Odds and Ends

The NY Times released "14 Actors Acting" with many stars (both international and domestic) portraying classic archetypes. The one with Natalie Portman is reminds me of a great burlesque performer. I also liked how Tilda Swinton's was reminiscent of "Jeanne d'arc". Is there anyone else to play that part in such minimalist style? Which is your favorite?

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IMBD.com reports that "Blue Valentine" has received an "R" rating- finally! Unless we can see full penetration, there is no reason for a sex scene to automatically receive an NC-17 rating. What about "A History of Violence"? If the MPAA's reasoning was that Michelle Williams character was not completely game with what was happening, doesn't Cronenberg's film fit the same bill? How emotionally devastating was the scene on the stairs between Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello? What do you think about the decision and are you excited to finally see what all the fuss was about?



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Does there really need to be a sequel to "Clash of the Titans"? Did anyone like that movie? $163 million domestic sounds impressive, until you factor in that the movie cost upwards of $125 million. It gets a bit better with foreign distribution, but as I always say, "If they liked it, let 'em have it!"

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Finally, my tip to you: The best way to get squares out of a bar is to play "Jennifer's Body" at a slightly higher than normal decibel. This worked well for me after a concert I was working in tandem with. Nothing makes the elderly move quickly like the line, "It smells like Thai food in here. Have you guys been fucking?"