Werner Rules

As the kids grow and more snippets of time become available in the day and night, I've actually been able to snatch some moments to actually watch some DVDs. Realize friends: this is something I've not been able to do on a consistent basis for 10 years.

Before kids, I was up all night watching laser discs, cable or a rented VHS.

After kids, nada.

Yet, keep in mind: I would never -- ever -- trade it for the world. Movies, since the birth of our kids, have taken a far backseat to life's priorities. Plus, maturity tends to put things in priority as well. I mean, really, in the scheme of things, who gives a flying shit about Brokeback Mountain. I'd rather take my kids to pee-wee basketball practice than see the latest "must-see" film of the year.

And, this is coming from a guy who -- pre-kids -- watched, at least, 150 films a year.

That said, Brokeback Mountain was a poetic and affective piece of filmmaking, wholly deserving of the accolades that have come its way. After reading the Annie Proulx short story, BM is one of the rare movies that not only adds to its source material, but also completes it in a manner that expands the story in meaningful and natural ways. Regardless of the stance you take, BM is a beautiful piece of work. While everyone pounces on the "gay cowboy" aspect of the piece, one of the most affective tragedies of the story concerns the affects of the denial of Ennis's love for Jack, and the cost his own family (and Jack) pays.

Is it the best film of 2005? I have no idea. I haven't seen Junebug; Crash; The Squid & the Whale; Match Point; Munich; Walk the Line; Broken Flowers; Good Night, and Good Luck; Paradise Now; 2046; and many others. I do think Syriana is, in the long run, a better film, and Capote is close behind. Grizzly Man is also a fascinating piece of cinema that was completely screwed in the Oscar's Documentary race. It's way past time that Werner Herzog is recognized for his uncompromised and consitent genius. The fact that Grizzly Man was bent over a barrel in the Oscar documentary category is pathetic.

Holy S$#@!

I think you can see it all in the little guy's face: "What in the shit have I gotten myself into?"

That's John Ruiz (the little guy) in a December 2005 title match against 7-ft. tall Nikolay Valuev.

Who do you think won?

See This Movie

If you live in or around Batesville, you'll only have a few days to see one of the best films of 2005. Syriana opens at the Oaks 7 Cinema on Friday (27 January 2006), and chances are it'll skip town the following Thursday (02 February 2006). It's a fascinating and absorbing film, even though half the time you'll be trying to figure out what in the hell is going on.

The film looks at the world of oil from all points of view: from a disaffected CIA agent sometimes used as a pawn to ensure our Middle Eastern influence is prominent and effective to the poor Muslim youth who buy into the fanatical charge of terrorism in the name of Allah to the ultra rich powerbrokers who pull all of the strings. It follows our country's practice of corrupt give and take to ensure the black gold flows uninterrupted, as well as the moves of the countries rich with crude who clearly understand the value of their liquid treasure.

The acting is outstanding, particularly George Clooney as the CIA agent coming to terms with his career and the costs paid with his actions. Matt Damon, the always great Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, and Alexander Siddig also portray characters trying to find their way through the maze of greed and corruption. It's a terrific ensemble piece with an outstanding script from Stephen Gaghan (who also directed the film).

Gaghan has delivered a film that captures the dangerous and unscrupulous world that was borne from our society's dependence on oil. With Syriana, he has likely only scratched the surface of that world, and even though it borders on incomprehensibility at times, I suspect that is his point: we likely can't imagine the Byzantine games played by those in power to ensure oil interests are secure.

Resolution

I'm going to kick-start my posting. More posts in 2006. I promise.

You watch -- this is going to be the most posted blog in the history of blogs!

Yawn.

First things first, though.

It's nap time.

See you in a bit.

Now, where's my blanky?