movies

Lars and the Real Girl - This is the movie where Ryan Gosling buys a Real Doll (a life-like and life-size sex toy) and then parades around with it as though it were a real person. I went to see it because I figured it had to be good for a laugh or two, and I was really surprised to find that it's actually a really good movie. The premise is so patently laughable that it overcomes the very strict taboo against laughing at the handicapped; and so the inhabitants of the small town where Gosling lives can be both mocking and caring. His friends and neighbors aren't divided between the good people who treat him kindly, and the bad people who ridicule and talk behind his back. Laughter and disbelief are part of how they cope with the disruption to their community; nonetheless, everyone closes ranks and helps him cope. Of course, the audience experiences the same mix of hilarity and sharp sympathy. It's a very well-done movie.

The Darjeeling Limited - If you like Wes Anderson, you will probably like The Darjeeling Limited. If you don't like Wes Anderson, you probably won't like The Darjeeling Limited. The guy has a schtick, and it's a good one, and he doesn't depart from it here. I think it's my least favorite of his movies, but I'd still come back for more.