So this Acculturated review of THE BLING RING makes it sound pretty interesting, despite being directed and co-written by Sophia Coppola, who also wrote and directed LOST IN TRANSLATION, which many regard as one of the most criminally over-rated movies ever. But the interest will depend, I guess, on our willingness to assume it’s worthwhile to ponder at length contemporary vapidity at its most vapid:
The Bling Ring isn’t dialogue-rich because the kids have little to say. Much of the dialogue is taken from the Vanity Fair interviews with ring members. When the thieves speak, it’s nothing short of verbal diarrhea: take Nicki (based on the “fame monster” Alexis Neiers): “I’m a firm believer in Karma, and I think this situation was attracted into my life because it was supposed to be a huge learning lesson for me to grow and expand as a spiritual human being.”
I guess I’m talking myself out of the assumption even as I write this.
You have a decision to make: double or nothing.
For this week only, a generous supporter has offered to fully match all new and increased donations to First Things up to $60,000.
In other words, your gift of $50 unlocks $100 for First Things, your gift of $100 unlocks $200, and so on, up to a total of $120,000. But if you don’t give, nothing.
So what will it be, dear reader: double, or nothing?
Make your year-end gift go twice as far for First Things by giving now.
