Random Recommendations

If you're looking for a book, movie or DVD this weekend, here's what I've enjoyed lately:

In Theaters
I wasn't sure I wanted to see "Dan In Real Life" but I'm so glad I did.  The story was funny, touching and compelling despite the presence of Dane Cook. 

Now I want to go to that family vacation house and fall for the awkward, angry and annoying yet sweet, deep and endearing Steve Carrell.  And all that cooking together, playing games together, enjoying each other's company -- are families really like that?

To Rent Or Buy

There's a chain of DVD rental stores going out of business here in Austin, so I stopped by to see the heavily discounted titles they had left.  Most of them were films I've never heard of presumably because they were so very bad, and I was entertained just by walking around looking at the horrid titles and covers (Gina Gershon, you have made some bad choices).
 

But I picked up DVDs of two movies I really liked and it only cost me $6!  "The Baxter" was written and directed by Michael Showalter and stars Michelle Williams with appearance by the usual suspects (Paul Rudd, Michael Ian Black, David Wain).  "How To Lose Your Lover" is another romantic comedy starring probably nobody you've ever heard of (except Tori Spelling, but don't hold that against the film).  The premise is that the main character decides to tell everyone the truth, which ruins all his friendships, and on his way out of town he runs into a woman who he starts to fall for.  He keeps up the truth-telling, assuming it will scare her away, and hilarity ensues.  It really is a funny film and a creative script.

In Bookstores
You might remember the "one red paperclip" internet phenomenon that happened a year or so ago, in which case the book about it will probably not interest you.  But if you're like me and you hadn't heard anything about it, it's an interesting read.  The author annoyed me a little bit with constantly trying to be quirky and clever, but the overall message is cool and he tells the story with a nice quick pace.  I'll admit I cried a little at the end.  Even though it's heavy-handed in its this story will inspire you agenda, it still inspired me.

"Walking in Circles Before Lying Down" is about a woman struggling through her life surrounded by interesting characters, and then suddenly one day dogs start talking to her.  Dog owners or dog lovers such as myself will be amused at what the dogs have to say, but this book is well written and Markoe has a uniquely witty voice.