Kokuho is an epic tale, a decades-long story that takes us inside the world of kabuki, and features some outstanding performances. Kikuo (Ryo Yoshizawa) has always had a talent as an onnagata. These are the female characters in kanubi shows, all played by men. He’s taken in by Hanjiro Hanai (Ken Watanabe!!), who will serve…
Tag: family
TIFF 25: John Candy – I Like Me dir. Colin Hanks
Hockey. Maple Syrup. The Hip. The Sky Dome. John Candy. Quintessentially Canadian. Friendly, polite, beloved. Candy has left an indelible mark on film and our hearts. And Colin Hanks delivers a beautifully poignant and insightful look into the man. Aided by hi family and SCTV alumni, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Bill Murray and Dan Akryoyd,…
Northern Exposure (1995) – Lucky People, and The Graduate
It’s Founder’s Day in Cicely, so that means there’s going to be lots of celebrations, but there are also going to be a lot of problems for a number of residents this time around. Lucky People was written by Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider and it debuted on 15 February, 1995. Maurice (Barry Corbin) is…
Star Wars: Ambush at Corellia (1995) – Roger MacBride Allen
It’s been awhile since I traveled to a galaxy far, far away. That being said, it’s surprising how quickly I fell back into the storylines and these versions of iconic characters. Originally published in 1995, this story, the first installment in The Corellian Trilogy is set 18 years after the Battle of Yavin. Allen has…
Stargate: Atlantis (2005) – Letters from Pegasus, and The Gift
With the Wraith hive ships still two weeks away, the Atlantis Expedition is working on plans to fight and survive. And McKay (David Hewlett) has an idea about sending a message back to Earth through the stargate. Written by Carl Binder, with excerpts by Jill E. Blotevogel, Robert C. Cooper, Brad Wright, Peter DeLuise, Martin…
Northern Exposure (1994) – Zarya, and Full Upright Position
Through the magic of Ed’s (Darren E. Burrows) film making, and Marilyn’s (Elaine Miles) storytelling we get a look at a legend of Cicely. Set in the 1900s, the regular cast take on other but familiar roles as Marilyn relates a tale of how the Romanovs came to Alaska. Written by Diane Frolov and Andrew…
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy (2022) – Becky Chambers
I have to say, I love the writing of Becky Chambers. I have one more book to read written by her, and I already have it on hold at the library. There is so much hope, joy, wonder, and self-care in the narratives, that they feel like a salve for the soul. A Prayer for…
Northern Exposure (1994) – Eye of the Beholder, and Shofar, So Good
Ed (Darren E. Burrows) gets to live a bit of a dream when he works as a private investigator working on an insurance fraud case. He’s given all the gear he needs to prove that Hayden (James L. Dunn) is lying about his injury. Ed is conflicted. He’s into the gig, but a little upset…
Twins (1988) – Ivan Reitman
Arnold Schwarzenegger in shorts and converse is laugh-worthy on its own. From that first reveal I was in for the ride, and while some of it isn’t so great, there’s a lot of heart and laughs to be mined from this classic 1988 comedy. Julius (Schwarzenegger) is a product of a genetic experiment, and has…
Stargate SG-1 (2003) – Fragile Balance, and Orpheus
When Carter (Amanda Tapping) arrives at Stargate Command, she is shocked to discover a young man (Micheal Welch) in holding claiming to be Colonel O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson). Fragile Balance was written by Damian Kindler from a story by Peter DeLuise and Micheal Greenburg. DeLuise also directed the episode, which first aired on 20 June,…
The Mind Reels 