Red Dust is the title of a 2004 movie with Hilary Swank that deals with the aftermath of aparteid in South Africa, espeicially the role Truth and Reconciliation Commission in trying to heal the wounds of the countries racial divide.
I thought it was really good, telling me some things I did not know in an interesting story dealing with moral and ethical issues. The acting was fine, and there were twists that while not totally unseen, still left me unsure of where the movie was going.
One thing I was really glad about is they left out the seemingly obligatory love story and sex scene. They could easily have gone that was considering what we find out about Swank's character. But it would have diluted, and even mocked, the premise of the film I think, and I am so grateful they left it out. You know some exec was pushing for it. Maybe that is why it did not get wider release and publicity. No car chase, no sex, no love story, not even much shooting---why should we budget publicty for that?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
TV-"Back to You"
OK...this show has two big name TV stars, Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton, but the critics were so-so on it, and it did not draw great ratings. It is back for a couple of eps filmed before the strike, and will be back with more before the season ends. Despite the critics and the ratings, all I can say is it makes me laugh.
Traditional sitcom though it may be, I laugh at it...quite a bit actually.
And really, despite innovations, and special gimmicks, isn't that what you truly want in a sticom?
I like this show, quite a bit. Something in the characters: their thickness that thins out into self-revelation maybe, their ability to genuinely feel, despite contradictions, or just theri dead-pan timing, it makes me laugh out loud.
Traditional sitcom though it may be, I laugh at it...quite a bit actually.
And really, despite innovations, and special gimmicks, isn't that what you truly want in a sticom?
I like this show, quite a bit. Something in the characters: their thickness that thins out into self-revelation maybe, their ability to genuinely feel, despite contradictions, or just theri dead-pan timing, it makes me laugh out loud.
Documentary-Voices of Iraq
Made in '04, the concept to put 150 video-cameras in the hands of Iraqis and let them film what they want, sounds like a great concept. But the result is not credible at all. Well, maybe it was a teeeeeny bit credible in '04, when many people still thought we could "win" the war in Iraq. But not so much now.
Half way through the film I turned to Sharlynn and said, "Does it seem like these people are saying waht they think we want to hear?" Her response, "I just thought it was our government's war propoganda."
And it really does seem that people are laughing when they are talking about bullets still lodged in their childrens' bodies, gives a propoganda feel to this disturbing film. And my other thought--these people had live for decades in a regime where, by their own admission in the movie, they felt like they could not criticise their leaders even in their own bedrooms. How open and honest would they be criticising their new leaders (America's military) with a video camera in their face?
I would have also liked to see more on the "who" distributed the cameras, and the method of doing so. Let's say the tracking of a few of the cameras around the country.
I would give this a pass, though it sounds promising, it does not deliver.
Half way through the film I turned to Sharlynn and said, "Does it seem like these people are saying waht they think we want to hear?" Her response, "I just thought it was our government's war propoganda."
And it really does seem that people are laughing when they are talking about bullets still lodged in their childrens' bodies, gives a propoganda feel to this disturbing film. And my other thought--these people had live for decades in a regime where, by their own admission in the movie, they felt like they could not criticise their leaders even in their own bedrooms. How open and honest would they be criticising their new leaders (America's military) with a video camera in their face?
I would have also liked to see more on the "who" distributed the cameras, and the method of doing so. Let's say the tracking of a few of the cameras around the country.
I would give this a pass, though it sounds promising, it does not deliver.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Favorite Drink
Kir Royale---Cold cold champagne with a bit of Chambord. Um um um. So good!
Second---A really cold martini with Grey Goose vodka. Just so a thin icey film is on the top of the martini.
Also---A gin martini with a thin slice of lemon.
Hmmmm...what is on MY mind tonight?
Second---A really cold martini with Grey Goose vodka. Just so a thin icey film is on the top of the martini.
Also---A gin martini with a thin slice of lemon.
Hmmmm...what is on MY mind tonight?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Games
OK---After we were out for the dissapointing dinner at Ortegas we came back here for more drinks and played Monopoly! Yes...very retro, but we had so much fun! Well, I did at least 'cause I won and remain the king of Monopoly. I have loved that game since childhood. Want to play Risk again too. It is not modern, and more than a bit corny, but there is something that just makes me lighthearted when playing it.
Anyone else have any games that they just love playing? OK, besides teacher and bad student!
Anyone else have any games that they just love playing? OK, besides teacher and bad student!
Oscars and Once
The Oscar's were generally a snooze fest, and as I haven't seen many of the films, I did not have strong opinions on who should win. I did not think Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton was that great, so was surprised she won.
But----I was so happy to see the actors/singer/songwriters on the small film Once won for best song. This is a fabulous film, and the two were great at the Oscars in the performance and acceptance speeches. The film was made for 100 grand, with two handycams and shot in 3 weeks. But it is a labor of love that shines in every frame. It is not great in the epic sense, but a small film with heart! I highly recommend it.
But----I was so happy to see the actors/singer/songwriters on the small film Once won for best song. This is a fabulous film, and the two were great at the Oscars in the performance and acceptance speeches. The film was made for 100 grand, with two handycams and shot in 3 weeks. But it is a labor of love that shines in every frame. It is not great in the epic sense, but a small film with heart! I highly recommend it.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
"Away From Her"
We have now seen 3 of the 5 movies that received best actress nods from the academy. And I must say, so far, even though the other two were great roles for the actresses, Julie Christie in Away From Her, gets my vote easily. She is lumiscent and transcending. She is perfect. A sad story, about a couple who has been married 44 years when the wife develops Alzheimers, and has to be sent to a home. I will not give away the plot details, but Christie is wonderful as is her co-star Gordon Pinsent (who should have received a nom for best supporting actor).
Julie Christie, maybe best known for Dr. Zhivago, in her younger days, retains her beauty, and her magnetism. And in this role, she finds a voice to play to love once again, this time a love that lasts for decades, and outlives the hot passion of youth, but cannot overcome the dissolution of the mind.
Julie Christie, maybe best known for Dr. Zhivago, in her younger days, retains her beauty, and her magnetism. And in this role, she finds a voice to play to love once again, this time a love that lasts for decades, and outlives the hot passion of youth, but cannot overcome the dissolution of the mind.
The Bachman Books
Still reading the four novels that comprise The Bachman Books, and have finished the second of the two, "The Long Walk." I can see why as a young writer, Stephen King used a pseudonym. He was just making his start as the master of horror and these novels were not in that realm. It really messes up a marketing plan when that happens.
But this second novel really makes me respect him as a futurist writer. It concerns a "game show" of a sort, with the stakes being lives. But this was written long before the advent of Fear Factor, and Survivor and The Amazing Race. So his foresight in where we were heading as a society is interesting. While the novel could have been edited a bit more aggressivley (say 50-60 pages more aggressively) the overall impact of his futuristic, dystopian viewpoint is compelling and challenging. He visualizes a society that undertakes these games after undergoing a slightly different past than the true version of reality. The thing he missed is that this society did not need to undergo attacks by Nazi Germany to become a place where life and death is for entertainment. We seem to have become that society all on our own.
But this second novel really makes me respect him as a futurist writer. It concerns a "game show" of a sort, with the stakes being lives. But this was written long before the advent of Fear Factor, and Survivor and The Amazing Race. So his foresight in where we were heading as a society is interesting. While the novel could have been edited a bit more aggressivley (say 50-60 pages more aggressively) the overall impact of his futuristic, dystopian viewpoint is compelling and challenging. He visualizes a society that undertakes these games after undergoing a slightly different past than the true version of reality. The thing he missed is that this society did not need to undergo attacks by Nazi Germany to become a place where life and death is for entertainment. We seem to have become that society all on our own.
Ortegas, Urban Solace and Sardina's
Last night we went with Emily and Seth to Ortega's Mexican Bistro. We were pretty jazzed about going, reading several good reviews. It is on University and 3rd in Hillcrest. The ambience was great, the crowd seemed happy and we were waited on nicely. The guacomole made tableside was a nice appetizer, but from there, it went downhill.
Sharlynn ordered the half grilled lobster (Puerto Nuevo style) with beef, for about $27 bucks. Sounds good right? Well it was...for two bites of lobster and two more bites of beef. I felt so bad I geve her half of one of my crab enchiladas. Which were OK. But when you order crab, you expect the dish to really highlight the flavor, and it did not. The only thing it highlighted was saltiness. It could have been pretty much any filling in those enchiladas. Seth enjoyed his Kobe Beef burrito, but admitted it could have been more fliing. Em had the shrimp burritos, and while good, really were standard fair, drawing comparisons to Rubios. When you are paying $70 a couple, you think it will be better than Rubios. Sadly, it was not, and we will not be returning.
On the other hand, I look forward to going back to Urban Solace on 30th in North Park. We went a few weeks ago with Yvette and Bill. At about the same cost as Ortega's we got very satisfying, filling American comfort food (with a twist). Bill and I both got pot pies. Bill got the vegie pot pie and I got the lobster and artichoke heart pie. They crusts were fennel infused and flaky/buttery. While not HUGE portions, they were generous. I also had a side of their macs and cheese---
yum-MY! Sharlynn got the hanger steak which was generous and Yvette got the cinnamon brined center cut pork chop. Both liked thier dishes. We had dessert, each couple splitting one, Sharlynn and I had the peanut butter and chocolate creme brulee and those two having butterscotch pudding. Both couples were happy with their desserts and the whole meal and ambience of the place. I look forward to going back.
One last restaurant comment. Our little Italian place, right down the road, Sardina's, has become quite the happenin' place. This place opened when we were young kids, withy about 6 tables, and it is still owned by the Sardina family. We had our first "date" there when I was 10 or 11, and Sharlynn was 12 or 13, splitting a mini pizza. We order out from there quite often, and the food gets better, with BIG portions, and not so high prices. When I went to pick up our take-out order (the eggplant calzone is delicious) I could not find parking at 5 pm. It was packed, with more people coming in. The place recently renovated, expanding their kitchen, addding a bar and updating their decor. But the food is as good, if not better than before, and we can stuff oursleves on 25 bucks. And one of the BEST anti-pasto salads I have had. Recommend the place highly.
Urban
Sharlynn ordered the half grilled lobster (Puerto Nuevo style) with beef, for about $27 bucks. Sounds good right? Well it was...for two bites of lobster and two more bites of beef. I felt so bad I geve her half of one of my crab enchiladas. Which were OK. But when you order crab, you expect the dish to really highlight the flavor, and it did not. The only thing it highlighted was saltiness. It could have been pretty much any filling in those enchiladas. Seth enjoyed his Kobe Beef burrito, but admitted it could have been more fliing. Em had the shrimp burritos, and while good, really were standard fair, drawing comparisons to Rubios. When you are paying $70 a couple, you think it will be better than Rubios. Sadly, it was not, and we will not be returning.
On the other hand, I look forward to going back to Urban Solace on 30th in North Park. We went a few weeks ago with Yvette and Bill. At about the same cost as Ortega's we got very satisfying, filling American comfort food (with a twist). Bill and I both got pot pies. Bill got the vegie pot pie and I got the lobster and artichoke heart pie. They crusts were fennel infused and flaky/buttery. While not HUGE portions, they were generous. I also had a side of their macs and cheese---
yum-MY! Sharlynn got the hanger steak which was generous and Yvette got the cinnamon brined center cut pork chop. Both liked thier dishes. We had dessert, each couple splitting one, Sharlynn and I had the peanut butter and chocolate creme brulee and those two having butterscotch pudding. Both couples were happy with their desserts and the whole meal and ambience of the place. I look forward to going back.
One last restaurant comment. Our little Italian place, right down the road, Sardina's, has become quite the happenin' place. This place opened when we were young kids, withy about 6 tables, and it is still owned by the Sardina family. We had our first "date" there when I was 10 or 11, and Sharlynn was 12 or 13, splitting a mini pizza. We order out from there quite often, and the food gets better, with BIG portions, and not so high prices. When I went to pick up our take-out order (the eggplant calzone is delicious) I could not find parking at 5 pm. It was packed, with more people coming in. The place recently renovated, expanding their kitchen, addding a bar and updating their decor. But the food is as good, if not better than before, and we can stuff oursleves on 25 bucks. And one of the BEST anti-pasto salads I have had. Recommend the place highly.
Urban
Chick Lit TV
A couple of series have come on mid-season that have some things in common. Both potray a group of successful New York women that are fast friends. Both have drawn comparison (inevitably I suppose) to Sex and the City. One, Lipstick Jungle, is even by Sex and the City author Candance Bushnell.
The comparisons are not quite apt for either Lipstick Jungle or Cashmere Mafia. Cashmere Mafia aired its final episode this week, and in my opinion, will not get a return shot. Starring Lucy Liu as one of the foursome, this show did not hit the comedy of SATC, nor gave us any drama. It was just silly, obstensibly showing how the powerful women live. But for women at the helm of their respective industries, they sure had a lot of time where all 4 of them were able to meet for looooonnng, leisurely lunches. There were a couple of nice things about this show, but it did not grow from its original episode, and despite the attractiveness of the actresses that played the foursome, it was just pretty dull, and really silly.
Now Lipstick Jungle came out after CM was already into several eps. And the first episode did not really endear me to it. However, I give a show generally 3 eps to show me what it has, and since the writer's strike leaves little on, I can even give a show more time. And LJ has grown on me. Not as comedic as Sex, the characters are filling out. Even what I consider the weakest character, the fashion designer, has, with the last episode, become fuller as her relationship with other two was explained. I'm not ready to say this is a good show, but it is growing and evolving enough to make me stick around and see what is to come.
The comparisons are not quite apt for either Lipstick Jungle or Cashmere Mafia. Cashmere Mafia aired its final episode this week, and in my opinion, will not get a return shot. Starring Lucy Liu as one of the foursome, this show did not hit the comedy of SATC, nor gave us any drama. It was just silly, obstensibly showing how the powerful women live. But for women at the helm of their respective industries, they sure had a lot of time where all 4 of them were able to meet for looooonnng, leisurely lunches. There were a couple of nice things about this show, but it did not grow from its original episode, and despite the attractiveness of the actresses that played the foursome, it was just pretty dull, and really silly.
Now Lipstick Jungle came out after CM was already into several eps. And the first episode did not really endear me to it. However, I give a show generally 3 eps to show me what it has, and since the writer's strike leaves little on, I can even give a show more time. And LJ has grown on me. Not as comedic as Sex, the characters are filling out. Even what I consider the weakest character, the fashion designer, has, with the last episode, become fuller as her relationship with other two was explained. I'm not ready to say this is a good show, but it is growing and evolving enough to make me stick around and see what is to come.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Magazines
Between books, I read magazines. Sometimes going from one author to another, the differences in style are jarring. So magazines offer me a cleansing of the palate so to speak, like a cracker in between wines at a tasting.
I read 4 magazines. Zoonooz---kinda because I have to. National Geographic because I am always amazed by what I learn reading this great publication. Playboy, because I love its editorial viewpoint, somewhere between libertarian and liberal, with an un-PC anti-authority slant. I read every article including award winning fiction, and timely op-ed pieces, from fashion to movie reviews. As for the pictorials---they are nice, but I know how worked on the images are, pre-picture and post. And while the girls look nice, they generally are not particularly erotic to me. I do get it for the content. And last, a new addition to my periodical list, is Plenty Magazine. From it I learn of many ways to make our world greener, with articles that touch on many aspects of conservation and the green movement.
So besides books, that is my reading list.
I read 4 magazines. Zoonooz---kinda because I have to. National Geographic because I am always amazed by what I learn reading this great publication. Playboy, because I love its editorial viewpoint, somewhere between libertarian and liberal, with an un-PC anti-authority slant. I read every article including award winning fiction, and timely op-ed pieces, from fashion to movie reviews. As for the pictorials---they are nice, but I know how worked on the images are, pre-picture and post. And while the girls look nice, they generally are not particularly erotic to me. I do get it for the content. And last, a new addition to my periodical list, is Plenty Magazine. From it I learn of many ways to make our world greener, with articles that touch on many aspects of conservation and the green movement.
So besides books, that is my reading list.
Michael Clayton
I am trying to see some of the Oscar nominated films, and Michael Clayton was nominated for Best, picture, actor, diector, supporting actor and supporting actress. Five major noms, and some others too. It was really good, and the performances were all quite fine. The story was compelling, but it did not seem to me that the performances were sooooo good as to win Oscars. It is a lawyer story, with a clearly assigned villian, but I felt like I seen this story before, maybe a few times, and done even better with more originality. I am not knocking the film at all, it is really watchable, with some reasonable degree of tension and surprise. But it did not feel absolutely stellar. George Clooney is really good in the title role...but again, really good is not great, or Best.
I recommend seeing the movie, and most people would enjoy it. But Best Picture...I think it deserves a nomination, but not a win.
I recommend seeing the movie, and most people would enjoy it. But Best Picture...I think it deserves a nomination, but not a win.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Age--Almost 45
Age.
Those who know me, know that age has never really bothered me…just a
number… act like you feel, not as you are labeled…if you are mentally
young, you are truly young…etc etc etc.
Well---this year it is bothering me a bit. I will be 45. And that
number is really standing out to me…and not in a good way.
It did not help this morning as I was working out. I had just done
biceps, and two guys who work out together all the time approached me.
Now these two ain’t college students. Probably mid-late 20’s, maybe
even early 30’s. And one of the guys asks, “Excuse me, are you done
with that…sir?”
Sir?
SIR?????????
Yeah, that helped a lot!
OK…maybe they are military, and just call everyone sir and ma’am.
Maybe they come from a farm in the mid-west where mom taught them really
good manners. Yeah…maybe…
Well frick you!!!!! No, you can’t use that piece of equipment…I am
going to pump my arms twice the size of yours! I’ll sir you little
woman men! Stay away from my gym!
Actually, I was done. My arms already ached, and I don’t think I
could lift anymore biceps just then.
They pulled out dumbbells that were a lot heavier than the ones I used
(they have poor form, that’s why they can lift it) and went to work.
I am 45 (very soon) and I am being called sir. Well, I guess I can
ignore that it is getting to me, or just roll with it. I am sure we all
will have many more adjustments to make as we cross this path called
life. Some ages will bother and some won’t, but we need to accept it
either way. Because none of us are going backwards. No one I know is.
And hopefully all me loved ones and friends will have many decades of
dealing with these issues and sharing them together.
So yes…it is bothering me. But I am overall pretty lucky. A wonderful
wife, pets and home. Dear friends who I could not do without. A nice
liquor cabinet. All these young people will be well off, if they find
themselves in as good a place as me, when they are first called ma’am
or sir.
Those who know me, know that age has never really bothered me…just a
number… act like you feel, not as you are labeled…if you are mentally
young, you are truly young…etc etc etc.
Well---this year it is bothering me a bit. I will be 45. And that
number is really standing out to me…and not in a good way.
It did not help this morning as I was working out. I had just done
biceps, and two guys who work out together all the time approached me.
Now these two ain’t college students. Probably mid-late 20’s, maybe
even early 30’s. And one of the guys asks, “Excuse me, are you done
with that…sir?”
Sir?
SIR?????????
Yeah, that helped a lot!
OK…maybe they are military, and just call everyone sir and ma’am.
Maybe they come from a farm in the mid-west where mom taught them really
good manners. Yeah…maybe…
Well frick you!!!!! No, you can’t use that piece of equipment…I am
going to pump my arms twice the size of yours! I’ll sir you little
woman men! Stay away from my gym!
Actually, I was done. My arms already ached, and I don’t think I
could lift anymore biceps just then.
They pulled out dumbbells that were a lot heavier than the ones I used
(they have poor form, that’s why they can lift it) and went to work.
I am 45 (very soon) and I am being called sir. Well, I guess I can
ignore that it is getting to me, or just roll with it. I am sure we all
will have many more adjustments to make as we cross this path called
life. Some ages will bother and some won’t, but we need to accept it
either way. Because none of us are going backwards. No one I know is.
And hopefully all me loved ones and friends will have many decades of
dealing with these issues and sharing them together.
So yes…it is bothering me. But I am overall pretty lucky. A wonderful
wife, pets and home. Dear friends who I could not do without. A nice
liquor cabinet. All these young people will be well off, if they find
themselves in as good a place as me, when they are first called ma’am
or sir.
TV Shows
OK…some TV is in order. Pickin’s is slim with the strike shutting
down many shows, but I will talk about a couple of shows right now.
First of all, my biggest, guiltiest pleasure…and go ahead and laugh all
you want. I cannot miss American Gladiators! I loved it as a kid, and
love it now. With DVR I cruise through all the blah blah blah talk, and
get right to the competitions, so the hour long show is about 20-25
minutes long. But it is great. The finale was on this past Sunday, and
the guy I was rooting for won. In the semi-finals another competitor
was talking all about how he was a Christian, and god gave him the
strength to do this…y’know, the usual thing. And then he loses…badly.
So how does he justify that? He was not worthy? He had sinned? God
abandoned him? Maybe god does not give a rat’s ass if he wins AG at
all? Wonder if he a pagan now?
Enough on that. Another Monday show is Terminator: The Sarah Conner
Chronicles. Initially I really loved the show, and I still love the
lead actress, Lena Headey (she is hot).
But I have started to cool on the show a bit, and I am not sure why
exactly. However, it only got about 9 eps, and is almost over, so I
will stick it out. But the rating have been so-so and it is REALLY
expensive to make, so I am betting it will not be back.
One more show, Medium. Never a big ratings hit, I still enjoy the show
a lot. They mixed things up a bit the end of last season and this
season, but it came off well. The thing I like best, as been mentioned
by many a critic, is that Allison and Joe have the most realistic
marriage on TV. And those who are married, especially for some time,
can feel it and relate. My wife thinks Joe is pretty hot too, so she
likes the parts where he gets out of bed in his boxers. It still
provides tension and thrills, but I wonder if it will make next season.
Though they are making more eps for this season, a good sign.
We will get into a LOT more TV as we go along.
down many shows, but I will talk about a couple of shows right now.
First of all, my biggest, guiltiest pleasure…and go ahead and laugh all
you want. I cannot miss American Gladiators! I loved it as a kid, and
love it now. With DVR I cruise through all the blah blah blah talk, and
get right to the competitions, so the hour long show is about 20-25
minutes long. But it is great. The finale was on this past Sunday, and
the guy I was rooting for won. In the semi-finals another competitor
was talking all about how he was a Christian, and god gave him the
strength to do this…y’know, the usual thing. And then he loses…badly.
So how does he justify that? He was not worthy? He had sinned? God
abandoned him? Maybe god does not give a rat’s ass if he wins AG at
all? Wonder if he a pagan now?
Enough on that. Another Monday show is Terminator: The Sarah Conner
Chronicles. Initially I really loved the show, and I still love the
lead actress, Lena Headey (she is hot).
But I have started to cool on the show a bit, and I am not sure why
exactly. However, it only got about 9 eps, and is almost over, so I
will stick it out. But the rating have been so-so and it is REALLY
expensive to make, so I am betting it will not be back.
One more show, Medium. Never a big ratings hit, I still enjoy the show
a lot. They mixed things up a bit the end of last season and this
season, but it came off well. The thing I like best, as been mentioned
by many a critic, is that Allison and Joe have the most realistic
marriage on TV. And those who are married, especially for some time,
can feel it and relate. My wife thinks Joe is pretty hot too, so she
likes the parts where he gets out of bed in his boxers. It still
provides tension and thrills, but I wonder if it will make next season.
Though they are making more eps for this season, a good sign.
We will get into a LOT more TV as we go along.
A couple of movie reviews
A couple of movies we have seen in between Roots episodes that I will
mention briefly. The first is “Gozu,” a Japanese horror movie. Now
I don’t know how the Japanese horror flicks have gained such an
outstanding reputation, because the one I have seen have
been…well…pretty horrible. We say Ju-on, that was made into
“The Grudge,” with Sarah Michelle Geller here. It was just
stupid. And then the America remake of another Japanese flick, “Dark
Water” with Jennifer Connelly. Dumb! Well, Gozu was worse than
either of them. To me it seems like these film-makers just throw in
whatever they want that seems strange, whether it makes any sense or
not. And Gozu was the worst offender. Eerie maybe, and in so odd a way
it does not startle. But horror---not even close.
Another small movie we saw was “Two Brothers and a Bride,” that I
had low expectations for---possibly because David Arquette was one of
the stars. When I say it is a small movie, I also mean that
literally…it is just about 80 minutes long. But I was pleasantly
surprised. The movie about 2 adult brothers whose mom dies, and sends
them on a search for a wife for one of them, is really warm, and not an
oddball comedy, a la Dumb and Dumber at all. The other two stars really
hold it together, Tim Blake Nelson (who you may recognize from O
Brother, Where Art Thou?) is great, as is Emily Mortimer. All in all a
nice movie to watch. Nothing too extraordinary, but well conceived and
carried out.
mention briefly. The first is “Gozu,” a Japanese horror movie. Now
I don’t know how the Japanese horror flicks have gained such an
outstanding reputation, because the one I have seen have
been…well…pretty horrible. We say Ju-on, that was made into
“The Grudge,” with Sarah Michelle Geller here. It was just
stupid. And then the America remake of another Japanese flick, “Dark
Water” with Jennifer Connelly. Dumb! Well, Gozu was worse than
either of them. To me it seems like these film-makers just throw in
whatever they want that seems strange, whether it makes any sense or
not. And Gozu was the worst offender. Eerie maybe, and in so odd a way
it does not startle. But horror---not even close.
Another small movie we saw was “Two Brothers and a Bride,” that I
had low expectations for---possibly because David Arquette was one of
the stars. When I say it is a small movie, I also mean that
literally…it is just about 80 minutes long. But I was pleasantly
surprised. The movie about 2 adult brothers whose mom dies, and sends
them on a search for a wife for one of them, is really warm, and not an
oddball comedy, a la Dumb and Dumber at all. The other two stars really
hold it together, Tim Blake Nelson (who you may recognize from O
Brother, Where Art Thou?) is great, as is Emily Mortimer. All in all a
nice movie to watch. Nothing too extraordinary, but well conceived and
carried out.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Mint juleps and Willa Cather
OK...I made myself some mint juleps on Sunday. I have to tell you, that is one really nice drink. The mint is refreshing, the bourban slightly sweetened, cold and puts on a nice buzz. I was thinking of addding a little drambui or grand marnier to it (you know me, not really traditional) and see how that goes. Maybe next weekend!
I have been reading more of Willa Cather. She is a writer from early last century, first published in about 1920. I think her work is overlooked for a few reasons. One, she was a woman. And at that time, she would have been overlooked and diminshed (has that changed? open question?). I think the emergence of Hemingway, Faulkner and a bit later, Steinbeck, also served to eclipse her work. But I think she is really wonderful. I have gone through about 8 of her works, including one of her biggest, "My Antonia." Her books have a simplicity of grace to them. And to those who have tried to write, that does not just happen, it takes a lot of work. And her simplicity belies her more universal themes. She has been pigeon-holed as the "Plains" writer, and while it is true, some of her books show life on the Nebraka plains she knew so well, they are also books about longing for something more.
"Rebecca Gayheart" is really reflective of this, as it takes place mostly in Chicago, the big city that brings out the title characters dreams and makes them live. Also "One of Ours" has this same recurring theme. The characters have trouble finding their fullfilment on the plains they were born to, but find that their souls open up in larger domains.
For those who have not read her work, I highly recommend her.
I have been reading more of Willa Cather. She is a writer from early last century, first published in about 1920. I think her work is overlooked for a few reasons. One, she was a woman. And at that time, she would have been overlooked and diminshed (has that changed? open question?). I think the emergence of Hemingway, Faulkner and a bit later, Steinbeck, also served to eclipse her work. But I think she is really wonderful. I have gone through about 8 of her works, including one of her biggest, "My Antonia." Her books have a simplicity of grace to them. And to those who have tried to write, that does not just happen, it takes a lot of work. And her simplicity belies her more universal themes. She has been pigeon-holed as the "Plains" writer, and while it is true, some of her books show life on the Nebraka plains she knew so well, they are also books about longing for something more.
"Rebecca Gayheart" is really reflective of this, as it takes place mostly in Chicago, the big city that brings out the title characters dreams and makes them live. Also "One of Ours" has this same recurring theme. The characters have trouble finding their fullfilment on the plains they were born to, but find that their souls open up in larger domains.
For those who have not read her work, I highly recommend her.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Now
OK...I'll start by what I am watching/reading now. Funny enough, I am reading "The Bachman Books" by Stephen King. It is four short novels that were written under a pseudonym gathered together in one volume. I say funny, because I don't read much Stephen King at all. But I remember reading "The Shining" when I was in 7th or 8th grade and it was the frickin' scariest book I have EVER read.
Anyway, I have read the first novel, "Rage." It is not too bad, not really horror though, which is why I think he use a pseudonym. I think some would see it as a precursor to Columbine, or any of the other school shootings, but it really has more a likeness to "Lord of the Flys." The second one is "The Longest Road," which I am just getting into.
As for what movie I am on. As you know, we watch almost all movies on DVD, which means I am not watching always the most current. Well right now, we are watching a very uncurrent movie, the 1977 mini-series "Roots." And it is pretty darn good. I read the book by Alex Hailey many years ago, and of course was enthralled. But the adaptation is quite good. And all I can say, as I am 2-3 hours into it---what a pretty crappy species we are. That we can do that to others, that we can treat other human beings is so sordid, disgusting a manner---it makes me wonder do we deserve to thrive. It makes me hope evolution pushes us on a wee bit faster, so we can stop being these pretty pathetic beings.
The series covers 7 discs, so I won't be having a full review soon, and we are watching some other flicks in between.
I will be talking about some movies I have seen recently also.
Anyway, I have read the first novel, "Rage." It is not too bad, not really horror though, which is why I think he use a pseudonym. I think some would see it as a precursor to Columbine, or any of the other school shootings, but it really has more a likeness to "Lord of the Flys." The second one is "The Longest Road," which I am just getting into.
As for what movie I am on. As you know, we watch almost all movies on DVD, which means I am not watching always the most current. Well right now, we are watching a very uncurrent movie, the 1977 mini-series "Roots." And it is pretty darn good. I read the book by Alex Hailey many years ago, and of course was enthralled. But the adaptation is quite good. And all I can say, as I am 2-3 hours into it---what a pretty crappy species we are. That we can do that to others, that we can treat other human beings is so sordid, disgusting a manner---it makes me wonder do we deserve to thrive. It makes me hope evolution pushes us on a wee bit faster, so we can stop being these pretty pathetic beings.
The series covers 7 discs, so I won't be having a full review soon, and we are watching some other flicks in between.
I will be talking about some movies I have seen recently also.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
My Blog
OK...all my close friends will have access to this blog, and then if you like it and want to share wiht any others, please feel free.
This will be MY forum to tell you about movies I like, TV shows, books, restaurants, plays, recipes, and of course, some politics.
You can check here as often as you like, because you KNOW we watch a lot of movies.
Why am I blogging? "Cause I tell so many people about good flicks and such, but I am afraid maybe a repeat myself. this way, if you have any interest, you can see for yourselves. Also, I will write down new boozes I may try. You know, since that is a significant hobby of mine.
Anyway...it may not be that fancy yet, but I like to get straight to it.
So look for reviews soon. Oh, and go Obama!!!!!!!!!!!
This will be MY forum to tell you about movies I like, TV shows, books, restaurants, plays, recipes, and of course, some politics.
You can check here as often as you like, because you KNOW we watch a lot of movies.
Why am I blogging? "Cause I tell so many people about good flicks and such, but I am afraid maybe a repeat myself. this way, if you have any interest, you can see for yourselves. Also, I will write down new boozes I may try. You know, since that is a significant hobby of mine.
Anyway...it may not be that fancy yet, but I like to get straight to it.
So look for reviews soon. Oh, and go Obama!!!!!!!!!!!
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