Even the Lactose-Intolerant Can Enjoy This Milk

As an entertainment junkie, what I am about to admit is painful but I'm going to go ahead and say it--the majority of films of 2008 have done nothing for me. I thought Wall-E was cute, but nothing to write home about. I am one of two people I know that was not thoroughly entertained by and dancing in the aisles of Mamma Mia! (though I do back Meryl's Golden Globe nom as she could make a movie about painting the walls of her house interesting) and in all honesty, The Dark Knight failed to elicit anything other than a bout of motion sickness from me. 

Despite these setbacks, I have honestly been looking forward to two films this holiday/awards season: Milk and Doubt. Thus far, I am not disappointed in what these films have to offer. 

A few nights ago I braved the zero degree temps to take in a late showing of Milk, praying to the movie gods as I forked over my cash that this would not just be another in a very long line of Justin's Over-Hyped and Underwhelming Movies of '08. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not, and may even be the first film of this year to truly make the grade in my book.

Without going into plot details as you undoubtably already know it from all the Oscar Buzz or from what Harvey Milk actually accomplished, all I will say is see this film. I will admit I was a bit skeptical when I heard that Sean Penn (of the violent temper and ex Madonna flame) was taking on the title role, but his performance is indeed Oscar-worthy. In portraying Milk as an ordinary man standing up for what he believes in and not as an over-inflated hero, the film struck a chord with me that, to be very cliche, one person can make a difference. And in such turbulent times, that is a very powerful thought. 

--JW