Dec 2: Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind?

Going to restaurants is one of my absolute favorite things to do. It's one of the reasons I adore living in New York because there are endless possibilities, even though I often just end up going to the same ones over and over.

Trying to pick the best restaurant experience I had is tough. There have been so many great ones. I went to the 21 Club with my roommate during Restaurant Week for some old school New York. We ate steak and drank fun drinks, even though we were sure the restaurant could tell we were second class citizens in terms of the dining scene. But experience wise, one that stands out happened pretty recently. And it was more about the company then the food, though that was excellent too.

Good old Kim and Dan were in town so we decided to go to brunch. As usual, no one had any idea where to go, so I decided to have us try something new so we went to the Cornelia Street Cafe. After a bit of a wait in New York City sunshine, we were seated in Siberia, way in the back of the restaurant, which i attributed to our large party size. It was cozy—white walls, wooden tables and the pleasant noise of humming restaurant chatter. Then the fun started in a game this group calls winning the order. You can read an exhaustive list of rules here. However, this particular time was the last game of the trip so it was time to get serious. The hilarity that can be contributed to this game is ridiculous. Everyone takes a long time to decide and tries to keep their order a secret, lest they be disqualified. My order was, the always classic, huevos rancheros. I had once ridiculed this dish because of its funny name, but that was before I had tried it. This particular version centered on a large flour tortilla, topped with fluffy over medium eggs, black beans, cheddar cheese, creme fraiche and salsa. Thought it is considered a heavy breakfast, it didn't feel that way because of the fresh salsa. It's my new favorite brunch order. And this time it won. Some would disagree, Kim tried hard with her eggs Benedict, but I knew I was victorious when everyone conceded that if I finished every bite, I had the win. Some may disagree that this happened, but it DID. My only win, if that doesn't make for the best restaurant experience for the year, I don't know what does.

Dec 1: What was your best trip in 2009?

I'm already way behind on this, but I still want to write about each topic. So here it goes.




What was your best trip in 2009?

I was lucky enough to do a fair amount of traveling this year. There were the weddings of two of my girls to attend, one in Kansas City, one in Salt Lake, both of which were wonderful trips. There was a quick trip to Chicago. There were work trips to San Antonio and San Francisco. But hands down my best trip of 2009 was the week cruise I took with my family in February. The cruise as meant as a celebration of my father being done with chemo and cancer-free. Now we know that was unfortunately a short-lived diagnosis but that doesn't mean the trip was any less fun in hindsight.

My entire life, the Ramseys have taken family vacations. Every summer, most spring breaks, sometimes at Christmas. Yes, most of these were to Disney World, but by the time I was 20, I had been to every part of the country with my family. Often we'd drive because my dad loved to be in control of the car and that way he could make us listen to Rush Limbaugh, Gary Puckett and any other offensive music/talk he could find in hopes of "broadening our minds." Since we've grown up, these trips have become less frequent but still happen occasionally. This time, we took a cruise that left from Miami and went to a private island in Hati, Jamaica, Mexico and was supposed to stop in Grand Caymen, but couldn't because of bad weather. My mom had made a promise that this was the trip we would go all out. Anything we wanted to do, we could. So we went para sailing and zip lining. We climbed a waterfall. We ate and drank whatever we wanted.

One of the best things I remember though were the times when we weren't doing things that were too cruise-y. When we couldn't stop in Grand Caymen, we were bummed but it gave us the opportunity to just be with each other. We played Phase 10 for about three hours, my Dad beating us almost every time. It's so rare that we were all together for so long anymore. When I'm home, my sister is always jetting off to be with friends so this was the first time in a long time it had just bee the four of us. Had I known it was going to be one of the last, I would have savored it more. Obviously reflecting on the trip brings it more significance now then it did then since I recently lost my dad. I know for a fact that I'll never have a trip like it again. But looking at the photos from that trip now are good for me. It's good to see him healthy and happy. John and his girls, having the time of their lives.

2009

I'm feeling down on 2009. It's been a rough year. So inspired by Jacky, I decided I want to try and participate in the Best of 2009 blog challenge. Mostly to try and remember some good things about this year and perhaps even reflect on the bad things. I've never done anything like this before with this blog, but perhaps it will inspire me to start posting more, which is an area where I'm lacking in inspiration as of late. I'm just a few days to this party, but I still want to write the prompts I missed so those will come soon.

For now, just the announcement of things to come because I have four interviews to transcribe and one more to do today.

Because why not?

The Greatest Update Ever: Part 2

Adventureland
I love this movie. I hadn't seen a movie multiple times in the theater in awhile. It's harder to justify it in New York. But I did it for this one. Romantic and genuinely funny are hard to come by. Adventureland does both very well. I wasn't even that annoyed by Kristen Stewart's mouth. Well . . . most of the time.

Star Trek
I've always maintained my position of Star Wars over Star Trek. This was an uneducated preference really. I remember watching Star Trek with my parents but never really understanding or liking it that much. But then J.J. Abrams had to go and direct it, thereby forcing my interest to be piqued. Going completely ignorant of the original Star Trek was kind of cool. Although instantly I wanted to watch all that came before it.

The Taking of Pelham 123
This is what happens when you just want to go to a movie theater, no matter what's playing. You find yourself watching a completely unbelievable , laughable performance by John Travolta. It's pretty sad when you realize the highlight of a film is when you recognize the MTA headquarters as being by your office. Lame.

Whatever Works
Larry David and Woody Allen together? Match made in heaven. Or so you would think. What was the problem? I'm not quite sure. Maybe it was because I've watched too much Curb. I could actually see Larry David thinking about his lines as he said them. Evan Rachel Wood was incredibly annoying. Plus the script just didn't feel fresh. I want these guys to try again, next time with a little more feeling
.
Public Enemies
Disappointment. Johnny, you've never looked better. Too bad it wasn't in a better movie. And I had such high hopes.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
I reached my height of crazy this summer when I went to the midnight IMAX showing of Harry Potter and then went again the same day. Was it worth it? Clearly. However, I do have criticisms. Why in the world did they change how Ginny and Harry get together? I can't see any possible reason. But overall, you still got me Harry. Although I did not cry and that was upsetting in and of itself.

(500) Days of Summer
It happened again. I fell hard for a movie and wanted to see nothing else for weeks. Amazingly I only saw it twice, but not for lack of trying. I loved everything about this movie. Acting, soundtrack, pacing, editing, everything. I hadn't been hit this hard since Garden State. And anyone who knows me, that means something.

Funny People
Another disappointment. Seth Rogan, you look great skinny. Keep it up. Jason Schwartzman, I had higher hopes for you but always glad to see you. Jonah Hill, you're always solid, be in the movie more. As for Adam Sandler, I appreciate the effort to branch out, but the sheer amount of penis jokes ruined any new depth of emotion you tried to reach.

Julie & Julia
Yum. Well, the Meryl Streep part is great. Amy Adams just tries to make to make do with the unfortunate haircut they gave her. Plus they filmed in my new hood!

District 9
One of the few movies I saw this summer that lived up to its hype. Compelling, grotesque, exciting and awesome. Well done Danny Boyle.

The September Issue
Oh magazines. I still adore you. Even as you die a slow and painful death. But this film, which follows the creation of the September 2007 issue of Vogue (the biggest issue the magazine ever put out). The filmmakers got unprecedented access to Anna Wintour and she's better for it. It shows her being tough on her colleagues—creative director Grace Coddington bares the brunt but luckily she's one of the few who can take it and dish some herself—as well as showing why she's one of the most respected editors of all time.

Films I couldn't muster the energy to recap, therefore grades:
Duplicity: B-
I Love You, Man: B
The Proposal:D
Angels and Demons:D
Up: A+
The Hangover: B

The Greatest Update Ever: Part 1

So remember when this blog was supposed to be an outlet for me to write about movies? I write about non-commercial foodservice all day, so I created this blog so I'd have a place to write about movies and other things that inspire me, but movies primarily. However, life intervened. The last movie I wrote about in length was American Teen, more than a year ago.

I am ashamed.

Apart from my post about the Oscars and the extensive list of my feelings on the movies of the year, I haven't written in present tense about a movie I've seen in more than a year?! This stops now. So to catch you all up, and in the interest of brevity, I will detail the movies I've seen since the post about favorite movies of the year with my feelings on each. I want to share with you all what I've seen but I know, as all writers should, conciseness is key.

Bride Wars
Sometimes you need a mindless chick flick. Sometimes you need one with one of your oldest friends. Yes, this was terrible. Probably everything that is wrong with movies made for women. But Anne Hathaway is a girl crush of mine. And she wore a really cute dress/cardigan pairing, so it was almost worth it.

He's Just Not That Into You
Again, another bad choice made for reasons of mindless entertainment. But hey, the early part of the year is movie dumping ground. So when the urge strikes, you go see drivel like this. However, it wasn't as terrible as Bride Wars, so that's a plus. I still will watch Jennifer Aniston in almost anything and this is one of her lesser crimes. Although I do dislike Justin Long and don't buy him as a cool guy at all. Overall, I agree with one Adrienne Aggen's assessment of, "not terrible."

Gomorra
For those not familiar, Gomorra is a film about organized crime in and around Naples. Praised highly in the pages of the NY Times, I am struggling to remember anything about it besides a ::yawn:: AND IT'S ABOUT GANGSTERS. Come on Italy, you can do better than this.

Two Lovers
Better known as the movie Joaquin Phoenix was supposed to be promoting when he went crazy on David Letterman, Two Lovers is actually a sweet little movie. Set in Brighton Beach, land of Russian immigrants, the film follows Leonard as he juggles two romances. One with a parent-approved good girl and one with a manic-depressive hottie (Gwyneth Paltrow). Needless to say, Leonard doesn't do the male gender any favors in his actions, but the film is still really interesting to watch, both in regards to performances but also as an example of a type of a movie that isn't made much anymore: a smart and simple New York romance.

Watchmen
Full disclosure: I knew very little about Watchmen before I went to see it. I had read a few things about it (Patrick Wilson sex scene! Billy Crudup blue and naked!) and seen the trailer (Smashing Pumpkins song!) but otherwise I'd only heard raving fanboys (Chris Raine) talking about how great the comic is. I pride myself on being a girl who likes this sort of thing (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc), so I was hoping for the best. To say I wasn't impressed would be a lie. It's visually a beautiful movie. But I just didn't care about any of the characters or particularly like any of them. And it's hard to watch a three hour movie where you don't have anyone to root for. Even if they are played by Patrick Wilson and Matthew Goode (Chasing Liberty!).

Coming soon...Duplicity, Adventureland and more.

Patience is a Virtue

Yes, I've been MIA for more than a month. But I have good reasons.

1. One, Corinne Fetter became Corinne Kritikos and attention had to be paid.

2. I moved from Morningside Heights/Harlem to beautiful Park Slope, Brooklyn after a hellish apartment search and the latest movers in the history of the world.

3. Two other Uglies are in the throws of wedding planning and attention must be paid.

But, I'm working on a new blogging vigor. I want to return this blog to its true purpose so I have some drafts in the works. Until then, thanks for checking in and stay tuned.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

OK, OK! My fans are clamouring for an update (although I think you just want a new post for new opportunities to make fun of me). I was planning on doing one tonight, but then I got carried away with bridesmaid duties. So I'm in process of writing the update to beat all updates.

You'll need a few days to prepare for what's about to happen.

Celebrity Sighting #5

Celebrity Sighted: Michael Imperioli

Location: Tribeca/Chinatown border

Info: Dave and I were returning from an excellent Chinatown feast when he hit me repeatedly on the arm as we were crossing the street. Thinking it was just his normal behavior, I was slow to catch on that he was calling the sighting to my attention. There he was, Christopher Moltisanti from The Sopranos! A show I have recently completed watching and absolutely LOVED.

Notes: He had long hair (for Christopher) and we saw him meet a young lass on the corner, gave her a kiss on the cheek and disappear into the night.

Unwigged and Unplugged: Beacon Theater

An amazing thing happened yesterday. I was completely spontaneous and it all worked out perfectly. Having read that the lead players of Spinal Tap were going to be performing sans costumes and electric instruments, I thought I might like to go but funds for such things are low on my list as of late. However, when the show presented itself again, day of show, for some reason I flew into action. I went to Craigslist, found cheap seats, e-mailed and secured tickets in one hour's time. It couldn't have been easier. So to my joy, that is how I found myself sitting in the incredibly beautiful Beacon Theater for a night of comedy/rock. The trio did songs, all acoustic, from This is Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind and some choice cuts from Waiting for Guffman.

Highlights:
•An earlier promise of famous faces was doubly paid off when the trio was clearly gearing up to play the classic, "Gimme Some Money"—choice lyrics: "Don't get me wrong. Try getting me right. Your face is OK. But your purse is too tight." Instead of launching into the song themselves, they brought out a guest vocalist in the person of ELVIS COSTELLO. Elvis sang the entire song with gusto as the trio backed him up. The entire theater was shocked and elated.

•As a breather between songs, the trio read verbatim the original censorship notes made when NBC decided to air the film in its entirety for the first time. Sample notes: "The lyrics 'my baby fits me like a flesh tuxedo, I'd like to sink her with my pink torpedo' are unacceptable." "The entire song 'Sex Farm' is unacceptable."

•I feared Stonehenge wouldn't be as wonderful without the mini-Stonehenge and dancing midgets. However, I was proven wrong when on the screen behind the trio, an even smaller mini-Stonehenge was lowered down on a string while two disembodied hands (which I later found out belonged to Jamie Lee Curtis) made two Troll dolls dance around. It was the Spinal Tap equivalent of the dancing manatee. Brilliant!

•I wasn't expecting any songs from Waiting for Guffman since the other two gentlemen weren't involved in that movie, however, I was pleasantly surprised when Christopher Guest and a guest female vocalist sang a touching rendition of "A Penny for Your Thoughts," complete with toe touch at the end.

•I also wasn't expecting to hear my favorite song from A Mighty Wind, "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow, since it's Eugene Levy's shining moment in the film. However, apparently Michael McKean and his wife wrote the song and so fittingly performed it, complete with kiss at the end.

•The performance of "Big Bottom" was done with just bass and snapping fingers, which is probably how I'd prefer to hear the song from now on.

•They took some time between songs to share two of their favorite fan-made music videos to Spinal Tap songs. Here is my favorite:


•The evening ended on a high note with "Old Joe's Place," reminding me how much I enjoy A Might Wind and must rewatch it as soon as possible.

•Overall, I was really impressed with how talented the men were as musicians. Christopher Guest can play guitar as well as anyone I've seen. And although they are all in they're 60s, they played for two hours including two encores. That's more than I've seen much younger musicians do.

Lowlight:
The definition of douche that was sitting a row ahead of us. Not only were they clearly wasted and talking over the music so loud that the girl next to us loudly (and rightly) called them douches, when the trio was introducing the song "Corn Wine," the douche felt it appropriate to yell out "Cornhole!" Not amused. Thankfully, they stumbled out (or were kicked out) shortly after this incident.

Sigh

Sorry for all the trailer stuff. I've been crazy at work, traveling, sick, hurt back and now eczema. Perhaps too much information. But some of the only pleasure I get these days is from trailers like this. Enjoy.

P.S. I heart Arcade Fire.

Oh hey Harry

yes please

Celebrity Sighting #5

Celebrity Sighted: Jason Sudeikis

Location: The Village Pourhouse, East Village

Info: I was at the Pourhouse, one of two official KU alumni bars, to watch the slaughtering of Mizzou when my good friend Chris Raine pointed out Mr. Smiling Joe Biden watching the game in the other room. As a known KU alum, it was not surprising to see him there, but exciting nonetheless. Raine said that Will Forte from SNL was with him, but I did not spy him.

Notes: He was sporting a fine beard and was wearing (proudly) a navy Kansas sweatshirt.

Quick Oscar Predictions

Just so I'll be able to gloat, in case I do well, here are my Oscar picks for tonight. Let's see how I do. If I get 100%, you all have to buy me something pretty.

Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Notes: The only one I haven't seen is The Reader, and it shouldn't have been nominated in this category anyway. Should have been The Dark Knight or WALL-E.
Will Win: Slumdog Millionaire

Best Actor
Richard Jenkins-The Visitor
Frank Langella-Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn-Milk
Brad Pitt-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke-The Wrestler
Notes: Ok, I haven't seen The Wrestler. However, Mickey Rourke scares me and I can't see how much of a stretch his part is...In any other year, I'd say Frank Langella should be taking the golden guy, but unfortunately that damn Sean Penn showed up to steal his glory. Also, I recently watched The Visitor and it is GREAT!
Will Win: Mickey or Sean? My heart says Sean but my head says Mickey.

Best Actress
Anne Hathaway-Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie-Changeling
Melissa Leo-Frozen River
Meryl Strep-Doubt
Kate Winslet-The Reader
Notes: I'm outraged Kate was nominated for The Reader and not Revolutionary Road which is generally considered the better of her two parts. However, I heart her, so she's welcome any time. I also heart Anne Hathaway and LOVED Rachel Getting Married so I'd be happy if she won. Only other note, Changleing is a terrible movie. Angelina Jolie's entire performance is her crying and repeating the line (That is not my son!). She doesn't belong here.
Will Win: Kate Winslet

Best Supporting Actor
Josh Brolin-Milk
Robert Downey Jr.-Tropic Thunder
Phillip Seymour Hoffman-Doubt
Heath Ledger-The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon-Revolutionary Road
Notes: Even if he hadn't died, Heath Ledger's performance is insurmountable by the rest of these guys. They know it and you will too as soon as you see his Oscar clip next to any of theirs.
Will Win: Heath Ledger

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams-Doubt
Penelope Cruz-Vicky Christina Barcelona
Viola Davis-Doubt
Taraji Henson- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei-The Wrestler
Notes: This is a tough one to call. The two Doubt ladies will probably split voters, although of the two, I prefer Viola Davis' performance. I liked Henson in Button but I think Cruz directed by Woody will be too hard for the Academy to resist.
Will Win: Penelope Cruz

Best Director
Danny Boyle-Slumdog Millionaire
Steven Daldry-The Reader
David Fincher-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard-Frost/Nixon
Gus Van Sant-Milk
Notes: I'd be happy if either Gus Van Sant or Danny Boyle won. I've been fans of both for years, ditto David FIncher, although I think he'll do better films than Button. Howard already has his Oscar, so it should have been Christopher Nolan.
Will Win: Danny Boyle-Slumdog Millionaire

Cruising

More to come on the cruise but for now...

There is a God, part 2

Here is proof.

Best of 2008: Theater/Shows

Broadway/Off-Broadway
Equus
Originally billed just as Harry Potter naked, live on stage, I actually really enjoyed the actual play. Daniel Radcliffe has definitely (ahem) matured as an actor and it was really exciting to see him in something so completely removed from Harry. Richard Griffiths was incredible and I liked the story way more than I thought I would. Money WELL spent.

The Seagull
Starring Peter Sarsgaard and Kristin Scott Thomas, this was another great chance to see amazing actors live on stage. An ensemble piece that deals with love, family, etc, it also starred MacKenzie Crook, better known as Gareth from the British Office or the pirate with the wooden eye in Pirates of the Caribbean. He was the one that most impressed me.

Shakespeare in the Park: Hamlet
My feelings on this have already been chronicled here.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
As have my feelings on this one.

Comedy
Asssscat (Thanks Dan)
I saw two performance of this Upright Citizens Brigade show, originally created by SNL's Amy Poehler. The first one was far funnier than the second one, mostly because Rob Riggle formerly of The Daily Show was in attendance and he could make me laugh just standing there. However, it did introduce me to my favorite new addition to SNL before he made it there: Bobby Moynihan

Stella
Although a big fan of Wet Hot American Summer I hadn't seen much Stella before this show. Until my good friend Dan had me watch some over Thanksgiving break, which I was thankful for. It was all solid, especially when Paul Rudd showed up to "stand in" for David Wain while he went to the bathroom. Hey, Paul . . . Shawnee Mission West!

Late Night With Conan O'Brien
This was a fun one, mostly because we thought it would be kind of lame since the guest was Martin Short, but he turned out to be very funny. One thing to complain was the people in charge of the line. We were directed to the wrong one and ended up way in the back. This upset me, not so much the rest of my party. Conan, however, was his usual charming and funny self. Don't go to L.A., they'll ruin you!

Other
Times Talks: Sarah Jessica Parker
See here.

Times Talks: Ellen Page, Amy Ryan and Jason Reitman
Ditto.

Best of 2008: Music

I have never been the person to "discover" new bands. I always catch on way too late for that, mostly after I've heard a song in a movie trailer, T.V. show, commercial or movie. Otherwise, my good friends Alison or Adrienne Aggen usually make me fun mix CDs that brighten my musical horizons. So here are the bands/albums/songs that I listened to and enjoyed the most in 2008.

Listened Obsessively
Bon Iver, For Emma Forever Ago
Choice track: "Skinny Love, "Flume" and "The Wolves"

Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes
Choice track: "Your Protector" and "Blue Ridge Mountains"

Okkervil River, The Stand Ins
Choice track: "Calling and Not Calling My Ex" and "Lost Coastlines"

The Virgins, The Virgins
Choice track:"Fernando Pando" and "Teen Lovers"

Superb
The Ting Tings, We Started Nothing
Choice track: "We Walk" and "Great DJ"

Radiohead, In Rainbows
Choice track: All except "House of Cards," which is just ok.
Update: Upon further reflection, and a very persuasive video produced by Adrienne and Jared starring Jared, Adrienne's voice and one ugly doll with a Thom Yourke "lazy eye," I've come to have a new appreciation for the song. Well done, team.

Kings of Leon, Only By the Night
Choice track: "Sex On Fire" and "Revelry"

Deserves to be listened to more
Bloc Party, Intimacy
Choice track: "Signs" (acoustic)

Coldplay, Viva la Vida
Choice track:"Lost?" and "42"

You can do better
Ben Folds, Way to Normal
Choice tracks: "Cologne," "You Don't Know Me" and "Bitch Went Nuts" (only because it gets stuck in my head for days and the first line is hilarious "The bitch went nuts, she stabbed my basketball." What the?

Concerts

Amazing
Radiohead, All Points West Festival
Bon Iver, Town Hall
Okkervil River, Webster Hall
The Swell Season, Radio City Music Hall
Tilly and the Wall, The Knitting Factory (Thanks Dan!)


(Above) Okkervil River's Will Scheff. My god that is good hair.

Solid
Built to Spill, Terminal 5
Fleet Foxes, Webster Hall
Kings of Leon, All Points West Festival
Old Springs Pike, Rockwood Music Hall
Spoon, Terminal 5
The Ting Tings, McCarren Park Pool (Even though we only saw the last half of it. Poor crowd management.)
The Virgins, All Points West Festival

Eh
The Mountain Goats, Webster Hall (This is probably not their fault. I think was so tired that I was sleeping standing up, however, the fact that they couldn't wake me up probably says something about them.)

Best Opening Band
Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears, opened for Okkervil River

Singles
Making its way to 25 Most Played (may not be new, but I discovered it during the past year)
"Almost Lover," A Fine Frenzy
"Apologize," Timbaland featuring One Republic-featured during a hot scene on Gossip Girl
"Ca Plane Pour Moi," Plastic Bertrand
"Circus," Britney Spears
"Disturbia," Rihanna
"Hard to Live in the City," Albert Hammond Jr.
"Paper Planes," MI.A.
"Sour Cherry," The Kills
"The Way I Are,"Timbaland
"Three Wishes," The Pierces
"With Me," Sun 41-ditto
"Womanizer," Britney Spears

And many of the above choice tracks.

Golden Globes

Best part of the night.



This and Kate Winslet talking more about her love of Leonardo DiCaprio than her husband. For which, I do not blame her.

Best of 2008: Movies

I'm late to the list-making party but, inspired by Dan, I wanted to share my feelings on the year's entertainment offerings, if only to invite spirited debate. I decided to do it in installments. Movies, Music and Theater. First up, my favorite, movies!

By my count, I saw 33 movies in the theater this year. Pas mal, but there was still plenty I wanted to see that I didn't. (movies are in alphabetical order)

Perfection
Milk (Tears and lots of them)
Rachel Getting Married (I heart Anne Hathaway!)
Slumdog Millionaire (Possibly my favorite movie of the year)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Whoa! Brad Pitt . . . I remember you.)
The Dark Knight (The only movie that when it was over, I instantly wanted to watch it again . . . and again . . . and again)
Wall-E (Waaaalllleeeee! tee hee!)

Excellent
Burn After Reading (this has been moved up due to a second viewing)
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (on second viewing, this moved up to excellent)
Frost/Nixon
Iron Man
Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
Revolutionary Road (Kate! Leo! Fighting!)

Solid
American Teen
Doubt
In Search of a Midnight Kiss (A sweet little movie, see it)
Role Models
Pineapple Express (James Franco, even with that hair, anytime...)
Tropic Thunder (on second viewing, this moved down to solid, except RDJ deserves perfection)
Young @ Heart (Tee hee, old people!)

Decent
Baby Mama
Body of Lies
Kung Fu Panda

Dumb but Enjoyable
Definitely, Maybe (I liked this too much and it doesn't deserve it
Hancock (Funniest first half, followed by a train wreck of a second)
Mamma Mia
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (What the random?)
Pride and Glory (Oh hey Edward Norton)
Sex and the City (See here)
The Incredible Hulk (Again, Edward Norton thank you)
Twlight (My favorite part of this, is when Alison and I were both doubting Robert Pattinson's attractiveness, and then he showed up in a suit . . . sold.)
W

Eh
Changeling (Ok, Angelina, you can cry, what else can you do?)

Bad
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Ugh, Shia LeBeouf, get the hell out of Hollywood)

Wanted to See, But Didn't, Be They Good Or Bad (hello, Netflix)
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
A Christmas Tale
Australia
Be Kind Rewind
Choke
Funny Games
Ghost Town
Gran Torino
Hamlet 2
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
I've Loved You So Long
Man On Wire
Marley and Me
Quantum of Solace
Religulous
Smart People
Synecdoche, New York
The Class
The Duchess
The Reader
The Visitor
The Wackness
The Wrestler
Vicky Christina Barcelona

Any I should skip? Disagree with picks above? Let's hear it.

Who said New York City smells bad?