Gone Fishin’ July 30, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Uncategorized.Tags: Gone fishin', Vacation
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Movie Review: Adam July 30, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Politics.Tags: Asbergers Syndrome, Movie Review: Adam
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 Movie Review: Adam
Alternate Title: Whatever Works Story: Movies about mental disorders can be tricky. There are very few that reach the quality of Rainman or Being There but hats off to writer and director Max Mayer for delivering a very fine love story about someone who has Asbergers* Syndrome. 29 year old Adam has Asbergers Syndrome. He is high functioning but sadly just buried his father and is about to lose his job. He meets a young woman in his Upper West Side building and is smitten. This charming, well acted slice of life deals with the tentative relationship between the couple. The first half of the film is more than watchable and holds together well, but the film starts to fly apart when a secondary story is introduced regarding the woman’s father and his indictment for accounting fraud. Despite some flaws the film is lovely to look at (who can argue with the glow of the Upper West Side?) the actors indeed have chemistry and we are introduced to a disorder that many people live with every day. Check it out and you will have some laughs and a tug at your heart.
Acting: Hugh Dancy as Adam is nice eye candy and does a mighty credible job in this sensitive role. Rose Byrne as Beth reminded me of Courtney Cox and that was a bit distracting. However, she was fine in her role as the attentive love interest. Frankie Faison as Harlan delivered another great performance.Amy Irving and Peter Gallagher as Beth’s parents were good as well. Trivia: British Hugh Dancy is one of the UK’s most up and coming talents. He graduated from Oxford University with a degree in English Literature & Language and speaks fluent French. He is engaged to Claire Danes. Australian actress Rose Byrne studied drama at Syndey’s Australian Theatre for Young People and later at David Mamet Acting School, in New York. Both Byrne’s parents are atheists, while she describes herself as agnostic. *The name “Asperger” comes from Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician who first described the syndrome in 1944. In Asperger’s Disorder, affected individuals are characterized by social isolation and eccentric behavior in childhood. There are impairments in two-sided social interaction and non-verbal communication. Though grammatical, their speech may sound peculiar due to abnormalities of inflection and a repetitive pattern. Clumsiness may be prominent both in their articulation and gross motor behavior. They usually have a circumscribed area of interest which usually leaves no space for more age appropriate, common interests. Some examples are cars, trains, French Literature, door knobs, hinges, cappucino, meteorology, astronomy or history. Most of the people on the following list are speculated to have Asperger’s Syndrome, rather than being confirmed cases of Asperger’s Syndrome. Predilection: None Critters: Raccoons Food: Macaroni and Cheese, cereal, sandwiches, penne and champagne Sex Spectrum: Mostly hugging and cuddling Blatant Product Placement: Amy’s Macaroni and Cheese, All -Bran cereal Soundtrack: A bit sappy Opening Titles: A sequence showing the burial of Adam’s father. Visual Art: The Upper West Side is bathed in a golden glow. Everything looks good, clean and tasteful. Theater Audience: About 20 other people. Weather: It is a lovely fall/winter in the City. Sappy Factor: 1 Quirky Meter: 1 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I drifted a little about 2/3 of the way through. Predictability Level: High for me Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: It is a fine summer diversion (the snow looks very cool) but if you miss it on the big screen a rental would be fine. Length: Under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 7
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Movie Review: In the Loop July 28, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Politics.Tags: Movie Review: In the Loop
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| Movie Review: In the Loop
Alternate Title: Downing Street Memo Story: Hilarity ensues in this fast paced rollicking satire of political hacks, wacks and quacks. Directed by Armando Iannucci and written by Mr. Iannucci, Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell and Tony Roche we are introduced to a riotous array of back stabbing, duplicitous, vindictive government employees on both sides of the Atlantic. It seems that the US and Britain are secretly planning a war. A verbal slip (‘war is unforeseeable’) by a low level British Minister of International Development turns both the White House and 10 Downing Street upside down. The plot seems all too familiar as the politicos feed false intelligence and rumors that escalate the rush to war. Principles are thrown out the window as loyalty quickly turns to betrayal as characters are seen to be on the up side of their careers or on the downside. The dialogue is fast with venomous spewings of invectives that will crack you up. The film does not name the country to be attacked and the film is more about the procedures and people that lead nations into war rather than ideals. You will laugh and you will cry because it is so real in its unfortunately sad depiction of those that bring you the world. See it.
Acting: Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker runs away with the film even though it has a great ensemble cast. His invectives will crack you up.Tom Hollander as the woe-begone Simon Foster is nothing short of perfect. An all grown up Anna Chlumsky as Liza is terrific as is, Chris Addison as Toby, David Rasche as the evil Linton, Gina McKee as Judy, James Gandolfini as the supposed pacifist General Miller, Mimi Kennedy as Karen, Olivia Poulet as Suzy, Steve Coogan as Paul Michaelson, and Zach Woods as Chad. Trivia: Tom Hollander went to Cambridge with his childhood friend Sam Mendes – who is now the husband of Kate Winslet – with whom Tom worked on the film Enigma. He has played two British kings: George V in The Lost Prince (TV) and George III in “John Adams”. Peter Capaldi played the wicked John Frobisher in TV’s Torchwood. Anna Chlumsky’s great-grandfather owned a trained bear that appeared in Three Stooges movies. Desiring at one time to be a paleontologist, she once worked for the Museum of Natural History in Chicago, classifying fish. Predilection: I like political satire. Food: Doughnuts and take out Chinese Sex Spectrum: Assumed sex, but no action. Blatant Product Placement: Beck’s Beer, Hewlett Packard Computer Opening Titles: A funny introduction into the movie by way of the verbal gaff. Theater Audience: A handful of other laughing theater goers. Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: If you drift you will miss some of the terrific dialogue. Predictability Level: Moderate Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: Why not? Big Screen or Rental: Big screen if you can find it. You can rent ‘Wag the Dog’ for another great film. Length: 106 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 8
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Black, White and Gray July 27, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics.1 comment so far
Yes, I have been uncharacteristically silent over the Crowley/Gatesgate brouhaha. How come, you say? Well, I have been thinking about the issue almost nonstop and am constantly changing my mind. What, you say? How could a left wing, protest marching, peacenik not have a firm opinion?
The short answer is that I have a very good friend who is a cop (Hi Matt). I have heard stories from him that would make your hair curl (mine is already curly). I have learned over the years that there are two sides (sometimes more) to a story and that things that you see and hear, at first glance, are not always the truth.
There is no doubt in my mind that if a trickle of DNA fate had been different, and I was born a black man, I would probably be dead by now. My rage would most likely had gotten me killed. But I turned out a placard holding, socialist leaning, lefty female who has never even gotten arrested (and I have tried).
I think the President’s usage of the word ’stupidly’ in his press conference, was ill chosen. I applaud his quick turn around and offering of an olive branch (although in this case the olive branch turns out to be a beer).
So what happened? I think both Officer Crowley and Professor Gates allowed a situation to get out of hand. Professor Gates had jet lag, could not get into his own house and was pissed. Who knows what other things Officer Crowley had to deal with on that day to shorten his temper? Both men could have diffused the situation – but did not. Luckily, no one got shot.
The incident has reopened a much needed dialogue about this issue. Driving while black or Latino should not make you subject to stops and searches at the high percentage rates that exist. You should be able to get a taxi in NYC if you are black. You should not be put at a restaurant table near the kitchen if you are a minority. Black camp children should definitely not be asked to leave an all white swimming pool in Pennsylvania, or anywhere else in this vast land.
Racism is alive and sadly thriving in America and we have a long way to go. It would be a good idea if we all stepped back, took some deep breaths and put ourselves in the other persons shoes. How would you feel?
Popcorn Park Zoo & Jenkinson’s Aquarium July 26, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Jenkinson's Aquarium, Popcorn Park Zoo
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Planning a road trip does not allow for inconveniences like rain, rain and more rain. So off we went last week to visit the Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point PLeasant, NJ and the Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River, NJ.
The Popcorn Park Zoo is a 7-acre zoo. The Zoo is a part of the Humane Society. Even though it is relatively small, it houses over 200 rescued animals, and even includes a pet adoption center. Popcorn Park Zoo is truly one of a kind. It was established in 1977 as a refuge for wildlife, exotic and farm animals that were abused, ill, injured, handicapped, elderly or exploited. Each animal has a name and a unique story that could break your heart.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium is a privately owned facility located on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Opening in June of 1991. Jenkinson’s Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( AZA). A
Dog (and Cat) Day Afternoon July 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Videos, wildlife.Tags: Binky Foundation, cats, dogs, Gidget
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Gidget, the Chihuahua best known for her Taco Bell ad campaign, died from a stroke the other night at age 15. “She made so many people happy,” said Gidget’s trainer Sue Chipperton . The mostly retired actor lived out her days laying in the sun. “I like to joke that it’s like looking after a plant,” said Chipperton. “Gidget always knew where the camera was.” She charmed millions without ever saying a word — and managed to make fast-food tacos adorable. “Yo Quiero Taco Bell”.
I did not know little Gidget, but I did know Beamer the dog, Jazzie the cat and Alex the dog who all passed away this month. They were beloved companions of some of my friends. They all had good lives and will be greatly missed. Only another pet person can truly understand how hard it is to let a pet go. Making that big decision is very hard and if you have had to do it – you know what I mean.
I decided to honor the memory of these beloved animals with a contribution to The Binky Foundation. The Binky Foundation is a private charitable organization dedicated to the protection of domestic and wild animals and the protection and expansion of their habitats. At The Binky Foundation they recognize that the resources for starting an initiative are often the hardest to obtain. Thus, they are committed to assisting individuals and organizations in taking those critical initial steps toward protecting animals and their habitats.
You can check out the photos of Alex, Beamer, Jazzie and little Geyser on the Binky Foundation’s remembrance page here.
Here is a video I made last year of Larry the anole and Beamer the Dog who shared a long term friendship on the beautiful island of St. Croix
And who can forget these TV ads:
Movie Review: 500 Days of Summer July 22, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: 500 Days of Summer
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| Movie Review: 500 Days of Summer
Alternate Title: A Summer Diversion Story: I tend to run far away from romantic comedies. They are usually filled with unchallenging formulaic cliches and stereotypical eye-rolling behavior. However, this new film by first time director Marc Webb (written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber) caught my attention via the previews. The film chronicles, in a non-linear fashion, the ups and downs of the 500 day relationship between young Tom and the apple of his eye, Summer. Tom, a would-be architect finds himself, instead, writing for a greeting card company. He meets and is smitten by the new employee, Summer. She, in no uncertain terms tells him she does not want a boyfriend but one thing leads to another and the relationship begins. It is told through Tom’s eyes (and occasionally by the unnecessary off camera narrator). The ‘what-ifs’ add to the non-linear storytelling. The film is charming, often funny and at times, even creative. The main characters have chemistry and I cared about what happened to them. Will I remember this movie? No – but it was a pleasant summer diversion on a hot day.
Acting: Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a fine young actor. I have been following his work for quite a while and he makes some interesting serious film choices. He takes a break from that direction and it works just fine. He is adorable, smart and guess what? He can dance. Zooey Deschanel is the quirky go to girl for film makers these days. She tends to play that role repeatedly. That said – she was charming in this film. Trivia: Joseph Gordon-Levitt took an acting break and went to Columbia University in 2000. His maternal grandfather was Michael Gordon, who directed such films as Cyrano de Bergerac (1950) and Pillow Talk (1959). Gordon’s career was crippled when he was blacklisted during the Red Scare of the mid-Twentieth Century. His parents are Jane Gordon and Dennis Levitt, who met as activists in California. Gordon ran for Congress in 1970. Zooey Deschanel was born in 1980 into a showbiz family. Her father, Caleb Deschanel is an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer (perhaps most notably for The Passion of the Christ (2004)) and her mother, Mary Jo Deschanel (née Weir) is an actress who starred in “Twin Peaks” (1990). She was named for the male character in J.D. Salinger’s “Franny and Zooey”. Predilection: I like Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Critters: Photos of a cat Food: Pancakes and sausages. Sex Spectrum: No sex to speak about. Blatant Product Placement: Ikea Soundtrack: A delightful soundtrack that is toe tapping worthy. There is a dance number when Tom first falls in love to the tune of Hall and Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True.” Opening Titles: A montage of a young Tom and a young Summer. Visual Art: Some fun animation combined with reality and some interesting architectural renderings. Theater Audience: About 30 women and one guy. As soon as the film faded to black almost everyone lit up their handheld devices and at first I thought the theater was filled with fire flies but it was just the lights from incoming e-mail and missed phone calls. Weather: LA is warm and sunny. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: It was too short to drift much. Predictability Level: You know from the outset that the relationship is not going to work. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has appeared in some fine films. Check out his: Miracle at St. Anna, Stop-Loss, The Lookout, Mysterious Skin and a A River Runs Through It Length: 90 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 7
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Chet, David and Walter July 19, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Videos.add a comment
As many mourn the passing of TV news legend Walter Leland Cronkite, Jr., I confess that I was a Huntley-Brinkley gal. Chet Huntley and David Brinkley were the preferred bearers of bad news in our house. Why? I cannot say for sure. Maybe my parents liked them better? Who remembers? I think we watched NBC’s John Cameron Swayze until the Huntley-Brinkley Report began on October of 1956 and shut its doors in July of 1970. Chet Huntley anchored in New York City and David Brinkley in Washington, D.C. Their closing lines “Good night, Chet, Good night, David. And good night, for NBC News” was echoed in my house often.
When Chet Huntley retired in 1970, the network renamed the program the NBC Nightly News. It just wasn’t the same anymore. Huntley died in 1974. Brinkley worked as co-anchor or commentator on Nightly News before leaving NBC for ABC in 1981. He died in 2003.
At some point I wandered over to CBS and to Walter Cronkite and became loyal to CBS once Dan Rather took over when Cronkite retired. I have always liked Dan Rather. He has an edge to him that always surprised me and I was never quite sure what he was going to say. Since he left CBS I am a wanderer.
The National TV news has become irrelevant to those who are news junkies like me. By the time the ‘nightly’ news comes on – unless you have been in a cave all day, all to the news is old, fluffy and most times irrelevant. Since network news corporations have closed most of their foreign bureaus, unless there is a revolution, hotel bombing, plane crash or an American has been hurt, the rest of the world might as well not exist.
What’s the future for TV news? I say ‘good night and good luck.’
Here’s Walter saying a final good night to Chet Huntley.
Race, Grace and Lambaste July 17, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Dogs and cats, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Pat Buchanan, Rachel Maddow, Sonia Sotomayor
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I have been uncommonly silent this last week. Nothing special has grabbed my focus other than the usual non-investigation of the previous thuggish administration. The Sotomayor hearings have been so predictable that they seemed like summer re-runs. If I hear the term ‘wise Latina woman‘ one more time I think my head will explode. Last night, however, while watching the Rachel Maddow show, I saw an interchange that bolted me upright (disturbing both Benny the dog and Madison the cat) and I even had to press the rewind button (I love my DVR) to make sure what I was hearing was real.
Pat Buchanan, standing in for all of the oppressed white men out there, stated loudly and clearly, why he thinks Sotomayor is unqualified to sit on the big bench. What he was really saying was what so many angry, white men are stewing about across this vast land of ours. They are losing hold of what they have held on to for over two hundred years and they are afraid of what that will mean to the guarantees they thought they had coming their way. It was a frightening exchange and a very eye opening one. Take the ten minutes to see it unfold. Go Rachel.
Rachel Maddow SLAMS Pat Buchanan Over Sotomayor Bias
Always leave’ em smiling:
Movie Review: Bruno July 15, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Review Archives, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Bruno
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| Movie Review: Bruno
Alternate Title: Cruel and Unusual Punishment Story: This quite possibly was the worst film I have ever seen. The only reason we did not walk out was because we were going out for dinner after the movie and it was too early to eat. The film (and I use that term loosely) was borderline pornographic with even less of a plot than most triple X films. It was an insulting train wreck. A meandering, directionless (credit to director Larry Charles), sophomoric, scattershot piece of crap. The only good news was that it was short. Sacha Baron Cohen reintroduces one of his characters, Bruno, from his Ali G days. Bruno is a flaming, Austrian stereotypical, homosexual. Cohen attempts, as in Borat, to expose prejudice (this time homophobia) through social satire. It does not work on any level. Yes, there are a few laughs (my favorite involved a scene with the Bruno character confusing Hamas with Hummus) but mostly it was a jaw dropping nightmare. Stay far, far away. Watch the trailer:
Acting: Insultingly awful. Trivia: Sacha Baron Cohen studied History at Christ’s College, Cambridge. In contrast to his characters, he is a soft-spoken, gentlemanly Cambridge man who considered pursuing a PhD before going into comedy. He gave 2004 Harvard class day address in character as Ali G. Predilection: I thought it would be good for some needed laughs. Critters: A photo of a dead rabbit. Food: A scene with oodles of desserts when Bruno tries to commit carbicide. Sex Spectrum: Way too many images of penis’, asses and simulated sex. Soundtrack: Loud Opening Titles: Graphically interesting. Visual Art: Blech Theater Audience: About 30 or so people scattered about a large theater. To our horror, a woman brought her ten year old son into the theater and plunked themselves down right behind us. After telling them to keep quiet a few times, the mother disappeared and the kid was left to watch for himself. I wanted to call child services and report her. They finally left about half way through the movie. Squirm Scale: 8 Drift Factor: I looked at my watch more than I looked at the screen. Predictability Level: Could not care less what happened to anyone. Oscar Worthy: Ha! Big Screen or Rental: Neither Length: 90 minutes LOBO HOWLS: For the first time in my 11 years of movie reviews I give this garbage a 0.
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