The Big one

[jackhammer91406]

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting another M4Mer to see a movie at the Grove. Driving into town from the valley was a breeze and I made it to the intersection of LaBrea and 3rd in 7 minutes (not really, but it was a ridiculously fast drive).

 

As soon as I turned onto 3rd street the traffic got STUPID!. And all of the recent new construction adding 1 million new condos and apartments to the area will only make it worse. In fact, There is no longer any green grass at Park LaBRea, so they have changed to name to just LaBrea. I began to remember why I don't go to movies during peak times. It took 25 minutes to go 14 blocks and once at the traffic structure, the traffic got really STUPID!. It's one of those garages that tells you how many vacant spots there are on each level, but that helpful info didn't make cars moving up the ramps go any faster than a crawl. But once I got to the roof, I easily found a spot, shut down the engine and stepped out of the car. It was then that I looked around and saw a view I seldom see in L.A. anymore, and I remembered why I had fallen in Love with L.A. lo those many years ago. The air was crisp and clear, and there on the seventh level of the open roof, you could see 1,000 miles in all directions. The towers of downtown, the high rises of Century City, the Hollywood sign and the mountains surrounding the L.A. basin, and yes, the Pacific Ocean. The view took my breath away. Ok, I am smoker, so that's no big deal, but it was.

 

Once down on the ground, the crowds were incredibly STUPID!. They came from every opening and direction; milling, shuffling, stumbling. I wondered if the spectacular view on the roof was worth this overwhelming mass of humanity.

My partner and I both arrived late (the STUPID traffic) and so the showing was sold out. Turns out that it was a blessing. We decided to go to the next showing and have a nice dinner, which we did. The tickets were higher since we had missed the last matinee (I think they were eleventy million dollars each and no parking validation).

 

We strolled around the open steets looking at the decorations and lights. Ok, ok, there were billions of people, so you couldn't see all that much , but what I saw was nice. During dinner at Marmalade Cafe, a busboy was pushed up against my arm to make room for a server coming through. This busboy had the hardest butt that my elbow has ever felt. He stayed there for at least 30 extra minutes after the server passed, and then turned and smiled a sexy smile at me and then moved on to assault other elbows.

 

My friend and I wandered back to the theater and were among the first to get into the theater to get seats. My friend got the perfect seats while I went to get a bottle of water ( I already had brought the Milkduds in my jacket).

 

The Movie we saw was BIG FISH, and if you haven't already figured out from this post, it's about a guy who tallies his life through the telling of tall tales. It is a remarkable film, totally enjoyable, and extremely funny and heartwarming by turns.

It's only playing in a little over 100 theaters currently, so it may be hard to find. but when it gets to your theater, go see it. It is directed by Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands) and stars Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney and Jassica Lange.

 

Turns out it was the perfect film to see with my friend. I think we both ejoyed the film and each other's company. After the film, we went back outside and the crowds had mostly disappeared. We strolled around looking at the decorations and lights again, talking of the film, and life in general and just watching the other peopleand the computerized fountain.

 

I don't think either of us was in a hurry to leave, even though today was a work day for my friend. Once up on the roof, we discoverd we had each parked on the top level (only three cars away from each other) and both of us had been struck by the incredible vistas. We stopped and looked at the twinkling lights of L.A. in all directions. A discreet farewell and then we were off. But I am struck by a few things:

I guess I can enjoy being out amongst that many people.

I liked being with my friend

I really enjoyed this story of the big one.

And the view on top of the Grove parking structure was worth all of the STUPID traffic.

 

[Jeff]

WHERE THE HELL IS "THE GROVE"???? LIKE STATE? COUNTRY?

[Jeff]

NEVER MIND -- I READ THE REST OF THIS --

[+ Oliver]

Jack -

When I read the title of your post I wasn't quite sure what I might encounter - about THE earthquake or perhaps a desciption of your Alex!

 

Sounds like a movie I would like. Thanks for your very desciptive narrative. As always it was a pleasure to read!

 

Warm regards,

Oliver

[bigguyinpasadena]

Jack,a tip on getting to the grove:Go south down La brea,left on Beverly,left on grove drive,head right up the parking ramp to the highest level(the roof is good on a weekend after 2-I usually plan on being there before that on a weekend)and plan on buying a ticket for a movie first-then eat,

I have been shut out of three sold outs at the grove-yes it is that good of a movie theatre.

I still like the Arclight the best-but because it is so $$$$ I am selective of the films I see there.

The Pacific at Paseo Colorado(same company)in Pasadena is also a dandy place to see a film-In fact I am going to go see Big Fish there tis afternoon.

And Jack,it could have been worse-you could have been showing a visiting ex-dancer form Montreal around Universal Studios yesterday.Average wait for each attraction,45 minutes!

[jackhammer91406]

BG,

Thanks for the info. I haven't tried the Arclight yet. I have always enjoyed the Cinerama dome, but haven't been there since they built the new complex.

did you enjoy BIG FISH?

BTW, if showing the ex dancer around Universal came with any fringe benefits, I would have waited an hour for each attraction.}(

 

Jeff, sorry about not identifying the city, state, etc. But I did eventually.