Entertainment

My last Academy Award Nominated movie is Blue Valentine. This movie was a bit harder to find for me here in Central Florida. Luckily we have the Enzian Theatre in Maitland. The Enzian is Central Florida’s only full time, not for profit alternative cinema. It’s really a special experience to visit because you can have dinner and see a movie. The Enzian menu is quite extensive including everything from salads to pizza to meatloaf. Get there early so you have an extra few minutes to peruse the menu because you will need it. The seats are nice and comfortable as well and if you don’t want dinner you can sit in a fancy love seat rather than at a table. I’ve been visiting the Enzian for almost 15 years and the experience is always one to remember. Whether you are a seasoned Central Floridian or a tourist looking for a low key activity the Enzian is the place for you. Although I’d probably recommend leaving children home.

Blue Valentine can best be described as a realistic love story. It isn’t a fairy tale written for the silver screen. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams play married couple Dean and Cindy. We learn their relationship is currently running on empty and are given glimpses into their past which was much more pleasant. The couple decides to take a trip to an erotic motel to try and work on the marriage as we take a trip down memory lane.

Gosling’s younger Dean can best be described as lost and charming. He certainly doesn’t have much going for him in this world but he can get by on his smile alone. Cindy is a medical student with a promising future who finds herself in a tough situation. I found her character to be flat and depressing at the best moments. Dean promises her the world and she is scared and naive enough to believe it.

To find out whether the relationship lasts you’ll need to see the movie for yourself. It was very enjoyable and I would see it again. However one issue that I had was that the time frame seems very askew. One moment Gosling has a full head of hair and a young exterior and the next shot he is balding and looking quite worn down. To find out it has only been about 5 years was a huge surprise. I think what makes this movie enjoyable is that it is relatable. Maybe you haven’t experienced exactly what they have been through, but you can understand where they are coming from. I don’t think this one will be winning many Academy Awards but it kept me entertained.

Please be warned this movie contains serious mature themes and should not be viewed with children. Not the run of the mill mature themes either. You have been warned.

I give Blue Valentine 3 Tubs of Popcorn. Unfortunately the other sister has not had a chance to check this one out.

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