And So He Ate…

(How many rats below?)


Since I don't have the money (or AT&T) I was not joining the hundreds of people across the country lining up for iPhones this Friday. Instead I decided to worship Steve Jobs in another way, by visiting his OTHER company's movie "Ratatouille." Twice.

Friday and Saturday night were spent journeying to the electric light show known as Times Square to submerge myself in darkness and watch two hours of what crawl at my feet every day. I was able to get past the fact that Pixar has chosen to animate one of the most despised creatures on the planet (or at least New York City where we live in close proximity to MANY) and enjoy the charming, adorable movie. Nick, on the other hand, was not. There was an immense amount of squirming in the chair next to me every time more than one rat appeared on screen. He just needs a little more time in New York.

Some have made a big deal out of the fact that Pixar's movies are making less and less money as they open but at least they aren't sacrificing any of their integrity. These are still very adult children's movies and I doubt you will find many other animated films that pack a whole theater with people over 20 on a Saturday night. It seemed the few kids there had been dragged by their parents!

"Ratatouille" is a story about following your dreams in the face of adversity and never wavering. Great things can come in unexpected packages. Packed within the two hours are some of the most touching moments, the most exciting action sequences, and the most incredible animation that you will see all summer. Brad Bird, the man responsible for my favorite Pixar movie "The Incredibles", wrote and directed this outing with the same immense talent, adult wit and compassion that was on display in 2004. While I didn't think "Ratatouille" quite achieved the brilliance of the most classic Pixar movies it is still not to be missed. It's movies as wonderfully heartwarming as this and "Knocked Up" which have helped put a smile on my face this summer.

(GlaSASSes. Could they be any cuter? Nick and Carson show their sexy, studious sides.)

After I realized the animated food on screen was better than anything I'd put in my mouth in quite some time a few new restaurants were in order. What better way to speed the healing process than by surrounding myself with people I love and eating delicious comfort food?!

Having Nick in the city has been one of the highlights of the past few months. We always have an incredible time together and he's more than willing to come while I beach myself on the couch and watch sick day movies like "Clueless." Friday night we grabbed a burger with Carson and I already knew they got along famously. It was the rest of my friends that I was eager to introduce him to. Sidelining my social life has been one of the most trying aspects of this sickness but it makes the moments I am with my friends that much more meaningful. After introducing Nick to David last night, I organized a brunch today with Jackie and Blaine at a restaurant fittingly named "Good" in the West Village.

(Simple name, but delicious food. Jackie surpasses the name after leaving.)

(Summer in the City! Means cleavage, cleavage, cleavage. Anyone? Anyone?)

I often feel like a bird released from its cage (blame sick head for that inspired piece of writing) when I get out of my apartment. Before I know it I realize I've been so excited to be out that I'm wiped and have to journey back home. Fortunately I have incredible friends who have been so understanding of my disabled-ness over the past three months. Just want to say thank you to everyone reading this for all the support.

(Nick poses outside of my next exploratory spot "Doma.")

Comments

[Tania]

You've been sick for so long it seems even to me the reader, and it must seem like FOREVER to you. Are you at least feeling like you're genuinely starting to get better?

[Delirium Tremens]

Good is so yummy.

They also have the BESTEST drinks--the frozen blackberry mint juleps :)
mmm

something (else) to look fwd to when you get better?

have you now read the Times review/rave about Ratatouille?

[Nick McCarvel]

Matt. I'm glad you had so much fun - I always do too! I still can't get over the fact that you (willingly) went to Ratatouille two nights in a row - in Times Square! You are a trooper my friend :)

[M]

I'm sure all the readers are getting sick of me lamenting my state ;-) There are definite improvements just slower than I wish. I started taking floor barre which is an exciting step and I've been out more so I'm happy to see something other than my apartment.

I'll have to try the blackberry mint julep when I'm allowed to drink again. Sounds DELICIOUS!

[The Skeptical Arab Co.]

Summer in the city, I'm so lonely lonely lonely
So I went to a protest just to rub up against strangers
And I did feel like coming but I also felt like crying
It doesn't seem so worth it right now