The Art Of Getting By - Review

This movie originally premiered as "Homework" at the 2011 Sundance Festival. I'm not sure why the title changed but "The Art Of Getting By" definitely suits the screenplay more... This story is about a young budding artist (George played by Freddie Highmore) and his struggle through the last year of high school. Sally (Emma Roberts) comes to George's "rescue" by way of a heartwarming friendship.

"The Art Of Getting By" has a very genuine feel to it and I really liked the way the reality of the trials and tribulations of each character shone through. The cast is wide and varied and I was nicely surprised with a cameo appearance of Alicia Silverstone (Clueless) in a very uncharacteristic role.

Overall, not a huge block buster but I did enjoy the movie.

Playing in a theatre near you starting Friday, 17th June 2011.

Quartier Mode Pop Up

Here goes Montreal proving it once again. We are indeed, the queen of style in North America. The designers here bring the European flair and stylin' of New York which gives us a style of our very own. Chic and amazing.This is what upcoming designer and entrepreneur Tiffany Elton is all about. Her cutting edge concepts will have fashion followers wondering what hit them. Elton and partner are launching their new concept and showcasing various designers in the most unique way that Montrealers have yet to see. Local and independent designers will be featured at a boutique in a trendy "Quartier" for two days at a time. The venues will change and each time different groups of designers will be highlighted. Through exclusive "pop-up" sales and their online boutique, "Quartier Mode" is offering the most unique experience and making available, wonderful designer clothing and accessories that would normally not be so readily accessible to the public.

During this "pop-up", the designers will be Lady-Like, Noir de mars handbags, Deborah Adams handbags, Betina Lou - Blue eyed coquette accessories, Ramonalisa, D FLY, Bijougraphie by Mercedes Larosa and Keyligh Peddie.

Don't miss it!

For more information please click here: http://quartiermode.com/

The Annual 36th Westmount Park Family Day

Sherrie at The Underdog booth

The 36th Annual Westmount Park Family Day started off with a bang! A big bang of thunder that is! There was rain splattering on and off for most of the day but it was all good. That didn't stop these Westmounters from having fun!

The Underdog Club and SPCA bond together to find homes for these wonderful animals

One of my favourite groups were there. The Underdog Club. Their mission in life is to help the old, the ugly and the unpopular get adopted. Pets that is... These people have the biggest hearts I know. I love them. The SPCA were with them on this rainy day prancing their well-behaved adoptable dogs around the park.

Take a look at this link to see the adorable creatures that need a home.
http://www.underdogclub.org/

There were all kinds of games for the children to play and there were tents full of (soggy) food and informational stuff. It was a very nice set up. Umbrellas were put up everywhere and then tossed aside and there were lots of muddy knees to be seen. But no one seemed to care. It was a happy day today.

The little ones got their dreams of riding on ponies.

And even the grown ups couldn't help but give the animals at the petting zoo a little scratch behind the ear.
Stay tuned for more events like this throughout the summer!

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - REVIEW

Pirates of the Caribbean ~ On Stranger Tides is here!!!

Depp fans are in for a treat. What could be better than watching Johnny Depp? Johnny Depp on IMAX AND in 3D!!!

The movie starts off with a real "Wow!" factor. We're thrown straight into a chase scene that starts off inside the castle and then leads onto the streets of London. There are a lot of cool stunts. Shortly after, you're right in the middle of a challenging dual of swords. I was already engaged as the first part of the movie was promising to deliver lots more excitment throughout the movie.

In this adventure, Jack Sparrow (Depp) is forced onto Blackbeard's ship to lead the crew to the fountain of youth. Angelica (Penelope Cruz) is onboard posing as Blackbeard's daughter (the bad guy) and the playful tension is fun between her and Depp. There are new characters and lots of "pirate speak". Aye! The special effects are really interesting and my personal fave were the mermaids. The 3D special effects were also very good, I only wished there were more.

In all, an entertaining movie with lots of "aye" candy. Aye, it be lovely!

Opens in theatres this Friday.

29th Annual "Just For Laughs" Comedy Festival is coming!!!

Festival 2011 promises to be a real treat this year featuring Russell Peters, Eric Stonestreet, Craig Ferguson, Daniel Tosh, Louis CK, John Oliver, Eddie Izzard, Kevin Smith and new BIG special event galas!

Here are a few that you just can't miss!

BEST NIGHT EVER
Launching the Festival is one of the biggest comedy stars, Russell Peters. This show will feature a personally selected line-up of his favourite and funniest comedian friends. This will certainly be "The Best Night Ever!"
Join Russels, Jeremy Hotz, Jimmy Carr, Dom Irrera, Sebastian Maniscalco, Nick Thune and more...
Dates: July 28 – 7:00 & 10:00 PM
Location: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier – Place des Arts

CRAIG FERGUSON’S INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF COMEDY
Join the wild host of CBS’s The Late Late Show. Craig Ferguson returns to Montreal to his fellow international comedians looking to become North American household names.
Dates: July 30 – 7:00 & 10:00 PM
Location: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier – Place des Arts

This is the one I want to see!!!
MODERN LOVE: THE RELATIONSHIP SHOW
Hosted by Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet
Modern Family's Eric Stonestreet (Cam) will be owning his own show called "Modern Love: The Relationship Show". This gala is going to be sooooo funny! It's all about the things we need, love and obsess about. Is your cat your best friend? Have a mad crush on a celebrity? Get ready for "modern love" to be dissected in every way imaginable. Hosted by Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet and featuring Bob Marley, Debra DiGiovanni, Robert Kelly, Tim Minchin and more!
Dates: July 29 – 7:00 PM
Location: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier – Place des Arts

DECLINE OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE?!
Hosted by The Daily Show’s John Oliver
Now if it’s politics you love, then get ready for the controversial "Decline of the American Empire?!" This will be hosted by "The Daily Show’s" own John - a British stand-up fave. Get ready to piss your political trousers. Comics will speak their mind, debating on the future – or lack thereof – of the USA. Hosted by John Oliver and starring Colin Quinn, Marc Maron, Alonzo Bodden and more.
Dates: July 31 – 7:00 PM
Location: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier – Place des Arts

A TRIBUTE TO NERDS
How about something for the digically addicted? "A Tribute to Nerds" will be for you! Does your day consist of downloading apps, reading graphic novels, and lining up at the Mac Store at 5:00 AM to get in on Steve Jobs’ latest vision? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then this show was made for you.
Dates: July 29 – 10:00 PM
Location: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier – Place des Arts

MORE COMEDY NOT TO BE MISSED!

THE NASTY SHOW
Forget about “Got Milk?”. "Got Balls?" Can you handle one of the most insulting shows in the history of stand-up comedy? You can try to hide, but no one is safe from our host, The Roastmaster General himself, Jeffrey Ross.
Dates: July 14 – 7:00 & 9:30 PM
July 15 & 16 – 7:00, 9:30 & 11:59 PM
Location: Metropolis

EDDIE IZZARD – STRIPPED
Eddie Izzard brings his show Stripped to the Gesù! From the vantage point of his elegant, sexy and absurd universe, Eddie tackles topics ranging from the origin of language to Wikipedia, from banjos to helicopters, from God to the creation of life and of course… bananas. The NY Times declared him to be “the most brilliant stand-up comedian of his generation—he is deliriously, dizzyingly, catch-your-breath funny.” Did we mention he’s also presenting an additional special show in French? Oui, c’est vrai!
Dates: July 11 to 13 –7:00 PM
July 11 – 9:30 PM (in French)
Location: Gesù – Centre de créativité

TIM MINCHIN
Spend an evening with one of the classiest and most talented international performers working today. This is a full-out comedy/music experience that will make you think and laugh.
Dates: July 28 to 30 – 9:00 PM
Location: L’Astral

DANNY BHOY – WANDERLUST
He is one of the most sought-after comedians working in the world today and 2011 sees Danny return to our shores with a brand-new show to delight his ever-growing Canadian fan base. More mesmerizing anecdotes and quick-fire wit from the globetrotting Scot are guaranteed to leave Montreal audiences with a smile on their face and wanderlust in their hearts. His last run here completely sold out, so early booking is highly recommended for this brilliant, busy Scot.
Dates: July 19 to 23 and July 26 to 30 – 7:00 PM
Location: Gesù – Centre de créativité

JIMMY CARR – LAUGHTER THERAPY
Since the turn of the century, Jimmy has been a ‘fun slinger’ of international repute. Laughter Therapy will be an evening of nonstop jokes, gags and banter. If you’ve got a sick sense of humour, then maybe laughter really is the best medicine. Not for the sensitive and overactive moral compasses. Need I say more?

Dates: July 21 to 24 and July 27 to 30 – 9:30 PM
Location: Gesù – Centre de créativité

ONE-STOP WORLD TOUR: The Best of Britcom, O’Comics and Late Nite Down Under
Dates: July 25 to 27 – 9:30 PM
Location: Club Soda

THE BAR MITZVAH SHOW
Eat something! You look thin! I am not a travel agent for guilt trips! Get ready for the return of the funniest, most Jewy show you’ve ever seen (apart from your family’s Passover seder). OY!
Dates: July 27 & 28 – 7:00 PM
Location: Théâtre Jean Duceppe – Place des Arts

MOM COM
It’s time for moms of the world to speak up, unite in laughter and gab about anything and everything mom-related. An evening brought to you by hilarious comedians will tell you things most moms are too sweet to say. No apple pie will be served. Wear clean undies.
Dates: July 29 & 30 – 7:00 PM
Location: Théâtre Jean Duceppe – Place des Arts

TALK OF THE FEST
Too little time, too much to see? Can’t decide? Going nutso? Try this! Talk of the Fest brings you the Fest’s hottest acts, all hosted by popular blogger/podcaster Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist). You will soon understand why they’re the Talk of the Fest!
Dates: July 25 to 27 – 7:00 PM
July 30 – 7:00 & 9:30 PM
Location: Club Soda

NASTY GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Think girls don’t have balls just as big as guys? Notwithstanding human anatomy, these girls are about to show everyone just how edgy, risky, shocking, hilarious and downright nasty women can be in the world of comedy. Girls, grab your nastiest friends (even the ones who never swear) and head out for a ladies’ night out on the town. Guys, wear your jock straps.
Dates: July 28 – 7:30 PM
Location: Metropolis

There are W-A-A-A-A-A-Y too many shows to go into details, but for sure, they will all be hilarious and YOU NEED THEM! Afterall, Montreal is rated the Happiest Place in the World!

Stay tuned for our über-cool Zoofest announcement!

For more information, click on this link:

http://www.hahaha.com/en/montreal/overview

Source: Just For Laughs Group

The Conspirator - Review

This film is based on the true story of Mary Surratt (played by Robin Wright) and her son John (played by Johnny Simmons) and their involvement of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Mary was the owner of a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth (Toby Kebbell) and a gang of others (including her son John) met to organize, conspire and plan attacks on the President, Vice president and Secretary of State.
As the nation turns against her, Surratt is forced to rely on her lawyer Frederick Aiken (James Mcavoy) to defend and save her life.

The settings, costumes and lighting created by Robert Redford (director) were second to none. He really captured the tone of post-Civil War. The cast were outstanding and held up the story, which was very powerful.

I really enjoyed this drama although found that one needed a bit more patience than usual as it was a bit slower than one is used to. But, in all, it worked.


Bravo Redford!

Opens in theatres 6th May 2011

Fermez le Berger Blanc

It is with a heavy heart that I decided to write this article. It was a difficult decision because I wanted this blog to be a Montreal cultural informational hub, for fun and beautiful articles, but after much thought, I needed to have a voice for those who do not. I love my blog and I still love Montreal, however, Montreal is not always fair. In fact, far from it this time. First and foremost, I am an animal lover. I believe we have a duty to treat all living beings with respect, dignity and love. Recently, Berger Blanc has been in the spotlight. Berger Blanc is supposed to be a city pound, that holds animals for a certain period of time in case their owners go looking for them there. After the grace period, the animals are to be put down by certified veterinarians by lethal injection. They have a certain criteria in which they are supposed to follow. They didn't... In fact they went so far away from the original plan that Montrealers that were just animal lovers and pet parents became outraged activists today. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, as we need to stand by those who cannot and are not given a chance to have a voice. Radio Canada aired a very disturbing under cover story about Berger Blanc this Thursday. It is in French but you will be able to understand it by the filming. Please be warned that this video is EXTREMELY graphic.http://www.tou.tv/enquete/S04E24

I watched the whole thing. It left me shocked, outraged and gasping for air. A place like this only exists (so I thought) in nightmares, not in real life and please... not in MY Montreal?!! Unfortunately, the proof is there. Staring us in the face amongst other articles.
http://www.montrealmirror.com/wp/2011/03/24/cover-pet-heaven’s-waiting-room/

http://www.cbc.ca/m/touch/canada/story/2011/04/20/montreal-animal-pound-euthanasia.html

The mayor's response was weak, cold and absolutely unacceptable.http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/April2011/21/c6261.html

To write to the mayor, please follow this link:http://www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=5977,42999685&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

How are we able to sleep at night knowing that this is going on? We protested and were the top story tonight on CTV.http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110423/mtl_berger_110423/20110423/?hub=MontrealHome#commentSection
It's a start, but it's not enough...

The Montreal Gazette's article:http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Montreal+pressured+over+Berger+Blanc/4661535/story.html
After the protest, the mayor (Gerard Tremblay) still stood his ground and said:
"...we are keeping an eye on the Berger Blanc. We will have more inspectors carrying out regular inspections and spot checks."
WHAT??? Is that all you have for us? Well, not good enough! We want the abuse and suffering to be over. We want you to shut it down or step down.

What can we do?

• We can have a voice for those who don't.


• We can persist and insist until something is done.


• We can write, blog and voice our opinions.


• We can spread the word about what is going on.


• We can be animal activists.


• We can "show up" at protests, on petitions, publicly and keep on going until things change.


• We can continue until things get done!

Here is a very thorough outline of the ongoing fight with Berger Blanc. This is a really great dog site as well. http://www.montrealdogblog.com/7097/fight-berger-blanc-montreal/

What the SPCA is doing:http://www.spcamontreal.com/media1.php?lg=en&id=83

Sign the petitions to close Berger Blanc:

http://www.petitions24.net/petition_berger_blanc

https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=5031

Sign this petition to bring Berger Blanc to court and hold them accountable for all that they have done:http://www.petitions24.net/berger_blanc_-_devant_les_tribunaux

There is another protest in front of Montreal's City Hall

on 13th May, 2011.

Please show up to show your support... afterall, it could be your dog or your neighbour's cat that finds itself lost and at the hands of Berger Blanc.