Girl friends: Director Bill Condon (Chicago) stages another ambitious movie musical about three young women in 1963 Detroit, Michigan and their rise to fame. Dreamgirls (PG-13) follows Deena, Lorell, and Effie are the Dreamettes and when the film starts they lose an amateur competition and eventually end up singing backup for James "Thunder" Early (an exuberant Eddie Murphy channeling James Brown and Little Richard at the same time). Once they become involved with snakey manager Curtis Taylor, Jr (Jamie Foxx at his oiliest), he decides that powerhouse talent and overweight Effie should take a backseat to svelte yet personality free voiced Deena. Deena also takes Effie's place in Curtis's bed.
The movie is based on the story of the Supremes and it makes no bones about making the three women very "Supremelike" in their movements, hair, and once Deena takes center stage, making her a Diana Rosslike diva. The songs are all good; reflective of the characters emotions and a true reflection of the times. It was first a Broadway show and on Broadway Effie was played by Jennifer Holliday and in the film Jennifer Hudson steps into Holliday's shoes and makes the role her own. Hudson was a contestant on season 3 of American Idol but was voted out early on. She's the one laughing now; with her powerhouse voice and strong acting chops, she is the star of the show and it does show. Beyonce Knowles who plays Deena is good in the role, however, it doesn't really require much acting of her but there is a good song (written for the movie, not in the original show) called "Listen" which Deena sings and it's probably the best things I've ever heard from Beyonce.
The film as a whole is flat more times than not but there are some highlights such as the songs "One Night Only," "Steppin' To The Bad Side," "Listen," and, of course, the show stopper, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." The people in the theater actually clapped after that song finished; it was refreshing to hear that. They also clapped after the movie finished. How cool that people still do that at the theater. It's not a great film and lacks the overall thrill that Condon's Chicago had. It's still worth seeing it for Hudson's performance.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): Movie: 3, Hudson's performance: 5
Possible nominations
Best Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson
Best Picture
Best Director
peace,
paul
Sunday, December 31, 2006
presidential passing
Gerald Ford is being laid to rest and hearing about his legacy is eye-opening and interesting. Ford was not elected to the vice presidency or the presidency. After Spiro Agnew resigned, Ford moved up to v.p. and then after Nixon resigned, Ford moved up to the presidency. There have been theories that there was a reason Ford pardoned Nixon; he was bribed, he had influential friends, etc. I think the only reason (and Jim, who was around, has also said this) is that Ford knew if Nixon were to go to trial it would not be good for the country. Ford may have lost to Carter but he should be remembered as a positive change for the country in a galvanic period.
To the former oldest living ex-president: Rest in peace.
paul
To the former oldest living ex-president: Rest in peace.
paul
Saturday, December 30, 2006
some Saturday sillies
These are supposedly actual newspaper ads. Whether they are or not, I got a chuckle out of them. Enjoy!
FREE Yorkshire Terrier: 8 yrs. old. Hateful little bitch. Bites.
FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 Cocker Spaniel - 1/2 Sneaky Neighbor's Dog.
FREE PUPPIES: Part German Shepherd - Part Stupid Dog.
FREE GERMAN SHEPHERD: 85lbs. Neutered. Speaks German.
FOUND: Dirty White Dog. Looks like a Rat....been out awhile. Betterbe a Reward for this NASTY little thing.
COWS, CALVES: Never Bred....Also, 1 Gay Bull For Sale.
NORDIC TRACK: $300 - Hardly used, call Chubby.
GEORGIA PEACHES: California grown - 89 cents lb.
JOINING NUDIST COLONY!: Must sell Washer & Dryer $300.
WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE: Worn ONCE by mistake. Call Stephanie - $300.
And the BEST one.....FOR SALE /BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45volumes. Excellent condition. $1000 or Best Offer. No longer needed,got married last month. Wife knows everything.
FREE Yorkshire Terrier: 8 yrs. old. Hateful little bitch. Bites.
FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 Cocker Spaniel - 1/2 Sneaky Neighbor's Dog.
FREE PUPPIES: Part German Shepherd - Part Stupid Dog.
FREE GERMAN SHEPHERD: 85lbs. Neutered. Speaks German.
FOUND: Dirty White Dog. Looks like a Rat....been out awhile. Betterbe a Reward for this NASTY little thing.
COWS, CALVES: Never Bred....Also, 1 Gay Bull For Sale.
NORDIC TRACK: $300 - Hardly used, call Chubby.
GEORGIA PEACHES: California grown - 89 cents lb.
JOINING NUDIST COLONY!: Must sell Washer & Dryer $300.
WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE: Worn ONCE by mistake. Call Stephanie - $300.
And the BEST one.....FOR SALE /BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45volumes. Excellent condition. $1000 or Best Offer. No longer needed,got married last month. Wife knows everything.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
recap of 2006
Who says nothing good happened in 2006? Yes, we had Mel's anti-semitic rant and Britney's underpants (or lack thereof). Sex scandals galore and Richard's racism at the comedy store. Trashy celebs partying all night long and the feuding celebs (Donald & Rosie, Rosie & Kelly Ripa) that couldn't get along. And it seems a record number of celebs (including Mel & Richards above) who wanted to humiliate themselves. Danny Devito, still drunk from partying the night before, on The View was like watching a train wreck. However, there were many good things (the Dems won the houses, Bush is a lame duck) and herewith I'll name (in my humble opinion) a few of the best in books, music, and movies, and tv and some of the worst. Everyone's a critic and everyone's got an opinion; here's mine. These are all based on media I listened to or watched during the year (if it's not on the list, it's possible I didn't hear it or see it).
Music:
Jay-Z returned, more American Idol artists, and, once again, Beyonce was everywhere.
Mary J. Blige and "The Breakthrough"; Jars Of Clay and their album "Good Monsters" and "Welcome To The Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance were three of the best albums this year.
A few of the worst were Paris Hilton and her album "Paris" (I heard this online); Fergie's "The Dutchess" (also heard this online) and Beyonce with her album "B'day" were all unimaginative, uninspiring and unpleasant.
Books:
I read a lot of new books this year and had many that I really enjoyed. Three of the best were (fiction and non-fiction) John Grisham's "The Innocent Man: Murder And Injustice In A Small Town" (a non-fiction book that proves sometimes the justice system does get it wrong); "Faith & Politics" by John Danforth (a non-fiction book written by Danforth who is an Episcopal minister and former Senator from Missouri. He offers his unflinching opinions on such topics as gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research and other hot button topics); and another best is Philip Roth's "Everyman" (a fiction book that tells the story of an ordinary man dealing with divorce, grown children, and the perils of living in California and then becomes a modern day hero).
A few of the worst are Mary Cheney's "Now It's My Turn" (she's not an exciting writer and she is also self-absorbed); "The Ruins" by Scott Smith (a fiction book with some good suspense and an okay story but a truly terrible ending); and "The Catastrophist" by Lawrence Douglas (a fiction book that is boring and trite).
TV:
Some good shows debuted this year: Ugly Betty, Heroes, and Brothers & Sisters. All three are compelling, well acted and just different enough to set them apart from the rest of the pack. The worst are 30 Rock (not funny), The Nine (too convoluted and too many characters; also cancelled), and Six Degrees (not exciting). It's too bad the show Kidnapped was cancelled because that show had promise and an interesting storyline; also it featured a good cast.
Movies:
There were a number of good films (some of them I've yet to see but I just KNOW they will be good) and, of course, a lot of bad films. RV, The Black Dahlia, Scoop, Phat Girlz, and I could go on and on and on.
Some of the best were: End Of The Spear (and Chad Allen, a gay male, gave a good and believable performance), The Real Dirt On Farmer John (a documentary about a farmer in Illinois and his struggles to maintain a century old farm); and the best film (again, in my humble opinion) of the year is a film that was provocative, shocking, and controversial. Last year, the best movie was Munich (and should have won the Academy award; at least the Academy nominated it) and this year the best film was United 93. Director Paul Greengrass (Sunday, Bloody, Sunday) obtained the permission of each family and crafted a suspenseful, harrowing, and shocking movie. We know the ending but it's the disbelieving scenes and clenching of the fists that carry us to the final, sad frame. No one can ever know exactly what happened (Greengrass took transcripts, phone calls, and testimony to create his film) but this film paints the most positive portrait of a national tragedy.
On the other side of that is the worst movie of the year. Originally slated to be released in 2005 with a big Academy Awards push behind it, All The King's Men was not a hit; it was a dead in the water dud. A remake of the 1949 hit (itself a remake of the Pulitzer Prize winning Robert Penn Warren book), the 2006 ATKM is proof positive that a big budget, a big director (Steven Zaillian) and an all star cast (Jude Law, James Gandolfini, Kate Winslet, Kathy Baker, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins, and Patricia Clarkson) does not automatically mean a movie will be great or even good or even okay. This movie was devoid of any life or excitement. It was like watching a train wreck in slo mo over and over and over for over two hours. By the way, the original movie won 3 Academy Awards and deservedly so. Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Picture.
Singles:
My friend Eric and I used to go looking for singles every Tuesday. And while I don't buy singles very often anymore, I can still appreciate that one cut off of an album that gets my toe tapping or makes me want to turn up the volume.
Some of the best: Panic! At The Disco and their single "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" (for the culture that wants to air their dirty laundry and let all their secrets out, this is the perfect song); "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects (a foot stomping, uplifting and infectious song about getting up and dusting yourself off even when it's hard); and "Go Your Own Way" by the SouthSide Crew. I don't believe this song is available as a single but I heard it this year on satellite radio and it's the best remake I've heard in a long time. A modern and terrific take on a classic Fleetwood Mac hit. Another really good single of the past year is Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars". A moving and infectious ballad that has a story to tell and chooses just the right words.
I hope whatever you read or heard or saw in 2006 was either memorable or noteworthy and here's to more of the same in 2007. Merry Media!
peace,
paul
Music:
Jay-Z returned, more American Idol artists, and, once again, Beyonce was everywhere.
Mary J. Blige and "The Breakthrough"; Jars Of Clay and their album "Good Monsters" and "Welcome To The Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance were three of the best albums this year.
A few of the worst were Paris Hilton and her album "Paris" (I heard this online); Fergie's "The Dutchess" (also heard this online) and Beyonce with her album "B'day" were all unimaginative, uninspiring and unpleasant.
Books:
I read a lot of new books this year and had many that I really enjoyed. Three of the best were (fiction and non-fiction) John Grisham's "The Innocent Man: Murder And Injustice In A Small Town" (a non-fiction book that proves sometimes the justice system does get it wrong); "Faith & Politics" by John Danforth (a non-fiction book written by Danforth who is an Episcopal minister and former Senator from Missouri. He offers his unflinching opinions on such topics as gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research and other hot button topics); and another best is Philip Roth's "Everyman" (a fiction book that tells the story of an ordinary man dealing with divorce, grown children, and the perils of living in California and then becomes a modern day hero).
A few of the worst are Mary Cheney's "Now It's My Turn" (she's not an exciting writer and she is also self-absorbed); "The Ruins" by Scott Smith (a fiction book with some good suspense and an okay story but a truly terrible ending); and "The Catastrophist" by Lawrence Douglas (a fiction book that is boring and trite).
TV:
Some good shows debuted this year: Ugly Betty, Heroes, and Brothers & Sisters. All three are compelling, well acted and just different enough to set them apart from the rest of the pack. The worst are 30 Rock (not funny), The Nine (too convoluted and too many characters; also cancelled), and Six Degrees (not exciting). It's too bad the show Kidnapped was cancelled because that show had promise and an interesting storyline; also it featured a good cast.
Movies:
There were a number of good films (some of them I've yet to see but I just KNOW they will be good) and, of course, a lot of bad films. RV, The Black Dahlia, Scoop, Phat Girlz, and I could go on and on and on.
Some of the best were: End Of The Spear (and Chad Allen, a gay male, gave a good and believable performance), The Real Dirt On Farmer John (a documentary about a farmer in Illinois and his struggles to maintain a century old farm); and the best film (again, in my humble opinion) of the year is a film that was provocative, shocking, and controversial. Last year, the best movie was Munich (and should have won the Academy award; at least the Academy nominated it) and this year the best film was United 93. Director Paul Greengrass (Sunday, Bloody, Sunday) obtained the permission of each family and crafted a suspenseful, harrowing, and shocking movie. We know the ending but it's the disbelieving scenes and clenching of the fists that carry us to the final, sad frame. No one can ever know exactly what happened (Greengrass took transcripts, phone calls, and testimony to create his film) but this film paints the most positive portrait of a national tragedy.
On the other side of that is the worst movie of the year. Originally slated to be released in 2005 with a big Academy Awards push behind it, All The King's Men was not a hit; it was a dead in the water dud. A remake of the 1949 hit (itself a remake of the Pulitzer Prize winning Robert Penn Warren book), the 2006 ATKM is proof positive that a big budget, a big director (Steven Zaillian) and an all star cast (Jude Law, James Gandolfini, Kate Winslet, Kathy Baker, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Hopkins, and Patricia Clarkson) does not automatically mean a movie will be great or even good or even okay. This movie was devoid of any life or excitement. It was like watching a train wreck in slo mo over and over and over for over two hours. By the way, the original movie won 3 Academy Awards and deservedly so. Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Picture.
Singles:
My friend Eric and I used to go looking for singles every Tuesday. And while I don't buy singles very often anymore, I can still appreciate that one cut off of an album that gets my toe tapping or makes me want to turn up the volume.
Some of the best: Panic! At The Disco and their single "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" (for the culture that wants to air their dirty laundry and let all their secrets out, this is the perfect song); "Move Along" by The All-American Rejects (a foot stomping, uplifting and infectious song about getting up and dusting yourself off even when it's hard); and "Go Your Own Way" by the SouthSide Crew. I don't believe this song is available as a single but I heard it this year on satellite radio and it's the best remake I've heard in a long time. A modern and terrific take on a classic Fleetwood Mac hit. Another really good single of the past year is Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars". A moving and infectious ballad that has a story to tell and chooses just the right words.
I hope whatever you read or heard or saw in 2006 was either memorable or noteworthy and here's to more of the same in 2007. Merry Media!
peace,
paul
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
"Healthy Penis" is a San Francisco marketing campaign that was designed to get the word out about syphillis and get people to get tested. It worked. Yes, syphillis is on the rise again and these "cute" cartoons were posted in gay bars, on buses, in gay newspapers and on gay websites. Check out the healthy penis website at http://www.healthypenis.org/
Happy reading,
paul
Happy reading,
paul
Monday, December 25, 2006
weekly post from Dec. 24, 2006
Hello loved ones & friends,
It's the little things that get overlooked in life because we always seem to be focused on the big things. I'm all for looking at the big picture of things, however, the little things should not be ignored or missed. And if we are doing the same things over and over and not getting the results we want then we need to do things differently. Change is hard and uncomfortable but it's necessary for us to grow.
Ok, enough of the deep stuff. I honestly have no idea where that came from anyway. I also cannot believe there is no snow on the ground. Not even a titch of snow and Christmas is tomorrow. Of course, they are calling for snow tonight so we may wake up to a white Christmas yet.
We had our Christmas Eve morning service and tonight we will have our evening service with lessons & carols and candles. I'm personally horrified that there is a possibility of wax on the carpet and chairs in the church. The little paper around the candle does not work at all. There must be something else that can be used to prevent wax from dripping. But I'm not obsessed or anything.
I wish each one of you a blessed and peaceful and joyous Christmas. Be kind to one another and be good to yourselves.
Stay safe, stay happy, and stay healthy.
love,
paul
It's the little things that get overlooked in life because we always seem to be focused on the big things. I'm all for looking at the big picture of things, however, the little things should not be ignored or missed. And if we are doing the same things over and over and not getting the results we want then we need to do things differently. Change is hard and uncomfortable but it's necessary for us to grow.
Ok, enough of the deep stuff. I honestly have no idea where that came from anyway. I also cannot believe there is no snow on the ground. Not even a titch of snow and Christmas is tomorrow. Of course, they are calling for snow tonight so we may wake up to a white Christmas yet.
We had our Christmas Eve morning service and tonight we will have our evening service with lessons & carols and candles. I'm personally horrified that there is a possibility of wax on the carpet and chairs in the church. The little paper around the candle does not work at all. There must be something else that can be used to prevent wax from dripping. But I'm not obsessed or anything.
I wish each one of you a blessed and peaceful and joyous Christmas. Be kind to one another and be good to yourselves.
Stay safe, stay happy, and stay healthy.
love,
paul
Saturday, December 23, 2006
This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1906. One hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes! Here are some statistics for the Year 1906 :
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower !
The average wage in was 22 cents per hour. The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis 3
. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." ( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !
paul
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower !
The average wage in was 22 cents per hour. The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis 3
. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas , Nevada , was only 30!!!!
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." ( Shocking? DUH! )
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A. !
paul
movie minute
Lost Shepherd: In Robert DeNiro's opus, The Good Shepherd (R), we get to see how the ultra secret Central Intelligence Agency was born and the cost of devoting one's life to it. After the Office of Strategic Services went defunct, the CIA, the agency dedicated to fighting the small wars as one character puts it, starts up in order to protect the nation of the USA. Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) is tapped to be in the society of the Skull & Bones and then from there is tapped to be a spy for the CIA. The movie is told in flashbacks and flashforwards and spans the decades of the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Damon's character is humorless, expressionless, and so serious it's not even funny. Even a wife (played by Angelina Jolie) and a son can't break him out of his dour attitude.
DeNiro who directed the great movies The Score and A Bronx Tale seems to be losing his touch. The movie is a yawn and pointless up until the last 50mins (it's 2hr and 40mins) and even then it only gets a heartbeat for a brief time. The cast is stellar: Michael Gambon, Robert DeNiro, Angelina Jolie, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin, Timothy Hutton, and Joe Pesci to name a few. In fact, Jolie is the only one with a pulse in this movie. She resuscitates every scene she's in. Say what you will about her lips but this woman knows how to command a scene.
The crux of the story (aside from how the CIA is born) is the fact that there was a spy in the agency (who may or may not have been Edward's son) that caused the US to botch the Bay Of Pigs invasion.
DeNiro is still a good director and he does a good job on this movie too but like the shepherd in the field, this Shepherd seems to be wandering for sheep.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.25
Possible noms
Best Supporting Actress: Angelina Jolie
Best Director
Best Picture
paul
DeNiro who directed the great movies The Score and A Bronx Tale seems to be losing his touch. The movie is a yawn and pointless up until the last 50mins (it's 2hr and 40mins) and even then it only gets a heartbeat for a brief time. The cast is stellar: Michael Gambon, Robert DeNiro, Angelina Jolie, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin, Timothy Hutton, and Joe Pesci to name a few. In fact, Jolie is the only one with a pulse in this movie. She resuscitates every scene she's in. Say what you will about her lips but this woman knows how to command a scene.
The crux of the story (aside from how the CIA is born) is the fact that there was a spy in the agency (who may or may not have been Edward's son) that caused the US to botch the Bay Of Pigs invasion.
DeNiro is still a good director and he does a good job on this movie too but like the shepherd in the field, this Shepherd seems to be wandering for sheep.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.25
Possible noms
Best Supporting Actress: Angelina Jolie
Best Director
Best Picture
paul
movie minute
Boys Of Obridge: In Nicholas Hytner's (director of The Crucible, The Madness Of King George) The History Boys (R), eight boys in their final year of learning spend a semester preparing for their Oxbridge exams. These students are the brightest of the bright and their patient, guiding and inspirational teacher wants to see them enjoy learning and be their best. The teacher, Hector, is played by Richard Griffiths. Griffiths gives a terrific performance that is understated and believable. As the boys prepare for the exams, the headmaster brings in a new and young teacher who rounds out the interview preparations for the boys and offers other more pragmatic tips to succeed. We also see that Hector touches the boys in more ways than one. On a rotating basis, the boys get a ride home with Hector on the back of his motorcycle. He then fulfills his needs in his own way. What happens when the news gets out is only part of the story. This film touches on a taboo subject without ever taking sides or portraying the boys as victims or naive.
The film is taken from the hit stage play that won a record six Tony Awards including Best Play, Best Director (Hytner), Best Featured Actress for Frances de la Tour (who plays Mrs. Lintott), and Best Actor for Griffiths. Samuel Barnett, who plays Posner, was nominated for Best Performance by a Featured Actor. It also features the entire original stage cast. There are two standouts aside from Griffiths. The first is Samuel Barnett who plays Posner (the one with the nice singing voice) and who is infatuated with Dakin and the second is Dominic Cooper who plays Dakin the self-professed heterosexual who ends up head over heels for the new teacher.
I will warn you now this is a sophisticated British film for a sophisticated viewer and done tastefully and artfully and excellently; few American films or directors, if any, could do this as well. Witness the one scene done almost entirely in French with no subtitles. My spouse knows French and filled me in on the dialogue after the film. My only response was clever (and also funny).
I would see this again in a heartbeat and I really enjoyed how sharp the boys were and the interactions between them and their older teacher.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4.5
paul
The film is taken from the hit stage play that won a record six Tony Awards including Best Play, Best Director (Hytner), Best Featured Actress for Frances de la Tour (who plays Mrs. Lintott), and Best Actor for Griffiths. Samuel Barnett, who plays Posner, was nominated for Best Performance by a Featured Actor. It also features the entire original stage cast. There are two standouts aside from Griffiths. The first is Samuel Barnett who plays Posner (the one with the nice singing voice) and who is infatuated with Dakin and the second is Dominic Cooper who plays Dakin the self-professed heterosexual who ends up head over heels for the new teacher.
I will warn you now this is a sophisticated British film for a sophisticated viewer and done tastefully and artfully and excellently; few American films or directors, if any, could do this as well. Witness the one scene done almost entirely in French with no subtitles. My spouse knows French and filled me in on the dialogue after the film. My only response was clever (and also funny).
I would see this again in a heartbeat and I really enjoyed how sharp the boys were and the interactions between them and their older teacher.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4.5
paul
Thursday, December 21, 2006
movie minute
Rock-y With Me: The sixth and final (hopefully) Rocky movie is out and while it's not a great film it does pack some punch. Rocky Balboa (PG) charts the reemergence of the Italian Stallion as played by Sylvester Stallone. Rocky spends his days at his Italian eatery regaling his guests of the good old days when he was in his prime and also sitting by the grave of his late wife. Yes, Adrian, has passed (woman cancer) and Rocky misses her more than he can say. The role of Rocky has been a blessing and a curse for Stallone but watching him on the screen inhabit the good-natured, simple-minded Balboa, it's obvious he knows the role inside and out.
When ESPN runs a simulation fight between Rocky and the new champ, Mason "The Line" Dixon, and Rocky wins, it stirs interest and soon the manager of Dixon comes a-calling to set up an exhibition fight between the two boxers. Dixon is played by real-life boxer Antonio Tarver and it's too bad that he's made out as such a jerk. Dixon is fighting wimpy, no competition opponents; these guys are barely putting up a fight and Dixon is winning so easily that he's losing fans and not much of a draw. Once the simulated game is shown, and all the pundits come out of the woodwork, the thought of being pit against the aging Italian both intrigues and irritates Dixon. Make no mistake, Stallone's body (he recently turned 60) is still a sight to behold and pretty soon it's young and quick against old and tough.
The side story in the film shows Rocky and the relationship he has with his son, Rocky Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia from Heroes). It's a nice dynamic that these two actors and characters have with each other and I would have liked to have seen more of it. Rocky Jr. (like Stallone with the character of Rocky) is both cursed and blessed to share the name of his father.
The movie really does drag for the first hour but jolts into life when the two fighters start training and the lead up to the fight reminds one of the electrifying feel of the first Rocky. Despite the critics, Rocky has heart and a love for the sport and one can easily say he is hanging on the past; yet there is nothing wrong with doing something and knowing you can do, knowing you can stand up amidst all the jeers and doubts. As Rocky says in one of his speeches, "It's not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can be hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward." The fifth Rocky back in 1990 was a dud of a film but with Balboa the franchise can be put to rest on a high note. And stick around for the credits to see just how much Rocky has permeated our culture.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3
paul
When ESPN runs a simulation fight between Rocky and the new champ, Mason "The Line" Dixon, and Rocky wins, it stirs interest and soon the manager of Dixon comes a-calling to set up an exhibition fight between the two boxers. Dixon is played by real-life boxer Antonio Tarver and it's too bad that he's made out as such a jerk. Dixon is fighting wimpy, no competition opponents; these guys are barely putting up a fight and Dixon is winning so easily that he's losing fans and not much of a draw. Once the simulated game is shown, and all the pundits come out of the woodwork, the thought of being pit against the aging Italian both intrigues and irritates Dixon. Make no mistake, Stallone's body (he recently turned 60) is still a sight to behold and pretty soon it's young and quick against old and tough.
The side story in the film shows Rocky and the relationship he has with his son, Rocky Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia from Heroes). It's a nice dynamic that these two actors and characters have with each other and I would have liked to have seen more of it. Rocky Jr. (like Stallone with the character of Rocky) is both cursed and blessed to share the name of his father.
The movie really does drag for the first hour but jolts into life when the two fighters start training and the lead up to the fight reminds one of the electrifying feel of the first Rocky. Despite the critics, Rocky has heart and a love for the sport and one can easily say he is hanging on the past; yet there is nothing wrong with doing something and knowing you can do, knowing you can stand up amidst all the jeers and doubts. As Rocky says in one of his speeches, "It's not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can be hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward." The fifth Rocky back in 1990 was a dud of a film but with Balboa the franchise can be put to rest on a high note. And stick around for the credits to see just how much Rocky has permeated our culture.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3
paul
Monday, December 18, 2006
Ted Haggard recently resigned from New Life Church in Colorado Spring, Colorado amid allegations of homosexuality and drug use and now Rev. Paul Barnes of Grace Chapel in Colorado has resigned after confessing to having sexual relations with other men. Barnes said he has struggled with homosexuality since he was 5-years-old. Both men were evangelical preachers. Is there something in the water in Colorado? Maybe the Christian right rhetoric is finally catching up to these holier than thou types and biting them in the ass. While I wish the men and their families well, I do hope that the next preacher who has the urge to proclaim "homosexuality is wrong" thinks before they speak.
paul
paul
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The Golden Globe nominations were announced this week and based on the director, picture and acting races for the movie part of the noms, here's how I stack up in terms of movies I've seen and yet to see.
Out of 25 different movies with nominations, I've seen 15. I missed three of them in their theatrical runs but two will be released on DVD within the next month and a half. Seven have yet to premiere in Rochester. Damn Rochester, anyway. Why can't I live in NYC? Of course the noms for the Globes and the Oscars rarely match up, if ever so I'm sure there will be some performances nominated for an Oscar that the Globes missed. Happy viewing indeed!
peace,
paul
Out of 25 different movies with nominations, I've seen 15. I missed three of them in their theatrical runs but two will be released on DVD within the next month and a half. Seven have yet to premiere in Rochester. Damn Rochester, anyway. Why can't I live in NYC? Of course the noms for the Globes and the Oscars rarely match up, if ever so I'm sure there will be some performances nominated for an Oscar that the Globes missed. Happy viewing indeed!
peace,
paul
Saturday, December 16, 2006
movie minute
The Y to the I: Dreams do come true and it could happen to you could be the mantra of the new Will Smith movie The Pursuit Of Happyness (PG-13). The word happiness is misspelled on purpose; it's the sign on a wall outside of a daycare center. Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a man struggling to support his family (a wife and 5-year-old son) by selling medical equipment. His wife is played by Thandie Newton and his son is played by Jaden Christopher Syre Smith (the real life son of Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith). As the bills mount and the pressure builds, Gardner learns of an internship program at Dean Witter and he devotes 6 months studying, schmoozing and trying to cram for a test that he might do well on and still not get the job. The real Chris Gardner went on to do great things but before that he and his son spent a year sleeping in subway terminal bathrooms and shelters. I have two problems with this movie: The first is Newton's character, Linda, and her interactions with Chris. The two are rarely civil to each other and the nastiness is just not appealing and doesn't seem to fit in. The second is the film's one-bad-thing-after-another-I-just-can't-catch-a-break theme. It gets to be a downer after a short while. The film doesn't have much to say and it says it a lot. Smith is being hailed for his role as an everyman trying to keep his head and family above water but he doesn't delve deep enough. And for a man who is supposed to be so intelligent, Smith's character spends a lot of time seemingly unaware of how the world works. There are great moments but there's not enough of them and, while I do agree he should be nominated for an Oscar, I'm not sure his is the best male performance of the year. A revelation, yes; the best, probably not. Smith's son, who is named Christopher, is refreshing and cute but not cloying.
If you like Smith, you'll like his performance but just bring along some Prozac to help you along.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3 (for Smith's performance), 2.5 (for the movie)
peace,
paul
Addendum (in reference to a comment I received): I was too harsh on Newton's character, Newton does give a layered performance, I just thought she was too harsh at times. Smith's character, Chris, spends most of the movie as a self absorbed-I-deserve-everything macho dude and Newton, as Linda, plays well off of that. I'm a fan of Newton and I didn't totally dislike her in the film.
possible Oscar nods
Best Actor
If you like Smith, you'll like his performance but just bring along some Prozac to help you along.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3 (for Smith's performance), 2.5 (for the movie)
peace,
paul
Addendum (in reference to a comment I received): I was too harsh on Newton's character, Newton does give a layered performance, I just thought she was too harsh at times. Smith's character, Chris, spends most of the movie as a self absorbed-I-deserve-everything macho dude and Newton, as Linda, plays well off of that. I'm a fan of Newton and I didn't totally dislike her in the film.
possible Oscar nods
Best Actor
so long, Secretary
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld had his last day on Friday and is making way for new SOD Robert Gates. Yes, Rumsfeld has served as SOD under two different presidents in two different centuries (Gerald Ford in the 70's; George W. Bush in the 2000's) but he was just 10 days shy of becoming the longest serving SOD. That honor still belongs to Robert McNamara.
Rest in Retirement Rummy. See you on the book tour.
paul
Rest in Retirement Rummy. See you on the book tour.
paul
Friday, December 15, 2006
Thanks to my friend Bud for sending this.
Ben Stein: If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly. The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart:
I have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young, it's not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don t know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world s going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. (Wrong! I'm sending to everyone on my list) Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
peace,
paul
Ben Stein: If they know of him at all, many folks think Ben Stein is just a quirky actor/comedian who talks in a monotone. He's also a very intelligent attorney who knows how to put ideas and words together in such a way as to sway juries and make people think clearly. The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart:
I have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. If this is what it means to be no longer young, it's not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution, and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this Happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?" In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don t know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW." Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world s going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. (Wrong! I'm sending to everyone on my list) Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
peace,
paul
word of the week
State of Revenge: Imagine that you are married and one day you find out your spouse is cheating on you with someone else and, instead of going after your spouse for revenge, you go after the person your spouse is cheating with. Sound great? Sound fulfilling? Well it can happen if you live in one of these states: Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, or Utah. It's called alienation of affection and it's based on the (out of date) belief that a woman is the property of the man. According to alienation of affection it is possible for someone to steal the affections and feelings of your spouse. And if that's not gobbledygook then I don't know what is. In recent times more and more states have moved away from the fault divorce but some states cling to the arcane law. The bar association of North Carolina wants the law removed but that would, in essence, be advocating a bill that promotes adultery. And that's some screwed up logic. The law is not invoked very often but there have been more than 200 suits using the law in recent years. Here's a thought: Instead of going after the person your spouse is cheating with, why not just get on with your life and move on? Oh, wait, that's too haaaaaaarrrrrrrrrddd.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
Monday, December 11, 2006
weekly post from December 10, 2006
Hello friends & loved ones,
Another week is behind us and another one looms ahead. Is it really almost the middle of December? Is Christmas really only 15 days away? Have we really so few days left to shop for our loved ones? Yes, yes, and YES! It's hard to believe and it honestly seems as if it were yesterday I was trying to remember to write 2006 on my checks. I messed a couple of them up by writing 2005; thankfully they didn't get mailed that way.
Does anyone watch NBC news? I don't often get a chance to watch the evening news but I do watch and listen to CNN and, of course, my favorite news program is on MSNBC. David Gregory, a reporter for NBC news, has been featured quite frequently in the White House press corp and he continually asks tough, smart, and challenging questions. I get to see some of these clips on my fav show Countdown With Keith Olbermann. It's pleasing to me to see him stump and fluster Tony Snow and President Bush. Gregory doesn't blink and doesn't back down. It's quite thrilling. And if you listen to the answers that Snow and Bush give, they don't really answer the questions; they evade and become wily, cagey and don't touch on the crux of the question. One must really hear what is being said to understand this. Condoleeza Rice is the same way. It's important for us to remember to ask questions that are tough, challenging, and smart and not to back down and not to settle for half-assed answers. It's our right to have the facts and the truth. Fox news had a question that asked Should NBC ditch David Gregory? No, they shouldn't. In fact they should be giving him a raise. On a separate note about Countdown, People magazine recently crowned George Clooney the sexiest male alive and inside the article on him he mentioned that he tivos Countdown everyday. I knew he had good taste.
It's that time of year now when the movies I am racing to see before the Oscars are coming fast and furious. I've already got the rest of December mapped out. Lest anyone think that I only go to the movies by myself and never go with Jim, don't worry, we do go together. In fact I've already heard some of the movies he wants to see so I've made plans for us to go see those movies too. Yes, as Jim says, it is an obsession. All I can say is it is something I enjoy doing and I'm not hurting anyone. And I do like to be ahead of the game come Oscar night. What can I say? I like movies and I enjoy the Oscars.
paul
Another week is behind us and another one looms ahead. Is it really almost the middle of December? Is Christmas really only 15 days away? Have we really so few days left to shop for our loved ones? Yes, yes, and YES! It's hard to believe and it honestly seems as if it were yesterday I was trying to remember to write 2006 on my checks. I messed a couple of them up by writing 2005; thankfully they didn't get mailed that way.
Does anyone watch NBC news? I don't often get a chance to watch the evening news but I do watch and listen to CNN and, of course, my favorite news program is on MSNBC. David Gregory, a reporter for NBC news, has been featured quite frequently in the White House press corp and he continually asks tough, smart, and challenging questions. I get to see some of these clips on my fav show Countdown With Keith Olbermann. It's pleasing to me to see him stump and fluster Tony Snow and President Bush. Gregory doesn't blink and doesn't back down. It's quite thrilling. And if you listen to the answers that Snow and Bush give, they don't really answer the questions; they evade and become wily, cagey and don't touch on the crux of the question. One must really hear what is being said to understand this. Condoleeza Rice is the same way. It's important for us to remember to ask questions that are tough, challenging, and smart and not to back down and not to settle for half-assed answers. It's our right to have the facts and the truth. Fox news had a question that asked Should NBC ditch David Gregory? No, they shouldn't. In fact they should be giving him a raise. On a separate note about Countdown, People magazine recently crowned George Clooney the sexiest male alive and inside the article on him he mentioned that he tivos Countdown everyday. I knew he had good taste.
It's that time of year now when the movies I am racing to see before the Oscars are coming fast and furious. I've already got the rest of December mapped out. Lest anyone think that I only go to the movies by myself and never go with Jim, don't worry, we do go together. In fact I've already heard some of the movies he wants to see so I've made plans for us to go see those movies too. Yes, as Jim says, it is an obsession. All I can say is it is something I enjoy doing and I'm not hurting anyone. And I do like to be ahead of the game come Oscar night. What can I say? I like movies and I enjoy the Oscars.
paul
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A picture of the AIDS ribbon that is on display at 3rd Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. It was on display for the World AIDS day ceremony on Sunday December, 3. It stands 8ft and is 4in wide. However, it only weighs less than 5 pounds. It was made by three people each of whom attends Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church (my church).
peace and love,
paul
Saturday, December 09, 2006
movie minute
Emily Robison, Martie Maguire, and Natalie Maines. Do you know who these three women are? They are the members of the best selling female country group in the USA. The Dixie Chicks. And they are the subject of the documentary Shut Up And Sing (R). The film charts the Chicks from 2003 to 2006 and their heyday in 2003 to their drop in sales and popularity in 2006 to the release of their new album in 2006. The Chicks were doing a concert in London in 2003 on the eve of the start of the Iraq war when lead singer Natalie Maines made a small statement that turned into a firestorm. What Maines said, "we're ashamed that Bush is from Texas," turned the Chicks into pariahs and caused cities in the US to destroy and trash their cds. Should celebrities, singers, entertainers speak their minds or enter into the realm of politics? Can Toby Keith show a picture of Maines with Saddam Hussein and not get one negative comment while Maines makes one comment and receive a death threat? These are but a couple of questions the movie ponders as we see the impact on the band as a result of Maines's statement.
One man in the movie espouses that he is all for free speech but it shouldn't be done on foreign soil if it is against the US. Isn't that contrary to free speech? And Maines's comment was not against the US and it wasn't even that inflammatory but it was turned into a media event.
The movie is set against the music of the Chicks and it follows them as they deal with the aftermath and subsequent healing. The movie also touches on the beginnings of the band. Maines is not the original lead singer and the two sisters, Maguire and Robison, have been in the band since the beginning. It's an enlightening and emotional film with some very candid moments. At times Maines comes across as rigid and seemingly unaware that actions have consequences but it's a tribute to the three women that they stick together through very thick and extremely thin.
One other interesting part of this film is knowing how far the situation in Iraq has devolved since 2003 when Bush's approval ratings were high and people were certain that the war would be over quickly. As one person in the film says to the Chicks as they prepare for an interview, "it (the war) could be over tomorrow." Also it is now in vogue to criticize Bush and the war in song. Many artists have done so since Maines's outburst including Green Day, The Rolling Stones, and Neil Young.
As the film comes to an end we see them just finishing and promoting the album that they released this year, "Taking The Long Way." We also see that it is possible for a family and the human spirit to overcome adversity and hatred. Taking is by far one of the best albums of the year and it hit #1 on the Country Album chart, as well as the Top Albums chart, without any airplay. The album was recently recognized as such with multiple grammy nominations. It's a no holds barred documentary worth seeing if you are a Dixie Chicks fan and feel free to wear your shirt with the letters F.U.T.K.
bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.75
paul
One man in the movie espouses that he is all for free speech but it shouldn't be done on foreign soil if it is against the US. Isn't that contrary to free speech? And Maines's comment was not against the US and it wasn't even that inflammatory but it was turned into a media event.
The movie is set against the music of the Chicks and it follows them as they deal with the aftermath and subsequent healing. The movie also touches on the beginnings of the band. Maines is not the original lead singer and the two sisters, Maguire and Robison, have been in the band since the beginning. It's an enlightening and emotional film with some very candid moments. At times Maines comes across as rigid and seemingly unaware that actions have consequences but it's a tribute to the three women that they stick together through very thick and extremely thin.
One other interesting part of this film is knowing how far the situation in Iraq has devolved since 2003 when Bush's approval ratings were high and people were certain that the war would be over quickly. As one person in the film says to the Chicks as they prepare for an interview, "it (the war) could be over tomorrow." Also it is now in vogue to criticize Bush and the war in song. Many artists have done so since Maines's outburst including Green Day, The Rolling Stones, and Neil Young.
As the film comes to an end we see them just finishing and promoting the album that they released this year, "Taking The Long Way." We also see that it is possible for a family and the human spirit to overcome adversity and hatred. Taking is by far one of the best albums of the year and it hit #1 on the Country Album chart, as well as the Top Albums chart, without any airplay. The album was recently recognized as such with multiple grammy nominations. It's a no holds barred documentary worth seeing if you are a Dixie Chicks fan and feel free to wear your shirt with the letters F.U.T.K.
bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.75
paul
Friday, December 08, 2006
holiday humor
*Holiday Eating Tips*
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk orwhole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips;
Start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk orwhole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips;
Start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
movie minute
Civilization Now: Mel Gibson is back and just as ambitious as ever. In his film Apocalypto (R), Gibson depicts the Mayan civilization as a world imploding and destined to start over. Ok, first of all, I really don't know much about the Mayan civilization so it would have been nice to have some sort of historical background or set up; a point of reference to guide me as the film started. Having said that, I find it hard to believe that the Mayans had the phrase "he's f****d" as part of their lingo.
In the film, a Mayan tribe is invaded (I'm guessing by other Mayans) and the hostages are taken off to be offered as sacrifices to the Gods. Supposedly the sacrifice scene is a political allegory about sending Americans off to Iraq for no reason. One Mayan, however, escapes. This would be Jaguar Paw, and yes, that is really his name. Jaguar Paw has a pregnant wife and son back at the camp that was invaded. Before he was captured he made sure they were hidden from the invaders. Now it's a race to get back to them before it's too late.
The first part of the film is very drawn out and on the verge of boring. The second half is quite exciting. While it has got to be one of the longest foot races ever filmed and mother nature's role in the film is clever, the action keeps going to keep one interested. While the second act is hopping, it should be noted that there are some scenes extremely gratuitous gore. Whatever happened to leaving things to our imagination?
The movie was filmed in Veracruz and it is in the Mayan language of Yucatec. Don't be scared off because of the subtitles, believe me you'll have no trouble keeping up. I did read one article in which one woman in a preview screening raised her hand and questioned the bloodletting of one of the tribesmen who is killed. It just so happened there was a doctor in the audience and he said that what is portrayed on screen is accurate. Gibson has obviously done some homework and is quite a talented director and this film surprised me by how good it was. It is long and it is drawn out, especially in the first half, but it's a better film than his Passion film. I almost didn't get to see the end. Right at the last 15mins of the film, the movie stopped suddenly (right at one of the big payoff scenes) and the emergency lights in the theater came on. The 20 of us, including me, who were in the theater were offered free movie passes. Thankfully there was another showing of the film that had already started. Several of us went in to the other showing and it was not too far off from where the first movie had stopped.
Apocalypto has been getting good reviews (from what I've read so far) and I have to agree. He may be a ranting and raving drunk (ouch) in real life but he sure knows how to direct a film.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.25
possible Oscar noms
Best Director
peace,
paul
In the film, a Mayan tribe is invaded (I'm guessing by other Mayans) and the hostages are taken off to be offered as sacrifices to the Gods. Supposedly the sacrifice scene is a political allegory about sending Americans off to Iraq for no reason. One Mayan, however, escapes. This would be Jaguar Paw, and yes, that is really his name. Jaguar Paw has a pregnant wife and son back at the camp that was invaded. Before he was captured he made sure they were hidden from the invaders. Now it's a race to get back to them before it's too late.
The first part of the film is very drawn out and on the verge of boring. The second half is quite exciting. While it has got to be one of the longest foot races ever filmed and mother nature's role in the film is clever, the action keeps going to keep one interested. While the second act is hopping, it should be noted that there are some scenes extremely gratuitous gore. Whatever happened to leaving things to our imagination?
The movie was filmed in Veracruz and it is in the Mayan language of Yucatec. Don't be scared off because of the subtitles, believe me you'll have no trouble keeping up. I did read one article in which one woman in a preview screening raised her hand and questioned the bloodletting of one of the tribesmen who is killed. It just so happened there was a doctor in the audience and he said that what is portrayed on screen is accurate. Gibson has obviously done some homework and is quite a talented director and this film surprised me by how good it was. It is long and it is drawn out, especially in the first half, but it's a better film than his Passion film. I almost didn't get to see the end. Right at the last 15mins of the film, the movie stopped suddenly (right at one of the big payoff scenes) and the emergency lights in the theater came on. The 20 of us, including me, who were in the theater were offered free movie passes. Thankfully there was another showing of the film that had already started. Several of us went in to the other showing and it was not too far off from where the first movie had stopped.
Apocalypto has been getting good reviews (from what I've read so far) and I have to agree. He may be a ranting and raving drunk (ouch) in real life but he sure knows how to direct a film.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.25
possible Oscar noms
Best Director
peace,
paul
movie minute
Blood Bauble: In Edward Zwick's (The Last Samurai, Legends Of The Fall) new film, Blood Diamond (R), Leonardo DiCaprio plays a tough diamond smuggler who gets wind of a diamond that is hidden and will stop at nothing to find it. Rounding out the main cast is Djimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly. Hounsou plays Solomon, a father who is desperately searching for his family and then realizes his son has been kidnapped by rebels who want to recruit him. Connelly plays Maddy who is a tenacious journalist determined to expose the illegal diamond trade. Lest you think this is fiction, it's not. Before the Kimberley process was signed by 40 different nations, conflict diamonds were rearing their heads into the stores of mainstream jewelers. Diamonds were sold for ammunition or drugs. Even today, there are still conflict (blood) diamonds so it's imperative for people to make sure that the diamonds they are buying are legit.
The film isn't great and it takes a long time to get where it's so obvious it's going. And there are too many scenes in which villages or people are shot at. Ok, I get it, it's a violent country. The standout here is, of course, Hounsou. He gives a terrific performance of a man who is willing to part with the diamond he found in order to get his family back. Connelly, too, is really good. I'm not an expert on accents and I cannot do them but it seemed like DiCaprio's accent kept coming and going. Why not just speak American? It was distracting and I don't think he's a great actor to begin with.
One other bone I have to pick with this movie is the writing; some of it is just downright unbelievable. I want to know how much the writers got paid and how long it took them to come up with lines such as, "In America it's bling-bling, in Africa it's bling-bang." Ooh, that's so hot and clever. I have to use that! DiCaprio's character actually utters that line at one pont (it's also featured in the trailer) and there are some other less than inspiring lines in the movie.
There's a lot of violence and it seems like a meandering mess for the first 35mins but it's worth it to see Hounsou's performance.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.75
possible Oscar noms
Best Supporting Actor: Djimon Hounsou
paul
The film isn't great and it takes a long time to get where it's so obvious it's going. And there are too many scenes in which villages or people are shot at. Ok, I get it, it's a violent country. The standout here is, of course, Hounsou. He gives a terrific performance of a man who is willing to part with the diamond he found in order to get his family back. Connelly, too, is really good. I'm not an expert on accents and I cannot do them but it seemed like DiCaprio's accent kept coming and going. Why not just speak American? It was distracting and I don't think he's a great actor to begin with.
One other bone I have to pick with this movie is the writing; some of it is just downright unbelievable. I want to know how much the writers got paid and how long it took them to come up with lines such as, "In America it's bling-bling, in Africa it's bling-bang." Ooh, that's so hot and clever. I have to use that! DiCaprio's character actually utters that line at one pont (it's also featured in the trailer) and there are some other less than inspiring lines in the movie.
There's a lot of violence and it seems like a meandering mess for the first 35mins but it's worth it to see Hounsou's performance.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.75
possible Oscar noms
Best Supporting Actor: Djimon Hounsou
paul
Thursday, December 07, 2006
winner of the week
Ninety-nine passengers bound from Washington to Dallas/Fort Worth made an unscheduled stop on to Nashville on Monday thanks to the antics of one of the passengers. The American Airlines plane made an emergency stop at the Nashville International Airport because of the smell of matches being struck. The woman who struck the matches admitted that she had done so when questioned by the FBI. The woman, who lives near Dallas, struck the matches to cover body odor. It seems she has a medical condition. It is legal to bring up to four books of paper matches but, of course, not legal to strike them. She was not charged but was also not allowed back on the airplane.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
Monday, December 04, 2006
Here's a website to visit. As we head into the Christmas season, our troops overseas need to be reminded how important they are and how we haven't forgotten them. Now, with the help of Xerox, you can send a card to the troops. It's not possible to choose which soldier gets the card but it is a nice sentiment. I've sent several already. The website is www.letssaythanks.com
paul
paul
weekly post from December 3, 2006
Hello friends & loved ones,
Another week has passed and taken us to the first weekend of the last month of the year. Pretty soon we will be writing the number 7 in the date section of our checks. It's so hard to believe as it seems like just yesterday I was trying to remember to write 6 instead of 5.
Jim and I went for a nice hike yesterday with some people from church and we're thinking of trying to do it every other weekend (which is how often the man who organized the group wants to do it). It felt really good and we were both invigorated. In other news, I've worked my last Sunday (which was last Sunday). I recently got a schedule change in which I will work Mon-Fri instead of Sun-Thur. I don't particularly relish the thought of working Friday nights but it will be splendid having Sunday nights off. It still feels like a dream.
Right now we are just chilling in front of the tube after a full day of church and, for Jim, a remembrance service (with 300 people). The sun was out today and it was so radiant that it was a bit shocking. Of course, now we are being threatened with snow; snow which the midwest and Canada has already been socked with. Or maybe it's different snow.
As you settle into your Sunday night just remember that I pray and think of you each day. I hope that as the Christmas/Hannukah season gets closer, you are able to call up patience, tolerance and kindness. Pray for each other as I pray for you.
paul
Another week has passed and taken us to the first weekend of the last month of the year. Pretty soon we will be writing the number 7 in the date section of our checks. It's so hard to believe as it seems like just yesterday I was trying to remember to write 6 instead of 5.
Jim and I went for a nice hike yesterday with some people from church and we're thinking of trying to do it every other weekend (which is how often the man who organized the group wants to do it). It felt really good and we were both invigorated. In other news, I've worked my last Sunday (which was last Sunday). I recently got a schedule change in which I will work Mon-Fri instead of Sun-Thur. I don't particularly relish the thought of working Friday nights but it will be splendid having Sunday nights off. It still feels like a dream.
Right now we are just chilling in front of the tube after a full day of church and, for Jim, a remembrance service (with 300 people). The sun was out today and it was so radiant that it was a bit shocking. Of course, now we are being threatened with snow; snow which the midwest and Canada has already been socked with. Or maybe it's different snow.
As you settle into your Sunday night just remember that I pray and think of you each day. I hope that as the Christmas/Hannukah season gets closer, you are able to call up patience, tolerance and kindness. Pray for each other as I pray for you.
paul
weekly post from November 25, 2006
Hello friends & loved ones,
Another Thanksgiving is behind us and now the big "C" looms straight ahead. I hope each of you enjoyed the holiday and didn't eat too terribly much and were able to take time to realize how many blessings and gifts each of you has. It's always weird for me working on holidays; I don't automatically have them off. I stopped at Wegman's on my way home from work on Thursday morning and the cashier wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. My brain took a moment to process what she had said before I could reciprocate the well wishing. My brain didn't immediately register that it was a holiday.
We finally got our new bird feeders up and the new pole. The other feeders and pole were destroyed earlier this year by a black bear. We'll have to be diligent in making sure the new feeders don't get destroyed. We'll probably bring the feeders in at night once hibernation is over. Of course the weather has been so mild that we may have start doing that tonight. Do bears hibernate even if it's mild?
It's been a relaxing morning as both Jim and I decided to treat ourselves to a Sunday off. The weather is close to 60 and the sun is shining. Two years ago today as we were coming back from Massachusetts we were in a car accident. A young woman (lesbian from what we could ascertain and seeing her interaction with the woman who picked her up). The woman was passing us and hydroplaned and hit us causing us to lose control and hit the guardrail. Thankfully everyone was ok. Things could change in the blink of an eye so cherish each moment.
paul
Another Thanksgiving is behind us and now the big "C" looms straight ahead. I hope each of you enjoyed the holiday and didn't eat too terribly much and were able to take time to realize how many blessings and gifts each of you has. It's always weird for me working on holidays; I don't automatically have them off. I stopped at Wegman's on my way home from work on Thursday morning and the cashier wished me a Happy Thanksgiving. My brain took a moment to process what she had said before I could reciprocate the well wishing. My brain didn't immediately register that it was a holiday.
We finally got our new bird feeders up and the new pole. The other feeders and pole were destroyed earlier this year by a black bear. We'll have to be diligent in making sure the new feeders don't get destroyed. We'll probably bring the feeders in at night once hibernation is over. Of course the weather has been so mild that we may have start doing that tonight. Do bears hibernate even if it's mild?
It's been a relaxing morning as both Jim and I decided to treat ourselves to a Sunday off. The weather is close to 60 and the sun is shining. Two years ago today as we were coming back from Massachusetts we were in a car accident. A young woman (lesbian from what we could ascertain and seeing her interaction with the woman who picked her up). The woman was passing us and hydroplaned and hit us causing us to lose control and hit the guardrail. Thankfully everyone was ok. Things could change in the blink of an eye so cherish each moment.
paul
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix will start using a new machine by Christmas that has some people up in arms. The backscatter, as it's called, has been around for a while but is now being used as a new tool in the fight on terror. This is what one may look like after going through the machine. This is obviously a picture of the back and the machine will allow screeners to see bombs or other threats while blurring the naughty parts. If one has body image issues, they can still get the traditional pat down. The machinery has also been tested at London's Heathrow Airport. Is that a weapon in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Indeed.
paul
dvd of the week
My spouse and I just watched Superman Returns (out on DVD this week) starring Brandon Routh as the new man of steel. The film returns Superman to earth and back into the heart of Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) who is newly engaged to Richard White (James Marsden from the X-Men movies) who happens to be the nephew of Perry White, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet. Lane also has a son, it should be noted, who also figures into the equation. Seems evil Lex Luthor is up to no good (surprise, surprise) and has a way to make a new world using crystals and kryptonite. The film is surprisingly good and moves along briskly. It also has Parker Posey and Eva Marie Saint-cool. The director is Bryan Singer (X-Men, The Usual Suspects) reinvigorates the franchise of the hero with the red "S" and does it deftly. Leave it to a gay guy to do so. The film is action packed and leaves the franchise wide open with the words of Jor-El echoing in our ears: "The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son." And this review is for anyone who may think I'm a film snob. I'm really really not.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
Saturday, December 02, 2006
movie minute
Story of the Birth: If you know the story of the birth of Jesus, this film won't hold many surprises for you, if any at all. Keisha Castle-Hughes plays Mary, the young virgin who is visited by an angel to tell her she will deliver a son who will save his people. A son for all people; from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, or something like that. The film, The Nativity Story (PG), follows her as she shares her pregnancy with Elizabeth, played here by the wonderful and ubiquitous Shohreh Aghdashloo to her travels to Bethlehem with her new husband Joseph and the subsequent deliverance of the above mentioned son. Throw in the witty three wise men and some evil men, one in particular named Herod, and you've got yourself an epic. Or so it would seem. This film, which is based on the writings in Luke and Matthew, is surprisingly ho-hum; especially the first 35mins. I did know the story, more or less, so that may have had something to do with it or maybe it was because Hughes plays Mary as slightly more alive than a zombie. Actually I think a zombie does show more life. Hughes was so exciting and moving in the terrific film Whale Rider, so why is she so catatonic here? Catherine Hardwicke (director of Thirteen) must have had Hughes direct herself. One nice surprise here is actor Oscar Isaac. His Joseph is a winsome, touching and tortured man. At first he cannot accept that he did not sire the baby and he must deal with how that will look but, ultimately, his honor and love for Mary lead him down the path of family man.
It's not a terrible film and it holds the attention much more than The DaVinci Code did earlier this year but for a film about a bible story one would think it would be much more captivating.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.5
possible Oscar noms
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay (or would that be Adapted?????)
paul
It's not a terrible film and it holds the attention much more than The DaVinci Code did earlier this year but for a film about a bible story one would think it would be much more captivating.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.5
possible Oscar noms
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay (or would that be Adapted?????)
paul
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
quote of the week
From Jim Hall, Director of the Boise, Idaho parks dept. after he fired two temporary employees after they took a midnight jaunt (1.5 miles) to a fast food drive thru while riding two Zambonis (top speed 5mph) from the city's ice skating rink: "I don't think they understood the seriousness of it." Oh really?!? They didn't think that taking two vehicles, each worth $75,000, to a fast food restaurant was serious? Next time they can take a ride down on their tractors from the farm.
paul
paul
wicked wreath
This is a picture of a wreath that was hung by a resident in a Colorado subdivision in Pagosa Springs. Bob Kearns, president of the Loma Linda Homeowners Assn, said that some residents had complained and that some residents thought it was a "symbol of Satan." Kearns ordered the homeowners committee to require the homeowner, Lisa Jensen, to remove the wreath. When the committee refused, Kearns fired all five members. Kearns threatened to fine Jensen $25 a day for as long as the wreath is up. Apparently it was viewed as an anti-war wreath. Peace and goodwill toward men, indeed!!! The subdivision's rules say "no signs, billboards, or advertising is permitted without the consent of the architectural control committee."
The follow-up to this is that the homeowners association has decided that the wreath does not pose a threat to our national security and will let Jensen keep the wreath up. Merry Christmas. Next up: Santa is a threat because he looks like a member of al-Qaeda.
paul
Saturday, November 25, 2006
movie minute
Consider It Not: Christopher Guest's (A Mighty Wind) new movie, For Your Consideration (PG13), is a film within a film in which the stars of the Jewish drama, Home For Purim, are chugging along on the independent film when one of the stars is alerted to an internet posting that has talk of an Oscar nomination. Catherine O'Hara plays Marilyn Hack, the dying matriarch in the film Purim and she is the one cited by a tv personality as a possible Oscar contender. Once that gets out then other cast members are mentioned as possible nominees. What happens to the film and the actors after Hollywood gets a hold of them is a makeover in which the director's vision and the actors' priorities are lost. The usual Guest players are in the film: Fred Willard, Parker Posey, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, Eugene Levy, and Jane Lynch who is hysterical as the hostess of an entertainment newsmagazine. The standout, however, is O'Hara and kudos to the makeup department for making her look botoxed after she is Hollywoodized. The film does not have the comedic punch and cleverness of Best In Show and Waiting For Guffman but there are a few laugh-out-loud moments. It's not a terrible film just not Guest at his best.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.5
paul
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 2.5
paul
movie minute
Nation Of Choice: Another "important message" movie yet this one is quite up to par. Fast Food Nation (R) is a movie which is meant to show how shady, unsavory and cutthroat the fast food business really is. The movie is fiction but is loosely adapted from the book of the same name by Eric Schlosser (he was also a producer and writer on the film) which is actually a non-fiction book detailing the beginning and rise of fast food and how its made and the impact it has had on the country. The movie follows Raul (Wilmer Valderrama,the fey sounding Fez from That 70's Show) and Sylvia (the wonderful Catalina Sandino Moreno from Maria Full Of Grace) as they cross the border from Mexico and end up in Colorado and find jobs in a meat packing plant. Valderrama does his best laconic macho man impersonation complete with cowboy hat.
Don Anderson (Greg Kinnear) is a marketing manager at Mickey's (a not so veiled swipe at McDonald's) who is sent to Colorado to investigate the meat packing plant after too much feces is found in the meat used at the restaurant. More than a few jokes are made in reference to this which would be funny if it wasn't so gross.
Amber (Ashley Johnson from Growing Pains) plays Amber, a high school student who works at a Mickey's. The three stories are flimsily woven together and I kept thinking I was watching three separate movies. There were several scenes that were too long and one very disturbing scene at the meat packing plant; I'll never look at a cow the same way again. If there is a standout in this film, it would be Bobby Cannavale (Will & Grace) who steams up the screen as the lothario boss at the meat packing plant and plows his way through the pretty girls at the plant, including Sylvia. Nation is way too preachy and just didn't resonate with me. Stick with the book: It's an insightful, incisive and quite an eye-opening look at the fast food industry, how it got started and how it won't stop. The book is wayyyy better.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 1.5
paul
Don Anderson (Greg Kinnear) is a marketing manager at Mickey's (a not so veiled swipe at McDonald's) who is sent to Colorado to investigate the meat packing plant after too much feces is found in the meat used at the restaurant. More than a few jokes are made in reference to this which would be funny if it wasn't so gross.
Amber (Ashley Johnson from Growing Pains) plays Amber, a high school student who works at a Mickey's. The three stories are flimsily woven together and I kept thinking I was watching three separate movies. There were several scenes that were too long and one very disturbing scene at the meat packing plant; I'll never look at a cow the same way again. If there is a standout in this film, it would be Bobby Cannavale (Will & Grace) who steams up the screen as the lothario boss at the meat packing plant and plows his way through the pretty girls at the plant, including Sylvia. Nation is way too preachy and just didn't resonate with me. Stick with the book: It's an insightful, incisive and quite an eye-opening look at the fast food industry, how it got started and how it won't stop. The book is wayyyy better.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 1.5
paul
In sickness and in war: According to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, over 700 service members were discharged from service by the Pentagon because of homosexuality. Last June it was learned that the Pentagon still classified homosexuality as a mental disorder; they reclassified it in July. Now it is listed with other "defects" including dyslexsia, obesity, bedwetting, stammering or stuttering, sleepwalking, repeated infections of VD, fear of flying, and allergies to uniforms. Are we living in the middle ages? Even the American Psychiatric Association stopped classifying homosexuality as a disorder back in the 70's. We're 3 1/2 years into a war that is not stopping, our troops are continuing to die and be maimed and there's talk of sending more troops overseas. The Pentagon really cannot afford to turn anyone away regardless of which way they swing. The days of don't ask, don't tell are seriously outdated and ineffective.
paul
paul
Friday, November 24, 2006
quote of the week
As stated by Essence County Sheriff Armando Fontoura in response to a body found in the lake at the Weequahic Park which is very notorious for its history of dead bodies being found: "The park is an oasis. It's a great place for jogging. We just need to figure out how to keep people from dumping bodies in it." Good luck with that!!!!
paul
paul
The Race For The Big 'O' '06: Part I
This is the time of year I scramble to see all of the movies that are generating Oscar buzz or could generate Oscar buzz. Many are predictable (Helen Mirren in The Queen; Forrest Whitaker in The Last King Of Scotland). Others aren't so easy to predict (who, if anyone, will get an acting nod in Bobby?). This becomes somewhat of an obsession to me as I strive to see all of the movies that could get an Oscar nod in one of the big categories. I have until February 25 which is the date of the show. The nominations come out in January.
I know people say that the Academy Awards are just a political self-congratulatory orgy of Hollywood and, while I don't disagree, I also think that it is more than that. Most everything today has some politics behind it or in it. I don't always agree with the Academy's choice of winner; sometimes I get downright angry when the Academy gets it glaringly wrong (witness last year's win of Reese Witherspoon over Felicity Huffman; I'm still talking about it to anyone who'll listen). The Academy does still get it right, so right, sometimes. I continue with my optimism that as more and more young, daring, enlightened actors/actresses/writers/directors infiltrate the "boys club of the Academy" (as it's been known since they started handing out the awards) the Academy will get it right more and more and award people based on talent more than politics or mainstream acceptance.
The difficult part for me living in Rochester is coming to terms each year that Rochester is not considered a big city. Many independent and smaller movies that are not shown at the mainstream theaters will not open here until they've played in a bigger city for a number of weeks (opening in select theaters, indeed). Los Angeles, NYC, and Philadelphia are just a few of these select cities. I'm still waiting for the movie Little Children which was supposed to open on October 13. All the information I have on this movie is that it is "coming soon" to only one of the area theaters.
It's not always a given which movies will garner a nod in a major category and there is always at least one surprise. So it's no surprise that some of the movies that could get a nomination are no longer playing at the theaters and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival on DVD (Sherrybaby and Hollywoodland are two such examples). I can only hope that they arrive before 2/25.
So each year I plug along at the movies and then await the announcement of the nominations to see how far ahead/behind of the game I am. And I always brighten when the subject comes up and, believe me, not many people are willing to discuss movies/Oscars with as much fervor as myself. I take it where I can get it.
Now if I could just figure out which dress to wear while watching the show (kidding!).
peace,
paul
I know people say that the Academy Awards are just a political self-congratulatory orgy of Hollywood and, while I don't disagree, I also think that it is more than that. Most everything today has some politics behind it or in it. I don't always agree with the Academy's choice of winner; sometimes I get downright angry when the Academy gets it glaringly wrong (witness last year's win of Reese Witherspoon over Felicity Huffman; I'm still talking about it to anyone who'll listen). The Academy does still get it right, so right, sometimes. I continue with my optimism that as more and more young, daring, enlightened actors/actresses/writers/directors infiltrate the "boys club of the Academy" (as it's been known since they started handing out the awards) the Academy will get it right more and more and award people based on talent more than politics or mainstream acceptance.
The difficult part for me living in Rochester is coming to terms each year that Rochester is not considered a big city. Many independent and smaller movies that are not shown at the mainstream theaters will not open here until they've played in a bigger city for a number of weeks (opening in select theaters, indeed). Los Angeles, NYC, and Philadelphia are just a few of these select cities. I'm still waiting for the movie Little Children which was supposed to open on October 13. All the information I have on this movie is that it is "coming soon" to only one of the area theaters.
It's not always a given which movies will garner a nod in a major category and there is always at least one surprise. So it's no surprise that some of the movies that could get a nomination are no longer playing at the theaters and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival on DVD (Sherrybaby and Hollywoodland are two such examples). I can only hope that they arrive before 2/25.
So each year I plug along at the movies and then await the announcement of the nominations to see how far ahead/behind of the game I am. And I always brighten when the subject comes up and, believe me, not many people are willing to discuss movies/Oscars with as much fervor as myself. I take it where I can get it.
Now if I could just figure out which dress to wear while watching the show (kidding!).
peace,
paul
movie minute
Bobby Boy: A history lesson-Emilio Estevez, director of the "new" Grand Hotel-like movie Bobby (R), was only 6 years old on the fateful day that Robert F. Kennedy was shot. I was not even born and my parents did not even know each other. Had Kennedy not been shot, chances are very good that Kennedy would either be at the beginning of his second term or been beaten after serving only one term. I liked this movie but then I'm a sucker for historical movies in which actual news footage is shown (not gratuitously) depicting the history that the movie's story is telling. Bobby shows different characters at the Ambassador hotel on the day of the California Primary on June 4, 1968. Senator Kennedy is shown in newsreel footage but all of the other characters are fictitious and their stories unfold around the primary.
The film is chockablock full of A- & B stars such as Lindsay Lohan, Demi Moore, Freddy Rodriguez, William H. Macy, Emilio Estevez, Helen Hunt, Sharon Stone, Martin Sheen, Elijah Wood, Nick Cannon, Shia LeBeouf, Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Fishburne, Heather Graham, and Harry Belafonte to name a few. And each of them has their "moment" as I call it. It's hard to pick a standout in this film although Demi Moore, as an aging and boozy lounge singer, certainly has arguably the meatiest role.
The shooter of Kennedy was Sirhan B. Sirhan, a 24-year-old Palestinian. He shot Kennedy because of Kennedy's support for Israel during the Six-Day War. What's interesting is there is no record of Kennedy supporting Israel during this period. What's more, Sirhan admitted in court that he shot Kennedy but later recanted and sought a new trial in 1998. A point of reference: Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated only two months prior to Kennedy's shooting. Why was it so easy to assassinate someone in the U.S. back then? (rhetorical question)
It's obvious that Estevez did his homework and it shows in the directing while the writing is mediocre. Some of the scenes were shot at the real Ambassador hotel. Sadly, the hotel was demolished during filming. Martin Sheen, Estevez's father, at the request of the Kennedy family, was instrumental in getting the hotel demolished so a school could be built. Small world, indeed. The best parts of the film are of Kennedy himself; those scenes really resonated with me. The highlight of the film is by far Kennedy's speech that plays at the close of the film. As he talks about violence and how it degrades our country and affects everyone around us, we see first hand in the film that he was right. This man, who lived in the shadow of his older brother for a long time, was a speaker who was filled with compassion and was open and challenging.
One problem I had with this film is the Ashton Kutcher sequence. Kutcher plays a hippie who hooks gives acid to two campaign workers; the resulting "high" scene in the hotel room is bizarre and seemingly out of place. The other problems with this film are its soap opera-y feel and the fact that the lives of these people don't connect enough with what's happening outside of the hotel. The moments in which Kennedy is shown or referenced are the best and most resounding. The shot of Moore after Kennedy is shot is one of the most visceral reactions of the characters to the news. A movie about a man who signified change for a country tired of war, tired of lies, tired of being held down and ready for a big change (sound familiar) certainly came out at the right time. Bobby is not a documentary or a biography yet it does depict a "once and future King" who was handsome, adulated, kindhearted and bold was taken from us the American people and we'll never know how different and how much more we could have been had he risen to the top.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4
possible Oscar nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
paul
The film is chockablock full of A- & B stars such as Lindsay Lohan, Demi Moore, Freddy Rodriguez, William H. Macy, Emilio Estevez, Helen Hunt, Sharon Stone, Martin Sheen, Elijah Wood, Nick Cannon, Shia LeBeouf, Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Hopkins, Laurence Fishburne, Heather Graham, and Harry Belafonte to name a few. And each of them has their "moment" as I call it. It's hard to pick a standout in this film although Demi Moore, as an aging and boozy lounge singer, certainly has arguably the meatiest role.
The shooter of Kennedy was Sirhan B. Sirhan, a 24-year-old Palestinian. He shot Kennedy because of Kennedy's support for Israel during the Six-Day War. What's interesting is there is no record of Kennedy supporting Israel during this period. What's more, Sirhan admitted in court that he shot Kennedy but later recanted and sought a new trial in 1998. A point of reference: Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated only two months prior to Kennedy's shooting. Why was it so easy to assassinate someone in the U.S. back then? (rhetorical question)
It's obvious that Estevez did his homework and it shows in the directing while the writing is mediocre. Some of the scenes were shot at the real Ambassador hotel. Sadly, the hotel was demolished during filming. Martin Sheen, Estevez's father, at the request of the Kennedy family, was instrumental in getting the hotel demolished so a school could be built. Small world, indeed. The best parts of the film are of Kennedy himself; those scenes really resonated with me. The highlight of the film is by far Kennedy's speech that plays at the close of the film. As he talks about violence and how it degrades our country and affects everyone around us, we see first hand in the film that he was right. This man, who lived in the shadow of his older brother for a long time, was a speaker who was filled with compassion and was open and challenging.
One problem I had with this film is the Ashton Kutcher sequence. Kutcher plays a hippie who hooks gives acid to two campaign workers; the resulting "high" scene in the hotel room is bizarre and seemingly out of place. The other problems with this film are its soap opera-y feel and the fact that the lives of these people don't connect enough with what's happening outside of the hotel. The moments in which Kennedy is shown or referenced are the best and most resounding. The shot of Moore after Kennedy is shot is one of the most visceral reactions of the characters to the news. A movie about a man who signified change for a country tired of war, tired of lies, tired of being held down and ready for a big change (sound familiar) certainly came out at the right time. Bobby is not a documentary or a biography yet it does depict a "once and future King" who was handsome, adulated, kindhearted and bold was taken from us the American people and we'll never know how different and how much more we could have been had he risen to the top.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4
possible Oscar nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
paul
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
update
In a previous post, I wrote about the upcoming OJ Simpson book. Rupert Murdoch & Fox News Corp have decided not to publish the book or air the special. Good news but OJ has already collected more than 3million dollars in advance of the book. Maybe the Brown/Goldman family will see some of that or maybe even his own children.
paul
paul
Saturday, November 18, 2006
movie minute
Mum's the word: A dissatisfied preacher's wife who looks to her golf coach for an affair; an absent-minded preacher who is more focused on God than his own family; a teenage daughter who has a new boyfriend almost everyday; a prepubescent male who is bullied each day at school. All of these combined make up the delightful and funny film, Keeping Mum (Rated R). Enter seemingly kind and gentle Grace Hawkins to bring the family together and get them on the right path. Once Grace appears, however, the population (57) of the town of English town of Little Wallop starts decreasing. Dame Maggie Smith plays Grace who becomes the housekeeper of the Goodfellow family and starts helping each family member rediscover themselves. Kristin Scott Thomas plays Gloria Goodfellow, the preacher's wife. Meanwhile, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean himself) plays the Rev. Walter Goodfellow. This is a very nice and subdued role for Atkinson; it was refreshing to see him in this kind of role. Of course, there is a bit of Atkinson's comedic shtick thrown in for good measure as well as a bit of murder. I didn't expect the plot twist near the end (I should have seen it coming) but the film is well cast and while it is fairly predictable, it's a nice little movie to see on a rainy day.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.50
paul
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.50
paul
movie minute
Rated for some "mature" audiences: (NC-17) This documentary film deals with the very secret and very influential society known as the ratings board. They are (or were, before this film) more shrouded in secrecy than the CIA. The ratings board are the "everyday, normal Americans" who decide which rating a film should get which ends up either benefiting the film or hurting the film. The more independent filmmakers usually end up getting short changed but not for the reasons you may think.
Director Kirby Dick, who made the truly compelling documentary Twist Of Faith, goes all investigative journalist, with the help of a couple of real private eyes, to expose (literally) the secret ratings board and how their system is really a form of censorship; an updated version of the Hayes Code. Many movies today that get the rating NC-17, as this film is rated, end up being seen by a much smaller market which is too bad because many of those films are edgy and provocative and deserve to be seen by a much wider audience. The film details which elements earn a film its rating and how recutting a film can earn a film a more "family friendly" rating.
Several filmmakers, including Kimberly Peirce (director of Boys Don't Cry) and John "provocative" Waters are interviewed and discuss how their films ended up getting NC-17 ratings and why they got those ratings. According to the system of the ratings board, violence is okay but sex is bad. The worse the sex act, the "worse" the rating; the worse the violent act, rating could remain unchanged or unaffected. The filmmakers also discuss the appeals process, as does Kirby who appealed the board's decision to give his own film an NC-17 rating. The only person who introduces himself during the appeal is the attorney, the appeals board does NOT and their are two clergy members on the appeals board (who don't seem to get a vote) just to make sure the process is a "moral" one. Also, the filmmaker cannot cite former movies as examples in the appeals process. For example, a movie in 1978 (Coming Home) showing a woman enjoying an orgasm earns an R rating. A movie in 1999 (Boy's Don't Cry) showing a woman enjoying an orgasm earns an NC-17 rating. The fact that the main character gets a bullet through their head doesn't seem to matter.
The film is quite controversial because it gives the names of all 9 members on the ratings board (at least those that were on the board as of 2005; the board may have changed since this film) and the stats of 8 of those members. The 8 whose stats they give are all over the age of 40; none of them younger than 44 and only two or three of them have children 16 or younger. As one lesbian filmmaker comments, "Are there any parents on the board who are like me?" That answer is a disappointing and resounding, no. Yet, these people are the voice of what the country deems "acceptable" and "family friendly." What happened to parents policing their own kids?
As a result of this film each film that I review, starting with this one, I will give the rating of so that anyone can go back and compare films and ratings. And lest one think that only a few filmmakers have either gotten NC-17 ratings or been threatened with that rating if they didn't recut their film, there have been more than a few who have dealt with it. Some of the biggest filmmakers, Scorsese, Spielberg, Kubrick (and many, many more) have had that "headache."
This film was much better and more insightful than I thought it would be. Critics and studio heads are also interviewed giving their take and insight on the ratings board.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4.50
paul
Director Kirby Dick, who made the truly compelling documentary Twist Of Faith, goes all investigative journalist, with the help of a couple of real private eyes, to expose (literally) the secret ratings board and how their system is really a form of censorship; an updated version of the Hayes Code. Many movies today that get the rating NC-17, as this film is rated, end up being seen by a much smaller market which is too bad because many of those films are edgy and provocative and deserve to be seen by a much wider audience. The film details which elements earn a film its rating and how recutting a film can earn a film a more "family friendly" rating.
Several filmmakers, including Kimberly Peirce (director of Boys Don't Cry) and John "provocative" Waters are interviewed and discuss how their films ended up getting NC-17 ratings and why they got those ratings. According to the system of the ratings board, violence is okay but sex is bad. The worse the sex act, the "worse" the rating; the worse the violent act, rating could remain unchanged or unaffected. The filmmakers also discuss the appeals process, as does Kirby who appealed the board's decision to give his own film an NC-17 rating. The only person who introduces himself during the appeal is the attorney, the appeals board does NOT and their are two clergy members on the appeals board (who don't seem to get a vote) just to make sure the process is a "moral" one. Also, the filmmaker cannot cite former movies as examples in the appeals process. For example, a movie in 1978 (Coming Home) showing a woman enjoying an orgasm earns an R rating. A movie in 1999 (Boy's Don't Cry) showing a woman enjoying an orgasm earns an NC-17 rating. The fact that the main character gets a bullet through their head doesn't seem to matter.
The film is quite controversial because it gives the names of all 9 members on the ratings board (at least those that were on the board as of 2005; the board may have changed since this film) and the stats of 8 of those members. The 8 whose stats they give are all over the age of 40; none of them younger than 44 and only two or three of them have children 16 or younger. As one lesbian filmmaker comments, "Are there any parents on the board who are like me?" That answer is a disappointing and resounding, no. Yet, these people are the voice of what the country deems "acceptable" and "family friendly." What happened to parents policing their own kids?
As a result of this film each film that I review, starting with this one, I will give the rating of so that anyone can go back and compare films and ratings. And lest one think that only a few filmmakers have either gotten NC-17 ratings or been threatened with that rating if they didn't recut their film, there have been more than a few who have dealt with it. Some of the biggest filmmakers, Scorsese, Spielberg, Kubrick (and many, many more) have had that "headache."
This film was much better and more insightful than I thought it would be. Critics and studio heads are also interviewed giving their take and insight on the ratings board.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4.50
paul
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Here's a winner for you: A 23-year-old man in South Wichita, Kansas attempted to kidnap someone and then went and shot at the victim. The man missed and instead of shooting again decided to put the gun inside of his pants (no doubt to look cool). After he jammed the gun inside the waist of his pants, the gun discharged and hit him in the left testicle (ouch, that smarts...no, that's stupid) at which point the man doubled over in pain (natch) and the gun went off again and hit him in the left calf.
Let that be a lesson to all the would be kidnappers out there. Just walk away, walk away.
paul
Let that be a lesson to all the would be kidnappers out there. Just walk away, walk away.
paul
If you are planning on visiting outer space anytime soon then you might want to make sure you check out the image of Col. Harland Sanders. Mr. Kentucky Fried Chicken himself can now be seen from space as you can see from this picture. Workers assembled 65,000 colored tiles over 6 days to create an "all new" Col. Sanders with a red apron. The image is 87,000 square feet of tiles and is located in the Nevada desert. I wonder if the martians prefer the original recipe or extra crispy.
paul
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Rant(s) of the week
OJ Simpson has a new book coming out on November 30. The book, called "If I Did It", details how Simpson would have committed the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. This is a hypothetical book and not a confession by Simpson. My question is, Why? After 12 years he has decided to open the wounds of the still unsolved murders of these two people. And I know many people are saying that he should just take the word 'if' out of the title. This is very poor taste and very arrogant and heartless of Simpson to write such a book. I will not buy this book or read it and I feel sorry for his children and for the families of Goldman and Brown-Simpson. I'm not judging Simpson; what I am saying is that he should have had the sense to realize that a book like this would not be well received and not put him in a flattering light. I wonder if his friends or family knew about this and if they gave him their thoughts or opinions. If they did, he obviously ignored it and went ahead with this terrible tome.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
Keisha Castle-Hughes plays a pregnant woman and she is also one in real life. The 16-year-old Australian born Hughes, who starred in the movie Whale Rider (and became the youngest woman ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar), is getting criticized for being pregnant with her boyfriend, yes boyfriend, not husband. In her upcoming movie she plays Mary (yes, Mary from the Bible) in The Nativity Story. The film follows Mary and Joseph as they travel to Jerusalem before the birth of Jesus. By the way, the film will be screened at the Vatican's Aulo Paolo VI on November 26. It's the first Hollywood film to have the honor to be screened at the capital of the Catholic Church. So, will Castle-Hughes's unwed pregnancy turn me off from seeing the film? Not a chance! I just hope she can fit into that Oscar dress come Academy Award time as her name is already being bandied about for a nomination.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
weekly post from November 12, 2006
Hello friends & loved ones,
It's a cold, wet and raw morning here in Western, NY. It rained yesterday too and while I wish it would stop raining, at least it's not snow. I keep asking, "Is it summer yet?"
We had regional conference last weekend and coming back to "normal" life and going back to work is difficult after such a high at conference. It was nice with so much good news this past week. Not only did the Democrats gain control of both houses but that yelping noise you hear is the Pentagon door hitting Rummy on his way out of the building. Yes, Rummy is out and Robert Gates is the nominee to takes Rumsfeld's place. Some other good news (in the gay world): 51% of Arizona voters decided to smack down a proposed state ban on same sex marriage. How shocking and wonderful is that? Not only that but Mexico City will recognize gay civil unions. While it's not marriage, it does mean that same sex couples will have the same inheritance and pension rights that heterosexual couples have. It approved 43-17 with 5 abstentions. Now if we could just get rid of Karl Rove.
If you aren't watching Countdown With Keith Olbermann, I'll make a case for it again. It's on 5 nights a week at 8pm and midnight and features the days top 5 stories with the sarcastic Olbermann. Journalists and political figures make their appearance and the oddball segment (it features some strange news stories from around the world) are often jaw dropping and the daily worst persons in the world are often downright unbelievable. Check it out. It's informative and entertaining.
And one final thought: Is there something in the air that is causing animals to run amok? Last week a 600lb bull was captured (after 10hrs) in a NJ parking lot and this past week an 8 point buck entered a Targay, oops, I mean Target and ran around the store for about 20mins. Let's watch out for our 4 legged friends.
paul
It's a cold, wet and raw morning here in Western, NY. It rained yesterday too and while I wish it would stop raining, at least it's not snow. I keep asking, "Is it summer yet?"
We had regional conference last weekend and coming back to "normal" life and going back to work is difficult after such a high at conference. It was nice with so much good news this past week. Not only did the Democrats gain control of both houses but that yelping noise you hear is the Pentagon door hitting Rummy on his way out of the building. Yes, Rummy is out and Robert Gates is the nominee to takes Rumsfeld's place. Some other good news (in the gay world): 51% of Arizona voters decided to smack down a proposed state ban on same sex marriage. How shocking and wonderful is that? Not only that but Mexico City will recognize gay civil unions. While it's not marriage, it does mean that same sex couples will have the same inheritance and pension rights that heterosexual couples have. It approved 43-17 with 5 abstentions. Now if we could just get rid of Karl Rove.
If you aren't watching Countdown With Keith Olbermann, I'll make a case for it again. It's on 5 nights a week at 8pm and midnight and features the days top 5 stories with the sarcastic Olbermann. Journalists and political figures make their appearance and the oddball segment (it features some strange news stories from around the world) are often jaw dropping and the daily worst persons in the world are often downright unbelievable. Check it out. It's informative and entertaining.
And one final thought: Is there something in the air that is causing animals to run amok? Last week a 600lb bull was captured (after 10hrs) in a NJ parking lot and this past week an 8 point buck entered a Targay, oops, I mean Target and ran around the store for about 20mins. Let's watch out for our 4 legged friends.
paul
G-Man: Another "young'un" has come out of the closet. Earlier this year Lance Bass, formerly of 'Nsync, came out and announced he was also in a relationship with Reichen Lehmkuhl (a former winner on The Amazing Race). Now comes news that former Doogie Howser, Neil Patrick Harris, is out of the closet (officially). And it appears to have happened as a non-issue. It wasn't front page news or breaking news, nor should it be. I've heard rumors before that he was gay but now he's claiming (and I'm summarizing) that he is content living as a gay man. Harris (the same age as me) is currently playing a womanizer on How I Met Your Mother, the CBS comedy. I have to say after having seen this show a few times, he's good and sometimes funny. I was saying earlier this year that we need more young people coming out of the closet so let's hope this is a trend that is here to stay. And let's hope there continues to be a collective yawn as new people come out of the closet. I don't mean that in a negative way, I mean that it won't matter if more and more people come out. It will certainly be exciting to a gay man like me and I'll be right there with a thumbs up but anything more than that that makes a big deal of it is not needed.
peace,
paul
peace,
paul
Sunday, November 12, 2006
#1 again
The tv journalist from Kazakhstan is #1 at the box office again with a greater total this weekend than last. Borat, the man played by Jewish British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, made $29 million this weekend upping the gross from last weekend which was $26.4. Borat knocked The Santa Clause down to #2 last weekend and that's where it stays again this weekend. The Will Ferrell-Emma Thompson comedy Stranger Than Fiction posed no threat to the foreigner as it landed at #4.
paul
paul
Saturday, November 11, 2006
movie minute
Want to see a shocking and hilarious film? Hmmmm...., what could your choices be? How about one that's creating a lot of controversy and is certain to be polarizing. Check out Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan. Yes, that's the whole title of the film. It's the story of Kazakhstanian tv reporter Borat Sagdiyev (fictional) who decides to travel to the U.S. and A. with his sidekick Azamat (Ken Davitian) for to get some ideas on how to be more welcoming and accepting. Along the way he encounters "everyday" people in America; shocking and hilarious encounters. This movie is hysterical but I honestly did not know whether to be shocked (that I was laughing) or offended (that such demeaning stuff was being shown). In the end, both my spouse and I laughed. I'm glad he laughed with me because the undertone of the movie is just plain mean. Most of the scenes are of real people who are being, in essence, set up by an observant Jewish man who is pretending to be from a foreign country and trying to broaden his mind while they come off looking like jerks and bigots. Two people in the theater walked out during one shockingly gross yet funny scene. What did they expect? This movie offends just about everyone. Apparently Sacha Baron Cohen (the British comedian who doesn't really have a mustache who plays Borat) got everyone to sign documents permitting them to be on film but much of it was probably under false pretenses. I hope Cohen and director Larry Charles (Seinfeld) made sure all of their i's were dotted and t's were crossed. Two S.C. college students (yes, they are in the film) are suing the filmmakers because the producers plied them with alcohol and got them to say the racist and offensive things they said on camera. Methinks they did that all on their own. You'll either laugh or be offended but if you're laughing you won't have time to be offended; but your jaw may be dropped for most of the movie. Not all of the scenes are real, some are obviously staged and while those are still funny it's the ones that are truly duping people that will elicit the most laughs (or people being offended). The rodeo scene and the hotel scene where Azamat finds Borat's magazine are two of the highlights. It's always interesting seeing movies with my spouse because in the movie when Azamat speaks the Kazakh language. Borat was speaking certain words in Armenian and Hebrew and Yiddish. Also Kazakhstan was actually Romania (yes, they filmed the Kazakhstan scenes there). What I want to know is how Cohen's family is reacting to his treatment of Jews. Borat actually came from Baron's variety show Da Ali G Show in which he had three different characters and duped people on a smaller scale. He also managed to dupe former U.S. Congressman Bob Barr and former Presidential contender Alan Keyes (who himself is controversial). This movie was #1 last weekend (Nov. 3-5) which is surprising since it was only showing on 800 some odd screens. This weekend it will be on over 2,000 screens and will rival the Will Ferrell movie, Stranger Than Fiction, for the #1 spot. See this movie at your own risk just don't say I didn't warn you.
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4.5
paul
Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 4.5
paul
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