“Friends with Money” Asks: Can Jennifer Aniston Act?
by Mark Canavera on April 20, 2006 in Culture
Nicole Holofcener’s new movie “Friends with Money” asks the burning question, “Will Jennifer Aniston seem like a good actress if you surround her with the industry’s best?” Rounding out the quartet of friends around which this movie revolves are Catherine Keener, Joan Cusack, and Frances McDormand, each a great actress in her own way. Despite some interesting character work, however, the movie never quite manages to converge or to elevate Aniston to the status of Serious Actress. Read more
Fermentation: Spring Wines
by Rodolfo Neirotti on April 20, 2006 in Culture
It’s that time of year again. Even though it’s still mostly overcast and cool, people-almost like lizards-feel compelled to head outdoors, poorly dressed, for that dreaded institution known as a Barbeque. The food is most always mediocre, the beverages are disastrous and the company usually disappointing. Read more
“Thank You for Smoking” a Snappy Satire
by Mark Canavera on April 6, 2006 in Culture
“Thank You for Smoking” is a snappy satire centered on Nick Naylor, a lobbyist for Big Tobacco. Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) works for the Academy of Tobacco Studies, a pseudo research institute that pumps out industry-friendly studies as fodder for public relations. He is a master of spin and a king of his craft.
