Phillies won, Red Sox won .. and I’ve got the Slingcatcher hooked up and working in Dewd’s room!
Meanwhile, the Breakers will be honoring soccer great Maren Meinert at the game with the Freedom on May 17th at Harvard Stadium. WUSA fans remember her fondly as a key ingredient in the Breakers’ success – most especially in their final year (with Pia coaching). I would not be the least bit surprised to see Pia at that game, either! USWNT fans will also remember Maren as a key piece in Germany’s 2003 WWC championship!
First off, from ChristopherCornblog, here’s something you’ve gotta see!
In soccer news, Daniela was named WPS Player of the Week after her 2-goal performance against the Freedom. Sadly, I am guessing that she is lost to the Athletica for the rest of the season after what looked like a bad leg injury. (I have not seen anything definitive about her injury … but read somewhere that she passed out from the pain, back in the locker room. Ugh!)
On the run shortly – but I liked this Politico feature – POLITICO 44 billed as a running diary of the Obama Presidency. (Still amazing to me- that I could read something about the President with interest and a feeling of pride.) According to The Whiteboard:
It’s a day of closed-door meetings for Obama and absolutely no interaction with the press.
After receiving the daily briefing, POTUS will meet with Democrats serving on the Energy and Commerce Committees to discuss energy independence, health care reform and other legislative priorities. In the afternoon, after a one-on-one lunch with Biden, Obama will meet with Israeli president Shimon Peres. Expect the two leaders to discuss Obama’s call for an independent Palestinian homeland as well as Iran’s nuclear program. — Amie Parnes (4:00 a.m.)
He is actually working, talking, thinking. And Dubya is clearing brush somewhere – which is the way it ALWAYS should have been.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox won their first game at the new Yankee Stadium. The Phillies won, too … while the Celtics and the Lakers both lost their opening games in the next round of the NBA playoffs. And here are a few Red Stars, singing the 7th inning stretch at last night’s Cubs’ game!
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rXJNFFmtVk
I continue to wrestle with setting up our Slingbox and Slingcatcher … but think I have it nearly figured out!
Well, this Monday the leaves are bursting out of clenched buds and the silohuettes of the trees are taking on that lacy, early-spring look. The new greens are woven in with reds, still – and the tulips are coming into their own as the daffodils fade … and birds are trilling and mating as their tiny bird hormones take over their tiny bird brains – and spring is, yes, very much in the air. Oh, and the black flies have started to bite.
And John Edwards has more ‘splainin’ to do. Did he improperly funnel money to his mistress? Does he have any shred of credibility left these days? Not in my book.
Speaking of books … I’m a little less enamored of Elizabeth, too, as she has penned a tome that promises to include information about the affair. She tells how it made her puke. Understandable. But she helped her man as he pursued the Presidency. She helped him lie, after having been lied to. I personally think that sucks. And now you’re cashing in on it? Your credibility, too, Elizabeth, is pretty well shot in my book.
Ah well .. on to more palatable fare – like this piece by Angela Tavares from Goal.com – featuring Saturday’s match-up between Kelly Smith and Marta. Nicely done! In other WPS news, FC Gold Pride beat FC Sky Blue 1-0 and the Freedom and Athletica played to a 3-3 tie in a game that featured more heroics by the Freedom (twice, now, in two weeks) … and has to have been a heartbreaking ending for the Athletica who looked to be poised to notch their first win … and appear to have lost Daniela in the process. Attendance 5,149 for this game in MD – which is great considering the weather (which looked pretty miserable).
The Breakers are nipping at the Sol’s heels – and face up against them again next week out at the Home Depot Center. Here are the WPS Power Rankings at this point … nicely done, ladies!
Wow – what a race! I’ve watched the video twice and still can’t quite track how it happened. Red Sox, Phillies and Celtics all won their respective games yesterday … and the Breakers came back after a disappointing and lackluster performance against the Red Stars to beat Marta and her LA Sol at Hahvard!
And what a game it was for the Breakers! Sounds like a great crowd (>8,000) and a great game, with Kelly Smith scoring early (earliest goal in WPS history – first goal scored on Karina LeBlanc) off a long ball from Heather Mitts that led to a Kelly Schmedes shot and a rebound that the other Kelly put away. I gotta wonder how many people were just settling in and getting comfortable … and missed that opening goal! Here’s a nice write up of the match by Todd Civin in Bleacher Report. Up next? The Sol in LA – where they have promised free tickets to their next game … for all in attendance … if they win. Much bigger IF this morning than it was yesterday morning, I’m a thinkin’!
Condi Rice has done herself proud in a snippet about torture that hasn’t been getting enough press, IMHO. Apparently if the President says it’s okay, it’s okay. (And does that also apply now, Ms. Manalo?) Thank the goddesses that Condi is being quickly and thoroughly eclipsed by Michelle Obama as a woman of color with a bully pulpit. I continue to be so impressed with our First Lady. (When’s the last time you were excited about a First Lady? For me it would have to be Eleanor Roosevelt … who I didn’t actually experience. As RPE would have said @ 20 years ago … “Good remembering, for someone who wasn’t even there.”)
On a happier note – check out the slide show of moments from the first hundred days … and what I find amazing is that there isn’t a one where he looks crazed, vacant, and/or imbecilic. I mean, seriously – didn’t it seem like whenever Bush was caught on camera his vapid emptiness came shining through? No more.
Finally, one of my favorite poems ever … from today’s Writer’s Almanac … and in memory of Susan Popkin, who died 16 years ago this past Friday (5/1/93). We remember you, Susie!
If you’ve been paying any attention to JordanCornblog’s track record on sports predictions, you’ll know that it’s pretty much best to ignore anything that I say. (This is, by the way, very freeing in some ways.)
So here are my week 6 WPS predictions … and for more informed previews, check out Christa Mann’s Week 6 Preview on Soccer by Ives!
Boston vs. Sol – Saturday 5/2 at 7PM: Two powerhouses meet at Harvard Stadium – both looking to get back on the winning track and both being back up to full strength. My prediction? Of course, a Breakers’ win! Why? I think that all the focus is on Marta and Kelly … while, in the meantime, A-Rod is going to hit her stride in this game and have a break-out performance. Yup, that’s what I think.
FC vs. FC – Sunday’s first game pits the Pride against Sky Blue in a battle of two very dynamic teams. I think this will be pretty soccer to watch (unfortunately, it won’t be on TV … dang). FC Gold Pride is one of my favorites … and I think they’ll pull out the win – although the unpredictable and hungry Sky Blue could pull it off. How’s that for hedging? Lots of goals and a close one here.
Athletica vs. Freedom – I think that having Mia and Siri at the match will be the happiest moment for the Freedom in this one, as the Athletica are primed to find the back of the net … and Abby won’t get the ball past Solo on Sunday. Sorry, Freedom, but the Athletica are going to have their breakout game on your turf.
So, there you have it. Meanwhile, I’d be remiss to not congratulate Kelly Smith on being voted WPS Player of the Month for April. Marta and Karina LeBlanc finished 2nd and 3rd … and both will be on the pitch tonight against Kelly. And right from the horse’s mouth, here’s Kelly’s take on last weeks matches (including England’s) – and some comments on what’s in store for tonight!
Meanwhile … and finally … this lovely morning – here’s a modest proposal from Jamie Lee Curtis – as the flu takes hold and masks become de rigueur – use them as advertising space. Damn – why didn’t I think of that!?
No Phillies game last night – and the Red Sox got pounded. Love the Sox, but Josh Beckett? Not so much. If games like last night taught him some humility, I’d come around. But most likely, it’ll just sharpen his already nasty, cocky edge. You’re a dink … and thinking about you is just getting my morning off to a bad start!
And congratulations, Mo – your Rays were impressive (and we know you won’t stoop to gloating)!
And for Twitter aficionados – here’s a piece about WPS and Twitter – cutting edge (as opposed to “nasty edge”).
Meanwhile, Megan Rapinoe and some of her mates will be singing at the Cubs game on Monday … she’s certainly a multi-talented rookie! (A-Rod – are you listening?)
I’ve been remiss in not posting this picture of HollyCornblog’s Hop Trellis circa April 2009!
As you can see, she’s done an awful lot of work (backbreaking work, I might add) to give these hops a fighting chance at thriving.
I for one am quite interested to see how hops do under the Obama administration. If you’ll recall, under the Bushies, the results were spotty. Already, things are looking better, from what I can tell … we’ll keep you posted!
Meanwhile, Boltgirl is all over the passage (by the NH Senate) of the gay marriage bill. I thought the House had already voted it through … better double check. It strikes me as a mixed blessing in some ways – I mean, now gay people can experience the same pressure that straight people do – to settle down and get married. But equality under the law is never a bad thing. Nah.
Red Sox won and Phillies lost. Marta is coming to Boston (but the game’s not on TV … what’s with that???). Marta is looking forward to the match-up – and I am sure that the Breakers will be ready – and hungry for a BIG WIN!
Here’s a Kelly Smith interview from an English radio show …
Double checked on the marriage thing – all it needs is Governor Lynch’s signature … not a foregone conclusion, unfortunately. What I find so interesting about NH is that, while they could pass a gay marriage bill through both houses, they can’t enact a measure that would require adults to wear seat belts. Live free or die, indeed.
Here’s the transcript of Obama’s press conference from last night … his third in 100 days. Might be more than Bush ever had – I’ll have to check. I’ve also started wondering if anyone is tracking/comparing Obama’s and Bush’s vacation days over time. A chart of some sort would be interesting, don’t you think?
Closing it out, here’s another hop shot – a healthy-looking little tyke that I’m sure HollyCornblog will be making good use of .. when the time comes!
The news that Arlen Specter has left the GOP would be a wake up call, were waking up an option. My sense is that the GOP has moved so far to the delusional right that there’s no coming back. You don’t argue with delusions – that just fixes them all the more firmly.
Meanwhile, everyone is weighing in on the First 100 days.
Oh, and Michele Bachmann has weighed in on what’s causing the swine flu (speaking of delisions). “I find it interesting that it was back in the 1970s that the swine flu broke out then under another Democrat president Jimmy Carter. And I’m not blaming this on President Obama, I just think it’s an interesting coincidence.” Thanks for sharing, Michele.
What else? Red Sox lost a nail-biter, and the Phillies won (but lost Cole Hamels for a bit to an ankle sprain).
And I’m off … running late on this beautiful Wednesday morning!
I don’t know whether to be amazed, saddened, scared … or just take this as an explanation of how people could vote for Bush twice … and still think that Palin is a viable candidate for anything.
Licorice Pizza: I'm starting anew here and have now been, twice, to Vax and Snax at Red River. These are Thursday night movies for vaccinated and masked folks, and you can get POPCORN! But I digress...Licorice Pizza was a sweet, coming-of-age in The Valley in the Seventies sort of movie that managed to include waterbeds and Jon Peters and two new stars -- Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman (son of Philip Seymour Hoffman).
If Beale Street Could Talk: Quiet, beautiful, heartfelt, devastating. America wears many masks. This movie strips a few of them away. It shines a light on quite a lot of ugliness. As well, it illuminates dignity and resilience in the face of a system built on the abuse of privilege and power. A perfect movie to see on the eve of what is hopefully Donald Trump's last SOTU.
Shoplifters: A beautifully honest, quiet movie that is at once uplifting and devastating. Universal questions are raised and left open for pondering. What is a family? How do people survive in our world today? And how do we judge their choices?
Green Book: Very enjoyable movie and yet deeply flawed. The white guy comes across as the hero in ways that are typical for the American movie industry, and comfortably misleading in terms of the realities of our culture. Especially in the current socio/political atmosphere, can't we do better than this?
On the Basis of Sex: We applauded, we cried, we felt so glad that RBG was as prescient as she was. And I felt personally glad that her love of opera clearly predates her connection with Scalia. What an inspiring woman -- and a good movie about her early years as a student, professor, and attorney.
The Favourite: Did I say that being a queen was no fun? This definitely seems to have carried forward to Queen Anne's reign. Strong performances again, and more belly laughs than you'd think. And right along with it, grief, emptiness, ambition, and gouty excess.
Mary Queen of Scots: Being a queen was no fun in the 16th century. Excellent, complex performances in this one. I found Elizabeth especially compelling. Very unclear who actually wins out in this one.
Another Year: Loved this one! It's about a couple, and their friends, and their lives – painful in spots, and wonderfully everyday and enriching, to my mind. Great performances – and who knew there was so much wine being drunk in England!?
Tiny Furniture: A young woman (aka Lena Dunham) comes home after graduating from college and tries to find herself – or not. A character study that I found humorous and touching – and sometimes a little disturbing and/or self-indulgent. It's definitely a privilege to have the leisure to "find oneself." After this..."Girls."
Rabbit Hole: Painful/powerful movie about loss and grieving. Hard to watch but well worth the effort, with a strong cast and an especially on the mark performance by Nicole Kidman. I continue to be glad to see that she is clearly outstripping Tom Cruise as an artist. You go girl!
The Kids Are Alright: Very enjoyable movie with great performances and an excellent cast. Two kids whose moms are lesbians decide they want to find out something about their "father" – and everything moves on from that point.
The King's Speech: Warm, funny, inspiring – and apparently a bit of a rewrite of history, to boot! Colin Firth puts out an amazing performance – and was well rewarded for it. Everyone else is great too, and if you're one of the few people left who hasn't seen it, it's definitely worth a look!
Black Swan: This is a disturbing movie that I really loved – and in case you haven't noticed, I do have a tendency to like disturbing movies. What's real and what isn't? You be the judge. Also, be on the lookout for Winona Ryder – you'll never recognize her!
Blue Valentine: A couple in trouble – how they started and how they got to where they are. A good movie with excellent performances that left me wondering, especially in Michelle Williams' case, whether she was thinking about what's his name (her partner who died suddenly – the guy who starred in Broke Back Mountain – for some reason I can't remember his name – oh yeah, Heath Ledger).
Shutter Island: A dark period piece that has the creepy feel of the 1950s (creepy to me at any rate) and has stayed with me more than I would've thought. A movie with surprises – definitely worth a look.
Cyrus: I don't remember this one so well, but have a vague recollection of walking out of the theater feeling not so enthralled. I believe it's supposed to be funny – but as you can tell it didn't really make an impression.
I Am Love: Really beautiful, sumptuous movie that made me hungry, just watching it. A keeper!
The Girl Who Played with Fire: The second in the three part series involving the girl with the dragon tattoo, this movie was much harder to watch than the first, as Salander's triumph isn't quite so clear at the end. Painful, painful, painful.
Scott Pilgrim Versus the World: I loved this comic book take on young love. Went to the movie on a whim and came away very happy to have seen it! Quite a few laugh out loud moments – and touching, as well.
Going the Distance: A very lightweight romcom that kinda left me feeling like I had just spent an hour and a half reading People magazine. In other words, pretty much a waste of time.
Never Let Me Go: Wow! This was an amazing, stark, and moving movie about kids who are basically raised to become organ donors. Very much worth seeing.
The Town: Ben Affleck's movie about bank robbers. It's okay. Not great, but okay. It does make me curious about Charlestown – will have to go there one day.
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger: A Woody Allen movie that I honestly don't remember very well. It's pretty much about adults behaving badly – something that Woody knows a little something about.
The Social Network: The movie about Facebook. I found it very interesting and well done, and was especially fascinated/disturbed by the window on the incredible privilege and elitism still thriving at undergrad Harvard.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest: Number three in the Dragon trilogy. I found this, in many ways, the weakest of the three movies – although that's not to say that it was weak. Perhaps my enjoyment was affected by the fact that I hadn't read the book. Anyway, it's a great trilogy and I was sorry to see it come to an end.
Fair Game: The movie about the Valerie Plame affair. One of the things that I found most interesting was how it uncovered my own biases, as she was clearly a very serious and talented agent, but because of her blonde haired beauty, I pretty much assumed that she was a lightweight in real life. I appreciated, also, the depiction of her husband as a bit of a media hound, which was how he seemed to me at the time. And of course, there are the despicable characters of the Bush administration. Glad they were on display in all their glory!
City Island: This was a fine, if predictable, movie about a family in which everyone has a secret and is telling lies. I mostly loved it because it gave me a glimpse of where my friend CB lives!
Winter's Bone: Wow! Unrelenting, stark, and ultimately uplifting – at least to my mind. This is a painful movie about life when you're the daughter of someone who runs a meth lab. Winter's Bone is a perfect title. J-Law is amazing!
Please Give: Quirky, sweet, slice-of-life movie. I loved the low-key character development and good humor of it all. Enjoyable, with a great cast and few false notes.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: Tho' parts of the book were missing, this was an excellent rendition of an excellent book. Not for the faint of heart, tho'! Lisbeth Salander is an Emma Peel for the 21st Century (watch for more from Noomi Rapace - I will be)!
Me and Orson Welles: Or was it Orson Welles and me? (If Orson had anything to do with the title, I'm guessing the latter.) I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, even as it reminded me of why the world of the theatre holds absolutely no appeal for yours truly! Nice to see Claire Danes back ... still have to finish watching Temple Grandin, too!
Crazy Heart: I left this movie thinking ... "Eh?" but it has stayed with me. Jeff Bridges does give a wonderful performance. The amount of smoking and drinking was nauseating - as I guess it was supposed to be - all in an understated, Jeff Bridges sort of a way.
A Single Man: One of the best movies of the year in my book. Haunting, beautifully acted and filmed ... marred only by an unnecessarily heavy-handed ending, IMHO. That was the only flaw in an otherwise brilliant bit of artistry. Colin Firth was perfect, and this was an amazing writing/directing debut for Tom Ford! See it!!!
Young Victoria: I am eternally grateful to have not been born the heir to a throne. Life was confusing enough! This was an enjoyable, tear-jerker of a movie that left me wanting to know more about the details. Perhaps a bio for Bookeaters?
Precious: Wow, wow, wow. Two weeks in a row - another amazing movie at Red River. This is a challenging and important movie ... about life in America ... every single day ... everywhere.
The Messenger: Wow, wow, wow. This is one of the best movies I have seen in quite some time. Its focus is on two men who notifiy NOK (next of kin) when a soldier dies. It is a raw, wrenching, unflinching and uplifting journey - not to be missed. Seriously
Damned United: This was a study in soccer, ambition, and friendship. For soccer buffs who actually know the players (I'm a late-comer to the game) the movie would be that much better. I loved it, though - and recommend it highly.
A Serious Man: The Book of Job envisioned by the Coen brothers evoked the early sixties and suburbia with humor, pathos ... and a slightly nauseating quality that tells me they pretty much hit the nail on the head. As one of the goyim, I am sure there were hundreds of nuances that were lost on me ... but I loved it (nausea aside) nonetheless!
Cold Souls: The premise of this movie is deeply strange, yet it is presented in an entirely believable way. It's by turns very moving and then hilarious (in ways that, in retrospect, are hard to capture/explain). The ending leaves a puzzled feeling - but that's not really bothersome. In many ways, puzzled is the appropriate way to walk out of the theater after "Cold Souls." Check it out!
Adam: Nicely done! Not a movie that will stay with you for a long time, but I liked it. The father (Peter Gallagher) seemed a tad overdone -and unnecessarily so. Unmemorable soundtrack - but since I mention it, does that make it memorable? Now I'm starting to feel like Steven Wright - not necessarily a bad thing!
Taking Woodstock: Even going in with low expectations, this offering from Ang Lee just wasn't good. Vilma was a high point in an otherwise shoddy effort. Harsh, eh? And watch out, world - it's only 6:30 AM!
Julie and Julia: I was not as bothered by Julie as some reviewers were - maybe because I liked seeing a blogger hit the big time. Meryl Streep was amazing as Julia .. and this is definitely not a movie to see on an empty stomach! Never have I enjoyed watching people eat as much as I did watching this flick!
500 Days of Summer: I think I wasn't supposed to, but I loved it. Engaging characters and script, great soundtrack. Not as quirky and lovable as "Away We Go" - but not far behind, either.
Whatever Works: People either like or hate this latest offering from Woody Allen. I must admit that it's a little weird to see this May-December relationship on-screen, feeling so creeped out by Woody's real-life choices. But I'd say he pulls it off. There are some really great lines throughout the movie, and while not entirely believable, I didn't mind being along for the ride. A pleasant diversion for sure.
Goodbye, Solo: Interesting movie that basically contrasts life energy and death energy, IMHO. Solo is the epitome of resilience - love him! Meanwhile William seems bent on being miserable, for reasons that the movie leaves mysterious. I didn't find him very a likable or compelling character - but Solo makes up for it.
Moon: I hesitate to write this one up, as I was tired when I saw it - and missed portions. But form my bleary vantage point, this seemed an intriguing movie set on the moon and exploring themes of identity, isolation, etc. It was not my usual fare - and I wasn't up to snuff - but at least had the wherewithall to be able tell that it was quality work!
Cheri: I liked this a lot better than Easy Virtue - maybe because I went into it having already seen EV and had my expectations lowered. Michelle Pfeiffer and Kathy Bates are fun to watch as always - and I liked Rupert Friend in the title role. It all got a little too serious at the end - a tone-shift that didn't quite fit with the bulk of the movie. Still - a pleasant diversion on a rainy July evening!
Away We Go: This was an excellent movie in every regard. Great dialogue and plot line, endearing cast/characters, heartwarming/funny story that avoids tipping over into overly-sweet territory ... and great soundtrack, to boot! See it, if you haven't already.
Easy Virtue: Not my cup of tea - but I suspect it would have helped, going in, to know that this was a movie based on a Noel Coward play. The characters felt stilted and unbelievable to me, as it was - and I couldn't muster much concern for what became of them. All things considered, I'd rather have been in Philadelphia!
Sugar: Sugar is a baseball flick that is sweetly and realistically done - and definitely like no Hollywood film on the subject. The characters are real and the life is hard - and the film depicts it all in a matter-of-fact way that brings the realities home more surely than something more "dramatic" ever could. Two thumbs up on this one!
Sunshine Cleaning: Director Christine Jeffs has a winner in this tale about the hard times and resiliency of the Lorkowski family. Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin shine in this movie about a bio-hazard clean-up company. Yes, that's correct. And the movie had the potential to cross the line into sappiness several times but demurred. For that I am eternally thankful. (Okay, eternally may be a little over the top.) Darn good flick, though - check it out.
Milk: Sean Penn deserves an Oscar for his amazing portrayal of Harvey Milk. It actually didn't even feel like a portrayal - more a channeling. Such a loss - that yet another creative and energetic and good leader, was senselessly murdered all those years ago. Fear, hatred and guns - why don't we remove at least the last ingredient in the tragic mix?
Doubt: Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman are amazing, and Viola Davis is a heartbreaking revelation in this battle royale. I was left with less doubt at the end than some of my compatriots ... but that took nothing away from the experience. Meryl Streep deserves an Oscar, IMHO ... and I definitely want her on my side, always!
Slumdog Millionaire: Just a great movie, start to finish. Magical,epic, and a nail-biter (even though you know what's going to happen ... pretty much. The dancing at the end did my heart good - and having M.I.A. in the soundtrack didn't hurt, either!
The Secret Life of Bees: Or was it The Secret Lives of Bees? Anyway, whatever - I want Queen Latifah to be my mother!!! (What was Bill Clinton thinking, throwing her under the bus all those years ago?) The movie was entertaining but not a home run by any means. Too predictable ... but Alicia Keys was wonderfully cranky-verging-on-scary and the Queen was queenly and the honey looked delicious and it was nice hearing India Arie in the soundtrack!
Happy Go Lucky: I think I was supposed to like this more than I did. Perhaps it suffered by being seen pretty much on the heels of Rachel. I found Poppy to be a sometimes intriguing and sometimes annoying character. The relentless joking and "upbeatness" felt distancing and unnecessary. I didn't hate this movie by any means - but something was missing for me.
Rachel Getting Married: Jonathan Demme and an amazing script and cast just blew me away with this effort. The characters are fascinating and complicated and most every interaction in the film left me engaged and wanting to know more! Debra Winger was stupendous - although it's been so long since I've seen her that I kept trying to find the bull-riding Urban Cowboy persona within the steely, distant mother of this wedding movie. (She's not there.) Margot at the Wedding was very good - but Rachel puts her in her place. I highly recommend this to everyone!
Religulous: Bill Maher skewers the rampant "illogic" of religion in this free-wheeling film. His wit is right on target and as barbed as you'd expect. I found myself squirming every once in awhile. I don't mind you picking on the Pope, Bill ... but same as with Michael Moore ... sometimes when you set up "common folks" to look like fools, I cringe. Still, Religulous is worth a look for sure. The best point Bill makes? That conservatives of a religulous bent are about finding answers - while liberals are about asking questions. I can go with that!
Roman de gare: This was an intriguing, surprising, suspenseful, funny, quirky movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters and plot lines are deftly developed. You should definitely check it out if you get the chance!
Young at Heart: YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE! It's a documentary about a choral group of octogenarians in Northampton, MA. Very inspiring ... definitely something to check out!
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day: Enjoyable, light fare with a stellar performance by my favorite police chief, Frances McDormand!
The Visitor: Now this was an excellent movie ... from start to finish. It was similar to Smart People in that it had an academic as the main character. However, all similarities ended pretty much right there. In this warm, funny, and wrenching movie, the characters are well and subtly developed, the plot is (unfortunately) believable ... and there are no false notes. I would urge you to see it - you won't be sorry!
Smart People: Looks like we're getting back on track with our Tuesday night movie schedule ... for the time being. Smart People was enjoyable but left me unenthralled. (It probably didn't help that we ran into a totally enthralled movie-goer on the way in who was seeing it for the second time. High expectations may have killed this one for me.) Overall, I found the characters exaggerated and mildly unlikeable ... the dialogue stilted and self-conscious, perhaps just the way smart people talk. But then the lessons about loosening up and being less self-absorbed weren't exactly ground-breaking. Overall, it wasn't a wasted evening ... but not a movie I'll be putting at the top of my list, either.
4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days): Winner of the Palm D'Or at Cannes, this film by Romania's Cristian Mungiu certainly deserves the accolades it receives. It's a realistic and emotionally unflinching story of a woman who helps her friend obtain an illegal abortion in 1987 Romania. The story is harrowing, the acting wonderful, and the cinematography amazing. This film makes Juno look like Disney pablum!
Taxi to the Dark Side: This was a harrowing and eye-opening look at what our country has become under the leadership of Bush/Cheney after 9/11. The "road taken" has definitely been a trip to the dark side. Disgusting and important to see ... as we make our way back toward the light!
Michael Clayton: What an excellent movie! Engaging, engrossing, well-acted. Tilda Swinton certainly deserved an award for her protrayal of what I have to think must be the secret, inner life of Condi Rice.
Persepolis: This animated memoir is an engaging, heartbreaking, uplifting, realistic look at life in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Go see it! It humanizes what our current regime so consistently tries to dehumanize. An important movie, Persepolis is based on the book by Marjane Satrapi.
Margot at the Wedding: Dark, funny, tough to watch and very well acted.
I'm Not There: Bob Dylan's not my favorite, but this was a fascinating movie to watch (albeit long) and since he wasn't there, I couldn't very well feel annoyed by him. Cate Blanchette was just amazing - and I loved the surreal, Fellini-esque feel of the Richard Gere parts.
Atonement: Lush, compelling, painful - I especially loved Vanessa Redgrave's starkly powerful 5 minutes - and the Fellini-esque (can you tell I love Fellini?) flavor of the scenes of the evacuating troops on the beach - complete with ferris wheels - somehow depicting the disorienting horror of war in ways that blood and gore never could. Great movie!
Juno: Well, I went to see it. I totally agree with my friends who found the clinic scene extremely misleading, off-base, and gratuitously negative in its depiction of the women's health movement and its workers. In an otherwise nice movie, this was a thoughtless lapse ... and I was sad to see so many women in Juno's age group in the theater (one of them actually pregnant) ... who'll be coming away with a false impression that could so seriously affect their lives!
The Savages: Wow, what a good movie! Philip Seymour Hoffman has had an amazing run this year between this, "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," and that other movie with Tom Hanks ... the name of which is escaping me at the moment ... Charlie Somebody's War. Anyway - he and Laura Linney are just wonderful as siblings dealing with their aging/ailing father. Painful and real ... and set in gritty, wintry Buffalo ... in perfect contrast to Sun City. (The latter looks like a setting that would do David Lynch proud.) Check it out if you haven't seen it!
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