The Eve of 2006

The end of 2005 arrives in just under 3 hours. I guess that it sounds bad that I am updating at this point but it hopefully helps to know that I am drinking some tasty, sweet Smirnoff with my galpals and the party will be reached soon!

I remember the start of this year and my thought that great things were going to happen. There was just something in the air last January that made me feel that 2005 was going to be a grand ole year. Well, if I had to look back on the "year that was" I can offer no complaints. Cheers to the friends, the boys, the nights out, the new arrival to the family, and all that jazz.

I have NO idea what 2006 has in store. But really, since I have good friends like Cathy and Tanya it really doesn't matter. Anyone feel free to be part of another year of goodness!
CHEERS!

Sleighbells Ring

Ok, so no real sleigh bells but definitely a winter wonderland for the holiday. This was cool cause it was the "first" white Xmas my brother Carl has had in years - coming from southern Alberta his holiday's are usually chinooked to greenness for the big day. But we had snow here.

Christmas Eve is when we all get new PJs to wear to bed. This year I got a pair of the MOST comfy Old Navy PJ bottoms EVAH! Simply fantastic. Our three days of celebrating began on the night of the 24th with a round of tasty appetizers for all. Taggart is obsessed with the ceiling fan and is constantly pointing to it. Too cute. Not too late a night - I think I'm getting old (finally) and off to dream of Santa gifts.

Good haul this year. Items received that WERE on the santa list include:
In no particular order, the following would be appreciated...
- a replacement watch (lets see how long I hold onto this one)
- a digital camera (ummm ... so, yeah, my santa RULES!)
- a ceramic hair straightener
- Monsters Inc. on DVD
- movie passes
- a mint chocolate orange
- one of thse warm hotel-like blankets
- Hugs and Love
- Good health for my family and friends

I got a bunch of other cool stuff as well including a fake aquarium that is going to look SO cool in my apartment and contains nothing I can kill. Christmas dinner had a full house and the yummiest cabbage rolls. I think I ate my weight in chocolates, but oh well. One day left of celebrating with more faces arriving and more food to eat. I love this time of year.
Happy Holidays!

Movie Review Update

One of the things that has happened since moving to Halifax is that I haven't been listening to DNTO (Definitely Not The Opera) on CBC radio. Usually, I would get my pop culture hit on Saturdays in Sudbury while driving to my various big box stores. Now that I'm back in the Nickel City, and filling my time with random acts of retail, my listening has resumed. Unforutunately I was not rewarded as my returning ears were greeted with the announcement that DNTO was about to reveal the third and LAST finalist in their recent MOVIE REVIEWER SEARCH!! See what happens when you don't give the CBC your full attention?

Winter Flicks - movie reviews

Syriana
Many words come to mind after viewing Syriana: thought-provoking, challenging, competent, scary, long. This flick is the second collaboration of Section Eight Films (George Clooney & Steven Soderburgh) with writer Stephen Gaghan. And like the previous effort (Traffic) this film is a series of intertwined stories that eventually move together. This time the threads revolve around the petroleum industry - primarily U.S. interests in the Middle East - and the film takes no effort to hide its disdain for the U.S. position.

In fact, the film soundly places responsibility for a number of issues at the American doorstep. It is no surprise then that staunch Democrats such as Clooney, Damon, Cooper, and Hurt are found in this story and the audience is rewarded by their talent and commitment. However, it appears that the production team made an error in letting Gaghan direct his script this time. Whereas Traffic was captivating in all respects, Syriana has trouble gaining momentum and drags more than it should. Overall, the film is a worthy (and timely) feature but its presentation is suited more to home viewing than hours in the theatre and I expect it will do much greater business on DVD.

The Family Stone
Sometimes I see a movie because it's full of people I don't mind on screen. Stone is that kind of film (with some people - Wilson, McAdams - I actually LOVE onscreen). After facing a rocky road of release dates, this Family finds a perfect mid-December opening for its holiday story. However, it is only the calibre of the cast and some fine performances (Wilson, McAdams, SJP) that position this flick a notch above any Hallmark channel film of the week. The creation of real family moments and the portrait of dysfunction that is all to natural (and recognizable!) makes this film a worthy one. Also, a thread of finding "the one" is stitched throughout the proceedings. Built upon the notion that knowing your soulmate only comes from knowing yourself, the children of the Family Stone fight to know. Overall, the ending is too perfectly resolved. But for holiday fare it seems silly to complain about the neat wrapping on a decent package.

Aeon Flux
Flux is flashy and stylish. It has a definite "look" that is solidly imagined and carried throughout the picture. Whether or not you agree with this look will impact your enjoyment. The anime foundation allows for an illustrative falseness to be present in the film's direction and some scenes are obvious translations from drawings. The film offers a minor narrative preamble but for the most part doesn't explain the action. It throws you into an established world and demands that the audience accept some of its contrivances and futuristic inventions. Although the story is improbable it is never ludicrus. In fact, the film eventually probes many of the same questions about "humanity" that this summer's The Island presented and gives stronger responses. Charlize is impeccable eye candy and ably supported by B-talents Martin Czokas and Jonny Lee Miller (both handsome men who will likely have audiences asking "where have I seen him before?). Essentially, Flux is escapist and captivating fluff. If you can check your linear brain at the door your lateral side is going to love it.

Walk the Line
It's hard to walk out of Line and not think Oscar. The film is crafted almost entirely with awards in mind. And, musical biopics have always done good things for the actors in them (Angela Bassett - What's Love Got to Do With It, Jamie Foxx - Ray). What is most distracting about Line is how similar it feels to last year's Ray. Apparently both Charles and Cash lived incredibly similar lives! Or, at least the two icons shared enough hardship moments upon which to build a dramatic feature!

As well, Line opens with a jumpy episodic feel and true movie-goers will see its plot points coming WAY too early. But most of this is pushed aside for the performances. As the movie deals primarily with the tale of securing and the power of having a soul mate, it is in the leads that the film comes to life. There are not enough words to describe the talent, chemistry, and transformation of Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix in this film. Both do all the singing and bring June Carter and Johnny Cash to amazing life before your eyes. So, although you may feel you've watched this tale of woe before, you will be captivated anyway.

Pride & Prejudice
There are two types of audience members for P&P:
1-mad followers of the book/mini-seris out to see the latest version
2-never read/seen it newbies who think Keira Knightley is cute OR thought Love Actually was really good.

This adaptation is made for the second group and clearly reveals that there is only ONE Mr. Darcy. P&P is passable, quaint and hits most of the marks. But it is too rom-com-conventional in its pacing, humour and realization. It feels like a sitcom playing Jane Austin dressup rather than an observation of manners and, therefore is unsatisfying. As well, the secondary characters are so poorly drawn that it becomes obvious that the mini-series treatment may be the only just method. Still, Knightly shines and the film uses some quirky tricks to portray her dilemma with self and love. Macfadyan as Darcy is saddled with a haircut one would not wish on an enemy let alone a romantic lead and his portrayal is more morose than haughty. In fact, he fails to achieve much steaminess in his early scenes until the very end when a march across the moor at dawn is used as the bonbon to satisfy the audience's romantic sweet tooth. With strong adaptations such as Emma and Sense & Sensibility to draw from, it's sad to see P&P in Mansfield Park territory. If it wasn't for Keira's performance there would be little to be proud about in this one. But, having seen the "classic", I may be a tad prejudice.

One Ring...

OK, I have a confession to make: I have a jones for engineering rings. Yes, I know, it's sad and pathetic. But there is just something about those little iron rings that I find totally attractive. Admittedly I am a general fan of rings on men's hands with silver/pewter tones being preferred. I'm also a sucker for simple rings that don't scream at you but catch the corner of your eye. The other thing about these rings is that they actually mean something. They recognize an achievement, they signify a responsibility, and they identify a fraternity (this is not to discount the female engineers out there who also look pretty cool with their rings and who intimidate and inspire the hell out of me). So engineer's ring adds to hotness in my book. This statement is, of course, mitigated by a great joke an engineer recently told me:

Q: What does an engineer use as birth control?
A: His personality.
Touche.

Must See TV

I have discovered a new TV favourite. Just in time for the holidays, I have been granted the gift of a smart and funny sitcom. After "Grey's Anatomy" it is my favourite show. It's called "How I Met Your Mother" and it's a Monday night surprise that I hope makes it into multiple seasons without being dumbed-down or flashed-up.

According to CBS: HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER is a comedy about Ted (Josh Radnor) and how he fell in love. It all starts when Ted's best friend, Marshall (Jason Segal), drops the bombshell that he's going to propose to his long-time girlfriend, Lily (Alyson Hannigan), a kindergarten teacher. At that moment, Ted realizes that he had better get a move on if he too hopes to find true love. Helping him in his quest is Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), a friend with endless, sometimes outrageous opinions, a penchant for suits and a foolproof way to meet women. When Ted meets Robin (Cobie Smulders), he's sure it's love at first sight, but destiny may have something else in store. The series is narrated through flashbacks from the future.

I know, maybe you're thinking it sounds a little thin for a television show ... but look at "Friends". And remember when "Friends" was fresh? good? interesting? You know, that period form 94-96? Well, that's what this show is like now. I laugh SO hard watching it because it feels like I'm watching my life and the lives of my friends. A recent episode had the gang struggling to have THE GREATEST NYE EVER! but things keep going awry. The episode even includes repeated use of the opening line to Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name". The jokes are tailored specifically for my demographic. Those of us between 26 and 36 who are struggling to get our lives together.

One episode featured the recently-engaged Lily and Marshall attempting to be more "grown up" in their lives. Cause, you know, it's time they grew up! At this point I have to say how much Alyson Hannigan has always reminded me of my best friend. It is even scarier in this show where Lily might as well (in many respects - but not all) BE Natalie. The other characters in the show spend the episode at a club and play out the joke of reaching the point where a nightclub is suddenly VERY loud. When did that happen?

In all, I recommend the show to anyone who came of age in the 90s, has a sense of humour and is still trying to find out what life is all about.

Jailhouse Nephew

It has been a couple of weeks since I posted a new pick of Taggy on my site. I had to share this one for two reasons: it's an excellent photograph, and it's too funny with his striped shirt and the crib bars. Jail rocking the house!

I was lucky to spend a day with the munchkin upon my return to Ontario recently. He has evolved from a fussy creature to a loudly crying one who is suffering from seperation anxiety. It's actually amazing to watch the psychological issue he faces of NOT being able to find his mom. He lookes everywhere and only cries once he has concluded - visually - that Kat is absent. It's such a methodical process followed by an uncontrolled response. And what a response. I admit, I'm not sure I will be able to handle the crying thing. But I still love him bunches ... and I know he'll grow out of it!

Chronciles of Narnia:The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe - movie review

It took me awhile before I could write this review of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe so that it didn't become a babble of awe. As well, I needed some distance to determine the Narnia-esque elements amongst the flash WETA effects that are now synonomous with Lord of the Rings. But two years after the last Tolkien epic hit winter screens, the first in the rival series is released. And, honestly it doesn't disappoint.

The Narnia series has often lived in the shadow of the infamous trilogy - perhaps due to its child protagonists and obvious christian overtones. Narnia has been called Tolkien-lite and recent reviews of the PG-rated/Disney-released film have echoed this sentiment. As well, with the arrival of Harry Potter many believe the child-focused magical story slot to be filled. However, one viewing of Narnia clearly shows that it is no light-weight and that there is a perfect place between HP and LotR for the series to flourish.

It is pretty well accepted that children who grow up in reading houses are likely Tolkien or Lewis fans (the derivative HP excluded). I grew up a Narnia girl and I've waited most of my life to SEE Narnia. I saw the movie with my mom who had introduced me to the series and is a bigger fan than I. Much of the joy in watching Narnia is about observing the details and this is rewarded because it is in the details that the film excels. The direction of Adamson (who previously oversaw the 90-minute Shrek) is too broad in this 2.5 hour adventure. The opening section drags and the emotion is drained in a compressed denouement. But these pacing issues are the sole blemishes (but will definitely impact the pleasure of non-readers for sure!) and the goods are plentiful.

The core of the film (as with the books) is the Pevensie children. Thankfully, Narnia took the HP route and cast unknown and British children in the roles of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. The results are wonderful. In spite of some wooden delivery that can be discounted as youthful inexperience, the children are excellent in their roles and capture the distinctive elements of each one perfectly. They also look like a genuine family due to an entrancing resemblance based on bright eyes and freckles. Seriously, the freckles are brilliant. Lucy and Peter are standouts of the quartet with two moments being noteworthy: Lucy's first meeting with Mr. Tumnus captures fearless kindness in spades and Peter's devastated reaction to the fall of Edmund is pure emotional strength and marks the young actor for great things.

The remainder of the performances are dominated by voice-work for a variety of creatures. The voices are strong and add much to the film but occassionally the "who is that?" game takes over the mind while watching. But two "acting" parts must be noted: Mr. Tumnus and the White Witch. Oh, what to say? Both are perfect. Both exist as if conjured right from the pages themselves. James McAvoy portrays the conflicted Mr. Tumnus with dignity from his hooves to his red scarf. As everyone's introduction to Narnia, he succeeds at being both magical and "human". The casting of Tilda Swinton as the White Witch is, of course, inspired. Originally, Nicole Kidman was to fill the queen's shoes but she could not have compared to the iciness that is SO natural to Swinton. She is breathtaking in sculptured gowns (including an incredile chain mail one!) and, where a lesser actress may have gotten lost in her wardrobe, Swinton holds your attention in every scene. Avid movie watchers (such as myself) may find her performance to strongly resemble her turn as Gabriel in Constantine last summer, but if one knows the constructs of Narnia - this comparison is most fitting.

Which brings us to the effects themselves. Narnia is a world populated with talking animals, mythical creatures and elaborate scenery. Is it saying enough if I tell you that I almost cried SO many times in this movie because the effects were so beautiful? That the gryphons, unicorns, and centaurs were presented as ripped from my own imagination? What about the fact that the lamppost, the witch's castle and stone statues, and the final battle are depicted directly from the drawings in the book. As I mentioned before, Narnia succeeds in the details. There is even the hiss of the flame in the lamppost! And that phoenix? Wow! How cool was that? The last triumph of the effects is the animation of the animals. It is one thing to generate "imaginary" creatures and another to create Mr. and Mrs. Beaver or the menacing wolves of the secret police. All are impeccable. The film achieves seamless transitions between its real and CGI animals and expertly presents some of the best hair effects seen on film yet. WETA should be proud. It is obvious the lessons learned on LotR have been applied to Narnia to the audience's benefit.

Lastly, there is the presentation of Aslan. Admittedly, the most difficult part of any Narnia adaptation as Aslan represents SO much to the story itself and the audience. Thankfully, the "reveal" of the great cat is spectacular and appropriate. The two important Aslan attributes - his eyes and his mane - are given the attention they deserve and the lion is solidly in the picture. However, whereas the film succeeds in its depiction of Aslan, it falls short on his portrayal. The voice of Liam Neeson is a strong choice but I cannot shake the feeling that I should not able to recognize Aslan's voice. As well, the film fails to secure the true power of Aslan's presence. He is majestic and powerful, but the rapture felt by those around him is never realized. His scene at the stone table suffers because of this treatment. Although strong (and the christ parallels have never been more clear), the devastation of the action is insufficient. Aslan means MORE than this film realizes.

Still, in conclusion, Narnia is a solid beginning. I have no idea how the filmmakers will adapt the series as it is not linear in the same way as HP and LotR. The Narnia series, although an easy read, had a narrative chronology that Tarantino would admire. In fact, the children introduced in this film disappear for five books! Can the movie-going audience accept an ever-changing cast? Can they grasp that the true focus of this series in the land of Narnia itself? I hope so.

Frosty Front-Page

Canada made the cover of The Economist this week. The focus of the piece was the looming election and the editorial content surrounded the economic implications of Canada's decidedly "fubar" government at the moment. What I found most interesting was to read about our political trials through the eyes of another. The page 9 snapshot is a quick and fascinatinng read purely to observe how one writer frames the Canadian condition for readers around the world. It may not be an objective or correct view ... but as my friend Jodi pointed it - "it will be the view that many will hold about Canada" for the time being. The Economist is not a light-weight publication and its commentary on global issues is held in regard around the world. I would encourage you to take a look at this week's issue and find out if the portrait painted is to your taste. And then, think about what you plan to do in the next election. Cause this time the world is watching.

Christmas Cheer

The MBA Christmas party was a raging success. This was probably stimulated by the "glug-glug" bartending that was going on that evening. Did the bar break even? Or was a party fueled by triples an acceptable ROI?
Either way, kudos to the council for putting together a spectacular event at an outstanding location - inside the Halifax Citadel! The room had a cozy and festive vibe and the walk through the courtyard was definately a highlight. Plus, the easy "roll" down the hill to the Alehouse could not have been easier. The selected moments from the evening reveal the following truths...
1. Group Work is HOTT!

2. The Women Command Attention!

3. Boys Make Me Smile!

4. Everyone has a Good Time at the Alehouse.

5. It Really isn't a Party Without Tanya!

Happy Holidays to all my classmates. See you in the NEW YEAR!!!

Semester One is a Wrap

There is nothing better than that last class. And then, after that last class you go to the pub with everyone you know and the professors buy the beer. This is one of the great things about university. One of the great things about the MBA is that everyone is "suited up" for the occassion because it was a presentation class! (Unless you are a part-timer, cause they apparently don't dress up for things!) But our full time crew put on a good show. Took over the bar. Drank ourselves silly. Had obnoxious, explicit conversations with people you wouldn't expect. These are the great moments of life.

I can't believe that I have completed my first semester of my MBA. Four classes down ... nine more to go. After pulling two all-nighters in a row I was ready to be done. And this night was the end of it all. No more classes, no more reports, no exams (yes, I think the term is "lucky bitch"). And I think I've done all right for myself. I couple of assured As I believe. The class that started this party will likely be nothing more than a solid B (if I'm lucky) but then I've never been a fan of simulation games! After seeing our bottom-of-the-industry scores it was definitely time for a beer!