Spider Man is TOAST!! :-)

This is a GREAT fan art image of the two super heroes.   Normally I am not a big super hero fan... but this image just tickled my funny bone.  In this case, I am surprised that Spidee's webs aren't catching fire from the smoke coming from the Hulk's fore head.   LOL  TOO FUNNY.  Loved it.

The Secret Garden

So I went to see the Mirvish production of The Secret Garden last night at the Royal Alexandria Theater in Toronto.   Having both read the book and watching the movie I was already well aware of the story line and I was looking forward to seeing the theater production.  I must say that I wasn't disappointed.  A few things stand out though.   The set production was FANTASTIC.  The various buildings, garden walls, and other sets moved seamlessly off and on stage.   The intracity of the movement was a joy to watch.

Props also need to go to the cast.  All of the cast were fantastic, especially the little girl they got to play Mary Lennox.   I really enjoyed the play with its classic story.  Definitely well worth the money to see while still in Toronto.

T.F.S. Something In The Wind

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

In this romantic comedy, Deanna Durbin, plays Mary a lovely female disc jockey, just trying to make it big in her career.  Her life is turned upside down, when a millionaire's grandson mistakes Mary for her Aunt... who was dating her grandfather.  Thinking that Mary was having a scandalous relationship with his late grandfather... the boy tries to get Mary to sign papers stating that nothing happened.   Mary finds this infuriating and so decides to teach the boy a lesson... causing much grief.. but also romance as the two fall for each other in spite of themselves.

Deanna Durbin once again shines as her tremendous voice captures peoples hearts.  Although I didn't like this movie as much as First Love...  I found it enjoyable and fun to watch none the less.  It was interesting to see the juxtaposition from one of Durbin's first films... to one of her last.  I definitely feel the need to catch some more though... having seen these two.  (4.0/6.0)

T.F.S. First Love

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

"First Love" is a entirely enchanting and romantic hollywood version of Cinderella.  The main character Connie Harding (Deanna Durbin) is going home to live with her Aunt and Uncle after finishing boarding school.  Her rich and spoiled relatives really do not care for Connie and treat her as there personal servant... asking her to do many things.. which she does.. feeling obligated for letting her live with them.   When everyone is invited to a major social event...  Connie is overjoyed.. feeling she is being accepted finally... but her dreams are crushed when her jealous cousin Barbara sees to it that she cant go.  With the aid of her kindly uncle, and adoring house servants, Connie makes it to the ball and meets her Prince Charming.

I LOVED this movie...  the story is very simple but effective.   Deanna Durbin is perfect for the part, showing youthful innocence and sweet compassion.   She has a fantastic voice which she demonstrates several times though the movies scores.   This is a great valentines day movie... that everyone can enjoy.  (5.0/6.0)

The King's Speech

What a FANTASTIC and up lifting story.  I can totally understand why this film is up for so many Academy Awards.   The movie itself is well written and enjoyable, eliciting empathy and compassion for the King George.  Colin Firth is phenomenal playing the title role...  and you can actually feel the PAIN (emotional) of a person trying to speak and not being able to.   Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter both play well as supporting actors.  Helena especially playing the Queen...  I almost didn't recognize her until later in the film.  "The King's Speech is tremendously likeable and well worth seeing in the theaters.   I truly hope it is able to take home more than a few of the Oscar's it's up for.  (6.0/6.0)

The Mechanic

Okay this ended up being a half way decent action movie.   Of course I have come to expect it from Jason Statham... who I feel is the only credible action movie star of this generation.   "The Mechanic is a remake that starred Charles Bronson.   Never having seen the original I can't comment about whether it was better or worse but from hearing comments of others..  The original was better...  not surprising really....  the original's are ALWAYS better.  That being said... I found "The Mechanic entertaining at the very least.  If there is one thing I found where the movie suffered was in a lack of empathy for Statham's character.   They tried to portray the man as an assassin with a heart.   One who ONLY took jobs where the target was deserving of the deed.   I just found it hard to feel that about the character for whatever reason.   Statham played the part very well... and you could feel that the character was great at his job... but I think it's hard to make an assassin all warm and fuzzy..  (3.5/6.0)

Tron Legacy

Okay so I have to admit that I went into this movie ALREADY pumped and ready to love it.  Growing up in the 80's and remembering the original Tron I just couldn't help myself.  The nostalgia was just too much for me.   Fortunately I didn't have to worry too much as the movie did deliver for story, action, and visual effects. The three things I was looking for.   I did watch the movie in 3D but once again.. I left feeling that the 3D really didn't offer much more to the overall movie.  I could have very easily watched the movie in 2D and felt the same.  (4.0/6.0)

The Tourist

There was alot of this style of movie this year I found.  The fish out of water, every day, person paired with the super slick, sophisticated international spy.  The difference in "The Tourist" compared to "Killers" or "Knight And Day" is that in this case the, every day person, is played by a male, namely Johnny Depp and let me tell you this makes all the difference.   It's VERY refreshing seeing this take of things and Depp plays awesome against Angelina Jolie's super spy.   I found "The Tourist" to be extremely entertaining from start to finish, with just the right amount of humor and action to be able to pull things off.  The story line is intricate and new... not rehashing any of the other similar movies.   The cinematography was interesting...  I loved seeing the different visuals from Venice.   Definitely a great movie to see at the theater. (4.5/6.0)

Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

This is the third in C. S. Lewis's epic tale. This time only Lucy and Edmund Pevensie are returning to Narnia along with there annoying cousin Ustace.  Lucy and Edmund of course are over joyed to be back but Ustace is far from happy.  In this tale the Pevensie children must face and over come temptation in order to save there beloved world from evil.

This is by far the best of the three movie adaptations of Lewis's work.  It's by far the most faithful.  Retaining much of the Christian allegory and inferences placed in the story by Lewis.   You can definitely see the Christian influences throughout the movie.  (5.5/6.0)

It's A Wonderful Life

The "Classic Film Series" being put on by the Cineplex theaters was airing the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life" this month.  It'd been years since I had seen this movie.. and in my mind I have always had the opinion that I didn't like this movie.. some how.  Because of that I have been avoiding re-watching this for many years now.  Having seen it again the other night.. I must admit that I was stupid as the movie really is pretty good.  That being said.. seeing it in its original black and white as well as on the big screen.. definitely added to the experience.  Seeing it with friends and a loved one made it fantastic.  If you haven't seen this movie yet.. or even if you have not..  see it again.  It's a great Christmas movie worthy of seeing again.  (5.0/6.0)

T.F.S. Weekend In Havana

The Toronto Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and enjoyment of film and movies.

"Weekend In Havana" is a light hearted musical starring Carmen Miranda and Cesar Romero.  Although the plot line is a bit light.. the dancing and singing shine in this truly enjoyable movie.

After a steamship line (think cruise ship back in the day) ship runs aground off the coast of Florida the executives are anxious to get all the passengers to sign a waiver to indemnify them of any wrong doing.  They are able to do this for everyone except for one persistent passenger who insists that she be shown a good time to replace her lost vacation.  A weekend in Havana seems like the trick...  hilarity ensues as one man tries to show her a good time and romance at the same time.

It was great to see Carmen Miranda..  I had heard of her of course from my folks and through her fame but I had never actually seen one of her movies.  She was excellent and her energetic style sets the movie.  I enjoyed this movie for just that...  a light and entertaining movie.  (4.0/6.0)