Magnificent Seven

Uh, make that Magnificent 9? 3:10 to Yuma is based on the short story by Ellmore Leonard. Seven outlaws headed up by their boss, Ben Wade (Russell Crowe, charismatic to the extreme. Ben's loyal and edgy second-in-command is Charlie Prince (great name) played like a live wire by Ben Foster (Boston's own!). Civil War veteran and struggling rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale). I discovered Christian in The Dark Knight, and he is just wonderful in 3:10 to Yuma. And Arianne Phillips and costume design crew deserve recognition for the stunning Old West costumes - like works of art - the color combinations and design are remarkable, especially Ben Wade's grey, black and amethyst colors and the flashy bravado of Charlie Prince's costume. A great Western, and a great film.

1930s Australia

Can you get much more romantic than 1930s Australia, war and Depression-torn, but something about difficult times bringing people closer together. Just read about the latest Baz Luhrmann film entitled simply Australia due out November of this year and very much looking forward to it. Apparently, Russell Crowe was to play the male lead role - and Heath Ledger was being considered for it as well, but the character is ultimately being played by Hugh Jackman, which is a bit of alright too. The adorable little boy holding the adorable baby kangaroo is 11-year old newcomer Brandon Walters, who will be in the film.

The films premise: During World War II, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) is an English aristocrat who is left in control of a cattle station the size of the country of Belgium in the Outback of Australia. She is assisted by an Australian cattle drover (Hugh Jackman), with whom she becomes romantically interested. He helps to drive the cattle across the property as they are under the threat of nearby Darwin being bombed. Sounds like an epic romance as big and as beautiful as Australia. Baz Luhrmann has said that his influences are from Grand Opera/Italian grand opera. :)

Info and photos from the film's website http://www.australiamovie.net/, and Wikipedia.

body art

Anthony Kiedis of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and his beautiful Native American Haida Thunderbird tatoo.

Gone Baby Gone

Don't know what to think about Manny being Manny for the L.A. Dodgers. :(