Stalker (1979)*
If you enjoy watching 3 dirty, grimey guys walking around dirty, grimey places, talking philosophy intermittently for two hours and forty minutes, then this is the flick for you. Is it sci-fi? Is it an allegory? You won't know and you won't care you'll just want something, ANYTHING to happen and it never does. Maybe that's "art" and I just don't get it.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
The Bush White House Was Deaf to 9/11 Warnings - NYTimes.com
"But some in the administration considered the warning to be just bluster. An intelligence official and a member of the Bush administration both told me in interviews that the neoconservative leaders who had recently assumed power at the Pentagon were warning the White House that the C.I.A. had been fooled; according to this theory, Bin Laden was merely pretending to be planning an attack to distract the administration from Saddam Hussein, whom the neoconservatives saw as a greater threat. Intelligence officials, these sources said, protested that the idea of Bin Laden, an Islamic fundamentalist, conspiring with Mr. Hussein, an Iraqi secularist, was ridiculous, but the neoconservatives’ suspicions were nevertheless carrying the day."
Patriot Day.
"But some in the administration considered the warning to be just bluster. An intelligence official and a member of the Bush administration both told me in interviews that the neoconservative leaders who had recently assumed power at the Pentagon were warning the White House that the C.I.A. had been fooled; according to this theory, Bin Laden was merely pretending to be planning an attack to distract the administration from Saddam Hussein, whom the neoconservatives saw as a greater threat. Intelligence officials, these sources said, protested that the idea of Bin Laden, an Islamic fundamentalist, conspiring with Mr. Hussein, an Iraqi secularist, was ridiculous, but the neoconservatives’ suspicions were nevertheless carrying the day."
Patriot Day.
The Living Daylights (1987)**
Apparently the world was not yet ready for a reboot of the franchise as Timothy Dalton was pilloried as he took over the role from Roger Moore. He's not bad, actually, but it's the entire production that is such a jarring change from the previous films. The sex and jokes are virtually non-existent, and the action/stunts are more realistic and less fantastic. Joe Don Baker stands out in a bad way as the required megalomaniacal villain, you'll cringe as you watch Bond make pals with the Afghan "mujahadeen" (present day Taliban), but mostly you'll be looking at your watch halfway through the 130 minute running time. Seriously, these Bond films would all be much better with a good 30-40 minutes trimmed. Spectacular stunt work near the end as Bond and adversary battle from just outside the cargo hold of a C-123...in flight.
Apparently the world was not yet ready for a reboot of the franchise as Timothy Dalton was pilloried as he took over the role from Roger Moore. He's not bad, actually, but it's the entire production that is such a jarring change from the previous films. The sex and jokes are virtually non-existent, and the action/stunts are more realistic and less fantastic. Joe Don Baker stands out in a bad way as the required megalomaniacal villain, you'll cringe as you watch Bond make pals with the Afghan "mujahadeen" (present day Taliban), but mostly you'll be looking at your watch halfway through the 130 minute running time. Seriously, these Bond films would all be much better with a good 30-40 minutes trimmed. Spectacular stunt work near the end as Bond and adversary battle from just outside the cargo hold of a C-123...in flight.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Barbarella (1968)***
WAY more entertaining than it has a right to be. Jane Fonda looks great and the seemingly dated sets (wall to wall to ceiling shag carpeting!) actually work pretty well in the context of the story, such as it is. A comic book flick that doesn't take itself too seriously.
WAY more entertaining than it has a right to be. Jane Fonda looks great and the seemingly dated sets (wall to wall to ceiling shag carpeting!) actually work pretty well in the context of the story, such as it is. A comic book flick that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Naomi Wolf: 'Neural wiring explained vaginal v clitoral orgasms. Not culture. Not Freud' | Books | The Guardian:
"It all started with a problem Wolf was having in her own sex life; the quality of her orgasms suddenly changed from being full of light and colour and what she describes in terms of transcendental experience, to something dull and lifeless. She went to see 'New York's pelvic nerve man', which required a certain presence of mind. A lot of people in her place would have gone to see a psychotherapist.
"'I'm not that crazy,' she says. 'I knew that there was something physically wrong. It was physical. It was a physical experience.'"
EVERY thought, feeling, sensation you experience is physical. Everything.
"It all started with a problem Wolf was having in her own sex life; the quality of her orgasms suddenly changed from being full of light and colour and what she describes in terms of transcendental experience, to something dull and lifeless. She went to see 'New York's pelvic nerve man', which required a certain presence of mind. A lot of people in her place would have gone to see a psychotherapist.
"'I'm not that crazy,' she says. 'I knew that there was something physically wrong. It was physical. It was a physical experience.'"
EVERY thought, feeling, sensation you experience is physical. Everything.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Work in Progress Blog Archive: Remembering Phyllis Diller:
"How about hecklers? 'I never had hecklers. Here’s my rhythm: Either I am talking or they are laughing. You would’ve had to make an appointment to heckle me.'"
"How about hecklers? 'I never had hecklers. Here’s my rhythm: Either I am talking or they are laughing. You would’ve had to make an appointment to heckle me.'"
Monday, September 03, 2012
A View to a Kill (1985)*
Roger should have quit while he was ahead with Octopussy. This is one of the worst Bonds. Completely nonsensical story, and since apparently 1 old fuddy-duddy playing a superspy isn't enough, they had to recruit former TV Avenger Patrick Macnee to join the fray. And for Bond "girls" they get Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones? Not the producers' finest hours.
Roger should have quit while he was ahead with Octopussy. This is one of the worst Bonds. Completely nonsensical story, and since apparently 1 old fuddy-duddy playing a superspy isn't enough, they had to recruit former TV Avenger Patrick Macnee to join the fray. And for Bond "girls" they get Tanya Roberts and Grace Jones? Not the producers' finest hours.
Octopussy (1983)***
It took 10 years, but we finally get the best Roger Moore Bond film. Colorful Indian locales, a fairly plausible story line (no incredibly wealthy yet deranged villains intent on world domination), lots of action and lots of startling stunts. Great theme song by John Barry.
It took 10 years, but we finally get the best Roger Moore Bond film. Colorful Indian locales, a fairly plausible story line (no incredibly wealthy yet deranged villains intent on world domination), lots of action and lots of startling stunts. Great theme song by John Barry.
Le Notti Bianche (1957)**
Some nice directorial touches by Luchino Visconti and some lovely black and white camera work, but it's a 20 minute story stretched to 100 and it can't take the strain.
Some nice directorial touches by Luchino Visconti and some lovely black and white camera work, but it's a 20 minute story stretched to 100 and it can't take the strain.
Barefoot in the Park (1967)***
Like most Neil Simon, the first half is much better, but thanks to Redford and Fonda, especially Fonda, that first half manages to carry the picture. Funny and cute, then not funny and awkward.
Like most Neil Simon, the first half is much better, but thanks to Redford and Fonda, especially Fonda, that first half manages to carry the picture. Funny and cute, then not funny and awkward.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Scalphunters (1968)**
Strange mix of humor, extreme violence and social commentary as fur trapperBurt Lancaster has his pelts stolen and vows to get them back by any means necessary. Fine cast, but veers from violent gore to silliness a few times too often.
Strange mix of humor, extreme violence and social commentary as fur trapperBurt Lancaster has his pelts stolen and vows to get them back by any means necessary. Fine cast, but veers from violent gore to silliness a few times too often.
The Rose Tattoo (1955)**
Anna Magnani tears up the screen as a volatile Sicilian trapped in another Tennessee Williams southern melodrama. Burt Lancaster keeps up but the rest of the cast can't.
Anna Magnani tears up the screen as a volatile Sicilian trapped in another Tennessee Williams southern melodrama. Burt Lancaster keeps up but the rest of the cast can't.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012)**
Disappointing Aardman stop-motion flick suffers from an overload of puns and drollery and not enough characterization. Still technically impressive and a merciful length. Should have made another Wallace & Gromit instead.
Disappointing Aardman stop-motion flick suffers from an overload of puns and drollery and not enough characterization. Still technically impressive and a merciful length. Should have made another Wallace & Gromit instead.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Kings Row (1942)****
Remarkably effective melodrama succeeds despite the ludicrous casting of Robert Cummings in the lead. Superb visuals, sets and a brisk pace help immensely. Even Ronnie's great!
Remarkably effective melodrama succeeds despite the ludicrous casting of Robert Cummings in the lead. Superb visuals, sets and a brisk pace help immensely. Even Ronnie's great!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
To Rome with Love (2012)***
Despite some serious casting missteps (Ellen Page as a femme fatale?), this is one of Woody's funnier and more enjoyable late period films. His eye for color and composition and his ear for dialogue are undiminished.
Despite some serious casting missteps (Ellen Page as a femme fatale?), this is one of Woody's funnier and more enjoyable late period films. His eye for color and composition and his ear for dialogue are undiminished.
Moonraker (1979)**
Roger's starting to look tired and the writer's have jumped the shark with the plot which stops making sense altogether. (Incidentally, why must nearly every Bond flick involve sharks at some point?)
Roger's starting to look tired and the writer's have jumped the shark with the plot which stops making sense altogether. (Incidentally, why must nearly every Bond flick involve sharks at some point?)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Todd Akin ignores first deadline to drop out of Missouri race. Now what? - Yahoo! News:
"A Public Policy Polling survey of Missouri voters taken on Monday and released Tuesday could also encourage Akin. It found him leading McCaskill 44 to 43 percent. Though another poll, by SurveyUSA, showed that 54 percent of Missourians want Akin to step aside."
If he wants to be a U. S. Senator, Akin should stay in. If 2000 and 2004 proved anything, it is that being an idiot is no impediment to political success.
"A Public Policy Polling survey of Missouri voters taken on Monday and released Tuesday could also encourage Akin. It found him leading McCaskill 44 to 43 percent. Though another poll, by SurveyUSA, showed that 54 percent of Missourians want Akin to step aside."
If he wants to be a U. S. Senator, Akin should stay in. If 2000 and 2004 proved anything, it is that being an idiot is no impediment to political success.
For Your Eyes Only (1981)**
Roger Moore is now too old for Bond but after the zany plot of Moonraker, this flick is at least in the ballpark of plausibility. Nice locations, Topol is always interesting and likable, a few startling stunts, but as the second hour draws to a close with no sign of closure, you start to think "enough is enough".
Roger Moore is now too old for Bond but after the zany plot of Moonraker, this flick is at least in the ballpark of plausibility. Nice locations, Topol is always interesting and likable, a few startling stunts, but as the second hour draws to a close with no sign of closure, you start to think "enough is enough".
Saturday, August 18, 2012
The Three Stooges (2012)*
They've got the look, the voices, the bits, but cannot replace the spirit of the originals and don't even come close. So failing that, they go for sappy sentimentality and it hurts. Badly.
They've got the look, the voices, the bits, but cannot replace the spirit of the originals and don't even come close. So failing that, they go for sappy sentimentality and it hurts. Badly.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Never Say Never Again (1983)**
Some nice locations, well shot, but it's very long and repetitive. Good cast though.
Some nice locations, well shot, but it's very long and repetitive. Good cast though.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
The Wild Geese (1978)**
If you can overlook the excessive length, the heavy-handed direction, the questionable politics and the fact that the "good guys" are cold-blooded, heartless mercenaries, then this is an enjoyable vehicle for some fine older British actors who look like they are having fun together. Sort of a proto-Expendables.
If you can overlook the excessive length, the heavy-handed direction, the questionable politics and the fact that the "good guys" are cold-blooded, heartless mercenaries, then this is an enjoyable vehicle for some fine older British actors who look like they are having fun together. Sort of a proto-Expendables.
Room Service (1938)***
Takes place almost entirely in a single hotel room, but a superior Marx Brothers movie nonetheless.
Takes place almost entirely in a single hotel room, but a superior Marx Brothers movie nonetheless.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Gore Vidal, celebrated author, playwright, dies - Yahoo! News:
"'Because there is no cosmic point to the life that each of us perceives on this distant bit of dust at galaxy's edge,' he once wrote, 'all the more reason for us to maintain in proper balance what we have here. Because there is nothing else. No thing. This is it. And quite enough, all in all.'"
"'Because there is no cosmic point to the life that each of us perceives on this distant bit of dust at galaxy's edge,' he once wrote, 'all the more reason for us to maintain in proper balance what we have here. Because there is nothing else. No thing. This is it. And quite enough, all in all.'"
Writer Gore Vidal, 86, has died - latimes.com:
"'Style,' Vidal once said, 'is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.' By that definition, he was an emperor of style, sophisticated and cantankerous in his prophesies of America’s fate and refusal to let others define him."
I found him and his writings always interesting, intelligent, entertaining, remarkable.
"'Style,' Vidal once said, 'is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.' By that definition, he was an emperor of style, sophisticated and cantankerous in his prophesies of America’s fate and refusal to let others define him."
I found him and his writings always interesting, intelligent, entertaining, remarkable.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)**
Just when Roger Moore really gets into the role, Barbara Bach shows up comatose. Still it's probably the best of the Moore films with lots of money on the screen and exotic locales.
Just when Roger Moore really gets into the role, Barbara Bach shows up comatose. Still it's probably the best of the Moore films with lots of money on the screen and exotic locales.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)**
Britt Ekland looks great in a bikini and Roger Moore is more awake in this Bond flick that boasts Christopher Lee as one of the better villains. Too long, but some nifty car stunts utilizing, probably for the only time ever in a major film, an AMC Matador and Hornet. A Matador!
Britt Ekland looks great in a bikini and Roger Moore is more awake in this Bond flick that boasts Christopher Lee as one of the better villains. Too long, but some nifty car stunts utilizing, probably for the only time ever in a major film, an AMC Matador and Hornet. A Matador!
Ride the High Country (1962)**
Interesting mainly because of the casting, but this is a pretty good old fashioned Western with some characters able to hit targets a long way off and others, inexplicably unable to hit the broad side of a barn at close range.
Interesting mainly because of the casting, but this is a pretty good old fashioned Western with some characters able to hit targets a long way off and others, inexplicably unable to hit the broad side of a barn at close range.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
More TARP Bashing | Beat the Press:
"The serious question is how bad could we reasonably expect the downturn to have been if we had gone the cold turkey route [no bailout]. The place to look for insight on this question is Argentina, which went the financial collapse route in December of 2001. This was the real deal. Banks shut, no access to ATMs, no one knowing when they could get their money out of their bank, if they ever could.
"This collapse led to a plunge in GDP for three months, followed by three months in which the economy stabilized and then six years of robust growth. It took the country a year and a half to make up the output lost following the crisis.
"While there is no guarantee that the Bernanke-Geithner team would be as competent as Argentina's crew, if we assume for the moment they are, then the relevant question would be if it is worth this sort of downturn to clean up the financial sector once and for all. I'm inclined to say yes, but I certainly could understand that others may view the situation differently.
"Anyhow, this is the debate that we should have had [at] the time and at least be acknowledging in retrospect. The cost of not doing the bailout was not a second Great Depression."
"The serious question is how bad could we reasonably expect the downturn to have been if we had gone the cold turkey route [no bailout]. The place to look for insight on this question is Argentina, which went the financial collapse route in December of 2001. This was the real deal. Banks shut, no access to ATMs, no one knowing when they could get their money out of their bank, if they ever could.
"This collapse led to a plunge in GDP for three months, followed by three months in which the economy stabilized and then six years of robust growth. It took the country a year and a half to make up the output lost following the crisis.
"While there is no guarantee that the Bernanke-Geithner team would be as competent as Argentina's crew, if we assume for the moment they are, then the relevant question would be if it is worth this sort of downturn to clean up the financial sector once and for all. I'm inclined to say yes, but I certainly could understand that others may view the situation differently.
"Anyhow, this is the debate that we should have had [at] the time and at least be acknowledging in retrospect. The cost of not doing the bailout was not a second Great Depression."
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
J. Craig Venter: The Biological-digital Converter, Or, Biology At The Speed Of Light @ The Edge Dinner In Turin:
"The idea that you're basically a DNA-driven software device is not the view that people necessarily have of themselves. But every cell on this planet works that way in a biological-to-mechanical kind of fashion. No brain controlling what happens with DNA reading and protein synthesis in your cells. The combination of one hundred trillion cells gives different people different abilities to make wonderful music, to make science advances, to think, but every one of those cells operates in the same fashion. And that means we will be able to decode how the brain functions by understanding these same mechanisms. There's no need to evoke mysticism or a higher being. That's what Schrodinger did seventy years ago. He couldn't explain things, so he did what people do when they can't explain something. He evokes mysticism. But science is getting very advanced with regard our understanding life. We know what it is, and we now know how to reproduce it. We produce life by writing new software."
"The idea that you're basically a DNA-driven software device is not the view that people necessarily have of themselves. But every cell on this planet works that way in a biological-to-mechanical kind of fashion. No brain controlling what happens with DNA reading and protein synthesis in your cells. The combination of one hundred trillion cells gives different people different abilities to make wonderful music, to make science advances, to think, but every one of those cells operates in the same fashion. And that means we will be able to decode how the brain functions by understanding these same mechanisms. There's no need to evoke mysticism or a higher being. That's what Schrodinger did seventy years ago. He couldn't explain things, so he did what people do when they can't explain something. He evokes mysticism. But science is getting very advanced with regard our understanding life. We know what it is, and we now know how to reproduce it. We produce life by writing new software."
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Last Command (1928)**
Emil Jannings is wonderful as the former Russian general now working as an extra in Hollywood, but he can't do all the heavy lifting himself. The film is too hurried and uninvolving.
Emil Jannings is wonderful as the former Russian general now working as an extra in Hollywood, but he can't do all the heavy lifting himself. The film is too hurried and uninvolving.
Live and Let Die (1973)*
Not good at all. The "action" consists of extended stunt scenes usually involving automobiles or speed boats. Roger Moore as Bond confuses somnolence with "cool" and the script...could this have been considered "hip" and "urban" in 1973? Today it's cringe worthy from start to finish. Embarrassing.
Not good at all. The "action" consists of extended stunt scenes usually involving automobiles or speed boats. Roger Moore as Bond confuses somnolence with "cool" and the script...could this have been considered "hip" and "urban" in 1973? Today it's cringe worthy from start to finish. Embarrassing.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)***
Preposterous, overlong, relentlessly cynical and exploitative, this is nevertheless a supremely well crafted film. Avoids most cliches and has a good ear for dialogue for an action flick. But seriously, it is WAY too long and could have lost a good hour of editing without damaging its very fine finale.
Preposterous, overlong, relentlessly cynical and exploitative, this is nevertheless a supremely well crafted film. Avoids most cliches and has a good ear for dialogue for an action flick. But seriously, it is WAY too long and could have lost a good hour of editing without damaging its very fine finale.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Fred Willard fired from PBS after arrest | Daily Dish :
"The 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' star, 72, was taken into custody on Wednesday night after undercover vice officers allegedly caught him masturbating while watching a porn film at adult movie cinema Tiki Theater in Hollywood....Ironically, his arrest comes almost 21 years to the day that actor Paul Reubens, aka Pee Wee Herman, was booked for indecent exposure in July, 1991, after police officers allegedly caught him masturbating in an adult theater in Sarasota, Fla."
Do we really need to have cops patrolling ADULT cinemas looking for pervs? I mean, isn't that the whole point of adult cinemas? Isn't there enough REAL crime around to keep these cops busy?
"The 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' star, 72, was taken into custody on Wednesday night after undercover vice officers allegedly caught him masturbating while watching a porn film at adult movie cinema Tiki Theater in Hollywood....Ironically, his arrest comes almost 21 years to the day that actor Paul Reubens, aka Pee Wee Herman, was booked for indecent exposure in July, 1991, after police officers allegedly caught him masturbating in an adult theater in Sarasota, Fla."
Do we really need to have cops patrolling ADULT cinemas looking for pervs? I mean, isn't that the whole point of adult cinemas? Isn't there enough REAL crime around to keep these cops busy?
Blow (2001)***
Sort of "Goodfellas"-lite, this is another example of our keen ability to self-delude. The protagonist is only likable because Johnny Depp plays him but director Ted Demme admirably lets the viewer make up his own mind with a fast-paced (almost TOO fast paced) script and a fine cast.
Sort of "Goodfellas"-lite, this is another example of our keen ability to self-delude. The protagonist is only likable because Johnny Depp plays him but director Ted Demme admirably lets the viewer make up his own mind with a fast-paced (almost TOO fast paced) script and a fine cast.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The High Commissioner (1968)**
Top notch cast and nice production values don't quite make a satisfying spy thriller. Holds interest and has some really sharp moments, just not enough of them. The script and direction needed tightening.
Top notch cast and nice production values don't quite make a satisfying spy thriller. Holds interest and has some really sharp moments, just not enough of them. The script and direction needed tightening.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)***
Bond enters the '70's. Possibly the creepiest of the series, with strange, sadistic bad guys and a much older looking Connery. The production values are appropriately schlocky as befitting the times and much of the action takes place in big bad Las Vegas in those pre-Disneyfied days. Jill St. John never looked better and Shirley Bassey never sounded better.
Bond enters the '70's. Possibly the creepiest of the series, with strange, sadistic bad guys and a much older looking Connery. The production values are appropriately schlocky as befitting the times and much of the action takes place in big bad Las Vegas in those pre-Disneyfied days. Jill St. John never looked better and Shirley Bassey never sounded better.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)*
Starts off great with Criswell in full closeup intoning ominously. Then...well let's just say it really is as bad as everyone says.
Starts off great with Criswell in full closeup intoning ominously. Then...well let's just say it really is as bad as everyone says.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)**
Basil Rathbone is the only one here who takes this pic seriously unfortunately. Lots of mugging and winking at the camera with southern California obviously filling in for "jollye olde Englande". Nice sword fight at the finale.
Basil Rathbone is the only one here who takes this pic seriously unfortunately. Lots of mugging and winking at the camera with southern California obviously filling in for "jollye olde Englande". Nice sword fight at the finale.
Murphy's War (1971)**
As a man obsessed, Peter O'Toole is appropriately over the top but there's not enough story here to carry the picture.
As a man obsessed, Peter O'Toole is appropriately over the top but there's not enough story here to carry the picture.
Sunrise (1927)***
Pretentious melodrama that nonetheless acts as a showcase for some pretty advanced special effects and production design for its time. For that reason it's an important film. Minimal use of title cards helps too.
Pretentious melodrama that nonetheless acts as a showcase for some pretty advanced special effects and production design for its time. For that reason it's an important film. Minimal use of title cards helps too.
Monday, July 09, 2012
The Rum Diary (2011)**
It has a good cast and beautiful Caribbean locations but the story never gels and it is shot so darkly you'd think it was a 3D film.
It has a good cast and beautiful Caribbean locations but the story never gels and it is shot so darkly you'd think it was a 3D film.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)**
George Lazenby really isn't that bad and this one has Diana Rigg too. But it's very long, very talky and takes itself a bit too seriously.
George Lazenby really isn't that bad and this one has Diana Rigg too. But it's very long, very talky and takes itself a bit too seriously.
Friday, July 06, 2012
Solaris (1972)**
Desperately needs to be edited, but manages to maintain interest thanks mainly to Natalya Bondarchuk. Steven Soderbergh's 2002 remake was far superior.
Desperately needs to be edited, but manages to maintain interest thanks mainly to Natalya Bondarchuk. Steven Soderbergh's 2002 remake was far superior.
Play Misty for Me (1971)***
In his directorial debut Clint Eastwood shows he has a good cinematic eye in this proto-stalker flick set in and around Carmel, CA. Lots of quirks in style and cast as Clint eschews the typical thriller cues and tropes.
In his directorial debut Clint Eastwood shows he has a good cinematic eye in this proto-stalker flick set in and around Carmel, CA. Lots of quirks in style and cast as Clint eschews the typical thriller cues and tropes.
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Malta Story (1953)**
Despite location filming and actual footage taken during the siege of Malta, this British war pic is dull and drab. Not a good performance by Sir Alec Guinness.
Despite location filming and actual footage taken during the siege of Malta, this British war pic is dull and drab. Not a good performance by Sir Alec Guinness.
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
When Eight Bells Toll (1971)**
Interesting, realistic spy adventure flick at least until the finale. Jack Hawkins is unrecognizable as a shipping tycoon and Anthony Hopkins does well as a super spy. Soundtrack is wildly out of place though.
Interesting, realistic spy adventure flick at least until the finale. Jack Hawkins is unrecognizable as a shipping tycoon and Anthony Hopkins does well as a super spy. Soundtrack is wildly out of place though.
Monday, July 02, 2012
Men in Black 3 (2012)***
Enjoyable, silly comic book flick doesn't take itself seriously and that's a welcome relief. Barry Sonnenfeld keeps the action and sight gags moving with a very mobile camera, obviously for the 3D effect. Still the overall effect is fun.
Enjoyable, silly comic book flick doesn't take itself seriously and that's a welcome relief. Barry Sonnenfeld keeps the action and sight gags moving with a very mobile camera, obviously for the 3D effect. Still the overall effect is fun.
From Here to Eternity (1953)***
Slick melodrama about life on an army base in Hawaii in 1941 made compelling by almost all the lead actors. Even Sinatra is good. It's Montgomery Cliff that sticks out like a sore thumb.
Slick melodrama about life on an army base in Hawaii in 1941 made compelling by almost all the lead actors. Even Sinatra is good. It's Montgomery Cliff that sticks out like a sore thumb.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
The Naked Jungle (1954)***
Highly entertaining old style Hollywood adventure/drama flick with Chuck Heston almost a self-caricature at times. But it's colorful, interesting and the two leads work well together. This is the one with all the ants.
Highly entertaining old style Hollywood adventure/drama flick with Chuck Heston almost a self-caricature at times. But it's colorful, interesting and the two leads work well together. This is the one with all the ants.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Kiss Me, Stupid (1964)**
This film has a lot of truthful and serious things to say about human relationships. Unfortunately it's trying to be a comedy and failing miserably. If you think about it, it's a good film. But the actual watching of it is not entertaining or enjoyable, even with a stunning Kim Novak.
This film has a lot of truthful and serious things to say about human relationships. Unfortunately it's trying to be a comedy and failing miserably. If you think about it, it's a good film. But the actual watching of it is not entertaining or enjoyable, even with a stunning Kim Novak.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)****
It's like a live animated film. You get the feeling that every blade of grass was selected specifically by Wes Anderson, it is that controlled of a film. Kind of a romanticized remembering of a childhood dream or feeling.
It's like a live animated film. You get the feeling that every blade of grass was selected specifically by Wes Anderson, it is that controlled of a film. Kind of a romanticized remembering of a childhood dream or feeling.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)****
It has its flaws (Sinatra, miscast Laurence Harvey, heavy close-ups) but enough interesting quirks to make it special.
It has its flaws (Sinatra, miscast Laurence Harvey, heavy close-ups) but enough interesting quirks to make it special.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Some Facts, Insights Into The Whole Discussion Of 'Ethics' And Music Business Models | Techdirt:
"No one has ever had a 'right' to make money from what they create. They have a right to try to do so. And many people have figured out how to do so under the current system. Those complaining don't seem to understand that you don't just get to sit back and have people give you money. You have to work at it, every day. That's the lesson Amanda Palmer provided everyone with her massively successful fundraising. She didn't raise that money based on any 'ethical' arguments or anything having to do with copyright at all. In fact, she's explained how infringement has always helped her. She's able to do that because she works hard every single day to not just create great music, but to connect with her fans at a very deep level. She doesn't scold her fans -- she celebrates them. And because of that, she can make a ton of money and her fans love her for it."
via Boing Boing
"No one has ever had a 'right' to make money from what they create. They have a right to try to do so. And many people have figured out how to do so under the current system. Those complaining don't seem to understand that you don't just get to sit back and have people give you money. You have to work at it, every day. That's the lesson Amanda Palmer provided everyone with her massively successful fundraising. She didn't raise that money based on any 'ethical' arguments or anything having to do with copyright at all. In fact, she's explained how infringement has always helped her. She's able to do that because she works hard every single day to not just create great music, but to connect with her fans at a very deep level. She doesn't scold her fans -- she celebrates them. And because of that, she can make a ton of money and her fans love her for it."
via Boing Boing
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Thunderball (1965)**
Can't recall another mainstream picture with so much underwater photography. Trouble is most of the action takes place there. Laughable villain.
Can't recall another mainstream picture with so much underwater photography. Trouble is most of the action takes place there. Laughable villain.
Goldfinger (1964)***
Bond hits his stride in this stylish, gadget-filled caper. Set the mold for future Bonds. Great Shirley Bassey theme song.
Bond hits his stride in this stylish, gadget-filled caper. Set the mold for future Bonds. Great Shirley Bassey theme song.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The Innocent (1993)**
Graham Greene-ish melodrama set in 1950's era Berlin with spies and counter spies trying to one up each other. Anthony Hopkins is fun playing an American but Campbell Scott doesn't have enough star power in the lead to overcome a too long script.
Graham Greene-ish melodrama set in 1950's era Berlin with spies and counter spies trying to one up each other. Anthony Hopkins is fun playing an American but Campbell Scott doesn't have enough star power in the lead to overcome a too long script.
Certified Copy (2010)****
Smart, stylish, compelling introspection on originality, truth, relationships, you name it. Gets to the painful truth of all of it. Juliette Binoche is astounding.
Smart, stylish, compelling introspection on originality, truth, relationships, you name it. Gets to the painful truth of all of it. Juliette Binoche is astounding.
White House refuses to reveal ties with Monsanto — RT:
"Michael Taylor, a former attorney for the US Department of Agriculture and lobbyist for Monsanto, was recently appointed to a federal role as the deputy commissioner for foods at the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, the FDA shot down requests from consumer protection groups to label genetically modified products as such. With a White House-Monsanto connection already established with the appointment of Taylor, PEER and others are interested in what other ties could exist between the two."
"Michael Taylor, a former attorney for the US Department of Agriculture and lobbyist for Monsanto, was recently appointed to a federal role as the deputy commissioner for foods at the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since then, the FDA shot down requests from consumer protection groups to label genetically modified products as such. With a White House-Monsanto connection already established with the appointment of Taylor, PEER and others are interested in what other ties could exist between the two."
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Vertigo (1958)****
Superb film with Hitchcock working all the buttons at his disposal. Kim Novak's performance gets better each time I see it, especially when she's the brunette. ;-)
Superb film with Hitchcock working all the buttons at his disposal. Kim Novak's performance gets better each time I see it, especially when she's the brunette. ;-)
The Rules of the Game (1939)***
Some nifty camera work, sharp dialogue, and a very modern sensibility elevates this dramady of manners among the elites and their underlings in pre-war France. Compare and contrast with Gosford Park.
Some nifty camera work, sharp dialogue, and a very modern sensibility elevates this dramady of manners among the elites and their underlings in pre-war France. Compare and contrast with Gosford Park.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)*
Also known as "Extremely Long & Incredibly Annoying". The epitome of "ham-fisted". Makes a Steven Spielberg flick look like "Last Year At Marienbad". Get the drift? If you like being hit over the head with a sledge hammer, repeatedly, this is your movie.
Also known as "Extremely Long & Incredibly Annoying". The epitome of "ham-fisted". Makes a Steven Spielberg flick look like "Last Year At Marienbad". Get the drift? If you like being hit over the head with a sledge hammer, repeatedly, this is your movie.
Monday, June 11, 2012
From Russia with Love (1963)**
Second Bond picture is an improvement over the first, but that's not saying much. Still, this one has Robert Shaw and a terrific, iconic score by John Barry.
Second Bond picture is an improvement over the first, but that's not saying much. Still, this one has Robert Shaw and a terrific, iconic score by John Barry.
Friday, June 08, 2012
Champagne for Caesar (1950)**
Starts out as broad satire, settles into a rom-com vibe and ends with a thud. Strange in a bad way.
Starts out as broad satire, settles into a rom-com vibe and ends with a thud. Strange in a bad way.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Stage Fright (1950)***
Lots of interesting shots and sequences in this "minor" Hitchcock murder mystery. A fine cast, particularly Marlene Dietrich and Alistair Sim, with the notable exception of Jane Wyman, who sticks out like a sore thumb.
Lots of interesting shots and sequences in this "minor" Hitchcock murder mystery. A fine cast, particularly Marlene Dietrich and Alistair Sim, with the notable exception of Jane Wyman, who sticks out like a sore thumb.
The Andromeda Strain (1971)****
The kind of sci-fi film they don't make any more, probably because it's not based on a comic book, I mean "graphic novel". Sharp direction from anti-auteur Robert Wise.
The kind of sci-fi film they don't make any more, probably because it's not based on a comic book, I mean "graphic novel". Sharp direction from anti-auteur Robert Wise.
Dr. No (1962)**
More interesting as an historical artifact than film, this "action" flick is quite dull now with only Ursula Andress providing any spark. Too bad she arrives late in the picture.
More interesting as an historical artifact than film, this "action" flick is quite dull now with only Ursula Andress providing any spark. Too bad she arrives late in the picture.
Smile (1975)***
Not as sharp as The Candidate or The Bad News Bears, but still a fine portrait of American delusions from Michael Ritchie.
Not as sharp as The Candidate or The Bad News Bears, but still a fine portrait of American delusions from Michael Ritchie.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Barney Frank: Obama Rejected Bush Administration Concession to Write Down Mortgages | naked capitalism:
"I tried to get them to use the TARP to put some leverage on the banks to do more about mortgages, and Paulson at first resisted that, he just wanted to get the money out. And after he got the first chunk of money out, he would have had to ask for a second chunk, he said, all right, I’ll tell you what, I’ll ask for that second chunk and I’ll use some of that as leverage on mortgages, but I’m not going to do that unless Obama asks for it. This is now December, so we tried to get the Obama people to ask him and they wouldn’t do it."
Let's face it: Obama just does not give a shit about you.
"I tried to get them to use the TARP to put some leverage on the banks to do more about mortgages, and Paulson at first resisted that, he just wanted to get the money out. And after he got the first chunk of money out, he would have had to ask for a second chunk, he said, all right, I’ll tell you what, I’ll ask for that second chunk and I’ll use some of that as leverage on mortgages, but I’m not going to do that unless Obama asks for it. This is now December, so we tried to get the Obama people to ask him and they wouldn’t do it."
Let's face it: Obama just does not give a shit about you.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Suddenly (1954)**
Cheap looking melodrama has a hackneyed script and a quite good performance by Sinatra as an assassin for hire.
Cheap looking melodrama has a hackneyed script and a quite good performance by Sinatra as an assassin for hire.
A Bridge Too Far (1977)**
By the numbers direction hampers what could have been a terrific WWII flick. All star cast turns in fine, restrained performances. Needed about 45 minutes cut.
By the numbers direction hampers what could have been a terrific WWII flick. All star cast turns in fine, restrained performances. Needed about 45 minutes cut.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Lifeguard (1976)****
Terrific character study that resists cliches and sticks to realism. Exceptional, appealing actors, spare, truthful script, nicely restrained direction. Fascinating glimpse at 70's culture.
Terrific character study that resists cliches and sticks to realism. Exceptional, appealing actors, spare, truthful script, nicely restrained direction. Fascinating glimpse at 70's culture.
Spellbound (1945)**
At the time of its release perhaps not, but nowadays a pretty laughable blend of murder mystery and psycho-babble. It has some interesting moments, particularly the goofy Dali designed dream sequence, but not enough of them. I also don't believe there was a frame of film without music in it. Overbearing.
At the time of its release perhaps not, but nowadays a pretty laughable blend of murder mystery and psycho-babble. It has some interesting moments, particularly the goofy Dali designed dream sequence, but not enough of them. I also don't believe there was a frame of film without music in it. Overbearing.
The Self Illusion: An Interview With Bruce Hood | Wired.com:
"LEHRER: If the self is an illusion, then why does it exist? Why do we bother telling a story about ourselves?
"HOOD: For the same reason that our brains create a highly abstracted version of the world around us. It is bad enough that our brain is metabolically hogging most of our energy requirements, but it does this to reduce the workload to act. That’s the original reason why the brain evolved in the first place – to plan and control movements and keep track of the environment. It’s why living creatures that do not act or navigate around their environments do not have brains. So the brain generates maps and models on which to base current and future behaviors. Now the value of a map or a model is the extent to which it provides the most relevant useful information without overburdening you with too much detail."
"LEHRER: If the self is an illusion, then why does it exist? Why do we bother telling a story about ourselves?
"HOOD: For the same reason that our brains create a highly abstracted version of the world around us. It is bad enough that our brain is metabolically hogging most of our energy requirements, but it does this to reduce the workload to act. That’s the original reason why the brain evolved in the first place – to plan and control movements and keep track of the environment. It’s why living creatures that do not act or navigate around their environments do not have brains. So the brain generates maps and models on which to base current and future behaviors. Now the value of a map or a model is the extent to which it provides the most relevant useful information without overburdening you with too much detail."
Monday, May 21, 2012
Dark Shadows (2012)**
Tim Burton lite. VERY lite. Actually quite shocking that such a script was actually produced and he put his name on it. 2 stars for Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter, the only reasons to see this.
Tim Burton lite. VERY lite. Actually quite shocking that such a script was actually produced and he put his name on it. 2 stars for Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter, the only reasons to see this.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tom Brokaw Doubles Down On WHCD: 'If You Go, It'll Steal Your Soul' (HUFFPO):
"'I do feel strongly that it's gone way too far,' he said. He added that the dinner, which has drawn more and more Hollywood celebrities ever year, gives off a 'let them eat cake' air to the rest of the country, and seemed to say that 'we're more interested in celebrities than we are in the concerns of real folks who are out there.'"
Oh please. Saint Tom is in a tizzy because there are too many celebrities spoiling his little soiree with politicos. Yeah I guess that could be an issue. But Tom fails to realize that the REAL problem with the WHCD is the schmoozing and inter-mingling of the "journalists" with the very people they are supposed to be having an adversarial relationship with. Yukking it up with the people they are supposed to be keeping a critical eye on concerns "real folks" much more than celebrities. Tell you what. Ditch the politicians and keep the celebs and we'll call it even.
"'I do feel strongly that it's gone way too far,' he said. He added that the dinner, which has drawn more and more Hollywood celebrities ever year, gives off a 'let them eat cake' air to the rest of the country, and seemed to say that 'we're more interested in celebrities than we are in the concerns of real folks who are out there.'"
Oh please. Saint Tom is in a tizzy because there are too many celebrities spoiling his little soiree with politicos. Yeah I guess that could be an issue. But Tom fails to realize that the REAL problem with the WHCD is the schmoozing and inter-mingling of the "journalists" with the very people they are supposed to be having an adversarial relationship with. Yukking it up with the people they are supposed to be keeping a critical eye on concerns "real folks" much more than celebrities. Tell you what. Ditch the politicians and keep the celebs and we'll call it even.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Even Dwarfs Started Small (1970)*
Bad, even for Herzog. It's interesting to note how much he likes to film driver-less autos going around in a circle. And chickens. Oh there is also a pig, and then [spoiler alert!] at the end a camel shows up.
Bad, even for Herzog. It's interesting to note how much he likes to film driver-less autos going around in a circle. And chickens. Oh there is also a pig, and then [spoiler alert!] at the end a camel shows up.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Stroszek (1977)***
A case of Werner Herzog's off-the-cuff film making style paying off. Shattering, unflinching look at the conflict of hopes and reality as played out in the bleak Wisconsin midwinter. Final sequence is unique and memorable.
A case of Werner Herzog's off-the-cuff film making style paying off. Shattering, unflinching look at the conflict of hopes and reality as played out in the bleak Wisconsin midwinter. Final sequence is unique and memorable.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Cactus Flower (1969)**
I realize the premise of the plot is preposterous and exists only to set up the "sophisticated" comedic situation, but it is appallingly misogynistic and distracting especially in a film rescued by the performances and appeal of its two leading ladies.
I realize the premise of the plot is preposterous and exists only to set up the "sophisticated" comedic situation, but it is appallingly misogynistic and distracting especially in a film rescued by the performances and appeal of its two leading ladies.
Bullying the Nuns by Garry Wills | The New York Review of Books:
"It is typical of the pope’s sense of priorities that, at the very time when he is quashing an independent spirit in the church’s women, he is negotiating a welcome back to priests who left the church in protest at the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. These men, with their own dissident bishop, Marcel Lefebvre, formed the Society of Saint Pius X—the Pius whose Secretariat of State had a monsignor (Umberto Benigni) who promoted the Protocols of the Elder of Zion. Pope Benedict has already lifted the excommunication of four bishops in the Society of Saint Pius X, including that of Richard Williamson, who is a holocaust denier. Now a return of the whole body is being negotiated."
"It is typical of the pope’s sense of priorities that, at the very time when he is quashing an independent spirit in the church’s women, he is negotiating a welcome back to priests who left the church in protest at the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. These men, with their own dissident bishop, Marcel Lefebvre, formed the Society of Saint Pius X—the Pius whose Secretariat of State had a monsignor (Umberto Benigni) who promoted the Protocols of the Elder of Zion. Pope Benedict has already lifted the excommunication of four bishops in the Society of Saint Pius X, including that of Richard Williamson, who is a holocaust denier. Now a return of the whole body is being negotiated."
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Play Dirty (1969)***
Well done WWII actioner, sort of a British Dirty Half Dozen. Sharp script, enough eccentricities to push it above the average.
Well done WWII actioner, sort of a British Dirty Half Dozen. Sharp script, enough eccentricities to push it above the average.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
George W. Bush and torture: America’s highest officials are responsible for the “enhanced interrogation” of prisoners. - Slate Magazine:
"That the United States operated secret prisons anywhere on earth just so we could place our prisoners and jailors outside the reach of U.S. laws prohibiting torture is outrageous, of course. But there’s something especially perverse about basing one of these facilities in a country whose 'bitter recent experiences' include first Nazi occupation and extermination camps and then four decades of communist oppression. Out of those experiences, the people of Poland created a state that embraces, without reservation, the absolute ban on torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, and the first thing the United States does is degrade that state by setting up and running a secret torture chamber on Polish soil."
And that in itself was illegal, right? Hello? Is this thing on? Anybody there? Anyone at all?
via @theharryshearer
"That the United States operated secret prisons anywhere on earth just so we could place our prisoners and jailors outside the reach of U.S. laws prohibiting torture is outrageous, of course. But there’s something especially perverse about basing one of these facilities in a country whose 'bitter recent experiences' include first Nazi occupation and extermination camps and then four decades of communist oppression. Out of those experiences, the people of Poland created a state that embraces, without reservation, the absolute ban on torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, and the first thing the United States does is degrade that state by setting up and running a secret torture chamber on Polish soil."
And that in itself was illegal, right? Hello? Is this thing on? Anybody there? Anyone at all?
via @theharryshearer
Friday, April 20, 2012
I Do (2006)**
So-so French rom-com that plays like a Hollywood rom-com which is not a good thing. Watchable for the two leads, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Alain Chabat.
So-so French rom-com that plays like a Hollywood rom-com which is not a good thing. Watchable for the two leads, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Alain Chabat.
The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974)****
Werner Herzog makes serious films, there is no doubt about that, and that deserves respect and admiration. However, his style of direction is so minimal, so matter-of-fact, it tends to minimize the impact of the what is taking place on the screen. You can read the script and be very moved by the story but you watch the film and it lays there flat. Restraint is one thing, but overwhelming lifelessness is quite another.
UPDATE 11/09/15: Second viewing experience is much improved. The casting is superb, the images quite impressive and once you know the story and the "enigma", the nuances and subtleties in the film come to life and are quite moving.
Werner Herzog makes serious films, there is no doubt about that, and that deserves respect and admiration. However, his style of direction is so minimal, so matter-of-fact, it tends to minimize the impact of the what is taking place on the screen. You can read the script and be very moved by the story but you watch the film and it lays there flat. Restraint is one thing, but overwhelming lifelessness is quite another.
UPDATE 11/09/15: Second viewing experience is much improved. The casting is superb, the images quite impressive and once you know the story and the "enigma", the nuances and subtleties in the film come to life and are quite moving.
Scoop (2006)**
Enjoyable "minor" Woody Allen comedy with the director performing as a magician who could have been in Broadway Danny Rose. Top notch cast, lots of good one-liners, light, breezy and fairly forgettable.
Enjoyable "minor" Woody Allen comedy with the director performing as a magician who could have been in Broadway Danny Rose. Top notch cast, lots of good one-liners, light, breezy and fairly forgettable.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Metropolitan (1990)***
Enjoyable Jane Austen-meets-Woody Allen light comedy about modern Manhattan young elites. Another way to describe it would be "Pretty In Pink" among the 1%-ers. Literate script, concise direction, nicely shot, appealingly cast.
Enjoyable Jane Austen-meets-Woody Allen light comedy about modern Manhattan young elites. Another way to describe it would be "Pretty In Pink" among the 1%-ers. Literate script, concise direction, nicely shot, appealingly cast.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
The Chase (1966)***
Bizarre flick about a small Texas town that apparently goes berserk every Saturday night, fueled by an unending flow of alcohol, sex and violence. All-star cast and crew undermined by an overzealous producer. Still the film holds interest and closes with some real power.
Bizarre flick about a small Texas town that apparently goes berserk every Saturday night, fueled by an unending flow of alcohol, sex and violence. All-star cast and crew undermined by an overzealous producer. Still the film holds interest and closes with some real power.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Office Space (1999)***
Hilariously accurate depiction of the life of a modern office drone with exceptional supporting characterizations. The lead character however is vacuous and not very interesting and this weakens the film a lot. A better actor as the lead may have helped.
Hilariously accurate depiction of the life of a modern office drone with exceptional supporting characterizations. The lead character however is vacuous and not very interesting and this weakens the film a lot. A better actor as the lead may have helped.
My Best Fiend - Klaus Kinski (1999)**
Essential viewing for movie buffs, but the casual moviegoer will be nonplussed. At the start, Kinski seems to appear insane but by film's end it is clear Herzog has the real problems.
Essential viewing for movie buffs, but the casual moviegoer will be nonplussed. At the start, Kinski seems to appear insane but by film's end it is clear Herzog has the real problems.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
...And They Lived Happily Ever After (2004)**
French farce about, what else, marriage, fidelity, sex, etc. Light and playful, sometimes absurd.
French farce about, what else, marriage, fidelity, sex, etc. Light and playful, sometimes absurd.
The Hot Rock (1972)**
Breezy heist flick with an appealing cast and smart script. Ron Leibman is a hoot.
Breezy heist flick with an appealing cast and smart script. Ron Leibman is a hoot.
Age of Ignorance by Charles Simic | The New York Review of Books:
"Where else on earth would a president who rescued big banks from bankruptcy with taxpayers’ money and allowed the rest of us to lose $12 trillion in investment, retirement, and home values be called a socialist?"
"Where else on earth would a president who rescued big banks from bankruptcy with taxpayers’ money and allowed the rest of us to lose $12 trillion in investment, retirement, and home values be called a socialist?"
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Banks, debt creation, and the financial takeover | eats shoots 'n leaves:
"This is the clearest explanation we’ve heard yet of the mechanisms used by politically powerful financial institutions to capture both public and private wealth.
"The fundamental principle: Creation of money by banks in the form of debt allows banks to use compound interest as a mechanism to capture the commons, while government creation of money through investment in public infrastructure and services creates wealth."
"This is the clearest explanation we’ve heard yet of the mechanisms used by politically powerful financial institutions to capture both public and private wealth.
"The fundamental principle: Creation of money by banks in the form of debt allows banks to use compound interest as a mechanism to capture the commons, while government creation of money through investment in public infrastructure and services creates wealth."
Monday, March 26, 2012
Downhill Racer (1969)****
Stellar directorial debut for Michael Ritchie in this tale of a young man with a talent for skiing and little else. Best skiing sequences on film. Tight, spare script, no filler. Marred only by the occasional heavy handed soundtrack.
Stellar directorial debut for Michael Ritchie in this tale of a young man with a talent for skiing and little else. Best skiing sequences on film. Tight, spare script, no filler. Marred only by the occasional heavy handed soundtrack.
Cobra Verde (1987)**
Klaus Kinski is exceptional yet again, in another Werner Herzog tale of crazy men in South American. This time he's a ruthless bandit who manages to become a slave mogul. Interesting in parts, but as a whole it feels like we've been down this road before with Herzog/Kinski.
Klaus Kinski is exceptional yet again, in another Werner Herzog tale of crazy men in South American. This time he's a ruthless bandit who manages to become a slave mogul. Interesting in parts, but as a whole it feels like we've been down this road before with Herzog/Kinski.
Jeremiah Johnson (1972)**
So-so direction mars this otherwise fine character driven tale of old time mountain men. Will Geer is terrific.
So-so direction mars this otherwise fine character driven tale of old time mountain men. Will Geer is terrific.
Anthony Zimmer (2005)**
Gorgeous Nice locations and Sophie Marceau are the highlights of this French thriller.
Gorgeous Nice locations and Sophie Marceau are the highlights of this French thriller.
Friday, March 16, 2012
The Housemaid (2010)**
Impeccably photographed, well acted and visually interesting, but the film never seems to reach its full potential.
Impeccably photographed, well acted and visually interesting, but the film never seems to reach its full potential.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Neuroscience And Justice Edge Master Class 2011 | Edge:
"And so the whole notion, I think, there's a realization for me, that the whole notion of this free will and the brain and determinism has been miscast. We just accept the fact that we have this automatic brain, and we use this as our metaphor. So cars are automatic, and yet cars with all their determinism that we can specify, in no way tell us about traffic. So when the cars start interacting in a social setting, you get all of a sudden, incredible new capacities that cannot be described in any way by studying the individual cars.
"I would just say the same with brains. Brains are automatic. But our freedom and our sense of personal responsibility come from the interaction, the social interaction, the glue of the environment, of the social grouping. And that's where you look for responsibility, and that's why even though we are these finely tuned machines and narratives and all the rest of it, we hold people responsible because that is the nature of the social exchange between people, and that's how you should look upon responsibility."
"And so the whole notion, I think, there's a realization for me, that the whole notion of this free will and the brain and determinism has been miscast. We just accept the fact that we have this automatic brain, and we use this as our metaphor. So cars are automatic, and yet cars with all their determinism that we can specify, in no way tell us about traffic. So when the cars start interacting in a social setting, you get all of a sudden, incredible new capacities that cannot be described in any way by studying the individual cars.
"I would just say the same with brains. Brains are automatic. But our freedom and our sense of personal responsibility come from the interaction, the social interaction, the glue of the environment, of the social grouping. And that's where you look for responsibility, and that's why even though we are these finely tuned machines and narratives and all the rest of it, we hold people responsible because that is the nature of the social exchange between people, and that's how you should look upon responsibility."
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