Aug 30, 2009

NO SUCH THING


"An ambitious story that scorns sensational journalism. Beatrice (Sarah Polley) is a naïve reporter sent to find out what happened to a camera crew that disappeared in Iceland. Instead, her focus turns to a depressed and suicidal monster she encounters there. She promises to help the monster but instead feeds him to the hungry international media. The first-rate cast includes Helen Mirren and Julie Christie." says Netflix.
We thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Although the premise is sort of hokey. I mean a monster in Iceland? Get real! The performances really make this movie. Dame Mirren is right on. But then that is not a surprise. The music is good as well. But most of the monsters I've seen in movies did not have X-rated dialogue. But all this adds up to a thoroughly entertaining movie. This is one of the best of the fantasy/science fiction films.

Grape Stompin'

Yesterday, we went to a grape stompin' at Irvin House Vineyards on Wardmalaw Island. It was the first grape stomp for either of us. Traditionally, harvested grapes were placed in a huge wooden vat and the harvesters would stomp on them to remove the juice from the ripened grapes. Part of the process of making wine. This Carolina vineyard only cultivates native American grapes and from it create their five varieties of wine. The Grape Stompin' celebrates the grape harvest and is a family event with grapes being stomped in half wooden barrels with live music, arts and crafts sales, barbecue, games and, of course, wine. We found it enjoyable and reconnected with some folks we hadn't seen in awhile. We would have enjoyed it more had we brought some chairs and some friends to have shared the joy with.