Movie Review: The Great Buck Howard March 31, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Movie Review: The Great Buck Howard
add a comment
 Movie Review: The Great Buck Howard
Alternate Title: Do You Believe in Magic? Story: Depending on your generation, you will either be rooting for more screen time for the anachronism known as Buck Howard or for the twenty something called Troy Gable, who is looking to find his true path in life. Me? I could not get enough of the great Buck Howard. Based on the career of the Amazing Kreskin, writer and director Sean McGinly brings one heck of a legend to the big screen. The Great Buck Howard’s claim to fame is that he appeared on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show 61 times. His career is now reduced to playing to half filled venues in towns like Bakersfield, Ca, Akron, Ohio (where they just love him) and Cincinnati. He amazes his audiences with the same magic tricks and feats of mentalism that has worked for him for the past forty years. Enter Troy Gable, a law school drop out, who is searching for his true calling. Troy becomes Howard’s road manager, coddler and general organizer. In an often annoying voice over, Troy tries to explain how he feels about this lovable, dated lunk called the Great Buck Howard. This movie is one of those small scale gems that you can just sit back in your sit and just enjoy the ride. I was treated to many a laugh and a few surprises.
Watch this promo for the Amazing Kreskin:
Acting: John Malkovich as Buck Howard, has not been this good in years. He owns the screen nd I bought every minute of his performance. Colin Hanks as Troy Gable, did not move me at all, I found him to be moderately pleasant, but totally forgettable. Emily Blunt as Valerie Brennan is all over the place these days and is a fine actress. Steve Zahn never fails to deliver a good performance as did the hilarious Debra Monk. Tom Hanks (Colin’s real life father and one of the producers of the film) appears as the disapproving father. There are some funny cameos by George Takei (Sulu of Star Trek), Gary Coleman, Jack Carter, David Blaine, Jon Stewart, Conin O’Brien, Jay Leno, Griffin Dunne, Regis and Kelly and more. Trivia: Steve Zahn is a Harvard graduate. Colin Hanks is the son of Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes. John Malkovich is of Croatian heritage. He has developed a great passion for Portugal, where he has filmed some movies recently. He also keeps a house here, as he co-owns a disco in Lisbon. When he was 16, he decided to get his excessive weight under control and lost 70 pounds by eating nothing but Jell-O for two months. Predilection: None – although I do like John Malkovich. Critters: None Food: Cobb salad, brandy. Opening Titles: A very clever opening sequence. Theater Audience: Six other people. Quirky Meter: 2 Drift Factor: I drifted a little trying to figure out who Colin Hanks reminded me of. When I finally figured it out, I relaxed. He reminds me of the guy that plays McGee on TV’s NCIS. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Either would be fine. Length: 90 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 8
|
Death of a Thousand Cuts March 31, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos, wildlife.Tags: Chameleon, Dan Froomkin, David Petraeus, Dick Cheney, John Hanna, Jonathan Turley, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, Seymour Hersh
3 comments
Judy-One-Note continues with her pounding of the war crimes/torture issue. As noted this past week, Spain is getting prepared to indict six former Bush Administration members for violations of International law, that we, as a country, signed. Will Spain’s move be the catalyst for the Obama Administration to take the high road and appoint a special prosecutor that sends the signal to the world that we will take care of our own problems? Will this be the firecracker that lights up the sky? Stay tuned. Watch Keith discuss this issue with my guy, Prof. Jonathan Turley
- Here is Rachel Maddow, on the same issue, the law and Obama’s upcoming trip to Europe and the men who are possibly going to be indicted.
- Here is Seymour Hersh on the secret Cheney assassination thug ring or is it wing and John Hanna, former Cheney National Security advisor to Cheney. Hannah echoed Hersh’s statements. Hannah said that “troops in the field” are given “authority” to “capture or kill certain individuals” who are perceived as a threat. “That’s certainly true,” he said to Wolf Blitzer.
- On CNN Sunday, General David Petraeus countered former Vice President Dick Cheney’s recent claim that Obama’s administration had made America less safe.
- Bush’s Torture Rationale Debunked by Dan Froomkin in the Washington Post. “Abu Zubaida was the alpha and omega of the Bush administration’s argument for torture. That’s why Sunday’s front-page Washington Post story by Peter Finn and Joby Warrick is such a blow to the last remaining torture apologists. Finn and Warrick reported that “not a single significant plot was foiled” as a result of Zubaida’s brutal treatment — and that, quite to the contrary, his false confessions “triggered a series of alerts and sent hundreds of CIA and FBI investigators scurrying in pursuit of phantoms.”
- In an unrelated matter, The Obama family has rejected the allotted $100,000 of taxpayer money for redecorating the White House family wing.
- March 30, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds
- Think we can change our direction on the torture issue like this very cool chameleon?
The Eyes have It! March 29, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Alberto Gonzales, Bronx Zoo, Collared Lemur Baby, Crystal Gayle, Giraffe Baby, Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva, Maureen Dowd
1 comment so far
There has been much ado about blue-eyed white men being the cause of the world’s financial crisis. Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva pledged to make next week’s G20 summit “spicy” as he accused the rich of forcing the poor into greater hardship. Brazil’s president, known as Lula said, “This crisis was caused by the irrational behavior of white people with blue eyes, who before the crisis appeared to know everything and now demonstrate that they know nothing,” charged the brown-eyed, bearded socialist president. While this fellow may not have the most tact around – there is something to be said about his accusation. This upcoming G20 conference should be great fodder for more sound bites.
- I have blue eyes and while my brown eyed sister was thought I got the ‘gift’ of blue eyes, I never thought much about it. Does the old proverb, “The eyes are the windows of the soul,” contain a powerful truth? I don’t know about that but we all look at someone while speaking and try to find the truth of what they are saying by peeking into their eyes. That is one of the reasons it bothers me that Obama almost never looks into the camera while speaking except on his weekly youtube address. “Our eyes reveal whether our souls are spacious or cramped, hospitable or critical, compassionate or judgmental. The way we see other people is usually the way we see ourselves. If we have made peace with our flawed humanity and embraced our ragamuffin identity, we are able to tolerate in others what was previously unacceptable in ourselves“. – Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel
Maureen Dowd addresses this issue in a fine column today called, Blue-Eyed Greed?
- In further news about ‘eyes’: A Madrid court eyes ex-Bush officials. A Spanish court has agreed to consider opening a criminal case against six former Bush administration officials, including former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, over allegations that they gave legal cover for torture at Guantanamo Bay, a lawyer in the case said yesterday. Human rights lawyers brought the case before leading antiterror judge Baltasar Garzon, who agreed to send it on to prosecutors to decide whether it had merit, said Gonzalo Boye, one of the lawyers who brought the charges. The former officials are Gonzales; former undersecretary of defense for policy Douglas Feith; former Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff, David Addington; Justice Department officials John Yoo and Jay S. Bybee; and Pentagon lawyer William Haynes. Spanish law allows courts to reach beyond national borders in cases of torture or war crimes under a doctrine of universal justice. – AP – stay tuned to this juicy story.
- Crystal Gayle – Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue (1977)
- News of a six week old baby giraffe at the Bronx Zoo was just too tempting not to see. Meet Margaret Abigail in today’s montage. She is a six foot tall bundle of joy. We were also pleasantly surprised to find a Collared Lemur baby, clinging to its mother’s belly in the always wonderful Madagascar habitat. Feast your eyes on these cute ones.
Scoop de Jour March 27, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Baby giraffe, Budget, Collared Lemur, Rachel Maddow
1 comment so far
Obama is everywhere and the Repugnants have no idea what to do about it. Their response to his dare about their presenting an alternative budget was to introduce a budget without any numbers. Isn’t that one of the reasons we are in such a mess today? Bush’ budgets left out the costs of two wars. Hello? Is war free? While their budget was very skimpy on details, it does include one major policy proposal: a huge tax cut for the wealthy. Under the Republican plan, the top marginal tax rate would be slashed from 35 to 25 percent, facilitating a dramatic transfer of wealth up the economic scale. Anyone making more than a $100,000 would pay the top rate; those under would pay 10 percent. How surprising – a HUGE tax cut for the wealthiest of Americans. Gasp!
- My great escape is going to the movies or going to a zoo. Yesterday I chose a zoo. The Bronx Zoo always has surprises and yesterday was no exception. Not only did I get to see their six week old baby giraffe, Margaret Abigail (featured above), I got to see the tiniest Collared Lemur baby - Photo below). A collective awwwwwwwwwww can be heard across the land.
- Here is how Rachel dissected this move by the Repugnants:
- Teleprompter Vs No Teleprompter Letterman Takes On Obama Critics VIDEO
- In case we forgot what it was like only a few months ago. My favorite is ‘”It’s clearly a budget. It’s got a lot of numbers in it.” May 5, 2000
- March 26, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds
- And how hip is this gal?
Movie Review: Sunshine Cleaning March 25, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Review Archives, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Movie Review: Sunshine Cleaning
1 comment so far
| Movie Review: Sunshine Cleaning
Alternate Title: Life is Messy Story: Wouldn’t it be great if the messiness of life could be cleaned up as easily as calling in a toxic waste crew to polish, rub and wax away the trauma and scars that have accumulated while living out our day to day lives? This heartfelt, honest new film directed by New Zealand’s Christine Jeffs (Sylvia) and written by Megan Holley made me care deeply about all of these scarred, vulnerable characters. Poor 30-ish Rose is in a nowhere relationship with a married man, has a seven year old son she is raising alone, a troubled younger sister who cannot hold a job and a father that needs tending as he goes from scheme to scheme trying to earn a dollar. She tries to hold it all together with daily affirmation post-its. Her quiet desperation is infectious. Rose and her sister start up Sunshine Cleaning, a business that goes in to remove body fluids, toxic debris and biohazard materials after a crime. Messy business indeed. How Rose and her sister Norah find and seal that special bond that only sisters share is a nice moment to view. The film is not a comedy but has some funny moments that will surely make you smile. The characters are real, the emotions raw and like life, the film does not tie up all of the loose ends. The scars of life’s experiences are like the stains in a carpet. They are very hard to remove but when accomplished – it is very satisfying indeed. If you like slice of life films, check this one out.
Acting: Amy Adams as Rose, was a gem. I never think I am going to like her very much and then she surprises me. Brava. Emily Blunt as Norah, was equally as engaging and both of these two young women were a treat to watch. Alan Arkin as Joe, the father, played the same character that he has been playing for awhile. I happen t like this character so it did not bother me at all. Jason Spevack as seven year old Oscar was adorable. Steve Zahn as philandering Mac, is always good as was Mary Lynn Rajskub as Lynn and Clifton Collins Jr. as Winston. Trivia: English actress Emily Blunt was named Best Female Scene-Stealer for her performance in The Devil Wears Prada (2006) by Entertainment Weekly. Her ex-boyfriend Michael Bublé’s wrote the hit single Everything for her. She is also on his album Call Me Irresponsible where she sings briefly at the end of the song Me And Mrs. Jones. Amy Adams was born in Italy to American parents Kathryn and Richard Adams, while her father was a U.S. serviceman. She was raised in a Mormon family of seven children in Castle Rock, Colorado. Predilection: None Critters: A sweet kitty. Food: Candy Corn, pizza and chocolate cake. Sex Spectrum: Some simulated fumbling sex. Blatant Product Placement: Coke Opening Titles: A nice sequence that introduces us to the two sisters. Visual Art: The details in the crime scene cleanups were amazing. I got lost in the tchotchkes. Theater Audience: About 20 popcorn munching viewers Weather: The weather in Albuquerque was sunny. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 2 Squirm Scale: The blood and gore might bother some but I like all of the CSI TV shows, so I was fine with it. Drift Factor: I was attentive throughout. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: I welled up a few times. Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Support the Indies. See it on the big screen. For some other films with Sunshine in the title you could rent: Sunshine, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Little Miss Sunshine, The Sunshine Boys, Sunshine State, California Sunshine, Sunshine Hotel, Everybody Loves Sunshine, Little Mary Sunshine, A Million Miles to Sunshine, The Sunshine Deli and Grocery, Good Morning, Sunshine, Ray of Sunshine, Walkin’ on Sunshine. Length: 90 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 8
|
(Not so hard) Press Conference March 25, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Jewish Stuff, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Brooklyn Design Lab, Ed Henry, Francois Leaf-Monkey, Obama Press Conference, Old Jews Telling Jokes
1 comment so far
Last night’s prime time Obama Press Conference seemed like a rerun to me. Did anyone hear any mention of the word torture last night? The major newspapers were shut out from question time. There were no questions from the NY Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal or USA Today. Maybe they need to start waving their hands furiously so that the teacher will call on them? So who did get called upon? The Washington Times, Stars and Stripes, and POLITICO as well as reporters Jennifer Loven (AP), Chuck Todd (NBC), Jake Tapper (ABC), Chip Reid (CBS), Lourdes Meluza (Univision), Kevin Baron (Stars and Stripes), Ed Henry (CNN), Major Garrett (Fox News), Mike Allen (POLITICO), Kevin Chappell (Ebony), Ann Compton (ABC Radio), Jon Ward (Washington Times) and Stephen Collinson (AFP). It seemed to me that the press corps does not have a focus and that last night’s event simply allowed Obama to keep spreading the word about his mission. I like his overall mission so I will give him the benefit of the doubt. I am just pissed about the lack of action, or interest, on the issue of torture. My favorite exchange was when CNN’s Ed Henry pressed him on the speed of his response to the AIG bonus issue, Obama snapped back, “It took me a couple of days because I like to know what I’m talking about before I speak.” For the record, it’s worth noting that in their eight years, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush each held just four prime time press conferences.
- President Obama smacks down Ed Henry at 3/24/09 Press Conference on AIG Bonuses
- Guess what? That nutty color code system that seemed to get into high gear around election time is probably going the way of the dodo bird. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano doesn’t think they do much good, and they’ve disappeared from the front page of Homeland’s website.
- A fine is a tax for doing wrong; a tax is a fine for doing well. – Anonymous
- For those that need a good laugh every now and then, check out this website called Old Jews Telling Jokes.
- March 24, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds
- Amy Yang, a former Central Park Zoo keeper, who was responsible for building my original website has moved on to many other creative avenues. Her latest project is a little shop called Brooklyn Design Lab which offers design and art classes for children ages 2-12 year round (summers are 9am-3pm for 9-12 yr olds). There is a description below and please visit the website for full info. Brooklyn Design Lab offers design and art classes in a studio environment for early childhood (ages 2-4) and grade school (grades K-6) students. All of our classes are hands-on, process-driven and focused. Students of all ages explore a set of materials, a theme, or an area of study in depth. Class sizes are strictly limited so that students can get the most out of each course, the time spent with their teachers, and their fellow students. BDL values process over product and the fun of creating over all. Brooklyn Design Lab is located steps from many Park Slope public schools (7th ave bt 13/14th sts). Classes run throughout the year and are held during the day, after-school, Saturdays, and in the summer. Early registration is recommended. The Brooklyn Design Lab studio window showcases a selection of student work in rotating mini exhibitions.
Please forward this to anyone (and everyone) you think might be interested.
- ‘Elke’ the four-day-old hand raised Francois Leaf-Monkey is shown for the first time at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. The Leaf-Monkeys native habitat is Northeast Vietnam and Southeast China.
A Torturous Path to Justice March 24, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Jewish Stuff, Links, Photography, Politics, Religion, Videos.Tags: Economy Candy, Frankfurter Frenzy, HIllary: The Movie, Jonathan Turley, Rachel Madow, Rudy and Judy, Shawarma King, Supreme Court, torture
1 comment so far
Am I Judy-One-Note? Have I tortured you with too many blog entries on the subject of torture? It is a priority for me that the Obama Administration stop pussy footing around this issue and appoint a Special Prosecutor and begin what will surely be a messy but necessary step in our national disgrace. A truth commission is a delay tactic. What is Obama waiting for? Watch this six minute clip from last night’s Rachel Maddow show as she speaks with my guy, Jonathan Turley about Obama’s torturous path to justice over the Bush/Cheney administration’s clearly illegal torture policies. I hope someone brings this issue up in tonight’s prime time press conference.
- An impassioned case for prosecuting alleged torture
- File this under ‘only in New York’ – Frankfurter Frenzy: Near Riot Breaks Out At The Shawarma King After Non-Kosher Hot Dog Is Found On Premises.
- ‘HIllary: The Movie‘ goes to the Supreme Court today. While this sounds like a joke it is not. It is critical that the Supremes uphold a lower court’s decision. A lower federal court ruled that the film falls under federal law restricting the airing of attack ads. If Citizens United prevails, it would create an enormous loophole in the law and allow corporate money to flood into partisan politics in ways it has not in many decades. It also would seriously erode the disclosure rules for campaign contributions.
- Comfort food feels good in rough times. Economy Candy, on the Lower East Side, has been a favorite haunt of mine for years. Even though I am not a big candy eater it is a place that just feels good to visit. ‘When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls‘ – an interesting read in today’s Times.
- Speaking of juicy, sweet things – there is a rumor afoot that Rudy and Judi’s relationship may be in trouble. It is probably not true – but it is juicy.
- March 23, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds
Movie Review: Duplicity March 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Review Archives, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Movie Review: Duplicity
1 comment so far
| Movie Review: Duplicity
Alternate Title: Cunning Cons Story: I like a good con. The Sting is one of my favorite all time movies. This latest con job was written and directed by Tony Gilroy and to put it mildly, this is no Sting. The plot is really quite simple but the screenplay is not. Two Intelligence agents, one from the CIA and one from MI-6 met in Dubai five years ago, had a one night fling where she drugged him and pilfered his secret documents. Fast forward five years and they meet again, this time in Grand Central Station, NYC. I won’t give more of the plot away but I will say that the simple story line gets uber-complicated by flashbacks that change the scenario every 15 minutes. Just when you think you are following everything, another flashback happens and gaping plot holes open. The good news is that watching Clive Owen for two hours never hurt anyone. Pretty people and pretty locations make for a decent two hour escape. However, if you are looking for a spy thriller in the manner of the Bourne films, look elsewhere.
Acting: Julia Roberts comes out of semi-retirement to play Claire Stenwick, former CIA agent. I have never been a big fan of Ms Roberts (so sue me) and she does nothing especially interesting in this film either. Clive Owen as former MI-6 agent, Ray Koval, brings on the charm and style that we are used to seeing. Tom Wilkinson overacts as one of the corporate heads as does Paul Giamatti. Denis O’Hare, Kathleen Chalfant, Tom McCarthy, Carrie Preston and Rick Worthy all perform more than adequately in their supporting roles. Trivia: Paul Giamatti is the son of A. Bartlett Giamatti, late president of Yale University, major league baseball commissioner and nemesis of Pete Rose. He is a Boston Red Sox fan. Predilection: I like movies about cons and I like Clive Owen. Critters: None Sex Spectrum: There are many bedroom scenes but actual ’sex’ is not shown. Opening Titles: An opening sequence that introduces us to the characters. All the actual titles are at the end. Visual Art: There Will Be Blood’s director of photography, Robert Elswit, shows his talent again. Theater Audience: About 30 other people. Weather: The weather was fine in Rome, NYC, Dubai and Cleveland. Cleveland? Yes, Cleveland. Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I began to drift after the fourth flashback. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine. For some of screen writer Michael Gilroy’s other screenplays you can rent: Michael Clayton, The Bourne Ultimatum,The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Identity as well as Proof of Life, The Devil’s Advocate and Dolores Claiborne . Length: Five minutes over the two hour rule. The film actually seemed longer. LOBO HOWLS: 6
|
Inhale and exhale – slowly March 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos.Tags: Bronx Zoo, Dick Cheney, Obama 60 Minutes, Paul Krugman, tree kangaroo joey
2 comments
It is not surprising that a country filled with an immediate gratification populace is loudly grumbling after only 62 days of an Obama administration that everything is not perfect yet. Everybody needs to take a long, deep breath. All together now -inhale slowly then exhale slowly. Now doesn’t that feel better? From the Washington Post: The Treasury Department is unveiling details of its plan to try to relieve banks of their most troubled assets, a long-awaited signature piece of the government’s strategy for stabilizing the financial system. Under the plan, the government and private investors will together spend between $500 billion and $1 trillion to buy up real estate-related loans and securities from banks. The hope is that instead of hoarding cash in case those assets continue to lose value, the banks instead will be able to resume lending money once the toxic assets are off their books. I have confidence that Obama knows what he is doing and I also know that I have no idea what he should be doing (most likely you do not either). So let’s give this earnest, hard working man a chance, okay? I like Paul Krugman and read his column twice a week. I know he is not happy about the new plan, but I am still giving Obama a chance and I think you should too.
- I understand and enraged more about the previous administration’s assault of our Constitution, torture and thuggery. Last night on 60 Minutes I thought Obama’s response to the question about Dick Cheney’s recent outbursts was excellent.
- I sometimes get a chance to promote the accomplishments of friends. Wendy Walters is a long time Thursday Zoo Guide at the Central Park Zoo (I was her mentor – bragging rights, here). She and her partner, John, are super talented people. They are artists, musicians. poets and more. “Mommy Loves Me” is Wendy and John’s first board book, and is now available through Barnes and Noble. Cuddle up with your favorite little person and feel the love. I am buying several. The book makes a great gift for that certain little one (or two). Synopsis: Mommy kisses, and Mommy hugs. But what else does she do? This charming book, featuring heartwarming illustrations of baby animals spending time with their mommies, will make mothers want to cuddle up and read with their young ones. Buy it on line here.
- I am crazy about that tree kangaroo joey at the Bronx Zoo and took another trip to visit the fast growing cute one. See the joey, the sweet ebony baby langur, fabulous lemurs and more below.
Off with their heads March 20, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: AIG, Dick Cheney, Eric Cantor, Happy Spring, Jon Stewart, Keith Olbermann special commentary, Lawrence O'Donnell
1 comment so far
- Keith Olbermann’s special comment last night on this issue has some good points:
- If you missed Jon Stewart’s response to Dick Cheney’s recent scare America campaign, please check it out. It is very very good. “Former vice president Dick Cheney told CNN that President Obama was putting the country at risk. Jon Stewart has some tough words for Cheney: “Have a nice cup of shut the f**k up.”
- And then this is this bozo:
- Obama on Leno last night:
- Lawrence O’Donnell is looking to fill that third hour on MSNBC after Keith and Rachel. This could be an audition clip for the folks who run the show over at MSNBC.
- Here is yesterday in 100 seconds:
- One more thing: Happy Spring.