Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category

Sweet Crude: A film about the Niger Delta

Monday, October 1st, 2007

There will be a benefit screening of Sweet Crude in Syracuse on October 19th. This will be the same work-in-progress that showed at the Seattle International Film Festival – so, not the finished film, but well worth seeing. Plus, filmmaker Sandy Cioffi will be there to speak, which I have been assured is more than worth the price of admission.

Here are the details:

  • Friday, October 19th
  • 7:30 pm
  • The Palace Theatre, 2384 James Street, Syracuse

From the film’s website:

In a small corner of the most populous country in Africa, billions of dollars of crude oil flow under the feet of a desperate people. Immense wealth and abject poverty stand in stark contrast. The environment is decimated. The issues are complex, the answers elusive.

Sweet Crude, a documentary now in post-production, tells the story of Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The region is seething and the global stakes are high. But in this moment, there’s an opportunity to find solutions. What if the world paid attention before it was too late?

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An Inconvenient Truth

Monday, September 3rd, 2007

Originally posted: 2006-06-17 22:02:10

Yes, I’ve seen the movie. Yes, you need to see it.

This is a compelling movie – a documentary, to be certain, but with startling facts that Al Gore presents in an engaging, erudite style. It has had a dramatic effect on my understanding of the nature – and urgency – of global warming.

Go see this movie.

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My New Favorite Movie

Monday, September 3rd, 2007

Originally posted: 2005-06-05 00:35:28

Crash. One of the most provocative, tautly written, superbly acted and masterfully edited films I’ve seen in memory. Go see it. And then write to me, or leave a comment here. Please.

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Monster

Monday, September 3rd, 2007

Originally posted: 2004-07-16 10:24:58

Charlize Theron is stunning in this disturbing movie about a serial killer, based on the true story of Aileen Carol Wuornos. She more than deserved the Golden Globe.

Not for the faint of heart – or ear! – this is a gritty look at the downward spiral of a woman who finally learns what it means to choose. The story is frank, seeking to understand without excusing. But above all else, Theron’s performance is fantastic: as Roger Ebert wrote, “This is one of the greatest performances in the history of the cinema.”

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Big Fish

Monday, September 3rd, 2007

Originally Posted: 2004-07-16 10:19:38

I just saw Big Fish (see the flick’s home page), and loved it. Tim Burton has outdone himself!

I don’t want to gush overly, but I loved this movie. No, it’s not right up there with Casablanca, but yes, it is beautiful. And I’m not just referring to the visuals – as stunning as they are. I’m referring to the fact that the message is delivered so clearly, with just the right measure of humor, poignancy, and surprise. No big surprise here: the son learns that his father was more and less than he hoped for, and that his dad’s tall tales weren’t purely fiction. But more importantly, the message that the stories we tell speak truths about us, even (especially?) when they are fiction, rings loud and true.

Well worth seeing, especially on the Big Screen.

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