MOVIES
What: The Queen of Versailles
Where: Cineplex Odeon
When: Check ads for showtimes
Rating: 4
Why: Lauren Greenfield's luridly entertaining documentary about the rise and fall of David Siegel -- the Florida time-share billionaire whose garish 90,000-square-foot Orlando mansion was inspired by the Palace of Versailles and reportedly "America's biggest house" -- is the equivalent of a gold-plated train wreck. A riveting portrait of American Dream-fuelled excess gone awry in 2008, this excursion into the lifestyle of a tycoon with more money than taste, his shopaholic and overendowed trophy wife Jackie and their eight pampered children seems at times like overblown reality TV. Still, Greenfield infuses this bizarre spectacle with unexpected pathos and manages to humanize these Osbournes-type characters, despite their ridiculously rarefied existence and warped values -- especially delusional Jackie, who is surprisingly endearing once humbled.
-- Michael D. Reid
MUSIC
What: Father John Misty
When: Sunday, 8 p.m.
Where: Lucky Bar
Tickets: $20 at Lyle's Place, Ditch Records and ticketweb.ca
Why: Josh Tillman has planted both feet back on the solo path, following three years of drumming with highly acclaimed indie-folk group Fleet Foxes. He never stopped putting out records under the name J. Tillman during that time, but Fear Fun (2012) is the first under his new moniker. It's also a departure from his old sound and songwriting process and followed a period of debilitating depression, a drive down the coast on "enough mushrooms to choke a horse," and other inspiring life experiences. Tillman says it's the first time he's really taken risks in music. Go see for yourself.
-- Amy Smart
FAMILY FUN
What: CCPA's acting, singing and dancing party
Where: Uptown mall
When: Saturday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: free
Why: Ever wanted to take a free screen test? The Canadian College of Performing Arts offers that plus sample classes of dancing, acting and singing at Uptown mall. You're invited to watch or participate -- perhaps taking a free tap class or belting out a Broadway tune. Tents and unleased storefronts will host this carnival-style event with roving clowns, improv teams, a flash mob and stage fighting demonstrations. There's popcorn, coffee and face-painting for kids. It all provides an inside look at the CCPA, a Victoria performing arts school that, over 15 years, has forged a national reputation for excellence.
-- Adrian Chamberlain
