Category Archives: Notes

TIFF: Sunshine and music at the CFC picnic

Posted on September 11, 2011 by admin

One of the treats at the Toronto International Film Festival is Norman Jewison’s annual picnic at the Canadian Film Centre and it was a pleasure there today to meet the London-born Canadian classical guitarist Liona Boyd.

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A good man down: Brian Vallée dies

Posted on July 23, 2011 by admin

By Ray Bennett My good mate Brian Vallée died Saturday in a Toronto hospital after a fight with cancer. He was 70. That’s him in the centre of the photo with me and another great chum Ron Base on the … Continue reading →

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Thinking of Renée on her birthday

Posted on November 21, 2010 by admin

Renee Rich and I had happy days in the 1980s and we spoke regularly all the years afterwards. She died at home in Memphis on Christmas 2006. Where I walk, and life is warm Sun and breath, hopefully here All … Continue reading →

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Chris Columbus takes on Harry with new 'Percy'

Posted on February 12, 2010 by admin

Logan Lerman in ‘Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief’, opened in the UK today This preview appeared in the December edition of Cue Entertainment Read more about ‘Percy Jackson’ By Ray Bennett LONDON – “I know, I know, it’s the … Continue reading →

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Randy Newman's music adds zing to 'Princess'

Posted on February 8, 2010 by admin

‘The Princess and the Frog’ opened in the UK on Friday This preview appeared in the December edition of Cue Entertainment Read more about ‘The Princess and the Frog’ By Ray Bennett LONDON – Walt Disney’s animated feature “The Princess … Continue reading →

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Recalling my great friend Mark Schwed on his birthday

Posted on September 23, 2009 by admin

From too much love of living, From hope and fear set free, We thank with brief thanksgiving Whatever gods may be That no man lives for ever; That dead men rise up never; That even the weariest river Winds somewhere … Continue reading →

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A different kind of alien causes mayhem in 'District 9'

Posted on August 29, 2009 by admin

Neill Blomkamp’s science fiction drama opens in the United Kingdom on Sept. 4 This preview appeared in the July edition of Cue Entertainment By Ray Bennett Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson has made plenty of movies that were reason enough to … Continue reading →

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'McCabe' villain Hugh Millais dies at 79

Posted on July 17, 2009 by admin

Hugh Millais, who utters the fateful line that changes everything for Pudgy McCabe in my all-time favorite movie, “McCabe & Mrs. Miller”, has died aged 79. As the menacing Butler, who comes to the town of Presbyterian Church to hunt … Continue reading →

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Johnny Depp became a fan of Dillinger on Public Enemies

Posted on June 30, 2009 by admin

Marion Cotillard and Johnny Depp in Public Enemies, opening July 1 This preview appeared in the May issue of Cue Entertainment where there wasn’t room to mention that the music in “Public Enemies” is by the great Oscar-winning composer Elliot … Continue reading →

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Year One opens the book on biblical gags

Posted on June 26, 2009 by admin

Michael Cera and Jack Black in ‘Year One,’ which opens in the UK today This preview of “Year One” appeared in the April edition of Cue Entertainment By Ray Bennett Jack Black explains his new film like this: “ ‘Year … Continue reading →

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