American Beauty, a film review.

 This 1999 black comedy psych-drama film stars Kevin Spacey. It was written by Alan Ball and directed by Sam Mendes in his directorial debut. It tells the story of a family that is overcome with drama, and the eldest son turns to dealing marijuana, and documenting his life with a video recorder. This movie is atypical, and is a statement on the suburban sprawl and the premise that it could be a"hollow" existence that is the American middle class "utopia". The philosophical inquiry is much appreciated especially if your interested in environmental justice. I very much enjoyed this movie, and give it a 5 out of 5.

 

 

The Trotsky, a film review.

 This 2009 Canadian comedy film was directed & written by Jacob Tierney. In it the main character Leon Bronstein, played by Jay Baruchel, believes he is the reincarnation of the writer Trotsky. He is passionate about creating a student's union & works toward a revolution. There is a plot of young romance blossoming as well. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Anne of Green Gables, a book review.

 This 1908 novel was written by Canadian Lucy M. Montgomery. It is set in the picturesque countryside of Prince Edward Island. The story goes that, Anne, a young orphan, is adopted by on older couple with the aim of her helping with the chores. The plot develops around her life as a schoolgirl, and her many comings and goings with the townsfolk. One thing I very much liked about this book is that Anne had enthusiasm for her life even though she was a quirky, red--headed orphan. The author spent time in Saaskatchewan, and it is my belief her time there might have had an impact on her writing. This book went on to become an international bestseller. Overall, I very much liked this book that was developed into a movie & tv series. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, a film review

 This 2008 film stars Martin Lawrence. It is a slapstick comedy that makes light of a family reunion taking place somewhere in the South. It grossed $43.6 million on a $27 million budget. This movie is good for a laugh for a mature audience. The plot is a story between a few people where a love triangle forms. It is somewhat of a poignant statement on the sometimes messy home lives, in terms of relationships, of Black people, even though their hearts are in the right place. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Aphex Twin, an artist Spotlight.

 This eccentric gifted electronic musician started with the Rephlex records label. Later he signed with Warp records and made a major impact in the underground experimental music scene. His bravado for creating diverse melodies including industrial, organic, and chugging cyber tracks. His marketing is pure genius and he has a cult following. His music has ascended to the relevant Barbican venue. Overall I recommend his music especially his ambient stuff to anyone. I give this artist a 5 out of 5.

Amadeus, a film review.

 This 1984 period drama tells the story of the wunderkind, or virtuoso, composer Amadeus Mozart. It was directed by Milos Forman. It is a fantastical interpretation of a real-life theme. The celebrated musical talent of Mozart is portrayed, and the jealous but patronly Antonio Salieri are both depicted brilliantly. It is with tragic consequence that Mozart's story ends in a bitter demise. However, it adds to the intrigue of such an enigmatic artist. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Battleship Potemkin, a film review.

 This 1925 epic film was directed & co-written by Sergei Eisenstein. It features a very unique and inquisitive perspective of the military. As well as a philosophical postulation about the nature of film, or the simulacrum. It was groundbreaking for its time and propelled the medium forward. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Final Fantasy, a video game review.

 This iconic video game franchise has had multiple iterations. The one I enjoyed most was 7. Cloud was tasked with saving Aeris. I couldn't beat the end boss Sephiroth even though I had logged 70+ hours at the game. Battling monsters, collecting coins and treasures, upgrading weapons and armor and learning magic. This game had it all. The later X2 was an all-female force that starred Luna. It was quite good as well. The developer Square did an excellent job with the plot and gameplay. Overall I very much enjoyed this game. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, a film review.

 This 1998 surrealist adventure comedy is based upon the book by Hunter Thompson. In it 2 men go on a prolonged bender in Las Vegas experimenting with various drugs. The main character, played by Johnny Depp, is a gonzo news reporter and is covering a dirt bike race in the desert. This is a poignant statent about both the mind-altering capabilities & sometimes potentially hazardous ingredients of psychoactive chemicals. I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out 5.

Rambo, a film review.

 This media franchise starts with First Blood, and stars Sylvester Stallone. In it, a partly mentally ill war vet battles drug cartels in true American shoot 'em up, blow 'em up style. The preoccupation with violence almost seems to be correlary to the mode of existence of most Us patriots. Mind you being the world police is a daunting task for anyone, and almost impossible to enact. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Mr. Dressup, a tv series review.

This children's show aired from 1967 to 1996 on CBC. It featured the enthusiastic & creative Ernie Coombs,  who was an understudy of Fred Rogers. The series was developed & produced by Daniel McCarthy. With his puppets Casey & Finnegan, he would tell stories, draw improvised sketches and sing songs. Much like Bob Ross of PBS fame, Mr. Dressup's spontaneous sketches would be used like a starting point to aid in story-telling. Overall, I very much liked this series growing up. I give it a 5 out of 5.

SpongeBob SquarePants, a tv series review.

 This animated comedy series is set in a town where SpongeBob works at the Krabby Patty restaurant serving customers of the deep sea. It was created by marine science enthusiast Stephen Hillenburg. It has won many awards & over 300 episodes have been produced. The squirrel in an a diving suit is quite humourous for personal reasons in my opinion. Overall I very much enjoyed the episodes I did watch. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Erykah Badu, an artist spotlight.

 This artist fuses r&b and soul with downtempo beats in a tasty, soothing manner. Her debut album Baduizm, was well received and uses cult imagery on the album cover. Her esoteric On & On is a hit, and her videos are well crafted also. I bought the lp Baduizm and have enjoyed many spins of the record. She was born in Dallas, Texas & began performing at the age of 4. She is heavily influenced by jazz scat music, and represents the history of the deep south in what she does. Overall, I very much enjoy her music. I give her sound a 5 out of 5.

Roy Woods, an artist spotlight.

 Roy Woods, also known as Denzel Spencer, is a Canadian rap artist that signed with Drake's label OVO. His sound is fresh, fusing traditional hiphop aesthetics with electronic synthesizer effects and beats. He was born in Brampton in 1996. Michael Jackson, Nelly, Drake, and the Weeknd are some of his biggest influences. His sound is totally second-tier in my opinion. I give his sound a 5 out of 5.

Dumbo, a film review.

 This 2019 live-action animation features an elephant with big ears. In it the elephant tours with the Medici Brothers circus and he is taught to fly. There is an overarching theme of this movie of the Great Wars, and the dense misunderstanding that fueled it. This is a wholesome family movie, that wins the hearts of the crowd in the end by Dumbo reuniting with his wild herd including his Mother. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, a film review.

 This film series is based on the 1966 tv series. In it Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, is part of an elite force that is tasked with highly sensitive & dangerous operations. I saw Ghost Protocol in the Theater and it indeed was exciting. The score is taken from the themes Lalo Schifrin. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

The Nature of Things, a series documentary review.

 This series of documentaries debuted in 1960 featuring the famed scientist David Suzuki. Delving into pertinent environmental, social-scientific and sometimes human biological topics, he has a well-rounded approach that combines hard science rigor with a naturalist appreciation & Eastern mystical approach. It aired with him as anchor until 2022 until his daughter took over with help. His aim was to make science reach more of the wider public audience. Overall, I very much appreciated the episodes I watched. I give it a 5 out of 5.

The Nature of Things with David Suzuki

ON CBC

The Goonies, a film review.

 This 1985 adventure comedy was directed by Richard Donner, and is taken from a story by Steven Spielberg. In it a group of kids discover a treasure map & go on a quest to find the riches to save their homes from being foreclosed. This is classic 80s cinema at it's best. Chunk, plays a pivotal role in the gang saving the day. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Inspector Gadget, content review.

 This media franchise began in 1983 and features a lovable but daft inspector that has a host of clever inventions & his trusty niece, Penny, that uses a cyber-book to help solve crimes. The villain is Dr. Claw, who tries to thwart Gadget's attempts at restoring order. I watched many episodes of this growing up, and it was rebooted many times into newer versions. Overall, I very much enjoyed this series. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Dumb & Dumber, a film review.

 This 1994 comedy features Jim Carrey & Jeff Daniels. It tells the story of two chums that go on a trip to return a suitcase, that is unbeknownst to them filled with cash. They embark on an adventure in Aspen, Colorado and the comic interludes are filled with many laugh inducing moments. Jeff's naivity & Jim's cartoon-like expressionism are a hallmark combo in this classic mashup of American & Canadian cinematic talent. By the way, they ride a scooter to Aspen, which I find is quite economical. It grossed $247 million on a $17 million budget. Overall, I give this film a 5 out of 5.

Goofy & Wilbur, a cartoon.

 This 1939 cartoon features two good friends the Super Thoughtful Wilbur the Grasshopper & Goofy the Big Lovable Dog that loves to go fishing in the Wild. I have only seen snippets of this cartoon episode, but I very much like the style. Disney made many admired shows that became cannon for Western culture. There's a hint of an overlapping larger Truth here going on which I very much encourage you to consider fully. I give this duo a 5 out of 5.

Coronation Street, a tv series review.

 This classic British sitcom series has been on the air since 1960. It features a host of middle class characters in the ficticious town of Weatherfield. People agonize over drama, revel in comradery at the pub, deal with daily routines at work, it really is whole extravaganza of social interactions. One thing I like about this it is both somewhat formal, while being none-too-pretentious. It is aired on CBC on Sunday mornings is when I have watched it. Overall, I very much enjoyed this series. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Encino Man, a film review.

 This 1992 comedy fantasy film was Les Mayfield's directorial debut. It delves into the topic of evolution with a keen sense of humour. It stars Sean Astin, Brandon Fraser, & Pauly Shore among others. It can be a dicey, delicate topic especially when gigantic egos are involved. What I think this type of movie achieves is to smile & sigh at the great spiral, & ponder the mystery of the whirlpool. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Moulin Rouge, a film review.

 This 2001 musical drama stars Ewan McGregor & Nicole Kidman. In true Bohemian fashion these characters exude the ideals of Truth, Goodness & Beauty so often admired in the French culture. As a poet the main character writes and tries to capture the heart of the chronically ill Mistress of the Baron. The quote I like most of this movie is "The greatest thing you will ever learn, is to love & be loved in return." Overall, I give this movie a 5 out of 5.

Looney Tunes, a franchise review.

 This television franchise is owned by Warner Brothers Entertainment. It features a host of characters including but not limited to Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn, Marvin the Martian, Bugs Bunny, Sylvester & Tweety, and Pepe le Peu. This set of characters became much loved amongst a generation for Saturday mornings and a bowl of cereal for breakfast. There is a subtle ploy of mental health with the title "Looney Tunes" which doesn't go unappreciated for the adult audience. Overall,  I very much enjoyed watching this tv series growing up and can add it to my influences as an artist. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Predator, a film review.

 This 1987 action sci-fi film was written by Jim & John Thomas. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a paramilitary soldier operating deep in the jungle of Central America. As far as the visual effects and costumes are concerned, this movie was very convincing. It kept me on the edge of my seat, with the grisly details of the aggressive alien. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. Again, Arnold is at a top tier performance level. And there is much lore to this film as well. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Terminator, a film review.

 This 1984 sci-fi action film was directed & co-written by James Cameron. It stars Arnold Schwarzeneggar as a cybernetic robot sent back in time as an assassin. The visual effects were well done, and Arnold gives a top tier performance. The idea that Skynet is an artificial intelligence being a threat to mankind is curious to consider, especially since we are living near the date of the film's "future". This film helped launch James Cameron's career, and the Terminator franchise went on to be developed into a sequel of equal interest. Stop-motion animation was used to create a lot of the effects in this movie. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film, and give it a 5 out of 5.

Robo cop, a film review.

 This superhero action franchise spans across multiple media formats. It tells the story of Alex Murphy, a cop killed in the line of duty that is experimented on and brought back to life. He fights crime in the dilapidated metropolis. There is much lore to this character, and I have to admit I thought the movie was pretty cool. Overall I give it a 5 out 5.

Free Willy, a film review.

 This 1993 drama features an Orca as the main character. It was directed by Simon Wincer. And produced by Lauren Dinner & Jennie Tugen. It tells the story of a captive whale with a bent dorsal fin that is eventually released in to the wild. I like the sentiment of this film in appreciating wildlife, especially highly intelligent and fierce aquatic life. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Nomu.

 Qui vive?

Alors.

Maintenant.

Vraiment.

Qui est-ce?

Besides.

I'm somewhat whole.

MacGyver, a tv series review.

 This series first aired in 1985. It stars Richard Dean Anderson as Angus "Mac" MacGyver. The concept of this series was the ingenuity and craftiness of the main protagonist. The series was rebooted in 2016. I watched several of the episodes of the original series and marveled at the screenplay. Overall I very much enjoyed this series and give it a 5 out of 5. 

My coupon purchase at Cobb's bread.

 Came to $16 w discounts.

The Hangover, a film review.

 This 2009 film is part of a trilogy of movies created by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. It was directed by Todd Phillips. It tells the story of a group of men (called the Wolfpack) who go on a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate one of their member's stag party. During their time there, they lose track of the soon-to-be groom. ANd much hilarity ensues. It stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, and Jeffrey Tambor.  Mike Tyson even makes a cameo. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. I seldom understand the draw of Las Vegas, for exactly the reason this movie makes apparent. However, I give this film a 5 out of 5 for comic excellence.

Lonesome Dove, a miniseries review.

 This adapted tv miniseries first aired on CBS in 1989. It is based on the novel by Larry McMurtry. It is set in the American West, where Texas rangers drive cattle North to Montana, and along the way face hardships, endure weather, face drama and the elements. A tale of cowboys longing for a home, navigating the wild landscape. Of the episodes I did see I very much enjoyed. Stephen King has said this is his favorite book of all time. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Star Trek 2; the Wrath of Khan a film review.

 This 1982 sci-fi film is the second in a series and based on the tv series starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk. It follows the the story of a superhuman Khan that has gone rogue. The Star Trek franchise was created by Gene Roddenberry. It is a classic vision of humans exploring deep space with USS Enterprise. The cast and crew vary over the years but the general plot remains the same "to boldly go where no man has gone before." Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

The Red Violin, a film review.

 This 1998 drama is a montage of time periods and places that follows a mysteriously made red violin. It stars Samuel L. Jackson, Carlo Cecchi, and Sylvia Chang. It was an international coproduction between Canada, the UK and Italy. It was directed by François Girard. Jackson's character secures the violin at the end at an auction for his daughter. A suitable fit for such an enigmatic instrument. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a film review.

 This 1975 film is based on the Arthurian legend, and is produced by the Monty Python group, which consists of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. It makes for a light-hearted portrayal of the legend of Camelot. Cleese is brilliant, and is a shining example of how humor can alleviate the cumbersome nuisance of stuffiness in otherwise pretentious situations. This is classic cinema at its best. I very much enjoyed this film and give it a 5 out of 5.

Indiana Jones; Raiders of the Lost Ark, a film review.

 This 1981 adventure film was created by George Lucas. It is part of a franchise with 5 films, a tv series, comics and novels. It features the story of Indy, an anthropologist interested in archaelogy. Harrison Ford is epic in this movie, that features a fictional narrative about the lost Ark of the Covenant, a supposed ancient technological wonder. I appreciated studying anthropology in University. This film captures the intrigue one has for the subject, and the dangers of delving into such controversial content. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film, and give it a 5 out of 5.

Edward Scissorhands, a film review.

 This 1990 Gothic romantic comedy stars Johnny Depp, and Winona Ryder. It was directed & co-produced by Tim Burton. It tells the story of a humanoid that has scissors for hands, that is adopted by a suburban family. This film is a bit of a stretch for feaseability, and it makes one consider the shrubbery to be an artform, which it may very well be. It won several awards on a $20 million budget, and was a commercial success at the box office. Tim Burton considers it one of his favorite projects. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.

 

 

Fresh Prince of Bel-air, a tv series review.

 This sitcom comedy originally aired between September 1990 & May 1996. It stars Will Smith as himself in a fictional story where he goes to live with his Aunt & Uncle (who is a judge) that live in a glitzy neighborhood in California. Jazzy Jeff was his co-producer for some of the music of this theme. This series was slotted after school before supper so I would often watch it. Overall I very much enjoyed this content. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Doc Martin, a tv series review.

 This medical comedy drama stars Martin Clunes as Doctor Martin Ellingham. It is set in a small seaside town in the Uk. He develops a relationship with his secretary and with his dry, rational wit it is quite humorous to watch. The show details as he takes patients of the townsfolk and he goes on his way with his personal life all the while. The series was created by Dominic Minghella. Ten series aired between 2004 & 2022. The episodes I did watch I very much enjoyed. Overall, I give this tv series a 5 out of 5.

Kungfu Panda, a film review.

 This animated martial arts comedy franchise was developed by DreamWorks. It features the voice of Jack Black as, the sometimes clumsy but warrior with a special destiny, Po. His teacher Sifu is well versed in Oriental Wisdom tradition. Po and his Dad ran a noodle shop which is where he started his journey. I have only seen the First movie & since then it has been developed into multiple sequels. Overall I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Schindler's List, a film review.

 This 1993 historical drama is based on true accounts of a remarkable story of bravery in the face of a brutal regime. It stars Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley. In my frank and honest opinion, the Great Wars were a cataclysmic misunderstanding at a time when industrial might had grown at a very rapid pace, and egos & paradigms didn't have time to do their college homework. This is a very touching movie, and one of Steven Spielberg's notables in his portfolio. Overall, I was moved emotionally by this movie. Even today an integral philosophy that embraces all is still something the brightest minds in the world are working on. I give it a 5 out of 5.

A Few Good Men, a film review.

 This 1992 military crime drama stars Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, & Demi Moore. It paints a picture of a complicated web of legal issues that involve the controversial holding area Guantanamo Bay. Tom is his edgy, feisty persona that he is known for in hits like Top Gun. Some of this type of film is propaganda and much of Hollywood's content is also. One thing I think it points out is the complex nature of the relationship between government and military. Despite this Tom is well known to be an artist with a great career even though he has shortcomings. Overall I give it a 5 out of 5.

Independence Day, a film review.

 This 1996 sci-fi action film was written & directed by Roland Emmerich. It stars Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell & more. It is yet another movie that has content about contact with life beyond Earth. Of course this is interesting to note that the might of military is dwarfed by higher powers. It went on to be developed into a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed this movie & give it a 5 out of 5.

Gremlins. a film review.

 This 1984 horror comedy was directed by Joe Dante and written by Chris Columbus. It stars Zach Galligan. It features Gizmo, a small fuzzy white & beige creature that, after awhile is found out if it gets water on it, it turns into a Large Green Monster. The visual effects were all studio crafted, and it is a very well done movie in its entireity. It makes me wonder if I prefer cottage cheese in my pirogies, or cheddar. Overall, I very much enjoyed this movie. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Brave, an animated film review.

 This 2012 animated film is a Disney production. It tells the story of Merida, a princess from the Highlands of the Uk. In true Disney fashion it is steeped in rich visual imagery of folk-lore, including the much fawned over Stone Effigies used in ancient rituals. It is interesting to note that the Vikings were trading with the North from a very early time period. The characters are infectious, and the banter is light. And a wee bit of flare in the air, in this movie that I think a lot of North Americans can appreciate. Overall, I very much appreciated this film, and give it a 5 out of 5.

Braveheart, a film review.

 This 1995 historical drama was written and directed by Mel Gibson. It tells the story of the tenacious William Wallace & his dealings with the Monarchy of England. I realize the American portrayal of this Scottish Legend is somewhat of a stretch, since his legacy is sentimental. Separatism is sometimes about wanting an original identity, apart from hegemonic powers. Despite this, the Red Rose still shyly takes the breathe away. This movie was well worth watching, and a pleasure to watch. Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5.

Pingu, a tv series review.

 This animated tv series  was created by Swiss artists Otmar Gutmann & Erika Bruegemann. It features the character of an emperor penguin living on the South Pole. It is mainly intended for a younger audience. The sound effects & visual stylings are unique and somewhat abstract. I very much am drawn to penguins as symbols for open source & nonprofit organizations. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Gargoyles, a tv series review.

 This animated tv series was produced by Disney & originally aired between 1994 and 1997. It features a host of the mythological creatures that were often found on heritage buildings in old world countries. There is a kind of ethos to them as being creatures of nobility & versed in the dark arts. Since they turn to stone during the day and at night they come alive their legends are well-known in the Americas. The 3 seasons were produced in the US, Canada & Japan. Overall I very much enjoyed the episodes I did watch. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Dance Me, Outside a film review.

 This 1994 Canadian drama was directed by Bruce McDonald. It is based on the book by W. P. Kinsella. It stars Adam Beach as Frank Fencepost & Ryan Black as Silas Crow. There is a comical dimension to the story being told as well as a realistic portrayal of life on the reservation. I very much enjoyed this film. I give it a 5 out of 5.