Last night it was the exclusive Warner Brothers premiere of Inherent Vice in Vancouver.
It was a fun hippy-trippy ride with excellent acting. Look to Joaquin Phoenix to get an Oscar nod here. Josh Brolin was also excellent coming close to stealing several scenes (pancakes!).
If you liked The Big Lebowski, you’ll like this.
It’s a little slow in places, a little long, and a little convoluted (I still can’t quite figure out Owen Wilson’s character) – and the characters smoke so much pot you come away high just from watching it. There is also some Tarantino-esque dialogue that reminds you of Pulp Fiction, but it doesn’t get too bogged down here (thankfully) trying to mimic this.
It does have some real moments of brilliance – and has lots of hilarious dark comedy, classic lines and hippy era poetry all steeped in rich 70s kitsch. The cinematography also works and I truly felt drawn into each scene.
I don’t know whether it was the large screen and/or high definition cameras we’re all using now, but I liked how the camera people made no apologies for showing everybody’s less-than-perfect complexions. There was no mistaking it.
Lots of close ups means you couldn’t ignore the false eyelashes that were everywhere! For me, the contrast between their “natural-ness” and “overdone-ness” (and over-indulgence) is a big part of the “what’s real and what isn’t” scenario. And despite the already trendy 70s feel that seems to be coming back into style – look to this movie to solidify the sales of extra big false eyelashes and pale nude lipstick on women.
Worth the price of admission – yes!
Thank you Warner Brothers for a great night and to The Lazy Gourmet for the fun reception (truffle popcorn, wine, canapes). Also, thank you to SFU for letting us use your fabulous new theatre. Wow!
Opens tomorrow (Friday) in Vancouver.
Check out the trailer:
It’s official, Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR) is about to open British Columbia’s first ever Victoria’s Secret Boutique. It’s one of many new items being introduced to Vancouver’s award-winning airport in an attempt to attract high flyers and members of the jet set crowd. A rare Omega Ladymatic watch ($25,000) and an even rarer 70 Year Old Glenlivet scotch ($27,888), one of only 100 in the world, are also both featured here in this behind the scenes walk-thru at Canada’s second busiest airport.
Whistler’s annual 2011 Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival returns with the best year yet. Regular features, like the Crush Grand Gala Tasting Room and Casino Royale at Ric’s Grill are back. This year also marks the return of the Bearfoot Bistro’s famous Masquerave featuring Cirque du Soleil type performers, live music, free flowing libations and a feast for the senses unlike any other. Proprietor Andre Saint-Jacques moved the $350 per ticket soiree to the Listel Hotel’s parking garage and, with tv cameras in tow, proceeded to give Whistler a world-class party that was the envy of all.
Scotiabank’s ‘Celebration of Hockey Tour’ will be making an appearance in British Columbia with the Stanley Cup®, Canada’s oldest and most famous sports trophy, in Whistler, on March 4th and Chilliwack, on March 5th, 2011. The Cup will be greeted by hockey fans and families eager to have their photos taken with this iconic piece of hockey history. The Stanley Cup® will be accompanied by historical hockey artifacts showcasing the evolution of the game.
A special balloon ceremony was performed by “Sammy” – a 13 yr old Jack Russell – who carried a heart shaped balloon out to the Squamish Nation Welcome Figure which marks the start of the doggy walk. This 20-foot tall native public art figure stands at the water’s edge and represents a welcoming of all to the area and a wish to respect the land, the animals and the traditions that go with it. Sammy was met by local musician Bruce Vernon performing music from his original composition “Der Abschied” (German for “The Goodbye”).
