Johnny Depp wants to be a woman

With all my reviews of the current health care reform debacle, and Torchwood on BBC America, I have missed something interesting. And it’s about Johnny Depp no less. You would think I heard about it since I do enjoy this actor’s work.

But I did not. What I missed is the role that Johnny Depp wants to take on. And as he is wont to do, this role steps far and way from the norm of Hollywood. Johnny Depp wants to do a biopic, as a woman.

Let me clarify, Depp does not want to play a cross-dresser, or a transvestive, or even someone gay. No when I say he wants to take on the role of a woman, I mean just that. So throw away your thoughts of Dressed To Kill, or To Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar.

The woman in question is Carol Channing. She is older (88), so most of us may not be familiar with her. She is an accomplished singer and actress. She has won 3 Tony Awards, A Golden Globe Award, and an Oscar Award nomination. So when I said accomplished I was not kidding. Her best known work is from her roles on stage, which may be part of why some of us are unfamiliar with her body of work.

Channing is a surprising choice for another reason. One that reflects the social attitudes of America, up to present day. Revealed in her 2002 autobiography for the first time was the fact that she is ¼ African American. It comes from her father’s side of the family, and was only revealed to her when she went to college – because her mother didn’t want her shocked if she had a Black baby.

This was a secret Channing found so important to hide from Hollywood and Broadway she didn’t reveal it to anyone until she was 81. That says quite a bit about Hollywood and Broadway, and America in general.

Beyond that, one of her most memorable roles was Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – her rendition then of Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend is considered classic.


(This is a good performance, but imagine when she did this some 40 years earlier)

But she has also starred in far more recent work that I and my readers may be more familiar with. That includes being a voice actor in Chip N Dale’s Rescue Rangers, Family Guy. Also appearances on dozens of television shows including Sesame Street the new Addams Family, The Love Boat, The Drew Carey Show, Space Ghost . The Muppet Show, Magnum PI, Coast to Coast, The Flip Wilson Show and even an episode of Playboy After Dark (in 1969). Plus films including the 1985 version of Alice in Wonderland and voice work as recent as Thumbelina in 1994.


She is iconic enough to have been impersonated by dozens of male comedians, including Robin Williams, and Ryan Stiles of Whose Line Is It Anyway?

This is the woman that Johhny Depp wants to portray. And Channing herself thinks he can pull it off.

“I imagine when or if Johnny should portray me, he will succeed," the Broadway legend told the Advocate. "Because a true artist, such as himself, is one who loves his or her creation and therefore represents their honest view of that which they are creating. I think he is a gifted performer and I would be very proud, as well as interested, in seeing what his vision of me would be.”

I too think he could do it. Not that I think he has the look of a young Channing, but because he is just that damn good. Plus makeup these days is fantastic. Add to the fact that he kind of prepared for such a role from his work in Ed Wood.

Johnny Depp as a woman. It’s just so far out there that the more I think about it, the more I think it’s perfect for him.

Riddles, hats, and boats - and one man for them all

You just can never tell where Johnny Depp will wind up. Especially if he has director Tim Burton leading him.

There are the rumors that Depp will play the Riddler in the next Batman Dark Knight film. Which would be one of the best choices since they picked Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne. It won't be the over the top performance of Jim Carrey, which is a bonus, but I wonder if it will capture the same manic and enjoyable frenzy that Frank Gorshen gave it?

Still you would wonder if he would have the time. His next film coming out in 2010 is Alice in Wonderland. Tim Burton is at the helm of this film. And almost anything can go in this film.

In a world created by Lewis Carrol while on drugs, massively it would seem, there is no normal. There is no up or down or foothold for the reader beyond Alice. The bizzare is no further than the next sentence, and your imagination just can't run wild enough.

That's the background of the film. Burton has taken that fixture and made it into a javelin, following up with the story years later. Thus almost anything is possible. And into this we will find Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. Can you envision that?

I imagine a mix of Jack Sparrow on a very bad day, Edward Scissorhands on any day, with ample dashes of Ed Wood and Sweeney Todd. Perhaps even a bit of Sheldon Sands for a dark tone and Willie Wonka for a bit of humor. It's Raoul Duke on steroids (and other items to be sure). That's a character I would love to see.

But if the Mad Hatter is too far to the extreme for your tastes take solace in the fact that Disney is moving forward with Pirates 4. So Captian Jack will be back, likely still looking for the Fountain of Youth in Florida. Likely in as much trouble as he always tends to be, and playing both sides to his advantage.

I really like Johnny Depp. He bucked the Hollywood system, taking a path the may not have been the most lucraticve monetarily but brilliant in the range of characters he has produced over the years. He is perhaps the most truely artistic actor in our generation. Especially when he ventures into the mind of Tim Burton.

Honestly, I can't see a reason not to see any of the 3 films I am sure he will be in. And Will Smith better watch out as Depp may unseat his record of blockbuster films in a row.

Who will replace Sean Penn as Larry in Three Stooges movie

Well there are a few changes that are coming up in several movies being planned for 2010 or so. Several high profile movie stars have been added or left planned movies. How this might affect these films is anyone’s guess. But at least you are forewarned.

The potentially big news is that Sean Penn has pulled out of the star studded Three Stooges movie, in addition to the film Cartel. The 3 Stooges movie includes Jim Carrey and Benicio Del Toro. So even without Penn this is a huge powerhouse to this film. The real question is who might be the actor to replace Penn as Larry.

So far, some of the rumors – or hopes – I have heard of include the following names: Johnny Depp, Ben Stiller, Jack Nicholson, Chris Tucker, and Ludivine Sagnier. Talk about a huge range of styles and skill. Each changes the dynamics completely.

In my opinion, Ben Stiller would be a horrible choice. I can imagine Stiller turning the film into Starsky & Hutch –esque style of bad acting. While his latest films have been good (Night at the Museum), his history of playing the same character, and badly, in each film would inevitably harm the quality of the film and drive potential viewers away. Plus he is no where near the abilities of Carrey or Del Torro.

Jack Nicholson is a stellar actor. I have no doubt that he could pull off the role. But he is older. Too much so to have a smooth mix with the very energetic Del Toro and Carrey. Plus I just can’t see him getting slapped around. That image just throws me off.

Johnny Depp seems like a great choice. He has the ability, range, and youth. He will drive in fans of all ages and backgrounds. He is a powerhouse on his own. And he has done comedic roles well. The only negative is that he might be too good looking. But makeup can fix that.

Going into the realm of something completely different, Chris Tucker would fit the bill. A Black Larry would really shake up the film. It puts a spin on the movie that I honestly can’t imagine right now. But to say that this would be a good thing is a statement I can’t make for sure. The best role I have seen Tucker in is arguably his support in Fifth Element, or perhaps the first Rush Hour film. Can his eunic like voice and race add to a film with far better actors and intense physical comedy?

Lastly there is Ludivine Sagnier. This choice has to be simply because the actress likes to be topless, and has had most of her film roles done in the nude. That is not to say that a woman could not be Larry. Just that I cannot imagine this woman in that role. Maybe Geena Davis, but not Sagnier.

Actually, now that I think about it more, I don’t see a woman in the role. Being slapped and hit, by men, with the intent of cruelty and punishment – it just doesn’t work with a woman. It crosses a boundary. It can too easily be taken the wrong way.

So of the above choices, minus Sagnier, who would I pick? Depp. He has the ability to match up with Del Toro and Carrey. He is the right age. He can easily capture the tone and essence of the character. And he can deliver.



With Penn gone, Depp is the perfect replacement. In fact, it can be easily argued that Penn should never have been in the film to start with. At least with Del Toro and Carrey in the mix.

But as a wildcard I will throw in one other name. Robert Downey Jr. While he is a bit too world-weary in his looks, there is no question of his ability or range. He might be a bit older, but not too much so. He is a powerhouse actor, and can commit to the film with as much dedication as Depp.

But who do you want as Larry in this Three Stooges remake?

Forbes best paid actors - my version

On a less important and trivial note, news came out today on the top paid actors in America. Now this list has nothing to do with talent per say. Several people on the list are horrible if you ask me. So even though they may have made money I want to present the list in the order of quality each actor on the list has, and I’ll throw in a movie I think that justifies my though.

Let me know if you agree.

• 1. Will Smith. Forbes had him at #1 and he deserves it. He made $80 million in the past 12 months and has a record-setting 8 consecutive films breaking $100 million to show for the salary. Sci-fi, drama, action, you name it and he can act his ass off. So much for those that argue that White audiences cannot connect with a leading actor that is of a different race. – See Ali, Hancock, Independence Day and so on to see what I mean.
  
• 2. Johnny Depp. Another great actor, capable of a range that equals anyone else on this list. He may prefer esoteric roles like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, but when he wants to go mainstream it’s like a day in Tortuga. Forbes had him in 2nd and I would say it’s as close as his $72 million makes it look. – See any Pirates of the Caribbean.
  
• 3. Bruce Willis. Here Forbes goes by the numbers and I go by quality. Of the remaining actors and actresses he tops the list. He is the everyman that gets the job done with style. He may be the oldest and only made $41 million for Die Hard 4 (which made $380 million) but he most importantly delivers entertainment. – See Hudson Hawk, 5th Element, or any Die Hard film
  
• 4. Nicolas Cage. While you wouldn’t imagine that he was paid $38 million from movies like Next and Ghost Rider, he still can get it right more often than not. He is another of the versatile entertainers on this list. – See National Treasure
  
• 5. Mike Meyers. He is still coasting of the success of Shrek and Austin Powers. And he needs to considering his turn as the Cat in the Hat (thankfully Dr. Seuss was dead before the movie was made). Still Shrek is funny, though not worth the $55 million that he made. – See Austin Powers, or the first Shrek
  
• 6. Eddie Murphy. I would put him higher as he has more lasting power than most on the list, and he has enough talent to do nearly every role in a movie. But his last couple of films were not that good – Norbit and now Meet Dave. Yet as an entertainer he can wow the audience with roles like Dreamgirls (he was robbed of the Oscar plain and simple). His $55 million is like paying a couple of actors each, and it would have got him over his Shrek co-star but his overly family friendly films don’t work above the age of 11. – See Dreamgirls and be amazed.
  
• 7. Keira Knightley. The first lady on the list. She only makes it one step above her Forbes ranking in terms of cash, but she is miles ahead of the next closest female entertainer. She’s sexy, smart, and can do a bit of action – yet none of it over the top. For $32 million I think she is getting underpaid. –See Star Wars episodes 1,2,3
  
• 8. Adam Sandler. While his low-brow comedies are a hit or miss proposition he is more than where he started from. He has grown to do quality serious roles like in Reign Over Me (with a good dose of help from Don Cheadle – massively underpaid) which helps us all forget films like Little Nicky. My guess, his career will grow, and his pay of $30 million, if he stays away from dumb comedy like The Gong Show (yes I know it’s a television program). - See Spanglish.
  
• 9. Leonardo Di Caprio. Basically I put him here because I dislike the rest of the actors even less. I don’t find him all that good and I wouldn’t pay the price of admission to see any film he starred in as sole lead. But he made $45 million so some Hollywood exec must think he is worth it, though some exec greenlighted Soul Plane too. – see something he is in. I wouldn’t know.
  
• 10. Will Ferrell. I liked Elf. Moments in Ricky Bobby (or whatever it was called) were funny, though most of it was exactly what most of America tends to think of when they think of NASCAR. Sadly though he has been paid $31 million to keep playing the same sort of character found in both those movies, over and over again. Semi-Pro didn’t do well because of this, Stepbrothers probably will fare the same. He needs to change or the entertainment career will be like his work on Saturday Night Live, a flat bomb. – See Elf.
  
• 11. Cameron Diaz. She only precedes the next guy because she is a lady and I thought I’d be nice. I don’t find her funny, attractive or talented. Seriously she is ugly and needs to gain weight. I believe the only funny film she was in was Something About Mary (and luckily it was an almost good film for Ben Stiller too) and any other work she has done is too vapid to remember. The $50 million she was paid needs to seriously be spent on other actresses. – See the revisioned remake of Charlie’s Angels, you’ll go to sleep but it’s better than the next guy’s films.
  
• 12. Ben Stiller. He came from a comedy family. He’s been in films with huge talents. He was paid $40 million. Yet this guy cannot stop playing the same insipid character in every movie. I will say this for him; he has mastered the art of doing the same thing badly and getting paid well for it. – See The Royal Tenenbaums, not because he is in it but because everyone else in the film is great.
  
• 13. Last and least of all the entertainers on Forbes list of the best paid (and some of the most overpaid in my opinion) is the #3 woman on their list, Jennifer Aniston. Simply put she needs to eat some food and stick with unrealistic television sitcoms. – See Friends because you won’t have to focus on her and it’s slightly better than the Charlie’s Angels remake.
  

Since no list should go to 13 I will add one more I think deserves to be on the list – Denzel Washington. If he is not the highest paid actor per film he should be. He is quality and can act against anyone on this list and make them all look good via osmosis (yes even Aniston and Stiller).

So that is my take on Forbes. How would you rank them? Who would be your 14th entertainer on the list?

This Memorial Weekend - 5.25.2007.1

Let’s talk movies and icons as we enter this Memorial Day weekend. In terms of movies there is only one to discuss, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. I saw the movie, and it was great. There is a lot going on, everywhere in this movie. There are few scenes that slow down in any respect. That’s a bit of a shame as the scenery is phenomenal. I’m not a big fan of CGI, but it’s used so well and believably in this film that you forget its computer made.

Then again, you also forget that you are watching actors. It feels like these are living personalities we are glimpsing, as they spin in a vortex of chaos. Often you will ask the same question as several characters, ‘Does Jack have a plan, or is he winging it?’ There is no way to be sure, but he’s obviously influenced the thinking of every major character in the film. I don’t know if it’s in the Pirates Codex, and I won’t ask Captain Tigue, but everyone is out to do what’s right for them. The chaos and double-dealing this causes is remarkable.

Don’t worry about following it all, there is too much to catch it all. But then again you’ll have too much fun watching the action to really care. And there are enough questions left at the end to easily justify another movie. My guess, and this may seem like a bit of a spoiler, is that Hector [his first name is mentioned only once] will be going after Jack as Jack goes after a treasure to fulfill his new goal.

See the movie, its well worth the money to see it on the big screen.

As I mention the big screen, I want to mention someone that has filled it for decades and is still revered decades after his death. I mean no other than Mr. John Wayne. Yesterday was the anniversary of what would have been his 100th birthday.

There are few movie icons that reach the stature that this one man holds. I am a fan, and unlike Public Enemy, I do feel he is an American hero. Mr. Wayne embodied an image of direct honesty and determination, a purity of action that few ever match. Without flash or ego, Mr. Wayne became a symbol of America that endures today as much as 50 years ago.

He was the spirit of the American soldier, refusing to give up the fight and more than capable of winning. He stood as tall as the American flag, and was unwavering in the pursuit of justice. In many ways he was the best image of what America could be. And he highlighted our flaws without shoving them down our throats.

Some may not like Mr. Wayne. Some could disagree with the image he portrayed. Yes, there were many African Americans in the old west [where do you think the term cowboy comes from?] and very few in his films. Yet there were some, which is more than most movies of this type. And real Indians played their roles, as often as not friends of his character and highly respected for their beliefs. Few movies of the old west portrayed American Indians as anything more than a caricature, and several of the ones that did starred Mr. Wayne.

But it’s Memorial Day weekend. We seek to salute our servicemen and women. We remember that they have given their lives and limbs to provide us the life we have today. As flawed as America may be, or has been, it still is the greatest nation in the world. There is no other nation in the world with the degree of freedom and privileges we enjoy here. And we can only have that because of those that fought, bled and died before us and today.

Regardless if you agree with our current wars, our Commander-and-Chief, or our reason to start fighting [this though questionable is moot as we are fighting now. The focus on how we got here is just a political stump point that does not advance our position today] the fact is that without those brave and dedicated individuals standing in the face of evil and anti-America forces, we could not have anything we take for granted today. That includes this blog, movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, the SUV or Hummer you might want or drive, the home you live in, and the quality of everything else that is here.

So take a moment this weekend, see a John Wayne film [especially those when he is shown as a serviceman] and remember the indomitable spirit that is America and our servicemen and women. Then go see the fruit of those sacrifices in the image of Mr. Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow.

To my fellow Marines, Semper Fidelis. To all veterans, thank you. To those volunteers in the military today, bless you and be well.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Rebirth of the swashbuckler - 5.23.2007.2

Tomorrow is the premiere of the blockbuster hit Pirates of the Caribbean : At World’s End. Obviously it will be a blockbuster, I’m going to see it tomorrow along with millions of people across the country and world. Mr. Johnny Depp is phenomenal as Captain Jack Sparrow. He makes the movie work. The rest of the cast are no slouches either, but his character stands out. Of course I expect little else for an actor that has made a career of taking highly unusual characters and making them inviting to watch.

Because of this performance many are announcing the return of the pirate and swashbuckling movie. I’m sure movie studios are itching for next year or after that to come out with their own high seas adventure. Nothing is copied as often as a successful movie genre. Airplane led to disaster movies, Jaws to beast attacks, Halloween to the current horror fest (and of course a remake). But there is one thing I wanted to mention. Mr. Johnny Depp did not bring back swashbucklers, Mr. Cary Elwes did.

Some of you may be saying who? You may recall him from Oxford Blues with Mr. Rob Lowe, or Days of Thunder with Mr. Tom Cruise. Not ringing a bell, hmm? What about Glory with Mr. Morgan Freeman, Mr. Denzel Washington, and Mr. Mathew Broderick? Well if you have ever seen The Princess Bride I know you recall the Dread Pirate Wesley.

Better than Mr. Johnny Depp and the Pirates films? Inconceivable! Not really. You can’t compare the 2, but both are amazing works filled with great actors and memorable imagery. The Princess Bride is a classic film in the style of the original swashbuckler (or me at least) Robin Hood. Not the crappy remake by Mr. Kevin Costner, but the movie starring Mr. Errol Flynn. That movie defined what a swashbuckling/pirate movie is supposed to be, and every movie before The Princess Bride failed miserably to fulfill that image. Of course if you watched Mr. Elwes go you can see why Hollywood was dying for a good script to carry on the concept. Humor, romance, a touch of drama in the background and of course the hero dies – sound like anything you’ve seen of late?

I am a fan of Mr. Depp. I enjoyed the Pirates series as much as anyone, and I’m anticipating a wonderful time at the 3rd film. Still I can realize that it wasn’t the reason that swashbucklers are back. As the countless films come out in the near future that rip-off this concept, as you watch the DVD’s and Video on Demand, take a moment to recall that there was a pirate in the past as famous as Captain Jack. Hey, who knows, you might even take a moment to watch the movie and see what I mean. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

This is what I think, what do you think?

who I might look like - 5.10.2007.1

Yes, I know I’ve been out of touch. Lot’s of work, good weather and a golf round later here I am. And a few things have come up that may be of interest. Besides the pending jailing of Ms. Paris Hilton, the lawsuit made by Mr. OJ Simpson, and a report connecting oral sex with cancer I found a neat item matching pictures to celebrity photos.

I will be writing about the other subjects shortly, but I want to share the look-a-likes for my photos. The main thing that I will say is that while people in person mention to me that I look like Mr. Denzel Washington (particularly in his role as Malcolm X), this program seems to think not. One of my best matches was to Mr. Cuba Gooding Jr., and I even got a match to Mr. Johnny Depp. Who knew.

Tell me what you think.



and

What movie will you go see? - 3.20.2007.2

So what are you planning to watch this summer? There is a huge list of movies coming out soon, and for once there are several that look quite good. An obvious choice would be Pirates of the Caribbean 3 or the Harry Potter movies. Another solid choice is Spiderman 3. But what about a movie that isn’t a sequel of a good idea?

Well there aren’t a lot of choices for the non-repeat films. Even horrible films such as the Fantastic Four have a sequel. Why? No idea, it’s not as if the first film was good. Perhaps the teenage boys hoping to peak at an invisible Ms. Jessica Alba is the motivation. I really can’t imagine it being much else. While I am a fan of the Silver Surfer, and his effects look quite good, I doubt that this movie will do justice to him or Galactus. Perhaps I will be wrong, but they screwed up Dr. Doom and the initial storyline so I doubt this will be better. Wait for the DVD.

Another sequel that has gone one movie too far is Rush Hour 3. I love Mr. Jackie Chan, he is quite accomplished and has made multiple good movies. Rush Hour 2 was not one of them and I fear 3 will rank beside The Tuxedo. Mr. Chris Tucker was good in the limited role in Fifth Element, and decent in the original film. But his acting abilities are stretched to breaking in the subsequent film and I believe will have snapped in this film. Don’t expect much and you may get just that. Get the bootleg DVD.

A possibly good movie sequel could be Ocean’s Thirteen. The cast is back plus someone else. Someone that you would never expect. No it’s not the baby. Ms. Ellen Barkin seems to be taking over the role done by Ms. Julia Roberts. And Mr. Al Pacino is the bad guy. That is the main reason this may be good. He picks his roles well. The rest of the cast are solid, and obviously they work together as well as a cast of stars can. But I just don’t get how they have the 13th member on the team. We will see. I’d go to the theater for this. (a trailer for this film is out now.)

Another positive choice should be the last in the Jason Bourne series, the Bourne Ultimatum. The final part of a 3 book series, of which the movies do not follow the books verbatim, this should be great. The first 2 films were well done. Mr. Matt Damon has handled the role expertly each time previously. He sells the action sequences well and his acting is above par. The writing and plots make sense and are intelligent. This may be the best outside of Pirates and Spiderman. Definitely a movie theater choice.

Other choices that are up for grabs include The Simpson’s Movie, another sequel Evan Almighty (following up Bruce Almighty), and the Adam Sandler movie I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. I can’t even guess how these will go.

Oh don’t let me forget the Transformers movie. Considering the supposed focus of the film will be the humans I won’t see it. There is no point if the title characters are not the main feature of the film. Not to mention that the main audience of the movie are over a decade past 20-something, not appealing to what they remember is a bad choice. But I’m sure they will get the toy sales. If the movie is not focused on the Autobots or Decepticons, hold onto your memories and wallets and let it fade away.

But I can’t imagine where the original films are. I mean even an original version of a book that hasn’t already been done. I know that the Steven King sons have a script available. There have to be others. Hollywood has not done every idea ever made. Heck there are a number of good comic books that are just waiting to have their characters transferred to the big screen. Forbid the fact that someone actually has an idea. Or a really good one. The shock will just be too great. Until then expect to hear about Rush Hour 4, the Carrot Man movie, Friends the Movie and the adaptation of The Sword of Shanara.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Best Films of 2006 - 12.27.2006.3

So perhaps you are a bit too old for video games (whatever that means, I’m almost 39 and Mr. Samuel Jackson is older than me) or you just don’t find them interesting (truly a shame). Well perhaps you enjoy movies. Cinema is perhaps one of the largest forms of entertainment on the planet (I know that someone wants to debate that, but I’m going with it for the moment).

Sadly that also means that there is probably the most money in this form of entertainment. Where there is money there are bean counter trying to reign in costs and corporations looking for profit-centers (reigning in ideas). Occasionally this war of numbers works out and we get some decent films, maybe a surprise and rarely something everyone must see. Most of the time we get different flavors of feces, sometimes hot, some cold and more than a handful that make you wish you could throw up just so it would be more entertaining than the movie. The movies of 2006 is no different.

So let’s look at what was good. This is a short list, mostly because it seems that Hollywood is afraid of new idea (or they just won’t spend money on a new one). Casino Royale and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest are at the top. My preference is for Mr. Johnny Depp. Who wouldn’t want to take a trip to Tortuga with Capitain Jack Sparrow via a broken compass?

United 93 is a trip in time that makes the realities of yesterday come to life again. It’s hard to watch without the emotional connection to that day. Even more difficult for those of us in New York City and in the area that day.

Feast shows that Operation Greenlight can work. Director John Gullagher makes a movie that shows he has a vision. Worth the wait, though I think they should have given it its national big screen debut it deserved and many of us waited for.

Superman Returns and Apocalypto are 2 movies I didn’t see. I won’t see Superman because the entire theme of the character is uninteresting and annoying to me. Superman doesn’t represent me nor does his values of truth justice and the American way (all based on the themes of early 20th century America that did not see me as part of those themes). Unfair as that is I can’t separate the movie from the origin.

Apocalypto is a movie I have yet to have a chance to see. I plan on it though. Mr. Mel Gibson may have many issues but his ability to convey sweeping themes in his movies are unquestioned. From what I’ve been able to see the visuals are stunning, and I’ve long held that if the movie is well acted the language is unimportant. It would seem that many agree with my assessment.

Mission Impossible III was more bang for the buck. Finally we get to see an IMF TEAM in action. Closer to the concept of the original series, well worth the admission price.

Also worth noting though probably less familiar to the general population are The King of Scotland, This Film is Not Yet Rated, and Thank You For Smoking. Also DreamGirls which just came out and should be counted for 2007.

Continued in Worst films of 2006