Imelda Marcos & the Oscar Buzz in Kevin Spacey's "Casino Jack"

"Washington is like Hollywood with Ugly People."

Jack Abramoff (played by Kevin Spacey), Washington lobbyist, knows what he is talking about, but such insightful aptitude has lead him to corruption, embezzlement and even murder. His work has also translated to an unconscionable greed, staving off about $40 million from native Americans, taking over a floating casino business, and bribing politicians along the way to move his money-making causes with the help of his equally greedy partner Michael Scanlon (Barry Pepper).

The lines in the film bristle with wit and fire, but what particularly caught our attention was the reference to Philippines' queen of the ostentatious - Imelda Marcos!

While Jack pitches his "business" with the slimy Adam Kidan (Jon Lovitz), he suddenly name-drops the grand dame out of exasperation:

Jack: I've dealt with commies in Nicaragua, generals in Pakistan, partied enough with Imelda Marcos, why should I be afraid of a Greek who makes sandwiches?

Adam: What is Imelda like?

Jack: She likes to play piano and sing show tunes.

Adam: Really?

Jack: Yeah, she's got a pretty decent voice.

Jack's God-complex is undeniable, and you sometimes forget that he is human, as the spectacular Kevin Spacey carries Jack like an invincible creature. But when you realize that Jack Abramoff actually produced a Hollywood actioner called "Red Scorpion" starring Dolph Lundgren, then you realize sometime in the midst of this ego-charged political comic drama that, Mr. Abramoff is not infallible.

And that something will eventually crumble.

Powerful stuff from director George Hickenlooper who died last October 2010. Kelly Preston also stars as Jack's wife. The film is also known as "Bagman" and has gotten Golden Globe nomination, and a possible Oscar Buzz for Kevin Spacey.

Kevin Spacey and Kelly Preston as Mr. & Mrs. Jack Abramoff: Devout Jewish family!

Barry Pepper plays Michael Scanlon, Jack's right-hand man and "best friend" who never got convicted when he turned "witness". His girlfriend-problem started the fall of Jack's empire (she learned he was sleeping with the flight attendant!)

"You schmuck!" Jack shouts at Adam!

Imeldific. In her golden years, Imelda's Hollywood allure and mystic hasn't waned!

Barry Pepper

The Men Who Stare at Goats - Ending War Through Goats?

Grant Heslov's "The Men Who Stare at Goats" has got to be one of the weirdest films I've ever seen. It seems to be borne out of psychedelia - from the mind of Jon Ronson, author of the novel from which this film was based. Must have been a great novel because the film attracted a stellar cast.

In the film, a reporter (Ewan McGregor) gets more than he bargained for when he unravels a secret psychic military unit whose goal is to end war as we know it. His adventure takes him to Kuwait, with the intention of crossing the border to Iraq to get a Pulitzer caliber story. He meets Lyn Cassady (George Clooney) who reveals the nature of this secret military unit - with psychic soldiers! Weird? I told you!

George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey star in this comedy adventure that will give you an inkling of what "spaced out" might really mean. Though every one seems to do their best, all the best effort is an exercise in futility when the major story is a big wad of absurdity. Ewan MGregor is such a handsome sight though. Right, Iyaya?

Freedom from all wars! Freedom for the goats?

Marooned in a desert!

Let's make love, not war!

Ewan McGregor