THE APRIL SELECTION
A late take on what I discovered and enjoyed this past month
Movie: Wonka
Hear me out. I know many of you cherish the original, and I'm with you—I'm generally skeptical about remakes. However, a well-crafted prequel that captures the essence of an overarching hero’s journey can be quite appealing. Gene Wilder was iconic, and thankfully, the new Wonka doesn't try to outshine his legacy. I refuse to watch the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton version for being too excessively over-the-top quirky on-brand for their collaborations. Give me the duo's earlier, darker symbiosis like Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, and even Sleepy Hollow over their recent indulgences.
The new portrayal of Willy Wonka, led by Timothy Chalamet, is far more kid-friendly. A few years back, the original film traumatized my son—he was about 6, and quite frankly that movie choice was a parenting fail on our part. I believe my son’s exact words were, “I never want to think about that movie again.”
And this was with me fast-forwarding the admittedly creepy tunnel scene.
We've since been more discerning with our selections. This newer version, having checked all the reviews on sites like Common Sense Media and Parent Previews, felt safe and turned out to be engaging—not just for kids but adults too. The villains are humorously colorful, the set design magical, and its message about dreaming big is wonderfully poignant, especially today when children face overwhelmingly sophisticated messages. This movie’s last scene made me tear up:
I’m sure my husband and boys thought I must’ve been hormonal — and maybe I was.
Music: Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé
This pick might stir some controversy, especially among those on the political “right” who are hypocritically decrying Beyoncé for "cultural appropriation." Personally, I see no issue with blending musical genres, and believe people are getting too bent out of shape. While I often align more with the “right” with this issue, I believe the accusations of cultural appropriation can sometimes go too far. America specifically is a melting pot of cultures that share and interact with each other over generations and these relationships educate us, inspire us, and change us. This is especially true in art. How would creative expression suffer if we clung rigidly to tribalism? Spanish painter Picasso was inspired by French artist, Matisse as well as African sculptures which influenced his cubist period; rock 'n' roll has deep roots in the African American music of gospel, blues, and ragtime grooves.
American acting as we know it was changed when Marlon Brando burst onto the scene, and he followed the Stanislavsky Method which is firmly rooted in Russian realism. And there’s a great argument to make that all stories told originate from just a few root examples. Each building block should be honored as well as the totality of the blended cultural expressions. These exchanges enrich and evolve our artistic landscapes.
Beyoncé's statement, “This ain’t a Country album. This is a Beyoncé album,” rings true—the blending of genres should be celebrated. While this album isn't my favorite of hers, it does have standout tracks like "American Requiem”, “16 Carriages" and “II Most Wanted." She elevates Black country artists who might otherwise remain under-recognized. Her Texas roots and the musical traditions of her ancestors speak powerfully against the critics. For a deeper analysis, here's an extensive review from the L.A. Times.
Style: Back to Basics
This spring, I'm all about simplifying—shedding the layers and embracing the basics. If I could choose a uniform, it would contrast sharply with the typical Silicon Valley attire; I’d pick the ever-elusive perfect crisp white t-shirt paired with jeans and white tennis shoes (or Rainbows— you can take the girl out of Orange County… ). Here are a few of my favorites right now:
White Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
Food: Easy Breezy Brunch
For brunch, we love serving Eggs Florentine with mimosas and Italian coffee—it’s straightforward but always a hit. Here’s a great recipe to try.
TV: The Bear
I’m halfway through the first season of The Bear and now see why it’s so hyped. It perfectly mixes Sopranos-esque family drama with the struggles of endearing misfits in a high-stress kitchen environment. Jeremy Allen White is brilliant as a fine dining chef who returns to his family’s struggling sandwich shop. The dynamic soundtrack features artists like Wilco, The Pixies, Pearl Jam, and Nine Inch Nails.