Scary and Scarier

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

By now you should know better than to expect these Potter movies to be "good." As Marc said, as Potter fans, we see them more out of obligation than out of excitement. Right? If so, then this is a respectable entry into the tome. I can't keep track of who directed it, but he made it adequately scary. Award for Freshest Performance goes to Luna Lovegood; Most Improved Acting to Harry; Best Build to strapping young Ron Weasley!

Sicko

This gave me nightmares! I recommend seeing this documentary from the comfort of a European country with a national health plan. Yes, now we know why, as Americans, we are brainwashed to hate the French and the Brits: their smug countries (see photo)look after their citizens (and visitors)... and ours doesn't.

If you are lucky enough to be plugged into your employer's group health scheme (or unlucky enough, depending on the job you have to put up with to get it), then run out and see this immediately. You likely don't know what all the fuss is about when it comes to American health care and you bloody well should. But if you, like me, buy your own health insurance or, like many young people I know, are uninsured-- watching this will get your panties twisted really tightly. Have a stiff drink before watching. And write your representatives!