I Love Pi

I did a post back in August when I saw the trailer for Life of Pi, Ang Lee's adaptation of Yann Martel's novel. I love the book, and the trailer had my expectations sky high. That's usually a recipe for disappointment, but after seeing the movie on opening night, I'm happy to report that Life of Pi is awesome. As in, it inspires awe.

Most of the reviews highlight the film's look, and there is no doubt that this is one of the most visually intriguing movies I've ever seen. I read they used four real tigers for different shots in the movie, and the CGI is so good, it's hard to tell when the tiger is real or computer-generated.

While I'm not a fan of 3D, I have to say, it gives the movie an added texture that accentuates already beautiful imagery. I'll probably go to the movie again, without 3D, and it'll be interesting to compare.

Suraj Sharma is great as the teenage Pi. He is the only human actor on screen for a big chunk of the movie, and he commands your attention. Irrfan Khan packs an emotional punch as the adult Pi. Khan's face is so expressive, he makes you feel.

I don't want to get into the plot too much. If you've read the book, you already know, and if you haven't, the less you know the better. Two central themes resonate in Pi's story: Faith and Doubt. As Pi searches for the presence of God, we are right there with him. That's the beauty of this movie, it shows us a young man's journey, and challenges us to take it with him.

I'm glad Ang Lee took me on that journey, and you will be too.

Veterans Day

Photo by Joe Oliva/Joe@Jetpix.com

A number of people have emailed me pictures of a tribute the Green Bay Packers did for veterans last year. The images are truly awesome, if I do say so myself.

Photo byJoe Oliva/Joe@Jetpix.com

My parents met while serving in the Navy, and I was born on the Naval base in Chelsea, Massachusetts. As the son of two veterans, I appreciate all that our veterans have done, and continue to do, for our country. As the son of two veterans, one a Democrat and one a Republican, I know that love of country crosses all personal politics. As the son of two veterans who worked in health care their entire lives, I know America must take care of the men and women who come back from the battlefield wounded and scarred.

I always think about this on Veterans Day, but it especially strikes me this year. On Friday, my mom went to an event at my daughter's school for veterans. I'm incredibly proud of my mom. If you met her, I doubt you would peg her as a veteran, but she most surely is, and I was so happy that she got to share that part of her life with her granddaughter.

My heartfelt thanks to all the men and women of our armed services. And to my mom, who is a regular reader, you are a true Patriot.