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Comments on Film review
Celluloid for the couch potato
This weekend's best in DVD releases
Posted Mar 12, 2010
Kristine Peashock
Horrific abuse, mass layoffs, emotional isolation, the crumbling economy, and foreclosures – this week’s new release DVDs center around the country’s ills, past and present.
The willful disregard of opposing viewpoints begins to wear after a while. It’s not the snark that’s bad, but the obtuse approach.
His earlier films had much more nuance, and can actually reward repeated viewing. The later stuff, not so much. You don’t even need to seem ‘em to know exactly what they’re about.
I agree, Dylan. I love love love “Roger & Me” though, and up through “Bowling for Columbine.” Even the TV shows. I miss the corporate crime-fighting chicken.
First, if you’ve been recently laid off, as my wife and I have, I would consider waiting to see this film. Most of the people who get the bad news are real-life victims of downsizing. To see the genuine, raw emotion from these devastated workers was almost too much for us.
Second, I, too, questioned the choice of Clooney’s profession. It seemed exploitative, but it becomes apparent that what he does is key to his character’s development.
Michael: thanks for your comment. I found the inclusion of real-life downsizing victims to be appropriately uncomfortable. Best of luck to you and your family.
Kristine and anyone else, I’d like to know what you make of the final shot in “Up in the Air,” the closeup of Bingham’s hand releasing it’s grip on the handle of his carry-on bag. This image to me seems at odds with his voice over that implies he is continuing his career as a serial terminator.
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6 comments on this story
I am probably the only one left who still finds Michael Moore’s snark charming.
The willful disregard of opposing viewpoints begins to wear after a while. It’s not the snark that’s bad, but the obtuse approach.
His earlier films had much more nuance, and can actually reward repeated viewing. The later stuff, not so much. You don’t even need to seem ‘em to know exactly what they’re about.
I agree, Dylan. I love love love “Roger & Me” though, and up through “Bowling for Columbine.” Even the TV shows. I miss the corporate crime-fighting chicken.
A couple things about “Up in the Air.”
First, if you’ve been recently laid off, as my wife and I have, I would consider waiting to see this film. Most of the people who get the bad news are real-life victims of downsizing. To see the genuine, raw emotion from these devastated workers was almost too much for us.
Second, I, too, questioned the choice of Clooney’s profession. It seemed exploitative, but it becomes apparent that what he does is key to his character’s development.
Michael: thanks for your comment. I found the inclusion of real-life downsizing victims to be appropriately uncomfortable. Best of luck to you and your family.
Kristine and anyone else, I’d like to know what you make of the final shot in “Up in the Air,” the closeup of Bingham’s hand releasing it’s grip on the handle of his carry-on bag. This image to me seems at odds with his voice over that implies he is continuing his career as a serial terminator.