School holidays are almost done, and we'll be back into the swing of taxi-driving the children to their social and sporting events next week and enjoying all the stress associated with that. As much as the boy's fighting gets on my nerves while they're at home, I will miss them, albeit I will get a lot more writing done.
I had a little revelation watching the film Age of Adeline earlier this week. Somewhere along the way I have stopped kissing my boys goodnight (they're 12 and 14). They're boys and not very mushy, so over the past few years, we have stopped being too physical with them. I try and kiss them goodbye when I drop them off at school, but they look uncomfortable and hesitant, so I find myself doing it less and less. I know they don't want to be embarrassed in front of their friends, and I get that and respect it.
In a scene in the film, the mother of Ellis Jones, Adeline's love interest, enters the dining room and kisses her son good morning while he is eating his breakfast. It struck me that I never did that with the boys anymore. In fact, most of the time, I greet them with: Have you brushed your teeth? Pick up that plate and put it in the dishwasher. Put your shoes on. Then I wonder why our day doesn't start very well.
So I've started kissing them goodnight and good morning. They actually seemed to like the good night kiss, and we're working on the good morning.
When my husband asked me why I had suddenly started doing it, I replied, "I saw it in a film."
That's kind of a terrible admission: that I had to relearn a parenting skill/gesture of love I'd forgotten from a film. Yet, that's what I love about films and books. They remind you what it is to be a human being. Every person takes something different from a story, based on their own experience. Films aren't just about entertainment. They, also, allow us to look at ourselves through the eyes of the storyteller or walk in someone else's shoes and understand the world a little better. That's why I'm a story addict, and I will never tire of reading or sitting in a darkened theater. I have the added bonus of creating my own worlds and stories and exploring the human experience in even more depth. It's what keeps me writing... my curiosity of what a person will do in a given circumstance. Many times, it doesn't reflect my own personal beliefs, and that's the fun of it, understanding why that character would behave in a way I wouldn't.
Two lessons in this little story. Think of your movie ticket or your book as a learning experience as well as entertainment. It's very good value when you think that way even if you don't totally love the film or book. Most importantly, if you have children, no matter their age, kiss them a little more often than you have been if you've fallen into my trap, (whether they like it or not). Otherwise, how will they learn to kiss you back.
REVIEWS
Age of Adeline 4/5 Stars (opens 16TH
April) – Screens at most cinemas
My Thoughts
This is a
lovely, whimsical film about Adeline Bowan (Blake Lively) who through an odd
accident doesn’t age past twenty-nine. Blake Lively as the lead is beyond
stunning in the role. She is simply breathtaking and infuses the character with
a detached but wise persona that keeps you involved in what is reasonably slow
proceedings. The sets and costume design are also beautifully done. Harrison
Ford and Kathy Baker play the parents of Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), a
charismatic character, who attempts to win Adeline’s heart against her better
judgement. For the first time in forever, I actually enjoyed a Harrison Ford
performance. Who knew he could act? Even though it was a touch twee in the end,
it is still a lovely film to be gobbled up by the romantics.
Film Blurb
After
miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman
(Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get
close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with
charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion
for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy
Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will
change her life forever. (C) Lionsgate
Wild Tales 4.5/5 Stars
Screens at Cinema Paradiso as part of the Spanish Film
Festival Wed 6th May-7th May
My Thoughts
I loved this dark and twisted sextet of
short stories. Be prepared to be shocked, mortified, but ultimately entertained
by the dark humor and ironic twists in these tales. The Spanish have a black sense of humor, and this is a perfect example of everything wonderful in this
language’s foreign films.
What is
unfortunate is that the opening story centers on a plane and its passengers and
a tragic accident. It’s a little too close to home with the recent Germanwings
tragedy. Don’t let that put you off, though. Book your tickets now for this
particular film, and maybe, also, indulge in a few of the other offerings. You
will not be disappointed.
Film Blurb
Director Damián Szifrón has executed a wonderfully
entertaining revenge film comprised of six rebellious vignettes that are
nothing short of what the title suggests - WILD. A deadly case of road rage, a
wedding gone wrong, accidental manslaughter…everyday situations in which the
darkest side of good people shines through and proves there is an animal in all
of us.
Described by Variety as “wickedly delightful”, this
compendium of stories ooze the blackest of humour by demonstrating how everyday
people can be pushed to their farthest limits. The superbly drawn characters are
embodied by the brightest stars of Argentinian cinema including, Ricardo Darín,
Darío Gradinetti and Erica Rivas.
FILMS OPENING (NOT REVIEWED)
The Gunman
THE GUNMAN, the new action thriller from
Pierre Morel, the director of Taken, stars Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, Idris
Elba, Ray Winstone and Mark Rylance. (C) Open Road
It Follows
After a strange sexual encounter, a teenager
finds herself haunted by nightmarish visions and the inescapable sense that
something is after her. (C) Radius-TWC
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2
Notable as having 0% rating on
RottenTomatoes review website. After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul
Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation. He heads to Vegas with his teenage
daughter before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and
when duty calls, Blart answers. (C) Sony
FILM NEWS
Netflix is planning to make its shows more
accessible to the blind following complaints from customers. The issue came to
a head because Daredevil, a new Netflix show about a blind lawyer with
superpowers, didn’t initially include audio descriptions, which are spoken
explanations for actions occurring onscreen.
On Tuesday Netflix changed course,
and announced that it plans to add audio descriptions to Daredevil and other
Netflix original series like Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards. Other
shows and movies that are not original to Netflix will get the feature later. SOURCE: Time.com
SPECIAL EVENT CINEMA
THE 2015 SPANISH
FILM FESTIVAL
SCREENING
AT CINEMA PARADISO 23 APRIL - 6 MAY
The Spanish films in general have
vibrancy and a wicked, dark sense of humor you don’t find in other films.This year’s Spanish Film Festival
program exclusive to Palace Cinemas around Australia boasts 38 features from
across Spain, Latin-America, and beyond, as varied as the ceramic tiles on a
Gaudi masterpiece.
More information: Program
& Tickets
OPENING NIGHT
SPANISH AFFAIR
April 23rd, 6.30PM at Cinema Paradiso
The biggest Spanish
box-office hit in history is this bright and breezy (occasionally wicked)
romantic comedy set in the exquisitely charming and verdant Basque countryside.
Opening night is with the
mischievous romantic comedy SPANISH AFFAIR. Followed by the last ever after
party at THE BAKERY - drinks by Torres Wines, delicious Spanish treats will be
provided by Kamal's Quarter Catering, prizes from MultiCultural Language Centre
in WA, musical entertainment by Randa and The Soul Kindgom. So come join us and
dance the night away! Program
& Tickets
Entertainment
News
PERTH GREEK GLENDI! Sunday 26th
April
Website: http://www.perthglendi.com.au
Glendi it’s Greek for Party! A
taste of Greece in Perth
Not so much news on film but, hey, I’m a fan of souvlaki and loved Zorba
the Greek starring Anthony Quinn. The Perth Glendi Greek Festival is going to
be a fun filled day of Hellenic culture, music, dance and food.
So save the date and bring your family and friends to enjoy this
spectacular day. Offering mouth-watering Greek food
and sweets, traditional Greek dancing including plate smashing, beach style
chill out bar, celebrity cooking demonstrations, market stalls, children’s fun
fair and much more.
World Record Zorba Dance attempt
10,000 dancers
needed.
At the Perth Glendi Greek Festival
this year they are attempting to create the largest Zorba Dance ever seen in
Perth, in fact, the world.
OUTDOOR CINEMA
Last few days of the outdoor
cinemas. We say goodbye until later in the year when the warm weather returns.
LUNA OUTDOOR CINEMA LEEDERVILLE
For Tickets and Times: CLICK HERE
CLOSES APRIL 19th
BIRDMAN
BIG EYES
THE ROOM (sold out)
CAMELOT OUTDOOR CINEMA
For Tickets and Times: CLICK HERE
CLOSES Saturday APRIL 18th
BIG EYES
THE IMITATION GAME (Jazz & oyster night with Peter
Evans)
Together with celebrity chef & seafood
extraordinaire Andy Grljusich, who shucks fresh oysters for your indulgence.
McDONALDS COMMUNITY CINEMA
CINEMAS are at Burswood, Mandurah, Murdoch, Bassendean and Curtin
For Tickets and Times: CLICK HERE
Burswood Highlights
HOME
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