Gordon & Barbara in Paris

Gordon & Barbara in Paris
Here's Looking at YOU

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Argo


Argo--Directed by Ben Affleck/Starring Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman/screenplay written by Chris Terrio from an article, Escape from Tehran written by Joshuah Bearman/rated R/2hrs Bifocal Review by Ageless1der, Barbara Rich And The Other Guy (B) You get two for the price of one with Argo, a comedy and an intense suspense film. When American hostages were captured, (in 1979 on November 4, 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days) six escaped and found refuge in the Canadian Embassy in Tehran. The movie, Argo answers the question: How do we get this six out of Tehran and back to the United States while the other hostages are being held elsewhere? According to the Affleck film, a genius plan is contrived to make a fake movie to sneak those trapped in the Embassy out while they pose as a movie crew. The producers of this fake movie, played by John Goodman and Alan Arkin, are hilarious Hollywood archetypes! This part is played as a comedy within itself, but Ben Affleck’s character (who also directs the actual film) masterfully pivots this film to an intense suspense story as he negotiates through the many dangers to get these six hostages out safely. I find this Hybrid comedy/intrigue movie works well for me. It was just enough of both genres. I recommend this film and give it 3 ½ binoculars! (OG) Perhaps because of the comedy puzzle within an adventure enigma quality that Barbara talks about above, Ben Affleck’s film is able to keep the viewer in suspense even though we may know (as I did) about the outcome of the real-life hostage crisis that occurred in 1979. As far as that goes, there was not much mention of the 52 Americans who suffered far worse indignities than having to shack up with Canadians, and who were captive for 444 days. On the other hand, Alan Arkin and John Goodman’s banter was priceless. Affleck will probably be only one of several Academy Award nominees here. I liked the film from the credits, which doesn’t often happen. I could see there was going to be a good deal of overlap between reality and poetic license as documentary and even cartoon drawings were dissolved over one another at both the outset and during the end credits. All of the suspense, beyond the fact that six Americans were indeed smuggled out of Iran disguised as a film production crew, was derived from the very well drawn script that relied on great directing and acting. Definitely this one is worth three binoculars.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Bifocal Reviews L&L Magazine


We are proud to have joined forces with L&L Magazine to display our best work. The online magazine was released today, with the following information: Dana Stamos (managing editor), Frank Dux (editor at large) and Gordon Richiusa (editor) have joined with a host of special editors (Lynda Lee [photo editor], Ed Rampell [entertainment editor], Ben Schultz [music editor], columnists [Bifocal Reviews with Barbara Rich], writers and other special help (Facebook page for all comments) to produce the premier online issue of L&L (legends and legacies) Magazine. This issue represents the first in a quarterly cycle online that will lead annually to a printed version of our best stories. We are also looking to produce a network and/or web based broadcast version of our unique, non-biased journalism for a broad audience through multiple media delivery modes. Our commitment is to mutual benefit and journalistic integrity. Included in this first edition you’ll find FEATURES the Cover Page. Topics include: 1) EDUCATION: a. An interview Scott Hines (World Education University), b. articles on Correctional Education, c. comments from newly elected Chancellor of California Community Colleges and d. op ed from former military educator, John Gates 2) SUSTAINABILITY: a. profile of EcoSpan, b. alternative energy c. PLARR homes. 3) HUMAN INTERACTION WITH NATURE: Dolphins and Whales, Eagles, Wolf People and Bullfighting 4) CRIME AND PUNISHMENT: Gun Control or More firearms practice? 5) POSSIBILITIES: Profile of Redefine What’s Possible Team-Captain, Don Lewis 1st senior motorcycle champion at the Score Baja 1000 off road race. Also: * Interviews and profiles with Oliver Stone, Adair Lion, Tia Carrere and others **An Interview with Donald Trump (to be added this week/ by Frank Dux) ***Bifocal Reviews: The World’s Best Pizza, Anasazi Ruins, New Orleans, Richard Gere in Arbitrage, The Gradual Diet, Steve Galvanoni’s Business Message in a Bottle Guadalajara, Recording of Historical Pacoima Jr. High Plane Crash, Traveling in Mexico, French Riviera Restaurant (Los Cabos) and much more.