Brooklynne and I have decided to get netflix and cancel our cable, since most of the shows we ever watch are on network TV, and we figured that without good cable programing, we could be spending less money on stuff that's worth our time and (since we're prisoners in our own home most nights after 9pm) potentially date-like. So, we've watched a few movies recently and I'm going to give a few quick reviews here as an homage to Possum Holler.

Transformers the Movie: B- (Brooklynne's rating F-)
In anticipation of the new live-action Transformers movie due out on the 4th of July, I talked Brooklynne into watching this one with me. I had heard that several of the main characters bit the dust, but I didn't realize the scale of the house cleaning, apparently aimed at introducing a entire new line of characters that Kids would now have to buy. The movie was lame, but nostalgic. This would have been a C except for one of the best 1980's hair band soundtracks, featuring a a nice surprise in the way of one song by Weird Al.

Babel: B+ (Brooklynne's rating B)

A movie about communication gone awry. The point is well taken, even if most of the communication problems closely follow astounding lapses in good judgement. The movie gets special points for several instances of highly nuanced cultural misunderstanding--like when a confused native of rural Morraco does not immediately drop a knife when told by police to drop his weapon, apparently not understanding that such a tool would be considered threatening. In the end, this film does not as offer as much redemption as Hotel Rwanda or Crash, but is not as bleak as Lord of War, Constant Gardener, Syriana, or other movies in the "artsy-cross-cultural-social-commentary-packaged-as-typical-hollywood-drama" genera.

Happy Feet: F (Brooklynne's rating D... I watched the whole thing and was VERY disappointed!)

Did not get past the first 20 minutes of idiocy.

Cars: B (Brooklynne's rating A)

Mildly entertaining. Not good enough to keep me awake.

Who the *&%#@$* is Jackson Pollock: A- (Brooklynne's rating B)

I enjoyed this movie if for no other reason than I feel like most of America is run like the art world portrayed here. I greatly identified with the lady (can't remember her name), although I wouldn't pay to hang that thing in my house, even if I had the money. The irony is that without a highly exclusive art world to validate him as a master, Pollock's work would be worth little more than paint he used to make it (All art philosophers feel free to comment).

Holiday: B (Brooklynne's rating C+... I needed more closure)

Unlike most males my age, I do not have a natural aversion to chic flicks, as long as they are not overwelmingly emotional and sappy. This is a true feel-good chic flick that reminds me of how we all need good people to pick us up from time to time.