RKS 2023 Film: “Retirement Plan”: Bang Bang, Garroting and a Few Broken and Slashed Necks

Ashley’s husband Jimmy double-crosses his crime boss Donny by stealing a hard drive from him in Miami but Donny (Jackie Earle Hailey) and his thugs manage in the robbery attempt to blast Jimmy’s companion who dies with shots to the gut in the robbery getaway car driven by Ashley. Jimmy correctly suspecting his goose is cooked urges Ashley and their 12-year-old daughter Sarah (Thalia Campbell) to go to Ashley’s (Ashley Greene) father’s shack on the beach in the Caymans. Ashley has not seen father Matt (Nicolas Cage) in a decade. Matt is more or less a beach bum. Unbeknown to Sarah she is carrying the hard drive in her knapsack when she arrives to meet her grandfather.

Bobo (Ron Perlman) and The Grandfather (Donny’s brother) are dispatched to the Caymans. Matt caves in The General’s head with a barbel and Bobo escapes without knowing Sarah is in the escape car. Bobo is a likeable thug looking and sounding none too bright but he reads Shakespeare and is more intelligent than his looks and demeanor suggest. Bobo has the ultimate bargaining chip in his possession….Sarah.

A virtual army is dispatched by Donny to the Caymans searching for the valuable hard drive after the death of The General. But old guy Matt efficiently slaughters most of them. He tells Sarah he is a retired adjudicator retired from working for Uncle Sam. But his killing skills reveal he is more than a retired bureaucrat.

In addition to Donny and his gang there is the brutal Hector (Grace Beyers) who is Donny’s boss. Hector is brutal but elegant. Pure evil but still no match for Matt who must have “retired’ some 30 thugs in all manners possible in the movie. Good triumphs over evil but the “good boss” at “the Agency” perhaps is not so good after all as with the hard drive captured by the Agency he has his eyes on a political career. Message is that goodness is not always pristine!

Nothing very complicated here. Cage certainly has a talent for acting and in the first 30 minutes of the film it is his tone of voice that suggests his recognition of overly lengthy and weak dialogue between himself and Campbell. Perlman in his supporting role is the likeable Bobo and has a fabulous last exit! Jackie Earle Hailey as Donny shines as a frustrated thug. Grace Beyers as Hector exudes vileness.

If you like a simple good guys bad guys action movie without much of a connection to reality you’ll like this one. The “Retirement Plan” has been released theatrically in Canada. It is directed and written by Tim Brown.

RKS 2023 Film Rating 76/100.

RKS 2023 Film: Toronto International Film Festival Winner “KANAVAL”

“KANAVAL” a feature film written and directed by Henri Pardo was honored with the Amplify Voices Award for Best BIPOC Canadian Feature also picking up an Honourable Mention for Best Canadian Feature Film at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

Nine-year-old Rico (Rayan Dieudonné) and his mother Erzulie (Penande Estime) flee 1975 Haiti after his dissident mother was tortured and beaten by Papa Doc Duvalier’s Tonton Macoute a group of violent thugs quashing any challenge to dictator Papa Doc. Haiti then and even now is dirt poor and politically violent. Erzulie is a suspected “communist”.

Erzulie was apprehended and savaged by the Tonton Macoute on the last day of Kanaval (Haitian version of Carnival) so Rico is left with dreams and vision of the voodoo inspired costumes of Kanaval and his alter ego taunter and protector Kana.

Erzulie and Rico are accepted into Quebec and live in the countryside with farmer Albert (Martin Dubreuil) and Cécile (Claire Jacques) Cyr. The Cyr’s are suffering a great misfortune of losing their infant children so they have a soft spot for Rico. Erzulie teaches at a local school. Rico experiences racism from both adults and children. Racism emanating from children is unpleasant but from adults even more intolerable.

Rico, traumatized by this mother’s pain and suffering has his alter ego Kana continually barbing him his mother will abandon him and those rural Quebecois are all monsters. One fault with the film is the portrayal of Quebecois as either saintly or malicious racists. Incorrect extremism? Neither is there any gratitude expressed by Erzulie about Canada accepting her, presumably as a refugee.

We follow Erzulie and Rico throughout 1975. They finally reach the Haitian Mecca of Montreal where Rico connects with Haitian immigrants at his school.

A compelling recounting of the trials and tribulations of immigration particularly from a child’s perception. Solid performances from all involved. Yes bravo for the awards but should the film have catapulted over the categories it distinguished itself in or should it have been less marginalized by these awards and won greater distinction? Could it be that film genres pigeonhole great cinema?

You may have missed TIFF but rest assured this Canadian film will circulate globally.

RKS 2023 Film Rating: 92/100.

RKS 2023 Film: “Dreamin’ Wild”: Rock n Roll “Back to the Future”!

How many serious and penetrative rock n roll films have you seen? Probably few if any. Good times, booze, dope, sex and often destruction. Joplin, Moon, Hendrix, Prince or Michael Jackson.

“Dreamin’ Wild” probes the link between past and future and ends up solidly in the present. Minus drugs, booze and sex! Unrealistic you may say but the writing and the acting is so solid let’s ignore the puritanical streak in the film.

Donnie (Casey Afleck) and Joe Emerson (Walton Gogins) are Washington State farm boys who reached momentary and fleeting fame with their teen album “Dreamin’ Wild” which never reached even the lowlife “one hit wonder” status. Then some 30 years later the album roars back into prominence in social media circles. What was so desperately sought for by the Emerson boys in the past now surfaces in the present. Their teen album is remastered and issued to critical acclaim. They are a media sensation as figments of the past tower in the present.

Dad (Beau Bridges) had to sacrifice most of his farmland to assist Donnie in his dreams as he is transported to Hollywood by a money sucking producer. It is a dud as his career goes nowhere.

Fast forward 30 years and new fame emerges and the Emerson boys do a few shows. Donnie is a selfish egotistical musician with a production studio on the verge of bankruptcy while he performs at “Holiday Inn” venues.

Are the boys going to work matters out and be famous in the future?

Intense and emotional scenes between Donnie and Joe raise the film above a mundane rock n roll film. Affleck and Goggins shine rendering authenticity to the film. Dad (Beau Bridges) is a calm and believable oasis both in the past and present and in the positive future direction of his sons.

“Dreamin’ Wild” is a film that is a pantheon that dreams can come true although it may take some time and sacrifice.

Finally a sensitive and emotionally challenging rock n roll film. Sid Vicious must be pissing all over himself!

The present and the past are intermixed leaving the question of the future a question for the future.

“Dreamin’ Wild” will be released on VOD/Digital on September 19th.

RKS 2023 Film Rating: 89/100.

RKS 2023 Wine: A Seinfeld Stop Short Divergence Twenty Mile Bench Gamay Noir

As far as red wine pours there is no doubt Ontario Cabernet Franc can stand up to the best. Ontario Gamay Noir has that potential. The Divergence 2021 Gamay Noir from Divergence Wines in the Niagara region of Ontario is made from grapes grown on the Wismer Wingfield Vineyard. Divergence Wines appeared on the scene in 2022. New guys on the block.

Aroma: The first characteristic you note is smokiness but in that there is black cherry and blackberry. Once the wine opens up after 15 minutes in the glass and with some movement the smokiness is shifted to the background and some gruff raspberry makes its presence known.

Palate: Tannins are laid back however they are certainly not hiding. The wine is smooth with light red cherry predominating with delicate smokiness. The fruit noted on the nose fails to fully materialize on the palate leaving a tart finish. The fruit seems “Lost in Space”.

Personality: Remember that Seinfeld episode where George’s father “stops short”! Well this wine “stops short” on the palate. Please decant me at least 45 minutes prior to serving.

Food Match: Corn beef pasta sauce served over bucatini pasta. Easy peasy and terribly tasty. Sautee onion then throw in field Sheppard peppers in strips and then splash some red wine then Ontario field tomatoes and lastly a tin or two or corned beef. I used Beamsville Bench Sheppards and tomatoes so how much more Niagara can you get? No herbs required just some fresh ground pepper.

Cellarbility: Drink in 2023

Price: $28.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 86/100. Rick VanSickle 91/100.

(Divergence 2021 Gamay Noir, Wismer Wingfield Vineyard, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Divergence Wines, Ontario, 750 mL, 12.2%).

RKS Literature: The Cold Blade of a Journalist (Balzac)

“He savoured one of the secret and the keenest pleasures known to the journalist- that of sharpening his epigrams, whetting the cold blade that will find its mark in the heart of the victim, and decorating the pommel for the benefit of the reader. The public admires the clever workmanship of that sword and has no conception of its malice; the reader does not know what havoc is wrought by the steel of an epigram, barbed with revenge and plunged with deadly aim into the victim’s self respect that wounds it in a thousand ways.”

Honoré de Balzac, “Lost Illusions”

RKS 2023 Wine: Will Red Tractor 2021 Chardonnay Stall in the Mud?

Red Tractor is a “Creekside Brand” and I reviewed their 2017 Cabernet Franc and it made my best wine list of 2022. Their Cabernet Merlot I tried this year was absolutely dreadful. What will happen with the Red Tractor 2021 Chardonnay from St. David’s Bench in Niagara. Will its wheels get stuck in the mud?

It was fermented in French oak for nine months. Hard to pick out discernable oak here other than a titch of vanilla on the palate. Must be neutral oak.

Aroma: Peach, pineapple, butterscotch pudding and pear Galette.

Palate:  Croatian wafer cookies, tartine de poire and some guava. A long pear infused finish.

Personality: At a “measly” 11.5% alcohol I am not a knobbly kneed arthritic wine. I am not the best Ontario Chardonnay on the block but I am decent and won’t embarrass you if you decide to pour me.

Food Match: White pizza with gorgonzola, pear and walnuts.

Cellarbility: Drink by end of 2024.

Price: $17.95 CDN.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 89/100.

(Red Tractor 2017 Chardonnay, VQA St. David’s Bench, Creekside Estate Winery, Jordan, Ontario, 11.5%, 750 mL).

RKS 2023 Retro Films: “The Marines That Never Returned” (KOREA)

KOREAN CINEMA’S GOLDEN DECADE: THE 1960s Series

Korean Cinema’s Golden Decade The 1960 Series was featured at the Lincoln Center from 1-17 September. The series ran from September 1–17 and is one of the largest retrospectives ever of 1960s Korean Cinema outside of Korea, including many rarely screened films, several presented on 35mm archival prints. Long before Bong Joon Ho, Hong Sangsoo, and Park Chan-wook catapulted South Korean cinema onto the world stage, the foundation of their country’s film industry formed in the aftermath of the Korean War. The period kickstarted a wealth of eclectic and innovative filmmaking that culminated in the 1960s.

As a Korean war baby I was drawn to “The Marines Who Never Returned” a 1963 film directed by Lee-Man-hee which has its international 4K restoration premiere. Lee Man-hee’s breakthrough feature, The Marines Who Never Returned, is simultaneously among his most acclaimed films and one of the greatest Korean War films ever made. Produced within 10 years of the armistice, the film centers on a squad of marines who happen across a newly orphaned girl in the battlefield, Young-hui. Taking her under their wings, the marines form a heartwarming bond with Young-hui that lifts their spirits as they take on increasingly dangerous odds. The Marines Who Never Returned was a gargantuan production with the full support of the Korean military and the use of live ammunition and explosives that lend the combat sequences a rarely achieved level of authenticity. But what elevates the film as a classic is its warmth and humor, brought to life by the heartfelt camaraderie amongst the soldiers and their newly adopted daughter. The first Korean film to achieve a nationwide commercial release in the United States, the film is presented here in a beautiful 4K restoration version for the first time outside of Korea. Restored in 2022 by the Korean Film Archive.

You might say a typical Korean war movie but you are wrong. This is a Korean perspective and in many respects this is a traditional war movie but think again as here in North America we are deers in the headlights for American interpretations of the Korean war. This is a Korean (SOUTH) interpretation and yes for that reason deserves a watch. It has a1960’s “Rat Patrol” feeling and it fits that groove with a quick soldier’s death…a groan and a clean bullet hole so terribly fictional but in the 1960’s groove.

Do not judge with post 1960 war films “Apocalypse Now”, “The Thin Red Line”, All Quiet on the Western Front”, “Platoon” or the Yankee centric television series “MASH”.

RKS 2023 Retro Film Review Rating 93/100.

RKS 2023 Wine: An Argentinian in the Shadow of Côte Rôtie: Escaping Mendozian Malbecian Tyranny

In the Northern Rhône in France there is a tiny appellation Côte Rôtie where a small amount of Viognier white is added to Syrah to create some magic. In this El Enemigo Syrah-Viognier from Mendoza in Argentina do we have an imitator? Is imitation the best form of flattery?

10% Viognier has been added to 90% Syrah and aged in 16 months in aged oak foudres.

Aroma: That nice Rhône warmness a la full body. Heady notes of blueberry, black cherry in a toasty comforting light scent of vanilla. Absolutely nothing off putting here. Bit of high-test alcohol lingers.

Palate: Full bodied initially with fine tannins but on the back palate it lightens up with a long finish. Black cherry, blackberry and licorice. A bit hot. I have a 2005 Côte Rôtie in the cellar and it is at 12.5%…old style French. This Argentinian is 13.5% and just a bit hot to make it a brilliant wine.

Personality: I am a brilliant wine and have escaped from Malbecian tyranny of Mendoza. But quite frankly I admit I may be too young. My fruit has not settled and when it does I say it will assert itself and dumb down the alcohol vibes. I am at least one third of a price of a Côte Rôtie.

Food Match: Spanish octopus with saffron.

Cellarbility: Batten down the hatches as this baby needs until 2026 to strut its excellence and will coast into 2033.

Price: $28.95 CDN.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 94/100. Joaquin Hidalgo 95.

(El Enemigo Syrah Viognier 2019, Mendoza, Argentina, Piedemonte Al Sur, Mendoza, Argentina, 13.5%, 750 mL).

RKS Poetry: “Scraping the Bottom of the Ajvar Jar”

Scraping the Bottom of the Ajvar Jar

The beady eyed one
like LBJ can’t end it with a victory
in a last ditched effort turns to the Supreme Leader for arms
to further the “sacred war”
after the Grand Leader supplies drones
and the world moans
Will nobody learn from the Ho Chi Minh Trail
and the Wailing Wall
humanity in the big stall
All Quiet in the Western Front
for many a brain-dead politician runt!

Robert K. Stephen