My Dad and I, for his birthday, went to a Toronto Maple Leafs game last night. His birthday is next month but, seeing as he’ll be in the Land Down Under, we celebrated a little early this year.
Before the game, we went to see The King’s Speech, which was fantastic. Geoffrey Rush played a great part in Lionel Logue, delivering lines with the awesome dry humour that only the English can truly perfect. He was very convincing as Prince Albert’s speech therapist, and his overall demeanour counteracted nicely with the staunch royal characteristics portrayed by Colin Firth.
It was those characteristics, in his portrayal of Prince Albert/King George VI (he’s not schizophrenic – for some reason, royalty changes their names if their actual one isn’t “befitting” of a King), that landed Colin Firth his absolutely deserved Golden Globe. The movie was free of any action or romantic scenes, giving Colin (first name basis over here) little to rely on besides his co-stars and his own acting. And he pulled it off phenomenally. His stammer was so convincing that you wouldn’t believe it wasn’t real if he wasn’t a well known actor. His accent, having to be much different back then than it would be today, matched the aristocracy’s of that time perfectly. He was absolutely convincing as the unwilling King, and provided a rare look into the somewhat normal dynamics of a man forced into a public role while trying to overcome his personal weaknesses.
And Helena Bonham Carter? She was awesome as the Queen Mother. For a woman more likely to play crazy, “out there” characters, she pulled off the role of royalty amazingly well.
Afterwards, we went out for sushi, which is basically just awesome in and of itself. I don’t eat the fish sushi, but the veggie ones are delicious. Pretty much it was freakin’ awesome.
Then it was time for the game. I love the energy that comes from being at an NHL game. The arena was buzzing, and everyone was excited and hoping beyond all hope that the Leafs would bounce back from their embarrassing performance against the Rangers the previous night.
The pre-show was all about the nation’s game, making me feel awfully patriotic. The national anthems were sung. Everyone was settled in. The boys were warmed up.
The puck dropped.
And they sucked. Seriously, for the first 10 minutes, it was like watching a pee-wee hockey game. The Leafs basically chased the Ducks around the ice, not really ever coming in contact with the puck. It literally didn’t even look like they were trying. I thought for sure that this was going to be another bomb of a game.
And then, all of a sudden, something switched. I guess it could be that their nerves had calmed down, as Ron Wilson stated. Whatever it was, it made the Leafs start to play actual hockey. They were checking. They had the puck. They were actually shooting on the net instead of skating around with it as though they were going for a leisurely glide.
Five goals later, with two for the opposing team, and they won. THEY WON. The Leafs! Take that, Anaheim Mighty Ducks!
So all in all, it was a stellar day. But the best part of it all? Above the great movie and delicious sushi? Even above watching the Leafs kick Anaheim’s butt?
Spending time with my Dad.
Love,
Bella
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