Nothing is elementary with Sherlock Holmes

One of our family traditions is to go see a film together on Christmas Day. This year given that we are in Kelowna, and that there aren't too many family films out that we haven't seen, we took the kids to see Sherlock Holmes. This is the highly anticipated Guy Ritchie film with Jude Law, Rachel McAdams and the incredibly multi-talented Robert Downey Jr. I have been looking forward to this film since I saw the trailer over 10 months ago.

It was well worth the wait.

This is a fantastic, exhilarating and thrilling ride of a movie. The chemistry is electric, the writing is intelligent and quick and the acting is superb. Robert Downey Jr plays a flawed, human hero in Sherlock Holmes. Quick witted and ready for action at every turn, he is always poised and up for a challenge. Jude Law plays Dr. Watson, as a brilliant physician, partner and friend, loyal and true. A great match for Holmes as the level headed counter part of this dynamic duo. Rachel McAdams plays her femme fatal role perfectly. She is just as charismatic, snappy and beautiful as Holmes and allows her vulnerability to show through...if only for a moment.

I think Guy Ritchie did an exceptional job bringing these iconic characters and this story to the big screen. He took chances with his directing and challenged the actors to push themselves within the context of the story and their characters. His ability to find the most creative and interesting ways of covering and filming a scene is really unique. This film keep me interested from beginning to end. I didn't feel that it was too long, even though I was a little nervous about the length of the film. Strangely for me...I didn't get antsy. It kept me captivated for the entire time.

The story is gripping with many twists and turns. Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson are out to solve the mystery of Lord Blackwood and despite some challenges along the way, Watson's girlfriend, corrupt police and Holmes' insatiable need to dissect everyone and every situation he encounters...just to name a few.

After seeing several films this month that I felt missed the mark, this was an absolute treat. I anticipated a fun filled, exciting ride and Ritchie did not disappoint. It's been the most fun that I have had at the movies in a long time. I may have to see it again, just to make sure that it wasn't a dream.

Up In The Air, way, way, way up in the air

The movie that I saw yesterday was "Up In The Air", the new Jason Reitman and George Clooney dramedy. I have been reading lots and lots of wonderful things about this movie and since Juno was one of my favorite films from a few years ago, I thought that this would be another quirky comedy filled with great performances and zippy writing that will keep me on my toes.
Now, I have to fess up...I am not a George Clooney fan. I don't completely hate him or his work, but I am definately not someone who thinks that anything he touches is gold. That being said, I felt that this was a reasonable piece of work. His performance was humble and he was able to leave himself vulnerable at times. At times, mostly I felt like I needed more. His love interest Vera Farmiga is great in her role. Calm and cool, she is a great match for him. The real surprise was Anna Kendrick. This young woman came in and stole the show for me. She was able to stand face to face with Clooney and power back what ever side quips that he threw at her, and she does it in a charming and youthful manner, so lovely. Jason Bateman rounds out the talented cast as Clooney's boss.
The story is about a man who travels around the country, who basically lives out of his carefully packed suitcase, and what happens in his life. His family, his friends, his loves and his collegues. I found it quite sad. Here was a man who has spent the better part of his life separating himself from society and plunging himself into his travels for work and all the prestige that goes along with that. He completely misses the boat with regards to relationships and family. At first it's funny and cute to watch, but then it just becomes so sad to see how his life has turned out for him.
For me this was an interesting film. Since I deal with travel during the day, it was fun to watch as the business men manouver through airports, hotels and car rental locations. That part was fun. I found that the movie was a bit slow, a bit perdictable and a bit sappy. It didn't win me over...I left the theatre feeling like I missed something...something big which is why everyone else is writing about how much they loved the film and I am writing about...well, not that. The film was fine.
Maybe it's just Clooney...I just don't get Clooney. Maybe I am the only one that feels like he is too smooth, too suave, too cool. He's just too much for me. Oh well....maybe he'll make another Ocean's film...those were perfect for him I felt. Cool, calm and always collected.

Life is, Precious

I like going to movies. I enjoy the time I spend experiencing my escape from reality. I find that there are some movies that are sweet, fun loving and allow me to express myself through tears of happiness and postive emotion. There are also movies where the emotions that get brought to the surface are horror, pain and sadness. Those movies where you sit there and realize that your life isn't as horrible or difficult as what you see on the screen. I just saw one of those movies. This week's film was Precious.

Precious is the story of a teenager living in New York with her mother. She has spent her whole life being physically, emotionally and sexually abused by the ones that were supposed to love and care for her. This was an unbelievable story to watch on the big screen. It haunted me while the premise intrigued me at the same time. Who was this girl? What made her so special?

The film is rough, emotionally charged and raw. The performances in it are nothing short of incredible. This is extremely serious and disturbing subject matter. There were scenes that horrified me. There were scenes where the entire audience gasped. There were scenes where my poor husband wept as I did. There were scenes where you couldn't really believe that this was actually happening...and yet, there it was right in front of you.

What interests me is the fact that this young woman, a teenager, Precious, despite everything had enough courage to keep trying. She was illiterate and was pregnant with her second child and still she went to school and to learn to read and write. Gabourey Sidibe is fresh and powerful in her performance. I really couldn't keep my eyes off of her. She allowed her pain to connect with the audience sometimes without words or without tears. All she had to do was look into the camera and you knew exactly what she was feeling. Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Mo'nique round out the exceptional cast. This clearly was a work of love to bring to the big screen. It certainly felt like that while I was there tonight.

The film was powerful and well written. It didn't fill in all the blanks, they left you to figure some things yourself. It was an honest and scary look of an uneducated, abusive household. Where violence is a daily occurance becomes part of the routine. Breaking that routine is tough enough. Watching someone as courageous as Precious, was really a breath of fresh air. She was able to accept support and finally found out what love is really all about.

Throughout award season, I try to see all nominated films/actors in their nominated roles. I have been doing this for years. This was a performance worthy of a nomination. I have no idea if Gabourey will end up taking home the prize, but if this is the type of role that this young actress chooses for her first. I can't wait to watch her in her second choice.

Everybody's fine...hmmm really?

This week's movie was the new Robert DeNiro film, "Everybody's fine". It's a film about a recently widowed man who travels across the country trying to reconnect with his adult children. To me it seemed like a middle aged man's road trip across the US, basically because he had nothing better to do.

I have to say that this movie confused me. I really didn't know what to feel by the end of it. It was reasonably lighthearted that dipped into more serious situations but overall my feeling is that this was supposed to be a very easy film to watch and thus enjoy. I didn't love it. I am surprised that I didn't. As the overly emotional woman that I am who cries at Monsters Inc. and Glee episodes this movie didn't do it for me.

Now, that being said, I wasn't expecting a crazy melodrama, but I was expecting more of a story line and better writing. I thought that the movie was pretty cliche and not particularly surprising. The acting was ok. I was expecting better. I mean, it's Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale (absolutely beautiful mind you), Sam Rockwell (very understated and too placid for me in this role) and Drew Barrymore....eh?!$@#! What can I expect....well, I tell you that I expected more. I wanted a juicier story with more twists and turns, ones that I didn't anticipate. I wanted the actors to be challenged and to rise over and above the challenge. Unfortunately, this didn't happen. Nobody was able to save this film.

Now, I don't want you to get the impression that it's a horrible film. It wasn't. I don't want to give you the impression that you shouldn't see it....well maybe you shouldn't...it's more of a renter. One thing I did enjoy about this film, was DeNiro. Not because he was completely incredible and mind blowing, but because it was nice to see him in a paternal role that wasn't a satire, like "Meet the Parents". He was gruff but soft, awkward and charming. It was nice to see him in this role. I felt that he was a decent choice for this film. I don't think the other actors were cast well.

In the end, I'd have to say that this movie missed the boat for me. I was excited to see it, as the trailer looked good and I am a sucker for a family/emotional/lighthearted/make me cry and think of my dad type of a movie. Too bad this wasn't it.

The Movie that Blind Sided Me

So tonight was supposed to be my movie night with Nat, but I was stuck at work and her daughter had a project so we postponed until next week. My husband and I ended up watching The Blind Side together.
While we were driving to the theatre, I was checking the reviews on the film, and everyone was using words like uplifting and heartwarming. It made me a bit nervous. Were the next two hours going to be filled with Titanic like over drama and emotion. Will it drain me with it's soggy sappiness?
Within the first few minutes of the opening monologue, it was clear that this wasn't the over emotional drama that I had been expecting. The story is true, the people are real and the situations were honest. The Blind Side is the true story of the underprivileged Michael Oher and his life challenges and opportunities he had while becoming an All American Football Champion.
What really impressed me about the movie...(well to be honest many things impressed me about the film) was it's ability to to tell the story in a clear and relaxed manner. They didn't overdo it with sappy, overdone emotional situations, they simply told the story which was powerful enough.
The acting was excellent. What a wonderful vehicle for Sandra Bullock. Finally some work that she can really sink her teeth into and make her own. I think that this was my favorite performance of hers to date and completely different from all her other work. She was charming and driven and powerful. Tim McGraw plays her understated partner who understands that sometimes less is more and often chooses his battles and words carefully. Their children played by Jae Head and Lily Collins are fantastic. They are smart and funny and able to keep up with their mother's energy easily. It was wonderful to watch the development of the relationship between the children, how easy we forget how good we really have it until someone shows us that they never had it at all. Quinton Aaron is the amazing Michael Oher. Such a kind and gentle soul, it makes me smile to think of him on the football field. In some ways it's an oxymoron, but in others it fits seamlessly.
The writing was smart, funny and quick. The direction was supportive and let the story tell it's tale instead of using emotional ploys to ignite the audience. I think that with award season coming up, this will be a film to get people talking. The performances were outstanding, the writing was honest and poignant and the story is as I had previously read...heartwarming. I don't know if I would ever be able to get my father to watch this...it may be too poignant for him, but for anyone else who would like to spend two hours with an incredible cast watching an inspiring true story, go and see this movie. The courageous tale of his personal struggle challenges me to think about how I live my life. I wonder if I could be as courageous as Michael is. Sometimes it's easier to watch courage on the big screen instead of living it personally. How much richer would our lives be with true courage...it's exciting to think.

Jewish Film Festival - Being Jewish In France "Comme un Juif en France"

This movie was part of a group of movies that Nat and I watched during the Jewish Film Festival. It is a documentary, a very long...a very, very long documentary about Jewish people in France over the past hundred years.

Essentially, it started around the the First World War and finished within the past few years, I believe 2004 or 2005. I found this it interesting. Firstly, I have to acknowledge that it was great to listen to the movie in French - it was a great way to practice my understanding of the language and I was so happy for Nat, that reading the subtitles didn't bother me. Yay Nat!

The film details the amount of varying Anti Semitism in France over the past century. There were times were Jewish settlers fit nicely into French society and of course other times were they were being brutally and unfairly prosecuted.

Coming from European descent, I have always had an interest in the Holocaust and how it had directly affected my family. I was expecting a difficult movie to watch filled with war atrocities, but it wasn't. There was a part of the film which covered that area, but the movie wasn't consumed by it. I appreciated that. It made the whole experience a little easier to swallow.

Area 51...oops I mean Planet 51

Sitting in the movie theatre with Nat behind a large group of 9 year old ladies was quite the experience. It reminded me of when I used to go and see movies with my parents and insisted that they didn't sit with me or my friends...when did I get to be so old? When did I get to be so embarrasing?

Nat's daughter had a birthday this past week and so off we went to see Planet 51, a new animated movie with the voices of Justin Long, Jessica Biel and and Dwayne Johnson. It was relatively cute and funny, though I never truly laughed out loud, but to be truthful, I did chuckle a couple of times. The basic story line of the film is that an astronaut discovers Planet 51 inhabited by aliens...however can you call them aliens when you are the only human around? Hmmm, food for thought.

A lot of this movie was spent running; running from the aliens, running from the human, running from the law, running from the army...pick something and they are running from it. It wasn't a long movie, so luckily time was on my side with regards to the amount of time that I could sit there and expect greatness. Unfortunately, greatness wasn't to be found. This is not a great movie. It's a cute movie, with no real point except that it's a funny concept. Which brings me back to my first point...can you call them aliens when you are the only human around?

Of course in all children's movies, good will defeat evil and any challenges that arise will sort themselves out in a neat and tidy 90 minute package. With movies like UP, Monsters Inc and The Incredibles, they are a tough act to follow. I appreciate that...however since the bar has been raised and children and adults alike have shown that they respond positively to a decent animated films made well, shouldn't we expect that for all animated films to come? Where do we draw the line and call it "just a kids flick" and when does a film's appeal to the entire family?

I am challenging all future animated film makers....don't underestimate your audience...let's make animated fluff films a thing of the past. Let's make quality animated films that the entire family can enjoy and appreciate. They don't have to be dramatic or heavy, but they do have to be creative, smart and funny. I'd like to see if someone other than Brad Bird - the genius behind The Incredibles and The Iron Giant (another fantastic film) is able to achieve this.

Pirate Radio Floats

Question...

What do you get when you place Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Bill Nighy in a boat in the North Sea with the soul purpose of making sure rock and roll is heard across the airwaves in the 1960's?

The answer is this week's movie, Pirate Radio.

Pirate Radio. Ever since I saw the preview many, many months ago, I was looking forward to this film. What an interesting subject. England in the 1960's when they didn't allow radio stations to play rock and roll music, and what members of society do to make sure that it continues. This was a funny, creative and interesting film. The writing was smart and the acting was great. The whole movie looked like a lot of fun to make and I can tell you first hand it was a lot of fun to watch.

The film is filled with great british actors, Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branaugh, Nick Frost to name a few...and a special cameo with Emma Thompson. Funny lines, delivered by funny people. It was an exciting movie from start to finish. We were sitting in the movie theatre tonight and everyone enjoyed themselves...you know that feeling. When people are openly laughing and smiling and genuinely happy. I really liked this movie. It was filled with quirky characters, hippy dudes who were all there to listen to rock and roll and make sure that it was available to the masses and of course those groovy ladies who love them. The great Phillip Seymour Hoffman was wonderful as one of the disc jockeys. He fit right in as an American who is really just there for the music. That was the great thing about the movie, it really was all about the music. And there was music. The movie was filled with original, classic rock and roll, and I loved it.

I know that when my parents were young, rock and roll was not only frowned upon, it stirred up a fair amount of controversy. Now in 2009, the situation is completely opposite. If you took all the radio stations in the world and counted how many played rock instead of classical, rock would top them all. Now that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy a decent classical piece every now and then, and Pachelbel's Canon is one of my personal faves but people and society have changed. Look at how people adjusted when rap and hip hop first came on the scene.

I wonder what movie my children will watch about the trials and tribulations of hip hop music in the next 30-40 years...I wonder if it will be as well written and funny as Pirate Radio. Only time will tell.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

There comes a time in everyone's life where they realize that they are watching true greatness. An absolute genius...a talent beyond anything they have ever really known. Watching this film on the final rehearsal of what would have been his incredible return to the stage in over a decade, was an awe-inspiring experience. I sat and watched this musical documentary which included interviews with his musicians and back up dancers, as well as lots of MJ dancing and singing. This man was a musical talent that will never be replaced. I was a fan of Michael Jackson when I was in grade school. I remember going with my mother to see the Jackson 5/Michael Jackson concert that came to Vancouver when I was in grade 7 or 8. After all this hulabaloo came out about his personal life, I really left MJ behind. I discovered new artists and started experimenting with different musicians and bands. When I met my husband, I was quite surprised to see that he was a huge MJ fan. Unbelievable. He listened to the music and appreciated the enormity of this talent. I couldn`t get past the children in the same bed stuff...yucky, insane stories of what seemed to me a very sad man. Now decades later, this incredibly controversial talented man has died. It was a mixed day for me. I really didn`t know what to think. I found that it was sad that this man who was so young (not even 50) and was a father had died. I hadn`t figured out that it was as monumental as it was until yesterday.
Watching him, a 50 year old man, dance and sing on stage with 20 year old dancers and back up singers was incredible. He was in fantastic shape and moved like a cat. The respect that was given to him by all - the director, musical director, dancers, band members - everyone was quite something. It reminded me that Michael wasn`t a tabloid joke. He was a human being, a father who made mistakes like everyone else. The true difference is that when I make a mistake, it`s never on CNN. His entire life was out there for the public to see and thus criticize. This would make anyone crazy. While watching this film, I found a new appreciation for his huge number of hit songs and infamous dance sequences. Regardless of how this man lived is life, the contribution that he made to the music industry is undeniable. The film allowed me to appreciate what I had enjoyed as a child - before I got caught up with all the tabloid craziness. It was a great way to reconnect with a superstar. Go see this film.

Jewish film festival

We couldn't go watch "Coco" after all. My older daughter came down with the flu. Now everyone's vaccinated and healthy, let's come back to what's important - Movies!

Allie and her mother invited me to watch 2 movies as part of the Jewish Movie Festival here in Vancouver.

The first one "Being Jewish in France" was a documentary about Jews in France from the first immigrants to today. Very hard to watch. I don't really know what to say about it. Unless I want to get into a tirade of politics, emotions and anger.

The second one "Hey Hey it's Esther Blueburger". Now, that one I really really enjoyed! The story of a little Jewish girl trying to fit in in a non-Jewish private school. She finally makes friends with a girl from a public school next door and changes school without telling her parents.

Curious, confident and smart. We see her growing up where that shift happens - From where one day she's a kid and and then she's not. She looks the same but slowly without anyone knowing she's changing inside.

It made me realize that it's only a matter of time until my oldest makes that shift and if I'm busy making her what I want her to be. I'm going to miss out on what she really is. One morning I'll wake up and I'll be wondering where my little girl went.

The part where she finds the duck she befriended dead and cold ready to be dissected in her biology class was so sad and I cried when her best friend's cool mother died. Nobody was there to hold her when she found out.

I loved when they were all eating from the same jar of what looked like Caramel Spread.

I was happy when I got home and my oldest was still up. We got into our PJ's and cuddled while reading Harry Potter and chatting. She was so happy to be with me and me with her. It's only a matter of time until I won't be able to do that. I'll miss it.

Astro Boy...hmmm

So I took Matan and his friend Daniella to Astro Boy last night. It's a cute Japanese animated style film which has snappy lines and cute little story lines. I thought that the first half dragged a little bit and I found myself a little restless, but the second half was more exciting and I ended up enjoying the movie. Astro Boy is the story of a robot with special emotions and powers whom was created by his father - voiced by the incredibly blahh and heavy Nicolas Cage, ugh - when his son (whom Astro Boy is based on) dies. This to me was a little on the morbid side, I have to say. Yucky...a scientist who creates a "fake" child who is really a robot - seriously...lots of issues there. Astro ends up leaving his home and taking refuge in the land below and makes friends and realizes that life is good and he can make a difference in the world. My incredibly talented British sweetie, Freddie Highmore voices Astro Boy and does a great job keeping in character and keeping his accent controlled. A few times, I heard some of "real Freddie" come through - but really he's so adorable, I definately did not mind. The animation took some getting used to for me. I am not usually a fan of this type of animation - Disney/Pixar stuff is usually my favorite, but I thought that they did a really good job on this film. At the end of course, I teared up and cried a little - it's not a movie if I don't cry at least a little :-) - and was happy to see that Daniella's eyes were wet and red as well. It was just Matan who held it all together during the touching portions at the end. It's a sweet film. Be patient, but a nice rainy Sunday afternoon option for the kids.

I can't wait!!!

I've been waiting for this movie to come out.

That's for Tuesday.

Jon came home with Transformers 2... then 1

We started with the 2nd.

We watched 3/4 of it until I couldn't stay awake. It's REALLY a movie made for men... Maybe even teen boys. I mean Meagan is really hot, don't get me wrong but does the movie need to go into music video mode every time she comes into frame?

The day after, Jon thought we should watch the 1st one before? Sure...

This time I fell asleep within 10 minutes, Jon watched the rest on is own then returned it. I would have watched the end, I swear! (wink! wink!)

I watched the whole Zack and Miri.. finally!

I'm writing from my phone so it will be a quick post but I liked it after all. I kind of liked the fact that it was a romantic comedy from the guy's point of view and for once the guy was right, she's the one who kind of screwed up in the end. Jon pointed out that she wasn't the girly girl type of girl either."
Good point!
The ending was, again, predictable.

Cloudy with a chance of crap balls...

So, I took Danna to see this film a few weeks ago when it first came out and I have to say that I wasn't impressed. I was expecting a really fun and exciting comedic animated film - you know like The Incredibles or Finding Nemo - but I found it a bit tedious and boring. I never really routed for the main charcter, I found him dry and not very interesting. Danna loved it, of course, and we went back last weekend with the rest of the family.

Now seeing it for the second time, I enjoyed it more. It was a cute kids flick. I don't think that it will be one that I will get on DVD, but it was more fun when I saw it again. I still think that it drags in areas and some things are just completely insanely ridiculous - but maybe that's what they were trying to do with this story. I enjoyed the book a lot but didn't connect with the characters or their animated voices. Hmm, I am looking forward to hearing what you have to say about this one. You know how there are some animated films that both adults and children enjoy, this was not one of them for me. It was really a kids film...cheezy lines, animation was ok - not incredible though and I didn't like the voices. Maybe I need animated films with characters that burst into song at a drop of a hat...that's it!! Where was the music???

Go see it and let me know..."Cloudy with a chance of crapballs"....hmmm.....

I didn't make it through Zack and Miri

And it's not because I fell asleep or I found it boring. The disc froze when it got to the sex scenes. (Is it a sign?)

Now I probably have 20 minutes to the end and I have to drive back to Rogers. Is it worth it? It looks like it's getting sappy

Jon and I laughed a lot though, I loved the lines when Zack says:"Give me 2 sticks and a rubber band and I'll find a way to Fuck it. That's what we do!"

I'll write more about it later when I watch the whole thing.

Where ARE the Wild Things?

So my evening plans changed for tonight and I was able to take my kids to see the new movie, "Where the Wild Things Are". I was excited to take them, as we have the book (still packed somewhere) and both children enjoyed reading it many, many times when they were younger...plus I have to say that since I saw the preview several months ago, I have been looking forward to seeing this movie.


First of all, the the child actor that they found to play Max was fantastic. Those eyes...oh lord - those eyes are incredible. He can portray a whole realm of emotion with them without using any words. The character is so playful and yet angry so much is just simmering inside him. His mother is played by the wonderfully talented and yet so underrated Catherine Keener. She, really, plays the best Mom. A working, single mom with two kids who is trying to keep it all together and have a life and a family. I really enjoyed the portions with Max and his mom. Even though sometimes they made me cry and would remind me of my own "wild thing" at home - now whom is 14 years old - I found the entire family situation very touching.


When Max has a big fight with his mother, he ends up running away to the land where 'the wild things are' and finds Wild Things. These creatures are absolutely incredible. The likeness to the book illustrations are fantastic and the voices that have been provided, Catherine O'Hara, James Gandolfini and Chris Cooper to name only a few are perfect in their roles. They bring life and words to the pictures that I have enjoyed for years. Max ends up staying with them and becomes their king. He claims to have special powers that will keep them happy. They laugh and run together while discovering all the exciting things that his imagination will allow. What he doesn't expect is that all people (or creatures) come with their own personal backgrounds or baggage - which is a term that I have been using quite frequently. Max, is a child of course, and discovers that life is not as he hoped and things are more difficult than originally imagined. When too much conflict arises, Max returns home.


The reunion between mother and son was very sweet. It was one of the many times that this movie brought me to tears - not overwhelming Schindler's List tears like my heart was being pulled out of my tush, but sweet, tender and familiar tears of one family trying desperately to stay together and be loving and safe with each other.


After the film as we were walking back to the car, I asked my kids what they thought of the movie. "It was ok, yeah it was good, I guess". Hmm, maybe one needs to be a parent to be able to see the bigger picture when it comes to these types of movies. You know the type, movies that come from the heart and yet instead of disappearing they leave a lovely impression there. Hmm, or maybe I am just one big mush ball who crys at anything...go see the film and let me know.

Seriously?

Our first movie! I don't know where to start.

The Serious Man... I would probably call it "The No Backbone Man".

It was very frustrating to see him never standing up for himself. Specially his wife! Wow! What a crazy woman! I liked the goy neighbour. His last line was hilarious

The moral I understood was: Even though you try to do the right thing, don't. Everybody else around you won't and you'll end up living a boring life with nothing in the end. And, oh yes! if you think you have problems there are always something worse coming up for you. Oh, If you try to ask for advice? No point because nobody really knows what to do, they just pretend to be virtuous and smart. And we're all going to die so, might as well hurry, live and not take life so seriously.

But all in all, I didn't get it. The movie ends abruptly, they should have wrote "Etc..." instead of "The End". The bad events kept coming with no end in sight. Maybe the twister was the end of this specific story.

Allison, did you get the part at the beginning? "The dead Rabbi's visit"? Was it another kind of story a Rabbi would tell. Like the teeth story? I still can't make a co-relation between the 2.

I can't wait to read your take on the movie, you probably got it better that I.

It was ok but not very good. 4 on 10. Eeech! Your company was way better than the actual movie!

I'll be watching Zack and Milli make a porno tonight. Not sure if I'll be able to finish it but I'll try. I remember you liked the movie when it came out, we'll see what I think. Jon will be watching it with me.

Seriously Man, Where's the Rabbi?

What a movie...Who knew what to expect when the first scene is done completely in my Bubbie's language, Yiddish. It was like sitting with my Bubbie and Zaida in their kitchen and listening to them bicker about whatever. It was an interesting idea and ballsy choice. I really enjoyed this movie. I thought that in some ways it was a typical black comedy from the Coen brothers - that we have come to expect and enjoy - but that this time they paid homage to their Jewish roots. Our main character Lenny, is a nebesh. A nothing of man who is stuck in his life rut and can't seem to get anything to go his way. The man needs some betzim! Betzim I tell you. The scene where his wife's boyfriend dies and he accepts his wife's demand to pay for the funeral - are you kidding?? What a schlub! I enjoyed the twist with the Korean student and the bribe - I thought that this was very creative and the father was hilarious. The scary neighbours were very funny - with Lenny getting twisted up over his property line concerns. Once again we see in a Coen brother's film, lots of interesting characters, good dialogue with a decent story line. I thought that it showed the hilarity of some Jewish traditions and situations and they were able to show that with a good deal of respect. One of the things that I found quite funny was the difficulty that Lenny had trying to get some decent advice. He went to see the junior Rabbi, who for some insane reason was thrilled with the parking lot behind his office - really? The parking lot? The next Rabbi, told thrilling tales of teeth writing that didn't do anything but confuse everyone. The goyim and their teeth...I always thought that teeth were teeth. The oldest Rabbi, which unfortunatley Lenny never got to go see, was a wise old man who ended up giving advice to Lenny's son at the end of the film. Somehow, I think that anything the old Rabbi said to the Bar Mitzvah boy was wasted on the boy. Lenny could've used some direction first. The poor man was getting it stuck to him from all angles and was desperate for something good. The movie ended a bit abruptly for me, I was wanting more...needed them to explain a little more. Basically, what I am saying is that the movie family was very interesting to me and I wanted more time with them. More time to watch them, cry with them, laugh with them and of course laugh at them. Excellent movie. Can't wait for the sequel "Oy, You Thought I Was Serious...Wait Until After The Funeral."

A serious man

Tomorrow...

WELCOME!

Hi Allison, welcome to our new blog! Do you like it?