An Imperfect Offering By James Orbinski

Author: James Orbinski, MD

Publisher: Random House (c) 2008

James begins the book from early childhood memories. One in particular was that of an old Jewish couple in Canada who sold shoes. James, curiously noticed the tattoos on their wrists and arms from being held in German concentration camps. This memory serves as the removal of an innocent Vail to revealing atrocities committed around the globe. An Imperfect Offering, approx 430 pages, provides detailed chronicles if James passion of medicine and humanitarianism. Oftentimes requiring him to be human. From his first visit to Rwanda, pre-genocide, the reader is introduced a vast land sprawling with people who are friendly and humorous. James tells of story having to ride his moped up a steep hill and the villagers yelling "Go white man go!" As the story progresses we read much about government corruption and extortion of Non government Organizations (NGO's) such as MSF, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Boarders), with whom Dr. Orbinski served as physician. The book provides astonishing details of the care of Afghanistan citizens as being comical and familiar. The toll of tribal wars in Somalia and the power the United States has to end wars or to ignore them. Informed exposure of the Kosov crises being completely mismanaged from a humanitarian perceptive. All the while hundreds of people, like Dr. James Obrinski, risk their lives to save lives and the momentary joy that brings. But he is without need, and the book poetically connects the reader to Dr. James well of spiritual grounding.

But what is most riveting are the details James experienced in Rwanda when he returned during the genocide. An Imperfect Offering, provides painful details of the suffering of all the people how NGO's and strangers helped out to rescue lives. Also, startling details of the French governments involvement in supplying arms to Rwandan government that were used to slaughter millions. The aftermath of such atrocities and how he made it through being repeatedly shot at as well as keeping tempers down at a camp of frustrated people. Particularly being the lifesaving hope and inspiration to many who no longer had any.

An extraordinary man who extended his life to help others in the most extraordinary circumstances. Certainly a must read for those who enjoy giving back.

Iron Man

A successful marriage of realism, drama, action and fantasy - Iron Man is ascends to the top of this list. Wonderfully scripted and flawlessly acted Iron man takes viewer through the carefree life of Tony Stark. He has the inheritance, brains, good looks and availability that makes him irresistible except to one woman, Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow). His world is shaken when he finds himself fighting for survival in an isolated desert surrounded by the weapons he created to destroy. A life defining moment creates an Epiphany about his role in the sales of mass arms. Iron man sets to out to level the playing Field but not without a fight.

A must see film. Certainly a first that I hope will persuade younger audiences on involving themselves with science, engineering and math.


Director: Jon Favreau
Writers: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway, Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby

Starring: Robert Downer Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Leslie Bibb, Shaun Toub, Faran Tahir, Sayed Badreya

Juno

Well what can I say? It's a chick flick that actually works for guys too. Who knew? Great performances and casting. Realistic nuances in character and story. A wild soundtrack. The film-makers had a chance to wimp out several times in the plot, and they didn't. They went for realism instead of movie convention. A drama about a serious situation, but it's funny as hell too. I can only stand up and applaud. All this from a first-time screenwriter. Two admiring thumbs up!

Directed by: Jason Reitman
Writer: Diablo Cody
Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby

Speed Racer Review

By Michael Gutierrez  This move started badly. It was bad for a good 45 minutes. After that, things started to turned around. The humor became funny, rather than just stupid. The actors seemed to hit their stride and the racing got really good. However, it could have been a whole lot better!

There is no doubt that the Wachowski Brothers are immensely talented. "The Matrix" is a classic, one of the finest films ever made. They reached the pinnacle with that movie and have been going down hill every since. The Matrix sequels were a step down, but not as bad as my fellow critics have said. I liked "The Matrix Revolutions" and "Matrix Reloaded" improves with multiple viewings.

"The Brothers" (as the Wachowski's are now known) seem to have forgotten the reason for their earlier success. All great films engage the intellect and the emotions. The Brothers hit the sweet spot with "The Matrix". They've missed the mark a bit on all other films ever since.

"Speed Racer" suffers significantly in comparison to "IRON MAN" which got it RIGHT! (See my earlier review). It's not the fault of the cast, they carry the day as best they could. I especially like Emile Hirsch, who was outstanding in "Into the Wild" (see my earlier review). Everyone here does the best they can with the material, but there is no denying that the story is weak.

However, the movie looks terrific. The racing is the highlight of the film. Cut this 2 hour and 15 minute movie by at least 45 minutes and it's a solid recommendation. In any case, it's definitely worth a look in IMAX!


GO SPEED RACER GO!

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