Critical Vision
There are two ways to watch a spot of entertainment. You can fold your arms and sit back with expectations that may or may not be met, or you can go along for the ride and see what it brings you. …
Reviews
Review: I Am Pilgrim
The plotlines and details from the debut novel by screenwriter Terry Hayes are going to stay with me for the rest of my life. And I hope it’s the start of a series featuring Pilgrim, the codename for a man who doesn’t exist, a reluctant but brilliant secret agent who is sent out to save the world. …
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Review: The Addams Family Musical
Every year, The Grand Theatre in London devotes its stage to a production put on by the best the city’s high schools have to offer. The result is as professional, and as well-attended, as any of the other shows at The Grand. It’s been a launching pad for many professional careers because these kids, who audition and rehearse just like any other performers, are the cream of the crop from local performing arts courses. …
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Review: Crazy Town, The Rob Ford Story
I hadn’t planned to read Robyn Doolittle’s book about the Mayor of Toronto unless I borrowed it or got it for free. However, I encountered an unread hardcover at a garage sale a couple of weeks ago and figured .50 wasn’t too far off the mark. …
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Review: Mr. Mercedes
There’s nothing like an absorbing story to take one’s mind off, oh, I don’t know, maybe civilian airliners getting shot down and renewed fighting over a thin strip of land allegedly promised to two peoples. …
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Professor Weird Al
The Weird one is back. The man who brought us Eat It to the tune of Michael Jackson’s Beat It, King of Suede to King of Pain by the Police and many, many more parodies has returned. His first release left me a little cold. Tacky is a take on Pharrell’s Happy and the only thing it seemed to have going for it was a bunch of celebrities. Watch it once, and you’re done with it. Â …
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Review: Tomorrow Night
Louis ck may very well be the funniest man on the planet. He’s cerebral and still relatable.  Stories about his daughters, his life, his observations, have made him millions of dollars. He’s a rock star in the stand-up comedy world. …
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Review: Philomena
The acclaimed film Philomena came out last year and was a critical darling. Dame Judi Dench stars in the title role of an Irish woman forced to give up her toddler during a dark chapter of Ireland’s history. Steve Coogan is the journalist who embarks on a quest to help her find her son. …
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Yo! Bananas!
Many months ago the Yonanas machine caught my attention but it took a while to convince me to acquire one for my own. Â …
Review: The Racketeer
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Grisham novel. I was an early fan but he lost me when he evolved into a non-legal-affairs writer. …
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From London to Chicago
It’s incredible how time slips away and before you know it a year has gone by between visits with two of your favourite people. That’s where hubby and I found ourselves when BFF Erin and AFL (amazing friend for life) Rob floated the idea of the two of us coming up for a weekend to see Chicago at Casino Rama. …
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Review: An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
When Chris Hadfield returned from serving as Commander of the International Space Station he could have taken any job in Canada that he wanted. He is so popular, respected and admired that he holds us in the palm of his hands. …
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My First Poor Decision of 2014
After the delightful story I reviewed yesterday I ignored my own best judgment and downloaded a book I hoped beyond reason would be funny. Alas, it was not! Â …
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Novel Way to Start the New Year
Someone, somewhere recommended this Swedish-to-English novel and I’m so glad I picked it up.  The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared keeps only surnames and place names in its original Swedish and the story isn’t lost in translation. It’s funny, smart and at times, laugh out loud funny. …
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Review: My Mother was Nuts by Penny Marshall
Admittedly, I’m a sucker for dishy, insider stories from those who have made their living in some form of popular entertainment. …
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Review: Ring of Fire (The Music of Johnny Cash)
The Grand Theatre’s new season has opened with a strum and a twang in homage to the music of Johnny Cash. …
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Venus Rising Reviews
One of the most gratifying aspects of writing is getting feedback from readers. Whether it’s this blog or my House Proud column or a book, the fact that something I did compelled someone to take the time to communicate with me is something I will never take for granted.
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Review: The Fridgularity by Mark Rayner
I’m really torn about this review.  They say film critics are failed film students.  Well I wouldn’t call myself failed but I do know how hard it is to write fiction. …
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