Movie:
Young Adult. Charlize Theron can make any movie watchable including this overwrought piece of dark comedy. In brief Mavis Gary is a divorced, alcoholic writer with serious depression who returns to her small hometown to reclaim her high school sweetheart. Standing in her way is the former boyfriend's wife and newborn baby, oh, and a sad but funny, classmate played by Patton Oswalt who acts as her conscience. Like its emotionally-stunted lead character, this movie has a lot of growing up to do.
Family Ties. I grew up on Family Ties, but watching it as an adult has given me a new appreciation for this sweet classic family comedy about two former hippies who settle down, get "respectable jobs," and raise three kids in middle class comfort. As a kid I remember being in awe by the family dynamics. The parents' affection for each other and loving, but firm, way with their children made me wish to be adopted by them. And, I loved the playful banter/fights between the siblings. Now I get the wisecracks by their card-carrying Republican son Alex P. Keaton! The networks don't make wholesome television like this anymore, but they should.
The Queen of Versailles.If you've ever wondered how the 1% lives you might not like what you see in this documentary about a time-share mogul, his trophy wife and their heirs. The family has not escaped the economic crisis of 2008, and Mr. Siegel is clawing tooth-and-nail to hold onto his empire and a 50,000 sq. ft. replica of the Palace of Versailles that is still under construction and mortgaged to the hilt. In the face of financial ruin Mrs. Siegel, a former beauty queen from humble beginnings, comes off surprisingly human even when she is pulling up to the drive thru in a chauffeured limo. It's worth watching to see if the bankrupt billionaire can make a Donald Trump-style comeback.
