Munich

I went to see Munich last night with some friends and I definitely found it a traumatizing and somehow uplifting experience. Much like Syriana I'm fairly certain that this movie will win some awards it's already nominated for 2 Golden Globes and except for a crying scene Eric Bana gives an Oscar worthy performance. On a side note it has an incredible soundtrack and I'm not just saying that because I love the 70's. Whether you like the movie or not there is no denying that it is an extremely provoking piece of work. The movie is based on actual events that took place at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, so I feel that I'm not going to give too much away by talking about the movie.

We were a little late getting into the theatre (due to E/B/CST) so we missed the first couple of minutes of the movie. So although I didn't see what happened in the very beginning the movie was designed so that it wasn't necessary. One thing I especially liked about this movie was how, throughout the film, they showed the sequence of events that took place at the '72 Olympics through the reflections of the main character Avner. You watch the metamorphosis of this character who's first motivations where home, family, and nationality turn into a confusion of bitterness and anger towards his enemies, his country, and even himself, finally ending in no motivation and even paranoia. Another interesting theme throughout this film was that of family. The Israeli government convinces Avner that what he must do, is not just for his immediate family, but for all Jews who are part of the same family. Another character, Robert, points out that what unifies the Jews is and separates them from everyone else is that above all they should be righteous and how could what they were doing be righteous? (A loss of the sense of family?) It was a very thought provoking film where the events that inspired it are still playing themselves out in the Middle East. Last night I dreamed I was a Palestinian refugee in Israel, it was a very different point of view to look at things from since I generally view things from the Israeli side.

I definitely recommend this film, with one stipulation. It is rated R, and trust me it's for a reason namely graphic (and I might add realistic) violence, sexual content, nudity, drug content, and language. I would love to dialogue with anyone who has seen the film or just wants to talk about the film so please comment. As always have a good day and enjoy.

'Tis the season to be jolly?

"I don't know if I can live with myself anymore."

"God, I just want some peace. Is that too much to ask?"

"My mind makes me sick."

"I don't know how much more of this I can take."

These are all phrase I've heard over the past couple of weeks as the holiday season fast approaches. For most as the year draws to a close and holiday plans loom on the horizon, it's a time of celebration and being with the people you love. You make plans, give gifts, and eat your weight in turkey. But for a large part of the population it can be a very lonely or even depressing time.

I had the benefit of riding the bus home from the northern most regions of "The Valley" for about 4 hours on Sunday morning and I got the chance to observe quite a few people both inside the bus, walking down the street, and driving in cars. I went through a variety of neighborhoods with varying socioeconomic status. The common thread I saw in all the people I observed was that quite a few of them looked upset, depressed, and even angry.

I was looking at an article today about the depression people suffer at this time of year. And the thing that has been on my mind the past couple of days is what can I do about this. As some of you know I'm obsessed with what I can do to fix what I perceive as problems. And I realized I can't really change anyone's life. But what I can do and what I think a lot of others can do is be aware of people you come into contact with that might be struggling at this time of year and maybe you can have a positive impact in their lives by taking an active, honest interest in how they are doing.

During the holiday season we spend most of our time trying to give tangible gifts, things that you can measure with monetary value. Even volunteering and helping the needy. I think one of the greatest gifts we can give someone is our time, love, compassion, and understanding of their needs emotionally and spiritually as well as physically.

As always have a good day and enjoy.

Kounterfeit Kids

I was watching the news this morning and saw a truly amazing story. They were talking about just busting open a money counterfeiting ring...but the the kicker was that everyone involved was in the fourth grade. I was like what?!?!

Apparently the lunch lady became suspicious when a couple of the 4th graders paid for their lunches with 20 dollar bills. Hmmmm...seems fine to me. Upon closer examination apparently the bills had some "jagged edges" which led the lunch lady to bring in the authorities. Apparently one of the 4th graders printed them up on his home computer and they cut them out. Talk about a class project.

I saw the bills on television this morning and they were pretty darn close. If it wasn't for the jagged edges I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference. And to think, you should have your fine motor skills such as cutting perfected by the 4th grade. I guess those kids didn't pay enough attention in kindergarten. I'm just kidding around. But seriously in the 4th grade I was trying to buy things with fake money that's how clueless I was. These kids are out there making fake C-notes. What does that tell you about our American educational system.

Please feel free to share your comments. As always have a good day and enjoy.

The Chronicles

The other night I had the wonderful privilege of going to the premiere of the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe at the El Capitain theatre in Hollywood. I have to admit I was a little afraid that the movie wouldn't live up to my expectations and that the glitz and glamour of Hollywood would overshadow the movie that I and others were looking forward to enjoying. Between the wonderful setting, VIP seats, the snow that fell on us the pre-movie show and the complementary drinks and popcorn I became more and more nervous that they were putting on this big production in order to cover up the fact that they were going to do a botched job on the movie. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Although some people, like myself worry about whether Hollywood can do justice to a much beloved novel and author as I feel they deserve, as a fan and an avid movie goer I'm always interested in another persons interpretation of something to see if they are true to what was originally intended or if they come away with the same things I did. And even if they didn't that's ok because at least they have opened the eyes of others to looking at something they may never have thought about and giving others an opportunity of discovering or rediscovering C.S. Lewis.

As I said earlier in the post they definitely did an excellent job with this film. I must admit that though I've read C.S. Lewis recently it wasn't any of the Chronicles of Narnia. I actually haven't read them for about 15 (almost) 16 years. But as I watched the film pieces of my memory came alive and I started to enjoy it more and more as the film progressed. They definitely stayed true to the heart of the film and I have to admit that I was deeply moved by the portrayal of this time honored classic. I won't discuss the film in any detail here in case you want to see it for yourself, but I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think you will as well.

I would also like to share a funny comment a man made as I was leaving the theatre. He said that he wasn't expecting such a strong Christian theme in the movie. I couldn't help bursting out in hysterical laughter because I was thinking don't you have a clue about the Chronicles of Narnia, did you watch the trailer, do you even know who C.S. Lewis is. It's comments like those that make Lewis fans think everyone else is equally as ignorant of Lewis' works, but I don't think that's the case at least as far as the movie is concerned.

As always have a good day and enjoy.

Phew!!!

Man has it been a long time since my last post. I've had a lot of false starts and half hearted attempts, but the truth of the matter is. I've been busy. Busy....what busy...I know you are all thinking the same thing. Tanika doesn't have a life how in the world is she busy. Well I'll tell you I've found things to do to occupy my time.

But truth be known. I've been a little bit sick, a little busy, and a little bit lazy so that all culminated in me not posting for a while. But now I'm back. There are so many things I want to say that I won't even attempt to except to let slip out that I have a new crush in life (as usual) and life is looking up. Or rather I have an old crush who I've re-crushed kinda like orange crush soda. In a way.

Please no blog speculations or I'll have to remove them. I'll give you a hint. He isn't 4 feet tall.

-The Cheeky Madame