The Dish is one of those films that gives joy in every one of its little moments. My kind of movie. They usually come from overseas because Hollywood doesn't know how to do little moments any more. It's about a radio telescope in Parkes, New South Wales, Australia and its team of scientists and technicians but it's also about the proud little town. They've been asked to support the Apollo 11 NASA moon mission. Parkes is one of those small towns that only exists in the movies. Everyone knows everyone. Lots of big wigs are descending on the quiet town to celebrate the participation. It creates a culture clash. NASA has armed the dish security guard, a bumbler who knows nothing about security, and I'm still laughing this morning at the national anthem of the United States that the local band had 48 hours to learn. I will not spoil that one. Sam Neill is perfect as the director of the satellite team. He's one of my favorite actors. His performances always seem so effortless. Patrick Warburton also gives a good performance as NASA representative Al Burnett.
Al Burnett: Not everyone at NASA is a hotshot college genius. The guy I most admire is from a one-horse town in Ohio.
Ross 'Mitch' Mitchell: And what's he do?
Al Burnett: Tomorrow he's gonna walk on the moon.
I admire him, too. The Dish is a delightful film. See it with a big bowl of popcorn.
Before I present the Sunday picture, I thought I'd give thanks to my friend, Kim, for this item on her blog. Say what you will about Texas but they are working to pass a law with the word "zombie" in it. Is your state? Go Texas.
I offer one from just outside my window this chilly CrabAppleLane Sunday morning. My little chatterbox friend is still here. Not at all sure what kind it is now. I first leaned toward buff-bellied then toward rufous but now I'm back on buff-bellied. Whatever it is, I think it may have decided to winter here. I'm OK with that.
CrabAppleLane Hummingbird - November 16, 2008
Quote of the Day
Does mum know you have a gun?
Janine Kellerman, The Dish
Blog of the day here.
Quote from said blog: "Look at the bill on this hummingbird! "
I saw the Dish several years ago and place it among my favorites. As you say, it's full of happy moments.
I hope you have a mild winter so the little hummingbird doesn't get too cold if she decides to stay.
I'm going to watch for The Dish. Thanks, Rob!