Tropic Thunder

Category: Film
Genre: Comedy / Action / War
Directed By: Ben Stiller
Running Time: 107 min.

Tropic Thunder is one of the surprising comedy successes of recent films. A solid premise, a terrific cast, and a good helping of language give it a punch that I haven’t seen out of a comedy in quite some time.

Past Stiller projects had me wary of getting my hopes up for Tropic Thunder, but as it turns out I was thoroughly pleased with the film. The difference comes from the fact that this film has a good bankable premise, which is something most other modern comedies seem to have trouble with. The layers of actors playing actors no longer acting is rich territory for comedy, and it is well capitalized on.

The cast and their performances are what give the film real traction. Ben Stiller plays much the same as previous roles, but with more depth and less throw-away weirdness, reminding me of his work in “There’s Something About Mary.” Jack Black does a great job of compound comic relief without going too far over the top, much like his performance in “High Fidelity.” Robert Downey Jr. breaks type and plays what is probably his most entertaining role since “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” as an Ausie method actor playing a Vietnam-era black man getting a bit lost in his method. Supporting performances by Jay Baruchel (of “Knocked Up”), Nick Nolte (channeling a bit of Gary Busey), and Tom Cruise flesh out the film to great effect. Cruise in particular plays his oddest character to date, what I can only describe as a mix between Al Pacino, James Lipton, and Joe Pantoliano, hyped up on some sort of mind altering substance.

By all appearances, the film is a comedy for the adult crowd, which makes it stick out from the landscape of tween comedies. That the creators opted for an unrestrained dialog and chose not to cash in on every gross-out gag available (thought the film has its fair share of over the top moments, they are well played), lets you know what audience the film is aimed at.

All in all Tropic Thunder is a well executed action comedy, that avoids most of the pitfalls that sink other comedies these days, and makes for a satisfying good time.

Rating: 7/10

Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture

Category: Spoken Word
Topic: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Presented: Sept. 18th, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon Univ.
Running Time: 104 min.

I saw today in the news “Last Lecture professor dies of cancer”, and having seen something for the Last Lecture out of the corner of my eye on a television ad recently, I went to learn more. I read about Randy Pausch’s unique career in the field of interactive technology, and the illness that cut his life short; then I went off to find the Last Lecture video online.

As the introductions began, and the emotion in the room became evident, I realized that this was a man with great impact on the lives around him. Nearly two hours later when the video which I had been glued to the entire time concluded, I had to take a moment to interrogate my feeling in reaction to what I had just seen.

Dr. Pausch gave an energetic, heartfelt, and dynamic talk, hitting upon the core elements of how to live ones life to the fullest. As he made a point of, the lessons were indirect, leading the audience on a highlighted journey through his professional life and the things of value encountered along the way. I finished viewing this lecture feeling better for it, energized and inspired by the wit and earnestness with which Dr. Pausch conveyed the wisdom he felt most passionate about.

Rating:7/10

Beach House

Category: Food
Type: American / Seafood
Serving: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner
Price: Moderate

I went to the Beach House Restaurant with some friends for Sunday brunch. Located in Cardiff, its just a quick trip and fall away from the beach. After browsing the menu I ordered the Lobster Tail Eggs Benedict, which included complimentary champagne & orange juice for mimosas.

We arrived just before noon and had called ahead for reservations, so we were seated relatively promptly. The interior is interesting in itself, the foyer is two stories tall with stairs leading to a semi- balcony level (which doesn’t however open to the other dining areas) complete with a small bar, as well as the adjacent restrooms. We decided against dining on the beach patio, as the wind ws really getting rowdy and there appeared to be little wind break in that area. The main indoor area where we were seated is about four regular tables deep, so while I could see horizon through the large seaside windows, there wasn’t a “view” per se. Regardless I had come for the food and the company, and I’ve seen the beach before.

The meal was preceded by small muffins and a melon plate, both were tasty. Our server was attentive and professional, replacing our champagne bottles as needed. The meal itself was, in a word, fantastic. The lobster was incorporated into flaky puff pastry, topped by the eggs and Hollandaise sauce, and accompanied by Irish potatoes. The Hollandaise and the lobster complimented each other well, with the sauce’s flavor coming in to the rescue before the richness of the lobster threated flavor numbness.

The price was extremely fair, as the entirety of my meal came to $24.00, prior to tip. The only other expense was the valet parking; with that said one would be hard pressed to exceed $40 out of pocket for one person.

The Beach House is certainly one of my favorite new dining experiences, much like when I first discovered World Curry or Kabuki Sushi (reviews pending). If you’re in the mood for some great brunch and perhaps a leisurely drive on the 101, be sure to check it out.

The Beach House restaurant is located at 2530 S. Highway 101, Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Rating:7/10