MOVIE REVIEWS

Ed, one of our Creative Art Group members, enjoys writing film reviews for current pictures. As 2006 drives into it's 4th quarter, here is a list of Top 10 Movies in theatres and on rental so far for the year. Of course the list will continue to change as the year comes to an end -- but here are Ed's reviews to date:

#10 AMERICAN DREAMZ -- A wickedly funny satire in which "American Idol" and President Bush are made fun of. Dennis Quaid is "spot-on" as he plays the bumbling leader. This film also features some good music and the forever interesting Hugh Grant!

#9 TRUST THE MAN -- David Duchovny leads a fine cast in this witty, "Woody Allen" type film about love and marriage in New York City.

#8 FIREWALL -- Harrison Ford once again saves the day in this entertaining blend of high technology, suspense and action.

#7 THE RITCHIE BOYS -- A powerful documentary about a group of German Jews who immigrated to the U.S. shortly before WW2 and studied to be expert interrogators of German POWs for the American Army.

#6 BEFORE THE FALL -- A young man's journey into an elite school for Nazi youth is portrayed with all of the hope, cruelty and eventual sadness such an experience produced.

#5 SCOOP -- Proof once again that Woody Allen is back in form with this witty mystery shot in London.

#4 AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH -- A highly entertaining mix of environmental knowledge is brought to the screen by Al Gore. If he could have been half as relaxed and charming during his presidential run he would have won by a landslide.

#3 JOYEUX NOEL -- An extremely moving account of the true story of how Allied and German troops decided to celebrate Christmas together in 1914 and the consequences their two days of peace produced. The courage it must have taken to stand up in a trench with enemy guns pointed at one and proclaim a truce is truly extraordinary.

#2 THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA -- Insightful and witty look at the "dog-eat-dog" world of high fashion.

#1 THANK YOU FOR SMOKING -- Fast rising Canadian actor Aaron Eckhart is perfectly cast as the fast talking, good looking spokesperson for the tobacco lobby. This humorous social satire speaks the truth on some important social issues of the day.

There you have it.

Ed's Top10 list for 2006 so far. Now get out to the theatres and see what YOU think!

WHY (i)

Stacey has been using her photography skills to create graphic art for the church she and Donnie attend (The Oaks -- meets on Sundays at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak -- 10:35 am).

By playing with digital distortion techniques, she has created a theme that continues from week to week on The Oaks' posters, bookmarks and brochures.

How cool to get to see her photography on huge 4 x 7 foot posters hanging in the Main Art Theatre!

Awesome work Stacey!

THE HAND

Sarah's piece has been in the works for quite a while. As many artists can attest -- the creative flow can turn on and off with no warning. One day a particular project can be the most important thing imaginable -- the next day it's a forgotten thought. Sarah -- in line with the stereotypical artist -- gets bored quickly -- but managed to put together this cool creation.......

The Hand itself is formed from several different materials: Paper, a clay-type plaster, and glue -- then covered in linoleum shavings. The shavings are very pliable and actually squishy to the touch. The finger "nails" and the spear of glass in the palm give The Hand a tough, violent imagery -- in strange contrast to the soft, fun linoleum.