Holllywood apparently took an extended summer vacation. The only movies I caught at the cinema this summer season were children's. Some good. Some not so good. But Grace was happy. However, I was not in the sense that I missed that annual ritual of cooling off in a theater and escaping onto the big screen. Finally, at summer's end, celluloid producers–or is it digital vs celluloid now? Errr…–ante-d up. Thank you. 'Bout time. I got my fix and want to head back to catch Blue Jasmine, promised to be Woody Allen's best in a long time. (Also about time, I hear.)
First: I loved Jobs, the movie chronicling Apple computer's guru-birth parent Steve Jobs. I'm not so sure that everyone else out there shares my love for the flick, however. Can't recall the last time I saw so many (maybe four–two couples–walk out of the theater during a film). If you don't like, aren't interested in these things, then, don't go: the history of the devices we use everyday (whether you use Windows operating systems or the sexy Apple). (I still use Windows OS but my iphone and my iPAD finally made a believer out of me. Yeah, I'm a late comer. Very. Very. Late.) Apple is genius. Oh. Where was I? If you like/have interest in: culture, fashion (hair, clothing, cars) styles; how it went down for Apple and how it often goes down in big business. (Hint: not pretty.) Music. History. Spirituality. I think this is a good movie. Ashton Kucher? Oh, beat out the sugar selection at the concession counter. Serious eye candy. Those eyes! He will be nominated for his role as Jobs. I couldn't imagine not wanting to see this movie (if not in the theater) if you are interested in the technological revolution that has morphed recent history. Thumbs up!
The Butler. Oh. I'm not sure what to say. And I sure as heck don't want to say anything to discourage anyone from seeing it who wants to go. It is another commentary on history. A brilliant one. Along with the brilliance of acting by a number of super star actors, not the least of which is Oprah, of course. She'll get an award for this role. Her performance, and everyone elses' was stunning. Be sure to take hankies. One for the theater and one for when you leave. I gushed on the way back to my car. I'll give you a hint. If you don't like Oprah picks, the meaty, discomforting, quality books she recommends, you probably won't like this. This is a very uncomfortable and very important movie. And I wish (how vain to wish) that 1926 to 2008 and 2008 to 2013 looked different than it really does. Bravo, Oprah. (This was another movie where a few people left. The Butler is not a celluloid picnic. Or, should I say digital picnic?
And, by the way, if you can't find it in your local theater listings, as I missed it twice, look for "Lee Daniel's The Butler."
