The Company Men

The Company Men

We hear so much these days about the money grabbing Wall Street executives. Not much attention has been paid to those people who have been laid off due to the recession. Downsizing hurts a lot of people. In this all star cast we meet many of the top executives of one company that are given a pink slip with no notice.

Ben Affleck plays the part of Bobby. He is an executive with a big company and is living the good life. He drives a sleek sporty convertible. He belongs to a classy golf club. He has the beautiful and loving wife. His two children have everything. The home is magnificent. One day changes all that for Bobby.

He doesn’t want anyone to know until he finds a better job. His younger daughter prays for him to get a job at the family Thanksgiving dinner. Bobby tries everything and no jobs are available. He gets a call for an interview in New York. He flies to New York from Boston to discover the secretary made a mistake and the appointment was scheduled for the following week.

We see the fun loving Bobby begin to change his personality. He is furious with the company. He is forced to do construction work for a brother-in-law he doesn’t like. Bills are not getting paid. The car is sold. The house is sold. His wife goes back to work part time. We really experience the pain that Bobby feels and we see the ramifications for all the extended family.

Other executives also play a vital role. One man is so depressed when he is forced to leave. He was told to dye his hair and that he was probably too old at 60 to get another job. These men begin to lose their self respect and all their possessions. (I did question why the 60 year old didn’t have enough savings to retire)

The top executives constantly are searching for ways to save the company. They make mergers and they try to stay afloat. They also think nothing of using the private corporate jet. They seem to have no pity for their fellow workers who have been fired.

The wife of one top executive asked if she could use the company plane to go shopping in Palm Beach. When things get bad the hatchet person is called upon to make the cuts.

There was some humor but it was also believable. When the men are fired they are given a small office and some counseling. The counselor was pathetic and the offices were a cubby hole. It must be very difficult for these executives (or anyone) to lose a good job and know that the market is not in your favor.

The film also points out how some of the executives used their skills, energy and a positive attitude to begin something new. That was really positive.

I was very happy to see that Bobby’s wife was supportive and loving throughout the ordeal. At times she was more realistic than Bobby. She knew that they had to sell things and downsize. When the family had to temporarily move in with Bobby’s parents I felt the pain.

So much attention has been given to those people at the top who have profited with so much money while others have been downsized and fired. This is a different take on the recession. I found it to be moving. Ben Affleck, Kevin Costner, Chris Cooper, Tommy Lee Jones and Mario Bello all have starring roles.

Nostalgia for the Light

Nostalgia For The Light

Patricio Guzman has directed an amazing film. There was so much information to digest that I feel the need to return and see it allover again.

We are introduced to an observatory in the Atacama Desert of Chile. It is 10,000 feet above sea level. There is no humidity in the desert. There are no insects or animals. A giant telescope looks out to observe the horizon.

Apparently astronomy is a passion in Chile. The scientists are gazing into the horizon trying to discover the past history of the universe.

A soft spoken astronomer tells us about his work. He states,” The mystery of science is eternal.” I was fascinated with his discussion about time. He said that the present doesn’t exist because in reality it takes a moment for information to pass through the senses which makes the item already in the past. The concepts were so interesting but I need to hear it all over again. The scientists spoke slowly and clearly. They were not using scientific jargon. It was understandable.

He showed us pre-Columbian markings on the sand and the dunes of the desert. All the information gathered is a gateway to the past. This was a lesson in astronomy and archaeology.

At the same time we are told about the mothers who are searching in the same desert for bones and fragments of their loved ones that were murdered during the time of leader Pinochet. The women scrape with their hands and small spades trying to uncover the past of their murdered loved ones. Some parts of bodies are recovered. One body was shown with the hands still tied together. Because of the conditions of the desert many bodies have been preserved. We see one body with the hands tied together .Apparently two guns shots could be seen in the head.

At the end of the film we are shown a room that is stacked with boxes up to the ceiling. Each box contains remains discovered in various parts of Chile. They have not been buried and the remains have been stacked for a long time.

Several former prisoners tell us of the horror of the Pinochet days. One man recalls how he measured the space of the camp where he was held prisoner. He made maps of the area on paper and then tore them up in little pieces. Years later when he was living in Denmark he was able to draw the maps from memory.

Over 30,000 people were tortured during that regime.

Both the astronomers and the women work in the same location. They are doing different jobs and both are trying to discover the past in different ways. Two amazing stories are intertwined. Both are amazing.

I enjoyed listening to the Spanish because it was spoken clearly and slowly. There are English sub titles.

Bravo to the TIFF Bell Lightbox for once again showing the best films in town. There are no commercials and often no previews. This is the best theatre in town.

Incendies

Incendies

This outstanding Canadian film is the Canadian entry for best foreign film for the Oscars. By the time you read this notice it will have been decided if it is a contender. It has already won awards at both the Vancouver and Toronto film festivals.

The film is currently playing at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. I couldn’t believe it when the 12:30 showing on a Friday afternoon was filled.

Director and writer Denis Villeneuve is the best. The story is captivating. Apparently Villeneuve saw the play, Scorch and was spellbound by the topic.

The music throughout was noteworthy. The cinematography was spectacular. The rolling hills of the dessert like terrain are superbly shown. The film takes place in some unknown Middle East country. It has a fictitious name. It doesn’t even matter which country it is but everyone’s guess is that the story could take place in Lebanon because of the terrain in the picture and the storyline of hatred between Christians and Muslims.

The story goes back and forth from Canada to this Middle East country.

Two twins, Jeanne and Simon living in Canada are called in to the lawyer’s office to hear the will of their mother, Nawal Marwam, an Arab-Canadian. It has a few rather bizarre requests. There is obvious animosity between the twins and the mother. The will orders them to find their lost brother who they knew nothing about) and their father (who they thought was dead) and give them letters. When that is done she will allow them to put a headstone on her grave.

The son wants no part of this. So Jeanne sets out to discover her mother’s past. She visits orphanages, villages a prison asking questions everywhere.

The mother had been born in a small village in this Middle Eastern country. The family was poor. When she became pregnant the brothers wanted an honor killing. The grandmother allowed her to give birth but sent the baby away. The mother was sent to the city to live with an uncle and to be educated. The mother always thought about this lost child.

We follow the intrigue and wanderings of the mother during her life. At one point she became a tutor to a rich family. The father was one of the leaders of the opposition. She states,” I want to teach the enemy what life has taught me.” She kills the leader and is sent to a horrible prison for years. The conditions were unbelievable. The prison had been condemned by international agencies. She kept her sanity by singing. She was brutally raped by the torturer in the prison. As a result she became pregnant and gave birth to the twins.

The war conditions are clearly suggested but the horror is never fully shown on the screen. You see the after effects of burnt out villages and burnt vehicles on the road. Even in the prison you do not see the actual torture at any time. The film makes such an emotional impact.

There is suspense at all times as Jeanne goes back to track her mother’s life.

The ending is most surprising. I felt the tension in the audience throughout this film.

The director has done an amazing job. Each actor is superb in his/her role. I thought this was a magnificent movie. I did have some trouble with the ending but Villeneuve can’t be blamed for that because he was re-telling the story of the play Scorched that had already been written. This is a modern day Greek tragedy.

Quiet Restaurants

Quiet Restaurants with Fine Dining

I was asked to provide a list of quiet restaurants. This is very difficult. Many new restaurants are actually designed for the noise factor. Apparently young people like the spirit and the noise. Wooden floors and bare walls often make the noise level worse. I had to think very hard to come up with a few suggestions. I have found the following restaurants to be compatible with conversation and also providing fine food. That doesn’t mean that if you visit you won’t encounter a raucous group. Just last week I was dining with friends. One table with four young girls provided raucous noise and loud cackles of laughter. It was a definite deterrent from the fine food and the conversation.

Langolino 50 Clinton St. 416 530 4710

I have always enjoyed this delightful restaurant. The food is excellent. The place is low key. It has the feeling of being in a quaint inn. It is so refreshing from the high tech restaurants that are so much alike. The food is delicious and the price is right. It is mainly Italian cuisine with many international dishes.

Sorrel 84 Yorkville 416 926 1010

This is a very authentic Italian restaurant. It is the new kid on the block yet to be discovered by many. The food is superb. It is a bit pricey. I have found it to be very quiet.

Via Norte 938 College St 647 348 1116

This is one of my favorite restaurants. It is very large and not too busy in the evening. It is a Portuguese restaurant but offers all types of food. It provides the best tuna in town. The service is friendly. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. It is moderately priced. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Provence Delices 12 Amelia St 416 924 9901

I have had lunch here on two occasions. It is very authentic French food. The ambiance is charming. The food is excellent. I don’t know if it is noisy in the evening. The place is broken up to several rooms. It looks as if it would make for a tranquil evening of French dining.

Corner House 501 Davenport Ave 416 923 2604

This old house has several rooms for dining. It is elegant and charming. The food is exquisite. It is a bit pricey but one can dine in an affordable way with a glass of wine and a main course.

Big Ragu 1338 Lansdowne (at St Clair) 416 654 RAGU

This is a very small family run Italian restaurant. The food is like home cooking. It is reasonable. It is rustic yet comfortable.

Peter Pan 373 Queen St West 416 593 0917

I haven’t dined here for a while. It was an old favorite of mine and I have been a patron for many years. I love the menu. The food is well flavored. It offers international food. It was the first old diner in Toronto that was turned into a modern restaurant while keeping the feeling of a diner. It still has the original booths as well as tables. The long wooden counter is still used and is so attractive. Large paintings are on the wall. The service is friendly. The food has always been excellent and the price is right.

Precious Life

Precious Life

I was overwhelmed with the emotion in this special story. A journalist in Israel decided to make a film about the Palestinian baby that required major surgery. The baby went to an Israeli hospital from Gaza. The mother stayed with the baby in the hospital. The baby had a genetic problem and was lacking in his immune system. He was in a special isolation ward. The mother had previously lost two of her children due to this genetic factor. The baby, Mohamed, was not expected to live.

Doctor Somech was the most unusual man. He always had a smile on his face. He was positive and supportive to the Palestinian family. He tried to find a suitable donor from the siblings. It was heartbreaking when no match was found. The doctor pursued the search and was determined to help this one child. Blood samples were taken from relatives in Gaza and transported across the checkpoint to the hospital in Israel. Just as the blood samples arrived at the border a suicide bomb exploded at the border. There was much tension throughout the film from a political and medical point of view.

A matching donor was found from a relative living in Gaza. That relative was given permission to cross the check point in order to have the necessary operation to help the baby. She was amazed when she arrived in Israel. She commented on the modern city, the streets and how she had never seen anything like it.

The doctor also pleaded for financial donations. An Israeli offered to pay the total cost. His son had been killed in the war and his payment was to honor the sanctity of life. We never find out who it was but the mother does get to speak on the phone to thank the donor. At one point the mother stated,” The Israelis do strange things for us.”

The photographer journalist is there for the total experience. It was fascinating to hear the discussion between the mother and the journalist. She was telling him the Arab point of view about life and death. She told him of her support for martyrs and suicide bombers.

The journalist spoke of the sanctity of life. For a short time there was tension between them.

Throughout the whole ordeal the parents were there to support the child. They held him and touched him. It was heartbreaking.

While they were in the hospital their doctor from Gaza arrived. His daughter had come to Israel to have shrapnel removed.

There was an irony to the story. A doctor fights against all odds to save one Arab child. After all his effort there was the distinct chance of rejection. Dr Somech told the mother she had to smile. He even took her to see Jerusalem. She had returned to the hospital to give birth to another child. It was important to immediately check if the new baby had the same medical problem. All was well.

During the filming we see the streets of Gaza and get a sense of the conditions faced by the Arabs. We also see the results of the rockets sent into Israel.

This is an amazing story and a fantastic film. I understand it is the foreign film selection from Israel for the Oscars. We will see next week if it is a contender. It was wonderful to see a film that showed Israel in such a positive manner.

The film is dedicated to the financial donor.

Shlomi Elder is the amazing journalist. Dr Raz Somech also was beyond belief. I was speechless when the film was over.

Morton's

Morton’s the Steakhouse 4 Avenue Rd 416 925 0648

My main criterion is always good food. Mostly I enjoy finding little quiet spots with great cuisine. Once in a while I like to try top end restaurants to have a new experience. A good friend told me she had heard that the giant shrimps at Morton’s were fantastic. She suggested we go to the bar and have light fare. That sounded like a new experience because a steak house would never be on my ‘have to try list.’ It was like playing house. It was total fantasy land and we had a lot of fun.

We even gave in and had valet service park the car. The bar is very pleasant. The service was impeccable. We sat at a high table with four stools. There are several of these tables as well as the bar. I was surprised how many people were having a drink on this very cold night. You can look in on the formal dining room. It is beautifully appointed and it was obvious that the service is the best. I wondered who was paying the bill for the large table of 8 diners.

We shared a Colossal Shrimp Cocktail.($22.50) The 4 shrimp were enormous and absolutely scrumptious. We also shared the Chopped Salad ($13.00) Iceberg and romaine lettuce is chopped with hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, bacon bits, blue cheese dressing, chopped egg, purple onion, tomato and avocado with Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It was very flavorful and our server happily divided the salad in the kitchen.

It was fun to read the menu and to pretend that I really belonged to this place.

A Jumbo Crab Cake is served with mustard mayonnaise sauce.($18.50)

If you win a lottery you might feel free(hardly a word to use describing this place) to order the New York Strip Steak.($50.00) Broiled Canadian Salmon is $34.00 Lobster Tail from Western Australia is offered at $53.00.

A glass of wine with a few Side Dishes would make for a good snack. Steamed Fresh Jumbo Asparagus is served with Hollandaise Sauce.($12.50) Sautéed Button Mushrooms are $10.50 Sautéed Garlic Green Beans are $9.50

This exotic restaurant is an extravaganza and I wanted to experience it once in my life. My guess is that most diners are on corporate budgets.(but not budget minded)

It is very expensive but not pretentious. We were treated very well. It was fun to be a people watcher. I’m glad I tried this place. I admit I would need to ‘sell my soul’ before I could go back.

I enjoy trying new experiences in life. A small dingy basement with great food is also a pleasure but this was a new experience and I had a peek at another world.

Side Car

Side Car 577 College St 416 536 7000

Side Car is one of the finest restaurants on College St. I always look forward to returning to this favorite spot. From Sunday through Wednesday there is a $25.00 Prix Fixe for 3 absolutely delicious courses.

What a way to celebrate my birthday. I am so blessed with a friendship that goes back to high school days. My friend and her husband were the hosts. It was so great to spend time with them and enjoy the perfect dinner.

The bread was warm and such a great quality. It was hard to stop eating it.

The main menu is extensive and offers many delicious items. I enjoy the prix fixe because I can sample more of that gourmet food at a reasonable price.

My friend started with the Mushroom Soup. It was rich and creamy and full of flavor. I usually have the Hearts of Romaine Salad. The leaves are crisp and fresh. The dressing is always tasty and the Parmesan shavings add that extra little taste of flavor. The crostini with goat cheese was also enjoyed. The Side Car Salad offers a combination of chopped vegetables, feta cheese and an oregano dressing.

For the main course 2 of us were delighted with our choice of Atlantic Salmon. I have always stated that this is the best salmon on town. I have eaten a lot of salmon in many restaurants. I repeat. This is the best. It never fails. It is perfectly prepared. The crusted salmon is on a bed of Swiss chard with a honey mustard glaze. The delicious butter sauce on the bottom of the plate is absolutely bursting with flavor on the palate. Every bite was savored and melted in my mouth.

One of my hosts ordered the Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken. with celery root puree, baby carrots and pan jus.

I should never indulge in dessert after eating such great food. However I didn’t hesitate because I have previously tasted the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Two large pieces of creamy, chocolate are plated with dabs of fruit sauce dotted on the plate. A fresh mint leaf was sitting in a mound of whipped cream. Every bite was an experience. It was decadent. It was flavorful. It was divine.

On another occasion I was with a friend who ordered the Mushroom Risotto ($18.00) and declared that dish to be the finest. Braised Lamb Shank is a house favorite.($25.00) It is served with a garlic mash, rapini and braising juices.

Open Faced shrimp Ravioli can be part of the prix fixe or ordered as a single item from the regular menu.($18.00) The dish is prepared with fennel, carrot, celery, tarragon in a shrimp broth.($18.00)

Suggested cocktails are listed with each item. In the summer the back patio is always filled. It is private and charming without the noise and fumes of the street. Recently the upstairs was opened for overflow crowds.

This is a very well run establishment. Owner Bill Sweete was on hand to make sure that all was functioning well. Our server, Eric, made sure that we were enjoying ourselves. His excellent service was well appreciated.

I had a wonderful birthday thanks to my good friends and the wonderful food at Side Car.

Country Strong

Country Strong

I like country music. I think that Gwyneth Paltrow did an admirable job in her role as an alcoholic country singer trying to make a comeback. This is not a great film but it had enough to keep my interest. It is a first for Gwyneth Paltrow to sing in a film.

I did admire the effort.

The film was fictitious but it showed the pressures and difficulties in a musical star being at the top and performing to an adoring audience.

Kelly Canter (Paltrow) has left a rehab facility before she was really ready. We learn that she had miscarried her five month pregnancy when she fell off the stage while drunk.

Her husband, James, (Tim McGraw) loves her in his own way but is bitter about the loss of the child. He shields her and protects her while he pushes her to get back as a famous country singer.

The young handsome country singer, Beau, tries to help her. There is sexual chemistry with beau and Kelley. Is he trying to further his career by being close to her or is he truly infatuated with Kelly?

There is also competition from the beautiful young country singer who is attracting a lot of attention.

At one point James shows some interest in the young singer. I had to wonder at one point if everyone was going to end up with a different partner.

Kelly tries so hard to make the comeback but she just wasn’t ready.

The dramatic ending surprised me. We hear so much in the media of movie stars and musicians who fall ‘off the wagon.’ It is easy to understand. They are pressured by so many agents, managers and publicists. They are pushed and shoved and surely many must wonder who the real person really is. The film does show all of these problems.

It also points out how easy it is to be infatuated by another star. This is all believable.

The issues are well presented. All the performers do a good job.

Via Norte

Via Norte 938 College St 647 348 1116

I feel as if I just had the best double date possible. Gabriel is the host and manager of this incredible Portuguese Restaurant. He is gallant and charming making sure that each guest is totally satisfied. Jose is in the kitchen creating his gourmet delectable food. What more could anyone want?

I was meeting with a friend I hadn’t seen for a long time and we were happy to have time to get together. When I suggested this restaurant she told me her favorite food is Portuguese Grilled Sardines. My favorite food is Grilled Tuna Steak. We both were so excited and delighted to have good company while enjoying our favorite food.

The Portuguese bread is the finest quality. A bottle of extra virgin oil and another with fine quality balsamic vinegar was placed on every table. House cured black olives will make you happy before your meal is served.

Via Norte is a newly opened restaurant. It is the home of the former Cataplana Restaurant. The décor is completely redone. I love the new atmosphere. This is a large restaurant but there is a warm atmosphere. The light colored walls and the pictures give it a homey feeling. There are areas for large group diners. Intimate dining is also possible. This restaurant has it all.

My dining companion ordered the Grilled Sardines as an appetizer.($7.95) The plate was so generous in size she had to cancel her main course. My friend claims they were the best. They were served with onion confit, sweet peppers, mushrooms and zucchini.

I didn’t even read the menu. When I heard tuna was the fresh fish of the day I was delighted. This was the best tuna I have tasted. ($25.00) Two large thick tuna steaks were flavored to perfection. It was charred on the outside and succulent and tasty inside. The fresh green beans and asparagus were also enjoyed. A slice of potato and sweet potato were part of the creative plating. This was an enormous portion but I ate it all with great pleasure because it was so delicious. I am still salivating with fond memories a day later.

Later I looked at the menu to see what else I might have ordered. I always enjoy Linguini With Sauteed Black Tiger Shrimp tossed with rapini and sun blushed tomatoes, aglio and olio.($20.00) I think that will be my choice for next time.

Grilled Herb Crusted Salmon is served with freshly prepared vegetables, roasted potatoes and fruit chutney.($20.00)

Grilled Norwegian Salted cod is a classic dish offered with potatoes, garlic, caramelized onions and rapini.($22.00).

Grilled Tiger Shrimp and Sea Scallops are served with rice pilaf, vermouth and saffron.($29.00)

Pan Seared Breast of Muscovy Duck is served with wild rice with cranberries and a port wine sauce.($24.00)

Grilled Australian Lamb Chops are presented with oven baked sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and reduction of Touriga Nacional and rosemary.($28.00)

Gabriel presented every plate with a smile. Jose performs his magic in the kitchen with creativity and a masterful talent.

The menu is extensive and offers a great variety of dishes. I highly recommend Via Norte.

London River

London River

The theme is fascinating. The execution of the film is superb. I was riveted to my seat because I couldn’t imagine how it would end.

Mixed marriages and cross cultural relations is not a new topic. London River has a new refreshing take.

The time is July 7, 2005. A bomb has destroyed a bus in central London.

Elisabeth is a widow living in farm country on Guernsey Island. She sees the news broadcast and worries about her daughter, Jane living in London. After a series of calls she makes the trip to London to find her daughter. When Elisabeth arrives in London she discovers that her daughter was living in a Muslim area. She was shocked to discover that the boyfriend was Muslim was Muslim. You can imagine the shock.

Her paths cross with Mr. Ousamane. He is from Africa. He is tall and lanky with dreadlocks. He walks with a cane. At first I thought that he might be a vagrant but questioned why he was carrying a brief case. I soon discovered that he worked for the forestry department in France. Mr. Ousamane is looking for his son who he hasn’t seen since he was 6 years old.

Elisabeth is handing out pictures of her daughter, Jane. Mr. Ousamane recognizes her picture. She is in a class photo with Mr. Ousamane’s son. They had been studying Arabic at a mosque. They also were lovers living in the same apartment.

Mr. Ousamane and Elisabeth are from different cultures and interests. They both have a common goal of finding their children.

We go on their journey with them as they look in hospitals and the morgue. They visit the mosque and learn more about their children. They also learn about themselves.

The ending is upsetting and emotional.

There are several moments in the film that I found to be contrived. I overlooked it because I found such compassion for the two main characters. I enjoyed watching them on their journey of self discovery as well as the journey to find their children.

These are no Hollywood type characters. They are genuine and believable. The acting is superb.

It was quite a journey and well worth the trip. The film is currently playing at my favorite theatre the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Another Year

Another Year

This outstanding film was written and directed by Mike Leigh. I thought all the award winning films would have opened by this time. I was so surprised when I saw this amazing film. The film is very English and I loved the total package. The film begins in spring and takes us through the yearly cycle as we see the actions of the various characters.

Gerri and Tom are a middle aged couple. She is rather homely with buck teeth and a double chin. He is a bearded soft spoken man. She is a counselor/therapist and he is a geologist. Their lawyer son, Joe drops in from time to time. Off hours they spend a lot of time gardening on their near by land and entertaining at dinner. They are loving to one another and kind to everyone who comes to visit. They become a comparison to the other characters in the film that all seem so needy.

Mary is a secretary who works with Gerri. She is divorced and chatters all the time. She drinks to excess and has her eyes on Joe, Gerri and Tom’s son. He is much younger than her and obviously not interested.

Mary often goes for a drink with Gerri after work. In one scene we se Mary finishing yet another glass of wine after Gerri has left. She becomes aware of a handsome man standing in the bar. You know exactly what she is thinking. A beautiful woman arrives and embraces the man. Mike Leigh knows how to work your emotions. He builds you up to a certain scene and then re-directs the emotion.

Various characters come to the house for tea or dinner. Gerri and Tom always treat them with respect and attention.

The film is an amazing character study. At first I felt as if I didn’t want to know these unusual people. I had nothing in common with them. As the film developed I felt their pain and I also rejoiced in the loving partnership with Gerri and Tom.

Many of the incidents are funny and of course you laugh. Tom plays golf with his buddies. Tom is just about to make a long shot when one of the men sneezes very loudly (on purpose) He distracts the shot totally.

Even when I laughed I also felt wounded for the people. We see a very depressed woman come to Gerri for counseling. The actual visit could have been very upsetting as we watch her sullen manner and listen to this morose depressed woman. Mike Leigh handles it in such a way that it has a lot of humor.

Mary, in particular, is a pathetic character. Her drinking causes her problems. She saves up to buy a car but makes a bad deal and has constant problems until the car is worthless and unable to drive. She so obviously wants love and throws herself at Joe, the son.

One day Joe brings home, Kate, his new girlfriend. She is the opposite of Mary. She is young, happy and getting Joe’s attention. Mary cannot cope with this.

I wasn’t impressed with Kate in the film. She acted in an overly dramatic way and always had a grin that was too big. I think Mike Leigh was emphasizing the contrast between Mary and Kate but it was a touch overdone. That was the only flaw that I saw.

At one point Gerri states,” Life is not always kind.” That certainly is a central theme in the film. It is well written and the actors are superb.

Blue Valentine

Blue Valentine

I can’t say I enjoyed this film but I certainly did appreciate it. The story really tugged at my heart as I watched the rise and fall of a young marriage. It was doomed from the beginning but both tried in their own way to make the marriage work.

Ryan Gosling is masterful in his role as Dean. He fell in love with Cindy (Michelle Williams) the first time he saw her and continued to love her throughout the story. They just grew in different directions and it didn’t work.

Dean was a high school drop out. He had tattoos and loved his beer. Most of the time he was a very gentle loving guy.

He tried so hard to woo Cindy. He could be so charming and sweet. He was content to move furniture all day and then come home to his child and wife. That was all he wanted from life.

Cindy had aspirations to be a doctor. She ended up as a nurse but with a good job. Her childhood had not been a happy one with an abusive father. I guess that at the beginning his warmth and affection was attractive to her. Later she began to see Dean as childish and lacking ambition.

It was easy to see how the two were attracted to one another initially. It was also easy to see (from a mature viewer) that this relationship was doomed.

Dean takes Cindy to a motel to try and have a ‘special evening’ to repair the marriage. The hotel was seedy and unsuitable. What irony as they checked into the ‘future room’. They initially tried to make it work but it was obvious to Cindy that the love was not there.

Both Gosling and Williams are suited to their roles. They play it with sincerity and depth.

There are humorous moments and touching scenes. Dean helps an elderly gentleman settle into his retirement residence. He takes the extra time to hang some pictures and make his room seem ‘homey.’ He so loves his daughter and she returns that love.

It is heart breaking to see the development of the crisis. The film moves back and forth from the past to the present time as the story is told. It is easy to see how young kids can fall into a situation that will eventually lead to a destructive relationship. I think many viewers will elate to some aspect of the story.

La Fanciulla Del West

La Fanciulla Del West Met Opera Live Broadcast in HD

Some operas are better than others. I can’t say I loved this particular one. It did get better in the second and third act. However, I always learn something and find something to appreciate.

The opera had its premier at the Met in 1010. Puccini was in the audience. There was an all star cast and it was a great success. The music is still enjoyable. It just didn’t seem to have the necessary spark in the first act. Apparently this was Puccini’s favorite opera. Minnie is the main female role. Her part is quite difficult because she has several high ‘C’s’ in her arias. The only other female on stage plays a very small role. The cast of men is enormous.

The sets were fantastic and really gave the feeling of an old miner’s town in California between 1849-50.The wooden saloon was authentic and the miners looked like the scrappy fun loving men they were portraying.

I was absolutely fascinated during the intermission to watch the set changes. The stage is transformed into a mountainous wilderness with a lonely wooden cabin. It was a complicated set and required such precision in a short time. The snow falls outside the cabin and we see the hero on his horse riding up to the cabin. It was very dramatic and lovely to view. The third act also kept me watching as the stage was transformed into the main street of the town.

I love the Met Operas because of the interviews as well as the great performances. The set director was interviewed. There was even a fight director who trained the men to stage the barroom fights. There was a lot of action.

Five horses were used during the performance. The horse trainer was also interviewed and we saw the horses back stage.

I would think this is one of the few operas that have a happy ending. That was refreshing.

I continue to urge everyone to attend at least one Met Opera in high definition.

Imagine the same opera being shown in 30 countries at the same time. In Toronto and outlying areas the performances play in many auditoriums and the seats are usually all sold out. The seats are reserved so it is essential to book ahead of time. Visit the theatre well in advance to purchase tickets or you can buy them on line. Go to www.cineplex.com/events

The encore presentation is March 13.

I am so looking forward to February with 3 productions being offered.

February 12 Nixon In China

February 26 Iphigenie en Tauride

Sushi Inn

Sushi Inn 120 Cumberland St 416 923 9992

I was going to a movie with my new neighbor. She suggested we have lunch before the film at her favorite restaurant in Yorkville. No wonder this is a favorite of the whole neighborhood. She warned me that it would be busy with a positive spirit. How true. The location is ideal. It is situated across from the park on Cumberland St. We had a window seat and could watch the passing crowd in Yorkville. Watching the patrons enjoy the fabulous Japanese food was also a fun activity. The portions are enormous. The food was delicious and the price beyond reasonable. What a find!

I wasn’t able to finish half of my portion. There was enough food for 2 people. The Tempura Udon is a feast.($7.95) The soup was flavorful. The bowl was large and filled with oodles of noodles and vegetables. In addition, a large plate with 2 shrimp tempura and 4 vegetable tempura was placed before me. Each piece was so large. Everything was very tasty. Would you believe a salad also came with this exquisite dish?

My friend was very knowledgeable about the menu and immediately ordered her favorite Sushi. The Sushi Appetizer is presented with tuna, salmon, crab, clam and shrimp.($7.95) the Sushi Inn Roll offers 8 pieces of eel, avocado, cucumber, salmon skin and tobiko

The Sashimi Combos include Miso soup, salad and rice. The Silver Sashimi is a plate of 3pieces each of tuna, salmon, tai and hokkigai.($11.95)

The menu is extensive. A Salad for lunch can be sufficient. The Avocado Salad is offered at $3.95. Seafood Salad is composed of crab, octopus, salmon and tobiko.($5.95) Appetizers can be ordered for lighter fare or as a prelude to a larger meal. It is also fun to share an assortment of appetizers. Hotate Butter Taki is a pan fried scallop with garlic butter.($7.75) Mix Mushroom Butter Yaki offers pan fried mixed mushrooms with garlic butter.(8.95)

Many of the patrons were enjoying the Bento Box served with Miso soup. The Silver Box is comprised of vegetable tempura, deep fried tofu, steamed rice and 6 pieces of box maki.($9.50)

I have already chosen my dish for the next visit. Salmon Teriyaki is served with Miso soup, salad and steamed rice.($11.95)

The service was so attentive and friendly. This is a great place to dine in a small or large group. It is great to share an assortment or to dine solo in gourmet luxury. It is so affordable and the location is very central. The menu is extensive. The only problem is in choosing what delectable dish you want.

It may have been my first visit but not the last one.

Film Socialism

Film Socialism

Jean-Luc Goddard is a famous filmmaker. Even though the reviews were terrible I thought it would be educational to see a film by this great director. I also like any excuse to go to my favorite cinema, TIFF Bell Lightbox.

This film was beyond bad. I think I will demand my money back. It was confusing. The dialog is in French. I consider it ‘hutzpah’ that the sub titles were only a few words for each paragraph spoken in French. It made no sense. Taking one key word from a sentence does not make for understanding.

The film does speak of injustices throughout the world. Politics and morality seem to be the theme but I never was sure. Many of the pictures were hard to decipher. The film jumped all over the place.

I needed an explanation. It didn’t help that the auditorium was very cold.

I would love to have some film professor explain it all to me. On the other hand if a film requires all that explanation it isn’t making a clear presentation to the audience. Pass on this one.

Provence Delices

Provence Delices 12 Amelia St 416 924 9901

Chef owner, Elie Benchitrit, only needs the French tam to make him more authentic. He has been with this delightful establishment for 30 years, I love the fact it is a few steps from Parliament Street and all the boutiques of Cabbagetown. The outside patio is charming and pleasant on a summer day. The large piles of logs on the front porch are so inviting and provide the right atmosphere to greet you as you enter this French inn like restaurant. The inner room features a fireplace. The warmth was so soothing and we loved the aroma of the burning wood.

We ate in the front room. It is all windows and a garden like feeling. Tall candleholders grace the tables. The charming Elie Benchitrit greeted us with his authentic warm tone and French accent. We were immediately transported to Provence. The menu is pure French and the afternoon just got better as we indulged.

The Luncheon Prix Fixe at $25.00 offers a variety of tastes from the regular menu.

Soups of the Day or Du Puy Lentil Salad are offered as appetizers. The main entrée has three choices. Cheese or Ham Omelet with salad or fries is a tasty choice. House Authentic Toulouse Pork Sausages are served with frites and Dijon. An Assiette de Charcuterie offering many varieties of gourmet goodies is the third choice. If you still have room left you will enjoy the Crème Brulee.

I was with a dear friend and we both agreed that holiday time had played havoc with our waist lines and we wanted to show some sense of restraint. She ordered the Fresh Mediterranean Dorade ($22.00) It was filleted and pan roasted with allumette fries and sautéed vegetables. She enjoyed the total offering. I sampled her sautéed vegetables and the flavor bounced on my tongue. The frites were too delicious and impossible to ignore. She found the fish to be perfectly cooked and very flavorful.

I ordered the Atlantic Salmon, Orange and Star Anis Marinated, Coho Salmon Caviar, served on Ezekiel bread and frisee salad.($14.95) Elie recommended this dish and he was so correct. The salmon was somewhat like gravlox and a little like smoked salmon but very distinct and unique. It was a magical dish. The frisee salad had the perfect vinaigrette and the total dish w s exquisite.

I had given some thought to the Roasted Beets and Celeriac Remoulade Salad.($11.95) I know that will be my choice on the next visit.

Steamed Mussels are served with white wine, cream and petits Lardons.($19.95)

Baguettes and sandwiches are all built with Dijon and Aioli. A ½ Baguette of Jambon, Gruyere and Watercress is served with frites.($13.95)

The menu offers many choices. We were so impressed with the gallant service and the tasty food. What an easy way to take a little trip to Provence.

I was intrigued with the listing of Cooking Classes with Chef Owner Elie Benchitrit featured every Monday in January. A further program for February will be available very soon. Check the web at provencedelices,com

Somewhere

Somewhere

Sofia Cupola wrote and directed this interesting film. It won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival last year. Her former boyfriend, Quentin Tarantino headed the jury. Could that have made a difference? There is much that is worthy and some questions I would like answered. Several themes are presented throughout the film but loneliness seems to pervade the story. Johnny Marco is an actor. He isn’t at the top of the heap but he is apparently successful. He always looks like he needs a shave and a bath. He drinks and smokes constantly and seems to need the pills that are at his bedside. He drives his car with a macho ferocity. He adores women and they always seem to be entering or exiting his bed. I was amused with the gorgeous twins who performed on the pole in his bedroom. What a scene. Their exposed bottoms and the suggestive dancing were actually delightful.

Johnny’s 11 year old daughter, Cleo, comes to visit him until it is time for her to go to camp. She is the star of the film. Elle Fanning is the younger sister of another super child star, Dakota Fanning. Elle is so beautiful and poised. She certainly has a great future ahead.

We assume that she didn’t know her father too well. He takes her to her skating lesson. She was graceful and charming. His eyes are opened to his wonderful talented daughter. He takes her to Milan when he collects an award for his acting. She looked absolutely adorable in her pretty pink dress. Cleo and Johnny enjoy an assortment of dishes of ice cream while lounging in bed. It is all totally innocent and beautifully portrayed.

Cleo is so sweet in her little sun dress. I loved the scene when she makes a mouth watering breakfast for Johnny and the ‘bimbo’ that happened to be staying over that night.

Johnny and Cleo build a respect and affection for each other. It was predictable but lovely to see.

This is a film with an open ending. I felt a sense of foreboding but maybe Johnny was headed down a positive road. Who knows? You can decide for yourself. I think you will want to talk about the ending after the film.

I liked the film. I enjoyed watching the rapport between father and daughter. Both do a fine job in their roles.

Pero

Pero 812 Bloor St. West (at Shaw) 416 915 7225

The Alex Goodman Jazz Quintet is about to launch a new jazz CD. They are performing a pre-launch gig:

At:Pero

Friday January 14

From (9:00 – midnight)

Cover $7.00

Alex wants you to hear all his new compositions that will be part of the new CD. He has been writing this music for a long time and wants to share it with the audience before the recording date. One of Alex’s favorite selections is called Changes. It is tango music in jazz time. It is also one of my favorites. I want to get up and dance when I hear this selection.

Two classical selections of Bach and Bartok will also be featured.

Food is available. Feel free to have a drink and a light bite if you so desire. Come and enjoy the music. Stay as long as you like.

Alex Goodman Guitar

Nick Morgan Sax

Darcy Myronuk Piano

Fabio Ragnelli Drums

Dan Fortin Bass

You are guaranteed the best jazz in town. Be the first to hear this new innovative jazz performed by five great jazz musicians. The Alex Goodman Quintet has booked two cross country tours during the summer months.

Wasteland

Wasteland

This documentary is artistic in every sense. It is memorable. It is emotional. It is outstanding. Brazilian artist, Vik Moniz, is famous for his pictures created from recyclable garbage from the enormous mountains of garbage in Rio. He also used the garbage pickers in his artistic works that made him so famous. I will remember him more for his humanitarian work. He saw the beauty in the garbage pickers. He saw them as real people and gave them self esteem. He took pictures of several of the workers. After enlarging the photos he placed the pictures on the ground. The art work was not just the picture but the collage of recyclable materials that surrounded the photos and gave them an artistic look. The pictures are truly emotional and quite magnificent. One picture earned $50,000 at an auction in London.

The artist took the garbage pickers to see the auction in London and also New York. All the funds raised were given to the workers. At the end of the film we learn what happened to each of the people in the portraits.

The artist changed their lives in so many ways. At the same time the audience gets a real appreciation for the kind and decent people who worked at the garbage centre. We learn that many have pride in their work because they could have chosen a life of drugs and crime instead.

It was shocking to see the conditions where the pickers live. The homes are nothing more than small shacks. Many speak of their contentment in doing this work. Others are so fed up with working in such a bad situation. I could almost smell the rubbish through the screen. They work for low wages hour after hour going through the rubbish. They were quite clear that they are not garbage pickers. They are picking over recyclable objects and sorting them.

The artist changed many lives. He gave up so much in order to make this change. He gave away all that earned. I would expect that most in the audience would say they also changed. I was so moved.

The film is currently playing at the Bell TIFF Lightbox. The auditorium was filled. It was obvious that the audience enjoyed this masterful film. They applauded at the end and I suspect that there wee a few tears throughout.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this film is nominated for awards in the current season. It has been playing for several weeks. I do hope it remains in the city for a long while. It is a must film of the season.