sheena1959 Reviews

Weirdos (2016)

Canadian Cinema at its Best

[9/10 · 20 January 2018]

Telling our own stories, avoiding the cliches--this is Canadian cinema at its best. Probably a bit slow for many movie goers, but heh, so was life then. Kids weren't monitored as much (no cell phones!) and we go up to a lot of stuff, most of which we don't want our kids to know. Coming out in seventies was possible, but still really tough. The kid in this movie was lucky, many weren't, but some managed it, brave kids that they were. According to my son kids don't even say "weirdos" anymore. Another word to avoid so as to not date one self.

Down the Road Again (2011)

Worth Going' Down this Road Again

[8/10 · 20 December 2011]

I liked this movie. I enjoyed seeing some of the original cast members continue the story of the original film. A simple, if somewhat Dickensian story line, with a made in Canada feel. I think some part of me hoped for the look and feel of the original, i.e. low budget, grainy, gritty story. But probably not realistic to assume the director would try to capture the feel of the original, technology has changed too much. Loved seeing the same actors gather to finish the story they started so many years ago--though the time-lines seem a bit off if the original was 40-odd years ago wouldn't the "young" actors be playing people in their 40s?

We Canadians need to tell ourselves our stories. This is a good one and worth seeing with the original. More Don Shebib please, more of his DVD's, more main stream Canadian cinema.

Nichols (1971–1972)

Great Sho

[16 November 2011]

Funny to read all the other reviews and see that I was not alone in loving this show. I would have only been about 12 years old, but it made an impression on me. Simply put: it just wasn't anything like other shows. The violence was low key, the acting was sublime. The "cowboy" hero road on an old motorcycle. The lead man was shot out of know where on the last episode. I mourned the end of this show. It was an early "alternative" show, almost like a European film. I've been thinking of this show for years but finally got around to checking up on it. Thanks to all those others who shared their love of this show.

Wonder if somewhere there are copies?

Chibideka monogatari (1958)

Vague sweet memories

[8/10 · 2 June 2011]

It seems like there is this whole generation of us who have a vague memory of this film. I too was touched as young kind watching this poignant story. I think I saw it on TV and at a camp I went too. That distance land of childhood, those first friends, the pain of peers, the hurt of being shunned. And of course the bullies. It would be interesting to watch this again with my 9 year old son and see what he thinks

Seems like there was a torrent kicking around for this but can't find a live one. If anyone knows where it can be found please let me know.

thanks,

The Merry World of Leopold Z (1965)

Great Period Movie

[9/10 · 25 August 2005]

Montreal in the mid-sixties from the perspective of a working class snow-plow operator on a Christmas eve. I loved this movie, the music, the acting. A gentle, funny tumble in the snow. Snow-ploy operator Leo Z. zips around Montreal making deals, trying to get his wife her present. An ever-present boss, a visiting friend, and a snow storm combine to make his efforts complicated. Leo and his boss in particular play a humorous game of cat and mouse throughout the day. Working class Montreal through rose-tinted glasses, a bit on the light side. In the end, after everything has fallen neatly into place, Léopold even manages to attend midnight Mass. If you lived that during that era this is must see.

Great Performances: Monsignor Quixote (1986) Season 15, Episode 1

A Must See

[10/10 · 14 July 2005]

I really enjoyed this film. Very true to the book. Alec Guiness and Leo McKern are magic together. I will never forget the Monsignor's explanation of the Holy Trinity and the "sin" he committed. Still have trouble believing two elderly men could drink so much and get around, but that's Spain for you. A little odd how it was set in Spain but everyone was so blatantly British. A gentle, warm-hearted movie. If you enjoy the works of Graham Greene you have to see this.

NOTE for North Americans: I had trouble getting a copy and had to order from England then get past the whole DVD region restrictions nonsense, but finally was able to watch it.