Bargain Biatch

Movie Review : The Visitor

WOW, what a small and beautiful movie.  I heard that writer and director Thomas McCarthy wrote the lead role specifically with Richard Jenkins in mind and he completely captured the character.  He was pitch perfect as the uptight and emotionally paralyzed college professor who regains his humanity.  The movie sets the stage as you get at glimpse into the life of Walter Vale, a widowed college professor living in Connecticut who is existing, but isn’t really living.  He travels to NY for a speaking engagement and when he arrives at his infrequently used NYC pied a terre, he finds it already occupied by an illegal alien couple. They’re victims of a real-estate scam and Vale ultimately invites the couple, a young, Syrian musician named Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) and his Senegalese girlfriend (Danai Gurira) to stay with him. This begins the unlikely friendship between the quiet and reticent Vale and the vibrant Tarek. Through his relationship with the couple, he begins to blossom, even participating in impromptu drumming sessions.  Then it all unravels, Tarek is picked up by immigration and is in detention limbo as deportation proceedings begin.  Then the drama escalates when Tarek’s mother shows up and ends up staying at the apartment with Vale.  They develop a chaste but deep relationship Vale grows and rediscovers his emotions and capacity to love.  The story was powerfully moving and real and touched on immigration issues and injustices based on post 911 policies.  Two big thumbs up from me and I thought it was better than a least one Oscar nominated movie, but I’m not going to name names… Benjamin Button.  Move it to the top of your Netflix queue and bring home a visitor.

 

 

 

Red Carpet Looks For Less

So do you really have a formal affair to attend that simply screams “New Ball Gown”?  I imagine few are dressed in formal attire when surfing Monster.com or calling in to check the status of our unemployment payment. But here’s to keeping hope alive, even if it means channeling delusional Edie of Grey Gardens.  So just in case I get that special invitation, I have to be ready to look fabulous.  I’d stock my closet with my favorite Oscar Dresses but get the look for less.  I love Natalie Portman’s Peony Pink stunner by Rodarte, but would score the copy at Eddressme for a fraction of the price. Add to that Tina Fey’s sparkly stunner, Taraji P. Henson and Anne Hathaway’s non-wedding white gowns.  For all the knock offs go to Ligthinthebox or ABS where tiny elves have been sewing their gnarled fingers to bone to rip-off red carpet fashions faster than you can say celebrity rehab.  Prices start just over $100 and top out at $300. All good but I’ve yet to see a bargain version of my favorite, Tilda Swinton and her totally sexy androgynous self in that two toned Lanvin.

Angelina And Her Emerald City Bling

Dorothy, we're not in Kansas anymore.  OMG, those earrings earrings were Ginormous.  I read the monster green globes hanging from Angelina Jolie’s ears were like 35-40 carats worth emeralds.  Some people (from Columbia) are claiming that they’re Columbian Emeralds….so I guesss blow isn’t their only export. To complete the ensemble throw in the boulder sized emerald solitaire ring; and the cost, an estimated 15 million, and that’s lowballing.  But if that steep price tag isn’t in this month’s budget, you can get some cheaper versions like real gemstone and fakes that are more budget friendly.  For the discount deals on real emeralds there’s Daniels Jewelers and Great Style Deals with a large selection of rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets about half off retail.  Two other well priced offerings for the real thing are Jewels For Me and Jewelry Advisor.   

But I'm a firm believer in fake it till you make it so check out Emitations.   They sell good looking costume jewelry and no it's doesn't have the sparkle and depth of color as the real thing but it wont melt in the sun or dissolve in water or break the bank.

Oscars On Budget: Best Movie Pictures Are Best Bargains

Tomorrow is a double post, just like when NY magazine rips you off by doubling up and skipping a week because of their “Special Double Issue”.  So this is a combo Movie Review/Bargain Post.  It’s about how you can have frugal fun with this year’s Oscar nominees for best picture.

 

Starting with the extremely long longshot “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button”, a 2 hour and 15 minutes saga of a man who is born old and ages in reverse.  Well I’m sure we’d all like to turn back the hands of time but without the magic of a Dorian Gray mirror, Father Time just keeps marching right across our face.  But you can minimize the damage by taking advantage of some discount beauty treatments.  Plastic surgeons have reported such a downturn in their business that they’re offering deals and discounts.  But if going under the knife, winding up with a joker grimace and looking like a surprised elf is not your style, opt for some low(er) cost high end treatments.  The Skin Spa offers weekly specials and last minute deals, so subscribe to get email updates.  And heads up for Spa Week in April and take advantage of $50 services.

 

Barneys On A Budget

Ho Hum, another day another sale. But this one is worth a few extra hours of overtime.   That is if you’re lucky enough to still be working. The Barneys warehouse event is on now and the discounts are deep.  Even for totally overpriced Barneys, the high end, high style clothes are almost affordable.  For their previous warehouse sales, they have been serious about moving merchandise and this year is no exception with prices slashes 50-75 percent.  And towards the end of the sale, desperation sets in so be on the lookout for bargain bins where they basically give stuff away.

And Check out Daily Candy. Lutz and Patmos is offering their collection of trendy but comfortable cashmere and knitwear is for 30 percent off.

Affordable Art, Do Your Part To Help A Starving Artist

Let me not even try to front.  I am no art expert, or critic and have only limited knowledge (and resources) when it comes to art. My main frame of reference and biggest influence is my mom who collects art, mostly from African American Artists.  She has amassed a sizeable collection of sculptures and paintings and at one point ran out of wall space so the overflow was stacked on the floor.  She’s since renovated her apartment and found a more befitting way to display her stash. Last weekend we dutifully attended the Black Fine Arts Show where typically the art is just fair and the social scene is the main draw.  What a surprise to find a well-curated show with amazing works of art offered at relatively low prices.  In years past, the show has been wildly uneven.  Among the few gems there was a lot of the “Played Out Political”, “Angry Afrocentric”, “I’m Off My Meds”, “WTF?” And My Dog Coulda Done Better.  

Not so this year.  Yeah there was a whole lotta Obama-themed stuff.  But also layered acrylic murals, sculptures and mixed medium including painting using a stained glass technique.  The show was incredible and inspiring.  Maybe since people no longer have jobs, they have more time to devote to their art.  Whatever the reason the results were great, and cheap(er). I remember the astronomical prices of a few years back but it seems as if a new reality as entered the art world.  Prices have come back down to earth and are actually. …reasonable.  So if you have the money, now might be a good time to invest in a little known up and coming artist and start a lifetime of collection and appreciation.

Friday Movie Review: Frost Nixon Is Too Cool

Wow, who knew that a movie about our repulsive reclusive, paranoid, and totally CRAZY 36th president, could be so compelling?  Tricky Dick was indeed that and a lot of other fucked up things, including brilliant.  So how could lightweight, feckless and fey David Frost undo him?  That’s where it gets complicated and makes for a spellbinding movie.  I didn’t see the play but heard it was great. That’s one reason that the movie worked is because the two leads, Frank Langella as Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost reprise their Broadway roles.   Frost and Nixon are two desperate men who are trying to salvage their live and careers through these series of interviews, but only one man can emerge victorious.  The movie starts with a glimpse into the life of playboy entertainer David Frost.  He’s certainly no journalist and a cross between Regis Philbin and ET’s Billy Bush. After watching the televised impeachment, Frost has the brilliant idea to interview the disgraced Nixon. Then he has to go about first convincing Nixon to sign on (for a huge paycheck) and then get advertisers and respectable media to back the program.  The movie follows the amazing back-story of how the interviews unfolded and every character played their part and ultimately made history.  In addition to the leads, Kevin Bacon is perfect as Colonel Jack Brennan, the good soldier and Nixon’s defender.  A great movie and cue Langella to line up after Sean Penn as another best actor nominee who should shoot Mickey Rourke if he wins the Oscar.

Love Means Never Having to Say You’re Cheap

The clock is ticking on V-Day but you can still come through as romantic hero without busting your budget by being the three C’s, crafty, creative and culinary.

So starting with the most obvious gift, chocolate.  Never a wrong choice but often an expensive one.  But if goodies from Jacques Torres aren’t in your budget, make your own delectable treats. Truffles are the easiest and will cost about a third the price of the gourmet chocolatier so you can afford to give them not only to your boyfriend, but also his cute friend, the hot UPS guy and your friend with benefits. 

Next, write a love letter.  Throw in some flowery poetry or if that’s not your style, explicit sex talk.  Whatever, it’s your letter.  And you can include some coupons redeemable for personal things like a massage, breakfast in bed, one hour of his favorite fantasy (complete with the girl scout uniform). No need to gel all Martha Stewart with her templates and stencils but you can download blank copies of gift certificates to print out on your computer.

Then there’s the totally overpriced Valentines Day Dinner.  Why not make an amorous meal at home serving your favorite aphrodisiacs like oysters and asparagus, (edible underwear).  And even with champagne, it’ll be a fraction of the price of a dining out.

To musically lubricate the evening Make a Mix tape, ok CD but come up with a list of your favorite sexy slow jams and burn a cd.  And finally give photos.  Buy a multiple photo frame for under 20 bucks and put together shots of you and your honey or just make a collage of sexy photos of his favorite body part.  After all, nothing says I Love You Like Porn.

 

 

  

Will Work For Food

 

The NY Times Photo shows Chef Restauranteurs Mario Batali, Sirio Maccioni and Jean-Georges, holding signs advertising that they have the best deals in town. It’s like they’re wearing barrels with suspenders and basically begging for your business.  That’s a far cry from the snobbery of the past when top tier restaurants would practically curse you out for having the audacity to even think of phoning for a reservation less than one month in advance.  Now day of bookings and walk ins are welcome. And it’s about time, After all, it is my money. I’m totally fed up with fancy eateries that serve pretty, pretentious, precocious plates of teeny tiny sculptures.  And while I appreciate presentation, it should be accompanied by thoughtfully prepared, satisfying FOOD.  And this delicious FOOD should NOT be served not by arrogant actor/wanna be’s who think that the job is beneath them.  Instead a gracious person who appreciates being employed should do everything to make my dining experience lovely. Attitudes and prices have definitely changed, and not just for (extended) restaurant week.  Smiling faces welcome you and more place are offering Prix Fixe and other specials like elminating BYOB corking fees or offering a discount wine pairing with the meal.  I recently had dinner at Compass and it was perfect.  The Prix Fixe had several very good seafood choices made and lobster.  The server steered me towards a well-priced wine and after the meal we were given breakfast muffins to take home.  And while I know that recession=bad, I could get used to being treated well, and like….a customer.

 

Movie Review Milk

 

Sean Penn should be pissed.  As a man of notorious tempers and moods he gets a total pass for however he reacts if greasy, steroid fueled, implanted Mickey Rourke takes home the Oscar for Best Actor.  After he won the Golden Globe I thought,  are you shitting me?  Watching broke down tore up Rourke channel…ummm….himself as a broke down tore up pro-wrestler, I was first disgusted and then underwhelmed.  Hello, being yourself ain’t acting.  Penn on the other hand is incredible.  Chameleon that he is, Penn completely embodies gay rights activist Harvey Milk. I was was spellbound by his spot on performance.  The story begins as Harvey Milk, everyday (closeted) workingman picks up a young cute (James Franco) on his birthday, which sets off a transformative chain of events for Milk.  It follows his rise from an openly gay business owner in the Castro district to the heart and soul of the gay rights movement.  Anita Bryant of course is his nemesis and their battle seems particularly timely and depressing due to the recent passing of Prop 8 in California.  Besides Penn there are incredible performances by the supporting cast including. Josh Brolin is great as the tortured Dan White and Emile Hirsch does a total 180 from his in role in “Into the Wild” and animates Cleve Jones, founder of the AIDS memorial quilt.  I hope the movie gets its well deserved rewards and if not, Shaun Penn can go medieval on ridiculous Mickey Rourke and his stupid dogs.