Human Trafficking (DVD)

What it's about: "Every day, young girls are bought and sold" - a TV movie about how after drugs and arms trafficking, humans are being sold for sex. A movie about slavery in today's world and how women ( and little boys alike) are objects, simple goods to be traded.

What I thought of it: I was curious about it because of some local actors that I like were playing in it. The casting was good with Mira Sorvino as the main agent, Donald Sutterland as her boss, Robert Carlyle was disgusting as the bad "merchant". The girls were also quite convincing. Good performances all around. It is a long movie (3 hours), but it makes you realise how sick we have become as a society. It's a very dark tale that (according to the movie) 800,000 people/per year go through. It is worth watching. ...and to think that it happens here...

Elizabethtown (DVD)

What it's about: After being fired from a shoe company for having lost a billion dollars and being dumped by his girlfriend Drew Baylor (Orlando Bloom) has to make his way home to Elizabethtown for his father's memorial service. On his way there he meets a flight attendant (Kirsten Dunst), and through it all and a road trip the discover each other...

What I thought of it: It's a cute movie, some part were funnier than others. I loved Susan Sarandon as his "emotional wreck" mother who learned to cook, do mechanic, tap dance, do stand up/be funny since her husband's death - her speach touched me. And the road trip between Drew and Mitch' ashes was really touching as well, even if it was presented in a light fashion. A cute one... Liked it.

Just Friends (DVD)

What it's about: "A man (Ryan Reynolds) comes face-to-face with old high school crush (Amy Smart) -- a woman whose rejection of him turned him into a ferocious womanizer." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: I thought it wouldn't be that funny, but I was wrong! Ryan Reynold is really good at physical comedy, and we can all identify with the story and being in the "friend zone". Some parts were REALLY funny, laughed out loud kind of funny - a must see, if you want a good laugh!

The New World (DVD)

What it's about: The old story of Pocahantas, or if you prefer the drama of English explorer John Smith and how things turned wrong with the native American in the 17th century.

What I thought of it: Well... uuuh... mmmhh... I watched it all the way, thought it might pick up, but it never really did. If you like a slow pace, narrated type of movie this is the movie for you! Must say that the photography was amazing. It's interesting, but let's just say I'm VERY happy I didn't see it in the theatre.

The girl that plays Pocahantas (Q'Orianka Kilcher) is very good, and as for Mr. Colin Farrell, well... he's equal to himself, and I could almost smell him just by the way he looked. That "not so clean" period-look really works for him.

The Family Stone (DVD)

What it's about: "Far too uptight, a woman (Sarah Jessica Parker) accompanies her boyfriend (Dermot Mulroney) to his family's annual Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water in their way of life." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Love it! Very touching, and you can feel the love that family has for one another. Diane Keaton (as the mother) is amazing - simply loved her. Sarah Jessica Parker is also very convincing as the Bedford Bitch. Cute movie, some very touching moments and some funny one as well. Very good rental!

Ladder 49 (DVD)

What it's about: "Under the watchful eye of his mentor Captain Mike Kennedy (Travolta), probationary firefighter Jack Morrison (Phoenix) matures into a seasoned veteran at a Baltimore fire station. Jack has reached a crossroads, however, as the sacrifices he's made have put him in harm's way innumerable times and significantly impacted his relationship with his wife and kids. Responding to the worst blaze in his career, he becomes trapped inside a 20-story building. And as he reflects on his life, now Assistant Chief Kennedy frantically coordinates the effort to save him. " (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: From our private collection. I love this movie. Even if I have seen it a few times and know the story, I can't help to cry at the end. One of the good movies that show the daily challenges of the firemen's lives and their family. A must see if you haven't yet.

Cheaper By the Dozen 2 (DVD)

What it's about: "Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt return as heads of the Baker family who, while on vacation, find themselves in competition with a rival family of eight children, headed by Eugene Levy." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Cute family movie. Didn't even have to see the first one, I didn't. I think I was more impressed by the rat than some of the "actors" like Hilary Duff...

Prime (DVD)

What it's about: "A career driven professional from Manhattan (Thurman) who is wooed by a young painter, who also happens to be the son of her psychoanalyst (Streep)." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: I like Meryl Streep and since I think that in the ;ast few years she's been doing some weirder stuff, I wanted to see this. It looked interesting so I figured, why not. It's a slow pace movie, but Streep is really convincing as a Jewish mother. It's cute and I liked it.

Rumour Has It (DVD)

What it's about: "Jennifer Aniston plays a woman who learns that her family was the inspiration for the book and film "The Graduate" -- and that she just might be the offspring of the well-documented event." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: It's a cute movie. Shirley MacLaine is hilarious and Mr. Costner, well... he's Mr. Costner. There are some really good lines. A good rental!

Firewall (DVD)

What it's about: "A security specialist (Harrison Ford) is forced into robbing the bank that he's protecting, as a bid to pay off his family's ransom." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Lame, Mr. Ford hasn't been doing great films lately... and this one was among those. It's too bad 'cause I like him. Hubby wanted to see it (Gee! Wonder why?) and even him said that it really wasn't that good... They used a lot of the jargon, but that's about it. Don't bother renting it.

Michèle Richard au Casino de Montréal (Concert)

Saw it on: April 2nd, 2006 at the Montreal Casino Theatre (Brunch and Show) - thanks to Jason.

What it's about:Michèle Richard is a known singer in Québec (since the 50s).

What I thought of it: I actually liked it. When I was asked to go see her, I thought it would be fun. She gave a good show and to my surprise I realised that I knew her songs more than I thought. She's also VERY generous with her public. You could feel the love, really! The crowd was older. It was a nice "recap" of her career and a good opportunity to present her latest cd. She has over 205 songs recorded.
During the show she told the crowd that after the show she would be on that side of the room if people wanted to see her, take a picture with her, get an autograph, etc. And within 10 minutes of her show being over, she came out, sat a table and started to talk to people. A really approchable lady. A pleasant afternoon after all

Thanks again Jason, Suzie & Co!

Hosanna (Play)

Saw it on: April 1st, 2006 at the Nouveau Monde Theatre.

What it's about: An aging drag queen is confronted with the cruelty of her friends and boyfriend during a "look alike" contest. Set in the 70s. Written by Michel Tremblay.

Distribution:

Benoit Brière / Hosanna

Normand D'Amour / Cuirette

What I thought of it: I simply loved it! Brière was amazing and totally believable as a drag queen. D'Amour was also very good. They both rendered the emotions so well. I cried at the end. I was truly moved by this love story that showed that it can be hard at time to love, to feel love or to even be loved.

If you don't have a chance to see it, you should at least read the play.

* photo: Yves Renaud

Eight Below (Theatre)

What it's about: "Brutal cold forces two Antarctic explorers to leave their team of sled dogs behind as they fend for their survival." (IMDb's) It's all about the dogs!

What I thought of it: I really liked it. It's not grand cinema, but it's amazing to see what they get those dogs to do. I love huskies and these guys were gorgeous and so expressive. ...and Paul Walker isn't bad either! ;-D

Saw it on Feb. 27, 2006

NOTE: We now own a copy of it since it came out on DVD, and we already re-watched it. Cute movie!

Dracula Entre l'amour et la mort (Musical)

Saw it on: February 9th, 2006 at the St-Denis Theatre. Really good seats.

What it's about: A Québécois creation of Bruno Pelletier. Dracula's story but set in 2050, somewhere in Europe.

Distribution:

Bruno Pelletier / Dracula : Comte Vladimir Wallachia, historien et noble rentier

Sylvain Cossette / Jonathan Harker : journaliste-correspondant

Daniel Boucher / R.M. Renfield : photographe–cameraman

Andrée Watters / Mina Murray : militante engagée, altermondialiste

Pierre Flynn / Abraham Van Helsing : médecin et scientifique érudit

Gabrielle Destroismaisons / Lucy Westerna : infirmière, fille de Van Helsing

What I thought of it: Glad I saw it. I'm a big fan of Bruno Pelletier. I was pleasantly surprised by Andrée Watters. Overall I think that if you don't know Dracula's story to start with, it might be confusing. Hubby thought so. Liked it, but not enough for me to buy the CD.

Derailed (DVD)

What it's about: "When two married business executives (Owen and Aniston) having an affair are blackmailed by a violent criminal, the two must turn the tables on him to save their families." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Really good thriller. Can't help to think of what YOU would do in that situation. Rent it, you won't be disappointed.

The Weather Man (DVD)

What it's about: "A Chicago weather man (Cage), separated from his wife and children, debates whether professional and personal success are mutually exclusive." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Didn't want to see it, but hubby was curious about it, so we rented it. Not one of my favorite Cage's movie (not that I really have a favorite of his anyway) .

There's a part where he's told that his daughter is called "Camel Toe", and the visual is priceless!

It's not bad, especially if you like the type of movie that is narrated to you. Just glad it was a rental...

Domino (DVD)

What it's about:"A recounting of Domino Harvey's life story. The daughter of actor Laurence Harvey turned away from her career as a Ford model to become a bounty hunter." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: ahhh... well... Felt like I took acid or something. The camera effects were quite present. Not a favorite, I think I liked the "Making of" more. Interesting life story. They romanticized the movie and give them a different death their than their "real" one. In the movie she survives and in life she died of a heart attack in her bath... Didn't hate it, but wouldn't suggest it either.

An Unfinished Life (DVD)

What it's about: "A down on her luck woman (Jennifer Lopez), desperate to provide care for her daughter, moves in with her father in-law (Robert Redford) from whom she is estranged. Through time, they learn to forgive each other and heal old wounds." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Wanted to see it simply because I loved Redford and Morgan Freeman. I was pleasantly surprised. Good story, and Redford as a grumpy old man was convincing. Freeman was equally good - there's something about this man, just love to watch him. A good movie to see. Oh yeah and Josh Lucas is also in it...

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (DVD)

What it's about: "Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance a mystical lion.: (IMDb)

What I thought of it: Didn't really want to see it, but a friend strongly suggested it. Loved it. They kids in it were really good, especially the little one, Georgie Henley. It's touching and Liam Neeson (as Aslan - the Lion) has the voice for the role - simply love his voice. A must see!


My favorite line:

Mrs Beaver: You've been sneaking second helpings, haven't you?
Mr. Beaver: Well, you never know if your next meal's going to be your last. Especially with your cooking.

Munich (DVD)

What it's about: "Based on the true story of the Black September aftermath, about the five men chosen to eliminate the ones responsible for that fateful day." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Didn't really know much about the storyline besides that it was related to the killings that happened during the Olympic Games of Munich. I thought it was going to be heavy and it was, but I really liked it anyway. Interesting story and yet again Mr. Spielberg managed to tell another disturbing story of the Jewish people. A must see.

Especially if like me, you like Eric Bana.
There's something about him and his acting that simply makes you like him... like in "Troy". I think it's his eyes...

I have a feeling we'll see more of him in the near future.

Let's hope so!

King Kong (DVD)

What it's about: "In 1933 New York, an overly ambitious movie producer (Jack Black)coerces his cast and hired ship crew to travel to mysterious Skull Island, where they encounter Kong, a giant ape who is immediately smitten with leading lady Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts)." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Bof... Just happy I didn't see it in a theatre. A bit long and it took a while before it got interesting, and interesting is a bit strong here. Must say that the ending touched me, what can I say I have a thing for big furry things...

Over The Hedge (Theatre)

What it's about: "A scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating...and learns a lesson about family himself." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: I simply loved it! Read all about it, by clicking on this link! Dreamworks outdid themselve with this one. The rendition of the animals is amazing. This one we will get when it comes out on DVD. A must see, trust me!

Saw it on May 25th, 2006

The Constant Gardener (DVD)

What it's about: "A widower is determined to get to the bottom of a potentially explosive secret involving his wife's murder, big business, and corporate corruption." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Wasn't too keen on seing it, but I'm glad I did. Wanted to know what the fuss was about, and it deserved the attention it got. Interesting story, always fascinates me to see how the drug industry is ruled by money.

I'm torn between love and hate when it comes to Ralph Fiennes. I really hated him as a Nazi in "Schindler's List". Then I thought he was great in "The English Patient" (what can I say I have a thing for Hungarian men!) and what to say about him as Lord Voldemort in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" except that I want to see more of him?

All this to say that I liked the movie and it is a must rent if you haven't seen it yet.

A History of Violence (DVD)

What it's about: A mild mannered man becomes a local hero through an act of violence which sets off repercussions that will shake his family to their very core." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Being a Viggo fan I had to see it, plus Ed Harris plays in it as well, so... I liked it. I was actually surprised by the violence at some point, or more about the fact that they were showing the gore (which I don't mind, actually).
I thought it was good.

Must admit though, it's tough for me to see Viggo in anything other than Aragorn... but I'll manage.

North Country (DVD)

What it's about: "A fictionalized account of the first major successful sexual harassment case in the United States -- Jenson vs. Eveleth Mines, where a woman who endured a range of abuse while working as a miner filed and won the landmark 1984 lawsuit." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Good story. Charlize Theron was good in it. I liked it. Interesting to see the never-ending battle of the sexes. Reminded me a lot of "Silkwood" with Cher and Meryl Strip. A good rental.

Fun with Dick and Jane (DVD)

What it's about: "An update of the 1977 comedy, Dick and Jane are living the good life. That is until Dick (Jim Carrey) loses his job shortly after getting a promotion that convinced his wife Jane (Téa Leoni) to quit her job. The money is gone, and the house ends up in foreclosure. Dick decides to turn to a hilarious life of crime to pay the bills with his lovely wife by his side. Then together they decide it's time to steal back what Former CEO Jack McCallister (Alec Baldwin) had stolen from them." (IMDb's)

What I thought of it: Typical comedy à la Jim Carey. Nothing too deep, and Téa Leoni has a great comedic sense as well. "Brain off" kind of movie. Good rental for a dreary day.

Recap of movies seen since April 8th, 2006

I'll recap all movies only since April 8th, 2006 (which is the date I created my first blog).

Did it all last night, but friggin' Blogger was doing maintenance and when I hit the "Publish Post" button I lost everything!!!

Let's just say I went to bed a little disappointed and upset to have wasted all my reviews and all.