The Wolverine

 

Ok, we get it! Hugh Jackman looks great without a shirt! For some of you, that’s all you will need to know about The Wolverine.  Tell your spouse or girlfriend that Hugh spends half of the movie naked from the waist up, and I promise she’ll agree to go see this with you.

 

Seriously though, The Wolverine has a lot going for it: evil Samurai, ninja warriors, witty dialogue, beautiful women, girls with swords, sexy cars (can you say Audi corporate sponsorship?) and a heavy dose of muscle-rippling, face-scowling action sequences.

 

What it lacks , however, is a tightly-written, fiercely compelling story.  Maybe it was just me, but the story failed to gel in way that left me wondering if I had missed something critical when I went to the restroom.  Don’t get me wrong…the story is not terrible, but To Kill A Mockingbird it is not.

 

The best thing about The Wolverine is that we get to see Logan come to terms with who he is. (Maybe now, his nightmares will end.) For years, we’ve seen Logan struggle with his identity, his purpose, and his immortality. This movie does in two hours what the original comic book took years to accomplish…finally giving the Wolverine some clarity in these areas. "I'm a soldier," he finally declares. "I've been hiding too long."

 

Here’s a few more things to note about The Wolverine:  With the exception of Viper, who sucks the life out of every scene she’s in, the cast is great.  Yukio, who first appears in the Wolverine #1 comic book, is played by Rila Fukushima and is terrific!  The visual effects are solid, the script is good, and the action is violent, but not overly bloody. 

 

Special Bonus for Reading This Blog:  Make sure to stay in your seat through the credits. As with a lot of the superhero films these days, we are rewarded with a bonus scene that sets us up for X-Men: Days of Future Past which is due out next year.

 

I love the Wolverine character and I have for 27 years.  If you are a fan of the X-Men franchise, you will enjoy this latest installment.  It’s not as good as Iron Man 3, but in my ordinary opinion it's well worth the price of admission.

 

Anniversary Date Night - Antico Pizza Napoletana

It's been 1 year since I met Handsome - woot, woot!! It was a combo of right time, right place, with a dash of divine intervention, when I met this guy one year ago...and it has truly been THE BEST year of my life. Ever. Period.

So in honor of our 1 year of dating bliss, we decided to celebrate with a quiet, romantic, candlelit dinner for two...errr, I mean, a loud, florescent light-lit dinner with a hundred of our closest strangers eating pizza.  But not just any pizza, Antico Pizza Napoletano.

**Warning - this is a long post - this place is social experiential eating so there is a LOT to tell!

Antico Pizza Napoletano is a little pizza joint on the west side of the Georgia Tech campus that serves delicious Neopolitan style pizza.  Now, pizza may not sound like a very creative, splashy choice for such a special event (and this is a special event, I mean he's tolerated me for a year now :), but it is truly one of our favorite foods.  Chris claims to be able to eat it daily - that's a bit gluttonous for me, but I could come close if you twisted my arm.

Now, this restaurant isn't something we just stumbled upon, friends of ours recommended we try it - they STRONGLY recommended it, while we were eating at a local pizza joint, coincidentally.  Funny how that happened.  Anywho, we Googled it, and really, the only things we learned about it were:
1. expect a long wait
2. you sit at communal tables
3. the pizza is amazing


When we arrived, a "bouncer" (who is the owner I think) greeted us at the door and sternly, but politely directed us to the end of the line of about 10 people, to wait...TO ENTER THE RESTAURANT!  I mean, wow, were we at a club?!  How special is this place?  After only about 5 minutes of waiting though, he motioned for us all to enter, and WAIT INSIDE.  In line.  To order.  Again, I'm thinking, this better be good and worth the waits (yes, waits is plural at this place).

While waiting, we scoped the place out.  The entrance to the restaurant is a narrow "hallway" with glass on one side were you can see into the first of two rooms, and through the door to the back room where they cook the pizza.  We noticed two things while waiting, there was  a very varied assortment of adult beverages people were consuming, and there was definitely a communal atmosphere with pizzas just laid out on the tables.  Interesting.

When we got to the front of the line, we perused the menu board - and had no idea what most of the options were.  Call us uneducated, call us wanna-be foodies, but don't call us unadventurous, cuz we just picked one off the menu and had no idea what most of the toppings were.  We ordered the Divola pizza.  Now the pizzas are pricey, from 19-24 smackeroos for one pie, but one pie can feed 2-4 people, depending on how polite, hungry, or a pizza fanatic you are.  Chris and I ate an entire pie ourselves, and had the food babies to prove it.  We also ordered 2 soft drinks - 8.5 oz over priced Cokes - that's about 1 cup and a sip, or 4 gulps.  They also have overpriced water, wine and one brand of beer on offer.

So here comes lesson #1: BYOB: bring your own beverage.  Now, I don't know how they feel about non-alcoholic drinks being brought in, but you can DEFINITELY bring in your own alcohol.  There is no corking fee, and they will also open your bottle for you, and provide plastic tumblers.  Score!!! Some crazy people even brought their own glass wine glasses - which I find pretentious and a bit silly personally.  We didn't know this, but a group of lovely young women shared two glasses of their wine with us, so sweet. Love me some wine with my pizza, or really, just whenever.


Once we ordered, it became a game of figuring out what to do next.  Where do we go?  How do we get our pizza?  Where will we sit?  We moseyed around in the front room, pretty table, lighting and stools - too full.  Then to the back room...warehouse style, florescent lighting, long tables with benches, and the kitchen right there, within reach, no glass separating, nothing.  Just right in the mix with the tables and diners. We stood with a group of people, scoping the joint for an open seat or two.  Then we noticed the "waitresses" carrying pizzas on giant rimmed-baking sheets. Yup, no pizza rounds here, just giant cookie sheets.

Here comes lesson #2:  As the "waitresses" come around calling our your order number, if you don't have a seat already, they will help you find a place.  ANY PLACE.  Anywhere they can set your pizza down, where you can gather around it, they will.  This could be a lovely seat at one of the tables, OR it could be gathered around a stack of boxes in the kitchen, or as Chris and I got, a spot at one of the kitchen "islands" just steps from the giant, wood fired ovens.

Now, here's a big tip - if you have a personal bubble not to be intruded, this place is NOT for you.  Cuz your rubbing elbows with perfect strangers for dinner.  Literally.  Also, if you like quiet, intimate conversations, again, not for you.  But if you enjoy a vibrant, albeit loud, atmosphere, this may be the ticket.

When our pizza was delivered, we were escorted to an island like I said, just steps from the oven and kitchen staff.  As a matter of fact, I think Chris actually was in the kitchen while he ate.  Because we were at an island, we stood.  Sounds bad, but it was kind of fun, as we got to see the kitchen staff at work, and see the rest of the restaurant while eating. 

Lesson #3:  Nothing you order here is bad.  Truly!  The pizza was scrumptious. Ours had a spicy cured salami on it with sweet (and kinda spicy, just like me) red peppers in a vinegar brine, and fresh bufalo mozzerella. The hand-tossed/stretched dough makes a crust that is slightly/lightly charred when cooked, just like they advertise, and with a nice chew to it - not crispy, and not floppy.  Just right.  And they have a fun little "toppings" bar, too. So cool.

And they manage to get this good of a pie by flying in fresh ingredients from Naples - weekly!!!  That means all the deliciousness on that pie is not only fresh and made to order, but truly authentic Neapolitan pizza.  And to add to the authenticity, they cook the pizzas in wood-fired ovens flown in from Naples.  Boom! Now that's the way to make a pizza!

There are more details I could share about our dining adventure, but I should stop here and encourage you to have your own.  Antico Pizza is definitely worth the drive, the effort to find a seat, and the cost.  Dare I say this is my favorite pizza...ever?  But that's just my opinion.

Asparagus, Peas, and Sausage - Oh my!

Hey all!!! I'm back!  I took a bit of a hiatus (aka, was a bit lazy) from posting, but I'm still here and eating my way through new recipes and restaurants.  Below is an adaptation of a recipe I saw in a magazine.  So here's what happened - I was gettin' my hair did, reading a trashy mag, and in it was a recipe I wanted to try...I couldn't take the magazine with me, couldn't tear out the page, and the fumes from my hair potions prevented me from using common sense and taking a photo of the page with my phone....

So I ended up making this recipe from memory.  I don't remember the magazine so I can't point you in the direction of the true recipe, but below is my version.  It was pretty tasty, and Handsome really enjoyed it. Went for seconds AND thirds!  Now that's a compliment - even think there was a burp in true thanks for my efforts. ;)  I'm calling it - Asparagus, Peas, Sausage with Buitoni Ravioli.  Creative, I know.

Asparagus, Peas and Sausage with Buitoni Ravioli
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 in pieces
1/2 bag frozen peas
1/2 package polska kielbasa sausage (we used turkey kielbasa), cut into 1/4 inch, bite-sized rounds
1 pkg Buitoni Wild Mushroom Agnolotti
1 pkg spinach, or my fave, a mix of spinach and arugula
1-2 tbsp lemon zest, reserve lemon for juice if desired
shaved parmesan cheese (or use grated, we did cuz I had it)

In a large pot, boil water to cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, heat a skillet and saute the asparagus with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.  When the asparagus is done, remove from the skillet and add the kielbasa.  Saute until heated through and slightly brown/crispy. 

Add the pasta to the water, cook to package directions.  In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the peas to the pot to cook.  When pasta and peas are done, drain into a colander.  Let cool slightly.  I cut the pasta because it is kinda big, and I prefer a one bite kinda pasta. 

On a plate, arrange lettuce, dress with a bit of lemon juice, olive oil and salt/pepper.  Top with asparagus, peas, pasta, kielbasa, lemon zest and parmesan.  Et voila!  Dinner is served!  It's soooooo yummy, but that's just my opinion.

The Conjuring

The Conjuring has gotten a lot of favorable press thus far and has already more than doubled its production budget at the box office with more than $50 million in ticket sales. Obviously people love to go to the theater to be scared!  And this film certainly delivers on the fright factor!! In case you don't know anything about it, The Conjuring tells the story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren who work to help a family terrorized by an evil presence in their Rhode Island home. When forced to confront the demonic force, the Warrens find themselves involved in the most terrifying case of their careers.  The Conjuring is based on real events and Lorraine Warren even consulted on the film.

Here's the issue with this film...James Wan, director of Saw and Insidious, has directed a PG-13 film that received an R rating from the MPAA.  Though Wan gives us a pretty frightening film, it falls a bit short of its potential.  If the crew had expected to receive an R rating, they might not have pulled some punches and could have truly delivered a more impactful movie. It just doesn't quite get there.

Despite its shortcomings, The Conjuring does a great job of scaring you with creepy sound effects, dramatic camera angles, pulse-pounding music, and the actors' performances rather than relying on the spectacular CGI and gore that so many modern horror films resort to these days.  The Conjuring, playing to its strengths of suspense and tension, slowly builds toward the finish with the highlight of the film coming in the final 15 minutes with an admittedly disturbing, heart-in-the-throat exorcism scene.

The Conjuring does not pack the punch and unforgettable experience of The Exorcist. Nor does it carry the emotional weight and terror of The Amityville Horror, which curiously enough the Warrens were also involed in investigating. (There's even a clever nod to the 1979 classic.)  However, if you're a fan of the genre, you will probably enjoy it. Grab some popcorn, curl up next to someone, and prepare to jump out of your seat.  In my ordinary opinion, it's one the best horror films to hit the silver screen in the last few years.

In case You Missed It

Just in case you missed the debut of the stunningly awful, but utterly lovable Sharknado on the SyFY network last night (and I’m guessing you did) you might be searching for something to watch this weekend. Well, let me help you out.  Here are a few down and dirty reviews for three movies that might fit the bill for you. 

Identity Thief

This is funny…quite funny. And the cast is terrific. Jason Bateman is simply great.  I defy you to not like him.  And then there is Melissa McCarthy who is best known for her roles in Mike and Molly, Bridesmaids and The Heat (the new movie with Sandra Bullock).  If you liked Horrible Bosses, rent this. It’s directed by the same guy, Seth Gordon.  Caution: The language is quite vulgar, so make sure the kids are not home or fast asleep.

                                        

                                            The Call

In this pulse-quickening thriller, Halle Berry plays a 911 operator who finds herself in the midst of a kidnapping scenario.  I found this one to unexpectedly fun. I had not heard much buzz about it, but I was glad I watched it.  If realism is what you’re after, this one jumps the shark about three quarters of the way through. However, if it’s adrenaline and entertainment you’re seeking, then this is for you! You might need to pop a Xanax before sliding this one into the DVD player!  It’s quite intense. 

                                                 

       

                                               

                                                    Side Effects

You might find this one a little slow at times, but if you stick with it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.  Now, this is directed by local Atlantan Steven Soderbergh, which might raise a red flag for some of you. In my humble opinion, Soderbergh is all over the map. He’s put out some total crap, but he’s got some awesome films under his belt too. (Ocean’s Eleven and Traffic just to name a couple!)  This is not at all what I was expecting!  If you’re in the mood for a cerebral drama, this is definitely for you! 

The Lone Ranger

What do you get when Verbinski and Bruckheimer get together?  A rowdy, rollicking good time!  (The only thing that can make the return of Jesus better would be if Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer film it and show it in theaters!)

First, don't pay attention to the so-called professional movie critics out there. The Lone Ranger is being crushed by many of the big names in the industry, but they are flat out wrong.  Disney has delivered a fun, re-imagined adventure of truly epic scale. If you're a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, you will certainly enjoy this.  Raiders of the Lost Ark this is not, but it definitely brings a boisterous big bang to the screen!

Warning: The Lone Ranger is LONG and at times feels like it. But the sprawling story is quite good and the film moves along at a compelling pace that keeps you wondering what will happen next.

Now for the obvious...Johnny Depp is great...again.  And he manages to pull it off with very little dialogue. He has a history of these types of roles and performs them exceedingly well.  Armie Hammer, as John Reid AKA the Lone Ranger, was better than expected and actually brought the reluctant hero to life.

Look for another Lone Ranger film in the near future if this one performs well, but the jury is still out as to whether it will be gunned down or ride off into the sunset as the gallant hero at the box office. My advice...Go have fun with this one! 

Man of Steel

Admittedly, I've never been a big fan of Superman.  I can't quite figure out why. I've just never loved the character. The1978 version was a solid film, but Christopher Reeve was just lame. (Stop it...I meant as an actor.)  And Superman Returns...well.


So when I saw the very first trailer for Man of Steel, I was immediately struck by the seemingly different feel. Of course having Zack Snyder at the helm never hurts. (If the name Zack Snyder doesn't ring a bell, stop reading this right now and go watch 300, Sucker Punch, Watchmen, and Dawn of the Dead.)

Bottom line...this is a good movie. It's certainly one you should see on the big screen. The story is told creatively, it features some clever scripting, and the film is visually compelling. Oh...and the grandiose action!

Two words adequately describe the action sequences: property damage. A lot of crap gets destroyed in these 2 1/2 hours! I mean...A LOT!  If I have one criticism about the film, it's that the action sequences are so frenzied that they're often difficult to follow.

And finally, they got the casting right!  Henry Cavill is able to be the fresh-faced, slightly awkward innocent with All-American good looks, but also the rough and tough superhero who is able to intimidate you with both a look and a bulging physique.  And the rest of the cast is pretty darn good too.  Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, and Laurence Fishburne fill out the ensemble with Diane Lane excelling as Clark's mother.

If you're a fan of the hero genre and looking for a fun summer movie, you'll be glad you saw this one.