It feels like spring and the academic year is coming to a close. What better reason for a little fun this week? The following are three picks that I always enjoy coming back to. They are things I can either watch or read over and over and over again.
Film: The Fifth Element
Silly? Yep. Fun? Yep. Did I mention silly? I love this Bruce Willis flick. Around the time it came out (1997) I remember reading an interview with Willis. He was joking that he was changing his phone number to 1-800-SAVETHEPLANET. I think this film reflects that mood. Clearly the film is supposed to be a spoof of sci-fi and save-the-world films. There are moments so over the top that it makes me smile just thinking about it. (I mean really, stones in a diva's stomach???) Plus, there are lovely nods to cult favorites like Blade Runner. I'm not sure how seriously Milla Jovovich took her role, but you can tell Ian Holm, Gary Oldman, and Chris Tucker are having a great time. Plus, the music is pretty cool, as are the visuals.
Television: House Hunters
I would like to thank HGTV for helping to create a society of voyeurs. How can you not love this show? A house buyer, or buyers, go to three houses. S/he chooses one. The show fast-forwards several months to see what said buyer has done. It's the same format every time so why is it addictive? Because I want to see people's houses. I want to see what $150,000 will buy you in Dallas or $600,000 will buy you in NYC. I want to see the awful decorating sense these people have. Am I nosey? Yep. Do I care? Nope. Now there is even a House Hunters International. Ever wonder how much condos are in Prague? Now you can find out!
Books: The Hobbit
Bilbo Baggins and I have had a love affair since my friends Breanne and Molly introduced us over twenty-five years ago. He still takes my breath away. The beauty and brillaince of Tolkien's novel makes me pick up this book every couple of years for a little light reading. I still get anxious when Bilbo is captured by the trolls. I worry that he won't be able to out-riddle Gollum. And I hope he won't be seen by Smog. The goodness of this one lonely Hobbit reminds me that in a perfect world, one person could make a difference. In mind, Bilbo Baggins certainly has.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Television is Back!
If you haven't heard, many tv series are back on the airwaves with new episodes. Unfortunately, none of the television shows I care about are back. Heroes? Pushing Daisies? Where are you? Luckily, there is still cable infotainment. And with that thought, on to the recommendations...
Television: Top Chef
Most skill shows on the networks don't involve skill. Bravo shows, however, do. I love Top Chef and this season they are in Chicago. The first week they made deep-dish pizza and since then they have had a zoo-inspired challenge and a film-inspired challenge, among others. They are off to an excellent start! While I don't have a favorite yet, I'm keeping my eye on Richard. In case you're wondering, Spike and Andrew are tying for this season's Top Ass.
Film: Paris, je t'aime
If you haven't put this 2006 indie/foreign film on your list, add it now! (Especially if you plan on seeing the City of Lights in the next month or two.) It's a series of 2o five-minute films shot by different directors. Each film is about/set in a different part of Paris and all deal with love, both the good and bad aspects. My favorites are the Coen brothers' (with Steve Buscemi), Nick Nolte's, and Elijah Wood's. But the one that blew them all out of the water was the very last film; my heart broke, wept, and leapt all in five minutes. How often can we say that?
Book: The Pillars of the Earth
Oprah Book Club sticker be damned! Despite being hawked by America's Queen of the Talkshows, I find myself loving this book. It's a bit lengthy - my copy is about 1000 pages - but a super quick read. I devoured 100 pages the very first night I opened it. The book is set in the early half of the 12th century and follows Prior Phillip as he finances a cathedral, Tom Builder as he builds said cathedral, and Lady Aliena who does something. (Cut me some slack, I'm only 300 pages into the thing!) Normally I would wait until finishing a book before recommending it but not this time. I love the pace, history, and characters of this book. It's not a book for the beach but it is one for the ages.
Television: Top Chef
Most skill shows on the networks don't involve skill. Bravo shows, however, do. I love Top Chef and this season they are in Chicago. The first week they made deep-dish pizza and since then they have had a zoo-inspired challenge and a film-inspired challenge, among others. They are off to an excellent start! While I don't have a favorite yet, I'm keeping my eye on Richard. In case you're wondering, Spike and Andrew are tying for this season's Top Ass.
Film: Paris, je t'aime
If you haven't put this 2006 indie/foreign film on your list, add it now! (Especially if you plan on seeing the City of Lights in the next month or two.) It's a series of 2o five-minute films shot by different directors. Each film is about/set in a different part of Paris and all deal with love, both the good and bad aspects. My favorites are the Coen brothers' (with Steve Buscemi), Nick Nolte's, and Elijah Wood's. But the one that blew them all out of the water was the very last film; my heart broke, wept, and leapt all in five minutes. How often can we say that?
Book: The Pillars of the Earth
Oprah Book Club sticker be damned! Despite being hawked by America's Queen of the Talkshows, I find myself loving this book. It's a bit lengthy - my copy is about 1000 pages - but a super quick read. I devoured 100 pages the very first night I opened it. The book is set in the early half of the 12th century and follows Prior Phillip as he finances a cathedral, Tom Builder as he builds said cathedral, and Lady Aliena who does something. (Cut me some slack, I'm only 300 pages into the thing!) Normally I would wait until finishing a book before recommending it but not this time. I love the pace, history, and characters of this book. It's not a book for the beach but it is one for the ages.
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