Films Celebrating life, Bend It Like Beckham and Etre et Avoir

• Peter was having a great day and this inspired him to talk about films that celebrate life. I can only recall one of four films that he talked about, Roberto Benigni's Life Is Beautiful. I agree with Peter on this one, it's a great film.



• Jenn had an opportunity to see Bend It Like Beckham and had a blast. Lots o fun, Jenn recommends this beaut.



• I had the fortunate pleasure of seeing Etre et Avoir this week. It was easily the most uplifting film I've seen so far this year. This doc takes place in a single classroom with students ranging in age from 6 to 12. The magic of the film lies with the teacher and his rapport with the students, emphasizing mutual respect and communication with each other. There is definitely the opportunity to abuse the "cuteness" factor when children are involved in any production, but the focus of the film lies in the impression that a single teacher has on the emotional development of these young minds. The innocence of the children as well as the sensitivity and understanding of le maitre transcends the screen and left me with a feeling I haven't had in a very long time--hope.

Anger Management, The Graduate and a review of a fictional film by a fictional character

• Peter had a chance to see Anger Management and wanted to put it in perspective with other films featuring Adam Sandler such as PunchDrunkLove.



• Dustin Hoffman's debut role in The Graduate is brilliant. Directed by Mike Nichols in 1967, the film took two years to cast with Dustin, still to this day, believing that he was one of the last people to be chosen. The chemistry between Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman is what makes this film stand up to the ultimate test--time and it's to Nichols' credit for letting the camera capture that magic with minimal editing. Fantastic music provided by Simon and Garfunkel complement this film that is supposed to leave the viewer with a feeling of what Hoffman's character is thinking and feeling. The Graduate is a precursor to such films as Harold and Maude and Tadpole. All I have to say is remember that hot mom you knew as a kid?



• We at Moving Images were very fortunate to have as our esteemed guest Holden Caulfield as he presented to us a review of some Christmas film that made him want to puke. For the complete review, as can only be said by Holden, read A Catcher In the Rye (p. 138) by J.D. Salinger.