Cool Quebec

 Let's stroll some more along the streets of Quebec

 Or stop and eat crepes at this charming little cafe. My strawberry ones (with whipped cream, of course) were delicious.

 Mind your step, but always stop to look up.

And on Canada Day, we toured Parliament for free. Interesting tour and an appreciation for Quebec.

Je me souviens - I will remember

Movie Review Madness: Fruitvale Station

In the wake of the Trayvon Martin saga, Fruitvale Station is a timely little film. Oscar Grant was a twenty-two year black male with a live-in girlfriend and a toddler girl. He was truly trying to get his act together. Yes, he did prison time. Yes, he lost his job due to being late. And yes, he sold drugs to keep money flowing. But, on New Year's Eve 2009, he vowed to make it a better year. The film covers a twenty-four hour period and with Michael B.Jordan's performance, we feel like we know Oscar and we really want him to succeed. He's been a kid, but realizes its time to be a man and take responsibility.

His strong family influence is obvious. His grandmother and mother (the brilliant Octavia Spencer with such soulful eyes) love him dearly, along with his siblings. He has a foundation. So after celebrating his mother's birthday, he and his girlfriend head to San Francisco to see fireworks and party a bit. His mom suggested he take the train to avoid driving and alcohol issues. He heeds her advice. He and friends have a good time, but the return trip home proves pivotal.

Crowded train, alcohol fueled crowd, sadly Oscar's past catches up to him. Words exchanged, a scuffle, and soon the train is stopped. Security arrives. Oscar and friends are handcuffed, trying to explain. Folks are using phones to film the action. Folks are shouting to release Oscar and friends who actually did not start the trouble. And sadly an officer's gun goes off, and a young man with the promise of a new year dies.

Well written, well acted - Fruitvale Station is a tale of hope, redemption, and loss. Can any lessons be learned? Perhaps someday.

Book Review: The Astronauts Wives Club

The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel is a non-fiction, behind the scenes look at the women behind the men on the moon. It is fascinating. The Mercury Seven astronauts were defying death, but on earth the young wives were "transformed from military spouses to American royalty." (cover blurb). Annie Glenn, Rene Carpenter, Trudy Cooper, and the others provided support, friendship, and dealt with the media. They were in a unique situation and had to improvise as the missions moved forward.

"We really felt this enormous loyalty to the guys. You just don't see what you don't want to see. But the press didn't help matters. They tried to make them like perfect American boys. Well, in most respects they were, but they were human, too, just like the rest of us. Astronauts get along so well because they don't talk. Women of course have to talk." p. 263

The Astronaut Wives Club opens the door to life on earth as an astronaut's wife - building new homes, raising kids, meeting Jackie Kennedy, and home to do laundry, or sadly attend a funeral. It included dealing with affairs and opening your home to media attention. This was the Wild West time for Space Exploration. Enter the capsule, read, and enjoy the ride.

Presidential Library at SMU



George W. Bush Presidential Library

Thursday August 1st, Ray and I trekked over to the SMU campus in Dallas - lovely area. There we visited the new presidential library - a pleasant building landscaped with native Texas grasses. The atrium 360 degree theater gives an impressive start to the day. The short film overhead shows America - scenery and variety of people. It's very cool and well done.

Then we headed into the galleries. I do think that more time is needed to gain perspective on Bush's presidency. However, the various displays are interesting. The 9/11 section is difficult. I have trouble watching that footage and remembering that day. I noticed I was not the only person blinking back tears.

The gallery sections are titled: A Charge to Keep, Creating Opportunity, Responding to September 11, Defending Freedom, Acting with Compassion, Leading on Issues, and a New Call to Service. Plus there is a replica of the Oval Office and displays showing Life in the White House. We stepped out in the Texas Rose Garden - sweltering heat. 

All in all, we spent about two hours in the museum. The films and artifacts capture history and I'd like to visit the Bush senior library at A&M.  Afterwards, we headed over to the Highland Park shopping center to enjoy Italian food at Patrizio's. Well worth the trek.

Movie Review Madness: The Way Way Back

The Way Way Back takes place in current times, but it has an old fashioned feel to it and that's a good thing. Nothing blows up except a concerned passionate teenager. Newcomer, Liam James, is superb as Duncan. He's a fourteen year old kid stuck in the way way back of his mom's boyfriend's restored station wagon. They are headed to a beach house to play "family". The mom, Toni Collette, is trying to blend in but can tell there are issues lurking in her relationship. The boyfriend, played by Steve Carell, appears to be trying to get along with Duncan, but the man's a jerk. Carell is the perfect mix of decent looking, upstanding, ass. His daughter is equally as condescending.

At the beach, Duncan squirms at the adult behavior and ultimately flees on an old girls bike he finds in the shed. His pedaling brings him to Water Whizz park, and there he finds some happiness as an employee. Sam Rockwell is excellent as the park manager and he brings out the true Duncan - smart, sweet kid. Duncan also bonds with the neighbor girl next door who is tired of the fake shallowness of the other girls. She recognizes Duncan's humor and depth.

All in all, The Way Way Back is a coming of age story and you will root for Duncan the whole way. You will remember the awkwardness of fourteen. The directors capture it perfectly, as well as the feel of small town beach vacation. Sam Rockwell has finally been cast well and his underutilized acting skills are on full power in this film. Toni Collette always brings her game. Allison Janney is cringeworthy as the drunk neighbor with low esteem. Carell is chilling. But it's Liam James who carries this film and he's a joy. From a mumbling, bumbling nerd to a new found confident nerd, the kid can sit up straight in the way way back.

Smart acting, smart writing, and just a smart little film for the summer - a fresh ocean breeze at the theater.

Movie Review Madness: Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2 is a decent sequel to the highly successful Despicable Me, and once again we all want minions. The original film was quite clever and had a bit more edge since, indeed, Gru was a villain trying to steal the moon. In round 2, he's gone totally honest and is quite domestic. Raising three girls, he'll do anything for them including running a business of jams and jellies. They taste horrible, but he's trying. Steve Carrell, in his wacky high pitched Eastern European accent has a ball with his character.

Lucy, voiced by Kristen Wiig, shows up to recruit Gru for the Anti-Villain league. There's a rumor that a villain is ensconced at the mall and is preparing to unleash evil. It's Gru's job to try to identify this undercover evil fiend. He suspects the dude running the Mexican restaurant, but the FBI and CIA disagree. Ooops. Minions are kidnapped. Lucy is kidnapped and Gru has fallen in love with her. Will he be able to save the day? Does his horrible jelly recipe prove to be a winner? And do the girls get a mother after all?

Despicable Me 2 is fun and the animation, while not Pixar level, is still high quality. This is entertainment for the whole family. Kids will giggle at the silliness, and adults will enjoy a lot of the lines. Plus you'll want minions.

Happy Birthday Ray

Happy Birthday my sweetheart
We'll celebrate all day
August 1st is always freakin' hot
But you are cool, I say

happy wishes and dreams come true
today, tomorrow, and all year through

Happy Birthday, Ray!!

Love
Joanne