The Jewel in the Crown November 30, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Links, Photography, Politics, Travel, Videos.Tags: Bollywood, Hinju, Moombai, Slumdog Milionaire, Suketu Mehta, Taj Mahal
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I have spent much of the last few days reading about India, perusing my personal India travel journal, looking at my photos of that trip, trying to remember my room at the Taj Hotel in Moombai and watching the nightmare unfold on the graphically nauseating CNN. I wanted to figure out what it was about India that captured my imagination when I was there in 1995. Why it is that I love films about India and essentially like ‘all things Indian.’ Would I return to visit? In a heartbeat.
What I loved about India was the chaos, the color, the sounds, the light, the food, the fact that over a billion people are animated and vibrant and it is one huge Democracy. The country has struggled since its independence from England. It is trying to undo their shameful caste system and for most Indians they still think the possibility of a good life is sure to be had with enough hard work. The City of Moombai reminded me of NYC – only with less rules and more people.
- Check out the trailer for the great new uplifting film, Slumdog Millionaire. You will get an idea of the glorious chaos of India:
- I do confess to snickering when newscasters were reporting in close proximity to the targets during the attack. They were incredulous at the fact that they were allowed to get so close to the action and at times were actually in front of the police lines. I snickered because one of the things that made us laugh while in India was the fact that there are very few rules. Tourists go to places with crumbling steps, no guard rails and danger lurking around every corner. We would look at one another and laugh that in the US none of the places we visited would be open to tourists until every safety precaution was fixed. Our fear of litigation apparently does not exist in India. I liked that.
- The New York Times has had excellent coverage and analysis about the latest terrorist attack and I have read all of those article too. India is calling this their ‘911′ but they are far more used to terror on their own soil than we were. An excellent article in the OpEd section by Suketo Mehta in yesterday’s NY Times discusses why Moombai was attacked and why the author is booking a flight to revisit that City. The article was reminiscent of what we read right after 911. They attack because they hate all we stand for. Do not let them get away with this. He said “If the rest of the world wants to help, it should run toward the explosion. It should fly to Mumbai, and spend money. Where else are you going to be safe? New York? London? Madrid? So I’m booking flights to Mumbai. I’m going to go get a beer at the Leopold, stroll over to the Taj for samosas at the Sea Lounge, and watch a Bollywood movie at the Metro. Stimulus doesn’t have to be just economic”.
- The targets that these cowardly terrorists struck were not random. They were symbolic of everything they hate. In a city of 20,000,000 Indians, they chose to single out the Chabad that served a population of only 4000 Jews and Jews that visit India. There seems to be a growing link between India and Israel. Read this very interesting piece by Samuel G. Freedman from yesterday’s NY Times called Between Israel and India, a Link Based on Culture and, Now, Terrorism- As an imitation news story on the Web site SatireWire put it: “Hinjew leaders today conceded the merger of Hinduism and Judaism has not worked out as planned, as instead of forming a super-religion to fight off the common Islamic enemy, they have instead created a race of 900 million people who, no matter how many times they are reincarnated, can never please their mothers.”
- And who does not love Bollywood?
Friday Frenzy November 28, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Black Friday hysteria, Central Park Zoo, Moombai, Rachel Maddow, sealions, torture, wildlife
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The nightmare in Moombai continues. We were lucky enough to stay at the century old Taj Mahal Hotel when we went to India and fell in love with that beautiful county. I can only imagine the terror and ager that this bustling city that we used to call Bombay is undergoing. It is startling to think that a handful of angry young men with fairly unsophisticated weapons and cell phones can keep a city hostage. Get ready for metal detectors at all hotels soon. They are soft targets and certainly cannot afford to lose the tourist business in any city.
- The issue to investigate the Bush administration and torture is making the rounds. More thoughtful heads are entering the discussion. Can this issue be whitewashed with a commission. Read this thorough overview on some of the things that can evolve in this issue.
- It is Black Friday. I have never gone shopping on this nutty day and never will. Good luck to al out there who are hitting the stores. I do admit to enjoy watching the Nightly news when inevitably they will show the stampede of shoppers as the doors open and somebody getting trampled in the frenzy. It goes something like this:
And this hysterical one:
- I will go to work at the Central park Zoo today like I have been doing for the past 18 years. It is one of our more crowded days filled with tourists, families and zoo lovers. Come on over.
- This is what I will be doing today instead of shopping:
- Here is Rachel Maddow with some Thanksgiving thoughts:
- For the Vegans out there:
Movie Review: Milk November 28, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Politics, Videos.Tags: Movie Review: Milk
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Movie Review: Milk
Alternate Title: Lactose Tolerant
Story: The timing on this inspiring film by director Gus Van Sant could not have been more perfect. After the recent shameful passage of Prop 8 on CA’s ballot, denying homosexuals the right to marry, we get to experience the life and times of Harvey Milk, the first professed homosexual to be elected to public office.
The film was written by Dustin Lance Black (Big Love) with input from many of the people who knew and worked with Milk at the time. The film is seen through flashbacks as Harvey Milk speaks into a tape recorder, chronicling the events that lead up to his ultimate assassination along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone on November 10, 1978.
Van Sant develops a three dimensional character of Milk. He depicts his slow evolution once he comes out of the closet. He shows his flaws, tenderness and passion for a cause that changed history. The film is funny, uplifting, heartfelt and filled with rich detail and warmth. I defy you not to shed a tear at the end of the film. Be sure to stay for the credits. You will be able to see what happened to all of the major players.
Let’s give a rousing cheer to all of the community organizers out there. They can and do change the world. You betcha!
Also please note that a documentary film by Rob Epstein, based on the book The Times of Harvey Milk, won the 1984 Academy Award for Documentary Feature.
Watch Anita Bryant get a pie thrown in her face:
Acting: Sean Penn is Harvey Milk. He is transformed on the screen and should probably be clearing space on his mantel for all of the rewards he surely will get for this amazing performance. Emile Hirsch as Cleve Jones, gives another slid performance. James Franco as Scott Smith, gives a mighty fine performance. Josh Brolin as Dan White, is having one heck of a run. He gives a great performance in this challenging role. Diego Luna as Jack Lira, was one of the saddest characters on the screen. Alison Pill as Anne Kronenberg, gave a fine performance as the only female in the cast. Victor Garber as Mayor George Moscone, was terrific. as were the rest of the cast including, Denis O’Hare (John Briggs), Joseph Cross (Dick Pabich), Stephen Spinella (Rick Stokes), Lucas Grabeel (Danny Nicoletta), Brandon Boyce (Jim Rivaldo), Zvi Howard Rosenman (David Goodstein) and Kelvin Yu (Michael Wong).
Trivia: Director Gus Van Sant is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design. Sean Penn’s father was of mostly Russian and Lithuanian descent, but paternal grandfather, whose original surname was Piñon, was of Sephardic Jewish heritage. His mother was of Irish and Italian heritage. His paternal grandparents ran a Jewish deli for some time in NY. His father, Leo Penn, had been blacklisted in the 50s Hollywood. James Franco likes to paint in his spare time.
Predilection: I lived in CA during this time and remember the joy at the passage of Prop 6.
Critters: An adorable dog.
Food: Lots of take-out, pasta, chicken and a Mexican dish. There were several scenes that involved birthdays and pies (in your face).
Sex Spectrum: There is definitely sex but it is tender and mostly in the shadows or very close-up.
Blatant Product Placement: Coors beer
Soundtrack: An eclectic mix of songs from the era and music by Danny Elfman. This is the second film I have seen this month that includes the opera, Tosca in the film. The other one was Quantum of Solace.
Opening Titles: A black and white photo montage of what life was life for homosexuals before they got their act together and became a political force.
Visual Art: Director of photography, Harris Savides does a fine job of recreating the era.
Theater Audience: Pretty crowded for a 10:30 AM show on opening Wednesday.
Squirm Scale: Anita Bryant made my skin crawl.
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all
Tissue Usage: One
Oscar Worthy: Yes
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen. For some of Gus Van Sant’s other films you can rent: Paranoid Park, Elephant, Gerry , Finding Forrester, Psycho, Good Will Hunting To Die For, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, My Own Private Idaho and Drugstore Cowboy
Length: A smigen over two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9
Happy Thanksgiving ‘08 November 27, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: animals eating, cats, dogs, Thanksgiving
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A very Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. Here’s hoping your travels are safe today (if you are traveling) and hoping your friends are many and family a plenty. I am thankful that we have a two digit countdown until the thugs leave DC. Let’s hope that it does not drain all of the essence out of the new guys coming to town to try to undo all of the many toxic things that the thugs leave behind.
I am thankful for so many things. You know the list – health (both mental and physical), good friends, fine family and the time and energy to pursue the things I like to do. I am most thankful for our recent election results. Some of you have inquired if I was going to have to change the name of my blog when Obama comes to town. I would be delighted to not have to ‘fume about our current administration’ but somehow I think I will probably find many things to rant about, don’t you?
But for today – I am simply thankful. And thank you all for continuing to read my rants (or at least look at the pictures). Got to go cook the bird.
- Always blame the cat (if you do not have a dog):
- Since it is all about eating today, enjoy these munchers:
When the President does it… November 26, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos, wildlife.Tags: Ann Coulter, anoles, bailout, dogs, Hannity, Karzai, Maddow, Menendez, St. Croix, torture, Turley
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I have been seething about the lack of movement by the Democrats on the torture issue. It is not enough to only speak to the American people about the economy. We, as a country, need to be angry about torture, rendition and the fact that this thuggish administration of bullies is going to get away with what they have done to our reputation around the world. Please do not let these lawless goons get away with what they have done. The truth needs to see the light of day and people need to be punished.
If things get whitewashed, these illegal acts become precedent. It must by stopped. Rachel Maddow talks to Constitutional lawyer, Jonathan Turley about whether the Democrats are going to let Bush off the hook for torturing prisoners.
- In an unrelated matter, President Hamid Karzai told a visiting U.N. Security Council delegation Tuesday that the international community should set a timeline to end the war in Afghanistan. Let’s just bring everyone home and forget about the last eight years (except for Osama Bin Laden, right)?
- This site claims to be able to tell if the website is by a female or a male.
- More unrelated items: Ann Coulter’s jaw has been wired shut. And you said you had nothing to be Thankful for this holiday? It also seems like Hannity will be losing Alan Colmes soon. Shucks.
- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, was appointed Tuesday to head the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the political organization charged with helping to elect Democratic senators.
Menendez succeeds Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, as DSCC chair. Schumer held the post for four years and is credited with helping Democrats pick-up at least seven seats in November.
- Third straight day of gains in the stock market since August. Estimated 4.3 trillion spent on bailout already? “If we add in the Citi bailout, the total cost now exceeds $4.6165 trillion dollars. People have a hard time conceptualizing very large numbers, so let’s give this some context. The current Credit Crisis bailout is now the largest outlay In American history.Jim Bianco of Bianco Research crunched the inflation adjusted numbers. The bailout has cost more than all of these big budget government expenditures – combined”
• Marshall Plan: Cost: $12.7 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $115.3 billion
• Louisiana Purchase: Cost: $15 million, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $217 billion
• Race to the Moon: Cost: $36.4 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $237 billion
• S&L Crisis: Cost: $153 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $256 billion
• Korean War: Cost: $54 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $454 billion
• The New Deal: Cost: $32 billion (Est), Inflation Adjusted Cost: $500 billion (Est)
• Invasion of Iraq: Cost: $551b, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $597 billion
• Vietnam War: Cost: $111 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $698 billion
• NASA: Cost: $416.7 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $851.2 billion
TOTAL: $3.92 trillion
- In the try to leave ‘em smiling mode – Larry and Anole and Beemer the Dog share a long term friendship on the beautiful island of St. Croix
Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire November 25, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Videos.Tags: Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire
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Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire
Alternate Title: Rags to Riches
Story: You must see this exhilarating film. It is by far, the most feel good and at the same time, most exhausting production of the year. It was directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Millions, The Beach) and written by Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty), based on the novel “Q & A” by Vikas Swarup.
The over the top melodramatic aspects should make you want to run from the theater but because of the extraordinary talent in the film making process you will find yourself accepting the whole unbelievable tale – lock, stock and barrel.
An 18 year old destitute orphan, finds himself on India’s version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ verging on winning the top prize. How he got to this point is revealed in flashbacks while he is being interrogated at a police station because it was believed that a man of his low class stature could not possibly know the answers to all of the questions.
I will not spoil anything for you but let me say that life lessons on the street are definitely underestimated in this tale of triumph. Are there holes in the plot? Most definitely. Are there stretches of disbelief? Of course. Will you find yourself cheering for our young hero? Absolutely. The story telling is first rate as are all of the production values up and down the line.
Treat yourself this holiday season and see this feel good film – but be warned – there are some very difficult to watch sequences that involve children of the streets.
Watch director Danny Boyle discuss the challenges of shooting a film in India.
Acting: British Dev Patel as Jamal, the Slumdog Millionaire, was absolutely perfect. The young actor who played Jamal as a boy was precious – Ayush Mahesh Khedekar. Model, turned actor Freida Pinto did her part adequately as Latika. Rubina Ali as the youngest Latika was adorable. Madhur Mittal as older brother Salim was believable. Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail as the youngest Salim was terrific. Anil Kapoor as TV moderator, Prem was great as was the always good Irrfan Khan as the Police Inspector.
Trivia: Some of director Danny Boyle’s trademarks are employed in this film including, the opening shot is usually a shot taken from the middle of the movie. He often uses electronic music in his films. He often uses places, characters, actors or references to and relating to Scotland (in one of the more hilarious sequences) and the use of a kinetic camera (which work beautifully in the many chase scenes in the film).
Predilection: I like all things Indian.
Critters: There were surprisingly few critters considering the film was shot in India. But we did see some dogs and chickens.
Food: A sandwich, rice, nan bread.
Sex Spectrum: No sex – it is a film that takes place in India (but sex is definitely implied).
Soundtrack: Wonderfully frenetic.
Opening Titles: A fast montage of disjointed scenes that capture your immediate interest.
Visual Art: India is a visual delight and was captured beautifully (even the squalor) by director of photography, Anthony Dod Mantel
Theater Audience: Pretty crowded for the first show on a Monday.
Sappy Factor: 0
Squirm Scale: 2 – There are scenes where I flinched, winced and closed my eyes. (Nothing bad happens to any animals – just children).
Drift Factor: I was captivated throughout.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Yes
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9
Well, pardon them November 25, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Al Franken, Bush pardons, David Letterman, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, Robert Redford, Sarah Palin, Wisdom
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Well – pardon them. So, our stingy pardoner-in chief has issued some early pardons. Here is a list of the lucky ones. Stay tuned. I have a sneaky suspicion more are coming our way soon.
On the latest pardon list were:
- Leslie Owen Collier of Charleston, Mo., who pleaded guilty in 1995 to unlawfully killing three bald eagles in southeast Missouri. He improperly used pesticide in hamburger meat to kill coyotes, but ended up killing many other animals, including the bald eagles. Collier, who was convicted for unauthorized use of a pesticide and violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, was sentenced Feb. 2, 1996 in the Eastern District of Missouri.
- Milton Kirk Cordes of Rapid City, S.D. Cordes was convicted of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, which prohibits importation into the country of wildlife taken in violation of conservation laws.
- Richard Micheal Culpepper of Mahomet, Ill., who was convicted of making false statements to the federal government.
- Brenda Jean Dolenz-Helmer of Fort Worth, Texas, convicted of concealing knowledge of a crime. Dolenz-Helmer, the daughter of a Dallas doctor accused of medical insurance fraud, was convicted in connection with the doctor’s case. She was sentenced Dec. 31, 1998 in the Northern District of Texas to four year’s probation with the special condition of 600 hours of community service and a $10,000 fine.
- Andrew Foster Harley of Falls Church, Va. Harley was convicted of wrongful use and distribution of marijuana and cocaine during a general court martial at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Obie Gene Helton of Rossville, Ga., whose offense was unauthorized acquisition of food stamps.
- Carey C. Hice Sr. of Travelers Rest, S.C., who was convicted of income tax evasion.
_ Geneva Yvonne Hogg of Jacksonville, Fla., convicted of bank embezzlement.
- William Hoyle McCright Jr. of Midland, Texas, who was convicted of bank fraud.
- Paul Julian McCurdy of Sulphur, Okla., who was sentenced for misapplication of bank funds.
- Robert Earl Mohon Jr. of Grant, Ala., who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
- Ronald Alan Mohrhoff of Los Angeles, who was convicted for unlawful use of a telephone in a narcotics felony.
- Daniel Figh Pue III of Conroe, Texas, convicted of illegal treatment, storage and disposal of a hazardous waste without a permit.
- Orion Lynn Vick of White Hall, Ark., who was convicted of aiding and abetting the theft of government property.
- Bush also commuted the prison sentences of John Edward Forte of North Brunswick, N.J., and James Russell Harris of Detroit, Mich. Both were convicted of cocaine offenses.
“Some high-profile individuals, such as Michael Milken, are seeking a pardon on securities fraud charges. Two politicians convicted of public corruption — former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, R-Calif., and four-term Democratic Louisiana Gov. Edwin W. Edwards — are asking Bush to shorten their prison terms.
One hot topic of discussion related to pardons is whether Bush might decide to issue pre-emptive pardons before he leaves office to government employees who authorized or engaged in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Some constitutional scholars and human rights groups want the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama to investigate possible war crimes”.
If you are obsessed about the Al Franken/Norm Coleman Missesota mess, you can check out this up to date recount results often.
- Rachel’s Lame Duck watch continues:
- If you missed Keith Olbermann’s first time viewing of the Plain-Turkey debacle, check it out:
- Check out some WISDOM. Pass it on.
- Dave Letterman’s Top 10 Sarah Palin turkey pardon/slaughter gate excuses
It’s the economy, (yes, I am) stupid! November 24, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Al Franken, It's the economy, Lieberman, Nate Silver, Ny Giants, Pulse Park, stupid
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Today is the day that Barack Obama marches out his new economic team. It’s like Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa all wrapped up in one pretty, new package. I readily admit to knowing little about the economy. Yeah, yeah – ‘Buy low, sell high’ is a good start but after that? I read the headlines and look at the photos in the Business Section of the NY Times each day and try to figure out what is going on. Yes Virginia, the sky is falling. Here’s what it looks like to someone like me.
- There seems to be a bailout for everyone but Lehman Brothers. What did these guys do to piss everyone off more than the other guys? Is it really all about size? The NY Giants are even mad at Lehman Brothers and is on the offense against them.
- Why isn’t anyone being punished? Where are those long ago ‘perp’ walks that we used to see in the days of madman Rudy when he was Mayor and DA?
- I hate the word ‘derivative.’ Not crazy about ’swaps’ either.
- As of this morning Citigroup is going to be helped out by the very generous tax payers. I am glad I do not have to change my bank.
- Wall Street will probably go ‘ga ga’ over the new economic team hoping against hope that someone out there knows what they are doing and can fix the mess that we are in collectively.
- I am sure I am sitting when I get my monthly brokerage statement.
- How many want to see less of this guy? Regrets, he has a few…but no apology given.
- Nate Silver projects that Al Franken will win by 27 votes. Go Nate.
- For those that like this sort of random item. Here is the history of the bagel.
- Here’s to all of our strong heartbeats in the days ahead:
Pardon Me? November 23, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Photography, Politics, Videos, wildlife.Tags: Al Franken, JFK grave, Jonathan Turley, minnesota recount, pardons, pelicans, Rachel Madow
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The photo to the left is of the eternal flame at JFK’s grave at Arlington Cemetery. I had been so long since I had been to Arlington I had never seen the grave site. On last month’s visit we paid our respects. And yes, 45 years later, I am still unconvinced about the single gunman theory. Can anyone forget where they were when they heard that awful news? I was getting out of an Art History class at RISD when a kid on a motorcycle went screaming down the street that the President had been shot. It was a very bad day. Watch some home video taken in before, during and after construction of assassinated President John Kennedy’s grave and memorial with appropriate Irish folk song accompaniment.
- As the clock ticks off the 57 days left to this thuggish administration one cannot help but think about the damage that they still can do in these last two months. How much more environmental trashing can be wrought? Is there another area where the Constitution can be tarnished? Can consumers be any less confident in our lack of leadership? Gail Collins had an idea in yesterday’s column called ‘Time for Him to Go’. She suggests that Bush/Cheney resign and Obama begin the changes that we need now. I vote that that. If you have not been frightened about what could happen in the next two months while these thugs are in charge you can check out Paul Krugman’s latest column called ‘The Lame Duck Economy’ and start to get nervous too. If this Nobel Prize economist is worried, I am going to worry too.
- Yes, the economy and our lack of leadership in general, is something to lose one’s hair over but I obsess about the little things. I have always had a fascination about Presidential Pardons. Time Magazine lists the Ten Most controversial Presidential Pardons including: The Whiskey Rebels of 1794, Citizens of the Confederate States (1865) , Jimmy Hoffa (1971), Richard Nixon (1974), Vietnam Draft Dodgers (1977), Mark Felt (aka Deep Throat and Edward Miller (1981). George Steinbrenner (1989), Caspar Weinberger (1992), Patty Hearst (2001) and the pardon that still makes headlines, Marc Rich (2001). So what will George W. Bush do? I think he does not like to pardon people. He is stingy of person and will have to be convinced, cajoled and generally prevailed upon that by pardoning people he will be saving his own ass down the road. Stay tuned – if you think you are mad at Bush now – wait until he opens Pardon-Gate.
- Watch Rachel Maddow discuss pardons with Constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley.
- My Minnesota recount obsession marches on. I am getting increasingly doubtful that Al Franken can stand up to the ever so slim lead that Norm Coleman has over him. Bummer. Al Franken in the Senate would have been lots of fun.
- Last weekend I was enjoying 85 degree temperatures in the St Croix sun. Baby it is cold outside in NYC today. Enjoy a bit of sun, surf, salt air and pelicans:
Movie Review: Quantum of Solace November 22, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Videos.Tags: 007, James Bond, Movie Review: Quantum of Solace
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Movie Review: Quantum of Solace
Alternate Title: Revenge Times Two
Story: If you did not see Casino Royale you might be scratching your head trying to understand the good guys, the bad guy and the in between guys in this latest 007 James Bond installment directed by Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland) and written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Paul Haggis.
We find ourselves right where Casino Royale left off with revenge being the heart and soul of this fast paced, light on dialogue, Bond installment. At the beginning of the movie it seemed as if they sandwiched dollops of plot in the midst of car chases, airplane chases, street chases and explosions. In a nutshell, Bond is seeking revenge against the people that killed his Casino Royale love, Vesper, and a new character, Camille, is seeking revenge against the murderous thug who killed her family when she was a little girl.
There is lots of action, beautiful locations, handsome men and gorgeous women as eye candy for one and all. My favorite sequence took place during a performance of Tosca. If you like the Bond franchise you cannot go wrong. If you are looking for a more high tech, fast paced shoot ‘em up, perhaps you should look to the Bourne series instead. I like them both.
If you like James Bond trivia, check out this site with all of the details.
Acting: Daniel Craig as James Bond is a delightful incarnation of the character. He is strong, handsome and cranky and smart. Olga Kurylenko as the revengeful, Camille was adequate in her role. The ubiquitous Mathieu Amalric as the very bad Dominic Greene was good. Judi Dench as M, seems to enjoy this easy role. It was good to see Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis, back again. Gemma Arterton as Agent Strawberry Fields was underutilized. Jeffrey Wright returns as CIA operative, Felix Leiter.
Trivia: Daniel Craig is the first Bond actor to have been born after the Bond series began. He is committed to another two Bond films. Giancarlo Giannini is an inventor. He invented the moving, playing jacket Robin Williams was wearing in Toys
Predilection: I like Daniel Craig.
Sex Spectrum: There is always the hint of sex in a Bond film.
Blatant Product Placement: I was aware of Aston Martin as a product placement and my movie cohorts noticed others, including Ford.
Soundtrack: Not as exciting as I would have liked.
Opening Titles: An interesting graphic.
Theater Audience: Saw this movie while on vacation in ST Croix with four other Bondies.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: No time to drift. Too many fast paced scenes.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Big screens are always best for a Bond film. If you want to rent the rest of the Bond films, check out: Dr. No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), Casino Royale (1967), On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live and Let Die (1973), The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983),Never Say Never Again (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), The Living Daylights (1987), License to Kill (1989), Golden Eye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Casino Royale (2006) and Quantum of Solace (2008),
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: (00)7
