Volver de nuevo (To return again)
Paul Martin of Melbourne Film Blog has misgivings similar to mine in his review of Volver. He explains,
Almodovar has been lauded by prominently putting women in strong roles, supposedly reversing stereotype. While it’s highly desirable to see women in good roles, I find Almodovar’s depiction the opposite side of the same sexist coin. The polar opposite of the Arctic is still ice. The opposite of exclusion of one is not the exclusion of the other – it is inclusion.
If Hollywood is sexist and misogynistic, then Almodóvar’s work may also be seen as sexist – not misogynistic, but misandrist. His work doesn’t counter a gender imbalance – it merely adds to it. Bear in mind that I believe there is an ubiquitous and overlooked attitude of misandry in western society.
You must read the rest, and all the other reviews at his excellent blog.
Will Cindy stop drinking the Kool-Aid now that Che Cola‘s out? Or will she stick to Jamba Juice? Do I sound catty if I ask, will the Jamba Juice continue to stick to her?
New additions to the blog roll:
Melbourne Film Blog
The Daily Ablution
Sarkozy’s goal: For the centre-right’s choice there are pitfalls on the road to the Elysee
A third risk is that Mr Sarkozy frightens even his own voters. When polls dissect his image, his strengths are his energy, courage, dynamism and determination. By contrast, he scores less well when rated against adjectives such as nice, reassuring and seductive. The French plainly admire Mr Sarkozy, but they do not warm towards him, and seem to find him a bit scary.
Me, I like the guy exactly because of that.
Read about the internal BBC memo Stephen Pollard read,
If this is what passes for high-level analysis at the BBC, is it any wonder its reporting is so poisonous?
Maria sent this picture,

and Janette tells me they have a Owen and Mzee’s Web Log. How cool is that!
“Put down your weapon!”
Countdown to 24
You know where I’ll be Sunday and Monday from 8 to 10PM … you can safely guess that I won’t be answering the phone…
Blogs 4 Bauer has the kill counter ready. Update Not only does Blogs 4 Bauer have the kill counter ready, it has the kill counter challenge.
I miss George Mason. If only they’d ressurect him.