I saw Million Dollar Baby last night. I liked it, even though I don't like boxing, and covered my eyes for half the fights. Once the boxing scenes were over, I could relax.

Interesting NYT editorial on why some conservatives really hate Million Dollar Baby. [link] The article is spoilery as to the controversial thingie that happens in the movie. This quote from the article is also spoilery:

While there is much to admire in the year's other Oscar-nominated movies - the full-bodied writing in "Sideways," the cinematic bravura of "The Aviator," the awesome Jamie Foxx in "Ray" - Mr. Eastwood's film, while also boasting great acting, is the only one that challenges America's current triumphalist daydream. It does so not because it has any politics or takes a stand on assisted suicide but because it has the temerity to suggest that fights can have consequences, that some crises do not have black-and-white solutions and that even the pure of heart are not guaranteed a Hollywood ending. What makes some feel betrayed and angry after seeing "Million Dollar Baby" is exactly what makes many more stop and think: one of Hollywood's most durable cowboys is saying that it's not always morning in America, and that it may take more than faith to get us through the night.

If Clint is a Republican (and while I know he's conservative, I don't know if he has an official party affiliation), he's old school.

Christ, I suspect Barry Goldwater would cap Bush's ass given half a chance (given what I read about Barry's comments on gays in the miliatry among other things).

Clint is definitely a Republican, and of the old school variety.

I miss the old school Republicans. And I feel sorry for the CIA.

Weird how things turned out, huh?

Weird how things turned out, huh?

I know. I mean, one of the odd things that came out of Abu Ghraib were the odd flashes of respect you'd get for the Military, realizing how many ethical people were still working there.

Wrod. The soldiers and officers who don't believe the Geneva Conventions are "quaint", who believe there is still honor on the battlfield, and that war may not really have rules it should not be barbaric.

I just got back from seeing Million Dollar Baby, too. My dad was laughing at me afterwards because I was such a slobbering mess from the end of the title fight to the end of the movie. I haven't cried that hard or that long at a film since Return of the King, and before then, I don't remember when. Excellent film, and the nominees are well-deserved.

I think I'll try and see Sideways and also possibly Hotel Rwanda next weekend, but it looks like Finding Neverland is going to be impossible to find still playing in the area. I do like to try and see as many of the Best Picture noms before the Oscars, and as many of the other big films as well. I've only seen Aviator, M$B, and Ray so far.

Tilda Swinton lovers should check out Jarman's Caravaggio . As should anyone who wants buckets of Sean Bean homoerotic tableaux.

Jim, that whooshing sound you heard was that of dozens of Buffistas rushing to their bunks.