Movie Time

Please check out Into the Wild, a new film directed by Sean Penn, and starring a great ensemble of actors, including Emile Hirsh, William Hurt, Vince Vaughn, Catherine Keener and Hal Holbrook. Hirsh and Holbrook, in particular, are terrific. The musical score by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is one of the strongest in recent memory (the film "Once" being a rival). The film is based on the story of Christopher McCandless, a young college grad in the early '90s who hit the road on a voyage of personal discovery and love of nature, and who died alone in the Alaskan wilderness in 1992. Very moving, great acting and breathtaking visuals.

"No End In Sight"

More and more people are talking about the documentary, "No End In Sight," playing in select theatres around the country. What makes it especially damning to the Bushies is the cool, analytical tone it takes in looking at the lead up to war and subsequent occupation of Iraq, and the credibility of the senior officials interviewed. People are coming away from the movie more shaken than ever at the deadly incompetence, arrogance and stupidity displayed by the Assministration, and the devastating impact it's had on Iraq, the Middle East region, and on this nation. A must see movie, as we await the inevitable spin on the "surge" report.

Go See "Once"

It's nice to write about a movie that is so well made and so moving that you want others to see it. "Once" is playing in select theatres around the country. It made a splash at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and has gotten rave reviews. Filmed in Dublin, it's a romantic story about two musicians - - one an Irish street musician and the other a Czech pianist - - who come together to make stunning music together and who are dealing with their feelings. The song "Falling Slowly" is a killer, and is just now making it on to radio playlists. It is one of several songs in the film performed by professional musicians Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. No lip synching, no outlandish story, no phony sets. Really, really good film. I guarantee you'll get choked up watching it.