Entertainment

Our Deb Williams is an avid film buff. She shares her thoughts on the Oscars, which will be awarded this Sunday, March 7. But first here are a few of my own red carpet-worthy nominees. I too like to sit in the dark and watch flicks – especially in this stellar year for "Uncle Oscar".

Up in the Air garnered many nominations, all well-deserved. This brilliant satire by nominee writer-director Jason Reitman captures the alienation and isolation of today’s modern work environment. There are brilliant performances by the whole cast, especially nominees George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, and Vera Farmiga. Funny, sad, human, and relevant. Go see it.

Crazy Heart has a tour de force performance by Jeff Bridgesthat has landed him a leading actor nomination. Maggie Gyllenhaalis nominated for best supporting actress. She positively glows in the role.

Colin Firth is also nominated for best actor in the very stylish and compelling A Single Man. It is the to-die-for debut film of designer Tom Ford. Both Carey Mulligan in An Educationand Helen Mirrenin The Last Stationare recognized for films you may have missed. Carey Mulliganwill be a huge star — mark my words. The Last Station, which also has a brilliant performance by Christopher Plummeras Russian writer Leo Tolstoy,is so underrated it makes we want to scream. Be sure to see them both!

Here are Deb’s thoughts about this year’s Oscar-nominated films.

Avatar has been nominated in a plethora of categories, one of which is best film. I, along with other millions, saw the film in all its 3D splendour. I found the film lacking because of its weak plot and sub-par acting. Although it was entertaining, so

are other adventure/action films from the past. In the end I was left with a throbbing headache and a sinking feeling that I would never get back those wasted three hours. Avatar fails to win my vote.

Kathryn Bigelow’s Hurt Locker, on the other hand, proved to be a gripping film. It brings to life the reality faced by an American bomb disposal squad in Iraq. The realism and brute emotion makes this film a must-see. It not only brings the war to the forefront, but it captures the lives of these young men who put themselves on the line every day to try and save innocent civilians. The film is captivating. The action brought me to the edge of my seat.

Sandra Bullockis nominated for her role in The Blind Side. It’s a tear jerker, but Bullock’s flawless charm helps to make it a timeless classic. The Blind Side is the true story of NFL player and Baltimore Raven Michael Oher. In a time of digital madness and the unnecessary use of gore, this homey film is a welcome change.

But Meryl Streep is a tough rival in the same category. Her portrayal of Julia Child in Julie & Julia is nothing short of stellar. She even inspired me to attempt Child’s famous beef bourguignon. It was fabulous! It made me more enthusiastic about French cooking.

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will host this year’s Academy Awards.I will be rooting for films that not only bring the silver screen to life but also inspire us to take a step back and truly cherish those around us who unknowingly make our lives so much sweeter.

Do you have a favourite we missed? Let us know. Or, do you disagree with one of us? Share your opinion with other DD readers by emailing us at domore@dolcedolce.com and we will print it. After all darlings, that’s entertainment!

Hiam Abass and Ali Sulman Hollywood’s preoccupation with movies to interest adolescent boys is tiresome and a bore. We relish the few good Hollywood movies that escape this sophomoric curse, but they seem few and far between. Luckily, there is an alternative. We find we gravitate to foreign and independent films for movies made to entertain adults.

Lemon Tree is about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a brave little movie because it dares to see both sides, and is made by an Israeli director and a Palestinian writer.

Israeli director Eran Riklis and his Palestinian co-writer, Suha Arraf set the story on the frontier between Israeli and Palestinian territory and cultures. The Israeli Defense Minister builds a new house. Its back yard sits right next to a lemon grove owned by Palestinian widow Salma Zidane. The grove was her husband’s, until he died, so it represents much more than her only source of income.

When Israeli security officers declare the grove a threat to the minister’s home and family, it is ordered destroyed. The widow is devastated, but mounts a legal battle to save her trees, and the life she has known for so long. The widow is championed by young, idealistic, and ambitious Palestinian lawyer. Slowly, her battle for her grove becomes an international cause celebre.

She finds an unlikely ally in the defense minister’s wife, Mira. In an interview, Mira longs wistfully to be able to speak with her neighbour.

The film is an allegory for bigger and more troubling issues than a disputed lemon grove. It features exceptional performances by all, especially Hiam Abbass who portrays Salma Zidane. All the cast, even those in the smallest roles, bring nuances to their performances that lend meaning to this touching and troubling tale.

If you are tempted to avoid this movie because you dislike “political films”, please reconsider. This is a film full of heart, soul, and beauty – not rhetoric. It’s worth searching out this summer.

Barrel-chested and alcoho loving Strel was the "Big River Man"

Entertainment editor Deb Williams reviews another of her favourite documentaries. This has been a stellar year for documentaries. Try to catch one at your local theater.

Slovenian endurance swimmer, Martin Strelconquered the Mississippiin 2002 and the Yangtze in 2004. John Maringouin’s documentary Big River Man depicts Strel’s attempt to swim the Amazon River, a feat he accomplishes in 66 days at the age of 53. Barrel-chested, alcohol-loving, Strel undertook the challenge to highlight awareness about the depletion of the Amazon rain forests. Maringouin treats audiences to an emotional journey. He shows Strel’s sense of humour as well as the inner madness that drives him to battle the Amazon.

Big River Man is a swashbuckling documentary. Strel shows that one man can make a difference. One of the earth’s greatest champions, Strel believes no feat is impossible. Big River Man proves that the human spirit can endure fear, disappointment, and exhaustion to triumph over all odds.

This is a documentary for those who enjoy something other than the blood, guts, and monotonous violence that frequently feature on big screens these days. It has heart and hope.

Deb Williams reports on a favourite pick from Toronto’s Hot Doc’s Film Festival, where a new style of documentary is gaining a wider audience:

The biographical documentary Sergio brims with action, drama, and emotion – and will appeal to a wide audience. This brilliant film follows the life of the charismatic Brazilian, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who joined the United Nations when he was just 21.

Inspired by Samantha Power’s book, Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and The Fight to Save the World, director Greg Barker shows how de Mello’s great leadership abilities allowed him to tactfully provide solutions in tense political situations.

He went to some of the world’s most volatile countries — Bangladesh, Cambodia, and East Timor – and earned him a reputation as the U.N.’s go-to guy. Sergio embarked on his last tour to Iraq after being heavily influenced by senior dignitaries such as Condoleezza Rice and Tony Blair.

The world remembers images of the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad devastated by a terrorist bomb in 2003. This was where Sergio spent the last few hours of his life, entombed in rubble. With finesse and realistic clarity, Barker keeps audiences riveted.

The documentary is a tribute not only to a great man, but to an international hero.

Parallel to the unfolding international drama, Barker closely follows Sergio’s personal life and his love for female companionship. Interviews with family, friends and co-workers reveal layers of a man whose ethics were built on the preservation and independence of every oppressed individual.

Sergio eloquently portrays the humility of a man who was instrumental in changing the world and understanding the complexities of human nature when faced with adversity. It is a true privilege to witness such a heartfelt story of a man who shows how one person can make a difference.

Deb will bring us more highlights from HotDocs.