Add two more to the list

Wanna see a really depressing movie? Wanna be reminded that a lot of people in this world suck? Wanna see Brad Pitt with gray hair? Then do I have the film for you.
I went and saw Babel the other day and for the first time in a long time, I was wishing a flick would just end all ready. Holy crap this was a downer.
You people know me. I like dark stuff. I appreciate not only films that allow us to escape, but also films that dive deep into how messed up life can be. But, damn, there is virtually no hope in this movie. Maybe my reaction comes more from seeing a lot of "heavy" films as of late (what can I say, Reno 911 Miami isn't out till Feb. 23--can't wait by the way!), but jinkies this was a painful 2 1/2-ish hours. I'm even a fan of the director. Loved his first movie Amores Perros. Have no problem at all with a non-linear story telling technique. Liked most of the cast.
Still, I don't think this should win the Best Pic Oscar. Only one of the two people up for Best Supporting Actress from this movie was in it enough to garner the notice--though, she was very good.
I had to pop in Caddyshack when I got home just to bring back the will to live.

Also saw Volver, which I'm pleased to say was quite good. I'm a big Almadovar fan, though I'm sure I'm not spelling his name correctly. It was great to see Carmen M. from Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (a personal fave) up on the screen again. I recognized her as soon as she started speaking. Penelope Cruz is pretty good, as is the cast as a whole. As usual, Almadovar has once again proved himself to be one of the few story tellers that really seems to understand women. The movie is a gentle ride of sorts and ends on a quiet note.

Rented a great documentary--This Film Is Not Yet Rated. The filmmaker hired a PI to track down and identify the members of the MPAA ratings board. The members' identities are supposed to be kept secret to protect them from "influence." Yet, these same people often discuss the films they are reviewing with studio personnel so it appears that they are really being protected from being held accountable for their decisions. If you're interested in the movie making process or how this whole ratings thing allegedly works, this is one flick to definitely check out.

READ IT:
Nick Hornby-The Housekeeping Vs. The Dirt--the second collection of his critical reviews originally published in Believer magazine. Hornby starts by listing all the books he's purchased for the month alongside a list of what he's actually read that month. The reviews are more like funny essays and provide plenty of insight and laughs.

LISTEN TO IT:
today's repeat button song of the day--Nine Inch Nails--Big Come Down

WATCH IT:
See above, silly...