Gone with the Wind

Over 80 years ago a movie was made that has sold more tickets than any other movie made since. Never mind about box office totals. The only way to really compare movies is with butts in the the seats - tickets sold. Box office is a function of ticket prices as much as anything. Yes, the suits in Hollywood are more concerned with the bottom line, and that is their job - forgive them.

Margaret Mitchell wrote a novel which won a Pulitzer Price in 1936. It is still a must-read for serious students of U.S. history during the 1830s. David Selznick, a Hollywood legendary insider, purchased the movie rights for $50,000 - a colossal amount at that time. With this he produced a masterpiece.

Now, books have been written about this movie and I intend to say nothing new. So, if you have seen it before, watch it again with someone who has not - IF you can find one. If you have not seen this movie, put away your 3D glasses, and your surround sound, and your CG-centric expectations. Brace yourself for world-class storytelling and Oscar-winning acting. Make some popcorn and learn some new words like overture, entr'acte, and intermission. This is old school movie making that stands the test of time.

Watch it with someone who does not realize how much they manipulate others.

Green Zone

What really happened in the months leading up to the US war on Iraq? Surely there are a few who know. Maybe they were consulted on the story feasibility of this movie, maybe they weren't. Either way it's great fiction or shocking history. Most likely it's somewhere between?

Matt Damon plays an army Chief Warrant Officer who is suspicious about why his teams keeps coming up "donuts" on WMD sites around Baghdad. When he starts asking questions he gets help from the CIA in the form of Brendan Gleeson and a Wall Street Journal reporter in the form of Amy Ryan. They are all three pitted against Greg Kinnear is one of his best "bad guy" roles ever.

This movie has the stress and feel of "Hurt Locker" without as much intensity. There is plenty of action however. Damon's character never sits still.

This movie may be construed by some as anti-war. It may earn that. However, it is NOT disrespectful those who faithfully serve duty's call. Nor do I believe it belittles the people of Iraq.

Watch this movie with someone who still celebrates the now infamous May 1, 2003 "Mission Accomplished" speech and encourage them to point out factual flaws with the story.