This 1997 action sci-fi comedy is a satirical look at the galactic possibilities of extraterrestrial life. It stars Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones as underground agents that work for the now infamous Area 51 which is a hub of activity for diplomacy among the stars. They employ a device that can "erase memory". It was widely acclaimed and developed into sequels. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1963 animated fantasy film was the last to be made while Walt Disney was still alive. It tells the story of an enchanted sword that is lodged in a stone with magical properties named Excalibur. A variety of characters make an appearance including Merlin. This was Disney at its best and most classic. Using cell animation to capture the nostalgic motion that isn't as widely used today. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1988 comedy drama stars Dustin Hoffman & Tom Cruise. It tells the story of an autistic man whose inherited his father's fortune & his calvilier brother who was unaware of him until their father died. This was a moving plot that touches on mental health with a pleasant mix of wit & humor. It grossed $429+ million on a $25 million budget. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1987 animated tv series was originally broadcast between 1987 & 1990. Based on the comic Uncle Scrooge and the comics by Carl Banks. This series had a catchy them song intro also that was written by Jeff Pescetto. Scrooge's nephews go on adventures & the series even spawned the alternate Darkwing Dark. Overall I very much enjoyed this tv series & give it a 5 out of 5.
This 2015 animated film was directed by Peter Docter. It was produced by Pixar Studios for Walt Disney. It has a mental health theme with the variety of emotions of a young girl portrayed as lively characters in the storyline. I give credit for a major studio for broaching the subject of mental health. Not to say the mind can be reduced to cartoons but it certainly is food for thought to see it organized that way. I very much enjoyed this film & give it a 5 out of 5.
This 2001 war film was directed and produced by Ridley Scott. It is based on the 1999 non-fiction book by journalist Mark Bowden. It is an account of the often volatile and controversial politics of Africa. When humanitarian and compassionate aims take centre stage it becomes a high stakes operation. It grossed $173 million on a $92 million budget. It paints a picture of the realistic application of force. Some controversy was made and it sparked some criticism for the content raised. Nonetheless, it was an exhilarating movie and portrays the heroic side of "peacemaking." I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1987 comedy film was directed by John Cherry III. It stars Jim Varney as Ernest Worrell. Much like Jim Carrey & Peewee Herman this series is a comic repreive from the serious. It grossed $23.5 million on a $3.5 million budget. I recommend for a good laugh about going camping in the woods or a park. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1989 comedy drama features Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold and his family as they set out to have a "merry" Christmas. Much laughter is to be had and comic interludes ensue as they make their way through the holidays. This is the 3rd installment of the series, and it is based on the short story Christmas '59 by Hughes. It grossed a total of $71+ million at the box office. I recommend for a little brevity amidst the heaviness the holidays can sometimes bring. Overall, I recommend to anyone for quality family viewing. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1957 epic war film was directed by David Lean and written by Pierre Boulle. It is an example of content that was very controversial at the time but later came to be recognized as a great contribution to culture. Another well depicted example of the madness of war. I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 2014 epic sci-fi film was directed by Christopher Nolan. It tells the story of a group of people tasked with navigating a wormhole by Saturn, to further the fate of humankind. In true sci-fi fashion it takes the bold step of painting a picture of realistic space travel. With all the intrigue of space, one would think a full disclosure would be something in the works. I very much enjoyed this film, and recommend it to anyone. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This animated sitcom was originally broadcast in the early 60s. It is set in a fictional prehistoric time with Fred & Wilma with Pebbles with their Dino and Barney & Betty with BamBam. I recall this cartoon so well because during the 80s it was slotted in at lunchtime so I could watch it during noonhour at home while eating lunch. Fred works in the quarry, and is a bit of a smart alec. It was later developed into a feature length film with John Goodman starring in it. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera. It was highly acclaimed, and ran for many decades. Overall, I give this tv series a 5 out of 5.
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Lots of good merriment and holiday cheer was had to celebrate another year in the books. Hope Homes sponsored a dinner at Mr. Schnapp's in the Ne. Much thanks 2 Cathy & Greg & Family for a wonderful event.
Potential Place had their event in the Ne at the Austrian Canadian cultural club. I liked the salmon and dill was a nice touch. Ronni spoke eloquently and Lawrence walked away with the biggest gift basket.
The Chumir care centre mental health unit also known as Act sponsored a dinner event at the Blackfoot Inn w clients & staff. It was nice a few of the Drs partook in the festivities also. The food was delicious and plenty of prizes were given out.
I joked that a virgin birth is impressive.
This 1987 comedy fantasy was in part produced by the recently deceased & accomplished Rob Reiner. It is a laughable portrayal of a Prince and his adventures in romance. Very good natured & witty this film pokes fun at the haughty taughtiness of royalty. One call tell it has an American independent air to the attitude behind the script. I very much enjoyed this film & give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1981 Canadian adult animated fantasy film was directed by Gerald Potterton. It is based on the magazine of which Potterton was involved as well. Incorporating a variety of themes and with a nemesis named "The Sum of All Evils" it is most definitely an adult viewing experience. I bought several of the comics over the years, and enjoyed reading them. A very creative, and liberal arts montage. For a mature audience, and I give both the magazine & film a 5 out of 5.
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This book published in 1995 is written by Howard Bloom. It asserts that competition and natural selection inherently evolve "evil" as a byproduct. He goes on to discuss the "Superorganism" as an entity. He also reverts to the age old idea of a "pecking order" and cites examples in the animal kingdom. This book is very, very controversial to specific groups for its idea of giving an objective view of a sociological phenomenon. It attempts to combine the onjective & subjective in a post-conventional way. Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book & give it 5 out of 5.
This 1995 post-apocalyptic film was directed by Kevin Reynolds. In it the distant future has seen the world's icecaps have melted and caused significant sea-level rise. The main character, the Mariner, played by Kevin Costner must navigate floating communities to survive. This film was interesting in it's premise and expensive to produce. The honest environmental angle of this film to address global warming is apparent & is evident by Costner's casting. I enjoyed this movie and give it a 4 out of 5.
This 2007 animated comedy drama was produced by Pixar. It features the story of a rat food connoisseur who becomes involved in a restaurant kitchen in aid to the lead chef. The attention to detail in this movie is what makes it exceptional. Ratatouille is a dish of French gourmet cuisine. My grandma's crepes would fit right in in this movie. It grossed $623.7 million worldwide. Overall I very much enjoyed this film & recommend it to anyone. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1997 Japanese animation film is a historical fantasy. Set during the Muramachi period. It tells the story of Ashitanga, a prince with an injured arm and a girl raised by wolves named San. The film used a combination of traditional cell animation techniques and computer generated images. The film was written and directed by by the now infamous Hiyao Miyazaki, who produced the Totoro character also. The film has a natural mystical element that I appreciated. It broke conventions with the character design as well. The film grossed $212.2 million worldwide. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film & give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1996 children's book was adapted for tv by Dominique Jolin in collaboration with Raymond Lebrun. It features a mouse named Toopy and his cat Binoo. A total of 175 episodes were produced by Echo Media and broadcast by Treehouse & Tele-Quebec. The style of animation is influenced by cell animation & yet possesses digital enhancements. The show emphasizes compassion, comraderie, and friendship. The episodes were only 15 minutes long and took up a 1/4 hour slot. Seasons 1 & 2 have been broadcast in over 179 countries & 30 languages. Overall, I very much enjoyed watching this family entertainment, and recommend it to anyone. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 2014 superhero film is based on the Marvel comic. It is the 10th film in the cinematic Marvel universe. It stars Chris Pratt as Peter Quill. It was directed & co-written by James Gunn. There are a host of lively characters including the feisty raccoon Rocket & the baby tree Groot. Thanos is portrayed as a villain with the powerful infinity stones. I very much enjoyed this movie & recommend it to anyone. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 2011 live action animated film is based on the comic book by Peyo. It features the story of a group of Smurfs, small blue characters three apples high, that go on adventures and use an essence that is magical. Gargamel works to obstruct them, and is the villain. The film stars Neil Patrick Harris, Sofia Vergara & Jayma Hays. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1997 historical drama was directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. It tells the story of an Austrian mountain climber during a tumultuous period in a contentious region in SE Asia. This movie stars Brad Pitt and reflects upon a beautiful & endearing culture. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1981 comedy drama was produced by Hong Kong firm Golden Harvest. It stars Burt Reynolds, Farrah Fawcett, Dean Martin & Sammie Davis Jr. It is based on a real life event that took place where competitors raced in outlaw fashion across America in sports cars. This movie is characteristic of the 80s aesthetics. I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out 5.
This 1994 thriller action movie was directed Jan de Bont and written by Graham Yost. It stars Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper and Sandra Bullock. It tells the story of a bus with a bomb on board that is speeding out of control with a few passengers on board who are tasked with saving the day. This movie helped launch Keanu Reeves bold & brazen career, and grossed $350.5 million worldwide at the box office. It was met with wide acclaim and garnered much attention from the critics. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie and give it a 5 out of 5.
This 1984 fantasy film is co-written & directed by Wolfgang Peterson and is based on the book by Michael Ende. It is a surrealist portrayal of a world with vividly depicted characters. In it a young boy finds a book & is tasked with stopping the Nothing. This movie captured my imagination thoroughly and I enjoyed it. It grossed $100 million at the box office worldwide. It has been referenced many times since release in pop culture. I give it a 5 out of 5.
