(As usual, contains spoilers) "Every civilization finds it necessary to negotiate compromises with its own values." is one of the more memorable lines from this documentary style period piece about the Israeli response to the tragedy at the 1972 Munich games. The world watched in horror as "Black September" took 11 Israeli athletes hostage in 1972 and then murdered them as the terrorist group escaped.
Avner (Eric Bana Troy) is a Israeli agent called on to defend the honor of his country following the murder of the Olympians. He and 4 other agents are given 11 names of "Black September" operatives to assassinate in response to the killings in Germany.
Munich speaks to several different issues surrounding the current Middle Eastern problems. Most notably is it's clear assertion that violence has no end. "For every one that we kill, there is another who takes his place, another more terrible than the last." For each terrorist that the team finds and kills there is also a retaliatory action taken against Israeli civilians: hijacking, bombings, shootings, etc. The message here is that violence begets violence. But what have we learned from the Israeli pulling out of the Gaza strip? Apparently peaceful compromise begets violence as well.
As Avner begins to realize that there is no end to what he is doing. And it becomes clear that what was once for honor becomes duty and then deteriorates into meaninglessness.
This was a very violent movie. A very large majority of the violence was necessary and understandable. An exception would be a scene near the end where Mr. Spielberg gratuitously meshes a scene of violence with a sexually charged scene, very disturbing and quite an unnecessary choice.
Also, be prepared for a long movie. Nearly three hours of vengeance seemed a bit much. The period was expertly captured. With large sweeping shots it was clear that everything was controlled: cars, extras, posters, building facades; The acting was fantastic. Bana shined in an accent that never wavered and was excellently supported by the unknowns in his team. The script was well written and it was fascinating to watch the characters change as they become desensitized to what they were doing. Technically exquisite.
One particularly poignant scene was between Avner and a Palestinian agent both discussing why they do what they do. This conversation raised the question: What makes one cause honorable and another dishonorable. What makes one group's interest reasonable and another's outrageous. What makes one country's killers heroes and another's dogs? These are questions that I have yet to answer.
The final shot foreshadows the fact that the terrorism that we were watching would quickly find itself on American soil all too soon.
If you can handle realistic violence (and a brief scene of nudity) this movie is very compelling and definitely worth seeing. 3.75 stars out of 5. And that's just my opinion.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
The Pinhead in Pinstripes
Oh, I suppose that should say idiot. The self-proclaimed idiot, Johnny Damon, is headed to New York. Four years $52 million.
Now he joins the likes of the traitors such as Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens. Isn't it interesting that the Yankees can't seem to build their own players? No no, other teams groom them and then the Yankees come and steal them away with their bread and circuses. Well, Damon, if money is all that you love, then that's what you'll receive!
Hey! Larry! Great job! Damon starts off asking for 7 years 84 million, you offer 4 years 40 million and he's stolen out from under you by the Bronx Bums for 4/52? Isn't it clear that he wanted time and not necessarily money?! Give him something to think about! How about 5 years 50 million?! 4/48 (ask for a hometown discount!) Something!
Johnny stand up to your stupid agent, he's only in it for the money, just like you. Oh, wait! That's it! This is a trick, a rouse! This is Damon's way of sticking it to the Evil Empire. He's agreed in principle! He hasn't signed anything! Larry and Johnny got together and said we need to get back at them for the A-Fraud deal! Just before he's gonna sign his cell phone rings and Johnny agrees to a 5 year 50 million dollar deal with the Sox screwing the Yankees!
Yeah right.
When interviewed, Johnny said "George [Steinbrener] has a policy of getting the best players and they pursued me pretty strongly." (If that doesn't sound like Damon just throw in a couple dozen "ums" and you'll hear it.) Alright Johnny, yeah, boost your ego. Are you forgetting about the "best players" named Mark Bellhorn, Allen Embry, Womack, Bueller?
"I love the Boston fans" says Damon. "That's why I told them to #$@% off by signing with the team they hate even the sound of."
Damon gave himself away as to how he feels when he said "We're going to bring another championship to them" Them! not "we're gonna win another championship." Not "I'm going to bring another championship to New York." No, "to them!"
Damon continued proving that he is an idiot when, after the Yankees made the offer, he called the Manager Tito Francona, someone with no bargaining power. Instead of Larry Lucchino or either of the no-name two headed monster GM's. In fact, the Red Sox have recently said that they were not made aware of this deal at all last night.
Oh well. Johnny, Enjoy covering that cavernous center field and requiring two cut off men just to get the ball back to the infield. Enjoy being clean shaven and having short hair (no more "Jesus" comments for you) Enjoy going from a SuperStar in Boston to "that-guy-with-no-arm-in-center-field" in New York.
Apu, am I vindicated yet? Am I correct in saying that this team is being gutted? Enjoy struggling with a mediocre team that will finish in third and miss the playoffs next year. I'm out. I'm done. Maybe I'll route for the Red Sox of the west the L.A. Dodgers. They've got Grady Little, Billy Mueller, Nomah, and Derek Lowe.
If Theo were still here, this wouldn't be happening. But that's just my opinion!
Now he joins the likes of the traitors such as Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens. Isn't it interesting that the Yankees can't seem to build their own players? No no, other teams groom them and then the Yankees come and steal them away with their bread and circuses. Well, Damon, if money is all that you love, then that's what you'll receive!
Hey! Larry! Great job! Damon starts off asking for 7 years 84 million, you offer 4 years 40 million and he's stolen out from under you by the Bronx Bums for 4/52? Isn't it clear that he wanted time and not necessarily money?! Give him something to think about! How about 5 years 50 million?! 4/48 (ask for a hometown discount!) Something!
Johnny stand up to your stupid agent, he's only in it for the money, just like you. Oh, wait! That's it! This is a trick, a rouse! This is Damon's way of sticking it to the Evil Empire. He's agreed in principle! He hasn't signed anything! Larry and Johnny got together and said we need to get back at them for the A-Fraud deal! Just before he's gonna sign his cell phone rings and Johnny agrees to a 5 year 50 million dollar deal with the Sox screwing the Yankees!
Yeah right.
When interviewed, Johnny said "George [Steinbrener] has a policy of getting the best players and they pursued me pretty strongly." (If that doesn't sound like Damon just throw in a couple dozen "ums" and you'll hear it.) Alright Johnny, yeah, boost your ego. Are you forgetting about the "best players" named Mark Bellhorn, Allen Embry, Womack, Bueller?
"I love the Boston fans" says Damon. "That's why I told them to #$@% off by signing with the team they hate even the sound of."
Damon gave himself away as to how he feels when he said "We're going to bring another championship to them" Them! not "we're gonna win another championship." Not "I'm going to bring another championship to New York." No, "to them!"
Damon continued proving that he is an idiot when, after the Yankees made the offer, he called the Manager Tito Francona, someone with no bargaining power. Instead of Larry Lucchino or either of the no-name two headed monster GM's. In fact, the Red Sox have recently said that they were not made aware of this deal at all last night.
Oh well. Johnny, Enjoy covering that cavernous center field and requiring two cut off men just to get the ball back to the infield. Enjoy being clean shaven and having short hair (no more "Jesus" comments for you) Enjoy going from a SuperStar in Boston to "that-guy-with-no-arm-in-center-field" in New York.
Apu, am I vindicated yet? Am I correct in saying that this team is being gutted? Enjoy struggling with a mediocre team that will finish in third and miss the playoffs next year. I'm out. I'm done. Maybe I'll route for the Red Sox of the west the L.A. Dodgers. They've got Grady Little, Billy Mueller, Nomah, and Derek Lowe.
If Theo were still here, this wouldn't be happening. But that's just my opinion!
Monday, December 19, 2005
The true meaning of Christmas: stuff!
Ok, some people have been protesting Walmart because a search for the term "Christmas" on their site brought customers to a page titled "Holiday." However, a search for any other winter holiday (IA Hanukkah or Kwanzaa) you are brought to a page that is titled with those holidays.
When a customer emailed to complain about this, she received the following email:
Walmart claimed that this was an unauthorized email from a temporary employee and labeled it as inappropriate.
All of this is neither here nor there. I don't really care about the above, I'm writing about the reaction:
"About 50 protesters took part in Saturday's demonstration, organized by religious leaders. Dick Otterstad of the Church of the Divide donned a Santa Claus costume and greeted shoppers with the message: Don't forget about the meaning of Christmas."
I don't really think I have to say anything more about this! Maybe I do side with Wilcox when it comes to using situations like this to simply find another way to be different than the culture that surrounds me. "So don't blame me for what these nitwits say (or do!) Hey, they don't speak for me!"
Their opinion is not just my opinion!
When a customer emailed to complain about this, she received the following email:
"Walmart is a world wide organization and must remain conscious of this. The majority of the world still has different practices other than "Christmas" which is an ancient tradition that has its roots in Siberian shamanism. The colors associated with "Christmas" red and white are actually a representation of of the aminita mascera mushroom. Santa is also borrowed from the Caucuses, mistletoe from the Celts, yule log from the Goths, the time from the Visigoth and the tree from the worship of Baal. It is a wide wide world."
Walmart claimed that this was an unauthorized email from a temporary employee and labeled it as inappropriate.
All of this is neither here nor there. I don't really care about the above, I'm writing about the reaction:
"About 50 protesters took part in Saturday's demonstration, organized by religious leaders. Dick Otterstad of the Church of the Divide donned a Santa Claus costume and greeted shoppers with the message: Don't forget about the meaning of Christmas."
I don't really think I have to say anything more about this! Maybe I do side with Wilcox when it comes to using situations like this to simply find another way to be different than the culture that surrounds me. "So don't blame me for what these nitwits say (or do!) Hey, they don't speak for me!"
Their opinion is not just my opinion!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Rapid Rants
Rant one: Brokeback Mountain. "The first cowboy movie where the good guy gets it in the end." Yup, this is a gay cowboy movie. I'm just going to warn you all now, that anyone who doesn't got to this movie may be berated as to why they didn't go. Don't like romance movies? Don't like westerns? Don't like movies where a guy leaves his wife and kids to be with his gay lover? Be prepared to be labeled as a homophobe!
People will tell you that this movie has the critics raving! Of course it does! The critics can't afford to go against this film! Would you wanna be blacklisted? What about this: If this movie was a love story between a guy and a girl, would it receive this same hype? Award nominations? Media coverage? (I'll give you a hint: no!)
Ask anyone who claims that you are a homophobe if you didn't go to this film the following: Did you see "Friday Night Lights? No? What are you a Footballphobe? Or did the film just not interest you?" Don't let anyone guilt you into seeing a movie that you have no interest in seeing!
One more thing about this film: If you aren't seeing it because of your value system, don't let anybody make you feel guilty about that either. I don't support movies that encourage people to disregard responsibility, no matter what it is. Bridges of Madison County, The American President, or Titanic.
Second: Oh secular tree, oh secular tree, how lovely are your branches. What's with the holiday tree thing? Does any other celebration in December use a tree? No. It's like saying that it's not an soccer ball, it's a game ball. Ever play the game Ping Pong with a "game ball?" what about billiards. Let's play that with our "game ball."
I wanna know what the ACLU will do when someone finally discovers that the word "Holiday" is a compound word consisting of "Holy" and "Day"? Happy Seculaday.
(On a humorous side, there is a sign at a tree sellers place in Texas that says "Fresh Cut Holiday Trees" in English, but the Spanish still says "Navidad" which means "Christmas!")
That and the Brits must think we're nuts! To them "holiday" is a vacation. We have vacation trees in our living rooms! Oh my!
Finally: AOL: Amish Online. A 75 year old Amish widower was bilked out of over $65,000 because a he was afraid that his church community would discover that he'd gone to a prostitute. The prostitute said that if he didn't pay her money that pictures of their "interaction" would appear on the internet. The internet? Alright, so this Amish man not only thought that people from his parish would not only be on the internet, but he also thought they'd locate the pornographic photographs he was featured in! Anybody else see something wrong there?
But wait, it gets better. The prostitute was caught when the Amish man's deacon came up with a scheme. The next time she demanded money, the deacon went with our widower and they got her to admit what the money was for: Blackmail. Here's the kicker: The deacon was wearing a small digital camera with a wireless transmitter! When did the Amish find technology?! Something just ain't right there!
Sorry it's been so long since you've heard just my opinion.
People will tell you that this movie has the critics raving! Of course it does! The critics can't afford to go against this film! Would you wanna be blacklisted? What about this: If this movie was a love story between a guy and a girl, would it receive this same hype? Award nominations? Media coverage? (I'll give you a hint: no!)
Ask anyone who claims that you are a homophobe if you didn't go to this film the following: Did you see "Friday Night Lights? No? What are you a Footballphobe? Or did the film just not interest you?" Don't let anyone guilt you into seeing a movie that you have no interest in seeing!
One more thing about this film: If you aren't seeing it because of your value system, don't let anybody make you feel guilty about that either. I don't support movies that encourage people to disregard responsibility, no matter what it is. Bridges of Madison County, The American President, or Titanic.
Second: Oh secular tree, oh secular tree, how lovely are your branches. What's with the holiday tree thing? Does any other celebration in December use a tree? No. It's like saying that it's not an soccer ball, it's a game ball. Ever play the game Ping Pong with a "game ball?" what about billiards. Let's play that with our "game ball."
I wanna know what the ACLU will do when someone finally discovers that the word "Holiday" is a compound word consisting of "Holy" and "Day"? Happy Seculaday.
(On a humorous side, there is a sign at a tree sellers place in Texas that says "Fresh Cut Holiday Trees" in English, but the Spanish still says "Navidad" which means "Christmas!")
That and the Brits must think we're nuts! To them "holiday" is a vacation. We have vacation trees in our living rooms! Oh my!
Finally: AOL: Amish Online. A 75 year old Amish widower was bilked out of over $65,000 because a he was afraid that his church community would discover that he'd gone to a prostitute. The prostitute said that if he didn't pay her money that pictures of their "interaction" would appear on the internet. The internet? Alright, so this Amish man not only thought that people from his parish would not only be on the internet, but he also thought they'd locate the pornographic photographs he was featured in! Anybody else see something wrong there?
But wait, it gets better. The prostitute was caught when the Amish man's deacon came up with a scheme. The next time she demanded money, the deacon went with our widower and they got her to admit what the money was for: Blackmail. Here's the kicker: The deacon was wearing a small digital camera with a wireless transmitter! When did the Amish find technology?! Something just ain't right there!
Sorry it's been so long since you've heard just my opinion.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
December "Just Your Opinion" Results
Poll question for the week of December 26th-January 4th
Question: What aspect of life does your New Year's Resolution deal with?
Results:
Poll question for the week of December 19th-December 25th
Question:Other than the true meaning, what is your favorite aspect of Christmas?
Results:
Poll question for the week of December 12th-December 18th
Question:What type of Christmas tree do you have?
Results:
Poll question for the week of December 5th-December 11th
Question: When do you shop for your Christmas presents?
Results:
Question: What aspect of life does your New Year's Resolution deal with?
Results:
Spiritual (Prayer, Evangelism, Reading, Pilgrimage)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 2 votes (50%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 2 votes (50%)
Poll question for the week of December 19th-December 25th
Question:Other than the true meaning, what is your favorite aspect of Christmas?
Results:
Brotherhood among strangers
- 1 vote (14.3%)
- 2 votes (28.3%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 2 votes (28.3%)
- 1 vote (14.3%)
- 1 vote (14.3%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 0 votes (0%)
Poll question for the week of December 12th-December 18th
Question:What type of Christmas tree do you have?
Results:
A real tree with white lights and mostly store bought ornaments
- 0 votes (0%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 1 vote (25%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 2 votes (50%)
- 1 vote (25%)
- 0 votes (0%)
- 0 votes (0%)
Poll question for the week of December 5th-December 11th
Question: When do you shop for your Christmas presents?
Results:
I shop all year 'round!
- 2 votes (28.6%)
- 0 vote (0%)
- 4 votes (57.1%)
- 1 vote (14.3%)
- 0 votes (0%)
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The MVP of the AFC?
Who should the MVP of the AFC be?
Well, most of you think that I'm going to taut the greatness of Tom Brady. Now, while I could make an argument as to why Brady could be the MVP that is not the intention of this post.
The rumors are flying that, should the Indianapolis Colts complete this season 16-0 that Peyton Manning should be the MVP. I highly disagree!
Do you recall any of my arguments regarding the MLB MVP debacle? The question you have to ask when determining MVP is "how would the team be doing if this person was not on it?"
Let's look at the poor, poor talent that surrounds Peyton on the Colts: For Wide Receiver, he only has Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, and Brandon Stokley. Running Back? Edgerrin James and Dominic Rhodes. Tight End: Dallas Clark. Not to mention Mike Vanderjaqt as the Colts kicker. With such defensive names as Dwight Freeney, Dexter Reid, and Robert Mathis! Man, with nobodies like that on his team, how do they keep winning?!
My word! You could put Jake Delhomme or Kyle Orton on that team and they'd be undefeated! MVP my BLT!
No, the MVP of the AFC should not be Peyton Manning. But here are a few good candidates:
Tom Brady: New England Patriots. Ok, I'll get him out of the way. Yes, his team is currently 7-5 and will either end the season 11-5 or 10-6 and will go to the playoffs. Why should Brady be considered? Because nearly everyone on his team is injured and yet they still lead their division (as weak as the AFC East may be.) Heath Evans? Hank Poteat? Where is Earthwind Morland (That's his real name, I didn't make that up)? With two rookies on his blind side and 0 defense Brady has hoisted the Patriots on his shoulders and is carrying them to the postseason!
Carson Palmer: Cincinnati Bengals. He leads the league with TD passes. 2nd highest passer ratings in the NFL. 2nd most passing yards. And his team has erupted to lead the division (2nd in the AFC to the "cake walk" schedule Colts) after a decade of sub .500 seasons! No really standout receivers. The Bengals don't have a lot of superstars. He is carrying his team right now!
LaDanian Tomlinson: San Diego Chargers. This player truly is my favorite for MVP. He leads the NFL in touchdowns with 19 (17 rushing, 2 receiving, and he's even tossed 2 touchdowns)! 2nd in the AFC in total rushing. (1st is Edgerin, again helping the Colts be undefeated and taking away from Peyton's MVP points) Averages 97.7 yrds per game. 2nd most 20+ yard carries in the AFC. Averages 3rd most carries per game. Highest average yards per carry for backs averaging 20 or more carries per game. This man is carrying his team!
Manning MVP? Not likely! But hey, that's just my opinion.
Well, most of you think that I'm going to taut the greatness of Tom Brady. Now, while I could make an argument as to why Brady could be the MVP that is not the intention of this post.
The rumors are flying that, should the Indianapolis Colts complete this season 16-0 that Peyton Manning should be the MVP. I highly disagree!
Do you recall any of my arguments regarding the MLB MVP debacle? The question you have to ask when determining MVP is "how would the team be doing if this person was not on it?"
Let's look at the poor, poor talent that surrounds Peyton on the Colts: For Wide Receiver, he only has Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, and Brandon Stokley. Running Back? Edgerrin James and Dominic Rhodes. Tight End: Dallas Clark. Not to mention Mike Vanderjaqt as the Colts kicker. With such defensive names as Dwight Freeney, Dexter Reid, and Robert Mathis! Man, with nobodies like that on his team, how do they keep winning?!
My word! You could put Jake Delhomme or Kyle Orton on that team and they'd be undefeated! MVP my BLT!
No, the MVP of the AFC should not be Peyton Manning. But here are a few good candidates:
Tom Brady: New England Patriots. Ok, I'll get him out of the way. Yes, his team is currently 7-5 and will either end the season 11-5 or 10-6 and will go to the playoffs. Why should Brady be considered? Because nearly everyone on his team is injured and yet they still lead their division (as weak as the AFC East may be.) Heath Evans? Hank Poteat? Where is Earthwind Morland (That's his real name, I didn't make that up)? With two rookies on his blind side and 0 defense Brady has hoisted the Patriots on his shoulders and is carrying them to the postseason!
Carson Palmer: Cincinnati Bengals. He leads the league with TD passes. 2nd highest passer ratings in the NFL. 2nd most passing yards. And his team has erupted to lead the division (2nd in the AFC to the "cake walk" schedule Colts) after a decade of sub .500 seasons! No really standout receivers. The Bengals don't have a lot of superstars. He is carrying his team right now!
LaDanian Tomlinson: San Diego Chargers. This player truly is my favorite for MVP. He leads the NFL in touchdowns with 19 (17 rushing, 2 receiving, and he's even tossed 2 touchdowns)! 2nd in the AFC in total rushing. (1st is Edgerin, again helping the Colts be undefeated and taking away from Peyton's MVP points) Averages 97.7 yrds per game. 2nd most 20+ yard carries in the AFC. Averages 3rd most carries per game. Highest average yards per carry for backs averaging 20 or more carries per game. This man is carrying his team!
Manning MVP? Not likely! But hey, that's just my opinion.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
A couple of queries
John Kerry: Mr. Kerry, could you please explain to me the difference between a "Artificial withdrawal date" and an "Estimated timetable for success." Because they sound an awful lot like the same thing to me!
Larry Luccino: Mr. Luccino, please tell me that what I heard about you thinking of trading Manny Ramirez to the Angels for three prospects isn't true. Because if it is, here's my question: Why would you trade the best right handed hitter in the American League to a team for prospects when you traded ours away already? If you wanted prospects why didn't you keep the ones we had!?
Me: Question: Why is it that I have a hard time believing an actor or actress who is known to be gay when they are playing a straight part, but not such a hard time believing an actor or actress who is straight playing a gay part? Example: Anne Heche in Six Days Seven Nights vs Oliver Platt in Three to Tango.
Everyone: The Queen of Hearts posed an excellent question this morning. She asked: "Do you think Solomon knew about his parents?" (Solomon being the child of David and Bathsheba after David had Uriah killed). So, what do you think? Did he?
Well, even though it doesn't look like it, but even in this post something is exposed and it's just my opinion.
Larry Luccino: Mr. Luccino, please tell me that what I heard about you thinking of trading Manny Ramirez to the Angels for three prospects isn't true. Because if it is, here's my question: Why would you trade the best right handed hitter in the American League to a team for prospects when you traded ours away already? If you wanted prospects why didn't you keep the ones we had!?
Me: Question: Why is it that I have a hard time believing an actor or actress who is known to be gay when they are playing a straight part, but not such a hard time believing an actor or actress who is straight playing a gay part? Example: Anne Heche in Six Days Seven Nights vs Oliver Platt in Three to Tango.
Everyone: The Queen of Hearts posed an excellent question this morning. She asked: "Do you think Solomon knew about his parents?" (Solomon being the child of David and Bathsheba after David had Uriah killed). So, what do you think? Did he?
Well, even though it doesn't look like it, but even in this post something is exposed and it's just my opinion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)