Movie Review: Kajillionaire
Kajillionaire begins with a heist, but not a Bonny and Clyde type heist. A small stuffed animal, unusable money order, and a men\’s necktie might pull a few dollars, but it is hardly anything. However, Robert (Richard Jenkins) and Theresa (Debra Winger) are not really looking to pull profits, they just as Robert puts it \”prefer to skim.\”
Kajillionaire follows Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood) and her parents as they are looking for their next con and a way to pay debts that they have accumulated. Remember, Old Dolio only knows what her parents have taught her and in turn, their influence has created a very odd-mannered, deep gravel-voiced, oversized tracksuit wearing female with extremely long and stringy hair. Old Dolio has been put front and center for all of her parent\’s cons.
Things get even more bizarre when Old Dolio comes up with an original scam to help pay for her family\’s debts. The plan is to fly to another state and back and then claim lost luggage to receive money that will, in turn, pay off some of the debt they have collected. During this venture, her parents meet Melanie, an attractive stranger that they quickly bring into their life of heist. With Melanie in the picture, Old Dolio begins to question where she fits in.
Overall Kajillionaire is just bizarre, and some seem are actually off-putting. However, despite its quirks and bizarre scenes, you can\’t help but feel for Old Dolio and wonder how it will end. If you\’re looking for a way to escape reality, check out Kajillionaire this Friday, September 25.
About Kajillionaire
From acclaimed writer/director Miranda July comes a profoundly moving and wildly original comedy. Con-artists Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins) have spent 26 years training their only daughter, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), to swindle, scam, and steal at every opportunity. During a desperate, hastily conceived heist, they charm a stranger (Gina Rodriguez) into joining their next scam, only to have their entire world turned upside down.
Travel Diaries: Michigan’s ThumbCoast
Being a Michigander I have found myself all over the state, however the one place I have never adventure around is the thumb. Since it is not a traditional year traveling, I have found myself doing things closer to home. Which means, I finally got to experience what Michigan’s ThumbCoast has to offer. If you have not discovered the blue before – I highly recommend a ThumbCoast trips.
The thumb area of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula (Michigan is shaped like a mitten in case you didn’t know) is along Lake Huron, offering some of the most charming towns with plenty of maritime history. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxing trip the Michigan’s blue water area is sure to have something for you. From hiking, hiking and paddling to enjoying 140 miles of shoreline and watching freighters pass by (my favorite), there’s a little something for everyone. Not to mention there are unique boutiques around every corner.
My favorite spots in the thumb area of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
Grindstone General Store – Grindstone City
Step right up for a supersized serving of hand-dipped ice cream in the quaint little town of Grindstone, just outside of Port Austin at the tip of the thumb. This adorable shop opened back in the 1890s and is the last remaining business of Grindstone City, a once-thriving stone-mining town. The market for grindstones may have melted away years ago, but the love for ice cream has not. These colossal cones are what keeps this little town on the map and why it\’s a must stop. Seriously, these scoops are so big, even the baby is unbelievably large.
Note: I couldn’t decide between scoops so they made me a two scoop that is actually the baby size. This is NOT a traditional two scoop – a two scoop is absolutely massive and probably bigger than my head!
Fort Gratiot Light Station – Port Huron
This beautiful lighthouse first began guiding ships in 1829, and is said to be Michigan’s oldest lighthouse.
Turnip Rock – Port Austin
Note: I have never seen Turnip Rock in person before, it looks amazing and is on my list of things I want to do.
Turnip Rock is a small geological formation located in Lake Huron. You can only get to see Turnip Rock via kayak.
Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse – Port Hope
Located in Port Hope this amazing lighthouse ranks among the oldest lighthouses in Michigan. It is actually an active lighthouse that is remotely maintained by the US Coast Guard.
Blue Water Bridge – Port Huron
The Blue Water Bridge expands over the heart of Port Huron and is what connects Port Huron (United States) to Sarnia (Canada). The boardwalk that runs underneath the Blue Water bridge is my favorite place to enjoy watching freights.
If you have never taken a drive through Michigan’s ThumbCoast I highly recommend it. Not only will you see amazing freights, visit beautiful lighthouses and beaches, but discover wonderful restaurants and adorable shops.
Five Things
Movie Review: The Way I See It
Every four years, a couple months before the presidential election a variety of strategically timed movies try their best to swing votes a certain way and influence the outcome of the election. Many of these movies don\’t last past election day and I\’ll be honest with you I am not a political movie person. In fact, I hate it and typically avoid political movies at all cost.
The Way I See It seems to be a little different. You see Pete Souza served as the official White House photographer for two presidents of opposite parties: Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. The story is told through video footage and iconic still from Souza\’s archive. Of course this means you\’ll get plenty of voice overs throughout the movie. For the most part, the political message is held off until the end.
Travel Diaries: Whispering Pines Campground in Mancelona, Michigan
3060 Mancelona Road, Mancelona, Michigan 49659, United States
Recently, I found myself ready to hit the road for an adventure. With COVID in full swing, I don\’t feel as safe visiting hotels as I once did. Therefore I found myself glamping, at one of the nicest campgrounds I have ever been to. Whispering Pines Campground is located in Mancelona, Michigan which is between Traverse City and Petosky.
Whispering Pines Campground Sites Offer:
Each site is spacious (seriously, I have never seen sites this spacious before) and is surrounded by mature pine trees that not only provide shade but privacy as well. All sites have a grassy area and include a picnic table and fire ring.
Whispering Pines Campground Activities:
I was extremely impressed with everything the campground had to offer. With so many activities, including nature trails, there really is no reason to leave.
1. Camp Store. The camp store features grocery items, candy, beverages, RV supplies, ice, wood, and more.
Nearby Towns:
If you\’re looking for the perfect campground to get away, I highly recommend Whispering Pines Campground in Mancelona, Michigan. The employees are nice, you get a spacious private site, the bathrooms are sparkling clean, the trails are beautiful, there are plenty of activities and despite there being children the campground is actually very quiet.
Fashion meets Food 