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

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!

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

Here’s another one we wanted to see starring Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dave Bautista in the World Premiere of THE LAST SHOWGIRL. Directed by Gia Coppola.

You got us at Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee. Sorry Dave! We knew that Anderson would do the movie justice and that Curtis would add some spunk; and we were right. A bold prediction is that Jamie Lee Curtis gets a Best Supporting Actress nomination (again) at the Oscars. You heard it here first. Curtis also claimed in an interview on the Red Carpet that the independant movie was shot in only 18 days – almost unheard of in the film business! A testament to the professionalism of the team.

As much as we love the movie title that depicts some showbiz sparkle, the film is much more than its title. In fact, it has girth and sadness. This story is more from behind the lights, than in front of them.

Out with the old; In with the new – a pattern arising in some films at TIFF and, the world in general.

As Vegas continues to change, the old seasoned performers must adapt to their new environs and change along with the times. Easy to say; difficult to do. Such is the case with Anderson’s character Shelley, when she learns that her bread and butter, a long-running traditional Vegas floor show must come to a close after 30 years .

Of course; who better to play this role than Pam Anderson? She plays it to an emotional Tee. However; Elizabeth thought that Anderson played the role a bit more ditzy than she needed to.

The stage manager Eddie (Bautista) is the bearer of bad news that the show will close permanently with only two weeks notice. All the dancers are devastated but none more than Shelley.

This is a real life dilemma that could be realized with not only this job, but any job. When you are 50 instead of 20, and your sole job skill has been dancing for 30 years; you’ve got to figure out a new life. You can become an emotional wreck.

Her brazen best friend Annette (Curtis) is a cocktail waitress who we believe secretly lost her dream of becoming something more. Something much bigger. One scene shows us that possibility. She’s incredible, as usual.

We really enjoyed this movie. It wasn’t spectacular but it was heartfelt and sometimes that’s enough. You really feel for Shelley’s situation of starting a new life.

And like the movie, cocktails seem to help, at least temporarily. There are so many choices of nice places to go for one (or more) in Toronto.

Only a few more days to go. For Tickets:

https://tiff.net/

Tag: TIFF

TIFF: The Tragically Hip – No Dress Rehearsal

TIFF: THE LAST SHOWGIRL