Page 20 - Boca Club News - May '22

Page 20, Boca Club News
Film Review: “All Hail”

By Nils A Shapiro But beyond that, this he sees a gruff-looking, bearded old man sitting alone in a
I rarely like to watch a film more than once–unlike my then becomes the story corner with a bottle and, curious, asks the bartender about
wife, Linda, who has been known to enjoy certain movies at of a man who, in order him. He is told that the man is strange and lives alone, like
least a dozen times. Examples: Love, Actually and Bohemian to hide from a hostile a hermit way off somewhere in the woods, but that he has
Rhapsody, the one about the band Queen and its lead singer, crowd and a furious TV a gift in knowing about the weather. Miguel approaches the
Freddie Mercury. network producer, shows man, begins to speak to him, but is rebuffed, except that the
That’s why an experience I had last night was so up unannounced at the man says, “7:14. It will rain. 7:14.”
surprising. The day before, I had a couple of hours of free home of his estranged Miguel is amused. The skies are clear; no hint of rain.
time and, not having yet found a film I considered deserving daughter, Carla (Romina And to name a specific time to the minute? Ridiculous.
of a review column for this May issue, turned to Netflix and Fernanda) in Cordoba—a He returns to the bar, then back home. You can imagine
did my usual scrolling through, and rejecting, the many too young woman, now a what happens at exactly 7:14 that evening, and how that
typical car chase flicks, teen coming-of-age romcoms and pediatrician working at mysterious man’s magical gift will start Miguel on a
superhero offerings until I came across one with a brief a local hospital. And an journey back to his own renewed life. I will leave it to you
story line description that at least seemed rather unique. emotional story it is, as to discover the rest of that fairy tale.
As so often happens, a film with a truly original concept both need healing after I will admit to having one problem with the film’s
turned out to be a foreign production—in this case one years of bitterness between them. ending—and you may be able to figure that out—but why
from Argentina, fortunately with the dialogue expertly One day, as Miguel is having a quiet drink at a local bar, quibble when there is so much about it that is delightful.
dubbed into English so as to be virtually unnoticeable. (Not
that I have a problem with reading sub-titles if the film is Nature & Pets
exceptional enough to warrant the inconvenience.)
It turns out that I had struck gold—an absolute gem of
a film that I had never heard of, featuring a cast of actors
I had never seen before. The very next day—yesterday—I The Environmental Enthusiast:
insisted that Linda watch the film. I turned to Netflix for her
on our big-screen TV, set it for All Hail, intending to leave
for my home office to get some work done...and ended up Never Say Never
sitting through the entire film again for the second straight
night, enjoying every minute, as did she!
The title of the English-language version, All Hail, is a By Tina K. VaLant. Remember Dr. Immediately, I answer:
very clever play on words. (The title in Spanish, Granizo, Dolittle, the man who was able a chihuahua. Small dog
of this Argentinian film translates to “hail,” as in the pellets to converse with all the animals? syndrome runs rampant
of ice that sometimes rain from the skies.), but what seems Boca Raton’s Tina VaLant, who in both types of chis:
like a minor change in the English title is really quite was named Palm Beach County apple heads and deer
significant when one realizes the lesson of this tale made so “Animal Friend of the Year,” doesn’t heads. Chis are loyal
pointedly by screenwriters Fernando Balmayor and Nicolas claim that ability, but she does and loving with their
Giacobone. relate remarkably well to flora and owners, but they can be
As the film opens, a very popular meteorologist, Miguel fauna. An avid rescuer (known for nippy and vocal among
Flores (played by the utterly charming Guillermo Francella, her beloved Australian shepherds), she serves as a foster strangers and other
who dominates every scene) is leaving his Buenos Aires home to surrendered pets, volunteers with numerous dogs. Oddly, they seem
apartment in preparation for the biggest night of his: career. organizations and assists wildlife. She raises/releases ten to be able to identify
Known throughout Argentina as “the Infallible,” because species of native butterflies, for over 20 years. Recently she members of their own
for years he has never been wrong about a single weather garnered worldwide attention with an unexpected animal breed, shunning others.
forecast, this will be the debut of his own self-starring adventure: reCRABilitation of HERbert, a limbless blue Evie had been owned
weather show on the nation’s biggest TV network, complete land crab. For over four decades, Tina’s award-winning by a lady with severe
with a band and an on-screen sexy, leggy assistant. company, Extraordinary Photography, captures portraits, depression. She acquired Evie atop the sofa, awaiting her
As Miguel waits for a limousine to take him to the studio, pets, weddings, and events. She will answer questions at the black and tan deer gourmet lunch served by her
adoring fans rush to congratulate him—from passing cars, TinaValant.com or (561) 945-6363. head chihuahua at personal chef, Bob.
pedestrians who recognize him, neighbors who call to him Crazy about all dogs, I am endeared to the herding group. twelve weeks old from
from their windows...and one man with a dog on a leash I admire their intelligence, enthusiasm, beauty and steadfast a reputable breeder in Michigan (where she lived). They
to explain that he and his wife will have workmen in their work ethic. The Australian shepherd won my heart long ago. never left their home. Unsocialized with people and pets,
apartment all day and need to know if the weather will be At one time we had five rescued aussies. My dedication and Evie was especially distrustful of men.
nice enough for them to leave their precious dog to sleep rescue work with the quirky (like me) Australian shepherd Caring for the little dog improved the woman’s health.
outside for the night. Miguel assures him that the forecast breed spans four decades. She sought professional help and landed a part-time job.
is for clear, mild temperatures that night, so not to worry. As a phoDOGrapher, writer and lifelong dog aficionado
The limousine arrives, Miguel is greeted warmly by I’m often asked, “Which breed would you never have?” The Environmental Enthusiast: on page 22
the producer and everyone at the studio, the show goes
off smoothly with his prediction of a clear and temperate
evening, the ratings are terrific...and Miguel returns home Everyone deserves a doctor who they
to his beautiful girlfriend for a wonderful celebration.
The next morning, Miguel is awakened by the aroma of trust and like. One who listens and
a hot cup of coffee made by his girlfriend, who is dressed
and ready to leave for work. He gets up, and as he nears takes their time to answer questions
the window he sees some moisture near a planter and asks
her if she has watered the plants. When she says, “No,” he and address concerns. A doctor who is
is confused, looks out the window...and, shocked by what
he sees, turns on the TV, and only then discovers that the available when you need them most.
entire city has been pummeled by a devastating hailstorm
during the night!
I will not be a “spoiler” here, but instead urge you to
experience a story that exposes the fickleness of the crowd I provide proactive, preventive, wellness & sick care to
mentality, of “fans” who love you and hail you as their adult patients at my concierge medical practice.
hero—until they don’t because of one mistake. In this case,
they include the man and wife who carry their dead dog
out from their apartment in front of Miguel after they had To discuss your health needs, and my care model, you
depended on his forecast to let it sleep outside for the night...
the taxi driver whose car was beaten by golf ball-sized hail are invited to a complimentary meet and greet with
because he left it parked outside rather than in the garage, me - by video, phone or, when the pandemic permits,
having relied on Miguel “the Infallible”...and on and on.
in-person at my practice.

Please call 561.368.0191 to schedule your meet and
greet with me. I look forward to meeting you.

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately Steven E. Reznick, MD, FACP
owned and managed company. Recognized as a “Best Doc”. Practicing in our community since 1979.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all 7280 W. Palmetto Park Road | Suite 205N | Boca Raton | 33433
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle: ww.BocaConciergeDoc.com
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com