October 31, 2007 • 3:39 PM
This year, in our 2nd annual vacation together, my brother’s fam and I will be venturing to New Orleans.
We’ve never been before and have little to no idea what to do there. I’m only sorry we’re visiting for the first time after Katrina. But at least now we can help infuse some cash to rebuild.
We’ve purchased tickets but now I’m trying to research where to stay and what to do. Most of the books were written pre-Katrina so they’re useless. Many of the web sites haven’t really been updated since January of 2007 (if you’re lucky).
So if you’ve been there since Katrina and have some suggestions send them my way.
Filed under: Mi Familia, Travelling , Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, vacation
October 27, 2007 • 11:49 PM
Ok, so my need to escape continues. That and my Entertainment Book expires on thursday and I still have two movie coupons so Tishiya and I ventured out to see Lars and the Real Girl.
Lars (Ryan Gosling) never knew his mother, his father withdrew when she died and his brother, Gus (Paul Schneider), escaped from the sadness as soon as he could. Lars was left alone. Gus’ pregnant wife Karin (Emily Mortimer) does everything she can to entice him into their world but he prefers his own, isolated, protected and with little interaction.
However, one day he learns that he can craft his own perfect girl on the internet. One created to his specifications, one that will just let him be him. So he orders her and introduces her to his family and small town where he lives.
What we learn is that we were never meant to live life alone. We need each other and love comes in very unusual packages. Lars has to learn how to interact. His brother has to learn to let go of convention. The town learns how to support someone even though it seems ridiculous. In the end Lars learns how to give and receive love. His life is completely changed.
Lars and the Real Girl is a quirky, silly, charming, funny movie that walks the fine line of all these things and the complete absurd. Inspite of all their oddities the characters remain real, transparent and honest. The relationships ring true. The pace of the movie is a little slow and it’s a little long but in the end it’s worth it.
Filed under: Pop Culture , movie
October 26, 2007 • 11:52 PM
In an effort to escape the news, smoke, drama, and the noiseness going on in my own head Debbie and I went to see, Dan in Real Life [2007].
I was looking forward to something a little predictable, a little trite and a little funny. This movie did not disappoint.
Dan (Steve Carell) is a widower with three daughters. His life has become all about work and keeping a tight watch on his girls. While he is a leading advice columnist his girls think he’s a “great Father but a poor dad.”
So they trapse off to grandma and grandpa’s beach house in Rhode Island for a family reunion where he falls in love with his younger brother Mitch’s (Dane Cook) girlfriend, Marie (Juliette Binoche). Let the comedy ensue.
I’m sure you can guess the rest – the family is meddling. He’s forgotten what its like to be in love. There’s lots of teenage drama and angst. Brother is a skirt chaser and doesn’t deserve this fantastic girl. Dan’s daughter’s love her. Blah. Blah. Blah.
It’s cute. It’s entertaining. It served its purpose tonight. Think of it like a much less political Family Stone.
Filed under: Pop Culture , movie, romantic comedy, Steve Carell
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