Movie Review: Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg July 10, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Gertrude Berg, Movie Review: Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg
1 comment so far
 Movie Review: Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg
Alternate Title: Chicken Soup is Good for the Soul Story: Before Lucille Ball, Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett Roseanne, Oprah or Maude, there was Gertrude Berg. Who is Gertrude Berg, you say? For those like me, who are older than sand, you will remember fondly TV pioneer Gertrude Berg and her long running radio and TV show, Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg. Documentary film maker Aviva Kempner (The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg) has taken on the long overdo task of introducing this first of the hyphenated TV stars and legend to new generations of fans. Gertrude Berg began her radio show in 1929. She brought the Jewish immigrant experience into the homes of America. Her fictitious family hailed from the Bronx. Berg wrote over 12,000 of her own scripts for both TV and radio. She was a writer, producer and star in an era when woman had almost no power in any area but own’s own kitchen. She was not afraid to tackle serious subjects such as the war in Europe, bad economic times and politics. Her blend of good humor had a warmth that crossed ethnic boundaries. Director Kempner tried to cram too much into the film and it certainly could have used some editing but for those long ago fans, like me, it was a delight to see her again. Check out the film’s website for some nostalgia too. Watch the trailer here:
Acting: The archival film clips are precious. The many talking heads include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sara Chase, Norman Lear, Margaret Nagle, Roberta Wallach and a wonderful segment from Edward R Murrow’s TV interview show. Trivia: Gertrude Berg’s autobiography, Molly and Me, was published in 1961. Her papers, including many of her radio and television scripts, are collected at the George Arents Research Library at Syracuse University. It is worth noting that Berg took a stand against the blacklist in 1951, refusing to fire her long-time co-star Philip Loeb (Loeb resigned to prevent the show’s cancellation and later committed suicide). Predilection: I remember Molly Critters: Dogs and cats Food: Food is a big part of the Jewish home. Sex Spectrum: Ha Blatant Product Placement: Funny segments include Molly as spokesperson for the products produced by her major sponsors. Visual Art: Seeing the 1950’s home of the Goldbergs was a trip down memory lane. Theater Audience: I saw this preview at the 92nd Street Y in a packed, loving house. The director, had a Q & A after the film. Drift Factor: It needed some editing. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine. Length: Under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 7
|
Movie Review: Local Color July 9, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Local Color
add a comment
| Movie Review: Local Color
Alternate Title: A Tiepolo Sky Story: I am sorry to report that another film about art and artists falls flat on its face. It might have been better served as one of those TV After School Specials. The semi-autobiographical film takes place in 1974 and is about an aspiring young artist who spends a summer with a curmudgeonly teacher who was once a well known artist. It was directed and written by George Gallo. So what went wrong? The 40 year debate extolling the virtues of representational versus nonrepresentational art is old news. The film tries desperately to prove that representational art is the better art and the rest is crap. As proof of the hypothesis a parade of caricature artists are presented as nothing less than fools and elitists. The director even drags in mentally handicapped children to prove his point. Gasp. The dialogue between the eager impressionistic young artist and the vodka swilling, foul-mouthed angry old man is contrived, predictable and downright boring. And did I mention that there is also a very annoying narrator throughout? I am sure that director Gallo’s heartfelt effort as an homage to his mentor was genuine but this film had no Primary Colors in it for me. Watch the trailer:
Acting: Armin Mueller-Stahl as artist Nicoli Seroff does his best to depict the old man yells at cloud bit – but when there is no script to work from – it is hard to get good acting. Trevor Morgan as young John was too sweet and did not have the angry, hungry artist’s soul that the role demanded. Samantha Mathis was wasted as the neighbor. Ron Perlman was insulting and cartoonish as the effete art dealer. Ray Liotta and Diana Scarwid as the parents did not have much to do. Trivia: George Gallo Jr (born 1956 in Port Chester, New York) is a North American painter, musician, filmmaker, and producer. He is best known for writing Midnight Run and 29th Street, and is an accomplished painter in the style of the Pennsylvania Impressionists. In 1990, he won the coveted Arts for the Parks award, and has had three one-man exhibitions in New York City. He currently lives in Los Angeles. Predilection: I like films about art and artists (but not this one) Critters: A horse Food: Lots of food. Apparently creating art builds an appetite (forget that starving artist bit for this film). Bacon, eggs, toast, meat, potatoes, fish, bread and lots of vodka. Sex Spectrum: A kiss Soundtrack: Cloying. Opening Titles: A narrator’s voice (bad sign) in an introduction to young John looking thoughtful in an art museum. Visual Art: Lots and lots of painting. Theater Audience: Five guys and me. Weather: Summertime in Pennsylvania (but filmed in pre-Katrina Louisiana). Sappy Factor: 2 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I looked at my watch often. The film seemed as if I was watching paint dry. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Neither Length: 100 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 3
|
Six Degrees of Mark Sanford, Sonia Sotomayor & Debbie Rowe? July 8, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Jewish Stuff, Links, Photography, Politics, Religion, Videos, Zoos.Tags: Al Franken, Buenos Aires, Is it good for the Jews?, Six Degrees of Mark Sanford, Sonia Sotomayor & Debbie Rowe?
2 comments
Six degrees of separation has become a fun game to play. Also known as the ‘Human Web’, it gives thought to the idea that if a person is just one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, then everyone is at most six steps away from any other person on Earth. It was brought to the public’s attention through a fine play by John Guare. It definitely fits in with the ‘me’ generation and the idea that the world revolves around oneself.
In that spirit I would share three items about those six (sometimes closer) degrees of separation.
I have definitely had enough of both the Sarah Palin as quitter story (aren’t you glad she is not a heartbeat away form the Presidency?) and the over the top coverage of Michael Jackson’s long public mourning. But I have not had enough of the Mark Sanford story. If fact, now follow along with me please – a good friend of mine is from Argentina (she now lives in London). I asked her if she new Maria Belen Chapur, the woman who is involved with the wacky South Carolina Governor. She did not know the woman but did know the area where she lives very well, because her husband, (who is British) used to live on the very same street as Maria Belen Chapur when he worked in Buenos Aires. The neighborhood is posh and is directly across the street from the Buenos Aires Zoo. The little Italian restaurant that Mark Sanford mentions as part of his love nest and also where he made goo goo eyes is one of my friends’ favorite spots (they always recommend it to visitors). In fact, when her British husband lived on that street he would have his morning coffee and croissant at that spot. And to top that off, my Argentinean friends’ former colleague had an affair with Carlos, the owner of the restaurant. Maybe all of that passion is served in the coffee? Who knows?
I found out the other night while waiting to watch the July 4th fireworks that Sonia Sotomayor used to live in my building. In fact, she lived in the apartment of the woman I was speaking with. Go figure? By the way – her confirmation hearings start Monday and newly sworn in Senator Al Franken got a post on the all important Judiciary Committee. I have not gotten any more of those nightly telephone calls from the Al Franken campaign for money. It is almost time for him to start raising money for his re-election campaign so the phone should start ringing anytime again. Since I called Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s office to encourage her to run for the NY State Senate I am sure her campaign will take the place of those nightly calls soon.
And then there is Debbie Rowe. We Jews have a saying when something happens in the news. The collective response to war, the economy, scandal, etc. is – “Yes, but Is it good for the Jews?” A good example of it not being good for the Jews was the trial and execution of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg or when we found out that the murderous Son of Sam’s real name was David Berkowitz. We took some comfort in finding out that he was adopted. Oh yeah – and Bernie Madoff was most definitely NOT good for the Jews. Well, guess what? Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of Michael Jackson’s two older children is Jewish. Jewish Law says if the mother is Jewish – so are the kids. Oy Vey. There is a joke of late that says Debbie Rowe is the only Jewish mother that leaves her kids alone.
- If you missed this one, there was even a story called ‘Is Twitter Good for the Jews‘
- In the always leave ‘em smiling mode, here is Al Franken getting sworn in yesterday. A nice touch was to have VP Walter Mondale, another Minnesotan, by his side:
Movie Review: The Beaches of Agnes July 7, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Agnes Varda, Beaches of Agnes, French New Wave Cinema
add a comment
 Movie Review: The Beaches of Agnes
Alternate Title: A Life Well Lived Story: Agnes Varda has lived a full, remarkable life. At age 8o she tackled the task of her autobiography through film. And we are all better off for her efforts. Even if you have never heard of her, once you see her artful work via this film you will feel as if you have known her your whole life. Born in 1928 in Belgium we watch her extraordinary life through snippets of film, still photos, re-imagined scenarios and interviews. They are playful, funny, enchanting, poetic and above all, a visual delight. An award wining filmmaker for Vagabond/Without Roof or Rule (the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival) and last year’s Cesar award winner for best documentary – The Beaches of Agnes. She was married to filmmaker Jacques Demy (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg) until his death from AIDS in 1990. She is a director, screenwriter, editor, actor, producer, political activist, installation artist and photographer. What more could you ask for? Take two hours out of your life to see someone who has had a glorious ride.
Acting: This is a documentary so it does not apply. Trivia: The French New Wave Cinema was a term coined in the 1950’s and 60’s. These filmmakers were influenced by Italian Neorealism. They rejected classical cinematic form and their films had a youthful spirit of iconoclasm. They included the social and political upheavals of the era, making their radical experiments with editing, visual style, and narrative part of a general break with the conservative paradigm. Major figures included Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Éric Rohmer, Claude Chabrol, Jacques Rivette, Alain Resnais, Agnès Varda, Jacques Demy. Chabrol’s Le Beau Serge (1958) is traditionally but arguably credited as the first New Wave feature. Truffaut, with The 400 Blows (1959) and Godard, with Breathless (1960). Predilection: None Critters: Lots of cats and dogs. Sex Spectrum: Simulated sex on a beach and a very funny scene with frontal male and female nudity. Blatant Product Placement: None Opening Titles: A terrific opening sequence of Varda on the beach setting up mirrors as an art installation. Visual Art: The entire film is a a work of art. Theater Audience: Crowded with Francophiles and cinephiles. Weather: Lovely Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: It could have been edited a bit in the middle Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: Yes Big Screen or Rental: If you can find it on the big screen, go for it. Otherwise, rental would be fine. Read my review of Vargas’ wonderful film, The Gleaners and I here. http://www.judithwolfe.com/lobosmoviereviews/reviews/gleaners.html Length: 110 Minutes LOBO HOWLS: 8
|
Movie Review: The Fog of War July 6, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Errol Morris, Robert S. McNamara, The Fog of War
2 comments
Movie Review: The Fog of War
Alternate Title: Old Soldier’s Never Die – They Just Change Their Stories.
Story: Director Errol Morris (The Thin Blue Line, A Brief History of Time and Dr. Death) tackles an interview with the much hated (by some), much revered (by others), ex Secretary of Defense, under JFK and LBJ, Robert S. McNamara. (The S stands for Strange – no kidding.) Through one on one interviews we get a glimpse into the mind and revisited memory of this man who lived through and was directly involved in some of last century’s most turbulent times (W.W.II, Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War).
The film is divided into eleven chapters named after things that McNamara says he has learned through living his 85 years of life.
It is a fascinating, enthralling, thought provoking film and makes for great conversation as you leave the theater. I am not sure someone who did not live through the Vietnam War will fully get this film. There are many references that remain unexplained and there is also some new information. The given is that the viewer knows what he McNamara is talking about.
I remember those days vividly — and am somewhat cynical about what is revealed in this film.
Acting: Does not apply to a documentary.
Predilection: I like documentaries.
Visual Art: There are some interesting graphic visuals.
Blatant Product Placement: Even though it is a domumentary and should not count – I must mention Agent Orange and Ford Motor Company.
Soundtrack: Music is by Philip Glass – I found this choice most appropriate.
Opening Titles: Simple.
Theater Audience: A handful of other politicos and us.
Predictability Level: I had no idea what this man was going to say.
Oscar Worthy: I think it could get a nomination in the Best Documentary category.
Nit Picking: No nits to pick.
Big Screen or Rental: Either. For some other films that feature the Vietnam War as a theme try: Apocalypse Now, Behind Enemy Lines, Birdy, Born on the Fourth of July, The Boys in Company C and Coming Home.
Length: 100 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
Thugs, Mugs and Slugs July 5, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Bulldog, Carolyn Maloney, Chuck Schumer, John Ensign, JOhn McCain, Kirsten Gillibrand, Mark Sanford, Michael Jackson, Orangutan, Sarah Palin
1 comment so far
The GOP is going through some tough times. Raise your hand if you feel sorry for them? No one? Politico did a recap of the Repugnant Class of ‘94 to see how some of them have fared. They have discovered that not only Mark Sanford and John Ensign (both from that notorious class) but 71 other freshman families have suffered some devastating damage. The holier than thou gang (under the tutelage of Newt Gingrich) that professed family values, Christian morality, apple pie, ice cream and Mom turns out to be rotten to the core. Read this fascinating article that includes names such as:
- Rep. Jim Bunn (R-Ore.) who, not long after taking office in 1995, divorced his wife, married one of his political aides, and later elevated her to chief of staff. Bunn lost his 1996 reelection bid.
- Rep. Enid Greene, who became the first female member of Congress from Utah in 1994, spent most of her single term in the House dealing with a scandal of her husband’s making. Joe Waldholtz, who married Greene in 1993, embezzled millions of dollars that he used to help finance her campaign. Once authorities finally caught up with Waldholtz, Greene filed for divorce and took custody of the couple’s daughter. She did not run for reelection in 1996.
- Rep. Joe Scarborough (R-Fla.) got divorced in 1999. Yes, this is Morning Joe.
- Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio) and his wife, Susan, divorced after she accused him of having an affair with his former chief of staff, who he later married.
- Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.), who resigned his seat in 2006, was in a class by himself — he was forced to step down after becoming embroiled in a controversy involving sexually explicit messages he sent to young Capitol Hill pages.
- I have not been a fan of Kirsten Gillibrand from day one. I did not like how she was selected by wacky Governor David Paterson to fill Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat. I did not like what she stood for, her reputation or hopes for the future. Now, as I have stated before, the big shots in the Democratic Party are arm twisting any Dem that wants to challenge her in the primary. Chuck Schumer (who has been on my shit list for quite a while) is front and center in this bullying tactic. Those that have shown an inkling of interest in the Senate seat have gotten phone calls from as high up as President Obama. Something smells rotten here.
My Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney is defying the odds and attempting to go solo and challenge Gillibrand in the Primary. I support her efforts and have written to her. The NY Times addressed this issue in both an article in Friday’s paper called, For an Insider, a Lonely Road to Senate Run and in an opinion piece in yesterday’s paper called Let Them Run.
If you want to encourage Carolyn Maloney to move ahead with her challenge, why not write to her as I did at her website.
- People are talking about Sarah Palin and her latest headline grabbing move. I heard a newscaster say yesterday that just last year, on July 4th almost no one had heard of Sarah Palin outside of Alaska. Then I realized that she had not been plucked out of obscurity until last August when John (thank goodness he is not President) McCain chose her to be his running mate. Raise your hand if you think that Ms Palin has had way more than her 15 minutes and it is time to move out of the spotlight. I also began to think that there are some people that need the heavy spotlight of attention. They adhere to the idea that there is even bad press is good press. As long as the microphones and high beams are on them they are feeling the glow. In this aspect, Sarah Palin has a lot in common with the recently departed Michael Jackson. Both of their stories will dominate the headlines this week. Anyone vote for reruns of Law & Order or NCIS?
- In the always leave ‘em laughing mode, watch this bulldog kissing an orangutan.
Take the Money and Run July 4, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Fireworks, Fourth of July, Sarah Palin
1 comment so far
Yesterday’s surprise announcement by the always nutty Sarah Palin that she not only would not seek a second term as Governor of Alaska she was leaving her position in three weeks with 18 months left to serve. The good news about the announcement was that it took Michael Jackson off the news cycle for an evening on a few talking head shows. So what’s up you say? I say it is clearly a ‘take the money and run’ move. I picture Sarah and her secession sidekick husband Todd sitting around the kitchen table while dressing a moose discussing how much money they could make if she got out from behind the Governor’s desk and hit the high paying lecture trail. (Let’s not forget that $$$$$ book deal as well).
No doubt GOP Presidential contenders like Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty and anyone else who has not been hiking on the Appalachian Trail are licking their chops at her announcement.
So why now? Sarah Palin most likely has run out of ideas for being the Governor of her state. She sees that overflowing money pot within reach by simply stepping aside from what has now become a run of the mill job for her. She can now demand money for her appearances since she is still a media darling. But will she be a darling without the pomp of office? Probably as long as she looks good on camera and sells advertisement space she will stay front and center. Can you see her on her own show on Fox? Stay tuned.
Watch part of her rambling speech from yesterday:
Front Page Madness July 3, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Politics.add a comment
If you are like me perhaps you have had enough of the Michael Jackson story. Sorry to say, like his Never Land Ranch, this will be a never-ending story. I heard some TV blatherer say that eight year old children will grow up to be the lawyers on his case because it will still be in the court system. I saw the above graphic today and laughed heartily.
Real news coming your way over the weekend.
Movie Review: Public Enemies July 2, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Videos.Tags: Movie Review: Public Enemies
1 comment so far
| Movie Review: Public Enemies
Alternate Title: American Gangster Story: This is not a perfect movie and at times has more style than substance but it has many elements to delight one and all. It has beautiful people, fine acting, incredible photography, fine period details, a love story, good shoot ‘em ups and a great soundtrack. It was expertly visualized by director Michael Mann and written by Mr. Mann, Ronan Bennett and Ann Biderman. It is based on the book by Bryan Burrough called Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34. John Dillinger died at the tender age of 31 on July 22, 1934. He had spent most of his adult life in prison but in the short time he robbed banks across the land he became an American folk hero. The Depression was on, people were mad at the banks (sound familiar?) and Dillinger’s charm and savvy captured the public’s fancy. This movie focus’ on that short period of time with gusto. We get to see Dillinger rob banks, escape from prison, run from the Feds, fall in love and get killed. The secondary story is about the newly formed FBI run by the deranged J. Edgar Hoover and his top agent, Melvin Purvis. The Keystone cops aspect to the formative FBI is amusing as was watching how organized crime enlarged before laws were passed to stop Interstate crimes. The downside to the film was that there were too many characters coming and going that were not properly introduced in the story telling. It was not clear who some of the characters were since they all wore fedoras, suits and carried guns. This film could also have been called ‘Men With Hats.’ That said – it was still a good ride, visually appealing and you will not have been robbed with either your time or money. Watch the trailer here:
Watch some old footage of the real Dillnger here. (It is only available for viewing directly on youtube. Acting: Johnny Depp as John Dillinger is perfect. He gobbles up the screen with his best performance in years. Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis is robotic but mesmerizing. Oscar winner for La Vie en Rose, Marion Cotillard plays Billie Frechette and is a terrific match for Depp. Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover was sensational. He made me think how good Hoover would have looked in that pink tu tu. I would not be surprised if he got a Supporting nod for this role. Trivia: Director Michael Mann often portrays criminals as likeable and sympathetic (Thief and Heat). He often portrays the leader of a group of criminals as a hard-edged loner. He was Will Smith’s personal choice to direct Ali. Spike Lee campaigned vigorously against Mann, saying that only a black director could do Ali’s story justice. He directed four different performers in Oscar-nominated performances: Russell Crowe, Will Smith, Jon Voight and Jamie Foxx. Predilection: I like Johnny Depp and Michael Mann. Critters: None Food: Steak and potatoes Sex Spectrum: Many legends surround John Dillinger. One urban legend says that Dillinger’s penis had somehow found its way into the Smithsonian Institution. These legends are the result of the photograph of his corpse – the bulge caused by his arm, stiff from rigor mortis, covered with a sheet. Some who saw grainy newsprint copies of the photo mistakenly believed it to be his unnaturally large erect penis. Check out the photo and story here. Soundtrack: Great soundtrack – appropriate to the time period. Opening Titles: Other than white type on a black background setting the time and place all credits are at the end. Visual Art: It is filmed beautifully by director of photography, Dante Spinotti – it is a visual delight to watch. Theater Audience: About 30 other people. Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I looked at my watch a few times. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: I am sure it will get a few nods. Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. Dillinger has been portrayed on the big screen many times including: Lawrence Tierney played the title role in the first film dramatization of Dillinger’s career; Dillinger (1945), which inaccurately attributed several cold-blooded murders to Dillinger. In 1959’s “The FBI Story” starring James Stewart, Jean Willes plays Anna Sage and Scott Peters plays Dillinger. Director Marco Ferreri’s 1969 film Dillinger Is Dead includes documentary footage of real John Dillinger as well as newspaper clips. 1973’s Dillinger, by John Milius with Warren Oates in the title role, presented the gang in a much more sympathetic light, in keeping with the anti-hero theme popular in films after Bonnie and Clyde. Lewis Teague directed the 1979 film The Lady in Red, starring Pamela Sue Martin as the eponymous lady in the red dress. However, in this film, it is Dillinger’s girlfriend Polly in red, not the Romanian informant Anna Sage. Sage tricks Polly into wearing red so that FBI agents can identify Dillinger (Robert Conrad) as he emerges from the cinema. A TV movie Dillinger was released in 1991, starring Mark Harmon. Length: 15 minutes over the Lobo two hour rule. LOBO HOWLS: 8
|
Movie Review: The Hurt Locker July 1, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: The Hurt Locker
1 comment so far
| Movie Review: The Hurt Locker
Alternate Title: Soldier of Misfortune Story: This is one of the most compelling war movies I have ever seen. I cannot stop thinking about it. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal we meet three men from Delta Company who are on a 365 rotation in 2004, Iraq. Their unit has the daunting job of finding IEDs, defusing them or very carefully detonating them. The most remarkable thing about this adrenaline rush of a film is that their is no point of view about the war. No politics, no lectures, no right or wrong, no pontificating. It is about the day to day job of the soldier at war and it is exhausting. We get to see what they do, day after day – and I salute them all. The three main characters are well developed, riveting and sympathetic. The conflicts and resolutions that we view in their daily lives are real. Specialist Eldridge is your boy next door soldier with real fears, depression and anger. Sgt. Sanborn is more mature and prefers to stick to the manual when it comes to protocol and procedure. Staff Sgt. William James is the heart and soul of this powerful film. He is the soldier that gets addicted to the rush of war. He is reckless, wild and does an amazing job of defusing the bombs. Yes things blow up in this war movie, but it also has long sequences of quiet conflict that convey the monotony, fear and the nightmare of war. This is not a film for everyone but if you have the guts to see it – I assure you it will be a rewarding movie experience. Watch the trailer:
Acting: Jeremy Renner as Staff Sgt. William James is a star in the making. He owns the screen. He reminded me of a younger Daniel Craig. Anthony Mackie as Sgt. J. T. Sanborn was great as was Brian Geraghty as Specialist Owen Eldridge. Ralph Fiennes, David Morse and Guy Pearce have interesting cameo appearances. Trivia: Director Kathryn Bigelow is also a very talented painter and was one of James ‘Titanic’ Cameron’s many wives. She spent two years at the San Francisco Art Institute. At 20, she won a scholarship to the Whitney Museum’s Independent Study Program. She was given a studio in a former Offtrack Betting building, literally in a vault, where she made art and waited to be criticized by people like Richard Serra, Robert Rauschenberg and Susan Sontag. She later graduated from Columbia’s Film School. She was also a member of the British avant-garde cultural group, Art and Language. Predilection: None Critters: Goats and two street cats. One cat is very scruffy looking and one has a limp. Food: No time to eat. Sex Spectrum: None Opening Titles: We are immediately thrown into a tense defusing of a bomb situation. Titles are at the end. Visual Art: It was filmed in Jordan. There is a lot of sand. Theater Audience: Fairly crowded and mostly filled with men who could have been soldiers in any of our wars. Weather: Hot, hot, hot. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: There are a few very squirmy parts but watchable. Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout. Predictability Level: I was not sure what was going to happen. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: Yes. It was the winner of the 2008 Venice Film FestivalSIGNIS Grand Prize Big Screen or Rental: Big screen would be my recommendation. For other Kathryn Bigelow films you can rent: K-19: The Widowmaker, Strange Days, Blue Steel and Point Break. Length: Two hours and 10 minutes. LOBO HOWLS: 9
|
