Eleanor's Blog

Wanna Bet?

2007-11-16T14:42:00.000-05:00

Here are some early predictions on what will be favorites this year for awards:

Because he lost for "Walk the Line,'' Joaquin Phoenix will be nominated for "Reservation Road'' and "We Own the Night'' and his rivals will have a tough time beating him.
Because they have received the biggest praise _ "Masterpiece'' has been tossed around by many critics, including me! _ the Coen brothers will be multiple nominees and win something for "No Country for Old Men,'' probably screenplay adaptation. Josh Brolin will be nominated for a best supporting actor, and Javier Bardem for best actor (but he'll lose again).
In "Lions for Lambs,'' a movie with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, the only nominee, amazingly, will be Tom Cruise for his intense (again), hyper performance as a pushy senator vying for a presidential nomination. Cruise has finally found the perfect role.
Cate Blanchett will be nominated again, for another bad movie: "Elizabeth _ The Golden Age.'' Scarily, she may win unless somebody else comes along. She should be beaten by Tilda Swinton, who's creepily magnificent in "Michael Clayton,'' which should win best picture and maybe best actor (if he beats Phoenix) for George Clooney. Director Tony Gilroy will lose to the Coens, but he probably will get the best original screenplay award, deservedly.
Stay tuned.

Meryl rides again

2007-10-26T12:57:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true that most of the best roles in the strongest movies this season are going to men, as usual.
But strong women performers can do a lot with slim pickings.
Meryl Streep enlivens the tough torture movie "Rendition,'' and that's with perhaps six shortish scenes.
Streep, employing an understated southern accent, portrays the head of the CIA's "relocation'' program of terror suspects. Streep wears power suits and a pinched expression on her mouth; she's the kind of boss you'd be ultra-wary of crossing.
And in the upcoming "Lions for Lambs,'' Streep is playing a character on the other side of the political spectrum: a skeptical reporter who realizes she had better be incisive in her reporting, as a program to disengage from the Iraq war is contemplated by American administration officials.
And keep an eye out for an emerging star: Amy Ryan of TV's "The Wire,'' is different and equally good in "Dan in Real Life;'' "Gone Baby Gone'' and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.''

Ryan Rules

2007-10-22T09:48:00.000-04:00

In case there was any doubt that Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling was the legitimate heir apparent to the Jimmy Stewart mantle, you can see for yourself: Gosling stars in "Lars and the Real Girl,'' opening at area theaters Oct. 26.
Gosling portrays a nebbishy lonely guy who comes out of his shell after buying a lifesize sex doll _ not for sex but for companionship.

The movie has a sterling supporting cast including Patrica Clarkson as the psychologist who understands the lonely's guy weird path to happiness.

Will Gosling get another nomination this year? It's already a crowded field with Emile Hirsch, Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Denzel Washingon, but he could prevail.

Wit and wisdom

2007-10-05T12:50:00.000-04:00

Michael Caine is a reporter's dream. I interviewed him by telephone earlier this week, and all he needed was one question and he was off on a 30 minute chat, practically non stop.
Caine is promoting the new version of "Sleuth,'' the thriller about the mind games that an aging writer and the man who stole his wife play at an isolated English estate. Jude Law co-stars; it's scheduled to open in our area by the end of October.
Caine first made the movie in 1972 with Lord Laurence Olivier, who was high strung during filming because he had lost his job as artistic director of England's National Theatre. Before shooting began, Olivier sent Caine a letter saying not to worry about his knighhood title (sir, at the time) and to please call him Larry.
Would Caine, who was knighted sir by Queen Elizabeth in 1993, make it to his lordship? No he said because getting a lordship is "all political and I'm not political.''
As for working with Law, famous for his handsome looks, Caine said "he is completely oblivious of his looks and in fact, considers them a distraction.''
Must be nice.
Law also surprised Caine by being "totally dedicated to what he does.''

Sexy

2007-10-03T10:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I talked about the strong movies that are due to arrive in our market in the next three months.
Here's another heads-up, especially for those who are squeamish about or morally repelled by graphic film sex: Three new movies feature graphic sex, and two of them begin, sans credits or introduction, with couples having sex.
One is "We Own the Night,'' featuring Joaquin Phoenix and Eva Mendes stealing a heated moment in a dingy office of the club he manages in New York City.
Even more startling, Sidney Lumet's "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead'' opens with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei having protracted sex in what is commonly referred to as the doggie position.
And, even though director Ang Lee said he felt morally compromised about helming its sex scenes, "Lust, Caution'' features three or four lengthy and graphic sex scenes. Of the three movies, "Lust, Caution'' is the only one rated NC-17 _ no one under 17 is permitted to attend the film.
My guess is that with the overwhelming popularity of pornographic home viewing (at least 25 percent of the home viewing marekt now), mainstream filmmakers feel pressed into featuring more and more daring sex scenes.
But not every market will allow them: Lee told The Press that he would have to delete the sex from "Lust, Caution'' for distribution in China, where there is no film rating system and therefore, state censorship instead.

Sigh

2007-10-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief: the real movies are coming!
Don't fail to catch the following excellent movies with various virtues _ remarkable acting, wonderful screenplays and creative directorial vision you can't fake with special effects.
Among the movies that I'd see again are "Michael Clayton,'' about a burned-out lawyer's crisis of morality, with a superior performance by George Clooney (opens Oct. 12); "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead,'' a grim but brilliant drama about the evil that greed perpetuates, from Sidney Lumet (late October opening); "Sleuth,'' a superior remake about a murderous confrontation between an aging writer and the man who stole his wife (Oct. 26), and "Reservation Road,'' a heartbreaking story of good people doing awful things after a terrible accident, with Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo (opens Oct. 19).

Put 'em up

2007-09-26T14:46:00.000-04:00

Is there a nastier trend in movie advertising than the woman with a gun?
Jodie Foster is hanging on to a gat, in an archly phallic pose, for "The Brave One'' ads, while Jennifer Garner is taking aim for "The Kingdom'' in its ads. Then there's Milla Jovovich striding around in garters and two automatic weapons, for "Resident Evil.''
It's not for nothing that Foster and Garner are mothers of small children. What message does this send, to their kids and others'?
Conversely, most other film ads show women either as sex objects (Maria Bellucci, "Shoot 'Em Up,'') or smiling ciphers ("Sydney White,'' "Good Luck Chuck'').
Kudos to "Valley of Elah,'' and "Eastern Promises,'' which show their stars, Charlize Theron and Naomi Watts, as they actually appear in the films: strong and stoic women fully clothed and not a gun in sight.

Wild Man

2007-09-24T09:34:00.000-04:00

It's amazing that 20 years ago, Sean Penn made news because he was punching out photographers who were taking pictures of him and Madonna.

Now he's making news because he's a director of such commanding assurance and skill, I almost think I'm watching a movie from Fred Zinnemann or Elia Kazan.

Penn's "Into the Wild'' is a superb movie with an ineffable quality that compares to movies made by Zinnemann and Kazan. Their films have a buzz, an excitement about them that something worthwhile is about to unfold. And they have humanism and compassion. Take a look at Penn's "The Pledge'' and "The Crossing Guard,'' two movies of surpassing intelligence and feel for the human condition. Jack Nicholson never had better dramatic roles.

"Into the Wild'' is based on the adventures of the late Chris McCandless, as captured in the best-selling book by Jon Krakauer. Penn wrote and directed; Emile Hirsch stars as McCandless in a performance startling for its grace and charm.

"Into the Wild'' is playing in New York and will open at area theaters in October; see it.

Hands Up

2007-08-24T12:04:00.000-04:00

Of all the insults pepetrated on movie reviewers, here's the latest and most pernicious:
On attending almost all screenings at regular movie theaters in Manhattan, and occasionaly at movie companies' screening rooms, you are subjected to these annoyances:

(1) Stand in line to have your bags searched for cameras and cell phones with cameras and recording devices.
(2) Be wanded by security personnel on the way into the auditorium, just as you are when you're passing through airport security, and
(3) Put up with roaming security guards in the theater who are (a) looking for people with cell phones who are recording the movie, or (b) scanning the theater with an infrared scanner that can be seen and distract you while you're watching the movie.
At several recent screenings, security guards interrupted the viewing so they could tell people to leave the theater because they were suspected of recording, or inquired if someone had a cell phone on their person.
At one screening, the guard actually got into a conversation with the viewer, a real nuisance if you're trying to keep track of a movie.
Reviewers are spoiled when they see movies in screening rooms, but even they have been invaded by security guards. Last week, one stood at the back of the screening room, checking out viewers and walking in and out of the room.
It's enough to dampen any enjoyment and concentration.
Unfortunately, too many of these security guards are humorless and seem to be taking their jobs ultra seriously, to the detriment of reviewers feeling free in pursuing what should be a pleasant occasion. I realize that movie companies lose many millions to piracy, but this Big Brother encroachment can't be the best means of preventing loss.
And just an FYI to these security folks: I don't own a cell phone, so relax.

Bean Brain

2007-08-17T15:03:00.000-04:00

Who would have thought?

Rowan Atkinson's "Mr. Bean'' would make a worthy double bill item with "The Simpsons Movie.''

Yes, it's that funny. It opens Aug. 24.

Atkinson has been playing the Bean character for years, but never to this silly a tune. The movie depicts Mr. Bean's trip from England to the south of France on a free trip to the beach at Cannes. Along the way, everything goes wrong, hilariously.

Bean and the movie, which your kids will love as much as you, are borrowing from Jacques Tati's "Mr. Hulot's Holiday,'' released 54 years ago.

Just goes to the show you that what's funny never changes.

Admit One

2007-08-13T13:17:00.000-04:00

On the new movie scene, there are two entries that deserve viewing.

Having seen it, I can vouch for "Death at a Funeral,'' a merry debunking of family unity from England that's directed by Frank Oz, the man who made one of the funniest movies, ever _ "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.''

About "The Invasion,'' I can only offer these hopeful points (without having screened it yet): (1) It's derived from Don Siegel's creepy classic, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers'' (1956); (2) it stars Nicole Kidman, and perhaps most important, (3) it co-stars Daniel Craig, the most dynamic actor working in movies today.

Even if "The Invasion'' doesn't measure up to its '50s' inspiration, it has good bones, and two big, big talents to keep us amused _ Kidman and Craig.

Surprise Surprise

2007-08-10T09:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, this summer was bloated with sequels, some good, some not _ the "Harry,'' "Shrek,'' "Pirates,'' "Die Hard,'' "Ocean's,'' "Bourne'' and "Spider-Man'' franchises all took another waltz around the block.

But the best American movie of the summer was none of the above, by a long shot.

Eighteen years in the making, as it were, "The Simpsons Movie'' has it all _ laughs, wit, political chops and family values, abeit rather skewed values.

A confession: Somehow I've missed the TV version of "The Simpsons,'' so you can't say that I liked the movie simply because it was reinforcement of all those 18 years' worth of viewing. Nicest of all: the theater was filled with kids and adults.

As a newcomer, I could see why the show and now the movie are beloved: Smarts plus humor and no fear of taking on the usual suspects _ especially corporate America. Has there been such a wickedly accurate take on corporatism running amok than Albert Brooks' nutty dome executive?

And you get Tom Hanks thrown in for nothing. Priceless: "I'm Tom Hanks and if you see me in person, please don't bother me.''

Yay.

Brutal Bourne

2007-08-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

Director Paul Greengrass is a perfect fit for a movie about government spies and the epic tumult of the early 21st century.

Greengrass has already made two highly emotional movies about the horror of bad people running amok in the real world: "Bloody Sunday,'' about police and the army terrorizing activists in Derry, Ireland, and, "United 93,'' about citizens fighting back when terrorists hijack a United Airlines flight on Sept. 11, 2001.

Greengrass now delivers a volatile and heartbreaking commentary on how spy agencies are out of control because they can't decide who's the enemy: "The Bourne Supremacy.''

CIA operatives and hired assassins gun for amnesiac Matt Damon's Jason Bourne, himself an ex-CIA assassin, because his campaign to uncover his identity may compromise CIA secrets and lies.

Greengrass's high-speed chase movie is a metaphor for the chaos of a world whose most important leaders insist we should be obsessed with the "war on terror." But who's creating the terror? From "The Bourne Supremacy,'' we can conclude that everybody is culpable, especially well-paid government officials.

Talk about terrifying.

Exit of the Titans

2007-08-01T08:31:00.000-04:00

The news couldn't have been worse:

Ingmar Bergman, crafter of 50 films of power and imagination, died Monday on Faro, a remote island off the coast of Sweden. He was 89.

Now most of us would say that living until 89, and in reasonably good health, is a blessing, so why was the news so bad?

Because it's good just knowing that certain significant people in your life, even ripherally, are still alive and absorbing the same world you are.

Why was Bergman so important?

Because he could convert his two primary obsessions: how men and women get along, or not, and how people deal with mortality, into haunting, unforgettable images on screen. His movies (usually photographed by Sven Nykvist), were often in black and white, and captured the rapture and the turmoil of being alive.

Bergman's long, long list of remarkable film distillations of his personal torment and joy include "Smiles of a Summer Night,'' "Wild Strawberries,'' "Through a Glass Darkly,'' "The Virgin Spring,'' "Summer Interlude,'' "Monika,'' "Persona,'' "Fanny & Alexander,'' "The Seventh Seal,'' and "The Magic Flute.'' All are available on DVD and VHS, including wonderful packages from the outstanding Criterion Collection.

The following day, another titan of the great post-war European film pantheon died: Michelangleo Antonioni, at 94. His output was smaller and perhaps less groundbreaking than Bergman's but still, stirring, indelible comments on life in Italy, especially Rome, as that country endured the upheaval of rebuilding itself in a new, industrialized world.

Antonioni's movies were about the post-war ennui and dislocation experienced by Italians: his titles are worth your viewing _ "La Notte,'' "L'Eclipse,'' "L'Avventura,'' "Red Desert,'' and two films made outside of Rome _"Blow-Up,'' the notorious movie about a murder in England as seen through a camera's lens, and "Zabriskie Point,'' a story of the disaffection of American youth living in the southwest.

Bergman and Antonioni were giants whose work taught me that creative genius can translate their insights into movies with universal significance.

Calling Michael Moore

2007-07-27T12:50:00.000-04:00

You need a scorecard these days to keep track of whom is being subpoeaned in Washington.

The latest is filmmaker Michael Moore, subpoeaned by the Bush Administration to explain why he took 11 ailing Americans to Cuba for health treatment. Moore used their experiences in Cuba in his film, "Sicko.''

Americans may visit Cuba but only for certain purposes, and apparently, Moore's campaign to get universal health care coverage in the United States doesn't qualify. He said alleged terrorists are being held in Guantanamo Bay and receiving free health care while incarcerated, so why not non-terrorists?

Two other juicy items came up in Moore's announcement: (10) The Weinstein Company will donate 11 percent of the box office proceeds of "Sicko'' to 9/11 rescue workers in need of health care, and (2) Harvey Weinstein, head of the company, asked Moore to delete references in "Sicko' saying that Sen. Hillary Clinton, a presidential candidate, is backed by insurance companies.

Weinstein is supporting Clinton's candicacy. The reference remains in the film, which has grossed about $19.2 million in five weeks.

Stay tuned.

R.I.P.

2007-07-26T15:14:00.000-04:00

Two big movie talents died this week and they will be missed.

Laszlo Kovacs, the cinematographer who set the standard for evocative photography in the 1970s and 1980s, died at 74. Kovacs' credits are simply remarkable: "Easy Rider,'' "Five Easy Pieces,'' "King of Marvin Gardens,'' "New York, New York," "Paper Moon,'' "Frances,'' "Say Anything,'' "Radio Flyer,'' and one of my favorite movies of the '70s , "Shampoo,'' Warren Beatty's scalding take on politics and philandering in the Vietnam War era.

You could put Kovacs in the pantheon with James Wong Howe ("Hud'') and Gregg Toland ("Citizen Kane'') as cinematographers who helped define movies in each of their heydays. If you talk to movie industry people, you'll often hear that a great camera person can make or break a film. Orson Welles gave Toland equal billing for "Kane,'' acknowledging their close working relationship.

The star of last year's Oscar-winning best foreign language film, "The Lives of Others,'' Ulrich Muhe died this week at 54. Muhe managed a very tricky feat: making a man _ with no life who snoops on others for spy purposes and to glean a bit of life for his void _ sympathetic and multi-dimensional. His performance gave the movie its weight and oddly, its compassion.

R.I.P.

Still Missing: Lindsay

2007-07-25T12:38:00.000-04:00

On Monday, I blogged about Lindsay Lohan's troubles, including no advance screenings of her new movie, "I Know Who Killed Me.''

Late Tuesday, Lohan was arrested for a second DWI and possession of cocaine. She may face a felony arrest.

A blog respondent wondered if all the media attention and scrutiny are compounding her woes: non-stop focus on her life and falls from grace certainly can't help (including this blog?!)

What's next for Lohan? Maybe her "Georgia Rule'' co-star Jane Fonda, who kicked the booze habit with family intervention (revealed by Fonda in her autobiography) can get her together with Betty Ford (who kicked her pill-booze habit, as revealed in her autobiography) and register Lohan at the Betty Ford Center.

Keep staying tuned.

Missing: Lindsay

2007-07-23T13:19:00.000-04:00

Is Tri-Star Pictures doing Lindsay Lohan a favor or being overly cautious?

The distributor is not screening, in advance, Lohan's "I Know Who Killed Me'' for critics, either because the movie may be panned, or, the company is worried too much publicity will attend Lohan for the wrong reasons: her troubled off-screen life.

Could they be concerned that an unwelcoming press could enhance Lohan's problems?

Plenty of movie stars have weathered tumult in their personal lives while having to face unpleasant reception to their work.

But sometimes it can work the other way. For instance, no matter how nutty Anne Heche's personal life has seemed, she gets great reviews. I'd say Lohan is equally talented.

Look at "Georgia Rule:'' Lohan reported to work late so often the producer sent her a scolding letter. And yet, her performance was wonderful: full of spark and authenticity. Then again, she was portraying Jane Fonda's deeply troubled granddaughter.

Stay tuned.

Parched

2007-07-18T13:50:00.000-04:00

Well, it's mid-summer, so, where's the sleeper?

One year ago almost precisely (July 28), "Little Miss Sunshine'' arrived and began its relentless march toward making a lot of money on a modest production budget, playing through the late fall in first-run theaters and beguiling enough people with clout that an Academy Award was a given.

It was. Alan Arkin, a veteran actor in his 70s, who has deserved the award for years ("Catch 22" is an obvious example) won the best supporting actor Oscar. Abigail Breslin, playing his granddaughter, was nominated but didn't win.

So, here we are one year later and nothing of that ilk has surfaced.

A "Knocked Up'' doesn't count because that had way too much advance publicity and flacking based on its filmmaker's previous hit ("40 Year Old Virgin").

A sleeper must arrive unheralded with little anticipation, and more important, not pander or be "targeted to a demographic.'' Like "Sunshine'' and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding,'' it must have a unique tone and personality and appeal to an enormous cross section of audiences.

I'd put "Boogie Nights,'' "Speed'' and "Ghost World'' in this category.

Without a sleeper, the year, especially the summer, seems drab and not very exciting.

We're waiting.

Spielberg on Spielberg

2007-07-12T13:02:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe, but even Steven Spielberg cannot hold one's interest, entirely on his own, for 90 minutes.

The Richard Schickel documentary on Spielberg that was broadcast earlier this week on TCM just goes to show you that even a person of remarkable talent and imagination needs more film clips and comments from colleagues, friends and family to break up what can only be called the monotony of listening to one voice for an hour and a half.

It's likely that Schickel thought that that kind of documentary is a dime a dozen and that fans of Spielberg's most want to hear how he made his creative decisions. That is true, but the show cried out for another perspective, say, Tom Hanks commenting on Spielberg's casting him in a non-traditional role in "Saving Private Ryan" and how they worked out the nuances of Hanks' character in "The Terminal.''

If the show is rebroadcast, be prepared for what is essentially an honors' class in filmmaking, which probably is what Spielberg and Schickel intended anyway.

Moore vs. CNN

2007-07-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

Did you catch Michael Moore dukking it out with CNN over the last two days?

First, he and Wolf Blitzer hollered back and forth over CNN's retort to Moore's documentary about the American healthcare system, "Sicko.'' CNN's medical correspondent found flaws in Moore's figures and assumptions. Moore disagreed vigorously and the shouting began.

Then last night, Larry King let Moore and the medical correspondent confront each other and the fur flew.

Winner?

Let's hope it's the American public, which might benefit from the heated but welcome discourse underway on how to cure what's ailing our healthcare system.

Different Strokes

2007-06-28T12:42:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how movie reviewers can applaud male action movies for their jolly ton of testosterone, but find a like amount of the female hormone off-putting.

"With all the tinkling pianos and shots of gentle waves hitting beaches, you expect to see a feminine-hygiene product logo pop up in the estrogen-filled "Evening,'' says James Ward of the Visalia (Calif.) Times Delta. "You can almost see the estrogen flow off the screen in a cast that includes Clare Danes, Glenn Close, Toni Collette and two mother-daughter teams (Vanessa Redgrave and Natasha Richardson and Meryl Streep and Mamie Gummer).''

Well, unless any of the above performers are transgenders, it is likely that estrogen and not testosterone would be the operative hormone.

But if the male hormone sells movies, to both genders, what is it about the female one that apparently is dooming "Evening'' to the box office dumper?

One thing is certain: anybody who wants an inkling of how endless boy and guy movies get made and why they suceed need only consider the attitude of this grown-up, paid reviewer toward a movie from the opposite end.

Smith Fugit

2007-06-27T08:17:00.000-04:00

Kevin Smith has a nifty "cameo'' in "Live Free or Die Hard,'' playing a computer genius named Warlock.

The inside jokes fly, among them, Warlock having a soft spot for daughters.

Smith's own daughter, Harley, just turned 8 on June 26; Kevin turns 37 in July.

Warlock is a fast-talking geek who knows all the nuances of computer technology, which is apt since Smith has been a pioneer in the blogosphere and interactive Websites, with his http://www.viewaskew.com/ arriving years ahead of almost everybody else (around 1994).

And vanity does not seem to be Smith's name: he now has a large bald spot at the back of his head, and he makes no attempt to conceal it in "Live Free or Die Hard.''

Gotta love it.

Who Sez?

2007-06-22T10:46:00.000-04:00

I just love the latest American Film Institute's list of the top 100 movies of all time.

Not.

"Rocky'' shows up at No. 57 but "Roman Holiday'' didn't make the cut.

"Historical significance'' is a criterion for the list, but the movie that showed the murder of a major political leader one year before the JFK assassination, "The Manchurian Candidate,'' is not included.

There are no movies with Greta Garbo, Rosalind Russell, Irene Dunne, Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand or Joan Crawford; only one each with Claudette Colbert, Bette Davis and Barbara Stanwyck, and by my count, about 65 percent of the movies are "guy'' flicks.

I tried to find out who the voters are: "1,500 artists, critics, historians,'' says the AFI press release, but nobody from the AFI called me back with a name, there are none on their Website (http://www.afi.com/) and nobody I know knows a voter.

If a favorite movie or performer isn't on this new AFI list, let me know!

Sickening

2007-06-20T13:17:00.000-04:00

Speaking of "Sicko,'' as in the previous post, how's this for sickening?

"Pride,'' a truly fine movie, based on the actual story of a Philadelphia high school swim coach, grossed a pathetic $7 million at the box office.

Couldn't be a problem with the cast, full of stellar talent like Terrence Howard as the coach, plus Bernie Mac, Tom Arnold and good supporting players as the high school students.

Plus, it's an inspiring story: the coach broke down segregation barriers in the 1970s to get his black swimmers into citywide swim meets and they became champions.

"Pride'' arrives on the home viewing market June 26; do yourself a favor and watch it.
It's light years ahead of the bottom feeder movies made for (and exploiting) young viewers.

Sicko

2007-06-14T10:06:00.000-04:00

Michael Moore exhorted a group of California nurses yesterday to get rid of private health companies now. "They must go! They must go! They must go!'' Moore chanted with the nurses.

Moore is stumping for his new movie about the woes of the American privatized healthcare system, "Sicko.'' It arrives at area theaters June 29.

My guess is that this is another Moore documentary that will (a) get "special interests'' people angry; (b) get many other people energized, and (c) stimulate public and political discourse on the state of healthcare in this country.

Moore's other documentaries, "Roger & Me,'' "Bowling for Columbine,'' and "Fahrenheit 9/11'' similarly inspired debate and heightened awareness of systems in need of overhaul (gun control, corporate down-sizing, congressional war resolutions).

Even if you disagree with Moore, you can't deny he has the right to air important issues. For that, we should be glad somebody has the intelligence and the money to pursue his agenda.

Hate mail

2007-06-12T09:12:00.000-04:00

Well, let's not say hate, let's just say angry.

The mail about my review of "Knocked Up,'' was not good: most respondents either thought I had missed the movie's point entirely or that I was wrong in saying it was made for a niche market of 30s and under, or that I was hopelessly out of touch.

Another dissatisfied emailer said she had glanced at my review of "Bug,'' which emphatically stated that the movie was profane, violent and brutal, but, seeing that I gave the movie three stars, went to see it.

She hated it and got her money back.

Best to read the whole review.

As to my strong-minded pan of "Knocked Up,'' think about it: an audience member would loathe having someone tell them they had to love a movie, so why should a reviewer be under those strictures?

And if the angry writers remember, my review did say: "For some, it will be a hoot, for others a horror.''

Pace en terra.

Bernie Schwartz

2007-06-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

Robert Osborne didn't ask Tony Curtis the one burning question I would have. TCM re-ran a superb 1999 TCM interview with Curtis over the weekend:
The question: "Did you really say that kissing Marilyn Monroe was like kissing Hitler?''
Since Curtis is Jewish and since he actually said he changed his named from Schwartz because it's German and he hated what the Germans were doing "to my people in Europe,'' the insult to Monroe is brutally meaningful.
Curtis did say he had compassion for Monroe's problems and he predicted "Some Like It Hot'' would be her last film because she was so fragile. (She made one more released film, actually: "The Misfits'').
Curtis made a chatty, revealing interviewee, as hard on himself (admitting he took cocaine, heroin and drank to excess in the 1970s and 1980s) as he was on his ex-wife Janet Leigh, co-star Kirk Douglas and producer-director Stanley Kramer.
If it's run again, grab it.

Kevin Rules

2007-05-31T11:03:00.000-04:00

The movie publicist said I had 30 minutes to talk to Kevin Costner over the phone, so I made a long list of questions and things to chat about.

She goofed: I only had 10 minutes.

So, I introduced myself by saying we had to jam 25 years worth of his career and all my questions into 10 minutes, so could he talk real fast?

Kevin chuckled at that, and we had a very pleasant conversation, some of it about his gut instinct that the script for "Mr. Brooks'' gave him the same sure-thing feel as "Field of Dreams,'' "Thirteen Days'' and "Dances With Wolves,'' even though he plays a serial killer.

He also raved about his second wife, Christine and her devotion to their newborn son (May 7 arrival): "She loves cleaning and feeding that baby, but I look at her and say "poor thing, she's so tired.' The baby is not sleeping through the night.''

Kevin also mentioned in passing his belief that our war in Iraq is a mistake.

When I told him that colleagues and friends were very envious that I was interviewing him (only my interviewing Johnny Depp elicited as many oohs and aahs) he said, "Thank you very much for telling me that.''

All in all, a smart and personable man.

TWJ

2007-05-24T11:20:00.000-04:00

If it hadn't been for Tom Jobson, who died Tuesday in Florida, I wouldn't be sitting here writing this blog .
Tom was the managing editor of the Asbury Park Press until he retired in 1987.
Tom taught me journalism at the then-Monmouth College in West Long Branch, then hired me to be a police checks' reporter on the 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday shift, then promoted me to a features writer, then gave me the newly created movie writer beat in 1985. In other words, Tom had a lot to do with giving my career direction and focus.
He rarely complimented you on a story but when he did it was big stuff. He now and then pointed out a flaw in a story (I confused Dover in northern New Jersey with Dover-Toms River, his home, in a story), and he occasionally made you defend your position.
If you gave a good argument, he would see the wisdom.
An example: When Orson Welles died in 1985, I wrote the editorial page appreciation. Tom read my copy before it was published, asked me to his office and wanted to know why we were writing an appreciation of a man who squandered his talent and lived a (reportedly) dissolute life.
Because, I said, he directed two of the greatest American films ever: "Citizen Kane'' and "The Magnificent Ambersons,'' and several near-great ones, such as "Touch of Evil,'' "The Trial,'' "The Lady From Shanghai,'' and that doesn't even include films that surfaced later, such as his definitive portrayal of Falstaff in "Chimes at Midnight.''
Tom said okay, you win on logic, and the appreciation ran, with only a minor change.
That was a classy thing to do, but Tom was a classy guy and a first-rate journalist.
I was lucky to know him.

Open Membership

2007-05-18T10:28:00.000-04:00

A new movie might be in the works: call it "Loser's Club,'' and it would feature the antics of people just now in the news.
In the star-crossed cast you might find Paul Wolfowitz, just resigned-president of the World Bank; Paris Hilton, starlet heading for the slammer for violating probation; Alberto Gonzales, United States Attorney General under Congressional scrutiny for overseeing the firing of numerous U.S. prosectuors, and Jerry Falwell, founder of the Moral Majority who went to his great reward this week.
Notice there's only once cast member from the entertainment industry. However, the remainder certainly have been sources of what you might call amusement, on a very slow day.

The Fire This Time

2007-05-17T11:52:00.000-04:00

The horrible fires that have been burning in Ocean County this week, with enormous personal losses, remind us of the amazing sacrifices firefighters make.
Far from trivializing this very real horror, I'd like to recommend the one movie I've seen in years that apparently is accurate in capturing what fire and rescue personnel endure in trying to save lives.
"World Trade Center,'' from Oliver Stone, is a measured and faithful to the facts movie about two actual Port Authority police officers' ordeal as they lay trapped in the rubble of a fallen World Trade Center building. While rescuers struggled to save the men, they gave each other hope and the will to survive until they were reached.
It's a no-frills movie that really hits home this week.

He's Back!

2007-05-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

Okay, "Spider-Man 3'' was an overlong disappointment, and "Pirates of the Caribbean'' number three, at two hours and 47 minutes (!) is bound to run out of charm, but can we ever get enough of the "Shrek' series?
"Shrek the Third'' arrives May 18, so we shall see.
Any cartoon with Antonio Banderas as a wily cat has got some major points already.

But for those who would rather find something else to watch other than a blockbuster, there is "The Valet'' from France, opening at the Red Bank Arts Theatre on White Street the same day. So, while the world is looking at a cartoon, you can see a comedy set in Paris.

Hellzapoppin

2007-05-07T09:20:00.000-04:00

Notes On the Hollywood Scene:
Gore Vidal said that F. Scott Fitzgerald's books weren't the issue when one considered him for posterity: "It's his life that matters,'' Vidal said. A tangled, doomed and alcohol-fueled life it was, cut short before he was 50.
Now Paris Hilton, fueled by booze and the American penchant for resisting growing up, is sentenced to 45 days in the L.A. slammer for violating probation in a reckless driving case (a DWI case). Hilton, under 30, still hasn't written a "Great Gatsby" nor has she script-doctored screenplays _ she doesn't have to _ she's an heiress. Therein lies part of of the problem of another Underachieving Hollywood Denizen.
On to inexplicable Overachieving _ how about that Spidey? In its opening three-day weekend, "Spider-Man 3,'' the busiest and least compelling of the trio, grossed $148 million domestically, plus more than $200 million abroad, thus making back its costs (said to be around $300 million) in no time.
Does it matter that Paris Hilton doesn't do anything yet is a major celebrity?
Does it matter that "'Spider-Man 3'' is a wheezer yet sets new box office records?

Bronx Betty

2007-05-04T11:34:00.000-04:00

Anybody catch TCM's Private Screenings interview with Lauren Bacall last night?
These one-on-one chats (with TCM's poised and gracious Robert Osborne) are priceless peeks at movie performers worth listening to for hours on end.
Bacall was exactly as Osborne said: "adorable,'' and funny and bright and lovely, too.
In 1994, I interviewed her in a group setting at a New York hotel, for the press junket on "Pret-a-Porter.'' Most of the other reporters were nervous because they'd heard that Bacall could be "difficult'' (a point that Osborne raised and debunked in his interview!).
Me, I was chomping at the bit _ Bacall, raised Betty Perske in the Bronx _ has always fascinated me: beautiful in a unique way; witty, not a great actress but an interesting screen presence; married to Bogey (and later, Jason Robards) and a great success on the Broadway stage, too.
Bacall did not disappoint; she was a charming storyteller and a classy woman.
If they rerun her TCM interview, do watch.

Foul Ball

2007-05-03T14:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, since the Yankees are driving me and all their other diehard fans crazy _ I mean, what kind of world is it when the Yanks are in the cellar and the Mets are in first place! _ let's drown our sorrows briefly by looking at old, great baseball movies.
Any list would have to include "Bull Durham,'' the best baseball movie ever made, in my 'umble opinion, plus "Fear Strikes Out,'' about the personal turmoil of BoSoxer Jimmy Piersall; not to mention "Bad News Bears,'' in which Walter Matthau manages not to be outsmarted by a bunch of kids, and of course the great movie about the even greater Lou Gehrig, "The Pride of the Yankees.''
And for that one scene in which Kate Hepburn has Spencer Tracy delineate the concept of "My grandmother died' to attend a crucial game, let's throw in "Woman of the Year,'' too.
Play ball!

D.C. Chicks

2007-05-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

Can a movie be far off about the Washington, D.C. Madam and her bigwig customers?
The proprietor of a "legal'' adult center for "relaxation'' says she'll unveil her ultra-connected client list if law enforcement officials don't cut her a deal.
Hmm, let's see, would this make a black comedy or a deeply dark drama?
I'm seeing Angelina Jolie portraying the proprietor; her dad, Jon Voight, as a highly placed D.C. government official client with plenty to lose; Jane Fonda (Voight's former co-star) as a veteran White House reporter who digs up the dirt, plus Matt Damon and Claire Danes as White House aides who know the truth and are ready to spill the beans.
Title? "Mayflower Hotel Madam.''

Father Knows Worst

2007-04-26T11:51:00.000-04:00

Any fathers out there commiserate with Alec Baldwin?
Baldwin allegedly called his 11-year-old daughter a spoiled little pig because she didn't answer his phone call at an arranged time.
Did Kim Basinger release the voice mail tape to the press to get her ex-hubby in dutch with the courts over custody of their daughter?
Baldwin wants to take time out of movie and TV making to square away his life as a father and divorced man.
His bosses at "30 Rock'' want him to stay; Baldwin apparently has helped make the show a success.
Hmm, should Baldwin stick with the show or pursue getting his life in order?

Ugly American

2007-04-26T11:45:00.000-04:00

Poor Richard Gere.
No sooner does he have his first hit movie in years, "The Hoax,'' that he runs afoul of the Indian press over kissing an Indian celebrity in public, and now an arrest warrant is out for him!
Gere is a regular visitor to India, so you wonder what came over him _ he must know better.
But is this much ado about not much _ arresting somebody for a public kiss, because it's considered"obscene?"

Dancing Dirty

2007-04-25T12:48:00.000-04:00

I bet you didn't know that living right here in our midst (well, Monmouth County's midst) is an Academy Award winner.
Franke Previte of Middletown won the best song Oscar with his partner for "(I've Had) The Time of My Life'' from "Dirty Dancing'' (1987). When I inteviewed Franke several years ago, I actually held his Oscar; it's heavy!
For those who missed this sweet but just a little sassy memory lane movie the first time around, it will play May 1 and May 2 at the North Brunswick Commerce at 7:30 p.m both days.
Just think: every time they play that award-winning tune, Previte, who happens to be a very nice man, makes money on it; not bad!

The Real Deal

2007-04-16T14:45:00.000-04:00

I bet most people who love movies can recite chapter and verse specific lines, scenes and performers who keep reminding us why we're such devotees.
Enter Ryan Gosling. He's a charismatic and smart actor from the Brando school, and it's a tremendous kick witnessing his talent coming of age.
I remember watching "The Notebook'' and thinking how much more interesting the flashback scenes to the '40s, with Gosling and Rachel McAdams were, than the contemporary action, with two enormously appealing actors, James Garner and Gena Rowlands.
Amazing.
Then last year, Gosling knocked me out with "Half Nelson,' and he's just as good in the new slick Hollywood thriller "Fracture.''
See for yourself. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Gosling and Daniel Craig (the latest Bond) are the most interesting young actors on the scene now.

Imus Meltdown

2007-04-09T11:43:00.000-04:00

There is definitely a movie, let's call it a farce, in the Don Imus episode of insulting on the air black women basketball players (Rutgers University's outstanding team, which made it to the nationwide collegiate basketball finals last week).
The Imus character, aging and insular, tries to affect hip by using an "insider'' term for black hair _ nappy _ and a rap culture description for women _ ho's. Instead, he's revealed to be just another absurdly backward celebrity trying to appear vibrant and cool.
Rutgers' shining accomplishment remains. The movie's denoument: A smart broadcaster invites the Rutgers team and its coach on their show. They are intelligent and gracious, exposing Imus for the outdated boor that he is.
Playing Don Imus? Mel Gibson, of course.

Desperate

2007-04-04T10:38:00.000-04:00

Every time I check the box office results and a movie that can only be called trash ("Blades of Glory'') opens big ($33 million first weekend), I realize how TV has lowered the public's expectations. If "American Idol,'' relentless re-runs of "SVU'' and barking news commentators are clocking high ratings, no wonder Will Ferrell's bottom-feeder comedy is a hit.
At least a good cartoon, "Meet the Robinsons'' did almost as well _ $25 million. Which means that kids are seeing the better quality movies these days.

Plant?

2007-03-22T13:56:00.000-04:00

March 22, 2007

Why would anyone waste several minutes of precious time photographing a presidential candidate, on the sly, primping his hair? Our Orwellian world now dictates that John Edwards et al. had better watch their backs, literally, because people are taking their pictures. While Edwards spent a lot of time fussing his hair, he was caught on video secretly. The Hair Do played on YouTube to the tune of "I Feel Pretty.'' Say goodbye to privacy, especially if you want to be president.

And the winners were...

2007-02-27T13:01:00.000-05:00

I bet there are more than a few gripes out there today about this year's Oscars, but at least we cannot complain about the emcee.
Ellen DeGeneres was peppy, funny and apparently, not intimidated by the event or its titans. A precious moment: when DeGeneres told Steven Spielberg how to frame a photograph of her. The nerve! How about when she started vacuuming? That's bringing the gala right down to where it belongs _ it's just another back-patting ritual by the self-celebrating movie industry.
My gripes? I know it's anarchic to say this, but Forest Whitaker's good performance as Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland'' still couldn't hold a candle to Ryan Gosling's or Leonardo DiCaprio's.
And Helen Mirren's impersonation of Queen Elizabeth was graceful, even kind, but best of the year? Do yourself a favor and see "Little Children,'' written by shore vacationer Tom Perrotta, for nominee Kate Winslet's lovely performance as a philandering wife.
In the supporting acting categories, Alan Arkin's win was thrilling and Jennifer Hudson was so thrilling in "Dreamgirls,'' I think she's deserving. And I'm heartened to see that "The Lives of Others'' prevailed over "Pan's Labyrinth,'' for best foreign language film. And that "Happy Feet'' took the best animated feature award over the weak "Cars.''
Onward to next year!

Local boys night

2007-02-25T23:47:00.000-05:00

Thelma Schoonmaker, who just won the editing Oscar for ""The Departed,'' thanked a bunch of people including Rob Legato, who was raised in Asbury Park and Ocean and is a graduate of Ocean Township High School. Rob won the visual effects Oscar in 1997 for "Titanic.'' Schoonmaker thanked him for his visual effects work on "The Departed.''

A Trend?

2007-02-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

Could a trend be afoot? "Pan's Labyrinth'' has just won the first two Oscars _ for makeup and art direction. A sweep might be in the works for this film, which could include best froreign language film, which would be bad news for ""The Lives of Others,'' also nominated, from Sony Pictures Classics. Tom Bernard, Navesink, is co-president of the company.
We'll see.

R.I.P. Anna Nicole

2007-02-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

Feb. 9, 2007

When a person's death makes the front page of newspapers _ above the fold in the Asbury Park Press today, in the news round-up of the New York Times _ you figure they've accomplished something.
As the Associated Press said of Anna Nicole Smith, who died yesterday at 39, "she was famous for being famous.''
For me, Anna Nicole would have been just an annoying blip except that her disturbing TV reality show marked the beginning of the end of a long friendship. My buddy couldn't get enough of the show, I found it terribly threatening and a sign of American pop culture dragging us irrevocably into the abyss. We fought over his fandom and my disgust _ end of friendship.
'Wonder how many lives Anna Nicole and her weird cultural contribution so affected.

Wimp factor

2007-02-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

Feb. 6, 2007

Can an Oscar be THAT important? Guess so, if the rumor mill is to be believed. Information on screenings of Eddie Murphy's new movie, "Norbit'" was withheld from myself and several other news outlets based in the metropolitan area. Even after calling publicists for the film from Dreamworks Pictures, no one called back to extend an invitation. Why?
The buzz is that Eddie's people want to limit the number of reviews, on the assumption that any bad press now would hurt his chances for votes for the Academy Award.
File this under the Oh Brother! category.

And the winners should be

2007-02-02T15:55:00.000-05:00

Feb. 2, 2007

Your turn: are you happy with the Oscar nominations? Or are you furious that a certain person or movie was snubbed?
Personally, the only two nominees that really impressed me for originality were Ryan Gosling receiving a best actor nomination for "Half Nelson,'' and "Little Miss Sunshine'' getting a best picture nomination.
In a rational world, Toby Jones and Daniel Craig (for "Infamous'') would have received nominations; Annette Bening for "Running With Scissors;'' Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear for "Little Miss Sunshine;'' '' Demi Moore for "Bobby,'' and "Casino Royale'' for best picture. What? Yes, this is the best Bond movie since the very early Sean Connery days.
What's your beef?

Caught

2007-01-18T13:26:00.000-05:00

Jan. 18, 2007

From the coming attractions for ""Catch and Release,'' it looks like Kevin Smith has learned to talk.
But is the world ready for profanely funny ("Clerks,'' "Dogma,'' et al.) writer-director Smith as a chatty, best pal to a gal? In the new movie, Smith plays supportive friend to Jennifer Garner, who's actually married to Smith's buddy, Ben Affleck. Not to mention that the screenplay was written by a woman (Susannah Grant, who also directed).
All of this is going to take some getting used to, mostly by Smith's hard-core fans, who love his trash-talking, comic-book obsessing guy-guy. Could it be that our Jersey Boy, getting closer to the dark side of 40 (he'll be 37 in August) is finally growing up?

Robbery

2007-01-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

Jan. 17, 2007

Yes, I know the Golden Globes shouldn't get to me, but:
It's a very strange world when Eddie Murphy's good performance in "Dreamgirls'' is honored but Will Smith's superb performance in "The Pursuit of Happyness'' is ignored.
It's sad when iffy talent, such as "Borat'' star Sacha Baron Cohen win, and pros like Toni Collette, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz and Pedro Almodovar ("Volver'') take home nada.
On the upbeat side, "The Queen'' did not win best picture, but its star, Helen Mirren did take the best actress award. Movies that invent on harrowing real life incidents, when the actual reality is ever so much more riveting, are truly faux. Must be the unrelenting gossip mania that carried this flick to glory.
And speaking of gossip, it's reported that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have moved to New Orleans (and will build there) while he makes a movie. If their presence and money help this city and its citizens get going again, who cares if they're the slightly odd couple?

Yo!

2007-01-11T13:23:00.000-05:00

Jan. 11, 2007

Happy New Year, and to Margaret, thanks for the good catch of my typo_ yes, my last blog before Christmas vacation was meant to say ""Greetings!''
Now that we are all here and alert, let's survey what's worth seeing-reading-watching: David Denby's essay on moviegoing in the early part of the 21st century, in this week's New Yorker magazine. It's scary but must reading.
Also, check out Jan. 15's broadcast of the 64th annual Golden Globes, which should see Clint Eastwood winning best director for his Iwo Jima movies and ""The Departed'' winning actor and screenplay awards, probably).
Also, the Red Bank Arts theater is showing two movies worth your time and money: the Judi Dench potboiler, ""Notes on a Scandal'' (Rex Reed told me months ago it was sensational) and ""Curse of the Golden Flower,'' the latest glitzy Gong Li extravaganza from China.
And a very interesting bellwether for upcoming awards now exists: the Directors Guild of America's nominees for 2006's best exclude Mel Gibson ("Apocalypto'') and Eastwood, which qualifies as shocking. Why did they do that? Because it's time for Martin Scorsese ("The Departed'' ) to win; if he gets the Golden Globe on Jan. 15 _ unlikely but could happen _ and the DGA, he's in for the Oscar, his first.

Geetings!

2006-12-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Dec. 22, 2006

To all the bloggers who talked to me in 2006, even the ones who strayed way, way off movie topics, thanks for your thoughts. It's been suggested that I ask bloggers to not stray _ how about that dialogue a couple of you had going on religion and education! But after all, this is America and freedom of speech is uppermost.
While I'm on Christmas vacation, do me a favor and seek out good movies _ in theaters and on TCM, et al. Report back to me on what you saw, what you loathed, what you loved.
Let theater owners know when you're unhappy (commercials, lousy lighting, noisy patrons, bad prints, stale popcorn) and don't be afraid to make booking suggestions. Yes, they are part of nationally owned behemoths that move slowly and in lockstep but keep pestering them. They need your business.
See you at the movies!

Sucker Punch

2006-12-19T14:07:00.000-05:00

Dec. 19, 2006

Call me a sucker, but "Rocky Balboa'' got to me.
Rocky writer, director and star Sylvester Stallone swears number six is the last. It's probably the best "Rocky'' since number two.
Yes, Sly is 60 and he's showing it, but his script is funny and his intentions understandable. He says this last installment about the Italian Stallion from Philly is autobiographical: Rocky, i.e., Sly, wants to put his past to rest and leave on an adulatory note. And he does: not to give away the ending (!) but the final frames show Rocky basking in glory.
Ciao, Rocky.
And this just in (can you stand it!): Mel Gibson is being sued by a woman who claims to be his "love child'' from a liaison with her mother in Australia in 1976. The Daily Dish on SFGate.com says Gibson will have to admit paternity or submit to a DNA test. Has 2006 been Mel's year or what!

Borat Rules

2006-12-12T13:37:00.000-05:00

Dec. 12, 2006

Regarding "Right On:'' Anonymous is tuned into the zeitgeist: A pal who votes with the New York Film Critics Circle, which yesterday named Forest Whitaker best actor for "The Last King of Scotland,'' says Sacha Baron Cohen, aka Borat, also did well in that group's voting. Another industry insider, who runs a prestigious art house, says this year's oddball choices are because "They like to be different.'' Here's a scary thought: Baron Cohen is nominated for an Oscar, wins, and takes the stage in his "Borat' underwear. Could happen.

Right On

2006-12-11T11:52:00.000-05:00

Dec. 11, 2006

Gee, I was away from the blog for awhile and all heck broke loose in my absence (re: "I'm Sorry'' post)!
But it does my heart good to see that such passion is incited on a blog about movies. Responders really ran with the topic _ on to education, patriotism, Ed Sullivan, et al. Surely somebody is gonna do a movie about bloggers and the art of duking it out in cyberspace.
Today, we are moving past celebrity public drunkenness and mea culpas to the horror of Sacha Baron Cohen being named, by the L.A. Film Critics, co-best actor of the year for "Borat.'' He shares the award with the legitimate choice of Forest Whitaker for "The Last King of Scotland.'' Hmm, do I smell a cop-out by naming two winners?
At best, Cohen's Borat was a dopey curiosity. At worst, he was a bully taking advantage of naifs. Really, there was no shortage of great film acting this year (Clive Owen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, everybody in "Little Miss Sunshine,'' Penelope Cruz, et al.), so let's get real.

I'm Sorry

2006-11-30T10:13:00.000-05:00

Nov. 30, 2006

You've got to be kidding: Now Danny DeVito, Asbury Park's favorite son, needs to apologize for "inebriated'' verbiage! On Barbara Walters' talk show, Danny slammed President Bush and said he and wife Rhea Perlman got full usage of the Lincoln Bedroom.
Danny admitted on the show he was still feeling the effects of drinking the night (and morning) before with pals. His manager, Stan Rosenfeld, says Danny is calling Barbara to apologize.
Danny has led an impeccable life and career; I can't ever remember he being involved in controversy or nutty behavior. What is it, something weird in the SoCal air?
Here's an idea: Mel Gibson, Michael Richards, Danny (and Hugh Grant, from a few years back) can form the Apologizers Club. And Borat can be their mascot!

Illegal

2006-11-29T14:48:00.000-05:00

Nov. 29, 2006

At a screening of what New York Magazine calls "torture porn'' _ "Turistas'' _ a security guard inspected reviewers' bags for cellphone cameras.
Huh?
This is a first.
Does that mean the movie's distributor knows something I don't? Presumably, that there is a big wanna-see of a movie about 20somethings being robbed, tortured, caged and having their organs removed (as in kidneys, livers, et al.)?
Then again, the "Saw'' franchise is hot.
Raise your hand if you're planning to actually spend money on a ticket to "Turistas.''

Resolved

2006-11-24T10:30:00.000-05:00

Nov. 24, 2006

Yes, it's true, about 30 more days to go before the last movie gasps its way into 2006's annals. But why not get a jump on movie stuff resolutions?
The first installment: Never Again.
We never again want to see, hear or read about:
(1) Tom Cruise-related nuptials or the lack thereof.
(2) Brangelina-related nuptials, parentage or paparazzi flaps.
(3) Ensemble-cast-driven scenarios about strangers' lives intersecting.
(4) '70s' movies and TV shows recycled into bad new movies.
(5) Matt McConaughey in leading-man roles.
(6) Another Basic Instinct sequel.
(7) Another Pirates of the Caribbean sequel.
(8) Another Clerks sequel.
(9) Post bizarre meltdown "apologies" from movie stars
(10) Denzel Washington wielding an automatic weapon on the right or wrong side of the law.
Got any Never Agains?

Star-crossed

2006-11-21T10:49:00.000-05:00

Nov. 21, 2006

Norm wants to know why I didn't give "Casino Royale'' three and a half stars (I gave it three). He says my review read like a ""three and a half star review.'' Good point.
If I were only rating its new James Bond _ Daniel Craig _ it would have gotten four stars!
But the showpiece of the movie (after its wild opening chase) is the actual card game, and that was so prolonged, it grew dull and fuzzy. So, three stars, not 3-1/2.
So far in 2006, I've given only one movie a top rating of four stars. More about that movie in Wednesday's Press.
By the way, if you've seen a four-star movie this year, let me know. Maybe I missed it!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Sean Who?

2006-11-16T08:29:00.000-05:00

Nov. 16, 2006

As I sat watching Daniel Craig virtually obliterate the spectre of Sean Connery's 007, in ""Casino Royale,'' I realized why: Craig plays James Bond as he should _ rough around the edges, sharp-witted but not infallible; sexy but unlucky in love. In other words, Craig is real world, Connery was reel. Is Craig as hunky as Connery? Hmm, well in his Steve McQueen way, yes. It's a new dawn out there. What do you think?

Phfft!

2006-10-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

Oct. 31, 2006

I don't know about you, but my heart is breaking: Reese and Ryan are splitting up! Of all the Hollywood marriages, the Witherspoon-Phillippe union seemed the happiest and most likely to endure into old age. What happened? A third party? Ego? I hope they kiss and make up; do you? Can anybody name three movie star marriages that have lasted?

Medicated

2006-10-25T14:04:00.000-04:00

Oct. 25, 2006

Look who's talking! Rush Limbaugh attacked Parkinson Disease sufferer Michael J. Fox of ""either (being) off his medication or acting'' because Fox is backing a Missouri Democrat in favor off stem-cell research. Limbaugh didn't like Fox saying "What you do in Missouri matters to millions of Americans _ Americans like me.'' Limbaugh, who "acts'' horrified at drug addiction, required rehabilitation for addiction to "medication.'' Is it time for Limbaugh to retire?

Oscar caliber

2006-10-20T13:34:00.000-04:00

Oct. 20, 2006

The Red Bank Arts Theater on White Street just sent in its November-December listings, including a must-see: satirist Christopher Guest's "For Your Consideration.'' It's a comedy about hyping prestige movies for awards. Do you get sick and tired of all the hype? Do you wish movie reviewers would shut up already about what movie should win the Oscar, the Golden Globe, the Independent Spirit, ad nauseum?

Doings

2006-10-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

Oct. 19, 2006

Gosh, so much happening on the movie scene, but quantity does not equal quality. Take for example these developments: Matt McConaughey and Lance Armstrong say ""We tried being gay; it wasn't for us!'' Just kidding, they say. They insist there is no ""bro-mance'' between them. And, coming your way next week, still another gross-out movie, "Saw III,' which got an R rating for "strong grisly violence and gore and sequences of terror and torture.'' In other words, the intellects behind this awfulness clearly haven't heard of real world horrors such as Abu Ghraib. Apparently, there is nothing so debased that someone won't try to make a buck off it.

Faux Facts

2006-10-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

Oct. 10, 2006

A friend who's a well-known movie critic, cabaret reviewer and author, says both biopics about Truman Capote are inaccurate about his romance with Death Row murderer Perry Smith (of Capote's "In Cold Blood''). The friend knew Capote well (he died in 1984). Moviemakers who invent such sensitive material should be exposed for exploitation, especially when both movies ("Capote,'' "Infamous'') tsk-tsk over Capote exploiting the murderers to make a buck.

Hopes Not Dashed

2006-10-09T09:20:00.000-04:00

Oct. 9, 2006

The good news is twofold: Martin Scorsese is back in great form in "The Departed,'' and the public likes it too _ Scorsese's Boston crime movie had his best opening weekend: $27 million. Why did the public make it a hit? Because Leo DiCaprio stars? Because so many critics praised it? Because Jack Nicholson's in it? Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon? If so, now you know why movie stars make huge salaries _ if they can "open'' a movie, they're worth every million.

Blackout Part 2

2006-10-06T10:01:00.000-04:00

Oct. 6, 2006

We spoke too soon: Also being kept from reviewers' eyes for next Friday's opening is "The Grudge 2,'' the latest copy of a Japanese series. Why is it that low-budget slashers (""Texas Chainsaw'' is this week's entry) are the first and foremost to be hidden from critics?

Blackout

2006-10-04T14:50:00.000-04:00

Oct. 4, 2006

Here we go again: no critics' screenings, this time for ""Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.'' For once, keeping a movie away from reviewers is a blessing. In the utterly non-essential category, you can't top the ""Chainsaw,'' ""Nightmare on Elm Street'' and ""Friday the 13th'' movie franchises.

Tough Act

2006-10-03T09:49:00.000-04:00

Oct. 3, 2006

Kirsten Dunst, who was raised in Brick, is enduring rough notices even before her new feature, ""Marie Antoinette'' opens at movie theaters (Oct. 20). Do you think critics should hold their reviews until opening day?Do you read advance press on a movie? Does it sway you?

High hopes

2006-10-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

Oct. 2, 2006

Martin Scorsese has everything going for him in ""The Departed:"" good story, great cast (Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon), and all the production money he needs, so let's see if he's back in form after the disastrous ""Gangs of New York'' and ""The Aviator.'' ""The Departed'' opens Friday;'' tell us if you think Scorsese has regained his stride.

Hair-raising

2006-09-29T10:12:00.000-04:00

Sept. 29, 2006

Fifty-plus years ago, Yul Brynner shaved his head to draw attention to his Broadway performance in ""The King and I,'' but America wanted celebs with full heads of hair. Now actors think it's cool to be baldy. John Hall, who spent his summers at Brant Beach, is the latest bald guy in movies; he has a small role playing himself _ a Coast Guard rescue swimmer instructor _ in ""The Guardian.'' Why is hairless considered so macho?

Remake Hell

2006-09-21T15:41:00.000-04:00

Sept. 21, 2006

It's deja vu all over again: These days, Hollywood is all about remakes, reissues and recyclings of the good, the bad and the medicore on a regular basis. This week, it's ""All the King's Men,'' trounced by some critics (the Associated Press said it's pretentious). From ""Mission Impossible III'' to ""Scream 4,'' well, you could just scream. About the only revisit that can hold its head high this year is ""Lassie.'' What's this say about the state of American filmmaking?

Fatal

2006-09-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

Sept. 14, 2006

Even if you're not a George Bush supporter _ and polls show upwards of 60 percent of Americans don't approve of his presidency _ you must draw the line at the upcoming release from Newmarket Films, ""Death of a President.'' The documentary-like film is purported to show Bush being assassinated _ it hasn't been screened in the United States for critics yet, so this is strictly from news outlets such as Reuters. ""I don't think anyone would get the idea of assassinating Bush from this film,'' the AP quotes its maker, Gabriel Range. But do we really need even the suggestion on film of still another political leader's murder? What do you think? Would you pay to see this movie? Why?

A Summer Place

2006-08-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

Aug. 31, 2006

The summer of 2006 is ending but where was the season's blockbuster that crossed-over to all audiences? The second "Pirates of the Caribbean'' is making a ton of money, but it doesn't have the wide appeal of hits from summers past _ "Jaws,'' the "Star Wars'' epics, even "My Big Fat Greek Wedding,'' "Forrest Gump'' or "There's Something About Mary.'' What's your favorite "summer place'' movie? And how come they don't make 'em like that anymore?!

No Admittance

2006-08-25T10:11:00.000-04:00

Aug. 25, 2006

Are movie critics necessary? About 33 percent of movies to be released nationwide in August and the first week of September have not been screened in advance for critics. Some were obvious dogs that flopped immediately (""Pulse,'' ""Zoom''). Others, like ""Snakes on a Plane,'' defied nervous distributors who banned review screenings, by charming critics who saw the movie on opening day. Do you read reviews? Do you care what reviewers think? Do reviews help you pick which movies to see? We want to know.

On the Rocks

2006-08-21T10:32:00.000-04:00

Aug. 21, 2006

Kate Hudson is a delightful actress who looked headed for a wonderful career, starting with her Oscar-nominated ""Almost Famous.'' Then she got married and had a child, and has since appeared in a series of iffy, often bland movies. ""You, Me and Dupree'' is her latest dud. Was her sparkling start a fluke? Did her marriage, now on the rocks, distract her from great performances? Is Hudson enduring the usual career versus marriage-motherhood quandary? Or, does she just need an agent with better judgment in picking scripts?

Meltdown Mel No. 2

2006-08-14T13:32:00.000-04:00

Aug. 14, 2006

Mel Gibson keeps bouncing back. Despite rumors that Disney would not distribute Gibson's upcoming subtitled movie about ancient Mayans, ""Apocalypto,'' a publicist for the company says Disney will indeed release it. This, despite Mel's drunken driving arrest, reported anti-Semitic slurs and self-imposed alcohol rehabilitation. Talk about the Teflon celeb! Do you think Gibson will truly recover enough to become a Hollywood player again? Do you think anyone, aside from movie critics, will see "Apocalypto?'' And would anyone care to speculate why the two most-responded to blogs on this site concerned movies-religion (""The DaVinci Code'' being the other)? Religion indeed seems to split the world wide open.

Meltdown Mel

2006-08-02T11:39:00.000-04:00

Aug. 2, 2006

Mel Gibson is at it again: Last Friday, he was arrested under suspicion of drunken driving on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. Police records say he made sexist (to a woman police officer) and anti-Semitic (to a Jewish arresting officer) remarks. He has apologized and said he isn't anti-Semitic (no word if he's apologizing for sexist comments!) Two years ago, I was castigated for saying Gibson's movie, ""The Passion of the Christ'' was anti-Semitic. Some say Gibson's verbal abusiveness was the tequila talking; I'm of the persuasion that at best, he's ""in conflict'' over women and Judaism. What do you think? Do you think the incident will hurt his career?

Pirated

2006-07-26T16:01:00.000-04:00

July 26, 2006

Why do moviegoers make the ""Pirates of Caribbean'' films such huge moneymakers? The sequel has grossed nearly $330 million in about three weeks. Despite being chaotic in narrative, unnecessarily bombastic and repetitive, both movies are big hits, and they both run more than two hours. That's punishment, not moviegoing! Anyone care to offer a theory about why ""Pirates'' are so popular?

No Sale

2006-07-06T09:06:00.000-04:00

July 6, 2006

Is there anything more irritating than arriving at the movie theater in a timely fashion to get a good seat, then having to sit through at least 15 minutes of COMMERCIALS (followed by endless trailers and theater infomercials)? Having fled TV to avoid being hammered with ads, audiences are now assaulted at the movie theater. I think it stinks! What's your opinion?

Is Great so Great?

2006-06-24T11:48:00.000-04:00

June 24, 2006

The second feature film about the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States is out _ ""The Great New Wonderful.'' It weaves five stories together of various people affected by the destruction of the World Trade Center. It's getting good and bad reviews. Do you think it's unfair to make movies about the attack? Are filmmakers exploiting a tragedy to make money? Are you planning to see Oliver Stone's upcoming movie, ""World Trade Center?'' Or, have you had enough? I'm of two minds about the issue: worried that movies will misrepresent the horror of the day, yet convinced we need to remember so we can understand why the attack happened.

Stalled Cars?

2006-06-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

June 9, 2006

The latest computerized feature cartoon, ""Cars'' is getting raves from prominent movie critics. But it struck me as an unsuccessful attempt to merge human experience with automotive parts. Not to mention that, at about 110 minutes, it's at least 30 minutes too long. Bring back ""Lady and the Tramp'' and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,'' cartoons with beautiful hand-crafted cels and strong stories. What do you think?

Clerks Redux

2006-05-31T12:19:00.000-04:00

May 31, 2006

In 1994, Kevin Smith, a native of Highlands, became famous with his first feature movie, ""Clerks,'' shot entirely in Monmouth County. It won kudos from major critics and opened a lucrative career that has included ""Chasing Amy'' and ""Jersey Girl.'' "Clerks II'' is scheduled to open in July. Are you planning to see it? Are you a die-hard Smith fan _ his View Askew website is very popular as well _ or just among the curious? Do you have a favorite Smith movie? This week, Smith's annual celebration of non-mainstream fare, Vulgarthon, is underway at the Clearview Cinemas in Red Bank. Are you attending?

Reality Bites

2006-05-25T14:51:00.000-04:00

May 25, 2006

Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn star in ""The Break-Up,'' opening June 2. Aniston and Brad Pitt separated while she was making the movie, about a couple breaking up after two years of living together. Since making the film, Aniston and Vaughn have been linked romantically. Are the real and reel life similarities intriguing to you? Will they encourage you to see the film? Do you think publicizing Hollywood stars' private lives helps sell movies?

Is DaVinci Code offensive?

2006-05-09T13:11:00.000-04:00

Dan Brown's best-selling novel, ""The DaVinci Code'' has been made into a film and is arriving in movie theaters May 19.
Are you planning to see the movie? Why? Have you read the book? Do you find the book's claim that Jesus Christ was married to Mary Magdalene and that they had children offensive, or just good fiction writing?
Area priests have said they are reading the book and call it ""a work of fiction and not to be taken seriously.'' Do you agree?