I couldn't handle staying in last night. I needed a break from the studying tax. So, I took myself on a date to see "The United States of Leland." The movie stars Kevin Spacey (my fave), Don Cheadle ("Ocean's 11" and "Traffic"), Chris Klein (Oz from "American Pie"), Michelle Williams ("Dawson's Creek"), and Ryan Gosling (who plays Leland).

I really liked it. It's dark though, so if you aren't in the mood for that, don't go. It delves deep in to the human psyche of all of the characters--something I really enjoy. I definitely saw some dysfunctional parallels in the main family as I did in the family in "American Beauty."

The acting was, of course, fabulous. And I'm not sure what else Ryan Gosling has been in, but MAN, he's got some major talent. The soundtrack is also very moving.

One moment I enjoyed was when Leland and Pearl (Cheadle) were talking about Pearl's recent infidelity. After justifying his behavior by stating that his girlfriend has been in CA for three months, Pearl says, "I'm only human." Leland carefully notes, "It's funny how people only say that after they've done something bad. No one ever says, 'I'm only human' after they rescue a child from a burning building." Quite true.

While sitting there sipping my diet coke, I saw a preview for another movie that looks great. It's called "Garden State" and stars Natalie Portman and Zach Braff ("Scrubs").

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Posted by Lawren at April 25, 2004 02:59 PM

You Said

Ryan Gosling is great. He's the lead in "Murder by Numbers" with Sandra Bullock and has a small part in "Remember the Titans." I just happened to catch him in a movie on the Sundance Channel last night. It was called "The Slaughter Rule" and a day later, I still don't get it. But he's a great actor nonetheless.

Also, love the new layout.

Says: Heidi S. at April 25, 2004 10:39 PM

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