Wow. Has it really been 2 months?

So, I have been on a bit of a hiatus for a couple of months.  It's pretty inexcusable, but I have a few excuses anyway.

I started a fancy new job around that time, and while it does afford me plenty of time at a computer, most of it is spent trying not to go totally insane.  Now that I've gotten into the swing of that, I plan to be more active again.

Another major change was moving a couple weeks back.  I have managed to get settled in, and though I am still without internet service in the new place I will use my spare time at work to bring you tidings of interesting information.

I hope you all will forgive me once again as I take another stab at consistency.  I really do this for you.

The Point Blank Critic

Cinebarre Theater

If you are in the Asheville, North Carolina area and you want to get dinner and a movie, why not make one stop?

Cinebarre, a theater at the Biltmore Square Mall has dining in house before and during the movie. I got to go there this weekend when I saw Iron Man, and I really don't want to see a movie anywhere else now.

The cost of food and drinks are mostly what you would expect to pay at any other restaurant, with a few exceptions. My girlfriend got a shake that I felt was overpriced. They serve pizza and many generous sized appetizers along with soft drinks, beer, and wine. The Ticket price is only a dollar or so more than other theaters in Asheville, and I'm pretty sure this is to make up for the number of fewer seats they have in the audience. And, unlike other theaters that serve food, this one shows first-run movies. So if you're a first day kind of person, you can still enjoy it to the fullest.

The theater is set up brilliantly with a slight stadium elevation. Your row of chairs will have a low set table with appropriate walking space between it and your seats for you, and between it and the row in front of you for the wait staff that actually allows the servers to not interfere with your viewing.

You can arrive early to place food and drink orders, and continue ordering during the movie by writing your request on a not card that you stand up in a holder to make its easily visible. About 45 minutes before the end of the movie they have their last call when they come by with the check. A few minutes later they will come to collect them so they can handle the bill without huge lines after the movie.

The whole process was smooth, the food was delicious, and I had a pitcher of Yuengling during a movie. It was the best movie viewing I've ever experienced, and with great movies like The Dark Knight and Prince Caspian coming out this summer I expect to be giving them more of my business.

The Point Blank Critic

Iron Man

I got to see the new Marvel movie, Iron Man, this weekend.

It was awesome. I feel it is the best of the Marvel movies so far, and is setting the scene for something bigger over the horizon.

I don't want to post any spoilers, but I want to give a fair and detailed critique. The effects of the movie are nothing revolutionary. At this point, everyone can do amazing things with computers, and Iron Man did not fail to deliver the amazing. It's just that everyone can do it now.

But, I don't just go to the movies to see pretty effects, just like I don't play video games because they use more polygons, and have better rendering engines, and more realistic character motion. I do these things for the same reason I enjoy reading, or play pen and paper role playing games. I like story.

Iron Man has a great introductory story with a villain related to the origin story, and wraps things up with just enough hint at something more. The characters are amazing, especially Tony Stark played by Robert Downey Jr. Downey Jr delivers an excellent performance giving us the edgy attitude and quick sharp wit we all see in the trailers along with a rich and deep amount of character development as Stark transitions into his exciting new super hero life.

Fans of Marvel will do well to stay after the credits. Not that I really expect any real fans are not already planning to do so.

But, that's all I can say without giving away spoilers. Go see it.

The Point Blank Critic

Food 411

I just came across a culinary interest database website that I think some of my readers would like to know about.  It's called Food 411, and I'm already making notes on dishes I want to prepare.

I have to be honest, I haven't looked at any of the other various sections of this site, of which there are many.  So far, however, I am very pleased with the recipe database.  The search feature takes a bit of a learning curve to figure out just the words to use to get your desired results.  Other than that, I love this site.

Don't look at it any time you aren't prepared to become hungry.

The Point Blank Critic