ctimberl

To satisfy one reviewer's curiosity: These people do exist, or at least clans like them exist. There is a well-known Scottish clan who are con artists, doing roofing jobs, driveway sealing, etc. that are no good. They gather yearly in Cincinnati, OH at which time the local media warn people to beware of them and their "work". Their graves are marked by rather gaudy headstones and monuments in Cincinati's Spring Grove Cemetery. The cemetery has been the resting place of prominent cincinnati families since the 19th century. I first was told of these people (perhaps the name of the clan is MacDonald) when I was shown the cemetery many years ago. Their red granite monuments stuck out like sore thumbs amongst the more sedate ones of proper Cincinnatians. As to whether an Irish clan of travellers exists, I do not know, but the Scottish clan does. As to the movie--Nice, small film. Nice work by Bill Paxton and Mark Wahlberg.

"Sordid Lives" is not a great comedy, but it is a lot of fun, especially if you've ever lived in Texas. I have, and I "know" those people. Don't expect a great plot and don't expect sophisticated humor from this film, but just sit back and have a good time. It may not be a good film, but it's a good movie.

Encountering "The Yards" on cable over the weekend, I found myself drawn into the film much more than when I first saw it. I think the film has too many things wrong with it to be a really good one, but it does hold one's attention. Watch it for the performances. What a cast! And all of them are excellent. Mark Wahberg continues to grow as an actor in this film. He created a memorable character. This is a guy we really respect, a guy we'd like to help out, but all we can do is watch his sense of loyalty lead him into trouble just as it did in the past. As to problems, well, the ending is too pat. The strength of all the actors is also a weakness. If every actor is that good and their parts are written strongly to match their talents, then the film loses focus. One feels that the film doesn't concentrate enough on the few characters that are really important to the storyline. Our attention is diverted to characters of secondary importance. Still, watch the film for those excellent performances, especially, Mark Wahlberg's. He holds his own with the best of them.