Productivity schmoductivity

I cancelled my good productivity intentions tonight to go see A love song for Bobby Long. I had seen the preview just after the new year and by all indications it looked as if Bobby wasn't long meant for theaters -- I think it just opened five days ago and today's LA Weekly didn't have it listed for this weekend. I was all set to go to the 9:50 show until my roommate mentioned that tonight was the first episode of the Street Smart v. Book Smart showdown on The Apprentice. Tough call. I went downstairs to assess the situation. As my roommate wisely imparted, "With The Apprentice, you're guaranteed to get really excited about it and it's guaranteed to be not as good as you'd hoped. It may even leave you feeling a little empty inside." I've watched enough Apprentice to know that this woman spoke the truth -- eighteen minutes later and $10 lighter I was snuggling into my seat at The Westside Pavilion, which may be my favorite place to see movies because of the convenient rooftop parking -- much preferred over the subterranean variety.

Bobby Long -- I liked it. I have a thing for movies that are just depressing enough to be thoughtful and compelling without making me reexamine my life. This movie was enjoyable, but it won't change your life, unless you're an alcoholic squatting in a dead person's home -- but no promises. I wouldn't even characterize John Travolta's performance as Bobby Long annoying. Scarlett Johansson and Gabriel Macht were the other leads. Gabriel Macht looks like Peter Krause. I have a special place in my heart for Peter Krause and all men who look like him, so this was a good thing.