Miscellaneous: Grab Bag

Of course Daddy still loves you. He’s just been busy, that’s all. Herewith, quick takes on a bunch of stuff.

The Devil Wears Prada. Man does not live on the hardboiled alone. Sometimes the missus picks the movies.

Besides, I was genuinely interested in this one. We kept encountering the film crew on our last trip to New York, so we knew that it would look good. And Meryl Streep has somehow unearthed whole new reserves of joy in performing. Watching her now is like watching the late-career Brando, both of them utterly at ease and yet fiercely committed, relishing their craft enough to toss it off. Only with Meryl there’s no sense of squandered opportunity. Just the opposite.

Prada is a fun movie, smartly put-together. Some experts are complaining that it’s inaccurate, saying that wardrobe choices in the real fashion world are a lot more boring. When the choices are inaccurate or boring, I know where I’m putting my money.

We ran into Rosie O’Donnell after the movie ended. I mention it only because celebrities are scarce in these parts. Rosemarie dared me to ask her about Star Jones. I punked out.

The World Cup. Here’s why soccer will never catch on in the U.S. When a baseball game goes to extra innings, I have to watch to the bitter end. When two soccer teams play to a scoreless draw, I turn it off before overtime starts and say to hell with both sides. If neither of you wants it enough, I want my ninety minutes back.

Oh, and vive la France!

The Emmys. The Academy loosens the rules to encourage new blood and gets 1999’s nominees in return.

At least The Office and The Colbert Report fared well. The most pleasant surprise is Craig Ferguson’s nod for hosting The Late Late Show. He’s a rare talent often overlooked in the late-night derby. His nomination is also official proof that the 12:30 shows are now better than the big names at 11:30.

Hollywoodland. I like Ben Affleck and don’t care who knows it. And I think he’s well-cast as George Reeves in this upcoming film about the mysterious death of the Superman actor.