Miami compiled their trifecta of superstars and boasts high hopes for the next six years. Certainly, the concept of three top players has worked in the past, on both a short (Boston 2008: Allen, Pierce, Garnett and Philadelphia 1983: Malone, Erving, Toney) and long-term (Boston 1980s: Bird, McHale, Parrish and San Antonio 2000s: Duncan, Ginboli, Parker) basis. The concept of elite trios has also fallen short just as frequently (Los Angeles 1970s: West, Chamberlain, Baylor and 2004 Minnesota: Garnett, Spreewell, Cassells). While the transactions of July 8th will give the Heat a very strong chance, it is no guarantee. There …
In the Loop
A satire mixing Burn After Reading, Thank You for Smoking, and Burn After Reading, In the Loop features one of the best scripts of the year. The satire alternates between vulgar and witty, yet remains engaging. Sometimes, when it comes to politics, the real dialogue seems absurd. Watching CNN, it seems like there are continuous contentious conversations regarding semantics and superficial details. In the Loop exaggerates this to a point where rivalries within the office become as significant as rivalries between nations. Under the pretence of high level meetings, cabinet ministers and their staffs are petty, pejorative, phony, and profane. As …
The Men Who Stare at Goats
The Men Who Stare at Goats is an idiotic film. Yet it is one of the most entertaining experiences that I have had at the movies in several months. There may be scenes that border upon absurdity – if not completely embracing the concept – but they suit the theme of the film. Also, is a story about a Psychic unit in the United States Army more absurd than what has actually happened in Iraq? Two U.S. Army contracts open fire on each other spontaneously, injuring a dozen Iraqis. Does this truly differ from how the war has unfolded? Massive collateral …
T.I.F.F. 2009, Part IV: Face
Face (also known as Visage for the French translation) would have significantly benefited from a Q & A session, which was cancelled because the director could not make it to Toronto. Speaking to him would have answered the two meaningful questions in the minds of audience members: “What just happened?” and “Did they ever recapture that escaped stag?” This film should not have been selected for the festival and should not have been green lit by a studio for numerous reasons. Firstly, the film wastes excellent cinematography. Close shots where characters were reflected in mirrors or windows, long fixed shots …