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October 24, 2005
The Film Roundup – Still Playing at a Theater Near You
Stay – If you like films that make you think, “I have absolutely no idea what’s going on,” then Stay is the movie for you. I didn’t know what was going on when this film started, and I didn’t know what was going on when the ending credits started to roll. Had I been alone, there's no doubt that I would have walked out because from start to finish, Stay sucked more than a gay man in Dupont Circle (a reference for the Washingtonians). Avoid this one like the Bird Flu. Thinking Fool’s Final Grade: F.
Good Night, and Good Luck – If you want to be entertained while hearing the words, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” skip this movie and give Countdown with Keith Olbermann (weeknights at 8 E.S.T. on MSNBC) a try instead. As someone who holds a B.A. in broadcasting, I should have loved this film. After all, it was about Edward R. Murrow’s battle against Senator Joseph McCarthy. Interesting stuff, right? In theory yes, but the film is quite boring. Good historical films make you want to learn more about a subject. The only thing Good Night, and Good Luck made me want to learn was the quickest way to the parking lot. Thinking Fool’s Final Grade: D.
Capote – I went to see Capote reluctantly, wondering how I could possibly like a biopic about a writer who has never made an appearance on my list of favorites. (One of my undergraduate professors recommended In Cold Blood and asserted that after reading the book, I would be categorically against the death penalty. Well, so much for that assertion. I was more in favor of the death penalty after reading the book than I was before cracking open Capote’s most famous work.) Philip Seymour Hoffman is always excellent, but he rises to a different level in this movie. The guy is absolutely amazing and the story is compelling. Even if you could care less about the life of Truman Capote, see this film. You won’t regret it (unless you’re a total idiot). Thinking Fool’s Final Grade: A minus. (I can't describe how wonderful it felt to actually leave a movie thinking, "Not only did I not hate that, I actually liked it!")
Two for the Money – Al Pacino is wonderful playing Al Pacino. Matthew McConaughey is solid playing Matthew McConaughey. Rene Russo is excellent playing, well she actually played a real character! Unfortunately, this movie is just not compelling even in the most liberal sense of the word. The whole gambling storyline really doesn't make a ton of sense, but I honestly didn't even care. If you want to see good movies with these actors, check out Scent of a Woman (Pacino), A Time to Kill (McConaughey), and The Thomas Crown Affair (Russo). “How can a movie about gambling not get a favorable review from a person who enjoys gambling?” you wonder. Because it isn’t any good; that’s why! Thinking Fool’s Final Grade: D.
