Happy Birthday Say Anything: 20 years

Tom Ford's Movie Looks Like Style And Substance

See The Big Lebowski - The NYTimes Says So

If you have not seen the Big Lebowski, well, that is tragic. Get thee to a video store immediately and remedy the situation. Here is a critic's take from the NYTimes about why it is awesome, if you can't figure that out on your own....

See It: The Informant

So, I worked in Corn Milling for a year - who knew it would be sexy one day? I want to see this for sure! All I know is this was ADM, and Cargill was exonerated.....

Give Me A Good Evil Devil Story Any Day

See It And Get The Facts: Food Inc.

Food Inc is coming out this week. Watch the preview here.

Since I work at Cargill, and my guess is that Cargill will be criticized heavily in this movie, I will want to see it.

All I ask is that before you assume whatever it says is true, remember that there are two sides to the story, and find out if the companies criticized were given a forum to rebuke any claims or participate.

I look forward to a follow up as soon as I have seen it.

BRUNO: Age Restricted Trailer

If you liked Borat, there is a good chance you will like this. I know I will. I will enjoy laughing and cringing at the same darn time.... All at the over 17 show - it managed to get a NC17 rating, which I actually think will be a good marketing tool.....

Watch it here.

See It Again: The Year Of Living Dangerously

One Word: Plastics - The Graduate and Simon and Garfunkel

Today I actually heard Mrs. Robinson twice on the radio, so I am listening to god's sign to spread the word....

The Graduate was the definitive movie about young adult malaise and decision making. It is a must see and a classic.

As for Simon and Garfunkel, they wrote Mrs. Robinson for the film, and indeed all of their music is amazing, I recommend buying them all - they define studio albums at their best. You can listen to some of the tracks here.

Here are their albums in order:

1964: Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
1966: Sounds of Silence
1966: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
1968: Bookends
1970: Bridge over Troubled Water

This Is Spinal Tap: 25 Years of Smelling The Glove

This is Spinal Tap came out 25 years ago this month. Besides setting the standard for mock-umentaries, this film also had a hand in actually defining musical culture over the years. Everyone should see it, and turn it up to 11*.

* You have to see it to know what I am talking about

See It (Again?) - Milk

I saw Milk last night. If you have not already done so, I implore you to see it.

I am a bit of a sucker for "one man can change things" movies. But, there are several things that stood out about this movie:
a. Harvey Milk did not become an activist until he was in his 40's. I like the message that it is never too late to find your passion
b. Harvey Milk demonstrated what I see as "Level Five" leadership - ie humility. He has people who adored him, but he had a way with people that was both self-deprecating and strong.
c. They showed a very tender love story between two men. This is very rare, and I really appreciated the kindness and compassion that Milk and his partner Scott shared.
d. Harvey showed extreme resilience in the face of failure - over and over, but he did not see the failures, he saw the incremental learning and popularity as a success in it's own right.
e. I am still shocked at how many people either are ignorant to gay people, or are still bigoted. What a travesty in this world.

Take Another Listen: English Beat - Mirror in the Bathroom and RocknRolla Too!

Yesterday, I watched RocknRolla - the newish movie by Guy Richie. There was a great scene with an old classic in the background - Mirror In the Bathroom by English Beat. What a straight up catchy song that is still relevant today.

The movie was a good time too - very Richie in the use of lots of "lads" who are doing minor criminal activity linked to much bigger criminals who parade around as legitimate. Definitely a good rental.... And Thandie Newton is so beautiful - she is literally one of the most beautiful woman. Period.