I really don’t have time to write much about this great little film, The Matador, but you need to see it. It will surprise you at every turn, in subtle and unique ways. Brosnan’s character, Julian Noble, is quite intriguing, as are most of the characters, because they are all multi-dimensional and just when you think you have them and the rest of the plot pegged, they take another great sharp left turn. I admit, I had a hard time settling into the film because I kept worrying about where it was headed, but that slightly off-balance sensation ended up being great. I need to see this one again.

Also, it takes the practice of putting location names at the bottom of the screen in little type and flips it around by making them huge and neon colored, which I think is pretty great (I like type).

MPAA Review: Strong sexual content and language.
Ad Exec Reviews: A hitman and a salesman walk into a bar...

Alisa and I saw V for Vendetta last night, and it’s a good film. Should you see it? Absolutely. It’s thought provoking, doesn’t shy away from shooting over the audience’s head to get them to think, and is a resolute exploration of an idea rather than a plot or characters. I want to make that clear first, because it’s also a very ‘inaccurate’ adaptation of the comic, and I’m having a hard time seeing past that. The first time I read V for Vendetta was around ’96 or ’97 and I’ve read it many times since, so my vision of the tale is fairly calcified. To truly see the film on its own merits, I’ll probably need to see it one or two more times. Having said that, I have to sympathize with the comic’s author Alan Moore and assert that the movie is not as good as comic, but only if you believe the difference in medium does not prevent comparing the two. I’ll try to give it a fair look here. But, for me right now, most of the movie’s strengths become its weaknesses when compared to Moore’s original. Though that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

I’ve been distracted from Current Config, so let’s call this a public service announcement to make up for it.

1) The Buzz Aldren at The Continental
One word, people: Tang. This drink has it not only in the mix (along with peach schnapps and vodka), but also rimming the martini glass it’s served in. Like many cocktails at The Continental, you get your full glass along with a petite shaker containing at least a refill’s worth. Cold, tangy, orangy and quite delicious.

2) The Firecracker at Jones
True to its name, the firecracker is a snappy variation on a dirty martini, featuring, in addition to vodka, olive brine, and olives, some pickled jalapeño brine and slices. If you like a little spice, this is your drink. A lot of bang for the buck.

3) The Sicilian Lemondrop at Tangerine
I love lemons, and this drink combines different lemony lemon-ness in a refreshing and crisp drink that we’ve started to drink at home. It’s a mix of limoncello (an Italian lemon liquer) and San Pellegrino Limonata (an Italian sparkling lemon soda) on ice in a pint glass with the extra Limonata in the bottle. I will be seeing a number of these this summer, no doubt.

4) Tequila Flight with Sangrita at El Vez
You get to choose, from a pretty full menu, one of each type of tequila: blanca, reposado, and añejo for $22. That’s a price that beats some of the per-glass prices on the añejos alone. Then, then, for four bucks more, you get a wonderful, kicky, tangy little drink called a sangrita you get your three glasses of tequila. Sangrita combines the juices of tomatoes, clams, limes, oranges, and some chiles (El Vez’s version). It’s very good and interacts wonderfully with the tequila. This setup is great for two people, which makes it a pretty good deal and a good time.

All four of these places also have great food, particularly Tangerine, which is the most expensive of the bunch, but is extraordinary and the home of my Best Meal Ever. Also, I swear that I am not in the employ of Stephen Starr, who is the restauranteur behind all four. He just happens to do great work that we appreciate.

For those of you not familiar with it, Night Watch is the first of a Russian “epic horror trilogy” or “epic fantasy trilogy”, depending on which ads you read. Just check out the trailer. Then go see it, because it’s wild, original, and great.