Monday Rant

It's that time of the week! Lucky you.

Well, the bail out didn't happen today. Sweet. I'm not for people losing their homes, but I am for people dealing with the ramifications of their decisions. Whether it's 'Wall Street or Main Street' {seems to be the going catchphrase}, you must take responsibility for your actions.

The sky is not falling!!! Take a pill! Turn off the news, put down the paper, take a deep breath. Much like the dot com bust of 00's, I think most economists will agree that the markets are simply realigning to where they should be after years of rampant inflation. Still, we have far to go. Until citizens of this nation {and out nation's government) get their excessive spending under control and lending/financial institutions act in an ethical manner, nothing is going to change. It's a double edged sword. People we've got to strap in and deal with the giant elephant in the room.

Find out if your deposits are insured to their fullest by visiting www.fdic.gov/edie.

Check it! The Milwaukee Brewers in the playoffs baby!! YEAH!! The MLB playoff run should be interesting. The Cubs making a run after what, 100 years? Of course, the BoSuxs are making a last run at the wildcard spot--it wouldn't be the postseason without 'em.

What's with the remake of Knight Rider? What a pile of suck. Val Kilmer, dude, what's happening to you?! You can do better than this.

Oh the things you'll see

What a day. As those who know me can attest, jewelry, particularly vintage costume jewelry, is my thing. I can spend hours rummaging through old boxes filled with wads of cast-offs and hours more visualizing and reworking old strands of jewelry, pins, and earrings. It's excessive at times. Fortunately, it is one of my least expensive passions.

So the state flea market is well known in the region. Needless to say, it is acres and acres of junk, antiques, kitch, and yes, socks. Most things are lumped together so unless you want to peruse boxes and boxes of ninety-nine cent store junk, you don't have to walk over there. However, the sock booths are the traditional end caps.

This time, it was the three amigas. Each of us had a few things on our minds to look for. I was on the prowl for a Eiffel tower pendant, preferably vintage and about three inches in height, a small suitcase, and of course, the jewelry. Free Spirit had a cast iron kettle or pot on her list. Bama Girl was in it for additions to her own cast iron collection. The mix of stuff is incredible. I lean more to the pop culture ephemera, early 50s housewares, and the like. Free Spirit is more folksy, preferring early American pieces and Bama Girl is pure country {not in the Texas way, more the Alabama way}.

As always, I fall prey to the 'think about it' and suffer remorse for not purchasing things that I see on the first peruse. This time I missed out on the small suitcase--it was the perfect size, but condition was as strong--and Canadian made circa 1983 alpaca fur boots. Yes, there were awesome--a whole lotta awesome. Still, I walked away and have regretted since.

We all scores treasure. Free Spirit found her pot and still walked away with pocket change. Bama Girl found some keen pieces too. My prize? A metal Fallout Shelter sign circa 1960 is good condition, minimal rust with just bit of storage debris attached. The vendor--a brilliant old man (who I'm certain could tell amazing war stories) said 'yeah, it's probably not politically correct to be selling this thing.' When I, in turn, came back with "Well, I've never been accused of being that," he warmed right up. He was certainly a highlight.

Yes, the flea market is a once a month treasure hunt like no other. Just strolling around is fun, but it's the down and dirty digging through old Purity milk cartons that's even cooler. Even funnier, is the distinctly insensitive items available for purchase. Things emblazoned with the Nazi swastikas, vintage signs with pickeninnies and jolly n****** banks {those were creepy}. There were many decidedly ethnically offensive items. What a world.

Paul Newman (1925-2008)

By now, Paul Newman has been memorialized countless ways on as many different mediums--as he should be. Allow me. Paul Newman was many things. A racer, a philanthropist, a civil rights activist, a businessman, and a movie star.

For me, Paul Newman is a cinematic ICON. Though his piercing blue eyes {that seems to be the main theme of many reports} and strong jaw were maybe the first things you noticed, it was his craft that made you come back for more. Also the down-on-his-luck, the anti-hero, Newman owned each, perfectly nuanced role.

Top five lists are always up for debate. Feel free to share your thoughts, but here are my Top Five Paul Newman films:

1. Cool Hand Luke (1967): You can find on review here. Newman leads a powerhouse cast, but his Luke just oozes this nonchalance that's riveting.
2. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1961): One of the best buddy films you'll ever see. Redford and Newman has a chemistry that's just cool.
3. The Hustler (1961): Have you seen it?! Alright then.
4. Road to Perdition (2002) Sure, Tom Hanks is the lead, but when you share the screen with Newman, you can become the footnote. His supporting turn as a mob boss is eloquent. This movie actually rekindled by exploration of Newman's filmography.
5. Hud (1963): Newman slow burns in this B&W. Self destruction never looked this good.

Paul Newman was 83.

Fringe: Episode Three (2008)

This show, like me, is awesome. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it's the cast and stellar writing that really makes it.

John Noble f^ckin' brilliant--even as a whacked out scientist. Joshua Jackson is the crisp smart-ass foil to Anna Torv's Agent Dunham.

Episode Three is perhaps a little over the top, but still it was riveting. I'm assured that Massive Dynamic is pure evil--that red-head chick--evil, evil. But that's almost too obvious a choice. From the moment she peeled off her skin {like a glove, no less} to expose a robotic skeleton, I was hooked.

Ep3 had a psychic phenomenon, ie., another failed experiment {or is it} of Dr. Bishop's. This guy is predicting tragic world events before they happen. Come to find out, Dr. Bishop's work was continued after his incarceration and the guy is actually a 'receiver' for communication between a terrorist cell.

They almost explode the guy putting him into an MRI only to just discover his blood is loaded with iridium--just before... The story clears up a little too quickly {at least for the patient}. The exchange between mysterious black dude and evil red-haired lady was very interesting.

Fringe is top-notch storytelling. There is still a tendency to weave all too many subplots, but fortunately, Abrams seems to be focusing on Pattern and the Bishop's father/son relationship. Three eps in and I'll definitely be back for more.

Monday Rant

Day in, day out, I see my boss' daughter come in from school dressed in an assortment of outfits. Apparently, her school has 'theme days' every freakin' day of the week. 80's day, pajama day, backwards day, dumb-ass day. {Made the last one up. Surprised?!} I don't get it. When is learn something day?

Granted, I don't have children; so the first conclusion is I don't know what the Hades I'm talking about. However, having interacted with this kid (and others) from this community, I'm seriously concerned. What skills are children actually learning in school today? Other than tolerance and how to test well on the TCAPs?

Isn't anyone concerned? Are parents worried? Hades, aren't parents SUPPOSED to worry about this kind of thing? I'm not for not having fun at school, but an atmosphere of education should be fostered first--not 80s day.

So, I heard on NPR {too late, I've already been chastised for listening to it} that the main concern of the class of '08 in this year's election is our economy. Question: Did you come to that conclusion because your professor or the media told you to? No, I will not give you the benefit of the doubt.

I think that's funny. For years now, it's been Iraq (according to NPR's reporter). The class of '08 is concerned about Social Security. "I expect the government to take care of me." I almost had wreck when that came out of some grad student's mouth. Excuse me. What makes you so damn privileged?!

I suppose I wouldn't find it so amusing, if I could understand what they were so concerned about. The economy. You should have to use air quotes when you say that--oh, and look stern. "The Economy" Sure, my economy could be more stimulated. But it's not. I like to think that "The Economy" is righting itself after becoming so bloated. Maybe it will get worse before it gets better, so what. You'll keep on buying and keep on worrying. It's the American way.

On a little more personal note, my left pinkie it totally spastic. I haven't heard about any Rock Band-itis going around, but my pinkie--it's weird. Kinda freaky--might make for a good party trick though.

Yeah, I don't know the purpose of this entry. It kinda sucks. It is what it is. At least I can delete it later. Really the action is elsewhere. Those who know, know where to go.

21 (2008)

Preying on Ben (Jim Sturgess, Across the Universe), a brilliant student who is struggling to come up with tuition for medical school, Professor Mickey Rosa (Kevin Spacey) recruits him to be one of five gifted students Rosa trains to become an elite group of card counters. Using hand signals and an intricate code system, the students descend on Vegas on the weekends to bilk casinos but returns in time to make classes on Monday. Ben, reluctant at first, joins to make his tuition money, but soon finds himself seduced by the lifestyle of a high-roller and his sexy teammate, Jill (Kate Bosworth). Ben's a natural. It's not long before he loses everything he has worked for and that gives Ben the opportunity of a lifetime.

This highly-stylized drama is based on the story of six MIT students who swindled Vegas casinos for uber-dollars. Unfortunately, 21 isn't as riveting as the book. The film, while gorgeous, languishes onscreen. The dialogue is tiresome and forced.

The cast tries desperately to salvage a mediocre screenplay. Sturgess is sad, Spacey --a prick. There is no development of characters--nothing that allows our protagonists to become engaging or relate-able. They all manage good performances given the material. Lawrence Fishburne as a menacing casino employee is a small highlight.

Further still, 21, would have us to believe these genius would act so stupid. Even if you give them a pass, ie, book sense/common sense, the characters quickly jump the shark with their idiocy.

21 is all flash, no substance. Don't throw your time away with this one.

Donnie Brasco (1997)

Donnie Brasco a.k.a FBI Special Agent Joe Pistone (Johnny Depp) has infiltrates the mob thanks to his budding friendship with Lefty (Al Pacino). He is quickly catapulted to the upper echelon within the Mafia family thanks to Lefty's mentorship. Their father-son relationship soon becomes an issue as Donnie's double life begins to take a tole on him. Disturbed that he is losing his family and his mind, Donnie hesitates to pull out because of his admiration for Lefty. Faced with the ultimate choice, Donnie discovers it's not even his to make.

Mafia movies are lost on me. I've seen a couple, by proxy, but given the choice this genre isn't my thing. Although the themes of Donnie Brasco transcend the genre, I wasn't able to truly react with this one. There is decent story-telling with a strong cast, but Donnie Brasco fails, for me, on some level. It was tedious and non-descript. The plot was accelerated, even in the two hour time frame, and created a ludicrous change of events. There are too many implausible WTF?! moments to stay plugged in. Truth be told, I started noticing goods--like the windshield wipers, hair that mysteriously styles itself, and magical gold chains that appear and disappear.

The cast is solid. Playing the low-key mutt, Lefty, Pacino is a spit-fire, but not the caricature he has since become. Johnny Depp sets well as does the underrated Michael Madsen. Anne Heche has a good turn as Pistone's long-suffering wife. Unfortunately, they all suffer from a languishing script.

I'm intrigued that the story is based on true events. Even more so, if as the screen crawl states the actual Joe Pistone still has a bounty of half a mil on his head and is living under an assumed name.

Donnie Brasco is as average a movie as they come. Watch if you're a fan of the genre, I wouldn't bother otherwise.

In Her Shoes (2005)

Two sisters (Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette), insanely jealous of each other, but neither one take time to discover both are self-conscience, flaky people due to a crazy and now dead mother, neglect from their father and excommunicated grandmother (Shirley McClaine) Blah, blah, blah. Fight, apologies, smiles, the end.

In Her Shoes is a recycled, convoluted mess. The numerous story lines are predictable and painfully opaque.

Cameron Diaz knows how to strut--the camera can't get enough of her long legs and cute ass. Toni Collette has two faces... contorted and pained, both. Shirley McClaine is just being herself.

There is NOTHING remotely interesting or redeeming here--we've seen it all before and in way better versions.

Fringe: Episode Two

The second episode of J.J. Abram's Fringe came on strong tonight. Joshua Jackson is quite good. Never thought I'd say that--never a Dawson's Creek fan. The three central characters Peter Bishop (Jackson), Agent Dunham (Anna Tory), and scientist/crack pot Walter Bishop (John Noble) compliment each other well.

Tonight's ep was perfectly creepy, weird, gory, and odd. Sorry--not going into details. Suffice to say, there was weird things crawling under the skin, medical experimentation, removal of pituitary glands while awake, man-babies. Very X-Files, but still fresh.

The score is probably the most glaringly obvious thing going. It's very Lost--melodramatic and foretelling. I don't know if I like the time slot, 8p CST, but it follows House, M.D., so I won't miss it.

High Fidelity (2000)

Rob Gordon (John Cusack) is the unassuming owner of Championship Vinyl, a record store that is less about selling and more about not selling out. In the store, he and his two employees Barry (Jack Black) and Dick (Todd Louiso) trade barbs with one another, argue about music and the finer things of life--relationships, movies, sex, sleep even. With his last breakup as inspiration, Rob copes in the only way he knows how--top five lists. Recounting his top five breakups, Rob soon discovers more about himself than anything else.

High Fidelity is an indulgent geek film that is so ridiculously inane, it's quite enjoyable, even from a female perspective. John Cusack is unexpectedly funny, but it is supporting Jack Black and Todd Louiso (?) that really steal the show. Barry is such an elitist--a true music snob. I can relate. Tim Robbins is hysterical as the girlfriend stealing neighbor.

The dialogue could have been lifted from any numerous conversations you or I've had. Strangely, it's comforting that they actually made a movie about this lame stuff. High Fidelity comes across as real--that sound cliche, but the characters never get too quirky or too smart for their own good. Seriously, I recognize people within these characters--it's ridiculous!

High Fidelity, I don't want to oversell it, but it's a casual comedy of universal importance. No matter your dorkdom preference (music, movies, comics, quantum physics), this movie somehow validate those late-night Waffle House conversations.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)

The Golden Age of Elizabeth finds a woman weary from her dedication to her people. Elizabeth (returning Cate Blanchett) has settled into her role as the Virgin Queen, but continues to find herself at odds with the Catholic Church and constantly bombarded with treaties to marry. King Phillip of Spain is determined to bring down the bastard Queen with the help of Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton). Amidst the uproar, comes the adventurer Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen) to her court. Keenly intrigued by the rogue, Elizabeth is both intrigued and repulsed by the rogue. With the help of her new friend and that of the faithful Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), Queen Elizabeth stares down critics, assassins, and war to bring England into her prosperity.

I can't imagine anyone other than director Shekhar Kapur imagining this story. True to form, the sumptuous period is reborn under Kapur. His use of symbolism is remarkable and advances the story beautifully. Also of note, is his use of camera. Every shot is breathtaking.

Cate Blanchett owns Queen Elizabeth. She brings amazing vulnerability and strength to an enigmatic role. She is woman, politician and seemingly superhuman. Rush is commanding, but time has not been good to Walsingham. Rush plays Sir Francis with a frailty. Clive Owen is dashing as Sir Walter Raleigh. The onscreen chemistry between Blanchett and Owen is palatable.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age is wonderful story-telling. However, you couldn't use this film as cliff notes. The film focuses on the woman and her sacrifices. Relationships, military achievement, commanding the respect of her male advisers... this is success in her world.

The portrayal of Queen Elizabeth is a strong one and no matter how flawed, Elizabeth: The Golden Age is a visual delight. Both films serve as a great starting point for further reading. I don't know how you could watch either and not be intrigued by this time in world history. Elizabeth: The Golden Age is much more than a historical drama, as I see it, it also serves as a reminder to woman of all ages of their potential should they choose to fulfill it.

Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis (2007)

If you can stomach the posturing on 'climate change', then you will find some top-notch performances across seven continents. This two disc set contains songs from the good: Bon Jovi, Linkin Park, Lenny Kravitz, Metallica, RHCP--the just ok: Kasabian, Rihanna, James Blunt, and the lame: Pussycat Dolls and the Black Eyed Peas. Also thrown in, the likes of Roger Waters, Smashing Pumpkins, Madonna, Chris Cornell--it's a veritable who's who.

Live Earth is filled with solid and mostly enjoyable performances--it's the hot air from celebutainers and Algore that annoys me. Please. Do tell how we, the common people, can reduce our carbon footprint and save ourselves from nuclear winter. *rolls eyes*

The performances were dead on--that is the only reason to see Live Earth. Use your scene selection button and imagine the energy you could save.

What do you remember?

Did you wake up today thinking about where you were when you first heard that airplanes had struck the World Trade Towers?

I was unsure what to post tonight--wasn't sure I was even going to, but as I drove home this evening it struck me. What happened to us?! There are many things I remember about September 11, 2001 and the days, weeks, and months after. Collectively, as a nation, we were connected, undivided and angry. We all went about our lives differently for the first months after the attacks. I think we cared. I think we, as a nation, cared about our fellow citizens across the country regardless of race or creed or political affiliation. Where is that know?!

I don't want to proselytize or commentate. September 11, 2001 should be remembered for what it was. A national tragedy, an unnecessary loss of human lives, a cheap-shot at Mother Liberty from those who fear and envy us.

Film is the reason for this blog and so I'll focus. Hope these reviews will give you pause to consider.

United 93 (2006)

This review was originally composed on April 30, 2006.

I don't know how to begin... few movies haunt like this one.

Unlike what seems to be the majority of people, I've been waiting on a movie like this. I wanted/needed it. One, because although the events of September 11th affected me, there was still distance and I felt unnerved, but isolated (not that I'd ever wish something like that on my loved ones). And two, because we are, I am forgetting. We say we aren't, but I think we are.

Powerful. United 93 is unlike anything I've experienced. Literally breath-taking and gut-wrenching. While we will never truly know what occurred on board United 93, this movie reflects the true tenacity of the human spirit. These souls rise above the fear and danger surrounding them and make that brave attempt despite it's hopelessness. The essence of the American spirit. It's a fitting tribute to their memories.

Writer/director Paul Greengrass approaches the subject matter with overwhelming respect and keeps from over dramatizing or glamorizing the ordeal. There is no political message, no finger pointing, no 'yeah, America' patriotism, just regular people doing the extraordinary.

It begins simple enough, the viewer is dropped in on the soon-to-be infamous terrorists as they pray and prepare for their flight. Then, we check in on the pilots and flight crew as they go through, again, a normal day's routine as the passengers board. As the day continues, the viewer keeps moving between the mass confusion at various air traffic control centers, NORAD, the FAA and the United flight. (It makes it all the more real once you realize (stay for the credits!) that some military and government officials are playing themselves.

Seeing the passengers react is cathartic in some ways. There is no patriotic spiel, just reaction to the situation. They aren't 'wondering were their government is' or 'trying to stay calm' they are surviving.

United 93 is the ultimate emotional roller-coaster and you, the viewer, are engulfed in it. As the passengers are leaving messages for or talking to their loved ones or the would-be terrorists are unsure and committed their prayers to Allah, the human drama unfolds at it's best. As those fateful words are uttered 'Let's roll' it makes for an eerie moment. All of a sudden, I realized that I was watching something that REALLY HAPPENED.

It is a challenging film to watch. I was shaking and hyperventilating at its final moments. At its worst, I wanted to look away but wouldn't allow myself. At its best, it made me cry for these people who knew the worst was coming. United 93 made me sick. It made me cry. It made me angry and sad. Most importantly, it made me remember.

You can't imagine the silence found among the full audience at its conclusion. I don't think anyone moved until the lights came back on. Even then, we left in stunned silence.

It is a true personal choice to see this film. I would urge you to see it. United 93 is a respectful, dignified tribute to the legacy of it's victims and heroes.

Postscript 09/11/2008
I still remember coming out of the darkened theatre vividly and the way my body felt--hands aching, teeth clenched tight, the tension down my neck and spine. Years later, this film is emotionally-racking. United 93 continues to be one of the best dramatizations of the days events. Greengrass has done a remarkable job of memorializing a tragic event. It was powerful on the big screen. It still is today.

World Trade Center (2006)

This review was originally composed on August 10, 2006

I've been avoiding everything about this film because I wanted no expectations. Seeing Matt exit the theater last night and getting his reaction, gave me the first clue as what I was to expect.

World Trade Center... Those three words evoke horror, sadness, death, anger, fear, confusion and according to Oliver Stone's new film, hope. The film is the story of two Port Authority Police Department officers, Sgt. John McLoughlin and Officer Will Jimeno, played by Nicholas Cage and Michael Pena respectively, who were two of the twenty to pulled from the rubble.

So how does one review a story such as this? This is an impossible task. Allow me a disclaimer of sorts. In the following, I hope that you will see the film through two lenses. One, as a story about a devastation tragedy whose repercussions are still felt today. And two, through the eyes of someone who loves the art of film.

In the film's heart- pounding opening minutes, we watch the attack unfold through the eyes of these first responders. As the routine morning becomes anything but routine, the officers glimpse news reports and get bits of information from cell phone calls to family members as they race downtown. But what's most striking is how little the men know about what's really happening. As the officers prepare to the climb the North Tower, they are unaware the South Tower has even been hit. Communications gear is failing, and there is confusion all around.

As Sgt. McLoughlin leads his crew into the tower, it crumbles around them. Yelling for everyone to 'run to the elevator shaft' they officers scramble in futility. What remains is the struggle for survival by McLoughlin and Jimeno.

The quality cast does the script justice. Nicholas Cage disappears behind the mustache and into the accent of Sgt. McLoughlin. Pena is immediately endeared as the likable rookie Officer Jimeno. Their performances are even more noteworthy considering they spend the majority of the movie flat on their backs. They are also well supported by Maria Bello and Magie Gyllenhaal as their respective wives, who spend much of the film enduring an agonizing wait to learn the fate of their husbands.

It's not often that I mention scenes of a film, but World Trade Center is filled with a few moments that tell a lifetime in a fleeting glance. One such scene, is of Cage opening his eyes. In that moment, it's no longer an actor, it's more than McLoughlin, it's you sucked into that hell hole. Crushed under a twisted mound of steel, concrete, pipes, wires and God knows what, desperation and fear swirl around you. That moment is unforgettable.

I have a love/hate relationship with Stone. I won't apologize for a little more hate because of this movie. Oliver Stone's direction and storytelling is straightforward, but manipulating, self-serving, and all money. The cinematography was good, but couldn't you remember to remove the boom-mike from the shots?! Stone never shows the impact of the planes, which is a good move on his part; in fact, we never see a single plane, only the shadow of one, which is an artistic decision with an evocative result. There's a lot of dramatic pauses, which are intended to give gravity to terse lines of dialog that immediately follow and are punctuated with more emotional cues from Craig Armstrong's score.

For every creative decision that works, there's about ten that don't. There are certain decisions that are glaringly questionable, with disbelief resulting from at least two, one of which is a hallucination/dream in which the silhouette of Jesus Christ appears against the sun, holding out a bottle of water, and the other of which is a conversation McLoughlin imagines having with his wife, as he's being rescued from the rubble. There's also a cut-away to a Wisconsin diner that's quite reckless and is only redeemed from being a non sequitur by a cheap payoff moment toward the film's end. In instances like these, Stone is absolutely shameless.

It's been unavoidable for me to compare this film to United 93. If I may, I will continue. Director Greengrass subtly employed the techniques of cinema to ultimately serve the events his film depicted, while Stone employs the techniques of cinema to shape the events into a narrative that's palatable and marketable, and to cue the viewer on how to feel. World Trade Center is a sentimental film, and I feel it has no right to be. Stone's film exudes a certain degree of obligatory respectfulness, but nobility is absent because of an obvious bid to be seen as noble. What disappoints most is how Hollywood everything is.

Postscript 09/11/2008

Oliver Stone uses powerful symbolism in World Trade Center, for better or worse. Reading my earlier review, parts are a bit harsh {and over-reaching}, but it is what it is. World Trade Center is Hollywood dramatization at it's best--all money. Still the film deals delicately with troublesome subject matter and while Stone gets off on his own ego, the film deserves a viewing.

Coachella: The Film (2006)

Coachella is a legendary music festival on the west coast. I queued this rock-doc thinking I'd see legendary and ground breaking acts. While I was aware that the festival leaned more toward the indie/unknown scene, I though it would be a good blend of everything. That's cool. This, however, is not.

Sitting there watching this seemingly random collection of concert footage, I couldn't help but think only those pseudo-intellectual types--you know that Donnie Darko-loving, angsty teen now mid-20s and still 'searching' for life's answers--must love this sh!t.

Don't get me started on The Flaming Lips. They simply annoy me and those fortuned enough to be in the inner circle. You really have to lean towards Arcade Fire, Fischerspooner and those damn lips to get anything from this documentary. Even acts like the White Stripes, RHCP and Radiohead were amiss.

From a documentary standpoint, the random editing detracts from the film. The festival footage is gleaned from past years, but still there is no point of reference for the viewer. Unless you are engaged by the band you're watching, it's simply boring.

Coachella: The Film falls in that acquired taste category. It's not mine and as I see it, unless you are that aforementioned demographic, don't bother.

Fringe: Series Premiere (2008)

J.J. Abrams has me intrigued with tonight's premiere of Fringe on Fox. Anyone see it. Let me know what you think.

It'll take a few more episodes to really go anywhere. Joshua Jackson loves amazing. Older and better. The freaky black dude from Lost is onboard. So is the guy who played the crazy father of Boramir and Faramir in LOTR--the British actor. His name escapes me.

It definately has that Lost feel. In the first twenty minutes, it showed more gruesome that X-Files was ever allowed to.

I'll give it time to get off the ground. That is unless Fox decides to put it up against one of my other shows.

Elizabeth (1998)

This opulent film stars Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth I and follows her early life as as she ascends to the throne. Her rise to become one of England's most famed ruler is captured beautifully. Both graceful and barbaric, Elizabeth is wonderfully rendered.

The plot is fairly simple requiring no foreknowledge of English history and while most historians could take offense, the film successfully engages the viewer. Blanchett as Elizabeth is commanding. Both steely and effacing, Blanchett brings such emotion to the role. My spine tingles as she dresses down Sir William Cecil (Richard Attenborough) with 'I am my father's daughter.' Geoffrey Rush is piercing as Walsingham. Christopher Eccleston is devilish as the Duke of Norfolk, but it is Joseph Fiennes that really shines. As Lord Robert Dudley, the pain and love for his friend first, his queen second pours out of his very soul. I had forgotten a young Daniel Craig and Emily Mortimer have small, but crucial roles as well.

Elizabeth is a dazzling film with a lush soundtrack and sweeping cinematic views. Director Shekhar Kapur uses light and shadow so well here, ultimately building body into what is a simple story. Subtle glances and nods between characters further create an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery.

Elizabeth is a stunning period drama--an Oscar worthy drama that became a mere footnote. What a travesty!

Semi Pro (2008)

Will, you really missed the mark with this one. This is not funny, it's dumb. The 70's set dressing and swingin' soundtrack were, ahem, cool--Semi Pro isn't your best work--it's your own personal Waterworld.

Readers, avoid Semi Pro at all costs. Wish I would have.

Meet Bill (2008)

Bill (Aaron Eckhart) is a loser. Mr. Mundane has never wanted anything in his life; in fact, Mr. Mundane has always settled. When he discovers his wife Jess (Elizabeth Banks) is banging the local action news reporter, Chance (Timothy Olyphant), Bill's ready to turn over. It's not until he reluctantly agrees to mentor a high-school boy, that he finds the inspiration to take back his life and sense of self.

Meet Bill, much like the title character, is lame. The movie is hardly engaging and quickly becomes painful to watch. Everything is bad--plot and character development, cliches, comedic timing, score--it's all bad. All this bad quickly has the film jumping the shark. What a shame.

Aaron Eckhart is under-appreciated in my book. He plays exceptionally lame well, but what a waste to have his talent here.

"In a world where..."

Don LaFontaine passed away with little fanfare yesterday. Singlehandedly, this man's voice has silenced others with just a few syllables. LaFontaine IS the voice of voice overs. He has sent chills up my spine like no one else. His gruff and growling baritone enuciated words beautifully. He made me want to see movies--urgently. He moved me and countless others to nudge their friend and whisper 'we're seeing that'. There will be none other.

LaFontaine died from complications of from a lung-related illness according to the hollywood reporter. He was 68.

Post Labor Day Conclusions

Attention all Hurricane Gustav 'refugees'. You are not refugees (persons who flee to escape persecution). You are merely temporarily displaced. On behalf of all citizens of the world, I'm SO sorry you are inconvenienced, but is a 'thank you' really that hard?! Are you really that surprised that your possessions are in danger again. Seriously!? Hello?! You live BELOW sea level. My real hope is that the national media is wrongly portraying you all as ungrateful and ignorant. That is unfair.

Rock Band is really awesome. Talk about a supergroup. Seer, Apple, HM, and myself are rock gods--legends in our own minds. Shout-out to our biggest fans!

Tomatoes are delicious. Tomato salad is not.

Three day weekends kick ass. The first day back to work sucks ass.