BOOK!

I just noticed that I also have this blog for books.  Well, OK!

I finished a book that I liked a lot, given to me by Dad for Xmas: The Razor's Edge, by W. Somerset Maugham.  

Definitely well-written and surprisingly modern and relatable, considering that it's 60+ years old.  It inspired me to "loaf" in a foreign land, just as the protagonist in the book, Larry, does.  However, he's trying to find the meaning of life, after his best friend gets killed during WWI.  I don't think I have quite the same issues as he does.  Nevertheless, I too think that "real work" is overrated.  At least the kind of work you do because everyone just expects you to.  I don't think I really have to worry too much about that.  

Although I definitely would still like to live in a completely foreign (completely foreign?  Not sure exactly what that means) country, like Cambodia, or Morocco, or India, for a year or more, just absorbing the culture, and maybe teaching English.  Someday soon, hopefully. 

Spent $9.25 to see the FIRST WEEKDAY SHOWING of a film at the Krikorian today: Coraline. As I paid, I thought, "This better be freakin' worth it. Charging me an extra $1+ just 'cause it's 3D, how dare they...."  Grumble, grumble. 

But it was worth it! I'm really glad that I shelled out the extra bucks to see it before it went to DVD, or even to the Academy, where I kind of doubt they'd be showing it in 3D. The effect really helps to make you feel like you're inhabiting Coraline's world. And what a crazy world it is! Kangaroo rats that play in a brass band, glowing gardens, and gross has-been actresses who do flips for scottie dogs. I'm glad I didn't really know the plot before, because it was great not knowing what crazy visual effect was going to happen next. I especially liked the part where Coraline crawls through the glowing tunnel into the "Other" world.

Granted, as my beloved Filmspotting reveiwers noted, the story line isn't especially creative, and the ending is pretty cliched. Nevertheless, this didn't really bother me. I got a little freaked out by the evil Other Mother when she turns evil, but I was prepared for it.

I also really liked the music; it's very French. Except for the They Might Be Giants song, which was almost too obviously composed by the band! I still enjoyed it, though.

Hooray for a change from the typical computer animation! I actually kind of want to see it again....