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And Dinner And A Movie

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Dinner and a Movie

'The Dictator' Kicks Sand in Face of Political Correctness

Funnyman Sasha Baron Cohen is at it again, this time as a flashy, offensive Middle Eastern dictator who comes to the U.S.

From the guy who brought us Ali G and Borat comes a new character named General Aladeen -- a ruthless dictator from a fictional country in North Africa who is part buffoon, horn dog and ruthless bloodthirsty ruler in "The Dictator." Through a ridiculous set of circumstances, that I will spare you the details because they are so contrived, Aladeen ends up in New York while his even sillier double is in charge of his country. There are plenty of cameo appearances from big stars to keep things interesting. As for the element of political satire we get a pretty heavy-handed lecture that borders on being a bit corny. The Dictator, like so many other characters by Cohen, is offensive but somehow there is a certain likeability to him. "The …

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Dinner and a Movie

'Hunger Games' Whets Appetite for More

Jennifer Lawrence elevates the best-selling young-adult book to big-screen greatness.

It's one of the most anticipated movies in some time. It has all the elements of a big hit: teen romance, violence and action. Mix in some rising young stars and you have The Hunger Games. Jennifer Lawrence isn't a household name, but she will be. Known to this point for her critically acclaimed role in Winter's Bone, Lawrence plays Katniss, one of two people from her district who must play a nationally televised game in which there can be just one winner—the last one alive. With knives, swords, bows, arrows and other weapons, the massacre begins. This futurist tale takes place in the country of Panem after an apocalyptic war. The country is split into 12 districts, with two contestants ages 12 to 18 being sent to compete in this reality …

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