Da Huck

Pics by Smiley

Talk to Me

From the previews, I thought this horror film, about a gateway to possession created by grasping a mummified hand, was going to be good. 

For once, I was right. 

There were flaws of course, namely the desire of the teenagers to repeat the experience after what can only be described as a %$*& attempt. I mean, I get teenage stupidity and the like, but at some point an evolutionary note of self-preservation kicks in, even in high school. 

Aside from that, a fine film with good acting and a strong script. 

Grade: A - 

Psych 3

This movie was EVERYTHING a Psych fan could hope for in a reunion movie!

After two prior flicks that (IMO) just didn't capture the feel of the show, this one nailed it. The characters acted like themselves, the dialogue matched them perfectly and the humor and the story ticked all the boxes. 

In a perfect universe, they crank one of these out every two years for the next thirty years.  

(note: we watched this last July I think; I just now got around to giving it the props it deserves!)

 

The Bargain

Artwork by Smiley. 

The Bargain, 2024. Goauche, approx 8.5" x 10."  $85 or best offer. 

RIP To The Alley of My Youth

I'm sure this looks like, well, an alley to you. Even a moderately attractive one. And you're correct on both points. 

It is also The-Shatterer-of-Memories. 

You see, this is the alley behind the house where I grew up. The brick building in the background? The church where I was married. I cannot count how many games of catch I played back here with my Dad, how many times I walked down the alley to and from church, how many times I used it as a shortcut on my bike. 

That entire time, from my early childhood in the late 70's almost up until present day, that alley was a rough, potholed filled obstacle course made of cement embedded with small stones  that would work loose and play further havoc with your tires. 

It looked very much like the  setting I used it for whenever I pretended to be a soldier: a recently shelled and bombed European road of WWII. 

And now? Now it's . . . pretty. Ish. 

Sigh. 

Yuppity Yup

Well it is. Don't lie. 

Flowers Make Her Happy

 Alstromeria, my favorite. Carnation prices with Orchid showmanship lol - Lisa

Black Mirror - 2 Episodes

After dinner at Conejito's (which was after the museum which was after the dog, but before we went across town to pick up Junie from her friend's house which was before the big thunderstorm) we went over to YaYa's where we watched two episodes of Black Mirror.  

I thought the first, Hang the DJ, was excellent. The acting was strong, the relationship was sweet, and the 'twist,' which spawned organically from the plot, brought a "Ah! Well done!" from my inner writer. 

Grade: A+

I saw afterwards that the second, San Junpipero, is considered a favorite of fan and critic alike. To which I say: why??  It's nothing more than a tired SF setup that is obvious from the start: a virtual reality created for the dead and dying. I've been watching/reading this yawner of a setup since at least the early years of this century. 

Is it popular *just* because the two lead characters are in a lesbian relationship and people want to be an "ally"? I'd hate to think so, but if the glove does fit, you can't acquit. Think about the love story: Kelly is a great character, but  Yorkie is as dull and one-dimensional as you can find. They spend a few hours together, with weeks in between meet-ups, and SPOILERS decide to spend all of eternity together? FFS, why? Buy yourself a pet snail Kelly, it would give you better conversations than dear Yorkie. Grade: Fail. 

Dinner at Conejito's

 After the Harley museum we dumped the kids off and headed to Conejito's for an early dinner. We'd last visited on YaYa's 18th birthday, and man was I craving their mole!

We were lucky to get a two person table - three different groups sat at a single table next to us - and as you can see they continue to spare no expense on fine china for their guests. 

But the food - oh man. It's hard to make refried means and a mole covered chicken breast appear appetizing on camera, but's that's fine - I'll take your portion if you don't want it!

Alas, the shared pitcher of margaritas hit hard and I napped in the car until I'd shaken off the effects! LOL