Christmas Weekend with the Family!

The best thing about Christmas for me is that I get to spend it with my family. If we are lucky to have a few days together, we try to combine a little cooking, do some dining out, and see a few movies along the way.  This past weekend our schedules cooperated for all of the above: the  homecooking, restaurant dining and some good,but not great movies.
  On Friday evening, we saw The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I recommend you go see it. I am probably the only person in the universe who did not read this book. Coming into the movie with no expectations, I felt the acting by Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig was quite good. The plot held my interest, but I feel it could have been edited better and would have benefitted from some minutes shaved. For those who read the book, my future son-in-law thinks you will be quite disappointed in the character development. But either way, you will be entertained.
   The second movie was Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. There isn't alot to say except that if you like action, and you like Cruise, you will have a good time. For me, Cruise's wardrobe and Jeremy Renner's wardrobes were a bonus. Watch for Tom donning an amazing blue suit, and a fabulous navy tuxedo.
   Paula Patton is also easy on the eyes. Check out her earrings in the formal evening wear scene. They totally rock! The fashion stylist on this movie wins my award.
    The third movie we saw: We Bought a Zoo. The general consensus on this was: stay home! Unless you are between the ages of 7 and 14-then you may enjoy it.
    Accolades to the little girl who played Rosie-she did a great job.
Finally, at 2 am last night(actually morning), I watched the best movie of my weekend. Grand Canyon, directed and co-written by Lawrence Kasdan, has always been a favorite of mine. This movie was made in 1991, and I can remember the first time I watched it was in a hotel room with my two girls and husband while we were away on vacation.
   This is a movie that explores race, urban life, and midlife issues. The ensemble cast of Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Steve Martin, Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodward , and a very young Jeremy Sisto (now the star of Suburgatory) make this a fabulous movie.  I recommend renting it if you have never seen it.
  So,as my weekend of movies comes to an end, I will quote Steve Martin in Grand Canyon:
                       "All of Life's riddles are answered in the movies."
  Stay tuned for our dinner in NYC on Christmas Day!