Logging

Film: Monster

Some great moments and performances, but perhaps my least favorite Kore-eda film of the several I've seen. Quite a bit of the dramatic situation felt forced in order to land an effect. Ultimate "mystery" didn't pay off - a bit shallow and par for the festival circuit course.

Film: Best of Times

Get past the silly conceit and there are pleasures to be had. Two stand out "big" scenes in the Elks lodge and the double date - both using clever dramatic irony to comedic effect. The scene where the girls and guys struggle to talk about world events - what better times those were...