by Ethan Johnson
December 13, 2003

Not the best crop in the world, but I have a column to write:

Bad Santa: Okey dokey.

It's hard to believe that this is a Coen Brothers movie. It's perverse, profane, and just plain far out. And I am so glad I saw this flick with my co-workers as part of a "team building" exercise.

It has moments, but I'm not in a hurry to own it, ever, and Mar figures she'll see it on cable sometime. Next.

The Matrix Revolutions: Problem.

I am facing the quandary that us sci-fi nerds faced in 1983, after we saw Return of the Jedi. Do we buy the last video (at the time) to round out the trilogy, or just act like it never happened?

Thus, I wonder if I shouldn't trade in my Matrix II DVD and just keep the original. As a movie, it pretty much stands on its own, leaves you guessing as to what might happen next (as opposed to what does), and is mandated by law that it must be purchased in conjunction with every new DVD player sold in North America.

Or, I could get the third one, for no other reason than to round out the set. I'd also be halfway curious to flip on the "director commentary" to hear what the Wachowski Brothers have to say for themselves. Besides "burp", I mean.

Again, moments, but otherwise a huge letdown, as you're all well aware, I'm sure. Next.

Whale Rider: We got one right!

We were blown away by this movie. Not just because it was made in New Zealand. The acting was amazing, the story was powerful, and whoever this kid is that they scrounged up for the lead role deserves everything she got.

Not sure if we would give this movie the highest honor of owning it (he says, buying Bruce Almighty), and I say this only because it's not the kind of flick you "just" pop in and watch. Kinda like Green Mile.

Never mind all that, we're mere days away from The Return of the King. Priorities, people! <EM>