Movies

I really liked Casino Royale. It looks like they want to go in a different direction with the new Bond movies, and I think they got it right: they got rid of the ridiculous world-domination plans from the evil genius, the over-the-top gadgetry (remember the invisible sports car?), and the shallow relationships with women played by the latest hot Hollywood starlet.

Don't get me wrong, all those were fun things about the Bond franchise, but after a while, the formula wore thin for me. I'm looking forward to seeing what this franchise holds for the future.

As for the Good Shepherd...high hopes were dashed by reality. Whatever critic called this the "Godfather of CIA movies" must have been strictly referring to the long running time. Unlike the Godfather, though, the Good Shepherd is way too long for no good reason. I nearly fell asleep in the first hour, and this was at a matinee showing. As for the story, let's put it this way: my family spent the entire car ride home trying to figure out what had happened and whether or not it made any sense (it didn't).

On a positive note, I did think that Matt Damon was really good in the movie, despite the fact that his character had almost no personality. That probably sounds oxymoronic, but I think it's a huge credit to his performance: he portrayed a character who is outwardly cold and emotionless, and still managed to give him life. I've always thought Matt Damon was a pretty decent actor (which not all movie stars are), but the last few things I saw him in (Good Shepherd, Departed, and Syriana) have made me think that he might have a lot of good stuff ahead of him.