Overheard at the Public Library

“Okay sir, everything is due back in three weeks. That will be $2.00 for the video.”
“Oh. The video costs?”
“Yes. All videos cost $2 per rental. Libraries have expenses too.”
“But this is a public library. The resources are paid for by tax dollars and the posthumous generosity of Andrew Carnegie. The advantage of the facility is [...]

Dinner and a Movie

The steam from a quick post-work shower sneaks under the bathroom door and rises into the crisp hallway . A copy of the local newspaper’s entertainment section seconds as a coaster on the bedroom dresser. Two people briskly, but not hurriedly, ready themselves for their evening. Shirts are ironed; pants are pressed; shoes are shined. [...]

Batman Review

Just saw new Batman movie. Here are some thoughts:

One large popcorn and two medium drinks. How much should this cost? Dad and I made predictions. I said $9. He said I was naive and staked his claim on $12. Andrea interjected and sensed that we both were too low and suggested $14. Mom turned around [...]

21

Last night Andrea and I checked out 21, a movie based on the true story of MIT students who led a campaign to mathematically beat Vegas. You might remember an earlier post about this. I am convinced, as of now, that this might be the greatest movie in the history of Western Civilization. Here is [...]

Watch out Jim Cramer

Last night Andrea and I checked out Mad Money. I was not sure about it before going (can’t say I am very familiar with the actress Queen Latifah… nor the singer). But Andrea and I tend to like the work of Diane Keaton. Of course the movie also stars Ted Danson, who I generally disregard [...]

The Other No Reservations

Andrea and I caught No Reservations on Friday night. Featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones, this film is the story of a head chef and her attempt to balance the competing private and professional spheres of her life. Hands down, this is the most appetizing movie in years. Lobster, steak, pasta, creme brulee, bruschetta, tiramisu, and homemade pizza [...]

Tim Donaghy: Broke, Busted, Box Office

For sure by now most of us have been forced to hear the lament of a basketball purist who insists that the game as we know it is lost forever because of Tim Donaghy’s betting scandal. And these purists are entitled to their opinion. Yet the rest of us who are more open-minded fully recognize [...]

Inspirational Verse for the Day

I can’t remember which translation says it this way, but:
I am the Good Shepherd. Whoever accepts me will find themself confused, constantly turning up the volume, and wishing they had their 3 hours and $4.50 back.
Okay it wasn’t a bad movie, just unnecessarily long.

Say Hello to my Li……you’re right, that’s pretty overplayed

Doesn’t look like sleep will come easy tonight. I just got stuck on USA’s AFI Tribute to Al Pacino. I struggle with how to view Pacino. I feel like he has some great performances, but is still vulnerable to putting out a total stink bomb that would leave Warren Buffet begging for his $8 [...]

Fracture

Saturday I slipped out for a few hours and caught Fracture, starring Anthony Hopkins. This is a fine movie. While a suspense movie at its core, the film manages to be, at times, humorous (“Do you have anything else 007?”). Yet it is not the script, nor the plot, that makes the movie. It is [...]