Banned commercials from around the world. Laugh with us.
Cinema
For your listening pleasure(s)
Miles away, Madonna. Out now and worth it.—N.B.
The happy Hilton
Happiness, the sequel. LA is buzzing about the fact that Todd Solondz, director of such indie madness as Welcome to the Dollhouse and Palindromes is casting for his new venture, the sequel to his wacko sexually deviant suburban life film Happiness, and has reportedly signed on such delicious folks as Charlotte Rampling, the English French film star, and, Paris Hilton (above). It will be interesting to see how Hilton fits into the cast of neurotic, where facades suggest contentment, but secret actions demonstrate the kind of sick habits that define the private lives of main street America. Sure to be worth it.—N.B.
Off the shelf
Rare books of erotica? LGBT interests? Out of print reads? They can now be found at Alibris, the online rare book-finder store. Online now and worth it.—N.B.
Action figures
"I'm proud to say I can now take a gun apart in eight seconds."—Olga Kurylenko
Quantum of Solace, opening November 14, 2008. The new James Bond movie continues the high octane adventures of James Bond from Casino Royale. Picking up literally where the previous film left off, after being betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Having captured Mr. White, and in pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and 'M' interrogate Mr. White who reveals the organisation which blackmailed Vesper to steal Bond's casino winnings is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined.
Forensic intelligence links an MI6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille played by stunning Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko (above), a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene, a ruthless businessman and major force within the mysterious criminal organisation known only as 'Quantum'.
On a mission that leads him to Austria, Italy and South America, Bond discovers that Greene, conspiring to take total control of one of the world's most important natural resources, is forging a deal with the exiled General Medrano. Using his associates in the organisation, and manipulating his powerful contacts within the CIA and the British government, Greene promises to overthrow the existing regime in Bolivia, giving General Medrano control of the country in exchange for a seemingly barren piece of land which is, however, a main source of the South American water supply. In a minefield of treachery, murder and deceit, Bond allies with old friends in a battle to uncover the truth. As he gets closer to finding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists, and even 'M' herself, to unravel Greene's sinister plan and stop Quantum from getting its way. Coming soon and worth it.—N.B.
