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I love tumbling into a good film. Most times, a trip to the theatre leaves one feeling appalled or betrayed. For this reason, I like to select the directors and actors I trust carefully, and then wait for the correct bang on moment to watch their latest creations.

I was borne out of my body and deposited in the hot sand of a prisoner of war camp during 1983’s “Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence”. I was surprised and delighted by the performance of David Bowie in what remains an unappreciated masterpiece.

When the erstwhile glam rock star appeared in the 1986 film Labyrinth, it immediately went on my “must see” list. But, again, I decided to wait for that elusive ethereal moment when you’re relaxed and open minded and ready to enjoy a good film.

It’s been a long wait.

It’s been 24 years and I never did get around to seeing the movie. Every conversation I’ve had which includes a discussion of my passion for Bowie inevitably includes a point where I’m asked what I thought of his performance as Jareth, King of the Goblins.

Never seen it, I reply.

Tonight is the night. The Bloor Cinema is showing the flick at 7 and I’m as excited as if I’m going to an actual Bowie show.

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…Dennis Hopper is remembered in the current issue of Rolling Stone. It’s only a fair profile, focused on his domestic problems and copious drug use and not his prodigious talent.

There is one delicious moment, though. Hopkins is often credited with kicking off a “golden age” of American cinema with the release, in 1969, of Easy Rider. That period draws to an end with the rise of the horrific pair of Spielberg and Lucas, who corrupt and demolish American film. In the article it is mentioned that Hopper nurtured a hatred of the pair and the schlock they make, recognizing their lowest common denominator dreck had ruined the chances of his films ever finding a commercial audience again. Made me smile and reach for a copy of “True Romance”…

GRID IRON…I’m very bullish on the prospects of Kevin Kolb as the Philadelphia quarterback. Andy Reid and his Eagles staff have proven to be too consistently excellent for this to be an error in judgement. If they feel the time was right for a McNabb to Kolb transition, than I expect they will be proven correct…

…Terrell Owens is a very interesting pick-up for the Cincinnati Bengals. Carson Palmer fell apart at the end of last season and, at the minimum, his play creates concerns regarding his durability and consistency. Adding Terrell to the mix could be explosive if a litany of injury issues serve to limit Palmer’s effectiveness and ability to throw deep downfield…

ICE…very touching half hour special on TSN2 last night, entitled “The Choice”, ended with Alexie Ponikarovsky revealling he will be heading to Los Angeles and the Kings. The only celebrations were in downtown pubs in Toronto…kidding aside; this is a very bad signing by the Kings. Exchanging Frolov for Ponikarovsky is a deadly, momentum stopping blinder of a move. The kid is nothing more than a lukewarm body…

…Yann Denis always seemed like a handy sort, recording a .923 save percentage and a .205 goals against average while starting between the posts twelve times for the Devils last year, so it’s a bit surprising he has bolted to the KHL in search of employment. He’ll be starting for Amur Khabarovsk and, baby, even reading that makes me cold… 

PONIES…Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky are expected to meet again Sunday in the Haskell from Monmouth. ABC will be televising. Trappe Shot, a Monmouth Stakes winner, could be a young improving contender capable of toppling the high profile runners…First Dude and Uptowncharlybrown are also expected to contest the Haskell. It’s looking like a very a very hotly contested affair and should set us up nicely for the Travers at the end of August at Saratoga…Belmont winner Drosselmeyer will not race again this year…