Betty At Large: Recent Comments

Comment on Top Ten Ways to Enjoy a Poor Man's Island Holiday in Waikiki

North Stradbroke Island — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:57:15 GMT

Thanks for the journey. It was like a trip down memory lane. Went there myself last year and stayed at the same motel. The deal I got wasn’t as cheap as that so you really did score well. It is just an amazing place and can’t wait to get back there, especially after seeing your photos.

Comment on For Your Consideration 2009

Anna — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:49:57 GMT

What are you thoughts on Crazy Heart? I've been hearing good things but refuse to watch it - it sounds exactly like The Wrestler.

-- Anna: Having a hard time getting to see Crazy Heart...so much male energy! Like trying to run in your dreams and everything feels like mud...but if you want to see someone who agrees w/ you re Crazy Heart and Wrestler, check this out: hilarious! http://www.bestweekever.tv/2010-01-19/basically-there-are-no-original-movie-ideas-anymore/ -- Betty

Comment on Why I LIke Boys: A Perfect Night Of Music in Long Beach

Bill Lewellyn — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:09:45 GMT

*The Turquoise Suit was hand-made by Jaime Castaneda in North Hollywod*

Comment on For Your Consideration 2009

Betty — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:57:42 GMT

Loved your comments, SF Strangelove! I agree, Invictus kept its distance, but I just couldn't resist that sappy story! I left the theater really inspired by the idea of patience and tolerance, which are two things I need to learn a whole lot about.

I also loved your "Ahhvaddah" comment, as I agree re white dudes, but I had absolutely no expectations for the plots, so wasn't bothered a smidge. Was enjoying listening to the reactions of the marines in the theater where I saw it in Oceanside...except this one drunk marine who kept making really lewd comment about Neytiri!

Also, I like your comments about Hurt Locker. Don't know why exactly that film rubbed me the wrong way, except, seriously, if you take out the explosions can you really say you still got a character arc? I still say the whole film could have been about a bomb expert in NYC and it would have been the same movie, Kathryn Bigalow's impressive efforts in execution of the film notwithstanding.

And finally, just go see Precious! It's really cool.

Catch you at the Oscars!

Comment on For Your Consideration 2009

SF Strangelove — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:42:41 GMT

Hi Betty,
I enjoyed your 2009 year in film summary. We disagree on quite a few movies, so here goes:

Invictus: Its heart is in the right place, to be sure, but the movie seemed too distant from its characters. It never came to life for me. The most fun I had was trying to figure out the game of rugby from the clues the movie provides. Result: rugby is still a mystery, and so is South Africa.

Avatar: I can’t argue that the film’s visuals are spectacular or that James Cameron can mount a huge project. Still, his “white boy does everything better than the natives” story, and plot problems too numerous to mention, completely spoiled the movie for me.

Haven’t seen Precious, A Single Man, or Inglorius Basterds, so I will defer to you on these.

As you say, The Hurt Locker, has little to do with the Iraq War or the larger issues of the region. Perhaps your expectations were for a different movie altogether. The Hurt Locker has a tight focus on the men in a bomb disposal unit. It is a character study and a powerfully effective one. It’s my pick for one of the best films of the year.

Yes, George Clooney was better in Michael Clayton, which was a much better movie than Up in the Air. Still, Up in the Air is a modestly successful, downbeat critique of hollow lives and corporate America.

I agree that Nine, for all its stars and song and dance energy, is surprisingly lifeless. Its characters were distant and artificial, leaving nothing to connect with.

I agree that District 9 is enjoyable. Too bad about the plot holes big enough to fly a giant spaceship through.

I just post a year in film summary over at my blog: http://strangelove4sf.blogspot.com/
Check it out.

SF Stangelove

Comment on For Your Consideration 2009

ELECTRIC EARL — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:48:42 GMT

L.A. moviegoers will be pleased to know that "UP" 3D is back - now showing at Beverly Center. Showtimes this week: 11:45am, 4:30pm and 9:20pm.

Comment on Miss P Welcomes Fall: Pix From Our Santa Barbara Adventure

Kim N. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:33:00 GMT

Loved the twists and turns of wine country with Miss P. More, more! Thanks for the great off the beaten path ideas.

Comment on Miss P Welcomes Fall: Pix From Our Santa Barbara Adventure

Miss Kriss — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:01:13 GMT

I'm a fan of Miss P...thanks for the fall tour

Comment on 2-Day Getaway To Anacapa Island...Via Vintage Oxnard!

Dane-oh-might — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:04:09 GMT

Betty,

Loved the review of Oxnard. Your style of writing is both soothing and satisfying. Coupled with illustrations, your purposeful prose enhance the reader's enjoyment and enthusiasm, prompting one to say, out-loud: I must go to Oxnard! However, I must admit, I would love to go to Oxnard with YOU! Nice blog Betty.

Comment on Waikiki October 2008: Splurging on Authentic Tongan Carving

Marajiq — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:12:35 GMT

Thanks for this. It really helped me out!