Blue Jasmine

This is one terrific film.  Another snappy Woody Allen script. It is edited seamlessly as it moves from Cate Blanchett's current life to her former life.  She is the down, blue dame, who has lost it all, thanks to the criminal acts of her husband, Alec Baldwin.  She moves across the country and in with her sister, Sally Hawkins, in San Francisco.  She can't help putting down Sally's life and her boyfriend, Bobby Carnavale.  This guy,... I couldn't wait until he was back on the screen.  Funny, tough, outrageous and lovable.  How could Sally not go for him, but in Jasmine's eyes, they were both losers.
Not this movie, though.  Don't miss it.
I love Alec Baldwin, but here, he has an insignificant role.  I'd like to see the sequel, with him as the star, so that we could be treated to the shenanigans that he must have pulled.

Trayvon

I've been traveling for awhile, and I now find I'm compelled to comment on the most horrific, tragic, and disgusting nightmare of a case in my adult lifetime.  George Zimmerman stalked Trayvon Martin, provoked him into an encounter and killed him and wasn't even arrested until there was a massive public outcry.  Trayvon was executed for walking while black.  The horrid case of Dan White murdering George Moscone and Harvey Milk and getting away with it while being convicted of manslaughter comes to mind, but at least he was convicted of something.  The Trayvon Martin case is an indictment of our so-called system of justice.  It exposes in the most acute way how much racism, profiling, fright and anger exist in our society, deeply in our society, even now in 2013. I think George Zimmerman wanted to kill him and provoked the encounter so he could do it, and he's been judged innocent, completely innocent.

20 Feet From Stardom

OH MY GOD!!! This film about back up singers is mesmerizing.  They are back ups to many of the big stars and groups. This documentary is one not to miss.  The film itself is so well shot and edited and the sound quality is tops.  Of course, the music is also some of the best with many all-time classics.  The singers are a very interesting bunch.  Call it an A+, 5 stars, man jumping off the chair clapping (and screaming with joy).  I think this movie will win the Oscar for best documentary and may even get an Oscar nod for Best Movie!

Off the Cuff

July 4, 2013

Strolling back from the movie with Masten
a gorgeous babe slipped into a waiting car
street people, change, trash
on with the blocks
and home
fireworks & manhattans
good food, warmth
and thanks about the pleasures
but a hitch
there but for....
the luck of the Irish
  and way, way more than that

Before Midnight

This great film is probably the best of the "before" series of three very special movies.  Beautifully shot and acted, it's the script that makes it so exceptional.  This couple bong around in their endless conversations with each other.  These resonate with so many of us, I'm sure, who have been sparring in the relationship world for awhile.  Love and exasperation, humor and irritation.  Sometimes it seems they are just a word or two from ending it all.  A scary-real film.  I'll see this movie again.

Off The Cuff

I just spent most of the last week in Austin, Texas at Mary Lou's 55th high school reunion.  Somewhere in there I suddenly realized that I'm almost 80 (next Feb.).  In 20 years I'll be almost 100! 
HOLY CRAP!!

Extraordinary Movie (Disconnect) and Extraordinary new TV Series (Rectify)

Disconnect is not to be missed.  It deals with the internet and issues involving bullying and identity theft, interweaving three sets of people with very current  and real problems.
Rectify is also not to be missed.  A man convicted of murder and rape is released from prison after 19 years based upon DNA evidence exonerating him..  How will his family, friends, the townfolk treat him?  This is unfolding in ways sometimes predictable and sometimes shocking  There is a fascinating creepiness that sifts through every scene in this most compelling drama.  I don't feel creeped out.  I want to give this guy a chance, but I need to know more if I'm going side with him.  Also, he is a little creepy himself.  See what I mean and why I find this so compelling?