There isn't anything "new" about New in Town. That's its fatal charm and fatal flaw.
Spunky Lucy Hill (Renee Zellwegger) is an up-an-coming corporate hotshot who's tapped to restructure a food products plant in rural
She's surprised to find that, "Gosh,
Lucy really has her (still non-gloved) hands full
One quick plant tour later, corporate has tasked her with a withering round of layoffs and union contract negotiations with (surprise!) cute, union boss Ted (Harry Connick Jr.). Did I mention Ted is a widower? He is. And he's got a caterpillar-waiting-to-become-a-butterfly teenage daughter.
Since this is a fromantic comedy (female romantic comedy) cute Lucy is set up with Ted at a welcome-to-town family dinner. Things don't go well (you didn't think they would, right?). This shaky start gives Lucy labor pains when she and Ted meet at the bargaining table.
But, before you can say "pink slip" the headquarters honchos up the ante by deciding to close the plant. Now, cute Lucy really has her (still non-gloved) hands full. That of course, is when her frozen brain thaws enough to devise a plan to save the jobs, the plant and the town.
She rallies the plant personnel with a speech reminiscent of "It's a Wonderful Life" and the ones that spurned her are now spurring her on. You gotta love Hollywood. And this is cinema candy at its best - or worst. Before it fades to black everyone gets a warm and fuzzy feeling. Even Lucy starts wearing a coat.
New in Town isn't the most formulaic romantic comedy in years, but it has all the bases covered: fish out of water storyline with a cute widower and colorful town folk in a rural American setting. Rene Zellwegger is capable of much more, but it's really time for her to consider "older" roles. You can't play the ingénue forever. America will give you the cold shoulder.
The Boomer Brief recommends Netflix for your movie rentals. The monthly rental packages start at only $4.99 - and you can cancel at any time.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
