The Old Fart’s Sunday Recommendations.

• Cathleen Falsani has interviewed faith leaders and learned what they tell people who are suffering through this current economic hard time.
• A few summers ago (wow, it was 2001 immediately before 9-11) the media circus focused on the murder of Chandra Levy and the possible involvement of then Congressman Gary Condit.  Here’s an update from which the most interesting point to me is that her family is opposed to the death penalty for her killer if he is convicted. Robert Levy said he and his wife, Susan, were not told the identity of the person to be arrested “but we all know who it is.” He would not elaborate but said they would favor a life sentence for the killer.
• David Blankenhorn and Jonathan Rauch, coming from two different points of view, propose an interesting compromise on the issue of gay marriage.  I’m not sure how I feel about this after only a first reading, but it’s a proposal worth exploring.
• And, if you’ve been living under a rock, just a reminder that tonight is the 81st annual Academy Awards from down the street in Hollywood.  I usually miss most of the show but tonight am heading out to a party at friends which should be fun. Enjoy but better yet, see some of the movies worth seeing–Doubt, Frost/Nixon, Frozen River and Milk were my favorites.

Movies to watch for.

Yesterday I saw the overrated “Slumdog Millionaire,” finally.  But, rather than talk about how I wasn’t taken with either the poverty of Mumbai or the hope of the TV game show, I want to point you to two previews I saw that seem like movies to keep an eye out for.

First was “American Violet,” which is based on real events and is the story of Dee Roberts and her encounter with “the law” and being falsely accused of a drug violation. Rather than take a plea that would brand her a felon forever, Dee takes on the powerful DA and changes the Texas justice system.

The second one was “The Soloist,” with Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr., about a cellist who becomes homeless. I first found out about this one as a client, the newly formed Corona Symphony Orchestra, is making its plans for joining other symphony orchestras around the country to help feed the hungry. The preview looks like it will be worth watching.

I have no idea if either will be good but at least I have something to look forward to in my Saturday morning movie viewing. Both seem to deal with issues that are on the top of my awareness.

Do chick-flicks ruin your life?

According to a team of social psychologists at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, romantic comedies give us unrealistic expectations about our own relationships, filling our heads with silly notions of soulmates, predestined love, great sex and Richard Curtis happy-ever-after endings.

Who knew a night in with Meg could be so bad for you?

Has Hugh Grant ruined your love life?  Read all about this study here.

The Old Fart’s Sunday Recommendations.

• What is the impact of engaging the people of Islam in virtual worlds? Bill Berkowitz has a though provoking analysis.
• The Sunday Times of London compares Michelle Obama to Lady Diana. “Not since Diana, Princess of Wales, has there been such a glamorous role model at the apex of society.”
• As a fan of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, I can’t wait to see Robert Downey, Jr. in the Holmes role.
• And for my Okie friends, Marianne and Ellie, who are definitely not typical of those people described in Denver Nicks story on “The Land That Obama Forgot.”

The Dark Grey Chill Of A Christmas.

Given the 2 Oscar nominations for this movie (screenplay and Melissa Leo for best actress), I thought I’d repost my comments from a few months ago.

I just returned from seeing an amazing independent film, Frozen River. Go see it!

Frozen River is a movie, filled with compassion and humanity, that deals with immigration, racial hatred, depressing poverty, single motherhood and native American sovereignty, among other things. The two main characters are Rae, a working mom whose husband has just run off with the family’s meager savings, on a gambling binge, and Lila a Mohawk woman who is struggling to get her baby back while living within the cultural limitations of her native American community. This unlikely duo become partners in an effort that, in spite of their dislike of each other, has them crossing the frozen St. Lawrence River, on the US/Canadian border, bringing illegal immigrants into the US. ,

The movie, which takes place just before Christmas, is a strong affirmation of single motherhood and brings dignity to those living in lower income situations. From a Christian perspective one can’t fail to see the parallels to the Christmas story–Jesus born on the road as a refugee with no place to stay. And, it takes a miracle to make it through the long dark night.

It’s a movie of compassion celebrating the human spirit. The performances are first rate, especially Melissa Leo as Rae who gives an award winning performance, filled with intensity, resilience, and tenderness.

If you get a chance to see Frozen River, which I am sure will not be widely released, don’t miss it.

Image is Important.

I’m back from my blog hiatus, holiday merry making and trips to the CA desert and Seattle rain and took the time yesterday to head off to the movies.

If you lived through the Nixon administration, like me, or if you are interested in excellent moviemaking, go see “Frost/Nixon.”  Ron Howard’s pic on the TV interviewer who, after hours of being bested by Nixon on other subjects was the one person to get Nixon to admit to his wrongdoing during Watergate. The cast, lead by Frank Langella and Michael Sheen is first rate and the story captivating.  I went with someone born in 1966 who obviously had no first hand knowledge of the events and he was totally intrigued.

There is much to be taken from the movie on the subject of “loss and redemption” as well as the power of the closeup, which Nixon was aware of from his 1960 debates with JFK but apparently egotistically managed to forget about during the last quarter of the inteviews, when the subject got around to Watergate.

Seeing the movie made me wonder who will be the journalist or interviewer to get “W” to truthfully admit to his crimes. Will it ever happen?  If so, I suspect it will be a long time from now.

Movie Recommendation.

Go see “Milk.”  Sean Penn is wonderful as Harvey Milk the gay activist and first openly gay man elected to a major position in the US. I had forgotten what a hateful bigot Anita Bryant was during the late 70’s when this movie takes place.

There are so many parallels to the battle for equal marriage rights for gays today. More than that, and in spite of the sadness of his murder by Dan White, Milk is an inspiration.

UPDATE: This Slate article asks the question my friends and I were discussing after seeing the movie yesterday, “Would proposition 8 have been killed if this movie had opened before the election?”

Avoiding Black Friday in the Hood.

It’s Black Friday and my neighborhood, close to the BH shopping area, will be swarming with mad people, although less than in years past. I and some friends will be getting away from it all for a few hours for Milk and Japanese food at Torafuku.

RIP.

One of my favorite and one of the funniest movie lines ever was when, in the movie “When Harry Met Sally” the customer in the Deli said, “I’ll have what she’s having” when Meg Ryan faked an orgasm. The actress was the mother of Rob Reiner and wife of Carl Reiner, Estelle Reiner. Estelle Reiner died on Saturday. May she rest in peace.

Too Soon To Laugh.

I’ve been debating if I want to see the new Oliver Stone movie, “W.” Patt Morrison in the LA Times really summarizes my feelings well.

I saw “W” this week. It spends its time on the Iraq war and on Bush’s formative years, and insofar as I could detach myself from my dislike of the man, I found myself feeling fleetingly sorry for him, but a whole lot sorrier for us. “W” pulled punches that I desperately wanted to connect, and if comedy equals tragedy plus time, “W” shows it’s too soon to laugh and too late to do anything but endure the tragedy of this administration.

I think I may go with my better judgement and pass.  I’ve lived these past 8 years and 2 more hours of living it may be more than I can take.

RIP.

On a very sad note, Paul Newman died last night. A long time favorite and great actor, he was one cool guy who starred in some great movies including–Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Sweet Bird of Youth, Hud, The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and one of my favorite movies of all time, Cool Hand Luke.  

Rosebud.

Listen to Dr. Barry Taylor’s sermon from this past Sunday exploring “Citizen Kane” and the meaning of one’s life and a call to humanity.

It’s the first of four sermons about classic movies that also includes “The God Father,” “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Early Saturday At The Movies.

Off to see the 9:30 AM showing of “The Dark Knight.” Waited a few weeks to avoid the crowds and hope my expectations don’t mean I will be disappointed.

The Dark Knight’s Dark Night.

Batman star Christian Bale was to be questioned by police over allegations he assaulted his mother and sister the night before the European premiere of his film, “The Dark Knight,” British media reported Tuesday.

(My friend, and All Saint’s Beverly Hills Associated Rector, Barry Taylor’s review of The Dark Night.  For an interesting take on popular culture and spirituality, check out his new book, “Entertainment Theology: New Age Spirituality in a Digital Democracy.”)