﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:spout="http://www.spout.com/schemas/rss/core/2006" xmlns:cf="http://www.microsoft.com/schemas/rss/core/2005">
  <channel>
    <cf:treatAs>list</cf:treatAs>
    <cf:listinfo>
      <cf:group element="type" label="Type" ns="http://www.spout.com/schemas/rss/core/2006" data-type="text" />
    </cf:listinfo>
    <title>The Firm's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
    <link>http://www.spout.com/</link>
    <description>Recent community activity around The Firm on Spout</description>
    <copyright>Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC</copyright>
    <generator>Spout RSS</generator>
    <image>
      <url>http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg</url>
      <title>The Firm's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/</link>
      <width>136</width>
      <height>30</height>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Film:The Firm</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/films/The_Firm/11675/default.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<table width='100%' style='font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><tr><td><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t15925oulbf.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' /></td>
<td>
<strong>Title:</strong> The Firm<br/>
<strong>Year:</strong> 1993<br/>
<strong>Director:</strong> Sydney Pollack<br/>
<strong>Plot:</strong> In this drama, based on the best-selling novel by <a href="/players/P___166848/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>John Grisham</a>, Mitch McDeer (<a href="/players/P____86295/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Tom Cruise</a>) is a young man from a poor Southern family who has struggled through Harvard Law School to graduate fifth in his class. Mitch is entertaining offers from major firms in New York and Chicago, but when Memphis-based Bendini, Lambert, & Locke offer him a 20 percent higher salary than the best offer he's received, in addition to an enticing variety of perks and fringe benefits, he decides to sign on and remain in the South. Mitch's wife, Abby (<a href="/players/P____71818/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Jeanne Tripplehorn</a>), warns him that the deal sounds almost too good to be true, but it's not until after several weeks of working with Avery Tolar (<a href="/players/P____29486/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Gene Hackman</a>) that Mitch discovers that the vast majority of BL&L's business is tied to organized crime, with crime boss Joey Morolto (<a href="/players/P____66963/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Paul Sorvino</a>) using the firm to launder Mafia money. FBI agents Wayne Tarrance (<a href="/players/P____30614/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Ed Harris</a>) and F. Denton Voyles (<a href="/players/P____32351/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Steven Hill</a>) try to blackmail Mitch into helping them make a case against the firm, while BL&L's "security director" William Devasher (<a href="/players/P_____8487/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Wilford Brimley</a>) is blackmailing him to do as he's told after Mitch foolishly allows himself to be seduced by a prostitute hired by the firm. The Firm was adapted for the screen by acclaimed playwright David Rabe and features performances by <a href="/players/P____32790/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Hal Holbrook</a>, <a href="/players/P____34013/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Holly Hunter</a>, and <a href="/players/P_____9844/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Gary Busey</a>. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide<br/>
<strong>Times Tagged:</strong> 12<br/>
<strong>Number of Lists:</strong> 15<br/>
<strong>Number of blog posts:</strong> 4<br/>
<strong>SpoutRating:</strong> 3<br/>
</td></tr></table>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:47:33 GMT</pubDate><spout:Title>The Firm</spout:Title><spout:Year>1993</spout:Year><spout:Director>Sydney Pollack</spout:Director><spout:Plot>In this drama, based on the best-selling novel by &lt;a href="/players/P___166848/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;John Grisham&lt;/a&gt;, Mitch McDeer (&lt;a href="/players/P____86295/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Tom Cruise&lt;/a&gt;) is a young man from a poor Southern family who has struggled through Harvard Law School to graduate fifth in his class. Mitch is entertaining offers from major firms in New York and Chicago, but when Memphis-based Bendini, Lambert, &amp; Locke offer him a 20 percent higher salary than the best offer he's received, in addition to an enticing variety of perks and fringe benefits, he decides to sign on and remain in the South. Mitch's wife, Abby (&lt;a href="/players/P____71818/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Jeanne Tripplehorn&lt;/a&gt;), warns him that the deal sounds almost too good to be true, but it's not until after several weeks of working with Avery Tolar (&lt;a href="/players/P____29486/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Gene Hackman&lt;/a&gt;) that Mitch discovers that the vast majority of BL&amp;L's business is tied to organized crime, with crime boss Joey Morolto (&lt;a href="/players/P____66963/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Paul Sorvino&lt;/a&gt;) using the firm to launder Mafia money. FBI agents Wayne Tarrance (&lt;a href="/players/P____30614/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Ed Harris&lt;/a&gt;) and F. Denton Voyles (&lt;a href="/players/P____32351/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Steven Hill&lt;/a&gt;) try to blackmail Mitch into helping them make a case against the firm, while BL&amp;L's "security director" William Devasher (&lt;a href="/players/P_____8487/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Wilford Brimley&lt;/a&gt;) is blackmailing him to do as he's told after Mitch foolishly allows himself to be seduced by a prostitute hired by the firm. The Firm was adapted for the screen by acclaimed playwright David Rabe and features performances by &lt;a href="/players/P____32790/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Hal Holbrook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P____34013/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Holly Hunter&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="/players/P_____9844/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Gary Busey&lt;/a&gt;. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide</spout:Plot><spout:TimesTagged>12</spout:TimesTagged><spout:taglevel>Tag Target (&gt;10)</spout:taglevel><spout:Numberoflists>15</spout:Numberoflists><spout:NumberOfBlogPosts>4</spout:NumberOfBlogPosts><spout:SpoutRating>3</spout:SpoutRating><spout:FilmCoverURL>http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t15925oulbf.jpg</spout:FilmCoverURL><spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL>http://www.spout.com/films/The_Firm/11675/default.aspx</spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL><spout:type>Film</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: A pretty good movie</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/the_mow/archive/2009/4/27/41810.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t15925oulbf.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/148616/default.aspx'>The_MOW</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/the_mow/default.aspx'>The_MOW Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 4/27/2009 12:47:33 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> A young lawyer (Tom Cruise) takes a job in a Memphis law firm who doesn't share his wife's (Jeanne Tripplehorn) feelings about the firm and those working for it until he looks into the deaths of two lawyers in the same firm. He then launches his own investigation into the firm, which captures the attention of the others in the firm -- and the Feds. It is the performances in this movie that is worth watching. They make what has to be an impossible situation seem possible. None of the actors deliver a poor performance. The visuals of "The Firm" are not as good as the acting, but they work pretty well. I would have liked to have seen something that aided in the suspense. Now, I have not read the John Grisham novel this movie is based on. I therefore don't know if the book is better or not. Did this movie make me want to get the book? Probably not. Overall, the movie is not bad -- it could have been better. If you want a movie that's got good performances, this is one you should check out. Other than the performances, the movie has nothing to offer.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:47:33 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>The_MOW</spout:postby><spout:postto>The_MOW Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>4/27/2009 12:47:33 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>A young lawyer (Tom Cruise) takes a job in a Memphis law firm who doesn't share his wife's (Jeanne Tripplehorn) feelings about the firm and those working for it until he looks into the deaths of two lawyers in the same firm. He then launches his own investigation into the firm, which captures the attention of the others in the firm -- and the Feds. It is the performances in this movie that is worth watching. They make what has to be an impossible situation seem possible. None of the actors deliver a poor performance. The visuals of "The Firm" are not as good as the acting, but they work pretty well. I would have liked to have seen something that aided in the suspense. Now, I have not read the John Grisham novel this movie is based on. I therefore don't know if the book is better or not. Did this movie make me want to get the book? Probably not. Overall, the movie is not bad -- it could have been better. If you want a movie that's got good performances, this is one you should check out. Other than the performances, the movie has nothing to offer.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Sydney Pollack, RIP</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/minerwerks/archive/2008/5/27/30059.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t15925oulbf.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/64400/default.aspx'>minerwerks</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/minerwerks/default.aspx'>minerwerks Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 5/27/2008 11:27:38 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Nothing like a tragic loss in the film world to remind me how broad the art of film can be and how many worthy films are out there that I have yet to view. Earlier this year, when reviewing the Oscar nominees for Best Picture, I singled out Sydney Pollack's performance in 'Michael Clayton' as being particularly good. In the later part of his career - the part most familar to myself as a relative youngster - Pollack was best known as a producer and actor. While I knew of him as a director, it turns out I have been ridiculously neglectful of the man's filmography. Of course, most people have seen 'Tootsie,' the 1982 comedy that starred a cross-dressing Dustin Hoffman. But other than this blockbuster, the only Pollack-directred film I've actually seen is 'The Firm' (not a bad film, if I may say). But Pollack, we should not forget, was an Oscar-winner. He directed 'Out of Africa,' starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, two of the cinema's most likable performers. And though Redford has been in some of my favorite films ('All the President's Men,' 'Sneakers'), I haven't seen a single one of Pollack's films starring Mr. Sundance himself. There's the political thriller 'Three Days of the Condor,' the prototypical romance 'The Way We Were,' and the western drama 'Jeremiah Johnson,' among others (seven in total). In the later years, I had seen and admired Pollack's acting in 'Eyes Wide Shut' and 'Changing Lanes,' and I had expected to see his directorial effort 'The Interpreter' when it was released, but it just didn't happen. And of all the films in Pollack's filmography, why on earth have I never seen 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' Thankfully, we have a rich filmography as a director, actor and producer to enjoy for years to come, but it's a shame that Mr. Pollack had to depart this Earth while he still had vibrancy and talent to offer the film industry. He will be missed.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 03:27:38 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>minerwerks</spout:postby><spout:postto>minerwerks Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>5/27/2008 11:27:38 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Nothing like a tragic loss in the film world to remind me how broad the art of film can be and how many worthy films are out there that I have yet to view. Earlier this year, when reviewing the Oscar nominees for Best Picture, I singled out Sydney Pollack's performance in 'Michael Clayton' as being particularly good. In the later part of his career - the part most familar to myself as a relative youngster - Pollack was best known as a producer and actor. While I knew of him as a director, it turns out I have been ridiculously neglectful of the man's filmography. Of course, most people have seen 'Tootsie,' the 1982 comedy that starred a cross-dressing Dustin Hoffman. But other than this blockbuster, the only Pollack-directred film I've actually seen is 'The Firm' (not a bad film, if I may say). But Pollack, we should not forget, was an Oscar-winner. He directed 'Out of Africa,' starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, two of the cinema's most likable performers. And though Redford has been in some of my favorite films ('All the President's Men,' 'Sneakers'), I haven't seen a single one of Pollack's films starring Mr. Sundance himself. There's the political thriller 'Three Days of the Condor,' the prototypical romance 'The Way We Were,' and the western drama 'Jeremiah Johnson,' among others (seven in total). In the later years, I had seen and admired Pollack's acting in 'Eyes Wide Shut' and 'Changing Lanes,' and I had expected to see his directorial effort 'The Interpreter' when it was released, but it just didn't happen. And of all the films in Pollack's filmography, why on earth have I never seen 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' Thankfully, we have a rich filmography as a director, actor and producer to enjoy for years to come, but it's a shame that Mr. Pollack had to depart this Earth while he still had vibrancy and talent to offer the film industry. He will be missed.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Man on the Run</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/marymcilwain/archive/2007/7/13/13849.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t15925oulbf.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/49916/default.aspx'>marymcilwain</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/marymcilwain/default.aspx'>Dollar Video Curator</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 7/13/2007 4:00:21 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Ever feel like your job may be killing you? Perhaps not (always) literally, but creatively; slowly sucking your soul, youth, and passion out of your left ear, leaving behind a hollow shell of a completely defeated, albeit, completely dedicated, robot? If so, you probably wake every day around 6:30 am, get your sour suit on, go to work, clock in, tune out, clock out, and return home to pickle what’s left of your brain in varying liquors, until it is time to reset the alarm clock.      Well here are a couple of working-man heroes to break up your everyday boredom. In between poppin’ pills, pop these into the old VCR: The Firm, Paycheck  It's a Double White Collar Crime on the rocks with a smooth jazz chaser. Drink it down!The FirmThe Curator has demonstrated in previous post that all of Tommy Cruise's projects contain the little-known  "Stallion Clause." For those unfamiliar, "The Stallion Clause" is a footnote within any contract Cruise signs, that he is required to have at least one, but preferably more, scene in which he sprints, nostrils a-flarin', for the means of making an end that will be for the betterment of all in "the Film." Check it and see.Based on the book that catapulted John Grisham’s 400 page door stoppers to the top of airport bookstore shelves everywhere, The Firm does not disappoint Cruise fans, whoever they may be, containing no less than three Stallions, one hot and heavy love scene and a couple of "goodie two shoes" lovey moments with the otherwise not so wholesome Jeanne Tripplehorn.     Everyman Mitch McDeere appears to have it made when he gets the job of his dreams, at last able to ditch his trailer park past, provide his “lovely” wife Abby with all she desires, and cementing his future in the upper echelons of the solidly reputable Memphis high society. Unfortunately the “Firm” has another role in mind for Mitch, that of “Mob Stooge.” Yes, for unexplainable reasons, the Chicago mob retains a small law firm in Memphis. And apparently the partners traverse the world in search of an army of replacements to ensure the cycle is perpetuated.      Well, Tom is not about to have any of that noise. Bucking the bosses, Tommy will race his way to freedom, through Memphis streets with briefcase in hand, finally putting Wilford Brimley out of our misery, getting all these White Collar Mo-Fos behind bars without ever compromising his professional integrity, and all the while helping to create the world’s most perfectly matched hick-i-fied couple, Holly Hunter and David Strathairn. Sigh.       PaycheckBen Affleck gets his jog on proper here, pitted against the outstanding Aaron Eckhart and joined by ever-mild Uma Thurman.     Though your disbelief is initially stretched to the point of serious snap by first having to accept Ben Affleck as some kind of computer programming genius, comfort level is restored once realization sets in that you will not be required to watch him suffer and sweat through too many electronic related explanations.     Michael Jennings is a computer hacker extraordinaire, highly in demand to rip off patented computer technology because of his willingness to have any memory of his work therein erased. (Insert “Ben Affleck” and “Dumber than a Bag of Hammers” joke here)  But he really gets screwed when he takes a job with Aaron Eckhart, his supposed friend, who uses him to build an Uber-Magic 8 Ball future time viewing machine of sorts, and then tries to “erase him” along with his memory of the project.     Ben wakes up from his erased past and finds he has traded in his 90 million dollar paycheck for an envelope full of mysterious and crappy items. Why ever would he DO such a think you ask? Well, because there’s a mystery to solve for one! And said crappy items provide a treasure map of sorts with which Ben may play, while racing on foot, motorcycle, bus and train, through the streets of Seattle in hot pursuit of the past/future/present. Will he stop the baddies? Get the girl? Ever reclaim his lost paycheck? All signs point to “Formulaic Hollywood Ending.”    Conclusion:  Take heart that your boss isn’t trying to kill you. At least, as far as you know. Originally posted on:Dollar Video Curator<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:00:21 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>marymcilwain</spout:postby><spout:postto>Dollar Video Curator</spout:postto><spout:postdate>7/13/2007 4:00:21 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Ever feel like your job may be killing you? Perhaps not (always) literally, but creatively; slowly sucking your soul, youth, and passion out of your left ear, leaving behind a hollow shell of a completely defeated, albeit, completely dedicated, robot? If so, you probably wake every day around 6:30 am, get your sour suit on, go to work, clock in, tune out, clock out, and return home to pickle what’s left of your brain in varying liquors, until it is time to reset the alarm clock.      Well here are a couple of working-man heroes to break up your everyday boredom. In between poppin’ pills, pop these into the old VCR: The Firm, Paycheck  It's a Double White Collar Crime on the rocks with a smooth jazz chaser. Drink it down!The FirmThe Curator has demonstrated in previous post that all of Tommy Cruise's projects contain the little-known  "Stallion Clause." For those unfamiliar, "The Stallion Clause" is a footnote within any contract Cruise signs, that he is required to have at least one, but preferably more, scene in which he sprints, nostrils a-flarin', for the means of making an end that will be for the betterment of all in "the Film." Check it and see.Based on the book that catapulted John Grisham’s 400 page door stoppers to the top of airport bookstore shelves everywhere, The Firm does not disappoint Cruise fans, whoever they may be, containing no less than three Stallions, one hot and heavy love scene and a couple of "goodie two shoes" lovey moments with the otherwise not so wholesome Jeanne Tripplehorn.     Everyman Mitch McDeere appears to have it made when he gets the job of his dreams, at last able to ditch his trailer park past, provide his “lovely” wife Abby with all she desires, and cementing his future in the upper echelons of the solidly reputable Memphis high society. Unfortunately the “Firm” has another role in mind for Mitch, that of “Mob Stooge.” Yes, for unexplainable reasons, the Chicago mob retains a small law firm in Memphis. And apparently the partners traverse the world in search of an army of replacements to ensure the cycle is perpetuated.      Well, Tom is not about to have any of that noise. Bucking the bosses, Tommy will race his way to freedom, through Memphis streets with briefcase in hand, finally putting Wilford Brimley out of our misery, getting all these White Collar Mo-Fos behind bars without ever compromising his professional integrity, and all the while helping to create the world’s most perfectly matched hick-i-fied couple, Holly Hunter and David Strathairn. Sigh.       PaycheckBen Affleck gets his jog on proper here, pitted against the outstanding Aaron Eckhart and joined by ever-mild Uma Thurman.     Though your disbelief is initially stretched to the point of serious snap by first having to accept Ben Affleck as some kind of computer programming genius, comfort level is restored once realization sets in that you will not be required to watch him suffer and sweat through too many electronic related explanations.     Michael Jennings is a computer hacker extraordinaire, highly in demand to rip off patented computer technology because of his willingness to have any memory of his work therein erased. (Insert “Ben Affleck” and “Dumber than a Bag of Hammers” joke here)  But he really gets screwed when he takes a job with Aaron Eckhart, his supposed friend, who uses him to build an Uber-Magic 8 Ball future time viewing machine of sorts, and then tries to “erase him” along with his memory of the project.     Ben wakes up from his erased past and finds he has traded in his 90 million dollar paycheck for an envelope full of mysterious and crappy items. Why ever would he DO such a think you ask? Well, because there’s a mystery to solve for one! And said crappy items provide a treasure map of sorts with which Ben may play, while racing on foot, motorcycle, bus and train, through the streets of Seattle in hot pursuit of the past/future/present. Will he stop the baddies? Get the girl? Ever reclaim his lost paycheck? All signs point to “Formulaic Hollywood Ending.”    Conclusion:  Take heart that your boss isn’t trying to kill you. At least, as far as you know. Originally posted on:Dollar Video Curator</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Man on the Run</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/marymcilwain/archive/2007/6/26/12276.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t15925oulbf.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/49916/default.aspx'>marymcilwain</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/marymcilwain/default.aspx'>Dollar Video Curator</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 6/26/2007 6:35:34 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Ever feel like your job may be killing you? Perhaps not (always) literally, but creatively; slowly sucking your soul, youth, and passion out of your left ear, leaving behind a hollow shell of a completely defeated, albeit, completely dedicated, robot? If so, you probably wake every day around 6:30 am, get your sour suit on, go to work, clock in, tune out, clock out, and return home to pickle what’s left of your brain in varying liquors, until it is time to reset the alarm clock.      Well here are a couple of working-man heroes to break up your everyday boredom. In between poppin’ pills, pop these into the old VCR: The Firm, Paycheck  It's a Double White Collar Crime on the rocks with a smooth jazz chaser. Drink it down!The FirmThe Curator has demonstrated in previous post that all of Tommy Cruise's projects contain the little-known  "Stallion Clause." For those unfamiliar, "The Stallion Clause" is a footnote within any contract Cruise signs, that he is required to have at least one, but preferably more, scene in which he sprints, nostrils a-flarin', for the means of making an end that will be for the betterment of all in "the Film." Check it and see.Based on the book that catapulted John Grisham’s 400 page door stoppers to the top of airport bookstore shelves everywhere, The Firm does not disappoint Cruise fans, whoever they may be, containing no less than three Stallions, one hot and heavy love scene and a couple of "goodie two shoes" lovey moments with the otherwise not so wholesome Jeanne Tripplehorn.     Everyman Mitch McDeere appears to have it made when he gets the job of his dreams, at last able to ditch his trailer park past, provide his “lovely” wife Abby with all she desires, and cementing his future in the upper echelons of the solidly reputable Memphis high society. Unfortunately the “Firm” has another role in mind for Mitch, that of “Mob Stooge.” Yes, for unexplainable reasons, the Chicago mob retains a small law firm in Memphis. And apparently the partners traverse the world in search of an army of replacements to ensure the cycle is perpetuated.      Well, Tom is not about to have any of that noise. Bucking the bosses, Tommy will race his way to freedom, through Memphis streets with briefcase in hand, finally putting Wilford Brimley out of our misery, getting all these White Collar Mo-Fos behind bars without ever compromising his professional integrity, and all the while helping to create the world’s most perfectly matched hick-i-fied couple, Holly Hunter and David Strathairn. Sigh.       PaycheckBen Affleck gets his jog on proper here, pitted against the outstanding Aaron Eckhart and joined by ever-mild Uma Thurman.     Though your disbelief is initially stretched to the point of serious snap by first having to accept Ben Affleck as some kind of computer programming genius, comfort level is restored once realization sets in that you will not be required to watch him suffer and sweat through too many electronic related explanations.     Michael Jennings is a computer hacker extraordinaire, highly in demand to rip off patented computer technology because of his willingness to have any memory of his work therein erased. (Insert “Ben Affleck” and “Dumber than a Bag of Hammers” joke here)  But he really gets screwed when he takes a job with Aaron Eckhart, his supposed friend, who uses him to build an Uber-Magic 8 Ball future time viewing machine of sorts, and then tries to “erase him” along with his memory of the project.     Ben wakes up from his erased past and finds he has traded in his 90 million dollar paycheck for an envelope full of mysterious and crappy items. Why ever would he DO such a think you ask? Well, because there’s a mystery to solve for one! And said crappy items provide a treasure map of sorts with which Ben may play, while racing on foot, motorcycle, bus and train, through the streets of Seattle in hot pursuit of the past/future/present. Will he stop the baddies? Get the girl? Ever reclaim his lost paycheck? All signs point to “Formulaic Hollywood Ending.”    Conclusion:  Take heart that your boss isn’t trying to kill you. At least, as far as you know. Originally posted on:Dollar Video Curator<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:35:34 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>marymcilwain</spout:postby><spout:postto>Dollar Video Curator</spout:postto><spout:postdate>6/26/2007 6:35:34 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Ever feel like your job may be killing you? Perhaps not (always) literally, but creatively; slowly sucking your soul, youth, and passion out of your left ear, leaving behind a hollow shell of a completely defeated, albeit, completely dedicated, robot? If so, you probably wake every day around 6:30 am, get your sour suit on, go to work, clock in, tune out, clock out, and return home to pickle what’s left of your brain in varying liquors, until it is time to reset the alarm clock.      Well here are a couple of working-man heroes to break up your everyday boredom. In between poppin’ pills, pop these into the old VCR: The Firm, Paycheck  It's a Double White Collar Crime on the rocks with a smooth jazz chaser. Drink it down!The FirmThe Curator has demonstrated in previous post that all of Tommy Cruise's projects contain the little-known  "Stallion Clause." For those unfamiliar, "The Stallion Clause" is a footnote within any contract Cruise signs, that he is required to have at least one, but preferably more, scene in which he sprints, nostrils a-flarin', for the means of making an end that will be for the betterment of all in "the Film." Check it and see.Based on the book that catapulted John Grisham’s 400 page door stoppers to the top of airport bookstore shelves everywhere, The Firm does not disappoint Cruise fans, whoever they may be, containing no less than three Stallions, one hot and heavy love scene and a couple of "goodie two shoes" lovey moments with the otherwise not so wholesome Jeanne Tripplehorn.     Everyman Mitch McDeere appears to have it made when he gets the job of his dreams, at last able to ditch his trailer park past, provide his “lovely” wife Abby with all she desires, and cementing his future in the upper echelons of the solidly reputable Memphis high society. Unfortunately the “Firm” has another role in mind for Mitch, that of “Mob Stooge.” Yes, for unexplainable reasons, the Chicago mob retains a small law firm in Memphis. And apparently the partners traverse the world in search of an army of replacements to ensure the cycle is perpetuated.      Well, Tom is not about to have any of that noise. Bucking the bosses, Tommy will race his way to freedom, through Memphis streets with briefcase in hand, finally putting Wilford Brimley out of our misery, getting all these White Collar Mo-Fos behind bars without ever compromising his professional integrity, and all the while helping to create the world’s most perfectly matched hick-i-fied couple, Holly Hunter and David Strathairn. Sigh.       PaycheckBen Affleck gets his jog on proper here, pitted against the outstanding Aaron Eckhart and joined by ever-mild Uma Thurman.     Though your disbelief is initially stretched to the point of serious snap by first having to accept Ben Affleck as some kind of computer programming genius, comfort level is restored once realization sets in that you will not be required to watch him suffer and sweat through too many electronic related explanations.     Michael Jennings is a computer hacker extraordinaire, highly in demand to rip off patented computer technology because of his willingness to have any memory of his work therein erased. (Insert “Ben Affleck” and “Dumber than a Bag of Hammers” joke here)  But he really gets screwed when he takes a job with Aaron Eckhart, his supposed friend, who uses him to build an Uber-Magic 8 Ball future time viewing machine of sorts, and then tries to “erase him” along with his memory of the project.     Ben wakes up from his erased past and finds he has traded in his 90 million dollar paycheck for an envelope full of mysterious and crappy items. Why ever would he DO such a think you ask? Well, because there’s a mystery to solve for one! And said crappy items provide a treasure map of sorts with which Ben may play, while racing on foot, motorcycle, bus and train, through the streets of Seattle in hot pursuit of the past/future/present. Will he stop the baddies? Get the girl? Ever reclaim his lost paycheck? All signs point to “Formulaic Hollywood Ending.”    Conclusion:  Take heart that your boss isn’t trying to kill you. At least, as far as you know. Originally posted on:Dollar Video Curator</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:murder</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/murder/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/murder/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>murder</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 8748</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 157</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 830</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:57:25 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>8748</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>157</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>830</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:intense</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/intense/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/intense/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>intense</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 162</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 81</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 249</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:07:45 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>162</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>81</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>249</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:gangster</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/gangster/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/gangster/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>gangster</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 4065</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 60</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 145</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:37:08 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>4065</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>60</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>145</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:conspiracy</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/conspiracy/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/conspiracy/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>conspiracy</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 524</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 48</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 94</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:07:45 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>524</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>48</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>94</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:corruption</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/corruption/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/corruption/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>corruption</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1236</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 47</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 108</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:02:59 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1236</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>47</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>108</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:detective</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/detective/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/detective/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>detective</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 2345</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 43</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 105</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:02:59 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>2345</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>43</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>105</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:based-on-a-book</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/based-on-a-book/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/based-on-a-book/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>based-on-a-book</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 173</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 37</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 278</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:52:06 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>173</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>37</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>278</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:lawyer</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/lawyer/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/lawyer/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>lawyer</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1764</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 35</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 82</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:55:09 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1764</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>35</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>82</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:killing</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/killing/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/killing/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>killing</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 7191</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 31</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 96</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:01:54 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>7191</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>31</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>96</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:investigation</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/investigation/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/investigation/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>investigation</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 5883</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 29</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 124</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:27:28 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>5883</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>29</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>124</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:blackmail</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/blackmail/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/blackmail/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>blackmail</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1006</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 23</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 38</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:51:08 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1006</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>23</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>38</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:hitman</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/hitman/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/hitman/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>hitman</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 650</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 20</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 34</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:56:17 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>650</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>20</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>34</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:graduation</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/graduation/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/graduation/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>graduation</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 107</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 18</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 33</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:10:06 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>107</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>18</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>33</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:fraud</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/fraud/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/fraud/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>fraud</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 175</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 14</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 16</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:36:31 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>175</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>14</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>16</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:investigator</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/investigator/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/investigator/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>investigator</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1805</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 11</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 22</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:02:56 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1805</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>11</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>22</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
  </channel>
</rss>