'Life' of the Party

New to DVD and Blu-Ray today is the fantastic drama "A Better Life." When it opened earlier this year, I had high praise for director Chris Weitz and star Demian Bichir, who I think delivers one of the finest performances of the year as an illegal immigrant looking to provide a positive future for his 14-year-old son. In an interview with Weitz, I praised the film and the director's steady hand with material that could have easily gone maudlin or condescending.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the DVD release party for the film, hosted by Mary-Louise Parker at Culina. It took me a second to make the connection, but of course, Bichir played Parker's lover on the Showtime series "Weeds."  Like anyone who loves great actors, I've long held Parker in high regard. But until I saw her in person that night, I had no idea how unbelievably stunning she is in person. She was also very gracious and affable, and went out of her way to thank us for coming. "I so appreciate your support of this movie," she told me. "It means so much that people get the word out about it. It's very special."

So if you won't take my word for it, listen to Parker, and check out one of the best films--and performances--of the year.

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