Deathbyinches says, “I could be wrong and I mean no disrespect but in my opinion Maggie Gyllenhaal will wind up being a solid 2nd banana in the tradition of Iris Adrian, or Eve Arden……and now I am showing that I am 2000 years old.”

I could not disagree more.  I think Maggie Gyllenhaal is quietly increasing her profile by taking studio pics (Stranger than Fiction, World Trade Center) while continuing to do high profile Indy films when appropriate (Trust the Man, Sherrybaby, The Great New Wonderful).  She’s already been nominated for a Golden Globe (Secretary) and has received stellar reviews for Sherrybaby.  We’ll see how good Stranger than Fiction really is, but she is well on her way to being one of the most acclaimed female actors (perhaps the female equivalent of Ed Norton or Philip Seymour Hoffman) of our generation. 

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Armchair critic writes, “The only two summer movies worthy of inclusion on a potential “year end best” are the Indian movie “Water” and “Prairie Home Companion.” Honorable mention (but only that) to “An Inconvenient Truth,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” and maybe “The Devil Wears Prada.” Haven’t seen the newest ones out.”

Armchair critic needs to see The Illusionist and Quinceanera.  I intentionally omitted documentaries, but I agree that An Inconvenient Truth is one of the year’s best films thus far.  I have not seen Water.  Michael Mann continued his roll with Miami Vice.  The Devil Wears Prada was an entertaining film and Meryl Streep was deiciously devious.  Still, it’s not sniffing the top ten so far this year, much less by season’s end.  I expect a sleeper nomination from Little Miss Sunshine, whether it’s for Alan Arkin in the supporting category or for best original screenplay.

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Orange and Blue asks, “Hey MovieGoer, I rented The Deer Hunter this weekend. Any thoughts on that film?”

The Deer Hunter is a powerful film.  It’s in the holy trilogy of Vietnam war films (Platoon and Apocolypse Now being the other two).  Christopher Walken and Robert De Niro turn in fantastic performances.  You’ll remember John Cazale from Dog Day Afternoon.  Meryl Streep is also good in a supporting role.  In my opinion, you will not be disappointed.

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