Pretentious Movies...
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Today I went to see Steven Soderberg's latest movie, "Full Frontal". The movie was one of those experimental types. Supposedly an "unofficial" sequel to his 80's arthouse "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" which I actually enjoyed a lot. I did not, however like Erin Brokovich or Traffic, so I don't know. Ocean's Eleven was great, but it was more the script and the subject matter that was great. Once again, Soderberg used the same weird lighting, and this time he used a lot of camcorder looking shots. The grossest parts of the movie involved David Duchovny. Really gross... think a bad erection during a massage combined with the lead singer of INXS... yes, that's right, autoerotic asphyxiation.

I did enjoy the blending of the story with the movie-making details. And it showed Julia Roberts to be a real bitch, who some say is what she's like in real life. But like the stupid split screen movie, Time something or other a few years ago, it tried to be TOO artsy, and then it just became TO-like pretentiousness. I bet CNTV students will love this one... blah... I guess there has to be something for everyone... he does make some good dialogue... its good writing, just don't know if I'd want to watch it over and over again.

Call me Crazy...
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Despite Sophia Coppola being a weakness, I think I actually like Godfather III more than I liked Godfather II. Actually, correction, I love the story line about Vito's youth and his rising to become Don, but I don't like the whole Hyman Roth storyline. It makes Michael seem way to evil. Vito was a cool ruthless, he did what was necessary. Michael on the otherhand becomes a cold-hearted person, unlike the cool Don that he was in the end of the first. I guess the second part in a trilogy always has to be dark.

Another thing I noticed, in both I and II, there are two Jewish antagonists - Moe Green and Hyman Roth. Was Puzo an anti-semite? Who knows? No use trampling a man's grave, but you gotta wonder.

Also, college football season began this weekend. While sadly, the Bulldogs lost to Wisconsin, the Iowa State-FSU game came down to the very last play. The cyclones were within inches of tying the game, being down by 7. But Seneca Williams' option run was stuffed just short of the goalline. Great way for the season to start! I can't wait for Sept. 2. Go Trojans!