Reverse, Neutral and Forward June 30, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Al Sharpton, Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court
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Yesterday’s 5 to 4 decision by the Supreme Court has TV’s bobble heads in an uproar. Sonia Sotomayor was one the three judges on the Appeals Court that voted that the New Haven Firefighter’s promotion test was unfair to minorities and needed revision. That court was following the law. Yesterday’s decision by the Supremes essentially rewrote the law basically saying that the country has moved forward and does not need the protections that have been in place for many years. Do I believe that? Yes and no. I believe much of the country has amended their hiring practices across the board and welcomes diversity in the workplace. Sadly, both police and firefighter units cross this land have not followed suit. The big question of the day is: will this effect Sonia Sotomayor’s placement on the Supreme Court? Not at all. She is going to sit on the Court no matter the screaming from the right. The conservative right is simply twisting the Supreme Court decision to hammer away at her nomination that will go forward despite their high-pitched inanities. If anything, there will most likely be a vote on her in August since the Supreme Court is going to hear an argument in early September (before their normal 1st Monday in October session). That vote court well overturn the McCain Feingold law about those nasty 527’s. That case involves a campaign finance case film that is really a diatribe against Hillary Clinton (seems like really old news now) vs the opposition that says it was really just a full length negative ad.
- A fine, easy to read opinion piece in today’s NY Times by Linda Greenhouse called The Court Changes the Game says it all.
- Listen to a review of some of the Supreme Court’s last day decisions and Nina Tottenberg on last Night’s Rachel Maddow show where Alison Stewart was the substitute host:
- One more thing. Al Sharpton makes me cringe. Whenever I see his omnipresent face on TV the subject of the debate (whatever it is) is diminished. He is an opportunist. He is a exploitive pretender and makes a mockery of the issues with which he attaches himself. A policeman friend of mine has told me that the mantra of the police is – ‘Reverend Al, the Policeman’s overtime pal’. Ever since he inserted himself in the debacle called the Tawana Brawley case in in 1987 my skin crawls. He is now front and center in the Michael Jackson headlines. Yesterday saw him standing next to Micheal Jackson’s father in yet another crazy scenario.
- In the always leave ‘em smiling mode:
Movie Review: Cheri June 29, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.add a comment
 Movie Review: Cheri
Alternate Title: Hum Drum Story: The duo that brought us the terrific Dangerous Liaisons over 20 years ago, director Stephen Frears and writer Christopher Hampton did not hit another home run with their latest collaboration, Cheri. It is based on the novels Chéri and The Last of Chéri by Colette. What went wrong you say? It had a headline cast, good source material and a sumptuous period in time (Belle Epoque) to set as background. Sadly it went flat. The idea of an aging courtesan (we now know them as cougars) and a young man in the throws of a wild affair should have been hot and heavy. Sadly, there was not much chemistry to create that tempestuous love on the big screen. It was disappointing to see such pretty people become so boring. It should have been a romp, with delightful scene stealing dialogue. Sadly, it tanked. What went right? The production designer, Alan MacDonald did a splendid job with museum style recreations of this era. The costumes, lighting and photography were all fine but without a good script, there is just so much attention to detail that can be paid. Watch the trailer here – it is all you need to see:
Acting: Michelle Pfeiffer as Léa de Lonval simply did not carry it off as required. She was not the sexy cougar that the role demanded. Rupert Friend as Chéri, was delightful to watch and fit his character to a tee. Felicity Jones as young Edmée was forgettable. Kathy Bates as Madame Peloux, is usually perfect but was terribly miscast in this role. Trivia: Michelle Pfeiffer did her own singing in Grease 2, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Prince of Egypt and Hairspray. She turned down the Sharon Stone role in Basic Instinct. She has been an avid oil painter for most of her life. Predilection: None Critters: None Food: Lots of sumptuous fine food was served. Sex Spectrum: Lots of boudoir scenes but really little was shown. Soundtrack: I can’t recall but my movie buddy said it was lovely. Opening Titles: I nice intro into the movie. I had high hopes which were quickly dashed. Visual Art: Visually a treat Theater Audience: A few comatose viewers. Drift Factor: Major drifting by me and my movie buddy took a few short naps. Predictability Level: Who cared? Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Neither. Length: Thankfully it was way under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 3
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Clouds, Crowds and Shrouds June 28, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos, wildlife.Tags: Frank Rich, Mark Sanford, Gay Pride Parade, Mammatus clouds, Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett, Langur monkey
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I admit to being a long time cloud watcher. They are ever changing, magical and portend the weather. Last Friday night while walking my dog Benny, I noticed a very dramatic in-progress sunset - it reminded me of the twice a year Manhattanhenge night sky.
Upon returning to my apartment and searching for something on TV other than a story about Michael Jackson I saw the color of the sky start to turn an orange-salmon. The fast changing light was ominous. I heard the sounds of dramatic music in my head. Was this a sign of the apocalypse? I grabbed my camera and took the above photo from my dining room window and watched the entire event until it passed. It turns out my imagination had run wild. It was a Mammatus (bumpy clouds), a meteorological term applied to a cellular pattern of pouches hanging underneath the base of a cloud event. It was very cool indeed. Others saw it as well, of course. Since everyone has a camera these days there are many other images as well.
- Today is the Gay Pride parade in NYC. The crowds will be lining the streets to cheer, smile, dance and generally have a grand time. It is also the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The parade passes by my apartment and I can already hear the disco tunes in my head. Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive’ stays in my head for days after the parade. There is much to celebrate in today’s crowded parade and much to be upset about, including Barack Obama’s weak support of Gay Rights. Tsk, tsk, Mr President. The Gay community is tired of being told to wait for their civil rights. Frank Rich addresses this issue in today’s column called 40 Years Later, Still Second-Class Americans.
- Michael Jackson’s death has moved everything off of the front pages. The riots in Iran, Farah Fawcett, Mark Sanford, the economy and everything else that seemed important for the talking heads to yada yada about are suddenly non-issues. I did notice this morning that the NY Times has returned to normal front page coverage of other doom and gloom stuff but there are still many articles about the self-proclaimed ‘King of Pop.’ I admit that I was to old to appreciate Michael jackson when he first hit the big time but always enjoyed his music from afar. Ultimately his bizarre personal life superseded his music for me. It became increasingly difficult to see him without wincing. The legal problems, the physical morphing, the three children, the chimpanzees, the dangling of a baby off of a balcony all became overriding images for me that quelled the music. The public outpouring of grief (for all celebrities) is something I cannot understand. What brings people out to gather and cry together? Is it an inability to feel sad alone? Is it an inability to deal with grief? How do you mourn a public figure that you did not know? The legal battling amongst the folks that want a piece of Michael Jackson is already brewing. It will be ugly, long and one can only pity those three kids.
- The Filipino inmates who shot to global fame with a Youtube video recreating the “Thriller” dance, swayed and stomped again on Saturday in a behind-bars tribute to their idol, Michael Jackson.
- Michael Jackson Best Dance Moves (R.I.P.)
- The Mark Sanford scandal has moved to the inside pages because of the death of Michael Jackson. I am still paying attention to this crazy story, are you? Why he is not resigning from his Governorship is a head scratcher. Sex Scandal Flow Chart from Talking Points Memo for your amusement and recall:
- In the always leave ‘em smiling mode – check out this enchanting langur monkey and the camera lens:
Sex, Lies and Stupidity June 25, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Gail Collins, Glenn Beck, Mark Sanford, Oscars
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What is it about some politicians that makes them think they are the ones that can get away with indiscretions, infidelities and recklessness? We expect incompetence and ineffectiveness from them but seem to always be surprised by the latest scandal. I have my annual June, two week delightful house guest and am not as diligent as usual to the political shenanigans of the day. However, when I heard this breaking story a few days ago about the missing Governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford, something did not smell right. Here was a guy who was front and center in the ’stimulus rejection’ crowd (think Sarah Palin) and was also on the imaginary talking heads list of 2010 contenders for a run for the President. What does he do? He goes for a hike on the Appalachian Trail and his wife does not know (or seem to care) that she has not heard from him. And sin if sins, he is missing over Father’s Day. What will his four young sons think? Oh my, oh my. It, of course, turns out that he was crying over her in Argentina. Who is she? Her name is “Maria” as revealed in some revealing email messages between the governor and said girlfriend. She has two kids and lives in Buenos Aires on a street named Republica de la India, Palermo district. This story will have some legs until the next scandal breaks in a few days. Mark Sanford is toast.
- Speaking of scandal, check out this site for great scandals in US history.
- Alternet.org has a list of The Top 10 Political Sex Scandals of All Time including these delicious titles:
10. If You Can’t Beat Them, Lick a Hooker
9. Baby, You Make Me So Harding
8. Jungle Fever Down in Dixie
7. Spitzing the Magic Pussy
6. Long Dong Justice
5. Out of the Closet and into the Stall
4. The Jesus and Meth Chain
3. All Men Are Created Horny
2. “Get a Ruler and Measure It For Me”
1. Oral in the Oval
- 100 seconds from yesterday:
- Gail Collins has some thoughts about Mark Sanford too. On behalf of the people of Illinois and New York, I’d like to thank South Carolina for giving us Mark (“I’ve been unfaithful to my wife”) Sanford. Finally, a governor who’s weirder than Rod Blagojevich and less responsible than Eliot Spitzer.
- Speaking of crazy: Glenn Beck (true crazy man), claims U.S. is only country with automatic citizenship upon birth. Not true. Read on here.
- In other news: The best picture shortlist at the 2010 Oscars will be 10 films instead of the customary five, it has been announced. Official organizers have said the move will recognize a wider range of films and include “more populist movies”. It is the first time since 1943 that 10 films will be in the running and has been called “a return to the past”.
- In the always leave’ em laughing mode, check out this Mark Sanford parody (I’m a horny man):
Movie Review: Food, Inc. June 24, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Inc., Movie Review: Food
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| Movie Review: Food, Inc.
Alternate Title: You Are What You Eat and It is Killing You Story: Some films make me think. Some films make me angry. Some films make me barf. This first rate documentary managed to do all three. Directed and written by Robert Kenner along with writers Elise Pearlstein and Kim Roberts we get another solid indictment of the nation’s out of control food industry. Some of the issues have been touched upon in other work such as Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser and The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollen but this film goes deeper into the far reaching power of the multi-national conglomerates that have ever so menacingly taken over what we eat. In a most engaging manner the film shows how outbreaks of E-coli occur and how the food we eat becomes contaminated. In the giant processing plants that are owned by a handful of companies these poor animals stand in their own excrement for their entire lives and are fed diets that nature did not intend for them to eat. The FDA and the USDA have been castrated and are run by the same people who used to work for or lobby for the giant conglomerates. The c0mpanies cited in the film refused to comment and include the big bad Tyson, Monsanto, Purdue and BPI. You can go to the film’s website for an in depth look at the issues, things you can do and more. http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-film.php While the film is enraging it is also optimistic about the ability of people to do something about the issue. We all have three big chances every day to fight back: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We finally overpowered the tobacco companies and we can do the same to these giant conglomerates who are killing us. Eat food grown locally, if at all possible. Eat food in season. Eat meat and poultry that is organic and demand that your local food distributor sell products you want to buy. Even big bad Walmart changed their ways and now sells organic items and milk that does not have chemicals. We can overpower these giant corporations . We have a fighting chance. Power to the people. Watch the trailer here:
Trivia: Did you know that – It is illegal to show photos of the tremendous animal feeding operations. It is illegal to question the safety of food from large companies. Enacted in 13 states, agricultural disparagement laws, often referred to as “veggie libel laws,” make it illegal to question the safety of a food product without sound science to back up any suspicion. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who once served as a lawyer for Monsanto, wrote the Supreme Court opinion making it legal for Monsanto to patent its genetically modified soybeans as “intellectual property.” This made it illegal for farmers to harvest seeds from one year’s crop to use for the next year’s, a practice that had been in place for centuries. Government subsidies may be making you fat. The subsidies that corn growers get from the Government make the unhealthy foods that we eat cheaper to buy than the healthy stuff. Companies spend billions to convince you their food is natural. Do not believe it. Read the labels. Predilection: I like documentary films. Critters: The only animals not destined to be food on your table are a dog and a cat. Food: Duh. Blatant Product Placement: Not applicable in a documentary but many labels are shown. Opening Titles: A very clever use of packaging labels to introduce us to the people responsible in the making of this film. Theater Audience: Crowded. The guy in my row had some food with him but shortly after the movie began – I heard a crumpling of a bag as he put his food away. This film is an appetite suppressant. Squirm Scale: Some parts are very squirmy indeed. Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout. Tissue Usage: It is hard not to tear up when the mother of a two year old, who died of e-coli seven years ago appears on camera. Oscar Worthy: Yes Big Screen or Rental: Either – but do see it. Length: 100 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 8
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Movie Review: Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love June 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love
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| Movie Review: Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love
Alternate Title: Music of the Heart Story: Produced and directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, this film is a loving portrait of International singing star, Youssou N’Dour. In the Bono tradition of entertainers who lend their stardom to causes that help humanity, Youssou shines. Youssou’s story is not in the run of the mill rock star mode. He is from Senegal, in West Africa. It is a nation of 13,000,000, mostly comprised of Islamic Sufi. The uneven biopic follows Youssou on his worldwide tour of the release of his album, Egypt. It received accolades everywhere but in Senegal, where the Sufi’s felt he had crossed the line in singing about his religion. It is a bit confusing to understand what he had done to cross this line and whenever the film was about to address this sensitive issue, it broke away to a music clip from the worldwide tour. I thoroughly enjoyed his polyrhythmic music and could not help but tap my feet and bob my head throughout the film. I walked away with a new respect for this Grammy award winning singer, his culture and nation’s history. I just wish the film has more shape and a bit less concert footage. Watch the trailer here:
Acting: It is a documentary so this category doe snot apply. Predilection: None Critters: A squirmy scene with goats being taken for a ritual sacrifice. Food: Abovementioned goat. Soundtrack: Terrific Theater Audience: About ten other music appreciators. Squirm Scale: Again, the abovementioned goat scene. Drift Factor: I drifted a bit. Oscar Worthy: 0 Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine. Length: Under two hours LOBO HOWLS: 6
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Movie Review: Whatever Works June 22, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Whatever Works, Woody Allen
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| Movie Review: Whatever Works
Alternate Title: Rants, Tirades and Kvetching Story: So what’s not to like? Another New York based film by the prolific writer and director Woody Allen that features a classic misanthrope, who is a self-declared, almost nominated for a Nobel Prize, genius who never met an issue that he does not have an opinion about and laughs – lots and lots of laughs. This Woody Allen film mostly takes place downtown in Manhattan rather than his usual Upper West Side tony locales. The change of venue brings a refreshing vision to his longtime production designer, Santo Loquasto and it works. We meet curmudgeon Boris as he breaks the fourth wall while speaking with his friends to address us, the theater audience. He opines about the randomness of life, the miserable destiny of the human race and why we are all doomed. I was hooked from the get go. Our grumpy old man meets the sweet, Southern, young, needy, unschooled Melody. He takes her in and his life takes an unexpected twist. Along the way we see how chance occurrences affect the lives of all of the other characters in the story. It is a breezy, unusually optimistic film for Woody and a pleasant way to spend 90 minutes. Check it out and have a laugh on me. Check out the trailer:
Acting: Larry David as Boris was just fine as the stand-in for Woody Allen. He makes me laugh. Evan Rachel Wood as young Melody was surprisingly delightful. Patricia Clarkson as Melody’s mother, Marietta can do no wrong. And it is always good to see Ed Begley Jr. on the big screen. Trivia: Woody Allen was born as Allen Konigsberg. December 1, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York. Nearly all of his films start and end with white-on-black credits, set in the Windsor typeface, set to jazz music, without any scrolling. He speaks French, won’t watch his films after they are released and was suspended from NYU. Predilection: I am a big fan of Woody Allen movies. Larry David makes me laugh and NYC is my favorite locale for films. Critters: None Food: Lots of food prepared and food shopping in Chinatown. Meals ranged from Cajun crawfish to pasta. Sex Spectrum: Funny bed scenes. Blatant Product Placement: Pellegrino, Poland Springs. Soundtrack: Typical Woody Allen. Opening Titles: As usual the beginning has white-on-black credits, set in the Windsor typeface, set to jazz music, without any scrolling. Visual Art: NYC looks terrific. Theater Audience: This film was playing on three screens in the NYC theater, the Angelika. Our 11AM Sunday morning showing was crowded. Weather: Lovely Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I did not drift. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Either would do. For a complete list of Woody Allen films to rent go to this site. Length: 90 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 7
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Happy Benniversary! June 18, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Photography, Videos.7 comments
Yes, there is much going on in the world of politics both foreign and domestic but every once in awhile we need to celebrate something closer to home. Today is four years since I adopted my dog, Benny. I know, I know – you are most likely saying to yourselves ‘only four years?’ Yes, it is true that I have taken and shared hundreds of photos of my little guy so it seems as if he has been around much longer – but it is only four years.
Those of you that have met him know that he is special. We think he is a combination chihuahua/pug and a few other things thrown into his DNA. He barks when the phone rings thinking it is someone at the door. He has too many toys (my fault) and gets too many treats (mea culpa as well). He knows most everyone on the block and his presence has allowed me to meet tons of other people in the ‘hood. He loves to go shopping in Duane Reade, Staples and Barnes & Noble with me and has met many new friends in those stores too.
There is something about the little guy that makes people smile – and that’s a good thing.
Happy Benniversary, little guy!
Watch Benny enjoying the Wegman exhibit in Madison Square Park last summer. Over 5,000 others have hummed along.
Movie Review: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 June 16, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
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| Movie Review: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Alternate Title: Take the A Train Story: Can a movie be both terrifying and amazingly entertaining at the same time? You bet it can and director Tony Scott has proven it. In a remake of the 1974 hit, this time written by Brian Helgeland (LA Confidential and Mystic River) and based on the novel by John Godey, it has all of the elements of a good summer thriller. The #6 train (one of my most frequented subway lines), which starts out in Pelham at 1:23PM is hijacked by a group of very scary, dangerous thugs led by a guy known as Ryder. He wants $10,000,000 within the hour or he starts killing the 18 passengers. His counterpart working on the desk of the MTA is a mild mannered man named Walter, who has his own troubles. Walter and Ryder are adversaries made for the big screen. In an almost dizzying pace, we see the film unfold in real time, which makes it even more scary. It is a film that has gripping story telling including several nerve wracking moments combined with a large portion of empathy for the passengers as hostages. As a frequent subway rider, I could only imagine their terror. Yes, there are some huge plot holes and an ending that is a bit over the top but the film was a thrilling ride and well worth the money. If you like your summer thrills on the big screen you must check out this very satisfying film. By the way – I chose to walk home rather than take the subway. Watch the trailer here:
Here is the 1974 trailer:
Acting: Denzel Washington as Walter Garber was right on target. he was believable and riveting. John Travolta as Ryder returns to his regular seen acting psychopath behavior. I like Travolta as a psychopath.John Turturro as hostage negotiator Camonetti, delivers a fine underplayed performance. The always reliable Luis Guzmán as Phil Ramos was terrific. Michael Rispoli as MTA guy John Johnson and another Sopranos alumni James Gandolfini as the Mayor both deliver the goods. Trivia: The original film was made in 1974. It was directed by Joseph Sargent, and starred Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Jerry Stiller, Tony Roberts, Hector Elizondo and Doris Roberts. Director Tony Scott has used dogs in many of his movies including Top Gun, True Romance, Crimson Tide, The Fan, Enemy of the State, Man on Fire, and Domino. This time he features one rat. He graduated from the Royal College Of Art In London, England and is Ridley Scott’s brother. Denzal Washington often portrays real people: Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in The Hurricane, Malcolm X in Malcolm X, Herman Boone in Remember the Titans, Frank Lucas in American Gangster, Steve Biko in Cry Freedom and Melvin Tolson in The Great Debaters. Richard Gere practically owes his film career to John Travolta. Travolta turned down the leads for Days of Heaven, American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Chicago, all of which went to Gere. Travolta also turned down the roles: Splash, Apollo 13 and Forrest Gump. Predilection: I like films that are located in NYC. Critters: A rat Food: No time to eat. But milk is spoken about. Sex Spectrum: No tie for sex. Soundtrack: Loud Opening Titles: A clever opening title sequence at the end of which the crime has already been committed and we enter the film. Visual Art: Nothing to want to copy about the NYC subway system but the City looks superb from the helicopters. Theater Audience: Less people than were on the subway as hostages. Weather: A lovely summer day. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: I squirmed for those hostages. Drift Factor: No time for drifting. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: I would go for the big screen and then rent the original 1974 hit. Length: Two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 8
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Movie Review: Away We Go June 14, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Away We Go
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 Movie Review: Away We Go
Alternate Title: When Bad Films Happen to Good People Story: I saw this film five days ago and the longer I wait to review it – the worse I feel about it. Essentially, the film is one of those ‘nothing happens’ and there is no ‘there, there’ jumbles. Directed by someone who should know better, Sam Mendes, it is simply a mess. The writing couple of Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida are responsible for this drivel. Thirty somethings Burt and his girlfriend Verona, find themselves pregnant. They were relying on Burt’s parents to be their support system but Burt’s parents have other ideas. So what’s a couple to do? They go on a road trip to visit family and friends in locales as diverse as Tucson, Montreal, Madison, Phoenix and Miami to find – I guess to find themselves. Shock of shocks, their family and friends do not turn out to be role models and Burt and Verona get so darned down about the whole thing. Yes, there are some funny bits and yes, they are likable. But after 30 minutes I wanted to slap them both upside the head. They are judgmental, self-absorbed, insufferable and glib. Oh, Burt and Verona, had you just clicked your heels and said ‘There’s no place like home’ we all could have saved two hours of our lives.
Acting: The entire cast is fine but is wasted in this film, including: John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Daniels, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Allison Janney, Chris Messina, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Schneider, Carmen Ejogo, Jim Gaffigan Trivia: John Krasinski was born in Newton, MA and graduated from Brown University in 2001 as an honors playwright with a B.A. in English literature. Maya Rudolph is the daughter of the late singer Minnie Riperton, best known for her 1975 #1 pop hit “Lovin’ You.” At the end of the song, Riperton can be heard singing “Maya Maya, Maya Maya….” She graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a BA in photography in 1994. She is expecting her second child with film maker Paul Thomas Anderson. Predilection: None. My friend wanted to see the film so I met her. I still like my friend a lot. Critters: None Sex Spectrum: An attempt to be funny opening scene in the bedroom of Burt and Verona. Soundtrack: I do not remember. I think I tuned out. Opening Titles: I do not remember this either. Visual Art: Sam Mendes demands that his film depict the surroundings of his characters well – and with this one exception, I applaud him. Theater Audience: More crowded than it should have been. Squirm Scale: I really did not like these people. Drift Factor: Off the charts Predictability Level: Over the top Tissue Usage: I cried that I wasted time and money and the popcorn wasn’t even good. Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Neither. Better films by director Sam Mendes include: Road to Perdition, Revolutionary Road and American Beauty. Length: Under two hours but seemed longer LOBO HOWLS: 3
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