MILK

GOT MILK?
Perhaps the majority of those who die 'before their time' are idolized in some way or another. Harvey Milk was the exception. Sean Penn breathes life into a great man who was very much human and flawed as he was effective and courageous. It's hard to believe how much has changed over the 31 years since his assassination in 1978. It's also hard to believe how much has not changed since that time as well, but that's another story. This film follows the path that changed an ordinary man into a political activist. The dialogue is sharp, the story is clear and accurate, the acting across the board was flawless. The DVD has features that include the many people who promoted Milk and those he promoted. Interesting on how the main character is no where to be found. Penn has been on the bitter end of a great deal of bad publicity for his own activism and level of seriousness. He has proved to us that Spicoli is no more. With MILK he doesn't just lighten up, he transforms. This is one of those films where the authentic recreation of a life is reflection of a master craftsman. Paired with Gus Van Sant, they make a film that touches one's spirit and offers a bit of hope. "Without hope, life is not worth living."
BIG BITE: This is a piece of art; a well crafted movie which touches the heart and soul.

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 27... WRONG BOOK, WRONG MIND, RIGHT MOVIE

"I believe in Holden Caulfield. And in the book, and what he was saying, what he was saying to a lost generation of phony people."

Mark David Chapman

"You either get tired fighting for peace, or you die." John Lennon

Jared Leto scares me. Where oh where did my love from My So Called Life, Jordan Catalano go? Leto OWNS this movie. Another Hollywood actor bulking up or trimming down to portray a real person, not just a character. Leto was Chapman. His voice struck me the most, a southern drawl that could have turned Capote-esk, but didn't. When Chapman took Lennon's life on that ill fated day, he took away one of our most outspoken and talented stars. Chapman's mind, his reasoning was slightly comforting to try to understand. For the most part, he was a very troubled man and it was a horrible event that changed lives as the Kennedy assassination. I don't feel any pity for the man, but it was a good representation of the event. Lindsay Lohan was also in this film for about 10 minutes. She lent nothing to the story and her "acting" was terrible. Hard to watch in some ways, but the other ways that were good and true made it ok.

PICK: A fantastic performance by Jeto in a heartbreaking time. Worth the watch.