The bottom line is that the movie sets out to be a romantic comedy but doesn’t deliver on either of those promises. The film is romantic but in a very artificial way and it is funny but not particularly hilarious. Figure about one laugh every fifteen minutes. The problem probably stems from Duhamel and Bell who are integral parts of the romantic comedy genre in Hollywood but cannot carry a romantic comedy by themselves in order to make it really shine. Another problem is that the storyline is original for all about five minutes and then falls flat.Pacing in the film is steady throughout with no real wave of funny and romantic moments.

That said, the film was mildly entertaining if you’re really bored… go watch. If not, just wait for it to come out on DVD and then head to your nearest blockbuster.

Star rating: 3/5

Despite the cast of Hollywood heavy-weights, lots of film critics are punishing the film with bad reviews for its unoriginal plot line and lackluster dialogue. The truth is the film isn’t heavy in its themes and doesn’t allow the audience to skim off more than the foam at the top. That said, what does one expect with a film that essentially tells ten different stories at the same time? It would be impossible to go deep into the plot without making the film three hours long. The film markets itself as a fun, date-night romantic comedy and in that  respect Valentine’s Day does follow through on it promises. It leaves  the viewer feeling bubbly and entertained, however superficial that feeling may be. Lopez and Kutcher also provide great comic relief and the script does include some surprising plot twists.

The movie provides something for everyone because it is diverse in its characters and for that reason it’s worth spending ten dollars on a movie ticket ( or five if you go on Tuesday).

Star rating: 3.5/5

The film’s thematic elements and multi-scene format make clear that it in an adaptation and makes the film rich in emotional impact.
In terms of a romance film, the progression of the romance does not require any real emotional investment from the audience. That said, Seyfriend and Tatum do have good chemistry on screen.
Tatum does a wonderful job as an American soldier in the middle of a post- nine/eleven war. He breaks out of the pretty boy mold he’s been in for this role. Seyfried’s character, however, isn’t relatable and makes audiences wonder why she makes the choices she does.
All things considered, the film does provide the dramatic storyline its preview suggests. If your look for a romantic, valentine’s day movie though, your better off renting Romeo and Juliet because Dear John falls short in this respect.
Star rating: 3.5

The film presents a series of hurtles for Crowley and Stonehill and gets lengthy at points because it seems to follow a repetitive pattern with no real linear storyline.

The tone of the film also falls short with scenes being either jovial or tragic and the addition of humorous moments by Ford’s character doesn’t help its case.

That said, Fraser outdoes himself in this out-of-character role proving something very few people knew: he can actually carry a movie as the lead.

The film centers itself around some heavy themes but, considering its based on a true story, handles them well.

All in all, a good family film that makes you feel that some things are worth fighting for.

With a tagline like, Don’t hope for a miracle. Make one., What else can one expect?

3.5 stars out of 5

Check out more of Melina Soochan’s here – www.melinas-music.com

Check out more of Don Gruv here – http://www.myspace.com/dongruv

There’s no place like home. Ever since Baldwin Barmacie opened a little over 3 years ago it’s been my regular watering hole. Over the years the crowd has changed from the predominantly older “looking for a cool place to drink” crowd (I consider myself a part of) to the predominantly younger “too cool for school” crowd. Either way I still call Baldwin Barmacie home. Be it the usual Friday night, Thursday 5 à 7 or even the odd Saturday night I can always have a good time at Baldwins.

The music is top notch; djs (often the proprietor,  Alex) kick out a vast mix of tunes which you probably won’t hear in any other Montréal bar. Fantastic indie rock to unforgettable motown, don’t expect to hear the same music week after week like some places.

At Baldwins cocktails are king; I must admit I do stick to my usual ‘pint of blonde’ or ‘gin 7′ but the ladies do love a good cocktail… expect them to ask for the drink card. A mini bar-food menu is available although I have never tried anything on it. I must say I have heard rave reviews from many people about the grilled-cheese.

Classy simple décor, great music, decent prices and a fun atmosphere. Located on Laurier (near St-Urbain) Baldwins is away from the St-Laurent commotion but not far enough to deter you from having a pre-St-Laurent drink.

The place: Baldwin Barmacie (115 Laurier West) –
Type of food/establishment: Bar-Lounge

Inter were on the field first and immediately started their warm up, sprinting and passing exercises.  They waved to the fans and shook some hands but I got the sense that they wanted to prepare as much as they could for the game.  The goalie coaches were taking shots at Julio Caesar with such power I oo’d and ahh’d at every one he saved.

Milan took to the field next and similarly many players waved and shook hands with the crowd.  Their pre-game warm up consisted primarily of stretches and passing exercises, but I felt that they were yet again not being as technical in their preparation as Inter was.  Ronaldinho took time to sign some autographs for the fans and then threw red promotional balls into the crowd (picture on right).

First Half:

The game started with Inter almost running circles around Milan’s defense.  Milan looked sluggish and it took merely 4 minutes for Inter to score a goal via Diego Milito.  He single handedly out maneuvered Onyewu amd Zambrotta on the left flank before hammering the ball in the 2 foot gap between Kalac and the post.  It was beautiful.  Milan responded with Ronaldinho feeding the ball to Pato on the wing but he kept getting held up by Inter’s defense time and time again, it was as if no matter where Pirlo or Ronaldinho fed the ball there was always a midfielder or a defender of Inter to block the pass/shot.

The funniest part of the first half was at the 35th minute when Ronaldinho drew a yellow card for a rough foul on Lucio but the referee pulled out his red card instead of the yellow.  The whole crowd could be heard screaming “WHAT WAS THAT?”  Luckily the referee realized his mistake, smiled & apologised and drew the yellow instead.

Second Half:

Milan wanted to get back on top this half but were yet again falling into the same old traps and routines as in the first half, they looked tired on top if it and seemed to be ever frustrated with failed attempt after failed attempt.  Pato made a couple of decent attempts but Julio Caesar was always there to scoop the balls up.  Inter’s second goal came at the 75th minute yet again by a superb strike by Milito fed by Viera.   Gattuso’s frustration was evident as he was diving everywhere and throwing himself on every loose ball that came his way.  A beast of a header by substitute Materazzi off of Boriello’s cross was just what the crowd asked for as I could hear the collective “wow!” coming from the mouths of thousands of fans.

The game ended Inter up 2-0 and Milan were left to think about what steps to take next.  I don’t believe Leonardo is to blame because he was part of the staff that brought Kaka to Milan in 2005 and Pato to Milan in 2007.  I see Milan as being in some kind of monetary trouble due to the fact that of the 65 million euro transfer fee payed to Milan by Real Madrid, very little has been spent in filling the hole he left.  What adds to my suspicion is the failed transfer of Cissokho from Porto due to bad teeth (of all the lousy excuses…), Luis Fabiano and Edin Dzeko due to Milan not wanting to pay their high transfer fees.

Milan are acting like a cheap date, one that we wish would either step up and pay for dessert or stop trying to pretend it’s still hot shit.  There’s still a month left in the transfer market, we’ll see what happens next!

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Photos taken by Franco Reale, Samy Sood, Arturo Saltarelli & Rick Di Corpo

In June 2009, Virgin Radio held its first ever Montreal Virgin Festival, a two-day long music event that featured such artists as The Black-Eyed Peas, Simple Plan and Akon. A wide range of musical styles and various talents made the event a success. “It was amazing to pay for one ticket and get to see so many different artists. I would definitely go back next year,” says one concert-goer. There seems to be near certainty that the festival will return next summer to once again please a wide range of musical tastes.

Other music festivals have also made their way to Montreal this year. To satiate the hunger of rock fans, the Osheaga Festival will be held at Olympia de Montreal from July 28th to 31st and will feature bands among the likes of Coldplay, The Roots, Arctic Monkeys and Jason MRaz.

With events both new and old, the city buzzes with excitement. The International Jazz Festival of Montreal returned this summer from June 30th to July 12th for its 30th year. Jazz and blues artists lke Suzanne Vega, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and Erik Truffaz provided their musical talents and performed. The Jazz Festival was also graced by the presence of Stevie Wonder who performed a free, outdoor concert. The Jazz Festival, with this concert and many other free events, proved that it could survive even in tough economic times.

Also returning to Montreal for another year is the 27th edition of the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival; taking place between July 3rd and July 26th. This year’s festival features comedians among the likes of Whoopie Goldberg, Russell Peters and Martin Short. The festival is a yearly success and this year seems to be no different with ticket sales thriving more than ever and many Just for Laughs events already sold out. In keeping with a similar style as the Jazz Festival many free events are also available. Many street artists will invade St.Denis to entertain passers-by with short comedic performances. For a full list of performers and events consult hahaha.com.

Throughout the year Montreal’s Bell Center is bonanza of various performers that range from rock, hip-hop and pop music to Cirque du Soleil productions. A few events to check out at the Bell Center coming up are Lil’ Wayne, Blink 182, AC/D, Bryan Adams and teen pop sensations the Jonas Brothers. Tibet’s Dalai Lama is also gracing the Bell Center stage with his presence to speak about Buddhist belief. At the end of August, the Bell Center will be home to Walking with Dinosaurs, an interactive show of life-like robotic dinosaurs. Disney on Ice and Saka Cirque A Cheval will also offer shows throughout the months of August and September.

So whether it be music (of any genre), comedy, theatrical dance and gymnastics, religious discussion and lecture or even interest in life-like robotic dinosaurs, Quebec’s most lively city is most definitely a mecca for entertainment. Boredom is an impossibility.