WATCHING: A Star Reflects
Jay Kelly (Netflix)
If you’re one of George Clooney’s many fans, then you will want to see this film. Jay Kelly is the story of one famous movie star’s reflecting on his past life, his successes, but mostly his shortcomings and omissions. Stunned by the death of a mentor, and then taken back into the past by a run-in with a former aspiring actor, Jay begins to confront his life. Divorced, with episodic relationships with his two daughters, he and his manager, Ron Sukenick, are bound for Tuscany where Jay will collect an award. On the way, Jay tries to join his younger daughter Daisy’s European trip with friends; as a result, he ends up on a crowded train which leads to some funny encounters with the other passengers.
Where does a movie star’s façade end and when does his real self emerge? If you are looking for lots of action, this film isn’t for you. Using flashbacks as well as present-day events, Jay’s self-importance and entitlement are coupled with a dawning awareness of all that he has missed out on. George Clooney delivers a masterful performance as does Adam Sandler as Ron. (~JWFarrington)
READING: Inspector Lynley Returns
A Slowly Dying Cause by Elizabeth George
Mystery writer Elizabeth George builds her cases slowly and deliberately with lots of backstory. Her latest Inspector Lynley novel, the 22nd, is no exception, running to over 600 pages. In fact, we don’t meet Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers until about a third of the way in.
Michael Lobb, the owner of a tin and pewter business is found murdered, and the local DCI Bea Hannaford is investigating the case. Suspects and suspicions abound in the form of his two employees, a father and son; an eco-mining company that would like to acquire his property; his much younger wife Kayla; his younger brother Sebastian; and several other relatives. Michael’s estranged first wife and children are also of interest.
This is a slow-moving book, and while I enjoyed it, I don’t consider it one of George’s best. The scenes between Lynley and Havers, however, are priceless, and Barbara’s stay at the Lynley family estate is memorable as she anxiously deals with what to wear and how to comport herself in such elegant and rich surroundings. More of Lynley and Havers would have enhanced this mystery. Cautiously recommended for fans of the series.
DINING OUT
Lovely Lunch at Novita
The Chief Penguin and I had lunch with a friend and former Lehigh colleague, currently the president of Baruch College. Novita is located on 22nd Street at Lexington, practically on the campus. Its butter yellow dining room and a warm welcome from the hostess set the tone for our lively conversation and the meal to follow.
The Italian menu included a wide selection of pasta dishes along with meat and fish entrees. We three opted for mussels, pappardelle with lamb and porcini ragu, and my delicate spinach ravioli topped with a thick tomato sauce and several dollops of buffalo mozzarella. Simply delicious overall, Novita is now on our must-return list.
Via Carota, All-time Favorite in the West Village
We make it a priority to dine at Via Carota at least once every visit to Manhattan. Reservations are hard to come by, so we arrive just before 11:00 am when they open, to be among the first diners seated. Today, despite some rain, was no exception. We arrived before 11:00 and were admitted and seated right away.
Today’s lunch included a lovely pasta dish with slices of black truffle on top, the C.P.’s favorite artichokes a la griglia, and chicken with olive oil and slices of lemon. It was a perfect lunch and we savored it with a bit of Vernaccia white wine.
‘Tis the holiday season, warmest of wishes: Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
Note: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
