Timing is everything. I watched this movie entitled appropriately…..About Time.
It’s been out for a few years but that’s okay because a few years is nothing when it comes to time travel. It’s about going back in time to try and correct whatever you feel needs to be corrected. For some reason this movie struck a chord. Did you already guess that?
I mean who wouldn’t want to have the opportunity to right your wrongs (providing you have any) – or change the future as tempting as that sounds?
Anyway, I had a really well deserved lazy evening recently where I scrolled through a long list of movies and this light Rom-Com is the one that appealed to me. It was exactly what the evening called for.
So if you loved “The Notebook”, “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, “Notting Hill” and “Bridget Jones’ Diary” my guess is that you’ll love this too.
It’s about a 21 year old young man who finds out from his father that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. He can’t change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own life-so he decides to make his world a better place…by getting a girlfriend. Sadly, that turns out not to be as easy as you might think.
Moving from the Cornwall coast to London to train as a lawyer, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) finally meets the beautiful but insecure Mary (Rachel McAdams). They fall in love, then an unfortunate time-travel incident means he’s never met her at all. So they meet for the first time again-and again-but finally, after a lot of cunning time-traveling, he wins her heart. Tim then uses his power to create the perfect romantic proposal, to save his wedding from the worst best-man speeches, to save his best friend from professional disaster and to get his pregnant wife to the hospital in time for the birth of their daughter, despite a nasty traffic jam outside Abbey Road. But as his unusual life progresses, Tim finds out that his unique gift can’t save him from the sorrows and ups and downs that affect all families, everywhere. There are great limits to what time travel can achieve.
So is it best to leave everything up to fate..or tamper with it if you could?Hmmmm………
Sandra Oh & Ann Marie Fleming – as it turned out needn’t have worried
On the heels of the Toronto International Film Festival which ended yesterday is the 35th Vancouver International Film Festival which starts on September 29th to October 14th. I just picked up the festival guide and I can’t wait to see a ton of films of which I will report back to you my favourites.
In the meantime I want to give a SHOUT OUT to my friend Ann Marie Fleming who’s full length animated movie Window Horses (which I previously blogged about) premiered at TIFF to rave reviews.
This is a beautifully narrated and colourfully animated story of a young girl’s journey employing poetry, music and illustrations to celebrate the value of self-discovery. After being invited to a poetry festival in Shiraz, Iran, by a mysterious figure, Rosie Ming faces challenges that ultimately lead to her self-realization. The film’s superb voice cast includes festival veterans Sandra Oh, Don McKellar and Ellen Page.
From CTV News:
“The reason why I wanted to do this film and why I moved it to Iran and why I think it’s important to do now is I wanted to make a gesture of understanding, compassion and intolerance in this world of increasingly dark images and xenophobia and fear,” says Fleming.
“This is not a political film in any way, but the gesture is political. I just wanted to make some lightness, to be able to see people for what we have in common and how poetry — poetry! — is actually the glue that’s put us all together through all these millennia.”
The Canadian Press recently spoke with Fleming about the film, which she wrote, directed and produced (in co-production with the National Film Board of Canada). It’s slated to hit theatres in spring 2017.
You can VOTE for this film for MUST-SEE BC Movies (until September 29th) and help support Canadian Art at:
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” – Edgar Allan Poe
Everyone knows that Poe is a Poet but we all have different viewpoints of another person’s image. That is called perception. What happens when someone doesn’t fit into the “usual” image we form for something they represent?
What is Window Horses?
Window Horses is a new Animated, Multi-Cultural, Unusual, Smart Feature Film with a Message. I find it inspiring. It is written, directed and produced by someone I know, Ann Marie Fleming, who has been making award winning films for over 25 years. Because she is such an unusual & inspiring person herself I knew that at the very least it would be interesting and worth checking out. So….
Rosie Ming is a mixed-race, 20-something, introverted, closet poet who dreams of going to Paris. She doesn’t know a thing about her parents. Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy, Sideways, Under the Tuscan Sun, etc…) is Rosie. Her work is about transformation!
Taken from the Website:
This film is our small effort to try and add a little more peace, love and understanding to our increasingly complex and conflicted world through art, poetry, history and culture. Heady stuff!
Not to give too much away but….
It’s about love (it’s always about love…) – love of family, poetry, history, culture. Here’s the story: Rosie Ming, a young Canadian poet, is invited to perform at a Poetry Festival in Shiraz, Iran, but she’d rather be in Paris. She lives at home with her over-protective Chinese grandparents and has never been anywhere by herself. Once in Iran, she finds herself in the company of poets and Persians, all who tell her stories that force her to confront her past; the Iranian father she assumed abandoned her and the nature of Poetry itself. It’s about building bridges between cultural and generational divides. It’s about being curious. Staying open. And finding your own voice through the magic of poetry.
Rosie goes on an unwitting journey of forgiveness, reconciliation, and perhaps above all, understanding, through learning about her father’s past, her own cultural identity, and her responsibility to it.
WATCH the Trailer:
“Window Horses hits all the things that are important to me: it’s pro-girl, pro-tolerance, pro-diversity and PRO-ART!! My nieces are mixed race and it’s very important to me that they see themselves represented in this society.” – Sandra Oh
Heady Stuff Indeed!
Window Horses will be playing during VIFF (September 29 – October 14, 2016). For program & tickets please visit:
There is something very exciting about the first Monday in May.
The Met Gala takes place and if you don’t know what that is shame on you – it’s the Superbowl of social fashion events. Bar none! By special invitation.
A splashy fundraiser featuring costumes, couture, socialites, A-listers, icons and influential people in fashion, film, art and music.
The First Monday in May is a new documentary film directed by Andrew Rossi. It follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s most attended fashion exhibition in history, “China: Through The Looking Glass,” an exploration of Chinese-inspired Western fashions by Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton. With unprecedented access, filmmaker Andrew Rossi captures the collusion of high fashion and celebrity at the Met Gala, one of the biggest global fashion events chaired every year by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour.
NEW YORK, NY : A view of atmosphere at “China: Through The Looking Glass” Costume Institute Benefit Gala – Press Preview at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
The movie dives into the debate about whether fashion should be viewed as art.
As Karl Lagerfeld describes, “it is applied art”
Rihanna
Art or not, The First Monday in May is worthwhile seeing if you’re into fashion, glamour, culture and……style. Yes please!
magnolia pictures (in Vancouver – playing at Cineplex Odeon Cinemas)
What will I wear????
The theme for this year’s Met Gala is Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. Sounds like we’re going to be seeing some cutting edge fashion this year!
EACH YEAR it’s the same story; I plan on watching ALL of the OSCAR Nominees up for Top Picture (at the very least)…but that only happened once. Before this year that is.
Tom Hardy in Mad Max Fury Road
I can’t believe I watched ALL the contenders in the top five categories. It’s not that I had nothing else to do in my life okay, I had nothing else to doit’s just that this time I was determined and it became my mission. I think the academy should make me an honorary member of the board if only because I sat through some movies I otherwise would not have desired to watch and that’s putting it kindly. Even though they were all amazingly well done. Have a little sympathy, all this watching is time consuming guys!
It was hard to keep my eyes glued to Mad Max, The Revenant, The Hateful Eight and some scenes in Creed. It’s not that I didn’t appreciate the astounding special effects of Mad Max and the astonishing scenery surrounding The Revenant and seeing Sylvester Stallone again after all these years, it’s just that I don’t like gratuitous violence, crazy non-stop action with mostly (except for one) raggedly looking ugly men and seeing someone eat a raw liver when I can’t even stomach cooked liver (apparently Leonardo DiCaprio did this). He deserves the Oscar for this alone. So yes, they should make me a certified member.
The Martian – not a comedy but Matt Damon is funny considering his circumstances
This year they were all really remarkable pictures. Mostlyhuman interest, real life stories or stories based on factual incidences. And they were heavy...the financial housing crash, a spy capture during the cold war, accusations of communism among the entertainment industry, a sex change, a deranged kidnapping, child molestations within the catholic church, an irish immigrant in the 50’s, a lesbian relationship in the 50’s, an inventor & technological wizard, a girl who founds a family dynasty, a secret that unfolds on a 45th wedding anniversary, a trek through cold uncharted wilderness, a mission to Mars gone wrong, *post civil-war bounty hunters and a man claiming to be sheriff and the collapse of civilization with the craziness surrounding that. I took a break in between to watch Train Wreck out of lightness & curiosity.
It would put me in a very awkward position to have to make choices for “best” this and that from what I’ve witnessed. There are not many years where so many movies are this great. I didn’t say enjoyable, I said great. And there were a few surprises. There was a common theme: Compelling, All Absorbing, Angry, Unbelievable and Shockingly Sad. And beautiful! Every single actor was just….perfect in their role. It’s so unfair that only one of them gets to take home the golden statue when they’re all winners.
Here is WHAT picture and WHO I think deserves to win out of the BIG FIVE (and then be able to negotiate more $$$$ for their next picture).
Here Goes:
Best Picture: On all accounts “The Revenant” will probably win an Oscar (they were filming in extreme weather conditions and I hated Tom Hardy’s character so much). Cinematography should go to The Revenant, but my personal choice for best picture (and cast ensemble along with The Big Short) is “Spotlight” because it’s just unbelievable how a small group of special reporters took chances to take on such a powerful deity as the Catholic Church and not let up. They were passionate and successful in uncovering a time bomb. Empowering!
Best Actor in a Leading Role:
Here’s where it gets dicey but Eddie Redmayne did a believably beautiful job in The Danish Girl. But he’s up against Leonardo DeCaprio who’s always amazing and hasn’t won yet and has deserved to win in the past (can’t they tie for this one?). Oh but; Eddie it is! Powerful!
Best Actress in a Leading Role:
OMG please don’t make me choose. I love them all. Okay, Brie Larson for Room. No, no, it’s going to be the Irish Girl Saoirse Ronan for Brooklyn because (light shades of Bridges of Madison County) it really makes you question or consider the decisions you make in your life. Bittersweet!
Best Actor in a Supporting Role:
Just by the fact that I could have killed Tom Hardy’s character myself in The Revenant, it should go to him. But I feel Sylvester Stallone for Creed deserves it for sentimental reasons and the fact that even though watching guys beating up on other guys is not on my high list, his boxing movies are sheer entertainment. This one was more enjoyable than I imagined and well Rocky Balboa; he’s just a likeable guy.
Best Actress in a Supporting Role:
This one is easy (even among the other talented nominees) – Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl. Sheer Raw depth and Emotion – Loved her!
We’ll see how I make out with the predictions on Sunday, April 28.
*I have a question for Quentin Tarantino re The Hateful Eight. How come the stagecoach road in a movie set in the 1800’s was constantly plowed? How was it plowed? This is important. Did anyone else notice?
I want to start a category for best dressed at the OSCARS and also one for sheer entertainment (not acting, not directing, just an all around FUN movie). What do you think?
Any thoughts? I can’t wait to watch something stupid. SISTERS & Zoolander next!
I love the idea behind LUNAFEST, a traveling film festival of award-winning short films that are by, for and about women.
The one in Palm Springs just ended with a series of six films filled with stories of reflection, hope and humour and held at the Camelot theatre. I’m really sorry to have missed it but I was heading back to Vancouver. The $15 tickets included a petit dejeuner of coffee, pastries and Luna bars since the fest was established by them in 2000. Thought you’d like to know about it since it will travel to over 175 cities and be screened in front of 25,000 people, mostly women I’m certain and hopefully teenage girls as well.
Celebrating Women at LunaFest not only connects women through film but raises funds for local non profits and their main beneficiary – Breast Cancer Fund.
The inspirational nationwide festival accepts short films, 20 minutes or less, in a variety of genres and subjects ranging from transgender issues and body image to motherhood, aging and cultural barriers and breakthroughs.
Finally a film fest that’s fun, enlightening and benefits a good cause. Spread the word!
Watch the Trailer (for those following by e-mail please click on the blue title at the top & scroll down):
IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A BUG, IT’S A PLANE, it’s a drone…all super drones
all part of a new military spy thriller (and at times, a black comedy) called “Eye in the Sky” starring three of my favourites, Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman and Aaron Paul (of breaking bad fame). I decided that even if the movie wasn’t up to par I would still enjoy watching these superb actors in their respective roles. But the movie was more than up to par – it was thought provoking and provocative. It is the ounce of truth.
This film, which was featured the other night as part of the Palm SpringsInternational Film Festival (PSIFF) brings to the forefront what is now part of and becoming more a part of our culture, good and bad. It’s a fictional movie based on fact. In short it’s about a military officer (played by Mirren) in command of a drone operation to capture terrorists in Kenya. The mission escalates from “capture” to “kill” but when a nine-year old girl enters the kill zone, the priority becomes clouded.
The movie is also a conversation starter.
Director Gavin Hood who was on hand for questions and answers at the end of the screening intended it to be that way.
It’s kind of complicated. It really makes you think about the decisions that go into a “kill” operation on all levels. It emphasizes the buck passing on who takes responsibility for the final decision and the consequences that arise out of that. Frightening, sad, heroic and timely.
Google “the trolley experiment” to go more in depth about this subject (which Hood spoke about) to find out about the ethical and philosophical values of “making a big decision”. A “what would you do?” in that situation. Interesting when the tables are turned….sometimes you just don’t know what you are capable of. I find it fascinating and scary.
The drone part is something we’ll have to get used to. You can now be the literal “fly on the wall.” It made me want a personal one of my own (to use only when necessary). They’re sold online but the problem is the authenticity. I would want one that resembles a realfly. Just kidding (sort of).
The movie is due out in theatres in March.
WATCH the trailer:
Hood co-wrote and directed a movie I loved and which has resonated with me since having seen it called “Tsotsie” – about a young small-time street thug from South Africa during the turbulent years before and after the fall of apartheid. Things turn around when he steals a car and finds a baby in the back seat. The film won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006. It was an outstanding film. One I highly recommend watching.
As a general rule I don’t like to watch Christmas movies until at least 2 weeks before Christmas. Even listening to Christmas songs…same thing. That’s about the time I begin to get into the spirit. It’s not being bah humbug…it’s just that it feels a bit too much, too soon.
But it’s close enough!
Even though I never tire of watching Christmas Classics around this time like Miracle on 34th Street (the original & the remake), It’s a Wonderful Life, the Grinch (both the cartoon & the film version starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch), Scrooge, Rudolph (the original), Home Alone (always funny) and some more recent ones like Elf and The Holiday… it’s nice to watch something new, light, fun and fresh. Something with Bill Murray.
Miracle on 34th Street – the Original
An entertaining cast, directed by Sofia Coppola (she directed “Lost in Translation” also with Bill Murray which I loved), filmed at a New York institution (the Carlyle hotel where I once stayed with my parents while on a visit to N.Y.) a dash of Clooney and all things combined, I enjoyed this one hour mostly musical very much. New on NETFLIX.
Watch the Trailer:
Which Christmas movies (animated or otherwise) are your favourites?
I am so going to see this documentary! I’m sure it will be rated right up there with other favourite arty ones I really enjoyed like Herb and Dorothy, Searching for Sugarman and Valentino: The Last Emperor.
With more than a dash of eccentricity and over 75 years in fashion and interior design, Iris Apfel is an inspiring life force well into her ninth decade. She’s strong, quick-witted and always flamboyantly dressed. Iris retains her enthusiasm for life in fashion, art and people. What I admire about her is that she’s completely unique – true to herself with good values and work ethic. Sadly there are not enough women like her.
Iris says:
About her style: “I like to improvise”
“Someone told me you’re not pretty, you’ll never be pretty but it doesn’t matter, you have something much better – you have STYLE!” I couldn’t agree more.
“It’s better to be happy than well dressed”
“I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.”
“A woman is as old as she looks, but a man is never old until he stops looking”
Watch the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo8jwJ_2l0c and if you’re the least bit into style (of course you are, you’re reading this) then GO SEE IT! I know I can’t wait to.
From the Director of Grey Gardens (I thought it was excellent) and Gimme Shelter – Albert Maysles
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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