Year: 2014

Green Chalk Contemporary–It’s All About Fish

Written by diana on July 13, 2014. Posted in Art, Local travel, Unhealed Wound. 1 Comment on Green Chalk Contemporary–It’s All About Fish

The year-old gallery, Green Chalk Contemporary, in Monterey, is currently presenting “FRESH FISH “, a show of over 50 artworks contributed by local, national and international artists. Emotionally resonant subject matter, expressive brushwork, vibrant colors, deep and rich paint and ink tones, mixed media, found objects and...

“The Lunchbox”–Tidbits of Love

Written by diana on July 9, 2014. Posted in movie reviews. 2 Comments on “The Lunchbox”–Tidbits of Love

This 2014 Indian film is a quirky romantic tale of two very lonely and desperate people attempting to find something to live for. A psychological study of loneliness and hope, “The Lunchbox” masterfully questions how much an individual is willing to risk to change his or her life. Saajan Fernandes is a...

“The Escape Artist”–Thrilling Escapism

Written by diana on June 29, 2014. Posted in Television reviews. 5 Comments on “The Escape Artist”–Thrilling Escapism

In this two-part mini-series aired on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery Theater over the past two weeks, Will Burton (David Tennant of “Broadchurch”, “Dr. Who”, and “Harry Potter” fame) is London’s top-ranked criminal defense barrister. Maggie Gardner (Sophie Okonedo, 2014 Tony-award winner for “A...

A Prophet–But Not in His Own Land

Written by diana on June 23, 2014. Posted in movie reviews.

This French film, winner of the 2009 Grand Prix at Cannes and France’s official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, is a prison drama in the same league as “Shawshank Redemption” and secondarily “Goodfellas”: raw, intense, and violent. It works largely because Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim), a...

“North Face” (Nordwand) (2008)–The Ogre of the Alps

Written by diana on June 17, 2014. Posted in movie reviews.

Based on a true story, “North Face” is a suspenseful adventure film about a competition to climb the most dangerous rock face in the Alps. Set in 1936 as Nazi Germany urges the nation’s mountain climbers to conquer the unclimbed north face – the Eiger (“Ogre” in German) – two reluctant German...

“Cold in July”–Left this viewer cold too

Written by diana on June 10, 2014. Posted in movie reviews.

“Cold in July” is the first film that Michael C. Hall has starred in following his tremendous performance as “Dexter”. In addition, Sam Shepard appears as a Texan out for revenge for his ex-con son who has disappeared. But neither of these fine actors can save this movie. The story is...