MOVIE: The Holdovers
If you're a fan of Alexander Payne, this little film is for you. You'll recognize the droll, somewhat depressing yet ultimately hopeful journey that Payne masterfully crafts. While I may not be a super fan, I appreciate the unique style that Payne brings to the table, as seen in Election, Paris, I Love You, The Descendants, and most notably, Sideways.
Paul Giamatti is great as usual in his crotchety, character-actor way. Dominic Sessa grounds his performance on realism as the sad-eyed troubled teen, a role for which he was discovered by a casting agent while attending Deerfield Academy on scholarship. Da’Vine Joy Randolph shines with an understated and warm portrayal of a grieving mother and head cook at a prestigious East Coast boarding school.
The story focuses on the sole "holdovers" during the academy's Christmas break in 1970. This slow-burn narrative follows three very different people from diverse backgrounds as they help each other overcome the obstacles preventing them from healing and maturing. Ultimately, this movie is about sacrificial love, and in this age of selfishness, it stands out as a surprising gem.
MUSIC: Graceland by Paul Simon
Did your mother force you to listen to Paul Simon’s masterpiece, Graceland, on repeat during car rides to and from school as a kid in the late '80s, for the entire year it came out—and sporadically throughout your childhood thereafter? And then, when you grew up and had your own kids, did you turn to Spotify to play that magnificent, perfect album (in order) during spring car rides to give them a taste of summer, pausing now and then to emphasize your favorite lines or make your kids listen to the layers of instruments? No? Is it just me?
STYLE: Le Labo scents
My sister introduced me to this brand long before the Santal 33 craze spread from NYC to the West Coast. Recently, I was reacquainted with it when we got a last-minute deal to stay at the Seattle Fairmont hotel, which uses a floral Le Labo fragrance as their signature scent.
and The 80s / Millennial Side-Part
Why is the side-part controversial? Can someone please explain? To me, it simply seems classic and feminine. It also expertly incorporates the cowlick near my forehead, so I'll continue to advocate for this style, which can range from film noir bombshell to bombastic '80s cheerleader.
FOOD: The Classic Ruben Sandwich
If you are ever in the North West and craving a perfect Ruben Sandwich I suggest you visit a lovely restaurant, Parallel 47 where they state:
The notion of exceptional food originates from respecting the origins of the food itself. Reverence is one of our core principles and we bring that same attitude to your table. We source from local farmers and ranchers whenever possible.
Also, the title comes from a unique concept where chef, James Bassett tries to create dishes inspired from foods that are found on the 47th parallel.
If you aren’t in the area this looks like a nice recipe.
TV: Sherlock
I know I'm late to this series, but isn’t it the most fun when you discover something new that has a back catalogue just waiting for binge-watching? My mother, who loves BBC crime and detective shows, finally convinced me to watch a few episodes of Sherlock. It’s fantastic, creative, and wonderfully weird. It reminds me of how I felt when I discovered The X-Files in my teens—it’s masterfully surprising without needing a big budget, and the acting chemistry is wonderful.