Finally Friday - Tony (a movie)

 Big blockbuster movies rule, but a few little art house projects sneak under the radar. It's over one hundred degrees in TX. It's too hot outside to even enjoy our pool.  Movie matinee time and Tony is a decent "little" film. 

Tony (Dominic Sessa) is a hot headed college kid - arrogant wise acre and so, so green. He ultimately becomes Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential chef extraordinaire). In this movie, he's just Tony. He's lost a summer writing prize, he heads to Providence seeking a girl (Nancy - Emilia Jones), he has no experience, fights and gets kicked out of a restaurant (bounced by hooligan Sal (Leo Woodall) )

. The rest becomes a bit of history as he manages to get on with said fish place under the guidance of Chef (Antonio Banderas).  Chef sees something in Tony, and Tony somehow senses he can learn. He needs the discipline, but he also screws up a lot. Drugs, drinking, carousing - you get a hint of the life Bourdain later wrote about. You also see the camaraderie and the growth of  Tony, his potential. 

Decent acting, interesting coming  of age story, and a nice  cool theater. I was happy for my two hours in a darkened air-conditioned show.  Look for Tony - probably streaming soon near you. 

(It also made me want to rewatch some Anthony Bourdain  shows - the man was so good. So sad he died by suicide) 

 

Movie Review - Roadrunner

 Anthony Bourdain was a force in life. He was a hot shot chef in New York City who rose from being a dishwasher. He wrote a very behind the scenes look at fancy restaurant life,. and launched a whole new career. 

BUT - he was actually a very shy reserved man - very likeable on camera, very curious about the world, and maybe ready for a whole new life. 

Then again - his television launch, his concern for so many issues might have been his downfall. 

Roadrunner is a documentary that follows the man, the myth, and tries to explain his death by suicide.

This is an excellent film. I watched all of the Anthony Bourdain series and really liked the man's approach to food, people, and life.  When his death was announced, it was a shock. 

Why?

Why?

Why?

There are no firm answers, but this documentary shows many cracks in a man who looks like he's on top of the world.  He should have had it all and been content. 

But there's a dark underbelly.   Bring a tissue.  It's a really good film.  But it's sad and touching. 

and why?.....