The good kind of cheesy.

You’ve been there, right? Your friend is in a band or some theater production, and they invite you to see them, and you have to be supportive. You don’t have a choice. Like last week, my husband Blaine is all, “Patton invited us to see a private screening of 'Ratatouille' on the Disney lot Sunday.” Ugh! FINE! I’ll go, but I won’t like it.

So I went. And it SUCKED.

No, of course it didn’t. Design and animation were stunning, without reminding you why. One of its most creative but implausible premises - rat controlling chef via hair yanking - was eclipsed by the resultant acting (a lesson for writers and executives alike, and one echoed at the end by the food critic). Patton's performance was terrific; no cartooniness, just perfect comedic timing. And only one "it was in you all along" moment.

Afterwards, Patton's guests stood in a circle. Film-related pleasantries were briefly exchanged before the real discussion began. With their Dungeons and Dragons campaign recently ending in annihilation for all, would they be accepting new players?

This is the Hollywood I love.

xoxo
Vera