I was going to provide extended remarks on The Audacity of Hope, but overall, my basic concern was that Obama truthfully at times doesn't seem audacious enough. This was shown by his vote on the civil immunity for telecoms bill, upsetting on multiple levels (he broke a promise, it was a really bad move, he defended using false right wing talking points like "it was necessary to defend America" etc.) as well as how much his convention speech (which some mysteriously thought was so great) that focused so much on the economy.
This is not why so many people want change! A better country overall is of course important, and a good candidate for the Democrats will be one that suggests how the government can help to bring one about. But, part of the problem is George Bush and his style of governance, which (Obama's assurance that most members of Congress really are such nice people) taints the Republican party in particular. And, people are upset about it. Not just about "the system," but in particular, a certain representation. His book simply doesn't deal with that. It has to be part of the attack, including small but telling examples like that damn telecom bill.
Anyway, I enjoyed the movie Ghost Town. At first, it looked a bit stupid, but decided to give it a chance ... the lack of great alternatives (some might disagree, but this is a traditional lull time movie-wise) helping. The reviews are right to suggest that the key here is not the material as such but the follow thru. Not a fan of either versions of The Office, the lead (who dies for a short period of time and now can see dead people still tied to the earth for some reason) was not known to me. But, I see his appeal -- witty with the ability to show that underneath his misanthropic veneer, he actually has a sensitive side.
I have been impressed with the work of Téa Leoni (most recently in You Kill Me) and Greg Kinnear and supporting players like Aasif Mandvi (who deserves a more significant supporting role one of these days) also add to the proceedings. Overall, what impressed was that you truly cared about these people, which helped me get pass a few lulls and predictable moments (Leoni has a big dog, how cute ... but the scene of her giving it a bath was a gem). The movie has a good flow for most of the film and technically was good.
[BTW, the preview -- as noted by an article I read that ranked various previews that liked the tidbit in question -- had a bit when Greg's ghost is called a "zombie" and he is insulted. I don't recall that bit being in the final film, one of various examples of a still or preview bit being cut or (as in certain ad photos) perhaps not ever truly there in the first place.) Yes, some people care about such things! The particularly good sort, unless they truly bore you.]
And, the whole issue of tying up loose ends, respecting each person's life story and (lol) not being a total prick gives the movie some real weight. In a good way. The key here were the stars. Ricky Gervais in particular did a great job, a great match with both of his co-stars (Kinnear is Leoni's dead hubby), who both (Leoni less often) show themselves to be top talent.