“Deja Vu” -
Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer

This one is along the lines of Memento, a real mind twister. I am still trying to sort out what really happened. Some amazing technological ideas are presented in this, the idea that we are being watched by satellite but that they can only record us 4 days back and then can’t rewind it but see it once only. It is tough to grasp. A couple of holes here and there, but overall you forgive these. Denzel has that million watt smile that you just sort of love to see. Kilmer has gotten too chunky to be fun to watch anymore and has so much more depth than this showed. He has a knack for picking weak film vehicles for himself. If you like mind twists and the latest in government gadgetry check this out…

“Night At The Museum” -
Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney

I loved this, campy, fun and about going from ordinary to great. They even throw in a little romance with Teddy Roosevelt and Sacagawea (yes, you are reading that correctly.) Stiller handles the lead well but does need the invaluable support of Williams and Wilson (not noted in the credits, peculiarly). Seeing Dick Van Dyke was a kick; Rooney needed to retire at his peak. It had a brief Cocoon overtone with the stone tablet bringing everything to life and adding youth, otherwise fresh and laugh-out-loud funny. Seeing a dinosaur in skeletal format playing fetch is a trip. Not just for kids, this will bring a grin.

The atmosphere in this Beverly Hills hot spot is sort of Asian meets Pirates of the Caribbean, with lucite walkways over streams of carp and fish tank walls with brilliant tropical species and few James Bond scary fish! The service is a bit spotty, largely attributable to the tough layout. With an upstairs that wraps around an open atrium effect downstairs, they are traveling a good deal between tables. The menu is original but food lacked flavor and interest, or was just overwhelmingly spicy without a determined source. Fun more for the experience and ambiance than the edibles.

Crustacean
9646 Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-205-8990

“Casino Royale” -
Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Eva Green

Yes, I am a die hard Sean Connery fan and have to say that while Craig is easy on the eyes he is no replacement for my favorite Bond actor. There were a lot of really big holes in this production. Dench is quite wonderful as M and is a reason to watch. The greatest disappointment is that Bond actually falls for a woman and is duped. Sorry don’t mean to spoil your movie going fun, but this is too absurd. His whole allure and charm are based on his lov’em and leav’em cavlierness. I’ve always loved a bad boy and betting many other women out there agree with me. It was very disappointing to have him become truly human and emotional rather than our aloof charmer…I won’t bother seeing the next one.

“Stranger Than Fiction” -
Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Queen Latifah

This is a very unique idea for a film. The writer of a book is actually the narrator, and Thompson does a brilliant job of this in her charming Brit accent. Ferrell is great in a rare dramatic performance. He plays the automaton of an ordinary man with intensity and it is so wonderful to see him become a real person with the intervention of Gyllenhaal and her post hippie ways and genuineness. I know a handful of folks that this should be required viewing, but then I bet they wouldn’t get it. Harold Crick is such a great name for an ordinary man leading a totally mundane life that shifts dramatically when his wristwatch takes over so to speak. Hoffman and Latifah are icing on this cake.

Reminiscent of a movie set warehouse with soaring rafters, oversized accents in art, and enormous pots of bamboo and tropical greenery, this was cozy with an eclectic menu based on unique Franco-Japonaise cuisine. The extensive wine list has been recognized by Wine Spectator, and a creative drinks menu focusing on exotic fruit and berries adds to the entertainment. Whether your taste is more Cantonese Chicken Rolls w/ Miso dipping sauce or you are out on the edge with Sauteed Foie Gras and considering mulberry cobbler to satisfy your sweet tooth, this is an experience worth repeating.

Chaya Brasserie
8741 Alden Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90041
310-859-8833

“Man Of The Year” -
Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum

Well done! This is a great cast and refreshing to see someone that really wants to make a difference and it is no surprise that a talk show host is the one that runs for office. We are likely fortunate that Springer, Montel and a host of others haven’t run for public office in the last 5 years, they’d have made it! Linney is captivating in her ernestness, and it is horrifying to see the lengths they will go to discredit her findings. Williams is maybe only 2/3 of his usual energy but the restraint works and he is very believable not to mention likeable. Walken has had a lot of face work done and looks great, his acting is as sharp and quircky as ever.

While I was a bit out of sorts and out of touch stranded at the Amerisuites by the airport, I did have the good fortune to check out their rack of restaurant options and hopped in a taxi to head out to Seasons 52. It was an inviting ambience with stone, wood, and copper. The dining room was well booked up, but I was able to snag a seat at the bar. A fellow patron recommended a delicious full bodied cabernet (so sue me, I can’t recall the name, I didn’t take notes!) I enjoyed plump juicy mussels in a light marinara sauce and a refreshing salad with hearts of palm. Dessert was the best, it came in shot glasses an array of 10 and I could choose as many as desired. For a lady who believes in dessert first this was a fabulous opportunity! I indulged in the tiramisu, the fresh berries and the raspberry chocolate mousse. All divinely decadent but just the right size to not feel overindulgent. The service was great, and the crowd friendly. For being a stranger in an unfamiliar town, this place really made me feel welcome and satiated! I will return.

Seasons 52
7700 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32836
407-354-3212

“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” -
Sacha Baron Cohen, Pamela Anderson, and a cast of hundreds of paid unknowns (some now suing)

(Not worth rating)

This was tough to sit through. While I understand that the writer, director, and lead in this are all Sacha Baron Cohen, and he is Jewish, the astounding depth of racial slurs and downright racism in this left me offended regardless. He took shots at just about everyone possible and managed to successfully offend. It is now being alleged that the costars were induced with alcohol, money, and were told it was a documentary. Now that the cat is out of the bag and their true colors are being shown in a most unflattering light, they are suing Baron Cohen. I’m not sure he deserves to be sued; afterall, he is simply a master at manipulating others to show their worst side and then showing that to the world under the guise of a movie. Not pretty, not well done, not necessary, and I wouldn’t see it again. Yes, I know it is a runaway hit, but I can’t fathom why.

Finding good, true Mexican food in an age littered with chains of Tex-mex, California-mex, and Southwest specials is not easy. But I have found it in Marquito’s. Even better they are located, literally within walking distance (does anyone do that anymore here in Atlanta!) from my home. Marquito’s isn’t trendy and doesn’t sport bright lights, or piñatas, and your ears aren’t assaulted by the typical fast paced mariachi music. Instead they offer a casual place to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. Often they have live music, pleasant to listen to, and not too much to talk over. You can sit outside, they have a lovely waterfall (masks any traffic noise!) or inside.

We are always greeted promptly and seated, often at a table of our choice. No reservations necessary. Margaritas or Mexican beer are a must (they do have a handful of American brands as well, but we go native!) Watch those margaritas, they do pack a punch! The salsa is always fresh and with a snappy bite, the chips crisp and homemade. Their guacamole is unsurpassed (especially when you add the salsa to it for extra zing!) and available year round, regardless of avocado prices. (They must have a secret supply, because it is always the real deal, never canned or frozen.)

Knowing how big the portions get, I usually skip the appetizers, beyond the dips, and move right to the main course. With rare exception most dishes come with the option of chicken or beef, the chicken is either grilled strips or shredded, while the beef is either grilled strips or ground beef. Whatever your preference it is exceptionally fresh and cooked to order. Fajitas are served flaming at tableside with a host of accompaniments, tortillas, onions and peppers, pico de gallo and such. A favorite is the quesadilla suprema with grilled chicken or beef fajitas. It is the best of all worlds, a slightly crispy flour tortilla (no doughy, chewy mess here) filled with cheese, grilled meat, onions, peppers with a side of shredded lettuce, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Magnifico!

The enchiladas, tacos, and burritos are equally satisfying and served with the traditional sides of refried beans and rice, but not the typical taste. These are part of the enjoyment not the sides that get left! Marquito’s is frequented by locals, always a good sign of quality Mexican fare. With entrees starting under ten dollars it is also a real bargain. On a recent visit, several families were sharing a table following an evening baseball game. Despite the late hour (after 9pm) and sudden crowd, service was speedy as always with the host pitching in as needed. It is easy to see why Marquito’s succeeds where many others do not. While they do have a second location, they are unquestionably one of the best little neighborhood haunts.

Marquito’s Mexican Restaurant (in the Loehmann’s Plaza)
8610 Roswell Road
Dunwoody, GA
770-642-1296
or
4015 Holcomb Bridge Road
Norcross, GA
770-449-8787