Kay Thompson

Last night, I enjoyed watching again one of my favorite movies—Funny Face. Besides the big names of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn, Kay Parker shines. This is the only movie in which I recall seeing her perform. She's wonderful. For a fun sample, check out "Clap 'Yo Hands".

The Lives of Others

Mary introduced me to an excellent movie entitled The Lives of Others. Justly, it earned an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

Check it out.

Cold Comfort Farm

Last night, Mary and I enjoyed watching Cold Comfort Farm. Not having heard of it in any way before, I went in with no expectations.

I came away loving it. Its sense of life is delightfully benevolent. The sprightly center of the story is played by Kate Beckinsale. Her performance in this film was the best I've seen in her films so far. My evaluation may be colored by the cheerfully unsinkable nature of the character she played.

If you get a chance, check it out and let me know what you think of it.

No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men is the best movie I haven't liked in a while. By that I mean this—evil is cast a potent while the good is feeble. Ayn Rand called this the malevolent universe premise.

No spoilers here. I'll just say that it was interesting to read a Time magazine article about the Coen brothers collaboration with Cormac McCarthy. The Time picture contrasting the brothers with McCarthy told a story in itself. The story in the film ends up being a fusion of gripping story-telling (thank you, Coen brothers, for the screenplay) and the aforementioned malevolent universe premise (no thank you, Mr. McCarthy).

Marilyn Monroe

I found this image of Monroe on a postcard during my recent visit to Boulder City, Nevada. Specifically, I found it tucked away in a tiny shop named Classic Hollywood Gems within the Boulder Dam Hotel. Dee, the shop owner, was very friendly, commenting on how much she liked Monroe. I do too.

I especially like this picture. In addition to its style, it reminds me of Charlize Theron. However, after looking at dozens of pictures of Theron online, I saw none that supported that impression very well. Theron is beautiful, of course. I think she could manage a pose to resemble Monroe, especially decked out the way Marilyn is in this photo. But the total look is, of course, Marilyn's own.

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper is one of my favorite actors. This is my favorite photo of him.

What a glorious feeling!

One of my favorite movies was on tonight—Singing In The Rain. I couldn't watch the whole thing but I stayed up late enough to catch Gene Kelly's classic dancing-in-the-rain scene while he belts out the title song. I found the lyrics (below) at this site. I can't recommend this movie enough. It's upbeat, pure fun. See it and enjoy.


Singin' in the rain
Just singin' in the rain.
What a glorious feelin'.
I'm happy again.
I'm laughin' at clouds
So dark up above.
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love.
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place.
Come on with the rain.
I've a smile on my face.
I'll walk down the lane
With a happy refrain,
And singin', just singin' in the rain.

My Name is Nobody (1973)

This movie is one of my favorite Westerns. Check out IMDB for details.

Its spirit is refreshing. For example, the good is so strong it toys with hapless evil, having fun at its expense. More, the good drives the story while evil is just part of the background.

However, what really makes the movie stand out for me is this--its touch of reverence for heroes.

Jack Beauregard:You're sure trying hard to make a hero out of me.

Nobody: You're that already. You just need a special act, something that'll make your name a legend.

Jack Beauregard: What I don't understand is what difference it makes to you.

Nobody: If a man is a man, he needs someone to believe in.

Jack Beauregard: I've met all kinds in my life. Thieves and killers. Pimps and prostitutes. Con men and preachers. Even a few fellas that told the truth. The kind of man you're talking about, never.

Nobody: Maybe you've never met them. Or hardly ever. But they're the only ones who count.

Casino Royale

This Bond fan loves the new Casino Royale movie! It kicked ass!

Going in, I was skeptical of the new actor in the role. Yet he (or perhaps the movie's good direction) won me over.

That's all I'll say for now. I don't want to trip into any spoilers.

Check it out. Please let me know what you think. Thumbs up? Thumbs down? You know my vote.

Cheers!