Death at a Funeral

"On April 16th, no-one will rest in peace.”

2010’s ’Death at a Funeral’, was an outlandish comedy; hosting a powwow of comedians that surprisingly and easily flipped the meaning of a melancholic funeral ceremony. This amusing tale brought us from one preposterous moment to the next and if anything can go wrong during this difficult time, everything does! 

Written by Dean Craig and directed by Neil LaBute, this film was crammed with secrets and fun characters our viewers loved to see. ‘Chris Rock’ who played our main character Aaron, tried his best to keep serene in an ever-increasingly deranged and exasperating situation. Peter Dinklage, Loretta Devine, Danny, Glover, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, James Marsden, Tracy Morgan, Luke Wilson, and the beautiful and funny Regina Hall all came together to make this story an unforgettable one. 

Rated R for language, drug content and sexual humor this film isn’t suitable for children. Every family has mystery, but this one just happens to take the cake! 

Old Boy

Originally written in Japan by writers Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi, and incipiently brought to the big screen by Korean director Chan-wook Park in 2003; Hollywood short of ideas these days decided to bring this film to the screen once more. Expertly made by Park, this Action/Drama/Mystery was easily slotted as one of the top rated movies of all time, garnering 38 wins and 18 nominations that year. 

Sadly, even though ‘Old Boy’ was re-made with good intentions and with some of Hollywood’s biggest and brightest actors, Josh Brolin, Samuel L. Jackson, and Elizabeth Olsen, to name a few, the movie wasn’t as hard-hitting as it had been when it first appeared on screen. This time it was led by director ‘Spike Lee,’ (Do the Right Thing, Malcom X, Chi-raq) and even with a budget of an enormous $30 million USD only made back $2 million USD at the box-office and although nominated for 4 awards, did not have the pleasure of winning any. 

This inexplicable tale of suffering and rebirth for a man who was trapped and released only to suffer tremendously upon his release; is a clever thought-provoking conspiracy we have to thank the first writers, cast, and crew for. ‘Old Boy’ reminds us that obnoxious behaviour rarely gets us anywhere except in trouble and that sometimes seeking revenge brings us boomerang-like anguish. Whether you watch the 2003 version or the later 2013 version it makes for a warranted night of epic entertainment!

'La Carmelita'

If you’re in Bordeaux, France, you’re in for a treat if you go to see ‘La Carmelita’. ‘Little Caramel’ is the name of an incredible flamenco group based in the heart of the city. They put on shows from time to time throughout the year and I was ever so lucky to come across this golden opportunity! 

It’s a show filled with passion!

The musicians and singer are expert and delightful, enticing the audience with rhythmic and traditional songs to warm our palate. But the true deliciousness doesn’t begin until ‘La Carmelita’ makes her way on stage. This savory, folk dance which originated in Andalusia, Spain from the VII to the XV centuries and was heavily influenced by the Arab domination of the time, has thankfully continued to bring pleasure to the masses far and wide. Throughout the years, it has evolved to what we know of today - a heavily seductive and hypnotic dance that is largely interpreted and particular by each performance. The virility and skill displayed by ‘Deborah Dawson’ is a marvelous gift to spectators. She is scrupulously devoted to the rapture of the melody and her movements from head to toe are indicative of it.

If you’re looking for an extravagant and steamy night-out, well-worth your money; a night satiated with splendid energy and magnetic pizzazz, then you’re guaranteed to be thrilled with a ‘La Carmelita’ event!

Don't Worry - Be Happy

** Things that are out of your control....make your peace & let it go...

Voice from the Stone

This 2017 Drama/Mystery/Thriller was very beautifully shot and framed; however slow moving. Even though there was a decent storyline, this film never reached climax or delivered something meaningful. Based on the novel ‘La Voce Della Pietra’ and written by Andrew Shaw and Silvio Raffo, the director did not peel off all necessary layers to allow it’s audience to fully engage in our main characters struggles and misery.

You may recognize the main character British ‘Emilia Clarke’ whom plays the character Verena from the hit television show known as ‘Game of Thrones’; even so, I was not dazzled in the slightest by her performance. 

With a run-time of 94 minutes this film rolled on with clemency. I don’t know what was more strange, the fact that our main character suddenly became powerlessly in love with her patient’s father, or the fact that there was un-called for nudity. Reminded me of ‘The Others’ but it was no-where as near as good. Camera-work and cinematography was top-notch, but everything else was a let-down.

Les 3 Freres

I’ve been getting in my dose of French Films lately and loving it. ‘Les Trois Freres’ is a cult classic written by and starring Didier Bourdon and Bernard Campan; Pascal Legitimus also offers his acting expertise as well. These ‘3 musketeers’ have graced the stage with their stand-up and have worked together as a team for several years. 

Quite reminiscent of of Hollywood’s 1987’s ‘Three Men and a Baby’; however this story-line held it’s own and delivered just as many authentic laughs! Produced by Canal + and Prima Films, this comedy had a run-time of 105 minutes  and showed a comedic depiction of the culture of France. Certainly recommended for a night of hilarity!

Keep at It

**A little August Inspiration!