Over the past few weeks I've been a little more mobile since the weathers been better. I, like you have been out running more errands , and just being outside more. Last weekend it was just great, and as I drove around I saw some others working hard and I thought they deserved their own article. So here's your props!
On Saturday I saw two guys dressed up like Uncle Sam holding a sandwich board in front of tax prep services. I also saw someone dress up as Handy Andy trying to get me to stop by and shop at his home store. AND I saw someone wearing a cow costume on a busy corner wearing a sign that said to "Eat More Chicken."
The guy in the cow get-up was really had his game on. He had this great little jive move going, that was in perfect rhythm. He had a cool wave working, horns were honking and waving at him and I think there were folks that pulled in for a delicious chicken sandwich - me included. Look, ya gotta luv these guys. Who are these folks that do that and for what pay? Not enough I am sure. These guys/gals should be paid well. And god bless 'em if they really put their heart and soul into it. I couldn't help but stop and support him, or her.
Also at the Indians games. The have the Hot Dog Derby every game. Three individuals dress up as hot dogs, one as Mustard, Onion and Ketchup, and they run around Progressive Field in front of 40,000 fans who cheer them on wildly to see who wins. I cheer too. I've been to two games this year so far and I would be hard pressed to tell you who the Tribe played, but I can tell you who won the Hot Dog Derby - Onion both times going away. I'm wondering if I can get odds on Onion in Vegas for my next visit. And both times I went up and grabbed a dog at the concessions to celebrate, so it must work.
If you've ever made your living that way even for a day god bless you. Thanks too. It has to be tough standing out on the street corner in a suit, asking people to stop on in and shop. I'm confident the suit can get hot too. I'm betting too it's a thankless job but to be honest with you, you do put a smile on a lot of faces. And maybe most importantly, kids love you! To all mascots everywhere, ya gotta luv 'em. And we do! Thanks!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Deception
Deception is the new Hugh Jackman, Ewan MacGregor suspense, thriller flick that hit the theaters over the weekend with a tremendous thud.
A huge box office bust its first week out, Deception is the story of a lonely, intraverted CPA,
MacGregor, whose life is wasting away. He meets up with Wyatt (Jackman) who is handsome and outgoing and leads our lonely CPA into a world of free sex with beautiful women, and a life he could only imagine. Or so it seems. Nothing about Wyatt is what it seems.
Deception is a good example of a pretty good story idea making it to the big screen, but for some reason it just doesn't connect to the movie going public. When I walked out of Deception, there was something missing. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it just falls short. Deception is a dark movie, and I will admit draggy at times and towards the end you feel like it has already ended a time or two before this.
Hugh Jackman is a fine actor, and he is a terrific bad guy in Deception. Toss in the wonderful Michelle Williams as the love interest, and you have the whole deal here right? Sadly, wrong. Williams is well...I really don't know her character is in this movie, and that's a main problem. They try to tie up all the loose ends but don't, and there are a couple of unclear moments at Deceptions' end when it finally arrives.
Deception. Better idea than actual movie. Not a waste of time, but the casual movie goer more than likely comes up empty.
A huge box office bust its first week out, Deception is the story of a lonely, intraverted CPA,
MacGregor, whose life is wasting away. He meets up with Wyatt (Jackman) who is handsome and outgoing and leads our lonely CPA into a world of free sex with beautiful women, and a life he could only imagine. Or so it seems. Nothing about Wyatt is what it seems.
Deception is a good example of a pretty good story idea making it to the big screen, but for some reason it just doesn't connect to the movie going public. When I walked out of Deception, there was something missing. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it just falls short. Deception is a dark movie, and I will admit draggy at times and towards the end you feel like it has already ended a time or two before this.
Hugh Jackman is a fine actor, and he is a terrific bad guy in Deception. Toss in the wonderful Michelle Williams as the love interest, and you have the whole deal here right? Sadly, wrong. Williams is well...I really don't know her character is in this movie, and that's a main problem. They try to tie up all the loose ends but don't, and there are a couple of unclear moments at Deceptions' end when it finally arrives.
Deception. Better idea than actual movie. Not a waste of time, but the casual movie goer more than likely comes up empty.
Monday, April 28, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Harold and Kumar
Look out! Here come Harold and Kumar again, and this time they're in big trouble with the Federal Government as suspected terrorists!
John Cho and Kal Penn reprise their roles as Harold and Kumar respectively again, in Escape from Guantanamo Bay. To say the Harold and Kumar movies are an acquired taste is putting it mildly. The last H&K flick in 2004 was wildly popular and there was much anticipation building from thier fans for this one. But at the box office over the weekend it fell short.
These kind of movies are really tough to review. They are not supposed to be good, so there is no real attempt to make critics take notice. These kind of movies are supposed to make money, and the do...lots of money. These flicks go big at the box office usually, and then take off again on cable and rentals. So how do you review H&K flicks?
Think back to Animal House, Porky's, then later American Pie, and others. H&K are nothing new at all. It's just rehashed old jokes (and some new) with a larger envolope to push. Lot's of recreational drug usage, terrible language, naked people, and just a hint of real vulgarity, and there walla...there you go. Escape From Guantanamo Bay.
You know Cho and Penn are certainly like able enough as actors, and the character ideas are funny. But sadly, they may seem cutting edge but their not. Cheech and Chong were doing this bit 30 years ago, but new generations have new hero's and there's nothing wrong with that. Funny here though, with the weekend take for this so poor it seems either they waited too long for another installment, or the fans just thought that the last one was sufficient. Tough to tell.
One more thing, when you make a flick that's going to be really on the edge of any taste at all, and push the envelope as hard as you can it better be funny. But it's not, and that's the shame here. Movie goers don't mind edgy, but 8 bucks for not funny is a very different story.
H&K is rated R no doubt, and it's not for everyone to be sure. In the grand scheme of things harmless, we all saw Porky's, Animal House and American Pie, and we're just fine.
John Cho and Kal Penn reprise their roles as Harold and Kumar respectively again, in Escape from Guantanamo Bay. To say the Harold and Kumar movies are an acquired taste is putting it mildly. The last H&K flick in 2004 was wildly popular and there was much anticipation building from thier fans for this one. But at the box office over the weekend it fell short.
These kind of movies are really tough to review. They are not supposed to be good, so there is no real attempt to make critics take notice. These kind of movies are supposed to make money, and the do...lots of money. These flicks go big at the box office usually, and then take off again on cable and rentals. So how do you review H&K flicks?
Think back to Animal House, Porky's, then later American Pie, and others. H&K are nothing new at all. It's just rehashed old jokes (and some new) with a larger envolope to push. Lot's of recreational drug usage, terrible language, naked people, and just a hint of real vulgarity, and there walla...there you go. Escape From Guantanamo Bay.
You know Cho and Penn are certainly like able enough as actors, and the character ideas are funny. But sadly, they may seem cutting edge but their not. Cheech and Chong were doing this bit 30 years ago, but new generations have new hero's and there's nothing wrong with that. Funny here though, with the weekend take for this so poor it seems either they waited too long for another installment, or the fans just thought that the last one was sufficient. Tough to tell.
One more thing, when you make a flick that's going to be really on the edge of any taste at all, and push the envelope as hard as you can it better be funny. But it's not, and that's the shame here. Movie goers don't mind edgy, but 8 bucks for not funny is a very different story.
H&K is rated R no doubt, and it's not for everyone to be sure. In the grand scheme of things harmless, we all saw Porky's, Animal House and American Pie, and we're just fine.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Tough Kudos
Kudos need to be handed out when they are due. Most of the time doing that is easy and fun and generally a no-brainer. But this week kudos are due, but it' still tough to do.
Kudos have to go this week to the IRS. That's right the Internal Revenue Service. DON'T STOP READING! Yes that IRS. (Man is that hard to say huh?) That huge government agency that collects our hard earned money, haunts us every April 15th and has never issued an official apology to anyone in a dispute over taxes. The same IRS that spawns the old joke, "What does IRS really stand for?" Answer, "It really stinks." But as much as it fries my figs, they are due kudos this time.
Those much anticipated and needed for many government rebate checks are going out a week EARLY. If you're getting 300 or 600, or more they are going out way ahead of schedule. Now I've gotta ask, when was the last time you remember any government agency actually running AHEAD of schedule? Yea, me either.
Don't get me wrong. I am as unamused as you are about paying taxes. It gets ridiculous after a while. What we could all do with the money that is taken out of every pay... sheesh!!!!!! Don't we all say that every two weeks or so? Well starting this week, you do get to do something with some of it. Anything you want. As a matter of fact, you're encouraged to spend it back into the economy. Here's your chance to buy something you've always wanted that was out of your reach, or pay something off and that's good news.
But let's not forget one thing. With the kudos being shelled out in this strange one-time momentary love fest with the IRS, the money they are sending us this week and next is OUR MONEY. Sometimes we forget that. The Feds are great at helping us forget that sometimes. With all they spend money on, things you may agree or disagree with. With the good spending on worth while projects and causes, and the total wasting on extravagance, and perks that Congress and all that bunch gets on our nickel, it is OUR MONEY. Look, freedom is not cheap and I think we all get that. But I sure feel better getting some of my own money back as opposed to giving control of it to some senator from some state I could care less about who doesn't need really need my money in the first place.
And I understand that if this goes well and the economy perks up they may do this again at years end. That's being kicked around and I'm for it. It's refreshing to get some of my money back. I have a feeling it's going to feel good at your house too.
So kudos to the IRS just this one time. (Hard swallow!) They worked hard and the rebate checks are coming ahead of schedule. Spend it and enjoy it. After all, you earned it and you should be able to enjoy the money you worked so hard for. Even it's just this one time.
Kudos have to go this week to the IRS. That's right the Internal Revenue Service. DON'T STOP READING! Yes that IRS. (Man is that hard to say huh?) That huge government agency that collects our hard earned money, haunts us every April 15th and has never issued an official apology to anyone in a dispute over taxes. The same IRS that spawns the old joke, "What does IRS really stand for?" Answer, "It really stinks." But as much as it fries my figs, they are due kudos this time.
Those much anticipated and needed for many government rebate checks are going out a week EARLY. If you're getting 300 or 600, or more they are going out way ahead of schedule. Now I've gotta ask, when was the last time you remember any government agency actually running AHEAD of schedule? Yea, me either.
Don't get me wrong. I am as unamused as you are about paying taxes. It gets ridiculous after a while. What we could all do with the money that is taken out of every pay... sheesh!!!!!! Don't we all say that every two weeks or so? Well starting this week, you do get to do something with some of it. Anything you want. As a matter of fact, you're encouraged to spend it back into the economy. Here's your chance to buy something you've always wanted that was out of your reach, or pay something off and that's good news.
But let's not forget one thing. With the kudos being shelled out in this strange one-time momentary love fest with the IRS, the money they are sending us this week and next is OUR MONEY. Sometimes we forget that. The Feds are great at helping us forget that sometimes. With all they spend money on, things you may agree or disagree with. With the good spending on worth while projects and causes, and the total wasting on extravagance, and perks that Congress and all that bunch gets on our nickel, it is OUR MONEY. Look, freedom is not cheap and I think we all get that. But I sure feel better getting some of my own money back as opposed to giving control of it to some senator from some state I could care less about who doesn't need really need my money in the first place.
And I understand that if this goes well and the economy perks up they may do this again at years end. That's being kicked around and I'm for it. It's refreshing to get some of my money back. I have a feeling it's going to feel good at your house too.
So kudos to the IRS just this one time. (Hard swallow!) They worked hard and the rebate checks are coming ahead of schedule. Spend it and enjoy it. After all, you earned it and you should be able to enjoy the money you worked so hard for. Even it's just this one time.
MOVIE REVIEW - Baby Mama
It's always great to see new fresh faces in the movies, especially when the script is good. And the new Baby Mama is both fresh and good.
Tina Fey and Amy Peohler both from Saturday Night Live, anchor this really nice comedy about a woman that can't conceive a baby, and the woman she chooses to be a surrogate mother. Kate (Fey) is a uptight, 37 year old corporate VP for a health food store chain whose never married and now physically cannot have a baby. After seeking out every option, she decides to go with Angela, (Peohler) a from-the-other-side-of-the-tracks-girl to be her surrogate. Both are really funny and have great chemistry in this movie.
There are side plots a plenty and a great supporting cast too. Steve Martin, Greg Kinnear, Sigourney Weaver, and Maura Tierney. All are good, especially Martin who plays this eccentric, ego manic founder of the health food store chain. His character is reminiscent of Jay Peterman from Seinfeld.
Tina Fey is a fresh face in the movies. She is both beautiful and funny and that is a lethal combination. In Baby Mama, she plays it more straight, but it is so good to see someone new getting lead roles in romantic comedies. She is likable and believable. You're cheering for her all the way. I hope to see more of her at the box office in good roles.
Baby Mama movies along nicely and doesn't waste a lot of time getting to the point, and that's a separator for this movie. Fun, not juvenile, this is a funny adult comedy but the young audience will like it to. It walks the line perfectly. Should point this out. Baby Mama I feel has been packaged poorly. This movie may look on TV commercials like it's some silly, soulless, bathroom humor flick, but it's not. Baby Mama at times slightly flirts with going the wrong way, but pulls itself back on track at every turn. It does have a SNL feel to it but is able to rise above the fold and stay true. What Baby Mama does real well is that it's not designed for 2 or 3 huge laughs in a few scenes, it's just good from start to finish.
Fresh faces make Baby Mama great! Great on a date too.
Tina Fey and Amy Peohler both from Saturday Night Live, anchor this really nice comedy about a woman that can't conceive a baby, and the woman she chooses to be a surrogate mother. Kate (Fey) is a uptight, 37 year old corporate VP for a health food store chain whose never married and now physically cannot have a baby. After seeking out every option, she decides to go with Angela, (Peohler) a from-the-other-side-of-the-tracks-girl to be her surrogate. Both are really funny and have great chemistry in this movie.
There are side plots a plenty and a great supporting cast too. Steve Martin, Greg Kinnear, Sigourney Weaver, and Maura Tierney. All are good, especially Martin who plays this eccentric, ego manic founder of the health food store chain. His character is reminiscent of Jay Peterman from Seinfeld.
Tina Fey is a fresh face in the movies. She is both beautiful and funny and that is a lethal combination. In Baby Mama, she plays it more straight, but it is so good to see someone new getting lead roles in romantic comedies. She is likable and believable. You're cheering for her all the way. I hope to see more of her at the box office in good roles.
Baby Mama movies along nicely and doesn't waste a lot of time getting to the point, and that's a separator for this movie. Fun, not juvenile, this is a funny adult comedy but the young audience will like it to. It walks the line perfectly. Should point this out. Baby Mama I feel has been packaged poorly. This movie may look on TV commercials like it's some silly, soulless, bathroom humor flick, but it's not. Baby Mama at times slightly flirts with going the wrong way, but pulls itself back on track at every turn. It does have a SNL feel to it but is able to rise above the fold and stay true. What Baby Mama does real well is that it's not designed for 2 or 3 huge laughs in a few scenes, it's just good from start to finish.
Fresh faces make Baby Mama great! Great on a date too.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - 88 Minutes
I'm getting right to it. 88 Minutes, the new Al Pacino flick may be the worst movie I've seen in a long time. My gosh where should I begin?
Al Pacino stars as an FBI forensic psychologist who testifies at high profile murder trials in an effort to put the bad guys away. He is also a college professor who owns his own agency of some kind, and seems to know everyone in the world all at the same time. Amy Brenneman, (who I really like as an actress) plays his most trusted confidant at his firm. He puts away a serial murderer-rapist at the movies inception, we flash forward 9 years and the killer sort of resurfaces from jail. Our hero Pacino is then threatened with a phone call that states he has 88 minutes to live.
Then there is call after call to keeping our hero up to date on how many minutes he has left to live. That never ends! Long story short, he doesn't die, and they try to have twists and turns but mostly the whole thing just makes you want to throw up. If you want to pay 8 bucks a person to watch people talk on the cell phone, then 88 Minutes is exactly your picture. This gets so ridiculously.....ridiculous, it's stunning to me that the director, producer, best boy, script editor, some guy getting lunch for Pacino didn't notice that this plot line is incredibly BORING!!!!!!! 88 Minutes also looks like me and three other guys who just learned how to run a camera, and coach acting were in charge. I can't believe that actors of this caliber got involved with this bunch who made this mess.
I know that cell phones and blue tooth's are how we communicate in the 21st century, but it doesn't make good movies. For the record, I never want to see Amy Brenneman and Al Pacino talk on the cell phone again, because I did yesterday for 2 long, arduous, agonizing, painstaking hours! I am firmly convinced I walked out of 88 Minutes with a lower IQ than when I walked in. I have to question my decision to sit there for the whole flick, which was 1 minute of top-notch entertainment spread out over a 2 HOUR movie.
You can pass on 88 Minutes. No movie ticket, no rental, no pay-per-view, no nothing - ever! 88 Minutes is 87 minutes too long. Easily the worst movie of 2008 so far.
Al Pacino stars as an FBI forensic psychologist who testifies at high profile murder trials in an effort to put the bad guys away. He is also a college professor who owns his own agency of some kind, and seems to know everyone in the world all at the same time. Amy Brenneman, (who I really like as an actress) plays his most trusted confidant at his firm. He puts away a serial murderer-rapist at the movies inception, we flash forward 9 years and the killer sort of resurfaces from jail. Our hero Pacino is then threatened with a phone call that states he has 88 minutes to live.
Then there is call after call to keeping our hero up to date on how many minutes he has left to live. That never ends! Long story short, he doesn't die, and they try to have twists and turns but mostly the whole thing just makes you want to throw up. If you want to pay 8 bucks a person to watch people talk on the cell phone, then 88 Minutes is exactly your picture. This gets so ridiculously.....ridiculous, it's stunning to me that the director, producer, best boy, script editor, some guy getting lunch for Pacino didn't notice that this plot line is incredibly BORING!!!!!!! 88 Minutes also looks like me and three other guys who just learned how to run a camera, and coach acting were in charge. I can't believe that actors of this caliber got involved with this bunch who made this mess.
I know that cell phones and blue tooth's are how we communicate in the 21st century, but it doesn't make good movies. For the record, I never want to see Amy Brenneman and Al Pacino talk on the cell phone again, because I did yesterday for 2 long, arduous, agonizing, painstaking hours! I am firmly convinced I walked out of 88 Minutes with a lower IQ than when I walked in. I have to question my decision to sit there for the whole flick, which was 1 minute of top-notch entertainment spread out over a 2 HOUR movie.
You can pass on 88 Minutes. No movie ticket, no rental, no pay-per-view, no nothing - ever! 88 Minutes is 87 minutes too long. Easily the worst movie of 2008 so far.
Friday, April 18, 2008
What's The Problem?
The following sentence is absolutely fact. I have been to 8 Indians games since the beginning of the 2007 season, and I have not seen them lose in that stretch while at Progressive Field. That's right, I am 8-0 in that span! I know a lot has been made of the Tribe's slow start. The offense is awful, the bullpen is gagging up games left and right, and we're still under .500 but that's not the team I've been seeing!
Last year I was on fire, 6-0 with one draw. I went to opening day's snow bowl where nobody won but after that, no losses while I was in attendance. Not bad huh? This season I went to opening day again, we score a bunch of runs and win 10-7 and look great. Then after a bad streak on the road, I go down Thursday and we pick off the Tigers 10-1! Great hitting, great pitching just an overall fantastic time.
So what's the problem? None from my vantage point. Not only am I seeing win after win, I have been on the cusp of getting a foul ball this year. Had many close calls already this young season. (One from Grady Sizemore) My partner Shannon has two young sons and I'd like to get one for them. That is a goal of the 2008 campaign. Then there's this little footnote, I have been to 2 games this year, and Onion who has only two wins in the 5th inning hot dog race this season, both times while I was there- coincidence? I think not!
As good of a streak as I'm on, I'm sitting by the phone these days waiting for call from the Indians' grateful GM Mark Shapiro to offer me season tickets! I'd settle for the 20 game plan even. I'm also expecting to field lucrative offers from the Cavs and the Browns for the upcoming post season and regular season. Last year incidentally I was 2-0 at Browns games as well. I feel like I'm going to have a great year. I came to spring camp in good shape, I'm taking it one game at a time, and I'm in good voice too. Even had a snappy quip for the umpire the other night that drew laughs from people a row or two in front of me. Over all I'm feelin' good!
One sad note, I didn't get to any post season games last year. I tried to get tickets to the possible clinching game against Boston last year but couldn't and I'm truly sorry about that one. I feel like I really let the team down. That night I had good stuff too and was ready to go, but it was not to be. But we gotta put that behind us. 2008 is a new season and I'm in the best shape of my cheering career, it's going to be a great ride.
So what's the problem? None really. The Tribe is still a great team, and over the course of 162 games they will win their share, and be there in the end. I'm looking forward to my next start sometime on the upcoming home stand when they return on April 25th against the Yankees. Go Tribe!
Last year I was on fire, 6-0 with one draw. I went to opening day's snow bowl where nobody won but after that, no losses while I was in attendance. Not bad huh? This season I went to opening day again, we score a bunch of runs and win 10-7 and look great. Then after a bad streak on the road, I go down Thursday and we pick off the Tigers 10-1! Great hitting, great pitching just an overall fantastic time.
So what's the problem? None from my vantage point. Not only am I seeing win after win, I have been on the cusp of getting a foul ball this year. Had many close calls already this young season. (One from Grady Sizemore) My partner Shannon has two young sons and I'd like to get one for them. That is a goal of the 2008 campaign. Then there's this little footnote, I have been to 2 games this year, and Onion who has only two wins in the 5th inning hot dog race this season, both times while I was there- coincidence? I think not!
As good of a streak as I'm on, I'm sitting by the phone these days waiting for call from the Indians' grateful GM Mark Shapiro to offer me season tickets! I'd settle for the 20 game plan even. I'm also expecting to field lucrative offers from the Cavs and the Browns for the upcoming post season and regular season. Last year incidentally I was 2-0 at Browns games as well. I feel like I'm going to have a great year. I came to spring camp in good shape, I'm taking it one game at a time, and I'm in good voice too. Even had a snappy quip for the umpire the other night that drew laughs from people a row or two in front of me. Over all I'm feelin' good!
One sad note, I didn't get to any post season games last year. I tried to get tickets to the possible clinching game against Boston last year but couldn't and I'm truly sorry about that one. I feel like I really let the team down. That night I had good stuff too and was ready to go, but it was not to be. But we gotta put that behind us. 2008 is a new season and I'm in the best shape of my cheering career, it's going to be a great ride.
So what's the problem? None really. The Tribe is still a great team, and over the course of 162 games they will win their share, and be there in the end. I'm looking forward to my next start sometime on the upcoming home stand when they return on April 25th against the Yankees. Go Tribe!
MOVIE REVIEW - Forgetting Sarah Marshall
If there has even been a movie made that will be divided along gender lines, it's Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It's the new comedy from the ensemble that gave us Knocked Up and Superbad. But I want to caution you this is NOT a romantic comedy, nor is it a chick-flick. I say that because I've heard it referred to as both and it is neither.
FSM is the story of our lead character Peter, a young musician who won't grow up, who is dating Sarah Marshall a huge fictional TV star, who stars in a fictional show that resembles CSI. Sarah dumps Peter and he struggles mightily to come to grips with the fact that he is no longer Sarah's. He embarks on a trip to Hawaii to get his head together at a fashionable resort, but finds that Sarah is there with her new boyfriend that she's been cheating with for about a year. And it's on!
First of all, FSM is entirely too looooooooooooooooong. Comedies like this are not usually a full two hours but that's what you get here. Second, FSM pushes the envelope of good taste from first frame till the last. It was an interesting visit to the theater for me. There were some people laughing hysterically, and there were others that got up and left 15 minutes in and never returned.
FSM is all about what you think is funny. This will be a hit-and-miss flick. If you're not easily offended and don't mind a ton of bathroom humor, then FSM will be okay for you. And obviously the opposite is also true. To put our cards on the table, there is full frontal male nudity and that may not be your cup of tea. Thus the R rating.
There are funny moments too in FSM. The string of coincidences and ironies does make for some laughs. FSM's strength to me was the secondary characters that were generally amusing, although there were too many of them. This flick could have used a diet, and another editing. if it had a couple fewer characters, and was edited down another 20 minutes you would have had a better movie.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is going to be a big box office hit based on the filmmakers reputation. Again, the company you keep is the whole deal here. FSM is strongly targeting young adults 18-24 years old as it's core audience. FSM hits at times, but mostly it missed. There are moments of originality, but mostly taking the easy route with cheap sophomoric laughs.
FSM is the story of our lead character Peter, a young musician who won't grow up, who is dating Sarah Marshall a huge fictional TV star, who stars in a fictional show that resembles CSI. Sarah dumps Peter and he struggles mightily to come to grips with the fact that he is no longer Sarah's. He embarks on a trip to Hawaii to get his head together at a fashionable resort, but finds that Sarah is there with her new boyfriend that she's been cheating with for about a year. And it's on!
First of all, FSM is entirely too looooooooooooooooong. Comedies like this are not usually a full two hours but that's what you get here. Second, FSM pushes the envelope of good taste from first frame till the last. It was an interesting visit to the theater for me. There were some people laughing hysterically, and there were others that got up and left 15 minutes in and never returned.
FSM is all about what you think is funny. This will be a hit-and-miss flick. If you're not easily offended and don't mind a ton of bathroom humor, then FSM will be okay for you. And obviously the opposite is also true. To put our cards on the table, there is full frontal male nudity and that may not be your cup of tea. Thus the R rating.
There are funny moments too in FSM. The string of coincidences and ironies does make for some laughs. FSM's strength to me was the secondary characters that were generally amusing, although there were too many of them. This flick could have used a diet, and another editing. if it had a couple fewer characters, and was edited down another 20 minutes you would have had a better movie.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is going to be a big box office hit based on the filmmakers reputation. Again, the company you keep is the whole deal here. FSM is strongly targeting young adults 18-24 years old as it's core audience. FSM hits at times, but mostly it missed. There are moments of originality, but mostly taking the easy route with cheap sophomoric laughs.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Rising Star Showcase Review - Jennifer Hanson
Jennifer Hanson looks like someone you would really like to know. She is also a breath of fresh air in today's entrainment scene. Hanson took to the WQMX stage for another Rising Star Showcase in front of a packed house of contest winners last night and she did not disappoint.
California born Hanson moved to Nashville some 10 years ago. You may have seen her on the video channels from time to time, and has had a single or two grace the radio but you sense that for her it's a new day. Hanson has a new record label, a new album this summer, and a new single.
A gifted songwriter, Hanson reminded us while on stage of some of her more popular songs that she's written. She gave us a terrific rendition of the Bucky Covington song, "A Different World" and "Leave The Pieces" the number one song by The Wreckers, both written by her.
You really root for young acts like Jennifer Hanson. She is as likable and approachable as anyone you would ever meet. Extremely confident and smooth on stage, she has one of those voices that is straight forward and soothing at the same time. Hanson is not some breathy-coffee house singer, or some over-the-top soaring balladeer.
She is seasoned and extremely professional. The music is honest, and true. I think the real test of a great country singer is how believable the song is, that the particular artist is singing. She passed, I believed every single word. These were her words, there was no doubt. You could sense that if she wanted to play another hour, everyone would have been good with that.
Hanson's new single 73, is a deeply personal song she wrote based on her own family's story. About her parents divorce and the aftermath. She sang it beautifully on the acoustic stage, it should be terrific to hear it on the upcoming album.
I liked everything there is to like meeting Jennifer Hanson. She wowed to crowd and put on a really great Rising Star Showcase.
California born Hanson moved to Nashville some 10 years ago. You may have seen her on the video channels from time to time, and has had a single or two grace the radio but you sense that for her it's a new day. Hanson has a new record label, a new album this summer, and a new single.
A gifted songwriter, Hanson reminded us while on stage of some of her more popular songs that she's written. She gave us a terrific rendition of the Bucky Covington song, "A Different World" and "Leave The Pieces" the number one song by The Wreckers, both written by her.
You really root for young acts like Jennifer Hanson. She is as likable and approachable as anyone you would ever meet. Extremely confident and smooth on stage, she has one of those voices that is straight forward and soothing at the same time. Hanson is not some breathy-coffee house singer, or some over-the-top soaring balladeer.
She is seasoned and extremely professional. The music is honest, and true. I think the real test of a great country singer is how believable the song is, that the particular artist is singing. She passed, I believed every single word. These were her words, there was no doubt. You could sense that if she wanted to play another hour, everyone would have been good with that.
Hanson's new single 73, is a deeply personal song she wrote based on her own family's story. About her parents divorce and the aftermath. She sang it beautifully on the acoustic stage, it should be terrific to hear it on the upcoming album.
I liked everything there is to like meeting Jennifer Hanson. She wowed to crowd and put on a really great Rising Star Showcase.
Monday, April 14, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Street Kings
Here Comes Street Kings! Who is the good cop, the bad cop or who is a street cop and who is the Internal Affairs cop? All of these questions are swirling frame after frame in this dizzying story of police corruption in Los Angeles.
Street Kings stars Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, and a real nice cast, all perfectly cast in this police action, drama, thriller. Street Kings is a very complicated story and I do mean complicated, about police corruption set in the modern day. For the purposes of this short review it is way too in depth to go in to.
Street Kings though in microcosm about an elite group of vice-cops that have ca rte blanch on the streets and are they wreaking havoc, or solving big-time crime? I'm not going to guarantee you'll know when you leave. There are bound to be numerous discussions over the closing credits at the theaters about what just happened.
Street Kings is very "street" very dark and violent. But I must say I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. It's not just a bunch of killing, but let there be no mistake there is plenty of that. Street Kings is a lot smarter than I thought it would be. The movie may out-smart itself at times and be confusing to the movie-goer. There will be some jabs in the ribs and questions asked throughout the movie, so be prepared.
But in the end there is more right with Street Kings than wrong. It's not light movie viewing, so the company you keep during this flick is crucial. Street Kings is not for everyone, but not a bad night at the movies. Strong story idea, great cast...well cast, all wrapped up in a nice tidy package. Not fabulous, but not bad.
Street Kings stars Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Hugh Laurie, and a real nice cast, all perfectly cast in this police action, drama, thriller. Street Kings is a very complicated story and I do mean complicated, about police corruption set in the modern day. For the purposes of this short review it is way too in depth to go in to.
Street Kings though in microcosm about an elite group of vice-cops that have ca rte blanch on the streets and are they wreaking havoc, or solving big-time crime? I'm not going to guarantee you'll know when you leave. There are bound to be numerous discussions over the closing credits at the theaters about what just happened.
Street Kings is very "street" very dark and violent. But I must say I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. It's not just a bunch of killing, but let there be no mistake there is plenty of that. Street Kings is a lot smarter than I thought it would be. The movie may out-smart itself at times and be confusing to the movie-goer. There will be some jabs in the ribs and questions asked throughout the movie, so be prepared.
But in the end there is more right with Street Kings than wrong. It's not light movie viewing, so the company you keep during this flick is crucial. Street Kings is not for everyone, but not a bad night at the movies. Strong story idea, great cast...well cast, all wrapped up in a nice tidy package. Not fabulous, but not bad.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Such Vision!
This is not going to be an article about golf or its players. Watching The Masters golf tournament this weekend is always a favorite yearly ritual of mine. You don't have to be a golf fanatic to appreciate the absolute beauty of Augusta National Country Club. It might be one of the most remarkable places in the country, and it was the vision of golf's greatest player and ambassador of all-time, Bobby Jones.
Jones bought the totally undeveloped property some 80 years ago, and had the vision of creating someplace so striking, so fantastic, that the greatest golfers in the world would beg to play and compete against each other on golf's most magnificent stage. They still do.
I love his vision. Actually I admire people who have the foresight to create something that they will leave behind that will age well and be more admired as the decades roll on. These visionaries are rare, but gifted. I am a romantic about this to some regard; my hope is that they were motivated by vision first and foremost and by the monetary gain a distant second.
Henry Ford had a vision the gave horses the next 100 years off, and it worked. We're still driving cars. The Wright Brothers had a vision that man could fly, and we do. Amazing there, that everything that still flies today, including the Space Shuttle, does so on their vision and principles that they discovered. For my money, the Wright Brothers so changed our entire world, in every regard with their vision, my personal belief is that they were the most important people of the 20th century.
President Kennedy envisioned man walking on the moon, and they did. And Abraham Lincoln's vision was that we were better off as one nation not two, and he was right. The Founding Fathers had a crazy vision, that you could actually have a nation that was free, and not run by Kings. They too were right. People with this amazing vision are just regular people, with they just dream a bit larger than the masses.
But back to Augusta National for the final hole. I do have my disagreements on some of their rules and policies. I believe many are outdated and in need of change. I firmly believe that if Bobby Jones were still alive as golf greatest visionary ever, he would believe that the professional women should be allowed to hold their biggest tournament on golf's most hallowed ground.
If you've never watched The Masters, you should catch at least a small bit to share in Jones' vision, and see this magnificent stage he created. You don't have to love golf to love beauty. And Augusta National is beautiful. Thank you Bobby Jones, first for the golf, and mostly for the vision.
Jones bought the totally undeveloped property some 80 years ago, and had the vision of creating someplace so striking, so fantastic, that the greatest golfers in the world would beg to play and compete against each other on golf's most magnificent stage. They still do.
I love his vision. Actually I admire people who have the foresight to create something that they will leave behind that will age well and be more admired as the decades roll on. These visionaries are rare, but gifted. I am a romantic about this to some regard; my hope is that they were motivated by vision first and foremost and by the monetary gain a distant second.
Henry Ford had a vision the gave horses the next 100 years off, and it worked. We're still driving cars. The Wright Brothers had a vision that man could fly, and we do. Amazing there, that everything that still flies today, including the Space Shuttle, does so on their vision and principles that they discovered. For my money, the Wright Brothers so changed our entire world, in every regard with their vision, my personal belief is that they were the most important people of the 20th century.
President Kennedy envisioned man walking on the moon, and they did. And Abraham Lincoln's vision was that we were better off as one nation not two, and he was right. The Founding Fathers had a crazy vision, that you could actually have a nation that was free, and not run by Kings. They too were right. People with this amazing vision are just regular people, with they just dream a bit larger than the masses.
But back to Augusta National for the final hole. I do have my disagreements on some of their rules and policies. I believe many are outdated and in need of change. I firmly believe that if Bobby Jones were still alive as golf greatest visionary ever, he would believe that the professional women should be allowed to hold their biggest tournament on golf's most hallowed ground.
If you've never watched The Masters, you should catch at least a small bit to share in Jones' vision, and see this magnificent stage he created. You don't have to love golf to love beauty. And Augusta National is beautiful. Thank you Bobby Jones, first for the golf, and mostly for the vision.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Smart People
The new movie Smart People is a great example that many times smart people have the most to learn.
Smart People is the story of a Literature professor at Carnegie Mellon University that is struggling with life. He is a brilliant but totally self-absorbed, conceited, stuffy ego manic who suffers a head injury with seizures. He is ordered by his doctor not to drive for 6 months. So he is reliant on his equally brilliant, self-absorbed kids for transportation and life in general. Toss in his middle aged adopted brother who is complete opposite as the rest of the brood, and his doctor who was a former student and now his love interest, and you have a rather complicated flick.
And you do. But Smart People is a really terrific movie. Starring Dennis Quaid, Ellen Page, Thomas Haden Church and Sarah Jessica Parker. Great performances all. I'll be brutally honest here. Smart People is not for everyone. It is a small independent flick that has the same basic feel as Little Miss Sunshine, Sideways, and Juno. These movies many times miss with some casual movie goers. But Smart People is smart, funny, and as honest as you can get.
We get a first hand look at how narcissistic people many times can be their own worst enemy and not even know it. Isn't it ironic that self-absorbed people can't even fathom the possibility that they themselves, the center of their universe are fallible. As much time as they spend focusing inward, they really cannot see outward. And Smart People puts that front and center.
I liked Smart People very much. It really is a good night at the movies. Faced with our choices at the box office this early spring, Smart People is a great choice. Do not be afraid of Smart People.
Smart People is the story of a Literature professor at Carnegie Mellon University that is struggling with life. He is a brilliant but totally self-absorbed, conceited, stuffy ego manic who suffers a head injury with seizures. He is ordered by his doctor not to drive for 6 months. So he is reliant on his equally brilliant, self-absorbed kids for transportation and life in general. Toss in his middle aged adopted brother who is complete opposite as the rest of the brood, and his doctor who was a former student and now his love interest, and you have a rather complicated flick.
And you do. But Smart People is a really terrific movie. Starring Dennis Quaid, Ellen Page, Thomas Haden Church and Sarah Jessica Parker. Great performances all. I'll be brutally honest here. Smart People is not for everyone. It is a small independent flick that has the same basic feel as Little Miss Sunshine, Sideways, and Juno. These movies many times miss with some casual movie goers. But Smart People is smart, funny, and as honest as you can get.
We get a first hand look at how narcissistic people many times can be their own worst enemy and not even know it. Isn't it ironic that self-absorbed people can't even fathom the possibility that they themselves, the center of their universe are fallible. As much time as they spend focusing inward, they really cannot see outward. And Smart People puts that front and center.
I liked Smart People very much. It really is a good night at the movies. Faced with our choices at the box office this early spring, Smart People is a great choice. Do not be afraid of Smart People.
Friday, April 11, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Prom Night
There will be little doubt that the new Prom Night slasher flick will be a hit at the box office. Teens love these kind of movies, and Prom Night has received the generous gift of a ton of promotion on TV from the studio, so it shouldn't miss.
Prom Night is the story of Donna, (Brittany Snow.) She is a senior at Bridgeport High School who becomes the object of a male teachers obsession that turns deadly. Donna witnesses her mothers murder at the hand of her stalker. He is prosecuted and sent to jail 2,300 miles from her home. Fast forward three years, he escapes and makes his way back to Bridgeport to resume his stalking at Donna's prom night. By the way, Donna's prom is so glutenous you almost are hoping for things to go horribly wrong.
For a guy who is supposedly "obsessed" with Donna, our killer sure spends a lot of time killing unrelated people he doesn't even know. There really is no reason in the story to "off" all these fringe friends of Donnas, but he does anyway. Then in another stroke of directorial genius, he starts killing hotel employees where the prom is being held. Why? Who knows? Prom Night also gives birth to a whole new genre of really bad acting, and reintroduces us to the old and tired formula of really stupid decisions our "heroes" make. Plus, the whole time our stalker is doing his deal a the prom he is being chased by the most inept police force on the planet. Oh boy!
But in Prom Nights defense. This "slasher" flick doesn't REALLY have a whole lot of slashing. Very minimal blood and no real gore of which I was surprised. It's also a tidy 85 minutes which is a saving grace. Plus the language is tame and no gratuitous sex to speak of, which in these kinds of movies is a real stunner. There is almost always the "kill them while they're not wearing many clothes scenes" but not here.
If you're 14 or 15 years old you may find Prom Night not only topical but scary. If this is your first movie like this, you may get a jolt or two. But if you're a veteran of slasher flicks this will be a snoozer indeed. For my money loud noises and false alarm things jumping out every 10 minutes stopped scaring me shortly after t-ball.
Gotta be honest here. If you're looking for scary and bloody, Prom Night is going to let you down-hands down. Making truly scary movies is not easy. Prom Night's recipe has been tried to death hundreds of times before and now we all all gagging on it.
Prom Night is the story of Donna, (Brittany Snow.) She is a senior at Bridgeport High School who becomes the object of a male teachers obsession that turns deadly. Donna witnesses her mothers murder at the hand of her stalker. He is prosecuted and sent to jail 2,300 miles from her home. Fast forward three years, he escapes and makes his way back to Bridgeport to resume his stalking at Donna's prom night. By the way, Donna's prom is so glutenous you almost are hoping for things to go horribly wrong.
For a guy who is supposedly "obsessed" with Donna, our killer sure spends a lot of time killing unrelated people he doesn't even know. There really is no reason in the story to "off" all these fringe friends of Donnas, but he does anyway. Then in another stroke of directorial genius, he starts killing hotel employees where the prom is being held. Why? Who knows? Prom Night also gives birth to a whole new genre of really bad acting, and reintroduces us to the old and tired formula of really stupid decisions our "heroes" make. Plus, the whole time our stalker is doing his deal a the prom he is being chased by the most inept police force on the planet. Oh boy!
But in Prom Nights defense. This "slasher" flick doesn't REALLY have a whole lot of slashing. Very minimal blood and no real gore of which I was surprised. It's also a tidy 85 minutes which is a saving grace. Plus the language is tame and no gratuitous sex to speak of, which in these kinds of movies is a real stunner. There is almost always the "kill them while they're not wearing many clothes scenes" but not here.
If you're 14 or 15 years old you may find Prom Night not only topical but scary. If this is your first movie like this, you may get a jolt or two. But if you're a veteran of slasher flicks this will be a snoozer indeed. For my money loud noises and false alarm things jumping out every 10 minutes stopped scaring me shortly after t-ball.
Gotta be honest here. If you're looking for scary and bloody, Prom Night is going to let you down-hands down. Making truly scary movies is not easy. Prom Night's recipe has been tried to death hundreds of times before and now we all all gagging on it.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - The Ruins
There's big trouble at the ancient Mayan Ruins! The Ruins is the new horror flick produced by Ben Stiller, and it's in theaters now.
Six college students on a Mexican vacation decide to go explore a forgotten Mayan ruin. This is not the run-of-the-mill ruin, but a ruin no one knows about. Upon arrival they are swarmed by some killer, renegade locals who don't speak English or Spanish, and won't let them leave. Our hero's scale the ancient pyramid and wait for help. Trouble is, there are flesh eating vines that surround the pyramid and hot are on their tail. So the horror is on.
One by one, the students are picked off or picked over, and The Ruins turns into a mild gore fest. I will admit I was not bored by this fiasco, but was not compelled either. The idea was fair at it's inception, but I would have loved to have known who these forgotten locals were, and where these flesh eating vines came from, and what the whole deal was with this whole scene down there anyway! But they don't go there. They take the predictable path, cutting off limbs, blood everywhere, lots of screaming and crying, vines crawling down throats and the like... I'm actually okay with that. It just would be better if there was a story to go along with this are-we-going-to-get-eaten fest.
The Ruins does have some intense moments and there are a few compelling scenes, but The Ruins makes a big mistake and takes the easy way out - quick blood, and a lot of cussing. I think it's a rental in 90 days at best.
Six college students on a Mexican vacation decide to go explore a forgotten Mayan ruin. This is not the run-of-the-mill ruin, but a ruin no one knows about. Upon arrival they are swarmed by some killer, renegade locals who don't speak English or Spanish, and won't let them leave. Our hero's scale the ancient pyramid and wait for help. Trouble is, there are flesh eating vines that surround the pyramid and hot are on their tail. So the horror is on.
One by one, the students are picked off or picked over, and The Ruins turns into a mild gore fest. I will admit I was not bored by this fiasco, but was not compelled either. The idea was fair at it's inception, but I would have loved to have known who these forgotten locals were, and where these flesh eating vines came from, and what the whole deal was with this whole scene down there anyway! But they don't go there. They take the predictable path, cutting off limbs, blood everywhere, lots of screaming and crying, vines crawling down throats and the like... I'm actually okay with that. It just would be better if there was a story to go along with this are-we-going-to-get-eaten fest.
The Ruins does have some intense moments and there are a few compelling scenes, but The Ruins makes a big mistake and takes the easy way out - quick blood, and a lot of cussing. I think it's a rental in 90 days at best.
Turning Points
Everyone has a few turning points in their life. Some come early, some come later. One of mine came this week April 11, 1978 when my dad died and I was 16. Most years I take note of the date and move on. The date too is noted by close friends and family, and then the day resumes. This year is a little different.
I think it's hard for any of us to imagine that something of real significance happened to us three decades ago, but here I am. Over the years I have learned many valuable lessons as a result of his passing, but mostly I've learned that life really is a long journey. I know we're taught that "life is short" and all those cliche's and I guess there's some truth to that. But I guess I more subscribe more to the "there are no reruns" philosophy.
No question that when cancer took my dad at 53 that was too young. He led an interesting life. He was an All-Ohio High School athlete in football, basketball and track. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher out of high school, and went to Duke University on a football scholarship. World War II changed everything.
He left Duke, enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was a tail-gunner in a B-25 bomber in the South Pacific for 3 years. He was in occupied Japan for a year or so after the war was over. He returned to the states, went to Ohio University and then ran the terminals for Roadway for many years both in Columbus and here in Akron. He worked for John Hanckock Insurance the last few years of his life.
Most of that was before I was born. I knew Bob as my dad. He was active in our family and our community. He still loved sports, and taught me how to play every game the right way, and for the right reason. As an adult, he was a good bowler and a scratch golfer. He also coached little league baseball for many years, and taught kid after kid how to pitch the correct way. Including me. He also taught me how to play golf, and how respect any game you choose to play.
But he gave me more than that. He gave me gifts that have benefited me more than sports. He taught me right from wrong. (I mean the real right from wrong.) He made me understand that we don't always win, and that losing isn't the end of the world it's just the end of the game. That time together is the greatest gift of all. Give people the benefit of the doubt, and take care of great friendships, they're worth it every time. Man was he right about that! Sharing, teamwork, and honesty. He also reminded me that younger people are watching and learning from you always. And that there was always something bigger to be learned from a seemingly small event.
After he died I didn't really know what to do and it took a long while to figure it out. Still am I'm guessing. Truth is, 30 years has been so long, I can't even imagine what my life would be like with him in it. That isn't meant as harsh, it's just reality. There's no question my life would be different. How could it not?
But it was the first turning point in my life. At 16 it was the first different thing that happened that was forever, and I won't lie, it was tough to deal with. But I learned that life goes on - way on. And there will be other turning points to come, and to deal with. As a result of my first one, I think I have been better able to handle some others as a result, and be ready for the turning points that certainly will be in my future.
I have always privately maintained that two of the best things that have ever happend to me were my dad living, and him giving me the life tools to use after his passing. Thanks dad. I do my best and try to use them every day. Even 30 years later! I do miss you.
RFW July 20, 1924 - April 11, 1978.
I think it's hard for any of us to imagine that something of real significance happened to us three decades ago, but here I am. Over the years I have learned many valuable lessons as a result of his passing, but mostly I've learned that life really is a long journey. I know we're taught that "life is short" and all those cliche's and I guess there's some truth to that. But I guess I more subscribe more to the "there are no reruns" philosophy.
No question that when cancer took my dad at 53 that was too young. He led an interesting life. He was an All-Ohio High School athlete in football, basketball and track. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher out of high school, and went to Duke University on a football scholarship. World War II changed everything.
He left Duke, enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was a tail-gunner in a B-25 bomber in the South Pacific for 3 years. He was in occupied Japan for a year or so after the war was over. He returned to the states, went to Ohio University and then ran the terminals for Roadway for many years both in Columbus and here in Akron. He worked for John Hanckock Insurance the last few years of his life.
Most of that was before I was born. I knew Bob as my dad. He was active in our family and our community. He still loved sports, and taught me how to play every game the right way, and for the right reason. As an adult, he was a good bowler and a scratch golfer. He also coached little league baseball for many years, and taught kid after kid how to pitch the correct way. Including me. He also taught me how to play golf, and how respect any game you choose to play.
But he gave me more than that. He gave me gifts that have benefited me more than sports. He taught me right from wrong. (I mean the real right from wrong.) He made me understand that we don't always win, and that losing isn't the end of the world it's just the end of the game. That time together is the greatest gift of all. Give people the benefit of the doubt, and take care of great friendships, they're worth it every time. Man was he right about that! Sharing, teamwork, and honesty. He also reminded me that younger people are watching and learning from you always. And that there was always something bigger to be learned from a seemingly small event.
After he died I didn't really know what to do and it took a long while to figure it out. Still am I'm guessing. Truth is, 30 years has been so long, I can't even imagine what my life would be like with him in it. That isn't meant as harsh, it's just reality. There's no question my life would be different. How could it not?
But it was the first turning point in my life. At 16 it was the first different thing that happened that was forever, and I won't lie, it was tough to deal with. But I learned that life goes on - way on. And there will be other turning points to come, and to deal with. As a result of my first one, I think I have been better able to handle some others as a result, and be ready for the turning points that certainly will be in my future.
I have always privately maintained that two of the best things that have ever happend to me were my dad living, and him giving me the life tools to use after his passing. Thanks dad. I do my best and try to use them every day. Even 30 years later! I do miss you.
RFW July 20, 1924 - April 11, 1978.
Friday, April 4, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Leatherheads
George Clooney generally makes good movies. He is Hollywood's biggest star and is in an enviable position to pursue projects that are interesting to him. Leatherheads is his latest movie.
Leatherheads is a fictional story about a non-fictional event, the advent of Pro Football. It's hard to imagine, but in 1925 Pro Football was seen as unsavory, and low-life. The college game was far more popular and legitimate. This is the story of the Duluth Bulldogs and Dodge Connolly (Clooney.) They successfully steal away one of college footballs biggest stars, Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) to give the professional game a boost. All while being reported by a female reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) which was unheard of at the time. Side plots a plenty, and a budding love story ensue too as I'm sure you can imagine.
Leatherheads does a few things very well. It does carry you back to 1925, and does capture the era quite well. Leatherheads has a snappy soundtrack that's fun. Clooney who not only stars in the movie also directs it and he's always a good time. Should be noted too there are several references to Akron in the movie. There are moments of fun and wit, and it is not a bad night at the movies.
Hang on though, there is a down side. Leatherheads starts out strong but loses momentum as the 2 hour flick rolls on. Sadly, Zellweger is terribly cast, and her performance borders on the horrible. Her character is so crucial to the movies ultimate success, and she falls flat on her face. I'm still having a tough time understanding how the movie producers didn't see this. Leatherheads falls short of really being great, and she has a large hand in it. Leatherheads also looks a lot funnier in the trailers that it really is. But if you love Clooney, then Leatherheads is for you.
Leatherheads should have been much better. Clooney is a true Hollywood star and it's a shame that it's not better. The idea is good, the story really hasn't been told before and the movie looks great cinematically. But the good idea can't save it from being just OK. I just want to know what leatherhead cast Renee Zellweger.
Leatherheads is a fictional story about a non-fictional event, the advent of Pro Football. It's hard to imagine, but in 1925 Pro Football was seen as unsavory, and low-life. The college game was far more popular and legitimate. This is the story of the Duluth Bulldogs and Dodge Connolly (Clooney.) They successfully steal away one of college footballs biggest stars, Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) to give the professional game a boost. All while being reported by a female reporter Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) which was unheard of at the time. Side plots a plenty, and a budding love story ensue too as I'm sure you can imagine.
Leatherheads does a few things very well. It does carry you back to 1925, and does capture the era quite well. Leatherheads has a snappy soundtrack that's fun. Clooney who not only stars in the movie also directs it and he's always a good time. Should be noted too there are several references to Akron in the movie. There are moments of fun and wit, and it is not a bad night at the movies.
Hang on though, there is a down side. Leatherheads starts out strong but loses momentum as the 2 hour flick rolls on. Sadly, Zellweger is terribly cast, and her performance borders on the horrible. Her character is so crucial to the movies ultimate success, and she falls flat on her face. I'm still having a tough time understanding how the movie producers didn't see this. Leatherheads falls short of really being great, and she has a large hand in it. Leatherheads also looks a lot funnier in the trailers that it really is. But if you love Clooney, then Leatherheads is for you.
Leatherheads should have been much better. Clooney is a true Hollywood star and it's a shame that it's not better. The idea is good, the story really hasn't been told before and the movie looks great cinematically. But the good idea can't save it from being just OK. I just want to know what leatherhead cast Renee Zellweger.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Run Fat Boy Run
Run Fat Boy Run is the new flick in theaters directed by David Schwimmer, formerly Ross on Friends. First, it's a shame this movie is going to get lost at the box office.
RFR, is a fun little movie set in modern day London. Meet Dennis Doyle, (Simon Pegg) an nonathletic, sort of grown-up 45ish adult, who has never finished a single thing in his entire life. He leaves his pregnant girlfriend Libby (Thandie Newton) at the alter, then proceeds to start a life of a 18 year-old instead of a real adult. Libby has Dennis' son and is getting married to her new boyfriend Whit (Hank Azaria.) 5 years later. Dennis starts to re-evaluate his life and vows to get Libby and his son back by running in the London Marathon.
The movie starts out a little quirky and harmless enough, then becomes something much more. It takes a turn that no one sees coming, and it's a turn for the better. It's hard not to like this movie. Even if you're squirmy at the beginning, you'll be rewarded at it's conclusion. This movie could have been very average, but the story and storytelling gets stronger as the movie goes on. I was pleasantly surprised.
Run Fat Boy Run! It's not mainstream Hollywood, so it's commercial success is going to be very limited. But this movie is worth the price of a ticket or two and maybe a dinner before hand. Great date movie too. Run to see it quick. It may not be around for long.
RFR, is a fun little movie set in modern day London. Meet Dennis Doyle, (Simon Pegg) an nonathletic, sort of grown-up 45ish adult, who has never finished a single thing in his entire life. He leaves his pregnant girlfriend Libby (Thandie Newton) at the alter, then proceeds to start a life of a 18 year-old instead of a real adult. Libby has Dennis' son and is getting married to her new boyfriend Whit (Hank Azaria.) 5 years later. Dennis starts to re-evaluate his life and vows to get Libby and his son back by running in the London Marathon.
The movie starts out a little quirky and harmless enough, then becomes something much more. It takes a turn that no one sees coming, and it's a turn for the better. It's hard not to like this movie. Even if you're squirmy at the beginning, you'll be rewarded at it's conclusion. This movie could have been very average, but the story and storytelling gets stronger as the movie goes on. I was pleasantly surprised.
Run Fat Boy Run! It's not mainstream Hollywood, so it's commercial success is going to be very limited. But this movie is worth the price of a ticket or two and maybe a dinner before hand. Great date movie too. Run to see it quick. It may not be around for long.
Feels Good Feelin' Good!
For those of you who listen to Shannon and me every morning you know I love playing golf and do so on a regular basis when the weathers warm. I even make 2-3 pilgrimages a year to Florida or Vegas to get some golf in during the winter. You also probably know that all of this has come at a price. I, like you have a sore or stiff back on occasion. But not anymore!
During the last year I have given myself the gift of going to a chiropractor, Dr. CJ. He's got me fixed up, and I feel better than I've felt in many years. I go in about every 2-3 months, get tuned up and I'm good to go! Golf, yard work, getting out of chairs, it's all good. I had an appointment this morning and I was all geeked up to go. That got me thinking, who gets geeked up to go to the doctor? But when I go, I leave the office feeling really great!
You can't really say that about any other doctor by-and-large. You go to the dentist. He starts in with the sword or whatever that thing is, picking, grinding, jabbing....what the heck is with that? And keep in mind, what's the first thing a dentist always says,"You should never pick your teeth a sharp object." I'm down with that....why does HE do it? Then it's the goop on the spinning brush deal that tastes like, well you know. Then the x-raying inserts that make you feel like there's a Fedex box in your mouth. The whole visit is just lovely.
Can't say that about the regular Doctor either. You go in for a hangnail, and the next thing you know your clothes are off, and something cold and sterile is begin put somewhere on or in your body, (and the places vary) that is either uncomfortable or just flat out embarrassing! Always seems too that they end up doing something that seems to us regular folk that has nothing to do with your problem. And don't you know THAT is always the fun part. And the people in and out of the room?? Please!
Then there are the various specialists and yearly tests and procedures, you know the ones I'm talking about. And I can't think of a ONE that I'm really fired up to go to. But Dr. CJ? I go in feeling good, and come out feeling even better. Funny, when your spine doesn't look like Mr. Salty, and mine did for along time I'm guessing, things are just better!
All joking aside, this is on my mind a lot this week. A great friend of almost 30 years is having back surgery next week, and things are going to be fine but he still has to deal with it. I don't envy him. He is part of the official Dew-Sweeper Tour. Four of us life-long friends that are lucky enough to be the first to tee off every Sunday morning in the summer at various courses in Northeast Ohio.
Good luck Joe Red! Get better and no, you don't get any strokes!
During the last year I have given myself the gift of going to a chiropractor, Dr. CJ. He's got me fixed up, and I feel better than I've felt in many years. I go in about every 2-3 months, get tuned up and I'm good to go! Golf, yard work, getting out of chairs, it's all good. I had an appointment this morning and I was all geeked up to go. That got me thinking, who gets geeked up to go to the doctor? But when I go, I leave the office feeling really great!
You can't really say that about any other doctor by-and-large. You go to the dentist. He starts in with the sword or whatever that thing is, picking, grinding, jabbing....what the heck is with that? And keep in mind, what's the first thing a dentist always says,"You should never pick your teeth a sharp object." I'm down with that....why does HE do it? Then it's the goop on the spinning brush deal that tastes like, well you know. Then the x-raying inserts that make you feel like there's a Fedex box in your mouth. The whole visit is just lovely.
Can't say that about the regular Doctor either. You go in for a hangnail, and the next thing you know your clothes are off, and something cold and sterile is begin put somewhere on or in your body, (and the places vary) that is either uncomfortable or just flat out embarrassing! Always seems too that they end up doing something that seems to us regular folk that has nothing to do with your problem. And don't you know THAT is always the fun part. And the people in and out of the room?? Please!
Then there are the various specialists and yearly tests and procedures, you know the ones I'm talking about. And I can't think of a ONE that I'm really fired up to go to. But Dr. CJ? I go in feeling good, and come out feeling even better. Funny, when your spine doesn't look like Mr. Salty, and mine did for along time I'm guessing, things are just better!
All joking aside, this is on my mind a lot this week. A great friend of almost 30 years is having back surgery next week, and things are going to be fine but he still has to deal with it. I don't envy him. He is part of the official Dew-Sweeper Tour. Four of us life-long friends that are lucky enough to be the first to tee off every Sunday morning in the summer at various courses in Northeast Ohio.
Good luck Joe Red! Get better and no, you don't get any strokes!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Superhero Movie
Oh boy, here we go again! Another movie lampooning other movies. Now pencil in Superhero Movie to that list.
We are in the a decade of big blockbuster superhero movies like Spiderman, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and there plenty others, so it was natural that this was in the offing. Filmmakers have been making fun of other movies for years. It goes back 28 years to Airplane!, and comes right up to the latest Superhero Movie.
I would like to tell you about the plot, but there really is none. But here it's okay. These movies seldom screen for critics, and for good reason. The are short, corny, and sophomoric. But I think the movie goer today is on to them. They know that going in, and there's nothing wrong with a silly afternoon at the flicks once in a while.
I have to admit, after Superhero Movie did fairly well at the box office last weekend, I was intrigued enough to use a free movie ticket and a free popcorn voucher and take it in. I wasn't feeling very serious and thought a good laugh might be fun. Well the price was right and the corn was tasty, still waiting on the laughs though.
Superhero Movie is rated PG-13, and deserves very bit of it. One thing too, these lampooney movies are pressing the edge of what is real bad taste, and they are a little more offensive to some than in years past. It will not offend the young target that this movie is made for. Superhero Movie, mindless, sophomoric..but to be expected.
We are in the a decade of big blockbuster superhero movies like Spiderman, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and there plenty others, so it was natural that this was in the offing. Filmmakers have been making fun of other movies for years. It goes back 28 years to Airplane!, and comes right up to the latest Superhero Movie.
I would like to tell you about the plot, but there really is none. But here it's okay. These movies seldom screen for critics, and for good reason. The are short, corny, and sophomoric. But I think the movie goer today is on to them. They know that going in, and there's nothing wrong with a silly afternoon at the flicks once in a while.
I have to admit, after Superhero Movie did fairly well at the box office last weekend, I was intrigued enough to use a free movie ticket and a free popcorn voucher and take it in. I wasn't feeling very serious and thought a good laugh might be fun. Well the price was right and the corn was tasty, still waiting on the laughs though.
Superhero Movie is rated PG-13, and deserves very bit of it. One thing too, these lampooney movies are pressing the edge of what is real bad taste, and they are a little more offensive to some than in years past. It will not offend the young target that this movie is made for. Superhero Movie, mindless, sophomoric..but to be expected.
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