Movie Reviews: The Yes Men Fix The World

Movie Reviews
PJ Richardson
A discriminating critic of rare, philosophical, taboo, experimental cinema, foreign & independent films,
not above low-brow main stream but enjoy dogme, verite, noir, art & documentaries.
The Yes Men Fix the World

You rated this movie: 5.0
If you are a bleeding heart, socialist, elitist liberal democrat, you will LOVE this movie.
If you are a starched collar protect your nest-egg proudly patriotic republican, you will
HATE this movie. If you are an ignorant bigoted, superstitious, knuckle-dragger, you
wont even watch it, so no worries. This movie does more than Borat, because it doesnt
just make fun of stupid mean shallow people. It actually inspires people to listen to their
heart, and to get involved. My favorite part, is where they juxtapose the reaction of those
who are unempathetic to the suffering of others, who propose that they can speak on their
behalf - - and then immediately follow this up with interviews of those who are doing the
suffering, to hear from them directly.
You wrote this on 2010-08-31
Brian Regan: Standing Up

Genuinely funny AND family oriented. I laughed out loud (and Im a pretty tough
audience), and was shocked at how clean his routine was.
180° South
A somewhat misleading and overly nostalgic expose of life on the road (Jack
Kerouaceque). This is a beautiful movie in many regards, but should be considered a
fiction, or else a somewhat shallow discussion of environmental issues with a single
drawn out analogy to the Easter Island statues. The characters are all mute, other than
one, and his narration was almost certainly scripted by the executive producers. Its worth
watching in the same way that a popular drama of fiction is, but do not expect any
fascinating insights into the soul of a fully exposed character, real or imaginary.
Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts

Anyone who was ever truly in love with music, passionately in love, should watch this
movie. It cannot be spoken of to those who cannot understand, and if anything, you will
be shunned for it. All freedom is but an escape, and all the things we create, are but vain
imaginations. THE GOOD: crafted by intelligent, moderately sensitive and honest film-
makers, with a generously forgiving interpretation of human nature. THE BAD: Without
stooping to a little uncomfortable scratching at the surface, most people will deliver no
more and no less than what a simple google search will show. Dont study surgery if you
cant cut a heart.
Them
NUTSHELL: This is a low budget film, not shot on home DV, mind you, but
nevertheless, cinematography and a few other details were obviously missing (probably
including needed retakes). No giant mistakes though (on set) and acting was good. The
best part of this is the story and the directing. The director has a good eye for how the
story can be woven into a suspense, and particularly in the orchestration of the slopes up
and down in emotion. It is very difficult not to feel empathy toward the typical (OMG oh
so typical) bimbo, and of course, the girly-man boyfriend who could not fight his way out
of a paper bag. THE BEST: There are deep psychological principles at work in this
movie, including some ugly truths that most people (especially adults) prefer to pretend
arent real. THE BAD: Some the sound effects are a tad on the overtly strange side, and
not likely derivative of a human mind capable of extended self-sufficient behavior. The
lighting and film quality really did suffer in multiple scenes, a bit more character
development would have been better.
CSA: Confederate States of America

THE BAD: This movie is only a teensey bit funny. If you are in a room of somewhat
shallow low-brow young men, or raucous big-mouth young ladies, you might get more
than giggles. Its just a little too predictable to be really funny. THE GOOD: I am almost
certain that this movie would do much good in this world, if you could somehow require
all the ignorant rednecks who are proud to be confederate patriots or are other-wise thinly
veiled racist republicans, to sit watch this from beginning to end. Even better, Id
recommend that every middle school, or high-school class in the entire southern US
require this as part of some literature, or political science course. THE UGLY: As boring
and predictable as this movie is for those who discovered these truths before the age of
20, it is still a scathing blast of truth that would fix many still living in denial. Thats about
as likely for a wide-spread general public in the south as a black president getting elected
without causing rednecks to regress 20 years to racial paranoia and talk of race wars.

Food, Inc.
SUMMARY: This is an important movie, but it should only be seen by bleeding heart,
tree-hugging liberals such as myself. WHY: If you have a healthy love and respect for
nature and our mother earth, and if you are not stupidly naive about the dark corrupting
influence of power, you might find yourself fighting more battles than is really healthy
(especially if you live in the Bible belt). This movie does more than wave a giant finger
of blame, it points the way to Zion, and a potentially better future. I found it very
uplifting in some ways, as an expose of heroes who have and continue to make
courageous choices. The ending was particularly warm and nice, and left me with a good
feeling about a serious and important set of issues.
Ali G Indahouse
There are some genuinely comedic scenes in this. I was born 1970, so the sound-track
ROCKS! (NWA Straight outta compton!, and even better, Planet Rock). This was a few
years before Borat. I think that Borat was funnier than this, but also had some utterly
disgusting and really immoral themes and visuals (I have yet to see Bruno).

One Day Like Rain
CAVEAT: Only made it into about the first 30 mins, then gave up THE GOOD: Decent
acting, a valiant effort for a low-budget THE BAD: Nobody appears to be smart enough
to make their character as cool as they want them to be THE UGLY: Sadly, 2 out of 3
was enough for me to give up before finding out if number 3 (the writing) was ultimately
as mediocre as 1 & 2.
Ikiru
-- RAVING: Kurosawa was (without exaggerating) decades ahead of his time. His
sensitivity to the depth and subtleties of human suffering, convenient illusions, and
cultural idols is astonishing. -- EXAMPLES: When the protagonist walks out of the
doctors office, onto the walkway, just before zooming out of the closeup, theres a few
moments of utter silence. Its that shocking twilight zone that we enter, when we are in
disbelief and all the world is turning upside down on its head. I have NEVER seen a
movie which precedes Ingmar Bergman, betray the lies of thin moralities, those sacred
delusions about the parent-child bond, and other myths that tumble next to the importance
of honor, authenticity, courage, virtue. Watch for his shock, when he sees the real man
who is his son, rather than the small child he remembers (when he tries to tell his son of
his condition). Yet, he is still the fool, as even the most noble and virtuous person can be.
-- THE DOWN SIDE: Kurosawa was mortal. I think that the caricature facial expressions
was a matter of contextualized style, from current convention. Today, they merely appear
to be over-acting. Additionally, there were many Japanese taboos that would have
shocked 1950s Japanese audiences and are giveaways from the sound-track or other
clues, but are almost imperceptible to our irreverent and western tastes now. ---MAIN
THEME (warning, read no further if you would rather gleam the theme on your own):
this is really about the purpose of life and our existence here on earth. Some imagine life
is its own purpose, in that enjoying life, hedonism, simple living, or other basic foci on
the operational business of living life, are fulfillment enough. I think the writer and
director of this film feel that regardless of your philosophy, you need to have a sense of
purpose and mission in this world, to feel a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment
when you reach the end of this life.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster

REMEMBER THIS PART: Where do you think he got them mom? YOUR BROTHER!!
~~~NEXT: Remember this part... the freak gnawing on the steak at the table, giving the
thumbs up above table, and the middle finger below the table. ~~~HOW ARE THEY
CONNECTED?: Most people prefer to imagine that what they see above the table is all
that there really is. They pretend that what is below the table doesnt exist. Yes, everybody
has lied at some point, and yes sometimes telling the truth is the easiest way out of
something. DO IT ANYWAY! Tell the truth, ask for the truth, seek the truth, live with
the truth. If you cant handle the truth, youre just a waste of flesh, a mindless goat eating
whatever is shoved in front of you.

Shotgun Stories
~~~THE GOOD: Well made. Very accurate and realistic in character development,
acting, and directing. Stays true to the way that things are in rural American culture. This
is glorious white trash whitey in all his great pride and ignorance. The film is very well
made, and stoles the virtue of blood and family and protecting yer own. ~~~THE BAD:
Not much deep truth, not much to learn here. Other than a tiny bit of violence, not much
to really make the movie all that interesting.
God on Trial
~~~THE BAD: Low budget, less than desirable soundtrack, and really not much action or
plot (this movie is almost all about dialogue and ideas). ~~~THE GOOD: Based on a
TRUE story, the TALENT in this movie is absolutely bar none the best. Beyond all the
fabulous actors, the script was really unique. If youve studied philosophy from many
different perspectives over the years, this will be interesting and refreshing. Its told from
the perspective of devout Jewish men, who were all brought up in strict observance of the
Hebrew religion. In other words, they do not cover most of the major arguments against
religion and god, typical from atheistic perspectives. Instead, they approach the whole
question from WITHIN the Jewish faith. Very interesting approach.
Red Without Blue

~~~THE GOOD: This could potentially be a really great series of insights for anyone
who has a family member or sibling undergoing sexual/gender reassignment surgery. Buy
it, or otherwise get a copy to those in your family who are having trouble dealing with it.
~~~THE BAD: It's too bad that these twins did drugs, and seemed to feel they were not
well adjusted. From my perspective, they are both solidly grounded young adults who
seem to both be headed in a positive direction in life. They mentioned doing coke at an
early age though, which is strange given their seemingly quite stable home life (despite a
distant father and mother, and their divorce) -- relative to the crack mother and incestuous
father that typically guarantees a screwed up life. ~~~CONCLUSION: This movie will
appeal to both gay and straight people who are emotionally mature, because it doesn't
resort to 'provocateur' tactics, and there is very little sexuality explored. Mostly it's about
family acceptance, being socially different (and growing up ostracized), and our basic
human needs for intimacy and emotional support.
The Proposition
~~~THE GOOD: Super smart cast, including one of my all-time favs Guy Pearce (a
genius). Every detail, every line, every moment, is an exquisite and superb display of
perfection, attention to detail, and artistic vision. The portrait of the lone fool, unable to
share his understanding of morality with the blood-thirsty mass of animals in the small
town, was captivating. The power of his devotion to the artificial world he wanted to
keep his wife in, was a reflection of some real truth that continues for many today.
~~~THE BAD; Why arent more movies of this quality made today? Why cant there be
sci-fi movies like this, regularly made? (the last sci-fi I remember of this stature, was
Solaris).
Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t!: Season 6 (2-Disc Series)

----CRITICISM: This episode is particularly childish. I can understand the need for
entertainment, but intentionally targeting an audience who needs to vent anger, is not a
socially or morally responsible strategy. Penn rants as usual, but in this episode, he is
particularly insulting and mean. He doesnt merely debunk, he actively and viciously
ridicules. ----PRAISE: Although he used alot of money, and far more time than was
needed, he did have some good points.

Hubert Selby Jr.: It'll Be Better Tomorrow
-----THE GOOD: Well made, well narrated, and fairly balanced. -----THE BAD: This is
almost a memoir and ballad to the glory and greatness of a person who certainly must
have used and hurt people during his life, as do all serious drug addicts. They just sort of
left all that stuff out, I guess to be nice since the guy died. -----FLUFF: When I saw
Requiem for a Dream (freagin bad-azz move, and even more kick azz website, based on
his book) it was late at night, BUT it was only the start of a late f-in A, I got to find out
more about this evening. There were many things about that movie, and about the
relationship of the lead male character (Harry) with my own life and my own relationship
with my mother, who has been on heavy psychotropic drugs for over 2 decades now. I
cried when I saw that movie, and I think I got it in a way that happens only when you
have been there and done that, in the heart. This man certainly did have a very unique and
esoteric knowledge, and yet, he chose to focus on his shared humanity with others,
instead of his differences. In a way, whereas he railed on the thinly veiled devaluation of
being a real feeling human creature (as in Leave it to Beavor), he also reached out to
others in the most authentic way.
Inside Deep Throat

WARNING: This documentary actually shows fellatio. Of course, there are also a few
full frontals. CRITICISM: As usual, there were no research scientists, nobody from the
Kinsey Institute, etc. Dr. Ruth and a few other popular characters appear, mostly main
stream media celebrities. As a result, the focus is strictly political correctness, changing
cultural values, freedom of speech, yada yada yada. PRAISE: One real redeeming value,
is for xxx buffs, who have a historical interest in this time period. However, for the more
liberal professor of cinema (and subdisciplines) or perhaps sexology classes, this could be
a unique view on an important turning point in both legislative and popular paradigms.
POSTSCRIPT: Quality really could have been better, considering this was released in
2005. Post-production editing was sloppy, and apparently very little attention was given
to the audio engineering. On a par with documentaries you might expect from early
1990s, rather than the digital age of sophisticated ultra-reality seeking audiences.
First Snow
PRAISE: Excellent casting, script, directing, acting. CRITICISM: Guy Pearce has
apparently starved himself into a permanent state of lethargy. Hes one very smart cookie,
no doubt, and thus will bring all the depth and authenticity of a real human being to
whatever character hes given, as long as he isnt required to be energetic or loud and
sappy. This story was a bit weak -- plot was about as complex as, well, little red riding
hood. Also, there just wasnt enough philosophical conflict, no paradox or problems to
wrestle with (other than, stop being selfish, and think of others, and maybe dont screw
people over). Id call this average. Not crap, but definitely not mind-blowing.
Private Practices: The Story of a Sex Surrogate

CONS: Very little science in this documentary. In addition, its rather old (early to mid
1980s). Certainly there is absolutely nothing erotic or visually exciting stimulation within
this flick. There were also no philosophical or other intellectually deep ideas. PROS: Is a
unique, and very interesting historical record of a practice that has not flourished
(although is has grown somewhat). Could be somewhat weird to the average person
unfamiliar with the field of sexology. CRITIQUE: Personally, I am fairly well educated
in human psychology, and up until the year 2001 I was concentrating on and doing a lot
of research on human sexuality, human sexual diseases, and sexology proper, including
some sociological and anthropological work (but still, with primary focus on
psychological and physiological). Anyhow, this documentary makes painfully obvious
the problems of trying to do open heart surgery without any patient suffering. This should
be a last resort for most cultural niches, and only for the most dire cases, where other
therapies fail first. I saw quite a bit of harm (and in a few situations, no real benefit) being
done to both the surrogate and the patient. Most conspicuously missing (from the
perspective of film theory and best practices) was the absence of interviews of the leading
academics, SMEs, or any well known researchers in sexology. All interviews were either
the surrogate or the patient (or them talking with others, off-screen). The surrogate was a
semi-articulate person, with obvious issues of her own.
Bigger, Stronger, Faster

REMEMBER THIS PART: Where do you think he got them mom? YOUR BROTHER!!
~~~NEXT: Remember this part... the freak gnawing on the steak at the table, giving the
thumbs up above table, and the middle finger below the table. ~~~HOW ARE THEY
CONNECTED?: Most people prefer to imagine that what they see above the table is all
that there really is. They pretend that what is below the table doesnt exist. Yes, everybody
has lied at some point, and yes sometimes telling the truth is the easiest way out of
something. DO IT ANYWAY! Tell the truth, ask for the truth, seek the truth, live with
the truth. If you cant handle the truth, youre just a waste of flesh, a mindless goat eating
whatever is shoved in front of you.
Shotgun Stories
~~~THE GOOD: Well made. Very accurate and realistic in character development,
acting, and directing. Stays true to the way that things are in rural American culture. This
is glorious white trash whitey in all his great pride and ignorance. The film is very well
made, and stoles the virtue of blood and family and protecting yer own. ~~~THE BAD:
Not much deep truth, not much to learn here. Other than a tiny bit of violence, not much
to really make the movie all that interesting.
God on Trial
~~~THE BAD: Low budget, less than desirable soundtrack, and really not much action or
plot (this movie is almost all about dialogue and ideas). ~~~THE GOOD: Based on a
TRUE story, the TALENT in this movie is absolutely bar none the best. Beyond all the
fabulous actors, the script was really unique. If youve studied philosophy from many
different perspectives over the years, this will be interesting and refreshing. Its told from
the perspective of devout Jewish men, who were all brought up in strict observance of the
Hebrew religion. In other words, they do not cover most of the major arguments against
religion and god, typical from atheistic perspectives. Instead, they approach the whole
question from WITHIN the Jewish faith. Very interesting approach.
Red Without Blue

~~~THE GOOD: This could potentially be a really great series of insights for anyone
who has a family member or sibling undergoing sexual/gender reassignment surgery. Buy
it, or otherwise get a copy to those in your family who are having trouble dealing with it.
~~~THE BAD: It's too bad that these twins did drugs, and seemed to feel they were not
well adjusted. From my perspective, they are both solidly grounded young adults who
seem to both be headed in a positive direction in life. They mentioned doing coke at an
early age though, which is strange given their seemingly quite stable home life (despite a
distant father and mother, and their divorce) -- relative to the crack mother and incestuous
father that typically guarantees a screwed up life. ~~~CONCLUSION: This movie will
appeal to both gay and straight people who are emotionally mature, because it doesn't
resort to 'provocateur' tactics, and there is very little sexuality explored. Mostly it's about
family acceptance, being socially different (and growing up ostracized), and our basic
human needs for intimacy and emotional support.

The Proposition
~~~THE GOOD: Super smart cast, including one of my all-time favs Guy Pearce (a
genius). Every detail, every line, every moment, is an exquisite and superb display of
perfection, attention to detail, and artistic vision. The portrait of the lone fool, unable to
share his understanding of morality with the blood-thirsty mass of animals in the small
town, was captivating. The power of his devotion to the artificial world he wanted to
keep his wife in, was a reflection of some real truth that continues for many today.
~~~THE BAD; Why arent more movies of this quality made today? Why cant there be
sci-fi movies like this, regularly made? (the last sci-fi I remember of this stature, was
Solaris).
Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t!: Season 6 (2-Disc Series)

----CRITICISM: This episode is particularly childish. I can understand the need for
entertainment, but intentionally targeting an audience who needs to vent anger, is not a
socially or morally responsible strategy. Penn rants as usual, but in this episode, he is
particularly insulting and mean. He doesnt merely debunk, he actively and viciously
ridicules. ----PRAISE: Although he used alot of money, and far more time than was
needed, he did have some good points.

Hubert Selby Jr.: It'll Be Better Tomorrow
-----THE GOOD: Well made, well narrated, and fairly balanced. -----THE BAD: This is
almost a memoir and ballad to the glory and greatness of a person who certainly must
have used and hurt people during his life, as do all serious drug addicts. They just sort of
left all that stuff out, I guess to be nice since the guy died. -----FLUFF: When I saw
Requiem for a Dream (freagin bad-azz move, and even more kick azz website, based on
his book) it was late at night, BUT it was only the start of a late f-in A, I got to find out
more about this evening. There were many things about that movie, and about the
relationship of the lead male character (Harry) with my own life and my own relationship
with my mother, who has been on heavy psychotropic drugs for over 2 decades now. I
cried when I saw that movie, and I think I got it in a way that happens only when you
have been there and done that, in the heart. This man certainly did have a very unique and
esoteric knowledge, and yet, he chose to focus on his shared humanity with others,
instead of his differences. In a way, whereas he railed on the thinly veiled devaluation of
being a real feeling human creature (as in Leave it to Beavor), he also reached out to
others in the most authentic way.
Inside Deep Throat

WARNING: This documentary actually shows fellatio. Of course, there are also a few
full frontals. CRITICISM: As usual, there were no research scientists, nobody from the
Kinsey Institute, etc. Dr. Ruth and a few other popular characters appear, mostly main
stream media celebrities. As a result, the focus is strictly political correctness, changing
cultural values, freedom of speech, yada yada yada. PRAISE: One real redeeming value,
is for xxx buffs, who have a historical interest in this time period. However, for the more
liberal professor of cinema (and subdisciplines) or perhaps sexology classes, this could be
a unique view on an important turning point in both legislative and popular paradigms.
POSTSCRIPT: Quality really could have been better, considering this was released in
2005. Post-production editing was sloppy, and apparently very little attention was given
to the audio engineering. On a par with documentaries you might expect from early
1990s, rather than the digital age of sophisticated ultra-reality seeking audiences.
First Snow
PRAISE: Excellent casting, script, directing, acting. CRITICISM: Guy Pearce has
apparently starved himself into a permanent state of lethargy. Hes one very smart cookie,
no doubt, and thus will bring all the depth and authenticity of a real human being to
whatever character hes given, as long as he isnt required to be energetic or loud and
sappy. This story was a bit weak -- plot was about as complex as, well, little red riding
hood. Also, there just wasnt enough philosophical conflict, no paradox or problems to
wrestle with (other than, stop being selfish, and think of others, and maybe dont screw
people over). Id call this average. Not crap, but definitely not mind-blowing.

Private Practices: The Story of a Sex Surrogate
CONS: Very little science in this documentary. In addition, its rather old (early to mid
1980s). Certainly there is absolutely nothing erotic or visually exciting stimulation within
this flick. There were also no philosophical or other intellectually deep ideas. PROS: Is a
unique, and very interesting historical record of a practice that has not flourished
(although is has grown somewhat). Could be somewhat weird to the average person
unfamiliar with the field of sexology. CRITIQUE: Personally, I am fairly well educated
in human psychology, and up until the year 2001 I was concentrating on and doing a lot
of research on human sexuality, human sexual diseases, and sexology proper, including
some sociological and anthropological work (but still, with primary focus on
psychological and physiological). Anyhow, this documentary makes painfully obvious
the problems of trying to do open heart surgery without any patient suffering. This should
be a last resort for most cultural niches, and only for the most dire cases, where other
therapies fail first. I saw quite a bit of harm (and in a few situations, no real benefit) being
done to both the surrogate and the patient. Most conspicuously missing (from the
perspective of film theory and best practices) was the absence of interviews of the leading
academics, SMEs, or any well known researchers in sexology. All interviews were either
the surrogate or the patient (or them talking with others, off-screen). The surrogate was a
semi-articulate person, with obvious issues of her own.

The Mutant Chronicles
I think if I was not sleepy, and if I was stoned out of my mind or drunk, and if I was like,
somehow had absolutely nothing else to do in the world (so that this wouldnt have been a
huge waste of my time), then, just maybe I would have given it 3 stars. But Im me. It
sucked. Too many stupid people involved apparently. Flying ships of iron and steel, with
giant mechanical controls (rather than touch sensitive, or better yet, psychometrically
controlled), and running on the power of COAL??? Good god.
Visioneers
Finally, someone wrote a lighthearted version of 1984. First, please recall that 50% of
ALL people are BELOW average intelligence. If you dont consider yourself waaaayyyy
ABOVE average intelligence (near genius) then dont you dare write a review of a movie
you cannot in all likelihood understand you freaking idiot! Sheessh. If you are actually
super-smart, but are still stupidly naive (like, you won the lottery more than once in your
life, and stay high 24/7?), then you are excused. I got a few giggles, but mostly I got
some great literary ideas. What else? It felt like a giant pat on the back to all the cynics
and near geniuses who have wasted their lives (like me) in totally meaningless pursuits. It
was better than a pat on the back. It was a revelation of company in misery to those who
have felt oh so alone sinking in a sea of professional distance and office-speak. I may not
ever regain my soul, but at least Im not the only one. LOL. Ok, yeah. It was a tad boring.
But you gotta give it up for the creativity displayed (after you watch it, remember this
point) in how viciously accurate and yet grotesquely exposed the flaws of society are
when mocked by the philosopher who wrote the script.

Severed Ways: The Norse Discovery of America
There are many aspects of the 'vision' of this story, which are quite obviously from the
mind of a teenage boy who never grew up. But there are also some truths that come forth
with remarkable exposure, considering their more usual subtle and imperceptible nature.
These concern the flawed and shallow barriers cultures construct which create fierce
conflict when they come in contact with each other for the first time. Secondary themes
relate to the even deeper common humanity shared between cultures and ethnicities, both
good and evil.
Deliver Us from Evil

Catholics are smarter, better educated, and certainly more sophisticated and civilized than
the snake-handling in-bred rednecks of the bible-belt. Does that make them any less
likely to be evil? nope. Just like the hillbillies in pickup trucks sportin rebel flags and
nitrous injection, these over-grown sissies and their ceaseless golf-obsessing soccor
moms are just as driven towards the science and logic killing crack pipe of religion as the
neanderthals.

What Would Jesus Buy?
This movie is somewhere between Elmer Gantry and The Apostle A psychologist or
cultural anthropologist should study this preacher. Id like to try and get inside his mind,
to all the places he wont go. He seems really nice, but not at all boring, and probably a
blast! CRITIQUE: It is perhaps the strangest movie that I have seen in the last year or so.
Ive yet to meet anyone and know them very well, who was truly like this. The weirdest
part is that Reverend Billy Bob is sincere and a true believer He is simultaneously a
performance artist, a mental case, and a sincere Christian. I spent most of the movie
alternating between chuckles and one raised eyebrow And yet, there were actually a few
statements which rang loud, important, and true. IMPORTANT IDEAS: There are fewer
public places and sidewalks in America Most places are either commercial or private now
So you are either shopping or trespassing Shopocalypse is coming!! Can I get a
changealooya!! Are you people or are you sheeple!?! In some countries, it is illegal to
advertise to children under 12 yrs old In the USA we spend billions advertising to
children under 12 every year until age 8 children dont know the difference between
advertisements and entertainment
Joe Rogan: Live

DRUGS: The last star I gave on this was a close call. Its unfortunate that Joe Rogan
apparently abuses marijuana too often, because I think it affects his performance a little,
and definitely his judgment of public perceptions. Like alcohol, moderation is always
good for brain cells.
Welcome to Macintosh
Horrible audio on some of the interviews, which notably did not include Woz or Jobs
(WFT?). After watching a few documentaries recently on Linux, OpenSource, GPL, there
is a really huge contrast here. The Linux people were mostly hackers, academic types,
and nerdier. But that is not what seemed to stand out most here. The slobbering gooey
praise that most of the people in both movies had was similar, including some crazies,
and some more sane. But the mac people focused mostly on the personalities, and their
dislike for PC people, with just a few mentions of aesthetics. The Linux people spend
significantly more time talking about values, virtues, and philosophy. The mac people
seemed (relative to Linux people) to be more in love with the company and products, and
the Linux people seem to be more in love with abstract notions of freedom, social-
responsibility, and communal good-will.

The Wackness
Had some redeeming qualities, such as: 1. a really good soundtrack 2. Ben Kingsley Also
had some weaknesses: 1. Horrible timing by the lead actor, and others as well (were they
stoned?) 2. Poor scene transition 3. Weak overall story Cool stuff: my wife is STILL
trying to get me to get rid of all my cassettes, I think Ive got hundreds. Most are rap
going back to the early eighties. And Im a white dude too. WTF.
Revolution OS
Watch The Code instead. Its completely available on Google video. Even though the
Code is maybe 10% in un-subtitled non-English languages, its a better movie in some
regards. The ending on this one sucked. See also the criticism of this movie (Revolution
OS) on Wikipedia. People unfamiliar with the GNU GPL, GetLeft the Open Source
definition, and with the differences between the OpenSource Movement and Free
Software Foundation may get confused. Linux enthusiasts and some others may like this
movie just because of the interviews, seeing people speaking whom you have read and
heard of in conversations for so many years. Like seeing a legendary figure come to life.

Smart People
somewhere between The Mirror Has Two Faces and A Beautiful Mind. Is far less
flattering than Wonder Boys, but has some funny parts, beyond the silly waddle of the
professor: (1) About half-way, the meeting with the publisher (quoting): at first, I thought
it was the driest piece of sh^t Id ever read *what?!* til I got to the 3rd section where
noticed a certain marketable tone.. the surly smarter than thou a^s-hole tone. People love
to hate books like this. NPR will attack the book immediately and before you know it
youll be defending yourself on Charlie Rose. *Thats not the point of the book?!* (2) a
few other more poignant scenes, such as: the lotus is about the possibility of
oblivion..singing, lets them imagine their way out of misery..since they cant go home,
they sing of home (and go there -the promised land, whatever, mentally)
American Experience: Jonestown: The Life and Death

of Peoples Temple
what happens after you get to the absolute limit of "I can't take this crap anymore!!" from
all the idiot morons who can't get honest about the nature of "what we can and cannot
KNOW for sure". There's no really good reason to think you can KNOW for sure what
sort of life may or may not exist on some other planet, and even less about other
"dimensions". How the heck you gonna tell me you KNOW what happens after you die?
oh how people love to "feel better" when someone claims to KNOW things. You can
almost even begin to think that you KNOW things too, even things which nobody can
really know, and certainly cannot prove in any materially physical way
Edmond
David Mamet rocks the house. This madness is far more interior than Michael Douglass
in "Falling Down". Instead of light hearted situational comedy, we fall down beneath the
regular everyday world into every possible "what if" taken to the extreme.
Very Young Girls

This is a sad mirror of some American men and women, and of human nature. Any parent
living in an urban environment with children needs to be aware of this. A few words cant
reverse intense training. A therapeutic psychological system or theoretical reform
program, will not erase years of early life mental programming and emotional
conditioning. Problems that seem intractable, should not be abandoned though. That is
one step away from euthanasia ideologically. Sometimes the solution is not a fix to the
problem at all, but rather, a treatment for the symptoms, and a humane approach to
management of the problem. Care (and its funding) need not be predicated on repair or
high recovery rates. It can be justified by even small decreases in the suffering of others.
It may include as little as mere empathy, a hug, listening, and individual attention.
Clearly, that kind of care is not a science at all, but a matter of the heart.
The Happening
I am a HUGE fan of M. Night Shyamalan. With that said, I think it was a HUGE mistake
casting Walberg and Deschanel in the lead roles for this. Walberg is passionate and
intense, but that cannot make up for lack of deep insight and intelligence. Deschanel is
authentically weird and quirky in real life, SO WHAT!!? That is perhaps at times helpful
in sci-fi flicks, but good god man, wake up, the ship's sinking and every movie she stars
in just doesn't get past my "BS" meter in realism. I need to be emersed. Her stupid "like
me because I'm not scared to be different" and Walberg's occasional over-acting made
this more like a book reading than 'participant observation' in context. Everything else
I've ever seen by Shyamalan is truly gifted for one reason or another (because hey, the
dude is smart, and gives a crap about stuff --- other than just money!)

Into the Wild
Enough truth to make the lies forgivable. Will appeal most to those who experienced
similar subjective (interior) reactions to their own origins, and eventually toward society
at large --- that is, a sense of alienation, a desire to shed the residue of cultural
oppressions, and an acute awareness of charades which grows into an irrepressible lack of
willingness to "go along" with them.
The Last Winter

Un-freagin-believable! About half-way, I was thinking, heck, even if it bombs by the end,
at least its funny as heck in the portrait of the testosterone mentality ---- But wow, did
this ever deliver! Not only does it raise awareness of an important issue, but the acting,
directing and script werent bad either! Totally LOVED the exquisitely realistic glimpses
of low-brow big-mouth hot-head leadership by intimidation, and how the crowd just
follows like equally mindless sheep. Also, serves up a delightfully laughable (and
frequent) example argument of the type: God wants Oil for his chosen people, NOT more
useless science from those egg-heads!

The Nines
You could spend hours -- if you had the right kind of friend(s) - discussing, interpreting,
and re-absorbing the meanings of this movie. I especially like that somebody had the
courage to give the middle-finger to the guys on the top floor! I read the book Candide
(Voltaire) years ago, and Liebniz as well (Candide is a pun on his best of all possible
worlds idea). Theres much more here than just that -- no, that is not all there is.
No End in Sight
The oil ministry was the only major facility protected by the U.S. Military. None of the
sites on ORHAs list were protected. Paul Bremers decisions: 1. Stopping the formation of
an interim Iraqi government 2. De-Ba athification 3. Disbanding the Iraqi Military The
first survey, by the Johns Hopkins Universitys Bloomberg School of Public Health,
extrapolated from interviews with 2,000 households, estimated that between 393,000 and
943,000 excess deaths had occurred from March 2003 to June 2006, with the median
figure being 655,000. Excess deaths referred to the number that would not have occurred
if the mortality rate had remained at the pre-2003 levels. Peered-reviewed and published
by the Lancet medical journal, the study concluded that American military operations and
other violence had caused the bulk of the extra fatalities. More than 30 months has
elapsed since the period assessed by the two studies. ... Based on the results of previous
studies, a new, well-resourced cluster sample survey including interviews in previously
inaccessible areas and among the refugee population would in all likelihood arrive at the
conclusion that the illegal US invasion and occupation of Iraq has cost well over one
million Iraqi lives during the past six years. The US occupation is responsible for the
death, displacement or disappearance of between 4 and 5 million Iraqis. Google
justforeignpolicy and iraq
Under Suspicion
There lurks an essay, and a walk into the darkness here. Hackman's character wanted to
possess his wife. There was a resistance to the very end to reveal the truth, and in fact, it
never was revealed. Was his love for a person (his wife) or was it for something in his
mind only. We all at some point come to imagine a special magic about some particular
memory we cherish, even when all external signs and fact point to the death of whatever
it was in the past. Here's the core mystery... why does he confess, when he is innocent? Is
martydom his only defense against self-hatred? Is his petty revenge for her cold
withdrawal, and claims that she is persecuting him, the true driver that pushes him into
that last false charade?

Movie Reviews: The Yes Men Fix The World

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Movie Reviews

The Yes Men Fix the World

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