Busy Busy

Internets! I’ve missed you! It has been such a crazy week for us, from dinner parties to food events to films.

Last Thursday we went to La Dolce Vita for the first time. It was fun, but I don’t think I’ll go back next year. The tickets were pretty pricey, and many of the vendors had already run out of food an hour into the event. I was very disappointed by this…it seems to me that the point of the event is to make people aware of new restaurants and what they have to offer. When a restaurant can’t manage to prepare for an event and have enough food to last even halfway through the evening, it makes me think that dining at the restaurant might not be a good idea. I was also disappointed that some of the booths had unfriendly people behind the counter. I won’t be visiting III Forks any time soon because of this. I did find some great stuff, though…Cuatros looks promising (and the owner was very friendly and enthusiastic about his place), Cru and Sao Paolo’s had excellent tastings, and two bakeries, Sweet Tempered and Luxe Sweets had delicious and beautiful desserts.

Right after La Dolce Vita, we headed downtown for the start of the Austin Film Festival. We scored Producer’s Badges this year, which grants us entry into all the panels, all the films, and all the parties. Needless to say, we’ve been busy! The festival ends this Thursday, so we’ll be back to normal soon.

The first night of the festival we watched Max Payne. Meh. I was looking forward to this one…it reminded me of Constantine, which I actually really like. Unfortunately, the acting was bad, the dialogue was cheesy, and the story just didn’t come together.

On Friday, we watched 100 Feet, a thriller about a woman who kills her husband in self-defense, then is under house arrest in the home that his ghost haunts. Again, meh. The music was distracting and the end was over-the-top, but it did make me jump a few times.

 After that, Justin and I split up to do our own things. I watched Zero Effect, which is actually 10 years old, but is still smart and funny. The director was present to introduce the film and do a Q&A afterward. I’m glad I caught this one!

Saturday I headed over to the Long Center for a Q&A session with the screenwriter for Twilight. We got a sneak peek at the ballet studio scene, and it was great to hear the screenwriter talk about how she adapted the book into the film. I can’t wait to see the movie now.

Saturday night I watched A Quiet Little Marriage, which was fabulous. It was so real and gritty and honest, the acting was amazing, the story was great (about a young married couple who have a great marriage until the wife asks the husband for a child), and the vintage L.A. background was dreamy.

Sunday I watched Wendy and Lucy, which I also loved. It was another real and honest film, about a young woman and her dog as they travel to find work in Alaska. It really explores the financial issues that Americans are facing, as well as emotional attachment and generosity. So, so good.

Tonight I plan to watch Largo, which Justin watched this weekend and absolutely loved. I haven’t decided what to see the rest of the week yet.

So! I’ll be back soon with more food and talk, but for now, I’m off to the movies. 🙂

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