Say Anything Blog

I heard Brokeback Mountain was completely over-rated.  But I’m a little suprised that you hated Crash and Munich so much.  I’ll agree with your criticisms of Munich, but I don’t think you saw any of the good qualities it had.  The story was fresh and I thought the actors did a pretty good job.  But what was with the drawn-out ending?  Crash tried too hard to teach us a lesson in racism, but overall it was moderately entertaining.  Unfortunately only 5% of movies are really great anymore, so if you’re looking for a film to really change your perspective or just make you say “Wow!”, you’re going to be disappointed.

I also agree with you on Last Days, but I don’t think Grizzly Man is really all that deserving.  It was ok, but not great.

Doc, I didn’t write this post.  Dave did.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Rob, this anemic selection of mediocore movies only points out the depravity and intellectual poverty of Hollywood. What do they have for screen writers today?  Most of the plots are repeats or rehash of older ideas.  The moral compass is totally broke too. They think its bold to glorify homosexuality, but they can’t depict Islam as the breeder of violence that it is.  It’s really a waste of ones money to attend any of their offerings.

I’m disappointed that “Walk the Line” didn’t get a Best Picture nomination.  I thought that was a great film--at least, one of the best ones I saw all year.

I’ve also heard that Brokeback Mountain was overrated and that it was getting all the award show buzz because of the appeal to liberal sensibilities.  I can see where that could be true, but not having seen the film I guess I can’t speak to its quality.

To be honest with you I haven’t seen any of the movies on your list.  Only Munich and Capote even played in the local theater, and I didn’t go to them.  But it sounds like I didn’t miss much.

To be honest with you, the last “great” film(s) I saw were the Lord of the Rings movies.  Fantastically done.  The last one before that was American History X.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Mark,

Yes you would be correct.  The band is actually made up of members of other bands.  Their last album was “Yanqui U.X.O.” which I think was released in 2002.  Right now they are on an extended hiatus to do work with their other bands, but they have not disbanded.  If you want to hear their other bands, check out “Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-la-la Band”, “A Silver Mt. Zion”, and “hrsta”.

Andrew -
Would I be correct in identifying a Godspeed cover?

I saw them once here in the UK - what happened to that band?

To be honest with you, the last “great” film(s) I saw were the Lord of the Rings movies.

Yea, but I thought it started to lose it’s fire by the last one.  I think I’d have to say the last great movie I saw was Sin City (I know probably most people would disagree).  The dialouge and the cinematography perfectly captured that comic book feel.  Plus the story is pretty damn interesting and the action is great.

Crash was a powerful flick.  Ugly, painful, and Unsettling.  Postmodernism at her best and worst, in all her ironic glory.

I really, really liked Crash.  Saw it on video upon a recommendation and absoluely loved it.  It grabs you and doesn’t let go.

Andrew, I’m with you on Sin City. It was nothing short of spectacular. I’d like to see the Oscar films, but it’s unlikely, as my schedule doesn’t free me up for movies in the theater very much anymore. (Though I just might be going to see something tomorrow...if I do, it’ll likely be Match Point. I like Woody Allen films for the most part, and it’s been a while since he made a good one.)

I think the only films I saw theatrically in ‘05 were Star Wars, Robots, Batman Begins, Sin City, and King Kong. I liked ‘em all.

I’m also very interested in Steven Soderbergh’s Bubble, which will be easy to see since it’s being simultaneously released in theaters and on DVD. I hope that model catches on, because I’d much rather watch at home.

Yea, but I thought it started to lose it’s fire by the last one.

Really?  I thought Return of the King was the best one.

Andrew, I’m with you on Sin City.

I just didn’t get Sin City.  With all the hype and chatter about it I felt like I was supposed to like it to be cool, but it just wasn’t my bag.

Except for the scenes Alba was in.  Those I liked.

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

Crash was pure crap. Nothing more needs to be said.

Well… I still stand by what I said. 2005 was an uncommonly good year for cinema; I have no doubt in my mind that future generations will look on that selection with the same derision we now place on 1969’s Oliver or 1980’s Kramer vs. Kramer.... or 1990’s Driving Miss Daisy..... or 95’s Forrest Gump. You know, come to think of it, they actually screw up a lot.