For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Will the writers' strike kill Hollywood as we know it?
Longtime Hollywood publicist Julian Myers will turn 90 soon. And he worries the end may be near ... for Hollywood.
Myers frets that the WGA stalemate -- with all of its acrimony, vitriol and job losses -- is a harbinger of ill things for the industry..."Does a dying Hollywood need a civil war today to hasten its erosion?" he asks.
Is Myers right? Will this strike radically change the entertainment industry? Will said changes be positive for the consumer? Do you care?
Comments Policy
2nd Amendment bad news
January 14, 2008 - 10:32 ET by LionKingThe Bush admin is taking a very unfavorable stance the on the 2nd Amendment.
If a God-given right like
January 14, 2008 - 10:47 ET by misterbee241If a God-given right like self defense can be regulated, then a court-given right like abortion can be regulated and restricted too.
What the court gives, the court can also take away.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
And now, today's Shrub
January 14, 2008 - 10:35 ET by Roger the ShrubberAnd now, today's Shrub Report®:
Hillary's surge succeeds, will cure cancer by election day.
Apparently, not enough campesinos have been "disappeared", so try, try again!
How many of our tax dollars will be spent to rebuild this?
Suck on this, America! PA's boy is #1!!! Woohoo!
Today's Iraq is clearly in a civil war and Al-Qaeda is a negligible presence, according to what Leon read at Think Progress Update.
A Democrat campaigning in a church? That's unpossible! Well, according to the IRS, if that same church allows BOTH points of view, tax-exempt status is not in jeopardy. We will breathlessly await word of a Republican candidate speaking at this church…
The Inhumane Society?
Pro-Castro bullcrap does not play well in Little Havana.
Partner with Islam!
Rock and Roll birthdays today: Queensryche lunger Geoff Tate turns 48, gunslinger Zach Wylde turns 41, and Foo Fight Dave Grohl withs 39.
Hurry! Only $150,000 needs to be raised by January 19th to keep DasBlimp afloat! Hurry!
And, finally, some Storm Porn!
PA's Boy Bob Casey...
January 14, 2008 - 12:03 ET by HermanoNot entirely unexpected. We had a senator who was as close to a statesman as I have seen in recent years in Rick Santorum and we let him go. It is only a matter of time before Casey is weaseling his way out of some scandel. Love the Hillary article. Should believing her require a willing suspection of disbelief?
Has Bob Junior ever
January 14, 2008 - 12:36 ET by Hero SquadHas Bob Junior ever completed an elected term in office? He's always jumping from one job to another. Wouldn't surprise me if he tries to run for governor again when Eddie's term runs its course.
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
HS, we were on the same
January 14, 2008 - 12:40 ET by Roger the ShrubberHS, we were on the same wavelength! Scary thought, haha!
Of course, as we also know,
January 14, 2008 - 12:50 ET by Hero SquadOf course, as we also know, the next PA gov. election will go to a Republican, since we are always two terms then switch parties.
Ed Rendell (D), 2 terms (2003-2011)
Tom Ridge/Mark Schweiker (R), 2 terms (1995-2003)
Bob Casey Sr. (D), 2 terms (1987-1995)
Dick Thornburgh (R), 2 terms (1979-1987)
Milton Shapp (D), 2 terms (1971-1979)
Before that, governors could only serve 1 term. Even then, it was two terms for one party and then switch. You have to go back to 1947 to find a break in this most unusual trend.
I hope the Dems have enough respect for tradition to keep this one alive.
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
Ahhh, Milton Shapp. I
January 14, 2008 - 13:06 ET by Roger the ShrubberAhhh, Milton Shapp. I remember back in 1972, when I was a wee shrubber, Huricane Agnes blew through Pennsylvania. I remember the rain and the flooding. I also remember heafing that the Governor's mansion in Harrisburg flooding, and Shapp's wife getting trapped (if I am rememebring this correctly). Okay, I found some proof that this shrubber's mind was (reasonably) sound: "During Hurricane Agnes the flooding was so bad that he and his wife had to be saved from the governor’s mansion by boat."
Back then I too was but a
January 14, 2008 - 13:52 ET by Hero SquadBack then I too was but a member of the Hero Squadlings (age 3), but visions of Agnes flooding in various places remain some of the first memories that my brain can still recall.
So when the governor's mansion changes hands, is the current resident required to disclose the flooding damage to the next resident?
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
I was reading an article a
January 14, 2008 - 12:39 ET by Roger the ShrubberI was reading an article a week or so ago where speculation was being tossed around about Casey running for Governor in 2010, since he never seems to keep a job more than a couple of years.
Santorum losing his seat was a tough loss. He was screwed because he understood the War on Terror, unlike the yinzer millhunks in Pittsburgh and the "vote-often" Rendellites in Philly...
Rumor has it that Santorum might run for governor in 2010...
partner with Islam:)
January 14, 2008 - 12:48 ET by TruthMongerTM's brilliance continues to sweep the globe:
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080113231632.1q3rt654&show_article=1
I thought you were trying to
January 14, 2008 - 13:10 ET by Roger the ShrubberI thought you were trying to remove the "nutjob" from "islamic nutjob"? Your post does little to do that. You might as well as posted this article.
The Iranian state is
January 14, 2008 - 13:18 ET by TruthMongerThe Iranian state is reaching out to Christians - it's absolutely fantastic...
Satan is not pleased about this:) - Muslims partnering with a billion pro-Jew Christians?!?!?!?
Satan's terrorists are really losing their grip now, the vast majority of Muslims are with us, not them...
It's awesome - and unstoppable - may as well get on board now while ya can Rog...
Yes, because Satan wouldn't
January 14, 2008 - 13:20 ET by taterYes, because Satan wouldn't try to befriend Christians in order to stab them in the back.
Do you realize how much it costs to run for office? More than any honest man could afford. -Montgomery Burns
absolutely he would and
January 14, 2008 - 14:20 ET by TruthMongerabsolutely he would and does - SOP:)
Get "on board" what,
January 14, 2008 - 14:17 ET by Roger the ShrubberGet "on board" what, exactly? The Crazy Train? Are you Tumbler?
the peace (of Jesus)
January 14, 2008 - 14:21 ET by TruthMongerthe peace (of Jesus) train:)...
Will the writers' strike kill Hollywood as we know it?
January 14, 2008 - 10:43 ET by V the KWe can only hope so.
But probably not.
I spend my TV time on
January 14, 2008 - 10:49 ET by misterbee241I spend my TV time on Turner Classic Movies. I havent noticed a writer's strike at all. And frankly, even if I tried, I could not care any less than I do right now.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
There is a writer's
January 14, 2008 - 10:52 ET by taterThere is a writer's strike??? Other than The Office I don't miss anything Hollywood puts out a bit.
...and from the looks of the comments in the article many people are hoping this does kill Hollywood.
Do you realize how much it costs to run for office? More than any honest man could afford. -Montgomery Burns
Hollywood actually uses real
January 14, 2008 - 11:00 ET by BDHollywood actually uses real Writers? I must say I am stunned, what with all the silly Reality TV on, I simply assumed no one in Hollywood could write anymore.
Writers Strike?
January 14, 2008 - 11:04 ET by Cool ArrowAs Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson would say "Who knew"?
I ♣ My Seal
He's probably the least
January 14, 2008 - 12:38 ET by Hero SquadHe's probably the least impacted of all the returning shows (along with Letterman), since Worldwide Pants cut a deal with the WGA and got their writers back to work; also since Ferguson's style is more free form, he's less reliant on writers than, say, Colbert and Stewart, who look rather lost for words in their opening segments.
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
I feel bad for the writers
January 14, 2008 - 11:46 ET by Dee BunkThe Stars take all of their profits. I guess the big contention is that writers want a bigger royalty on DVD's. Couldn't the Stars give away a few cents of theirs?
What You Don't Know About John McCain
January 14, 2008 - 10:45 ET by PopularTechApparently just about everybody from Liberals and Independents to Conservative don't really know everything about John McCain:
Betrayal, deceit, corruption and John McCain (The U.S. Veteran Dispatch)
"While still married to Carol, McCain began an adulterous relationship with Cindy. He married Cindy in May 1980 - just a month after dumping his crippled wife and securing a divorce."
Abortion:
John McCain Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Audio)
McCain Softens Abortion Stand (The Washington Post)
"But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." - John McCain
Fiscal Record:
McCain Boasts That He Voted Against The Bush Tax Cuts (Video)
McCain Would Vote Against Tax Cuts Again (The Club for Growth)
- McCain sponsored and voted for an enormous 282% tax increase on cigarettes in 1998
- McCain was one of only two Republican senators to oppose the 2001 tax cuts
- McCain was one of only three Republican senators to oppose the 2003 reductions
- McCain supported an amendment sponsored by Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) against full repeal of the Death Tax
- McCain voted against repealing the Death Tax in 2002
Foreign Policy:
McCain to Close Gitmo: "The first day I am President" (Video)
Global Warming:
McCain and Lieberman Push for New Anti-Global Warming Legislation (The National Center for Public Policy Research)
Senators McCain and Lieberman Propose Energy Tax (The National Center for Public Policy Research)
Illegal Immigration:
John McCain gets a 'D' on his Immigration Voting Report Card (Americans for Better Immigration)
John McCain Praises Pro-illegal Protests (NewsMax)
McCain Voted For Illegal Immigrants To Collect Social Security (UC Daily News)
Veterans:
McCain Can't Buy His Way Out of Votes Against Funding for Veterans
- McCain Voted Against $19 Billion for Military Hospitals
- McCain Voted Against Amendment to Provide $2.8 Billion For Veterans' Medical Care
- McCain Voted Against 2005 Amendment to Provide Guaranteed Funding Stream for Veterans' Health Care
- McCain Voted Against Establishing $1 Billion Trust Fund to Provide Improvements to Military and Veterans' Health Facilities
- McCain Voted Against Adding $1.5 billion to Veterans' Medical Services in FY 2007 by Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes
- McCain Voted Against Mandatory Funding of $6.9 Billion in FY 2007 and $104 Billion Over Five Years for Veterans' Health Care
Huckabee: Raising Taxes OK
The Anti "Man-Made" Global Warming Resource
See yesterday's OPEN THREAD for more!
January 14, 2008 - 12:05 ET by PawpawNSee what I placed on yesterday's OPEN THREAD for more on Sen McCain. This is not the man to lead the country.
I am so amazed to see that
January 14, 2008 - 15:25 ET by BruzillaI am so amazed to see that anyone is supporting this POS. He has never displayed a single shred of loyalty to anyone. Not to his first wife, not to Republicans, not to religious folks, not to anyone but himself. He's got a well-established track record of being willing to toss anyone under the bus to improve his personal standings.
I'ld sooner vote for Ron Paul than John McCain.
Bruz... I couldn't agree
January 14, 2008 - 15:27 ET by bigtimerBruz...
I couldn't agree more...
McCain
January 14, 2008 - 16:01 ET by Conservative VoiceAmen,
if McCain wins though, who would carry a third party?...Bloomberg has the money, but is a socialist...Newt use to be conservative but I think he has turned to the dark side ( he is sounding more and more liberal lately ). Any of the current runners wouldn't work, because if you can't win the primary you aren't going to win the general. The person would need to be already well known and be well financed.
Like I said, if the Republicans do not get a hold of the process...letting the early liberal states with open / loose voting rules, decide the Republican momentum, then it will lose the base, which will cause it to become extinct.
The only thing a third party
January 14, 2008 - 17:04 ET by BruzillaThe only thing a third party run will result in is Hillary getting into the White House with well less than a majority of the votes... just like her Hubby did. I am just getting real demoralized that so many Republicans will bitch and gripe about spending increases and Republicans acting like Democrats, and then turn around and vote for Rudi, Mitt, or Mike! Are they just stupid, blind, or retarded?
couldn't care less
January 14, 2008 - 11:03 ET by bluefeetbrewsIt will be interesting to watch any economic impact, but Hollywood has always been there to entertain us. Unfortunately, it's grown into a distraction and sometimes drowns out more important issues.
I always get a kick when
January 14, 2008 - 13:46 ET by IamTinmanHollywood writers start talking about "intellectual property"! People actually get paid for writing episodes of "The Bachelor"?
Hillary taking advice
January 14, 2008 - 11:17 ET by KC MulvilleMy favorite part of the Meet the Press interview on Sunday was when Russert (twice!) asked Hillary about Iraq. How would she respond if General Petraeus advised her not to interrupt the surge? Answer: she would ignore him. (Bet that went over well at the Pentagon!)
What's even more ridiculous is her rationale. Here's the exchange:
So, the point of the surge is for the Iraqi government to make "tough choices." Think about it - what tough choices? That's right, the purpose of the tough choices is to move to reconciliation. And yet, if the surge is moving to reconciliation (accomplishing the goal), she wants nothing to do with it. What does that tell you?
She doesn't want Iraqi reconciliation.
Her concern is strictly about pleasing her anti-war supporters. She doesn't care about what happens in Iraq. This is not a foreign policy. It exploits our country's welfare for her private political advantage.
It's all for show. Think it through. What does she want to happen? In a fake attempt at intimidating Iraq, she wants to withdraw. And when Iraq collapses, she wants to blame it on Bush.
For the sake of a small bump from the virulently anti-war supporters, she'll be happy to accept huge body counts, and a foreign policy disaster. And she "cares?" What does she actually care about?
Bottom line."For the
January 14, 2008 - 11:27 ET by well99Bottom line.
"For the sake of a small bump from the virulently anti-war supporters, she'll be happy to accept huge body counts, and a foreign policy disaster. And she "cares?" What does she actually care about?"
Hillary cares about Hillary.She cares as much about the Iraqi people as Bill did about the Rwandans.
Someone's going to cave
January 14, 2008 - 11:47 ET by balboaSomeone's going to cave eventually. It's one big game of chicken right now. I would think the studios have more resources to hold on longer, but they also have more to lose.
I think Myers is a little over the top in his assessment.
Will the writers strike...
January 14, 2008 - 11:56 ET by Clear thinkerkill Hollywood as we know it?
ONE CAN ONLY PRAY!
Rush Limbaugh stated that of the top 5 Republicans running for the presidency, only one was a true conservative. http://www.fred08.com/
Dead for a long time?
January 14, 2008 - 11:58 ET by DEVILDOCMOMHas Hollywood be dead for a long time and this is just the final gasp? I admit, I watched the award shows in the past, as a woman I loved to see the dresses and was interesed in seeing which movies won. They lost me long ago as the "elite" of that community turned against my values. One of the last award shows I saw (and turned off after this initial showing) celebrated the actors who had been in the military.....gee, most all were dead by now, having been in WW2.
Currently, even the rare movie I see has a way of slapping at my values and beliefs. The golden age is long past.
Has anyone been following
January 14, 2008 - 12:01 ET by balboaHas anyone been following this awful story about the pregnant Marine who disappeared right before she was going to testify against another Marine?
It didn't end well.
No it did not...
January 14, 2008 - 12:10 ET by Clear thinkerI have a feeling that they will catch this bastard very soon.
My prayers go out to her family.
Rush Limbaugh stated that of the top 5 Republicans running for the presidency, only one was a true conservative. http://www.fred08.com/
Balboa
January 14, 2008 - 12:19 ET by ricklailI lvie in the area. It has been the main story in the local media since the beginning. For the most up to date info you can go to the Jacksonville Daily News. The rape occured on Camp Lejuene. The murder occured in Onslow county. There are 2 different agencies involved-NCIS and Onslow Co. Sheriff Dept. We are not getting the the full story. The sheriff has said that the Marines are not letting them know all the fact about the rape. She had a protective order against him but it only applied to base.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
Chances that Navy gets this?
January 14, 2008 - 13:00 ET by HermanoRick, what are the chances the USN gets to prosecute this one? Would that bring the possibility of a swift execution of sentence and by what means?
I don't see how. The murder
January 14, 2008 - 13:29 ET by ricklailI don't see how. The murder took place in Onslow County so they would have jurisdiction. Seeing how she is dead, the Navy can't even prosecute him for the rape. This is going to be a big case for Dewey Hudson, the DA in Onslow. This is an election year for DA's.
Hermano, you must be watching too much NCIS. I have noticed on many of their shows they investigate things that don't take place on a military reservation.
But from what I can understand the Marine Corp was not forthcoming in giving Onslow Co. information. It was not until the 7th that the Sheriff's office found out about the protective order.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
"...Navy can't
January 14, 2008 - 13:57 ET by Hero Squad"...Navy can't even prosecute him for the rape."
Are you sure? If they have enough evidence against him, I'd say they could still build a case. I hope that they follow through, lest they leave the impression that if you're charged with rape and you can get rid of the accuser without leaving evidence of your crime, then you just might beat the charge.
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
Hero
January 14, 2008 - 14:07 ET by ricklailI am not sure if they could. Don't you have to have the witness in a rape case? Even with DNA it would be a case of he said, she said. I am sure that NC will go after the death penalty. That will be based on the fact that she was to testify against him. Could the Navy prosecute him for witness tappering? I am not up on my UCMJ any more.
Don't take me wrong. I wish they would fry the bastard. Too bad that under NC he can't be prosecuted for the death of her baby.
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't.” General George S. Patton.
Twenty years ago, when I
January 14, 2008 - 16:44 ET by BDTwenty years ago, when I was stationed at Fort Hood, we had a case where a soldier go on a killing spree to get money to impress his girlfriend.
Dwight Loving, a former Army private first class at Fort Hood, Texas, who was convicted of two counts of premeditated murder, two counts of murder and robbery, and other felonies. On death row since April 1989.
Loving, 37, a former artilleryman from Rochester, N.Y., was found guilty of the 1988 fatal shooting of two taxi drivers in Killeen, Texas, as well as the robbery of a convenience store near Fort Hood, where he was stationed. One of the cabbies was an Army private, the other a retired Army sergeant. By all accounts, it was a fairly open adn shut case.
It amazes me that he has been awaiting execution now for the length of a standard career of a soldier - twenty years....The obvious question is why is Loving still drawing breath? They should have shot him in his cell while he cowered behind his bunk 19 years ago.
Nancy Grace and Great von
January 14, 2008 - 12:33 ET by Roger the ShrubberNancy Grace and Great von Lockjaw will be devoting the next 3 weeks to this tragedy, or until a more "exciting" tragedy involving a another hot white girl (preferably blonde) comes up.
Seriously, though, this story has been all over the cable news networks.
As Gallager points out ...SPADE...is OK
January 14, 2008 - 12:03 ET by JayTee"Sen. Clinton appeared on NBC’s Today Show and talked about the choice that voters were faced with in New Hampshire. She said the following: “When they say to themselves, OK, I have a choice between a truly inspirational speaker (Obama) who has not done the kind of spade work with the sort of experience that another candidate has…”
Spade work. That’s some choice of words for a black political opponent, no? "
And the MSM is Silent.......on this choice of Words.
Could you imagine, for a
January 14, 2008 - 12:44 ET by Hero SquadCould you imagine, for a second, the response had Giuliani made that reference.
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
Media just shameful over Iraq
January 14, 2008 - 12:51 ET by Jack BauerListening to Matt Sanchez (an Iraq embedded reporter) on KSFO San Fransisco this morning being interveiwed by Melanie Morgan
(Also check out WTH's thread on the NY Times sliming the troops, also involving a full rebuttal from Ms. Morgan)
Sanchez was talking about the shameful efforts of the media supposedly covering Iraq.
HIGHLIGHTS
Yes folks, this is the sorry state of a media who truly loves themselves with a passion, and reserves the right to lecture you and me about... frackin' everything.
"More American "journalists"
January 14, 2008 - 14:18 ET by Chris Norman"More American "journalists" covering Britney Spears latest whatever, than in Iraq."
Jack,
Yet the media, after asking the question of "Why so much coverage of Britney Spears?", always concludes, "Because the viewers eat it up" (see Bill O'Reilly). I seriously question this conclusion, I say the reason horses eat so much hay is because that's all that they're ever fed. No one ever asks the horses what they want. Yet another example of the media putting themselves and trial and finding themselves not guilty. They're guilty - if only by the reason of inanity...
--
January 14, 2008 - 12:45 ET by Sick-n-Tired**For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Will the writers' strike kill Hollywood as we know it?**
I can only hope and pray this be the case. From your lips to Gods ears.....
"Controlling carbon is a bureaucrat's dream. If you control carbon, you control life," Richard Lindzen - March 2007.
Broadcast HEAVEN
January 14, 2008 - 13:17 ET by Jack BauerWOW!!!
Rush is doing his great opening monlogue, playing the stunning soundtrack from one of my favorite movies ever...
When Johnny Comes Marching Home... Dr. Strangelove...
Let me know if he mentions
January 14, 2008 - 13:47 ET by balboaLet me know if he mentions me.
An absolute classic!
January 14, 2008 - 17:27 ET by Gary P JacksonAn absolute classic! Actually, both Rush's monologue and the movie are!
Pink Men???!!!
January 14, 2008 - 13:51 ET by IgnatzJFahrquarAfter following this link from Drudge I foolishly went ahead and read this even though I saw it was a)On the HuffPo and b)Erica Dung wrote it. Big mistake as it was during my lunch which almost came back up.
http://www.huffingto...
Classic: "So let's just remember our mothers--who bore us, protected us against
our fathers and grandfathers and all the pink or brown men who wanted
to rape us or kill us or starve us because we were girls"
So if you're a father you are automatically a rapist. Where's a run-away truck when you need it.
You see, Swillary should be the next Prez because she's a women (I guess). Of course, experience and a zillion other factors should have no bearing on it.
Read at your own risk ... empty stomach recommended.
"All generalizations are false, including this one.” Mark Twain
Ignatz, Great post!
January 14, 2008 - 13:54 ET by LeonIgnatz,
Great post! That article was a complete joke, so thanks for sharing. Is this the level of analysis most voters are using these days?
I sure hope not. Vote for Hillary if you dare, but at least have a rational reason for doing so.
I also wanted to comment what you said about experience. I hear many candidates on both sides of the aisle being put down due to lack of experience.
It makes me ask, well, what has experience gotten us? Politicians deeper in the pockets of lobbyists, more pork, more opportunities to flip flop, more shady back door involvements, etc. etc.
I think one of the major problems with our current (pathetic) Congress and Administration stems direclty from TOO MUCH experience.
A less experienced, less tarnished, less involved politician could be exactly what our country needs. Call it cliche, but good old Abe did a pretty solid job without much experience.
Golden Globes
January 14, 2008 - 13:56 ET by balboaAnyone watch the hour-long "press conference" award show on NBC last night? I could only watch for about 5 minutes, and that's only because Nancy O'Dell was co-hosting.
Glad that "Mad Men" won two awards. It's a great show. And Tina Fey won, for all you whale torturers out there.
"...for all you whale
January 14, 2008 - 14:00 ET by Hero Squad"...for all you whale torturers out there."
Ah yes, Lott-Specter passed by one vote.
*****
"There are no stupid questions. Only stupid people who ask questions." - Chris Berman
The blubber lobby is not
January 14, 2008 - 14:09 ET by balboaThe blubber lobby is not going to be happy.
Balboa - I watched the first 10 min or so
January 14, 2008 - 14:02 ET by Dee BunkI can't believe Atonement won best picture - there were so many films that were much better.
I haven't seen Atonement
January 14, 2008 - 14:08 ET by balboaI haven't seen Atonement yet. Actually, I haven't seen any of those nominated. Really want to see "No Country" and "There Will be Blood"
I'm reading it now, can't
January 14, 2008 - 14:11 ET by JasonCI'm reading it now, can't see it until I finish. It's awesome though.
Dee, what was your pick?
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Really surprised Juno got
January 14, 2008 - 14:22 ET by balboaReally surprised Juno got shut out, but it had stiff competition. Great little movie.
Balboa - I loved Juno too, but didn't expect to
January 14, 2008 - 14:51 ET by Dee BunkI was so burned out by the non stop previews. I thought the first half was too cutesy but it reeled me in in a big way by the end. I didn't care for Sweeny Todd because I don't like musicals, but I can agree that it was well done and Depp was very good - so it doesn't bother me that they won.
Yeah, and the commercials
January 14, 2008 - 14:58 ET by balboaYeah, and the commercials right now are driving me nuts...every other spot is for "Juno."
Didn't see Sweeney Todd, just not interested.
Surprised we didn't get a column from Brent today about how outraged he is that it won any awards, how that indicates the demise of Western Civilization, etc.
With apologies and fair
January 14, 2008 - 15:23 ET by Roger the ShrubberWith apologies and fair warning for the rough language within the link, I think this might be more my style.
I don't think Brent cares about Sweeny Todd but Roger!
January 14, 2008 - 16:28 ET by Dee BunkYou are going to be in trouble! ; )
Haha! Boy, a little bit of
January 14, 2008 - 16:44 ET by balboaHaha! Boy, a little bit of spare time, access to the Internet, and look what happens: Silence of the Lambs, the musical.
Jason - are you reading No Country or There will be Blood?
January 14, 2008 - 14:48 ET by Dee BunkI read No Country for Old Men and loved the book and the film. I didn't read There will be Blood but loved the film. I preferred every single nomination to Atonement. If it was up to me I'd have picked No Country for Old Men. I liked There Will be Blood a lot also, but No Country was more unique and had such an excellent ensemble performance that it should have won. I'm glad that Daniel Day Lewis won best actor though.
I think instead of Atonement and Michael Clayton, Rescue Dawn and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead should have been nominated.
I haven't read either.
January 14, 2008 - 14:58 ET by JasonCI haven't read either. Can't weigh in on No Country the film because for some reason I still haven't managed to see it; but I am a huge Coen Bros. fan, so I'm really looking forward to it.
Looking forward to Juno as well. It occurs to me that the only new movies I've seen this year have been on the shlocky side. Superbad and The Brave One, for instance. Lars and the Real Girl was fantastic though.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
You actually saw The Brave
January 14, 2008 - 14:59 ET by balboaYou actually saw The Brave One? I like Jodie Foster, but that movie didn't look very good.
Oh sorry Jason - you meant you were reading Atonement.
January 14, 2008 - 16:25 ET by Dee BunkI heard that was a good book and I know people who liked the book but didn't like the movie and some who liked both.
I loved Superbad - it's so Bad but I couldn't help laughing and the soundtrack was great. I wanted to see Lars and the Real Girl but it never came close to me. I'm hoping that it still comes to the cheap theater.
I loved Superbad too.
January 14, 2008 - 18:34 ET by JasonCI loved Superbad too. Non-stop laughter. My wife and I had gone to see the Rob Zobie version of Halloween (I'm not crazy or anything, I just really good horror flicks) and it was so bad that we left the theater in the first 10 minutes. I'd never done that before, but we ended up in the Superbad theater instead, and boy was I glad!
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Jason, The new Halloween
January 14, 2008 - 18:36 ET by LeonJason,
The new Halloween was bad?
That's a shame. I was really entertained by Devil's Rejects and House of 1,000 Corpses.
I thought Zombie would continue with straight gold, but sounds like Halloween was a dud. Bummer.
Jason - Did you see 28 Weeks Later?
January 14, 2008 - 18:45 ET by Dee BunkI'm not big on Horror but I loved that one. I also liked 28 days but thought Weeks was even better. Have you or will you see The Orphanage? I like the director, so I want to see that one even though it's horror.
Dee and Leon
January 15, 2008 - 01:00 ET by JasonCI will absolutely see The Orphanage. I did not care for Pan's Labyrinth, but I thought Devil's Backbone was brilliant. In general, Del Toro just seems really unique, much better than anything coming out of Hollywood.
I didn't see either of the 28 Days movies, but have heard mixed things. Now that I've finally joined Netflix, maybe I'll give 'em a try. I think apocalyptic narratives are interesting, and they seem to span a really broad spectrum of quality. Whoever produced this new one, Cloverfield, obviously put more time into the marketing campaign than the movie; it looks awful. For my money, the best of the genre are Eraserhead and Texas Chainsaw.
And Leon, I haven't seen his earlier stuff, but I felt that Zombie took too many liberties with Halloween, especially since it was billed as a remake. How can you take one of the most iconic horror anti-heroes of all time, decide to write his backstory, and be like "Yeah, so his pathology was because of his abusive step-father...and school bullies." Almost as bad as reducing Hannibal Lecter's pathology to "Nazis ate his sister" in that abysmal prequel from last winter.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Netflix is the best
January 15, 2008 - 09:55 ET by Dee BunkI've seen so many movies that I never had access to before joining. One of the things I like most about it is you can save movies that are not out yet so you don't forget about them. I have The Orphanage saved but hope to see it in the theater.
Dee and Jason, I'm all
January 15, 2008 - 10:40 ET by LeonDee and Jason,
I'm all over that Orphanage flick. Never heard of it until you mentioned it yesterday, but I looked into it and it looks incredible.
There's not much better than a great horror/suspense film.
Jason I think you should definitely check out the earlier Zombie stuff. Really amazing. You get to a point where you don't even realize it, but you've started rooting for the bad guys. I love that in a movie.
Recently I've been watching a fair amount of Japanese horror which can be incredibly savage. Not sure if it was getting nuked or feudal society or what, but the Japanese, in general, have some deep, dark thoughts lurking in the depths of their minds. Just saw a freaky freaky movie highlighting three of the most famous contemporary Japanese directors. It's called THREE EXTREMES. Definitely a must see, although I will warn you, it starts right off with some sick stuff.
Your probably familiar with
January 15, 2008 - 16:31 ET by JasonCYour probably familiar with them, but as far as I'm concerned, extreme Japanese cinema begins and ends with "Ichi the Killer" and "Audition". Both by Takashi Miike.
I've always meant to check out Zombie's earlier stuff, as I've read over and over that it harks back to 70s-style horror.
By the way, all this cinema talk is making me get all film geeky, so I'm gonna start a forum thread. Please check it out Dee and Leon, I'd be interested in your input.
"He was, and is yet, most likely, the wearisomest, self-righteous
pharisee that ever ransacked a Bible to rake the promises to himself
and fling the curses on his neighbors." -Emily Bronte
Bal, I too want to see
January 14, 2008 - 14:15 ET by LeonBal,
I too want to see those movies.
No Country got a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes which is impressive considering how ruthless they can be about movies over there.
There will Be Blood has Daniel Day Lewis. Nuff said.
It's refreshing to finally have some quality blockbusters floating around.
Bal, my friend, you lasted 3
January 14, 2008 - 14:08 ET by Roger the ShrubberBal, my friend, you lasted 3 more minutes than I did :)
I turned it off this morning for the same reason...