The Intouchables

Last night I went to another free movie screening.  Sometimes I go just b/c it's free and I have no plans the night of the screening.  Other times I go because it's a movie I really want to see. 

There have been a few movies that I went into the theater knowing only the title and brief description and nothing else.  These movies tend to surprise me.  Not only b/c they have turned out to be great movies, but b/c they are movies I would have never consider seeing if I saw them at the Red Box, so I would have missed out. 

Last night's screening fits the type where I went because it's my birthday week and I was free.  I knew the title "The Intouchables" and that it was about a quadriplegic rich guy and a kid from the hood who becomes his assistant.  I did not know that this was a French film with English subtitles.  I think it was my first foreign film seen in theaters.

It was a touching story, based on a true story and was hilarious. Omar Sy was quite funny and he had my eyes wet from laughter.  I wasn't bored and was really into the story.  Sometimes it's best going into something with little to no expectations.  I kind of wish I spoke French so I didn't have to read the subtitles, but there are certain reactions and body language that need no translation.  Two guys from opposite sides of the track forming a unique friendship.

Great movie and it's one that I wouldn't mind buying when it's released on DVD.

#20

Mom's Potato Salad

I had a few potatoes left from February so I decided to make my mom's potato salad. I've never made it before and it didn't taste exactly like my mom's, but it was good nonetheless. I boiled the potatoes with the skins on, then peeled them after they cooled. I used packages of mayonnaise I had in my fridge since it's a condiment I don't typically use and didn't want to buy a container of the stuff. I defrosted my chopped onions while the potatoes were boiling and they were good to go when it came time to cut the potatoes and mix in the mayo. I also added a bit of pickle juice and let it sit in the fridge to chill. I forgot to add pepper, but I'm not a big fan of the stuff anyway. Not bad and just enough for a few servings.

#19

Banana Pancakes

I always think of this skinny, short surfer from TX that I dated briefly back when Jack Johnson's "Banana Pancakes" song came out. I've never had banana pancakes before, but after buying a bunch at Costco and having them get overripe all at once, I had no choice but to do something with mushy bananas, so I made banana pancakes for breakfast [and thought about the surfer guy and his love for Jack Johnson- who I can't stand]. I ended up freezing half of the finished pancakes so I could reheat later. I used 2 ripe bananas, smashing them in a plastic bag before adding them to the batter. Not too bad, only wish I had whipped cream, but used powder sugar instead for a topping.