October 30, 2010

I am writing this post on the fourth day of a five-day staycation. I decided to take time off, but I didn't have plans to go anywhere. So, I've been reading and sleeping late.

I finally went to see "The Social Network." That's right: Instead of spending a couple of hours in front of my computer on Facebook, I spent a couple of hours at the movies, learning about the creation of Facebook. Actually, it's a fascinating story. Based on Ben Mezrich's 2009 book, "The Accidental Billionaires," the film was written by Aaron Sorkin, who created "Sports Night," "The West Wing" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." (Sorkin also makes a cameo, which I loved.)

I thought Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake were all fantastic. It will be interesting to see if any of these gentlemen will be honored during awards season. They are all deserving (along with Sorkin, naturally). Special mention also to Armie Hammer, who played the Winklevoss twins (although it was the back of another guy's head in some scenes).

Of course, the rest of the month wasn't too bad, either: It began with "Das Rhinegold," the first of the Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD transmissions this season. It's an all new production. Even though this was technically just the prologue, I was riveted.

I also went to see "Last Play at Shea" on the big screen. This documentary, about the former home of the New York Mets, was fantastic. Narrated by Alec Baldwin, it traces the stadium's entire history, from its creation to the Beatles to the World Series to Billy Joel. And, yes, the Piano Man was a big reason I wanted to see this. His two concerts were the last at the ballpark, and I can't wait until they are released on DVD early next year. But even though I went for that, it was an all-around fantastic show.

A few days later, my sister and I went to see the 25th anniversary screening of "Back to the Future." We saw it in 1985 during a summer trip to Detroit -- although she has no recollection. I have always considered this trilogy my "Star Wars," and even she had to admit that the original film has held up well. (And Marty McFly is still dreamy to me.)

No big plans for Halloween tomorrow. I didn't buy any candy, so I'm going to turn off all my lights but one and hope no trick-or-treaters ring my bell.

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