Movie Review: "Austenland" Fails To Understand Its Audience

I am a huge Jane Austen fan. "Pride and Prejudice" is one of my all-time favorite books, and Austen is in my top-3 favorite authors (along with William Faulkner and Kurt Vonnegut...in no particular order.)

So I know what the audience for a movie like this one wants.

Here's the premise: a late-30-something spinster (Keri Russell) is absolutely obsessed with Jane Austen. She has had terrible romantic relationships and seems to have a difficult time coping with the modern world.

Then she hears about Austenland, a kind of role-playing theme park wherein the guests can become absorbed in the worlds of Emma, Mr. Darcy and the Dashwoods. She thus cleans out her savings account and heads off to England.

At this point, the movie is fairly engaging. Her obsession with Austen is a bit over the top, but that's alright.

The movie begins to fail when it actually arrives at Austenland. The tone is broad comedy, and there are more than a few crude jokes (usually involving Best In Show actress Jennifer Coolidge.) This is where the director makes a serious misstep. Literature fans in 2013 are reading Jane Austen for a reason. And it isn't to get humor one can find on Two and a Half Men. The moments of Georgian-era innocence juxtaposed with modern crassness simply do not work. They are jarring and completely break the mood.

After seeing it, I thought about this movie for days. And I kept coming back to the same thought - how much better it would have been if they had played it straight. Basically, once Russell's character gets to Austenland, have the movie turn into the equivalent of a Jane Austen adaptation. Then one of the key messages of the movie would have been driven home more effectively: what is reality? That way the movie could be more of an existential puzzle...is what we're seeing real, or part of the theme park? Does it matter? Are our own lives more tangible than our thoughts?

I really, really wanted to love this movie. But in the end, it was a misfire.

Mr. Darcy would agree.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Exquisite Dish of the Day: Little Lucca Sandwich

If you have never had a Little Lucca sandwich, you have never had a sandwich.

Let's start with the bread. Sure, there are many varieties you can choose from when you visit the tiny restaurant, but really there is only one: Dutch crunch. Never heard of it? Words cannot accurately describe the unique texture and flavor of this amazing bread. It has a crunchy, egg-like exterior and a soft, flavorful center.

Next, the meats and cheeses. Only the best, all shaved fresh.

Then there's the hot sauce. A blend of peperoncini, jalapenos, and who knows what else. Just spicy enough without being too hot.



Consider the portions. I'm a big guy with a big appetite, and I can rarely finish the whole thing.

And the pièce de résistance - the garlic sauce. A mix of Italian parsley, garlic, olive oil and some mysterious ingredients I can't replicate. Ambrosia.

So the next time you're in San Francisco, do yourself a favor and make the short drive to South San Francisco and experience the greatest sandwich on earth, bar none. WARNING: You will hate Subway for life.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Travel Destination of the Day: Hydra, Greece

A few years back, my wife and I were able to tour the Greek isles and Hydra was definitely the highlight.

It's exactly what you would imagine: Prussian blue water, bright white buildings dangling from the hillside, olive trees and rocky shores.

Adding to the unique vibe is the lack of motorized vehicles. It creates an amazing quiet. And since I'm an avid animal lover, the sight of donkeys and dozens of roaming cats just contributes to the magic.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Exquisite Dish of the Day: Thanh Long Roasted Crab

No doubt about it, San Francisco is the greatest restaurant city in America (sorry, New York). And of all the unique culinary treats I enjoyed in my 14 years as a resident of The City, none could match the glory of Thanh Long's roasted crab.

When guests would come to visit from out of town and I told them what we were having for dinner, I would get various responses:

"I don't like crab."

"I'm not that into seafood."

"Vietnamese? I'm not a fan of Asian food..."

Then they would taste the amazing dish and change their tune. Roasting an entire dungeness crab in garlic butter is simple, straightforward, and incredibly delicious.

People also rave about the garlic noodles, of which I am a fan, but it's the appetizer of salt and pepper calamari that gets my mouth watering.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Travel Destination of the Day: Prince Edward Island, Canada

Prince Edward Island, Canada

DESCRIPTION:

from Wikipedia: Prince Edward Island (PEI or P.E.I.) is a Canadian province consisting of the island itself, as well as other islands. It is one of the three Maritime provinces and is the smallest province in both land area and population. The island has several informal names: "Garden of the Gulf" referring to the pastoral scenery and lush agricultural lands throughout the province; and "Birthplace of Confederation", referring to the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, although PEI did not join Confederation until 1873, when it became the seventh Canadian province. The backbone of the economy is farming, as it produces 25% of Canada's potatoes. Historically, PEI is one of Canada's older settlements and demographically still reflects older immigration to the country, with Celtic, Anglo Saxon and French last names being overwhelmingly dominant to this day.
According to the 2011 census, the province of Prince Edward Island has 140,204 residents. It is located about 200 km north of Halifax, Nova Scotia and 600 km east of Quebec City. It consists of the main island and 231 minor islands. Altogether, the entire province has a land area of 5,685.73 km2 (2,195.27 sq mi).

The main island is 5,620 km2 (2,170 sq mi) in size, which is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Delaware, is the 104th-largest island in the world, and is Canada's 23rd-largest island.


Prince Edward Island is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, west of Cape Breton Island, north of the Nova Scotia peninsula, and east of New Brunswick. Its southern shore bounds the Northumberland Strait. The island has two urban areas. The largest surrounds Charlottetown Harbour, situated centrally on the island's southern shore, and consists of the capital city Charlottetown, and suburban towns Cornwall and Stratford and a developing urban fringe. A much smaller urban area surrounds Summerside Harbour, situated on the southern shore 40 km (25 mi) west of Charlottetown Harbour, and consists primarily of the city of Summerside. As with all natural harbours on the island, Charlottetown and Summerside harbours are created by rias.

The island's landscape is pastoral. Rolling hills, woods, reddish white sand beaches, ocean coves and the famous red soil have given Prince Edward Island a reputation as a province of outstanding natural beauty. The provincial government has enacted laws to preserve the landscape through regulation, although there is a lack of consistent enforcement, and an absence of province-wide zoning and land-use planning. Under the Planning Act of the province, municipalities have the option to assume responsibility for land-use planning through the development and adoption of official plans and land use bylaws. Thirty-one municipalities have taken responsibility for planning. In areas where municipalities have not assumed responsibility for planning, the Province remains responsible for development control.

The island's lush landscape has a strong bearing on its economy and culture. The author Lucy Maud Montgomery drew inspiration from the land during the late Victorian Era for the setting of her classic novel Anne of Green Gables (1908). Today, many of the same qualities that Montgomery and others found in the island are enjoyed by tourists who visit year-round. They enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including beaches, various golf courses, eco-tourism adventures, touring the countryside, and enjoying cultural events in local communities around the island.

During July and August, the average daytime high in PEI is 23 degrees Celsius (73º Fahrenheit), however, the temperature can sometimes exceed 30 degrees (86 Fahrenheit) during these months. In the winter months of January and February, the average daytime high is -3.3 degrees Celsius (26 F). The Island receives an average yearly rainfall of 855 mm and an average yearly snowfall of 285 cm.

Winters are moderately cold, with clashes of cold Arctic air and milder Atlantic air causing frequent temperature swings. From December to April, the island usually has many storms (which may produce rain as well as snow) and blizzards. Springtime temperatures typically remain cool until the sea ice has melted, usually in late April or early May. Summers are moderately warm, but rarely uncomfortable, with the daily maximum temperature only occasionally reaching as high as 30 °C (86 °F). Autumn is a pleasant season, as the moderating Gulf waters delay the onset of frost, although storm activity increases compared to the summer. There is ample precipitation throughout the year, although it is heaviest in the late autumn, early winter and mid spring.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Monet's Home in Giverny

When planning a trip to France, there is a standard list of destinations: the Eiffel Tower, a ride on the Seine, the Louvre (and hopefully the Orsay), and the Arc De Triomphe. But when you are making arrangements for your next vacation to this European gem, be sure to include an excursion to Monet's home in Giverny.

Even if you're not a huge fan of Impressionism or art in general, seeing Monet's gardens and the gorgeous Normandy countryside is well worth the trip. For fans of the master, it is an unspeakable joy to see the inspiration of numerous masterpieces such as the Water Lilies series and "The Japanese Footbridge".

A highlight of this beautiful location is the fences that Monet planted. They are composed of living fruit trees, interwoven to form a unique, fragrant work of art.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Travel Destination of the Day: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

DESCRIPTION:

from Wikipedia: Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. Its status as the Dutch capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands, although Amsterdam is not the seat of the Dutch government which is The Hague. Amsterdam has a population of 802,938 within city limits, 1,560,414 in the urban region and 2,332,839 in the greater metropolitan area. The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. It comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe, with a population of approximately 7 million.

Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin: a dam in the river Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age, a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading center for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded, and many new neighborhoods and suburbs were planned and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam and the 19–20th century Defence Line of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

As the commercial capital of the Netherlands and one of the top financial centres in Europe, Amsterdam is considered an alpha world city by the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) study group. The city is also the cultural capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and 7 of the world's top 500 companies, including Philips and ING, are based in the city. In 2012, Amsterdam was ranked 2nd best city to live by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)  and 12th globally on quality of living by Mercer. The city was previously ranked 3rd in innovation by 2thinknow in the Innovation Cities Index 2009.

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in the world, is located in the city center. Amsterdam's main attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Museum, its red-light district, and its many cannabis coffee shops draw more than 3.66 million international visitors annually.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Challenge of Travelling with Children

Avoiding the frustration of being a parent with a bored child while touring the world’s great cities

The words every parent dreads hearing while strolling the Champs-Elysees with their offspring: “Is there a McDonald’s around here? I’m borrrrred!”

You’ve scrimped and saved for months (maybe years) to bestow on your children something your parents weren’t able to provide for you: a priceless education and exposure to the Art, Architecture and Cuisine of the great cities of Europe. But your kids just want to text their friends and hang out at a shopping mall.

What can parents do to enthuse their young ones regarding this once-in-a-lifetime experience?

“Educate them, educate them, educate them” says Hastings Wolfe, frequent traveler and expert on the psyche of children. “Kids are just like adults - the less they know about something, the less they care about it.”

He cites as examples comic books, sports and YA novels.

“For most young people, when they latch on to something they go full-force. Kids (mainly boys) who are into comic books, for instance, know every detail about every character and their entire backstory. This makes reading about them more enjoyable. Same goes for athletes and sports. As for the girls, they can tell you every minute detail of the love triangle at the core of the latest YA novel.”

Wolfe believes this same strategy can be employed prior to heading off to the family vacation overseas by learning of the culture, history, art, cuisine, etc. that will be experienced while visiting the host country. He also recommends learning some of the language spoken.

“I would say that families traveling to foreign countries make up the bulk of our customers when it comes to the language apps” says Jeffrey Starr, owner of the software company Purple Falcon. The firm produces a language app geared toward children called Banana Cat - Learn a Language! 

“The Banana Cat language app is set up like flash-cards for the iPhone and iPad, but the app has colorful pictures and sound effects that are very appealing to kids. Currently the app allows you to learn 50 words in 8 languages, for a total of 400. The initial language list is French, German, Spanish, English, Japanese, Portuguese, Dutch and Italian. Obviously the number of languages will grow with demand.”

Starr agrees with Wolfe that learning the language will enhance the vacation for the kids.

 “Even though our apps are only teaching the kids 50 words or so in each of the 8 languages, we’ve heard reports about how excited they get. When they are walking the streets of Rome or Paris and come across a word they know in Italian or French, the parents say their eyes just light up.”

Learning the history of the area ahead of time can be a big help as well.

Adults can attest to the fact that it’s easy to suffer from information-overload when touring a history-rich area like Athens or London. Just imagine how overwhelming that could be for a 10-year-old.

But when the parent spoon-feeds historical tidbits in small doses in the months leading up to the trip, the child will have a much better time absorbing the information (and recalling it later).

Wolfe also recommends introducing the young ones to some of the food they may experience on the trip ahead of time. By exposing their immature palates to new flavors in small doses, parents may find that their children are much more receptive to the exciting new dishes they receive in a foreign land.

How often we meet adults who say, “I visited Paris when I was a kid, but I was too young to appreciate it! I wish I could do it again!”

If parents prepare their young ones ahead of time, they can greatly enhance the kids’ vacation experience, no matter what their age.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a world traveler, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.