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

Diane Warren:Relentless

Part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025.

Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025

You might not know her; but if you don’t know her songs, then you’ve been living under a rock.

Diane Warren: Relentless is a raw, in-depth documentary about the most persistent songwriter in show business.

A “BEST OF FEST” audience favorite from hollywood’s most coveted songwriter – with Beyoncé, Cher, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Toni Braxton among her many devotees.

Warren describes herself as weird; doesn’t like the word NO, is worth billions but not interested in spending it and prefers animals to people. But who can blame her on that one?

This sensitive, snappy but mesmerizing woman has been nominated for 15 Oscars® – and never won. She has been nominated for multiple Oscars for Best Original Song, including for her song “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the movie Armageddon, sung by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. It’s such a beautiful song but there are so many more. Instead, she was the first songwriter to receive a well-deserved honorary Oscar at the 13th Governors Awards in November 2022.

I personally tend to gravitate towards documentaries and this one is one of my favorites. It’s an uplifting story that goes to prove how a rebellious, anti-social child from humble beginnings with a mother who kept hounding her to become a secretary, can become one of the great songwriters of all time. An amazing accomplishment!

“Relentless” is a powerful adjective. It describes someone or something that is unyielding, persistent, and, often, unshakable. Someone who pursues their goals with unwavering determination, never giving up despite obstacles or challenges. They are tireless in their efforts and continue to push forward, no matter what.

Diane Warren was supposed to be here in person for a Q&A after the film but very sadly, her Malibu home was totally destroyed in the recent L.A. fires. Bess Kargman, the director, put Warren on speaker phone so that audience members could ask a few questions.

The festival is now over but I’ve left the link to what was shown here:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/

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

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: 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: 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.

Film Reviews

TIFF: The Tragically Hip – No Dress Rehearsal

This was the World Premiere of a four part mini-series which will be available to watch on Amazon Prime starting September 20^th.

What can we say about The Tragically Hip…or as they’re often referred to, simply, as “The Hip” – a small-town five-piece band from Kingston, Ontario (that’s in Canada for those of you who do not know) who went on to make nine number one albums in Canada, over a mammoth 33 year career?

Photo courtesy of TIFF – playing to one of their numerous sold-out shows.

They’re unique, they’re lifelong friends, and their songs have come to unite Canada in a way no other band has ever achieved. They’ve make it cool to be Canadian.

The remaining group were all here for the premiere with one noticeably missing person. Very sadly, Gord Downie, the much loved lead singer and lyricist for the group, passed away from brain cancer in 2017. He was also an activist and an amazing live performer with his own indescribable unique style.

Director Mike Downie (Gord’s older brother) takes us on an emotional look at the origin, impact, and legacy of the band that defined Canada, to the world and to itself.

Their story is one truly amazing ride.

Remaining group members are guitarist Paul Langlois, guitarist Rob Baker (known as Bobby Baker until 1994), bassist Gord Sinclair, and drummer Johnny Fay.

Admittedly, I was never a really huge Hip fan. Granted, I did like a lot of their songs…but I wanted to learn what the really big fuss was all about. And let me tell you; there was (still is) a big fuss. Dan Aykroyd (another huge fan) introduced them for countless shows as you’ll see by watching the mini-series. Now I understand. They’re awesome and so much more than just another rock group. But what makes them awesome for me, is much more than their music.

These guys are all from Kingston, Ontario. Friends since childhood, they have great family values and have managed to achieve enormous success through hard work and by doing exactly what they love best – making music. They’ve managed to keep their friendship all these years, and they work around any problems that may arise. That speaks volumes about how they were raised. I may be biased about men from Kingston as my late husband and also my former dance partner were both from there. They were the nicest, smartest, most down to earth and capable guys ever. Doesn’t mean all men from Kingston are that amazing, but it certainly did colour my opinion. Plus, there are scenes from there and other parts of Canada.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this docu series. It has heart. I think you’ll enjoy it too – especially if you’re a Canuck. And if you don’t know what a Canuck is; you’re not one of us!

I’m loving this festival! I now realize why it’s the most popular film festival in the world. One has only to come here to find out. If you love cinema and can make it out here next year it will be the 50th Anniversary.

Something more to celebrate!