What Movie Did You Just Watch? - Shh! It's Starting!

[UmbrellaFish]

Just catching a bit of Adam's Rib on TCM, watching Jean Hagen's character's testimony. I forgot how much I love that lady. I haven't seen enough of her work. And of course, there's the great Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy (who I swear to God they based Carl from Up on).

Wait, what? Jean Hagen? You mean Judy Holliday, right? I assume you're a big Singin' in the Rain fan, in which Jean Hagen impersonated Judy Holliday for the role of Lina Lamont. That role was originally written for Judy Holliday, but she was busy doing Born Yesterday, so they had Jean Hagen (her understudy) impersonate her.

Also, I think I remember reading an article in which the creators of Up stated the Guess Who's Coming to Dinner-Spencer Tracy as one of the inspirations for Carl's design.

No, I mean Jean Hagen. She plays the mistress in the film.

FYI I'm not a big Singin' in the Rain fan, it's pretty good, but that whole fantasy dance sequence with Gene Kelly is a bit overdone for me.

[BelleGirl]

Yesterday I watched: Oliver & Company for the first time.

I recently purchased the dvd together with Robin Hood because of a Disney dvd 1+ 1 free bid.

Well, how did I like the movie? Let me say it was entertaining and contained some nice pop songs. Georgetta is also quite a character. The animaton I thought was pretty crude, could be compared to The Rescuers I think that Sykes did not have anough screen time to develop as a true classic Disney villain though he had some potential.
The story is very simple actually, unlike the Dickens' novel that inspired it.

For years I have been avoiding this movie because I heard some very bad things about it (wreckage) and because I dind't feel for a movie 'inspired' by a classical novel that had so little to do with the novel itself. But several UDrs who voiced a favourable opinion of the movie encouraged me to watch in after all. And it was not as nearly as 'kiddy'-like as I feared it would be. it can be regarded as Disney's "gangster" movie.

[ajmrowland]

I spent a little more time with Mr. Fox-this time, a purchase-and he's still fantastic and smart.

[Lazario]

Well, I really don't like subtitles and it's not because I'm lazy. I just hate concentrating on reading, figuring out what it means if its a bad sub, and missing what's going on in the scene.

You'll get used to it.

Motion pictures are first and foremost a visual medium and if I spend the whole time reading and not appreciating/missing the art being presented to me on screen, then what's the point?

Ah... you're talking animation! Because outside of animation, trust me- if you can read at a normal person's level, you won't miss anything watching a live action movie with subtitles.

Subtitles just distract me from what's really important.

Well, true the experience of reading subtitles to yourself (even if you do it aloud) is like reading a book. But it sometimes helps you gain a deeper understanding of the situations and characters. And foreign films are usually full of stuff you want to have a deeper understanding of.

(true, my pet peeve is reading subtitles.

Ugh...

Lazy Americans are too indolent to watch anything that's not in their native language.

They're not lazy when it comes to making up excuses.

[jpanimation]

No, I mean Jean Hagen. She plays the mistress in the film.

Damn, I completely forgot. I haven't seen that movie in years. Sorry

Clash of the Titans (2010) 6/10 - mindless action. I'll admit it, I never really liked the original Clash of the Titans, too much 80's injected into it (including the robot owl), and the Ray Harryhausen effects looked like a step backwards from his earlier work. So I can't say I was terribly disappointed with this and I'm sure those that enjoyed Transformers 2 will love it. I felt like this is an even dumber version of a movie that wasn't great to begin with. They added characters that do nothing for the story, they changed some motivations around, and rearranged some of the events. Sam Worthington, sporting the same haircut from Terminator and Avatar feels a little out of place, but not as much as the robot owl in the original (who has a cameo here). Gemma Arterton's added character feels tacked on but she's got me excited to see what she can do in Prince of Persia. I feel they reduced Pegasus' role and Andromeda's down too much and they feel wasted here. I'm also really disappointed with Medusa, in which its now just another action scene and all the tension from the original is thrown out the window. As far as creature designs go, I love the new Craken (bye-bye clone of The Ymir from 20 Million Miles to Earth, your six-pack and nipples won't be missed) and I love the new Pegasus. The rest of the creatures were very hit or miss, with the Guillermo del Toro-esque Stygian Witches being a step up from the original and The Ferryman being a miss. I also wasn't fond of how the gods were portrayed, not as elegant as in the original (Laurence Olivier), but they serve their purpose. Their was plenty of opportunities in this movie to inject character development but they are almost all blazed through to get to the action. Its a popcorn movie and if you like mindless action, happy ending and all, you won't be disappointed.

Word of warning, don't see it in 3D. I saw it in 2D and there was a TON of shaky cam, it was obviously filmed without 3D in mind, and is sure to cause nausea. I've also heard it wasn't executed well, being done entirely in post-production, and is just a cheap cash-in on the 3D craze.

[Goliath]

Well, I really don't like subtitles and it's not because I'm lazy. I just hate concentrating on reading, figuring out what it means if its a bad sub, and missing what's going on in the scene. Motion pictures are first and foremost a visual medium and if I spend the whole time reading and not appreciating/missing the art being presented to me on screen, then what's the point? Subtitles just distract me from what's really important.

That's strange. Why don't I have that 'problem'? Or the millions of people around the world who see films mainly with subtitles (as American films make up the bulk of what's being put out). I just posted a raving review of Lions for Lambs and of course I watched that with subtitles. Yet I didn't miss one subtelty in the fantastic acting and dialogue because of it. Now I'm lucky to be so fluent in English that I don't need subtitles and can concentrate more to what's said than what's translated. But still...

I've seen many films from Italy, France, heck, even Burkino Faso and Nigeria, and believe me: I need subtitles for those films! But that didn't took away one inch of the pleasure I had watching those films. It never distracted me and it didn't take away of my involvement with the film. And this goes for millions of people all over the world. So why is it different for you? I still believe it's laziness. I'm not saying this to attack or offend you. It's just a result of what you're used to all your life.

Americans are conditioned to only hear and see almost everything in their native language. Television shows: all American, all in English. Movies: all American, all in English. Music: all American, all in English. You may not realize it, but this is very unique in the world. In most countries, a lot of what's on tv or in the cinemas is foreign (= American) to the audience. Even in big countries where films are dubbed, like France and Germany, most music they hear on radio and tv is foreign (= American) to them. The fact that Americans hear everything in English all the time, certainly conditions them. This leads to a situation where everything that's non-English is automatically considered as "distracting".

I'm not saying it's your fault. It just 'is'.

Yesterday I watched: Oliver & Company for the first time. [...] The animaton I thought was pretty crude, could be compared to The Rescuers [...]

Er... it is? Have you seen a different movie than I?

[jpanimation]

I'm not sure why I'm being attacked for saying I dislike reading subtitles when watching a movie. If you were to tell me you like reading subtitles when watching movies, then you're lying. I enjoy "watching" foreign films, I'm sure you enjoy "watching" foreign films, but to say you enjoy "reading" subtitles is a lie.

Subtitles are something we put up with due to a lack of knowledge/understanding, not something we have because we enjoy. If you knew the language, you wouldn't need/want the subtitles. I only know English, Japanese, and Spanish, everything else I need subtitles for. I enjoy watching movies and I enjoy reading books, but I don't enjoy subtitles as they are just there to fill a gap to maximize enjoyment.

It is not "laziness" to not "enjoy" subtitles. You say you're not calling me lazy to offend me but you are and you're coming off as arrogant. I'm not sure why you always feel inclined to make statements on American culture, society, and politics, like you know more about it then us Americans actually living here, when its all speculation. That would be like me spouting ignorance on the culture, society, and politics in The Netherlands, in which I know nothing about. You talk about Americans with soo much intolerance, always generalizing us, and you don't realizes how hurtful it can be. I'm not saying this to be spiteful but to let you know how upsetting it is when you talk down on America and it's people soo much.

If subtitles weren't distracting to anyone else in the world, then I imagine they would stop dubbing American movies into other languages. Now with that said, I watch foreign films all the time with subtitles, and enjoy many of those movies. My difficulty with them depends on the subject matter/culture gap, the quality of the translation, the language, and the type of film I'm watching. Depending on those conditions, subtitles can be distracting.

[Lazario]

I'm not sure why I'm being attacked for saying I dislike reading subtitles when watching a movie.

I got the distinct impression that they only really distracted you when watching animation and I know what that's like. It's not the reason I choose to now watch Sailor Moon in English instead of Japanese (?) but when trying that, I did have to rewind a lot because in animation they talk so fast and move fast too. Whereas in live-action films, I almost never have to rewind. I get it all right away.

If you were to tell me you like reading subtitles when watching movies, then you're lying. I enjoy "watching" foreign films, I'm sure you enjoy "watching" foreign films, but to say you enjoy "reading" subtitles is a lie.

Does that go for me too? Because if it does, I'll have you know that's not true at all. I love reading subtitles. I actually do find it enjoyable and feel it really gets my mind going. Besides, they don't put subtitles on American and English-speaking movies and shows for Americans (except on DVD and closed-captioning for the blind). But even if they did- that wouldn't help me understand the different customs and things that go on in England when I watch Britcoms. Nor do they explain the customs in any foreign country - you'd have to know those things personally. So foreign languages or not, you always have to adjust the way you watch a foreign movie because the stories are going to be different anyway than those of films made in America or by American companies. A lot if not most things will be different about a foreign movie when you watch one. Language is just another aspect that's different in a list of many. Besides, I tried to listen to Bio Zombie dubbed in English and it was... freaking horrible, to say the least! After that, I said screw watching Haute (High) Tension in English - I watched it in French. The movie sucks in both languages.

Subtitles are something we put up with due to a lack of knowledge/understanding, not something we have because we enjoy.

A necessary evil? How cutting edge.

It is not "laziness" to not "enjoy" subtitles. You say you're not calling me lazy to offend me but you are and you're coming off as arrogant.

Eh- he was just kiddin'.

I'm not sure why you always feel inclined to make statements on American culture, society, and politics, like you know more about it then us Americans actually living here, when its all speculation. You talk about Americans with soo much intolerance, always generalizing us, and you don't realizes how hurtful it can be. I'm not saying this to be spiteful but to let you know how upsetting it is when you talk down on America and it's people soo much.

Goliath, from an American citizen - fellow to Mr. jpanimation - I would like to take this opportunity to say that the views expressed above by jpanimation do not reflect those of Lazario or (necessarily) anyone else on "The" Ultimate Disney(.com) Forum message board.

Don't sue. Don't sue.

[slave2moonlight]

Well, I saw Clash of the Titans last night, and I loved it. I loved the original too, though, and I feel they are so different that it almost doesn't make sense to compare them. The first one is very heavily Star Wars ... "influenced", ha. This one, in my opinion, seemed to get a lot of inspiration (should maybe put that in quotes too, ha) from Disney's animated "Hercules". Still, I love both versions. I really liked the new female character and how they ended it with her. In some ways I think I liked the gods more in this remake, though I wish we saw more interaction between them (beyond just Zeus and Hades). While I very much enjoy many slow paced films and feel a lot of today's films that want to be action-packed go overboard with it, I didn't feel that was overdone (or at least not inappropriate) here. To me it worked for this particular film, and I don't think it was as excessive as, say, a Transformers film or something like that, where at times you feel overwhelmed by the noise, CGI, shooting, exploding, and running. I think I liked the portrayal of Perseus more in the new one, but the actor didn't look quite right to me (I don't think he's an American, but he had so much that American Marine character type look that it threw me off a bit), and yeah, Andromeda was made a very minor character this time around, but since it would be near impossible to match the beauty of Judi Bowker from the original, I could care less. She was female perfection (and the current obsession with Megan Fox-looking girls doesn't work so much for me; I like a cutesier type; "Jennifer's Body" was all about Amanda Seyfried for me). And, being an R2-D2 fan, I missed the robot owl, though he gets a brief cameo, ha. I liked the new Medusa sequence, though the old one was scarier, ha. I also wish the new Calibos had more of the demon look of the old one. And I heard Izabella Miko, another perfect female in my book, played Athena! But if she did, she was only briefly in the background, out of focus! We mostly just saw Zeus and Hades! I liked both of them though, and while I miss the bits about the riddle and all, I thought the story was tighter in this one, focusing on the Kraken storyline.

Incidentally, I saw it in 2D, because that's what my friends got the tickets for. I think they had read about how the 3D sucked because the film wasn't originally made for 3D and it was an afterthought due to Avatar's success (sigh). Still, my younger sis saw it in 3D and she said it looked excellent.

Oh, almost forgot, ha, my friends and I also Netflixed the weirdest movie, called "Pervert". It was sort of horror comedy, though mainly comedy I'd say, and super low-budget. Still, very amusing at times, ha. I can hardly even describe it here. Only check it out if you enjoy the bizarre and don't mind it being dirty.

[2099net]

Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins

Sigh. This had so much potential. Everybody (it seems) loves origin stories. Hell, people like them so much, we repeatedly get told different variations of origins of popular culture figures: Batman, Spider-Man, Transformers, Superman... all have had big and small budget origins in the past few years (or will do in upcoming years). So an origin for Mystery Inc. should be top-notch viewing, eh?

Sadly, not. The problem wasn't the casting, or the budget, or even that it was live-action rather than animation. One of the problems was that the story tried to be two things at once - real ghosts, but also with a masked criminal villain, and as such didn't have its foot firmly in either persuasion. (Personally, I hate real ghosts in Scooby Doo and feel including them in an origin story is an insult to all the good, classic years of Scooby Doo cartoons). But the biggest problem was that I'm sure most Scooby fans already have a version of the team's origin in their own imaginations. And sadly, this effort simply didn't live up to mine.

But I'll forgive it for lots of reasons. Firstly, its good to see an origin at all. Secondly, it still is actually the best live-action Scooby Doo movie, treating the source with more or less respect and thirdly (and most importantly) it shows once and for all the Mystery Machine belongs to Daphne, not Fred. That has become such a pet peeve or mine, I literally grind my teeth everytime Fred claims ownership of the vehicle, some that was increasingly common in What's New Scooby Doo? Yes, people, the Mystery Machine belongs to Daphne and I'm pleased that hopefully once and for all the matter is now settled.

[KennethE]

I just watched Porco Rosso on DVD. This film gets better and better each time I see it!

[Scarred4life]

The Princess Bride- I really enjoy this movie. Although, it is one of those films that you have to really be in the mood to watch.

[Goliath]

I'm not sure why I'm being attacked for saying I dislike reading subtitles when watching a movie.

Wow, only the first sentence and already what you're saying is not true. I specifically stated:

I'm not saying this to attack or offend you. It's just a result of what you're used to all your life.

That's why the whole premise of your post is wrong. You have made a post like it's an answer to an attack, but it wasn't an attack you were responding to. That renders your answer invalidate, because you use it to 'retaliate', like when you accuse me of lying:

If you were to tell me you like reading subtitles when watching movies, then you're lying.

Like I said, no need to offend me, since I didn't offend you. And nowhere did I say I "enjoy" reading subtitles, by the way, it's just something we need to understand the film, but I don't bitch about having to put a little effort in understanding a movie. But do go on...

I enjoy "watching" foreign films, I'm sure you enjoy "watching" foreign films, but to say you enjoy "reading" subtitles is a lie.

Which, again, I never said. Maybe your posts get better when you don't write them in a state of misplaced anger...

It is not "laziness" to not "enjoy" subtitles.

Again, I didn't say that. I said it's lazy to see subtitles as an "obstacle" to enjoying a film. Americans are used to having everything spelled out for them in their own language, so it's natural they're conditioned to disliking subtiles.

You say you're not calling me lazy to offend me but you are and you're coming off as arrogant.

No, I'm not.

I'm not sure why you always feel inclined to make statements on American culture, society, and politics, like you know more about it then us Americans actually living here, when its all speculation.

Huh? Where does this come from? Whenever a topic comes up on this forum, I will voice my opinion. Just like everybody else. Most of the time, the topics are related to American culture, art, or politics. Should everybody who's not American shut up and stay out? Just say so. But it would get very, very quiet...

That would be like me spouting ignorance on the culture, society, and politics in The Netherlands, in which I know nothing about.

If you want to make a fool out of yourself: be my guest. I'm not stopping you. What are you waiting for?

You talk about Americans with soo much intolerance, always generalizing us,

No, I don't.

Geez, all this because I said something about your bitching about subtitles. Get over yourself and your fake outrage already. Don't be a drama queen. Don't make this bigger than it is.

I used to really like you, but maybe I've never seen you raving mad before...

I'm not saying this to be spiteful but to let you know how upsetting it is when you talk down on America and it's people soo much.

Except I don't. And even if I did (which I don't), why should you care?

If subtitles weren't distracting to anyone else in the world, then I imagine they would stop dubbing American movies into other languages. Now with that said, I watch foreign films all the time with subtitles, and enjoy many of those movies. My difficulty with them depends on the subject matter/culture gap, the quality of the translation, the language, and the type of film I'm watching. Depending on those conditions, subtitles can be distracting.

FINALLY, we're back to the actual topic at hand!

[UmbrellaFish]

Hm... hmm... Drama!

Back on topic-

There are four Julie Andrews movies that everyone has seen and heard of- Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria, and The Princess Diaries. Then there’s that one film everyone’s heard of, but few have seen- S.O.B.

It’s a shame that this film is only known as the one where Mary Poppins shows her boobies. It has an incredible message, that everybody is out there for themselves. It choose to satire Hollywood in particular, but it also points out other selfish motives, such as the funeral home owners who are willing to forsake a mourning family’s goodwill (well, they don’t know that they’re a bunch of liars), just to not screw up their own business. Even Felix, who’s portrayed as a martyr at the end, is willing to risk his wife’s career for himself. And of course, Sally, in return, sells the distribution rights, and that’s what kills Felix.

I don’t think Julie’s character was as bitchy as she’s often said to be. Less bitchy, more ruthless. And going on with that, I don’t think she ever considered her actions were what caused Felix’s death, so she’s also shameless. Felix himself has gone insane because his whole career, everything he believed in, turns out to be crap.

Robert Preston’s role is quite similar to Toddy in Victor/Victoria, so it’s rambunctious fun. The character of Polly Reed was a huge standout, really hilarious. The character is based off a real critic/gossip that Julie and Blake really hated- Pauline Kael. What makes the movie, though, is that despite the mocking they make out of the movie industry and of people like Pauline Kael, Blake is also mocking his own self, and even his wife, their characterizations probably more exaggerated than any other in the film. Like the whole opening “Polly Wally Doodle” scene is so obviously a rip on “The Saga of Jenny” from Star!.

I’m also curious if the Sally Miles character, which seems to be a mix of Julie and Mary Martin, was what attracted Larry Hagman to the script? After all, Julie was never Peter Pan, his mother was. They were both nuns, however…

Anyway, I really enjoyed the film. The greatest flaw, I might say, is that the opening is a little bit too slow, but by the middle the film picks up and you can’t stop watching. I’m sure I missed a lot of the stuff though, so I’ll have to watch it again sometime. Overall, I very much liked it.



With S.O.B. off the list, here's the rest of the Julie Andrews movies I need to see to have seen them all-

The Singing Princess/The Rose of Baghdad
The Tamarind Seed
10
Little Miss Marker
Trail of the Pink Panther
The Man Who Loved Women
Cin cin/A Fine Romance
Unconditional Love (although I've seen all her parts in this film)

and counting TV movies-
High Tor
Our Sons

[Scarred4life]

Ice Princess- My sister roped me into watching this with her. It's not great, but it's not horrible either,

[Lazario]

I'm not sure why I'm being attacked for saying I dislike reading subtitles when watching a movie.

Wow, only the first sentence and already what you're saying is not true. I specifically stated:

I'm not saying this to attack or offend you. It's just a result of what you're used to all your life.

Your alibi has more holes in it than a slice of Swiss cheese. Admit it, you're a mad genius. You said that beforehand knowing what you were going to say afterward would offend him. Isn't that true? Don't deny it. I said don't (deny it). Oh, you're a sly one ah-right. But you can't fool me.

Your witness.

I don't bitch about having to put a little effort in understanding a movie.

You say that now. But how do we know you're actually watching a movie (or show) with subtitles on it at this very moment?

Maybe your posts get better when you don't write them in a state of misplaced anger...

But you're not an American, so how could you possibly understand how we place our anger?

I said it's lazy to see subtitles as an "obstacle" to enjoying a film. Americans are used to having everything spelled out for them in their own language, so it's natural they're conditioned to disliking subtitles.

Not just in the case of subtitles. Are you well acquainted with our dramatic television programming, by any chance? Especially the detective team shows? Criminal Minds? C.S.I.? N.C.I.S.? S.P.E.L.L.I.N.G.I.S.F.U.N.?

You say you're not calling me lazy to offend me but you are and you're coming off as arrogant.

No, I'm not.

I agree with you on this one. But, then again... no one here can prove I'm really an American.

(Maybe I'm a spy) (And maybe even I don't know that) (yet)

I'm not sure why you always feel inclined to make statements on American culture, society, and politics, like you know more about it then us Americans actually living here, when its all speculation.

Huh? Where does this come from? Whenever a topic comes up on this forum, I will voice my opinion. Just like everybody else. Most of the time, the topics are related to American culture, art, or politics. Should everybody who's not American shut up and stay out? Just say so. But it would get very, very quiet...

He's a Rightie. You know the type. Oh, wait, you wouldn't... you're not American. Than what am I talking to you for? You're not worth my time.

In America, Righties often say celebrities have no right to speak out against the government or even talk about politics just because they're rich and famous. How quickly they forget how little time it can take a Mike Tyson or a Mike Jackson to go bankrupt. Then they're one of us again.

...it could all be gone tomorrow...

Not to mention all the friggin' rich Republicans who were born rich and yet, Righties never complain about them getting involved in or talking politics. Or common people who don't go to college, again providing they consider themselves Righties too. Although, I think Ann Coulter once said something about thinking people had to pass some kind of equivalence test to vote.

You talk about Americans with soo much intolerance, always generalizing us,

No, I don't.

That's true, jpanimation. Remember how much he likes our Boy Meets World? How could someone like that hold intolerance for us? If anything- I think he's too tolerant. Again... The Boy... Meeting the World. One little boy. All by himself. HUGE world. So many challenges. So much hardship. And...just. one. little. boy.

Geez, all this because I said something about your bitching about subtitles. Get over yourself and your fake outrage already. Don't be a drama queen. Don't make this bigger than it is.

I used to really like you, but maybe I've never seen you raving mad before...

This may surprise you, but I didn't pre-read this post before replying to it. Safe to say, at this point... who's the mad one now?

As for being a drama queen... Give the guy a hammer and some nails. That ought to butch 'im right up.

[jpanimation]

I used to really like you, but maybe I've never seen you raving mad before...

Really? Never noticed, but I always respected you're good taste in movies.

Either way, I owe you an apology...

He's a Rightie.

I hope you're not talking about me. I agree with you're assessment on the hypocrisy of the political parties, as you so accurately suggest, and that is just one of the reasons I distance myself from them. I'm center, I have no problem with anyone practicing their First Amendment rights or any rights for that matter, and am certainly no "Rightie." As for rich Republicans getting involved in politics, I distinctly remember reading something about the majority of congress being millionaires, and that is in addition to their HUGE salaries, incredible healthcare package, and their extremely generous retirement packages. Is it any wonder they're in no hurry to fix the economy?

[Lazario]

He's a Rightie.

I hope you're not talking about me.

There was a post once where you linked us to this YouTube video (and in a very "he speakuth da truth!" kinda hysteric) where this idiot crackpot was trying to tell us that America is ablaze with radical liberal terrorists who burn down peoples' houses and blow up their cars for voting Republican (yes, in America) or some crazy garbage like that. Since then, I kinda figured you had a bias.

Was your evil, nutzoid twin filling in for you that day?

I agree with you're assessment on the hypocrisy of the political parties, as you so accurately suggest, and that is just one of the reasons I distance myself from them. I'm center, I have no problem with anyone practicing their First Amendment rights or any rights for that matter, and am certainly no "Rightie." As for rich Republicans getting involved in politics, I distinctly remember reading something about the majority of congress being millionaires, and that is in addition to their HUGE salaries, incredible healthcare package, and their extremely generous retirement packages. Is it any wonder they're in no hurry to fix the economy?

In all fairness, I've said things here before about politics where the spirit was smarter than the text. I want to see every last greedy, self-serving rich bastard strung up on a coat rack by their suspenders while the less fortunate members of the younger generation (the ones who don't get paid by Disney or are cast members on some tween show) take their wallet to town and put a serious dent in their credit rating. Regardless of what side they're on. However, my sole purpose of getting involved in discussion (which takes us back years-years ago) is purely to illustrate how the right are obsessed with not only trying to take our money away from us - but our rights and freedom as well! I agree with George Carlin (thanks to Goliath's YouTube link) that no side wants us smart. But at least most of the Lefties don't care what color our skin is, what we do with our babies, or what gender we're hopelessly attracted to while we waste what little of our hard-earned money we're allowed to take home; try to find out how much happiness money can buy. Let's just say I (of all people) wouldn't have had to speak up on so many occasions were the Bush house in fact not radically more polluted and evil than any Left-run administration in American history.

So this reply is to further understanding. None of that is up for debate of any kind. Just a little of what makes me tick. More an idealism than a series of facts to grab onto and swing around from.

[Goliath]

Really? Never noticed, but I always respected you're good taste in movies.

That's one thing we have in common.

Either way, I owe you an apology...

No hard feelings. I didn't mean to offend you.

Your alibi has more holes in it than a slice of Swiss cheese. Admit it, you're a mad genius. You said that beforehand knowing what you were going to say afterward would offend him. Isn't that true?

No, it's not true. I was making some very broad, general remarks about subtitles and being conditioned to hear and see everything in your own native language. That's all I ever said, and at no point was I talking about jpanimation personally.

Don't deny it. I said don't (deny it). Oh, you're a sly one ah-right. But you can't fool me.

Lazario, how come you always think you know better what somebody else means (or meant) than that person him/herself?

You say that now. But how do we know you're actually watching a movie (or show) with subtitles on it at this very moment?

You can't know for sure. Drives you crazy, doesn't it?

But you're not an American, so how could you possibly understand how we place our anger?

That's right, maybe the anger was very aptly placed! What do you, as an American, think of the way jpanimation placed his anger? Was it accurate?

Not just in the case of subtitles. Are you well acquainted with our dramatic television programming, by any chance? Especially the detective team shows? Criminal Minds? C.S.I.? N.C.I.S.? S.P.E.L.L.I.N.G.I.S.F.U.N.?

Of course, that's almost all that's on our tv's everyday. Well, that and Oprah, of course.

He's a Rightie. You know the type. Oh, wait, you wouldn't... you're not American. Than what am I talking to you for? You're not worth my time.

And you're just now figuring out that talking to me is a waste of time?

In America, Righties often say celebrities have no right to speak out against the government or even talk about politics just because they're rich and famous.

Except when it's Jon Voigt, Robert Duvall or Chuck Norris, of course.

Although, I think Ann Coulter once said something about thinking people had to pass some kind of equivalence test to vote.

I agree some kind of test, but it has to be an IQ-test. No Teabagger would ever be allowed to vote again.

Remember how much he likes our Boy Meets World? How could someone like that hold intolerance for us? If anything- I think he's too tolerant. Again... The Boy... Meeting the World. One little boy. All by himself. HUGE world. So many challenges. So much hardship. And...just. one. little. boy.

That's what makes the show so great. Finally seen the light, Lazario?

I agree with George Carlin (thanks to Goliath's YouTube link) that no side wants us smart. But at least most of the Lefties don't care what color our skin is, what we do with our babies, or what gender we're hopelessly attracted to while we waste what little of our hard-earned money we're allowed to take home; try to find out how much happiness money can buy. Let's just say I (of all people) wouldn't have had to speak up on so many occasions were the Bush house in fact not radically more polluted and evil than any Left-run administration in American history.

The real issue here, is that there's no "Left" left anymore in the US. What's being called called "the Left" in American media is actually just center or center-right politics. The notion that Barack Obama and Democrats are 'socialists' or 'far left radicals' is ridiculous, because they're in fact centre-right corporatists. The very few real leftist politicians in the US are Dennis Kucinich, Bernie Sanders and Russ Feingold. (Maybe also Alan Grayson, but I haven't figured him out yet.)

So to say that "the Left" in America doesn't want the public to be smart/educated, is not true. It's just the current ruling class (of politicians) who aren't interested in this. It used to be different. The Democrats used to be a people's party, until they got defeated time after time by Reagan and Bush and they decided to go center-right to at least win power back. But for *what*? Only to keep themselves in power, and not much else...

I'm sure in the US I would be seen by many as a communist!

Well, this has become just another item to place on your "threads I have derailed"-list, Laz'!

[Goliath]

Into the blue (2005)

My tv guide wrote about it: "The story is really only an excuse for showing the well-trained body of Jessica Alba in tight swimming clothing. (Photo of Alba in bikini) If that's what you like, then is a good film."

And that's why I watched it.

But it was so disappointing that I turned it off after 45 minutes.