THUR 9/8
"I'm very glad that I was born white," says the smug Kimberly Joyce, the latest and possibly the most vile queen bee to manipulate her way to the top of the teen comedy hive. Written by Skander Halim and directed by Marcos Siega, Pretty Persuasion has something to offend everyone, and many critics agree that even for satire, this film goes too far. Ethnic slurs abound as Kimberly (played by the stunning Evan Rachel Wood) prods her friends into accusing their English teacher (Ron Livingston) of sexual harassment in the hopes that the media hype will help launch their acting careers.
Of course, the parents are equally demented: "I don't want to ever catch you being a racist," Mr. Joyce (James Woods) tells Kimberly. "This is not to say you have license to bring R. Kelly home for dinner, okay?" Tonight's special Gen Art screening begins at 8:00 at AMC CocoWalk (3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove), followed by free cocktails at the afterparty from 10:00 to midnight at Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill, 3067 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove. Tickets cost $15 for nonmembers; Gen Art members receive two free tickets. Call 305-695-8200, or visit www.genart.org. Visit www.prettypersuasionthemovie.com to view the trailer. --Lyssa Oberkreser
Mexican Munchies
Bust out the sombrero
TUE 9/13
As director of the Mexico Tourism Board in Miami, Teresa Villarreal wants you to know there's more to Mexico than beaches. With ancient ruins, volcanoes, and grottoes, and as the winter home of the beautiful Monarch butterfly, the state of Michoacan in central Mexico is rich in culture and exotic cuisine. Sopa tarasca, a chili pepper-spiked chicken soup; enchiladas placeras, a vegetable, chicken, and tortilla dish; and trucha salmonada, a local trout served with a tasty sauce, are a few of the region's specialties. Today through Sunday, September 18, you can sample some of these delicious dishes as the Culinary Treasures of Mexico: The State of Michoacan comes to Coconut Grove. Guest chefs from Michoacan will take over the kitchens of Café Med (3015 Grand Ave; 305-443-1770), Café Tu Tu Tango (3015 Grand Ave.; 305-529-2222), Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill (3067 Grand Ave.; 305-444-0216), and the Pirates Bar and Grill at the Mutiny Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Dr.; 305-441-2100) during lunch and dinner. Call 786-621-2909, ext. 13. --Lyssa Oberkreser
Sharp-Dressed Charity
Suited for Success does it right
SAT 9/10
We know you're not supposed to judge people on appearances, but that's exactly what employers do during the all-important interview process. Suited for Success has been helping disadvantaged individuals fulfill their employment dreams for a decade by providing professional clothing, educational programs, job training, and essential image-enhancing procedures. The charity is celebrating its anniversary with a spectacular fundraising gala, Welcome to Wonderland, complete with casino games, a wishing well, a raffle for fabulous prizes including a Hummer H3, and live entertainment. Go behind the looking glass tonight at 7:30 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave. Tickets cost $100. Call 305-444-1944, or visit www.suitedforsuccess.org. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
Poetic Liaisons
THU 9/8
Back when women were denied university educations, they exhibited their erudition at formal yet cozy reading sessions. That spirit lives on at the Luna Star Literary Salon. Writers from Florida International University and the University of Miami, along with the dynamic poetry duo of Denise Duhamel and Maureen Seaton, will read tonight at 7:30 at the Luna Star Café, 775 NE 125th St., North Miami. Admission is free. Call 305-799-7123, or visit www.literarysalon-miami.com. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
