Rats in Paris, African dictators, and trouble in Iran

During the last few days, the temperature here has been slightly less than what it might feel like in hell. In my opinion, going outside isn't really an option. So what's left to do? Enjoy the AC in your home while watching a good flick. Here are some movies that I've seen lately that I'd recommend:


Not Without My Daughter - I forget how I heard about this movie, but was interested enough to put it on my Netflix queue. Although the overall production value of this movie felt more like a 'made-for-TV' movie than a film shown in theaters, the story still held my attention, mainly because it is based on true events. It centers on Betty (Sally Field), a woman married to Moody (Alfred Molina), an Iranian doctor who has been in America for 13 years. They have one younger daughter. Upon losing his job due to what Moody believes are the racist attitudes of the hospital towards Iranians, Moody decides it is time to revisit his family in Iran, who he has not seen in quite some time. Betty is reluctant, but decides to go. From here, it is pretty obvious that things will go sour upon arriving in Iran (and they do), but Sally Field's performance as a bewildered mother trapped in a country that gives her no parental rights to her daughter is so believable that it covers over the cheesy overtones of forewarning. The fact that this movie is based on a true story is the only reason I'd recommend it.

The Last King of Scotland
Like "Blood Diamond" and "Hotel Rwanda", this is another movie that shows a dark and sinister side of Africa's recent history. Based on a book by the same name, it focuses on the rise of infamous Ugandan president/dictator Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker) and his fictional relationship with a young Scottish doctor, Nicholas Garrigan, who has initially come to Uganda seeking adventure. Through a series of events, Garrigan is enticed into becoming Amin's personal physician and eventually, even his personal advisor. Even though Garrigan's character was created solely for the book/film, the portrayal of Idi Amin is still based completely in truth. Forest Whitaker won a Best Actor for this film and his performance captured the violent insanity of this dictator. At parts, it's a hard movie to watch, but definitely worth it.

Ratatouille
Now, on to lighter subjects. Like a country rat becoming a renowned chef in the culinary capital of Paris. I must say, when I first saw the teaser trailer for Pixar's newest film six months ago, I was skeptical. I was also let down by the last Pixar movie "Cars", so I was trying not to get my hopes up too much for whatever they would make next. Well, this movie may be the best cinematic experience of my summer. I couldn't stop smiling through it because as I was watching it, I realized I was watching something that will be a Disney classic, a movie that I will want my grandchildren to see. The characters are great, the visual look of the film is stunning, and the overall story is original (gasp!). Get up and go see this movie. NOW!


Some movies on our Netflix queue:

-Big Night
-Cinderella Man
-Pan's Labryinth
-The Big Chill

circle of friends

Since last posting, two more 'core group' members, Rachel and Luke have gotten married. Sometimes I get all gushy and sentimental about the fact that we--David, Luke, George, Brad, Rachel, and myself-- all met in core group (aka bible study through Davis Christian Fellowship) our freshmen year and we've all still remained friends these last six years and are still there to watch each other go through these major life events. My first fond memory with core group was driving in Rachel's Jeep after a failed attempt to see a Switchfoot show in Redding. The Relient K song "Sadie Hawkins Dance" was playing on repeat and we were all screaming along to the words in a whimsical moment of uninhibited goofiness. Then there was the time where a group of us successfully went to a Switchfoot show in Sac, got to meet the band afterwards, and then went to Krispy Kreme for a gluttonous game of "pass the doughnut". Let's just say I almost peed my pants with laughter that evening. And who could forget the New Years where we split up into two cars and made up clues in the form of rhyming riddles that led each car on a wild chase all over San Ramon. My point is not to go on and on about all of the memories I've shared with this special group of people, but rather to show how far we've come since freshmen year. We've had all these ridiculous experiences of just being stupid together, and we've also been at each other's weddings-- I think that's the gamut of a true friendship. Now the truly hilarious thing is when we all start to have kids---but let's hold on that thought for several more years ;)

girls just wanna have fun

I woke up this morning a little dazed, wondering if the events that transpired last night actually happened. And I wasn't even drinking! Kassey, Jenny, Vanessa, and I took Rachel out last night for her 'last night on the town' as a single woman before she gets hitched next weekend. I arrived late since I was at Luke's rehearsal dinner (he gets married today!) and I'm directed by Kass to meet them at Sophia's in Davis. I come to find them at a table in the middle of the bar with Rachel in a faux veil and a sash reading "bride-to-be"---classic bachelorette attire. The next hour was spent asking any guy that passed by to sign the bride (only her arms were available for signing....other places were off limits of course). We met Enrique, who claimed to be a firefighter by day and allegedly a stripper-on-request by night. We met an Irishmen who had just returned from his own honeymoon and gave a thumbs up to marriage. We met Tim, a guy who surprisingly confided in us ( upon Kassey telling him that Rachel was abstaining from sex until marriage) that he waited until he was 22 to have sex, which he felt was like 1000 years. Several guys asked Rachel if she deserved to wear white, and all of them were shocked to discover she actually was still a virgin. However, I was interested to find many of them said in a genuine tone "I totally respect that" instead of completely scoffing at the idea. Even though it seems 99% of the world isn't practicing abstinence until marriage anymore, it was refreshing to see that this is still a cherished concept for some.
While walking back to our cars, a group of three Scottish fellows begged for a ride to Jack in the Box, down a few blocks. Normally, I wouldn't be an idiot and allow 3 random guys in my car, but something about the Scottish accent is so disarming that I couldn't resist. So me, Kassey, and three drunk Scottish guys crammed into the car while they told us "the two of yous complete me" and other such gibberish. It was a hilarious memory I'll never forget. After safely transporting these jolly blokes to their greasy fast-food destination of choice, we were off to my house for ice cream, a chick flick, and more wedding talk. All in all, a fabulous evening.