'Death by Cinema': Part 3 - "The Reader" & "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

Next up was "The Reader" starring Kate Winslet. This subtly complex and compelling movie -- based on a German novel of the same name -- gets shortchanged by the shorthand "Holocaust Film" tag. Some have criticized it as a nasty piece of revisionist work, but I think this oversimplifies the piece. I'm more inclined to agree with this take.

Plus, any movie in which Kate Winslet disrobes is worthwhile in my book -- even if it may be her last time.

Speaking of stunning visual spectacles, "Benjamin Button" is certainly that. The film is a gorgeous experience with stellar perfomances from Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. It is, however, slighter than its nearly three-hour running time deserves.

Gludial update: sore. Knees: crushed against the seat in front.

On their Green-backs in Portland

I can depend on Sierra magazine for environmentally responsible news and information, but not usually insight on new and innovative strip clubs. But the July/August edition provided useful insight for conservation-minded pursuers of poon in Portland (Oregon).

From the magazine:

"Casa Diablo is probably the only strip club where the hottest dish is the soy burger and the dancers won't wear leather. The owner, Johnny Diablo, has seen business thrive since he closed his Portland, Oregon, vegan restaurant last November and reopened it as a flesh palace in February--with the menu intact. Diablo is unrepentant that his two dozen dancers are stomping the traditional feminism-veganism marriage under a stiletto heel while contributing (ever so slightly) to a healthier planet."

Save the planet, one dollar at a time.