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Changeling
I saw Angelina Jolie's new film, oh, about a month ago. Changeling is still haunting me. It is a classic story, and superbly told by Director Eastwood. I like how he honors the viewer's intelligence, by slowly building a story, layer by layer. The movie was fascinating to observe, always trying to figure out the next move, a move not easy to see. Or believe. The movie was indeed mesmerizing; Ms. Jolie was magnetic, as she flawlessly delivered another Academy-worthy performance. What a hideous story. What horrible people in Los Angeles. Remember to always remember the story was one of true events. Fascinating, horrifying, haunting, and yet a love story of a mother for her son. Inspiring, too. Never give up, never give in.— November 21, 2008 2:52 p.m.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
I saw one of the many local previews of Boy in the Striped Pajamas. This film is rated PG13; it needs to be rated NC17. Yes, there is no sex or language, and the obvious violence is minimal. The film is horrifying. Deplorable and disgusting. There is nothing uplifting about this story. It was hideous and sick. Yes, it is historical. And vile. The Jewish people say, "Never again." And they are right. And yet, the world-wide genocide continues, as it always has. My recommendation is do not give this movie any time in your life. You will leave the theatre feeling abused. I have to wonder who is subsidizing this movie, with the many free preview showings. Will it ever be released for paid tickets? My husband commented, "This is why I don't want to go to the movies." It will be a long time before we visit a movie theatre again. We felt abused, angry, nauseated and sick.— November 6, 2008 9:46 p.m.
Phil's BBQ
Phil's. Ah, Phil's! If you haven't tried Phil's BBQ on Sports Arena, you've been missing out. O U T! Phil's moved 18 months ago from his Mission Hills location to a new and improved great place. The food is still the same old - same old great, that is! A terrific selection of tender and perfectly seasoned beef, pork and chicken, plus all the traditional trimmings. And beer! Plus, the locale is fun, easy and comfortable, with plenty of parking. The staff is always upbeat, with positive demeanors, and seem genuinely pleased to serve you. So, get over there, already!— September 13, 2008 11:03 a.m.
None
We went to visit The Vine in Ocean Beach. This place is sort of a hidden Obecian secret, and it is just outstanding! The ambience is comfy, with tables close together. They do have a small outside seating area, where it's comfortable and fun to sit and watch the passersby with dogs in tow. As we did not have a reservation, there was a 10-minute wait for a table. This was fine; we enjoyed a glass of wine and watched the scurrying staff, as they assisted guests with positive smiles and warm welcomes. The guests all seemed to be having a great evening. The wine, beer, and food selection is eclectic and intriguing, with many unique selections. We chose the California cheese selection, a salad, and the mushroom puff pastry dish. They were all generous servings, and excellently prepared. The Vine is an easy and comfortable place to be, and we recommend it. In fact, we are going again!— September 12, 2008 5:01 p.m.
Islands
Sunday evening, we went to Islands, adjacent to the Mira Mesa Regal Theatres. It's always been great. Before. This time, I was told it would be five minutes for a table, then seated immediately. I noticed there were numerous empty tables. This should have been a "heads up." There were six servers walking through the restaurant, attending to customers. We were ignored. For 25 minutes. This ignoring included a server stopping adjacent to my table to watch the football game on the TV above the table. We were not offered even a welcome or a glass of water. Nada. My date, after 25 minutes of fruitless waiting, finally said, "Ok. Let's go." We did. On the way out, I mentioned to the hostess, "You can have your table back. We've waited too long to be noticed." She was confused. Perhaps no one has ever been so rude to her before.— September 8, 2008 9:40 a.m.
The Dark Knight
I finally caught "The Dark Knight" in IMAX, which really does make an amazing clarity difference. The movie was - as expected - full of noise, crash, mash, dash, smash, bash. Pretty fun! Lots of laughs, lots of violence. Too many disposable people. Waaaay too many. Heath Ledger's performance was indeed magnetic; just mesmerizing. Too mad, too scary, all too believable insane. Such a sick, broken little kid. He did go - perhaps - too close to the dark side. Mr. Ledger does deserve a posthumous Academy Award for this incredible creation of the Joker. Let's hope it is awarded.— September 7, 2008 9:12 p.m.
None
I recently took a friend in a blue funk to see "Mamma Mia." It helped! This version was the copy with the subscript, and I hoped someone - anyone? - might sing, but we didn't, much. The movie was fun, a complete "do me." We laughed for two hours! It's a fantasy; just sit there and enjoy great entertainment. There are many inadvertent laughs, such as dear Mr. Remington Steele singing his little heart out. Gotta love the guy for giving it his all! Yes, Meryl has a tendency to overact, but what's new? She was fun to watch. I'd go again!— September 6, 2008 12:28 p.m.
Burn after Reading
Okay. I saw "Burn After Reading," but I don't get it. Maybe it's me. Or not. The Coen brother's latest effort was Coen-ish, good sets, gratuitous violence. This one has no story. There were outstanding performances from all the actors. George Clooney - well, George was George. Tilda Swinton was brittle; Richard Jenkins his usual sweetie; John Malkovich scary, really scary-mad, from the first frame he appears in. Frances McDormand was like your best girlfriend, with such a great expressive face. Communication is 15% verbal. And Brad Pitt was the best wanna be hero, just flat-out fun to watch, as the gym rat (call him mousie) one handle short of a jump rope. I did not like the shocking surprise of the violence, and I still wonder what it was about. Bottom line: The bad guys got theirs, I guess. Behave yourself, or they'll getcha!— September 5, 2008 11:26 a.m.
Traitor
I saw the preview of "Traitor." And hated it. The movie is an intriguing story, and well told, with superb actors, and filmed in fascinating international sets. However, there were so many quick cuts in the film. I endured severe motion sickness throughout the film, with a splitting headache and nasty nausea.— August 28, 2008 10:04 a.m.
He Grabs the Gold
I was privileged to take in a preview performance of "My Fair Lady," and loved it. Superlative performances from all the top actors, and with exceptional voices. I especially enjoyed watching Chanlon Jay Kaufman, as Freddy Eynsford-Hill; he was so special, and what a marvelous voice. Major wow! I'd go again!— August 20, 2008 7:06 p.m.