'The Sapphires'

Full disclosure, I adore Australian films so this may not be the most objective of reviews, however believe me that 'The Sapphires' is a wonderful, small movie which deserves to be seen by a large audience.

Based on a true story, which follows the lives of 2 Aboriginal sisters and 2 cousins who form a singing group in the late 1960s and tour Vietnam to entertain the troops. Under the watchful eye of their manager, played by Chris O'Dowd ('Bridesmaids'), this is a story of a coming-of-age of sorts as the young women travel not only outside of their own communities but Australia as well, opening up a new world of opportunity and adventure.

The story is a great mix of soul music, wit and romance. I highly recommend it. The real-life women who inspired this movie, spent the rest of their lives creating and supporting health and education programs in their respective communities. For a more detailed review, click here.



The real-life Sapphires: Laurel Robinson, Lois Peeler and their cousins Beverley Briggs and
Naomi Mayers.

Fifty Shades of 'Scandal'

Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope) and Tony Goldwyn (Fitz Grant)

Some months ago, I noticed my twitter feed would start buzzing with tweets about a new show called 'Scandal'. Finally, curiosity won me over and I started clicking on the links and got subsequently sucked into the 'Scandal' vortex.

'Scandal' is headed by the creative mastermind of Shonda Rhimes, she of 'Grey's Anatomy' fame. 'Scandal' follows the lives of Olivia Pope and her associates, or as they call themselves 'gladiators in suits'. Ms. Pope, played by the amazing Kerry Washington, is a fixer, she manages to resolve any problems, scandals, etc. for everyone around her but has some challenges in fixing her own life.

Set in Washington, DC, it is a smart, funny, and above all sexy show. Think of it as 'The West Wing' meets '50 Shades of Grey'. Tony Goldwyn, plays the married President of the US, Fitzgerald (Fitz) Grant who has a penchant for the lovely Olivia. 'Scandal' fandom has dubbed them 'Olitz'. The supporting cast is filled with great characters and wonderful actors. It is difficult to describe 'Scandal' because a typical episode, if there is such a thing, may vassilate between a case Olivia is working on, which somehow is connected to the latest political story; throw in suspense, mystery and the occassional murder and you get the picture. It is wild, weird, wonderful...and it works without crossing the line.

I watched the first season of 7 episodes in one sitting to catch up and was hooked! One the of few times the hype of a show lived up to my expectations. It is now in the top 5 of my must-watch shows. If you like your politics with a doze of intrigue and soapy-sudsy sexy goodness, check out 'Scandal'. Apparently, it is one of Bill Clinton's favourite shows...hmmm, not surprising :)

'Scandal' airs Thursday nights at 10:00pm on CityTV and ABC.

Rambling in British Columbia's Beauty

Ice formation, Harrison Hot Springs Oct.2012

Here are some of my favourite pictures taken on daytrips over the past 6 months. I am so lucky to live in a province that is so beautiful - British Columbia, Canada.


Near Harrison Hot Springs, October 2012. Eagle watching.

Whistler Creek, April 2013

Sunrise over Mt. Baker, November 2012

Othello Tunnels, near Hope, April 2013

                                        

 



Mt. Garibaldi, on way to Whistler, April 2013

Maple leaf in mountain stream, Othello Tunnels, April 2013

Shannon Falls, near Squamish, April 2013

Maroon 5

Maroon 5 has the distinction of being the band I have seen most in concert - three times over the past 8 years. It has been an interesting journey watching this band develop from an indie pop band to a well-established and chart-toppers they are today.

This time out, March 9, 2013 at Rogers Arena, their stage show is as slick as any top act - shaped like their trademar 'M' and stretching out into the audience, Adam Levine and the other members of the band, bopped, weaved, jogged, danced, sang and played their hearts out. Maroon 5 is a great party band; they like having a good time and so do the fans. It was another fun evening out. Looking forward to seeing them again.

 

A Good (K)night with a Beatle

The concerts I attended in 2012 seemed to have one thing in common, all artists were well into their late 60s or early 70s. I dubbed it the 'Senior Rock Tour Year', and what a year it was!

In May, I saw Roger Waters' The Wall, at 68 years young he commanded BC Place Stadium like the pro he is. In September, I saw Wanda Jackson (my second time) who has been dubbed the Queen of Rock and Roll. She at 74 years of age, still has the energy of someone much younger. 2012 ended with Sir Paul McCartney, who at 70 years of age still looks eerily like he did a couple of decades ago. All of them showed why they are considered legends, consumate professionals who are still on top of their game.

Below are some pictures of Paul McCartney's concert at BC Place Stadium, November 25, 2012. It was a great evening, one of my all-time favourite concerts, but really how can you compare these artists, they are wonderful in their own right.

Last image before Paul hit the stage

Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

 

Let It Be

 

'Once Upon a Time' Steveston to Storybrooke

Snow White and Prince Charming had their passionate
reunion in front of the Marine Garage in season 1 finale

When I first moved to the Vancouver area, I lived near Steveston which is a small fishing village within a larger city of Richmond which is located near Vancouver. It reminded me a lot of the small village I came from in Ontario so that's probably why I instantly liked it...that and it was also featured as Steveston, Massachusetts in an episode of the 'X-Files' in its first season.

Steveston has been featured in many films and television shows, the latest being the big breakout hit of last season 'Once Upon a Time' where it is known as Storybrooke, Maine. 'Once' brings the classic Disney fairytales to life as the characters navigate the modern world. In the first season, only a few characters knew their origin, however, in the season finale magic was released and lifted the curse so now everyone remembers who they are...enter season 2. 'Once' is my favourite guilty pleasure, it is the perfect light fare to start the week. Season 2 debuts September 30.

Here are some of pictures I took this summer when visiting Steveston. You can also follow @Steveston on Twitter. Do visit Steveston when you have the opportunity, it has lots to offer...aside from some television magic.



Storybrooke Town Hall, aka Fort Langley

 

Sign in the toy store in Steveston





Granny's Diner

This is an actual functioning bakery
in Steveston aka Storybrooke

Rumpelstiltskin's hangout aka Mr. Gold






Mr. Gold's storefront 

'Homeland'

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison and Damian Lewis
as Nick Brody in 'Homeland'

The 64th Emmy Awards air on Sunday, one of the television shows nominated this year, is 'Homeland'. It has been nearly one year since this show debuted and what a year it has been. There are only a handful of TV programs that I really truly adore and are must-see for me (in no particular order) these are 'Mad Men', 'The Newsroom', 'Boardwalk Empire', 'Justified' and 'Homeland'.

The premise for 'Homeland' revolves around a returning prisoner of war from Iraq, Nicholas Brody played by Damian Lewis, whose outward demeanor of a returning American war hero may not be all that he appears to be. Claire Danes plays a CIA agent, Carrie Mathison, who suspects Brody has something to hide...and is determined to find out what it is. It is rather surprising that this show was an almost immediate hit when it first aired on Showtime given the current political climate in the US.

The writing is superb, which is supported by a stellar cast which is rounded out by Mandy Patinkin and Morena Baccarin. Memorable episodes in season 1 for me were 'The Weekend' where Mathison and Brody spent a couple of days together finding out more about each other and themselves, amazing. The second standout episode for me is the first season finale 'Marine One', the interaction between Brody and his daughter which took place primarily by phone is intense, suspenseful and heart breaking.

Below is the trailer for season 2 which starts September 30. The choir heard in the trailer singing the Police's 'Ever Breath You Take' is Belgium's Scala & Kolacny Brothers.

Reports are that Claire Danes is the odds-on favourite to win the Best Actress Emmy and hopefully Damian will win Best Actor, they certainly deserve it.

Summer 2012 Reflections

Today is the first day of Fall, can't believe how quickly the summer has gone by. Here are some of my favourite photos I took this summer.


MacKenzie Beach, Tofino

Garibaldi Mountain, Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler

Little Qualicum Falls, Vancouver Island

Lighthouse at Wild Pacific Coast Trail, Ucluelet

Shannon Falls, Squamish

Howe Sound,  Sea to Sky Highway

Bridal Falls, Chilliwack

Orca topiary, Victoria

Yin and Yan

Near Little Qualicum Falls, Vancouver Island. Waiting for the train...reminds me of 'Stand by Me'.




Aaron Sorkin Talks 'The Newsroom' with Charlie Rose

As evidenced by previous posts, I am a big fan of Aaron Sorkin's writing. He discusses his writing process with Charlie Rose in the interview below. Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer discuss their roles as Will McAvoy and Mackenzie McHale (respectively) on HBO's "The Newsroom". If you like the process of creating a show, you will enjoy this discussion. Aaron is very passionate about his writing, so much so he broke his nose rehearsing some of the dialogue, ouch! Now that's suffering for your art. "The Newsroom" airs Sunday nights at 9:00pm (Pacific) on HBO.

Writers' Corner - The Emmys 2012 Round Table

From left to right: Glen Mazzara, Graham Yost, Alex Gansa,
Liz Meriwether and Vince Gilligan Source: LA Times

How often have you heard an actor say "It all starts with the writing"? Hopefully, if they care about the project, you will hear this a lot. For me, it's all about the writing first and foremost. Actors can only do so much to make the material interesting, intelligent and engaging if it's not already written that way. This past week, I saw a tweet with a link to the Los Angeles Times '2012 Emmys Round Table' panel discussions. Of particular interest to me, is the writers' panel featuring showrunners Graham Yost of "Justified," Glen Mazzara of "The Walking Dead," Elizabeth Meriwether of "New Girl," Alex Gansa of "Homeland" and Vince Gilligan of "Breaking Bad" and moderator Los Angeles Times' television editor Martin Miller. A very interesting discussion, especially if you watch these shows - I watch all but 'Breaking Bad'. I would love to be a fly on the wall in these writers' rooms.

The nominations for the 64th Emmys will be announced July 19.

Note: the panel discussion is broken into 5 videos, click on the grey headings underneath to see all.

Tall, Tall Trees - Cathedral Grove

On the way to Ucluelet-Tofino is MacMillan Provincial Park, also knows as 'Cathedral Grove' which is home to some of the most magnificent old growth forest in Canada and perhaps the world. Some of these trees (mostly Douglas Fir) are up to 800 years old, the youngest 300 years. They are some of tallest and largest trees I have ever seen. Signs cautioned visitors to exit the park in case of high winds and it is easy to see why, one would not want these giants to fall down. Spectacular and breathtaking, pictures really do not do them justice.

Ucluelet - Tofino Trip

Canada is a vast country, its provinces are no exception. They are huge expanses of land which holds many beautiful and wonderful adventures. I have lived in British Columbia for almost 18 years and have only seen a small portion of it, mostly driving through the interior to the Rockies over a decade ago.

One of the places that I have always wanted to visit is Ucluelet-Tofino, located on the westcoast of Vancouver Island. Two very small villages tucked away on some of the most beautiful beaches in BC and Canada. I read that Tofino is considered a 'must see' on many bucket lists. A gateway to Pacific Rim National Park and Clayoquot Sound, two of the most spectacular natural treasures in Canada and the world.

Last week, I spent a few days in Ucluelet-Tofino and it was everything that I had hoped for. Gorgeously rugged scenery, endless ocean and the soothing sound of the waves. It was well worth the wait. We stayed at the Best Western Tin Wis, which has a beautiful view of the ocean and is set right on Mackenzie Beach. Their staff is very helpful and the rooms are perfect. I would definitely stay there again. Hopefully, it won't take me another 18 years to make a return visit. Below are some of my favourite pictures.

Ucluelet - Amphitrite Point Lighthouse

Ucluelet - Wild Pacific Trail



At Incinerator Rock, Long Beach, Tofino

Surfer at Mackenzie Beach, Tofino



View from the hotel room at Mackenzie Beach, Tofino

"Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 2" New Trailer

Today, is Edward Cullen's 111th birthday and to celebrate this fictional birthday, Summit Entertainment (Lionsgate) has released the new trailer for "Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 2". It looks great, looking forward to Michael Sheen's return as Aro. Just 149 days til November 16!

"Touch" Goes for the Heart and Soul

Martin and Jake Bohm (Kiefer Sutherland and David Mazouz)

One of the more pleasant mid-season replacements this past television season was the show 'Touch' (Thursday's at 8pm). It airs on GlobalTV in Canada. 'Touch' is an amazing blend of great writing, acting and stories that are sometimes borrowed from real headlines and at times seem based on our own lives. It tells the story of Martin Bohm, played by Kiefer Sutherland, former reporter and widower. His wife died in the World Trade Centre on 9/11. His son, Jake, played by the very talented David Mazouz, is 11 and has chosen not to speak. He communicates via numbers and patterns, which lead them to various intrigues and adventures each week.

The premise is that everyone in the world is connected somehow, sometimes directly, through other people, situations, etc. All the world is a village and we are all participants in a beautiful play. Most episodes have two or three storylines that start independent of one another and by the end of the show, the threads come together to create a cohesive and wonderful story.

What impressed me most is that this quality show has found a home and audience on network television. I may be showing my bias here, usually this type of programming finds itself on cable networks. Actors are often shown speaking in their native language with subtitles, it lends a sense of authenticity. Even though we may know little of other cultures, we somehow do find common ground in the respective storylines. As the saying goes "the world really is small" and with the increase in use of handheld communication devices, etc. that is even more true now then before.

If you have not had an opportunity to check out "Touch", please do so, you will not be disappointed. You can follow "Touch" on Twitter and 'like' it on Facebook.

Roger Waters The Wall Live in Vancouver May 26

I have always wanted to see Pink Floyd live, the closest I will come was on Saturday, May 26, 2012 when I attended Roger Waters The Wall Live show at BC Place Stadium. A near sell-out crowd settled in for an exciting evening of great music and images projected on a 400 foot digital video screen. It was incredible!! A true once-in-a-lifetime experience which I will not soon forget!

Below are some pictures. Not the best quality but no flash photography was allowed.

Pre-show, the white wall will be completed during first half of show.
400 foot long digital video wall.

Roger Waters - at 68 years young, no signs of slowing down

Not another brick in the wall!

Pigs do fly!

Waiting for the worms - march of the hammers