Offered in innovative 3D – the film’s director James Cameron has used pioneering 3D cameras in all shots of the film – Avatar follows the story of an ex-Marine who travels to the distant planet of Pandora to assist the other humans there in the mining of a rare and very precious metal set to make them million.  In a desultory effort to be diplomatic, they have allowed scientists on the planet, not only to gain knowledge about their surroundings, but also to learn the ways of the native species, called the Na’vi.  The scientists have developed the ability to put the brain of a human into an alien body, which they call Avatars.  Soon, the greed and overwhelming entitlement of the human race acts as a catalyst in the attempted take-over of the planet, and hostilities between these two species comes to a head.  With a love story between Na’vi and human, action, and a not so secret political and environmental directorial subtext, it’s a modern day ‘Dances with Wolves’, but oh so much cooler.

You will literally be taken to another world for three hours as the enigmatic, sweeping shots are so beautiful and so flawlessly executed that you can’t help the escape – you are taken to Pandora and don’t want to come back.  Each shot takes its time, but is perfectly paced, so you finally feel like not just character development, but also setting development, becomes wonderfully apparent.  With sweeping landscapes and an entirely new language created for the film, Cameron spared no expense – lucky us.  The 3D element only adds to the escape, as well, as you actually do feel like you are flying, running, and in fact, among the indigenous group.  With color, music, and sensory overload at every turn, it just keeps getting better and better with each passing scene – what film have you seen recently can boast that?  With Cameron working on this project for the past 15 years, though, it’s hardly surprising.

Get ready to experience where movies are headed for in the future, as Avatar indeed shows us what we were previously missing in the theater experience.  With big screen HD televisions becoming more and more ubiquitous in the modern household, this finally gives us a reason to go to the theater.  This film is epic and, like Cameron’s film Titanic, will define a period in filmmaking, I have no doubt whatsoever.  I cannot rave enough, and in fact, would go see it again in a heartbeat (probably will).  Go… just go – you will certainly not regret this slide into another world.

Peace and love Xo

The film starts off with the crash landing of a space ship directly over Johannesburg, South Africa, and the consequent habitation of a new alien species on our own planet Earth.  How they are treated and their resulting behavior is such a blaring comparison to the complete lack of funding and attention we as people give the slum towns of the world, and the almost animal-like way we treat people in these situations.  Because these are aliens, they are treated in a way we would never think to treat humans in the civilized world – but do we treat people this way?  That is the question.  I mean, look at the refugees of the world who have to build tent cities and live in squalor – the world watches it happen, lets it, with little widespread international outcry and action.  But what happens when “those people” become us, and the tables are turned?  What happens when we are treated less than human?  This movie explores this idea and more, and is fascinating in it’s special effects (thank you Mr. Producer, Peter Jackson) and almost perfect execution of the story.  I have a feeling that this will be an award season favorite, and I would have to agree with their decision.  It’s a mesmerizing ride, one that will thrill, captivate, and make you think about about society’s norms – enjoy!

Peace and love Xo

This is definitely a great film to see at a lazy Sunday matinee.  It makes you laugh and feel, which as far as movies go, is pretty rare in my case.  It seems like every summer movie, in particular, is as far away from the intrinsic truths of our daily lives as possible, where the order of the day is visiting an alien planet or seeing machines blow up verses showing us our own lives and loves reflected back.  In the midst of all the action, this one stands out as a light and capricious work of art.

Peace and love Xo

Saturday was another fun day/evening in the City (yes, I have taken back this moniker from that dumb show on MTV… San Francisco had it first – ask Eddie Izzard).  Went shopping downtown and the weather was amazing… perfect even.  When San Francisco has nice weather (which unfortunately is too rare), no other city can touch it.  Checked out all the typical stores and then hit up Sports Club L.A. for lunch.  Yes that’s right… I went to a gym and ate – go me!  Actually, they have a really good bar and grill there that serves super healthy and delicious fare – this was my first time checking it out and I was definitely impressed.  It’s right next door to the Four Seasons (this is a fabulous trend of mine, I’ve decided – hanging out in, near, on, whatever! the Four Season… nice), so the crowd is slightly posh.  I had this amazing spicy shrimp wrap, and even though I was bet that I couldn’t finish it, low and behold, I won the bet.  I love eating… I was even getting that “light-headed, ready to scream at the next person who talks to me in a snarky way, all I can think about is food” feeling, so perhaps that was why it was so delectable.  Headed home after that with all our purchases, and took a breather. 

 On to dinner and a movie!  Haha!  Some days it’s all a good time, and since it also happened to be my boyfriend’s birthday that day, it was quite fun.  We headed out to Tasty Curry on 9^th and Irving.  First of all, if anyone doesn’t know this neighborhood, you need to check it out.  It has a ton of delicious, affordable restaurants ranging from Cajun to Italian, so you can always find something.  Tasty Curry is, in my opinion, the best Indian food in the city.  We ordered the Chicken Tikki Masala, the shrimp Biryani, garlic Naan, and  even got

an appetizer (can’t remember the name since we didn’t order it) on the house because they ran out of their Samosas.  I’ve had their Samosas before, though, and it’s lovely.  Everything is so yummy, and you can take the Naan (which is WAY better than any Naan I have ever had – some Indian places give you what seems like a greasy tortilla, but this is fresh baked and so flavorful) and fill it with all the other dishes – they all compliment each other perfectly.  That’s the best part – everything on their menu goes well together.  They even offer complimentary Chai, which is great.  It’s way low key in there, and although there is a beautiful mural covering one wall and soft lighting, you have to get up and grab your own napkin, fork, and knife from the little back alcove.  It’s kind of intimate that way and adds to the ambiance.  Don’t get too fancy for this place – it’s way more chill and appropriate to go dressed down.  I used to go to this place so much that the owners now know me and although I haven’t been there in months, still remember me and asked me how I was.  I love spots like that in the City. 

 Headed out after dinner to see “I Love You, Man”, and I’ve gotta say, it was hilarious!  I love Paul Rudd and Jason Segal, so this was a great duo performance.  Anyone who knows me well knows I can’t deal with uncomfortable situation on T.V. or in movies (you know that movie “Unfaithful” with Diane Lane and that hot foreign guy where she’s having an affair on Richard Gear?  Yeah, I had to leave the room several times… it makes me SO nervous!  I’m a nerd, I know) and I made it through!  The bromance is a little much at times, but it’s pretty damn awesome and the chemistry between all the characters is spot on.  Definitely one to catch, although in theaters or at home, it will probably be just as funny, so you may want to wait until it comes out on DVD – the theater always does add a little something special to any film, so it’s a matter of preference. 

Alright peeps, have fun trying Tasty Curry, and invite me if you go!

Peace and love, XO

Ok peeps, I’ve got so much to catch you up on and tell you about!  I had a really great weekend here in The City where I ate some great food, saw a really long (but entertaining!) movie, and attended a benefit casino night gala supporting Marin nonprofit, AdvoKids. 

Friday night started with dinner at the amazing Ristorante Milano on Pacific in Nob Hill. 

What a remarkable tucked away treat!   You literally feel like you are walking into someone’s house (it’s so small inside!), which keeps the crowd really intimate and exclusive, but not in a snobby way.  I started out with a glass of the red Zinfandel with this specialty vegan Broccoli soup that was actually super delicious – I was unsure with the vegan label, but go with their suggestions – they know.  Then came the Mozzarella con Peperoni.  There is actually no pepperoni on this anti-pasta (haha!  I’m so funny…), but does have grilled red peppers, grilled polenta and of course, mozzarella!  So yummy.  The most amazing thing of the night, however, was the Gnocchi con Salsa Aurora.  Oh my GOD!  It was the most (hands down I tell you!) delicious gnocchi I’ve ever had in The City, and it’s my new Italian obsession, so I’ve tried a lot.  The sauce, the perfect cooking, the flavor!  Seriously, I think I may be having a moment right now writing this – it was that good.  For dessert came the chocolate and vanilla gelato, where the chocolate had little pieces of chocolate cake in it.  Mmm… I think I feel another moment coming on.  For real people, go check this spot out.  It’s perfect. 

I also saw the movie Watchman.  It was really long, so go prepared to sit for a full 3 hours.  And while it’s not on the same level as, say, V for Vendetta, it was pretty good.  It’s about self made super heroes (think Batman) who have been forced underground while the world

 around then is in a nuclear stronghold during the 80s Cold War.  There is one character that actually does have super powers, and he leads the direction of most of the film.  You follow the main characters trying to stop the USSR from blowing the US to bits, to a twist that changes everything -  lots of fighting, sex, and intrigue mixed in, too, for good measure.   I really understood the back-story, the plot was really well explained, and it was an interesting tale.  There was some random nudity/sex scenes that seemed like they were there more for the nerd nation that attends graphic novel-turned-movie showings (they even clapped after “it” was done… I mean, come on), but even that was sort of fun, so I got over it quick (and no one will say I don’t like sex scenes… sex on with your bad selves, I say).  I would wait to see this on DVD though… not worth the $10 and it’s super long so you can’t get up easily and pee like you probably will need to during a 3 hour movie.  

So I just realized this post is really long, so I’ll save the gala casino night description for tomorrow.   It was so fun and well put together, with delicious food and people, so I’ll need more room to do it justice.   

If you check out Ristorante Milano, comment here and let me and others know any other tasty food there – I’m sure it’s all delicious!  

Peace and love XO