Review: Tumbledown + The Dead Poet

Tumbledown Takes a Bit of a Stumble

By Jaya Daniel

Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Rebecca Hall, Joe Manganiello, Blythe Danner

In 250 Characters or Less:

A young widow is forced to come to terms with her husband’s death – a folk singer who died in a tragic accident – when a writer comes along, interested in writing about the young singer’s life.

What Works:

Two words…Jason Sudeikis. A college professor who wants to tell the story of a young musician he admired, Andrew has to deal with a tempestuous widow who does all she can to keep her husband’s memories to herself. But, in trying to find out the truth about his life, as well as his death, Andrew is forced to come to terms with some demons of his own. Sudeikis is charming and a good sport, considering the roadblocks thrown his way, including a woman who is unnecessarily rude and malevolent.

Be Aware:

I found it incredibly hard to sympathize with Hannah, the young widow. While you can feel for her loss, she makes a bad first impression and continues to act in a way that makes it hard for you to feel compassion for her situation. While trying to protect her husband’s legacy, she’s rough and coarse. Though at times you could sense Hannah’s vulnerability, it was gone as soon as it arrived.

Tumbledown is available on iTunes and Amazon video.

Overall Grade: C+

 

The Dead Poet

By Soraya Hanzus

Courtesy of TheDeadPoet.com

In 250 Characters or Less:

The Dead Poet is the place to be for all things whiskey, popcorn, conversation, literature and, most importantly, beer! This laid back establishment satisfies patrons from all walks of life -- everyone from college kids to the after-work crew.

What Works:

This Irish pub (hint: “Irish” is the theme of this week… stay tuned for many more related posts!) boasts a lengthy beer menu that includes numerous craft beers well beyond what a Budweiser or Miller are able to offer. It is also known for pouring one of the finest pints of Guinness in the area -- and is always served with a shamrock! Another plus is the free popcorn that pairs nicely with the beer and relaxed atmosphere. In addition to beer, the bar offers an extensive cocktail list including a large Irish whiskey menu.

What most differentiates The Dead Poet though is that it was created to celebrate the lives and spirits of famous writers and poets. As such, the bar’s walls are decorated with portraits, quotes, and poems. To top it off, patrons can literally take home a book -- choosing from the library of classic literature offered at the bar.

Be Aware:

Do not mistake The Dead Poet for many of the other seemingly similar bars in the Upper West Side. It may look like any of the other dives lining Amsterdam Ave, but this is no Bourbon Street or Jake’s Dilemma… No bras hanging from the ceiling. No two-for-one tequila shot deal. And that isn’t a bad thing. The Dead Poet is a much more sophisticated joint than its next-door neighbors -- without the pretension of a wine bar. This easily overlooked bar simply prides itself in serving up beer from many parts of the world for patrons to enjoy during a quiet evening with friends. Just know this isn’t a place to indulge in martinis while dancing to Britney. If that’s your cup of tea, head down the street to The Gin Mill.

Overall Grade: A

450 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper West Side

(212) 595-5670

www.thedeadpoet.com