I used to have a seminal theory involving the two films "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch." I had interrogated many a movie-goer as to which film they enjoyed more. More often than not, the first of the two that had been seen would be their personal favorite. There have been a few tempremental individuals who sabotaged my theory, yet the initial prediction would usually be upheld. The theory is inconsequential, but I cite it, because I recently saw the latest production of Matthew Vaugh, "Layer Cake." He actually helmed this movie in his directorial debut. While the characters' dialects make it difficult to understand at times, I found Layer Cake to be on par with his two previous endeavors. The movie was smart and cool highlighted by the same cinematographic nuances and sentimental grittiness that epitomizes Lock Stock and Snatch. I highly recommend it.
This weekend consisted of two pilgrammages to the Big Easy. Friday night, I hit up Frenchmen Street accompanied by a few first year Teach For America folk. We swanked around in the tight confines of the Apple Barrel bar until my friend Justin and I heard that Galactic was playing a free concert across the street. We naturally hightailed it over and caught the last hour of the show at d.b.a. Galactic flaunts a funk sound that just sends your soul a-dancing. They are original New Orleans cats that annually host a swinging shindig at Tipitina's every New Years. Also, the drummer always looks constipated when he gets going. Is that just a mean trick God played on drummers? Drummers are the porn stars of the music world, always performing their coital acts on display for everyone to admire. Last night I had one of those nights where the conversation flows like the Courtyard fountains of Pat O's. The type of night where you commence with acquaintances and complete with friends. I dearly enjoyed the company of Abby, Jake and Andy as we frolicked from the Old Absinthe Bar (with the courteous popcorn baskets, gratis), to Razoo (home of the bouncer beatings), to Pat O's (under the warmth of those amazing heater stands), to Shilo (for a brief TFA reunion of sorts and the last ten minutes before the 2 a.m. curfew went into effect) ,and finally back to Jake and Andy's (under the glow of Aqua Teen Hunger Force). All in all, it was a successful night to be remembered and I am giddy at the idea of spending more time with my new tender trio.
Bon voyage! The holiday season is upon us. The hum of christmas themed CDs hover over the coffee shop. Haven't decided if I'm gonna tell my kids I'm Jewish yet. But we will learn about Hannukah and Kwanzaa tomorrow...Break will be here before I know it.
