Bugs and Sealife

Rent "Junebug" and "The Squid and the Whale."

"Junebug" is an endearing and disturbing tale all weaved together, and one of those movies that I couldn't tell if I really liked or disliked it. But after a few weeks of letting it sink in, I've decide it is cool worthy if only because I keep thinking about it. The naive sister in law is by far my favorite character. She's go to so much heart and yet is so aggravating because of her dim wit that you almost hate her for it in the end, but somehow you just can't. You'll know what I mean when you watch it.

As for "The Squid and the Whale", it was one of those films that keeps you on edge because it seems as if any minute, it could go really creepy/weird, but yet doesn't. It's a basic and raw tale about the decay of a New York family. I have always loved Jeff Daniels, even in "Dumb and Dumber". So he adds a nice depth to it. Again a movie where you don't know if you love or hate the characters, but I tend to fall for those "gray" folks.

Both of these movies had a very strong sense of place. I think it's fascinating how some directors and writers can pull off "setting as character" so flawlessly. I envy it. I wanted to move to New York and also made me glad I never moved to North Carolina.