We rented and watched Casino Royale and The Queen this weekend, and thought both movies were excellent.

We enjoyed Casino Royale muchly. I can now say with authority that Daniel Craig is my favorite bond yet. I love the rugged brutality he's broght to the role, and he really hits the arrogant, easy charm Bond should have. Particularly when he's broken into M's house, and is about to reveal her real name. Judi is, of course, perfect as always. I'd have love to have seen her play M against all the previous Bonds, just for the fireworks. And yes, naked, tied up Daniel Craig is pretty damned hot.

The Queen was much more enjoyable than I thought it was going to be. The entire cast was stunning in their abilities to capture their subjects, Helen Mirren most of all. The resemblance on all levels was astounding, without ever being a mere impersonation. The Queen Mum was hilarious, and full of snarky comments throught the movie. The actors portraying Prince Charles and Tony Blair were superb, and I love James Cromwell in pretty much everything he does.

Anyway both movies are recommended from this viewer. Some time over the next couple of days, Breach and PotC 2 (in prep for finally seeing PotC 3 this week maybe).

I saw Breach on the plane back. It was all right. I mean, it was good and solid and did its job as a spy-thriller-type thing, though it's not very action-packed. Doesn't mean it doesn't have its tense moments, however. Plus: Caroline Dhavernas!

Plus: Caroline Dhavernas!

Yep, I knew she was in it. We also wanted to watch for Chris Cooper, who we're both big fans of, and with whom S has worked several times.

naked, tied up Daniel Craig is pretty damned hot.

Does he get tortured with a carpet beater like in the book?

I'm not sure what they used, Laga, but the torture scene was similar to what was written.

Iron Man promo still and movie articlet. I wonder if he'll be an alcholic.

eta: Suit pic and the answer to my wonderment.

Yep, I knew she was in it.

She's so unlike Jaye in it I had to convince myself it really was her. It's weird because she doesn't look all that different, which is why I had the "Wait, is that Caroline Dhavernas?" moment. But she acts and sounds completely different.

We also wanted to watch for Chris Cooper

And Laura Linney!

Sicko: surprisingly excellent.

Surprisingly? Although I really enjoy the stuff Michael Moore does, so maybe you shouldn't go by me...I also rented "The Awful Truth"(his for-cable TV show)

Re. Iron Man: So Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as a playboy who develops a substance abuse problem. This amuses me.

I want to know why he's bulking up for the part. Tony Stark is the former lush cardiac patient superhero who wears a big metal suit, it's not as if he needs to be in good shape.