Month: July 2005

Aruba – Go or no go?

Writer guy

The disappearance of Natalee Holloway shed light on the clandestine Aruban Justice System, so much illumination, that my eyes hurt.

For starters, the principle of habeas corpus that ensures that when the state detains an individual they file charges and prosecute within a reasonable time frame, is untrue on this tropical paradise. Their legal traditions allow detainment for 116 days before filing charges, based on any grounds a judge considers reasonable.

Secondly, they can arrest parties unrelated to the investigation to exert pressure on a suspect in custody. Let’s say I run a stoplight and an Aruban officer arrests me. I refuse to plead guilty, they arrest the Wife, and hold her until I confess. Well, I’m in charge of the Wife holding business in this household, thanks. This was the situation when they arrested the father of a suspect in Natalee’s disappearance, and then released him twenty-four hours later. What the suspect told authorities, if anything, is not known.

In terms of violent crime, Aruba may be it’s own greatest victim. Because the island is so peaceful and has such low crime rates – just one murder this year and the last – the local constables don’t have much experience with capital offenses. That’s good in the sense that serious crimes are rare, bad in the sense that if one occurs they lack the resources and infrastructure for a vigorous prosecution.

For all the advantages and powers Aruba officials have in investigations, where Natalee Holloway is at this moment remains a question no one has answered.

War of the Worlds

Writer guy

In a world of mega budgets and global marketing campaigns and releases, Steven Spielberg is a director with few equals. By thirty-two he had crafted more hits than some with a lifetime in Hollywood. And he continues. Staggering ticket sales aside, the scope and variety of his work is just as impressive as the library of special effect technologies he helped pioneer, and War of the Worlds reaffirms his position in the movie world.

This is a big picture in terms of the scale of star power, the cast size, and digital effects. The story is a bit lean, just as the basis for the original movie was. It’s a classic Spielberg formula, an every man styled broken family must negotiate a situation of earth shattering importance. Aliens invaders, you have a pickup! Please report to the front counter for your nefarious plans of conquest and domination.

What’s good about War of the Worlds:

1) Effects, effects, effects. Steven Spielberg wrote the book on eye candy.

2) Key characters – Tim Robbins, Dakota Fanning and Tom Cruise excel here. Tim Robbin practically steals the movie from Cruise.

3) There was a distinct M. Night Shaymalan influence to the camera work. Several of the shots involved reflections off water, glass or mirrors. Maybe Spielberg has always done that but this seemed different in this context and it was a nice touch.

4) The robot attack ships were way cool.

5) Easy to follow, easy to watch.

Areas needing improvement:

1) The ending pales against the opening and buildup. I wanted for more verve for the climax.

2) It’s neither scary, nor particularly suspenseful. Either approach might have helped the ending.

Verdict: Theater, matinee price. DVD if a theater system is available.

When I run dry

Writer guy

When there’s nothing to blog about, the news never fails to spark some interest. A small piece from Kentucky is today’s winner. With a photo caption that reads Wrong Door, the related story describes a break-in and shooting at a private residence.

Two thugs kicked in the door of a 79 year old man at 5am, only inside they found no ordinary retiree or convalescent. This Grandpa fired his .357 Magnum and made short work of the intruders.

Older people with guns is about as scary being stuck behind their Buicks in traffic, but the real question: what’s up with the caption under the photo and the quote from the neighbor – the bit that says Wrong Door. What would have been the Right Door? A wheelchair bound woman who had no means to defend herself? How about a single parent of three? Actually, this was the Right Door, and this gentlemen did his neighbors a favor.

Maybe the real tragedy here is that they didn’t pay him a “visit” earlier.

So that didn’t work

Writer guy

Between writing and Buddhapuss Books, there hasn’t been much time for blogging or movie reviews. Despite my prediction, the War of the Worlds movie review is but vaporware as of this moment. Which is a shame. The short version: I liked the film.

All operations will return to normal by Monday, if not Sunday. Until then – party on. I mean, have a good weekend!