[CinemaRatty] tag: obama

Donald Millers email exchange with Barack

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:49:45 +0000

The intimacy of these messages between Donald Miller and Barack Obama is really surprising.

Unrelated-Related Documentary for the 2008 Presidential Campaign: The Weather Undergound

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:55:00 +0000

I was surprised to be listening to the news and hear mention of the Weather Underground.

The Weatherman, a radical liberal American terrorist organization in the late 1960s and 70s that was based out of Chicago. This group did terrorist acts against the United States, often bombing police stations, court buildings, and prisons as well as major US targets like the Pentagon and the US Capital. Violence and bombs by the weather underground occurred across the US in Detroit, New York, Chicago, and San Fransisco.

There purposes often were vague, but were related to fighting US Imperialism and Capitalism, and was lead typically by college students and college educated white Americans, and often paralleled the black liberation movement. Some protests had more direct purposes, while others seemed to be more destruction oriented than message oriented. The Weatherman's group largely disintegrated after the Vietnam War

The story of the Weathermen was told exquisitely in the Academy Award documentary, The Weather Underground (best documentary nod in 2004). The documentary largely focuses on one of the principal leaders, Billy Ayers. This documentary is particularly interesting, simply because it's interesting to watch in our current age where discussions on terrorism are very politically, socially, and culturally prevalent following the September, 11th attacks in 2001.

There has been a recent discussion of the Weather Underground, and particularly the unapologetic leader William Ayers (pictured left) in relation to Barack Obama. Obama is apparently associates to some degree with the adult William Ayers who is now professor of education at the University of Illinois-Chicago. Although Ayers never was convicted of any crime, he also is completely honest and unashamed of his involvement in the Weather Underground, often making comments to the effect of people not setting off enough bombs today.

Obama and Ayers were both members of an anti-poverty organization called the Woods Fund of Chicago. Ayers and Obama also both live a few blocks from each other in Hyde Park Chicago, and Ayers has given money to Obama's campaign.

This connection has led some people to suggest that Obama is more left-leaning than he would like most people to believe.

Texas billionaire Harold Simmons, who has created a controversial non-profit American Issues Project that funded heavy ad campaigns in 13 markets connecting Obama to Ayers has created a stir, including a response by the Obama campaign directed at McCain.

This campaign is certainly grizzly and aggressive and we're nowhere close to November yet. While, I'd love to know you're thoughts on this connection, the commercials, and Bill Ayers connection...

But beyond that, the point of this post is really to encourage you to rent or netflix or find somehow a copy of Sam Green & Bill Siegel's documentary The Weather Underground. It's a great film, and really something that will entertain and stir a unique discussion.

A Brief Thought On Hillary And Politics

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:27:14 +0000

I'm not in a mood to post lately - in fact, I'm debating the existence of this journal - but there is one thing I feel I should say.

Last night, Hillary Clinton gave a speech endorsing Barack Obama, taking one for the team magnificently as she handed the reins over to the guy who won. But in the end, it was the guy who won.*

Now, say what you will about Hillary, but I read recently about a study which showed that on the whole, women are no more likely to lose a political campaign than men. (Note that these aren't great odds, mind you - a lot of men run, and lose.) But women are 40% less likely than men to think that they can win, which I'm sure affects the lessened number of women who actually set out to run.

So if you're upset by Hillary's loss, and you want a woman in the White House, take that anger and run for a local office. Yeah, you.** If you think you're unqualified, look closely at the folks who are currently doing it; chances are really, they're not particularly superhuman, and I'm sure you could do at least a good a job debating local yard regulations. Get yourself into positions of power. Who knows? You might even like it, and climb the ladder. (And this qualifies especially if you're young; you can't be President without doing work somewhere else.)

And if you have some spare time in the next twenty-five days or so, you might wanna start with politics by, say, protesting this "conscience" rule that changes the kind of care that a doctor can provide. I'm not opposed to doctors having their personal morality, but when your morality can affect whole communities who don't have other choices to go to, that's not a personal morality, it's a public morality. Sorry, guys.

* - A guy who, mind you, I support.

** - "But I'm not a woman!" Ha ha. Even so, having more women-supporting men in positions of power is still a good thing.

Tonight on the Tube: Democratic Convention Coverage, Bones & MythBusters

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:02:09 +0000

News & Notes

On cable tonight, BET has the The Dream Speech: 45 Years Later and Obama: Journey to the White House news specials, Bravo has the second season finale of Shear Genius, Discovery Channel has the series premiere of Nextworld, and Spike has the first season finale of Real Vice Cops Uncut.

Giveaway: Are you a fan of the ABC Family show Greek? Then enter to win a Greek Prize Pack.

Questions?: Tomorrow, I may have the opportunity to interview Spike Feresten from Talkshow with Spike Feresten about his show and the upcoming season. Got any questions for the former Seinfeld producer/writer now talk show host? You can leave them in the comments below or email them using the contact form.

Prime Picks

Bones (FOX): Repeats. Brennan and Booth are investigating the death of a singer, which leads to Booth getting shot. Then Zach ends up in the hospital after an explosion, in final two episodes from last season, “The Wannabe and the Weeds” and “The Pain in the Heart.” Next Wednesday, September 3rd is the two-hour fourth season premiere.

ABC, CBS, and NBC all have Democratic National Convention coverage tonight, but it plays depending on your time zone. Like here on the west coast they are all on at 7:00 p.m. PT.

Solid Selections

Greatest American Dog (CBS): New. This continues to be a bad night of television, unless you are trying to catch up on something you missed the first time around or want to get ready for the new season, like with Bones. Or, I guess you could watch the America’s Got Talent results show.

Criminal Minds (CBS): Repeat. A teen boy and his girlfriend have gone on a killing spree in a small town and the team investigates, in “Elephant’s Memory” from this past season.

ABC, CBS, and NBC all have Democratic National Convention coverage tonight, but it plays depending on your time zone. Like here on the west coast they are all on at 7:00 p.m. PT.

Cable Choices

Good Eats (Food Network): Repeats. Alton tries to become “Mussel Bound” and then tries to deliver on a “Squid Pro Quo 2″ deal. Both episodes play again later.

MythBusters (Discovery Channel): New. The guys test out the “NASA Moon Langing.” Plays again later.

Dinner: Impossible (Food Network): New. Iron Chef Michael Symon has to cook for 300 people at the Grand Ole Opry with a theme inspired by the song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” A repeat episode follows. Both play again later.

Other Options

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (TBS): Repeats. Four episodes replay tonight.

Sports Notes

ESPN has Wednesday Night Baseball with the Boston Red Sox at the New York Yankees.
USA has U.S. Open Tennis coverage.

Late Night

Greek (ABC Family): Repeat. Last night’s second season premiere episode, “Brothers & Sisters,” replays.

TV Marathons

Bravo has nine episodes of Shear Genius.
CMT has eight episodes of Trading Spouses: Meet Your New Mommy.
Oxygen has 14 episodes of Living Single.
TNT has five episodes of Law & Order tonight.
Sci Fi has the first eight episodes of Level 9 early.
Spike has 12 hours of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episodes.

Free Subscriber Downloads:

Printable Fall 2008 TV Schedule v1.03 (PDF) - Last Updated: 8.09.2008 - Get a look at the Fall schedules for ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX and NBC all on one page.
Printable Fall 2008 Cable TV Schedule is in the works.

2008 Democratic Convention Day Two

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:50:46 +0000

Senator Hillary Clinton gave a speech to unify the Democrats against Senator John McCain. The cheers inside the convention center fell into lockstep and former President Bill Clinton shed a few tears.

Bill Clinton shedding tears reminded me of the Ron Brown's Memorial service. While the former president attended his commerce secretary's memorial, he was shown walking onto the street, laughing and carrying on. When he realized that the cameras were on him, Bill began crying like a crocodile.

The headlines claim that "Hillary and Barrick Obama are United," but the words of the Senator from New York deserve closer inspection. Upon closer scrunity, Hillary's words were rather nuetral about Obama. Like a mad libs game, insert the noun "Obama" with any other presidential nominee - "Biden," "Richardson," "Edwards," "Ron Paul" - the speech would be just as functionary.

As for Hillary, she gave a speech that will not get her in trouble in either 2012 or 2016.

2008 Democratic Convention Day One

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:22:41 +0000

So far, the Democrats have been behaving themselves.
From what I have seen, this Convention has not been the hate fest that I witnessed in the 2004, 2000, 1996, 1992, 1988, 1984, 1980, 1976 and 1972 Conventions. Even Senator Ted Kennedy came across as likable.

Michelle Obama came across more like Laura Bush and less like Hilary Clinton. I still do not buy the line that Barrick and Michelle gave up the rich Wall Street business lifestyle for a career in public service. Good business is good public service, I do not think the Obamas understand this concept.

The Palmers & The Obamas: Sherry & Michelle

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:46:00 +0000

The hit television series staring Keifer Sutherland as Jack Bauer is almost just as much as the Palmer family as it is about Jack's family.

Maryland Senator turn President David Palmer, expertly played by Dennis Haysberth brings an excellent image of a strong leader and President, who happens to be black.

Although race plays a minimal part in this series, the images of this political family in the early days of a presidential campaign are compelling.

On a number of occasions I have thought about how Barack Obama could benefit from 24 viewership who respected the leadership of David Palmer, on the campaign trail and while in office.

Yet it wasn't until tonight when I watched Michelle Obama's speech live on TV from the Democratic National Convention in Denver, that I had a less positive connotation.

Sherry Palmer, the wife of Sen. David Palmer, is a compelling character (one who came in #3 on my ranking of 10 best supporting women of 24). Penny Johnson Jerald's portrayal is a compelling portrayal of a wife of democratic senator who will go to all lengths to see that her husband makes it in the white house. Her role as a fundraiser, mother, wife, and active philanthropist is redeeming and compelling, but behind the camera lens it is also deeply ugly.

Michelle Obama is a deeply compelling woman, and is a helpful voice in her husband's campaign, especially in their newest attempt to appear like "a regular run of the mill middle class American family." Yet tonight, her elegance, and simple control of language and portrayal of her family life made me think of Sherry Palmer. It made me think of her children Keith and Nicole, and it made me think of the Palmer campaign.

Granted, when it comes to 24, the fiction is bigger than real life ever could be. But you've got to wonder if the Obama's have ever watched that first season of 24, and what Michelle thinks of Sherry Palmer.

(And yes, that first picture is Sherry Palmer played by Penny Johnson Jerald, the second is the real Michelle Obama)

Keke Palmer: The Longshots Interview

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:41:00 +0000

with Kam Williams

Headline: Kicking It with Keke

Lauren Keyana Palmer was born on August 26, 1993 in Harvey, Illinois to Sharon, an elementary school teacher, and Lawrence, a salesman. The second of four children, Keke showed such promise at an early age that her parents decided to relocate the family to Los Angeles when she was just nine years-old. And that same year, she made her screen debut as Ice Cube’s niece in Barberbershop 2: Back in Business.
Then, after bit roles on such TV series as Cold Case, Law & Order, ER, she found international fame as the title character in the critically-acclaimed Akeelah and the Bee for which she won an NAACP Image Award and a host of other accolades. Also, in 2006, she played Tyler Perry’s feisty foster child in Madea’s Family Reunion. Since then, the versatile actress/singer has released her own CD on Atlantic Records, So Uncool, and she’s appeared in the Ludacris/Mary J. Blige video for the song Runaway Love.
Here, she talks about her new movie, The Longshots, a bio-pic about Jasmine Plummer, the first female quarterback to lead her team to the Pop Warner Superbowl.

KW: Hey, Keke, thanks for the time.
KP: No problem.
KW: I was just telling your father that your performance in Akeelah and the Bee was very powerful, and had me in tears.
KP: Oh, thank you very much.
KW: Where did you think all that talent came from at such a young age?
KP: I started singing regularly in the choir with my mom. I think it comes from the encouragement my parents and my church gave me to follow my dreams and they’re telling me that I could achieve anything. So, I’ve always felt confident and secure, and was able to be myself and to have a good time. And when the acting came up, I just applied that same approach to movies and television.
KW: I imagine you received a lot of positive feedback after playing the inspirational role of Akeelah.
KP: Yes I did. And because of that movie’s message, I was approached by lots of community organizations like the Girls Scout, It’s Cool to Be Smart and Urban Farming.
KW: I know your mom’s a schoolteacher. Are you home schooled by her?
KP: She was my teacher for a little while, after we first moved to Los Angeles. But now I work independently, except for when I’m shooting a film. When I’m on set, I have a tutor.
KW: After the success of Akeelah and the Bee, were fans always asking you to spell words?
KP: People would sometimes ask me to spell stuff, but I didn’t really feel any pressure.
KW: What interested you in The Longshots?
KP: What mainly interested me in the role was that it was so inspirational. And not only that, but because it’s a true story, I thought it would really motivate young girls to pursue their dreams
KW: After playing Jasmine Plummer, are you going to feel pressure to prove yourself as a football player?
KP: Well, I think the movie speaks for itself, because that was really me playing.
KW: How did you prepare for the role?
KP: I practiced for about four months, getting my arm ready, and then learning the footwork.
KW: Had you ever played football before that?
KP: Oh no, I didn’t have any experience in it at all.
KW: Are you a football fan, now?
KP: Not watching it, but I like playing.
KW: How did you like working with Ice Cube?
KP: It was a lot of fun. I was really excited to work with him one-on-one, because he gave me my first break in Barbershop 2. It was a small role, but it was the second I had ever auditioned for, and the first one I ever got.
KW: How did you get along with Tasha Smith who plays your mother?
KP: Great! I worked with her on the TV show Second Time Around when I first came to California, and I was happy to work with her again because she’s so nice.
KW: What message do you hope kids will take away from this movie?
KP: That you can achieve anything, as long as you put your mind to it, whatever it is, even if it’s supposed to be only for boys, or only for girls, for that matter. You can go as far as you want to go.
KW: Did you ever meet Jasmine Plummer, the girl The Longshots was based on?
KP: Yes, I did. I met her towards the end of the filming. She’s a very nice girl. And luckily, I portrayed her as she was. And I think she was glad about that.
KW: Are you planning to record another CD soon?
KP: No, I just departed from the record label that put out my first album in ’07. So, I’m just going to be doing little stuff here and there, and maybe some soundtracks.
KW: Well, music maven Heather Covington wants to know who you’re you listening to right now.
KP: Hmm… I’m listening to a lot of people. I love Rhianna.
KW: You’re turning 15 soon. How do you plan to celebrate your birthday?
KP: I don’t know what I’m going to do. Maybe something small.
KW: Bookworm Troy Johnson wants to know, what was the last book you read?
KP: The last book I read was a novel by Jerry Spinelli called Stargirl.
KW: If you were old enough to vote, who would you vote for for President?
KP: Obama.
KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?
KP: Yes.
KW: Is there any question nobody ever asks you, that you wish somebody would?
KP: No, I think I’ve been asked everything.
KW: How do you fell about the passing of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes?
KP: I was so shocked when I heard that Bernie Mac had passed. I know he’d been sick for awhile, but I was still really, really sad that he’d died. He was so talented and had worked so hard. I felt the same way about Isaac Hayes. It was so sudden, that I was just shocked. They’re in a better place now, but I’m still sad and we miss them down here.
KW: Are you able to live like a regular teenager? Can you still go to the mall or a movie theater without being followed by fans?
KP: I can most of the time. There are certain situations where they come up to me. I only get noticed if I stand around for a long time.
KW: Do you have a website?
KP: Yes I do, it’s www.kekepalmer.com .
KW: Do you answer your fan mail yourself?
KP: Yes I do.
KW: Nosy “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan asks: Where in L.A. do you live?”
KP: In Altadena, about 20 minutes from L.A.
KW: I see you’ll be playing the title character on a new TV show this fall on Nickelodeon.
KP: Yeah, it’s called True Jackson, V.P. It’s about a 15 year-old girl who gets a vice president’s job at a fashion company.
KW: Well, thanks again for the interview, and I wish you the best of success as you continue to blossom into a beautiful young lady.
KP: Thank you very much.

To see a trailer for The Longshots, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WM6w6hTfHE

DNC 08.

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:43:54 +0000

Democratic National Convention?" asks Ted Johnson for Variety. "The easy answer: Causes. In fact, outside the convention hall itself, it will be a veritable ComicCon of causes, as dozens upon dozens of events are slated throughout the week promoting everything from African poverty relief to the plight of war veterans to the world trade imbalance." Ted also blogs at Wilshire & Washington, the "intersection of entertainment and politics." Yesterday's question: "The industry is lining up behind Barack Obama, but one question seldom gets asked: Will he be 'good' for Hollywood?"

5280? The Denver magazine takes its name from the number of feet its city rises above sea level. And it'll be all over the Convention.

Continued reading DNC 08....

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Browser, 8/24: Ebert on China; Stillman still winning fans; A true champion; faith-bashing on the big-screen; Thewlis sighting; Filmmakers love NY; Ra

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:50:11 +0000

The Browser: News & links to raise your eyebrows & furrow your brow.

New headlines will be added as the day goes on. Stay tuned.

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ROGER EBERT GIVES CHINA’S OLYMPICS A BIG THUMB’S UP

Yes, there are criticisms to be made. China, like all nations, is far from perfect. Our Bill of Rights would create an upheaval in their society. There are all the stories about the “fakery” of the Olympics opening ceremony. True, but the ceremony was showbiz, which since time immemorial has shown us what cannot be. The amazing aspect is that so many aspects of the “fakery” were so quickly revealed, and no one lost his head because of treason. Even Zhang Yimou complained a little about some of the instructions he was given.

This is the bottom line: Olympics were a triumph for China. I’m not talking about gold medals, and I’m not talking about politics. I’m talking about appreciation for a glorious world event. About the deeper, richer, more complex vision we have of the nation. They did a hell of a job.

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FIRST THINGS ON THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO

Nathaniel Peters celebrates one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies.

Can’t wait for the Criterion version! Apparently my DVD of this film has become quite valuable, as it’s been out of print for so long.

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IF MICHAEL PHELPS IS “FROM THE FUTURE,” THEN WHERE IS ERIC LIDDELL FROM?

I’m sorry, but there’s one Olympic champion who impresses me in ways that Michael Phelps hasn’t and probably never will.

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BILL MAHER WANTS YOU… TO PAY GOOD MONEY SO HE CAN MOCK YOUR FAITH

Peter T. Chattaway is scanning the early reviews of Bill Maehr’s faith-damning documentary Religulous.

One of the comments to Chattaway’s post includes this:

I doubt very much that Maher would make a straight-up documentary concerning religious belief itself. He would need to speak with some of religious thought’s leading minds, and I doubt he could hold his own long enough to hold anyone’s interest. I had more than a handful of seminary professors who would not only win any argument with him, they would argue his own position better than he could.

If Religulous does focus on religious extremists or the more out-there kind of faithful as the one review says, then it will wind likely wind up being a tale of sneer and mockery signifying not much.

If you want to critique, say, the history of Science Fiction, and choose to interview only a bunch of middle-aged Star Wars geeks who spend all their money on action figures, well… the problem should be fairly obvious. You’re not actually criticizing science fiction… you’re criticizing immaturity and arrested development.

If Maher really wanted to construct a sincere critique of religious belief, you’d think he would seek out the thoughts of serious theologians, devoted Christian missionaries, seminary students, pastors, or some of the Christian writers who inspire the respect of even those readers who don’t share their faith. If he wants to highlight his own insecurities, he’ll set himself up against straw men and idiots and people ill-equipped to talk about their faith. His assault on religion will be, in fact, an assault on typical failings in human nature, not an evisceration of faith itself. It sounds like this may be Maher’s tactic. If it isn’t, let me know.

Personally, I got sick of Maher’s sneering sanctimony years ago, and I’m certainly not going to give up ten of my dollars for the privilege of being ridiculed. Unless, of course, he’s taken a startling turn and become a humble, thoughtful host who treats his interviewees with respect and grace.

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DAVID THEWLIS AND THE PAJAMAS

A trailer for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Any appearance of David Thewlis on the big screen is worth noting.

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PART 2 IN THE “[INSERT NAME OF CITY] I LOVE YOU” SERIES

A trailer for New York, I Love You, from the makers of Paris Je T’aime.

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YAMAGATA! YAMAGATA!

At last! David Kennedy has news on the much-awaited return of an engaging young talent: Rachel Yamagata.

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BIDEN TIME

And I’m not interested in hosting a debate on Obama’s selection of Joe Biden, as there are so many places better suited to host that conversation. I happily refer you to consider David Brooks’ column about Biden, and then go to Gene Edward Veith’s blog to discuss Obama/Biden.