THE GLOAMING
WHEN STARS AND/OR POPCORN ARE ENOUGH
A buddy, a former FBI agent and leader of a television investigative team said his lovely bride had to drag him "kicking and screaming" to SAVING MR. BANKS. He raved about it. I understand why.
We expected something else than the intricate and well woven back story to Walt Disney's making of Mary Poppins. First the 20 year courtship of the author P.L. Travers, and then her history as magnificently played by Emma Thompson, worthy of an Academy nomination at least. Tom Hanks was remarkable, as always, as Walt Disney. Colin Farrell deserves a lot of applause for his Mr. Banks. Bradley Whitford and Jason Schwartzman were terrific in their supporting roles and Paul Giamatti was nomination worthy in his. This is a touching, entertaining, fascinating and memorable film. First class in all ways.
HEY, DA BOYS MIX IT UP
The GRUDGE MATCH is not for everyone, but if you are a De Niro, Stallone, Alan Arkin or Kim Bassinger fan, or if you simply like popcorn and cliche, you might enjoy it. I did, even though it was reminiscent of a Rocky re-tread and the popcorn was outrageously expensive.
I guess I was curious to see how a couple of old boys-my age-could handle the boxing gym and ring scenes. BTW Arkin stole a few scenes, as he does so well. Bassinger need only show up. She remains a stunning beauty as she ages, not so De Niro and Stallone, but then how could they?
This is a guys film probably. Jim Lampley's presence made me think I was watching an HBO boxing match, set up. I enjoyed the almost two hours, but then I like boxing, pop corn, De Niro and seeing how make up artists can help make Stallone becoming increasingly a punched up, punched out punchy old puncher.
REAL LIFE COURAGE
I hope you'll take 7 minutes to watch this exceptionally well done piece on an extraordinary person. This is real life heroism, just in getting by. You'll feel better about almost everything after you've seen it.
WISH YOU COULD HAVE BEEN THERE
Cambrian Tess Wright, prevailed again as Mistress of the Salon as she moderated a fascinating discussion about where a couple of Cambria artists fit into the modern art milieu. Full disclosure here, one of those artist is Lana with whom I have lived and who's art I have enjoyed for longer than you need to know. The other is Bruce Marchese, a displaced Brooklyn lad who was hailed as an exuberant colorist. Tess has presented a series of lectures on art and artists and I hope someday they'll be available for a wider distribution. Her research is superb and her rapport with artists is a treat to behold. Thanks to the Wise Owl for a great venue.
See you down the trail.
