The List (dun dun dun)

I remember the dragon dude being really cool, but that's about it...

..just in case it's good

Hillary Duff blew me away, John Cusack showed off some action moves, and Joan Cusack was delightful. I've seen a lot of people brush it off as anti-American in the context of the Middle East conflict. Don't do that. Yes, it is set in the Middle East where war is being waged, however, there are no countries, only corporations that control geographic interests. If you didn't catch that, pause, rewind, and read the opening background information; it's a little bit important.

Taking the initial setting into account, the dialogue really highlights the [potential] failings of a global power system centered on corporate interests while being hilarious and intelligent. It's satire with a love story thrown in over top of intrigue and the kind of heart you just don't find in the middle of a war zone.

The opening scene doesn't waste much time to not only get straight into Cusack's dirty work, but at the same time into his subconscious visions of [presumably] the past. From there, the pace only lulls long enough for characterization.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of Duff's character is the portrayal of a pop star who couldn't hit a note with precision-guided munitions. She's all image; spoiled, yet alone and misunderstood.

There is one cliche that I can recall at the very end of the movie, but the cliche is disturbed by the final pan out that reveals danger is not so far behind.

I have to say, I don't understand why so many people dislike or are uninterested in this movie. The story is unique while the characters familiar to suburban America, with a bit of an odd twist in Donnie's character. The performances left nothing to be desired. The events are often fantasy, or perhaps madness, but in the end it's open to interpretation, and it always provokes thought.

Ok, so I haven't seen it in a while, but something had to draw me to watch it over and over again.

I'm going to have to see what the fuss is about eventually.

I might see this just for Regina King's role. Hilary Duff surprised me in War, Inc., so I'll give it a chance.

i only saw part of it, but that part was hilarious

It doesn't matter if you usually can't stand Will Farrell, this movie worked wonderfully for him. It's charming, original, and thoughtful.