Defending Blindness

I'm starting to realize that I'm going to be in the minority when it comes to "Blindness." I feel that Fernando Meirelles' film is one of the year's best -- a spellbinding survival tale with hypnotic visuals and a superb lead performance from Julianne Moore.

But the reviews that have come out so far have been harsh. Many critics are slamming Meirelles' decision to bathe his compositions in a milky white as "showy" and " distracting." These are the same critics who had no problem with Alfonso Cuaron using extremely long takes and splattering blood on his camera lens in "Children of Men" (and I had no complaints about Cuaron's long takes either, even though there really wasn't any purpose for them).

"Blindness" is a cinematic cousin to "Children of Men." Both are great films about an ordinary person being called to do extraordinary things in a post-apocalyptic society. Both films have a mastery of image and sound that is very uncommon in Hollywood movies these days. And while "Children of Men" is the greater formal achievement, "Blindness" hit me in a way that "Children" never did.

What I'm talking about is that moment when a film makes the back of your neck tingle. That moment when you're completely absorbed in a movie and yet simultaneously aware of the fact that you're watching a wonderful film. Somehow, such a moment manages to stir your soul, and there's a very specific scene in "Blindness" that produced this reaction in me. I won't spoil it here.

But back to those negative reviews. I still need to wait a little bit longer -- I'm holding out hope that some people will join me in declaring the film a wholly successful work. But, if nobody agrees with me, oh well. I'm willing to defend "Blindness" to the end because in a sea of mediocrity, it stands out as being something special.

Disney Showcase

My recap of yesterday's Walt Disney Studios Showcase is here.

The Little Ones - "Tangerine Visions"

I love this song. I love this video.

Stealth Cat

Perhaps the creepiest video I've ever seen online.

Ra Ra Riot

Just bought tickets to see them play next week at The Echo.

Football Existentialism

Post-It Note Experiment

From the guys who brought you "Diet Coke and Mentos."

Cat vs. Printer

For some odd reason, this cracks me up.

Matt Damon is my new personal hero

McCain's newest ad

What a despicable ad. McCain is running an incredibly nasty campaign, and what's even more alarming is that many people are buying into it.

"At the Movies" verdict

My quick assessment of "At the Movies," which replaces "Ebert & Roeper," can be read here on PopWatch.

The Truth About Obama's Parents

"Milk"

This is one hell of a trailer.

Palin's Office

I thought this photo had to be fake, but nope, this is what Sarah Palin's office actually looks like. Oh my...