Forces of Procrastination

I just spent an hour listening to "Delta Dawn" "Funkytown" and "Stuff Like That There". I should be writing a paper. When I'd listened to those songs until my brain felt a little bit like warm mush, I turned the tv on, and flipped through stations until I found something that didn't look awful. I found "Forces of Nature", which just looked bad.

Now, "Forces of Nature" is not a good movie, and I won't argue that. But I will say a few things in its favor that render it, if nothing else, a nice movie.

First, there is Ben Affleck. Affleck is one of the most hated good actors out there. He was mediocre in some of his films, and most of the time--just like in this movie--he seems awkward, confused, and out of place. Perhaps, more than confused, Affleck is simply unsure. Either way, in this movie, his character is lumbering, uncomfortable, and amiable. Whatever Affleck does, he's vaguely likeable, and I can appreciate that.

Second, there is Sandra Bullock. She plays annoying often, but is as oddly likeable as Affleck. She can be charming even as she plays the stock "free-spirited" character. Her odd-ball is as formulaic as they come in such movies.

Third, there is the visual effect of the movie. It is warm, even during the storms. It seems clean, even when it's in the dirt. It's pleasant, like the two main characters. The lead actors play the same character almost always, but here it works, if only because it's inoffensive, dumb fun. It's the same sort of thrill provided by "300", but it works for a different crowd. It is a chick flick, but that's ok. Sometimes, when you just want to stop thinking about whatever worries you, it's alright to listen to bad music and watch a cheap movie.

It's sunlight now, so I guess I should write my paper. Wish me luck.