Salt [2010] (4 Stars)

One of the three movies I’d never seen before. I have a bias for Angelina Jolie action movies and this is a good one. It’s got 90 minutes of solid action. I won’t go into much detail because there are some twists that keep it interesting. The premise is Evelyn Salt (Jolie) is a top-notch CIA agent who was just accused by a defector of being a Russian spy so she goes on the run. Like most action movies it concentrates on the action and not realism so it’s a bit over the top at times and some characters are caricatures.

While I said there were some plot twists it’s not a move to watch expecting anything more than action. The twists just keep it interesting.

I’d call it a rental, not a movie I’ll watch again but still worth watching the one time.

Rango (2011) (3 Stars)

An animated comedy that’s the second movie I watched for the first time. I have to admit I probably would have liked the movie more if I was in the right mood. The highlight for me was the Clint Eastwood character (Spirit of the West) voiced by Timothy Olyphant who appeared towards the end. The early scenes reminded me a bit of the Road Runner Wiie E. Coyote cartoons of my youth. Not the specific story, but just the action and the chase.

Despite giving 3 stars it would consider watching again in the future if it appeared on TV.

Hell’s Angels [1930] (4 Stars)

A Howard Hughes classic set in World War I about two brothers who are pilots. I had a hard time deciding what to rate this movie. This was the third movie I’d never seen it before and I thoroughly enjoyed it. But it wasn’t the story I enjoyed as much as the flying scenes and just the glimpse into a pre-Hays code movie with the sexy Jean Harlowe. The dialog and story is a bit corny, maybe because of it’s time.

Casino Royale (2006) [5 stars] & Quantum of Solace [5 Stars)

I have a bias toward James Bond movies but the two latest movies are clearly my favorite. They reboot the character with actor Daniel Craig and go back to Bond's beginning - the opening scene is Bond's first two kills. Also gone are "Q" and the futuristic gadgets. What gadgets are shown are more or less realistic. Like the previously mentioned Salt, the movies are more realistic than earlier Bonds but they don't sacrifice action for realism. On the other hand there's no super-villain  building space stations to destroy the world.

The latest two movies are more like the tone of the books, where the earlier movies basically used the title and not much else.

Sharpes's Challenge [2006] (4 Stars) & Sharpe’s Peril [2008] (4 Stars)

The 15th and 16th movies in the Richard Sharpe series (and the last) based on the books of Bernard Cornwall. I was a fan of the books as a kid and also enjoyed the movies once they were available. The movies (and books) are historical fiction which I enjoy. The benefit of the books is Cornwall provides a short overview of where his stories events vary from real history.

Richard Sharpe, played by Sean Bean is a British officer, raised from the ranks, in the British army during the time of Wellington. All are enjoyable stories, if you like one you’ll like them all. If you don’t like your first then there’s no point watching the others.

Casablanca [1942] (5 Stars & A Classic)

What can I say. Bogart & Bergman in a classic film.

Kiss Me Deadly [1955] (3 stars)

I have a bias for both old movies and film noir. That bias probably has me giving this move more credit than I normally would. I realize it’s considered a classic film noir by many. It wasn’t for me. I did really enjoy the cinematography and acting, it was the story I didn’t like. Mike Hammer is more of a sadist (or at least unfeeling) than in other movies Hammer movies. Despite all the people he gets killed, there’s only one he seems even slightly upset about. Whiles Hammer is usually a tough character there’s usually a hint of trying to help the little guy, not in this one.

Then the nuclear aspect of it seems out of place in noir. (And wasn’t in the book.) I realize the nuclear threat was at the top of peoples minds in 1955 so was probably a good commercial choice, I just see it as out of place. This is amplified by the cheesy special effects for the nuclear package and the ending scene where the house is destroyed. I like old school movie special effects and marvel at what they achieved with the tools at hand. If these had been in a 1955 Sci-Fi movie I’d have few complaints, but they were out of place in this Noir.

I viewed the Blu-Ray release by Criterion and it lives up to the Criterion standards. The picture quality is great on my home TV. I found the sounds a bit louser than expected at certain points, but that may have been intentionally part of the movie. I found the features worth watching, although I haven’t listened to the commentary track yet. There’s a documentary of Mickey Spillane which devots considerable times to interviews with the author.

The Tourist (2010) [4 stars]

I have a bias for Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp movies and consider their acting to improve any movie which I’m sure added at least one star to my rating. I see to be against the trend on this one too, since I really liked it.  One complaint is the slow pace of the movie. I can’t argue with the slow pace, but I enjoyed the story. I’ll avoid spoilers, but I thought the ending improved the movie.

This was a rental and while I did give it 4 stors, it’s not something I want to watch again so I’m glad I went with the rental. I also wasn’t so interested in the movie that I even checked to see what extras were available, I just sent the DVD back. Still, it was an entertaining movie which is why it still got 4 stars.

Stargate SG-1 TV Series (1997-2007) [5 Stars & highly re-watchable]

I have to give this 5 stars as I think it’s the most watched TV series in my collection. Back when the DVDs were coming out I re-watch the previous season or two prior to each release. I started over from the beginning a few months ago and I just started the final season. This is at least my 3rd time through them from the beginning. Granted, I often watch while working at my computer (like writing this post) but I still can’t bring myself to actually skip any episodes to save time. I enjoy the stories. And at least they didn’t take themselves too seriously and acknowledged things like their habit of consistently causing problems when the visit new worlds.

I watched some of the first Star Trek: TNG episodes during this time and realized just how bad those early episodes were. (Not dissing TNG – I watched every episode, but those early ones were bad.) I don’t have that reaction with Stargate. Well, except with the episodes that include time travel or alternate realities which I have a bias against. But even those are OK, considering I hate the premise.

Sons of Anarchy TV Series (2008-Now) [5 Stars]

I gave this 5 stars because I just started watching recently and once I started I chewed through all that were available and now watch the show as it’s broadcast. Although I don’t see it as something I’d watch again so I’m glad I went with Netflix streaming for seasons 1 and 2. I was hooked enough to buy season 3 for Amazon streaming,

It’s from the same creator as The Shield and is a lot like that show. I also chewed through The Shield but have little desire to re-watch it. Highly entertaining, but then it’s time to move on. It’s also similar to The Sopranos as the main characters are a family leading a criminal organization. In Sons of Anarchy they’re a gun running motorcycle club. So Sopranos fans should also like the show.

The truly bad characters are actually the law. And ATF agents are either stalkers or sociopaths, and they eventually pay the price. Since they’re the main characters the MC members have to have some redeeming qualities to make them likable and to keep us interested in what happens to them.

If you liked the Shield you’ll like SOA, but you probably already know that. As expected, it’s violent but much of the violence is implied or off screen, which makes it that much more intense.

Breaking Bad – Pilot Episode (2008) [2 Stars]

This is on NetFlix now and I’ve seen it described as “the best TV your not watching” so I decided to take a look. After watching the pilot my reaction was “meh”. Clearly people like the show since it gets great ratings (9.1 on IMDB) and I’ve only watched the pilot.

It had a bit of a Falling Down quality to it, where the main character has had enough and snaps. It’s on Netflix so I may watch additional episodes, but unlike Sons of Anarchy, I have no desire to see what happens to these characters. Although I give credit for Walter’s unique method of escaping his unwanted business partners/kidnappers. No spoilers, let’s just say I’m glad I never pissed off my chemistry teacher.

So yea, my reaction was “meh”, but I’m in the minority.

The Outlaw Josey Wales [1976] (5 stars)

I have a strong bias towards Client Eastwood westerns and recently started watching them over from the beginning, although I watched Josey Wales out of order (based upon release date). The Outlaw Josey Wales has always been one of my favorite movies of all time and I like it more each time I watch it. There’s probably plenty of valid criticism of it as a movie but I get lost in the story and cinematography and don’t notice the negatives.

It’s one of the few movies I double-dipped and recently added the Blu-ray version. The quality was pretty good considering it’s an old movie but I didn’t notice anything new among the extras. I don’t regret buying the Blu-ray version since it’s one of my favorite’s, but otherwise the Blu-ray wasn’t worth the double-dip. The movie itself is five stars in my book.

Joe Kidd [1972] (4 stars)

After Josey Wales I went back on track and watched Joe Kidd. This is an enjoyable movie but my least favorite Eastwood western. With John Sturges as the director I would have expected more. There’s a bit of Eastwood humor and the move is short enough to keep from getting boring but it’s mainly Clint being a bad-ass, Dirty Harry style. Still, it’s a Western with Clint so my bias has me giving it four stars even though most people would probably stretch to give it three.

Leon – The Professional [1994] (5 stars)

Another classic in my book. A great story with engaging characters and lots of action, what more could I ask for? A young Natalie Portman is great as Mathilda and I love it when Gary Oldman plays an unhinged character. He’s probably a little more unhinged than he should be in this one but it just adds to the movie.

There’s plenty of action scenes although they are mostly shooting and go light on special effects. The movie’s carried by the story and the acting although there’s plenty of violence. A five star movie every time I watch it.

Spy Who Came in From the Cold [1965] (5 stars)

Like John le Carre’s books, I have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this movie about spies in the cold war. A movie about the characters and dialog, not much in the way of action. Completely different than the previous movies. A few twists and an unhappy ending, Still, it gets 5 stars when I’m in the mood to watch it, if I’m not in the mood to pay attention I’d probably fall asleep.

Moonraker [1979] (2 stars)

My least favorite James Bond movie. I’ve been watching them in order and have been stuck on this one for awhile, not wanting to watch it but not wanting to skip it. I don’t remember thinking it was all that bad back in ’79 so I guess space and the space shuttle were more interesting back then, a least to a teenager. But it didn’t age well.

Maybe it was because I’d convinced myself it would be a terrible experience watching it again, but it wasn’t as bad as I expected. I might even give it 2 1/2 or 4 stars. It was gadget filled which helped a bit.

High Plains Drifter [1973] (5 stars)

Another Clint Eastwood western. This one is heavy on the violence and the man with no name (the Stranger) isn’t necessarily the good guy one expects in a classic western. Add to that a bit of the supernatural – is he the dead sheriff or just channeling him? Another 5 star classic in my book.

For Your Eyes Only [1982] (5 stars)

I had to wash Moonraker from my eyes so I ended the weekend with the next James Bond movie – For Your Eyes Only. This was John Glen’s first stint as a James Bond director and one of my favorites with Roger Moore as Bond. While Bond movies aren’t known for realism it was nice to see a more down to earth Bond after the last movie. (Apologies for the pun). Heavy on the action I give this one 5 stars, the only Roger Moore Bond movie to get 5 from me.

Why will social security checks stop if we reach the debt ceiling? Isn’t social security a separate fund? Is social security truly smoke and mirrors and IOU’s? Is President Obama lying when he says social security checks are threatened?

Why are some Republicans posture and pledge to not raise the debt limit when it’s obvious it’s going to be raised?

Why is the “debt ceiling” disconnected from spending?

Doesn’t the US have cash flow to pay some bills?

Anyone expect a resolution that does anything except put things off until the next election?

Why not eliminate the debt ceiling entirely? Could our lawmakers survive without a tool so useful for political posturing?

Will Congress simply punt and give the President the authority to raise the debt limit? if so, is there anything he could do that isn’t attacked when the election rolls around?

Is the debt ceiling battle anything more than a charade and political theater?

The New York Times has a quote by Mr. Cronkite that our current news givers should consider:

I am a news presenter, a news broadcaster, an anchorman, a managing editor — not a commentator or analyst

Guess who else has “gold-plated” benefits. All those union workers that Democrats count on for votes. But they don’t have to worry, Senator Baucus is proposing that health insurance in collective bargaining agreements won’t be taxed.  That’s right, the tax code is based upon who you work for.

The Bloomberg article includes many good reasons for not applying the tax to union agreements. But that’s a straw man to the real point – each and every one of those arguments applies to each and every other working stiff and is a reason not to tax them either, they aren’t reasons to tax non-union people.

I’m not sure what to be more pissed at:

• The Democrats, at least the ones proposing the exemption think they can get away with this blatent attempt to financially reward votes.
• That our politicians now think it’s OK to base taxes on who you work for. They don’t want to tax the companies, this money will be deducted from your paycheck.
• That our politicians think health care reform means taxing the people with good health insurance. Let’s face it, they aren’t taxing the “gold-plated” insurance of a few.
• That “reform” simply means spreading insurance to those who don’t have it and not lowering costs and improving service for us all. Because the health-care industry makes money off us being sick and companies are resisting price increases, reform is simply an attempt to bring in new customers and get others to pay.

I’d like to hope I’m wrong about one of those points, but with the broken system have today I rather doubt I am.

James Lockhart, the chief regulator for the companies said:

They … have some skills in this area…

via Planet Money

The Xbox 360 sold 195,200 units last month, taking the lead back from Sony.

Farther down the article they do mention Nintendo, with 453,000 Wii’s and 518,300 DS’s sold. So I guess Nintendo is so far ahead thay aren’t even considered part of the competition. The fight is over 3rd place and it’s not worth mentioning Nintendo until the end of the story.