Top 5 Movies of 2019!

2019 was an interesting year for movies overall. As always, there were big hits, some that had potential but were hugely disappointing, and a few rare gems that will leave a permanent imprint in your soul.  I’m giving you my top five film choices that really stood out for me this year.

You can also check out my list at 519 Windsor: 

https://519magazine.com/from-rocketman-to-the-grizzlies-heres-melissas-top-five-movies-of-2019/

The Grizzlies – 2019 started out strong with this Canadian film directed by Miranda de Pencier that was shown at Cineplex about a determined teacher who brings his passion of sport (lacrosse) to youth in a small Inuit town called Kugluktuk. Based on a true story, it is incredible to know the great lengths that went into the production. The film shows the complexities of suicide, the adversity that these teens and families face on a daily basis, and the courage for some to break through.  A profound movie-going experience, including original music by various Indigenous artists.

Fighting With My Family – A great cast (especially my favourite; Nick Frost!) with family dynamics that make each character lovable in their own way.  The story resonates with many of us, even if we’re not in the throws of becoming professional wrestlers in the WWE ring, but knowing your place in the real world.  Be the underdog in your own story.

Rocketman – Taron Egerton (known for his incredible performance as Eddie the Eagle!) is once again brilliant, this time stepping into the glittery shoes of portraying the iconic performer; Elton John.  The poignant message of the film: I’m Still Standing.

Bohemian Rhapsody – Rami Malek releases his inner Mercury (Freddie Mercury from Queen) that will bring you to your feet and then to tears. Absolutely loved this film from start to finish. The music, the memories, the heartbreak and the notion that it is never too late to find Somebody To Love. (I realize this was in my top 2018, but still worth mentioning again as it was close to 2019)

Yesterday – What would life be without the music of The Beatles? A little bit of this and that, Yesterday is full of romantic interludes and comedic flourishes with a fantasy plot. I’m a sucker for musicals. Himesh Patel is wonderfully charming and his vocal ranges in many of the songs are melodic to the ear and truly touch the heart. He paired perfectly with the ridiculously cute and whimsical, Lily James. In the end, there is no doubt that the film does Come Together.

*Honourable Mention: Doctor Sleep – A sequel that does pay homage to Kubrick’s 1980’s classic, The Shining, yet clearly succeeds with its own style too. I was very captivated by the intensity of the movie, the characters, the compelling villain, and just the story itself. Definitely not disappointed and a bonus that I could actually sleep afterwards

Kick up your heels for a good time: Billy Ray Cyrus at Caesars Windsor

photo by Teuta Shabani, Caesars Windsor

I cannot say that I have ever been a big country music fan. Sure I don’t mind listening to the odd toe-tapping, honky-tonk song, but if you asked me what I listen to most days, it wouldn’t be this genre. I must admit though that I was a little excited when I saw that Billy Ray Cyrus was coming to Caesars Windsor and it seemed like a good time to dust off our proverbial cowboy hats and boots, and mosey on out for a fun time with my husband, also named Bill, but no, I don’t call him Billy.

You knew it was going to be a good time as Billy Ray Cyrus entered the stage, complete with his casual cowboy chic, sleek straight hair, signature cowboy hat, and flashed the brightest smile to the crowd. He started the night by channelling his inner Johnny Cash and singing “Folsom Prison Blues.” A great energy hit the crowd and it didn’t stop from there.

If you recall Billy Ray Cyrus was also an actor back in the early 2000’s on a show called Doc, which ran 4 seasons long. For the nostalgic moment, he performed his tv intro hit “Stand Still” which had the audience on their feet shouting the chorus.

“Wher’m I Gonna Live”, “Could’ve Been Me”,  and a heart-warming tribute to the veterans both here and abroad with “Some Gave All”, were a few other great hits.

Two huge highlights were Billy’s  own style of “Johnny B Good” and the well-known party song by Georgia Satellites, “Keep your Hands to Yourself.” Oh and who could forget the keyboardist showing off his skill to the synth sounds of “Jump” by Van Halen.

There were screams from groups of women as the start of the monster hit, “Achy Breaky Heart”, began. Everyone from little kids to seniors (it was an all-ages show) stood up to dance and sway. There were also plenty of teasing moments as Billy pseudo-tossed his cowboy hat and jacket to the crowd. He did actually toss out some t-shirts though, which I’m sure a few lucky ladies will wear to bed tonight without washing to preserve the fact that Billy’s hand and sweat touched those shirts first.

Even though Lil Nas wasn’t able to make the stage this time, Billy Ray gave a salute and wished him well, as he carried on with “Old Town Road” with his band. You could tell the new fans from the old ones just by the sheer joy or confusion on their faces when the bass sound came on and thumped the seats for the entire duration of the song. In all honesty, and you can always expect that when you read my reviews,  the low pitch of the bass, along the loud guitars was deafening. I know some people like that style and yes the song is catchy, but I had to start moving towards the exit.  Thankfully, the rest of the concert was a delight.

Although Billy Ray did mention having some problems crossing the border, we’re happy he made it safe and sound to Windsor to entertain us all, otherwise that probably won’t have left some achy breaky hearts!


You can also check out my review at 519 Magazine

Goodness Gracious: The Million Dollar Quartet Returns to Caesars Windsor

Photo by Dan Savoie

Whether you grew up in the 50’s, listening to Blues Suede Shoes or you had a Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On in your later life, let’s take you back to the iconic date of December 4, 1956 in Memphis, Tennessee. Take a trip down memory lane to Sun Records, where Sam Phillips was always on the hunt for his next big star. The Million Dollar Quartet (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins) got together for a jam session that reunited everyone for a night of excitement, revelation and of course, rock and roll!

Johnny Cash (Steven Lasiter) definitely gave it his all with hits like Folsom Prison Blues and Walk The Line.  His deep baritone sound gave chills down your spine and he oozed masculinity portraying The Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash.

Carl Perkins (Nathan Burke) gave great vocal performances and played up the manly role to poke fun at the eccentric Jerry Lee any chance he could. A little bit of information that you may not know was that Blue Suede Shoes was written by Carl! Elvis took it a few steps further and had the vocal chops and moves to turn the song into a mega-hit.

Elvis has left the building… Jacob Barton made The King proud with his rendition of Hound Dog, Peace in the Valley and many others. He had the swivelling hips but I couldn’t catch the iconic snarl. With his girlfriend, Dyanne, (Taylor Kraft) stepping up on stage to the mic, her sultry sound singing Fever may have had a lot of audience members a little hot under the collar.

There is no doubt in my mind that Jerry Lee Lewis (Trevor Dorner) stole the show with Great Balls of Fire. His energy from the moment he put his fingers on the piano to the end where we was literally jumping off the piano had the audience cheering him on.  Plus who doesn’t love a quirky performance from someone who exudes that sweet southern charm with a sarcastic bite.

Let’s not forget the Father of Rock N Roll, Sam Phillips (Sean Casey Flanagan) who gave a memorable performance, Jon Rossi who killed it on the drums and bassist Brother Jay (Kroy Presley) who can play the electric and upright bass with ease and poise.

With two incredible encores to finish off the show and sporting some sparkly jackets to finish their individual looks, The Million Dollar Quartet have a bright future ahead and hopefully will be back to Caesars Windsor for more shows in the future – See You Later Alligator!

You can also check out my review at 519 Magazine

A Botanical Nightmare of Joy in Stratford Festival’s Little Shop of Horrors

Photo by: Cylla von Tiedemann

Stratford is known for its world-class theatre and every year the lineup is different, so there is something for all ages to enjoy. Going on our honeymoon after celebrating an 80’s inspired wedding was perfect because of two very special shows at the theatre this year; The Neverending Story (1984 release) and Little Shop of Horrors (1986 release). Let’s look at Little Shop of Horrors in this review.

When you grow up with nothing and people treat you like nothing, how can you thrive, especially when you’re downtown on skid row? For Seymour, an orphan taken in by a demanding and demeaning shop owner, you get that lucky break, a fortunate opportunity lands in your lap where you are the talk of the town and everyone suddenly loves you because you have something that they want.  In this case, a rather “strange and unusual” looking plant named Audrey II pops up. It’s sweet and inviting at first, but an evil lurks that you can’t quite put your finger on.

Desperation, abandonment, greed, hope and of course, the need to be loved are are themes that are explored in this musical-style performance.  A side note, you can really feel like the heart-ache from Audrey, played by Gabi Epstein. It’s subtle at times, but for anyone who has battled with breaking away from cycle of domestic violence, tears may shed when she sings “Somewhere that’s Green.” Do not despair though, knowing that wholesome and loving men like Seymour exist in the world can bring a smile to your face.

There were so many stellar performances all around in this production, like Seymour, played by Andre Morin. Then there is the sadistic dentist, played by Dan Chameroy. He was absolutely brilliant and exhausting to watch on stage with his boundless energy! You may remember him last year at Stratford, as the eccentric Dr Franken-Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show. This man is multi-talented! A special nod to the incredible singers; Vanessa Sears, Starr Domingue and Camille Eanga-Selenge, who put the extra harmonizing doo-wop shoo-bop in the musical.  Also, who could forget the grocer, played by Jordan Mah. What a hoot, he really added a ton of comic relief. Lastly, the toothy, green-leafed star, Audrey II, voiced by Matthew G. Brown! The intricate details were incredible, growing from a tiny plant to a massive one before your eyes. The multiple puppeteers on each one were great.

If you have seen the film, you’ll notice some differences in this live version, which I think were well thought-out and really heightened the dramatic feel of the musical in itself. Also, it’s a heads or tails on the ending, but the message from the moment the curtain rises up until the final scene is crystal clear, don’t feed the plant!

Little Shop of Horrors has been extended to Nov. 9, 2019 at The Stratford Festival’s Avon Theatre. For more information, visit www.stratfordfestival.ca

You can also check out my review at 519 Windsor

Hooked With Humour at Spiritual Soldiers Coffee Compound

Comedian: Tim Otter

There was not an empty chair in the place Friday night (May 10, 2019), as customers piled into the Spiritual Soldiers Coffee Compound in Windsor to enjoy an evening filled with music and comedy.  As newbies checking out this place on Erie Street, observing the atmosphere and interactions in some ways felt like Cheers (without a stitch of alcohol in sight, only delicious smooth concoctions and beverages!) where everybody knows your name.  I’ve never been to a spot where so many people hugged each other, it was like their own personal greeting. If I don’t really know someone well enough, I’m more of a fist-bump/ hand-shake or head nod kind-of gal, but you know we all have our preferences. Best of all, when you want a safe haven whether you’ve overcome addiction or in the process of doing so, this is your ideal spot to check out without judgment.

The evening started out with some acoustic guitar by the incredibly talented, Cassidy Young. I had heard of this musician by name before, but never had the opportunity to check him out live. I’m so glad that I did! Emotions ran high as he started to perform his own unique covers of songs such as: Say Something, Zombie and Breakfast at Tiffany’s just to name a few.

Then it was time for the Windsor Improv Troupe which consisted of: Dylan Macdonald, Alex Monk, Eric Minch, Nancy Lefebvre, and Mark Worsley.  One of Dylan’s skills that really stood out to me was his ability to switch accents (from Greek to an Aussie) so flawlessly.  He had me roaring with laughter.  I loved when Eric and Alex did skits together because they played so well off of each other.  Mark was a joy to watch on stage, hitting his comedic delivery every time. With Nancy, she’s a firecracker where you really don’t know what hilarity will come out of her mouth and I think that’s a true gift.

The improv games that really stood out for me were the hilarious round of Jeopardy, The Dating Game, Lines From a Hat, and Store Return. Sipping my peppermint tea, it was great to not just watch these performances either, the audience was part of the show being able to shout out answers and dictate what objects, words and phrases the Troupe would ultimately use.  It was definitely not easy to create creative and funny scenes on the spot and yet they all managed to do so with ease.

A special guest appearance was made by one of Windsor’s top Comedian’s, Tim Otter, who honestly reminded me of just the most lovable lumberjack. He had the best deadpan humour which included quips about a zombie grandma and having a non-Tom Selleck body.  After his stand-up comedy, Tim chimed in on some of the improv skits.

Overall, it was a fun night and goes to show you that variety is the spice of life.

Check out all the awesome upcoming events happening at: https://www.spiritualsoldiers.ca/

Update *no longer in business.

Windsor’s Stars of Tomorrow Shine in Villanova’s Playful Mamma Mia!

You can also check out my review at 519 Magazine: 

https://yqgrocks.com/windsors-stars-of-tomorrow-shine-in-villanovas-playful-mamma-mia/

It’s a trip down memory lane, as Villanova Players performed the broadway musical hit; Mamma Mia, directed by Ms M.J. Grado with musical director, Ann Marie Brunet.

So what’s the story all about? Sophie is getting married to the love of her life, Sky. Everything is perfect, except for one small little detail. She doesn’t know who her real father is. Sleuthing around in her mom’s diary, Sophie discovers that she has 3 possible fathers. Her mother, Donna, won’t divulge much of her past, so instead of playing “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” and inviting either Harry, Sam or Bill, Sophie decides she will just invite all of them! Once they arrive, she’ll know who her father is right away, right? Well that may not be the case.  The only secret she desperately needs to keep is her mom from finding out.

A few highlights of the show:

The choreographed dance sequences were so entertaining, especially one particular scene from “Lay All Your Love On Me” which had a hilarious flipper-dancing group making the audience roar with laughter.

Donna (played by Regan White) was phenomenal. A true shining star and hit every high note. She was able to command the stage with ease. Her chemistry with Sam (played by Justin Bobbie) was heartwarming and my personal favourite was their “SOS” duet.

Sophie (played by Charlotte Salisbury) is a fun role that was made easier with Charlotte’s angelic vocal chops.  Her ability to show vulnerability in the character really makes for a promising future in theatre.

The finale was full of vibrant energy from the entire cast, not to mention some snazzy glittered costume choices that you’ll probably want to parade around in while belting out Abba tunes.

I will say that I am absolutely delighted to see the blooming talent that stepped foot onto the stage. It’s not an easy thing to do at all, so a big congratulations to all the cast and thank you for the music!

Our First Windsor Express Basketball Game - WFCU Centre

Our first Windsor Express basketball game experience at the WFCU CENTRE.

Thank you 519 Magazine for the awesome tickets. Loved having court-side seating to see all the action!

Windsor Express killed it against London, 121- 88. Good job boys!

Just a few photos from the game!

Shot looking down at the court

Sitting right at court side. 

Swish!

I got to hold onto the Windsor Express ring for a few minutes!

Getting Into The Spirit, Eh? 12 Days of Canadian Christmas – Toldo Holiday Pops

Check out my review of Toldo Holiday Pops - 12 Days of Canadian Christmas:

This time of year carries a mix of emotions for people, myself included.  It is meant to be a time of love but it also filled with a season of loss. However, there is something magically soothing just hearing violins playing in unison and the harmony of a choir that can really lift your spirits. Going to The Capitol Theatre here in Windsor, Ontario to see Toldo Holiday Pops – 12 Days of Canadian Christmas, presented by the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO), feels like that hot cup of cocoa in your belly on a cold winter’s day – especially with tiny marshmallows on top!

With his sixth season as WSO’s Musical Director, Robert Franz is truly a sight to see! His contagious spirit radiates when he is conducting. His discipline and poise really bring something very special to this show that is definitely a crowd-pleaser for all ages. With a flounce in his step, Robert’s passion is undeniable. He is a musical marvel with a cheeky humour, complete with colourful and deliberate mismatched socks.

On vocals, Sara Fontaine steps onto the stage. With an extensive background in music, teaching and owning her own studio here in Windsor-Essex County, Sara’s voice can stop you in your tracks.  Singing “Joy To The World” in a jazzy/gospel style and hitting the high note in “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” will melt your heart. She is a powerhouse of sound and those were my two favourite sung by her.

The evening started out with a beautiful Overture on French Carols, and you could hear many favourites throughout the 2-hour show, such as: Little Drummer Boy, Feliz Navidad, Waltz of the Flowers, and a medley from the Polar Express film. The WSO orchestra chorus raised the bar with a chilling rendition of O’Holy Night that deserved a standing ovation.

The highlight of the evening was bringing best-selling book, A Porcupine in a Pine Tree, written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Werner Zimmermann, to life with music.  A hilarious tribute to all things Canadian, including beaver tails, caribous, and of course, The Stanley Cup.

Not forgetting our Jewish friends, several Hanukkah songs were played, with the adorable Music Moves Kids choir from Director, Erin Armstrong and Windsor Essex Youth Choir from Danielle Sirek.

Of course, you cannot forget the big jolly guy who made a special appearance and made all the kids eyes light up. Some children wanted slime, others asked for an Elf on the Shelf. However, the best reply to “What would you like for Christmas?” had to be a little girl name Grace, who responded with, “I want a horse!” Clearly some planning went into that gift request!

Not surprising, it was announced that the Toldo Holiday Pops had a sold-out performance. If you’ve never been to the symphony before, I would recommend dipping your toes into this holiday show in the future and experiencing Maestro Franz and his exceptional team.  After all,  “without music, life would be a mistake” ― Friedrich Nietzsche.

The WSO returns on January 26 with French Connections, a journey of musical colours and textures by French composers. The program features a traditional French song, and Claude Debussy’s impressionistic suite Printemps. Members of the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra will join the WSO on stage and perform Faure’s Masques et Bergamasques.

The performance also showcases the World Premiere of Toronto-based composer Jordan Pal’s Trombone Concerto and Saint Saëns innovative Symphony No. 2 in A minor.

Goodness Gracious: Almost Almost Famous Movie Review

Check out my review of Almost, Almost Famous: 

Everyone has a dream. A vision to live a life of abundance and doing what they were “meant” to do. However, what happens when reality slaps you in the face and says you’re not quite good enough and you just don’t have what it takes? It’s a hard pill to swallow and some see this as a challenge to prove others wrong, and others give up before they even had a chance to make their mark.

Almost, Almost Famous takes a snapshot look into the public and private lives of Texan rockabilly musician Lance Lipinsky as Jerry Lee Lewis, Las Vegas-based R & B singer Bobby Brooks as Jackie Wilson and the “Elvis from Orlando” Ted Torres on their “Class of ’59” cross country road tour.  There are small mentions of Bill Culp, as Big Bopper and Jeff Giles, as Buddy Holly, but they were not the main focus of the documentary. Along for the wildest ride, you also get to meet their tour manager Marty Kramer, who may look like just another roadie, but he has helped launched the artists’ careers and rubbed elbows with some of the biggest and brightest stars from Burton Cummings to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The entertainment business may seem filled with glitz and glamour, but it’s also filled with disappointment and often destruction of close family and romantic relationships. It’s hard for many artists to know where their character ends and their own identity begins. They lose themselves in the roles they are showing to the world.  This often leads to a distorted sense of self and burn-out.

Sadly, tribute artists are now really a dime a dozen and it is estimated by Marty that with over 85,000 Elvis impersonators, only 500 get employed. This is shocking because of the amount of unexplored talent that are cast aside simply because they may not be the preferred image of what others expect or don’t market themselves as well as someone else in the industry.   All that make-up to turn back the hands of time and countless hours of perfecting the Elvis-do or the cans of hairspray to get the perfect Bill Haley kiss curl get washed out, just like many of their careers.

On a brighter side, there are moments that show the incredible appreciation and devotion that fans bring to their lives, which make the struggles worth while. Those simple times when you see the joy in someone’s eyes as they are reliving their precious youth through such a poignant era like the 1950’s. There is also an incredible story shared about Bobby Brooks that you actually need to watch to believe.

No matter what people say, it is always hard to walk in someone else’s shoes. For many of these talented tribute artists that are showcased, fame and fortune is limited. There is always someone younger, smarter, and with the right connections that will take the #1 spot. The desire to develop their own careers outside of their idols in the long-term is a true balancing act.  In reality, all the passion in the world doesn’t mean a lot, if you cannot pay your rent.

Feeling A Little Bit Heisty: American Animals WIFF Movie Review

Check out my review of American Animals

American Animals is not your typical heist, it is far more compelling of a story that unfolds to make you question what you are watching is fact or fiction. For keeping those thoughts rolling around in my head throughout the film, I have to applaud director, Bart Layton.

Meet College students Spencer Reinhard (Barry Keoghan), Warren Lipka (Evan Peters), Eric Borsuk (Jared Abrahamson), and Chas Allen (Blake Jenner).  They are alive but barely existing in any sort of meaningful way, hoping to achieve a level above mediocrity. Desperately clinging to have one claim to fame, Warren comes up with the brilliant plan to embark on a group heist to steal rare books worth 12 million dollars from their local library, including Darwin’s; Origins of the Species and a rarity by  Audubon called Birds of America.  The one target they need to surpass is the watchful librarian; Betty Jean Gooch (played by Ann Dowd).

The story is layered, kind of like a lasagna, which is always a plus. Each character fits into a typical mold (the jock, the artist, the outcast, etc) so in many ways, it can feel relatable, since the struggle to find your identity exists within us all, no matter what stereotype you get labelled under. I also enjoyed the brief interviews that were cut into the film that involved the actual real men telling their own recollection of the events that took place with unbridled emotion. One cannot forget the real Betty Jean Gooch either, who was briefly interviewed as a witness to the crimes that were committed.

There are also throwback a-ha moments when you hear the names Mr Pink and Mr. Black which gives a quick homage to Quentin Tarantino’s gritty film, Reservoir Dogs.

With any action follows a consequence. The aftermath can be good or bad, depending on how you perceive it.  Did the punishment of these pseudo-reckless misfits really fit the crime? I think that’s up to the audience to decide. However, in the end, it is true that birds of a feather flock together.

Never Enough: Generation Wealth – WIFF Movie Review

Check out my review from the WIFF; Generation Wealth

https://519magazine.com/never-enough-generation-wealth-wiff-movie-review/

While some people may live paycheque to paycheque, there is an entirely different group of people who hold a position of power where money is no object to what one’s heart desires.

Generation Wealth (directed by Lauren Greenfield) delves into society’s obsession with wealth from celebrity culture to social status around the world and its dire emotional implications.  The film bounces around with different interviews with some of the most richest people around the globe. As an artist, Lauren films these segments in a hyper active intensity that feels a bit overwhelming at times. She also documents her own family’s recollections of life and reflects upon her own demons with the material world.

As we see in the film, there is a price to pay for wealth and that is the true absence of self.  Out of all the interviews that Lauren did, the most poignant moments were the raw footage with tycoon investment banker, Florian Homm. His arrogance starts out as eye-roll worthy, but as he continues to tell his story,  you can feel the pain through his uneasy laughter.  His rise and fall tale is not an uncommon one to hear.

Aside from the designer Fenty bags worth more than what most of us would ever be able to afford in our lifetime to the glamorous show biz facade of being “someone” and getting the best table in the most trendy restaurant, what is the real value to life when it all disappears? It cannot be measured in currency.

The takeaway message that I got from the film is that life needs balance.  How we can achieve that is perplexing, as there are so many demands put upon us and life is a juggling game. Often our judgment gets clouded by the innate need to have it all.

A cautionary hope to be careful what you wish for.

Triple Trouble: Three Identical Strangers WIFF Movie Review

Check out my next movie review; Three Identical Strangers

https://519magazine.com/triple-trouble-three-identical-strangers-wiff-movie-review/

Entering its 14th year of showcasing cinematic treasures from Canadian and International filmmakers, I had a wonderful opportunity to see several films this year at the 2018 Windsor International Film Festival.

Three Identical Strangers, directed by Tim Wardle, is an incredible eye-opening documentary of three brothers who were separated at birth, only to be reunited with each other in the most unusual circumstances.

The story begins as a light-hearted journey with triplet brothers; Eddy Galland, Robert Shafran and David Kellman.  Seeing them meet for the first time is like looking in a mirror, as it is very hard to tell them apart. However, despite their mirrored-mannerisms, ability to finish each others sentences, all having the same favourite colour and even smoking the same brand of cigarettes, growing up couldn’t have been more different with their adoptive families.

There are moments in the film that make you ache for these brothers and the situations they had to endure. What some may refer to the idea of “extraordinary claims need extraordinary evidence” is just a small piece of the puzzle to try and even piece back together.

Behind the dazzling smiles and incredible fame that bestowed the brothers for many years is where the raw emotions start to spill out.

The movie is well paced and edited in a way that (without spoiling too much) as many darker revelations are disclosed, these hidden secrets inevitably shake the brothers to their very core and change the course of each of their lives forever.

With all the probing thoughts that will definitely flood your mind and create a deep level of conversation afterwards, the question still remains; are we really a product of nature or nurture?