No Movies for Middle America

Just got this interested letter to the editor from movie fan Ted Beckett:

I did not not go to see "No Country for Old Men" because it won the Best Picture Oscar: I went because I believed reviewer Brandon Fibbs knew what he was talking about when he rated it A+, "...a flawless film," etc.

Indeed, it is a brilliantly shot movie that accurately depicts a fascinating period of Texas history half a century ago. Unfortunately, what would have been a great film was ruined by its fascination with a homicidal maniac (Javier Bardem) who went around shooting people with a souped-up air gun. My wife had to get up halfway through the 14th senseless murder to go to another movie to protect her sanity. She did well, as there were 23 more brutal killings to follow.

After wading through all the carnage, the pointless ending left me wanting to locate an air gun and go hunting the producers.

For the Academy to give this 2007 version of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" the Best Picture award shows the depth of depravity the group represents. From now on, please show the A+ move rating with an asterisk.

Ted Beckett


You know, I'm a Coen bothers fan, but after that slice of brutality that was "There Will be Blood," I'm a bit gun shy on this one. And I think Beckett does represent much of the middle American audience, which longs for movies that are at least partially pleasant. So far "Juno," "Michael Clayton" and the last Bourne film are my favorites of the year.

There Will Be Popcorn

So, I served my time Friday. I lost that Oscar duel with Kimball, and so I worked at his theater for a few hours. It actually was kinda fun. The girls working there taught me how to work the register, how to open the popcorn bags, how to evenly distribute the butter and how hard it is to sweep popcorn on carpet.

Afterward, I sneaked into "There Will Be Blood," and I was disappointed.

I got what Brandon loved about it. The opening, especially, had this cool, desperate "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" feel about it. The cinematography is amazing. Daniel Day Lewis is amazing, as always.

But the ending left me cold. As I told Brandon, I don't mind having my face shoved in a bit of mud and oil, but I'd like to have some of it rinsed off with a few drops of redemption.

What an ugly piece of work that film is.

Now, I'm really hesitant to see "No Country for Old Men."