(you've lost) that loving feeling

Quiet day. It's my Dad's 50th birthday, so we had a nice dinner at home to celebrate (in addition to sushi lunch last weekend at Minado, which was delicious). Cracked open some red wine for the adults + Martinelli's sparkling cider for the tween sister. Munched on yummy seafood -- fish, shrimp, etc. Sister and I presented Dad with a homemade gift. Then we went to the gym. (Have to prepare for resolution #1!)

I also thought about movies all day, specifically, what makes a good movie? (Question prompted after I saw Nine in theatres and was miserably disappointed. All that talent wasted on a flat plot. And don't get me started on The Lovely Bones -- which by the way was filmed in our neighborhood, across the street in the 'burbs of Philadelphia. Could an adaptation of a book be more poorly executed? Book's author went to my old high school. Maybe I'm biased? And, why, why is Avatar making so much money? Highest grossing opening weekend ever + 5th highest grossing movie in box office history, so far. I don't get it and will not be watching blue aliens on IMAX, I'm sorry.) I guess I'll understand more of the kinks in the movie business next semester. Did I mention I'm taking a class with the Tribeca Film Festival? Beyond excited.

Then, just earlier, I watched some Top Gun on TV. Tom Cruise + other pilot trainees sang "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" by the Righteous Brothers. I ate a grapefruit. Young Tom Cruise and friends in a sexy volleyball scene. Sweaty and shirtless. I ate some leftovers + another grapefruit. Leave it to Top Gun to help me get my "loving feeling" back for all movies, even the stinky ones. But I need to get into tip-top toned shape (tell you why later), so no more snacking in front of the TV!

Don't judge me, Iceman.