Knowing Me, KnowingYou...

Ah-ha...

Knowing, the Movie...

Ah-ha...

We'd seen ads and trailers for this film for a while now and thought it looked good. We're not huge fans of Nicolas Cage, but when we tend to see a lot of his films (mostly on TMN) and they are generally enjoyable (save a few exceptions; Snake Eyes for example) So, we met our friend Pete for brunch then caught a bit of the St Paddy's Parade... (is it just me or is watching the parade in full sun with no wind chill, snow, sleet or rain, just NOT as enjoyable?!) then headed on into the cinema for the 1:20 showing.

It started well enough, and the plot was progressing nicely. The special effects were there and rather well done and overall I'd say the movie was good, bit Knowing me (ah-ha) as I do, the final few minutes kinda irked me. I didn't appreciate the religious overtones that were shoveled at us and thought they could have ended the film with out 'em. Not that I'm against religious per sé, but I like to know going INTO a movie of it's religious slants and no where in what I saw in the ads or trailers would have led you to believe the content was there.

I have to say I feel a little let down and deceived. I won't go into any specific detail, in case some of you are going to go see it, but at least you'll be prepared for the non-preachy preachy bits in the last 10 mins.

Mister-Kitty gives Knowing 6.5 hairballs outta 10. (ah-ha)

Blue Peter

No, I’m not talking about the long-running BBC television program for children or the canadian new wave synthpop band from the early 80s, I am referring to, the unadulterated appearance of one of the ‘members’ of the cast of the movie the Watchmen.

We (me and the Man), along with our friend Peter (purely coincidental), went to see the Watchmen at the Imax today. Not having read the original graphic novel I cannot say how truthful to the story the movie was, but we enjoyed it... and for more than the massive blue glowing wang of Dr. Manhattan.

It was a bit long... the movie, and ‘Lower Manhattan’; but the effects were flawless... again, both wang and non-wang related. The story was interesting, if not comical in parts, taking place back in 1985 as President Nixon is STILL in power and the threat of nuclear annihilation by those dang Ruskies looms heavy on everyone; kinda like Dr Manhattan's, well you know... Throw in some less than sparkling clean super heros and you got yourself some 2.5 hours of chills, spills and thrills... did I mention Dr. Manhattan has a big blue glowing penis?!

It's funny, but me and the Man tend to only see movies with interestingly hot nude or nearly nude beefy men on the Imax screen... most fondly remembered was the 300. It’s a trend I look forward to continuing.

At any rate, I'd recommend this movie if you like: Action, Blood and Gore, Dark Alternative Reality flicks, or Soft Blue Porn (heh)

And just in case you think I’m exaggerating… here’s a pic from the movie… notice how the man on the right cowers in fear (and penis envy)



Great Big Blue Balls Batman!

It’s clear that the reason he got the name Dr. Manhattan was because his schlong is the size of the island!



Misster-Kitty gives the Watchmen 8 hairballs outta 10.

And while were at it, Misster-Kitty gives the Dr. Manhattan’s Penis 10 hairballs outta 10.

Thank You For The Music*

Well Mamma Mia the Movie was everything I expected it to be, and more actually. And having seen Mamma Mia the Musical, I was expecting a lot.

What I was expecting was some fine work from Meryl Streep, Christine Baranski and Julie Walters.

What I wasn't expecting, (and this even after from having read some reviews of some fellow 'membership card holders' prior to seeing the film tonight) was just how excruciatingly horrendous Pierce Brosnan was in this film. OK his acting was ok, but Mother Mary... his singing. It... it... well to be frank it made the audience laugh every time he sang. Especially S.O.S. and indeed that was aptly selected for him because yes, S.O.S., he needed help!

Sure I'll say it, aside from perhaps the two playing Sophie and Sky, the rest of the cast's voices were not, how shall I put it... of Tony Award Winning calibre, BUT they were fine. In fact, their actually being less than perfect brought you in closer to the characters, because - lets face it... we all sing in the shower and in the house (usually when completely alone) but we all do it and especially to ABBA. We all have at least one song that we can't not sing... and oft is the case where there are many ABBA songs that illicit such spontaneous singing from a crowd: Waterloo, Dancing Queen and of course... Mamma Mia - their singing just made you feel like you were there with them...

...that is until HE sang. OH! MY! GOD!... You know I just made an appointment to get a hearing test, but after listening to Mr. Brosnan, I'm not so sure I wouldn't just rather go deaf...

Look, I don't want this to be all negative, the movie was fab. You really OUGHT TO GO... to hell with Batman, GO SEE MAMMA MIA!, just remember what you've read here and plug your ears when you sense Brosnan is going to sing... trust me, you'll know... I think we humans, like most other animals can sense a storm, or an earthquake before they hit, can sense him before he sings...

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What did I enjoy most in the film? Well, aside from a couple of uber-hotties in nothing but bermuda shorts... and of course Colin Firth's character's new found fabulousity and his extremely dishy Greek boy toy,; it was when all the women on the island were singing and dancing to Dancing Queen. The audience was so into it. Singing along, dancing in their seats and when the scene ended they applauded. (In fact that happened a few times.) Tell me, in your lifetime how many times can you recall an audience applauding, and I mean sustained applauding DURING the film, and then at least 3 times thereafter...

This movie won't likely win any major acting or singing awards, it might garner an Oscar nomination or two and perhaps a statue or two for the more technical aspects, and you know what? good for them; this is not a serious drama, it won't change your life... or will it? Mamma Mia lets you escape, truly escape for 2 hours. and really that is life changing.

Mamma Mia is Fluff.
Mamma Mia is Fun.
Mamma Mia is Fabulousity.

Misster-Kitty gives Mamma Mia 9.5 hairballs out of 10 And we all know why it lost that half point.

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* except for when Pierce Brosnan sang.

La Vie en Rose

We went to see La Môme (La Vie En Rose) today with friends Jason and Franco. We had all wanted to see if prior to the Oscars, but when Marion Cotillard won the Best Actress Oscar, we really had to see it. Thankfully they brought it back into theatres here, because while we'd all have gladly watched it on TV, some times you want the full movie experiece...

Surprisingly the theatre was abut 3/4 full by the time the opening credits began to roll. There were the four of us, another gay couple and one straight guy, obviously working on some brownie points... oh and there were about 100 Blue Hair specials... When the PSA to turn off your cell phones was on screen and the motto "Silence is Golden" came on, I said to my seat-mates "...so is this audience." We all snickered. (I don't know why I always have to go there, but I do) OH and another good zinger I got in... "At least there will be no line ups in the Men's Washroom". (I swear I'm burning up whatever Karma points I have)

OK, back to the film...

Mon Dieu!... What a tragic life! I mean, yea, ok, I knew her life was not all "en Rose" but damn! It's honestly amazing she never committed suicide - well in the traditional sense... she obviously did herself in - with all the drinking and drugs. But that barely touches the tip of the iceberg. Her life seemed one tragedy after the other. The only true highlights where when she was on stage, and then, even then so much sadness... collapsing multiple times over the years. Add to the losing the love of her life, an child to Meningitis, public scrutiny and run ins with the police... and Edith Piaf is the cover girl of the Tragic Artist's Life.

But through it all, she flourished and is the most beloved singer in France's history... even to this day.

You might not think you know many of her songs.. (specially the anglos amongst us) but when you see the film you'll recognize more than one...

"Padam"
"Non, je ne regrette rien"
and my favourite...
"Hymne à l'amour"

If you get a chance to see the film before it's gone for good, do so, and if not rent it!

It's Sad, yes, but oh so moving.

Such a beautiful tragedy.

And when you speak, Angels sing from above,
Every day words seem to turn into love songs.
Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La Vie En Rose.

Misster-Kitty gives La Vie en Rose 10 hairballs out of 10.

Sunday Double Feature

We headed over to the "Theatre formally known as Paramount", to catch a Sunday afternoon flick... I chose something with absolutely no substance, other than a few beefy men in next to no clothing... "Meet the Spartans" a spoof of the even more delicious flick "The 300". Would have been just as fine to see on the smalls screen but then, sometimes you just gotta go for the fluff, ya know?

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After that was over we thought we'd go see something extra... a little treat to us... and the timing was just right to catch "The Golden Compass". Very happy to say we caught this one while still in theatre. It was interesting, and certainly open to a sequel or two... although I've not heard whether that will indeed happen. Shame if it didn't. I enjoyed it far more than the "Rings" trilogy or any of the Harry Potters... And loved preferred the message of" Questioning, not following. Believe, but not blindly. And while I thought all the brouhaha from the tight wadded, ill fitting underwear wearing, closed minded religious right was over the top when this film first came out, I have to say, they were justifiably upset. (Justifiable in a GUILTY as a kid with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar) The allusion of the "Magisterium" as an organized religion is pretty clear... and even more clear is, even with a pretty face (and Nicole Kidman is indeed that), ultimately behind that face is a far uglier, self serving face.

Plus, I really liked the whole concept of our soul being outside our body and being, for lack of a better term a 'familiar' ...much more user friendly than the term 'Dæmon'... but to each his own. And who knew... hunky Daniel Craig's character's Dæmon was Snow Leopard. Sexy and fashionable... need I say more.

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Misster Kitty gives "Meet the Spartans" 3 hairballs outta 10 (wait for the video... or better yet... TV)

... and "The Golden Compass" 10 furballs outta 10. (go see it while it's still in theatres)

Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang

Ok, well I'm not in the slightest bit embarrassed to say I just got home from seeing "Alvin and the Chipmunks" with Didier and two friends (and neighbours) Jason and Franco. And I'll tell you what else, it was fan-freakin'-tastic!

And to the lame-ass film critics that gave it one star, all I can say is pull that candy cane outta yer arse! It's an animated movie for CHILDREN... OK, I'm NOT a child any more, well on the outside at least, but here's the thing, I have a very well adjusted and very much alive inner child that adored the movie... it brought back many childhood memories of Christmas and otherwise (I had 3 LP's of Alvin and the Chipmunks as a kid, and my mom still has em at home) And I enjoyed it. So there! :-P

Sure this movie ain't gonna win and Oscars, but who cares. It was entertaining, and just as many adults were in the theatre as children, and ALL of us were laughing, AND singing and had a great time.

If you have kids, and even if you don't Go see it, it's cute, and enjoyable and 90 mins flies by faster than you can say "Allllllllllllllllllllllviiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!"

Misster-Kitty gives "Alvin and the Chipmunks" 8 hairballs outta 10.

Weekends are too short!

Friday night was rather ho hum.. We got our monthly haircuts over to Mohawk, and then took it easy in front of the idiot box for the rest of the night...

We watched "Notes on a Scandal" We like both actors: Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench. Their acting was superb, but the plot I'm sorry to say was rather weak. It did not hold up and even the delusional character of Dench's would have I am sure seen through her fantasy world long before she did in the movie. The cat fight scene was rather enjoyable however. (I'm not sure why, but I suspect it's an inner straight man in my psyche that enjoys such scenes. Fortunately for me, my gay self overrides and so such scenes are only acceptable when both participants are fully clothed.! *phew*) We were glad to have seen it, but gladder still I think that we didn't drop $30+ on it in theater.

Misster-Kitty give "Notes on a Scandal" 6 hairballs outta 10.

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Saturday was JAM-PACKED with the beginnings of seasonal goodness. We had a quick bite to eat and then headed down to Ste-Catherine St in front of Christ Church Cathedral and amid thousands of rug rats and hobbit like beings we watched the Santa Claus Parade go by.

After that was over we went and saw "Beowulf" in 3D. It was rather impressive I have to say. I'm not usually impressed by 3-D flix, but this was more about a truly three dimensional viewing experience than cheesy fast moving objects coming toward you (although there was that too). Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Crispen Glover were among the actors in this 'live action to computer generated' 3-D animated version of the story of Beowulf. And it was rather well done. You often felt as if you were watching the actors and not a computer generated reproduction. Angelina's 3-D animated knockers were spectacu-laire! (... if you're into that sorta thing) a little bit gory... but then so to is the story when you really look at it. It was also playing at the Imax in 3-D but we didn't feel like waiting 3 hours to see it.

Misster-Kitty gives "Beowulf" 8.5 3-D projectile hairballs outta 10

We then got home and watched "Eragon" on the Movie Network... in HD. It was good, not great... And altogether with ""Beowulf" it was a little too much John Malkovich. What I did like about Eragon was that Jeremy Irons was in it. I heart Jeremy Irons. There's an odd sort of sexual appeal for me. And what's offer still is that I first noticed that while watching "the Mission" Trust me, no one is more perplexed at my attraction to a Jesuit Priest in a South American jungle than I. He's a great actor that we just don't see enough of these days.

Misster-Kitty give "Eragon" 7 hairballs outta 10

After the movie we, rather Didier decided to install the new Wii that he bought as a 'Christmas gift' It was in the house less that 2 weeks before the anticipation and need to open and install it overtook his wee frame. (Ok I'll admit I was intrigued and wanted to see it too, but was willing to wait til Christmas to dive in...) Little does he know that opening a Christmas gift this far before Christmas means that it's really no longer a Christmas gift and so does not really count on Christmas day. :-)

We were INSTANTLY ADDICTED. Wii if 1000 times more addictive than Blogging and Crackbook combined (which explains my near absence here and on the Crackbook, this past weekend! I'm only updating now, here at work, where the Wii cannot tempt me.) We so far only have the Wii Sports pack: Bowling (My fav) Golf (2nd fav), Tennis (3rd fav) , Baseball (4th fav) and Boxing (5th) The BEST part about Wii is making your Mii. you can build your own player that looks like you; and I have to say we did rather well in creating out Mii. I also made myself a 2nd Mii... my alter ego, half of Misster Kitty. She's fab and fierce. With a big hair (with a blue rinse) and even bigger glasses! So when Didier is not there with me I can compete against myself. Talk about split personalities! I have to try and take pics of our Mii for you to see just how realistic they are...

Maria, we're gonna have to get together some weekend for a mini Wii Olympics!

After a couple hours of Wii-ness we got dressed up in our finest rubber wear and went to the Mr Rubber contest at the Black Eagle. Much Leather and Rubber cladness was to be seen. Terribly naughty men every where! I really need to wear my rubber more often... it's such an easy way to drop a few pounds!

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Sunday started with Brunch with friends and then a walk from the village to the Palais des Congres for 'AU CŒUR DE LA MODE' which is huge clothing sale with lots of shops and 'label's hocking their wares for vastly reduced prices. Me and the Man bough a pile of socks and knickers: 21 pair of socks and 5 pair of undies for $50. Not bad when you consider that a lot of the socks were the SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFTEST wool ya ever did feel! (and even as I write this, my toes is warmly snuggled in a pair!) And just before we left I saw this pair of pants. They called to me. They said 'aren't we fabulous Shawn? you must buy us Shawn" I looked closer at them and saw the label "Versace Sport" and then I saw the price... $399.99 I put them down immediately! The sales clerk behind the table said, 'they're only $40.00" I said "Where's the dressing room?" Needless to say that $40 and me were soon parted. and Bitch, (you know who you are) before you even say it, I don't even care if they're last season... I ain't that kinda gurl!

Then we stopped off at the Future shop to buy an extra Nunchuk and Controller for the Wii - this way we don't have to keep hading it back and forth and putting on the wrist strap... (a clever addition not including in the Pre Dec 2006 controllers. This ensure that if you 'thow' or 'pitch' or 'swing' etc too fast and the controller slips out of your hand, it does not end up mid screen in your $2000+

then we boogied back home to play some more... and admittedly I got in a bit of a mood because Didier was winning practically everything... but after a brief time out I regained composure and the will to destroy ...er, to compete, um, I mean to play, side by side with Didier.

What they DON'T warn you enough with Wii is that it's rather close to the real thing... and by that I mean overnight, never having played an actual game of tennis or golf in my life I am now suffering THE worst case of tennis-elbow / golf-shoulder known to man... (and what's worse still is I want to rush home and play some more... until my arm comes out of it's socket!) Youreally have to immitate the full action of swinging the tennis racket, following through with a Golf swing, or srinning a bat and so on... actually not a bad little work out when you do all the training exercises for the Boxing game especially!

...and after about 3 hours of play (with a 30 minute break for Family Guy) it was time to collapse and go to bed.

I think when I write Santa this Christmas I'm going to ask for a 3 day standard weekend.

so what did 'y'all get up to?

Jai Guru Deva, Om.

So we went to see a movie today. It's one I've been wanting to see for a few weeks now...

...a Music based on the songs of the Beatles...

All I can say is if you're a lover of their music, GO SEE IT.

If you like untraditional films... GO SEE IT.

If you want to escape with some fantastic visuals, and incredible singing performances (especially Joe Cocker)... GO SEE IT.

Aww, hell just GO SEE IT... you'll be glad you did.

Misster-Kitty rates Across the Universe, 10 hairballs out of 10.

... Strawberry Fields Forever...

Weekend at/with the movies...

Well as we're both still in serious recovery mode (It's not more than a week for both of us and one nasty flu bug) we decided we'd just kick back and watch movies.

On Friday night we watched Elizabeth (with Kate Blanchett) on DVD. I originally saw this film in theatre, which I'm glad because even with HD and surround 5.1 sound, you just gotta see such a magnificent visual film on the 'big screen' But I'll watch it over and over at home still...

I am really impressed with Blanchett, and even if I poo-pooed the film Babel, I'm still a huge fan. She CAN act! And of course having such a hawties as Joseph Fiennes and Eric Cantona in the film doesn't hurt either! ;-)

I have to admit I enjoy watching films about Kings, and especially Queens (don't go there!)... but I really lose a gasket for anything about Elizabeth (the first) and I think, bar none, this is one of the best portrayals ever.

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On Saturday afternoon we bundled up and headed to the Theatre formally known as Paramount (still cannot get used to saying 'Cinéma Banque Scotia Montréal'... it just ain't got that zing) and we saw Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Some might say the first was far superior, but I happen to think they both stand on their own and are rather equal in their precision and cinematic elegance.

What is nice is that one not need have seen the first to see the second, but I highly recommend doing as we had, and that is to watch them in relative closeness... And we're not let down without any delicious eye candy in this instalment of the live of Elizabeth Regina... there is the every handsome Daniel Craig as the Sir Walther Raleigh

Again I am impressed with Blanchett. You really don't feel as though you're watching an actor, you're seeing the actual person.

And when this one comes out on DVD it will be among my collection for certain.


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When we got home from the theatre we took a rest and at 9pm we watched Apocalypto. Now this is a film I'm sad to say we did not see in the theatre. I only wished we had. Some truly incredibly scenery and remarkable scenes, especially the 'captive's march into the city' and the 'sacrifice'. While I found the length of the chase (after the corn field) a bit far fetched, it was none the less a very hypnotic film. Say what you want about Mel Gibson this was incredible. Just a skotch violent, but we knew that going in, so no harm, no foul....

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Misster-Kitty gives Elizabeth, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Apocalypto, all, ten hairballs outta ten!

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so did y'all see anything good?

Babel

So we watched Babel tonight.

Didier has been wanting to watch it for some time now. So, since it was on TMN ce soir we watched.

I'll admit I was not that drawn in. I found myself walking back and forth from the living room, to the computer room... (never a good sign for me)

It was good, I guess. I'm sure I'm alone here, but I though it was a bit too, preachy for me. heh, guess I'm one of the jaded masses that this movie was about. There was this whole 'artsy' pretense that was a little too much for me. (and I can get into some rather artsy and alternative flicks!)

I honestly wonder, it not for Kate Blanchet and Le Brad, would this movie have done so well? To say a film needs the cache of a 'superstar' is a tired. I am a firm believer that if a movie is good, people will see it regardless, and word of mouth is the one of the most powerful sources. I actually avoid more movies because of particular actors, as opposed to seeing movies with those I prefer.
Seeing as they were the only two actors I recognized, It made me think I'd have preferred two other 'unknowns' in their roles.

What I did appreciate was the whole '6 degrees' aspect of it, the connectedness of everyone and I'll admit it makes me think of how my actions here, might actually affect those elsewhere in the world, but that's about it.

I dunno. I'm glad I saw it, but more glad that it didn't cost me $12 for a ticket and $12 for snacks.

Misster-Kitty give's Babel 6 hairballs outta 10.