Being a Beach Boys fan helps too – especially since bad boy Dennis Wilson was always my favorite member of the band.

Welcome to the anti-Juno club!

I love how Campea defended it by pointing out that it was critically well received, while in the same sentences blasting Zodiac.

what a maroon.

Here’s a quote from James Berardinelli’s review:

“Is it possible that the act of accusing someone of a murder could begin a chain of events that leads to the slaying…The only reason he ends up in circumstances where he might be forced to kill is because he is a hunted man. Take away the accusation, and there would be no question of him committing a criminal act. The prediction drives the act – a self-fulfilling prophesy. You can see the vicious circle, and it’s delicious (if a little maddening) to ponder.”

Minority Report explores such conundrums in an interesting way. It’s not a perfect movie, but it is one of the more intelligent sci-fi films made in recent years.

I really disliked the flashback sequences in Munich, particularly the sex scene near the end. I find that scene totally bizarre.

My main problem with Speilberg this decade isnt his storytelling – its his style – have you noticed most of these films, save Catch me if you Can and the Terminal, have this washed out look to them now? I dont like it very much, and really hope it isnt part of Indiana Jones 4.

btw, for the record, the ever-praised Munich is my least favorite Speilberg movie of this decade. yes, i like it even less than the terminal, which at least has ‘so bad its good’ camp value to me. “Where to I buy the Nike shoes?” = classic. I like to pretend Tom Hanks is doing a Borat impression the whole time.

Minority Report was so boring. It is a perfect example of people praising Steven Spielberg for being able to execute convention in a slick, non-faulty way. It is a good piece of craftsmanship, but offers nothing in terms of content. It’s just a plot with special effects on top. Big deal.

If you want something that integrates entertainment, technolog and society into a fun flick, I can recommend Stanley Kubrick’s “A clockwork orange”, which is basically Minority Report for adults. Also, leave it to Steven Spielberg to ruin even somebody like Max von Sydow (albeit to be fair, none of his english-language parts or movies have been anywhere near as strong as his european stuff).

On second viewing however, and completely blacking out the fucking terrible ending, I was able to appreciate just how slick of a job that Minority Report did on integrating entertainment, technology, and society into a fun flick. It surely won’t age well story-wise (due to the abundance of cliches), but it looks great, especially that freaky spider-drone sequence). Oh, and I heart ♥ Morton.

Yeah, I’d probably nitpick Minority Report to pieces much more than I’d bother with something many steps further removed from reality to begin with like A.I.

I think you’re a bit harsh on Rachel Weisz. Maybe not an Oscar-winning performance, but she is fine in A Constant Gardener.

What is the “lost potential” that made you so anngry about A.I.? I love that movie.

As for Sweeny Todd, I was less than enthused. I LOVED the music (the opening credits ruled), but hated the songs themselves and the singing was bordering on atrocious. At least Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman can sing. Hearing Depp, Carter and Spall trying to sing was tough. Yes, they can carry a tune, but they can’t sing.

PS – Row Three: home of the Juno backlash.

today I rented Once.

lets just say I have a new #1 for the year

Anyways, the real treat for me now is the soundtrack which I picked up. Everyone HAS to hear the song “Royal Jelly”, the Bob Dylan parody. Oh jesus its great.

PS I Love You

way to go Scott.