American Pie

Looking for a good recipe for "I Hate My Husband Pie" or "I Don't Want Earl's Baby Pie"? Then you won't want to miss "Waitress", a southern slice of sweet tartness showing in theaters now. Over the Memorial Day week-end my movie buddy and I trotted off to see what I thought was going to be a classic diner movie. You know the plot line--good food, hard to live with owner, customers who keep coming for the good food and attention from a couple of hard-working waitresses who show up for work every day with their troubles and dreams cinched around their waists with that ruffled apron. Trouble is, family problems and hopes of a better life have to take a back seat to tending customers and keeping the boss happy with their hustle and tableside manner. "Waitress" delivers all that and some delicious surprises. We saw this movie at the Baxter, which is the theater to catch the less hyped and financed movies and the place was jammed--we sat in the front third row and for awhile I thought I'd have to surrender the buffer seat between me and my movie buddy(that's fodder for another posting!). It was a group experience in the best sense--no doubt who the audience was rooting for as sweet-faced Jenna(played by Keri Russell of "Felicity" fame) treads water every day, dealing with a loutish, manipulative husband and unwanted pregnancy just when she thought there was an escape route--winning a regional pie baking contest. The only time Jenna was truly happy--at first--was baking and naming pies. Then she starts the required visits with her obstetrician and ends up teaching him to make pies in the same kitchen where she endures such mental and physical abuse from Earl the Lout. I tell you, there probably wasn't a man in the house that didn't envy Dr. Pomatter! To say any more would ruin it for you, so do yourself--and someone you like/love--a favor and go see this film. I predict that it'll be the summer surprise

I love movies, don't you all? And for me, they have to be on the big screen--no DVDs. Although, I suppose others really enjoy the at home experience. Anyway, in January I start trying to see all the Academy Award contenders so I can help decide the Oscar winners. So far this year I've seen about a dozen first runs. Like a good book, the story and characters stay with you, expanding or changing your point of view--or, just as importantly, making you laugh or see beauty. The most memorable ones so far have been: "The Painted Veil", "Last King of Scotland", "Amazing Grace", "Lives of Others", "Sweet Land", and "Waitress". My summer list includes: "Knocked Up", "Oceans 13(haven't seen "11" or "12", but can't resist George Clooney playing the role of "ironic"), "A Mighty Heart"(the Daniel and Mariane Pearl story), and "Talk to Me".

What are we missing? And, tell me what you think of "Waitress."