QUARTET

What a fabulous movie. The dry British wit, the cast of acting monarchs *ahem Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon*, the intermittent performances - violins, oboes, pianos, trumpets, clarinets - and the rather astounding operatic combinations.

What begins as a walk-through of a retirement home full of artists and musicians who still gather to practice and perform amongst each other lead to the developing of a love story between two opera powerhouses that had fallen out of love while in the prime of their musical careers.

Jean Horton (Smith) had been out of the opera business for years after the pressure of performance  for the sake of positive reviews overwhelmed and consumed her. She chose to tune down the bellowing of her life by moving to Beecham House, a retirement home of men and women who left behind artistic legacies like she had. Beecham House was also home to her ex-husband, Reggie (Courtenay). Unbeknownst to Jean, Reggie has no interest in seeing her again. But I'll let you watch the movie to witness how that unfolds.

Anyhow, so Beecham is also home to Cissy (Collins) and Wilf (Connolly), retired operatic starts who had lived full and successful lives. The four share this one thing: they had performed in Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto", and Jean was said to have perfected the vocal performance.

The retirement home is in poor financial state and so Cedric, the self-proclaimed director of most musical performances of the House, suggests the four perform the Quartet one last time in hope of raising money to save Beecham.

I'm not revealing any more. You simply must watch this film.

The script was written tactfully and woven with sensibility and humour. There is a tenderness maintained through the script which is taken to a deeper emotional level through the sheer talent of these acting greats.

You will laugh continuously, you will find yourself surrounded by an audience of a median age of 65, and you will find yourself holding your breath at the beauty of the English landscapes, rolling hills and the continuous sound of operatic beauty.

Executive producer and director of this film, Dustin Hoffman reigns king of multifaceted areas of talent.

What are you doing this very minute?

Just watching 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs'...and loving it.

The Help!

My mother's been updating me with more details and gossip from the book "The Help!". She can't get enough of it!

And now with Emma Stone starring in the upcoming "The Help!" movie, I'll definitely be able to acompany my mom in all her excitement.

You Must Experience!

Seeing as the summer break is finally here for all those college and university-goers, many of us have tons of time on our hands and no idea where to begin to make the most of it. Well, may I provide you with a few suggestions?

Go out for a night on the town with your best friends or your loved one, and catch a flick! Specifically make a mental reminder of "Water for Elephants". Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson (although not a personal fan of either) really shine as it appears they are in their element in this movie as circus performers. I mean not to say they are clowns in any way, just that their partnership in creativity under a circus tent is phenomenal. Definitely a must-see this summer.

Go for a bike ride! Biking is an awesome way to work your muscles and get out there and catch some rays. Ride through a part of town you are unfamiliar with and stop by the local bakery for a pastery or milkshake! You really can't go wrong.

Catch some local theatrical talent! Tomorrow night I will be watching "Forrests" at the Terragon Theatre in downtown Toronto! The talent is supposed to be mind-blowing, so I'm uber excited. Check out what kind of plays are being produced around you!

Spend the day at the spa. If you live in Toronto, you might want to check out The Elmwood Spa and venture out to visit a masseuse. Apparently they really know how to get right in their and mend your broken mind and body! If you're like me and trying to mend a broken heart, a spa and massage might be just the way to go.

Need more suggestions? Check out What's On Toronto.com for a great list of restaurants, free gigs, best jazz bars and local shows to catch!

Enjoy!!