Although, my daughters visit over the last week was so wonderful that it was very, very hard to let go and know that it would be months before I would see her again. She is pursuing her PhD at the University of Minnesota and came in, with her utterly charming Rumanian boyfriend, for a too-short week They were both so happy and full of fun and energy it was a pure joy to be with them, and that’s the only part of the end of the holidays I don’t like - - the saying goodbye. Still, I understand that it wouldn’t be so hard if we didn’t love our children so much,  and the pain of parting was eased a little bit because  I know she’s going back to a challenging and exciting life. And when the summer comes and the snow is melted I’m actually going to take a trip to Minnesota. Since I almost never go anywhere, that’s a really big deal and something to look forward to all through the bleak midwinter.

     You are probably wondering if we’re going to bring in something new this weekend. I sure wish we were, but we have to hold all our Christmas movies one more week. But that does give you some time to catch a couple of the Christmas goodies you may have missed.

     Whatever you do, don’t miss True Grit. It’s absolutely the greatest western since Tombstone or Unforgiven or any of the truly great modern westerns. The acting is so superb, the story haunting and because it’s the Coen brothers you know you’re going to have a good chuckle or two. Really, you don’t want to let this one get away. And for you festival buffs who think only foreign or indie movies have substance (or…er…true grit…) let me tell you that if this weren’t going to be in DVD by festival time (April 8^th, by the way) it would be one of our prime festival movies! 

     And we still have Little Fokkers if you just want a silly good laugh. Really, it’s just the same kind of little bit off color (but not a lot - - nothing your Aunt Emily couldn’t see without fainting) jokes with the same characters, so if you liked them in the first two you’ll love ‘em in this one.

     And for the kids we continue with Yogi Bear and Gulliver’s Travels, both simple fare for kiddie appetites (although Yogi plays to a very young audience).

     The following week we will be bringing in The Dilemma and The Green Hornet, both adult films, the first being a comedy and the second an adventure flick. Plus, we are trying really, really hard to bring in The Black Swan and The King’s Speech for everyone. I know they’re both superb and we keep nagging but they keep saying we’re too small a town. But we’re mighty! we say, alas to no avail.   But soon…soon. We will bring them in, I promise. Jeffrey never gives up!

     Have a wonderful first week of the new year. Come to the Dietrich when you can and thank you a gazillion times for all the gift bags you bought over the holidays. Bless your hearts!!!!

     See you at the Dietrich.