Costa Rica (2019)

Looking out my window at the unbelievable amount of snow that fell over the past 24 hours makes me long for the sunshine in Costa Rica. My sister, brother, nephew, and I left on Thanksgiving Monday (in Canada it's celebrated in October) for a week of relaxation and sun. We arrived in the morning there with the time change and were sipping on a Purple Haze before noon at the Planet Hollywood hotel/resort located on the Papagayo Peninsula in the Guanacaste. 

Our rooms weren't quite ready, so we walked around and grabbed lunch. Soon we were unpacked and at the pool and swim-up bar, playing movie trivia with other guests. The resort was gorgeous, situated in the mountains. There were golf carts taking you wherever you needed to go, as it was quite a steep hike from the lobby to the pool. 

Monkeys were a common sight every day, choosing the trees right next to our pool to literally hang out. Pictured here is the white-faced capuchin, and we also spotted howler monkeys. They were a bit brazen and jumped onto people's lounge chairs, grabbing a garnish from a drink or two. These wild creatures were fun to see and luckily didn't cause us any issues. 

The beach just beyond was covered in black, volcanic sand and very hot. We ventured out to rent jet skis a couple of times, and they allowed Zach, who is only 13 years old, to go out on his own. He did not mind missing out on the gr. 8 class Muskuoka trip at all. He enjoyed an endless supply of "mocktails" and ate his weight in Guy Fieri burgers.

We spent the week enjoying great weather, delicious food, and the beautiful water. The Planet Hollywood was a solid, all-inclusive, family-friendly resort, offering every amenity you could think of. The resort was about 30 minutes from the airport and situated on a steep cliff/hillside. We had no complaints about the property or what they offered...highly recommend! 

~MT

WIFF 2026

The Windsor International Film Festival ran from October 29 to November 8, showing 232 films from 55 countries at three different theatres in the downtown core: the Chrysler Theatre, the Capitol Theatre, and the University of Windsor Armouries. 

One of the things I love most about WIFF is the opportunity to see films I might not otherwise discover. From entertaining dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, WIFF always offers something different. 

This year I managed to see six films, and each brought something unique to the screen. 

FJORD 

After the deaths of Mihai’s parents, Mihai (Sebastian Stan) and Lisbeth Gheorghiu (Renate Reinsve) leave everything behind in Romania and move with their children to a remote village in Norway, hoping to rebuild their lives near Lisbeth’s family. There, they grow close to their neighbours, the Halbergs, whose warmth offers the promise of a fresh start. But the fragile peace begins to unravel when the Gheorghius’ young daughter, Elia, arrives at school covered in bruises.

This film took me outside my usual movie-going comfort zone and shows different styles of filmmaking and storytelling. The subtitles added to the experience, as well as the length (almost 2 1/2 hours!). Definitely a film that felt true to the WIFF experience. 

CASTLE IN THE GROUND

Across North America tens of thousands of people die every year as a result of opioid-related overdoses. Set in Sudbury, Ontario, just as the crisis is taking hold, Henry (Alex Wolff) is the caretaker for his terminally ill mother (Neve Campbell). Henry’s daily routine is to prepare his mother’s medication by crushing an OxyContin pill with a spoon, mixing it with jelly to mask the taste, and serving it to dull the intense and agonizing pain she’s suffering through. Following his mother’s death, Henry befriends his loud and troubled—yet charming—neighbour, Ana (Imogen Poots). She’s the only person in his life who isn’t indulging his grief; she’s simply there, across the hall, and trying to kick her habit just as Henry is developing his own. Together, they become tangled in the sordid web of indulgence that encompasses drug dependence.

This subject is both important and heartbreaking. It's a powerful reminder of the devastating impact addiction can have on individuals, their families, and the community. A difficult subject, but certainly one worth exploring through film. 

AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER... THE STORY OF GOODFELLAS

Thirty-five years after Goodfellas changed cinema forever, As Far Back As I Can Remember… The Story of Goodfellas is the first feature documentary dedicated to Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, revealing how Henry Hill’s extraordinary true story became one of the greatest films ever made and why its legacy continues to influence and inspire.

This fascinating documentary about the making of the iconic film Goodfellas was a real treat (and a bonus—my brother Gerry got free tickets!). To make the experience even more special, actress Lorraine Bracco was there, along with a fellow actress and executive producers connected to the movie. Having a Q & A with people who were actually part of the film, sharing their experiences, made this a memorable screening. 

CODE OF MISCONDUCT

It started with a text.

Sent in the early morning hours after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, the message lands in a group chat shared by members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior hockey team. What begins as a consensual encounter between a young woman and one player shifts, altering the course of the night and the lives of those involved. Years later, five former members of that team stand trial in a London courtroom, where sharply different accounts collide and a country begins to question the sport it holds closest to its identity.

A really good documentary that felt particularly close to home, as the events took place in London, Ontario. Having some familiarity with the story as it was covered in the news made watching this especially interesting. It's fascinating to see a story you've followed in the headlines explored in greater depth through documentary filmmaking. 

A LONG WINTER

After his mother disappears during the first blizzard of the season, a young man refuses to give up hope as one long Colorado winter reshapes his relationship with his father and his understanding of the man he is becoming.

Another film with a great cast and some compelling storytelling. I took my nephew Zach to this film, and it was his first WIFF experience. We both enjoyed it, although the ending was a bit ambiguous, leaving you to decide for yourself what exactly happened. Sometimes those are the films that stay with you a little longer. 

THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK

Harry Lehman (John Turturro) is an aging pickpocket who plies his trade with ever-diminishing returns in a drastically changed New York. Wallets stuffed with cash have been replaced by easily cancelled credit cards, and Harry struggles to make ends meet as he cares for his disabled wife, Rosie. When he unwittingly purloins and fences a valuable USB stick, Harry finds himself in a race against time to return the loot or face the rage of a vengeful crime family.

For my final WIFF film, my friend Kary and I went to see this gem. We've gone on the final day of WIFF for the past 4 years. This film really delivered for us, with a terrific cast and excellent acting, and kept us thoroughly entertained. 

Six films, six very different experiences. Some were entertaining, some challenged me, some were heartbreaking, and one provided a truly memorable behind-the-scenes experience. 

That's what I enjoy about WIFF. You never quite know what you're going to get. You might discover a film you wouldn't normally choose, learn something new, or find yourself thinking about a story long after the credits roll. WIFF provides a great opportunity to celebrate film, storytelling, and the wonderful experience of seeing movies together. 

~MT