Last week was pretty neat. Anybody catch that LSU-Bama game that went to overtime....FRIGGGGGGGINNNNNNNNN AWWWWWEEEESOOOOOMMMMMMMME!
Yeah...Alabama wins four more games and I will be dancing up and down British Road in my panties.
In other news....
I think the BCS is going to screw this up somehow. I just don't see Bama or Texas Tech winning out. Yeah, Im a Bama fan, but beating Auburn and then Florida....and then Oklahoma, USC, Texas, Texas Tech, or whomever is probably going to be a bit much. We are going to have 5 or 6 teams with 1 loss, and every team will have reason to be upset if they are not placed in the Championship Game.
That being said...I do think that if Bama gets past Miss State and Auburn and Florida wins out, then the SEC Championship Game will be a "semifinal" game. The winner obviously goes to Miami to play a one loss team. And yeah, Im calling it. Texas Tech will lose, so they won't be there. How about a Alabama vs. USC Championship Game......yeah that would sell some tickets!!!!
Anywhooooo.....I almost picked the score of the Bama-LSU game....so maybe Im getting better at this. (19-13)
**There aren't really any games to pick...Id just be padding my stats****
Ok, I think South Carolina will push Florida and wouldn't be surprised if they won.
1-Alabama
2-Texas Tech
3- Florida
4- Texas
5-Oklahoma
**On a personal note, Bama is going to give Miss. State a &^*&*% beatdown for the ages..**
Friday, November 14, 2008
What's next..
Now that the dust has cleared and Obama will be our new President on Jan 20, 2009, what can we discern from it all?
Someone very smart once said..."What is past, is prologue" In other words, those that repeat history are doomed to repeat it. But....just last Tuesday, over 51 million registered voters/citizens voted for the guy that shouted "CHANGE" from sea to shining shore. It seems every President-Elect has a gimmick...or a little bit of gamesmanship...to which helps them get elected. For Example:
Does Bill Clinton get elected if he HAD inhaled and didn't play the saxophone on Arsenio Hall?
Would George Bush Sr have gotten reelected if not for the words "No New Taxes"
Would Gore have gotten elected if he......well, I guess he did get elected...I dunno
You get my point. Well, President-Elect Obama has promised us change. This man has promised all of us that things in Washington will change? I wonder, what will he do and how will it happen.
See, I dunno if Obama knows it or not, but a word like change....to say someone in Iraq......or perhaps Yemen....or even Japan......that's a word for Revolution. See, we already did the Revolution thing.....it was years ago, but I'm pretty sure it happened.
Obama won't be able to change his socks without the rest of the governtment's approval, and although, it is mighty close, the democrats don't quite have the numbers to open the floodgates on spending and ending the War in Iraq. Personally, I think Obama was the right choice.....considering who was available, but my question has always been, Can he govern? Can he unite the parties? Can he lead? Only time will tell, but to lead, govern, or unite....he will need to understand that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." There are Congressman and Senators on both sides of the aisle.....wanting and waiting to play Judas.
The first 100 days is the most important for a new President. After that, it becomes about approval ratings and polling. Obama must show his cards early and forcefully...or sadly, he will become ineffective quickly. If I was him....I'd start in Iraq...then the budget. If a year goes by from now...and we are still in a recession and have ANY combat personel in Iraq, then I think Obama's presidency will have failed before it started.
Someone very smart once said..."What is past, is prologue" In other words, those that repeat history are doomed to repeat it. But....just last Tuesday, over 51 million registered voters/citizens voted for the guy that shouted "CHANGE" from sea to shining shore. It seems every President-Elect has a gimmick...or a little bit of gamesmanship...to which helps them get elected. For Example:
Does Bill Clinton get elected if he HAD inhaled and didn't play the saxophone on Arsenio Hall?
Would George Bush Sr have gotten reelected if not for the words "No New Taxes"
Would Gore have gotten elected if he......well, I guess he did get elected...I dunno
You get my point. Well, President-Elect Obama has promised us change. This man has promised all of us that things in Washington will change? I wonder, what will he do and how will it happen.
See, I dunno if Obama knows it or not, but a word like change....to say someone in Iraq......or perhaps Yemen....or even Japan......that's a word for Revolution. See, we already did the Revolution thing.....it was years ago, but I'm pretty sure it happened.
Obama won't be able to change his socks without the rest of the governtment's approval, and although, it is mighty close, the democrats don't quite have the numbers to open the floodgates on spending and ending the War in Iraq. Personally, I think Obama was the right choice.....considering who was available, but my question has always been, Can he govern? Can he unite the parties? Can he lead? Only time will tell, but to lead, govern, or unite....he will need to understand that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." There are Congressman and Senators on both sides of the aisle.....wanting and waiting to play Judas.
The first 100 days is the most important for a new President. After that, it becomes about approval ratings and polling. Obama must show his cards early and forcefully...or sadly, he will become ineffective quickly. If I was him....I'd start in Iraq...then the budget. If a year goes by from now...and we are still in a recession and have ANY combat personel in Iraq, then I think Obama's presidency will have failed before it started.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Bad Movie Theatre Behavior...
As anyone knows, I love to go see movies. I have seen many a film by myself or with others. I love going to the movie theatre because for a couple of hours I can be alone and not be bothered. I would say I go see a movie or two a week.
I don't have a green thumb, so I don't do much yard work. I'm caught up with my classes, and if I don't have to work, I check out a flick. When Bonnie and I have "date night," it usually includes a cheap dinner and a movie. Last night, we went to the dollar theatre (actually $3 theatre now) to watch a movie called "Ghost Town." It was a pretty good flick. Im sure many of you have never heard of it, but it starred Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni. It was a RomCom and that was fine.
Gervais is the guy that created the original "The Office," in England and now produces the current US version starring Steve Carell that is on NBC Thursday nights. He also did a little show on HBO called "Extras," which is a little known gem that will split your sides, especially if you like British Humor. Anyway, I will be reviewing it and "RocknRolla" (another English made movie) here soon, but I want to rant about stupid people in theatres.
I have only one rule. When the previews start, shut up!!! I know many people think that it's ok to regurgitate about their lives or whatever right up to the opening credits, but the previews are part of the movie for me. For example, the next Bond movie preview came on and of course Im stoked to see it. Two idiots behind me are chatting away at the size of the popcorn they got. "Hey dumbass, you asked for the large, what did you expect?" "Hey, have you ever been to a movie before?"
Bad movie behavior should be punishable by law. I think that our new President should do something about it. I'm "Joe the Movie Guy" and I want stricter rules. If you are one of those morons that keep getting lost in the plot "hey...what did that guy say?" or "hey....isn't she the girl from that other movie?" then the movie seat should act like a ejector seat in an F-16. Whoosh....right thru the roof you go.
My mom was the worlds worst at movie theatres, and I think that is where I get if from. She couldn't follow a muppet movie and I think she asked questions and bothered me just to be funny. She knew how much it bothered me, so she amused herself. She would do this with rentals as well.
Maybe, it was a familiar thing. My Papaw would just flat out start snoring during a movie. As soon as it got dark.....gone. I remember seeing a Clint Eastwood flick way back and I could'nt keep him awake. It was so embarassing. From what I gather, my grandmother told me he would conk out at church regularly too.
Also, if you are eating popcorn. Try not to pretend to be a holstein cow chewing cud. Jeez....close your mouth. If you cannot open the candy bag in a quiet fashion, then guess what, you're an idiot and should give your candy to me. You don't deserve it.
Finally, if you are that person that forgot to turn off their cell, you should recieve a lifetime ban. What is really frustrating is that some people will open them up and start talking. I guess the thought is....well, now that I have it, why don't I see what's up with the fellas. These are the people that I throw Sweet Tarts or Sprees at...hoping to cause a concussion.
So, next time you are at the theatre..be quiet when the previews come on...and stay that way. Chew with your mouth closed and turn your cell phone off.....or you might be ducking and airial (sp) assault of assorted candies from my row.
Chow..Clay
I don't have a green thumb, so I don't do much yard work. I'm caught up with my classes, and if I don't have to work, I check out a flick. When Bonnie and I have "date night," it usually includes a cheap dinner and a movie. Last night, we went to the dollar theatre (actually $3 theatre now) to watch a movie called "Ghost Town." It was a pretty good flick. Im sure many of you have never heard of it, but it starred Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni. It was a RomCom and that was fine.
Gervais is the guy that created the original "The Office," in England and now produces the current US version starring Steve Carell that is on NBC Thursday nights. He also did a little show on HBO called "Extras," which is a little known gem that will split your sides, especially if you like British Humor. Anyway, I will be reviewing it and "RocknRolla" (another English made movie) here soon, but I want to rant about stupid people in theatres.
I have only one rule. When the previews start, shut up!!! I know many people think that it's ok to regurgitate about their lives or whatever right up to the opening credits, but the previews are part of the movie for me. For example, the next Bond movie preview came on and of course Im stoked to see it. Two idiots behind me are chatting away at the size of the popcorn they got. "Hey dumbass, you asked for the large, what did you expect?" "Hey, have you ever been to a movie before?"
Bad movie behavior should be punishable by law. I think that our new President should do something about it. I'm "Joe the Movie Guy" and I want stricter rules. If you are one of those morons that keep getting lost in the plot "hey...what did that guy say?" or "hey....isn't she the girl from that other movie?" then the movie seat should act like a ejector seat in an F-16. Whoosh....right thru the roof you go.
My mom was the worlds worst at movie theatres, and I think that is where I get if from. She couldn't follow a muppet movie and I think she asked questions and bothered me just to be funny. She knew how much it bothered me, so she amused herself. She would do this with rentals as well.
Maybe, it was a familiar thing. My Papaw would just flat out start snoring during a movie. As soon as it got dark.....gone. I remember seeing a Clint Eastwood flick way back and I could'nt keep him awake. It was so embarassing. From what I gather, my grandmother told me he would conk out at church regularly too.
Also, if you are eating popcorn. Try not to pretend to be a holstein cow chewing cud. Jeez....close your mouth. If you cannot open the candy bag in a quiet fashion, then guess what, you're an idiot and should give your candy to me. You don't deserve it.
Finally, if you are that person that forgot to turn off their cell, you should recieve a lifetime ban. What is really frustrating is that some people will open them up and start talking. I guess the thought is....well, now that I have it, why don't I see what's up with the fellas. These are the people that I throw Sweet Tarts or Sprees at...hoping to cause a concussion.
So, next time you are at the theatre..be quiet when the previews come on...and stay that way. Chew with your mouth closed and turn your cell phone off.....or you might be ducking and airial (sp) assault of assorted candies from my row.
Chow..Clay
Friday, November 7, 2008
Top 5 (Nov. 7 Edition)
Wow, what a week for college football. Texas Tech beating Texas on the last play of the game. Florida putting a stompdown on the Dawgs. Did anyone catch the multiple overtime classic between Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. The remote was humming.
However, my Crimson Tide played their homecoming opponent. The next day Bama was #1. That's frigging cool.
All that being said, the biggest news was the firing/resigning of Phil Fulmer. Fulmer won 150 games in 17 seasons (8.8 wins per season) and was shown the door last week. I don't care much for the guy for many reasons and Im glad he's gone. Like I've said before, Fulmer cleaned Alabama's clock 11 out of 16 seasons, so Im not sad he will be somewhere else. My question to UT fans would be.....can you find a guy that can win 9 games a year to replace him. Wait, that would make it even. The next UT coach needs to win an average of 10 wins a game to overcome Fulmer.
I guess the next big question will be who will be the next to get the ax. Tuberville is probably safe, and if he beats Bama for the 7th straight time, then he will get a raise.
Now that the BCS is out. Im going to have a Top5 instead of listing everybody.
1- Alabama (only trailed this year for 1:53, clearly dominate)
2- Penn State (Penn State has looked awesome all year)
3.- Texas Tech (Im still not sold on them. As an SEC fan, I just don't think they play D)
4- Florida (Only one big stumbling block between them and Atlanta....Vanderbilt...ha)
5- USC (Between them and Texas.....USC has been hanging up 60 regularly, so there)
Won 3-5 last week to PUUUUUUUSH my record to 18-13.
Only one game to pick this week....
Alabama 23
LSU 21
Take care, have a good weekend.
However, my Crimson Tide played their homecoming opponent. The next day Bama was #1. That's frigging cool.
All that being said, the biggest news was the firing/resigning of Phil Fulmer. Fulmer won 150 games in 17 seasons (8.8 wins per season) and was shown the door last week. I don't care much for the guy for many reasons and Im glad he's gone. Like I've said before, Fulmer cleaned Alabama's clock 11 out of 16 seasons, so Im not sad he will be somewhere else. My question to UT fans would be.....can you find a guy that can win 9 games a year to replace him. Wait, that would make it even. The next UT coach needs to win an average of 10 wins a game to overcome Fulmer.
I guess the next big question will be who will be the next to get the ax. Tuberville is probably safe, and if he beats Bama for the 7th straight time, then he will get a raise.
Now that the BCS is out. Im going to have a Top5 instead of listing everybody.
1- Alabama (only trailed this year for 1:53, clearly dominate)
2- Penn State (Penn State has looked awesome all year)
3.- Texas Tech (Im still not sold on them. As an SEC fan, I just don't think they play D)
4- Florida (Only one big stumbling block between them and Atlanta....Vanderbilt...ha)
5- USC (Between them and Texas.....USC has been hanging up 60 regularly, so there)
Won 3-5 last week to PUUUUUUUSH my record to 18-13.
Only one game to pick this week....
Alabama 23
LSU 21
Take care, have a good weekend.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Movie Review (Zach and Miri make a Porno)
Don't be fooled by the title. This is a straight up romantic comedy. Of course, there are some serious adult moments....and some gross out stuff too, but it was sweet.
Kevin Smith directed this and I like his movies. He pushes the envelope of good taste just about every time out, but his stuff is never boring and moves along really well. Oh, and you can count on a few laugh out loud moments. I think I nearly peed myself during Zach and Miri 5 or 6 times.
If you are unfamiliar with Kevin Smith's work. He directed Clerks and its sequel. Mallrats and Chasing Amy......oh and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. His stuff is pretty juvenile, but Im pretty sure Animal House was thought to be the same way back in the seventies.
Zach (always funny Seth Rogan) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are broke and decide to make a porno for money. Yes, this is a stupid idea that I doubt would ever work, but they decide that they can pay their rent and keep the utilities on if just a small percentage pay for their smut.
The entire cast is very good. Traci Lords (former porn star) Katie Morgan (current porn star) and the usual guys that are in Smith's movies are all excellent. One funny scene follows another as Zach and Miri cast the film and come up with an idea. They decide to come up with a theme from another movie and create a funny, but relevant title. Many are thrown around, and some are very funny, but hey finally decide on "Star Whores." You can only imagine the porn names derived from this. Use your imagination.
Well, their first attempt fails, but they decide to try again at Zach's work as a set. Zach works at a kind of "Starbucks" coffee shop and he has a key. I found it ironic that a porn was being shot in and around a place that we know and relate to. Im not sure if Ill be able to order another drink without asking for a Cockachino.
Well, as the big moment gets closer for Zach and Miri to have sex on film, both of them are ambivalent about it. The whole movie they insist they are roommates and the porno is "just business," but they definetely have feelings for another. Can you imagine the anxiety of having sex on film with someone you have known since 1st grade? Im not going to give it away, but after all the boobs and sex jokes, the movie ends up being all puppy dogs and ice cream.
I found the formula for this romantic comedy refreshing. It was so much better than crap like Made of Honor or P.S. I Love You. Those movies are so predictable and you can see the jokes coming at you like a locomotive. Who would have thought a movie centered around making a porn would make a great chick flick. A-
Kevin Smith directed this and I like his movies. He pushes the envelope of good taste just about every time out, but his stuff is never boring and moves along really well. Oh, and you can count on a few laugh out loud moments. I think I nearly peed myself during Zach and Miri 5 or 6 times.
If you are unfamiliar with Kevin Smith's work. He directed Clerks and its sequel. Mallrats and Chasing Amy......oh and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. His stuff is pretty juvenile, but Im pretty sure Animal House was thought to be the same way back in the seventies.
Zach (always funny Seth Rogan) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) are broke and decide to make a porno for money. Yes, this is a stupid idea that I doubt would ever work, but they decide that they can pay their rent and keep the utilities on if just a small percentage pay for their smut.
The entire cast is very good. Traci Lords (former porn star) Katie Morgan (current porn star) and the usual guys that are in Smith's movies are all excellent. One funny scene follows another as Zach and Miri cast the film and come up with an idea. They decide to come up with a theme from another movie and create a funny, but relevant title. Many are thrown around, and some are very funny, but hey finally decide on "Star Whores." You can only imagine the porn names derived from this. Use your imagination.
Well, their first attempt fails, but they decide to try again at Zach's work as a set. Zach works at a kind of "Starbucks" coffee shop and he has a key. I found it ironic that a porn was being shot in and around a place that we know and relate to. Im not sure if Ill be able to order another drink without asking for a Cockachino.
Well, as the big moment gets closer for Zach and Miri to have sex on film, both of them are ambivalent about it. The whole movie they insist they are roommates and the porno is "just business," but they definetely have feelings for another. Can you imagine the anxiety of having sex on film with someone you have known since 1st grade? Im not going to give it away, but after all the boobs and sex jokes, the movie ends up being all puppy dogs and ice cream.
I found the formula for this romantic comedy refreshing. It was so much better than crap like Made of Honor or P.S. I Love You. Those movies are so predictable and you can see the jokes coming at you like a locomotive. Who would have thought a movie centered around making a porn would make a great chick flick. A-
Some thoughts....
Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States. He will easily pass the 270 electoral college votes needed and I predict that he will win the popular vote by a 52%-48% margin. Im not saying it's right or wrong, but that is the way it will play out.
Does anyone on this planet know what R.S.V.P means? If you get a party invite with these initials on it, look it up. It's common courtesy. Sheesh.
Congrats to my Nana. She made yet another birthday with flying colors. I won't give away her age, but she is closer to ninety than seventy. The lady looks good and I fully expect her to hit the big 100 maybe. What a tough broad.
My dog Willie is about to become an orphan. He keeps eating Bonnie's shoes....and brother that is a quick way to find your butt on the street. I don't even touch her shoes. Im kidding of course, but Willie is going to get that little snip snip this week.
Alabama is ranked #1 during the regular season since 1980. For some perspective, John Lennon was still alive. Gas was $1.12. A loaf of bread was 58 cents. RTR
Im really looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are travelling to Meridian, MS this year. Last time was my first time meeting Bonnie's family and it was a little bizarre. Im excited to kick back and catch up on some reading and enjoy the Smith family dynamic.
Gas will continue to drop. I suspect it will bottom out at about $1.90 at some point before the new year. Funny, the economy is in crisis, and NOW gas starts to drop.
Road construction sucks.
Just had Emma for 3 days for her birthday. She had a ball and I was happy to entertain, but my heart has been heavy ever since she left. When she is at my house, there is a different kind of energy. There's a lot of laughter and smiling going on. I got her first report card for second grade and again the teacher says she is a pleasure. Her grades were at grade level or above. Way to go Debbie. I can take a little credit, but my ex is setting the example. Emma is a wonderful child. The fact she shares my DNA is jawdropping.
Turkey or Ham?
Have a good week...Clay
Does anyone on this planet know what R.S.V.P means? If you get a party invite with these initials on it, look it up. It's common courtesy. Sheesh.
Congrats to my Nana. She made yet another birthday with flying colors. I won't give away her age, but she is closer to ninety than seventy. The lady looks good and I fully expect her to hit the big 100 maybe. What a tough broad.
My dog Willie is about to become an orphan. He keeps eating Bonnie's shoes....and brother that is a quick way to find your butt on the street. I don't even touch her shoes. Im kidding of course, but Willie is going to get that little snip snip this week.
Alabama is ranked #1 during the regular season since 1980. For some perspective, John Lennon was still alive. Gas was $1.12. A loaf of bread was 58 cents. RTR
Im really looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are travelling to Meridian, MS this year. Last time was my first time meeting Bonnie's family and it was a little bizarre. Im excited to kick back and catch up on some reading and enjoy the Smith family dynamic.
Gas will continue to drop. I suspect it will bottom out at about $1.90 at some point before the new year. Funny, the economy is in crisis, and NOW gas starts to drop.
Road construction sucks.
Just had Emma for 3 days for her birthday. She had a ball and I was happy to entertain, but my heart has been heavy ever since she left. When she is at my house, there is a different kind of energy. There's a lot of laughter and smiling going on. I got her first report card for second grade and again the teacher says she is a pleasure. Her grades were at grade level or above. Way to go Debbie. I can take a little credit, but my ex is setting the example. Emma is a wonderful child. The fact she shares my DNA is jawdropping.
Turkey or Ham?
Have a good week...Clay
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Movie Review "W"
First, let's be clear on a couple things. Number one is that I lean to the Republican side and I figured going to see this was going to be tantamount to seeing a Micheal Moore documentary. All the previews portrayed our 43rd President as some sort of doofus that could not put a couple of sentences together without saying something stupid.
Im not going to argue the merits of "dubya's" merits as our commander in chief. I am just going to review the movie. The tricky thing about this movie is trying to determine what's fact and fiction. The director, Oliver Stone is an incredible talent, but he has a way of bending things in his movies to suit his political tastes.
For example, if you saw "JFK" or "Nixon," you would understand quite clearly that Stone believed that Kennedy's assassination was a conspiracy and that Richard Nixon was a profane, egotistical man hellbent on crushing all comers. I could argue on each point if I wanted to, but most people don't know enough facts about either situation, so the rule of "it was on TV, it must be true" comes in.
Oliver Stone is one of my favorite directors. Platoon is so powerful....Wall Street was slick and smart. JFK is such a smart movie with so much to digest, it takes three or four viewings for it all to sink in. Natural Born Killers is one of the best examples of satire that has ever been put on screen. Born on the Fourth of July will make your heart heavy for days. Now, Stone set his sights on George Walker Bush. **By the way, it's no coincidence this movie came out just about a month before the election**
"W" was a surprise. This movie was a pretty fair view of how "dubya" was brought up and the ups and downs he had before he got into politics. Stone takes time to illustrate that "dubya" fought alcoholism in his 20's and 30's and shows respect when he later became a born again Christian as well. Josh Brolin does a fantastic job. I really think he should get some love come Oscar time. He really nails the mannerism's and the Texas accent really well. The rest of the cast is just window dressing really.
The movie slips back and forth from "dubya's" struggle up the political ladder. His porous relationship with his father, and the love story with Laura, who is played by Elizabeth Banks. I think Banks is pretty good in everything, so their scenes seem natural. While the story of how this man became President is interesting to a point, it drags too long whenever George Sr. comes into the picture.
The details in this movie is what makes it worthwhile to see. As the history of "dubya" is being told, the audience is also privy to what was happening behind the scenes shortly before the invasion of Iraq in 2003. I must admit, I thought we just decided to go in there and kick the crap out of them and that was it, but the Bush administration really believed the "WMD's" existed in Iraq and that they were working with Al Qaida. The truth is that for all the hype the CIA and the rest of the US Intelligence Agencies (Homeland Security, NSA, FBI) get, the fact is that they had bad information. Add bad information to a an administration nervous about 9/11 occurring all over again...and taddah.....we invade Iraq....the rest is history.
If you are interested in seeing "W" get blasted for two hours, you will be disappointed. If you expect a ton of funny moments, you will be again, disappointed. However, if you want to see how a government...and perhaps an entire nation got led down a path due to one screw up after another, then go for it.
There is one scene in particular that really got me. Dick Cheney (played by Richard Dreyfuss) is pointing at a map of the Middle East and although none of "W's" advisors (Rice, Rumsfeld, Powell) have the gall to say it out loud, Cheney illustrates that by controlling Iraq....and setting up shop in the Middle East, this would make the United States stronger and more powerful than ever before. Why, because we have the oil. After Cheney says the obvious, Bush replies that attacking Iraq is about freedom and democracy, not oil. My question is.....Was Bush that naive to think that? We may never know. B+
Im not going to argue the merits of "dubya's" merits as our commander in chief. I am just going to review the movie. The tricky thing about this movie is trying to determine what's fact and fiction. The director, Oliver Stone is an incredible talent, but he has a way of bending things in his movies to suit his political tastes.
For example, if you saw "JFK" or "Nixon," you would understand quite clearly that Stone believed that Kennedy's assassination was a conspiracy and that Richard Nixon was a profane, egotistical man hellbent on crushing all comers. I could argue on each point if I wanted to, but most people don't know enough facts about either situation, so the rule of "it was on TV, it must be true" comes in.
Oliver Stone is one of my favorite directors. Platoon is so powerful....Wall Street was slick and smart. JFK is such a smart movie with so much to digest, it takes three or four viewings for it all to sink in. Natural Born Killers is one of the best examples of satire that has ever been put on screen. Born on the Fourth of July will make your heart heavy for days. Now, Stone set his sights on George Walker Bush. **By the way, it's no coincidence this movie came out just about a month before the election**
"W" was a surprise. This movie was a pretty fair view of how "dubya" was brought up and the ups and downs he had before he got into politics. Stone takes time to illustrate that "dubya" fought alcoholism in his 20's and 30's and shows respect when he later became a born again Christian as well. Josh Brolin does a fantastic job. I really think he should get some love come Oscar time. He really nails the mannerism's and the Texas accent really well. The rest of the cast is just window dressing really.
The movie slips back and forth from "dubya's" struggle up the political ladder. His porous relationship with his father, and the love story with Laura, who is played by Elizabeth Banks. I think Banks is pretty good in everything, so their scenes seem natural. While the story of how this man became President is interesting to a point, it drags too long whenever George Sr. comes into the picture.
The details in this movie is what makes it worthwhile to see. As the history of "dubya" is being told, the audience is also privy to what was happening behind the scenes shortly before the invasion of Iraq in 2003. I must admit, I thought we just decided to go in there and kick the crap out of them and that was it, but the Bush administration really believed the "WMD's" existed in Iraq and that they were working with Al Qaida. The truth is that for all the hype the CIA and the rest of the US Intelligence Agencies (Homeland Security, NSA, FBI) get, the fact is that they had bad information. Add bad information to a an administration nervous about 9/11 occurring all over again...and taddah.....we invade Iraq....the rest is history.
If you are interested in seeing "W" get blasted for two hours, you will be disappointed. If you expect a ton of funny moments, you will be again, disappointed. However, if you want to see how a government...and perhaps an entire nation got led down a path due to one screw up after another, then go for it.
There is one scene in particular that really got me. Dick Cheney (played by Richard Dreyfuss) is pointing at a map of the Middle East and although none of "W's" advisors (Rice, Rumsfeld, Powell) have the gall to say it out loud, Cheney illustrates that by controlling Iraq....and setting up shop in the Middle East, this would make the United States stronger and more powerful than ever before. Why, because we have the oil. After Cheney says the obvious, Bush replies that attacking Iraq is about freedom and democracy, not oil. My question is.....Was Bush that naive to think that? We may never know. B+
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