When I saw the poster for The Good German, I thought it was some sort of modern Casablanca where Cate Blanchett would star as Ilsa and George Clooney as Rick. But, no. I got it all wrong ’cause once again I jump to conclusions. Once again I hoped there would be an interesting film, shot in black and white that would be perhaps as nostalgic and/or reminiscent of The Last Picture Show in its simple and perfect portrayal of the life and times of a certain group of folk in a different era. C’est la vie. I resigned myself to thinking that, well, Cate Blanchett being Cate Blanchett, this movie has something in it for me.

I don’t much care one way or another for George Clooney, so he won’t affect my mood. But then… oh but then, I saw Tobey Maguire and Cate Blanchett in a lover’s embrace and had to look away in disgust…or, rather… no, it was disgust. He’s an awkward gangly child no matter how old he is. ANd he couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag. Did you see Spiderman? Him and Kirstin Dunst in a movie together is like watching do people with left feet dance the tango. Anyway, Maguire’s a boy, and the “apple pie” type to boot! I can’t picture him (and don’t want to) in a passionate embrace with anyone, especially a class A actress like Blanchett whose got more woman in her than Maguire’s got man in his childish pinky. So, my hopes are dashed and there goes yet another movie I won’t…or can’t see do to bad casting and bad acting.