The Departed

I have not seen the movie yet. I am however, a big fan of Martin's as well as the ensemble cast that assembled for the film. It is not often that you get a group with chops like this together and get them to perform at this level. I had also forgotten how often Martin and Leo had worked together in the past: Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, and the upcoming movie on Teddy Roosevelt.

It is usually like a bunch of NBA all starts competing together. There just is not enough ball to go around for these guys so it turns into a big one upsmanship contest dripping in ego.

I just purchased the wide screen edition and am looking forward to a screening this weekend. I briefly toyed with the idea of trying to view most of the nominated films before the Oscars and wasn't sure if I would even like them. I tend to prefer movies to films, getting my intellectual candy from print rather than cinema.

James Bond - Casino Royal

I liked Pierce Brosnan. When the Broccoli family decided to pass on him for the next film and go with a blue eyed blond relative unknown, I am the first to admit disappointment. However, with that said I was surprised how much I liked the new direction they are taking the franchise and how great Daniel Craig was in the role. In some ways it is a coming of age film about Bond and how he developed his detached style.

Rocky Balboa

Good movie, a few thoughts,

This is a bookend movie as one reviewer would put it. Thematically similar to the first movie with the go the distance story line. He knocks the champ down once, goes all 10 rounds and leaves with the respect of himself and his son.

The new love interest "Marie" is very believable with good chemistry with Stallone. Simple like Adrienne but with some depth.

Take away lines:

• What's in your basement (Fire in the Belly)
• Fighters fight
• It is how hard of a punch you can take and still keep moving forward

Pauly when asked at the restaurant if he had a reservation said he "wasn't no Indian."