dwhodgson

I watched this four hour show when it was telecast on CBC TV earlier this week. It far exceeded my expectations. The acting was good, the action tight and fast moving. I didn't recognize the actors, so I believe that many of them were imported for this production. Steph Song was a treat for the eyes and the actress playing William Lok's wife was very convincing as the conniving and cruel massage parlor manager.

I worry a bit that the series will give Richmond, BC a bad reputation. It is in no way indicative of life in that community, located just south of Vancouver.

If it returns to TV, record it on your PVR as I did. The commercial breaks are brutal, even with a forward skip button.

I taped this movie from my TV with fairly high expectations. With Barbara singing and playing, how could I go wrong? But Maureen McCormick - what a poor choice to play Barbara! The scenes with her trying to portray a 16 year old were particularly painful. You don't have to pick a look alike to be successful. Think Jessica Lange as Patsy Cline.

Much more time should have been spent on her musical career and far less on wallowing in the aftermath of her auto accident. Still, if you like Barbara's music, it's worth a look. 6 out of ten for the music only.

I watched this picture on late night TV at a time when sleep wouldn't come. It fit the bill nicely. Darcy McManus is a carefree 28 year old tour guide in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He wants to stay a kid as long as he can. His friends are moving on to steady careers and marriages but he truly believes that they are wasting the best years of their lives.

It would be easy to pick this small production to pieces but what would be the point. The acting and script writing are good enough to keep the plot moving and there are many good scenes of Halifax to please people who have been there. The swearing seems overdone but it is never mean-spirited. I give it 6 out of 10.

What a boring movie. Charlotte Rampling plays a British politician with a troubled family life. She stays in Paris and complicates her life with an affair and a murder. The movie is constantly shot in the dark making it difficult to tell whether the setting is Paris or London. I gave it 5 out of 10 and only because I am a big fan of Michael Gambon.

I enjoyed this movie. It started quite slowly but caught my interest as the plot developed. An American reporter, working for a newspaper in Brazil, is obsessed with getting an interview with a controversial priest who supports land reform. The movie is based on a true story. It is a bit disturbing but definitely thought provoking. If you have a case of beer or a bucket of popcorn and you are looking for something to liven up your weekend, look elsewhere. I give it 7.5 out of 10.