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Perhaps the time has come to discuss Stephanie's place and role as a movie reviewer. I think her reviews are dark, negative, and dismal, but they are interesting and thoughtful. I do wonder why she choses to review material she doesn't seem to take joy from, but she has the good graces to not be boring about it. I love movies, often even bad ones, but can also see how reviewers, having had to see the latest Adam Sandler destruction followed by the Mike Meyers ego-fest might become jaded and saddened by movies. So many aren't just bad, but mean, nasty, corporate, and offense. Certainly *Mamma Mia* could well be seen in this exploitist light, another faux joy rip off. I had a pleasant time at the theater this morning, more remembering the times the songs brought back for me and for the extremely cute boys that littered the background (how I would have loved the job of casting extras for this movie!), but I also thought the cast seemed to be having a very good time and that carried me along happily. This movie won't make the AFI top anything list, but neither will ABBA, either. It was, however, a nice break in a very bleak summer (here in Sacramento the day often looks like Armageddon, with the smoke and heat). Stephanie's job isn't to like or promote movie's, but give us the springboard to discuss them, give shape and meat for discussion. She does that. I disagree with her frequently (and am likely to about Batman, haven't seen it yet), but at least she isn't vapid and boring, as most movies are today. We can disagree with her, but I think the calls to have her stop reviewing are uncalled for. I certainly wouldn't rely upon her for your sole source for movie reviews, but I would suggest that for any critic. The critics should provide deeper insights into the movie and the more view points the better for that, particularly contrary ones.
