I've heard of the cold light of day, but this is ridiculous!

[offbalance]

It's winter, and therefore I can accept that it would be cold outside. However, since I am inside, I would like it to be warm, please. I don't think that's too much to ask.

Weekend was decent. I now have a spiffy new Supernatural mood theme, and I got to seeBabel the other night, thanks to the Internets. Sadly, those are two hours of my life that I'll never be able to get back again. Before I saw it, I was pretty sure it would be Crash 2: International Boogaloo. After seeing it? I know that it is without a doubt, Crash 2: International Boogaloo. It was a lovely mixed bag of overacting, poor plotting, and eye-roll-inducing cliches. Don't bother, unless you think Crash was the best movie of all time.

And now, to work. And to do something about this headache and scratchy throat.

Comments

[wendywoowho.livejournal.com]

After seeing it? I know that it is without a doubt, Crash 2: International Boogaloo.

Thank God you've posted this, as I couldn't make it through Crash without wanting to gouge my eyes out, and now can spare myself the same fate with Babel.

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

Glad to have helped!! But really, I'd love to make a parody film of these kinds of films (Traffic, Crash, Babel) because they are ripe for it. They take themselves so seriously it's equal part of hilarious and aggravating.

I haven't seen The Queen or Letters from Iwo Jima yet, but I highly reccommend The Departed and also reccommend Little Miss Sunshine. Those are far more worthy of your time.

[wendywoowho.livejournal.com]

Little Miss Sunshine was a good movie, yes, indeedy.

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

Agreed. And it had far more to say about the human condition than Babel, imho.

[brokensiren.livejournal.com]

Ugh, don't tell me that! My sociology professor made us watch Crash the first of class. And guess what what she wants us to watch this week? Yup. Babel.

I hope you feel better! I have a headache & sore throat too.

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

Well, if you're an extroadinarily lazy sociologist, I can see where these movies would be helpful. However, I felt that they were far, far too general (probably because rather than tell one or two stories, they're trying to tell 5 at once) to say anything really profound. (Not to mention the fact that there are so many long stretches that have no dialogue at all that really could have benefitted from some, but I digress.) The guy who directed Babel's first movie, Amores Perros is supposed to do this well, but I've not seen it, and I'm fairly reluctant to do so after seeing this one.

[ladynaberrie.livejournal.com]

That is one spiffyass moodtheme.

Are you also living in the arctic tundra at the moment? I have iced windows at work. ICED!

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

Isn't it? I love it!

It's like 10 degrees outside. And, for extra fun, I'm pretty sure the windchill is worse.

[ladynaberrie.livejournal.com]

Chicago wins. It's -4 out at the moment and that's not counting the windchill.

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

Ouch.

And I'm guessing there are a lot of sad people in Chi-town this morning...

[ladynaberrie.livejournal.com]

Yup. But as a Cubs fan, I'm used to disappointment.

[queenmother49.livejournal.com]

See and I loved Crash...so maybe I will actually watch Babel. I would discuss what I feel are the merits of Crash. However, there is no need; you hated it, I liked it. I think that's enough explanation...unless of course you'd like one.

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

No, please go on. I'd love to hear your take on it. :)

[queenmother49.livejournal.com]

what I loved about Crash is the same thing I loved about Traffik, it's the fact that they aren't attempting to comprehensively tell all 5 stories. It's about showing how each story affects the next story. And what I liked about Crash was the demonizing of all racism...not just white/black.

I've got a migraine so I can't be terribly coherent...

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

See, I really liked Traffic. I thought it told the story well, there was a definite connection between the interlocking stories, and that the performances were strong, and the writing was even stronger. Crash and Babel felt weak in those regards - you need something to get invested in, and I didn't feel like it was there. In the case of Crash, I felt that for a movie that was supposed to be dealing with racism, it was chock-full of stereotypes that never transcended the type. (Example: The two black kids complaining that people think they're carjackers are actually carjackers? I actually turned the movie off for about half an hour at that point, I was so annoyed.)

Mainly I dislike the accusatory, didactic, smug tone these movies take on, not really giving the viewer a chance to find any dispute wtih the situation or form their own opinions. You're just supposed to agree. And I hate any movie like that.

[blue_ant]

I loved Crash too. But I thought Babel was, well, nothing special. In fact, I couldn't be bothered to care about most of the characters.

[queenmother49.livejournal.com]

Really? Maybe that style of movie is a one trick pony. Or aren't you supposed to care about the characters? Just the story? (which wouldn't make it any better...probably worse and just pretentious)

[shackledangel.livejournal.com]

I heard somebody trashing Babel on the radio this morning. They said that it was just the worst acting and all around, as you said, two hours of your life you can never get back.

And though I will be big as a house and probably sore and giving birth and stuff, I LONG for summer. Make with the warm! ;_; (my office is freeeezing!)

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

It really is too cold!!! ::gives you tea:: You should make them turn up the heat - even if it means playing the pregnancy card.

I would reccommend Little Miss Sunshine if you haven't seen it. That's totally worth your time and money. The Departed, even moreso - but that isn't out on dvd until next week.

[shackledangel.livejournal.com]

I really wanna see Little Miss Sunshine! I heard nothing but good things about it.

I'm just waiting for books I want to either come out or come in... I am little miss reader. I haven't seen a movie in aaaggeesss... =_=

[jackalprey.livejournal.com]

Well I have to say I liked Crash, it was definitely very intense movie. I know K really wants to see Babel, I let her know what you thought. She may or may not go see it.

In other news I recently watched from my netflix Inside Man. The spike Lee movie with Denzel Washington and Clive Owen. Not much of a fan of Clive, but I did like the way the movie was done and the acting as well. I figured I would suggest a movie, though it address race in some parts as Spike Lee tends to do it is a lot less harsh and pessimistic, dunno that was my take on it.

[offbalance.livejournal.com]

I've only seen two of Lee's movies - Son of Sam and The 25th Hour, and I thought both were excellent (particularly the 25th Hour). They managed to touch on a ton of issues without making you feel as though you were sitting down in front of an over-budgeted after-school special. I was very curious about Inside Man, so I'll definitely check it out after your endorsement. The thing I like about Spike is that whether I agree with him or not, he ALWAYS has something to say. Which is essential if you want to make a good movie, in my opinion.

[lauralatham.livejournal.com]

I was thinking of your icon right here today!

I know what you mean, outside is bad enough, but the heat feels like it's not working!