August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 9

Dynamic Duos. Because I took today off for my annual mammogram (an occasion for rapture itself), I was able to lazy around in front of the TV. And, much to my delight, I unexpectedly caught two favorites: The real Batman, starring Adam West (today he and Robin vanquished that evil-doer, King Tut) and the movie that Roger Ebert and I consider an American masterpiece, Bonnie & Clyde.

I wonder what would have happened if Bonnie and Clyde had been unfortunate enough to land in Gotham City. While Batman never used guns, you can be sure he would have found a way to return these two reprobates to prison.

Movie Monday -- Future Legends

Share the actors and actresses under 50 whose careers you think will become legendary, linking back here at The Bumbles.

Two of the Bumbles' choices -- Michael Cera and Sean Penn -- were so spot-on that the bar is set rather high for the rest of us. But here I go with my predictions …

George Clooney (Age 49) There's something so familiar about his screen presence. Is it because he's the next in line, after first Paul Newman and then Robert Redford, the current superstar who uses his influence to get films made about important topics? Michael Clayton and Good Night and Good Luck make me think so. Or is he the new Cary Grant? Every time I see him on the red carpet, I think George looks born to a tux like no man since Grant. Or is he this generation's Burt Reynolds, brightening the TV talkshow circuit with jokes about his sex appeal and his less than stellar start on TV. Remember him as Roseanne's boss? Perhaps George Clooney isn't the next anyone -- maybe he's the first George Clooney. Like a really hot Tom Hanks, he draws us to him with charisma and seems familiar because no matter what the role, he's good company.

Julia Roberts (Age 43) I like her. No matter what she's doing -- from doomed young mother to hooker to crusading legal assistant -- I find myself rooting for her. She's always fresh and funny. The same can be said about those other two American Sweethearts, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston, but while I would go out of my way to see a movie a starring any of the three, Julia Roberts has the most impressive body of work. Is she a better actress or a simply better judge of material? I don't know, but whatever it is, she'll be the one who's remembered in decades to come.

Leonardo di Caprio (Age 35) Robert Pattinson, take note! It wasn't all that long ago that it was Leo's face decorating girls' lockers and dreams. It was right after that movie about the boat, remember? He wasn't content to be a heartthrob and he resists even being a romantic leading man. Instead he turns in one terrific, complex performance after another -- whether it's The Departed or Revolutionary Road or Inception. His movies challenge us, and his performances soar.

Angelina Jolie (Age 35) Like Elizabeth Taylor before her, Angelina's romances and beauty fuel her persona. And, like Liz, she's making a name for herself with her humanitarian work. I think it's that combination of sex goddess and earth mother that makes her stick. (Even though, of all these stars, she's the one I can't stand.)

August Happiness Challenge 2010 -- Day 8

Went to a concert tonight at Ravinia to see The Four Tops and The Temptations with my friend Mindy. We had a great time, sitting in the grass, eating a picnic dinner, yakking and listening to Motown. Mindy is the sweetest person and it was interesting to catch up on her life. We've known each other forever -- 30 years, to be exact. So my happiness comes from treasured old friends and treasured old tunes.