tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39402235146297699942024-03-05T00:46:23.311-08:00Foodie And A MovieFoodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940223514629769994.post-46504312281870874802012-06-27T21:56:00.002-07:002012-06-27T23:32:42.924-07:00Five-Minute Window<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NtGg0z4Js913-URMuOl00oqiYz9cjA8ezRkbMbT_NSU4x0I_YsMw2XzrPDDGMjbaS7WKRRslvN4Jt2QRewB_yvIPFU2J1D2RPQmskhNjSEg2fKHIrjrh2-6y2lFaIwU9OlT0bK_o7I-u/s1600/drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NtGg0z4Js913-URMuOl00oqiYz9cjA8ezRkbMbT_NSU4x0I_YsMw2XzrPDDGMjbaS7WKRRslvN4Jt2QRewB_yvIPFU2J1D2RPQmskhNjSEg2fKHIrjrh2-6y2lFaIwU9OlT0bK_o7I-u/s400/drive.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image of "Drive" - FilmDistrict</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">DRIVE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nicolas Winding Refn’s
entangled disarray of manslaughter mistaken for love and passion is, visually, a superlative
trainwreak to witness unraveled. With
trancelike perspectives, dramatic framing, and slow motion effects during either
tender or brutal moments, one must question whether they are seeing a
presentation of truth or an elaborate representation of what the character
believes to be their reality. After mulling over this film, I am still astounded by the fact that the director managed to present a film that utilizes nostalgic
elements from preceding motion pictures, however it felt fresh and original. He
bestowed something that was raw, real and yet dreamlike and cinematic. Through the use of music, costume and
cinematography, I felt I was transported in a convoluted timeline of the
present to the 80s/70s/60s eras. Genres snarled behind a mask of a cheap pulp
fiction magazine. It’s homage to pastiche while steering in the current.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>“… action films, sexy stuff –
one critic called them European”</b></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>- Bernie Rose, Drive.</b> </span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u>Drive</u> contains a
simple plot about a man who is a stunt-driver by day and a getaway driver for
robbers by night. (Refer to: <u>The Driver</u> feat. Ryan O’Neal). Jean-Luc Godard
proclaimed that all a film needs is a gun and girl. Refn’s swaps such formula
with a man and his car. The main character is a minimalist man who falls in
love with a pretty girl who becomes his very own damsel in distress. For a man who
acts so little, his reactions become extreme therefore this man comes across as
incredibly mysterious and complex. We know nothing about his past or even his
name. (Refer to: <u>Man With No Name</u> feat. Clint Eastwood). The protagonist,
played by Ryan Gosling, either goes by “Driver”, “Kid” or “Him”. Refn is stripping
down to the bare bone and only wants us to pay attention to what could be the
driver’s intentions. How can we understand what’s going on and the purpose of
his actions if we do not have any background information? This is where the
other cinematic elements become vital key players. So, knowing that this movie
is paying homage to other neo-noir films, we can gather that Driver is a man
who’s misunderstood, a loner if you will. If he’s not eating at a diner by
himself, then he’s either tinkering with car parts secluded in his hotel room
or voyaging the city in his safe haven, Chevy Impala, contemplating what the
world has to offer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>“Loneliness has followed me my whole life, everywhere; In
bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There’s no escape. I’m God’s
lonelyman”</b></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>– Travis Bickle, Taxi Driver.</b></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Silently, he is
always observing everything and everyone around him. A dark and brooding
presence. He is a champion of holding a sever pokerface, much like classic
action heroes of the 60s/70s: Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen
and counter-culture’s leader, James Dean. Ryan Gosling made a bold decision to
perform this character with little dialog for most intense instances doesn’t
always entail contrived actions. During particular moments when Driver was in
his hero mode, he’d wear a satin bomber jacket with a striking scorpion sawn on
with gold thread, a replica of the same jacket in Kenneth Anger’s <u>Scorpio
Rising</u>, paired along with a single toothpick. A humorous jab against the “bad
guy” stereotypes depicted in motion pictures. Driver dressed this way for he
didn’t have an identity of his own. He only knew what was presented in film,
hence his association with film production as a Hollywood stunt driver. The
introduction to his daytime job was illustrated in a form of slick trickery,
much like his style as a getaway driver; A textbook presentation of a devious
cat and mouse chase against the LA police. Do not believe everything you see
until you receive all information. Whenever the initial state of equilibrium is
provoked into disequilibrium, by some complication or crisis, then the equilibrium
is restored. We are invited into the vivid continuous dream and are to dream
through the narrative. One must question – what is reality? The effects of
cultural hegemony. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With the
symphonic blend of steady synthetic pulse rate soundtrack, Michael Mann’s infamous neo-lit neo-noir crime mythology and Paul Schrader’s <u>American Gigolo</u> bubble gum
pink typography, <u>Drive</u> is an orgy of images and sounds that invoke the nostalgic
past for those who encountered the 1980s. As we ride in this violent modern
Grimm fairytale, it is recommended to relish in the quiet moments for the bumps
in the road are hair-raising. Let your instinctual level kick into second gear
for there isn’t any barefaced dialog to assist in explaining every situation
that may arise. Be alert to the surroundings and more importantly, the subtle
facial expressions. Once you buckle in, you’re embarking on a gripping thriller
and there are no break peddles to stop. Besides, how can you say no to such a gentle face like Gosling? You can't.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">On a final note,
the question that everyone ponders over is – did he die? I won’t give a yes or
no answer, however I will express that as “Driver” rides into the proverbial
sunset, he finally accepts what kind of hero he can be. </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b>“… a real human being and a
real hero”</b></span> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">- College feat. Electronic Youth.</span></b></span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u>Restaurant
Recommendation</u>: Pizzeria Classico<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3twTeuKstW5t3RgyzBKv01_YBx-DivbOaPZL7gl3r0S0axQhj2heDXnFBxj-vh0SuS7RO_A0ezdjbui1IT7OApg3HHHf4fLGvnJN-supRxyghFSkHIj5aI6M_2Kv3JaHiE6Nvz8sRvlNP/s1600/Photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3twTeuKstW5t3RgyzBKv01_YBx-DivbOaPZL7gl3r0S0axQhj2heDXnFBxj-vh0SuS7RO_A0ezdjbui1IT7OApg3HHHf4fLGvnJN-supRxyghFSkHIj5aI6M_2Kv3JaHiE6Nvz8sRvlNP/s200/Photo1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sitting on the
main corner of Sutter Street in Folsom, Pizzeria Classico's casual ambiance
is the perfect place to get the dirty job done – feed your starving stomach.
Always start the duty with a mountain high of crisp salad in a chilled bowl that's recommended to share with a least three or more people. From there on, do not burglarize
yourself from their mouthwatering garlic chips. The blend of gooey cheese, sweet,
hot butter and garlic smothered on a round dough that’s combines both textures
of soft and crispy is a murderous combination that you’ll gladly welcome your
way. As for the pizza, you truly cannot make a wrong decision. My personal
favorite: Stromboli. Your taste buds will definitely jump into fast lane! This
is when a toothpick will come in handy. After a satisfying travel to “delicious
town”, be sure to saunter around Sutter Street and enjoy the laidback mood Historic
Folsom has to offer. A calming experience that you’ll guiltlessly steal.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Foodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940223514629769994.post-38233103179453780332012-06-26T17:47:00.001-07:002012-06-26T17:47:10.300-07:00Dear Suzy, Dear Sam<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IRcQk6rhp-j4vqkn_zkX4EAPR2Dg5qbIlpRfDYAAAY2pZWuKrTU4sT1SFm7mJTxQyGb1L4o84eDBdot4ae_HWucRa9aNCYUvKyexNt-TcBS8i3yl7U_qTwQhiS_afgKJkcqnHDmI77HV/s1600/moonrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IRcQk6rhp-j4vqkn_zkX4EAPR2Dg5qbIlpRfDYAAAY2pZWuKrTU4sT1SFm7mJTxQyGb1L4o84eDBdot4ae_HWucRa9aNCYUvKyexNt-TcBS8i3yl7U_qTwQhiS_afgKJkcqnHDmI77HV/s400/moonrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image of "Moonrise Kingdom" - Focus Features</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced a forbidden love towards another
that couldn’t be ours. In our youth, such rebellious love affair is seen as an adventure,
however as we cross the path of harsh adulthood, it becomes more of a heartbreaking
saunter of pain and confusion. In Wes Anderson’s newest eccentric voyage,
<u>Moonrise Kingdom</u>, we empathetically observe such transformation between two
pre-teens entering their last stage of innocence. The magical simplicity of
childhood is a part of a past that all adults yearn for; Anderson expertly
prods at this stifled emotion thus causing us viewers to cheer on the young
lovers’ great escape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
film is set in a fabricated “one-cop town” called New Penzance, near
Summer’s End, in New England. It may be the year 1965, however the era is
painted in such a light that it could be set in both the present and past. In
the Wes Anderson fashion, the town is illustrated as dysfunctional, quirky,
kitschy, handmade, homemade, but more importantly, inviting. Humanity set in a
whimsical vision. The warm buttery yellow tinge throughout the film presents
the story like an old, beloved photograph that had been improperly stored away
in a dusty attic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each building
looks like large-scale versions of miniature sets and dollhouses illuminated by
theatrical lighting. It’s humorous without overstepping the boundary into
cartoonish. This is a common theme that spreads even into the actors’ performances. The whole production is like one grand theatrical play at a local summer camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
opening sequence of the film begins with three young boys listening to Benjamin
Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”. It goes without saying
that much like the orchestra, each individual in the town will encounter a
force of separation before being put back together again. In order to interact with others, one has to understand their role and purpose. The only person,
other than the narrator, to acknowledge our presence is a young girl in a pink
dress fiercely watching us at the top of a lighthouse with her midnight black
binoculars. Much like a deer in the woods, she signals that she knows that we
are within observing range, watching every move each character makes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sam
Schakowsky, a loner orphan, flees the Khaki Scouts at Camp Ivanhoe to reunite
with Suzy Bishop, a misunderstood schoolgirl with a poignant personality due to
her overbearing parents. The two met at a church performance of “Noye’s Fludde”
(Noah’s Ark) a year earlier. “What kind of bird are you?”, Sam inquired. “I’m a
raven”, Suzy replied. A biblical allegory that these two wild animals were
destined to fly away and seek refuge from social order together. A brilliant
nod to French New Wave’s Jean-Luc Godard’s “Le Pierrot Fou”; a common reverence
seen in Anderson’s former films such as, “The Royal Tenenbaums”. Their getaway certainly stirs up a storm. Frantically, Suzy’s lawyer parents (Bill Murray and Frances
McDormand), the town’s lone officer (Bruce Willis), Camp Ivanhoe’s Scout Master
Ward (Edward Norton) and “Social Services” (Tilda Swinton) hunt down the two
lovebirds. While the adults embark on their own journey, we learn that they too
are sad, lonely people who have desires to be loved. Such journey reminded them
about their forgotten inner youth that pushed them to capture the one they
loved. It’s a moving tale that certainly has a beat of its own. “Poems don’t
always have to rhyme, you know. They’re just suppose to be creative”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
Anderson transports you in this capricious, yet life-affirming saga, be sure to
take note on the actors’ shortened pants (a la Anderson’s personal wardrobe
style), the unique use of vehicle pov shots as well as the fun, obscure
soundtrack. I challenge you to not get Hank Williams “Kaw Liga” stuck in your
head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Restaurant
Recommendation:</u> The Melting Pot's "Campfire S'mores Martini"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though
this specialty drink is only served at The Melting Pot during the winter
season, lucky for us all, I found the recipe that will surely go into your First
Aid survival kit. Find your favorite book, turn on your portable record player and relax by the camp fire with this delectable treat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Campfire S'mores Martini</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Ingredients</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">2oz SKYY Vodka or Smirnoff Fluffed Marshmallow Vodka</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1oz Monin Toasted Marshmallow Syrup (4pumps)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1oz Hershey's Chocolate Syrup</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1oz Half & Half</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Graham cracker crumbs</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Ice</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Chocolate shavings</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Large Marshmallows</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i>Directions</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- Dip rim of glass into Monin Toasted Marshmallow, then into graham cracker crumbs.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- Fill cocktail shaker with ice, vodka, Monin Toasted Marshmallow, Hershey's syrup and half & half. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- Cap and shake, shake, shake!</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- Drizzle chocolate syrup in glass, then strain cocktail into glass.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- Garnish with chocolate shavings and marshmallow. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">- Drink and say "Yum!"</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.0pt; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">*As for the young ones, replace Vodka with vanilla ice cream.*</span></b></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Foodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940223514629769994.post-86416734561078666612012-04-26T12:40:00.000-07:002012-04-26T12:40:51.902-07:00Schoolyard Brawl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC8bLLKl6JXbO5Cb0NLqzBddDjJ10R5xNw7neblRvgOxrpbJr9lYzn6DLqauM0YmsIonPvmk_bcwXkG_HOkI-sbm2C9Jt8Gqb5bTtUNFo9lF-DKyy39KiO2S6QMhwHsyVNK0SN-qFL3Wd/s1600/carnage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC8bLLKl6JXbO5Cb0NLqzBddDjJ10R5xNw7neblRvgOxrpbJr9lYzn6DLqauM0YmsIonPvmk_bcwXkG_HOkI-sbm2C9Jt8Gqb5bTtUNFo9lF-DKyy39KiO2S6QMhwHsyVNK0SN-qFL3Wd/s400/carnage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image of "Carnage" - Sony Pictures Classics</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">FIGHT!</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">FIGHT!</span> FIGHT!</b></div>
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">With
the current uprising awareness on bullying, I became increasingly intrigued by
Roman Polanski’s return with his latest motion picture, <u>Carnage</u>, based
on Yasmina Reza’s Tony-award winning play, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God
of Carnage</i>. Since this film was relatively brief, I will attempt to keep my
review in the same vain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
current cinematic presentations, Mtv inspired editing and mind-boggling
cinematography has been placed on a high pedestal. This is all good and well,
however we seem to have forgotten about well-written screenplays as in addition
to acting. With a bold move, Roman Polanski strips away all shiny objects in
order to focus solely on the actors’ brilliant performances. No need for
neither multiple locations nor groundbreaking wardrobe for the here and now is
what is important. For those who do not know much about the play, the story is
about two young boys who partake in an argument. About what, we don’t know,
however the end of their personal dispute becomes public information when it
becomes known that one hits the other with a stick. From this point on, the
audience follows a conflict that quickly arises between the boys’ parents. Adversaries
are Mr. and Mrs. Longstreets (John C. Reily and Jodi Foster) versus the opponents,
Mr. and Mrs. Cowans (Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet). In short, Cowans’ son,
Ethan, refused to be involved with the Longstreets’ son, Zach, scheme. Zach
bullied Ethan and in return, Ethan expressed his annoyance by using physical
contact. Being responsible adults, they follow societies “law” that grown-ups
are to handle such occasion with a mature attitude by using reasonable conflict
resolution. The Longstreets welcome the Cowans in their apartment to conduct
such affair civilly. Funny thing is, being an adult just means knowing bigger
words, but the verbal affray is just as catty as a schoolyard brawl. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While attempting to leave on more than
one occasion, the Cowans are harassed, first kindly then maliciously, back into
the Longstreets’ home. Polite sharing or courteous small talk is just one big
expose of bourgeois hypocrisy. Big tree branch sticks are replaced with
high-tech cell phones and 18-year-old scotch. Even cute nicknames, like
Darjeeling and Doodles, become tools for callous mocking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inner securities that are born from
childhood are still alive, however adults tend to cleverly cover such flaws
with self-righteousness. Sticks and stones make break bones, but words will
always be emotionally hurtful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
order to round up viewers into the mess, Roman Polanski keeps the action in two
locations – inside the apartment and the hallway to the elevators. This
develops a claustrophobic sensation. All emotions plus egos are deeply
entrapped, therefore, quickly boils into childish bickering about unnecessary
laden topics such as misogyny, Darfur and animal cruelty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I have not seen the
play, but doing a bit of research on it, it appears Polanski missed the mark.
The live play pushes the audience to participate in the madness by occupying
the same space as the actors. The audience is part of the gang of spectators
circulating around the two couples whereas with the film version, the
connection isn’t given. Nevertheless, what kept this film from being a huge disaster
was the outstanding battle of the wits between Foster, Reily, Waltz and
Winslet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have 80 minutes to
spare to witness the English language sharply utilized in illustrating modern
relationships, I recommend checking out <u>Carnage</u>. Even if you are not a
fan of Polanski and his personal past, it is still fun just to observe his
direction in having four highly acclaimed actors insult each other. Any civil pretentiousness
and superficial bigotry towards others beliefs calls for detention. Forewarning:
Verbal vomit isn’t the only spew that’s brought forth to the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recommendation:
Apple-Pear Cobbler Recipe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the beginning of the film, as a peace offering, the Longstreets serves
apple-pear cobbler to the Cowans. My goal is whip up such treat hopefully by
this weekend. The recipe comes from Ms. Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. If any
of you make this crisp, please let me know! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/apple-and-pear-crisp-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Apple-Pear Cobbler Recipe</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>FYI,
Mrs. Longstreets’ secret ingredient is Gingerbread crumbs.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Foodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940223514629769994.post-20194450378001704912012-03-13T17:56:00.000-07:002012-03-13T17:56:49.094-07:00After Midnight, We're Gonna Let It All Hang Down.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRc9Ct19ashyphenhyphenf8EFp_suAi-ynKWIuGuMBq-GhgZC9POf9_3L4-S3xxgdhHBVkElszm5pWs7uY0yjayidpxyGmCMdwQnar46nEC8NHGoFVjEYGrVgTfPijnC6bWi4XnYJ_Hprh8_LQ92Zp/s1600/midnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRc9Ct19ashyphenhyphenf8EFp_suAi-ynKWIuGuMBq-GhgZC9POf9_3L4-S3xxgdhHBVkElszm5pWs7uY0yjayidpxyGmCMdwQnar46nEC8NHGoFVjEYGrVgTfPijnC6bWi4XnYJ_Hprh8_LQ92Zp/s400/midnight.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;">Image of "Midnight in Paris" - Sony Pictures Classics</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Walking down the bustling roads of Paris, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">the sound of a jazzy clarinet envelopes all visitors with a loving hug as they explore eminent points in the city; Our</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> eyes become stimulated with various subjects of beauty that range from twinkling lights to fellow passersby casually perusing around town. Though I personally have never been to France, I was able to experience such visual pleasures through Woody Allen’s latest cinematic escapade. <u>Midnight in Paris</u> is sincerely a beautiful billet-doux to France, specifically to the charming streets in Paris. The film begins with a heartfelt statement -- “<b>Paris in the morning is beautiful … Paris in the afternoon is charming … Paris in the evening is enchanting</b>”. A declaration that could not have been more truthful. In a three minute long opening montage, shot by Darius Khondji, the first establishing image is a wide shot of Pont Alexandre iii along with the Effile Tower proudly positioned in the background. Even though the tower isn’t the main attraction, it certainly isn’t forgotten for it is too powerful of an icon to do so. For most films, a drawn out opening montage would be considered a bit much, however for <u>Midnight in Paris</u>, it is Allen’s narration for us society to stop for a moment to take in such a magical place. Each cut transports to various locals around Paris’ breezy atmosphere surrounded by lush foliage; architecture swathed in rich, creamy color tones that are blanket under a cloudy sky. Paris is a living work of art under Allen’s paintbrush, the camera lens.</span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This statement may deeply upset many cinema enthusiasts, so take hold, power through this and then let me explain myself – I don't consider myself a Woody Allen fan. Okay, take a deep breath, it’s all going to be just fine for here’s the positive – <u>Midnight in Paris</u> may have converted me. I’ll agree that Woody Allen is a vital player in cinema’s history. He is certainly a brilliant mastermind in illustrating taboo topics such as sex, religion and politics, however most of his films had never truly spoken to me. I couldn’t relate …until now. With <u>Midnight in Paris</u>, anyone who yearns for the nostalgic past, can easily connect with the main character, Gil, played by Owen Wilson. Gil is a disillusioned Hollywood screenwriter who’s ardent to become a world-renowned novelist. His fiancé, Inez (Rachel McAdams), on the other hand, only cares about the frivolous, materialistic possessions, rather than the small romantic gestures such as walking in the rain. After an exasperating day with Inez and her friend, Professor “If I’m not mistaken” Paul, Gil finds himself drunkenly wondering to Rue de la Montague St. Generieve. As the clock stroked midnight, an antique Peugeot Landaulet, filled with champagne-swinging revelers, chauffeurs Gil to the following destination -- the times of yore. Sacre bleu!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Back to the opening sequence, the first track was the song “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere (If You See My Mother)”. It became clear to me that “the mother”, this song was referring to, was actually the motherland to arts and literature. In the 1920s, Paris, France was the place to be for artists and writers to receive coddling as well as vast encouragement with their unique craft. France was the supporting nourishment that bloomed distinctive genres such as Cubism, Surrealism and vigorous narrative prose. During his first late night expedition, Gil comes in contact with the Golden Age greats such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda , Ernest Hemingway, Cole Porter plus Alice B. Toklas, to name a few. This is a dream come true for a literature admire. But wait for each trip gets better when he meets other artistic icons, specifically in the film category. –nudge, nudge, wink, wink- Though we, Americans, may have a heated grudge against the people of France, we must not take for granted what the land has supported before WWII. Witnessing Gil experience such an privileged adventures reminds us to never forget the past, yet we must keep in the foreground that staying in the past has its price. I won’t give away too much to the ending; however keep in mind that falling in love with someone who no longer exists is a tough relationship to keep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Sure, Allen’s newest film is highlighting the difference between modern day luxury-tourist driven Paris versus Bohemian Paris, however the moral of the story is: by respecting the past, we have the ability to reanimate the present. Retreating completely from today is ill-advised. “<b>Nostalgia is denial – denial of the painful present … it’s a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present.</b>” Ad-libbing the old clique saying - seize the day today for tomorrow is just the future of yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u>Restaurant Recommendation:</u><b> </b>ANY SUGGESTIONS?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I’ve never dined on French cuisine. Any suggestions would be helpful. Please come back later for a review.<o:p></o:p></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Foodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940223514629769994.post-73929469299274925192012-01-23T16:43:00.000-08:002012-01-23T22:46:19.000-08:00Silence is Golden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZswEHotjykwm_Qy350JKac2bt0UMKgkKPvfDuhsfVpRhVawOZvPRy8fe5RACQZIdeevUqWtQJr-jTOK2wu8YS2hToMpYdI4sM5hLGFqCPcHMkgifHvo8D1p2vBUK2EhZcvXgLqCIa5X5/s1600/the+artist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZswEHotjykwm_Qy350JKac2bt0UMKgkKPvfDuhsfVpRhVawOZvPRy8fe5RACQZIdeevUqWtQJr-jTOK2wu8YS2hToMpYdI4sM5hLGFqCPcHMkgifHvo8D1p2vBUK2EhZcvXgLqCIa5X5/s400/the+artist.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image of "The Artist" - The Weinstein Company/Warner Bros.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">QUIET ON THE SET!</span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Ever since talkies began in late-1920’s, we had been aggressively striving in developing the best euphonic audio presentation including state of the art surround sound systems plus high-fidelity sound mixing formats. Overstuffed on technology, who knew we’re subconsciously starving for a silent film? With huge gravitas, Michel Hazanavicius takes whopping leaps backwards into the nostalgic period when the idea of synchronized recorded sound was considered absurd. In this charming tale, about the rise of spoken dialog along with <u>A Star Is Born</u> type plot, Hazanavicius peacefully paints a motion picture displaying actions that speak louder than words. Masterful cinematography and syuzhet narrative allowed <u>The Artist </u></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">to arrive with big noise here in America.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">The opening credit sequence presents a playful illustration of Michel Foucault’s theory, Panoptican, towards the Classical Hollywood Narrative structure. Enveloping our mental state with open arms, the movie begins by provoking disequilibrium. As we sit in a movie theatre, we immediately become engaged of the “central” tower: the movie screen. We, as a viewing audience, see what we think is the beginning of <u>The Artist</u>, however to much to our surprise, the establishing shot comes from a scene in <u>A Russian Affair</u>. “I will not talk!”, stubbornly declares a swashbuckling gentleman. Our journey embarks into a film within a film layout; the intro of our movie forces us to watch an audience watching a film. This is also known as “voyeurism”. The ideology in viewing habits is instantly discombobulated. As <u>A Russian Affair</u> came to a histrionic end, I found myself leaning forward with anticipation as the audience onscreen took a moment to react. With lighthearted deceitfulness, my ears were given a peppy soundtrack rather than audio feedback of the audiences’ uproarious applause. Off with a witty pun, the main actor of the film, both <u>The Artist</u> and <u>A Russian Affair</u>, is found waiting behind the screen along with a sign announcing, “Please Be Silent”. This certainly sets the mood of what is to be expected in this film. It’s funny, distressing, clever, yet more importantly, a fulfilling tour of pure entertainment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">On more than one occasion, the cinematic forth wall is smashed. It becomes disorientating in figuring out what moments are suppose to be reality, dream or a film. It’s absurdism at its purest form. For example, George communicates with himself in various appearances – his shadow and a miniature scale of himself. You have to question what is real in life. In order to find clarification, one must see within to find one’s self. With that said, mirrors and windows play a vital role throughout the movie. It not only represents one’s one personal reflections, but also déjà vu of the former society. <u>The Artist</u> is so much more than just toe-tapping musical numbers or heartwarming chemistry between George and Peppy. <u>The Artist</u> reminds us that we can take what once was considered old and use it as an advantage in order to reinvent ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Part of the movie’s charm is the use of old Hollywood cliques. Cinematography wise, it uses the outdated boxy aspect ratio of 4:3, Panchromatic film stock and intertitle cards. This is united with bygone mise-en-scene such as: Art Deco set designs, surrealism fashion, and melodramatic performances. By referencing iconic moments in former films, we cannot help gain the feeling of adoration. For example, the use of “legs dialog” that was made popular in many American romantic-comedy musicals. Case in point, a jolly tap dance test between George and Peppy. Dance sequences like this hark back to rhythmic banter between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. According to Hazanavicius, “dance in a way is like a love scene, they’re flirting”. Other memorable moments to look for are: a certain scene emulating <u>Citizen Kane</u>’s famous mealtime montage in addition to the use of scores from <u>Vertigo</u>, <u>Pennies From Heaven</u> and <u>After the Thin Man</u>. Hazanavicius employs such iconic expressions to remind us that we must respect the past in order to invent the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">To me, what ultimately makes this film charming are the actors’ performances and their physical presentation. Jean Dujardin, as George Valentin, inhabits various characteristics seen in most popular actors from both the Silent and Golden Era. Case in point, he has a gentle smile like Gene Kelly with light-footed swagger like Fred Astaire. His onscreen persona has melodramatic flare in the vain of Douglas Fairbanks. He is lovable as Charlie Chaplin while subtle like Buster Keaton, but debonair comparable to Valentino and a broad built resembling to Vincent Price. He is a true man’s man that women can fall deeply in love with. Valentin was the perfect silent film actor. Once the silent film era came to an end, his career too came to a crashing halt. This was the same unfortunate tale that happened to many silent film actors, specifically those with heavy accents. I.e. Buster Keaton, Mary Pickford, John Gilbert, Clara Bow, etc. George’s failures is forecast in his latest flop, <u>Tears of Love</u>. As we watch his character dramatically swallowed under quicksand, the same catastrophe happens to his sinking career. To be called an artist, one must ride a rollercoaster of pride, pleasure, and pain and back. George does just so in a matter of an 1hr 40mins.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Though the film is set in the past, the moral of the tale is embracing the future. <u>The Artist</u> is the perfect film to understand what makes you happy. If anything, when life gets you down, just dance. I guarantee that at the end you will be left speechless.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><u>Restaurant Recommendation</u>: Shady Lady Saloon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo0V8KUHnAXQcHE0ApZh8eeta1kxRS9YLqpVcY0RPeN5VBgii5_NjdL7eGszUXwzc39ETENCa-qH3uuLtoepdCz9J9MEEqy44ufsOuZLRkSp1ZPp76CbqKDr4XT929EaISBdT22Cw4yBo/s1600/333115_2872223572962_1481088106_3014994_1083069908_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWo0V8KUHnAXQcHE0ApZh8eeta1kxRS9YLqpVcY0RPeN5VBgii5_NjdL7eGszUXwzc39ETENCa-qH3uuLtoepdCz9J9MEEqy44ufsOuZLRkSp1ZPp76CbqKDr4XT929EaISBdT22Cw4yBo/s320/333115_2872223572962_1481088106_3014994_1083069908_o.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">As you passage through the double doors, shielded by two burly guards, be prepared to be magically transported into an age before prohibition laws and the birth of Jazz. If you’re tired of the same ol’ mug of beer and inferior rated spirits, come to Shady Lady for memorable, artfully crafted cocktails. Every recipe honors the classics while using nothing, but high-quality ingredients. As you sit in one of their red velvet booths, you’ll notice that the atmosphere is lively yet comforting. The streamline interior is accented with dark, rich mahogany, a U-shaped bar and chandelier lighting that is sure to set the mood for a secret rendezvous. For these current bitter cold evenings, I recommend sipping on an affectionate Hot Toddy. This libation is smooth, cozy and will give your soul a hardy hug. As for victuals, they have all kinds of dishes that will make any tummy happy. I personally recommend trying their ham and cheddar hush puppies, duck confit tots or house cured salmon lox to go along with your fancy mixed beverage. Any combination you choose to trek on is a victory. Yum’s the word! Fortunate for us, Shady Lady isn’t an underground speakeasy. You can find this friendly saloon located on 14<sup>th</sup> & R Street in Downtown Sacramento.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Foodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940223514629769994.post-48516839613432798402012-01-15T12:54:00.000-08:002012-02-19T12:37:45.567-08:00"Excellent!", I cried. "Elementary", said he.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJREulq35xmpvklVU7pUt2RWLC7DxtkN0ftLy1c-SAQKpIxDiNoa3xhkh1BqdvfIvJVJm-c1MF_BmmuWFsTfQInnc5RAp88fvfIse-dr32fhfGemRbShBiAgYwLWn1qnOrd2M5wmq_-Vt/s1600/sherlock_holmes_a_game_of_shadows_banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJREulq35xmpvklVU7pUt2RWLC7DxtkN0ftLy1c-SAQKpIxDiNoa3xhkh1BqdvfIvJVJm-c1MF_BmmuWFsTfQInnc5RAp88fvfIse-dr32fhfGemRbShBiAgYwLWn1qnOrd2M5wmq_-Vt/s400/sherlock_holmes_a_game_of_shadows_banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image of "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" - Warner Brothers Studios</span></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><i>"It's so overt, it's covert."</i></b></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Guy Richtie willingly returns back for another whirlwind round to waltz with the English literary classic, Detective Sherlock Holmes. Once again, the story follows the guideline - “crippled war veteran teams with eccentric drug addict, become inseparable friends and together fight against evil in the British Isles”.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: xx-small;">1</span> You know, the same old typical Hollywood story. This modern take of Sherlock is not like your grandfather’s version of the character. No more of the sophisticated, high-brow, stiff-upper-lipped Sherlock whom best portrayed by the likes of Basil Rathbone and Peter Cushing. With Robert Downey Jr. wearing the metaphorical deerstalker cap, Sherlock has become a sexy, pompous, spoiled playboy who rejoices his barefaced masculinity, but more importantly, is a Jack-of-all-trades in self-defense. Almost like another celebrated English superhero, James Bond. This version of the man is more how Watson describes his partner, rather than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s mature illustration. His physical attributes, though, are Guy Richtie’s own cinematic liberties. Surrounded by lustrous and voluminous costumes that mark the Late Victorian society, Downey’s rendering of the protagonist is more of a modern, “Steampunk”, 21<sup>st</sup> century man with his 5 o’clock shadow and bohemian outfits. Yes, Guy Richtie has visually sexualized Holmes with moments like fist-fighting sans shirt or donning a skin tight body suit as a disguise, however he stills keeps his witty traits of cunningly using chemistry, forensics and elaborate analytical skills to solve a problem. Walking into Richtie’s adaptation doesn’t need high expectations of being an intellectual picture, but more of a fun, Blockbuster adventure to openly voyage on for a few hours. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The entertaining part of the film for me was having my own opportunity to play Detective. While Sherlock is playing a cerebral chess game against Professor Moriart, it is best to keep one step ahead in order to crack Sherlock’s outrageous strategies. You never know what is up Sherlock's sleeves ... or under his hat, in pockets and gloves too. Other moments that make <i>Sherlock Holmes: A Games of Shadows</i> a thrill ride goes to the gut-punching editing. For example, the <i>Matrix</i>-like slow motion FX during pain inflicting brawls and exploding warfare. With the use of blue filters plus slick camera movement for cinematography, it reminds us viewers how bleak and assailant it was in England circa late-1800's. In order to survive, you must stay on your wits and toes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You can’t have action without a dash of comedy. Some of the best “bromance”, to use modern slag, are moments that involve outlandish situations between Doctor Watson (Jude Law) and Holmes. I.e. Train attack scene plus Sherlock's disguises - Peter Sellers inspired. In this sequel, it should be noted that Watson is no longer Holmes’ subservient “Igor”. Don't fret for he’s still very much Holmes valuable sidekick, to the point of being a bickering old married couple, nevertheless, he has his own estimations that matter just as much as Holmes'. Watson is very much Holmes better half therefore Holmes cannot properly function without him. This is amplified by the fact that Watson finally marries his fiance thus leading Holmes to drastic behavioral habits such as drinking embalming fluid. Women or no women in their personal lives, these two are two peas in a zany pod.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">To conclude this review bluntly, without panache or flare, I’d say go see <i>Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows</i> when you want to escape from any madness in your life. It’s silly, upbeat, sly, action packed, mysterious and unusual. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I could rant about how women are treated unfairly throughout the film and are punished for having their own strong characteristics, but I’ll keep it light and say that Noomi Rapace as Madame Sizma Heron is someone to keep an eye on.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> If anything, enjoy Sherlock’s flamboyantly shameless brother, Mycraft Holmes, and his gaudy personality. A certain scene is certainly a nod towards Austin Powers. In the end, I would investigate that this film will lead to a good time had by all.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><u>Restaurant Recommendation</u>: Fox and Goose Public House<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XGZJHH7zwJ9ui2qprhjlkgwI7o2Q-96QHECxzzszb2WwmdsQem8R7IazVCSQ9K-bQJARNXl946YvTgz0mfbhgxwIAu44C3Vkbs0TzlSEeErNxWVq6NhIfMN2aiv0tcKyy9XlyO6qxmiY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XGZJHH7zwJ9ui2qprhjlkgwI7o2Q-96QHECxzzszb2WwmdsQem8R7IazVCSQ9K-bQJARNXl946YvTgz0mfbhgxwIAu44C3Vkbs0TzlSEeErNxWVq6NhIfMN2aiv0tcKyy9XlyO6qxmiY/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 248.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Though they do serve traditional British fare such as fish and chips, pasty and Cornish beef hash for lunch and dinner, however my favorite grub to nosh at Fox and Goose is their breakfast. There is nothing like the comforts of a full plate, gluttonously displaying treats such as: eggs, bangers, English country potatoes and your choice of an English muffin, crumpet or scone smothered in Welsh rarebit cheese sauce. An Englishman would joyfully declare, "it’s bloody good!" A few months ago, dining on Fox and Goose's morning nourishment substance, was my first experience with a scrumptious crumpet smeared with the sweet Devonshire cream, also known as clotted cream. It may clot arteries, but I am willing to take such delicious fatality. This ace pub, located on 1001 R Street in Sacramento, offers various live musical performances as well as a wild Pub Quiz on Tuesday evenings. One day, I would love to go back, sit back with a pint of Guinness and inspect attending patrons. I'd like to think that Sherlock Holmes with approve Fox and Goose's kookiness and buoyant lifestyle. Pip-pip!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">1.</span> http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/dec/18/sherlock-holmes-game-shadows-review</span></div>Foodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3940223514629769994.post-4825124164272332912012-01-03T17:16:00.000-08:002012-01-13T21:40:20.471-08:00Welcome, Bienvenue, Gesundheit<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc1s4Gi-K4ZLbcZIPWofl3ZcJOiYQ7XufFZ5s-tdmm64z-zqI2zrEx9iKj6MHEvwT4W57atR3BTU5_Wab2-FWtxFaGlBNc4hqvqPNw5S34QLwgVkAv9Bd-G9h0BVtwvaxt58pO44Mt3fc/s1600/blogpost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc1s4Gi-K4ZLbcZIPWofl3ZcJOiYQ7XufFZ5s-tdmm64z-zqI2zrEx9iKj6MHEvwT4W57atR3BTU5_Wab2-FWtxFaGlBNc4hqvqPNw5S34QLwgVkAv9Bd-G9h0BVtwvaxt58pO44Mt3fc/s320/blogpost1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, you've found my wee little blog about my two favorite passions: Cinema and Cuisines! Now you're probably wondering who I am! Allow myself .... to introduce myself:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My name is Stefanie and I am a recent college graduate who studied Digital Film Production as well as Graphic Design. In my spare time, I love to research various recipes and make a brave attempt to whip up thus food item. Yes, I count snacking as a favorite pastime. With that said, this blog will be a documentation of the two. With each film I have reviewed, I will punctuate it with a dish recommendation and/or a hidden restaurant gem that shares a common ground with thus film. Sit back, relax and join along with me at the table in savoring delicious motion pictures morsals found in the cinematic timeline. Bon appetite! Now that you know a bit about me, I'd love to have the chance to, as Deborah Kerr would belt with a vibrato plow, "getting to know you, getting to know all about you".</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Foodie and a Moviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04515742224929412823noreply@blogger.com2