Hockey Knowledge

This is not a movie review, but rather is to satisfy a bet. The plot goes like this: each year for about the past five, one of my sons and I have had an ongoing bet during the Stanley Cup. Before each round begins, we pick: a) the winner of the series; and, b) how many games each series takes (best out of seven). If you get a) correct you get a point. If you get a) and b) correct, you get an additional point. There are 8 series in the first round, 4 in the second, 2 in the third and then the final (fourth) series). Sometimes, if we agree on the winner of a series, we’re competing only on the number of games it will take to win.

These prognostications are not easy as there are always ‘upsets’ but it is always interesting. And, because our favourite team did not make the playoffs (once AGAIN), it gives us something to cheer about when the other teams are involved.

And now, to the bet. I must say, I whomped my son in the first round, 4 points to 1. But, by picking the Kings correctly in each subsequent round, my son slowly but surely whittled the lead down. Like a good hockey game - it was 4-3 after the second series, then 4-4, heading into the final. We both called the Kings and it looked like neither of us would pull it off. I had said the Kings in 5 and they could have won it in 4, but didn’t; they could have won it in 5 thus conferring on me the title of ‘hockey genius’, but instead chose that night to have their only road game loss of the series. And finally, in front of a gazillion delirious home town L.A. fans, they just trounced the Devils in game 6, which is what my son had predicted. So he won our bet 5-4. 

ACCORDINGLY, I AM COMPELLED TO PROCLAIM TO YOU, MY LOYAL READERS OF CHICK FLICK REVIEWS, THAT MY SON IS A PRODIGIOUS AND PROLIFIC HOCKEY PROGNOSTICATOR AND GENIUS.

In addition, I must point you to one of his blogs - in this case I suggest you read the blog ‘Of Our Parents’, found at http://ofourparents.com/    Mostly these are interviews by my son of friends of his and about their parents. The latest posting just happens to be about my wife and moi and of course I recommend it highly (that is, if you’ve managed to read this far)! 

So, all hail to the Kings who won the Cup, and all hail to my son (until next year...).

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

This is a lovely movie with an outstanding cast, including: Dame Judi Dench (the definitive 'M', Chocolat, etc); Maggie Smith (the HP series, etc); Tom Wilkinson (The Full Monty and Ghost Writer, both great); Bill Nighy (Love Actually); and, Celia Imrie (Calendar Girls).

Be warned that this is a film for those of us of 'advancing years'. Saw this on a Saturday afternoon and the theatre was filled with gray-haired individuals, chuckling at the various familiar scenarios. The stories are simple but intriguing with some interesting reflections on life. The performances are good. While the movie drags in some places and one wonders why perhaps a character had not done something 10 minutes earlier, it is still charming.

I'd see it again in order to watch the 'set up' of the characters and their stories and to revel in the performances of some of the great actors of our time.

The Avengers

This is a great action movie and features: Robert Downey Jr is, as always, superb and the movie hums when he is on screen; Samuel L Jackson (Captain America) is suitably gravely gruff; Mark Ruffalo (Just Like Heaven, which I loved) is a great Hulk; Jeremy Renner (MI: Ghost Protocol and an up-and-coming actor); and, Scarlett Johansson who confirmed my review in We Bought a Zoo - nice to look at, but can she act?

Lots going on, the film rarely drags, and you get exactly what you expect. I'd like to see it again.