Yes, now that I have seen Godfather 2, I can admit to you that I had never seen it before. Pretty shameful. In fact, I haven’t seen the first Godfather since high school, so I may have to follow up with another viewing of that soon. Anyways, Godfather 2 is considered by IMDB voters to be the 3rd best movie ever. I don’t know if I’d go that far, though I did think it was a stunningly wonderful movie. Pacino brought a shrouded mood to every seen he was in, and John Cazale was terrific as Fredo. It was obvious that he was going to get whacked in the end, but it was still upsetting. The beauty of the film was that you hated just about every major character in the film at one time or another, and you sympathized with every major character at one time or another. I thought the only weakness of the film was the somewhat farfetched return to Italy to take out Don Ciccio. And I’m not sure I understood why Michael decision to go into the Marines at the end was so significant. Did I miss something? All in all, though, a wonderful film, and perhaps even my second favorite mob movie of all time. Goodfellas is still, in my mind, the best. A-
PREVIOUSLY IN THE CLASSIC MOVIE PROJECT: North by Northwest.
Trivia News
- Our friends in Denver just had their annual Geek Bowl, and it appears to have been a rousing success. Not to brag or objectify, but I would like to note that the majority of our volunteer staff in the front lobby were HOT LESBIANS. And they were very active so technically our lobby was a cauldron of Hot Lesbian Action. Yes!!!!!!
- The City Paper talked to Ken Jennings last week.
- There is going to be the 6th annual Sports Trivia Bowl in Norman, OK, this weekend. It will be hosted by, are you ready for this, Uwe von Schaman, who I distinctly remember kicking for the Dolphins when I was a kid. Anybody know where I can find a cheap flight to Norman? I want to be with Uwe!
What the Duck?
As you might remember I had a decent experience on Ride the Ducks last year, despite my better judgement. Well, Walt Sherman of Shut the Duck Up has had no such experience. He hates the damn ducks, and he’s trying to do something about it. What’s he trying to do? It’s hard to tell from this video, but it looks certifiably insane.
Around the Horn, Brought to you by Tex Cobb
- No sooner are we done talking about Raising Arizona than Tex Cobb is in a great piece by Phil Sheridan. Turns out that he just earned a degree from Temple. Again, a great piece. Read it if you haven’t already.
- You know how things starting going downhill for Britney when she married K-Fed? Well, I seem to remember Michael Jackson started to jump the sanity shark after his hair caught on fire. Or maybe it was when he became friends with Corey Haim. Of course, if he had actually been singing, he woulda put the flames right out. Science is weird.
- Every once in a while, Philly Mag puts out a damn good issue. The current one is that issue. Restaurant rankings, an article about Larry Brown, and an article by Matthew Teague that really does a good job shining the light on the union situation in Philly. And I’m not gonna pretend like I didn’t read the Alycia Lane article. Speaking of her, D-Mac is reporting that she was making out with Booker on the dance floor of the Grape Street Pub over the weekend. That’s it! It’s over for her and I! I will not date any woman that hangs out in Manyunk!
Quick QB Note
Just talked with the lady at the venue. I sent a proposal on Friday. She looked over it and said it looks good, but she has to make sure her business partner feels the same way. I am supposed to call back at 4 and I am hoping to have something in ink manana.
Question of the week
In the poem The Raven, the bird perches on a bust of what mythological Greek figure?
Dr. Sandman to Host at Draught Horse
Dr. Sandman, recently released from upstate for crimes relating to his “medical qualifications” will be co-hosting at the Draught Horse (1431 Cecil B. Moore) tonight. We will be doing a little co-hosting thing for a little while until his parole officer says that he is allowed to be on his own. He is trying to atone for his past mistakes, and I applaud his efforts. However, I should warn you: the Good Doctor has a vicious temper, so it is best not to rouse him with tomfoolery. Hope to see some of you tonight!
Western Omelette wins at Bards
The Sixers leading scorer turns 24 today. Who is he?
The Champs Win at the Vous
This singer, whose best selling album is Surfacing, turns 40 today.
Narkotizing Dysfunktion wins at Bards
He’s best known for playing the tv role of Hawkeye Pierce.