Movie Madness Weekend
Quite unusual, but I saw two movies at the full-price theater this weekend. What was I thinking? Do you know how much movies cost these days? $9. Thankfully, both films were great and highly recommended.
Friday night, Lauren and I saw Julie and Julia. Meryl Streep plays Julia Child from her arrival in Paris with her diplomat husband through the release of her famous cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking, about 13 years later. Amy Adams plays Julie Powell, a woman stuck working in a cubicle in post 9/11 New York who decides to cook her way through the aforementioned cookbook and write a blog about it. Both stories feature the idea of cooking helping a woman find her place in the world and both stories were enjoyable. Streep’s performance stands out and makes her once again an obvious frontrunner for another Best Actress Academy Award. Adams is as delightful as always.
Saturday night, Tony and I saw The Hurt Locker. This title may be less familiar to readers; the movie only played in 535 theaters this weekend. It’s likely not to get a wider release, unless it gets notice around awards time. It’s the story of a bomb squad in 2004 Iraq, the height of insurgency bombing. While the movie doesn’t feature much intense violence (the most heightened is a sniper shootout in the desert), it is filled with constant tension and pressure. Most importantly, it gives a gritty and realistic look at Iraq, specifically in the suspicions of the bomb squad. When insurgents dress no differently than average citizens, the decision of when to shoot and when to talk becomes a nearly impossible challenge.
On Sunday, I went to Milwaukee to visit my grandma in the hospital. Evidently, her swallowing is improving; her speech has been better as well. Still, it’s unclear when she’ll be discharged and not sure where she’ll go after that. She still needs a lot of care.
So now, Monday morning, back to the grind! I’ve got two days in and out of the office, including 3 interviews with 5th graders. Then, I’m back to subbing at Camp Shalom for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Friday, Lauren and I leave for Amos and Steph’s wedding in La Crosse! It’s going to be a busy week.
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