Saturday, December 14, 2013

January Outing: Hold the Date!


A film that sounds ideal for many Movie Club members is arriving on Christmas Day. But if you want to see August: Osage County together, hold off seeing it until January 7. I'll let you know where and when closer to the date.

Meanwhile, here's a synopsis, cast and director list and a link to the trailer:

August: Osage County
A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.

Director:

 John Wells

Stars:

 Meryl StreepDermot MulroneyJulia Roberts, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper and many other of our favourites.


Terry

Monday, December 2, 2013

December: Philomena



Change of venue, folks. Let's join Dame Judi Dench at the Cineplex (4th floor, Yonge/Dundas) tomorrow, Dec. 3, about 15 minutes before the 2:30 screening.

Afterwards, those who wish to eat and chat will walk over to the Fran's on Victoria Street. So, if you haven't already told me you're planning to nosh, please let me know by noon today so I can make a reservation for the correct number of people.

See you tomorrow,
--
Terry Poulton

Monday, November 25, 2013

December Movie Club Outing


This is a Save the Date message. 

Philomena, which was a big hit at TIFF, will arrive in cinemas this Friday. If you're planning to see it, please don't do so before we get together to see it on Tuesday, December 3.

I'll have to let you know later about which cinema and what time later, but wanted to make sure you all know what's up. 

In case you haven't heard about Philomena, it stars the incomparable Dame Judi Dench as a woman who was forced to give up her out-of-wedlock baby and now, late in life, is looking for it.

More details, plus a synopsis and trailer later.

Terry

Sunday, November 3, 2013

November Outing: Nov. 5

For November, how about we go for a goofy adventure in Las Vegas by a quartet of friends of our vintage - Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman and Robert De Niro? Yes, I'm talking about Last Vegas. The synopsis and trailer are below.

Let's meet at the Carlton Cinema (Carlton St. just east of Yonge, north side) 15 minutes before the 1:40 screening. And afterwards, let's repeat the fun time some of us had at good old Fran's a while back. If you're interested in having a snack or meal there after the film, RSVP to me no later than noon on Monday, Nov. 4, so I can make a reservation for the correct number of people.

Hope to see you on Tuesday, Nov. 5,
-
Terry Poulton

Last Vegas Movie Synopsis

Billy (Michael Douglas), Paddy (Robert De Niro), Archie (Morgan Freeman) and Sam (Kevin Kline), now in their late sixties, have been best friends since childhood. When Billy, the last single member of their group, finally proposes to his much-younger girlfriend, the four decide to throw the ultimate Las Vegas bachelor party.
However, upon arriving, the four quickly realize that the decades have transformed Sin City. In their day, the Rat Pack played the Sandsnow Cirque du Soleil rules the Strip. They soon find themselves on an unexpected adventure as Sam attracts the attention of a drag queen and Archie wins big at blackjack, which gets them an upgrade to the hotel's most lavish suite.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

October 8 Outing

With the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy coming up, I'm thinking many of us would like to see Parkland, which is about what took place in Dallas that day, inside and outside Parkland Hospital, to which both the president and Lee Harvey Oswald were rushed. Here's the trailer: 


Regretfully, I won't be be able to join you (because of a health situation), so Sharon Roebuck will shepherd our flock this time. Please meet her at the Varsity Theatre near the box office 15 minutes before the 2;10 screening.

If you'd like to eat at Scaccia, the downstairs restaurant we usually go to after the movie, please let me know by noon Monday, Oct. 7, so Sharon can make a reservation for the correct number of people.


Hoping to see you for next month's outing,

Terry

Sunday, July 28, 2013

August Outing: Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine

 
The first Tuesday in August is the 6th, and I've chosen Woody Allen's new film. It's called Blue Jasmine and looks like something most of us will really enjoy. A description and link to the trailer is below.
Not sure yet which theatre we'll be going to because Cineplex Odeon hasn't yet specified where it will be shown. I'll let you know ASAP.

Blue Jasmine
Comedy: Directed and written by Woody Allen, starring Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Sally Hawkins

Synopsis: After everything in her life falls to pieces, including her marriage to wealthy businessman Hal (Baldwin), elegant New York socialite Jasmine (Blanchett) moves into her sister Ginger's modest apartment in San Francisco to try to pull herself back together again.

Trailer: http://cineplex.com/Movies/MovieDetails/Blue-Jasmine.aspx?loc_cookie=,&trailer=0
-- 
Terry

Friday, June 28, 2013

July Movie Club Outing: Unfinished Song


It's that time again, almost, and a film that looks nearly tailor-made for us has just arrived at the Varsity. It is Unfinished Song, which is about a seniors' singing group and stars the incomparable Vanessa Redgrave and Terence Stamp. 
 
Below is a link that should lead you to a more detailed description plus a video trailer. So if you're interested, let's meet near the box office at the Varsity at about 2:40 (screen time is 2:55) and, afterwards, have a snack or meal downstairs at Scaccia.

As always, there's no need to let me know if you plan to attend only the movie (or if you don't), but if you also plan to eat, please email me no later than Monday, July 1, at noon so I can make a reservation for the correct number of people.

http://www.google.ca/movies?hl=en&near=Toronto,+ON&dq=varsity+cinema+toronto&mid=862f5763458eb021&sa=X&ei=b5XNUdi-DsO3ywGEzIHwAQ&ved=0CDsQwAMoDw 
 
See you at the movies!
--
Terry 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

June 4 Movie Club Outing


As I mentioned last month, I was hoping that Still Mine, which I think most of it will really enjoy, would still be on at a downtown cinema for our June outing - and it is!
 
We'll be going to the only cinema still offering it at that time, which is Carlton Cinemas (20 Carlton St.) on the first Tuesday of the month (the 4th).

And instead of going to our usual early screening, we'll go to the 3:50 screening. This is because several Movie Club members have told me they don't like eating in late afternoon because it interferes with their usual dinner time. Later, I'll try to determine which time frame a majority of members prefer. 

So after the film, those who wish to eat together will go to a popular and venerable Toronto landmark: the original Fran's Restaurant on Carlton St. half a block west of Yonge (north side). 

As always, there's no need for MC members to notify me if they're planning to attend only the movie; but if you also plan to join us at Fran's, please email me no later than Monday, June 3, so I can make a reservation for the correct number of people.

Below is a link to a Globe & Mail article about Still Mine that contains a link to a video trailer.

 
Terry

Friday, May 3, 2013

Outing May 7: The Company You Keep


As previously announced, this month's film is The Company You Keep. Directed by and starring Robert Redford, it's about a man who in his youth was involved in a violent act by the Weather Underground. In the present day, an ambitious journalist discovers the Redford character's past and tries to out him. It's getting good reviews as a thoughtful thriller with some terrific stars, including the elusive Julie Christie.

We'll see it at the Varsity. Screening is at 1:10, so meet me in front of the box office at about 12:50. Afterwards, we'll go downstairs to Scaccia Restaurant for a snack or meal. I must make a reservation for the correct number of people, so be sure to CONFIRM VIA EMAIL IF YOU'RE COMING TO THE RESTAURANT NO LATER THAN THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON. As always, no need to let me know if you're only coming to the movie.

A word about our June outing: I think the new Canadian movie Still Mine would be ideal for Movie Club members. It opened today to admiring reviews, but there's no way of knowing at this point whether it will still be playing a month from now. I'll let you know as soon as I know, but you might want to hold off seeing it until hearing from me.

Terry

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Our Plan B Movie: The Sapphires

If you checked this blog yesterday, you'll know that Robert Redford has let us down, postponing The Company You Keep, which we had agreed to see this coming Tuesday.
So, with too little time between now and then to ask for your opinion about what to see, I've decided we should catch what sounds like a delightful new Australian film. The Sapphires is a musical comedy based on the real-life adventures of a '60s singing group that was called "the Aborigine Supremes." Check out the details below, including a trailer for the film.

We'll be heading to the Varsity Cinema (Bloor & Bay) for the 2:30 screening on Tuesday, April 9. Note that there's a slight chance the screen time will change for week days but, if so, I'll email all Movie Club members. If there's no change, meet me in front of the box office by 2:10

After the movie, those who wish to discuss it over a snack or meal will go to the bottom level of the ManuLife Centre to Spaggia, the same restaurant we met in after Quartet. As always, there's no need to confirm if you're only seeing the movie, but if you're also planning to go to the restaurant, PLEASE CONFIRM BY MONDAY, APRIL 8, or earlier so I can make a reservation for the correct number of people.

Terry

THE SAPPHIRES
1hr 38min - Rated PG - Comedy/Drama/Musical - English

Inspired by a true story, THE SAPPHIRES follows four vivacious, young and talented Australian Aboriginal girls from a remote mission as they learn about love, friendship and war when their all girl group, The Sapphires, entertains the U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1968. Cynthia, Gail, Julie and Kay are more »discovered by Dave (Chris O’Dowd from The Bridesmaids and Doc Martin), a good-humored talent scout with a kind heart, very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. As their manager, Dave books the sisters their first true gig giving them their first taste of stardom, and travels with them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

Robert Redford Let Us Down!

So, as you know, I was waiting for today (Friday) to see where and when The Company You Keep will be playing this Tuesday. But lo and behold, there was no sign of it in the weekly listings. I've got a suspicion that RR has postponed it, possibly to get it into one of the big film festivals before it comes to the theatres.

So we're on to Plan B (or Plan C, given that we agreed to go to a film together on the second Tuesday of the month this time, rather than our usual first Tuesday).

I'm checking things out and will get back to you all by email tomorrow with details. But you can count on us going to a good matinee on Tuesday, April 9.

That's what I get for making what I thought was a groovy plan, I guess!

Monday, April 1, 2013

This Month We're Going on the SECOND Tuesday


LIFE's Movie Club members usually go to see a film on the first Tuesday of each month. But for April, I suggested in an email to all members that we switch to the SECOND Tuesday this month (April 9). That's when can see what seems to be an extraordinary film that many, if not most, of us should enjoy. (It doesn't open until a few days after our usual first Tuesday.)
I asked all members to let me know by last Friday if they had a problem with this plan. No one did, but many said they're interested in Robert Redford's The Company You Keep, so that's what we're going to see. I won't be able to choose the screening time and cinema until this Friday, when the new movie listings come out - after which I'll email everyone with the information.
Meanwhile, here's a synopsis of the film and a link to its trailer for you to check out.

The Company You Keep
Starring: Robert Redford, Shia LaBeouf, Julie Christie, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Nick Nolte

A former militant wanted by the FBI for 30 years who goes on the run when a young, ambitious reporter exposes his true identity. Robert Redford directs and stars as a single dad who is living a quiet upper-middle-class life as an attorney in upstate New York. But his past comes back to haunt him when a story surfaces that he was the shooter in a bank robbery years ago, when he was a member of a group called the Weather Underground. The man must go on the run to find an old girlfriend who may be able to prove his innocence.


cheers,
Terry

Friday, March 1, 2013

Our March Movie: Bonnie & Clyde

Hope you're in the mood for a blast from our respective pasts because this coming Tuesday, March 5, we're going to see the 4:30 screening of Bonnie & Clyde at the Yonge & Dundas cinema still known as AMC (even though it's now owned by Cineplex Odeon).

It should be a treat to see this ground-breaking film on the big screen after 46 years. Directed by Arthur Penn, it stars Warren Beatty as Depression-era bank robber Clyde Barrow, as well as Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman and Estelle Parsons as his partners in crime, plus a hilarious Gene Wilder in his debut movie role.

To quote Leonard Maltin, Bonnie & Clyde "plunges from comedy to melodrama and social commentary ... and remains vivid and stylish throughout."

If you plan to journey back to 1967 next Tuesday, buy your ticket downstairs as soon as you arrive, then let's meet in front of the upstairs entrance before the film at about 4:10.

Afterwards, those who are interested in discussing the movie over a snack or meal will walk half a block east on Dundas to the Imperial Pub, where the food is basic but tasty and very reasonably priced, and there is no need to order alcoholic beverages if you don't wish to.

IMPORTANT: There's no need to let me know if you're coming to the film, but if you plan to join us at the restaurant, please email me ASAP so I can make a reservation for the correct number of Movie Club members.

Hope to see you there and then,
Terry


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Which Film Should We See in March?

There seems to be general agreement that the first gathering of Life's revived Movie Club on February 5th was a smashing success. All of us enjoyed seeing Quartet and many of us also had a good time at the restaurant afterward.

Now it's time to decide what to see on the first Tuesday of next month, i.e. March 5. We agreed that I would compile a list of movies we're likely to enjoy and then invite Movie Club members to vote on their favourites. Unfortunately, I've been so busy preparing for a move to a new apartment that I haven't had time to see any movies lately, so I haven't seen any previews either.

So please send me your suggestions ASAP, either by leaving a comment on this blog, or by emailing me at poultonterry@gmail.com. I will then compile a list of the top choices and post it on the blog late next week. Then we'll all have a chance to vote on our top choice from that list (again, via comment or email). I'll tabulate the results and announce the winning film one week before our March 5th outing, and post it on the blog along with details about when and where we'll see it.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Ready for Quartet tomorrow?

Life's revived Movie Club is now up to just over 40 members - about 30 of whom plan to gather at the Varsity Cinema to see Quartet TOMORROW (Feb. 5) at about 1:10 for the 1:30 screening, then take the escalator two flights down from the theatre to eat at Scaccia Italian Restaurant and discuss the film and chat about what we'd like to see on the first Tuesday in March.

This is just a reminder of those details. So buy your tickets as soon as you arrive, then look for Terry, who will be holding up a sign saying: Life Movie Club, and say hello. Then let's go in, choose whichever seats suit us individually, enjoy the film, and head down to Scaccia afterwards.

See you at the movie!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Quartet Screening Time Change


Whoops! The Varsity Cinema just changed its screening times for Quartet.

The first afternoon screening on February 5 will now be 1:30 p.m. (not 2:00), so let's assemble near the box office at about 1:10. Read all about the movie in the previous blog post.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

First Club Outing in 2013: Quartet


Your club coordinator - that would be me - has unilaterally chosen Quartet as the first film for Life's revived Movie Club members to see together now that the Winter 2013 semester is beginning. In future, we'll discuss what to see next when we get together at a restaurant post-screening.

This time around, I hope you'll agree that Quartet (not to be confused with A Late Quartet) is a good choice for film fans of our vintage - which more or less matches the vintage of Maggie Smith, Tom Courtney, Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly and the other actors in what promises to be a delightful English movie. It's about former musical stars rising to a challenge in an upscale retirement home, and it is Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut.

If you haven't yet seen the preview of Quartet, here's a link to its official trailer: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/quartet-the-official-trailer/article7462121/  

As  always, the Movie Club's outing is on the first Tuesday of the month. So, on February 5 ,let's meet near the box office of the Varsity Cinema (Bloor & Bay streets) 20 minutes before the 2:00 showing, after which we'll go to one of the downstairs restaurants for snacks or meals.

Because we need to make a reservation at the restaurant, please notify me via email (poultonterry@gmail.com) AT LEAST A WEEK IN ADVANCE if you plan to join in the Munch & Discuss session. But don't bother emailing me if you've only got time to see the movie.

Terry