When you find yourself disagreeing with the “experts,” do you think, “Is it me?” The answer I give myself is, “No!” It’s happening more often. I go to see a film highly recommended by the supposedly astute movie critics and then wonder: “What did I miss? What did they see that I did not?” Such was my reaction to Will Smith’s latest, “Hancock.”There are heroes – there are superheroes – and then there’s “Hancock.” The movie is a star showcase for Will Smith, an actor I usually do admire. Here, Smith doesn’t flirt with the audience. He doesn’t tease and smile and drawl. He stays in character as a skidrow drunkard with superpowers and a super hangover – edgy, conflicted and misunderstood. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t care what other people think. This superhero is homeless. His heroics might get the job done, but he always seems to leave jaw-dropping damage in its wake: crashed cars, bursting fire hydrants exploding gas stations (we can’t afford that these days!), and toppling bridges. “Hancock” is being publicized as the year’s big summer movie. If you enjoy watching a headless, drunken, slobby nihilist who just happens to have supernatural abilities, then this film is for you. As for me, I was completely underwhelmed by this completely preposterous slob-of-a superhero.
What a delicious treat I had at the World Financial Center Winter Garden. I just strolled into the place on the right day at the right time. It was a happening: “Summer’s Palate – A Tasting Festival.” Each season, there’s a showcase of signature dishes and desserts from the World Financial Center’s many restaurants and cafés. Here’s the appealing kicker – the price range is $1 to $5. The choices were wonderful and varied. Walking around the plaza and just looking at all the selections available made me salivate. I kept reminding myself that the next day I would be standing on my scale. Then I rationalized: What the heck? Such a tasting festival only happens four times a year. If there were more seasons, I might really be in trouble. After checking out all the offerings, I made my choices – admittedly with some difficulty. My first stop was the Columbus Bakery, where I gobbled a paella seafood salad with saffron orzo ($5). Yummy! South West NY had a tempting lobster gazpacho ($5). I forced myself to pass it up – reluctantly. The biggest crowd was at P.J. Clarke’s for P.J’s mini cheeseburgers (2 for $5). Be still, my heart. I was too impatient to wait in the long line, so I headed for Ciao Bella Gelatio’s fruit sorbet ($3), which also was giving out pretty purple pens (no charge). Finally, at Starbucks I bought an iced coffee ($2). Even though my math abilities are limited, I don’t need Wally, my erudite CPA, to tell me that I spent all of $10. Also, I felt virtuous that I walked past, very quickly, Godiva Chocolatier, in spite of eyeing the chocolate-dipped macaroons ($3.25). Summer on the World Financial Plaza always offers interesting and varied events. One of the shows was Junior Mance, a world-class pianist and jazz hall of famer. He was there on July 17 at 12:30 p.m., and I was, too. For August info, call (212) 945-0505 or www.WorldFinancialCenter.com/calendar.
Movie theaters have become among my favorite places to spend time. Happily, there’s one that schedules the kind of movies I like to see and it’s not Frank’s South Cove Statium. How I wish it were! It’s so easy to get there, but when I do get there “there’s no there there” (huh?!). But to get back to the movie theater I like best, it’s The Sunshine Cinema on the Lower East Side (143 E. Houston Street) in Manhattan (not so-o easy to get there, but always worth the trip). Although its building was built in 1898, it had been shuttered for over 50 years. Landmark has restored it in full style. The Sunshine Cinema now has stadium-style seating (comfy!), five screens, clean bathrooms (very important!) and, wait, there’s more. You’d never guess, but there’s a Japanese rock garden and a viewing bridge that offers breathless city views from its third-story spectacular glass annex. There’s also a small area with tables and chairs if you want to buy snacks at the Espresso Bar -somewhat overpriced, but it does offer locally baked pastries. The movies are art-house films, first-run independent ones, and foreign films. There’s even midnight movies (no, I’ve never ventured forth to see any of those – way past my bedtime). On my most recent visit, I saw “Trumbo,” a documentary of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo’s remarkable journey from Hollywood royalty to blacklisted writer to Academy Award winner. A cast of top-notch actors gives great performances using only Trumbo’s words from his letter and other writings. His story is a mix: smart, funny, sad, and courageous. The film includes a lively Trumbo himself in interviews from the 1940s to the 1970s. The writer’s boundless intellect, acerbic humor and staggering resilience is right on screen for us to marvel at. “Trumbo” is a movie that calls for discussion and, if you’re in the mood for a good pastrami sandwich, there’s the famous eatery only two blocks from the theater – Katz’s Deli. What a combo!
When I was a youngster in Brooklyn, one of the glories in my life was to go to the library. In my early visits, I have to admit that frequently I picked out a book if I liked the color of its cover. Then one of the goals was to move from the children’s floor to the adult floor. I can still remember what thrill it was. The library became my hangout, my private club, my sanctuary. It offered (and still does) an alluring mix of entertainment and enlightenment. Recently, the New York Public Library announced a $1 billion (yes, that’s a “b”) expansion, including a transformation of its flagship building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. That “main branch” was home to me for may hours as I resourced its famed reading room and its stacks, working on my master’s thesis for Columbia University. The browsing possibilities were then, and still are, alluring and unlimited. A favorite branch is the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center Plaza. Its exhibitions almost always appeal to me. Currently, there’s one for the whole family! To celebrate the 100th anniversary of baseball theme songs, the library presents a tribute to the sport and to the musicians who love it. It’s titled “Take Me Out to the Ballgame: 100 Years of Music, Musicians, and the National Pastime.” Individual sections of the exhibition are organized around the lyrics of the song. “Take Me Out With the Crowd” focuses on composers who were fans and wrote about the game. “Buy Me Some Peanuts and Cracker Jack” looks at baseball and promotion via vaudeville and the musical stage, as well as trading cards (remember them?). “Root for the Home Team” features baseball musicians, among them Jane Jarvis, longtime organist for the New York Mets, and vocalists of the national anthem. The free exhibition runs through Oct. 4. If you’re curious about more free programs and events for all ages, browse the online calendar (www.nypl.org/calendar).