The Trip To Italy

The Trip To Italy (Michael Winterbottom, 2014)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

British Comedy, Mockumentary, Travel and Food, Being a Comedian

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are at it again: traveling, eating food, contemplating life and love as only two 50-year old comedians can. I liked the first film more but this one has somewhat more mouthwatering scenery and meals. Highlight: Rob Brydon having a "conversation" with a once very real man trapped in a box.

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Treme Season IV

Treme, Season 4 (Created by Eric Overmyer & David Simon, 2013)

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Rating: DSQ=9, SP=7 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=4, Scale E=3

New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina aftermath, Music, Race Issues, Socio-Cultural, Mardi-Gras

The final season of Treme is bittersweet. I love these characters and I don't want to stop watching them learn, struggle, dance, play, cry, cook, investigate, love, rebel, and live. This is one of the best shows about culture and music ever made. It is politically and socially relevant and timely. There is so much wit and reality. I'm definitely going to watch again.

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200th Post! The Theory of Everything

Hey, this is my 200th post! That's pretty nifty :)

The Theory of Everything (James Marsh, 2014)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Biopic, Stephen Hawking, Complex Relationships, Coping, Inspirational, Tear-jerker

"There should be no boundaries to human endeavor. We are all different. However bad life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. While there's life, there is hope."

Yes, this film has flaws but what film doesn't? Many critics have argued that there should have been more discussion of Hawking's amazing intellectual achievements. Perhaps. But this film has a different agenda: it is a brilliant film about the power of the human spirit. It is about making the most of your life, adapting, and staying positive. We will all face limitations-- minor and severe, self-imposed and beyond our control. Eddie Redmayne delivers an unbelievable performance that will no doubt astonish you. But he is channeling Hawking's incredible mental and emotional strength and THAT will stay with you long after.

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Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (David Gelb, 2011)

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Rating: DOCQ=6, DOCP=5 / Quite Legible

Scale K=3, Scale L=3, Scale M=3, Scale N=2

Documentary, Biopic, Food, Sushi, Family, Legacy

You don't have to like sushi to love this documentary. But it helps! This is a wonderful and inspirational story about family tradition, legacy, patience, and perfectionism. There are lots of cliche sayings out there about finding your passion and do what you love but this film says it better. Jiro is an inspiration to us all.

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