Art School Confidential

Today, I went to see Art School Confidential. This is a movie about a young, aspiring artist who gets into the Strathmore College of Fine Arts. However, he quickly realizes that the art world is not just about talent, but who you know. Especially when he makes comments that his classmates down agree with, as well as a jock artist whose style is basically Microsoft ClipArt on bristol board.

The main character, Jonah is clearly attracted to the girl who posed for a picture on the brochure that he has. However, during the movie, the jock Artist flirts with this model. Jonah actually takes the initiative to work as a bartender at some art show where it was by Invite only, but it turns out that this girl went with the jock Artist. I believe at this point in the movie, he gave up on liking the girl.

Jonah also asks his painting professor about how to hone in on a style, but his prof says to him that he's too young to be locked in a style, he should be experimenting with other styles. However, when he gets his end of term mark (an A, which happens to be everyone else's grade), he gets pretty pissed off.

Oh yes, and there's also this Strathmore Strangler, who has been strangling people around the campus. I believe that the bitter graduate turns out to be this individual, but I'm not 100% sure.

I don't know how the movie ended, well, I do since I read the spoiler, but I didn't see it on screen, since about 10 - 15 minutes before the film ended, there was a technical difficulty at the AMC, so I ended up getting a free movie pass for next time.

A Sad sight...

I wanted to get an early night sleep tonight, because I have an interview with Quizno's Subs tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. (EST). However, a friend from Toronto called me, and we went to Old Montreal to have a beverage. (He had a coke, I had an iced tea). I got home, and I felt a bit hungry. Originally, I wanted to get an appetizer in the restaurant/resto-bar in Old Montreal, but their kitchen was closed. So, I decided that I would take the night bus home, and get a BBQ Rib sub (six inch), since it was still Monday. However, they didn't have any (they ran out of rib patty), so I went to Angela's and got a small poutine with sausage. And it was there where I witnessed this sad sight.

There was a guy there who begged people for change. He walked up to the counter, and counted all the quarters, dimes, nickels etc., and I thought: "Oh, poor guy... He's short for food." I thought about covering what he was short to the owner, so he would get his food. But to my surprise, what did he get? A bottle of 10% beer. My sympathy went out the window right away. I can completely sympathize if he was short for a frites sauce (fries with gravy), because he wants to get calories into his system, but alcohol?

Well, it turns out that my money did go and help him with what he was short with, since my poutine that I got didn't have any sausage in it, when I had ordered one with sausage... That's a $1 difference. It went to cover his drinking.

X Men 3 - The Last Stand

Today, I went to see X Men 3 - The Last Stand.

This was a really good action flick. The story was there, and lots of explosions and the like. As well, many characters get killed off. (I won't mention them here, since it would ruin the movie for you). However, one major star gets a lot of money for about twenty minutes worth of footage in the film.

The premise of the movie, which causes the big war, is the father of Angel, who wants to cure his son by injecting him with a medicine that suppresses his mutant gene permanently. Of course, there are mutants who want this, and ones who don't. Magneto takes on the side where the mutants rally together and fight the humans who want to cure them.

That is a strong message. It's similar to in the early 50's or 60's (1950's, 1960's) where people considered homosexuality a disease, and that it needs to be cured. Being a mutant is not a disease... Perhaps the comic strips were created to combat this fact? I have absolutely no idea.

Unfortunately, I left before the credits finished rolling, and missed the bonus scene. That's why I tend to stay until the movie is over (credit-wise), while some people are impatient and go right away.

Oh yes, and today was spent with Roman and Leo. I got a call from Roman today, who wanted to meet at 7:30 p.m., and then we would walk over to Beaudry metro station for 8:00 p.m.. We got there, and met his friend. We had some dinner (Chinese food in the village), and then we went and saw the movie. After, we walked the friend back to the village, and we originally thought that we would go to a bar and get drunk. However, I can't drink alcohol, and Leo didn't want to drink either, so Roman didn't drink alone, as he claimed that drinking alone and getting drunk alone is no fun. He also wanted to hit Club Date (karaoke club) after drinking, but since we didn't do the first part, the second part couldn't happen.

We walked Leo to his street, and then we walked back towards downtown. We considered going for a cold beverage, but Roman suggested that we go to a Provigo (A supermarket chain) to see if there are cold beverages that we can buy before hitting a 24-hour cafe. Unfortunately, we didn't find anything, so we went to Tim Horton's, and we both had an Iced Cap. I had mine with chocolate milk, and a large size, while Roman had his in a small size, with a shot of raspberry seasoning. I didn't finish my large, as it was about 2:15 p.m., and Roman had to catch his bus at 2:30 p.m.. We hugged, and his hand patted my back, and we left.

Roman was also telling me about a guy whom he suspects to be gay at his work. He likes him, but he assures me that he doesn't want to date him. (I have no idea why he told me that, it's not like we're dating) At first, I told him that I tend to let people approach me, since that way, I wouldn't have to confront people who are not comfortable talking about it, or people who are closeted. But, I suggested that maybe what he can say is, "You seem like a cool guy, and I rarely get to talk to you during break, maybe we should hang out some time." However, he told me that they're already friends. Roman was invited to this guy's birthday party, so he said that what he'll do is go to the birthday party, and see his friends. If most of them are straight men, then he's either straight, or he's really closeted. I suggested that he do that, and Roman told me that he'll let me know. (Again, no idea why I need to know, it's not like we're dating, or he's going to set me up with him)

Today, I also went to Archambault and I bought the sheet music to Christina Aguilera's second album - Stripped. I also bought two DVDs for $25 (it was in their deals section), I bought Celine Dion - On ne change pas DVD, with all her French music videos, as well as Ice Age - Super Cool (Collector's) Edition. Probably something I shouldn't have done, but I also got two applications to work at Archambault, and I filled them out this afternoon. I'll bring them back as soon as possible.

Alright, enough ranting/bitching about Roman for today/tonight.

Da Vinci Code

Even though my friend didn't call me back, I did go and see this movie myself.

Now, the reviews for this movie, many of them, or even a majority of them, have not been positive. However, Roger Ebert liked it. And usually, I find that my taste in films is very similar to his.

What can I say, except for... Wow! That was a very well shot movie. There was enough suspense, surprises, but not too much violence or blood. I haven't read the book, but I am now interested in reading it!

And who knew that Audrey Tautou can play a role with more speaking than she did in Amélie? She probably won't get an Oscar nomination for this film, she wasn't superb, but I think the screenplay may get a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, and Sir Ian McKellen did a superb job of playing their characters. Each character had its unique characteristics, which later proved useful in the book or movie. This is a really, really well adapted suspense drama.

There were also a lot of clever humour, well, at least I thought it was clever. There were times when I chuckled, when no one else in the room did. Also, I thought Paul Bettany was a good addition to the film... I didn't realize that I have seen some of his stuff... I have to say however, him with blond hair, and the crazed look, it's a bit freaky. But I suppose he was hired for his performance in Firewall, which I didn't see.

Of course, being the Paramount Downtown in Montreal, we had movie goers who didn't respect etiquette. Two different cell phones rang twice during the movie, as well, some guy came in towards the end of the movie, and had the nerve to ask me to move a seat over so that he and his female friend, possibly his mother could sit and watch the end fo the movie. But aside from that, most people followed movie theatre etiquette.

A fun day

Today, Roman gave me a call, and told me that he had just gone to the gym, and then that he was going to go and get a haircut. He thought Leo and I wanted to do something together, but he called me and asked to do something with me before hand, before Leo gives him a call back.

So, we walked to Chinatown (Quartier chinois), and explored the shops a bit. And then we walked to the Old port (Old Montreal) again. Since it was during the day, there were a lot more markets and shows. It was very fun. We walked around a bit, and then we went to the market. There were lots of fun things to see there. There was a stand that were selling musical frogs. These frogs are wooden, and comes with a stick where you roll it over the wooden scales, and it produces a sound similar to a croak of a frog. It was very neat.

Roman bought a pair of sunglasses. The weird part of this is that he asked me for my opinion about which pair looks better on him. I was being nice, but at the same time, I was thinking, "Um... I'm not your boyfriend, I shouldn't be dressing you." Anyway, he stuck with my choice, instead of his choice, on sunglasses.

We then also went and rented a pedal boat for half an hour. It was fun, some good exercise, and I enjoyed my time. We never got to go to Tim Horton's and redeem our free coffee and two free donuts. He has my free rims, but it's not a biggie if he doesn't get a chance to redeem it, or if Tim Horton's no longer accepts it.

I hope to be able to see a movie tonight. I would like to go to see Da Vinci Code.

Berri-UQAM station, not safe?

I didn't write about this experience, because I wanted some time to reflect about this situation. However, this happened last night, outside the Ste. Catherine exit (or entrance) to Berri-UQAM metro station. This was after Jeunesse lambda, and we were all taking the metro to go home. Before we entered the metro station, two guys were taking a long time to kiss each other, etc. outside of the metro station. At one point of the evening, there were these three teenagers who saw them kissing as they walked out of the metro station. And one girl said something that ressembled, "Oh, god, gay people." or something like that. It was in a derogatory tone.

Now, if I were the two people kissing, I would have bashed her intelligence in with comments, but the two just continued kissing each other. I suppose that is a better way to deal with it... Since two guys kissing definitely bugged the girl, why not bug her more by ignoring her comment and keep kissing? That's a great way to fight against intolerance.

I guess what bugged me the most about this situation was that this happened in Montreal, and people tell me that Montreal is known for its European atmosphere and people there having an open mind. Also, I was thinking that this was one metro station west of Beaudry, which is the station with the rainbow over its entrance. Hello? We're very close to the village? For goodness sake... And besides, how silly or stupid would I have sounded if I said, "Oh god, heterosexual (straight) people." or something similar with a derogatory tone?

Loup-Garou Part 2

Today, at Jeunesse lambda, we played Loup-garou again. This time, I was the hunter, and with this card, if I get killed, I come back with a vengeance, and I can choose whoever I want to kill. I ended up killing a loup-garou, but we still lost the game, because of the remaining two, one of them was the sorceress, and one of them was a loup-garou, and she had the mayor card, which means that she had two votes. So, the loups-garou won. Oh well, it's only a game, but it was fun. It was the first time that I got a special card (i.e. not a citizen).

I was also approached by the director of Victoria Gym today, and he asked if I were interested in supplying some aerobics classes next Tuesday and Thursday. I told him that I was, and I am going to call the gym Monday morning to get it all sorted out. The thing is however, I have a small collection of fitness music (mixed music), so I need to buy some. I saw three combos I liked, offered by Powertrax, but I don't know if their "UPS" shipping will be able to get it to me by Tuesday. If not, I can survive with the music, since I'll get it by Thursday. We'll see...

I haven't heard from AMC Theatres yet, I wouldn't mind working for them. I am going for an interview with Quizno's Subs on Tuesday.

RV

Today, I went to see the movie RV, starring Robin Williams.

Now, rottentomatoes.com didn't give it a very good review, but because a friend of mine saw it, and told me it was good, that I decided that I would go see it. It was also because the Paramount (Famous Players) downtown dropped it from their lineup (because they wanted as many screens as possible for The Da Vinci Code), and AMC picked it up, since there's still life left in it.

When I went into the theatre, it was only me and Roman who were there. And that's the way that it was for the entire movie. Roman and I had the entire theatre to ourselves. Too bad we're not boyfriends, because we could have watched the movies and been a little naughty at the same time. ;)

And for the movie... Most of the humour is predictable. Some of the scenes there were a bit disgusting. (Especially the one with the emptying of the backed up sewage tank) However, at the end of the movie, the family bonded together, which sends a positive message to the viewer.

This movie tried to have a bit of everything in it... And that was it's downfall... It should have stayed with one thing, and went with it. If it wanted to be a slapstick humour flick, like Scary Movie 4, stay with that angle. If it wanted to be a clever humour flick, like Kinky Boots, stay with that angle. But don't mix and match everything. This is not a pot-pourri.

During the movie, there was a time when I moved my hand around, and my left arm was touching Roman's right arm... And he didn't move away for the longest time. Although, it is quite possible that I mistook it for something else (i.e. it wasn't his arm, but he was wearing a long sleeve shirt), but I don't think I was wrong. However, I don't recall if it was me who moved the arm, or if it was him who moved the arm. Anyway, it was a long time before the arm (either mine or his) was moved.

After the movie, we went to get some food to eat, I had a large Italian poutine, but it wasn't very good. Roman had a Western sandwich with bean soup, which came with a coffee as well as a dessert. (It was the daily special) While we were eating, he asked me about what time tomorrow I was going, and I completed his sentence: "To the gym?" He admitted that I read his mind. I don't know of any really good friends who read each other's minds, or who complete each other's sentences. He also told me that he switched shifts and he had all of Wednesday free. I don't know why he told me that, but he was kind of hinting that he was going to have all of tomorrow free, and I guess I took the bait because I told him I was interested in going to the Indian buffet close to my place, but he suggested that we could go to the sushi buffet. I'll see how I'm feeling tomorrow.

Over the Hedge

Today, I went to see a preview screening of Over the Hedge, which hits theatres this Friday, May 19, 2006.

This is the next Dreamworks picture, created by the writers of Shrek and Madagascar.

I thought this movie was humourous, but a lot of the humour is pretty low brow... Burping jokes, stink joke, farting jokes. However, there are some highlights in the film as well. But, this film sort of celebrates consumerism, which is not something I would like to happen.

There isn't much to the premise of the story. Basically, RJ - the racoon (Bruce Willis) is caught trying to steal food from a bear, and nearly loses his life, but he promises to find the bear the exact stuff that he lost. And then RJ suckers a bunch of animals into helping him gather some food. At first, the leader of the group, Verne - the turtle (Garry Shandling) is skeptical, but RJ quickly wins over the rest of the group. The story develops however, when the other animals trust RJ and takes a liking to him.

The voice talents of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Wanda Sykes, Avril Lavigne and William Shatner are excellent, they really portrayed their characters well. The story was a little weak, and the jokes were a little low brow. There were a few touching moments in the story, and a valuable lesson at the end, but the movie to me was a bit disappointing.

I thought the porcupine daddy, mommy and the children were adorable. However, my favourite small animal creature character was Verne (the turtle). I especially liked the part when RJ knocks over the trash cans, and Verne sniffs and picks up the diaper. RJ informs him that, "Uh... That's a diaper." to which Verne just sort of gives him a nasty look and rolls his eyes. The other part I liked was when Verne and RJ were flying through the air with an umbrella, and using it as a parachute. It eventually catches on fire, and and the plastic spontaneously combusts... Verne turns to RJ and states, "You're the devil."

This movie is more geared towards children than it is for adults. For example in Shrek and Shrek 2, there is humour in it is for children, but there are references in it that make the adults laugh. However, in Over the Hedge, I didn't see any references for adults. There is however, lots of product placement.

Before the film, there was a kid who saw a Jewish individual, and then remarked, "Wow, a Jewish guy." I was so surprised that this statement came out of the kid's mouth. Also, I was quite surprised that this kid didn't get smacked!

Just My Luck

Today, I saw the movie Just My Luck, featuring Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine.

Now, I know that this movie did not get a lot of positive reviews. However, I went into it thinking that I was going to just look at Chris Pine on the big screen. And since that was my only expectation going into the movie, I ended up being pleasantly surprised.

The storyline of the movie is kind of cheesy. It's about Lindsay Lohan's character, who has always had good luck in her life. There is also Chris Pine's character, who has always had bad luck in his life. At the ball that she organized, she kissed some handsome stranger, who she thought was a dancer (turns out to be Chris Pine's character), and her luck got swapped. Then Lindsay Lohan's character gets a rung of bad luck.

The whole premise of the movie is about luck and luck transfer. But, there are some funny teen scenes... And for me, I liked seeing Chris Pine on the big screen. It was good enough to pay $8 to see Chris Pine on the big screen. Some of Chris Pine's outfits were very hot as well.

Of course, some of the things/mishaps could have been avoided. For example, if you accidentally put in half a box of Tide into the washing machine, you don't turn it on. You scoop out the Tide, and you put it back in the box, or you throw it out.

Also, the trick about the luck being stolen between the two of them by kissing each other, that gets old really quickly.

The Old Port

I thought that my evening would be spent at home, doing laundry. However, after going to a greasy spoon breakfast, I got home and I found a message on the machine from Roman, who said that Leo (another friend) wanted to go to to the Old Port (Vieux Port) of Montreal, and asked if I wanted to come along. Since I'm interested in going to the Old Port - I didn't get a chance to go the last time I was there with my parents and the family friend, I thought I would go.

It was fun, quiet, and the ambiance was nice. However, it was a Sunday night, so not too many things were open. I also wasn't able to get a Beaver Tail. But it's fine, it was fun anyway.

It was weird also, that Roman suggested that we meet beforehand, at 9:00 p.m., and grab a bite to eat. And then when I met him, it turned out that he wasn't too hungry. So, I suggested we get bubble tea. Unfortunately, the place that we went to for the bubble tea was not very good, and he didn't like his. We walked past a Dairy Queen, and he got a Moolatte. It was at around 10:00 p.m. that we met up with Leo.

Roman also accompanied me to eat after we finished walking around in the Old Port. This was very nice, sweet and gentlemen-like of him, but I wonder if something is developing or not from his end. He was really interested in learning Chinese/Cantonese expressions tonight. But perhaps this stems from the fact that Leo talked a bit about it, and I helped some Chinese visitors to attempt to find an address - in Mandarin, which is not my forte!

The next time that I will see Roman is probably Tuesday night, when we will hopefully be seeing Just My Luck.

Roman was also having a discussion with me about how he's thinking of getting a second job once Leo leaves Montreal. I was a bit sad about that because that means he'll have less time to spend with me. However, I shouldn't be, since he's not my boyfriend. I did point out the fact that he'll have very little free time, especially when he could be working 40 hours at one job, and then working another job at night. But he argued that he'll still have on average two afternoons/early evenings free, as well as one or two weekend evenings free.

I don't realize why I was having this discussion with him, it's his life and he can do whatever he wants with it.

I'm confused about where this is going... I'm concerned about where this is going... I don't want to be hurt again... I'm afraid that if I put my heart into it again, then I'll get the old heave-ho again when he finds someone else who is quote on quote more attractive. I also don't think it's fair to the guy whom I'm kind of seeing right now. (On and off, with his schedule, it's tough - he works nights).

If Roman feels that he wants to take this friendship to a relationship level, he has to make the move himself, and there has to be some major changes.

Sometimes, I listen to songs, and the lyrics made me wonder if perhaps Roman is thinking that he made a mistake. For example, the song by BBMak - Back Here:

Baby set me free From this misery
I cant take it no more
Since you ran away, Nothing's been the same
Don't know what i'm living for
Here i am, so alone
and there's nothing in this world I can do...

Chorus:
Until you're back here baby
Miss you, want you, need you so
Until you're back here baby yeh
There's a feelin inside, I want you to know
You are the one and i can't.... let you go

So i told you lies, Even made you cry
Baby i was so wrong.
Girl i promise you, now my love is true...
This is where my heart belongs

'Cause here i am, so alone
and there's nothing in this world I can do

Chorus

And I wonder...
Are you thinkin of me?
'Cause I'm thinkin of you.

And I wonder...
Are you ever comin back in my life?

'Cause here i am, so alone
and there's nothing in this world i can do...

Chorus

Until you're back here baby.... (repeat until the end)

And then there's this song: STEPS - It's The Way You Make Me Feel

It's the things that you do
So physical
It's the things that you say
So flammable

You know I can't resist
Boy it's such a shame
Do you belong to another?
I don't wanna hurt nobody
But my heart just can't hold back

Chorus:
It's the way you make me feel (The way that you make me feel)
Spinning my world around
Tell me how can I walk away
I don't care what they say
I'm loving you anyway
It's the way you make me feel

I'm gonna make you mine
It's not impossible
Got to let you know
I'm irresistible

Baby can't you see
You're the one for me
But you belong to another
I don't wanna hurt nobody
But my heart just can't hold back

Chorus:
It's the way you make me feel (The way that you make me feel)
Spinning my world around
Tell me how can I walk away
I don't care what they say
I'm loving you anyway
It's the way you make me feel (Make me feel, make me feel)
Ooooh (Make me feel, make me feel)

When I look into your eyes
Every time you smile at me
Oh, I go weak inside
Baby I just can't hide
My love...

Chorus:
It's the way you make me feel (The way that you make me feel)
Spinning my world around
Tell me how can I walk away
I don't care what they say
I'm loving you anyway (Anyway)
It's the way you make me feel (make me feel)
Ooooh Make me feel, make me feel
Tell me how can I walk away
I don't care what they say
I'm loving you anyway (Anyway)
It's the way you make me... Feel

Mission Impossible 3 (MI: 3)

Today, I went to see the movie Mission Impossible 3 (MI:3), starring Tom Cruise, amongst other things...

Basically, I spent all of the afternoon and early evening with Roman, because I applied some pesticide on my mattress for lice/bed bugs, and I couldn't stay in my apartment, since it needed to be aired out.

Roman had suggested to me earlier in the week that it would be his pleasure to spend the day with me, after having applied the pesticide. So, I guess I took him up on the offer. He met me downtown, and then we took the bus to this Chinese buffet called Foo Lum. For $8.95 + tax, we had all you can Chinese food, and I don't think there was a lot of MSG, since I'm not thirsty too much after. Next, we went to the mall close by, and he bought his mother a card for Mother's Day. I bought some Irish Spring soap that was on special (3 bars for $1.97), so I bought two sets of 3, which gives six, for about $4.00, which is less expensive than buying a set of 6. We walked around the mall, and we spent some time at HMV. Roman bought a lot of CDs, and I had my eye on the special of 2 items for $30. (And so did Roman). I was interested in buying the DVD for the movie Les Choristes, but due to the timing (we got there at about 4:30 p.m), and the staff who were anxious to close the store, I was not able to find another item that I wanted in the 2/$30 bin. Therefore, Roman bought an extra CD, the Best of CCR.

We then went to see MI:3. This was at a Cinéma Guzzo, and I swear, I will never go back to any Cinema Guzzo. The picture quality was crap, the film wasn't focused. This is important for an action flick? And then, I got horrible service. I was playing some video games before the movie, and at one point, I went to the concessions counter to try and get some change. The first time I was there, I was ignored by the girl who worked at the counter. This happened twice, since I asked (or tried to ask) her again when she came back to the counter. And then the second time, I asked another worker before she closed the cash, if she could give me some change, and she said, "No." What type of cinema does not give change to its clients, especially since the drawer is open? That is why I'm asking you while you have the drawer open?

And now, the movie. It was a good action flick. It's typical Tom Cruise action flick, lots of explosions, unrealistic actions, etc. etc.. However, there was one point for me in the movie that caused it to go downhill. There's a moment where Tom Cruise is interrogating Philip Seymour Haffman's character, and he opens up the chopper, and basically shoves him into the opening, demanding, "What is the rabbit's foot? What is the rabbit's foot?" And at the end of the bloody film, we still don't find out what the rabbit's foot is, we just see it on screen, and we hear some speculation as to what it is. There was also a scene where Tom Cruise was wearing Priest robes, which is quite funny, since he's kind of the poster child for Scientology, sort of like a Priest.

In a situation that is similar to a wind tunnel, with yelling close to your ear about the rabbit's foot, how is it possible that by the end of that, Philip Seymour Haffman's character was able to pick out the name of Tom Cruise's character? Because the rest of the movie is based upon that tidbit, the movie went downhill, since it did not make sense to me how that could have happened, and therefore, it was not necessary to waste more film.

I did have to say that it was interesting to see Philip Seymour Haffman in the role of a bad guy, I have never seen him in any movie, and I haven't seen Capote. Also, Jonathan Reys-Meyer was in this film too... The last time I saw him in a film was Match Point.

Wow, what a Bitch at Pharmaprix!

Today, I went to Pharmaprix (Shopper's Drug Mart in English) to get some information about bed bugs. While I was at the pharmacy counter, I accidentally knocked over some lady's bag.

I apologized, since it was my fault. However, she demanded, "You're not going to pick it up for me?" and I was thinking, "What? Am I your maid?". Usually, most people I know don't want me to touch their stuff. I accidentally knock it over, and while I'm apologizing, they are already fussing over their stuff. I do not touch peoples' stuff out of respect for their privacy. I suppose for that bitch however, it's different.

She was wearing a McGill shirt. I guess that says a lot about McGill students eh? At least undergrads. But then again, she could be a poser... She could just be wearing someone else's McGill shirt.

The Notorious Bettie Page

On Wednesday, May 10, 2006, I went to see The Notorious Bettie Page. It was a movie that was somewhat historically accurate, about the pin-up sensation who posed in some s&m pictures and in this particular film, starred in some raunchy s&m films.

The film was tolerable. It was not good. I did like some of the s&m scenes that they did in the film though, it was a refreshing breath of air.

I went to see this film with Roman. I don't think he liked it either.

While we were at a restaurant after the movie, The Prayer - sung by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion came on the radio. I asked Roman if he knew the song, and he knew it. He then told me that he recently heard Celine Dion's - D'amour et d'amitié on the radio. I have no idea why he mentioned this song, perhaps he realizes that the lyrics of that song was how I felt about a month ago.

Also, I mentioned that I may spend the day on West Island in Montreal when I apply pesticide to my mattress, and he told me that he would like to spend the day with me to keep me company. Interesting, I guess.

Friends with Money

Tonight, I went to see the movie Friends with Money, featuring Jennifer Aniston as a weed smoking maid who quit her job as a school teacher.

I read many movie reviews of this movie, and I especially pay attention to Roger Ebert, and he gave this film a good rating. However, I found this film difficult to follow, having no plot/storyline/point and not really succeeding in whatever genre it was supposed to be. If it were a drama, it was not dramatic. If it were a comedy, it was not humourous enough to be considered as such. If it were a romantic comedy, it did not have enough romance in it to be classified in that genre.

The message at the end was positive. Jennifer Aniston's character (I'm not a big fan of Jennifer Aniston) falls in love with a character whose appearance is kind of dishevelled, but has a good heart. So, personality wins at the end. I like that message. There was one running gag during the movie which go tiresome. One of the trophy wives' husbands, who designs some sort of tropical body soap with pieces of fruit in it is always deemed gay, but is married. He gets hit on at clothing stores, etc., because people think he's gay, but he's actually straight, or metrosexual. That got old though really quickly.

Jennifer Aniston hasn't been in any good movies lately. Derailed was tolerable, and that's the last one I saw her in. In fact, I think that was the first one I saw her in. She's going to be starring in The Break Up, which I have no intention of going to see.

On other notes, I got a phone call from the manager at Blockbuster, where I had bought my movies, and he told me that he is going to do a price adjustment. I had to write an e-mail to Customer Service at Head Office to get my money back. Also, I did not see Mrs. Henderson Presents available at the same location. I did however see two copies of this movie at Movie Land, which is just a few stores down the street, but being sold at $14.99 each.

Kinky Boots

Today, I went to see the British comedy Kinky Boots. It was based on a true story, and I don't know how much of the true story got retained in the script. However, in the movie, it was about Price & Sons shoe factory who is struggling to stay afloat. When the father dies, Charles Price, the next heir in line, inherits the factory. Due to the change in the shoe market, Charles Price has discovered that his factory has lost a major contract, and that he has a large stock of oxfords that no one will take.

He attempts to fix things, by first laying off (or as it was expressed in the film - calling redundant) fifteen of his workers. However, it was the final worker whom he laid off that gave him the idea that he needs to find a niche market to sell their products to.

Earlier on in the film, he came to the rescue of a drag queen, who accidentally hit Charles in the face with a broken boot. It is here that Charles takes a risk about creating boots for drag queens.

The rest of the film is his trial and tribulation of going through with his production, of creating boots and footwear for drag queens. As well, there is also a secondary story of Lola (Simon), who struggles to gain acceptance for who he is, and as well as changing how others view him.

If you like musical numbers, as well as British humour, then this movie is for you. If you like drag shows, where the drag queen sings beautifully, this movie is for you. If you like all of the above, then this film is for you. The humour in this film is very intelligent or clever, but that goes without saying, since British humour tends to be more intellectual than some North American humour.

Also, the girlfriend of Charles Price, named Nicola is a selfish bitch who cares nothing but herself. She tries to get Charles to sell the factory so that they can live in this upscale flat that is humongous. When Charles tells Nicola that he has no intention of selling the factory, she throws a sissy fit. She is not seen after her big sissy fit in the office, so I assume that they broke up.

There were some very beautiful moments in this film, some funny, some touching, some intelligent. And to think, I got into this movie for free! I'm really happy I saw this film.

Speaking of selfish people in relationships, I found out that Roman and Olivier has had a silent breakup. Well, that lasted about two weeks, I think... Maybe less than that. Perhaps this is what happens when you think with your little head than with your big head. I do not know if there is any alterior motive for spending more time with me now... Perhaps he's thinking that he can patch things up with me, but in the words of TLC - "you know you can't get with this, one night you just, go and must find a hoe to get it up, why you even try your luck, stuck on silly shit, boy you know you need to quit, ain't the one for all this, you missed out... [silence] I'm, I'm, I'm out... I'm out, I'm out, I'm out out out." (TLC - Silly Ho)

Perhaps Roman is starting to regret his decision. Perhaps not. Who knows what's going on in his mind right now... But it is funny how I kind of thought that a relationship that was started via a text message, which is similar to the oldest trick in the book, didn't work out...

Sophie Scholl: The Final Days

Tonight, I saw the movie Sophie Scholl: The Final Days. It is a film about the Holocaust, and it was shot in German.

It was a good movie, very dramatic, and it was a film where there was no grey... You either liked it, or you didn't. I liked it, my friend Roman liked it, and my other friend Leo didn't like it, although he liked a few scenes in it.

As Kate Winslet said in Extras, "One way to win an Oscar is to play a character in Holocaust. Why do you think I'm doing this?" So, this film is probably going to win the Best Foreign language film or something...

Basically, the film was about Sophie Scholl, who got caught by this dipshit Professor for distributing "hate literature, or treason literature." As well, his brother and another got prosecuted as well. At the end of the movie, you hear the execution, but you don't see it...

Fortune cookies

It's kind of eery the kind of fortunes that you get in fortune cookies. And of course, most people tell me that it's just random, that the machine puts a random comment in the cookie, and then when you pick your own fortune, or when a cookie gets handed to you, it is a random comment that you receive. However, in my case, it's kind of bizarre how the fortunes are somewhat accurate.

For example, tonight, I got the fortune: You have the ability to sense and known higher truth. This is kind of scary, since I tend to look at things long term, and can see where things are going, but perhaps because I have a good head on my shoulders, or an old soul. :)

I went to Blockbuster today, and the supervisor in charge couldn't help me, I have to go back tomorrow and talk to the Manager, to try and get him to give me a price adjustment. Just think... Blockbuster can give me my $8 + tax, even in store credit, and they would have a happy customer, who will return to make repeat purchases. Or, they can keep my $8 + tax, and have me never ever buy another thing from them again... I fear I'll be calling the Head Office in Toronto.

Akeelah and the Bee (and other comments)

On May 2, 2006, I went to see Akeelah and the Bee. I had no idea what this film was about, and it wasn't until when I looked at the synopsis of this film online, and looked at movie reviews online that I realized that this was a good movie, and that the premise of this movie was the fact that it's an eleven year old girl who attends a not-so-hot school is attempting to win the National Spelling Bee.

Frankly, I have very little interest in spelling bees. In fact, I find them painfully boring to watch on TV. Usually, just flipping past the channel where they are showing the spelling bee is enough to make me go and watch something else. After watching this film, I have new found respect for spelling bees. This doesn't make me a fan, but I can appreciate the hard work that goes into preparing for one.

Akeelah and the Bee is a very touching movie. I didn't cry, or my eyes didn't water, but the storyline is very well laid out. The dialogue, especially the ones between children, are very cleverly written.

The one thing I didn't like about the film, and this had nothing to do with storyline or acting, is the Asian (possibly Chinese) parent who kept pushing his son to win the National Spelling Bee. He kept pressuring his son to learn all the words, and looked down upon anyone who was attempting to challenge his son's spot on the podium, as champion speller. He looked down especially on Akeelah, because she's African-American. That is so wrong. Just because she's African-American, it does not make her any more stupid, or any less worthy of being a participant in a spelling bee.

I also really liked how the community in her neighbourhood all helped her out with trying to memorize words, as well as routing for her while she was at the spelling bee. It's nice when the community supports you, it's quite wonderful!

One other thing that bugged me about this film is the fact that it was financed by Starbucks... It was a Starbucks production. Stupid Starbucks.

And now, some other things I wanted to comment on.

On my way back from the theatre, I stopped by the Blockbuster, just to be nosy, and see what new films they put out under their pre-visioned titles.... And I found out that they have a new special... It's now 2 for $20 (between $10.00 and $16.99 or higher), 2 for $14 (between $7.99 and $9.99) and 2 for $10 or 3 for $16 (for $7.99 or below). I am not too sure about the third deal, but the price range will be similar.

So, before I left the store, I asked a clerk who works there to see if Blockbuster gives money back on pre-visioned DVDs, since I had bought 4 movies in the original 2 for $24 special, less than two weeks ago. If I had known that they were going to change the price, I would have waited until this week. She looked at me, kind of funny, and told me that she highly doubts it. In other places where I have purchased stuff, when the item went on sale a week or two after when I purchased it, they gave me my money back. And usually, most stores allow for a month. Blockbuster would be stupid to not give my money back. I'm actually quite pissed that they do not do cash back, but even if they give me the equivalent of $8 + tax back for an in-store credit, I would be happy, since I could use that credit towards my next purchase. However, if they do not budge, then I will probably never buy from them again, and go to Videotron or something, where they also sell used copies of DVDs. So, I'll have to go to Blockbuster tomorrow and attempt to get my money back. I'm glad I saved my receipts.

Hard Candy

On May 1, 2006, I went to see the movie Hard Candy. This is the movie about a 14 year old girl who is meeting up with a 31 year old photographer at a local coffee shop. You think that from the first moment, that the 14 year old girl was going to be in trouble, but then as the movie progresses, you realize that perhaps the predator has become the prey...

This movie was definitely disturbing, and it was a psychological thriller. I also believe that the male lead actor, Patrick Wilson should at least get an Oscar nod for his portrayal of the lead character, Jeff. I also found it slightly unrealistic that a 14 year old girl has the maturity and the mental capacity of what she did in the film.

At the theatre, there were some people who were clearly idiots... At one point in the movie, some dude called out, "Cut off his balls.", and I yelled over, "I don't need your comments, thank you.", but then the idiot either didn't hear me, or wanted to hear my comment again, and asked, "What?", and I repeated my same comment. This is a psychological thriller, not a blood and guts movie... You're not goint to see blood and guts in this film. Anyway, idiotic people.

It appears to keep going downhill

As a good friend, I treated Roman to an Indian buffet lunch, because it was the end of his internship last Friday. The restaurant, Bombay Palace is actually very good with their Indian cuisine. Also, it's a great deal, since you get lunch for $8.95 + tax.

And during the lunch, Roman told me he saw Olivier on the bus today. It was today that I found out that they both lived in West Island... And thus, they were both taking the bus to go downtown. However,, Olivier didn't go and say hi to Roman, even though he saw Roman.

Now, Roman attributes to this to the fact that Olivier is really afraid of homophobia. I attribute to the fact that either he's an asshole, and doesn't want to go say hi, or he's one of those gays with issues, where he cannot be seen with another guy who is gay, unless he's in the gay village. Going to say hi to someone you know or perhaps love does not make you gay. And if the person isn't out to the person at hand, I'm sure that an excuse can be quickly created. And besides, if the person isn't out, you shouldn't be dating them anyway.

Regardless, it seems to me that every time I hear something about Olivier, it's a sign that the "relationship" is going downhill.