Recently Seen Movies

Here are some of the notable movies I've seen in the past few weeks...

Doubt (A-)

This is a great film with great acting and an incredible story. Set in 1950s Brooklyn, Meryl Streep plays a hard-noised nun out against the priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) after she expects him of foul-play with one of the black students. Amy Adams plays a nun stuck in the middle, unsure of who to believe. Both sides seem very credible and the movie leaves it up to the viewer to decide who really was the guilty party.

Capitalism: A Love Story (C+)

I had high expectations for this Michael Moore documentary when I first heard of it, yet must say that I was somewhat disappointed. The film misses the target, by diving deep into personal stories and drawn-out references. Instead of really hitting at the core of capitalism, it wastes too much time on these personal stories. Sure it threw some out some very interesting facts, concerning the financial crisis of 2008, Reagan's presidency, and Obama's election. I still must give Michael Moore credit for demonstrating the terror of capitalism on such a large scale, and basically shouting to the audience to revolt as soon as possible.


Happy-Go-Lucky (B)

A very comedic and dramatic film about a careless teacher set in present day Britain. This teacher, played brilliant by Sally Hawkins, is in her 30s, loves her job and loves life. She has an extremely upbeat and wild personality, always happy and laughing. Although she is single most of the film, she enjoys her time with her students, friends, and family. It's a shame her performance did not at least win Sally an oscar-nod. Another very notable performance worth mentioning was her angry driver instructor played by Eddie Marsan.


Iron Man 2 (B-)

All-in-all this film was a basic summer blockbuster. I caught it at the dollar theater with my family, and was simply satisfied. Its definitely a movie you want to see in the theaters, high on action, visuals, and special effects. Mickey Rourke plays a pretty bad-ass villain as Whip-Lash. And Scarlett Johannsson, looked amazing as usual as the Black Widow...


The Painted Veil (B)

A great dramatic romance set in 1920s China, about a doctor played by Edward Norton and his beautiful wife, played by Naomi Watts. The doctor sets off to China to aid the epidemic of cholera that has spread throughout the villages, and brings his wife along, of which he is crazy for. His wife on the other hand, does not share his passion, and feels like a prisoner. The couple begins very distant from one another, yet their equal care for the epidemic slowly begins to bring them back together. It is a very interesting story, set in the backdrop of a politically tense China. Visually stunning, with a powerful score, and great performances from Edward Norton and Naomi Watts.



Cadillac Records (B-)

Tells the story the Chicago record label, Chess Records, set early in the 1950s. Leonard Chess, played by Adrian Brody sets off to create a new sound and genre through the help of Muddy Waters and Little Walter. They create a sub-genre of what becomes known as the Chicago-Blues, and become hits all throughout the country. The record label becomes extremely successfully signing other big up-and-coming names such as Howlin Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry. The film gives a very insightful look into the history of the blues, and has me in quite a phase right now..

My Return to Chicago

After a relaxing week off of work, I decided to make a visit to Chicago for the day with Reggie. I have been wanting to re-visit my home city, ever since I moved out back in February of 2009, yet just hadn't found the time or money to do it. Well finally, the chance came, and I carefully planned the day, to try and experience all the things of Chicago I best remembered... All-in-all
the day was quite memorable and successful!

We left at about 7am, driving the Knight Rider, and by about 10:30am we saw the glorious Chicago skyline. We decided to park my car in Rogers Park, right in front of my old apartment at Greenleaf. This was so very nostalgic to re-visit the neighborhood I lived in for a year. For a minute it almost seemed as if I had just returned home after a very long vacation. We then walked to the beach to spend the first part of the day. Lake Michigan was quite cold, yet also extremely refreshing... I swam further from the shore than ever, not worried about a thing... It felt incredible! After wards we walked around the beach, me reminiscing about my times at the park, playing soccer, running, hanging out with friends, visiting Peter and Jenny, listening to music, voting for Obama, and so forth... So many good memories at that park!


After the beach, we hopped on the L to go to Wrigley and catch an afternoon Cubs game. I managed to get us good seats down the 1st base line, for only 15 bucks a piece... Before we found our seats we decided to eat at a familiar grease pit, that served great gyros... The game was somewhat boring, and it was extremely hot, yet it was all quite alright since our seats were so amazing... I convinced Reggie in ordering an Old Style beer, explaining to him that it's Cubbie Tradition. Unfortunately the Cubs lost to the Brewers, and my undefeated record at Wrigley had finally come to an end... After the game, we went to the Vines to get a quick cold drink. By about 5ish, we left Wrigleyville to head to the city. Yet on our way out, I dropped into a souvenir shop and bought my classic Cubbies Hat, of which I had lost to the wind years ago...

We got off the L on Grand St, and decided to walk to Navy Pier. There we got some good Italian Gelato ice-cream, which Reggie had been raving about for some time. The ice cream was indeed quite incredible. We then went to the Billy Goat Tavern, where they were selling $3.50 beers. We each slammed a few, and afterward were feeling quite tipsy. After leaving the pier we decided to explore some new territory in Chicago, walking along the river way, and into some plazas, with incredible views of the city. We walked past the NBC tower, through the University of Chicago, past the Chicago Tribune, across the bridge, and to Millennium Park, where we caught an amazing classical performance under the Pritzker Pavilion. By about 9pm, we were both quite hungry, and Reggie was keen on finding a certain Colombian restaurant...

So we hopped on the L, to Lawrence, and got off in somewhat of a sketchy neighborhood. We had to quickly flag down a taxi to get to this place. The environment was quite upbeat, full of so much decoration, with loud music and live karaoke, as well as many pretty people. The food was also quite good. I ordered a Cazuelo de Frijoles; rice, beans, an arepa, and some amazing tender steak. I must say the Colombian experience was good, yet also caused several setbacks concerning the L and general finances. I'd say in the end we loss a good 30 bucks trying to get to this place... Nonetheless, after the meal it was almost 11, and we were both ready to get home. So after catching another taxi, and jumping back on the L, we finally returned to my car to make the long perilous drive home. We got home at about 4:30 am, extremely tired. It was a jam-packed day, and I'm grateful that Reggie came with me at such a short notice, to take in as much as we could. Sure it was an expensive trip, yet when you're in Chicago, it's worth every penny spent!

Looking back at History: The Battle in Seattle

It is no surprise that since the World Trade Organization was formed back in 1995, it has been the victim of heavy opposition, criticism, protests, and even riot activity. This is because the WTO promotes globalization, an international economy of free-trade that only widens the social gap between rich countries and poor countries. While big businesses expand internationally, they crush the smaller competition, ignore the interests of developing countries, destroy the environment, and sabotage the common laborer... All in the sake of making more profit. In my own words, Globalization is Capitalism's evil child...

I saw a film recently that documented the unfairness of this World Trade Organization, causing a very historical protest that has become known as the Battle of Seattle. On November 30 of 1999, the World Trade Organization decided to host their Ministerial Conference, in the city of Seattle (home to major corporations such as Nike and Starbucks). Over 40,000 demonstrators took to the streets, to speak out against globalization. The crowd consisted of labor unions, non-government organizations, student groups, anarchists, and religious-based groups. What began as a peaceful and well-coordinated protest, spiraled into a violent and dangerous riot. To this day it has been considered one of the biggest American demonstrations against globalization, as well as one of the worst riots in American history. Over 600 people were arrested along with an estimated 20 million dollars worth of damage to the city of Seattle...



However,... the protest was successful in that it swayed WTO negotiations, ended the conference early, and most importantly brought world attention to the anti-globalization movement. To this day the WTO meets to discuss new ways of promoting free trade and globalization, and is still met by heavy opposition, inspired by the heroic demonstration of Seattle...

Study of Italian Culture

I have always been very fond of Italian Culture. They are an extremely passionate and expressive people which is demonstrated through so many aspects. Their history, art, music, style, and cuisine are full of so much character... I myself have often been mistaken for being Italian, and I must admit that I enjoy to play along with these false assumptions. It's not at all that I'm ashamed of my Venezuelan/Irish/Swedish/American culture,... it's just that I really love Italian culture!

Italian History

Although the glorious Roman Empire, is often considered a category of it's own, one cannot deny that it was centered in Italy. It was great names like Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Marcus Aurelius that greatly contributed to the Italian culture we know today. They created a new system of government, which made them the ultimate power in the world for nearly 500 years. To this day Rome is the capital and centerpiece of Italy, full of so much ancient history. All though I will not get too much into the Roman Empire in this entry, I think it is necessary to tie it in with Italy's historical culture.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, and during the middle ages, Italy became one of the biggest contributors to the development of art, science, and philosophy. From the 14th to the 16th century Italy experienced what became known as a cultural Renaissance(rebirth), that spread all through-out Europe.

Yet from the late 1500s to the early 1800s Italy became dominated by foreign powers, most notably France. In 1796 Napoleon invaded Italy, and by 1802 had created a new Italian republic under his rule. Napoleon ruled much of Italy until he was finally defeated in 1814. This eventually lead to the Italian unification and the first ever unified state of Italy.

During this period of unification, Italy experienced many revolutions, and social upheavals. It wasn't until 1861 that Victor Emanuel II established Italy as a monarchy. In 1870 he took advantage of the Franco-Prussian War to recapture Rome from the French, and make it the new capital of Italy.

During WWI, Italy at first remained neutral yet eventually sided with the Triple Entente against the Central Powers of Austria-Hungary and Germany. Following this war, Italy's economy collapsed and they began to shift from a state of liberalism to a state of fascism.


It was Benito Mussolini, who established the first Fascist government in Europe, in 1922. He became dictator of Italy, conquered Ethiopia, and annexed Albania. Mussolini created an alliance with Adolf Hitler 's Nazi Germany as well as Japan, and became one of the Axis Powers of WWII. They were eventually invaded by the Allied Powers in 1943, and Mussolini was thrown out of power shortly after. He was publicly executed in 1945, causing his fascist remnant to surrender.

Ever since their terrible involvement in WWII, Italy has established a Republic and has been back on the up-swing.

Italian Art

Italy has a tremendous history of Fine Art, most notably during the Italian Renaissance. Here are some of the many notable Italian artists that I have come to admire...

• Caravaggio
• Leonardo da Vinci (painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathametician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, philosopher, botanist, and writer.... best known for his works; Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, as well as his drawing of the Vitruvian Man)
• Giorgio de Chirico (The Song of Love)
• Giotto di Bondone
• Gentile Bellini
• Michelangelo (Pieta, David, The Last Judgment)
• Raphael
• Pino Daeni
• Sandro Botticelli (The Birth of Venus and Primavera)
• Donatello

Italian Literature

• The Divine Comedy written by Dante in the early 1300s, tells of the poet's travels through the three realms of afterlife; Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It is an extremely metaphoric story about mankind's quest for temporary and eternal happiness. I have the book in my collection, yet have still been unable to tackle the complex poem. This classic masterpiece is considered as the foundation of the Middle Ages as well as Italian literature.

Italian Architecture

Italians have especially paved the way throughout history in architectural achievements. From the ancient landmarks of the Roman Empire such as the Colosseum to their effective aqueduct waterline systems. When Rome became the center of Catholicism they paved the way with their masterful basilicas and temples that filled St. Peter Square at Vatican City.

They created a truly unique city in Venice, buildings and bridges floating on water. During the Renaissance Age, they began new design concepts most notably their innovative dome cathedrals in Florence. The architecture of Italy has always had an extremely classical and world-renown essence about it. Here are some of the most popular Italian landmarks today

• The Colosseum, Rome
• Florence Cathedral, Florence
• Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
• St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
• Venice the "City of Water"

Movies about Italian Culture

Two Women (1960 Italian film, about a woman who is raped during WWII. Won Sophia Loren her first Academy Award)

The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece about Italian organized crime in America)

Life is Beautiful (1997 Italian film starring and directed by Roberto Benigni, the tells the story of a Jewish-Italian family during their internment at a Nazi concentration camp. It won numerous awards including best actor for Benigni)

The Son's Room (Winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival)

II Divo (2008 Biopic of the former Italian Prime Minister, Giulio Andereotti)

Italian Cuisine

The cuisine of Italy is probably one of the most popular foods in the world. There's hardly a person alive who doesn't enjoy pasta, pizza, or lasagna. They also have some of the best coffee, wine, cheese, and deserts in the world as well.

• Coffee: Espresso, Cappuccino, Caff elate, Tiramasu
• Soups: Minestrone (Vegetable Soup) Tortellini Noodles
• Noodle Entrees: Spaghetti, Ravioli, Lasagna, Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, Fettuccine Alfredo, Linguine, Tortellini
• Pizza: The toppings and variations are endless however the principle ingredients are dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. Each Italian region has their own style of pizza. Naples made the pepperoni pizza popular, while Sicily made the deep-dish and thick crust style popular. The many forms of pizza have reached a global scale and always seem to be a favorite
• Deserts: Gelato (Ice Cream), Cannoli (fried shells with sweet cream inside),  Tiramasu (coffee flavored cake)

Italian Music

• Antonio Vivaldi (Considered one of the greatest Baroque composers of all time, his beautiful classical sound is defined by the violin. He composed over 40 concertos, including his most famous violin concerto, The Four Seasons)

• Frank Sinatra (Although born in America, Sinatra came from an Italian upbringing, of which he used to characterize his music. He became one of the father-figures of the swing and jazz sound of the 40s, and to this day has become an American musical icon.)

Italian Futbol

• World Cup Champions in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006
• Runners-Up in 1970, 1994
• Great Players: Cannavaro, Maldini, Buffon, Luigi Riva, Roberto Baggio

There are so many reasons I am so intrigued with Italian culture. From their incredible cuisine (Spaghetti, Pizza, Lasanga, Wine, etc) their beautiful women, their passion, their architecture, and especially their amazing geography located off the peninsula of the Mediterranean. It is hands-down the number one place I want to visit in my lifetime... Perhaps maybe I can try to blend in...

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

This movie did not disappoint whatsoever, and I have watched it twice over the past week now. It seemed like long ago, that I first heard of it, and it sparked my interest immediately. Perhaps it was the title, being set in Barcelona, Spain, or maybe the fact that was directed by Woody Allen and starring two of the most beautiful and gifted actresses, Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johannson. The story is incredibly original, unlike any typical romance I've ever seen before... It's more than a love-triangle, it's more like a love square between an artist, and three different women with entirely different views on love. The first being Vicky, who prefers a conventional love, the second being Cristina who has an open-minded view of love, and the third being Maria Elena, who has an extremely wild view of love. The artist in this film, is played by the talented Javier Bardem, who manages to engage each of the three women, and intertwine them in a very unique state of love. It seems to work for a while, yet eventually the situation becomes too perplexing for everyone, and they each go their separate way in the end. I would say this is Woody Allen's best film ever since Annie Hall. Here he created an original romance, full of art and passion, set in the beautiful backdrop of Spain... In this film we see many incredible locations such as Aviles, Barcelona, Oviedo, and the incredible architecture of Antonio Gaudi who designed the Sagrada Familia. Watching this film I have come to realize my appreciation for Spanish culture; their art, music, history, taste of wine and cuisine, and of course their futbol.. After-all they are World Cup Champions...