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Gran Torino
Looking at the title of this movie, I thought this was going to be a softball Clint Eastwood effort; I mean, the title just sounds so "B Movie". However, it is far from it; directed by Eastwood and look out. It isn't in the realm of "Million Dollar Baby", but it sure isn't "Any Which Way But Loose". The story is contemporary, funny, introspective, and has many moments of poignancy. You get a tiny glimpse inside an Asian culture. You also get a big look at a man and an actor in the twilight of his life and career, doing it the Eastwood Way; going out not with a whimper, but a bang. Those with sensible language issues beware; this one is fully loaded, but it's within the context of the character. Nice story, great entertainment, lame title. At least he didn't call it "Any Which Way But Gran Torino".— January 13, 2009 2:48 p.m.
The Spirit
I looked forward to this movie because of Sin City, both from the mind of Frank Miller. Whereas Sin City was edgy, stylish and loaded with crack performances from its lead actors, The Spirit is only stylish, and that is not enough. And it's high camp scenes didn't work for me at all. A quarter of the way through and all I was thinking about was getting more flavoring for the bottom half of my popcorn and why the hell did I paid $5.75 for it to begin with. A credible maniacal effort from Samuel L. Jackson and a wasted one for Scarlett Johansson. Scratch the surface of Eva Mendez and all you find is...more surface; her career is riding strictly on her looks and time is not on her side. I don't know if the movie kept true to its comics origins, but as a standalone movie it falters bigtime. Take a pass and wait for Sin City 2...— December 28, 2008 7:51 p.m.
Two Brothers from Italy
There are 3 locations of this pizza joint (2 in Vista, 1 in Oceanside), and actually this place should be called "Two Brothers and a Sister from Italy" Pizza, as a family member manages each of the locations. Normally there isn't anything special to say about pizza joints. But Two Guys from Italy I believe is making something that warrants special notice. The pizza they produce is as close to a "New York Style" pizza as you can get, in both feel and taste. It's all about the dough; eerily close in that NY flavor, hand-tossed thin, light on the sauce and made to fold. I don't make this declaration flippantly; not only did I live in Manhattan for 3 years eating slices from Ray's Original at least 3 times a week, but 2 other former NYC natives have also concurred and have made Two Guys their ONLY place to order pizza. Other places may declare it, but this place actually delivers it. If you're hunkering for a slice and in the Oceanside/Vista area, look for one of Two Guys locations; cause even if you don't know NY Style, it will still be a tasty slice of pizza.— December 8, 2008 8:36 a.m.
Starving Artist by E.K. Mitchell
oh man these stories are funny...i have one too; i've got to write it...— November 27, 2008 9:04 a.m.
Transporter 3
I am a big fan of Jason Statham; someone needs to take the place of Van Damme and Seagal asskicking action movies. And I like the Transporter movie franchise, with reservations. The fight choreography is always spectacular, you will not find any complaints there. The movie is worth it if only to see that. My problem is some of the major stunt sequences (there are 3 in this sequel) are believable only in the world of a video game. But it's all escapism entertainment, right? Forget about romance; go into this movie looking to see great fights sequences and out-of-this-world car stunts from a charismatic action movie star and you will be thoroughly entertained.— November 26, 2008 2:01 p.m.
94th Aero Squadron
I have been to their Sunday Brunch a couple of times now. When you come here you have to take into account the both the food and the venue, because if it's just for the food, then it's overpriced. On nice days the patio dining is wonderful, and after your meal you can move to the grassy area and continue the conversation with a drink and a cigar or whatever. Foodwise, the omelet station is top notch and breakfast items are par with everyone else. Lunch entrees items however can be iffy; some items taste like there wasn't much care to it, probably because it's bulk produced and made to move. But because there are so many to choose, one should always find something to please. Also, the dessert selection is wide and the champagne is bottomless. If you come to 94th Aero for a complete experience, and not just for a brunch, you will be more than pleased...— November 13, 2008 1:05 p.m.
Berta's Latin American Restaurant
A friend and I visited this restaurant on a whim; we were in Old Town and we just did not want another round of Combo #3 or Carne Ansada fries. It's an unassuming place, and we weren't expecting much, just some place different; a quick look at the outside menu certainly proved that. All entrees have detailed descriptions (useful, as the fare here is NOT mexican), and are served and plated home-style. Latin American fare has a twist to it that I fear many locals aren't used to. You should learn though, because the food and dining experience here was sensational. If this restaurant was located in La Jolla it would be a secret no more. Berta's delivers better value and better food than some of the more higher profile eateries on San Diego Ave. Do you want other choices then the mexican food you can get EVERYWHERE? Do you want to impress a date? Do you want to talk to your date without yelling? Eat at Berta's.— November 6, 2008 10:42 a.m.
Bali Hai
My take on the Sunday Brunch...disappointing. This place, with it's million dollar view of San Diego Bay, serves up mediocre fare on its Brunch offering. For what it is, where it is, and what you pay, it does not deliver the expected value. Scrambled eggs had an finishing taste of seafood, their version of roasted potatoes should deliver something roasted, and the carved beef was not savory. Many entrees seem to all have a undercurrent of the same flavor, like everything was cooked in the same skillet (this trait seems to be a theme with many Chinese buffets). It's not all negative; the fried mahi was nice, the salmon wellington was good, the fellas cooking your omelet to order couldn't go wrong, and that bayside view makes you forget that weird taste you got from the scrambled eggs. But for what you pay, and at a premium location, it should ALL be good...— October 27, 2008 3:33 p.m.
Body of Lies
The star power and the trailers sold me a bill of goods that did not deliver. If you're a fan of DiCaprio, you might want to see this because he's in almost every scene. If you're a Crowe fan, maybe not; he's doesn't do much acting in this one and the middle age paunch they gave him to wear ain't pretty. The movie isn't terrible, but it isn't good either. You get some education on the futility of fighting the current war on terrorism, and you get a lot of really good action scenes. In the middle of everything is filler conversation that just gets you antsy waiting for the next action sequence. A little bit of romance, and the judicious use of a hammer are the only memorable pieces of a non-memorable movie.— October 17, 2008 10:31 a.m.
Dixie-Fried
I just went to this place for Sunday Brunch. I love Cajun food, so I was very much looking forward to their Cajun buffet. What a disappointment! What they are calling a Louisiana Gumbo is far from it; isn't a gumbo suppose to be in a roux? I'd call it either Louisiana Soup or Pacific Beach Gumbo. It's not that it was bad, it's just that it wasn't GUMBO. And their implementation of a beignet needs more attention; they are suppose to be light & crisp little dougnuts, not rocky boulders with a haphazard sprinkling of powdered sugar. Can anybody in SD make me a good red beans and rice meal at a beans and rice price?— October 6, 2008 3:32 p.m.