Why, my sister bemoaned, do the theaters release a gazillion new must-see flicks at the time of year we busy ourselves the most? My companion and I took Grace to see Life of Pi last night. I remember where I was and what year it was when I read the novel. (It was February, 2004, and we were at Disney the same week I would go to my 20something high school reunion–in case you're interested.) The film holds true to the novel. In fact it may do better because the novel got a little boggy in parts. (No pun intended.)

Grace urgently pleaded "need da baffroom"  every 30 minutes of "Lincoln."
(I'm experiencing a severe sitter shortage right now and Mom must have a
life, too.) Instead of emptying her bladder Grace's pleas were
bordem-based,  fueled by a covert desire to raid the theater hallway
candy machines.See my comments about "Lincoln" below the trailer.
Instead, much of Life of Pi had her captivated. As it did me. At one
particularly suspenseful point, she had to loosen my grip on her hand,
which she'd affectionately slipped her own hand under. What I wonder is
how many people will catch the deep meaning in the film? I'd love to
share the single most profound line that says it all, but then if you
plan to go, you might hate me and accuse me of being a spoiler. Here's a
trailor, below. Next on the list: "Hitchcock" and "Anna Karenina." Can't wait. Busy-busy….Hope you make the time to go.

(Lincoln's also a must see. Based on period research, I learned a lot about the 16th president and how Congress worked at the time. Interesting how Republicans and Democrats exchanged their values over time.)