March Outing Postponed

Well, folks, I just can't see anything we're likely to like, and haven't already seen, arriving in cinemas by the first Tuesday in March. So I think we should once again postpone until something good does hit Toronto.

I'm considering seeing One Chance, the much-praised film about Paul Potts, the tenor who, after a lifetime of feeling like a nonentity, surprised everyone by winning Britain's Got Talent. I know one of our members absolutely refuses to see it, but I'd love to get opinions from others.

SYNOPSIS for One Chance:
From the director of The Devil Wears Prada, ONE CHANCE is the remarkable and inspirational true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night. Paul became an instant YouTube phenomenon after being chosen by Simon Cowell for "Britain's Got Talent." Wowing audiences worldwide with his phenomenal voice, Paul went on to win "Britain’s Got Talent" and the hearts of millions. Fresh from celebrating his Tony Award-winning Broadway run in "One Man, Two Guvnors," BAFTA winner James Corden (THE HISTORY BOYS) stars as Paul Potts and is supported by an acclaimed ensemble cast that includes Julie Walters (MAMMA MIA!, CALENDAR GIRLS, BILLY ELLIOT), Mackenzie Crook (THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN), Colm Meaney (GET HIM TO THE GREEK), Jemima Rooper (KINKY BOOTS), Valeria Billelo (PAZZE DI ME) and rising star Alexandra Roach (THE IRON LADY).

TRAILER for One Chance: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/onechance/

Feb. 11 Outing: The Monuments Men

Thanks for your patience in waiting until the second Tuesday of the month to go see The Monuments Men at the Varsity Theatre (Bay & Bloor) on Tuesday, Feb. 11, for the 1:20 screening. So let's gather, as usual, near the box office about 15 minutes earlier. Afterward, those who wish to nosh and chat will go downstairs to our usual Italian restaurant.

The reviews have been tepid but, as always, let's not forget that those are only opinions. This topic is immensely important, with contemporary echoes today, when priceless art is being destroyed and/or threatened in several warring countries. And I think we can agree that George Clooney's film (he directed, co-wrote, co-produced and stars in what is obviously a labour of love) is a special treat to people of our vintage. Some of us remember World War II and the rest of us have racked up enough years and wisdom to value our cultural heritage.

Here are links to two fascinating articles that give a lot of background facts on which the movie is based: 

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2014/02/06/art_imitates_life_work_of_real_monuments_men_is_on_display_throughout_europe.html 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/arts/design/not-all-monuments-men-were-men.html?action=click&contentCollection=Movies&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article 

If you haven't viewed the trailer for the film, here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CreneTs7sGs   

Don't forget to NOTIFY ME BY MONDAY NOON, FEB. 10, if you plan to go to the restaurant, so I can make a reservation for the correct number.

Terry

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 Streep, Dermot Mulroney, Julia Roberts, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper and many other of our favourites.

Trailer: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1322269/

Terry

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

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

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 Sands—now 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.

http://www.tribute.ca/trailers/last-vegas/19291/

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: 

http://www.cinemaclock.com/trailers/ont/Toronto/196339/Parkland.html

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