Wednesday, August 23, 2006

C.S.A.: THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA


C.S.A. -- A Haiku Review
by Robert A. Nowotny

Willmott and Weinstein
Ignoramos and Dandy
Blackface barbs backfire

Once again an old saying proves true: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

Kevin Willmott is an Associate Professor of Theater and Film at Kansas University. His premise for this film is brilliant -- what would things be like now if the South had won the Civil War?

"Holy Mackeral, Kingfish!"

This is more than an intriguing concept given the on-going racial disparity and unresolved tensions which continue to exist in America. In the hands of someone competent, i.e. Dave Chappelle or Carlos Mencia, this would clearly be a can't miss hypothesis unless, of course, the filmmaker in question is totally inept. Take a bow, Kevin, you have singlehandly managed to mangle this endeavor beyond belief. Your application to be admitted to the Mystic Knights of the Sea Lodge is hereby rejected. Hopefully the same will occur if you ever surface again with another idea for a film.

And as for you, Mr. Weinstein, what on earth were you thinking? Eighty-nine minutes comprising sophomoric, sophistic "slice of life as it could be cinema" certainly tests the stamina of anyone I know -- white or black. What have you to say for yourself, Harvey? Katrina got your tongue?