MOVIE REVIEW: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Amidst the clusterfwagh (sic) that has been finals week in law school, I deservedly take my evening off to watch movies. Although I'm only one down, and three to go, I feel pretty good right now (although it's probably because Criminal Procedure is depressing, and I'm just happy to be done). What you ask was on my docket this evening? None other than 2012's rom-com Oscar darling Silver Linings Playbook. A rather ordinary by-the-books story, but one that's populated with some extraordinary characters and stellar production values.

Former high-school teacher Pat Solitano is fresh out of a Baltimore mental hospital for a violent incident involving his less-than-faithful wife. As a result, he's lost his job, his home, and is estranged from his wife. Moving back in with his hapless mother and overly-superstitious, Eagles-superfan father, Pat sets out to find the "silver linings" in life's difficulties as he makes it his mission to reconcile with his wife. Although a generally optimistic guy, Pat struggles to cope with his bipolar disorder; throwing fits over trivialities like the endings of Hemingway novels, dealing anger management, and his biggest pet peeve: Stevie Wonder's "Ma Cherie Amour". A chance dinner-date at an old friend's house introduces Pat to his friend's sister-in-law, Tiffany, a young, widow suffering from clinical depression and recently-unemployed due to her chronic nymphomania with co-workers. She agrees to help Pat re-connect with his wife, in exchange for entering a dance competition as her partner. Things are further complicated though, by Pat's family obligations.

Playbook is one of those films that falls comfortably in the "quirky" category, but all the characters come off so naturally thanks to David O. Russell's stellar, and improvisation-fueled direction. The leads are irresistibly charismatic. Bradley Cooper, is finally given a chance to show some dramatic range, and allows the audience to establish strong empathy with Pat. It's a great career milestone for a trained actor who was originally known for going to Vegas, stealing Mike Tyson's tiger, and kidnapping a naked Ken Jeong.

And then there's Jennifer Lawrence. Ladies and gentleman, America has a new "sweetheart", and it's come in the form of a curvy, husky-voiced blonde from Kentucky with a hint of social-awkwardness that only makes her verisimilitude shine through her newfound Hollywood trappings. As the film's sole Oscar win, I guess it's fairly deserved for a then-21 year-old who was given a role, several years more mature than her. Still, Lawrence carries Tiffany with great deadpan comic timing and amazing vulnerability that she almost flips like a switch. Her brash, assertive attitude with moments of unanticipated intelligence evoke memories of Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny. For the record, I was originally rooting for Jessica Chastain with an upset by Emmanuelle Riva, but after watching, I can see why she became the award-season favorite.

Playbook has touches of melodrama that may potentially annoy some more hardened viewers, such as it's ending. Compared to the book, it also deviates quite a bit from the source material, as far as I can tell. Other than that, I enjoyed Playbook; it's nothing we haven't seen before in terms of the general story, but rather a rare instance of a romantic comedy that doesn't insult my intelligence by demonstrating enough realism, honesty and humor to come off as credible. Could I possibly nitpick anything else? Well...there's the Philadelphia Eagles...haha. Sorry, I'm actually a New York Giants fan. But, whatever...

8/10

Peace,
- Jon

MOVIE REVIEW: 127 Hours (2010)

With 127 Hours, ladies and gentleman, I've officially seen all the Best Picture Nominees of 2010, and have seen all the Best Picture nominees for the...sixth year in a row. Sad? Or impressive? You be the judge (not that I really care all that much, haha). But in regards to the film, as simplistic (or repulsive) of a story from what you may already know, it packs an incredible dramatic punch. I never thought a film about a guy trapped in a canyon would be as thrilling as director Danny Boyle had made it out to be. While fascinating as it is, I doubt anyone who is faint of heart will find interest in it (especially the climax!). The more "disturbing" aspects of the film shouldn't really deter anyone, since it really is a one-of-a-kind work.

Based on a true story, young adventurer Aron Ralston is trekking the canyons of Utah, when a boulder sends him crashing down a deep trench, trapping his arm in the process. With no people in sight, one-half thermos of water, one camcorder, and one plier/knife. Aron realizes the gravity of his predicament. As he documents his state of mind on camera and begins to hallucinate under the stresses of pain and dehydration, the audience is treated to flashbacks of his life and vivid dream sequences that illustrate his frame of mind during the ordeal. Until eventually, he is forced to resort to drastic measures to survive, and escape...

This kind of film has "visceral" written all over it. I especially give Danny Boyle huge props for making such apt use of editing, sound, cinematography and music to express the myriad of thoughts going through Ralston's mind during the suffering. James Franco, as Ralston is excellent. I never really gave him much credit as an actor before, but the whole film is pretty much all about him, and he does an amazing job of conveying the inexplicable torture and despair that his character experiences. I wouldn't say that this is the kind of film anyone would really watch over and over again, but I admire the stellar work that has been done on this production. In the hands of someone else, it could easily have come off as too manufactured. The audience practically feels the same sense of desperation and ultimately relief after what Ralston goes through. Overall, Boyle has taken great pains to craft a story that stays with you, long after the credits roll.

9/10

Peace,
- Jon

Food for Thought: Spaghetti Al Pomodoro

Last year, on Mother's Day, I purchased the book Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit: A Son Remembers as a present for my mother. The book, written by Hepburn's son, is a touching memoir and account of his relationship with his mother, and even included some interesting recipes of hers. One that caught my eye, was Hepburn's recipe for Spaghetti Al Pomodoro (or pasta with tomato sauce, for all us Yanks). Not actually "her's" in the literal sense, but mentioned in the book as a traditional Italian recipe she adopted as her own.

The recipe interested me, because of the use of Roma tomatoes, and that it is quite similar to the rich pasta sauce my mother had perfected, notably with the use of carrots. Needless to say, I incorporated elements from both influences, and created something of my own. The one secret I'll keep is that I'll never mention what brand of Roma tomatoes I actually use, but they're fairly easy to find, and that's all I'll have to say.

- 2 large cans of peeled Roma tomatoes

- 2 celery stalks

- 2 carrots

- 1 small onion

(If you're short on prep time, you can substitute the last three ingredients for a cup or two of mirepoix. Wegmans sells it by the bag in the salad section; one bag will do the trick).

- 2 cloves of garlic

- A handful of mushrooms

- A bunch of fresh basil leaves

- Olive oil

- Red pepper flakes, black pepper, and a pinch of salt, to taste.

- 1 box of spaghetti (or your favorite kind of pasta)

Chop the onions, garlic, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. In a pot, coat the bottom with some olive oil and add the garlic and onions. sauté until the garlic starts to brown, and the onions caramelize and sizzle. Add the celery, carrots, and mushrooms, cook for several minutes. Add the tomatoes and a handful of the basil leaves, washed, and stir. Add the red and black pepper, and salt, along with a drizzle of olive oil. Stir well and let it simmer for 45 minutes. Turn off heat and let it sit for 15 minutes. Cook the pasta al dente, use some olive oil in the water to keep the pasta moist. Serve with the rest of the basil leaves, washed and cut, along with fresh parmesan.

It's safe to say that this dish was a success at my little Oscar Nite bash at my house. A bit indifferent about The King's Speech winning Best Picture, but it's a good movie for sure. I may not be Italian, but it's my personal opinion that the dish tastes closest to the salsa di pomodoro I've had in several local, authentic Italian restaurants in central New Jersey. Anyway, this is a great dish - it's cheap, healthy, and can be made in at least an hour. The sauce even stays fresh for quite a while. I should make more, as I'll probably be craving it, soon...

Also, I really should read up on what's been going on, over in Wisconsin with the unions, but a lot has been going on in my life, lately. Hopefully, I'll get a chance when life slows down a notch. ;-)

Mangia!
- Jon