I’ve seen a fair few disappointing films in recent months. Fortunately the publicity material for a couple upcoming features left me giddy with anticipation and refreshed with hope for some future moviegoing.

Judd Apatow's upcoming film "Funny People"

Before I get too far ahead of myself, I’m very much a fan of Jason Schwartzman. Nearly everything he’s done has been great, and even though he’s not the star of Judd Apatow’s next directorial feature his inclusion in an Apatow film is reason enough for me to be excited. . .  despite the initial shock. Having received a high school diploma, the idea of watching an Adam Sandler film is rather repugnant to me. But since this is Apatow I’ll just keep reminding myself that the director is a genius, I have fond memories of Happy Gilmore, and Punch Drunk Love. The trailer on apple.com should be all the further convincing you need but don’t stop there, head over to NBC to check out the teaser Yo Teach! Pretty dedicated.

In other news. . .

Oh Mr Fox

The Fantastic Mr. Fox:  Roald Dahl + Wes Anderson. Need I say any more? No. (via slashfilm)

you're so fantastic

and more fantastic still!

Easily the nicest day in Wellington this winter.

Lately there have been a ton of new eateries and bars cropping up in Wellington. More than I have ever noticed before. In addition, I’m a little behind on some older places that I need to visit on recommendation. Here’s a few of the places I plan to eat my way through in the next couple months.

New

Watusi – A diner. In Wellington! I’m there.

Hooch – A new burlesque themed bar from the owners of the hawthorne lounge.

La Kasbah – It’s been there a wee while but I haven’t had the pleasure of dining here yet. Sebastian recently went to this place and offered a rave review, plus, five people were fed for $120 inc. corkage. Plus equally high opinions of the staff and atmosphere. Gotta go.

Osterio del Toro – A new Mediterranean restaurant in Wellington. The menu makes me drool, particularly the paella.

About Time

Beijing – Kate tells me that this Newtown Chinese restaurant is amazing.

Miyabi Sushi - I hear good things and it’s so close to home I’d be a fool not to go there.

Repeat Visit

Sweet Mo’s Kitchen – I go here for dinner then run out of space for delicious pie. Next time I’m skipping mains and heading straight to coffee and pie.

Chow – I recently attended JJW’s birthday lunch here. The $25 Set Lunch Menu makes it worth the revisit.

Il Picollo – Love that place.

So there I go. Exciting! Some sort of review or recap to follow. Let me know in the comments if you have recommendations, favourites or warnings.

I grabbed a few snaps at the Wellington Circus Trust student showcase. There’s a wide range of classes from hoops and burlesque to tissu and acrobalance. New classes are starting soon.

I don’t know who exactly I would recommend this movie to, but I feel that is is worthy of recommendation. Among the star studded cast are Glen Close, William Hurt and Jeff Goldblum. But the big selling point of this movie for me was the soundtrack featuring Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Arethra Franklin and many more great artists. In fact, I’d actually listened to the soundtrack a few times over before even watching a movie. It’s a soundtrack that can stand on it’s own as a great album. The cinematography is top class. Beautiful shots with interesting angles and composition which provide more than is usually expected for such a down-to-earth character driven film. To shoot some genre’s at it, I’d say The Big Chill is a drama-comedy-reunion movie. The film is funny, interesting, touching and seems to reminisce of a time before I was born. Put it in your list to view.