Adventureland

Adventureland-Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg








SEE.








THE BEST USE OF 80'S MUSIC to underscore a storyline that I've seen. Sure. It's depressing for someone who came of age in the 80's to watch a movie set in the 80's with characters played by actors who weren't even born yet. All the pain washes away when they play "Rock Me Amadeus" over and over again. Brings back the good old days. Oh, and this is the cool 80's apparently, not the really embarrassing 80's. I mean sure there's an overabundance of hairspray and preppies and way out there clothes, but it's all portrayed so normally as to be almost acceptable. I mean, I'm sorry I don't remember seeing anyone in the 80's looking as good as Ryan Reynolds looks in this movie. (C'mon, folks! Believability!) He's pretty much dressed like he's in 2009 save the occassional odd-looking belt. His hair is not even weird. In fact, nobody's hair looks weird. I was there people. It was not pretty. Who did hair and makeup on this movie? A bunch of 20 year-olds? Well, at least there's the soundtrack to take me back to the good old days. Who wasn't singing along to that sone by The Outfield? Don't pretend. You know the one.





What's that? You want to know what the movie's about? Who cares? It's got 80's music! Oh, alright. Boy needs money for grad school (Yep. Grad school. This explains the slightly elevated level of dialogue.) because his dad has been demoted. Hence, he acquires a job at Adventureland. Let the poignant post-college love story with complicated side relationships and theme park jokes ensue. It's all gonna go the way you think it will go, but at least you can reminisce along the way.








EAT.








Corn dogs. Don't be scared. You might like 'em. Don't eat them at the park. Buy them frozen or cook them at home. Trust me. Fry on up to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/corn-dogs-recipe/index.html.








SHOP.








Um. I'm not a theme park person but if you are, the U.S. of A. is the country for you. For a complete guide of weird and wacky (sorry, I'm passing judgment now) theme parks visit http://www.themeparkcity.com/USA_index.htm. Enjoy whatever it is you enjoy in a theme park. Beware-apparently, the theme park in this movie is based on an Adventureland park in Long Island, don't go looking for it in Pittsburgh (the movie's locale), you'll only be disappointed or... not.

Sin Nombre-Edgar Flores, Paulina Gaitan





Director-Cary Fukunaga








SEE.








This one ain't exactly gonna be on the tourist center top watch list for Honduras and Mexico. I mean for the love of border crossings, aren't these countries having enough trouble without movies like this? Let me just tell you, I'm a travel wuss. No, I don't want to go to places where there is serious danger. True, I live in Los Angeles, and there are gangs and gang wars here, but I'm one of the lucky ones. I don't have to roll up into those neighborhoods unless I'm working on a television show or movie. So, why in the world would I travel to places on the State Department travel alert list? Mexico, that is, not Honduras. Honduras (where Sin Nombre originates) just has a history of poverty coupled with a little murder and mayhem. Hell, who doesn't have that problem?








A simple story this one. People strive for a better life but can't escape the cycle of violence and crime that seems to provide their only means of survival. I do not personally know anyone who would go through what these people go through to get to the United States and make a better life for themselves. I don't know a lot of people who would travel across town in their own car for a free lunch, nevermind across several countries on top of a train to get to a country for an opportunity to work multiple minimum wage jobs and send money home to their families. If nothing else, go see this movie for the unpleasant reminder that the gangs and their violence are already here in the U.S. so enjoy your increased border security and fences for all the good it'll do you.








EAT.





You're on top of a moving train. Me? I'm using both hands to hold on. Screw eating!








SHOP.





Tattoo removal. So, you're a gang member being hunted by other gang members, and you're being identified by your particular tattoos. Maybe you want to take a few hours out of your running to have a few identifiable marks removed. A lot easier than scraping them off with your fingernails. Well, I don't have any money, you say? Not to worry. Apparently, in Mexico, you can get those pesky tattoos removed for free. I have no idea why? Ask them when you get there. Run to http://www.mexicopremiere.com/?p=909 and http://www.justlanded.com/english/Mexico/Mexico-Guide/Health/Health-insurance for more info. Buenos viajes!