Secrets and Lies

Mission: Impossible III is everything you'd expect from a summer movie. And by that, I mean, while it meets all your expectations, is does very little to try and exceed those expectations. Yes, the action is good, very good in part. I was a big fan of the opening as well, very interesting choice. But, the twists and turns of the plot are pretty well telegraphed, although the cast does a good job with them. They did more with the 'team' part of the 'impossible missions team,' certainly a step in the right direction, but it was still Mr. Cruise's movie. Final verdict: good if you want a couple hours of action movie that you won't have to think about later.

(Oh, and, J.J. Abrams, I don't know why you hate CPR, but dude, c'mon. Not every actor needs to resort to the 'punch the person in the chest' technique.)

New trailers:
* Superman Returns - New trailer, and it's pretty damn nice. We get some more special effects, and even a hint of action. Trying not to get my hopes up, but, could be good.
* Nacho Libre - Oh, my. Totally signed up.

Bonus article:
* Stephen King on summer movies.

Rating the 2008 presidential contenders. Also, NPR analysis of the midterm election races, broken down by state.

More administration comedy: working in talking points on Iraq into unrelated speeches... by the Department of Agriculture?

"The United States has the second worst newborn mortality rate in the developed world."

( Collapse )

Evangelicals discuss the war on Christianity.

A confusing mess: Catholic organization leaves the adoption business in Boston. (Part 2 here.)

The story of a rejected religious commercial.

Dan Froomkin discusses Bush's fish story, a big problem with the new CIA nominee, and other interesting topics.

( Collapse )