A Cinematic Ode to the Quebec Nordiques

In some recent ESPN sports documentaries I’ve seen like Unrivaled and Saving Sakic I’ve felt that the fact that both were produced in collaboration with the NHL they glossed over the Quebec Nordiques moving. It was mentioned but it’s one of those things that they wanted to move past as fast as possible. Therefore, in honor of Canada Day I share a short film and a web video segment about Canada’s once (and future?) eighth NHL team. The film is about the establishment of the team in WHA and the web video discusses some of their history joining the NHL and then moving.

The second video can be viewed here.

Monochromatic Monday: The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

Looking back at my Manifesto that I posted upon launching this website, it promised certain persistent themed posts.  Rather than going back and editing something written by a much younger man, I’ll try to stick more closely to it by reintroducing these themes that have appeared sparsely at best over the years.

First, I’ll bring back Monochromatic Monday, featuring a black and white film that was easy to find free online. 

Every year new films are available to the public domain. This makes certain classics that were easier to find for aficionados more readily available and I’ve always like sharing these films here.

I figured an ideal choice to recommence would be The Passion of Joan of Arc. It’s a riveting silent that tells a familiar tale, but employ canted camera angles, dynamic edits to make this a film that was ahead of its time and is still vibrant nearly 100 years later.

I’ve included links to both a YouTube version but also included I link to the Internet Archive for higher resolution, downloadable versions, and as a failsafe if the YouTube link breaks. 

YouTube

Internet Archive

The 96th Annual Academy Awards

Apologies for posting this blank earlier today. Am updating it now.

I will be live blogging during the Academy Awards tonight as I have been for a few years.

Red Carpet

Started watching red carpet coverage starting at 4. It’s been a long time since I watched it this early.

Liking Laverne Cox on the carpet and Christian Siriano’s panel.

Ceremony

This year’s plan to bring out former winners to announce nominees is really great.

It’s spectacular to see Mary Steenburgen and Rita Moreno there.

Da’Vine Joy-Randolph’s award was most well deserved indeed and that speech was spectacular.

All the animated shorts should be viewed. War is Over won for messaging and love of the Beatles, but it wasn’t the best film by any means.

Jimmy Kimmel is in full dad-joke mode this year.

ANATOMY OF A FALL!!! Hell, yeah!

Cord Jefferson’s speech is espousing what I’ve wanted from the studios for twenty years.

I was thinking earlier today how awesome it is that John Cena seems up for anything based on his new Amazon movie and now he does the naked bit on the Oscars. 🤣😂😅😂🤣🤣😅🤣

Gonna be hard to top Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling’s patter before the stunt montage.

RDJ’s speeches this season have been great.

I haven’t seen Michael Keaton’s reprise of Batman but the Oscars might have provided something better.

The Last Repair Shop is a lovely and moving documentary that is streaming on Disney+. Watch it.

20 Days in Mariupol is next on my tough-watch must-see documentary list.

If Bert Sugar is your thing it’s on Netflix. It’s very much not mine, I suggest you seek out the other nominees.

Unusual for a non-action movie to get a Best Sound award but I don’t dislike it. It should happen more often.

OK, “I’m Just Ken” was worth the wait.

Billie Eilish and company sneaking by the Academy president is one of the better moments of the night.

Conclusion

Posts were admittedly a bit light this year because of a small viewing party I had. Thought it was a good show overall.

There actually was some drama because while Oppenheimer winning was not a surprise, the trajectory of the winners didn’t make that seem like an entirely sure thing.

The moment was a bit deflating due to Al Pacino’s slight fumble on the reading of the envelope, though.