The Mom here...
There has to be some middle ground between Kent’s internet-o-rama in Tuesday’s guest blog and Steve’s comprehensive essay of last night. I’m in the mood for something less funky than the dwarf people but not as erudite as the joys of open-source software. And I’m really lazy. So, I’ll borrow a page from Ian’s book and post my own personal LIST.
Of late I seem to be butting up against anomalies in the popular culture and conventional wisdom. So I’ll begin there and see where it goes. I promise that I will digress at will.
1. Movie that was supposed to be terrific, but was actually pretty wretched:
The Manchurian Candidate
Echhhh, Even though I would watch Denzel in almost anything. My advice? Rent the original. No comparison. The ‘04 version is just another remake that inspires a heartfelt “WHY?” Ebert loved this movie, but then he’s the guy who called “Kill Bill 2” the best movie of the year, so it figures.
2. Movie that was supposed to be bad, but was actually just fine:
The Village.
No it wasn’t “Sixth Sense” but it was quite evocative and stylish, with wonderful photography, an agreeably funky premise, mostly good acting. It had a great cast. Joaquin Phoenix was practically mute throughout, which is the way he does his best acting. The old folks were just fine. But the entire screen lit up with each appearance of Bryce Dallas Howard, one of the most luminescent presences to grace the multiplex since … well, since ever. Incredible. Reviewers and some of my friends hated this movie, but again, I’m baffled as to why. Maybe their expectations were dashed: No “dead people,” no breakable people, no aliens, no surprise twist, unless you consider a a bit of vague mystery regarding time and place a “twist”. Anyway, I liked this one. So there.
3. Singer who was great with the band “FACES” in the UK back in the day, but went solo and turned into just another weird rocker with a bad case of laryngitis, funny suits, and perfectly awful hair:
Rod Stewart ,
Heard some “Faces” clips today on “Fresh Air.” Good stuff.
4. Books that are even better as audio, especially with the author doing the reading:
Anything by Molly Ivins.
(but check out the Harry Potter series. Splendid reading by Jim Dale)
5. Japanese dish that is clearly sublime, but only if you get it at that little Sushi restaurant on Franklin Street in Hollywood:
Spider Roll
Get it there, it’s worth a trip to L.A., anywhere else it’s merely delicious
6. “Ad” for GW Bush that cured my migraine, gave me hope for the world:
http://kintera.sitestream.com/ferrell_qt_hi.mov
7. TV show worth getting cable for:
Six Feet Under
Who knew funerals could be this much fun?
8. Album that still holds up after twenty years:
Peter Gabriel: "So"
In spite of the vintage synthesizers.
9. American town I had always thought was a bit of a joke-- probably crime-ridden, full of gangs, mafia, and roaming packs of killer dogs; no doubt a complete slum and the worst place in the world to hang out; but which instead has become one of my several homes and a place where, to my astonishment, I am sublimely happy:
Queens, NY
Astoria, to be more specific. Let me count the ways…. Aside from transportation convenience and trees and the good Chinese food, I just have to mention the Greek neighbors that fill their yards with flowers, and with so many Virgin Marys, Saint Christophers, and Baby Jesi that you know God must be watching out for the neighborhood.
10. Finally, the weighty tome I thought was sure to put me to sleep, but instead gave me hours of amusement. And a whole new view of the Founding Fathers:
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (Isaacson)
Who knew the old boy was such a cut up? Ian always says that the great politicians, the ones that win elections and high office, are not the ones that are the smartest, but more likely the ones you’d like to spend time with in the hot tub. Well, our Ben…. But you should really check it out for yourself.
Speaking of Ian. Take heart. He’s on his way back, and will resume his regular ranting post here next week.
And while I'm at it: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KENT!
my god you're a hip mom; thanks for the list!
BECAUSE of the Vintage Synths, BECAUSE.
I despair of ever writing anything as perfect as "In Your Eyes." Helped along immensely by its evocative use in the movie "Say Anything."
i thought KILL BILL 2 was wonderful. does this count as my first argument with my mother-in-law?
To be fair, I haen't seen "Kill Bill 2". Or the first one. So, no argument. For all I know, it rivals Citizen Kane for its cinematic innovations and profound insight into the human condition. It just seemed a weird choice.
On the other hand, I thought "Galaxy Quest" was the best picture of 1999, so who am I to talk?
Funny how we get into bands - I saw Billy Bragg at Memorial Hall in CH in about 90 and he covered a Faces song called Debris (which I guess the Brits pronounce deb-REE) and I ended up in the WXYC library checking out more of thieir stuff and became a fan - funny thing is, I still love that song, but Stewart sings backup - Ronnie Wood has the lead vocal.
I second the hip mom thing. Great post!
Yeah! That's a fantastic post. In fact, I think it is *awesome*.
Since Ian keeps hinting that he's one bad hair day away from retiring as a blogger, any chance Mom would be willing to fill in once a week? Great entry, excellent choices.