MILK - Does the Body Good!

If you never heard of Harvey Milk, you are not alone.   Many Americans don't know the name.   At least they didn't until the movie Milk created all that buzz - due to the prospect that Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and Emile Hirsch would be playing the real life characters in this story about gay activist Harvey Milk.

Milk moved to San Francisco in the 60's like so many gay men at the time - due to the liberal and open-minded community that was growing in the Castro district of the city.   Never a political person, Milk got involved to stand up for the civil rights he saw being denied gay men and women.   Eventually, he was the first openly gay man elected in America to a public office.  He served on the  board of supervisors of San Francisco.   This achievement inspired thousands of gay men and woman all over the country - young and old - who never thought they would see this day come to pass.

Tragically, Milk and the Mayor of San Francisco - George Moscone were shot to death by fellow supervisor Dan White - brilliantly played by Josh Brolin.   White had personal demons of his own and represented a political constituency of conservatives that he felt he failed again and again.   White was convicted but only served a few years in prison.   He later committed suicide.

James Franco plays love interest Scott Smith to Sean Penn's Harvey Milk.   Franco gives such a human and compelling performance of the caring and genuine Smith who lets Milk go to pursue his true calling.    Sean Penn is transformed in this role.  To say that he lost himself in the character is an understatement.   Kudos to all the straight men involved who proved themselves true professionals to get so real with the characterizations of gay life.   

Directed by Gas Van Sant - we would expect nothing less than a gripping depiction and a real dose of life to tear at your heart strings.   It is not often that a movie makes you cheer out loud or truly sob - Milk does both.

This is not a movie to miss.    The Oscar nominations are sure to come. 

** My own prediction - Sean Penn will get back together with Madonna.   Call me crazy, just a feeling.  You read it here first!

Slumdog Millionaire - Worth Every Penny!

Director Danny Boyle brings us a slice of life that most Westerners have never seen.   Set in the poorest neighborhoods of Mumbai - Slumdog Millionaire is intended to give you a sense of hope and aspiration - even when you are challenged with the greatest odds.   There are social, political, and religious themes that are pillars behind the pain and suffering that is part of everyday life for millions and millions of Indians.    The film is extremely sad and somehow at the same time - uplifting.   The cast is made up largely of unknown actors that manage to pull at your heart strings.  Dev Patel plays Jamal - the boy from the slums that manages to be a contestant on "Who wants to be a Millionaire" and wins!  Unfortunately, if you are a "slumdog" is this society - you don't win anything.  Freida Pinto plays Latika, who is the only person or thing that can bring Jamal hope for a better tomorrow.    Anil Kapoor, a major name in Indian Film is the only movie veteran in the film.   He takes the Regis Philbin role of Millionaire host.   Freida Pinto & Dev Patel

One of the most impressive performances to me is that of little Rubiana Ali -who plays Latika as a small girl.   In real life Rubiana is a child living in the poorest conditions of Mumbai's notorious slums.    It is amazing to see this little girl bring her unbelievable smile and joyful soul to the big screen.   The film is a must see - as it is being dubbed the feel good film of the year - but only in America during our unusual economic times - could this movie be called "feel good".   "Phone a friend" and go see this film!