The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh (2012) *

Muddled ghost story is big on atmospheric (though nonsensical) scenes that don't add up to much. Thankfully brief.

Greenberg (2010) ***

Sort of a West Coast male version of Frances Ha (with a MUCH less appealing title character), it is well acted, directed and written, however Ben Stiller doesn't seem to fit the lead role and it is distracting.

The Social Life of Genes: Shaping Your Molecular Composition

“You can’t change your genes. But if we’re even half right about all this, you can change the way your genes behave—which is almost the same thing. By adjusting your environment you can adjust your gene activity. That’s what we’re doing as we move through life. We’re constantly trying to hunt down that sweet spot between too much challenge and too little.
“That’s a really important part of this: To an extent that immunologists and psychologists rarely appreciate, we are architects of our own experience. Your subjective experience carries more power than your objective situation. If you feel like you’re alone even when you’re in a room filled with the people closest to you, you’re going to have problems. If you feel like you’re well supported even though there’s nobody else in sight; if you carry relationships in your head; if you come at the world with a sense that people care about you, that you’re valuable, that you’re okay; then your body is going to act as if you’re okay—even if you’re wrong about all that.”

But what is the "you" that creates it's own experience?

Rabbit Hole (2010) **

Well made, excellently acted film but watching very wealthy, attractive white people having a tough time dealing with grief is a little hard to take.

His Kind of Woman (1951) **

Poorly thought out noir with only interesting aspect being Vincent Price as a ham actor with a penchant for armaments. Robert Mitchum looks as confused as we are by the convoluted and nonsensical plot.

Blue Jasmine (2013) ****

San Francisco stands in for New Orleans as Cate Blanchett's Jasmine crumbles before our very eyes. Director Woody Allen uses his actors and cameras superbly and Blanchett turns in a master class in how to carry a picture. One of Allen's better written films.

The Lineup (1958) ***

Nifty crime drama about a couple of creepy gangsters after some heroin imported by unsuspecting tourists. Excellent use of San Francisco locations, nicely shot with long takes, incidental music only, and a terrific and twisted screenplay.

Aaron Sorkin: What I Read - John Hudson - The Atlantic Wire

"It's only by having smart people ('elites') who disagree with each other that we arrive at what we hope is the best solution to a problem."

This HAS to be a parody, right? If not, and Sorkin really said this, he is simultaneously more arrogant and more naive than I imagined possible.

US Department of Justice wants Bush and senior cabinet members exempt from Iraq War trial — RT USA

"The reason for the decision is connected with the ‘Westfall Act’ certification. The 1988 law gives the Attorney General the power to personally decide whether the United States is actually a defendant in the case. This in turn allows the granting of absolute immunity to politicians for actions carried out while in the government’s employ."

Let's think for a minute: what would be the consequence of enacting a law that allows one government employee to grant absolute immunity to another government employee?

Big Wheel Keeps On Turning: Elvis Costello Interviewed

"EC: Well, there was really no plan in my mind to make any more recordings after National Ransom, because quite honestly, and not to be morbid, I know that I don't have an endless amount of time left, and I was trying to divide it up for the best of my mental and emotional health. The plan was to just pursue my vocation as a performing musician, which I do really well, and that's how I make my living. I couldn't honestly justify the time away from my family to make records, even at that high level. National Ransom has The Imposters and [bluegrass A-listers] The Sugarcanes on it, the two best bands I've ever worked with, you can't actually work with any better musicians. On top of that, there's the best producer in the world [T Bone Burnett] who happens to be my friend, as close as a brother, and it's difficult to imagine ever trumping that. It was one of the two or three records of mine that I will always value above all others; I like the contents of all the other albums, in terms of the songs, but I can't say I like the way the records sound, retrospectively."

Bursting the Neuro-Utopian Bubble - NYTimes.com

"We know, for instance, that low socioeconomic status at birth is associated with a greater risk of developing schizophrenia, but the lion’s share of research into schizophrenia today is carried out by neurobiologists and geneticists, who are intent on uncovering the organic 'cause' of the disease rather than looking into psychosocial factors. Though this research may very well bear fruit, its dominance over other forms of research, in the face of the known connection between poverty and schizophrenia, attests to a curious assumption that has settled into a comfortable obviousness: that socioeconomic status, unlike human biology, is something we cannot change 'scientifically.' That it is somehow more realistic, 'scientifically,' to find a way to change the human being itself than it is to work together to change the kind of environment that lends itself to the emergence of a disorder like schizophrenia."

Schizophrenia may be "associated" with low socioeconomic status but to make the leap that there is a "connection" between the two has nothing to do with any sort of science. Correlation is not causation. Wealthy people can and do become schizophrenic. I think Mr. Fong needs to crack open a science book or two from his UNDER-graduate studies before he continues work on his manuscript. And please drop the annoying quotes around scientifically.

Much Ado About Nothing (2012) **

Admirable effort notwithstanding, this production of the Shakespeare play comes up short as entertainment. The modern dress and setting are distracting as is the horribly washed out and flat black and white cinematography. The acting is fine with Amy Acker a standout as Beatrice.

Caesar and Cleopatra (1945) ***

Entertaining filming of the Shaw play which could be subtitled "Pygmalion in the Sand". Nicely produced, impressive art direction.

Laura Prepon on the Mystery of Real-Life Alex -- Vulture

"I read that your family has a tradition of singing “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” around the holidays.
"Oh, every time we get together. It’s our family anthem."

Ancient redwoods in growth spurt of a lifetime - SFGate

"The data are important not only for ecological reasons but also because ancient redwoods could become a valuable commodity in California's emerging carbon market. Redwoods store three times more carbon than other types of forests, according to researchers, and have unique decay-resistant qualities that allow them to hold carbon even after death, thereby keeping climate-warming gases out of the atmosphere."

Perhaps a part of Gaia's response to an excess of carbon in the atmosphere?

The Bourne Legacy (2012) **

Writer Tony Gilroy does a pretty good job but director Tony Gilroy is just not up to the task of breaking out of the modern action movie malaise of hyper-cuts, ultra-dark lighting and nihilistic regard for human life. Essentially a souped up modern take on Three Days of the Condor.

The Revengers' Comedies (1998) **

Pleasant enough attempt at droll comedy among the British upper crust with an appealing cast.

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) **

This is a dated film and nothing about it, save the script/play, transcends that fact. The direction is ham-fisted, typical of Kazan, and he lets Vivien Leigh overact badly. Yes, I understand Blanche is supposed to be obviously "putting on airs" but Leigh just comes across as a bad actress.

Woody Allen Interview - Esquire

"I love Mel Brooks. And I've had wonderful times working with him. But I don't see any similarities between Mel and myself except, you know, we're both short Jews. That's where it ends. His style of humor is completely different. But Bob Hope? I'm practically a plagiarist."

5 Surprising Genetically Modified Foods | Mother Jones

"4. Squash and zucchini: While the majority of squashes on the market are not GE, approximately 25,000 acres of crookneck, straightneck, and zucchinis have been bioengineered to be virus resistant."

via @NekoCase

The League of Gentlemen (1960) **

Straight forward, undistinguished British bank heist film. Maintains interest despite being too long. Probably considered fairly racy for its time.

Decades of books have vanished because of US copyright protections - Quartz

“'Copyright correlates significantly with the disappearance of works rather than with their availability,' Heald writes. 'Shortly after works are created and proprietized, they tend to disappear from public view only to reappear in significantly increased numbers when they fall into the public domain and lose their owners.'”

And the writer/artist will profit from shorter copyrights because more people will discover them sooner and be a larger market for their NEXT book/art work. This is the reality the shortsighted, just-get-the-stock-price-higher business mentality cannot understand.

via The Morning News

My Lunches with Orson: Conversations between Henry Jaglom and Orson Welles - Peter Biskind - Google Books

"My theory is that everything went to hell with Prohibition, because it was a law nobody could obey. So the whole concept of the rule of law was corrupted at that moment. Then came Vietnam, and marijuana, which clearly shouldn't be illegal, but is. If you go to jail for ten years in Texas when you light up a joint, who are you? You're a lawbreaker. It's just like Prohibition was. When people accept breaking the law as normal, something happens to the whole society. You see?"

Is it Legal Malpractice to Fail to Get Holder to Promise not to Torture your Client? | New Economic Perspectives

"The idea that the Attorney General of the United States of America would send such a letter to the representative of a foreign government, particularly Russia under the leadership of a former KGB official, was so preposterous that I thought the first news report I read about Attorney General Holder’s letter concerning Edward Snowden was satire. The joke, however, was on me. The Obama and Bush administrations have so disgraced the reputation of the United States’ criminal justice system that we are forced to promise KGB alums that we will not torture our own citizens if Russia extradites them for prosecution."

Cardinal Burke labels social justice Catholics communists | National Catholic Reporter

"So the person whose heart is filled with charity wants to do good works will, like Mother Teresa, give his first intention to the worship of God so that when he goes to offer charity to a poor person or someone in need, it would be at the level of God Himself, and not some human level."

Um, not TOO full of ourselves are we Ray? Jeez, dial it down a notch would ya!

Goldman Sachs Took $5 Billion From Consumers By Moving Metal Around

"Regulators are busy trying to catch up to the manipulation of commodities that banks like Goldman Sachs is making a fortune off of, but the banks always seem one step ahead. Now Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and BlackRock have bought over 80% of the world's copper on behalf of their investors and will begin moving it to warehouses much like Goldman did with aluminum. Companies are now fearful that the prices of copper will soar, and consumers will carry even more of the burden."

So much for supply and demand. "If only government would get out of the way so the markets can work their magic" right? EVERY commodity market is being manipulated by these people. ENRON was just the tip of the iceberg.

The Vitamin Myth: Why We Think We Need Supplements - Paul Offit - The Atlantic

"Although study after study showed that he was wrong, Pauling refused to believe it, continuing to promote vitamin C in speeches, popular articles, and books. When he occasionally appeared before the media with obvious cold symptoms, he said he was suffering from allergies.

"Then Linus Pauling upped the ante. He claimed that vitamin C not only prevented colds; it cured cancer."

via @robotwisdom

The Lone Ranger (2013) **

Typical modern action flick based upon a production design rather than a story. Violent, illogical, inconsistent, and way, WAY too long.

How Comedy Central Stole Louis C.K.'s Routine | TheWrap TV

"And even being ripped off by fans can have an upside: Kevin Hart has said he owes his success in part to bootlegged copies of "Soul Plane." He is now one of the top-selling comics in the country, and his new concert film, "Let Me Explain," has grossed more than $26 million since its premiere earlier this month."

Why are people still surprised by this? If they would just drop the whole "ripped off by fans" terminology and call it what it is, ADVERTISING, it might start to make sense to these idiotic corporate hacks.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) **

Less than the sum of its parts, enjoyable in portions but ultimately much like its protagonist: shallow, self-absorbed and unbelievable.

Frances Ha (2012) ****

Refreshing and delightful character study of aimless 20-somethings in NYC. Smart, restrained, confident direction from Noah Baumbach and a breakout performance by Greta Gerwig.

Some Came Running (1958) **

Late '50's lurid melodrama made much bigger than necessary. But Shirley and Dean give you a reason to keep watching until the boffo finale.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) ***

Pretty good coming of age flick comes right to the edge of maudlin sentimentality several times but somehow manages to avoid it. Ezra Miller helps a lot.

Monsters University (2013) ***

The animation capabilities of Pixar continue to expand even as the stories start to peter out. Enjoyable for the technique alone.

Croupier (1998) ***

Stylish, noirish tale of a writer who takes a job as a croupier at a London casino. Or does he? It gets a little too vague for its own good but maintains interest.

Kiss Me Deadly (1955) ****

Watch this and try to believe this film was made and released in 1955. Goes places with style and panache that modern films can't touch. Robert Aldrich pulls out all the stops in a tour de force directing job that elevates the material instead of overwhelming it.

Pi (1998) ***

Taut, stylish examination of obsession, madness and the possibility that there is a pattern to it all.

Lured (1947)**

A top notch cast are not enough to push this run-of-the-mill serial killer on the loose thriller into the upper tier. You'll be able to spot the murderer easily.

The Wages of Fear (1953)**

A few striking scenes, original for its time, but weak performances and a completely ridiculous ending are too much to overcome.

Midnight Cowboy (1969)***
Gritty and harsh view of life in The Big Apple for a couple of determined low life drifters desperate for a free ride to Miami. Hoffman is terrific.

8 1/2 (1963)****
There's almost too much to like in this tale of a film director suddenly feeling bereft of inspiration. Many fine set pieces, some more successful than others, but always with a great visual sense. It is too long and repetitive at times, yet a lot of influential and beautiful scenes.

The Bling Ring (2013)***
Almost documentary style look at a group of young house burglars who target celebrities. Subtle and relentless with Sofia Coppola's trademark soundtrack touch and eye for human behavior.

Sorcerer (1977)***
Gritty adventure yarn about desperate men in a desperate situation. Becomes more surreal as it goes along but always with interesting visuals, production design.

Upstream Color (2013)***
Thought provoking, disturbing, meticulously designed and shot, original and no super heroes! Paced at breakneck speed which tends to distance the viewer from the already challenging material and will leave most film-goers cold.

Lulu on the Bridge (1998)***
Incredible cast in a strange tale of a musician who has his life changed by mysterious events. Mira Sorvino is exceptional in this offbeat, well written but cautiously directed film.

The Adventures of Mark Twain (1985)****
Superb "claymation" film based upon the writings of Mark Twain, particularly his later, darker period. Fine voice work, literate and focused script, colorful, fantastical animation.

The Last Wave (1977)***
Aboriginal dreamtime seems to merge with real time in this well made Australian thriller.

The Assassination Bureau (1969)**
Alternative history of a turn of the 20th century group of wealthy murderers-for-hire played for laughs. Well, the genteel Ealing sort of laughs. Colorful and well shot, with a lovely Diana Rigg.

Margaret (2011)***
Thoughtful, meditative, somewhat oblique drama mainly, but not entirely, about an upper middle class NYC teen girl coming to terms with mortality and guilt. Very long but plays like it should be longer. Many riveting performances of a superb script, but teenage angst, no matter how well played, isn't my idea of great entertainment.

Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012)*
Are they still making these? Whatever for?

The Day of the Locust (1975)**
Terrific final 15-20 minutes, but the l-o-n-g road to get there hardly seems worth it or even connected, logically, to it. Nobody to care about, nothing particularly interesting visually, no transcendent performance. Just that ending really.

Cannery Row (1982)**
If you've read the novel Cannery Row be advised that this move is actually based more on its sequel Sweet Thursday. It has some very good actors, and some good atmosphere, but fails to really bring the characters to life like the novels did. They remain cardboard cutouts in the film.

Teddy Bears' Picnic (2002)**
All-star comedy cast in a deadpan satire of elites on "retreat". Sharply written, but there's nobody to root for in this uber-cynical world. Plays more as a documentary than comedy.

The Center of the World (2001)*
Another disappointing feature from director Wayne Wang who hasn't really yet made a film as good as his first. Maybe if Catherine Breillat had seen this film first she wouldn't have attempted this with which it has a lot, unfortunately, in common. Forgettable, despite a very good performance by Molly Parker.

Re-Animator (1985)**
Pretty good gross-out/zort-of-zombie flick which pioneered "R" rated mainstream horror. Top notch makeup work, a lovely Barbara Crampton and a desire for "realism" makes this one interesting, and a good choice for Halloween viewing.

Going Places (1974)*
I suppose it is supposed to be a biting social satire but the director plays it way too straight and all we end up with is one scene of misogynistic humiliation after another. I guess I just didn't get the joke.

Witness (1985)****
A double rarity: a very good '80's film and a very good Harrison Ford film. Terrific supporting turn by Jan Rubes as the Amish farmer.

The House Across the Bay (1940)*
Not quite sure what they were going for with this strange-goofy tale of a hood, a dame, a devious lawyer and an annoyingly pushy aircraft designer but whatever it was they didn't get it. Cardboard characters in a story that makes no sense.

Airport (1970)****
Impeccably crafted soap opera/disaster flick that's a mite too long but star power, production values and a few stellar performances make that irrelevant. Highly influential film, for better AND worse, extremely entertaining.

In Time (2011)***
Imaginative alternate reality actioner about haves versus have nots only instead of money it's life time as the separating factor. Cleverly filmed on an apparently extremely low budget, it's fun, intriguing and mostly able to suspend your disbelief until you notice that Amanda Seyfried is running all over the place with no difficulty in 6 inch heels.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)**
Not really anything like any of the previous incarnations of the Star Trek series and probably something that would horrify Gene Roddenberry, this is a nearly non-stop modern action pic complete with gratuitous babe-bikini shots, gaping plot holes, psychopathic attitudes toward murder except when the one being murdered is close to you and/or of your tribe and a penchant for not only justifying revenge but reveling in it. A couple of well done CGI set pieces.

The Ghost Writer (2010)***
Fine Hitchcock-ian thriller from Roman Polanski. A bit too long and a bit too dark, photographically speaking, but entertaining.

Impromptu (1991)***
George Sand woos Frederic Chopin amidst the backdrop of superstar artists of the early 19th century behaving badly on retreat at a fawning patron's villa. Smart and sassy stuff.

How To Be Gracious - Esquire:
"You simply must attend. Stand when someone enters the room, especially if you are lowly and he is the boss, and even if the reverse is true. Look them in the eye. Ask yourself: Does anybody need an introduction? If so, before you say one word about business, introduce them to others with pleasure in your voice. If you can't muster enthusiasm for the people you happen upon in life, then you cannot be gracious. Remember, true graciousness demands that you have time for others."

via kottke

'I Thought I Was Bulletproof': William Friedkin Looks Back on the '70s - NYTimes.com:
"'Certainly I regret that it wasn’t a critical or a commercial success. The zeitgeist was changing. It came out a week after "Star Wars,” and “Star Wars” really changed the way people think about, What is a movie? Right to this day, and beyond. All these films about the Avengers and the Transformers, video games and comic books, that’s what, for the most part, Hollywood cinema has become. That just automatically opened the floodgates to people wanting pure entertainment that could be seen by people of all ages, basically. Would my film have worked if there was no “Star Wars”? I don’t know. But without “Star Wars,” I think American film would be different today.'"

Sir Ben Kingsley: 'Without a mask, I haven't got a clue' - Telegraph:
“'I have a dear friend, Tony Palmer, who made a documentary on the life of Richard Burton,' he says in his precise, measured tones. 'It featured some interviews, in many of which he was a little the worse for wear. But the spine of the documentary was a mosaic of his performances. Put them together, pull back, and there’s Burton. I think, when I leave the planet and the equivalent of Tony tries to construct something similar, then fragments of my roles, those bits, would form a composite portrait of me. Without a mask I haven’t got a clue. Give a man a mask and he’ll tell you the truth.'”

North West Frontier (1959)**
A miscast, though quite lovely, Lauren Bacall sticks out like a sore thumb in this overlong train actioner set in British ruled India.

The Cable Guy (1996)**
Jim Carrey tries hard but the story and script go off the rails eventually. Poorly directed by Ben Stiller.

Undernews: America's copyright laws kills music:
"Among countless other undesirable things, this means that American record companies that aren’t interested in reissuing old records can stop anyone else from doing so, and can also stop libraries from making those same records readily accessible to scholars who want to use them for noncommercial purposes. Even worse, it means that American libraries cannot legally copy records made before 1972 to digital formats for the purpose of preservation—not unless those records have already deteriorated to the point where they may soon become unplayable."

Moneyball (2011)**
A lot of Brad Pitt, and I mean a LOT, in an overlong sports flick which makes darn sure you "get" its point. It's a lot of first world problems so it's hard to care too much.

Life of Pi (2012)***
When it's at sea, it is riveting and compelling, but all good sea survival tales have to have an ending...and a beginning. A difficult book to adapt to a film and Ang Lee opts for the literal approach which makes for a good film but not a great one.

Loud Family - Scott Miller:
"I wish it weren't true, but as much as it pains me to write these words, Scott passed away on April 15, 2013. He was a wonderful, loyal friend as well as a brilliant musician, and I will miss him for the rest of my life."

We all will, Sue.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)*
Technically impressive with seamless old school special effects, but unless you enjoy watching a group of human beings who seem to do nothing but drink and pass out while living in a pile of garbage, skip it.

One of a Kind Is Now None of a Kind | Vanity Fair:
"Winters drew out of quieter resources, which made his comic gift a fragile thing, not something that could be rushed and goaded, and there were be long gaps in his public appearances, periods when he seemed to hibernate into himself. But unlike so many comics who suffered from drink and depression, Winters didn't acquire a bitter edge as a performer, he maintained his wonderment."

He could be wildly uneven, but when he was on, he could make you laugh so hard it was painful. Always an interesting performer.

The Hunter (2011)***
No nonsense, straightforward hunter/hunted tale well played, well written, showcasing a part of the world rarely seen in film, Tasmania.

Lover (2005)**
Korean "romance" flick has appealing leads, some nice twists but never becomes believable.

The Lady Eve (1941)***
One of the better Preston Sturges screwball comedies has some nifty repartee and a fistful of great supporting character actors. Manages to slip in some fairly racy material but you have to pay close attention.

The Damaging Links Between Food, Fuel and Finance: A Growing Threat to Food Security - naked capitalism:
"As the graph shows, co-movement is nearly complete. Co-movement suggests that supply and demand fundamentals in oil and broader commodities markets, which are indeed independent of one another, no longer determine price. UNCTAD attributes this to 'herding behavior' among financial investors still flush with speculative capital in search of quick returns.

"UNCTAD’s conclusions: 'Because of these distortions, commodity prices in financialized markets do not provide correct signals about the relative scarcity of commodities. This impairs the allocation of resources and has negative effects on the real economy. To restore the proper functioning of commodity markets, swift political action is required on a global scale.'”

Fat chance of that happening.

via @theharryshearer

Elvis Costello - Tramp the dirt down - YouTube
"When England was the whore of the world, Margaret was her madam. And the future looked as bright and as clear as the black tarmacadam."

Nobody Else But You (2011)**
Interesting but forgettable French mystery flick. Showcases a part of France we seldom see in films, the eastern Swiss border area in Winter.

The Tempest (2010)**
Helen Mirren is superb and compelling as Prospera, the usually male lead in Shakespeare's last play but the direction is confused or at best bland and could have used a more stylized approach as in Prospero's Books. Come to think of it this would have been better as a remake of that with the bonus that Mirren would speak all the lines.

Breathless (1960)**
Influential French flick which broke new ground in camera movement, editing and style. Really depends on whether you like Jean-Paul Belmondo or not.

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)**
A prequel to the excellent groundbreaking TV series with a terrific lead performance by Sheryl Lee but none of the humor, wit or style typical of the films of David Lynch. Disappointing.

Lincoln (2012)***
Proof that a great screenplay and superlative performances can overcome directorial failings. A little too dark at times (referring to the lighting) but overall an intelligent and often inspiring look at a few weeks in the life of our 16th president. Spielberg just can't trust his script and actors and has to frame each "important" scene with the equivalent of neon signs and flashing arrows to make sure we get it. Annoying.

Obama signs 'Monsanto Protection Act' written by Monsanto-sponsored senator — RT USA:
"With the president’s signature, agriculture giants that deal with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetically engineered (GE) seeds are given the go-ahead to continue to plant and sell man-made crops, even as questions remain largely unanswered about the health risks these types of products pose to consumers."

Not surprising he would sign it given this. So we don't let companies build airplanes and use them for commercial flights without ensuring their safety, but they can throw things into our food supply and bear no consequences for what might happen. Yeah that makes a lot of sense.

Argo (2012)*
Ben Affleck the director takes great pictures of Ben Affleck the actor. That's the most praise I can lavish on the man since this is a middling effort (at best) shamefully trumpeting and relying on it's truthful basis, which is minimal, and never mentioning that its main plot point...never happened. Guys, look, I'm ok with basing your film on a true story, but change the names and don't pretend you're doing a documentary when you're not.

The Forgotten (2004)**
Starts off well and Julianne Moore tries her best, but halfway through the story goes in a silly direction.

The Paper Chase (1973)***
Quality film, but seemed more meaningful and special on first viewing. Subsequent viewings reveal major weaknesses such as the female character not socking the wildly abusive law student in the jaw, and all the tension in Kingsfield's class is because...you might get called on? Still, John Houseman is great as Kingsfield and Lindsay Wagner is fetching as his daughter. Another good time capsule of the early '70's.

Targets (1968)***
Accomplished debut for film buff turned director Peter Bogdanovich. Interesting, well written script, quite good performances and some nifty camera work.

Anatomy of Hell (2004)**
Not exactly sure what the director was going for in this film of basically, two naked people getting to know each other for a few days but it's definitely not a rom-com! Lots of talk, lots of sex and genital-related activity, some closeups of areas that aren't usually shown in closeup, and an interesting use of a garden tool. A little too direct to be successful, but mercifully short. ("The woman" character gives new meaning to the term "sound sleeper"!)

Staggering Guardian Report Ties David Petraeus to Iraq Torture Centers - Philip Bump - The Atlantic Wire:
"There are other amazing details in the story: that U.S.-funded cameras were used to capture torture footage for an Iraqi TV show; that much of the information came to light thanks to the secret documents Bradley Manning sent to Wikileaks."

Legend (1985)***
One of Ridley Scott's more visually arresting films but this "myth"-mash fails to engage. The actors try their best and Mia Sara (all of 15!) makes a lovely heroine, but the production design and cinematography are the true stars and the script seems more like an afterthought.

Ffolkes (1979)**
"A" list cast stuck with a "B" list director, but still manage to make a watchable and enjoyable actioner about a quirky former soldier and his own team of mercenaries coming to the rescue of Queen and country.

The Hunger Games (2012)**
Technically well filmed and watchable despite its length but suffers from the first-in-a-trilogy story issues, and from the fact that the story just isn't all that well told. Unfortunately, its massive box office success has spawned far too many similarly dystopian sci-fi epics.

Lawfare › Kill-List Baseball Cards and the Targeting Paper Trail:
"Following the vetting and validation of targets, participants in the kill-list creation process also have an opportunity to vote on whether a name should be nominated for inclusion on a kill-list. In the Obama administration, Dan Klaidman, Jo Becker and Scott Shane have reported that this this debate and voting process was colloquially referred to as Terror Tuesdays. (Interestingly, during the Vietnam War targets were approved by the President at what become known as Tuesday luncheons, it seems Tuesdays are a bad day for America’s enemies)."

How can so many persons in positions of power go along with this? "Baseball cards"? "Terror Tuesdays"? And this line is especially rich: " On the one hand, many hands means many eyes, and impropriety may be discovered or reported by whistleblowers." I believe he says this un-ironically. Well I guess as long as there is some process and an extensive paper trail...

via @theharryshearer

Ruby Cairo (1993)**
Starts off rather well and for the first hour is actually kind of engrossing. Then the lovely Andie MacDowell gets to Egypt and the movie falls off a cliff.

The Evil Eye (1963)**
Mario Bava tries his best to make a Hitchcock film with a limited budget, limited actors, and a very limited script. Still, watchable for the many Bava-rian moments.

Side Effects (2013)***
Slick, old-fashioned noir with the usual Soderbergh touches: strong acting, clean, modern production design, superb cinematography. Could have used some Hitchcock-ian humor and perhaps one more twist.

Elles (2011)***
Reliably explicit and frank French film concerning an uptight, upper middle class female journalist haunted by a couple of interviewees' sex lives. Juliette Binoche is very good.

Rescue Dawn (2006)**
Reliably quirky Werner Herzog movie about the survival of a US fighter pilot shot down over Laos in 1965. Some fine performances but some Herzog touches, such as near constant background music and an ending that goes on too long, drag the film down.