EXTRAORDINARY-FILM & NATURE

REEL THOUGHTS
THE FILM THAT'S GETTING THE BUZZ

THE DESCENDANTS 

This is one of those films that opens by winning awards and creating Oscar buzz. It doesn't seem to be a big

film, nor even an important film until

it has you twisting between pathos and clever humor.

It walks a line and moves with deftness between

those two spheres, like the masks of the Greek muses, Thalia and Melpomene-comedy and tragedy. 

 You also find
yourself realizing that it is a film where "good and decent"

prevail even within dark and morbid moments. 

It is an important film, making points

about behavior and honor.

Even when you know where something may be 

headed, you find yourself either amused or surprised

and always entertained by how it plays out.

George Clooney is brilliant as a befuddled but good guy who must struggle between the poles of grief, anger, love and surprise.  This is probably a break out film for Shailne Woodley, a Simi Valley actress. She is beautiful and authentic as Clooney's eldest daughter.  Amara Miller as the younger sister and Nick Krause as Woodleys goofy boyfriend are superb.  Beau Bridges is enjoyable as Cousin Hugh. Judy Greer as Julie Speer plays a small but powerful role that could be remembered as one of the most elegant on screen portrayals of compassion and honesty, ever.
Then there is wonderful background story of land ownership, history and development in the beautiful Hawaiian islands. We left wanting to get genuine Hawaiian music. This is another masterful directing and 
writing product of Alexander Payne, probably best known for Sideways.  I think you'll see why it is getting
all the talk.  We attended a 4:15 Monday afternoon
performance and they had to turn people away.
Well done!

DAY BOOK 

ROCK AND SEA

There is a space in the interaction of

of the Pacific and those rocky beaches

where another world seems to dwell.

In the tide pools and on the rocks

are scenes of the eternal relationship.

 Tides and conditions must be right for 

the tide pools to mirror back the coastal scene.

 Rock and stone, often underwater, give up a

secret language or code and low tide.

See you down the trail.