The World is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
St. Augustine
To move, to breath, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.
Hans Christian Andersen
Travel is more than seeing the sights; it is a change that goes on deep and permanent in the ideas of living.
Miriam Beard
A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
William Shedd
Twenty years from now you will be more than disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
We are finally caught up on our movies after a lot of travel. So bring on the December rush of releases and the remaining Oscar hopefuls for 2016. We are ready!
The Duelist
This Russian film features Czarist Russia in St. Petersburg during the 19th century when royalty hired “representatives” to act on their behalf when challenged to a duel.
The cast is made up of attractive Russian actors portraying the nobility and settling disputes of the day using a strict code of behavior. The sets and costumes are truly stunning.
That said, the drama, trauma and horror drags on for way too long. There is treachery, backstabbing, bludgeoning, shootings, stabbings that seems never ending.
Listed as an Action/Adventure/Drama/Thriller and runs 1 hour, 50 minutes (it seemed longer…). It is rated R for strong violence and some sexuality/nudity. Russian and German with English subtitles.
Rating
Rules Don’t Apply
This story about Howard Hughes, his businesses and his pack of Hollywood contract actresses was Produced, Directed and stars Warren Beatty as Mr. Hughes.
It is beautifully filmed with a very good cast that includes Warren Beatty, Lily Collins, Alden Ehrenreich, Annette Bening, and Matthew Broderick. It is just believeable enough, goofy enough and funny enough until you recall this was mostly true enough.
The reviews have been all over the board. Rated PG-13 (but I would not take a child to see it. How do you explain some of Mr. Hughes behavior?!) Listed as a Drama/Romance (I guess ‘delusional farce’ is not yet a category) with a run time of 2 hours, 38 minutes.
Rating
Closet Monster
Stephen Dunn Directed and wrote the Screenplay, a gem for his first feature film. The film flashes between a young boys youth and teen years and is haunted by his traumatic memories.
The acting is believable with solid performances by Conner Jessup as the teen, Aaron Abrams as the Dad, Joanne Kelly as the Mom. A surprise performance from Isabella Rossellini as Buffy’s voice (the hampster).
It’s original, unpredictable, sometimes ambiguous, and engaging. It displays all the aspects of a coming of age story in a classic agenda yet there are a few surprises in store for the viewer.
Listed as a Drama with a run time of 1 hour, 30 minutes, is not rated.
Rating
Note: It is always fun to discover a new movie venue in San Francisco. The Alamo Drafthouse New Mission is a recently restored/reinvented theater dating back 100 years. Originally a massive single screen venue, later remodeled with an art deco decor. It later still sat idle for decades until the recent overhaul. Today it retains much of the art deco trappings with one huge main screen and four other screens on two additional levels. There is also full bar and food service at every stadium seat with roving waiters. There are also several bars and dining options throughout the building. We loved it and will return as often as practical.
This Drama/Thriller by French Director Paul Verhoeven has been getting a lot of favorable press. There can be no doubt it is expertly crafted, well acted, unpredictable and provocative.
It can also be described as lurid, controversial, suave perversity. In any case, it will certainly be a shocker and unconventional. Not your typical French international import for sure.
All that said, Isabelle Hubbert is fantastic in her role as a divorced owner of a tech game company, driven, confident with a dark sense of humor and not your ordinary housewife, daughter or Mom.
Rated R for violence, language and sexual content. Run time is 2 hours, 10 minutes. French with English subtitles.
Rating
Nocturnal Animals
This film was Written and Directed by Tom Ford (yes, the fashion designer icon). It is quite unique in the way it toggles between two stories concurrently, one in real time and one fictional.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams both give superb performances. Also noteworthy are roles played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Shannon and Karl Glusman.
It is an intriguing mix of a psychological thriller and a dark terrifying crime scene that is visually stunning and unsettling at the same time. It is truly unique. It has gained praise in Europe but it is too early to see what US audiences think of it.
Rated R for violence and sexual content. Listed as a Drama/Thriller, 1 hour an 57 minutes.
Rating
The Eagle Huntress
Occasionally a documentary comes along that shines as bright as the best films out there. This film is about a 13 year old girl named Aishol-pan. The entire story takes place in Mongolia. She is determined to compete with the best eagle hunters in all of the country.
What is especially impressive is the historically all male dominated competition process yields to allow Aishol-pan to participate just like any other contestant.
The cinematography is simply stunning. The peek at the scenery and the lifestyle of these nomadic people is honest and straightforward. The bond between her and her father is heartwarming.
Rated G as a Sport/Adventure film with a run time of 1 hour, 41 minutes. Mongolian with English subtitles.
We just got home from a wonderful Thanksgiving week with family in Wisconsin. Our Brother in law, Matthew, and daughter/niece Lucy were front and center in the kitchen. They make THE BEST buttermilk pancakes we have ever tasted. We thought it would be nice to share the recipe with you all.
Perfect Buttermilk Pancakes
2 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
vegetable, canola or coconut oil for the pan
Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract can be added for extra flavor. Add blueberries, or chocolate chips, or pecans for a different twist now and then.
Heat the oven to 325 degrees, Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a bowl. Using a whisk, make a well in the center. Pour the buttermilk into the well and crack the eggs into the buttermilk. Pour the melted butter into the mixture. Starting in the center, whisk everything together, moving towards the outside of the bowl, until all ingredients are incorporated. Do not overbeat (lumps are fine). The batter can be refrigerated for up to one hour.
Heat a large non-stick griddle or skillet, preferably cast iron, over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Turn heat up to medium-low and using a measuring cup, ladle 1/3 cup batter into the skillet. If you are using a large skillet or a griddle, repeat once or twice, taking care not to overcrowd the cooking surface.
Flip pancakes after bubbles rise to the surface and bottoms brown, after about 2 to 4 minutes. Cook until the other sides are lightly browned. Remove pancakes to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and keep heated in a heated oven until you are ready to serve.
Director Robert Zemeckis delivers a another well crafted film about war operatives in WWII played be Brad Pitt and Marion Cottillard. It is a throw back to a time when romance and intrigue created a strong foundation for the rest of the story.
Many reviews were mixed, but we loved the old fashioned techniques layered with modern cinematography. Characters and romantic chemistry you actually care about. Costume design and cinematography could garner Oscar nominations if not the Award itself.
Rated R for sexually and listed as a Drama/Thriller, the film runs 2 hours and 4 minutes. Lots of little surprises will tease you, especially the final scene.
Rating
Edge of Seventeen
This film does an excellent job of reminding audiences of what it was like being 16 or 17 years old and in high school; awkward, emotional, and torment that can often last years.
Impressive acting by young Hailee Steinfeld giving an authentic performance as the teen, Blake Jenner as her older athletic brother, and Kyra Sedgwick as the Mom.
The script is laser focused on teen topics and spares little angst for the young characters. But there is also a lighthearted side to the film that helps balance to story line.
Written and Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig with a running time of 1 hour 40 minutes. Rated R for strong language and sexual content. Drama/Comedy.
Rating
Manchester by the Sea
This is a story about a working class New England family and the extended reach that death can cause. Some critics felt the prolonged trauma and the performance by Affleck overpowered the story line. I thought it contributed to the breadth and depth of the family’s overwhelming endurance.
There are stellar performances, most notably, Casey Affleck, Michele Williams and Lucas Hedges as the son. There are a dozen other actors, including Kyle Chandler, giving good solid performances.
This film is brilliantly crafted by the Director and Writer Kenneth Lonergan. Don’t be surprised to see one or more Oscar nominations for this film.
Rated R for violence and language. (It is not suitable for young children.) Listed as a Drama. Run time is 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Set in 1926, pre-Harry Potter, Newt Scamander arrives in New York after traveling the world to find unknown magical creatures in the wild. But this New York is not the same as the one we all studied in grammar school.
It has an excellent cast including Eddie Redmayne, Colin Ferrell, Katherine Waterston, Erza Miller, Jon Voight and a quick cameo by Johnny Depp.
While there was non stop special effects and lots of unexpected twists and turns the story felt crowded, leaving this viewer exhausted trying to process everything that was going on.
That said, it was often funny, clever, and fresh material for the eyes and ears.
Rated PG-13, but we were surprised how few children were in the theater, mostly adults on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Listed as a Fantasy/Action film and a heafty 2 hours 14 minutes.
Rating
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
The movie is based on the novel by Ben Fountain and is directed by Ang Lee. It tells the story of Bravo Squad, a group of celebrated heroes from the Iraq war and their victory tour while on leave back in the States.
I think the intent was to demonstrate the disconnect between the public’s perception of today’s war heroes with the brutal reality of modern war and the impact on its soldiers.
This film only partially succeeds. The acting was generally believable with solid performances by Joe Alwyn, Kristen Stewart, and Vin Diesel. The critics have not been too kind. Some, however, have been applauding the 3D version as the “sharpest focus ever”. We did not see this movie in 3D.
Rated R for violence, language and alcohol abuse. Listed as Drama/History. Running 1 hour, 50 minutes.
Rating
Loving
Every once in a while a movie comes along and just shines. So often they are true stories such as this one. Richard and Mildred Loving fell in love and got married in 1958. Interracial marriage was illegal in their State of Virginia. And that was the beginning of their story and this movie.
What makes this a special movie is the grace and simplicity of the storytelling. Joel Edgerton plays the husband, Ruth Negga the wife, and a long list of perfectly cast others seem naturals in their roles.
Director Jeff Nichols brilliantly weaves the then socially charged issues of the day into scene after scene with finesse and surgical skill. Ultimately it is a touching reminder of times past, although not really so long ago.
Rated PG-13 as a Drama/History film, running 2 hours and 3 minutes. Oscar worthy in several categories.
The theaters are flush with new releases just ahead of the holidays and the December 31 deadline for Oscar contenders. We cannot believe we are looking at the end of another year. This week’s reviews are…
Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange is…well, a strange movie. There are stunning visuals and special effects but the storyline is confusing and overly complicated. Dr. Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, whose character is a talented neurosurgeon cut short after a horrible car accident.
There are all the trappings of the Marvel superhero stable except this story gets dark very quickly and stays there for most of the movie. Overall, the film is both bizarre and beautiful at the same time.
All that said, costar Tilda Swinton is sensational. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a great good guy and Mads Mikkelsen plays an equally good bad guy.
Rated PG-13 as a Fantasy/Science Fiction film with a hefty run time of 1 hour, 55 minutes. Watch for Oscar nominations for special and technical categories.
Rating:
Moonlight
Raw, powerful, revealing, insightful, gut wrenching, compelling, sensitive, timely, Oscar worthy.
This film is divided into three parts, with three different actors playing the lead character as he ages. It is Barry Jenkin’s second movie and it is nothing short of genius. It is based on a short theater piece by playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney called In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.
Is is beautifully acted. Every scene is complete, more would be too much and less would diminish the story. It is about a poor black male coming of age and his journey through poverty, crime and a toxic self image.
It is currently in limited release. Rated R. Run time is 110 minutes. Don’t miss this one!
Rating
A Man Called Ove
This Drama/Comedy film will be Sweden’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the next Academy Awards. (That category will be a challenge given so many excellent choices to date.)
It’s a story about a gruff heartbroken widower, played by Rolf Lassgard, after losing his job with the railroad of over 40 years. He channels his energy to enforcing the rules of the small gated community where he lives. He is grumpy and grouchy to just about everyone.
There are a variety of scenes, some funny, some sad, but eventually the story of his life unfolds. Movie buffs will enjoy this film. Rated PG-13, parents be warned, even with this rating, the subject matter (death, anger) may not be suitable for young children. Run time is 1 hour 56 minutes.
We are still catching up on movies. It is no small task given the looming holiday season and the plethora of new releases. We were pleased to see so many earlier released films still in the theaters. And when have you seen us post 3 four globe movies?! Plenty of Oscar worthy material here.
Enjoy! J&J
The Accountant
Ben Affleck delivers a powerful performance as a clandestine accountant to the rich and poor. His character was born with a high functioning autism, raised by his tough-as-nails father, and lives just steps ahead of danger and the authorities.
That said, reviews have not been overly complimentary. Overall, the comments could be characterized as unremarkable. That seems overly harsh to my thinking. I found it fresh, inventive, intelligent, compelling and believable.
The acting is quite good in my opinion. Co-starring Anna Kendrick, and J. K. Simmons and cameo performances by John Lithgow and Jeffrey Tambor.
Listed as a Crime/Drama. It runs 2 hours, 8 minutes. It is rated R for violence and language. It is pretty intense and may not be suitable for young children.
Rating
Arrival
Here is a smart, intelligent Sci-Fi movie where 12 alien space ships park themselves around the planet to engage mankind in delivering a message. It is based on Ted Chang’s “Story of Your Life“.
On one hand this is eerie and puzzling. On the other hand it is intimate and thought provoking. I am not sure why Director Denis Villeneuve decided to beef up the military aspect of the story. Box office draw? Reality check?
The acting was very good. Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner take the leads along with Forest Whitaker. The cinematography and special effects were exceptional. Ultimately, the story was thought provoking.
Rated PG13 as a Mystery Science story. Run time is 1 hour 58 minutes.
Rating
Hacksaw Ridge
Wow! This film is a compelling look at war in WWII Okinawa. It is the true story of Desmond Doss, a pacifist that wanted to serve his country. It is also one of the most authentic looks at the horrific reality of war at the time.
It is counter balanced by a look at rural America of the day and the social dynamics at play. A love story threads its way throughout the storytelling adding a contrast to death and destruction.
Andrew Garfield and Teresa Palmer take the leading roles. Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington and Luke Pegler highlight many other actors.
Directed by Mel Gibson, filmed in Australia. Rated R for violence. Labeled: Drama/Action with an exhausting 2 hours, 18 minutes. Do not miss the real footage at the end of the film.
In celebration of John’s retirement, we found two cruises with only two Ports of Call we had already visited, Barcelona and Palma, Mallorca. Since we loved both cities, it was an easy decision to book both cruises.
This post recaps the first cruise, round trip Rome to Rome.
Salerno, Italy
South of Naples, Salerno is a charming little port city tucked into the steep hills surrounding the harbor. From here one can journey to Pompeii, Capri or Sorento. We opted to explore the town and were not disappointed.
Salerno Harbor
Messina, Sicily, Italy
We loved Messina. There is a little hop on hop off bus that does a good job for visitors. Do NOT miss the noon bell ringing at the main cathedral’s clock tower. It is a spectacle, among the best in Europe.
Mechanical show daily, amazing!
Restaurant tip: Siciliano Ristorante, via Garibaldi, 112, Messina. Www.ilsicilianorestaurante.it. Great pizza, pastas, salads, wines!
Palma, Mallorca, Spain
One of our favorite cities in Europe, Palma has an amazing old town, yacht harbor, museums and dining. Farther afield, there is much to discover. Spend a long weekend or the entire season. It is a very international city.
Reservations are essential! Belgian/French Mediterranean cuisine. Michelin star quality at affordable prices.
Cartegna, Spain
This was a bit of a disappointment. A rainy day. Our objective was to find the Roman amphitheater in the heart of the city. We never did find it unless a collapsing bull fighting ring counts.
Nonetheless, the main pedestrian street was also the main shopping street with interesting shops and cafes housed in buildings of architectural interest. It wasn’t our favorite outing. Even the tapas lunch was disappointing.
Town Hall
Gibraltar, UK
We had always wanted to see Gibraltar. It was a fascinating, walkable city. It is British colony where the Pound is the preferred currency. There is a cable car that goes to the top of the mountain, wild monkeys are everywhere up there.
We wandered the main streets which were chockablock with shops catering to locals and tourists alike. Gibraltar is only attached to mainland Spain by a tiny strip of land.
Lisbon, Portugal
To date, this is our favorite city of our trip. Big, brawny, diverse, proud. Built on seven hills, it sprawled in all directions. The city center is eclectic, much of it rebuilt after the divestating earthquake of 1755.
We are scheduled to be back in Lisbon on our next cruise so we decided to take a day trip to the holiday towns of Sinatra, a UNESCO world heritage site and Cascais, a sophisticated resort town on the coast.
Western most point of Europe.
Cadiz, Spain
It is the oldest city in Spain and possibly the oldest city in Europe. It has a splendid promenade along the shoreline, old Roman ruins in the old town, a massive cathedral in terrible condition.
It also has a vibrant city center with traditional narrow streets and pathways, typical open squares that serve as community centers in the neighborhoods. It is a charming city worthy of a visit.
Cadiz is surrounded by water on three sides.
Ibiza, Spain
This relatively small island off the Mediterranean coast of Spain is a real gem. Famous for its night life and throngs of visitors in the season. We really enjoyed our visit.
It also has one of the best preserved fortifications and old towns we have seen in Europe where time has practically stood still, except for the 4 star hotels.
Old Town on the harbor, Ibiza
Barcelona, Spain
This is one of our favorite cities. It has it all: culture, architecture, innovation, amazing food, fabulous museums.
We chose the hop on hop off option again. With two routes and intersecting transfer points you can get a good look at the city, hop off when you want to linger and hop back on when you are ready for more.
Perpetual construction on Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral.
Toulon, France
This relatively small seaside town in the South of France has been a quiet gateway to Marseille and Provence. After two weeks of shore excursions, we decided to keep our visit local. Toulon is a well preserved little city with a long maritime history.
The town is compact and walkable with an old world charm. Rustic and comfortable at the same time. There was a vibrant open air market in the town center when we were there.
We had the best moules and frites and a nice bottle of Rose from Provence. Beautiful weather made for a great day.
Courtyard to Courtyard
Restaurant tip: Le Pointu, 249qui Cronstadt 83000 Port de Toulon, www.lepointu.fr
