First off, I had a great day at Coolidge Corner celebrating my friend PB’s birthday, seeing a nice-but-ultimately-unremarkable movie (Radio Cape Cod), doing some shopping, and having dinner at Zaftig’s. Over dinner, we wondered about what had become of Craig Benson – the Dubya-esque ex-Gov of NH. Turns out he’s a Seacoast supporter of John Stephen’s Congressional campaign. Now there are a couple of folks to stay away from, dear voters!
But back to Zaftig’s. At the end of our meal, we were admiring the paintings on the wall … very colorful pieces, one of which I was particularly taken with as it reminded me of the snow-covered chairs out by our chiminea this past winter. Turns out that our waiter was the artist! Danny O’Connor is his name – check out his work. Looks like he’s a very prolific and inventive, and well-established fixture in the Boston-and-beyond art world. What a find! I will be saving my $$ and might just become a collector!
And now, a Veteran’s Cup Update! It looks like the O-50 Bay State Breakers made a valiant effort out there in Bellingham, but didn’t make the cut for the play-off’s. I hope to get more details next week and find out how MLD’s hamstrings held up … so stay tuned! Looks like the O-55 Breakers women did move into the Semi-finals … but as of this writing they haven’t yet posted the results of that game.
On the USWNT front, Pia and her charges will face Brazil today at 4PM (ET). While they have played (and defeated) Brazil once already since the World Cup loss, this continues to be a match with some baggage … and should be a good one (even though Marta and Christiane reportedly won’t be there.) Here’s an article about local hero Lori Chalupny from the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
I’ve been checking out the political scene a little bit this morning and come upon the usual fare from the usual culprits. We’ve got McCain calling Social Security a disgrace and straight-talking it right of existence.
Then we’ve got the White House continuing its stonewalling about global warming, disavowing its own staff’s recommendations on the subject. The worst administration in the history of these United States continues to live up to its reputation, that’s for sure. (Back in the day, many of us thought this piece with Will Ferrell as Dubya was a joke. It wasn’t.)
On a more positive note, here’s Lindsay Dolich’s preview of the USWNT vs. Brazil game that’s going to be televised on ESPN this Sunday. And from Damallsvenskan Soapbox, here’s Jocasta’s commentary on the recent USWNT vs. Sweden game (along with video clips).
The Red Blazer is a restaurant that’s graced the scene in Concord, NH for quite some time. I’ve visited it on occasion through the years – mostly for work-related events. I definitely haven’t been a frequent flier – but their efforts on the sustainability front definitely make me want to support them more.
Here’s a great story that was recently on NHPR about their good work … Kudo’s to everyone at the Red Blazer – I’m definitely gonna check you out more often … and bring my friends!
In the run-up to the Oly’s it’s interesting to read the analysis being posted about the whole Solo-Scurry-Ryan episode at the 2007 Women’s World Cup. Following on the heels of the SI piece by Grant Wahl, we have commentary from:
Sideline Views – in which Andrea Canales cites Anson Dorrance and the way he tapped into “the mother instinct” as at the root of the USWNT’s response to Hope Solo. She depicts a team in which “groupthink” and the pack mentality have held sway for decades now, and cites evidence to support that view. (Leaves me wondering about Tony DiCicco … who put in a few serious years with the Nats, too.)
From a Left Wing – in which Jennifer Doyle looks at the USWNT and the whole Solo episode. She, too, takes it as representative of a “groupthink” atmosphere on the team and examines it through the prism of class.
I love the debate and issues raised, and yet am disturbed by the assumptions that continue to be presented as though they are facts (unless, of course, folks know a lot more about the personalities and inner workings of the USWNT than I do … which is entirely possible).
But, pursuing that point, aren’t we are on thin ice when we theorize about why particular individuals on the team did what they did – especially based on the slim “facts” available? I mean, do we really think that Cat Whitehill’s UNC background (and accompanying Anson Dorrance indoctrination) somehow led to her “shunning” of Hope? Might they have had some issues entirely unrelated to goalie-gate?
I don’t mean to ignore the points made about class. It’s an issue that Tiffeny Milbrett’s journey certainly brings to mind – as a player who always did seem on the periphery for some difficult-to-pin-down reason. When I read interviews where I seem to remember her broaching this subject, I always felt like she came across as having a chip on her shoulder. It could sound like she wanted to be Mia Hamm and have the adulation that went along with it all. But she wasn’t … and she didn’t … and she seemed perennially upset about that. Was that about class? Or was it maybe about having a chip on her shoulder? (And if Tiffeny felt victimized because she didn’t get the attention that Mia did, does that mean that Tiffeny actually was being victimized in some way?) It was probably some combination of the two … and this is total speculation on my part anyway. (Yup – doing the thing I was just decrying in others!)
I have to say that I have been really bothered – maybe most bothered – by the “sorority” label being applied to this team. And maybe this is where I need to take a deeper breath and a harder look at my own biases and assumptions.
What I loved about the “old” USWNT was the broad feminist perspective that they brought to the soccer enterprise. (I know this wasn’t a perspective shared by everyone – but it was the ethos of that team.) Far from being conformist group-thinkers, this was the bunch who would take the USSF right to the mat for quaint, cutesy, sorority-type issues like equal pay. This was the bunch who consulted Billie Jean King and used their fame and success to spread the word about soccer and athletics and empowerment to girls and young women.
That’s not to say that I think they were saints. I am sure they were not. But was there tons of bitterness and backbiting and conflict that was kept hidden? Were dissenting views not tolerated? Has the USWNT always been the UNC-spawned Gulag that some feel it was for Hope? I just don’t see it.
So what am I starting to think about this whole episode? What are the wild assumptions that I make, so that it can all feel sensible to me? Okay – here goes: I think it had to do with changes in the leadership within the team. Much as I absolutely love Lil – she definitely seems one of those lead-by-example types. She’s not a leader in the mold of Julie Foudy or Carla Overbeck. In what happened after the Brazil game, from Solo’s outburst to the “shunning,” I think we were seeing fallout from the loss of those two team leaders (with Foudy being the more recent and arguably the more telling loss).
I see the team, post-Brazil, as stressed and devastated and relatively rudderless. (Hope wasn’t the only devastated player on the team – they all were.) Greg Ryan was focused on covering his butt. IMHO, he proceeded, in cowardly and utterly shameful fashion, to use vague terms like “team leaders” to deflect and diffuse responsibility.
Maybe I’m all wet – but I am coming to feel that had there been a Foudy or an Overbeck there in Beijing this past October … things might have played out quite differently. Just looking at the personalities involved, and fully acknowledging that it’s speculation … still, it’s very hard for me to imagine those events happening under their watch.
So what happened in Beijing ’07? Poor coaching by the inimitable Greg Ryan, impulsive choices by Hope, lack of leadership from Lil … and the rest is history. (And I do wish that Hope would let this truly become history … stop granting interviews that foment further debate and speculation by the likes of me … and find another way to work this through for herself.)
I am so pleased that Pia is on board and the team is moving on … and hopefully this next trip to Beijing will see a different outcome, both on the pitch and off!
I’m in a bit of a rush this morning, so will just go ahead and post some items I’ve found intriguing – without much commentary.
First and foremost, the Red Sox won in a real nail-biter of a game last night. Sounds like my buddies in the 7th row behind home plate had a great time! (The Phillies, on the other hand, lost again … and need to win big on ESPN tonight!)
The Ventura County Star has a piece about the USWNT and Pia’s song to them … but also some quotes from the players about the new regime that I hadn’t seen before.
Likewise this article about Pia and the USWNT from Voice of America.
The WPS has announced its player allocation schedule, which will get underway in earnest in September, after the Oly’s.
In other soccer news, here’s information about the Veteran’s Cup – currently underway in Bellingham, WA. Watch those Bay State Breakers in Bracket C (Women-Over 50). Go MLD!
Okay – I guess that’s it for now. Other news of the world will have to wait ’til tomorrow!
Then we have the outlook for the Phillies … which, in typical Phillies’ fashion, looks like it’s likely to get nerve-wracking! (And BTW, they are on ESPN – or ESPN2 – Wednesday night.) Speaking of baseball, look for some familiar faces in row 7 behind home plate when the Red Sox play the Twins again tonight. (JBD, JPE, BJE, and a special post-birthday celebrant).
Last, but certainly not in the least least (!), here is an interesting post that appeared on Sideline Views, exploring, again, the whole Hope Solo-USWNT controversy. I continue to be bothered by the fact that the opinions I read seem to be based (understandably) on the only information that is being put “out there.” That that information comes mostly from Greg Ryan and Hope Solo makes me a little cautious. I am still mulling my response … and would LOVE to hear what others think. What’s your take on it all?
This story about the sad death of a medic who served in Iraq and became an iconic figure after his photo hit the news should be considered emblematic in a new way, now.
Joseph Patrick Dwyer, 31, died of an apparent overdose in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. After breaking down the door to Dwyer’s home, officers found him surrounded by empty cans of aerosol-gas dusters and prescription pills.
My take? This situation shines yet another light on the abysmal executive skills of the Bush Administration. Poor planning, poor execution, and poor follow-up about summarize their performance. Their strong suit? Call it PR – or propaganda – or prevarication. I like the latter, actually.
Like their approach to the environment, “sustainability” isn’t a goal – it isn’t even on the radar. Use it and throw it away is more like it. That’s what becomes of the Joseph Patrick Dwyer’s of this world. And we are complicit … we put up with it. How much longer?
Then there’s this blog (Edicts of Nancy) by a Christian Cosmetologist (not cosmologist) that I’ve spent the last 20 minutes lost on. It ranks right up there with Princess Sparkle Pony’s Photo Blog in my book! Sister Nancy Beth Eczema has a second blog, too – Sister Nancy Beth After Dark – that is worth a look.
Yesterday the USWNT beat Sweden 1-0 at Norrvalla Stadium in Skelleftea, Sweden. Carli Lloyd scored what turned out to be the game-winner off a corner that she took, giving a short kick to Lindsay Tarplay. Lindsay returned the ball to Carli, who took it into the box past at least three defenders before taking a nice left-footed shot for the score. It sounds like the Swedish nationals gave it a good go and had some scary chances (most particularly one series in the second half, when there was a scrum on the US goal line after an errant punch clear by Nicole Barnhart.
Carli Lloyd summed it up:
It was a huge battle today. There were some good tackles, some bad tackles, but overall I thought we did well to keep possession and had some good combinations. We solved pressure well, played short, played long and got around the outside.
With just two matches left before the Olympics, the USWNT returns to the States to rest their legs and then get ready to face Brazil on 7/13 and then again on 7/16.
In what could well be their biggest challenge to date, the USWNT face Sweden in Sweden for the first time ever! (Check out the USSF article linked above – there are lots of interesting tidbits to peruse!) They’ll play just below the Arctic Circle (!) at Norrvalla Stadium in Skelleftea. The last time the USWNT played in Sweden was in 1995, when they faced China in the 3rd place match at the Women’s World Cup (the one that Norway won and followed up with their celebratory “snake dance” around the pitch … that was part of what got the USWNT so fired up for ’99). But I digress …
It’s also a seminal game because the USWNT, as you well know, is coached by Pia, the Singing Swede! It’ll be her first time coaching against Sweden …. and the occasion marks a homecoming for Pia as well as another USWNT staffer … Skelleftea is home to U.S. fitness coach Helena Andersson. Says Pia about this match (in her inimitable style): Continue reading →
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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