BLUE VALENTINE

BLUE VALENTINE--Directed by Derek Cianfrance. Starring Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Faith Wladyka/written by Derek Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne & Joey Curtis/rated R/ 1 hr 54 min


Bifocal Review by Barbara and Gordon Richiusa


(G) I am sorry we didn’t see this film sooner. There really is no excuse for it, but when it finally came to VOD we jumped on it. The story—the part of a film that ultimately seals my opinion—is very real and thought provoking for anyone who is, has been, or wants to be involved in a monogamous relationship. Barbara and I viewed this film together, and interestingly we came away from it with very different views in many regards. I felt that this was more a movie about the male character and she felt it was more about the female…go figure. Originally BLUE VALENTINE was saddled with the threat of a NC-17 or even an X rating because of some realistic sex scenes. However, for the most part these scenes are between married and/or consenting heterosexuals so, in a year of Black Swan and The Kids Are All Right, it was hard to justify this punitive restriction.
Aside from a slightly off-putting tendency to jump from past to present and back again without warning the script is one of those that (when well-acted and this one is) will stick with you for days or even decades afterwards, because it took me a few days to connect all the dots. The basic themes are that men and women are different and that while we are all products of our upbringing to a large degree, we must still take responsibility for the successes and failures of our relationships and our lives.
Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams are perfectly cast and are convincing in their individual (married after love at first sight on the part of the male and slow to develop out of necessity love for the female) character’s development. My hat is off to the small team of writers for great, realistic dialogue and just enough character history to explain the actions of the two main characters. Michelle gets pregnant by someone that treats her poorly and then meets Ryan who falls quickly in love. Gosling is a good person, who grew up without a mother but is willing to support a child that he knows is not his. In fact, the strength of the relationship that he has with his adopted daughter is just one of the many ingredients that are added to a seemingly simple plot to spice up the story into a whole new dish. I give this one 3 and ½ binoculars on the insight into male/female perspectives alone.

(B) I was not all that impressed with this movie. I already knew that men and women are different. The performances were excellent by both lead characters. I felt sad when the movie ended. I wanted more for this couple and some of the stark reality disappointed me. I guess I am a bit of a Pollyanna. It made me think of the many relationships that can’t stay together because of the lack of true communication. I give it 2 binocs. That’s an average of not quite three.

Weighing in On Demand vs Big Screen/Multiple Reviews

There has been a controversy of late because some production companies are threatening to release films to On Demand outlets within weeks of releasing the same films into the theater markets. Those opposed (mainly the theater owners) believe that people won’t go to the movies because they can see the same movie, if they wait a week, for much less. We don’t think this will create a problem—although we both agree that movie tickets are becoming too expensive and that there is room for change in the industry to meet new demands and compete. The fact of the matter is that there is something unique about the theater/big screen experience. Some films will continue to have an audience ON THE BIG SCREEN and there are those that are adequate on a smaller screen. We’re not sure what this particular Bifocal Review means, in terms of this argument, but we felt that we should comment on the films below (for a variety of reasons) even though we were not motivated to catch them while they were exclusively in theaters. All of the films below we have seen within the past month on our television and our impressions are expressed in brief. Movie producers: Take note.


CASINO JACK— Directed by George Hickenlooper/ Starring Kevin Spacey, Ruth Marshall, Graham Greene/written by Norman Snider/ 1hr 48min/R
(B) I like Kevin Spacey. That’s what drew me to this film. In spite of the fact that he has credible work in this film, I felt angry when it was over because of the content and information about how lobbyists are ruining our country. That kind of political behavior is just nuts. How can the average person remain focused on their childrens’ education when we see how education can be manipulated to produce crooked politics? I support education, but we need to find ways to use what we learn wisely.
(G) I always like Kevin Spacey and I enjoy a good historical/political drama. This is one of those times when you finish watching a movie, and you know that it is factual (to some degree) it kind of makes you uncomfortable. The film is about Jack Abramoff, a political lobbyist who epitomizes all that is wrong with our political system. All I went away with, after viewing CASINO JACK, is a reinforced belief that lobbying is bad, it should be illegal and any politician who supports the current practice should be voted out of office. Two out of four binoculars is generous.

COUNTRY STRONG— Directed by Shana Feste/ Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund/written by Shana Feste/PG13/112 min
(B) This movie was very mediocre, in my opinion. I’m glad Gwyneth Paltrow has found her “voice” and is able to cross over to the music industry. That’s all I really have to say.
One and half binoculars from me.
(G) I’m not a big Country Western music fan, but I don’t think I’m really Country-phobic. I liked Crazy Heart…last year. I just don’t want to see a movie about a Country star every year. I know that it Country Strong is based on a true story, but I worked with alcoholics and addicts for 20 years and they all have stories more tragic than this. The music was not that compelling and I think Gwyneth was wasted here. I was impressed with Tim McGraw’s acting as much as anyone else’s, but I couldn’t understand why he was not allowed to sing during the film. Maybe his obvious skill would have detracted from the alleged star qualities of the actors portraying singers. I give this one a two.

DUE DATE— Directed by Todd Phillips/ Starring Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan/story by Alan R. Cohen & Alan Freedland/screenplay by Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland, Adam Sztykiel, Todd Phillips/rated R/ 1hr 35 min
(B) Oh. No. I’m not a good judge of this film because I’m not a big Zack fan. I am a fan of RD Jr. but if I’d missed this film, I would have been O.K. with it. One binocular and one monocle. It was just silly, not funny.
(G) The story and the set-up are immaterial to the minor enjoyment I experienced during this movie. I laughed several times. I liked the dialogue, the characterization and the quick-witted give and take between Downey Jr. and Galifianakis, but the lines could have been delivered in any circumstance, within any plot-lines and I would have enjoyed them as much. I give it a two.

TOY STORY 3—1 hr43min/G/Directed by Lee Unkrich. Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack/Screenplay by Michael Arndt, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
(B) I would like to say that I didn’t see this movie, because I don’t want to review it. However, my husband is sitting next to me and forcing me to tell you that I didn’t enjoy this animated feature. Don’t ask me to explain. I just didn’t like it.
(G) I feel a little silly reviewing this film now, knowing that I am doing so because it was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar this year and I didn’t give it the time of day in the Oscars column. This was a cute animated story for kids (I think). Randy Newman’s music was the best part of the film. I give this one a monocle.


TRON LEGACY—Directed by Joseph Kosinski/Starring Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde/characters by Steven Lisberger, Bonnie MacBird, story by Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal, screenplay by Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz/PG/ 125 mins
(B) I don’t like to limit myself to a certain genre of films, but my heart and my brain tell me that these are not films for me. Any futuristic fantasy, full of fluff and unrelated to the real world—without any green trees or familiar life-forms—doesn’t work in my world. In keeping with the genre…I give this one a microtronic chip…just one. You do the conversion.
(G) Another example of not “leaving well-enough alone.” This script relies too heavily on the original Tron (and the viewers knowledge thereof) and lacks any suspense. Except for the clever CGI of Jeff Bridges face and another chance to see Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde, I can’t think of any reason to see this one. Another monocle.

Phantom(s) of the Dr's Office

Bifocal Reviews—Dr. Mark Jason Concert Procedure


(B) Is there an upside to Osteoporosis? I’ve tried everything, but things happen when you get older and with a sensitive stomach, I’m not a good candidate for some of the oral products. However, I was offerent an opportunity to try Reclast, an infusion that I will get once a year. What could be more pleasant than sitting in a Lazy Boy chair, with your feet up, and an IV drip in your arm, while listening to a private, live concert? Well, that’s exactly what happened. I was pleasantly surprised by the service and the special attention took my mind off of the needle in my arm. The short video below, speaks for itself.

(G) As usual, Barbara and I are sitting next to one another while she is having this experience. Thanks to my new iPhone (that she got me for my birth-month) I was able to capture this unique experience. Dr. Jason began the concert with his own composition and then, another patient came in (Mr. Wilbur) and was asked to play as well. It was the most unique medical experience I’ve ever had, and you can see that Barbara was completely entertained, taking her attention away from the dreaded needle. After all, we know that she is very sensitive and kind of a baby. As for me (the worried spouse), knowing that she was not concentrating on the needle, allowed me to be entertained as well. Dr. Jason and the guest musician were really quite good.

Arthur--2011

Arthur 2011—Directed by Jason Winer/screenwriter: Peter Baynham & Jared Stern/starring Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Greta Gerwig, Jennifer Garner/1hr50min/PG-13

(B) This movie was ten minutes shy of two hours, but it seemed like closer to FOUR hours, by my boredom barometer. It doesn’t really deserve to be compared with the Dudley Moore original, except to say that there is no comparison. The chemistry between Moore and John Gielgud (as the Butler) was pure magic. In spite of the great actress that she is, even Helen Mirren couldn’t save this sinking ship. The star was not convincing beyond the part where he plays the fool. How much of that is acting, I’m not sure. My daughter treated me to this movie, and I felt bad for her having to sit through the entire uninspired 110 minutes. She confided—at the exit doorway--that she would have walked out in the first ½ hour, had I not been her ride home. I’m not commenting on anyone’s performances except for Brand’s, because he was in almost every scene. No other actor had a chance to salvage any credibility for individual performances, or to change my opinion on the film as a whole. I did love the wedding dress that Jennifer Garner wore, but that is a sad commentary in itself. When a pretty piece of cloth can steal a whole show that’s saying something. One Monocular (not a full binocular) is all this stinker warrants.
(G) Herein lay the beauty of the “Bifocal Review.” In fact, in this case we had three different sets of eyes watching the same screen, and each of us came up with similar conclusions, one more dismal than the last. Naturally, Helen Mirren’s scenes made the entire experience LESS of a chore. She is great in everything. Unfortunately, her ability to deliver a line of dialogue was severely compromised by the fact that Russell Brand was completely lifeless and the script was DOA. I have to say that I found it compelling (at first) that Gielgud’s character had been switched to a female actress like Mirren, but she did get dubbed to play Shakespeare’s Prospero as the transgender Prospera in last year’s remake. As for Greta Gerwig or Jennifer Garner, the poor things didn’t have a chance. It’s also a shame that Nick Nolte made a “comeback” in a film so unworthy of his talents. We know that he can play the heavy and the straight man in comedy from award winning films of both genres. Perhaps a new audience will not be able to make the comparison between this and the original version, but I dare say that they will come away thinking what we did here: “This is just not that funny.” I am going to be more generous than Barbara or our daughter, Carla and give this movie one full binocular, but let’s face it…the average is still less than one.
If you laugh at the trailer, then be satisfied that you've seen the funniest part of this movie and save your cash.

LINCOLN LAWYER

LINCOLN LAWYER—Directed by Brad Furman. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe/scriptwriter: John Romano from a novel by Michael Connelly/1hr59min/rated R

(B) I viewed this film on a cold, rainy day. It was a perfect day for this kind of movie: A compelling drama with just enough suspense to keep you rapt. Finally, a vehicle for Matthew McConaughey to really sink his teeth into, and he really showed off his acting chops as a legal eagle. This was quite a departure from his usual romantic comedies, but his sarcastic wit, fit well with the character as well. In one memorable scene in particular for me, Matthew's stare at his client (and the camera) was a penetrating laser beam that burned right through me. It was sooooo sweet, man. McConaughey’s co-stars were also great in their supporting roles. Bill Macy, as Matthew’s investigative assistant hits the mark as well as Marisa Tomei in the role of Matthew’s ex-wife. Ryan Phillippe takes on the role as the “star” client with a duel personality. Ryan does well at playing the innocent, but leaves a lot to be desired in his representation of his evil-face. He played it a bit too soft for me. Other than that small criticism, I have no objections to this film. I loved it! I give it three and a half binoculars.

(G) This was a good, old-fashioned court room, crime drama in the tradition of L.A. Confidential, or A Few Good Men. In other words, I also loved it. There were just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and it followed the “old school” scriptwriting style that is required for good story-telling. As a script it was well done and well performed with multiple plot-lines and fulfilled format expectations right down to being almost exactly two hours in length. The beauty of this (an example of a good) mystery thriller was that the audience “knew” some of the details that were not being revealed in the courtroom scenes and were engaged therefore in trying to figure out how this fascinating tale, with great characters was all going to be resolved. As for the details, nothing was wasted. There was no fat, no unnecessary scenes. This becomes apparent the farther one gets into the movie, but each detail is revealed with a casualness that draws you into the web ever further. I have not been this pleasantly surprised for a long time, not as I was with The King’s Speech, but for the simple fact that I love a well-told story. In movies, of course there is more to success than the script (such as the portrayals and the delivery of the dialogue, as Barbara pointed out) but let’s face it. As the writer’s saying goes: You can make a bad movie out of a good script, but you can’t make good movie out of a bad script. I recommend this one on several levels and give it four binoculars. I guess that gives us a Bifocal Review of 3 and ¾.

Gordon&Barbara in Boise

Just a brief word on our Shidoshi/Five Principles book tour...

French Riviera--Los Cabos

Bon Appetite!

NOTE: This is from our archives when we did bifocal reviews for Destino Los Cabos!
By Gordon Richiusa & Barbara Richiusa
Culinary Profile and Bifocal Review

The beautiful French Riviera has long been viewed as the place for fine dining where great chefs are trained. Now you can experience food in the grand tradition of the great French chefs, right here in the Mexican Riviera of Los Cabos at one of three French Riviera restaurants or Cafes.
If you are looking for something light but delicious The French Riviera Bakery in San Jose or the Boutique in San Lucas are a must!
Each cup of regular or decaf coffee is individually fresh-brewed. Your eyes will light up like a kid in a candy store when you see the magnificent selection of fresh breads and pastries or you can make a selection from a modest menu of breakfast or lunch items. Where else can you be in Mexico and feel you are in a café in Paris? In San Jose you can view the team of pastry chefs as they lovingly prepare the treats for both cafes and many other businesses on the Cape.
The “secret weapon” of the French Riviera armada is the award winning chef, Jacques Chretien. Jacques oversees everything from preparation to presentation in exactly the same way he has astonished royalty and celebrities around the globe.
If your nature makes you want to take it to the limit and savor the ultimate in French cuisine then the French Riviera Restaurant, found on the Transpenisular is sure to satisfy.

Jacques and Sophie Chretien came to Los Cabos by way of Pierre Cardin’s Maxim’s in Mexico City. After fulfilling a two year contract as the executive chef with the exclusive Esperanza Resort, tantalizing the palette’s of the celebrity elite, Sophie “loved the climate” and the two decided to open their first of three eateries in San Jose. “My desire was to have a bakery where people could go and experience something different, but Jacques expertise was in fine dining. He is a member of the Maitres Cuisiners de France (the Master Chefs of France). This is an exclusive, invitation only society, which is an earned privilege. He wanted to open the restaurant where he could offer the high quality and fresh products to his guests, without their having to go to Paris or some of the exclusive resorts.” They now have about forty employees. Some who came all the way from France with them, but the bulk of the remainder are locals. The addition of a third café in Cabo San Lucas now makes these great products available to people at both ends of the corridor as well as both ends of the financial spectrum.
Chef Jacques says of their accomplishment, “ My hope is to make the Bakery and the Boutique similar, eventually. However, if you come to Los Cabos and you don’t go at least once to the French Riviera Restaurant, you don’t know the full experience of Cabo.” When he speaks proudly of his food, he speaks from experience as his biography reads like the who’s who of culinary art. He is a member of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs—the cream of the crop of chefs, wine experts and food connoisseurs. He has lived in France and managed some of the best French restaurants impressing this same elite society of food and wine experts. When the movie Troy was shooting along the Corridor, his cafés and restaurant were a constant supplier to the likes of Jennifer, Brad and the rest of the cast and crew. When elite events or weddings are being planned here in Los Cabos, it is Chef Jacques who is trusted with the food and wine selections. It is for reasons such as these that The Baja Traveller named his restaurant, “the best French restaurant in Los Cabos.” And, why in May, Jacques will go to Paramount Studios in Hollywood to participate in the Wine Masters event. Locally, he has also established his expertise with wine, as he helped to make the “Le Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Event a great success.
Jacques, Sophie and their staff contribute in other ways to the local culture and economy by such activities as making a gigantic Strawberry Tart to benefit the Red Cross here in Los Cabos to offering cooking classes for kids.
If you decide to experience the finest dining in the area, look for the French Riviera sign on the highway at km #6 in the Plaza Del Rey. You will have three menus to choose from, with multiple selections in each category. “We offer a good value, good quality three or four course meal for $49 or $59. Then there is the Chef’s Choice, 7 course meal for $150 per person, which includes 6 different wines.” Before you balk at the cost, remember that this is a dining experience not just a meal. This kind of experience is for those who want to take the time to taste their food, fitting into the relaxed pace of the area. You will be served smaller portions, with very distinct flavors and the servers (and perhaps the chef himself) will narrate each setting, selection and service. Our meal lasted for over three hours!

On the night we dined, our menu included a variety of appetizers, a light salad, an asparagus and scallop soup, oyster-stuffed pastries, frog legs, chicken stuffed with caviar, a pre-dessert, a dessert and post dessert! The wine cellar boasts more than 150 varieties of wines from Mexico, California and France to name a few. And, the pre-dinner margarita (made with an aged tequila) was equally impressive.
What is it that makes French food so special? According to Chef Jacques, “It is a more real food. It is very simple like the French people. By that I mean, if you eat Chinese food, or some other kinds of food—which I also love to eat—you get a lot of flavors all mixed together. You don’t really know what is in there. With French food, filet mignon for instance, there is one food that is featured and maybe surrounded by a couple of other things. You know what you are eating with each course. If you are in Paris, or another city in France, it is the same way. There is one central building or landmark, like the Eiffel Tower and everyone congregates around it. Los Cabos is an International town that is very much like a French town, very different from other towns you might find in Mexico. Our guests are about 60% from the U.S. and Canada, 20% from Mexico and 20% from other places, such as Europe. We came here by way of Mexico City, and for one thing there are not as many people here, so you don’t have as many problems. People are very friendly and the Arcos is a landmark just like those you find in France, where people congregate and meet.” The two cultures blend well.
Food and service of this caliber often requires months of advance reservations, and will likely be much more difficult to accomplish in the near future. Our advice is to take advantage of this relatively new opportunity and come to enjoy this experience now.
Barbara summed it up this way, “I’m well traveled and never have I had a dining experience like this. I used to wonder what all the fuss was about, when I saw celebrities and dignitaries praising the dining experience offered by incredible French Cuisine. I wanted to know what could possibly make the food so good. Well, now I know. “