Oscars

http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/The-Kings-Speech-sweeps-Oscars-2011/articleshow/7589524.cms

The World's Fastest Indian (* * * .5)

This fact-based drama stars Anthony Hopkins as quirky New Zealander Burt Munro, a 67-year-old grandfather who flies across Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats and blazes into the record books at 183 mph on his customized Indian Scout motorcycle. Set in 1967.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (* * *)

I would have had no interest in this film except for the way it is described: "Considered director Carl Theodor Dreyer's finest achievement and one of the greatest movies of all time. Maria Falconetti turns in a haunting performance as the young French saint."  That was enough to get me to watch it, but be warned that this 1928 film has no sound.  None.  Not even some music to set the mood.  There are many places in the movie where we see people talking but we aren't shown the dialog.  Furthermore, the text is in French with English subtitles.  Therefore, had this not been an "Instant watch" on the Netflix web site, I doubt that I would have bothered.

Despite what I say here, this is an intriguing movie, especially if you are interested in history.  Everything in the movie is based on the actual transcripts from Joan of Arc's trial.  Maria Falconetti portrays Joan as an incredibly zealous young woman with naive and deep convictions.  This leaves room for interpretation depending upon your point of view.  Was Joan mad?  From my point of view, probably yes.  Others might choose to see her as the saint that the catholic church made her.

As always, I like reading what Ebert has to say.

The Union: The Business Behind Getting High * * *

Highly informative and persuasive, although the constant use of old movie clips is a bit distracting.  It will change your mind on marijuana legalization.

Amazon launches unlimited streaming for Prime members

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/02/amazon-launches-unlimited-streaming-for-prime-members/1

The Grapes of Wrath

Ebert writes a great review.

Tangled trailer

Check out this video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzCDHIE6vTU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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