Poking Around the Middle East

Can you tell that classes have ended? Any guesses as to why I suddenly have the time and energy to reflect fully on the movies I'm seeing?

Catching an early matinée of Paradise Now this afternoon was not only provocative in itself, both in the film's strengths and in its disappointments, but it helped to clarify the reactions I've been puzzling through with regard to Syriana, another film that didn't fully work for me, but which has convinced me over the last week to take it semi-gladly for what it's worth. I've posted a joint review of both films here.