I’m better at responding to direct questions, but I’ll go with a few things.

For most entertainment and dining, if you’re willing to head to Portland you’ll have much better luck. In Vancouver some favorites:

Restaurants:

Thai: Thai Orchid
Pizza: Pizzicato
Chinese: None (they all suck although Fa Fa Gourmet is the least offensive)
Sandwich Shop: City Sandwich
Mexican: Who Song and Larry’s
Buffet: Sweet Tomatoes

Entertainment:
Movies: You can check movie listings for the local theater chain at Fandango. The Hwy 99 and 160th are a bit newer and nicer, although they tend to be packed with obnoxious teenagers on weekends. The City Center theater is my favorite. The Vancouver Plaza one is pretty crappy, with shabby seats and really poor projection standards.

Live Music: Definitely better off in Portland, although if you like blues the Cascade Bar & Grill on Mill Plain often has really good local groups.

Outdoors: There are some really nice walking trails in the area, my favorites are the Burnt Bridge Creek trail and the Waterfront trail. There are also some nice trails on the WSU Vancouver campus. If you’re looking for a little longer hike the Bells Mountain trail in Battle Ground is nice.