Skip to main content

Jason versus Spotlight

OK, a true story about investigative journalism doesn't sound like The Basement's usual pint of ale. But we ARE now about ALL things entertainment, so I figured chiming in on this much buzzed about bit of awards fodder wouldn't be such a bad idea. Besides, I really wanted to see it. Wanna fight about it?

Didn't think so.

So does Spotlight deserve all its praise? Good acting? Directing? Story? All that other pretentious bullshit? Hmmm? Stick with me!

Yeah, it does, actually. This is a fucking good movie! Actually, it's more of a film than a movie, if you go by Christian Slater's True Romance definition of films and movies. It's one of the better films I've seen in a long time, and held my interest from start to finish. I actually haven't come across a lot of films OR movies that have done that for a long time.

For one, this story really happened. And stories like this have and will continue to happen. And the reason why is because few people are willing to do anything about it. You'd think, when word reaches authorities that a priest has sexually abused a child, someone would. But it's the church, and such things tend to get swept under the rug.

So thank Jebus these investigative reporters at The Boston Globe did something about it in the early 2000s. The story, and how it unfolds, is exciting in a non-action packed kind of way. And they got the portrayal of journalism right. I'd know. I was a journo for 10 years.

Too bad this kind of investigative journalism is dying, but that's another story.

This flick belongs to Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber and company. Someone better get a Pretentious Award nomination. Keaton especially.

As for the subject matter, it's handled well and isn't exploitive. But you get the point, and that makes the payoff even better. This, folks, is one that must not be missed when you're in the mood for a film and not a movie.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

  Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends.  With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher.  When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up.  Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila!  Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink.  The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink.  The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices.   In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors.  The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort.  It was refreshing enou

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ".  I know I remember them.  This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present.  With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good.  It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters.  This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's.  In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking.  I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e