iF yOU DIDN'T SEE WHO yOU THoUGHT WOULD bE THERE, cHECK HERE fOR oLD rEVieWS!!!

 ABSINTHE, AFRO-CELTIC SOUND MACHINE,  AMERICAN BEAUTY,   ARLINGTON ROAD,  ART,  PETER BARSHAY, COUNTING THE WAYS, DINNER WITH FRIENDS,  ELECTION,  FARALLON, THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER, GREAT EXPECTATIONS,  THE GREEN MILE, LA BOHEME, THE LATE HENRY MOSS, KINCAIDS,  KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN,  KITTY MARGOLIS,  MOONSHINE, NLS, NUTS, ROUNDERS,  THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY, 

SLANTED DOOR

I got an email from my cousin Bill who said he and his wife Kathleen were coming to visit! Cool! They gave us about a month warning, which meant I could actually get a reservation at Slanted Door! This unassuming restaurant, located in the heart of the mission, is at least a 3 week in advance wait, and after eating there, I can see why! I was told that all the appetizers were excellent, and by the time I arrived, they were eating a cold spring roll dipped in peanut sauce. Typically good, light, nice mint accents, I enjoyed it but wasn’t knocked out. Then came the Imperial roll. Now, this was something I might never have ordered and let me tell you, it was fabulous! I usually don’t go for fried rolls (too much Chung King as a kid), but the flavors and texture were perfect and surprising and the light spicy sauce was the perfect compliment. We all agreed that we could eat nothing more than the imperial roll all night long, but we forced ourselves to move on and try the jicama and grapefruit salad. Light and refreshing, it cleansed our palate perfectly. It was time to order wine. Lots of stuff on there I didn’t know – German Rieslings and the like. The waitress said that big chardonnays don’t really go with the food, and the wine list is designed to keep everything in balance. I got a glass of the Gruner Rotes 1999, and if I were you, I’d order the Gruner Hirsh at the half bottle even if you are alone. It was so much better! But on with the food. We ordered an assortment and the two standout dishes in my mind were the Chilean sea bass, steamed to perfection, served in a light broth with garnishes, it was buttery, texturally orgasmic, and basically the epitome of sea bass in my opinion. Next on the favorites list was the lemongrass tofu. I can honestly say that I’ve never been so thrilled with a tofu dish in my life. The texture was chewy enough, and the flavors of the lemongrass and scallions all stir-fried together made this incredible palate of flavor I can’t even describe anymore. I just know that I would definitely get that dish again. Even if you aren’t a tofu eater, try it! The sweet corn and morels was also wonderful. The corn was fresh and succulent and the sweet of the corn matched perfectly with the earthly morels. The day boat scallops were also good. The spinach was ok, nothing to write home about, but at least we got a green vegetable in our system. We were all really full, but we still went for the green tea ice cream which is not to be missed. The berry compote was also refreshing. So plan ahead and go through the Slanted Door! 589 Valencia, 415-861-8032.

MUST SEES: Love Liza (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kathy Bates), Adaptation (Nicholas Cage, Meryll Streep), The Hours (Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Ed Harris, and a fabulous cast!  Note Toni Colette's small but mighty performance. It knocked my socks off!), 25th Hour (Ed Norton and another stellar cast!), Chicago (you know who's in this. I loved it even better than the staged version. Yeah, I know I'm in the minority, but keep in mind I'm a tough sell for musical movies.), The Gangs of NYC (Watching Daniel Day Lewis is worth the price of admission. Cameron and Leonardo rose up as  well.) 

Overall - Philip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly had outstanding supporting roles this year. See anything they were in just to experience their huge range of character and tone. No wonder neither of them won - who could decide?

MOULIN ROUGE is a fantastical, pseudo-french, acid trip. I must say, that it took awhile to get to the story, and quiet frankly, it was too dramatic at the beginning considering I didn't know the leading man yet, so I couldn't, nor did I want to, feel his pain. In spite of this first, flawed 20 minutes (which I think could keep it from going the Oscar route), it's twisted ride, bright colors and over the top characters really came to life. When I heard that songs of the 80s made up the soundtrack, I was irate. "How could they be even the slightest bit French?" I arrogantly thought. But I ate humble pie on this as I laughed over and over as songs were introduced and incorporated into the morbid story line. I thought Nicole Kidman was gorgeous as always, and yeah, I think she can open a film without Tom's name next to hers. The supporting cast did more than support. The lived, breathed, and delivered. My thought throughout was that I'd like to see this movie made into a Broadway spectacle. Any backers out there want to go halfsies?

ABSINTHE

We went to ABSINTHE after the opera.  We arrived around 10:30 and were seated immediately among table of other people who had enjoyed and evening of "culture."  The service was abrupt at best, and you better know your wine list, because our waitress was no help, curt in fact!  Ok, it was late and she was busy, but a good waitress makes you feel that you are her only customer and can give you insights on the menu.  Wine by the glass list was lacking in a really good, big red -- key item in my book!  The appetizers were excellent.  I highly recommend the portabella mushroom soup and the baby green salad.  We split a steak, specifically ordered RARE and it came back medium at best.  She returned it and we got another one cooked to our specifications, but frankly, I'd never order a steak there again.  I don't think it's what they do well.  The potatoes were good, and the bread and butter was excellent.  Too full for dessert, it looked like there were some goodies to try in the future.  If I ever get the guts to go back that is!

AFRO-CELTIC SOUND MACHINE

Boy, I've been out to see some cool stuff lately!  At Bimbo's I experienced the AFRO CELTIC SOUND MACHINE and did they ever rock!  Now I'm not a big fan of the whole Sinead O'Connor thing, and this band was far from it.  When we arrived, they were playing some techno music to "warm us up" I guess.  Some recordings that were "dance music" but as far as I'm concerned it's just a bunch of computer geek musician wanna bees with samplers and grooves who string them together and think they are writing music!  yuk-o-rama in my book, so I thought if this band is anything like this, I'm in for a bad night.  The band was far from that!  They had great musicianship, fabulous dance grooves, a dancer from Senegal, cool instruments, an Irish tenor, and there was even a female in the band.  The light show was fitting and I came out of retirement and hit the dance floor!  Go see them if you get a chance!  There was even a spot of audience participation.  Kind of ritualistic, but we all had a good time.  I was waiting for their PR person to contact me with names and credits, but they blew me off.  See the band anyway!

AMERICAN BEAUTY 

is one of the best movies ever!" -- John Howard Swain.  This first time screen director/writer did a fab job, and this goes on my list for Oscar-ville. Performances were flawless:  Annette Bening took some incredible risks.  Wes Bentley played the boy with finesse, both girls were very real, Chris Cooper delivered a bulls-eye, Kevin Spacey rocked and the woman who played the next-door-neighbor's wife, told her entire life story with about 5 lines.  The camera work was great, the imagery was beautiful and supportive of the story.  This is a MUST SEE folks!  I'm not saying what it's about, I don't want to spoil it.  Let's just  say that the masks come down!  SEE THIS NOW!

ARLINGTON ROAD

I just saw Arlington Road at the Tanforan.  I can't believe I go there, it is such a slum, but the prices are right and the popcorn is hot, so what can I say?  Frankly, I really enjoyed the overall film-making of this flick.  And with Tim Robbins, Jeff Bridges and Joan Cusack, I figured "What the heck?"  After it got slammed at the box office, it just goes to show you what the critics know.  Yeah, it wasn't Hollywood, but more indie in style, but what do you expect since the director was known in the indie world long before this bad boy.  I was on the edge of my chair for a lot of it.  I also enjoyed the performances of the afore mentioned actors.  Joan Cusack was great as always, and well cast.  I'd say, go for it!  It's a sleeper, and it's content is worth the price of admission.  If you let it, it can really get you thinking.  I know I walked away feeling, "yeah finally someone tells THIS side of the story!"  I say GO, unless you want a romantic evening or a film to relax by.

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"ART" - note original art by Jean (actual size of painting,titled "Birth," 5' x 6')

For a surprise present, John got tickets and took me to "ART" by Yasmina Reza.  We arrived at the Curran Theater close to 8 pm (traffic was yikes!) and we were seated up in one of the balconies.  We were quite far from the stage to say the least, and this fear started creeping over me.  Then a woman who had the teased up helmet head do sits right in front of me which means I'm going to have to crane my neck all night and hope that she isn't a shifter (a person who seems to know when the person behind them can see, so they automatically shift in their seat to make sure their view is blocked).  I'm starting to think, "isn't this an intimate show?  I mean 3 characters, a basic room, conversations, etc..."  I wonder how they will pull this intimacy off given the large size of the Curran, my near nosebleed  seat and the helmet head shifter.  Plus it's hot and I haven't eaten.  I turn to John and say, "honey, I know you went to a lot of trouble to make this a great evening, seeing a Tony Award winner and all, but I'm going to tell you, I'm a tough sell tonight so if I hate it, don't feel bad."  The music comes on (composed by Gary Yershon) and I think, "great this cool jazz really works."  Great lighting, too thanks to Hugh Vanstone.  Judd Hirsch (Marc) walks out and delivers his first line, and I'm hooked!  Yes!  The acting was fabulous and real -- especially from Hirsch, the lighting was exquisite and worked great in the overall design of the show, and I loved the script!  It was around 90 minutes, no intermission.  I loved the whole thing!  The only thing I had questions about was the lack of "maleness" that Jack Willis brought to the role of Yvan.  I didn't believe that he was the type to get married.  I still loved him and his show stopping monologue!!!  Cotter Smith (Serge) was also good, a little larger than life, but I still bought it.  Judd Hirsch rocked!  Go see this show.  Call the Curran NOW!  415-551-2000.  Tell them Jean sent you!

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PETER BARSHAY

Another cool musical moment was Monday, October 18 at Yoshi's, with their Jazz in Flight series.  THE PETER BARSHAY GROUP, with Peter Barshay on bass, Eric Crystal on many different saxes and blowing things, Bob Kenmotsu on saxes, and Scoot Amendola on drums, was a sophisticated evening of jazz tunes and originals.  All the arrangements were hip and fresh, and the quality of the players, well, they rocked!  My ears were definitely stretched.  I'm totally embarrassed that I lost my bar napkin and I can't tell you the names of the tunes I loved, but let's just say, if you love jazz, you'll love them!  Peter will be playing this Thursday at Circadia, across from KQED, Mariposa and Bryant.  It's FREE, there's a great band, and it's all of Peter's originals so check it out.  I'll be there.  (Hey Peter, sorry about the bar napkin thing!)

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COUNTING THE WAYS

Counting the Ways by Edward Albee, under the direction of Michael Ward, was a delight from start to finish.
The simple symmetry of the set, designed by Dan Vojir, was the perfect backdrop for Danielle Thys and Leo Lawthorn, as they examined relationship, marriage, and the time honored question "do you love me?"
The "vaudevillian" tone was immediately invoked as Mozarts' "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" tickled our ears. Ward used the breaking of the fourth wall effectively, in a way that added to the intimacy of the show. As an audience member, I really believed that the couple was surprised when they noticed the audience, and when they addressed us, I felt they were including me in some personal secrets. I felt like I was a part of the show in a sublte, important way. A witness, if you will, to a highly personal discovery process as the actors talked about love. The show went a step further. They not only TALKED about love, I could FEEL their relationship, a long one, at times tired, boring, comfortable, safe, and yet even when they asked each other "Do you love me?", I could feel them searching for the answer. In the hands of lesser direction, the show could have been a tiresome evening of angry, irritated quips, watching a couple nit pick each other. Instead, I felt warmth and truth. What more could I ask for? Bravo!

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

Directed by my favorite director, Richard Seyd at Berkeley Rep, delivers a poignant story by Donald Marguiles about 2 couples, one changes, one doesn't.  It's kind of like marriage "squared." (m²?)  It got me thinking about my own marriage and relationships and if you are married for any length of time are you limited?  Have you settled on a path of mediocrity?  Is there more?  Two couples, two stories, 4 actors.  Great job.  Great set. Great food for thought.  Go to the Rep and see for yourself.  2025 Addison, Berkeley,  510-845-4700 www.berkeleyrep.org

ELECTION

OK OK OK.  I rented "ELECTION" with Mathew Broderick and Reese Witherspoon, and I have to say, I really liked it.  A twisted look at how dreams come true, or not, priorities and how they can affect our actions, and just how far people will go.  Witherspoon plays a high school senior who needs to become class president more than life itself.  When she finds herself running against the most popular boy in school and his sister, the pressure is on.  It sounds ditsy, but believe me, it's not.  I felt for all the characters, except for the teacher, who just bugged me, but I still liked what he did with his character.  I don't want to say more.  Spring for the couple of bucks and rent it!

Farallon

After "ART" (see review above), we went to Farallon Restaurant in hopes of grabbing a snack.  It was our lucky night since we got a table in the bar almost immediately.  This is a place where reservations are imperative, and for good reason -- the food and service are fabulous.    John started with a perfectly made Boodles martini, straight up with tomatillos, and I had a glass of the Pommery champagne, dry, light, and lovely.  Since it was late, and we wanted to go light, we informed our server, Gwen, that we wanted to order course by course instead of all at once.  She happily accommodated our wishes.  We ordered appetizers first, a difficult decision, but we ended up with the Hawaiian opakapaka ceviche with cascabel chili, cilantro-lime vinaigrette and fresh coconut.  It had a perfect amount of heat and the fish was delish (rhyme it!) served in a half coconut.  I opted for the Oysters Farallon, a variety of 6 on the half shell served with caviar.  I'm a big fan, and these did not disappoint!  Then we split an order of sauteed Pacific Skate Wing served with  hazelnut potato puree, warm summer bean salad and red wine vinaigrette.  The skate was perfect, lightly pan fried with a texture of a firm scallop.  It was the vinaigrette that knocked my socks off!  It  reminded of the sherry taste in beef burgundy and pulled the entire dish together.  The summer bean salad was light and warm with a variety of different beans, all slightly cooked.  The potatoes were great (especially with the sauce), but the hazelnut didn't add or detract from the dish.  I'd say it was unnecessary, but what the heck?  We practically licked the plate clean!  We each had a dessert.  We started with the Profiteroles, small puff pastry with balls of Tahitian vanilla ice cream with a bourbon caramel sauce.  It was wonderful, and I am an established chocolate lover, so this was a surprise.  Then we had the double chocolate mascarpone pudding cake with expresso caramel sauce. This was exquisite, especially when paired with the Ravenswood Zinfindel, as suggested by Gwen.  She made another suggestion earlier which I now kicked myself in the butt for not ordering -- the warm pistachio crusted goat cheese with a light rose champagne.  So, if you love great seafood, desserts and service, go to Farallon, downtown SF near Union Square.  Call for reservations 415-956-6998.  Ask for Gwen.  She is a superb waitress, upbeat and knowledgeable.  She cares.  See you there and tell them Jean sent you!

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THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER

Salute. Boy, John Travolta must be in heaven about now! He has really rocked on since Saturday Night Fever. Honestly, I really had no desire to see yet another war crime action movie. I don't know what finally wore me down, but I'm glad it did. I knew the story was about investigating the murder of the general's daughter, and of course, internal foul play had to be involved, but I was surprised by the story. I really like Madeline Stowe, she and Travolta worked well together, and their relationship did not dominate and become the most important part of the story -- that was refreshing. Great performance by James Wood. Great supporting characters! (Pay per view doesn't allow me time to write down everyone's name, and hey, names aren't what we are talking here!) This was a movie that I couldn't tell who the bad guy was in the first 15 minutes. I didn't know until the end, as it should be. See it!

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

GREAT EXPECTATIONS definitely lives up to it's title.  Based on Dickens (obviously), it was a beautiful movie.  I rented it last night and it made me homesick for painting (yes, I do large abstract art).  Anne Bancroft was wonderful (what did they do to her face?  latex?) with all her "chick-a-booms" and her broken heart.  Robert de Niro's small but mighty part moved me.  I'm loving Gwenyth Paltrow these days and this was no exception.  Her vixen like attitude had just enough innocence for me to believe it.  I get tired of watching vamp for vamps sake, and I felt her story.  However, the sleeper performance goes to the actor who played Joe.  I can't get his performance out of my mind!  A macho big heart with legs who's just trying to do the right thing.  Who is he?  I know, how tacky.  I'll check into and update it soon.  It was late and I didn't check and yadda yadda yadda.  I'll get back to you on this.  Anyway, I loved the movie, I thought it was beautiful and moving and I loved the art.  If you haven't seen it, rent it.  It's only a buck!

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If you are having trouble getting in touch with your feelings, the cheapest therapy session I can suggest is to see

THE GREEN MILE

This film took me on an emotional ride where I felt extreme love, extreme hate, I was horrified, I was awed.  It's 3 hours long, and for people with short attention spans, all I have to say is GET OVER IT!  See this movie.  It's a death row, prison flick, story by Stephen King.  No gratuitous sex or violence.  Award winning performances.  Again, if you feel numb, wake yourself up.  See The Green Mile.

KINCAIDS

KINCAIDS restaurant in Burlingame is a cool peninsula find!  John and I were out celebrating the sale of our Mt Shasta home, and we found ourselves at Kincaid's.  A woodsy, warm feeling inside with exquisite bay views set the tone for the main dining room, and the bar is one of the most interesting I've seen in a while.  The backdrop for the bartender is floor to ceiling bottles of every kind of alcohol imagined.  We like martinis, and it wasn't long before we strayed from our normal Boodles fair (mine with an anchovy olive which they stuffed for me) to Van Gogh and Citadel gins to name a few.  Our waiter, Victor, was more than accommodating, giving us background and history of the various gins he let us sample.  I preferred the Van Gogh, made in 5 countries, and John liked the more complex Citadel, which has 19 different botanicals (to Van Gogh's 9).  

I recommend the Knife and Fork salad.  A large salad with trimmings dressed with their famous Maytag Blue Cheese dressing.  I also love their Caesar salad -- great dressing! and the Maytag Blue Cheese salad.  For you blue lovers, it is not to be missed!  Smooth and creamy with a bit of the blue bite!  

The main courses The list of entrees goes on and on from seasonal fresh fish and crab, to venison, to prime rib.  They have a range of presentations from down home to multi-cultural.  We've tried many entrees (the menu changes) and have never been disappointed.  Don't forget the Burnt Cream for dessert.  Their creme brulee is one of the best I've ever had!

KITTY MARGOLIS

I had the pleasure of seeing Kitty Margolis at Yoshi's on Monday, August 30.  I went with my girlfriend and we got seats right in the front row!  That was a cool twist of fate since we got there kind of late and everything else was practically taken.  Kitty really knows how to mix it up!  Her sets had a great build, everything from blues to swing to latin to scat, and all with that tasty flavor that make the KitKat style so special.  I have all her CDs, but there is nothing like seeing her live folks!  She takes risks and we become a part of her journey.  I don't know about you, but that is part of why I love jazz!  It was a great evening.  We stayed for both sets and left energized and inspired.  Hey, for a mere $11, who can beat it?  It was also cool that Bud Spangler (drummer and producer) was there recording it for KCSM's Sunday night suites.  Maybe they'll even get a CD out of it!  So listen to Kitty on the radio, and I'm the one screaming for joy in the background!

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KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (submitted by Jimmy Freeman)

Hello Everyone! 
I just saw one amazing show this evening. It is running for another two 
weeks at the Dean Lesher Regional Center in Walnut Creek. This is one of the 
finest shows I have seen in the East Bay Area in the past 5 years. I don't 
say this often. The theatre is the Knight Stage 3 (150 or so seats), and 
this group of amazing performers have been playing to houses of 10 people or 
so a performance!!! Please, please, please spread the word on this show, 
they're going to have student rush discounts, etc. It's playing Wed - Sun 
through Oct. 9th. If you know anybody who loves GOOD theatre, this is a show 
you cannot miss . . . trust me on this. It was originally a workshop 
production at NYU directed by a local, and they brought it here . . . go see 
it, you won't be disappointed. CALL 925.943.SHOW for information . . .

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LA BOHEME

"LA BOHEME" is one of my favorite operas.  It carries a special place in my heart since I had the opportunity to perform in it as a street urchin when I was in 8th grade.  It was a thrill, and Musetta's aria thrills me to this day.  SF Opera did a commendable job.  I loved all the characters except one.  I'm sorry to say Rosalind Sutherland's Mimi was unbelievable acting-wise.  Vocally, she prepared the role well and sounded fine, but her overacting and mugging in the first act drove me crazy and I could barely hear her through my judgments.  Thank goodness Rudolpho, Musetta, and rest of the Bohemians were strong.  They gave it the "stuff" that an opera like this cries for.  Their performances were honest, passionate, and technically superb!  I loved Musetta's ballsy interpretation, and Rudolpho's passion for Mimi, his true love.  A great love story.  Well done.  Too bad I missed the original Mimi.  Oh, go for the box seats!  It is so worth the money!

THE LATE HENRY MOSS    

It's great to see pros at work in this new Sam Shepard play.  Woody Harrelson rocked my world.  He was generous and committed.  I'm sorry to say I missed Sean Penn --  he was taking the afternoon off (for health reasons I heard).  Regardless, it was definitly Shepard with all of it's imagery and dreamlike quality.  Family abuse themes of course, and great casting.  I think it could be 1/2 hour shorter, but that's me.  Not that I'm a master of brevity or anything....  so in honor of brevity, get tickets if you can.  Theater on the Square, 450 Post.  www.theateronthesquare.com 

MOONSHINE

One of my favorite new finds is MoonShine, a New Orleans style restaurant in North Beach.  We were on our way to Pearl's one Friday night, and I heard this blues music coming from this place I'd never noticed before.  I made a mental note.  The following Monday, while listening to the KCSM jazz datebook, I heard they had a jazz jam.  John and I hopped in the car around 10 pm and checked it out.  Jules Broussard was hosting the jam, and we were graced with the presence of singer Kenny Washington, a good friend and superb vocalist.  Check him out!  the added plus was the creole menu.  From biscuits to cornbread, from gumbo to pecan pie, this place has it all.  The biscuits knocked my to my knees, and the rotisserie smoked chicken was incredible!  The gumbo was authentic, rice on the side and just enough heat to know its there, but not too much to distract you from the music.  My personal favorites of the evening were the BABY BACK RIBS which were applewood smoked I think.  They melted in my mouth if you can believe it.  Also, the sinku oysters were so good, we ordered another half dozen after the first were gone before you could say "I love the blues."  Moonshine is at the corner of Broadway and Kearny, 415-982-6666.  Food and music!  One of my favorite combinations.  Don't miss it!

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NLS

IF you missed NLS at Yoshi's last Monday, you really blew it!  (no pun intended for you horn players!)  This was an official CD release party by NLS, Paul Nagel, Jason Lewis, and John Shifflett (the awesome trio that is on my demo CD!), and probably one of the last times you'll be able to afford the ticket price!  A mere $7 gave you two sets of great listening to original cuts off their CD, as well as guest stars such as Anton Schwarz, Eric Krystal, and Kitty Margolis!  What a great night.  I also found myself sitting with Jane Sanchez from KCSM, and if you haven't heard the Jazz Oasis, then what ARE you doing with your commute time?  Other top celebs in the music scene were there including Bud Spangler who was  recording the gig for later airplay on Sunday Night Suites.  OK, enough.  Go to Paul's website and buy the CD!  

NUTS

Hats off to Lois Grandi for yet another quality production. Who would have ever guessed that SF city and peninsula dwellers would make the trek to the world of Walnut Creek to see theater with local talent? Apparently Grandi had the vision and made it a reality. So much a reality that now she is expanding to accommodate the crowds. The production that got me on this rampage? NUTS by Tom Topor, not only a great choice of scripts, was marvelously cast, directed and performed. The set designer used the space limitations well, and the costumes fit the characters beautifully. Let's get down to brass tacks. It was the quality of the performances that really rocked my world. Art Kirk played by Edward Sarafian, had me going with a flawless performance. Sarafian made an incredible journey or "character arc" as he moved from typical 50's closed down to the point business man, to a vulnerable person trying to do the right thing. Teresa Wilkes Levine was wonderful as Claudia Faith Draper, fighting her case that she indeed was sane enough to stand trial. Rose Kirk, played by Valda Claire, also gave a moving, believable performance.   Other noteworthy performances were Matt Walters as the prosecuting attorney, Michael Leitch as counsel for the defense, Glen Micheletti and Tony Muetz.  I laughed and I cried -- definitely worth the price of admission (a mere $19!) Go see this show! For more information call or email playhousewest@aol.com.  It ends Feb 27 so HURRY!

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ROUNDERS

ROUNDERS with Matt Damon, Ed Norton, John Malkovich, and John Turturro was surprisingly good!  I loved John Malkovich's bit with the Oreos, Turturro gave a lot of support also.  Matt Damon was in a role that suited him.  Just enough of a change from Good Will Hunting to show some range, and still believable.  I liked him in this.  Ed Norton rocked!  The premise was professional gambling, the message was be true to yourself -- you can't change who you are.  I liked it.  It's well worth the buck!

SMALL TIME CROOKS

Woody Allen's SMALL TIME CROOKS at the Metreon was definitely Woody Allen doing what he does best.  Very well cast, Woody Allen and Tracy Ullman play your typical couple from Jersey, trying to make it.  The costumes were fabulous.  The story predictable, but hey, what isn't these days?  Personally, I love Woody Allen's humor and his tongue-in-cheek point of view, so I enjoyed the film.  No, I didn't leave wanting to high 5 anyone, nor did I leave profoundly changed.  I did leave feeling relaxed and content.  One thing about the Metreon.  Great seats, great sound, but what about the popcorn?  Anywhere else in the city you can get a free refill on popcorn if you buy a large, but NOOO, not at the pricey Metreon.  How do they get off?  I mean,come on guys, give a little...   I know how much popcorn costs, and it's NOT a pocket-breaker.

THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY

Don't waste your money.  I walked away thinking, what a waste of actors!  There were no character arcs and the story, which became predictable on top of lackluster, took too long to get to the meat of the matter.  Great performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cate Blanchet (I don't think I spelled it right, but that is the least of the problem in this case!).  Matt Damon did not pull off the time period and played creepy instead of being creepy.  Miss Paltrow was flat and unbelievable.  No arc in her performance at all.  So, if the director of "The English Patient" was trying to make a thriller epic, well let's just say that thriller epics should be left to Stephen King.  Even the Italian backdrop didn't save this drowning film!  Stay home and rent something else!

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