucky enough to turn 50… but in this movie it means much more than a milestone. It’s the end of an era – namely, your personal era.

Everyone should see this film. This movie is full of surprises as it reflects on the past and all the damage we’ve done to the planet, but looks to saving the future. And like life in general, you have to take the good with the bad. CAN I GET A WITNESS? premiered at TIFF, but knowing that it would be showing in Vancouver, I purposely waited to see it at Fifth Avenue Cinemas, now part of the VIFF lineup.

With Ann Marie Fleming. Photo: Kiera Jang

It is certainly a coming of age movie, but not what you might think, and I don’t want to give it all away. Writer, Director and Co-Executive Producer Ann Marie Fleming wants to give you something more crucial to contemplate It’s nothing to do with anti-aging (an overdone concept to begin with) like some of the more recent movies I’ve seen that deal with starting over after 50, such as “The Substance” or “The Last Showgirl” which is basically you’re over…once you’re over 50 (with themes that resort to doing anything to keep youthful and another when you must start over from scratch after having done the same job for 30 years). But what if after you turn 50, your life really is over?

This is one of the more profound movies I’ve seen in a long time – maybe ever. It covers many current world and personal issues while giving viewers lots to think about. However, it’s as gentle as it’s extreme. As beautiful and insightful as this film is; it’s equally scary and sad. Even though the timing is set in the near future, it appears a little old fashioned; or as the VIFF Guide says; remarkably folksy. Yes, it is; especially considering the subject matter. It also has some charmingly animated objects that show up here and there…a sprinkling to give an unexpected, more dreamy innocent effect….along with the more dramatic nuances. Contradictions that make perfect sense in a sometimes senseless world.

My thoughts are that you will leave the theatre feeling different and questioning human choices and giving more thought to how we can improve the planet. At least that’s my hope…because if life imitates art, we’re all in trouble. If art imitates life, we may have a chance.

From the VIFF Guide:

Ann Marie Fleming takes us to a time when humanity has survived the global environmental crisis, but only at a steep price. As the film opens, Kiah (Keira Jang) is preparing for the first day of a new job, while her mother Ellie (Sandra Oh) is readying herself for a new journey of her own. Over the next two days, Kiah and her co-worker Daniel (Joel Oulette) perform their duties as official witnesses; together, they’re helping fulfill a global mandate to protect all life…

CAN I GET A WITNESS? is a film in which the important facts emerge gradually; as it builds to its powerful conclusion, the pace is leisurely and the style is deceptively casual. Fleming has a great ear for dialogue, and she directs with a strong attention to the nuances of human interaction. Jang and Oulette give subtle and convincing performances, and Oh is wonderful as always.

About:

Ann Marie Fleming is an award-winning visual artist, writer, director, animator and cross-platform media maker who has worked in a variety of genres (animation, experimental, documentary and drama). Her work often deals with themes of family, history and memory.

Ann Marie’s 2003 feature documentary The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam, based on the life of her magician and acrobat great-grandfather, won both the Grand Jury and Best Documentary Prize at the San Diego Asian Film Festival and the Best Documentary Prize at the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival in Canada. And her animated feature film, Window Horses, received numerous international awards, including Best Animated film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the Gijon International Film Festival in Barcelona.

Filmography: The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam (2003); The French Guy (2005); Window Horses (2016).

Sidenote: I saw The French Guy AND Window Horses. Excellent, diverse films that focus on cultural values.

Link for tickets (still a few more days left):

https://viff.org/festival/viff-2024/

Film Reviews

TIFF: THE FRIEND

If I had to choose only one movie favourite from all the ones I’d seen during TIFF, this one would be it. Naomi Watts + Bill Murray in “THE FRIEND.”

I went to a “full-house” press screening of this International Premiere alone. Even though Naomi Watts and Bill Murray (I love them both) get top billing, there’s no denying the scene stealing Great Dane who should get an Oscar nomination for best performing canine in a movie. Oh; they don’t have a category for this? Maybe they should start one.

Boy, did this move hit all the right notes and left me feeling all the feels. Like all great comedies, it also has an element of tragedy, so we can all relate. But I don’t want to give it all away. I started to tell someone about the film and they said “no more please… I want to see this one and be surprised.”

I’ve included a synopsis from tiff below. You don’t have to be a dog lover to enjoy this movie. Although if you are; you’ll find it even more endearing.

The character drama is based on the acclaimed novel by Sigrid Nunez and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel.

In a theatre filled with media types, I tried to pull myself together during several scenes – not always successfully, but from the sniffles and laughs I heard in the audience, at least I wasn’t alone.

Synopsis taken from tiff films + events list:

Iris (Watts) has had a long, complex friendship with Walter (Murray, also at this year’s Festival with Riff Raff). Walter is an irresistible charmer, a brilliant author, a lover of many women, and a master at letting down loved ones. When he dies suddenly, Iris is left to deal with all he left behind — three ex-wives with unfinished business, his interrupted literary legacy, and his beloved beast Apollo (Bing). It’s not that Iris doesn’t like dogs, but this is Manhattan, and she’ll get kicked out of her building if they find out she’s pretty much trying to house a horse.

Watts delivers a career-best performance here, weaving New York confidence through the anxieties of a struggling writer, through her principled offence at how Walter treated his wives, and through encounters with the women themselves. Life is complicated, and McGehee and Siegel (Montana Story TIFF’21, What Maisie Knew, TIFF ’12, The Deep End), reflect that in their writing and in how they direct Watts. They also cast supporting actors of the calibre of Constance Wu, Ann Dowd, Noma Dumezweni, and Carla Gugino, who help create a film of both depth and lightness.

Until next year!

Film Reviews

TIFF: ANDREA BOCELLI: BECAUSE I BELIEVE

I attended the press screening for this amazing world-premiere documentary. Bocelli’s voice is pure magic and I’m a huge fan. One of my all-time favourite LP’s is still “Romanza.”

In this documentary we learn so much more about the man behind the voice. Documentarian Cosima Spender follows the Italian tenor and crossover artist beyond the stage and into his private life. Using last year’s magisterial concert at the Baths of Caracalla as its anchor, Andrea Bocelli: Because I Believe is an intimate portrait of one of the world’s greatest living singers.

Bocelli grew up in the Tuscan village of La Sterza. We learn that at at the young age of twelve, he became totally blind after suffering a brain hemorrhage as the result of a soccer accident. Doctors resorted to using leeches in a last-ditch effort to save his sight, but they were unsuccessful and Bocelli remained blind. However, undeterred by his lack of sight, he studied law at the University of Pisa while singing at piano bars and nightclubs to finance his education.

Despite his being born with congenital glaucoma and suffering a complete loss of sight at such a tender age, this is a completely uplifting documentary. He appears to not let anything hold him back from doing regular stuff. He declares having “zero fear”, as he goes for long horseback rides alone. That same fearlessness helped him work his way up, going from paying gigs singing Sinatra songs at piano bars to eventually having a worldwide smash with “Time to Say Goodbye,” his astounding duet with Sarah Brightman.

Traversing the decades on his journey he’s earned recognition from everyone from Pavarotti to Jennifer Lopez and 29-year-old Dua Lipa.

This is an inspiring documentary with archival performance footage and informal gatherings with friends and family. Friends that he’s known all of his life. Aside from the obvious fame and glory, he and they remain true to each other. And his amazing young, beautiful daughter…the father/daughter duet in this doc is a must-see! It will bring tears to your eyes.

Because I Believe shows you that when you Believe it, you can Become it.

Film Reviews

TIFF: RIFF RAFF

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

Noticing a lot of major movie star and A-list actor names on a movie billing doesn’t always mean that the movie will turn out to be any good. Case in point: Knives Out (as least in our opinion). Actors can be a draw for sure, but wouldn’t you prefer the storyline to be as good as the talent?

RIFF RAFF has both a stellar cast and a fun story about blood ties. The TIFF Special Presentation was a super enjoyable dark comedy, done extremely well. Especially when you have actors like Jennifer Coolidge, Bill Murray, Ed Harris and Pete Davidson. Except for Pete Davidson, they were all in town for the premiere.

Writer John Pollano, Bill Murray, Ed Harris & Miles J Harvey.

Gabrielle Union, Emanuela Postacchini, Jennifer Coolidge & Director Dito Montiel.

Comedy is not easy to convey. Slapstick alone doesn’t cut it for us. We love a good laugh. It’s healthy and it feels great – so this pitch-black family (of sorts) comedy was the perfect remedy.

As far as dysfunctional families go, I think this one wins the prize for “best of” dysfunctional family reunions. We have Vince; a one-time criminal (Harris) who turned his life around when he met Sandy (Union). The still-happy couple want to spend a quiet New Year’s Eve nearly 20 years later in their remote country home with their cheerful son, DJ (Miles J. Harvey). Out of the blue, unexpectedly, Vince’s other son Rocco (Lewis Pullman), shows up with his very pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), along with Vince’s first wife, Ruth (Coolidge). They appear to be escaping from something unclear and Rocco is hiding an ominous situation. He never did divest himself from the family business. Then we have an aging Mafioso called Lefty (Bill Murray) who is trying to settle a score with Rocco. Pete Davidson plays Lefty’s quirky sidekick.

Directed by Dito Montiel (Festival selection Man Down in 2015). and written by John Pollono (TIFF ’17’s Stronger), Riff Raff is gloriously irreverent, taking a deadpan approach to both humour and violence, while inserting some hilarious surprises along the way. Every member of the film’s dream cast has fun with even the most grotesque moments, but special mention goes to Murray, who should be on everyone’s A-list for heavies, and Coolidge, whose singular way with words makes beautiful music of Ruth’s filthiest dialogue.

We highly recommend this movie if you want something rather light, family-oriented (with a twist) and funny.

Sometimes all we need is just that.

This film is well executed.

Film Reviews

TIFF: PAUL ANKA – HIS WAY

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

The World Premiere of one of the world’s most prolific and successful singer-songwriters who started singing at age twelve, in a candid and celebratory look at his life and career.

There’s so much we learn by watching this documentary, which is the point of documentaries and why we love them so much.

Many people aren’t aware that Anka started off as a teen idol and was able to retain his success (especially when “The Beatles” and “The Rolling Stones” came along) by his ability to write songs for others. One very talented and resourceful guy.

Some of those others include Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Michael Jackson, Céline Dion, and, later, even Toronto’s own Drake. He wrote “My Way for Sinatra. He even composed the theme song for the “Tonight Show “ starring Johnny Carson in 1962. He split the proceeds from earnings of that song with Carson fifty/fifty. Anka said that the money he made from that alone gave his kids an education and put them through school.

To date, the Ottawa-born Anka, has recorded 125 albums–including songs in Japanese, German, Spanish, French, and Italian–and sold more than 15 million worldwide.

Here’s some fascinating trivia :

I had no idea that Jason Bateman (who narrates some of the documentary) married his daughter Amanda, in 2001. Now his son-in-law.

He discovered Michael Bublé, Corey Hart and David Clayton Thomas (Blood, Sweat & Tears).

He wrote “Diana”- a love song for the 18-year old babysitter of his younger brother and sister. The song became America’s top song in September 1957.

He wrote “Lonely Boy” for his mother, who died of diabetes.

Wrote the 1960 song “Puppy Love” about his romance with Annette Funicello. In 1972 the song became a huge hit for Donny Osmond.

“My Way” is tagged as the “Killer Song” in the Philippines. It’s the top pick of drinking buddies in karaoke/videoke bars and when sung off-key, the singer is usually roughed up (or sometimes shot or stabbed; sometimes killed – hence the description) by other drunks in the bar. WOW! I was in the Philippines but luckily I never went to a karaoke bar when there. I did, however, sing “My Way” with a guy I met in a karaoke bar in Kyoto, Japan; where they’re much more civil. They clapped even though I’m pretty sure we sang it terribly.

Anka was a former co-owner of NHL’s Ottawa Senators.

Oh; there’s so much richness about him. I only touched the surface. I’ll leave you with one last little teeny weeny bit of trivia.

I met Paul Anka years ago (obviously, from the photo) in Vancouver where he was taping a variety show with CBC and I went backstage (as I often did through connections) and met him. I knew his cousin who lived in Montreal and we were neighbours. When backstage I was introduced to David Clayton Thomas (Anka’s discovery and guest star with an amazing voice), who invited me to accompany him to the private wrap party at a very nice restaurant. Once there and seated, Anka handed us all sheet music with the lyrics to “My Way” and “New York, New York.” He proceeded to play piano and sang both songs (which were very famous even then), and wanted us all to sing along with him. It was an awesome evening – food, company and all. I’ll never forget it. Anka did come over to me and mention that he had planned to introduce DCT to a woman he invited along who worked on the show (infact, he pointed her out to me; she was sitting at another table)…but now that I was there, that wouldn’t happen. I didn’t get the sense he was upset though – which was a good thing. He seemed like a gentleman and genuinely wanted us all to have a good time. We did.

Photo: d. king Today they’d have to either cancel this song totally or change the title to something like “We’re Having a Baby” OR; “You’re Having OUR Baby.” – just saying.

“HIS WAY” will show long- time fans and newcomers alike just how far-reaching this artist’s words have been throughout the years. Elizabeth and I liked this documentary a lot.

Paul Anka; still going strong. Such a force!

Film Reviews

TIFF: NIGHTBITCH

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

We went through well over 200 movie listings for this popular festival. We believe that we chose well while knowing that we also missed a bunch of other great choices too. I will list the ones we missed (but wanted to see) in the upcoming days. It’s not easy to see everything and if you were able to; you’d turn into a zombie. We purposely avoided some controversial themes and picked ones we thought would be enjoyable pure entertainment, with a message. The thing is that deciphering the message isn’t always easy. How do you make sense of someone who thinks she may be turning into a dog?

So we agreed on what we wanted to see together, and NIGHTBITCH starring Amy Adams was high on our list. It was a Special Presentation. You have to remember that we try to not know too much about a festival movie before viewing it. Surprises can be good – or bad.

Adams is such an amazing actress and I think the decision to see this one was a combo of Adams being the main attraction, and the story; as bizarre as that turned out to be. So without further ado….

Bottom line in one sentence – Motherhood can be a Bitch and Women have Superpowers. But we should add a little more right?

Okay; admittedly we never quite understood the “dog” comparison…although we are all animals and because neither of us have children of our own, it’s possible that Mother (played by Adams and we think she was only referred to as “mother”) was just going nuts. I mean; baby book club and stuff like that. What women sacrifice in order to have children is… a lot! Oh; yeah, maybe it had something to do with the hormonal change. The whole motherhood deal can be ruff. And sometimes it’s easier to relate to dogs more so than humans. Or, could it be that you can be so overworked or so overtired that you think you’re a dog?? Anyway…

Marielle Heller is the director. She weaves drama, comedy and a significant mix of realism and dark humour in what we childless two believe mothers who’ve had ‘real’ children (instead of canine children) will appreciate even more so.

The movie is based on the bestselling 2021 novel of the same name. Heller has created a profoundly original exploration of mother hood (including what is “never said out loud but thought by many”) and destined to be one of the most talked about films of the year.

After this movie we can say that we fully appreciate all our relatives and friends who’ve had babies…while being happy that we’ve never had any of our own.

And men take note: you could never do it with the same expertise.

We morning bitches are here to say “you might think so; but you can’t.”

Film Reviews

TIFF: Elton John – Never Too Late

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

How we kill time in between movies. Never too late for a cocktail.

NEVER TOO LATE is an excellent ROCKUMENTARY about the man and the MUSIC LEGEND.

As Elton John fans we both absolutely loved this doc. Co-directed by Elton’s husband, David Furnish, it shows us an intimate glimpse into Elton’s private life. Furnish is originally from Toronto, so deciding to hold the world premiere at TIFF was a perfect choice. R.J. Cutler co-directed this fabulous documentary alongside Furnish. They were all here in Toronto for the opening.

My first EJ concert was many moons ago at the Montreal Forum – it was the “GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD” performance. And, an all-encompassing performance it was. I was already hooked; but my parents finally stepped in and asked me to please stop playing that album for a while. They were so sick of hearing it played so loud. I just turned down the volume.

Here comes the rocketmobile with Elton in the back. Photo: d. king

Some people think that the movie “Becoming Rocketman” was a documentary. It’s more of a fantasy musical that Elton gave his approval to take creative license with. This one is nothing like that. It shows all his sides. We were moved to say the least.

“NEVER TOO LATE” chronicles Elton throughout the years; from a humble beginning, to present time. It shows his upbringing with strict and sometimes abusive parents, his complicated love life, the drugs, the struggles, the loneliness, the success. The highs, the lows, and finally, finding love and family…the reason for his decision to finally retire once and for all. We’ll see about that.

There are a few surprises that most of the public might not know. One giveaway is his relationship with the late, great John Lennon. How he was able to coerce a reluctant Lennon into coming on stage at Dodger Stadium (the first time) to sing “WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT,” the old Beatles song, while Yoko sat secretly in the audience. Lennon did not want Ono to be there for fear that he would not be able to get on that stage following their two year breakup. However; Yoko did go backstage after, they got together again and the rest is (was) history. I don’t like giving too much away. Okay; one more…

There’s also a scene where Elton + Lennon are drinking up a storm and doing lines in Elton’s hotel room, when all of a sudden someone knocks on the door. Elton looks through the peephole to see Andy Warhol standing there. He and Lennon look at each other, decide not to open the door. I mean; the polaroids might not be such a good idea at this time. They just laugh it off.

The one thing I was hoping for was a nod to the late, great Long-John Baldry; the musician who discovered Elton and who Elton took his last name from. Long-John was a neighbour of mine and the information is well documented, although not mentioned in the doc.

The enduring pop star has done it all. He’s even added his name to the history books. On January 15,2024, he become an EGOT—as the winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—as his live-streamed concert Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium captured an Emmy Award. Oh; thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding. I always thought the recipient of that award meant that they were EGOTistical! (kidding).

We laughed, we cried and we realized…what a major talent and humanitarian this man is! Wonderful, wonderful documentary.

We had **Red Carpet access** for this one. Ruby (redhead in middle was there to interview Elton). Elizabeth and I were waiting for our camera call. And this was going on once inside:

Photo: d. king

TIFF might be almost over, but there’s always next year. I’ll be posting more movie reviews on here daily until I’m done. I’m sure that most of these movies and documentaries will be coming to a theatre near you by, or before Christmas. Christmas isn’t that far away.