I just returned from one of the sneak preview showings of "SiCKO" ... Wow.

[marmar]

My emotions are still high. I'm someone who almost never cries, particularly at a movie, and I lost it several times during "Sicko."
I'm appalled, depressed, seething with anger and ready to hit the streets at the same time. Rarely do I walk out of any film feeling like it will have any impact on anything - but I think this movie definitely will.
The packed house at the Birmingham (Michigan) 8 felt the same way. It was a total group bonding experience, erupting in loud applause when one of the Brits in the film made the observation about paying for war and paying for health care (I don't want to give too much away).
Anyway, if you weren't able to or didn't live in a city where it opened today, get to the theater Friday when it opens nationwide. And let the revolution begin.
:grouphug:

[StudentsMustUniteNow]

1. Same here. Blew me away, and I'm not a Michael Moore fan (usually)

I thought Fahrenheit 9/11 relied too much on facile Saudi-baiting and Bowling for Columbine seemed poorly rationalized (also, it conflicts with my 2nd Amendment views). I did like Roger and Me a lot.

But with Sicko, he really outdid himself and showed us the reality of our decadent system. He not only mentions the material problems of our for-profit HMO-driven system (which our main presidential candidates seem to support despite their claims of "universal" coverage), but he also illustrates how we have been cowed into submission and apathy. He shows us that having a strong public system is nothing to be afraid of.

We can have what we want if we DEMAND it and stop treating our politicians as though we owe them favors just because of their money or relations or rock star status. This is a democracy, or it should be.

The film should be seen by everyone, and I think it will have an impact on politics if it does. Hopefully it'll push our coward representatives in office to do something for us for a change.

[BlooInBloo]

2. Yup - it's rally good.

[DS1]

3. It's a real gut-wrencher

I loved how MM talked about the husband of the family who had their parents move back leaving for contract work out of town.



In Iraq.

[City Lights]

4. I can't wait to see it.

I saw Ocean's 13 this afternoon and they showed a preview from SiCKO. It seemed to be well received in our section.

[Faygo Kid]

5. OK, I am off to see it in DC or Maryland, so long as a Michigander says go

Of course, I are (?) one. As is Michael. Wish I had been at the opening in Antrim County; absotively beauteous up there in June. Hell, even The Weather Channel broadcast from TC for the first day of summer from there. Nine years to retirement, and that's where I go. Sorry for the distraction: As for "Sicko," it's time for a single payer federal health system. Period. And that means the government, and that means war with the powers that be, but so be it - this time, we will have American business on our side, except for the health care, pharmaceutical and insurance industries. Yes, they are more powerful than all other U.S. interests combined, but we have a shot, anyway.

Very old gratuitous pic here of MGM star because I felt like it:

[marmar]

6. It's definitely got this MichigANIAN's stamp of approval.....

:)

And yes, the movie makes it quite obvious how powerful and influential the health care biz is on everything .... and just how callously evil a business it can be. :grr:

[Faygo Kid]

9. Thank you, too, from this MichiGANDER, as Michael used in an interview recently

Only we know this debate. It's like growing up in the Detroit area, where the first thing you ask is, are you an East Sider or West Sider (Woodward being the dividing line, of course).

Rock on.

http://www.keener13.com/history/Default.asp

[marmar]

17. Moore's a MichiGANDER too?

Oh well, if you can't beat 'em......


BTW, I'm enjoying a Faygo red pop-Sanders vanilla ice cream float right now. I thought you'd appreciate that. :9

[Radio_Lady]

8. OMG: Esther Williams -- thanks for posting this beautiful babe!

[Faygo Kid]

10. Can you ID this one? She and Esther are amongst my favorites.

[Radio_Lady]

11. Hubby knew this one: Gene Tierney -- gorgeous!

http://www.us.imdb.com/name/nm0000074/

My husband, whose birthday is today (age 73) remembers that she had some "special mental problems." Poor thing...

[Faygo Kid]

12. Happy Birthday to your husband; just a youngster.

He is fortunate to have such an erudite companion (and you can tell him I said so). Since I am sure he agrees I can't top Gene Tierney or Esther Williams, I send for my best wishes for a Happy Birthday another memory, a peer, this year's All Star Game honorary captain, the ultimate class act and a name I am sure he appreciates:

[Radio_Lady]

13. Thanks so much -- we both remember him -- a very strong hitter!

I grew up in Miami, so we didn't have a baseball team -- but listened to AM radio (Yankees, Tigers, Red Sox) and heard all the names along with the ladies who ironed and kept house for my mother.

Hubby Al was a Boston native, so he had access to the Red Sox (losers though they were through the years...). He just told me he remembers that Mel Parnell pitched a "no-hitter" at Fenway Park. There was also lefty Ted Williams -- the Marvelous Splinter (?) -- a big guy who "stroked" the ball. Hubby's interest increased when he moved to Baltimore and he and his son went to Orioles games at Memorial Stadium -- named Jim Palmer (pitcher), Boog (?) Powell, and other fantastic players.

My son-in-law is from Detroit, and his parents still live there 1/2 of the year in West Bloomfield, MI, and 1/2 in Boca Raton, Florida. Both my son-in-law and my father went to the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor.

Thanks for the memories!

Nice to meet-chu on the DU!

Warm regards,

Radio Lady Ellen in Oregon

[Faygo Kid]

14. Thank you, Ellen. Except for that U-M stuff.

All the best to your son-in-law and father, and it sounds like they and you have had a wonderful life, and I hope only for the best for all. Except for when the Spartans rule, of course, as this grad bleeds Green and White. . .

[Radio_Lady]

7. See my earlier post in GD. There were sneak previews today Saturday (6/23)

all over the country, but the film opens WIDE on Friday, June 29th.

We saw it on Wednesday at a press screening. More at link below:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1170015

In peace,

Radio Lady (Film reviewer in Portland, OR)

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

15. Just got home from the preview, sustained applause at the end. Beautifully done, just the right mix

of humor, pathos and hope.

Brilliant. Heart breaking. I hope everyone in this country takes the time to see this, where we are right now and where we could be in taking care of our fellow citizens and ourselves. MKJ

[marmar]

16. "of humor, pathos and hope"

Exactly. :spray: :cry: :patriot: