Showtime vs HBO Tuesday, Mar 11 2008 

TV and drama and excellent and historical soulprncs2 6:05 pm

Showtime has caught up with HBO with regards to series television.  I originally ignored their shows, thinking that no other premium cable channel could match HBO.  But with the death of the Sopranos and Sex and the City, I was in need of something else that satisfied that hunger for something more than network or even cable network programming.  Well, I had added Showtime’s’ shows to my watching list and am thoroughly impressed. 

I have, now, caught up with Weeds, Dexter and most recently the Tudors.  The Tudors have impressed me the most.  The other shows are quite interesting and push the envelope to certain extents, but the Tudors have taken history and served it up to the masses the only way television can.  This show has everything a good soap opera should, backstabbing, political intrigue, passion, mistresses, etc, but the one jewel of the show is that it is based in historical fact.  Like many have said, “No one can write anything better than reality”. 

I have only done minor research, as far as Henry VIII’s wives and children, and have some memory leftover from my History major, but so far the fact is there.  Now, one could argue that the show has rushed things, like Henry’ bastard son’s death, but one can suggest that liberty can be given for the better good.  If there wasn’t so much nudity and sex, I would suggest this series to be shown to high school students.  I am sure they would be able to understand History much better.  Alas, I think that would not be a suggestion most school districts would take up. 

I would strongly suggest that you check out these fine Showtime shows and if you are a history buff then definitely check out the Tudors.  I wonder how far this series will go.  The Tudors ruled England for over 187 years and left many great kings and queens in their path.  This is surely TV gold for many years.

 

Gone Baby Gone Sunday, Mar 2 2008 

drama and excellent and movie and thriller soulprncs2 2:01 pm

First I would like to say, BRAVO, Mr. Affleck.  Second, I would like to say that I will not be travelling to Boston, anytime soon, if those extras are an example of the residents. 

I think this movie was a good thriller and brought up an interesting question at the end.  Patrick (Casey Affleck) and his girlfriend (sorry, I can’t remember her name, but the actress was very good) are private detectives that are brought in, against the mother and police’s wishes, on a case of a missing girl.  There are lots of twist and turns and I don’t want to give too much away, because you should see the movie.  At the end Patrick is faced with the choice of doing the right thing or the legal thing.  And don’t be mistaken they are not one in the same.  When I saw the movie I thought he did the right and legal thing, but after much thought I agree with his girlfriend, and the officiers involved, that he did not do the RIGHT THING.  I strongly suggest you see this movie and make the decision for yourself. 

Ben Affleck directed this movie and did a great job.  I have to commend him on handling the subject of child molestation and death in a not in your face kind of way.  He was able to let you know what happens without having it shown to you.  I think when directors and actors stick to an area they know the story they tell is that much more powerful.  So stay in one night and see this movie, you won’t regret it. 

 

Fool’s Gold Sunday, Mar 2 2008 

but not great and comedy and movie and okay soulprncs2 1:51 pm

I am late on getting this one up, but sometimes I like to let movies marinate in my mind, before I pass judgement.  What keeps coming up when I think of this one, eh.  I am not a big no-shirt wearing Matthew McConaughey fan, so I didn’t have that to deter my focus from the script.  I do like Kate Hudson, but since Almost Famous her roles have been pretty typical.  I was bothered by the 12 yr old looking actress in skimpy clothes playing Donald Sutherland’s daughter.  It skivved me out, especially when she is spread eagle to miss a flying sword from stabbing her.  Really, can the old dirty men of Hollywood give me a break. 

Kate and Matt are a couple ready to split, because of Matt’s obsession with treasure hunting.  If you want to know all the details on the treasure that brings them back together in the end you will have to see the movie, because it was nothing new and kinda boring.  Both actors were okay, with the roles given them, to watch and it wasn’t a total snooze fest.  Again, if you have nothing better to do and just have to see a movie, this one will do, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to catch a glimpse.

 

DIRT Sunday, Mar 2 2008 

TV soulprncs2 1:44 pm

Yeah, a new season of Dirt has arrived.  Tonight on FX at 9pm (central time).  I can’t wait to see what Lucy and her pals get into now.

 

Lord of War Sunday, Mar 2 2008 

drama and movie and war soulprncs2 1:42 pm

I usually don’t go for these types of movies, especially when they are talking world politics, but this was pretty good.  Nicolas Cage plays an arms dealer who supplies some of the biggest Warlords across the world. 

I don’t remember ever seeing this movie being in theaters and I wonder why.  It was interesting, not hard to follow and is based on actual events.  There are some gruesome scenes, but nothing as bad as some horror movies out there.  I think the scenes are worst, because we know that these things are really happening across the world. 

Yuri (Nic Cage’s character) is a Russian immigrant, now an American citizen, who becomes involved in arms dealing after he witnesses his first Russian mob attack.  He believes there is more to life than his family’s restaurant and for whatever reason he chooses weapons and weapons dealing.  He brings his brother into it, who falls prey to the evils that can be found when dealing with the not so squeaky clean side of society.  The movie travels through time starting in the 80’s up to present day.  Yuri is proud that he can sell Israeli made weapons to the Palestine and, basically, war becomes his business.

Yuri ends up losing a lot because of his business, but he can’t seem to stop.  He tells his wife that it is not about the money; it is his passion.  If you have any interest in this topic, I strongly suggest you watch this movie.  There are some interesting situations that Yuri finds himself in and you will be surprised how he gets out of them.  The ending may or may not surprise you.  For me, it was a sad surprise.