Sicko

IMDB: Sicko
Source: Cinema
Date viewed: July 18, 2007

David Denby argues (New Yorker, July 2, 2007) that Michael Moore's previous films have done so much to raise public awareness, that he has already made his latest film unnecessary. I ask this - does the U.S. have a government-sponsored health care system? No, it does not. Could this film have even the smallest impact toward establishing one? Yes. The defense rests. - T

I didn't really want to see this movie. I have long had in my mind the idea that health insurance companies are out there to make money for themselves rather than help you when something goes wrong - pretty much like all insurance agencies. This movie uses a parade of sad examples, manipulative as they are, to make that point quite clearly. One of the best points made, in my opinion, was that here in America many poor to middle class people are strangled by debt, or the possiblity of debt, which limits their ability to act freely. Although not what I'd call an enjoyable movie, it won me over by the end. - A

The Method (El Método)

IMDB: The Method (El Método)
Source: Cinema
Date viewed: July 17, 2007

It starts out well, but somewhere in the second half it started to lose me. The plot (seven people interviewing for one job, all at once, and in the same room) was interesting. The juxtaposition of the interview process inside with the violent protests against the IMF going on outside, were either too obvious or too subtle - either way, I'm pretty sure I missed something. - T

V for Vendetta

IMDB: V for Vendetta
Source: Netflix
Date viewed: July 14, 2007

I loved this one. The story was riveting, the characters interesting. - T

A valuable viewing! I was vexed by the voluminous vociferations on values, but verily a valiant variation on a visual velum - quite beyond the vale. I really liked this movie. It gets a little preachy in places, but it's quite a good story - not new, but well done, and a good message, which I always like. I took a look at the graphic novel that the movie was based on, but it wasn't as interesting to me. Maybe I'm too old to appreciate graphic novels. I had to scootch down real low to the ground in the Young Adult section of the library to even find the book. It was too much and too little for me all at the same time. - A

You Kill Me

IMDB: You Kill Me
Source: Cinema
Date viewed: July 6 and 10, 2007

There was humor here, but most of it derived from the somewhat contrived plot line. Still, Ben Kingsley's Frank was charming. Tea Leoni did a nice job, too. I liked it, but it's not a great movie. - A

This movie made me very thirsty! Bill Pullman was the best part of it. Kingsley was ok, and I liked Annette Bening, Jr. quite a bit. - T

Eagle vs. Shark

IMDB: Eagle vs. Shark
Source: Cinema
Date viewed: July 3, 2007

The New Zealand accent would almost be enough to recommend this one by itself, but I'm pretty sure I'd still like Loren Horsley just as much if she had a Boston, or even a Brooklyn accent. She basically plays a saint in this somewhat unpredictable comedy. - T

DNS. - A

Mutual Appreciation

IMDB: Mutual Appreciation
Source: Netflix
Date viewed: June 28, 2007

I put this on the queue because I like the band Bishop Allen, the lead singer of which is one of the stars of this film. I don't really remember what I expected, if anything, but I didn't expect it to be what it was - a black and white gem. At times uncomfortable, at times charming, always different from the typical Hollywood film. - T

I liked it. Kind of a "slice-of-life" movie, if you happen to be twenty-something and living in NYC. The characters were appealing and the story line was interesting. What more do you want in a movie? - A