Beltmann

That is exactly what I wanted to hear.

I suppose so, but not as a concerted effort. I just stumble upon things. I do subscribe to quite a few publications like Sight & Sound and Film Comment, though, which means I read a lot about movies that I both have and haven't seen. It's the best way to learn about films that might be worth my time but aren't getting any kind of mainstream press. The only reason I haven't seen Cloverfield yet is because I haven't found the time. I was hoping to see it this weekend, but I only have time for one and that one must be There Will Be Blood.

Here's a review that briefly argues that the lousy characterizations actually enhance the movie:

This is an intriguing read: Andrew Sullivan's endorsement of Obama in Atlantic Monthly

I haven't seen Cloverfield yet, but I'm looking forward to it. Thought it might be fun to share an email sent to me today by a friend of mine who did not enjoy the movie:

I'm confused. Are you against the U.S. president defending law-abiding American citizens against persecution from fellow citizens who act according to fear, bigotry, and lawlessness? Or perhaps you do not consider maltreatment and discrimination to be "ugly" actions in the first place? Seems to me, if the political winds shift towards a tolerance of ignorant harassment, I'd like my president to stand up for common decency. I can't see how Obama's statement is even remotely controversial.

I have encountered plenty of people who fear Obama not for his policies but because they (wrongly) believe he is a Muslim. These people clearly do place religion ahead of common policy. I don't much care whether voters are concerned about a candidate's religion--that's entirely their right--but they should at least be aware of the facts.

I'm sure most people here have received one of the chain emails claiming Obama is a Muslim or jihadist. I keep getting them, and they usually have been forwarded to me by the right-wing nutjobs in my own family. I'm fed up, and not just because I support Obama. Tonight I "replied to all" with the following: The last paragraph was lifted from Obama's website. Feel free to steal this and use it to combat the crazies in your own family. Okay, venting over.

I liked Atonement plenty, but it's great in rather conventional ways... No Country's easily the greater achievement. Still, I can't get worked up about winners or losers, because I can't bring myself to view award shows as a reasonable way to discuss quality in cinema. I'm usually happy for the winning individuals--good for them!--and indifferent to everything else. After all, nobody remembers the awards, while historians and critics usually remember the movies that deserve to be remembered.

Trying to amass a large quantity of frequent flyer miles?

I need to see that. Sounds perfect for a double bill with American Blackout.

I'm still stunned. When I woke up this morning, I half expected it to be Sunday morning and it had all been a nightmare. But the Giants clearly outplayed us and deserve kudos. And I'll be rooting for them in the Super Bowl.

Both statements were justified, in my opinion. Obama rightly pointed out that Bill was intentionally mischaracterizing his comments, and rightly pointed out that Reagan changed the mood of the nation in a way that Nixon and Clinton did not. (There was no implication that Obama was overall pleased with Reagan's influence; he only meant to show that a president could, indeed, affect the mood of a nation--which is one of the cornerstones of Obama's own campaign.) If anything, Nevada showed me that the Clinton machine is as self-serving as ever. Plus, it's worth noting that while Clinton won

Probably about 65 miles (I live about 30 minutes north of Milwaukee). Strangely, I've never been to Alpine Valley.

My wife and I lived in Green Bay during the 1996 season, which, as lifelong Packers fans, was a glorious experience. (We moved just a few weeks after the Super Bowl.) This season, though, has been nearly as good--if only because this year's success was so damn unexpected. Anyway, we're hosting a little Packers event here, so I'm off to mop the kitchen floor.

I like irony, so I'm planning to donate it all to John Edwards' campaign.

Exactly. To distributors, those of us who don't live in the big city are considered second-class consumers of art. I dunno. I'm a fan but no Dylan expert, so I'm sure some of the allusions went over my head--I imagine a more hardcore fan would have much more fun unpacking the clues and puzzle pieces than I did--but it didn't matter. As I mentioned to Lou a while back, I don't think a viewer needs to be familiar with Dylan's history to see what Haynes is up to. In fact, a lack of knowledge might even help, because it seems that many Dylan fans are so preoccupied with their preconceptions a

Plus, I assume these types of quizzes weigh every issue equally, which isn't an accurate reflection of our political leanings.

I'm a sucker for Ken Loach movies.

When I was a kid I thought Bob Dylan was a joke, but Mister Mister was awesome. Still, that's not really an example of changing taste--it's more an example of having no taste at all.

My percentages were slightly different, but that is my Top 6, too, in the same order.

Side Street / Anthony Mann / 1950 I have a thing for Anthony Mann movies.

So, tell us, was Elton John worth the beat-down?