Beginners - Reviews

So, first off: how amazing is the Oxford? It's a classic cinema in every sense of the word. And it's great to see that Empire Theatres is investing some money to refurbish the exterior. Perhaps some minor updates to the interior are in store (e.g., slightly more roomy seats?)

Now, the main attraction: Beginners. As usual, after seeing the movie, we went to a coffee shop where attendees could chat with each other about the movie (and anything else that comes up). Reviews were mixed for Beginners and some of the best comments were off the cuff, not actually written down. So let's start with what I remember people saying, slightly paraphrased and unattributed:

• The movie was the least enjoyable part of the evening.
• It was a good movie but it wasn't the movie that was advertised.
• Not what I was expecting but good for what it was.
• I fell asleep. Twice.
• There's an awful lot of gay history jammed in there!

Now, onto the actual reviews that some of our attendees provided:

• Ewan was on a TV commercial of an English school in Japan in 2000. -Tom
• The movie was a bit slow, however a good story. -Jeff
• [You'd be better off] renting the movie. -Kelly
• I enjoyed the trailers more than the move. -KC
• A cathartic experience if that's what you're looking for. -Chris
• A quirky take on grief, mourning and our quest for love, no matter who we are or who we love. At times funny, at times sad but always very human. -Kirk

So that's it for July!
No news yet on our August outing but you can keep up to date via our e-mail list, Facebook page or Twitter stream.

This is what love feels like

Halifax Pride is just a few days away! And why not celebrate by seeing a movie with Out @ the Movies?

In fact, there are two movies of interest this week: Beginners and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. And, if you time, it right, you'll be able to do both!
Priscilla is playing at Friday, July 15th at 11 p.m. at Park Lane (RSVP via Facebook).

But our movie outing is for the Ewan McGregor/Christopher Plummer movie, Beginners.
Synopsis

"Beginners" imaginatively explores the hilarity, confusion, and surprises of love through the evolving consciousness of Oliver. Oliver meets the irreverent and unpredictable Anna only months after his father Hal has passed away. This new love floods Oliver with memories of his father who -- following 44 years of marriage -- came out of the closet at age 75 to live a full, energized, and wonderfully tumultuous gay life. The upheavals of Hal's new honesty, by turns funny and moving, brought father and son closer than they'd ever been able to be. Now Oliver endeavors to love Anna with all the bravery, humor, and hope that his father taught him.

Trailer

Details

• Date: Friday, July 15th
• Location: the Oxford (corner of Oxford & Quinpool)
• Time: 6:30 to 10; movie starts at 7, is two hours long and an hour allotted for coffee afterwards.
• Cost: Tickets are $11.50
• Plan: We'll meet outside and head in at 6:30 to grab tickets, food and seats. Look for the rainbow flag! If you arrive later (or it's raining), just head in as soon as you arrive and look for the rainbow flag in the upper balcony.
• Post-movie: We'll head across the street to Tim Hortons/Cold Stone Creamery.

You can also RSVP via Facebook.

See you at the cinema!