There are the films that stand the test of time, that are universally considered all-time greats, and then there are those that you just have a soft spot for. Catch Me If You Can falls somewhere in-between the two.

Met with great acclaim on its release, this 2002 Spielberg feature combines an all-star cast to tell the true life story of American fraudster, Frank Abagnale Jr., who in the mid-late 60s impersonated an airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, all before his 19th birthday.

Catch Me If You Can tells the tale of a young Abagnale Jr. (Di Caprio) who runs away from home after witnessing the break down of the relationship between his mother (Baye) and beloved father (Walken). After perfecting his craft before bluffing his way into a job at Pan-Am Airlines.

As Abagnale flies around the world, he begins to leave a trail, leading the chase is F.B.I. agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) who attempts to track him down. Interwoven in the cat-and-mouse chase between Hanratty and Abagnale are touching moments of weakness that Abagnale shows in the interactions with his father and distant conversations with Hanratty as he searches for a father figure.

As Abagnale changes professions, he meets Brenda Strong (Adams) a young intern whom he eventually proposes to with plans to settle down. Eventually his lies catch up with him and after a final chase scene, Abagnale is captured and is sent to prison before proving his worth to the F.B.I. bank fraud department who offer him the opportunity to work in their department.

Whilst Catch Me If You Can holds high acclaim, it’s rarely a film that will appear on too many critics ‘all-time’ lists, however it was the film I chose to kick off my reviews with as it was one I would easily place in my all-time top 20. At this stage Spielberg was at the top of his game as a director on the back of A.I., Minority Report and T.V. mini-series Taken, he took on the project as a light-hearted antithesis to his previous work. It was a goal he achieved with stunning results. The bright colours, quick pacing and innocent characters bring the screen alive and offer the audience a fun, thrilling 2 hour 20 minute ride. Catch Me If You Can remains one of my favourite films to this day and one I can throw in on any given boring, rainy afternoon.

JDsFR Ranking

Though CATCH ME IF YOU CAN has come and gone,  I couldn’t help but share this story with you.

I received an email from one of our awesome DSM Subscribers about her REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE with the REAL FRANK ABAGNALE, JR.! (For her protection, I have not listed her name.) A special thank you to her for sharing this story with us!

My husband and I were in SHOCK and AWE over how much we enjoyed this musical!  For our anniversary, my husband told me he would take me to see “Catch Me If You Can,” since he knew I have a direct connection to the play.  I was one of the co-eds Frank Abagnale “interviewed” back in the early 70s on the campus of Arizona State University.  He had posted flyers on campus that Pan Am was interviewing for stewardesses.  I set up an appointment, and met Frank in one of the buildings on campus for the interview.  When I found out I was going to go for an interview on campus, I contacted Pan Am and requested an official stewardess application, so I could go to my interview looking very professional.  Pan Am mailed the application to me, and I brought it to my interview all filled out with a picture attached.  The “captain” who interviewed me, (Frank), seemed VERY concerned as to WHERE I got this application form.  I remember that I thought it odd that his focus was on my application form, and NOT what my qualifications were.  I must have convinced him that my getting the form was pretty innocent. Not long after the interview, he called to tell me I had gotten the job.  I was so excited, and told my family and friends right away.  Frank came over to my dorm to give me the news directly, then asked me for dinner. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and khakis, which I also thought was a little odd.  I had prior commitments, and couldn’t go out, but he said he’d be back in touch.  Since in my mind I was going to be a stewardess, I kept contacting Pan Am to ask when and where I should report.  I kept getting the “run around,” and couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get a straight answer.  I finally got a letter from Pan Am about the fraud, and that Frank had been caught in Marietta, GA.  I was SO disappointed, and never did become a stewardess after all that!  My mom and I were flabbergasted when the book came out with the full story, (even though the book says the interviews were at the U. of AZ, instead of A.S.U.) I can’t help but think what would have happened to me if I had agreed to go to that dinner with him!!! WOW…I was that close!

Hope you enjoyed her story as much as I did!

Have a wonderful day!

-DSM Amanda

Swine Tasting

  Chef Justin Brunson

It was beautiful last Wednesday when I went to the new restaurant, Old Major, for a media food & wine tasting. The name Old Major was taken from the boar in George Orwell’s Animal Farm. From start to finish the only thing I could complain about was the bright, hot sun beaming down on me, and only me. There was nothing to do but suffer. The manager felt my pain and stood so that his head shielded me from the brightness here and there, but until the fireball went down, I was in the sun light, and, though I know better, I wore my sunglasses throughout the food and wine tasting. The lastest hippest foodie restaurant is in LoHi, 3316 Tejon, I expected an older home to house the so-called rustic kitchen. The building at one time was a roller rink but I saw no evidence of that. The interior was redesigned in dark rustic, wood, brick & glass, using the kitchen as the center piece. Diners can see through the glass partition to the working kitchen. The food being prepared in there rocks. Like South Carolina’s new wave of chefs, such as Sean Brock, whose rule of thumb says every item served must be grown in, and have historical relevance to the region, Chef Justin Brunson, while not a Southerner, is from the same school of thought. Even though Colorado is not as rich in year-round vegetables and herbs, the staff and chef focus on serving food from local farms with no genetically engineered vegetables or grains, and they are basing their reputation on serving heritage-raised meats. Old Major is innovative. They’ve introduced the idea of nose-to-tail butchery. That means every part of the animal has a purpose and distinct flavor. The last dish served to the slathering media, before the thick, silky, creme brulee arrived garnished with a crisp, flavorful strip of bacon, was a thick juicy pork chop from Zimmerman Pork Farm in Hotchkiss, Colorado. It was to die for. With the advent of the Food Chanel, food has become a fine art form that everyone can enjoy. Like all artists, today’s chefs must be educated about their craft, knowledgeable of their region’s bounty of food and know what’s available in what month. But it’s overseeing quality first that is the test of artfulness. Using Sean Brock’s recipe for the PIE Theory, it’s evident Chef Brunson is on top of the formula for fine, tasteful dining. PIE = Product, Inspiration, Execution.

         Pork Chop from Zimmerman Pork Farm

   Old Major kitchen

Catch Me If You Can

After a delightful 2 hour Old Major’s experience, I raced over to the Denver Post for a presentation by authors, then left early to get to the Buell Theatre for “Catch Me If You Can.” I love musicals. This one was zippy and fun. There was something less-highly-polished about this production compared to say, “Memphis.” It could have been that the trucks carrying the sets were stranded in Kansas due to the weather, so opening night was Wednesday instead of Tuesday. When it comes to the story behind this brilliant but unlikely con man, most people like to add that, ‘He shouldn’t be applauded for his crimes.’ I find it fascinating. Without doubt, Frank Abagnale, Jr., was a world-class con-artist. It’s hard to believe that a 16 year old young boy/man, was able to convince professionals that he too was a professional pilot, doctor, lawyer. In real life, Frank must have been a natural, handsome charmer. In the Denver production, Stephen Anthony / Frank had me convinced. He was equal parts engaging, cute, well-mannered, curious, innocent and he capably carried off the character of a young boy in trouble, sinking deeper over his head, but doesn’t know how to stop doing the bad things he got himself into by mistake. Stephen Anthony could sing and dance to boot. It was fun to watch even if the entire production was a bit road weary. There was a rhinestone or two missing on opening night but, perhaps the real problem was they just didn’t have time to get their costumes cleaned and sparkling for a delayed opening night.

It was First Friday, March 1, 2013

         Gallery 1261, artist Heather Neill

   At Gallery 1261, 1261 Delaware,

My fav art peeps:  artist, Daniel Sprick, art consultant, Candice Pulliam, sculptor, Jay Eighmy.

   Space Gallery, Santa Fe Art District,

ICONS, artist William Stoehr

   Deborah Jang, multi-media,

Carson Gallery, An Exhibit Space of the Art Students League of Denver, 700 Santa Fe

  In keeping with the March theme, Month of Photogrpahy, at Walker Fine Art, 300 11th Avenue, my choice for best-of-night was photographer, Sally Stockhold and her “The Life I Never Lived,” series.  This woman is amazing. Notice, every person in the shot is my favorite artist, Sally Stockhold.

We also stopped at Byers-Evans House Gallery, CHAC, Artists on Santa Fe, Goodwin Fine Art Gallery.

To purchase the libretto of THE BOY FRIEND by Sandy Wilson, click on the image above.

Sundays at Musical Cyberspace are a time to have a look at musicals in more depth. This month, we are going to have a readathon of the libretto of The Boy Friend by Sandy Wilson. If you can get a copy, or have a copy, or have read the libretto before, it would be great to hear your comments each week. The edition that I am using was published by Andre Deutsch in 1955. This week’s discussion will focus on the Preface and Author’s Note.

The first thing that strikes me about the book are the delightful illustrations, which were done by Sandy Wilson. This section of the book includes a brilliant on of a “boy friend” on the inside cover, with three girls going crazy for him on the opposite page, as well as an illustration of the setup line for the title song – ‘Oh, do tell us about him, Polly!’ They truly capture the spirit of the piece, which is outlined succinctly by producer Vida Hope in her preface:

Over coffee I declared my love for The Boy Friend, told Sandy I wanted to do it as a serious reproduction of a period and not a burlesque, and from that moment on his whole demeanour brightened and a friendship was forged that has withstood all the vicissitudes of the various productions of the show.

My first exposure to The Boy Friend was through the film version, which I watched again and again and again as a child until my father basically ordered me to tape something else over it from the television. It seemed to irritate him no end, but I loved it. Of course, the film is something of a burlesque of the play and I wonder to what extent that most times I’ve seen a bit of The Boy Friend on stage – I’ve never made it through a full production – the film is responsible for the sense of overexaggerated parody that seems to have characterised the productions I’ve attended. It seems to me, therefore, that in this little paragraph, Hope offers some important advice to directors hoping to stage The Boy Friend: it’s not The Drowsy Chaperone. There’s a difference between a spoof and a valentine.

Another thing I found interesting in the preface was Hope’s discussion of ‘miracle’ shows, shows that are unexpected successes and which capture the public’s hearts and imagination in a way that could not have been predicted. With The Boy Friend itself being such a show, Hope also cites Journey’s End and Oklahoma! as two other examples from her recent memory. While Hope seems to be happy not to delve too deeply into what makes a ‘miracle’ show, it occurred to me how much more obsessed people are with trying to find that formula, rather than fulfilling an artistic vision or telling a story well. Certain musical theatre coomposers, lyricists and librettists – as well as producers and other parties too – seem to be more obsessed with crafting hits than with crafting a brilliant musical that connects with its audience because of its thematic concerns and the way its told. That’s why the market is oversaturated with jukebox musicals and hurried stage adaptations of movies. Neither of these is new to the musical theatre scene by any means, but their prominence today is unprecedented and there are far too many Catch Me If You Cans and We Will Rock Yous and far too few Dogfights and – dare I say it? – Mamma Mias.

In Wilson’s Author’s Note, the thing that stood out most of all for me was his citing of Noël Coward’s advice to readers of lyrics, something which Stephen Sondheim picks up on too in his two volumes of lyrics, and that is that they cannot be read in complete isolation without any sense of the music that accompanies them. Great advice, and I urge us all to remember that in this readathon.

I also adore Wilson’s conviction that his show was not a British reply to Oklahoma! and his acknowledgement that ‘English Theatre has very far to go before it can rival Broadway’ when it came to musical theatre of the 1950s. The British really came into their own with the advent of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the mega-musical, which led to what some musical theatre fanatics call “the British invasion’ and, later on, by mounting newly-focused revivals of American classics, some of which have been enlightening (Carousel, Oklahoma! and La Cage aux Folles) and others rather more ponderous (Follies, A Little Night Music).

So with all of the these thoughts in my mind, I am ready to immerse myself in the world of The Boy Friend. Next week, we’ll be looking at Act One and I hope you’ll join me. Any thoughts to add about the Preface and Authour’s Note? Head on to the comment box below.

Rabbit Hole

Directed By: John Cameron Mitchell

Stars: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Eckhart,

Really enjoyed this one.  It is just a solid short (around 90 minutes) film.  Nicole Kidman was great in it.  She was nominated for an Oscar and won several other awards for the performance.  I definitely recommend this one.

Rabbit Hole gets a 7/10.

Walk The Line

Directed By: James Mangold

Stars: Joaquin Phoenix. Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin

Walk The Line is a movie about the legendary Johnny Cash.  I did not know much about him before watching this, so that made it more interesting.  Some strong performances from Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter.  Witherspoon won the Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role, as well as so many other awards.  I found out that she won the Oscar after watching it, and I definitely think she deserved it.  Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for Actor in a Leading Role.  This just shows that this film stars two very famous actors, and both delivered.  I enjoyed the movie, but it was a little long for me (2hr 16min).

Walk The Line gets a 7/10.

Catch Me If You Can

Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Stars:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken

A fun movie.  Keeps you entertained throughout.  A younger DiCaprio really does a great job.  Christopher Walken was nominated for an Oscar for Actor in Supporting role.  Just a really fun movie.  Definitely need to see this one if you didn’t back when it came out.

Catch Me If You Can gets a 8/10.

See you next week!

The truck carrying all the staging got stuck as it left Dallas after Sunday night’s performance.

The show will now open Wednesday instead of Tuesday night.

LINK: Catch Me If You Can

Where they get caught out is when someone who has really been working in the field related to the discussion takes over the questioning. At that point the speaker is looking for the lifeboat. It’s a bit like the Leonardo DiCaprio-Tom Hanks movie Catch Me If You Can.

Azamara is giving this concept a different by taking you to the speakers. One night on each cruise is dedicated to a special event that’s only for your ship.

So culture and adventure seekers, here is a few experimental events from Azamara:

For Wine Lovers:

Guests on Azamara Quest’s April 10 sailing from Monte Carlo to Andalucia voyage will enjoy a complimentary event at the Cordoniu Cellars. The Cordoniu family has been producing Spain’s famous sparkling Cava wine since the 16th century. Visitors will learn how Cava is made, sample the varieties paired with regional specialties and be treated to a stunning flamenco performance across six stages, with a chance to meet and chat with the performers afterwards.

For Sports Lovers:

The Quest’s April 3 sailing, called Springtime Along the Cote D’Azur, will take participants to the charming port of Sete, France, where they will watch the ancient and colourful sport of water jousting, found only in this region of the world. Guests will share ringside seats on the Royal Canal to enjoy the unique spectacle, plus a fine array of local food and libations that French wines, shellfish, tapenade and savory canapés.

For Gourmands: 

During the Quest’s June 3 Basque Country to the Channel Islands voyage, gourmands will experience an evening of Basque cuisine at Azurmendi, a three-star Michelin restaurant. Guests will be treated to traditional foods with a modern twist by Chef Eneko Atxa, with time to tour the gardens and wine cellar beforehand and watch appetizers being prepared at food stalls in the grand dining room as they listen to ancient txalaparta music.

For Festive Culture-Seekers:

Guests on Azamara Journey’s October 26 Greek Isles & Cyprus, Suez Canal to Oman & Dubai voyage will enjoy an immersive evening at Limassol, Cyprus. There, guests will be transported to Omodus Village to

Azamara’s Journey

explore this traditional mountain village of narrow cobblestone lanes. They will enjoy a private section of the square where dancers representing Cyprus’ different regions will perform as they sample local wines and mezes.

For Theatre Lovers:

An evening at the ballet awaits guests on the Quest’s June 22 Baltic Rendezvous & Kiel Fireworks sailing. The event is held in Mikkhailovsky Theater, where guests will experience a red-carpet entrance, complete with champagne before sitting down to  a gala performance. Before this evening, guests will enjoy a regal greeting by the Russian Horn Capella Orchestra.

For History Lovers:

On August 4, the Journey’s Vatican to the Acropolis sailing will feature a complimentary experience at a typical piedigrotta (at the foot of the grotto) in Sorrento, Italy. The Neapolitan festival from medieval times will be transported back to ancient Naples. Guests will wander through an authentic “village” set in gardens with singers, dancers and musicians dressed in 19th-century costumes, complete with medieval music and sample delicacies at realistic market stalls along the way.

For Music Lovers: 

Overlooking the Amalfi Coast and Bay of Salerno, guests travelling on the Quest on September 7 will enjoy Footsteps of Napolean & Amalfi Coast, an evening at the village of Ravello, Italy. Perched on a cliff, the village is home to Villa Rufolo and the beautiful gardens that inspired Richard Wagner’s second movement of Parsifal. During the evening, visitors will be treated to stunning views of the sea as well as a classical concert followed by Prosseco, and Italian sweets.

You can find more about these unique experiences at www.azamaraclubcruises.com.

All for now.

Today at cruisingdoneright.com: Godmother of Quantum of the Seas

I went shopping in a place called Southlake Town Center. This outdoor shopping area has one of my favorite stores called Lola ( I have worn many items from this store on the blog! Including 3 pieces I am wearing in the photos in this post!) I thought the view was too pretty not take advantage of and took a picture there!. So, I must admit the scarf I am wearing is not mine, it’s my sister’s. I had to steal it for the day because it complimented my outfit perfectly!

Yes, I am sporting polka dots again and it will not be the last time on the blog either! When it comes to polka dots, I like using Zooey Deschanel’s character on New Girl ( Jess Day’s) philosophy: You can NEVER have too many polka dots! This outfit is what I wore to the theater. I am also wearing another over-sized clutch, I think this type of purse gives an outfit and edgy and sophisticated punch. I also love statement necklaces, I would pick a statement necklace over a pair of earrings any day.

Anyone who lives in Texas knows the weather is crazy weird and unpredictable. A few days a go I was wearing jeans and a light cardigan but it got into the 40s over the weekend. I had been looking for a new winter coat for a while and could not find one that I liked at a reasonable price, one trip into Lola and my problem was solved. This coat was on sale and only cost me $15! A total steal! I own so many jackets but most of them do not keep me warm at all!

Catch Me if you Can is one of my favorite films, so when I found out the musical production was coming to Dallas I had to go! Everything about the true story of Frank Abagnale is fascinating to me. I was fortunate enough to see him speak at UT 3 years ago!

Outfit #1
Jacket: Lola
Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters
Scarf: Nordstrom
Shirt: Target
Sunglasses: Ray Ban Clubmasters

Outfit #2
Dress: Gap
Necklace: Lola
Clutch: BCBG
Coat: Lola

We are SO excited!  Last week Dallas Summer Musicals launched their STUDENT RUSH program, finally making it affordable for STUDENTS to see some of DSM’s 2013 shows!  One hour before the show, anyone with a valid student ID can purchase the best available seating for ONLY $25!  Students: this means there’s a chance YOU could snag a great seat -front and center- for a fraction of the price…  It’s totally worth it!

STUDENT RUSH will be offered at select performances, so Like Us On Facebook to know when you’ll be able to take advantage of this sweet deal.

• Tickets available 1 hour before performance – 6:30pm evenings / 12:30pm matinees
• $25 tickets - best available at time of purchase – first come first served
• Present valid student ID at time of purchase for maximum of 2 tickets
• Only available with certain DSM shows at select performances
• Parking is FREE when you park on Fair Park grounds

   TONIGHT IS THE LAST STUDENT RUSH FOR      CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!

Students, we hope to see you at The Music Hall at Fair Park soon!

(Follow @dsmusicals on Twitter & Instagram too!) 

-DSM Haley

Picture this, you’re seated in a theater flipping through your play-bill when all of a sudden you hear a flight-attendant announcement instructing you to make sure your seats and tray tables are in an upright position and to please turn off all electronic devices. Now that gets your attention and oddly enough you find yourself straightening in your seat and getting ready to take flight. That’s how “Catch Me” caught me.

Catch Me is a lively show based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr. who successfully conned millions of dollars’ worth of checks by posing as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer all before his 21st birthday.

The stage version (there is also a 2002 movie with the same name) uses a 60’s style TV song and dance show as the means through which we meet the characters and watch the plot unfold. This translates to an onstage band (who play their hearts out), lava-lamp colored lighting, and a LOTS of leggy chorus girls. This show is best suited for ages 12 and older and is not likely to keep the attention of little ones. Catch Me is witty, humorous, touching, and moves at a snappy pace.

It provides in-the-moment entertainment but falls short of being a truly memorable Broadway show. What is memorable, and still gets me smiling, are the incredibly inventive names the dining venue at the Music Hall used for their buffet. Catch Me If You Cantaloupe
fruit salad for example. Genius! If I were to give Catch Me a New Zealand Silver Fern rating (using a scale of 1-5) I give it three Silver Ferns.

(Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

If you’re into musical theater, man… today is YOUR day!

“Catch Me If You Can” is at the Fair Park Music Hall tonight, AND “Anything Goes” is at the Winspear Opera House!

Just watch out because you’ll be singing all those Broadway songs afterwards and annoying the HELL out of everybody!

Or you could just go see one of those Oscar-nominated movies because there’s STILL a bunch in theaters!

Then, you’ll have a better shot at winning Jack’s Pick the Oscar Contest and maybe scoring those FREE Oscar Mayer wieners!

Well, and a thousand bucks… but you REALLY want those wieners, don’t you?

Click on the player below to see Julie’s jazz-hands:

Follow Jack on Facebook or Twitter @JACKFMDFW for JACKTIVITIES updates!

 Growing up, theatre was the last thing on my mind.  I’m one of three boys so I spent my time roughhousing with my brothers and playing sports. Needless to say, there were no showtunes playing in my house.  I wasn’t introduced to musical theatre until my junior year of high school when I saw WICKED in New York City.  Going into WICKED I had no idea what I was embarking on, and by the end of the show I was blown away by the intricate set, familiar story line and especially the musical talent.  To be honest, I was shocked that I enjoyed the experience as much as I did.  From then on I was a little more open to the idea of musical theatre.

 On my very first day at DSM I was asked to make some calls regarding ticket sales for MEMPHIS the musical.  Before that day, I had never even heard of MEMPHIS and I definitely had no idea how much it would impact my life.  I saw the show opening night and I was blown away once again by the impeccable dancing, the authentic sets and most importantly the charm and talent of the leading actress. I went home that night and just had to buy the entire soundtrack. Two days later I saw the show again, twice in one day, and by the end of that night I knew all the words to each song. When the show came back to Ft. Worth earlier this month I went and saw it again, I think obsessed was an understatement at that moment for me. This was the way I felt when I saw CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. I went in not knowing what to expect and left the show wanting more.

Me with Bryan Fenkart (Huey) from Memphis the Musical.

 We are in the middle of our second week of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and I highly recommend coming to see the show!  It’s a show that everyone can love and appreciate. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is smart, clever and without a doubt the most fun you will have all year. Broadway has finally established a show that men of all ages can take pleasure in and maybe by the end of the show, you will see your life in living color.

 So remember not to let the words “musical theatre” scare you. If I hadn’t taken a risk seeing WICKED, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today and working in this industry. I am still that guy’s guy who is obsessed with sports, but there will always be a place in my heart for musical theatre. Let’s just say I have been “changed for the better”.

 -DSM Luke

Part One

L: In my opinion, there’s no date better than dinner and a show. For my birthday, Andrew bought the Dallas Summer Musicals Package at Fair Park. The first show to debut was Catch Me If You Can. We reserved a table in the Fair Park dining room prior to the musical to enjoy the Catch Me if You Can themed menu. The dining room is buffet style, and we sampled just about everything. To be frank, the food was about the same quality as the show: Fair. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our evening and are looking forward to catching the upcoming shows in the series.

Part Two

A: Part 2 of our V-Day celebration was supposed to be, as Lexie said, a more “classic” Valentine’s Day dinner. I made us a reservation at Bugatti Ristorante in Dallas, an italian spot that got good reviews and was expected to a romantic dinner. The restaurant seems like a nice place from the outside, pretty much what you would expect. As we entered, things changed a little bit as we were placed at the bar to wait while our table was prepared. It seemed like there was one side of the restaurant that was more “romantic” while the other side, near the bar wasn’t as nice. Eventually we were seated across from the bar and right beside the front door, which was…less than ideal.

We ordered our food, and enjoyed most of it. I got a shrimp scampi dish that was good, probably not worth the price, but still decent. The NY in me was expecting a much larger portion with a big side of pasta, but  I’m spoiled when it comes to Italian food so it’s hard for me to not be disappointed. Let’s be honest, we all know NY has the best Italian food in the country.

shrimp scampi

L: I will reiterate that I was disappointed in the lack of ambiance within the restaurant, but when our server complimented my handbag and watch, I perked up a bit. And I was not at all disappointed in my dish.  I chose the Cannelloni and Manicotti Combination. The manicotti was pretty standard with stuffed ricotta, but the Cannelloni was pasta stuffed with veal and spinach in white cream sauce.  While I don’t really like the idea of veal, the taste was phenemenal and I wish I could have replaced the manicotti with another cannelloni!

Manicotti (top) and Cannelloni (bottom)

Overall, the meal was okay but the restaurant itself is probably better if you are seated away from the bar. The televisions at the bar had Cops on the TV. On a Friday night. After Valentine’s day. Come on man! Below are a few pics of us waiting to be seated.

“In general, I think, human beings are happiest at table when they are very young, very much in love or very alone.” -M.F.K. Fisher

Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy eating!

]]> http://superjuniorarea.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/130218-kyuhyuns-twitter-updates-it-slipped-my-mind/ Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:11:45 +0000 superjuniorAREA http://superjuniorarea.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/130218-kyuhyuns-twitter-updates-it-slipped-my-mind/ http://killingfloorfilm.com/2013/02/17/director-spotlight-steven-spielberg/ Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:08:33 +0000 chrisknagg http://killingfloorfilm.com/2013/02/17/director-spotlight-steven-spielberg/

For today’s spotlight, it has been decided by a higher power (seeing a trailer for Lincoln on TV), that Steven Spielberg should be the director to dissect and analyse. He also has one of the most prolific back catalogues available so it’s been a hard choice compared to the previous directors. Honourable mentions include The Adventures of TinTin, Empire of the Sun, Jurassic Park and any Indiana Jones film. This was a hard list to compile, even those films I don’t feel any emotional connection to are admirable for their craft, but these are the five I find myself going back to again and again. So without any more procrastinating:

5. Catch Me If You Can
Spielberg’s last film to fire on all cylinders, Catch Me If You Can is the true story of con artist Frank Abagnale Junior (played by Leonardo Di Caprio) as he is tracked down by FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). What sets this film apart from the other output of recent years are enthusiastic and fun performances by both leading men, a superb supporting performance from Christopher Walken, and the cinematic introduction to Amy Adams. Throw in a great Saul Bass inspired animated credits sequence, an energetic and jazz influenced soundtrack by John Williams, and you have the last great “fun” Spielberg film.

4. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
A perfect trilogy capper, and the best of the Indiana Jones films. By now Harrison Ford had perfected his routine, bringing charm and a vulnerability to the title character which set him apart from the Arnie and Sly actioners of the 1980s, aided by the inspired choice of Sean Connery as Henry Jones Senior, Alisson Doody as Elsa Schneider, and returning supporting cast John Rhys-Davies and Denholm Elliot as the man who got lost in his own museum. Comedy and action is perfectly matched, with the film managing to stand apart from the previous films by being unashamedly light in tone after the doom and gloom of the second instalment. An endlessly entertaining and thrilling ride, and a the best family film of Spielberg’s career.

3.Munich
The story of the Israeli plot to extract revenge on the group responsible for the Olympic massacre of 1972, Spielberg delivers one of his most taut and adult thrillers, and a subtle human drama. Superbly acted by everyone, from Eric Bana to Geoffrey Rush, and directed with intelligence and heart by Spielberg. Evocative, tense and a white knuckle ride from start to finish, matched with stunning cinematography (from Spielberg regular Kaminski)and sound design, it is a shame that this film, whilst garnering awards recognition, was overlooked in the grand scheme of Spielberg’s career. Intelligent cinema doesn’t come along often, and this is a rare case of intelligence and thrills being evenly matched in this adult film which deserves to be ranked amongst his best.

2.Schindler’s list
It would be impossible to discuss Spielberg without bringing up his directorial triumph, which Schindler’s list is. There is no aspect of this film that wasn’t meticulously poured over with care and respect during the production, the monochrome cinematography is beautiful, the performances from Kingsley, Neeson and Fiennes are career bests, and the atrocities treated respectfully whilst still maintaining the power to shock and disgust. It would be easy for a film about the holocaust to become, as with the 9 hour documentary Shoah, a slog to get through, unrelentingly miserable and heartbreaking, however Spielberg made a film which brought the horrors of the holocaust to the masses, a fine achievement. The best war drama of all time, and one of the finest achievements of the 20th century.

1.Jaws
The film that, along with Star Wars, kickstarted the idea of the summer film. The film that has one of the most iconic pieces of music ever. The film that put Spielberg on the map. And the film that made millions scared to enter the water. Jaws is a perfect film, there is no aspect of the film which could be improved upon. From the terrifying opening sequence, to the horrific and downright vicious attack on Quint, and of course, the greatest monologue in cinema history, Jaws is simply put, a rare case of cinematic perfection. Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Schneider all give superb performances, the special effects are dated but still effective, and the score by John Williams is his best. Jaws succeeds due to the handling by Spielberg, and for that, I, and the rest of the film loving world, thank you. A masterpiece, and a film that will forever be seen as a high point in cinema.

“Catch Me If You Can” the musical is based on the book and the movie of the same name about a teenaged con man who scams the world before tripping up on love. What separates it from what has come before are the variety of musical styles and some big production numbers.

Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman know how to write catchy Broadway music. After all that’s what they did with “Hairspray.” “Catch Me If You Can” uses music from the 1960s as well, but it’s more a patchwork quilt of styles.

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“The score covers a variety of stylings of 1960s music written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman,” actress Mary Claire King said. “It’s really wonderful.”

King is one of the dancing company that gets a real workout throughout the show, working some big production numbers for all they’re worth.

“The one thing that I like to tell people is that it’s a big Broadway show,” King said. “So you’re going to expect the numbers, you’re going to see the girls come out, the guy dancers come out; and it’s going to be a big spectacle with lots of singing and dancing.”

“Catch Me If You Can” opens Feb. 26 at the Buell Theater. There’s a “Moody Deal” on the show. Order online, on the phone, or in person and use the promo code “Moody” to get seats in the orchestra pit for only $50. That saves around $35 to $45. And don’t be afraid to ask about other deals on the show. There are a lot out there because “Catch Me If You Can” is a recent and relatively unknown Broadway musical. Call (303) 893-4100 for tickets and information or visit Denver Center for Performing Arts website.

- Greg Moody is CBS4′s Critic At Large. His reports on CBS4 News are featured on the CBSDenver.com Entertainment section.

- Also, don’t miss Moody’s entertaining bio, his Top Spots in Denver lists, and his frequently updated Moody’s Picks page.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and I think I’ve finally come to the conclusion that “Catch Me If You Can” is my all-time favorite film. Not favorite as in the most profound, the best directed, or with the greatest cinematography like Citizen Kane (I could go on for hours about that, but I won’t) , but favorite as in the movie I just adore to pieces despite its flaws and I will watch again and again.

I’ve made it no secret that Steven Spielberg is my favorite director. Many serious filmmakers and movie geeks consider him “shmultzy”. They use phrases like “overly sentimental” and “tritely moralistic”. Why is it that these things are looked down upon? Does filmmaking always have to be dealt with in such a serious and complex way that there are no traces of hope at the end of a reel? To me, Spielberg may be the bravest and most daring filmmaker out there and it’s because of the sentimentalism in his movies. It’s easy to look into the darkness and see nothing but darkness, but to look into that same darkness and find a small shaft of light? The underlying theme of all his films is “ultimate redemption”. It’s not just possible, but it’s inevitable.

Over the years, Spielberg has stated how profoundly an impact Disney films have made on him. Those films aspire to the same goals. And that’s why I love them both.

“Catch Me If You Can” is one of those rare movies that just instantly click with me. You have this young boy whose life completely falls apart and he escapes away from it all, his both mind and his body. He lives his dreams, yet his dreams are lies. In a way, Frank Abagnale is all of us; he represents the human spirit. We all rely on escapism and though we don’t take it to the extremities that he does, we often do so in our minds.

One of my favorite things about this movie is that Spielberg amps up the whimsicalness of the ordeal. This could have been a serious thriller or a crime film, but Spielberg decided it needed to be treated as a joyous escape. As a coping method that works so incredibly well, we see nothing but the positive in Abagnale’s acts. He is one of the most sympathetic characters Spielberg ever had to offer. He’s living in a fantasy and we see that fantasy come to life through the way he acts and interacts.

The greatest thing is that it’s so effortlessly watchable. The score by John Williams is in complete contrast with the ordeals that Abagnale has to face, and it brings it up to a whole new level.

In fact, all of my grade-A favorite movies have that same message of the triumph of the human spirit. They all feature vulnerable and accessible characters with such human qualities that we can’t help but relate to them. E.T., The Terminal, Lilo & Stitch, Wall-E, Big, these are some of my personal favorites.