Obviously, not every mystery is going to be a Hitchcock-ish masterpiece. Along the same lines is it too much to expect a mystery to at least somewhat keep you guessing throughout until the end? Twisted is not that movie. Ashley Judd costars with Samuel L. and Andy Garcia in a police thriller. Someone is killing off men Judd’s character comes into contact with and putting her new job at stake as homicide detective.

The performances were good with Jackson coming off well as a nurturing foster father for Judd’s character as well as Garcia, the mysterious cop who everyone is leery of. The story itself is where the issue lies. I would like for a movie to not expose it’s self within the first 45 mins to an hour of watching it. Keep me guessing. I sat through Gosford Park and was left guessing what really happened up until the ending of that film. Of course, a friend of mine watched and she figured out who did what in the first 10 minutes, but that’s another story. Given a few minutes with this offering and I am sure would become an instant snooze fest.

I liken what this film did to a person who has exposed themselves and then tries to convince those around they didn’t see what they thought did. The rest of the film is spent trying to through you off with a twist here and a turn there. I hope the dvd … I wish the powers that be would stop worrying about “us” (the general public) and how long the movies should/shouldn’t be. I don’t like having to wait for the dvd to come out to see the deleted scenes that may have added more character or better explain the story. Also, if the deleted scenes are included, give me a version in which the deleted scenes are integrated rather than me trying to imagine how part “x” would have fit. Okie, I hope the dvd has added scenes, which make this a tighter movie. The only thing “twisted” about this film was my facial expression when I left the theatre. I give this a matinee rating.


A little while ago, I was turned onto British dramas. I had already been a fan of the comedies, but never really paid much attention to the dramas. They seemed too staunch and tight lipped. All of them seem to look as though they were filmed in the 70-80’s. Thus, when it was suggested I take a look at Suspect, I balked at the idea. Yet another police show. I have to admit, I am a Helen Mirer fan. My Netflix account is full of her work now. I watched the first season in disbelief as it takes you into the inner-workings of a British police station and the chauvenism within a male dominated department. I liked that this show walked you through the case instead of showing you everything up front and allowing you to watch the police fumble their way through until they miraculously pull it together in the end. Not at all. This show only shows you what it wants you to see and allows you to make the discoveries along with the police. Now, you will know who the killer is within the first few moments. It’s not perfect. What you do get/receive is the manner in which the police have to go about putting together the evidence to nail their suspect.

Season One was my introduction to the “ball busting” hard-nosed detective Mirer plays. She’s ice cold outwardly, but quietly caring. She just wants the lads to accept and respect her as a detective, not just a female. She is driven and occasionally steps on some toes to get what she wants. What matters is she gets results. This first is the introduction. It was pretty darn good. A serial killer loose in Britain. However, it is the second season, which struck me. Colin Salmon co-stars in the installment as a Black Sergeant Detective who is assigned to work with Mirer’s troupe on a racially sensitive case. Racism plays a major role along with the normal sexism associated with this show. This time.. ahh.. this time, we may NOT know exactly who the suspect is. This time, we do follow around Mirer on her investigation and the various discoveries. The question in this installment is less of a who done-it, but what do they know?

I had a dream last night. I was at a theatre and there was time between shows. I decided to pop out into the deserted mall to find a place to get a bite to eat. There was a hamburger stand open. A flame-broiled piece of meat was about to be served to me lathered with mayo and cheese, with a side of fries and a shake?? I was set. All I needed to do was sign the credit card slip and it was on. Declined. That was the response from their little machine. I was declined. My burger was taken away and the person behind the counter gave me an apologetic look since I didn’t have any cash on me.

It will be a cold day in hell before I lift an eyebrow to JT. I am not sure what the details are behind the stunt he and Janet had for the Super Bowl halftime, (see, who’s still talking about this dead horse anyway??) but I have to say I am unimpressed with his actions in the following days. He first reportedly laughed it off, yet turned around and sincerely apologized under mounting pressure. Fine. Why turn around on the Grammy Awards and apologize again? At some point a person needs to make a stand. To apologize again just to be able to perform at this year’s Grammy’s is weak. What one is saying is to me is it is not worth sticking to your principles. Janet didn’t bow to the arrogance of CBS and issue another apology. That it has cost her at least one movie opportunity (Lena Horne.. please…) and a television appearance is unfortunate. One should not have to sell their soul to recover from a mistake.



Where is Osma Bin Hiding? There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Hussein is gone. The Iraqi’s should be able to elect the govt they want.. without the assistance of American tax dollars nor military. Are we still threatened by terrorists from Iraq? Wait.. the Sept 11th terrorists were primarily Saudi. Mmm.. our ally. Gas prices are high. Are the oilfields we’re protecting still in trouble? Why am I not paying less now? Why do I feel less secure since our militia built up and deployed overseas? Why are they still there? Is the Iraqi army just waiting in the sand for them to leave so they may re-take the throne for.. Saddam?? Do we really have him? If so, why are we still there? We? Sorry, our soldiers. Janet’s breast is really an outrage compared to the money Iraq is draining from this country. Education president? Where is he?

Song Of The Day: I Ain’t No Joke – Eric B. & Rakim
Netflix Suggestion: Cracker (series I & II)