Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

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/

Art & Culture

The Arts Club – JERSEY BOYS

After more than 15 years as New York’s favorite musical, the Tony, Grammy^® and *Olivier Award-winning JERSEY BOYS played its final performance in New York on May 22, 2022 and continues on tour in London and other parts of UK. However; here in Vancouver…

**Cast of Jersey Boys**, **2024**; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the **Arts Club Theatre Company.**

We’re lucky to have our very own Broadway-style production of JERSEY BOYS, now playing at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (an Arts Club Theatre Company Production) – held over until October 27^th due to popular demand.

My friend Margeaux and I had the pleasure of seeing this on Saturday night. Oh; What a Night! – remember that was one of the hits back in the day.

I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this show. OK; I’ll tell you – we enjoyed it very much. The quality of the singing (which my friend thought was dubbed – it’s not) is outstanding. With an exceptional cast and story, JERSEY BOYS features extraordinary performances by Elliot Lazar as Frankie Valli, alongside Darren Martens as Tommy DeVito, Jason Sakaki as Bob Gaudio, and Jordan Stanley as Nick Massi.

Under the direction of Julie Tomaino, JERSEY BOYS isn’t just about the music; it’s about the story behind the music. This Award–winning musical brings to life the captivating true life story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, a band that rose from the streets of New Jersey to international fame. For the Arts Club, JERSEY BOYS is more than a celebration of a legendary quartet; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to producing Broadway-calibre productions on the West Coast.

The show brings a high-energy, emotionally charged experience to the Stanley with its sharp narrative, compelling characters, and unforgettable soundtrack.

Jason Sakaki, Elliot Lazar, Darren Martens, and Tanner Zerr in Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

The creative team behind this production is equally impressive, featuring Set Designer Ryan Cormack and Costume Designer Barbara Clayden recreating the vibrant 1960’s atmosphere that defined the era of The Four Seasons. With hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” Musical Director Ken Cormier will keep audiences humming after they leave the theatre. The stage design, lighting, and soundscapes have been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that echoes the energy and nostalgia of the 1960s—a time when Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ruled the airwaves.

*The Olivier Awards are recognized internationally as the highest honour in British theatre, equivalent to the BAFTA Awards for film and television, and the BRIT Awards for music.

For Tickets:

https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/jersey-boys

https://artsclub.com/

Food + Drink

SWIRL AROUND BC WINE EXPO

As a wine aficionado or oenophile (because I like using these words that basically means a lover of wine in more simple terms), it’s always nice to be invited to these tasting events. This one was held in the crystal ballroom at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Sidenote: I worked at this hotel right after (and even before) it opened, and freshly back from having lived in Tokyo – it was Japanese owned at the time. We had everyone from Stevie Wonder and Princess Diana to Jay Leno and a Saudi Prince staying there. I worked there all through Expo ’86 which was an exciting time. I have lots of stories some exposés that should not be told but I disgress; so let’s stick to wine for now. Although this is another Expo…of sorts.

I like to support our BC wineries and purchase mostly local BC wines. As most of you already know, I’ve visited many of these wineries it’s almost embarrassing how many and yet; there are always new ones popping up and ones I’ve never been to, although I’ve enjoyed their wines. I always meet new people and discover new wines at the tastings. Always something new. I love to blog about the experience.

This is my first time at the newly revamped Swirl Around BC Wine Expo: a day-long celebration of BC wine, including the latest releases and in-depth discussions with the diverse and talented producers who crafted them from grape to glass. Many of the wine makers and owners were here yesterday. This year, Swirl worked with the talented team at This is Wine School to develop 4 seminars to complement the walk around trade tastings that featured more than 45 BC wineries participating from 4 different BC wine regions.

One of the seminars was to do with ‘brand identity’ and what it means. A round-table discussion on why certain wineries speak to certain consumers. The seminar about The Possibilities of Pinot (Pinot Noir is a favourite of mine) was sold-out in minutes. I’m sorry to have missed this one; hopefully next year I’ll register on time.

For this post; I want to feature four outstanding and diverse wineries. Starting with:

and speaking of attention-grabbing labels; BLASTED CHURCH VINEYARDS. They have a wide selection of wines for all of your sacred occasions. Plus, they put farmers first, which is especially important to know.

Great wine starts in the dirt, in the living earth. But it must be guided by caring, focused, and calloused hands in their love for the soil, and their love for people. I enjoy their wine and the labels are conversation starters.

Blasted Church Table. I confess to liking their wines. Photo: d. king

HAYWIRE ORGANIC VINEYARDS:

From my experience, when you drink organic, you feel better. With a farming policy that includes leaving the land in a better condition than it was when they purchased it, the team places high value on sustainability and stewardship. HAYWIRE employs the precision viticulture model supported by specialist Pedro Parra. The goal is to optimize vineyard performance by deeply exploring the terroir to discover the variables that affect vine growth, grape ripening, plant health and longevity. They use compost and seaweed as fertilizer, which helps nourish the vines and build soils. Their vineyards are where chickens and ducks roam, providing fresh eggs, insect control and daily wake up calls.

Doesn’t that make you want to try their wines? Plus, their wine tastes great.

GARNET VALLEY RANCH:

Hidden on the back roads of Summerland, BC, this rare place was discovered in 2012 in a lucky twist of fate and a chance visit with endless possibilities in sight. Today, GARNET VALLEY RANCH is a certified organic site, home to vineyards, field crops, a lavender farm, a bustling beehive, a small winery and The Outlook visitor center.

The ranch is a rare, unspoiled site that has been carefully and thoughtfully designed to integrate with the wild natural landscape that envelops it. The ranch is located in Summerland, BC, on a 320-acre (130 ha) site that was purchased by Okanagan Crush Pad Winery at the urging of Chilean terroir consultant Pedro Parra.

To date, a handful of low intervention organic wines under the Free Form label have been released with the first three limited-edition GARNET VALLEY RANCH wines released in summer 2023. The property is open by appointment only.

SPEARHEAD WINERY:

SPEARHEAD is located on the bench lands of South East Kelowna. Their focus is on premium quality wine which is produced from grapes grown on their estate vineyard and from selected Okanagan Valley vineyards. The hand harvested grapes are sorted at the winery and fermented in small lots.

Of Note: these wines display the unique attributes of the Okanagan vineyards that they were sourced from. They also produce blended Pinot Noirs which combine the characteristics of different vineyards, including their benchmark Cuvee. They’ve extended this exclusive approach to winemaking to other varietals including Chardonnay which is made from a single clone.

If I had to choose only one favourite white it would be Chardonnay and if I had to choose only one favourite red it would be Pinot Noir. Why do I have to be so difficult?

Winery Links Below:

Home

About Garnet Valley Ranch Winery

https://www.spearheadwinery.com/

A few other labels that caught my attention:

If you own a wine store, are a restauranteur or media person, try to be on the list for next year.

THINKAboutit

Trains, Planes and Subways.

Today’s post is more like journaling rather than journalism

TIFF 2024 was a fabulous experience.

Having only been to two other film festivals before, this one is incomparable. This is a top-tier festival. The choices were varied and outstanding. The public turnout was staggering, including the A-list stars who attended. King Street W (where my late hubby and I used to own a condo) in the heart of the Entertainment District, was all about “TIFF” From September 5th to the 15^th with streets blocked off and lots going on. Elizabeth and I saw some amazing selections. We also missed some amazing selections. We both navigated the subway system which was easy enough. Now we’re pros.

I stayed with my brother-in-law who lives mid-town in a really nice high rise. Coincidentally, an old friend of mine lives in the building right across the street. I went over for a pitcher of her delicious homemade margaritas one evening and sat on her balcony looking over to where I was staying. How strange is that in such a big city? Elizabeth stayed with her brother (my other cousin Frankie) who lives in trendy High Park area.

I ended up going back to Montreal with Liz for a little side trip while the festival was still on. I wasn’t intending to at first, but we decided to bury our Uncle Chuck (who was living in Florida) and whose ashes were in Elizabeth’s closet for one year. I can explain. Last year, when we all met up for a wedding in Montreal, Chuck’s wife brought his ashes to be buried with his parents (our grandparents) on Mount Royal – the mountain in the heart of the city. As luck would have it, workers were on strike at that time, so we were unable to carry out his wishes. Now he’s out of the closet and back with his parents in a beautiful last resting place.

I was also able to get together with a long-time friend one evening for dinner and another evening with my childhood bestie Linda, and her parents. Her mom is exactly the same, only with white hair. Her dad is partially paralyzed in a wheelchair now, but his face lit up when he saw me. We had dinner at their home. It was like going back in time but very familiar. These people I saw were all at my wedding and we have history. While a lot of the movie themes were suggesting “out with the old, in with the new” – I like to keep the old around for old times sake.

Elizabeth and I travelled Via Rail “Business Class” which is really the ~~only~~ best way to take the train from TO to MTL. The seats are more comfortable and they feed you. But a word of advice: try not to miss your train. If you do; you might have to wait a few hours and pay more $. You shouldn’t have to pay more, but they justify the reason as just a different train with a higher fare. Yeah; happened to me. Won’t happen again!

As promised, here are some other movies and docs that were on my list that I really wanted to see, but didn’t get around to. LOOK FOR:

Will & Harper (a documentary with SNL alumni and close friends, Will Ferrell & Harper Steele, as they take a road trip following Steele’s announcement of her transition – I imagine with lots of questions along the way). Steele was a writer for Saturday Night Live TV show; four years as head writer. In theatres now – available on Netflix end of September.

We Live in Time (Florence Pugh, Andrew Garfield) A romance about how to make the most of our time in this world. I wonder what they have to say about that.

The Room Next Door (Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton) – about re-connecting an old friendship when one of the friends is sick. This one got a long standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and it’s Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar’s first English-language feature. I’ve always liked his films.

Conclave (Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini). I didn’t even know Rossellini was at TIFF until I saw her interviewed – I worked for her when she was dating David Lynch while filming a movie in Vancouver. Again; history. I’ll see it at VIFF -Vancouver Int’l Film Festival.

Road Diary: A documentary about Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Without Blood (Salma Hayek Pinault; directed by Angelina Jolie). That’s enough.

Disclaimer (a mystery starring Cate Blanchett – anything with her in it).

Mistress Dispeller (a true story about the work of Chinese women who practice unorthodox techniques to repair marital infidelity – sounds fascinating).

The Apprentice (I watched the first season of this popular series featuring you know who).

The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (my late husband spent some time in Lagos – not in a prison; his company set up telecommunications there – but don’t blame him for all the scams).

The Shrouds (because…well; it’s David Cronenberg). It will be sombre.

Can I Get a Witness? (Sandra Oh; written/directed by Ann Marie Fleming – someone I know from Vancouver. This is getting a lot of buzz and I’m excited to see it at VIFF).

Taking Care of Business (a documentary about another iconic Canadian band – Bachman Turner Overdrive; BTO for short. I have friends in common with Randy Bachman and my brother is good friends with his drummer).

A Movie Short called “SoleMates” starring Richard Jutras, a friend of mine from Montreal. We went to Actors Studio a million years ago. Takes place in a shoe store.

The Life of Chuck – It’s not about my Uncle. It just won a People’s Choice Award at the close of TIFF. Synopsis: The world feels like it’s ending and everybody’s saying goodbye to Chuck. Wherever Marty (Chiwetel Ejiofor) goes, he can’t get away from Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). His face is showing up on billboards, window signs — even TV commercials. What’s so special about this seemingly ordinary accountant and why does he warrant such a sendoff? Guess we’ll have to watch it to find out.

Lots to look forward to. Coming up:

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.”