MAKING IT OFFICIAL: President Obama will stand next to Elizabeth Warren in the Rose Garden on Friday as he names her the assistant to the president and special adviser to the Treasury secretary on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Warren will also advise the President on policies and programs that are designed to protect the financial interests of middle class families,” a White House official said in an e-mail to reporters.
According to the official, Obama plans to say: “Never again will folks be confused or misled by the pages of barely understandable fine print that you find in agreements for credit cards, mortgages, and student loans. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will also crack down on the abusive practices of unscrupulous mortgage lenders. It will reinforce the new credit card law we passed banning unfair rate hikes, and ensure that folks aren’t unwittingly caught by overdraft fees when they sign up for a checking account. It will give students who take out college loans clear information and make sure lenders don’t cheat the system. And it will ensure that every American receives a free credit score if they are denied a loan or insurance because of that score. Basically, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be a watchdog for the American consumer, charged with enforcing the toughest financial protections in history.”
Very glad he’s done it … but why has this taken so long?
Here’s more helpful information from TNR – which I interpret to mean that this was a creative solution to the problem of the lengthy (read paralyzing) confirmation process.
And from the Washington Post, an August article with some nice background on Warren … or Betsy Herring, as she was back in the day.
Warren’s parents had lost most of their savings when a business partner in a car dealership ran off with the money. Afterward, her father worked a series of jobs around Oklahoma City, including as a carpet salesman at Montgomery Ward and later as a maintenance man at an apartment complex. At one point, her mother took a job in the catalogue order department at Sears.
Around the dinner table, the conversation revolved less around politics and more around carburetors.
The Herrings’ only daughter was no shrinking violet. “She was tougher than a snake, partner,” said her brother David Herring. “She’d argue with anybody.”
The family eventually moved from Norman to Oklahoma City, where Warren became a local phenom, as driven as she was intelligent.
“She won debating awards and all this and that. She won the Betty Crocker award. She won everything. . . . She always just achieved,” Herring said, calling his sister “probably the most tenacious person I’ve ever known.”
I’ve a feeling that she’s retained that quality … and will need it.
Glad this deed is finally done – especially in the midst of all the tea party craziness. The Mad Hatters aren’t entirely in charge … not yet!
Next up for the Phillies- the Nats – a team they seem to have struggled with all season. Lets keep winning, guys – it does wonders for my mood!
Just after I renew our season tickets for the Breakers … and buy 5 play-off tickets … I read (on BigSoccer) that Hope Solo is doing some over-the-top tweeting (not that surprising given Hope’s track record vis-a-vis getting her foot into her mouth). No real biggie, there, but as I read on I discovered that Tonya Antonucci has stepped down as WPS Commissioner.
This is sad news, indeed … with the central office already having significantly cut back on staff … makes me worry about the league. And as for Tonya … who could have been a more passionate and steady leader? Joe Cummings says it very, very well:
“There may be others who wish to claim a prominent role in the launch of WPS, but let me be clear about this; Tonya Antonucci single-handedly brought women’s professional soccer back into our sports landscape. She has brought so many interested parties, who want to see women’s professional soccer succeed and thrive, to the same table over the past six years and anyone who had a seat at that table was there because of Tonya. Her passion, commitment and efforts to the goal of having a women’s league return to the U.S. are unrivaled.”
– Joe Cummings, former Boston Breakers executive and current CEO & Executive Director of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
Meanwhile, I was ecstatic to see Donovan and crew take it to the ‘boys. The Eagles nearly did the same with the Packers … and while Michael Vick may have been right, it was really, really dumb of him to say (are you listening, Hope): “I feel like if I had been out there for four quarters, maybe we would have had a chance to win the game.” Good luck handling this in Philly, Andy!
And then there’s the way the Lions were robbed … shoulda been a catch for Megatron and a win!
Today I am going to be making Nasturtium Pesto, helping load hay in the barn, and trying to decide whether or not to play Beanie Wells on my Fantasy Football Team.
I am thinking that it’s unlikely that there is anyone else in the world, on 9/12/10, partaking of that particular combination of activities.
Feels kinda nice … what are you doing today?
Here’s the recipe, BTW …
Nasturtium Pesto
(The best-o pesto–a recipe to die for)
Into a food processor or blender, put the following ingredients:
4 cups packed nasturtium leaves
3 to 5 cloves of garlic
1 and 1/2 cups olive oil
2 drops Tabasco sauce
1 cup walnuts
Process the mixture until smooth.
From Alison (thanks very much) a remembrance of 9/11 from someone who was nearby … and then there’s Michael Moore’s take on it all …there’s a link at the end where you can donate to the community center. I have … why don’t you?
If That ‘Mosque’ ISN’T Built, This Is No Longer America
OpenMike 9/11/10
Michael Moore’s daily blog
I am opposed to the building of the “mosque” two blocks from Ground Zero.
I want it built on Ground Zero.
Why? Because I believe in an America that protects those who are the victims of hate and prejudice. I believe in an America that says you have the right to worship whatever God you have, wherever you want to worship. And I believe in an America that says to the world that we are a loving and generous people and if a bunch of murderers steal your religion from you and use it as their excuse to kill 3,000 souls, then I want to help you get your religion back. And I want to put it at the spot where it was stolen from you.
There’s been so much that’s been said about this manufactured controversy, I really don’t want to waste any time on this day of remembrance talking about it. But I hate bigotry and I hate liars, and so in case you missed any of the truth that’s been lost in this, let me point out a few facts:
1. I love the Burlington Coat Factory. I’ve gotten some great winter coats there at a very reasonable price. Muslims have been holding their daily prayers there since 2009. No one ever complained about that. This is not going to be a “mosque,” it’s going to be a community center. It will have the same prayer room in it that’s already there. But to even have to assure people that “it’s not going to be mosque” is so offensive, I now wish they would just build a 111-story mosque there. That would be better than the lame and disgusting way the developer has left Ground Zero an empty hole until recently. The remains of over 1,100 people still haven’t been found. That site is a sacred graveyard, and to be building another monument to commerce on it is a sacrilege. Why wasn’t the entire site turned into a memorial peace park? People died there, and many of their remains are still strewn about, all these years later.
2. Guess who has helped the Muslims organize their plans for this community center? The JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER of Manhattan! Their rabbi has been advising them since the beginning. It’s been a picture-perfect example of the kind of world we all want to live in. Peter Stuyvessant, New York’s “founder,” tried to expel the first Jews who arrived in Manhattan. Then the Dutch said, no, that’s a bit much. So then Stuyvessant said ok, you can stay, but you cannot build a synagogue anywhere in Manhattan. Do your stupid Friday night thing at home. The first Jewish temple was not allowed to be built until 1730. Then there was a revolution, and the founding fathers said this country has to be secular — no religious nuts or state religions. George Washington (inaugurated around the corner from Ground Zero) wanted to make a statement about this his very first year in office, and wrote this <http://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/milestones/hebrew_congregation_read.html> to American Jews:
“The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy — a policy worthy of imitation. …
“It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens …
“May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants — while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”
4. Around five dozen Muslims died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Hundreds of members of their families still grieve and suffer. The 19 killers did not care what religion anyone belonged to when they took those lives.
5. I’ve never read a sadder headline in the New York Times than the one on the front page this past Monday: “American Muslims Ask, Will We Ever Belong? <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/us/06muslims.html> ” That should make all of us so ashamed that even a single one of our fellow citizens should ever have to worry about if they “belong” here.
7. During an economic depression or a time of war, fascists are extremely skilled at whipping up fear and hate and getting the working class to blame “the other” for their troubles. Lincoln’s enemies told poor Southern whites that he was “a Catholic.” FDR’s opponents said he was Jewish and called him “Jewsevelt.” One in five Americans now believe Obama is a Muslim and 41% of Republicans don’t believe he was born here.
8. Blaming a whole group for the actions of just one of that group is anti-American. Timothy McVeigh was Catholic. Should Oklahoma City prohibit the building of a Catholic Church near the site of the former federal building that McVeigh blew up?
9. Let’s face it, all religions have their whackos. Catholics have O’Reilly, Gingrich, Hannity and Clarence Thomas (in fact all five conservatives who dominate the Supreme Court are Catholic). Protestants have Pat Robertson and too many to list here. The Mormons have Glenn Beck. Jews have Crazy Eddie. But we don’t judge whole religions on just the actions of their whackos. Unless they’re Methodists.
10. If I should ever, God forbid, perish in a terrorist incident, and you or some nutty group uses my death as your justification to attack or discriminate against anyone in my name, I will come back and haunt you worse than Linda Blair marrying Freddy Krueger and moving into your bedroom to spawn Chucky. John Lennon was right when he asked us to imagine a world with “nothing to kill or die for and no religion, too.” I heard Deepak Chopra this week say that “God gave humans the truth, and the devil came and he said, ‘Let’s give it a name and call it religion.’ ” But John Adams said it best when he wrote a sort of letter to the future (which he called “Posterity”): “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.” I’m guessing ol’ John Adams is up there repenting nonstop right now.
Friends, we all have a responsibility NOW to make sure that Muslim community center gets built. Once again, 70% of the country (the same number that initially supported the Iraq War) is on the wrong side and want the “mosque” moved. Enormous pressure has been put on the Imam to stop his project. We have to turn this thing around. Are we going to let the bullies and thugs win another one? Aren’t you fed up by now? When would be a good time to take our country back from the haters?
I say right now. Let’s each of us make a statement by donating to the building of this community center! It’s a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization and you can donate a dollar or ten dollars (or more) right now through a secure pay pal account by clicking here <http://www.cordobainitiative.org/?q=content/donate> . I will personally match the first $10,000 raised (forward your PayPal receipt to webguy@michaelmoore.com). If each one of you reading this blog/email donated just a couple of dollars, that would give the center over $6 million, more than what Donald Trump has offered to buy the Imam out. C’mon everyone, let’s pitch in and help those who are being debased for simply wanting to do something good. We could all make a huge statement of love on this solemn day.
I lost a co-worker on 9/11. I write this today in his memory.
“The man who speaks of the enemy / Is the enemy himself.” — Bertolt Brecht
Good morning folks! What a beautiful morning it is. Right blue sky, a yellow Sun – very much like that day nine years ago. I’m interested to see that Newsweek has posted an article speculating about why America overreacted to the events of 9/11. What they focus on is not so much the reaction of citizens as the reaction of the government. We’ve managed to spend billions and give up lots of our fundamental rights (are you listening, Tea Partiers?) in response to something that, in the grand scheme of things, probably wasn’t such a huge threat after all.
I fault George Bush and the oh-so-silent Dick Cheney (tick, tick, tick) for helping to turn our response into the incredibly paranoid thing that it became. The national psyche reminds me, in many ways, of an individual psyche – and when responding to trauma, there are so many paths that one can take. As a body politic, we seem to have taken the path of exacerbating our already slightly paranoid tendencies. Too bad we didn’t seek out help, tap into our deeper wisdom, and fashion a healthier response for ourselves. It’s frightening, what we have become/are becoming.
On a slightly brighter note, it IS a beautiful day. The Phillies are in first place, the Breakers are playing Sky Blue FC to sort out the WPS playoff picture, and football gets underway with a vengeance tomorrow!
I’ve got a busy day on tap, with some food shopping, and lots of outdoor and indoor chores. Yahoo – let the day begin!
I finally succumbed and have done a little research into the whole burn the Koran flap that is the latest embarrassing eruption of America’s ugly id into our shared airspace. Isn’t there some way we can repress this stuff, folks? I mean, we Cornblogs were able to keep MommyCornblog under wraps for the most part (or so we thought, anyway). Why can’t this great nation of ours do something to muzzle the Terry Joneses that keep springing up?
Who is Pastor Jones? He sounds like your basic angry fuck-up who has found a way to make money and vent his spleen in the name of Jesus. Kind of a Mel Gibson, but without the screen credits.
Here’s some background info from TPM. Like so many wise and holy men before him, Pastor Jones has had tax trouble, been reprimanded for calling himself “doctor” when he had no such degree, and been expelled from his own church. Oh, and he has an e-bay store with a Mission and Vision to die for. (Why shop anywhere else?)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7p7lbhEb4c
Yeah … if Jesus were here he’d be burning the Koran.
I don’t know .. it’s discouraging. Jan Brewer, that woman from Alaska, the Beckmeister, what’s-her-name Bachmann … they just keep growing in stature. At least Ed Rendell is telling it like it is (although I do worry that his statements may unfairly stigmatize mental illness.
And finally … as the 9th aniversary of 9/11 approaches and we remember that tragic event … I have to say that relative to the other outrages perpetrated around the world, in some cases, daily … 9/11 is kind of a small thing. I hesitate to say that because in my heart, I believe that the unnecessary and violent loss of ONE human life is a tragedy … let alone hundreds or thousands.
But that being said … I sometimes feel like we, as a nation, are behaving like pampered and spoiled children about this … wailing and pointing to our scraped knee … while people who have lived through the same or much, much worse, watch us and shake their heads. Yes, 9/11 was a terrible thing … but can we have some dignity about it?
The long-awaited Parcheesi smack-down at MLH’s house occurred last night and, as hoped and anticipated by many, JPE was defeated in both games. She maintained her composure and her equanimity in the face of relentless pressure, trash talking and taunting. In spite of losing, JPE may actually have comported herself better than anyone else involved (painful as that is to admit). By the end, she was also beginning to show signs of gaining her footing. With a likely JPE win looming on the horizen, we stopped at two matches rather than tempt the Parcheesi goddesses!
Along with the stellar play, there came the inevitable debates about the rules. Can more than 2 pawns sit on a square? How long does it make sense to keep a blockade going (i.e. when does it start hurting you as much as it does others)? And do doubletsreally result in a count of 14 squares every time (once all your pawns are out)?
This latter question had us all especially confused, as it was clearly written in the rules … but none of us remembered anything like that from previous games. A mystery to be further plumbed, as time allows (i.e. not this morning).
Phinally … the Phillies are in phirst place! (Thanks, Pirates … good to see these PA teams sticking together!)
Last time I wrote (9/4) the Phillies were one game out of first place in the NL East and on Monday evening, in the hours between games of a Twi-night double-header, they remained one game out of first place, despite their best efforts to botch it. Thankfully the Braves have matched the Phillies loss for loss … and last night the Phils edged closer with a win in the night cap. Now they’re just .5 away from Atlanta.
Meanwhile, over in WPS-land, the Breakers have clinched a play-off berth … and could still secure the honor of hosting the Super Semi-Final (somewhere) if they can walk away with a win over Sky Blue FC on Sunday. Philly can do themselves some good if they can beat FC Gold Pride in the televised game this coming Sunday … and if Boston doesn’t come through for themselves in NJ. Here’s how things stand at the moment …. with a resurgent Chicago sadly out of it because they have played their full compliment of 24 matches.
Speaking of Chicago … their new acquisition (tied up with visa issues for most of the season) is a wonderful acquisition – definitely a keeper. Watch for number19, Veronica Boquete from Santiago, Spain next year!
On the more serious news front, I found an interesting piece by John Dean about Dick Cheney’s papers and what will become of them … or what has become of them. Sounds like Dick isn’t cooperating with the spirit of the law (surprise) but is, instead, using an Executive Order issued by Dubya (aka Dick) to circumvent the will of Congress and hang onto what, in all likelihood, would be some very damning archives. As Dean outlines, Congress has yet to address the weakness in the law that allows Cheney to do this … and if the GOP gains seats, they are even less likely to do anything.
The Phillies are but one game out of first place, as they pulled out a 1-0 win over the Brewers and the Braves lost.
On the WPS front, if the Breakers beat FC Gold Pride they’ll be in line to snag the second seed and host teh Super Semi-Final. (Where they might be able to do that is, I guess, another question … as Harvard may have a need to use their stadium this time of year.)
Hmmmm … our field is available, if you don’t mind a little sheep poop here and there.
Yup … one of the 3 Blitzen Babes has a birthday today (as does SirHitsAlot’s dad). It’s a special day … and we wish them both a wonderful year!
Down in AZ, I see that Jan Brewer is standing tall against the forces of sanity … a familiar scenerio across the country, as the crazy GOP base is frighteningly energized. There are plenty of words for this in the DSM IV, if anyone cares to check. Take a look at this bizarre video, in which Brewer refuses to recant her statements about headless bodies in the Arizona desert …
Honestly, if you watch the whole thing, I find it equally disturbing that the TV station has kindly divided the entire debate into 5-minute chunks, arranged by subject … so that no one’s attention span is tested too mightily (and no one is exposed to a thought or idea that he or she hadn’t been intending to hear).
I have finally removed Huffington Post, sadly, from my blogroll. Too much Lindsay Lohan and too many slide shows of the 10-best-whatever’s. As I head into fall, I am realizing that, as easily distracted as I can be by the question of whether or not Ashton cheated on Demi, I really don’t need to be pulled in that direction. So, enough, already. It’s back to Politico and TPM and AlterNet for yours truly.
There – I feel better!
Speaking of feeling better … nicely done, Mr. Utley. A grand slam … 6 RBI’s … now THAT’S what we like to see!
Have a great day … and I leave you with this … in honor of current weather events …
ChristopherCornblog sent me a fascinating link about a publisher (Concord Free Press) that will give you a book for donating to a charitable cause. So far so good … as they report that “Our readers around the world report more than $152,375! in donations—be sure to tell us where you gave.”
If you go to the site, you’ll see the running list of donors and donees. I do wonder if this one occurred within the family … “Ying C. of Concord, MA gave $250 to a needy student.”
Seems like a neat idea, though … and I’ll be exploring it further this evening.
Then from Alice I had this article from the NY Times about the new Kindle. (Mine should be arriving today, briefly slaking my thirst for new gadgets.)
Finally, from Alison … this link to a blog post written by a woman who went undercover in a white supremacist group and then told the tale. You can listen to an interview with her here.
On the docket for tonight … a letter to the editor about the lying lightweight that is John Stephen.
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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