X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

bill and I gave this movie a 7. I was disappointed because i thought that it would be close to a 9 since that's how i rated the other X-men films.

the story line was weak and involved CIA and bombs and 3rd world wars and it was linked (aided by old news clips) with the Cuban missile crisis when Kennedy was in office. There was a subplot which was exciting and that was Magneto's revenge against the Nazi (played wonderfully by Kevin Bacon) who killed his mother in the concentration camp.

Hugh Jackman did a cameo which was inspired and funny though way too short. I really missed him in this film.

I can't really put my finger on any one thing that led to my general sense of ennui and lassitude during the movie. Just didn't get engaged with any of the characters. However, Magneto, Raven and Kevin Bacon were great. On the other hand, James McAvoy as Charles (later Professor X - acted superbly by Patrick Stewart) was horribly miscast. He looked years younger than the other mutants especially Magneto and he was always lecturing and bossing people around and screwing up his eyes and tilting his head in a weird way when he was reading people's minds. He has absolutely no stage presence or magnetism.

and January Jones was in this film too; fortunately, for only brief spells of time. I guess her agent figures if she appears in enough movies she'll learn to act.!

Bill and I were the oldest people in the theater by about 35 years!!!!!!

INDIA OVEN - TUCSON, AZ

I've eaten here during Tucson #1 but only for lunch and their buffet. My memory of the place was that it was dark and dingy looking and not very decorated but my memory was wrong. It is a bright restaurant (2 rooms with the first one being smaller and feeling a tad cramped; probably because it is near the front door.) with lots of bright sequined and sparkly pictures on the wall. Each table had a centerpiece made up of colored sparkler looking wands; very festive.

The food is way spicier than Gandhi's and i wasn't prepared for it. so after my first bite - i lost my voice for about 10 minutes. As the food cooled it got less spicy and also i was getting used to it but taking smaller bites. I also ordered a side of yoghurt to cool my palate. The portions were big and we have lunch for both of us.

We split 2 entrees; Chicken bhuna (cooked with onion and garlic) and chicken biryani which was like a rice casserole with tender chicken and saffron and nuts. Lots of flavor. Bill said that he wished we had gotten dishes that were different in texture but i think that's a 'hallmark' of indian food; meat with lots of spices in sauces of varying flavors; in other words, 'wet' foods - not crunchy or crispy.

The service was good. however, the owner stood over us as we looked at the check (which was a combination of separate checks and one check! making it difficult to divide - we ate here with Michelle and Rob) and figured out our financial portions and the tip. It was a tad disconcerting since she didn't move even during our muted discussions about the amount of the tip.

I would go here again. But probably the next time, head back to Gandhi. The food there isn't quite as hot (though still excellent), i have 15% off coupons, and they bring to the table when you sit down some good pappadum (fried lentil wafers) with a bunch of different chutney's.

BOBO'S RESTAURANT - TUCSON, AZ

I've eaten here before with my friend, Chris, for breakfast. Until several months ago, they were only open for breakfast and lunch but now stay open till 9pm for dinner. The menu remains the same (salads, sandwiches and burgers) except for a few dinner specials (meatloaf, bbq'd chicken) and they serve breakfast all day.

Which is what i had; an omelet as big as a Size 14 shoe. It was more like a crepe which i liked and stuffed end to end with veggies and a light coating of sour cream instead of cheese. This came with wonderfully crispy home fries (brought home for bill's lunch) and toast. All for $7.

Bill had a chopped sirloin steak with grilled onions, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. His dinner was also $7 and the portions were huge.

The atmosphere of this restaurant is dated (its been around for 30 years), a tired-looking plain ole' diner but the food is good for the price and quantity. Service was great.