comedic performer | producer | host
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Film Reviews
I worked at 7-24 Videos & More, in Parkdale. I loved recommending, discussing, and debating films with customers. Then I discovered the amazing DVD collection at the Toronto Public Library.
In addition to DVDs, you can also stream films using Kanopy and Hoopla. Remember when you’d hold up a DVD case and ask, “How’s this?” In the spirit of an opinionated video store clerk, here are our answers.
Written by Peter Bird and Paul Hutcheson.
Film Reviews: July 2026
We were blown away by Mary Tyler’s Moore’s performance in Ordinary People. She didn’t win the Oscar? We decided to watch all the women nominated for best actress in 1981.

ORDINARY PEOPLE
A child’s death shatters the suburban dream. The cast is stellar, but Mary Tyler Moore is perfection as a woman whose foundation is shaken to the core. At least Timothy Hutton won best supporting for his performance as her son.

RESURRECTION
Edna (Ellen Burstyn) discovers healing powers after a near-fatal car crash that kills her husband. The power draws followers and acclaim. The secret to her power is love; and a woman giving love away to whomever wants it, challenges social norms. Men try to rein her in. An interesting look at charismatic Christianity and its limits.

PRIVATE BENJAMIN
Goldie Hawn’s charm is explosive in this comedy that starts out edgy and fun but ends up too shiny, with no depth. Eileen Brennan is scene-stealing as Captain Doreen.

GLORIA
Gena Rowlands commands the screen as mob mol helping save a kid in this tense and terrific 70’s classic. She is fearless and fashionable in silky, pleated Ungaro, evading the gangsters who want to murder the kid.

COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER
Sissy Spacek won the Oscar for her portrayal as Lorretta Lynn. The choice was correct. The singing and charm were all her own. Tommy Lee Jones is excellent as her supportive husband.
