The Apostle

Don't know where I was back in 1997 when this movie was originally released, but it didn't hit ye olde radar til there wasn't anything to watch on tv last night.

In fact, I almost didn't watch it this go 'round, either. Considered just calling it an early one and heading off to bed.

Glad I reconsidered.

In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at the ecumenical spirit I found in this story about a Pentecostal preacher. (Best example being the title character's remark on observing Roman Catholic priests blessing a fleet of shrimp boats: "You do it your way and I do it mine, but we get it done, don't we?!")

Robert Duvall, who plays the title character, is arguably the most under-rated character actor of his generation. Over the years, I've enjoyed watching him even in movies that I didn't like. But, this time around, he also deserves credit for writing and directing. "The Apostle" is his masterpiece.

I would encourage ye socks to rent this one, or try to catch it on late night cable some time. And, see how many other actors you can recognize in this cast. (They include Billy Bob Thornton and the two late great ladies Farrah Fawcett and June Carter Cash.)

Bottom line: two thumbs up!

RIP Farrah Fawcett (1942-2009)

Yours truly was a little too young to have thought much of "the poster" everyone is talking about today upon hearing of the death of Farrah Fawcett.

What I do remember about the stunningly beautiful girl from Texas who entered our pop culture conscious back in 1976 was that she was married to the $6 million bionic man. Charlie's Angels was something that would have interested my sister more than me at the time.

Sadly, that marriage to Lee Majors fell apart a couple of years later.

And, the blonde bombshell's career was something of a roller coaster after that.

Then, a couple of years ago, we heard she was suffering from cancer.

So, while still sad, the announcement today was not at all unexpected.

I suppose one of the lessons to be drawn is that beauty is fleeting. And, in the case of this angel, it was all too fleeting.