The Forstye Saga is a large family saga, spread over three generations of a Victorian family in London. The Forsytes are not titled or noblemen, but they are upper middle class, and they are good at one thing, making money. They aren't so good at many other things, like love and adapting to new ways.
I do enjoy sprawling family sagas, and I really enjoyed this one too, but did not love it. John Galsworthy creates a main character, Soames Forsyte, that is just disagreeable to me. I did not think much of him at all, except I would not want to know him. While he may embody some great aspect of English culture, I found him, almost without exception, very unlikeable.
Galsworthy won the Noble prize, based for a large part on this work. Initially it was a trilogy, but he added some segues and the whole thing came together quite well. And I do admire his writing. It is touching and inventive and really uses language beautifully.
At over 900 pages it is truly a saga, and one I am glad I followed. And while I did not like the character, I did enjoy the book very much.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Movie-Vanity Fair
Vanity Fair, one of the best known English novels gets a bit of an update in this 2004 movie starring Reese Witherspoon. I did not know how Witherspoon would do acting as a 19th century English governess, but she did quite a good job, her accent pretty much spot on and very consistent.
She also did a great job of showing the spirit in this woman, Becky Sharp, trying to get ahead with nothing, no name, no money, and very few prospects.
The film is sumptuous with great sets and scenes, depicting a London that, for the poor was ugly and dirty and smelly.
I am reading a great English novel right now, The Forsyte Saga, and I could almost read the descriptions of what they left out of this movie, it was so familiar to me.
A very good supporting cast and high production values make what could have been a disaster into a pretty good movie. And again, Witherspoon does a really nice job here.
She also did a great job of showing the spirit in this woman, Becky Sharp, trying to get ahead with nothing, no name, no money, and very few prospects.
The film is sumptuous with great sets and scenes, depicting a London that, for the poor was ugly and dirty and smelly.
I am reading a great English novel right now, The Forsyte Saga, and I could almost read the descriptions of what they left out of this movie, it was so familiar to me.
A very good supporting cast and high production values make what could have been a disaster into a pretty good movie. And again, Witherspoon does a really nice job here.
Movie-Zelary
This 2003 Czech film was fantastic. Telling the story of a woman in the Czech underground during WW II, Zelary moves from the urban environment where she gathers information on Nazi moves to the rural countryside, where she has to flee as the German masters hone in on her group.
She goes to the countryside with a former patient, who she helped nurse back to health. He protects her, and to keep her identity secret, marries her. This man, not her ideal pick for a mate, is so kind to her and such a good man that she eventually truly falls in love with him. The Nazis never find her, but trouble comes from the "saviors", the Russians, as they start to invade the Czech countryside.
The movie is heart-warming and heart-breaking. It is wonderfully told, filmed and acted and one of the better films I have seen.
If you like foreign movies, this should be near the top of your list.
She goes to the countryside with a former patient, who she helped nurse back to health. He protects her, and to keep her identity secret, marries her. This man, not her ideal pick for a mate, is so kind to her and such a good man that she eventually truly falls in love with him. The Nazis never find her, but trouble comes from the "saviors", the Russians, as they start to invade the Czech countryside.
The movie is heart-warming and heart-breaking. It is wonderfully told, filmed and acted and one of the better films I have seen.
If you like foreign movies, this should be near the top of your list.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Movie-She Hate Me
She Hate Me is a 2004 Spike Lee movie. And I feel like Spike and Woody Allen are in the same place...both amazing film makers when they were younger, and both now making films that have potential, but miss, as Max Smart would say, by that much!
This movie had a lot of themes I liked, a lot of ideas that I liked. But they just did not come together very well. Maybe Lee put too much in here, or tried to have too many ideas. I don't know, but it was convoluted where it should have been straight forward and messy where it should have been clean.
It doesn't have a great plot to begin with, and that thin plot cannot take as much as Lee tries to hang on it. A man loses his job in the corporate world, because he is not corrupt. It turns out his ex is now a lesbian and she wants him to impregnate her and her girlfriend. And after he does that, she starts hiring him out to all her lesbian friends. Lots of them!
Lee uses this as a way to address fatherhood, and the responsibilities of that, especially in the black community. But he adds in themes of corporate America's corruption, the ugliness of the Bush administration, Watergate, the hypocrisy of politicians, and a few more things. And he tries to make it funny at the same time wanting us to take his themes seriously, and then switches to drama.
Again, I like some of his themes...most of them maybe. But not in one movie.
This movie had a lot of themes I liked, a lot of ideas that I liked. But they just did not come together very well. Maybe Lee put too much in here, or tried to have too many ideas. I don't know, but it was convoluted where it should have been straight forward and messy where it should have been clean.
It doesn't have a great plot to begin with, and that thin plot cannot take as much as Lee tries to hang on it. A man loses his job in the corporate world, because he is not corrupt. It turns out his ex is now a lesbian and she wants him to impregnate her and her girlfriend. And after he does that, she starts hiring him out to all her lesbian friends. Lots of them!
Lee uses this as a way to address fatherhood, and the responsibilities of that, especially in the black community. But he adds in themes of corporate America's corruption, the ugliness of the Bush administration, Watergate, the hypocrisy of politicians, and a few more things. And he tries to make it funny at the same time wanting us to take his themes seriously, and then switches to drama.
Again, I like some of his themes...most of them maybe. But not in one movie.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Restaurant-Athens Market Taverna
We went out to celebrate our anniversary and picked a Greek place in downtown, on
1st and F St, the Athens Market Taverna. They were in the Entertainment book and we just were liking the sound of Greek food, so it seemed like a good choice.
And we were so right! What fabulous food! This is a family run place, and it has a nice ambiance about it. But the food was the thing. Starting off with some warm bread, we ordered the appetizer Octopothakia, lightly grilled small octopus in a hot herbed butter lemon sauce, with tomatoes, cucumber and Kalamata olives. It was perfect. Out waitress and warned us to save some of the bread for dipping in the sauce, and I am glad we took her advise. I'll say it again, it was perfect...the octopus grilled JUST right.
For dinner Sharlynn had Paidakia, broiled lamb chops, that came with potato, rice and green beans. Excellently prepared...just some red in the middle and really tasty. My Moussaka was equally excellent, the spices blending just right, and the bechemal sauce perfectly custardised on the top. She had a nice salad with her dinner and I had a cup of Avgolemono which was nicely tart.
The place has a nice wine list, and the house merlot was quite good, and went well with dinner. A very friendly staff and nice decor rounded out the fabulous experience.
I highly recommend this place. For us, it was perfect for our anniversary!
1st and F St, the Athens Market Taverna. They were in the Entertainment book and we just were liking the sound of Greek food, so it seemed like a good choice.
And we were so right! What fabulous food! This is a family run place, and it has a nice ambiance about it. But the food was the thing. Starting off with some warm bread, we ordered the appetizer Octopothakia, lightly grilled small octopus in a hot herbed butter lemon sauce, with tomatoes, cucumber and Kalamata olives. It was perfect. Out waitress and warned us to save some of the bread for dipping in the sauce, and I am glad we took her advise. I'll say it again, it was perfect...the octopus grilled JUST right.
For dinner Sharlynn had Paidakia, broiled lamb chops, that came with potato, rice and green beans. Excellently prepared...just some red in the middle and really tasty. My Moussaka was equally excellent, the spices blending just right, and the bechemal sauce perfectly custardised on the top. She had a nice salad with her dinner and I had a cup of Avgolemono which was nicely tart.
The place has a nice wine list, and the house merlot was quite good, and went well with dinner. A very friendly staff and nice decor rounded out the fabulous experience.
I highly recommend this place. For us, it was perfect for our anniversary!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Rummy
And no, I don't mean a person who drinks too much rum!
So we decided not to go out to dinner Sunday night either, as Shar was a bit under the weather. But we had a nice day driving around Mission Bay looking for sites for our next bocce ball game.
After we got home we learned to play rummy, knock rummy and finally gin rummy, which we played all afternoon and evening, just having a blast.
The genesis of this comes from another game I want to learn, Mah Jong. I have heard it is complicated so I was looking up rules online, and one site said the basic idea is very similar to gin rummy. That was nice tip, not not very helpful, since I have not played gin rummy since I was an early teen. So I got trusty Klutzes Book of Card Games and away we went.
To get to gin rummy, we learned the other games first, but then concentrated on gin. Along with some cold California Breezes for me and red wine for her, it was so much fun! And I have to say, I...kicked...her... ASS! I mean, in all modesty I played well and the cards fell right for me, and I was going out gin leaving her holding all sorts of deadwood.
So she is jonzing for a rematch and I will be glad to give her one.
And this gets me a step closer to Mah Jong.
We did get out to dinner Monday....that will be my next post.
So we decided not to go out to dinner Sunday night either, as Shar was a bit under the weather. But we had a nice day driving around Mission Bay looking for sites for our next bocce ball game.
After we got home we learned to play rummy, knock rummy and finally gin rummy, which we played all afternoon and evening, just having a blast.
The genesis of this comes from another game I want to learn, Mah Jong. I have heard it is complicated so I was looking up rules online, and one site said the basic idea is very similar to gin rummy. That was nice tip, not not very helpful, since I have not played gin rummy since I was an early teen. So I got trusty Klutzes Book of Card Games and away we went.
To get to gin rummy, we learned the other games first, but then concentrated on gin. Along with some cold California Breezes for me and red wine for her, it was so much fun! And I have to say, I...kicked...her... ASS! I mean, in all modesty I played well and the cards fell right for me, and I was going out gin leaving her holding all sorts of deadwood.
So she is jonzing for a rematch and I will be glad to give her one.
And this gets me a step closer to Mah Jong.
We did get out to dinner Monday....that will be my next post.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Regrets Pt 2
Speaking of having no regrets, my 22nd anniversary was yesterday. We stayed at home nursing our little dog, but I have to say, that is one area where I have no regrets at all.
My wife is fantastic! She is sexy and funny and loves me up (why, I have never quite understood). She is a great sport and has a wonderful heart. And I have no second thoughts about being married to her. It seems like my life did not really start until we were together.
We have been friends all our lives, growing up across the street from each other in San Diego. And we still are in the same neighborhood we grew up in, with a nice house, with lovely pets (OK, the cat Natasha can be a bit wicked, but overall) and an enjoyable life, that we have fun in together.
We got together in college, and have been that way ever since. There have been rough times, what long married couples do not go through that. But we made it through and are better for it.
I love her, and like her and enjoy her company. And I think being married is the best thing ever. At least it is being married to Sharlynn.
We will go out to dinner tonight to commemorate our 22 years. Here's hoping for many more.
My wife is fantastic! She is sexy and funny and loves me up (why, I have never quite understood). She is a great sport and has a wonderful heart. And I have no second thoughts about being married to her. It seems like my life did not really start until we were together.
We have been friends all our lives, growing up across the street from each other in San Diego. And we still are in the same neighborhood we grew up in, with a nice house, with lovely pets (OK, the cat Natasha can be a bit wicked, but overall) and an enjoyable life, that we have fun in together.
We got together in college, and have been that way ever since. There have been rough times, what long married couples do not go through that. But we made it through and are better for it.
I love her, and like her and enjoy her company. And I think being married is the best thing ever. At least it is being married to Sharlynn.
We will go out to dinner tonight to commemorate our 22 years. Here's hoping for many more.
Regrets
"Regrets. I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention." So sang Mr. Sinatra in My Way.
The same goes for me, though I will mention one here. Mostly though, I have tried to go through life so I have very few regrets at the end. Tried to be good to people, and not be intentional hurtful. I can't say that I have succeeded, that is for others to judge, but in my own mind, there are few, if any, decisions I would change.
But there is a regret. And it is just selfish and deals with material things, so I guess it is not TOO big a regret. I sold my large comic book collection in 1991-1992.
I was no longer collecting, I had stopped in 1986 or so, when we were first married and I could no longer afford the luxury of collecting. And I don't mind that decision. The industry was changing, with far too many cross overs (Secret Wars) that made you buy all sorts of issues you would not normally to get the full story, and events that changed the universe of the comics (Crisis on Infinite Earths).
But I wish I had not sold my collection off. So, I am starting, slowly, to put some of that collection together again. The first comic I loved as a kid was Justice League of America (JLA). And DC Comics were the brand I liked most. Not that I did not like and collect Marvel too, but DC really had me hooked. And the Justice League was the old one, with Superman and Batman, Flash and Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and many others. And I remember the issue that had me, JLA #99, "Seeds of Destruction." I was hooked.
So I have bought that and issue #100, and I will buy some here and there. I don't know why I want to do this now, but somehow, they have been calling to me over the past few years to renew my acquaintance.
I am buying online, from mycomicshop.com, that has almost everything. And I am buying a few graphic novels too, of Crisis on Infinite Earths, that I am enjoying immensely.
I think I will get this regret rectified, at least enough that I cease to have it as a regret. So then I will have "too few to mention."
The same goes for me, though I will mention one here. Mostly though, I have tried to go through life so I have very few regrets at the end. Tried to be good to people, and not be intentional hurtful. I can't say that I have succeeded, that is for others to judge, but in my own mind, there are few, if any, decisions I would change.
But there is a regret. And it is just selfish and deals with material things, so I guess it is not TOO big a regret. I sold my large comic book collection in 1991-1992.
I was no longer collecting, I had stopped in 1986 or so, when we were first married and I could no longer afford the luxury of collecting. And I don't mind that decision. The industry was changing, with far too many cross overs (Secret Wars) that made you buy all sorts of issues you would not normally to get the full story, and events that changed the universe of the comics (Crisis on Infinite Earths).
But I wish I had not sold my collection off. So, I am starting, slowly, to put some of that collection together again. The first comic I loved as a kid was Justice League of America (JLA). And DC Comics were the brand I liked most. Not that I did not like and collect Marvel too, but DC really had me hooked. And the Justice League was the old one, with Superman and Batman, Flash and Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and many others. And I remember the issue that had me, JLA #99, "Seeds of Destruction." I was hooked.
So I have bought that and issue #100, and I will buy some here and there. I don't know why I want to do this now, but somehow, they have been calling to me over the past few years to renew my acquaintance.
I am buying online, from mycomicshop.com, that has almost everything. And I am buying a few graphic novels too, of Crisis on Infinite Earths, that I am enjoying immensely.
I think I will get this regret rectified, at least enough that I cease to have it as a regret. So then I will have "too few to mention."
Movie-Mr. Brooks
I do not remember the '07 film getting much acclaim, but it should have. What a creepy psychological thriller, intense and chilling, with great performances, especially be Kevin Costner and William Hurt.
The opening scene has Costner, as Mr. Brooks, receiving a civic award for businessman of the year, but we have a sense that all is not as it seems as we here his AA meeting mantra. Is he an alcoholic and having trouble resisting at this gala?
But as we see this conservative, nice man go home, William Hurt appears as his second voice, his second personality. And we learn more about Mr. Brook's addiction. And it is fascinating a frightening.
The movie has a good supporting cast, with Marg Helgenberger playing Mrs. Brooks and Demi Moore playing the detective that comes into Mr. Brooks life. Dane Cook also does a great job playing "Mr. Smith," as he tries to blackmail Mr. Brooks.
All in all a really good film. I am really surprised Costner did not get at least an Oscar nom out of this, and Hurt could easily have won the Oscar as best supporting actor. I could even see the film nominated for best film.
The opening scene has Costner, as Mr. Brooks, receiving a civic award for businessman of the year, but we have a sense that all is not as it seems as we here his AA meeting mantra. Is he an alcoholic and having trouble resisting at this gala?
But as we see this conservative, nice man go home, William Hurt appears as his second voice, his second personality. And we learn more about Mr. Brook's addiction. And it is fascinating a frightening.
The movie has a good supporting cast, with Marg Helgenberger playing Mrs. Brooks and Demi Moore playing the detective that comes into Mr. Brooks life. Dane Cook also does a great job playing "Mr. Smith," as he tries to blackmail Mr. Brooks.
All in all a really good film. I am really surprised Costner did not get at least an Oscar nom out of this, and Hurt could easily have won the Oscar as best supporting actor. I could even see the film nominated for best film.
Movie-Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire won the Oscar for best picture in 1981, and I had heard the soundtrack and clips of the movie for all these years, along with accolades and heaps of praise.
I have to tell you, I don't get it. It was one of the most joyless sports movies I have ever seen. I mean, these guys are going to the Olympics, and they seem like it is a funeral dirge. A little light shines through in the last 30 minutes of the film.
Now it is not bad, but I did not find it terribly intriguing either. The acting is OK, the sets are nice. But nothing stands out as great.
Of course that soundtrack is still running though my head as they are running on the beach...I hope that goes away soon.
I have to tell you, I don't get it. It was one of the most joyless sports movies I have ever seen. I mean, these guys are going to the Olympics, and they seem like it is a funeral dirge. A little light shines through in the last 30 minutes of the film.
Now it is not bad, but I did not find it terribly intriguing either. The acting is OK, the sets are nice. But nothing stands out as great.
Of course that soundtrack is still running though my head as they are running on the beach...I hope that goes away soon.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Movie-Alien vs. Predator
What compelled me to put this movie on my list? I am not sure, but it was not absolutely terrible. Pretty terrible yes, but not absolutely.
Alien vs. Predator is one of the weakest premises I have seen for a movie. But, in a stupid way, it was fun viewing, just to be able to complain about how bad it was.
The only thing decent about this flick (not the special effects) was Sanaa Lathan in a lead role. Even the fight scenes were utterly stupid...it was like the predator and Alien were both guys dressed up in the outfits doing kung fu moves on each other. I can see that at Comic Con! LOL LOL!
I watched the waste of time movie as I had time to waste, sitting with my little dog who is recovering from surgery. She had a type of cancer in her jaw (it does not metastasize) that they had to take out, otherwise the tumor will keep growing, and quickly, taking over her whole mouth. So they had to remove part of her lower jaw/mandible. Poor little girl, she is just not feeling well at all. She should be better soon, and with the tumor removed, should be healthy now.
So, the movie was not a total waste.
Just don't watch it unless you are nursing a sick pet.
Alien vs. Predator is one of the weakest premises I have seen for a movie. But, in a stupid way, it was fun viewing, just to be able to complain about how bad it was.
The only thing decent about this flick (not the special effects) was Sanaa Lathan in a lead role. Even the fight scenes were utterly stupid...it was like the predator and Alien were both guys dressed up in the outfits doing kung fu moves on each other. I can see that at Comic Con! LOL LOL!
I watched the waste of time movie as I had time to waste, sitting with my little dog who is recovering from surgery. She had a type of cancer in her jaw (it does not metastasize) that they had to take out, otherwise the tumor will keep growing, and quickly, taking over her whole mouth. So they had to remove part of her lower jaw/mandible. Poor little girl, she is just not feeling well at all. She should be better soon, and with the tumor removed, should be healthy now.
So, the movie was not a total waste.
Just don't watch it unless you are nursing a sick pet.
Movie-2005 Academy Awards Short Film Collection
I had watched the 2004 version of this, and was so happy to be able to see the short films nominated (and the winning selection) for the Oscars. And I had just as much fun watching the 2005 Academy Awards Short Film Collection.
In the collection are all five live action and all five animated nominations, and the menu has a note that tells the winner. The main menu only lists three of the animated films, but if you go to the extras area, it has the other two animated films (don't know why they did it that way...seems silly).
The animated films show GREAT imagination, from silly to spectacular. And I would agree on the winner in this category, "The Moon and the Sun: An Imagined Conversation." It was brilliant.
In the live action, the winning film left me tepid. I think I would have preferred another of the movies to win. But I was just so happy to get to see the movies that I will let the criticisms pass. The only thing I could suggest to make it better is the inclusion of the documentary short films. Now THAT would be a complete collection.
Otherwise, I will be watching the '06, '07 and '08 versions too!
In the collection are all five live action and all five animated nominations, and the menu has a note that tells the winner. The main menu only lists three of the animated films, but if you go to the extras area, it has the other two animated films (don't know why they did it that way...seems silly).
The animated films show GREAT imagination, from silly to spectacular. And I would agree on the winner in this category, "The Moon and the Sun: An Imagined Conversation." It was brilliant.
In the live action, the winning film left me tepid. I think I would have preferred another of the movies to win. But I was just so happy to get to see the movies that I will let the criticisms pass. The only thing I could suggest to make it better is the inclusion of the documentary short films. Now THAT would be a complete collection.
Otherwise, I will be watching the '06, '07 and '08 versions too!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Movie-Benji
OK ok ok. Yes, I put this in the Netflix queue. I liked it when I was 9 years old in 1973, and you know what...it ain't half bad when I am 45.
Yes, it has some corny stuff in it, and the sound track becomes exceedingly annoying. But the dog is so damn cute, and while the people acting is not so great, the story line and dog acting is pretty damn good.
One thing I remember about Benji when I first saw it was my moms reaction. She liked it because the dog pretty much acted like a dog...a really smart dog, but still, he didn't think per se, did not talk...Benji was a dog. In other words, the movie did not over anthropomorphise. And I still like that aspect of it.
So, a rated G movie, heavy on nostalgia for me. And yes, I liked it. I would not want to make a steady diet of it, but there you go, I am a big old softy!
Yes, it has some corny stuff in it, and the sound track becomes exceedingly annoying. But the dog is so damn cute, and while the people acting is not so great, the story line and dog acting is pretty damn good.
One thing I remember about Benji when I first saw it was my moms reaction. She liked it because the dog pretty much acted like a dog...a really smart dog, but still, he didn't think per se, did not talk...Benji was a dog. In other words, the movie did not over anthropomorphise. And I still like that aspect of it.
So, a rated G movie, heavy on nostalgia for me. And yes, I liked it. I would not want to make a steady diet of it, but there you go, I am a big old softy!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Movie-Rush Hour 3
Well, I tried. I like Jackie Chan, and the first Rush Hour was so good, I had to watch this sequel. But both the series and Jackie Chan have seen better days.
Rush Hour 3 has a few laughs, but is mostly worn out. The stars, Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan both seem more worn out than anyone, not a good sign for a buddy movie. Tucker is pretty much unfunny, with a few good scenes...I think he thinks he is funnier than he actually is, and Chan...Jackie does not have the moves he once did, and it is obvious. Not that what he still can do isn't remarkable, don't get me wrong. But it is a far cry from his heyday, and when much of the movie is based on his moves, well, it shows even more.
The plot, most of the jokes, the acting, the fight scenes, all seem old hat, with nothing new or challenging. And some of the "funny scenes" were actually painful they were so unfunny.
Like I said, there were a few laughs. But I would advise re-renting the first one, even if you have seen it before, you will like it better than this version.
Rush Hour 3 has a few laughs, but is mostly worn out. The stars, Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan both seem more worn out than anyone, not a good sign for a buddy movie. Tucker is pretty much unfunny, with a few good scenes...I think he thinks he is funnier than he actually is, and Chan...Jackie does not have the moves he once did, and it is obvious. Not that what he still can do isn't remarkable, don't get me wrong. But it is a far cry from his heyday, and when much of the movie is based on his moves, well, it shows even more.
The plot, most of the jokes, the acting, the fight scenes, all seem old hat, with nothing new or challenging. And some of the "funny scenes" were actually painful they were so unfunny.
Like I said, there were a few laughs. But I would advise re-renting the first one, even if you have seen it before, you will like it better than this version.
Movie-Seducing Doctor Lewis
I will describe this 2004 French-Canadian movie with words that are not often heard these days...charming and delightful. And Seducing Doctor Lewis was all that and a little more.
It is a story about a small (tiny actually) fishing village in Quebec, where fishing has gone by the wayside. Hoping to attract some kind of industry, the village leaders promise a factory almost anything they want, as long as they locate in the town, to bring employment and pride back to the place. There is one big hitch, the factory requires that there be a full time doctor residing in the village.
One finally comes, but only for a month, and the village sets out to persuade him that this is the best place to live in the world. Leading the charge is Germaine, a middle aged man, a bit past his prime, but not his pride. The schemes they come up with to lure the doctor to stay are funny and yet heart-breaking. The avid hockey fans will even forgo their ice sport to pretend they like cricket, which the doctor loves.
There is not a mean spot in this movie. It is poignant and funny and wonderfully acted, and silly and smart. And while it does not have "big" themes, it does address what happens to small communities all around the world as rural living seems inexorably eaten up by urban living.
A very good film, I highly recommend it.
It is a story about a small (tiny actually) fishing village in Quebec, where fishing has gone by the wayside. Hoping to attract some kind of industry, the village leaders promise a factory almost anything they want, as long as they locate in the town, to bring employment and pride back to the place. There is one big hitch, the factory requires that there be a full time doctor residing in the village.
One finally comes, but only for a month, and the village sets out to persuade him that this is the best place to live in the world. Leading the charge is Germaine, a middle aged man, a bit past his prime, but not his pride. The schemes they come up with to lure the doctor to stay are funny and yet heart-breaking. The avid hockey fans will even forgo their ice sport to pretend they like cricket, which the doctor loves.
There is not a mean spot in this movie. It is poignant and funny and wonderfully acted, and silly and smart. And while it does not have "big" themes, it does address what happens to small communities all around the world as rural living seems inexorably eaten up by urban living.
A very good film, I highly recommend it.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Movie-Mean Creek
This 2004 movie was much better than I expected...I thought it would be watered down version of the intense parts of Stand By Me.
Instead Mean Creek was a small gem about kids and the cruelty they can inflict on each other. It takes a bully and looks into why he might be a bully...it looks at revenge gone wrong. And innocence suffering.
The bully, a big boy left back several grades in school pick on a smaller kid. That kid tells his big brother and his brother and makes plans to take revenge, without hurting the big kid. This involves several friends of the older brother, and the girlfriend of the smaller brother. And when it also involves a river boat trip, you know there is something going to go wrong.
I will not give away the plot, but all but one want to stop the plan to take revenge on the bully.
This was so good, and the kid actors were so spot on that I felt the confusion take over and the "child" leave each one as the ending played out. They looked like small grown-ups with their worry.
Instead Mean Creek was a small gem about kids and the cruelty they can inflict on each other. It takes a bully and looks into why he might be a bully...it looks at revenge gone wrong. And innocence suffering.
The bully, a big boy left back several grades in school pick on a smaller kid. That kid tells his big brother and his brother and makes plans to take revenge, without hurting the big kid. This involves several friends of the older brother, and the girlfriend of the smaller brother. And when it also involves a river boat trip, you know there is something going to go wrong.
I will not give away the plot, but all but one want to stop the plan to take revenge on the bully.
This was so good, and the kid actors were so spot on that I felt the confusion take over and the "child" leave each one as the ending played out. They looked like small grown-ups with their worry.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Movie-The Unbearable Lightness of Being
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a political movie, a philosophical movie, a love story and an intensely erotic movie. And it can be all those things and more, as this directors cut version of the 1988 classic is almost three hours long. But it is not a minute too long, something I can say for few movies.
The movie is set in Czechoslovakia in the late 60's. The country is moving away from its socialist government and people are looking for freedom and democracy. In this setting a womanizing doctor enjoys a life of wine, many women, and song. Played by Daniel Day-Lewis in one of his first major roles, he comes across, not as arrogant, but more as living life on his terms.
His favorite women, for sex and fun is Sabine, played as an erotic seductress, also living on her own terms, by Lena Olin. And wow! She is just breath-taking.
But the doctor meets another girl, and loving her innocence, he marries her. Juliet Binoche plays this waif, this innocent and fragile young woman, that comes between Thomas and Sabine. Well, those two actually still sleep together, but not with quite as much abandon as before.
But harshly cutting into this idyllic orgy, is the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia. the Soviet Union will not accept one of their countries to throw off Soviet rule, and so invades and takes over the country, curtailing freedoms of all kinds.
The movie deals with the options one has in a totalitarian regime. How does one live and keep honor and ideals. It still deals with eroticism, and the scene with Binoche and Olin is one of the most erotic and intense scenes in film. I could watch it again and again (I think I will in fact).
It is an amazing movie, with a range and a depth that is less than usual in films. And that these three young actors had this as one of their first major international films, and did so spectacularly is also amazing. The three were all Oscar caliber.
And did I mention Lena Olin is wow? She is!
The movie is set in Czechoslovakia in the late 60's. The country is moving away from its socialist government and people are looking for freedom and democracy. In this setting a womanizing doctor enjoys a life of wine, many women, and song. Played by Daniel Day-Lewis in one of his first major roles, he comes across, not as arrogant, but more as living life on his terms.
His favorite women, for sex and fun is Sabine, played as an erotic seductress, also living on her own terms, by Lena Olin. And wow! She is just breath-taking.
But the doctor meets another girl, and loving her innocence, he marries her. Juliet Binoche plays this waif, this innocent and fragile young woman, that comes between Thomas and Sabine. Well, those two actually still sleep together, but not with quite as much abandon as before.
But harshly cutting into this idyllic orgy, is the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia. the Soviet Union will not accept one of their countries to throw off Soviet rule, and so invades and takes over the country, curtailing freedoms of all kinds.
The movie deals with the options one has in a totalitarian regime. How does one live and keep honor and ideals. It still deals with eroticism, and the scene with Binoche and Olin is one of the most erotic and intense scenes in film. I could watch it again and again (I think I will in fact).
It is an amazing movie, with a range and a depth that is less than usual in films. And that these three young actors had this as one of their first major international films, and did so spectacularly is also amazing. The three were all Oscar caliber.
And did I mention Lena Olin is wow? She is!
Bocce Ball has Been Very Very Good To Me
Yesterday we had our first bocce ball outing at De Anza Cove on Mission Bay.
Like many summer weekends, a lot of the invitees already had plans, but it was nice group that showed up, so we had 8 people total. Paul and Wendy came down from Hunnington Beach with the unofficial bocce ball mascot, Beans. And Janine made it, as did Angela (looking cute as ever) and her boyfriend Gerrardo (did I get the spelling right?) and their friend Dan. so 4 guys and 4 good looking girls. Sounds like good teams.
The first match was just that, guys vs girls. I was about to suggest the girls be skins and the guys be shirts, but kept that to myself...barely! And the guys KICKED girl booty...winning the match 13-3. A can of whoop ass I would say.
The next match we picked teams like in school. Two captains, Sharlynn and Paul. It is funny, neither picked their significant other first, which led to a FEW glares. The teams were Sharlynn, Janine, Dan and Angela vs Paul, me, Wendy and Gerrardo. OK, we got whipped this time, 13-4. Janine and Dan really played well, Janine pushing our balls out of the way more than once to gain extra points for her team, and Dan landing his very close to the pallino--which we called the pannini, the polenta and the placenta as our memories are not great.
The bummer is that we could not have some beer. This new law just sucks. We are all mature (OK, not me really, but you get the point) and responsible. How come we can't have a couple of drinks? Yet over at OTL, they can drink away because they pay the city mega bucks for special permits. It is such a scam and just wrong. I am not saying OTL should not get to drink, I am saying that we all should be able to have a nice cold beverage of our choosing on a Saturday afternoon at the park, playing bocce ball with some friends.
After we all went to Offshore to have a drink and a bite. Next match we set up we may bring some contraband on the downlow, to wet our whistles. At least if Gerrardo is there and we get arrested we can find some fast representation! LOL LOL!
All in all, a good time. Nice to get outside and plays some not too strenuous lawn games. Hmmmm...maybe I should get croquet or horseshoes?
Like many summer weekends, a lot of the invitees already had plans, but it was nice group that showed up, so we had 8 people total. Paul and Wendy came down from Hunnington Beach with the unofficial bocce ball mascot, Beans. And Janine made it, as did Angela (looking cute as ever) and her boyfriend Gerrardo (did I get the spelling right?) and their friend Dan. so 4 guys and 4 good looking girls. Sounds like good teams.
The first match was just that, guys vs girls. I was about to suggest the girls be skins and the guys be shirts, but kept that to myself...barely! And the guys KICKED girl booty...winning the match 13-3. A can of whoop ass I would say.
The next match we picked teams like in school. Two captains, Sharlynn and Paul. It is funny, neither picked their significant other first, which led to a FEW glares. The teams were Sharlynn, Janine, Dan and Angela vs Paul, me, Wendy and Gerrardo. OK, we got whipped this time, 13-4. Janine and Dan really played well, Janine pushing our balls out of the way more than once to gain extra points for her team, and Dan landing his very close to the pallino--which we called the pannini, the polenta and the placenta as our memories are not great.
The bummer is that we could not have some beer. This new law just sucks. We are all mature (OK, not me really, but you get the point) and responsible. How come we can't have a couple of drinks? Yet over at OTL, they can drink away because they pay the city mega bucks for special permits. It is such a scam and just wrong. I am not saying OTL should not get to drink, I am saying that we all should be able to have a nice cold beverage of our choosing on a Saturday afternoon at the park, playing bocce ball with some friends.
After we all went to Offshore to have a drink and a bite. Next match we set up we may bring some contraband on the downlow, to wet our whistles. At least if Gerrardo is there and we get arrested we can find some fast representation! LOL LOL!
All in all, a good time. Nice to get outside and plays some not too strenuous lawn games. Hmmmm...maybe I should get croquet or horseshoes?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Movie-The Story of the Weeping Camel
This 2003 movie is just fascinating. It is not quite documentary, but has real Mongolian nomads playing themselves and creating a film out of their life experiences.
The story simply centers around a camel that has given birth to a white camel in a difficult delivery. And she does not like the baby. The family, living in traditional yurts at the edge of the Gobi desert tries everything, but she will not let the baby nurse.
At a family meeting it is decided, two of the boys must go to a central village and ask for a musician to come play a song that will heal the rift between camel and calf. The journey itself is long, and made more dangerous by the temptation of a more modern life, as the boys encounter TV and bicycles.
But the movie is a wonderful appreciation of the traditional nomadic life. It is a way of life that we may not relate to completely, but the are commonalities. The temptation of conspicuous consumption. Parents worried about their kids growing up. Families worried about their livelihood.
And if you have never heard a baby camel cry for its mom...the sound is haunting and terrible.
This is a really good movie. Not usual, but well worth the viewing. It is a movie you will remember.
The story simply centers around a camel that has given birth to a white camel in a difficult delivery. And she does not like the baby. The family, living in traditional yurts at the edge of the Gobi desert tries everything, but she will not let the baby nurse.
At a family meeting it is decided, two of the boys must go to a central village and ask for a musician to come play a song that will heal the rift between camel and calf. The journey itself is long, and made more dangerous by the temptation of a more modern life, as the boys encounter TV and bicycles.
But the movie is a wonderful appreciation of the traditional nomadic life. It is a way of life that we may not relate to completely, but the are commonalities. The temptation of conspicuous consumption. Parents worried about their kids growing up. Families worried about their livelihood.
And if you have never heard a baby camel cry for its mom...the sound is haunting and terrible.
This is a really good movie. Not usual, but well worth the viewing. It is a movie you will remember.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Movie-PS, I Love You
I have made no bones that I like Hilary Swank a lot. So I was looking forward to this movie. I liked the rest of the cast too-Kathy Bates, Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon. A nice little heart-felt love story. Nothing wrong with that.
But, PS-I Love You did not deliver very well. With a stilted script, generally not very likable characters and a pretty wooden performance by Swank (with a few exceptions) I felt like this movie was just undone in every aspect. I kept wanting to like it, kept wanting to like the characters, kept wanting to be touched by it. And it just did not happen, and I am having trouble with exactly why.
Everyone seemed to be trying to hard...maybe that is it. Trying to be somewhat unsentimental and "real." The actors trying to hard to sound like how "people would really talk" instead of actually talking like people would talk. It just seemed over analysed in every sense.
On the good side, Sharlynn has someone to add to her top 5 list, the lead actor Gerard Butler. She thinks he is quite nice.
And a last comment on Hilary Swank. Could someone stop all the actresses from becoming like twigs! Really, she is the latest I have noticed who have become just too damn skinny. I mean she was never a beast to begin with, and now who just has nothing on her. Really, eating disorders are NOT attractive people! End of rant.
PS-I Love You just misses the mark, but it just misses in many aspects. Very so so.
But, PS-I Love You did not deliver very well. With a stilted script, generally not very likable characters and a pretty wooden performance by Swank (with a few exceptions) I felt like this movie was just undone in every aspect. I kept wanting to like it, kept wanting to like the characters, kept wanting to be touched by it. And it just did not happen, and I am having trouble with exactly why.
Everyone seemed to be trying to hard...maybe that is it. Trying to be somewhat unsentimental and "real." The actors trying to hard to sound like how "people would really talk" instead of actually talking like people would talk. It just seemed over analysed in every sense.
On the good side, Sharlynn has someone to add to her top 5 list, the lead actor Gerard Butler. She thinks he is quite nice.
And a last comment on Hilary Swank. Could someone stop all the actresses from becoming like twigs! Really, she is the latest I have noticed who have become just too damn skinny. I mean she was never a beast to begin with, and now who just has nothing on her. Really, eating disorders are NOT attractive people! End of rant.
PS-I Love You just misses the mark, but it just misses in many aspects. Very so so.
Movie-With All Deliberate Speed
With All Deliberate Speed is a 2004 documentary that looks at the landmark case Brown vs the Board of Education that pronounced the doctrine of separate but equal in schools as unconstitutional. But the judgement left some doubt as the Supreme Court added that segregation must be ended with "all deliberate speed" which left it open for many school systems to not do anything for years to de-segregate.
Now the subject matter of this film was really interesting. However, the film proposes to examine the aftermath of those four words in the title, but delivers a different story. Though it does examine the title phrase, it does so only in the last 4th of the movie, and really goes into the history of how the case was built and then judgement rendered by the Supreme Court. Which is OK, but it should have been differently titled and promoted differently.
Furthermore, while the subject matter was compelling, the way it was presented in the movie was not particularly. Somehow the script did not have much bite and it wandered a bit. The interviews with people involved in the case were a bit overused and it watered down the dramatic effect. And the dramatic readings from actors was not very effective, and sometimes bad. I will say Alicia Keyes did a good job with her dramatic readings.
It is shocking to learn that one school system closed down all its schools for 5 years just so it would not have to end segregation.
Not one of the best documentaries I have seen, it was OK. I would look forward to another documentarian taking on the subject in a better film, for it is interesting and a little frightening when you see a reflection of today's political culture.
Now the subject matter of this film was really interesting. However, the film proposes to examine the aftermath of those four words in the title, but delivers a different story. Though it does examine the title phrase, it does so only in the last 4th of the movie, and really goes into the history of how the case was built and then judgement rendered by the Supreme Court. Which is OK, but it should have been differently titled and promoted differently.
Furthermore, while the subject matter was compelling, the way it was presented in the movie was not particularly. Somehow the script did not have much bite and it wandered a bit. The interviews with people involved in the case were a bit overused and it watered down the dramatic effect. And the dramatic readings from actors was not very effective, and sometimes bad. I will say Alicia Keyes did a good job with her dramatic readings.
It is shocking to learn that one school system closed down all its schools for 5 years just so it would not have to end segregation.
Not one of the best documentaries I have seen, it was OK. I would look forward to another documentarian taking on the subject in a better film, for it is interesting and a little frightening when you see a reflection of today's political culture.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Movie-Since Otar Left
The post USSR break-up film is quite good.
Focusing on a family in Georgia, part of the former Soviet Union and now independent country, Since Otar Left illustrates three generations of women living under the same roof. The grandmother, who still idolizes Stalin, the daughter who tries to hold the family together despite unemployment and poverty rampant in the country, and the granddaughter, who is of a generation that sees that things can be different.
The Otar of the title is the son of the grandmother and brother of the daughter, who has left Georgia to go to Paris to make a better life. He occasionally sends letters and a bit of money to home. He is the apple of his mother's eye, so when he dies in Paris, the two younger women cannot bear to tell her the truth, fearing it would kill her.
The film is poignant and sad...sad about how badly the former Soviet republics are doing, and sad because he grandmother cannot see that her daughter is caring for her so well, despite the difficulties. Somehow Otar can do no wrong.
This is a good movie,and touching, and a bit sad. But at the end it allows for a new generation to make things better.
Focusing on a family in Georgia, part of the former Soviet Union and now independent country, Since Otar Left illustrates three generations of women living under the same roof. The grandmother, who still idolizes Stalin, the daughter who tries to hold the family together despite unemployment and poverty rampant in the country, and the granddaughter, who is of a generation that sees that things can be different.
The Otar of the title is the son of the grandmother and brother of the daughter, who has left Georgia to go to Paris to make a better life. He occasionally sends letters and a bit of money to home. He is the apple of his mother's eye, so when he dies in Paris, the two younger women cannot bear to tell her the truth, fearing it would kill her.
The film is poignant and sad...sad about how badly the former Soviet republics are doing, and sad because he grandmother cannot see that her daughter is caring for her so well, despite the difficulties. Somehow Otar can do no wrong.
This is a good movie,and touching, and a bit sad. But at the end it allows for a new generation to make things better.
Cooking with Andy
I have not done a cooking post in a long time...mostly because I have not had much time to cook lately, and Sharlynn has done a lot.
But last weekend I was able to do quite a bit and this weekend, even more, so, here is what I cooked over the last three days. As always, if you think a recipe looks good, let me know and I will post it.
For dinners I made:
Ravioli with Tomato Cancasse---such an easy, delicious recipe.
Ziti with Spicy Pork and Tomato Sauce---I LOVE these kind of pasta dishes---so comfort food to me.
Panko Crusted Salmon- Japanese breadcrumbs on top of salmon, with thyme and mustard...ummmm...so Good!
For my work lunch I made Couscous, Chicken and Artichoke Salad. So easy and it make a lot! So good, and really about the easiest thing you can make.
Veggies: Greek Style String Beans with Shallots, White Wine and Fennel Seeds. Nice rich tasting veggie dish.
Breakfast this weekend was baked eggs with Zucchini Ragout. I love egg dishes like this, over a piece of toast. So decadent, and yet not really, it just tastes that way. Pretty easy to prepare.
Dessert: Blueberry Sour Cream Pie. So much like cheesecake, but not quite as artery clogging. Especially when you use low-fat sour cream.
Drink: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Daiquiri, When I ordered this in a bar in Vegas the bartender looked at me and asked, "Are you a girl?" I'm sorry, it is DEE-licious! And the way I make it...gets you totally buzzed. Very nice summer drink!
That is the weekend!
But last weekend I was able to do quite a bit and this weekend, even more, so, here is what I cooked over the last three days. As always, if you think a recipe looks good, let me know and I will post it.
For dinners I made:
Ravioli with Tomato Cancasse---such an easy, delicious recipe.
Ziti with Spicy Pork and Tomato Sauce---I LOVE these kind of pasta dishes---so comfort food to me.
Panko Crusted Salmon- Japanese breadcrumbs on top of salmon, with thyme and mustard...ummmm...so Good!
For my work lunch I made Couscous, Chicken and Artichoke Salad. So easy and it make a lot! So good, and really about the easiest thing you can make.
Veggies: Greek Style String Beans with Shallots, White Wine and Fennel Seeds. Nice rich tasting veggie dish.
Breakfast this weekend was baked eggs with Zucchini Ragout. I love egg dishes like this, over a piece of toast. So decadent, and yet not really, it just tastes that way. Pretty easy to prepare.
Dessert: Blueberry Sour Cream Pie. So much like cheesecake, but not quite as artery clogging. Especially when you use low-fat sour cream.
Drink: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Daiquiri, When I ordered this in a bar in Vegas the bartender looked at me and asked, "Are you a girl?" I'm sorry, it is DEE-licious! And the way I make it...gets you totally buzzed. Very nice summer drink!
That is the weekend!
Movie-The Bucket List
While The Bucket List is not a great movie by any means, there is a great deal of fun to be had watching two old pros like Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play off each other, and that is enough to sustain this movie.
The premise, of two older guys, one rich and one not so much, meeting in a hospital room, both with terminal cancer, is not really a fun premise. But it is just a reason to have a buddy movie, and better yet, a road trip buddy movie, as the two set out to see sights and experience a few things before they kick the bucket. These things they want to do, they list, hence the title.
The two play off each other well, Freeman with his voice that just rings with wisdom and insight, and Jack...well Jack is just filled with piss and vinegar, as is usual. The roles are not stretch for the two...both have been done by them before, and better.
But the two of them combine and make me think of duos before, Crosby and Hope in their road trip movies especially. Not with the pure comedic attitude of those two, but both with a good sense of timing, and good sense of who they are, and who the other is. And they play off each other as if they had been in many movies together.
Old fashioned in many ways, The Bucket List is good for a lighter and easy watch.
The premise, of two older guys, one rich and one not so much, meeting in a hospital room, both with terminal cancer, is not really a fun premise. But it is just a reason to have a buddy movie, and better yet, a road trip buddy movie, as the two set out to see sights and experience a few things before they kick the bucket. These things they want to do, they list, hence the title.
The two play off each other well, Freeman with his voice that just rings with wisdom and insight, and Jack...well Jack is just filled with piss and vinegar, as is usual. The roles are not stretch for the two...both have been done by them before, and better.
But the two of them combine and make me think of duos before, Crosby and Hope in their road trip movies especially. Not with the pure comedic attitude of those two, but both with a good sense of timing, and good sense of who they are, and who the other is. And they play off each other as if they had been in many movies together.
Old fashioned in many ways, The Bucket List is good for a lighter and easy watch.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Book-My Mortal Enemy
I have been talking about how much I admire and enjoy Willa Cather's writing. And this small novel does not give me any reason to rescind anything I have said earlier about her prowess as a writer.
My Mortal Enemy is almost a novella, at just over 100 pages. But it is powerful Cather again explores themes looking at loss: loss of principles, loss of honor and how the world seems to deplete these attributes simply by a person living.
Similar to A Lost Lady, but even sparer and more direct, this book seems to be the most disparing of any of her books. Almost the antithesis of My Antonia, it is still beautifully written and elegantly told, while having an opposite effect.
It tells the story of a woman, Myra, who marries an man for love, giving up a fortune to do so. But rather than finding happiness, she finds that love is not the peak of all human interests, and that her "noble" act, does not make her happy in the long run.
My Mortal Enemy is not feel-good reading, but it is very good reading.
My Mortal Enemy is almost a novella, at just over 100 pages. But it is powerful Cather again explores themes looking at loss: loss of principles, loss of honor and how the world seems to deplete these attributes simply by a person living.
Similar to A Lost Lady, but even sparer and more direct, this book seems to be the most disparing of any of her books. Almost the antithesis of My Antonia, it is still beautifully written and elegantly told, while having an opposite effect.
It tells the story of a woman, Myra, who marries an man for love, giving up a fortune to do so. But rather than finding happiness, she finds that love is not the peak of all human interests, and that her "noble" act, does not make her happy in the long run.
My Mortal Enemy is not feel-good reading, but it is very good reading.
Movie-Untraceable
Untraceable has one good thing going for it...Diane Lane, probably the ultimate MILF (getting into GILF-age actually). Other than that, this overwrought thriller was predictable, pretty stupid, and it REALLY pissed me off at one point.
Diane Lane stars as an FBI agent working the cyber-crimes beat. Works nights to get those predators, scam artists and perverts when they are most active. She is good at her job. Has a little girl and they live with her mom.
On a tip, she comes across a site that shows a kitten being killed. Gruesome enough. But she cannot shut it down...the person running the site has technology far beyond the scope of the FBI. He cannot be stopped! Yeah yeah yeah. That is the 1st stupid thing.
This maniac has his site set up so the more people that sign on to see, the faster the victim dies. And after the cat...he immediately starts killing people. No in-between stage...you know, a dog, monkey, goat...no, this guy is fine proving how tough and uncatchable he is by a kitten...he goes right to people. That was another stupid thing.
Well, he escalates and starts going for FBI agents next. Now this is what is really stupid. The US security agencies won't help with their computers (which apparently are WAY better than the FBIs-like the FBI is just a small-town police force!). Even as an FBI agent is killed live on-line, no one will really do anything. That is such a total piece of crap story, I can't believe it! If a federal agent were tortured and killed, live, on-line, the seams would be coming apart as every police agency in the country was knocking on hackers doors to find this guy.
Anyway, the thing that pissed me off. As Lane is talking to a police guy she is teamed up with on this case, she tells him that she can't really do anything about the first murder, because of net-neutrality...she says something about, "it means that content cannot be filtered, and that everything has free access." If that is not the MOST blatant propaganda by the entertainment industry (who largely oppose net neutrality) that I have ever seen! Net neutrality is about keeping corporations and big business from deciding what is on sites, not about governmental agencies. Somehow, the implication is, if you commit murder on-line, that it is free and clear---murder is still murder!--whether it is on-line or not. And net-neutrality does not stop the FBI from prosecuting a murderer! This just was so blatant and abusive that it ruined any enjoyment I might have gotten from the movie.
I can kinda picture the meeting where it was decided this would happen.
Studio exec: Yeah, we really like the movie and we are SO ready to back it. There is just one thing we need to ask you to do.
Creator: You are? Sure...sure...we will be glad to help you...name it!
Studio exec: Well, ya see, since this is about the web, we want you to blame net-neutrality for the cops not being able to do anything about this creepo.
Creator: Uh...well...but that doesn't have anything to do with it...I'm not sure how it fits.
S.exec: Y'know, just a line in there...something about net neutrality letting people do what ever they want, illegal or not on-line. That would really please my bosses, and free up A LOT of money to promote your film. We can practically guarantee you winning the opening weekend box office. You can find a way, can't you?
Creator: Uh...yeah...we can make that work...
What crap!
Diane Lane deserves better material.
Diane Lane stars as an FBI agent working the cyber-crimes beat. Works nights to get those predators, scam artists and perverts when they are most active. She is good at her job. Has a little girl and they live with her mom.
On a tip, she comes across a site that shows a kitten being killed. Gruesome enough. But she cannot shut it down...the person running the site has technology far beyond the scope of the FBI. He cannot be stopped! Yeah yeah yeah. That is the 1st stupid thing.
This maniac has his site set up so the more people that sign on to see, the faster the victim dies. And after the cat...he immediately starts killing people. No in-between stage...you know, a dog, monkey, goat...no, this guy is fine proving how tough and uncatchable he is by a kitten...he goes right to people. That was another stupid thing.
Well, he escalates and starts going for FBI agents next. Now this is what is really stupid. The US security agencies won't help with their computers (which apparently are WAY better than the FBIs-like the FBI is just a small-town police force!). Even as an FBI agent is killed live on-line, no one will really do anything. That is such a total piece of crap story, I can't believe it! If a federal agent were tortured and killed, live, on-line, the seams would be coming apart as every police agency in the country was knocking on hackers doors to find this guy.
Anyway, the thing that pissed me off. As Lane is talking to a police guy she is teamed up with on this case, she tells him that she can't really do anything about the first murder, because of net-neutrality...she says something about, "it means that content cannot be filtered, and that everything has free access." If that is not the MOST blatant propaganda by the entertainment industry (who largely oppose net neutrality) that I have ever seen! Net neutrality is about keeping corporations and big business from deciding what is on sites, not about governmental agencies. Somehow, the implication is, if you commit murder on-line, that it is free and clear---murder is still murder!--whether it is on-line or not. And net-neutrality does not stop the FBI from prosecuting a murderer! This just was so blatant and abusive that it ruined any enjoyment I might have gotten from the movie.
I can kinda picture the meeting where it was decided this would happen.
Studio exec: Yeah, we really like the movie and we are SO ready to back it. There is just one thing we need to ask you to do.
Creator: You are? Sure...sure...we will be glad to help you...name it!
Studio exec: Well, ya see, since this is about the web, we want you to blame net-neutrality for the cops not being able to do anything about this creepo.
Creator: Uh...well...but that doesn't have anything to do with it...I'm not sure how it fits.
S.exec: Y'know, just a line in there...something about net neutrality letting people do what ever they want, illegal or not on-line. That would really please my bosses, and free up A LOT of money to promote your film. We can practically guarantee you winning the opening weekend box office. You can find a way, can't you?
Creator: Uh...yeah...we can make that work...
What crap!
Diane Lane deserves better material.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Movie-Rosenstrasse
This 2003 German film was great. It recalls another little known part of the Nazi terror against the Jews in WW II. Framed by a modern story, the back flashes are terrible to see, not because of any graphic scenes, but because of the sense they give of living in daily fear of everything, the daily terror that this day may be the one where you are sent away, from all your family and neighbors, to your death. And it tells of the people left behind.
And Rosenstrasse conveys this well. It handles the modern story deftly, as a way to introduce the essential WWII story. The acting is first rate, and several scenes brought tears to our eyes.
While not as encompassing as a movie like Schindler's list, Rosenstrasse tells about true events, and tells a smaller story of bravery and courage, against terrible odds. It is a touching and deeply moving film.
And Rosenstrasse conveys this well. It handles the modern story deftly, as a way to introduce the essential WWII story. The acting is first rate, and several scenes brought tears to our eyes.
While not as encompassing as a movie like Schindler's list, Rosenstrasse tells about true events, and tells a smaller story of bravery and courage, against terrible odds. It is a touching and deeply moving film.
Book-Girl In Hyacinth Blue
Girl In Hyacinth Blue is an unusual book, in that it really does not take a novel's usual form...it is more like a series of connected short stories, and in some ways I liked that and in some ways I thought it could have been done better.
The first chapter finds a man who has a painting, ostensibly by a famous Dutch master artist. However the painting has no authentication, so it could be that by the artist or it could be a very good imitator. He can't get the painting evaluated though, as he got the painting from his father, who, in WW II was a Nazi officer who stole the painting from an empty home...empty because he sent the Jews that resided there to their probably deaths in concentration camps.
The chapter ends ambiguously, without resolution, and the next chapter takes the reader back to that Jewish family in Berlin, and we find what the painting meant to them. The next chapter goes back to the previous owner of the painting, and so on, until we get to when the painting was originally done, and we find out how the artist came to paint it.
I like the whole concept here. The author Susan Vreeland does a generally nice job in showing what the painting meant to all that had owned through the centuries. But I also wish we had seen some short interludes into the first chapter portion, so we had more insight into how the most recent owner solved his dilemma...does he admit to the world that his deceased father did this despicable act, or does he continue to hide the painting from the world, and never know for sure if it was the Dutch master. If that had been done, I think I would have enjoyed the book a lot more, and I think the book would have been better.
All in all, it was not bad at all. And it was a good change of pace in styles. But it does not make me wish to pursue other books by Vreeland. A fast moderately enjoyable read about how art interacts with the human psyche.
The first chapter finds a man who has a painting, ostensibly by a famous Dutch master artist. However the painting has no authentication, so it could be that by the artist or it could be a very good imitator. He can't get the painting evaluated though, as he got the painting from his father, who, in WW II was a Nazi officer who stole the painting from an empty home...empty because he sent the Jews that resided there to their probably deaths in concentration camps.
The chapter ends ambiguously, without resolution, and the next chapter takes the reader back to that Jewish family in Berlin, and we find what the painting meant to them. The next chapter goes back to the previous owner of the painting, and so on, until we get to when the painting was originally done, and we find out how the artist came to paint it.
I like the whole concept here. The author Susan Vreeland does a generally nice job in showing what the painting meant to all that had owned through the centuries. But I also wish we had seen some short interludes into the first chapter portion, so we had more insight into how the most recent owner solved his dilemma...does he admit to the world that his deceased father did this despicable act, or does he continue to hide the painting from the world, and never know for sure if it was the Dutch master. If that had been done, I think I would have enjoyed the book a lot more, and I think the book would have been better.
All in all, it was not bad at all. And it was a good change of pace in styles. But it does not make me wish to pursue other books by Vreeland. A fast moderately enjoyable read about how art interacts with the human psyche.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Movie-Splash
Yes Splash! I have not seen this movie since it first came out in 1984. And watching it, I was reminded of the controversy surrounding the film.. Gasp! A Disney movie that showed nudity! (Daryl Hannah is a mermaid after all). That had sex mentioned! (John Candy was a lovable perv, so excited that his letter was printed in Penthouse Forum). That had people sleeping together without being married. (They were meant to be).
Tom Hanks---a VERY young Tom Hanks--- has the lead role in this movie, as a young successful man who just needs to find the right girl. You can see glimpses of the acting greatness that will come, but it is not fully formed by any means. This was his first big movie role. His true love comes in the form of a mermaid played by Daryl Hannah--a very young Daryl Hannah---who looks so fresh and innocent it is appalling.
Both leads do justice to this romantic comedy. Both are witty, confused, in love, and just downright cute. While not really breaking any conventions, the script is nicely written, and we want these two to work...they are just so young and likable.
As I mentioned, John Candy does a nice job as the delinquent brother, and Eugene Levy plays the bad guy with a heart of gold perfectly.
While the movie is not GREAT, it is certainly likable and funny, and with a poignancy that tugs your heart a bit. But it is nice to see the actors in these early roles, getting a glimpse of who they will become. That is great fun 24 years later.
Tom Hanks---a VERY young Tom Hanks--- has the lead role in this movie, as a young successful man who just needs to find the right girl. You can see glimpses of the acting greatness that will come, but it is not fully formed by any means. This was his first big movie role. His true love comes in the form of a mermaid played by Daryl Hannah--a very young Daryl Hannah---who looks so fresh and innocent it is appalling.
Both leads do justice to this romantic comedy. Both are witty, confused, in love, and just downright cute. While not really breaking any conventions, the script is nicely written, and we want these two to work...they are just so young and likable.
As I mentioned, John Candy does a nice job as the delinquent brother, and Eugene Levy plays the bad guy with a heart of gold perfectly.
While the movie is not GREAT, it is certainly likable and funny, and with a poignancy that tugs your heart a bit. But it is nice to see the actors in these early roles, getting a glimpse of who they will become. That is great fun 24 years later.
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