Update #18

Movie Review

Once again, I delved into my foreign film addictions and we went to Lincoln Road to see a Venezuelan movie titled, Secuestro Express. It got 7.4 stars out of 10 at IMDB.

The movie is about a well to-do Venezuelan couple that get kidnapped as they are leaving a nightclub.

The movie starts out with a guy explaining how to play Venezuelan Russian Roulette. Ummm, if you ever get an offer to play that, get out of there (what are you doing in places like that anyways? Your mother would be ashamed!). After a few minutes, the main characters are introduced. I love the introductions. I don't quite remember them all but one was like:

Budu
Muscleman.
Rapist.
Loving Father.

I was laughing my ass off with that one.

Well the kidnappers are a rough, violent bunch but there are some extremely funny parts in the movie. The ATM robbery part is the height of irony!

There's also an interesting philosophical part where one captive (Carla) asks a kidnapper why they do what they do, other than for money. He replies, "Because you are rich. The rest of the country is starving and you flaunt your riches in everyone's face."
Carla; "But what did I do? It's not my fault. Why target me?"
Kidnapper: " Who forced you to drive a brand new expensive car?"

We later find out that the kidnapper had a crush on Carla.

Meanwhile, the other victim, Martin (Carla's fiancee), had been forced to stay with a gay guy at gunpoint for 1/2 hour as partial payment for the kidnapper's drug purchase. The scene that follows the 1/2 hour is hilarious!

The movie is very gritty & real. You really do feel like you are kidnapped and there's much more going on in the movie than I am letting on. Lots of twists & turns in the plot.

If you get a chance. You definitely have to see it! Be forewarned, you won't want to go to Venezuela for some time afterwards...

Weekend Adventures
Jeanne & I decided to venture into parts & mysteries unknown. We went to the infamous Coral Castle.

I had read about it in the past. A guy (Ed Leedskalnin) gets jilted at the altar, comes to America and eventually builds a castle completely out of coral with only rudimentary hand tools. I do think it interesting that, to this day, no one knows exactly how one 5 foot guy moved coral slabs weighing several tons with no help or heavy machinery.

Ed

The Castle

Now, you know, the guy is very impressive & stuff but I think he forgot one tiny, detail in his coral castle...a freaking ROOF!!!

The Castle
(notice the continued absence of a roof)

The Bedroom
(notice the sunlight? no roof)

The Bathtub

(see the grass at the bottom left corner?
That particular strain of grass needs light to grow.
See how strong it's growing?
It has a lot of light since there's still no roof!)

Computer Desk
(no power outlets though)

We went to Flanigan's and we saw a guy of the effeminate persuasion striking a pose beside his table...

Strike a pose
Vogue, vogue, vogue

It makes no difference if you're black or white
If you're a boy or a girl
If the music's pumping it will give you new life
You're a superstar, yes, that's what you are, you know

My Neighbor
Remember my neighbor Louise? Well, I managed to sneak a picture of her while she was otherwise occupied. Now you know she does exist!