Don't Pay The Ransom

Hi there; been a while, I know. Let's see - what's the most important thing to deal with first... aha - movies!

King of the Corner - Peter Riegert wrote, directed and stars in this small but effective film about a middle-aged guy dealing with family, job, and an aging father. Tries a little too hard at times but worth a look.

Cinderella Man - Seabiscuit on two legs. If you liked that (and I did) you'll like this. Crowe is great - as always - and I didn't even mind Renee Zellweger.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Ho hum; same shit, different galaxy. George Lucas proves once again that he can't write dialog or advance a story. Hayden Christensen is horrifically bad, playing the young Jedi who becomes Darth Vader as a petulant brat.

Crash - Involving and genuine, complex and frustrating - just like life. Only hits one (small) false note the entire way. More evidence that Don Cheadle is one of today's finest actors.

The Interpreter - Much wailing and gnashing of teeth to little effect. Big plot holes at the end. At least it avoids a 100% feel-good ending. But from Sydney Pollack, a disappointment.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room - Regardless of your politics, this will piss you off. Why bother knocking off drugstores when you can bilk your shareholders and employees for $600 Million?

Fever Pitch - Purports to show what it's like to REALLY be a a sports fan, but instead just shows Jimmy Fallon as an immature collector of a lot of Boston Red Sox crap.

Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill - A charming, poignant and eventually heartrending documentary. See/rent this film!

Sin City - Violent and misogynistic but compellingly stylish. Not for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed the images.