What if they made a movie with a real good story on the surface, but it didn't really have a point? Well, The Soloist fills that void.
I'm not here to lay this movie out, but sometimes even the most interesting people and stories can get lost somewhere in Hollywood's movie making abyss.
The Soloist stars Robert Downey Jr and Jamie Fox. It's based on a true story, that's since been shown on 60 Minutes and other news shows on cable. It's the story of Nathaniel (Fox) who is a middle-aged homeless man suffering from a lifetime of serious mental illness. To go along with his mental illness, is also a God-given musical talent worthy of Julliard. In fact, he attends the famous arts school in the early 1970's as a cellist, but withdraws because of his deteriorating mental state.
Steve (Downey) is a writer for the Los Angeles Times who is in need of a story. He discovers Nathaniel by happenstance, and writes a series of articles on him in the paper. He listens to Nathaniel's extraordinary gift in the streets of LA as he plays Beethoven on a 2 string violin with precision. Steve then befriends Nathaniel and has a desire to try to assist him in establishing a "normal" life. And to become a life changing friend to a man who has had none.
There are parts of The Soloist that work extremely well. The music is great, and Downey and Fox are both strong in their polar-opposite roles. The supporting cast is fine, and the whole idea of this movie is really intriguing. But there's just something missing here.
The Point. There is none. In the end, the movie sort of throws Steve and Nathaniel out of bounds, and the movie suddenly becomes a movie about homelessness. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but our characters from a movie making perspective are cast aside, with no real resolution, or no real reason for telling this story on film. Maybe it is a better 60 Minute piece. The story is certainly an interesting one, maybe it's just not a movie.
Also, there is an attempt to give you some perspective of what goes on in Nathaniel's troubled mind during certain sequences. Especially when he is deeply moved by classical music. This is done with a collage of wavy colors on screen sometimes for minutes at a time. This certainly does not work. It's overused and fatiguing.
The Soloist has been delayed to the theaters a few times, but it's here now. Originally it was slated for a Christmas release with the rest of the heavyweight movies. Then January, and now the spring. There was talk at one time of Oscar buzz for last year, but that dream died hard. It's certainly made in the style of an Oscar contender. But in reality it's not the movie they thought they had.
The Soloist. Performances good. The rest - marginal.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Obsessed
You may have heard that the new Beyonce' movie Obsessed is sort of like Fatal Attraction the Classic Glenn Close movie. I am here to tell you, Obsessed is no Fatal Attraction.
Where to begin? Derek and Sharon (Beyonce') are a young married couple in California with a young son. They are a happy family. Derek has a great job, they bought a new house, and whole nine yards. Then at Derek's work here comes Lisa, who is a whack-o beautiful, young temp girl who sets her sights on Derek. A seemingly innocent office flirtation turns ugly and Lisa is relentless in her romantic pursuit of Derek.
After Sharon eventually finds this all out, it's on. Derek and Sharon separate, and get back together, and the cops are eventually are called in when it all starts to get out of hand. Leading to the movies completely predictable ending with Sharon giving Lisa a big- time beat-down. For heavens sake, could this movie really be any worse? I think not!
This is supposed to be a sexy, thriller - I think. But it's neither sexy, or thrilling, or anything except - bad. This movie staggers out of the gate, and is painfully slow throughout. If you want to hear some really bad writing, and see some equally bad acting, then this is your movie. A highly awkward soundtrack that really doesn't fit the movie, plus maybe the worst costuming of the year. Beyonce' who is supposed to be a stay at home mom here, is dressing more for the camera, and her own real -life image. I know she produced this movie, so you think that someone would have told her she was actually in it. She just couldn't bring herself to look real, she looks like - Beyonce'. There is no resemblance of real life at at all.
Ali Larter as the maniacal Lisa is the movies lone flicker of hope. But the movie makers handcuff her character half way, and although she shows moments of being scary, overall she's not. With characters like Lisa, you've got to go all out, and let it fly. They didn't let her, and Lisa falls flat. Much of this I think was not to go too far, and make sure that the R rating didn't show up. Lisa has to be super sexy, and super nutty, and totally frightening. And they stopped short. Horrible mistake!
Why is Fatal Attraction so scary? Glenn Close, and her totally deranged character. You can hardly remember who else was in that movie. That's why it's a modern day classic. In Obsessed it would appear that no one was going to upstage Beyonce' and that makes Obsessed totally forgettable. Quick - who killed Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction? Case closed.
If you're going to make a sexy thriller, then make a sexy thriller. Rating system be darned. Stop thinking about making a so-called adult movie for 15 year- olds to cheer for their favorite singer. Instead start making a movie that is clearly for adults, that deals with adult issues, and gives us something to bite into.
Obsessed. Halfway done, and all the way bad! Save your money!
Where to begin? Derek and Sharon (Beyonce') are a young married couple in California with a young son. They are a happy family. Derek has a great job, they bought a new house, and whole nine yards. Then at Derek's work here comes Lisa, who is a whack-o beautiful, young temp girl who sets her sights on Derek. A seemingly innocent office flirtation turns ugly and Lisa is relentless in her romantic pursuit of Derek.
After Sharon eventually finds this all out, it's on. Derek and Sharon separate, and get back together, and the cops are eventually are called in when it all starts to get out of hand. Leading to the movies completely predictable ending with Sharon giving Lisa a big- time beat-down. For heavens sake, could this movie really be any worse? I think not!
This is supposed to be a sexy, thriller - I think. But it's neither sexy, or thrilling, or anything except - bad. This movie staggers out of the gate, and is painfully slow throughout. If you want to hear some really bad writing, and see some equally bad acting, then this is your movie. A highly awkward soundtrack that really doesn't fit the movie, plus maybe the worst costuming of the year. Beyonce' who is supposed to be a stay at home mom here, is dressing more for the camera, and her own real -life image. I know she produced this movie, so you think that someone would have told her she was actually in it. She just couldn't bring herself to look real, she looks like - Beyonce'. There is no resemblance of real life at at all.
Ali Larter as the maniacal Lisa is the movies lone flicker of hope. But the movie makers handcuff her character half way, and although she shows moments of being scary, overall she's not. With characters like Lisa, you've got to go all out, and let it fly. They didn't let her, and Lisa falls flat. Much of this I think was not to go too far, and make sure that the R rating didn't show up. Lisa has to be super sexy, and super nutty, and totally frightening. And they stopped short. Horrible mistake!
Why is Fatal Attraction so scary? Glenn Close, and her totally deranged character. You can hardly remember who else was in that movie. That's why it's a modern day classic. In Obsessed it would appear that no one was going to upstage Beyonce' and that makes Obsessed totally forgettable. Quick - who killed Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction? Case closed.
If you're going to make a sexy thriller, then make a sexy thriller. Rating system be darned. Stop thinking about making a so-called adult movie for 15 year- olds to cheer for their favorite singer. Instead start making a movie that is clearly for adults, that deals with adult issues, and gives us something to bite into.
Obsessed. Halfway done, and all the way bad! Save your money!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sorry, Aunt Louise
Buried in the heaping piles of economic, political, and local news a day or two ago was a gem that passed with little fanfare, but it's worth noting.
While Sue Wilson and I were doing the show the other morning, our news guy, team member Chris Keppler ran across the story about the "Storied 4 Corners" out in the American West. The place where you can stand in 4 states at the same time. Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. Millions of Americans have stopped there to have their pictures taken on that spot, and sent them to your Aunt Louise for generations. "Isn't that cute!" Can you hear it? Yea, me too.
But guess what, they're all shot! That's right, the people that know what they're doing this week say that you're actually only standing in 2 states. Plus, the real state line for the other two states is about 2 and half miles away. How the heck did that happen? I could understand a few feet, maybe a hundred yards or so at the outside, but over 2 miles? What is Aunt Louise going to do now? She's been showing that picture of you there for years to her friends, and recently figured out how to post it on her new Facebook account.
Please tell me for Aunt Louise's sake, the Grand Canyon is on the American side of the border. And for heavens sake reaffirm with me that on Mt. Rushmore, really is Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson.....and not George Jefferson! Because Aunt Louise has those pictures of you there posted online too. MySpace I think.
And don't even get me started on the online ridicule Aunt Louise is going to endure after her "check out my nieces and nephews pictures" "tweets" she sent out this week. They're all a sham now. Shame.
But with tongue now out of cheek, you gotta wonder how that really happened. How could some clown, or as it would appear generations of clowns get it that wrong? I had a neighbor once used to have a fit if I mowed one extra mower swipe onto his property. If he was a part of this deal, he'd be giving birth to an extremely large cow right now!
Clearly, this is not a national disaster, but you do have to wonder in this day of GPS, lasers, Google Earth, digitization, and countless other effective surveying techniques over the years how this could have been in error for 150 years. And now what state do some of these people live in?
And more importantly, what pictures will Aunt Louise have now to brag about you with? Better get to Niagara Falls quick. I'm hoping it's still on the American/Canadian border.
While Sue Wilson and I were doing the show the other morning, our news guy, team member Chris Keppler ran across the story about the "Storied 4 Corners" out in the American West. The place where you can stand in 4 states at the same time. Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. Millions of Americans have stopped there to have their pictures taken on that spot, and sent them to your Aunt Louise for generations. "Isn't that cute!" Can you hear it? Yea, me too.
But guess what, they're all shot! That's right, the people that know what they're doing this week say that you're actually only standing in 2 states. Plus, the real state line for the other two states is about 2 and half miles away. How the heck did that happen? I could understand a few feet, maybe a hundred yards or so at the outside, but over 2 miles? What is Aunt Louise going to do now? She's been showing that picture of you there for years to her friends, and recently figured out how to post it on her new Facebook account.
Please tell me for Aunt Louise's sake, the Grand Canyon is on the American side of the border. And for heavens sake reaffirm with me that on Mt. Rushmore, really is Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson.....and not George Jefferson! Because Aunt Louise has those pictures of you there posted online too. MySpace I think.
And don't even get me started on the online ridicule Aunt Louise is going to endure after her "check out my nieces and nephews pictures" "tweets" she sent out this week. They're all a sham now. Shame.
But with tongue now out of cheek, you gotta wonder how that really happened. How could some clown, or as it would appear generations of clowns get it that wrong? I had a neighbor once used to have a fit if I mowed one extra mower swipe onto his property. If he was a part of this deal, he'd be giving birth to an extremely large cow right now!
Clearly, this is not a national disaster, but you do have to wonder in this day of GPS, lasers, Google Earth, digitization, and countless other effective surveying techniques over the years how this could have been in error for 150 years. And now what state do some of these people live in?
And more importantly, what pictures will Aunt Louise have now to brag about you with? Better get to Niagara Falls quick. I'm hoping it's still on the American/Canadian border.
Monday, April 20, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - State Of Play
It's an all-star cast in State Of Play that opened up over the weekend. Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel MacAdams, and many others star in this government cover-up thriller.
SOP is the story of Cal (Crowe) who is a seasoned old school newspaper reporter for the Washington Globe. He finds himself teamed up with Della (MacAdams) who is a young upstart blogger for the paper's online division. Together, with their obvious differences, are teamed up to investigate a murder at the highest level of our federal government. Who is involved? Who is the bad guy? Good guy?
This movie may look like you've seen it before, and you have. But there is something fresh about SOP that is hard to resist. It does keep you guessing for the most part, and you have to swallow the fact that this is a cynical look at the state of Washington D.C. today. Who is really the sleaziest? Is it the people we elect to federal positions? Is it the failing newspaper and it's reporters? Is it the defense contractors? Is it the Feds in general? Well according to SOP, they all are. And to be honest, that is the movies focal point. All of the above are equal opportunity offenders. In fact, there's enough sleaze to go around and back again. You may feel the need to shower it off when you get home.
Russell Crowe again is really strong in this commanding role, And MacAdams is a great, new fresh face that I have loved in everything she's done. Affleck is also great in his sleazy role as the elected official in question, Representative Steven Collins. A small, but pivotal role, he is really good here. Again with Affleck, I think less of him is more. I've not enjoyed him in too many leading roles, but love him on the side. Toss in Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels and Robin Wright- Penn too as side dishes, and you've got a star-studded cast that makes SOP a real winner.
State Of Play is just flat out good movie making, and is time and money well spent. It also has the look of a possible series of movies, as suggested subtly at the movies end. It is based on a BBC Series, so we'll have to wait and see.
But don't wait to see State Of Play, get there soon.
SOP is the story of Cal (Crowe) who is a seasoned old school newspaper reporter for the Washington Globe. He finds himself teamed up with Della (MacAdams) who is a young upstart blogger for the paper's online division. Together, with their obvious differences, are teamed up to investigate a murder at the highest level of our federal government. Who is involved? Who is the bad guy? Good guy?
This movie may look like you've seen it before, and you have. But there is something fresh about SOP that is hard to resist. It does keep you guessing for the most part, and you have to swallow the fact that this is a cynical look at the state of Washington D.C. today. Who is really the sleaziest? Is it the people we elect to federal positions? Is it the failing newspaper and it's reporters? Is it the defense contractors? Is it the Feds in general? Well according to SOP, they all are. And to be honest, that is the movies focal point. All of the above are equal opportunity offenders. In fact, there's enough sleaze to go around and back again. You may feel the need to shower it off when you get home.
Russell Crowe again is really strong in this commanding role, And MacAdams is a great, new fresh face that I have loved in everything she's done. Affleck is also great in his sleazy role as the elected official in question, Representative Steven Collins. A small, but pivotal role, he is really good here. Again with Affleck, I think less of him is more. I've not enjoyed him in too many leading roles, but love him on the side. Toss in Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels and Robin Wright- Penn too as side dishes, and you've got a star-studded cast that makes SOP a real winner.
State Of Play is just flat out good movie making, and is time and money well spent. It also has the look of a possible series of movies, as suggested subtly at the movies end. It is based on a BBC Series, so we'll have to wait and see.
But don't wait to see State Of Play, get there soon.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - 17 Again
It's not rocket science. Put Zac Efron in a movie bout being 17, open the doors, and get out of the way because here comes the crowd. Efron stars in the new 17 Again in theaters this weekend.
17 Again stars Efron, and Mathew Perry. It's the story of Mike (Perry) who is about 38 years old and he gets the chance to be 17 again (Efron) and go back to his old high school to try to blend in. Although Mike is 17, he is in the modern day, and has to catch up to the kids of today and not the kids of 1989! 38 year old Mike has two kids who are detached from him, and a high school sweetheart wife who is divorcing him. As a 17 year old though he gets to go to school with his kids, and see what they go through in their life, and as you can guess, the fun is on.
17 Again is targeted right at high school kids, girls especially and they will love everything about this movie - period! It's a movie that sets a pretty realistic tone about today's modern teen and that is commendable. They are shown in the true roles that kids today play. To it's credit, there's no teen drinking, drugs, and needless language or sex to get in the way of a fun movie. Although it should be noted that the teens are NOT shown to be flawless either, which is a strength of this movie.
There are some troubles here. First up, it is never made clear how he's made 17 again. You see it happen, but are clueless on why he gets this chance and where it comes from. I think this is the movies weakest link. And it's just as murky when he is turned back into a 38 year old man at the end. (Not a spoiler, you know it's coming) There is no drama on how long he gets to be 17, or anything even associated with it. He just is, then he's not. Good chance for this movie to be smarter, and it doesn't take it.
One more note. If you're going to see Mathew Perry, you'll be disappointed. (I'm guessing that's only a few, all the kids are there to see Efron.) Perry is in this movie for only a short time. BUT to me that's a good thing. He's very good in this very small role. I have always felt he is better as a side dish and not the main course. The less of him the better. I have never liked him in leading roles, he's just not funny enough. To be noted - this is Zac Efrons movie.
17 Again......Could have been good and really smart, but has to settle for just good.
17 Again stars Efron, and Mathew Perry. It's the story of Mike (Perry) who is about 38 years old and he gets the chance to be 17 again (Efron) and go back to his old high school to try to blend in. Although Mike is 17, he is in the modern day, and has to catch up to the kids of today and not the kids of 1989! 38 year old Mike has two kids who are detached from him, and a high school sweetheart wife who is divorcing him. As a 17 year old though he gets to go to school with his kids, and see what they go through in their life, and as you can guess, the fun is on.
17 Again is targeted right at high school kids, girls especially and they will love everything about this movie - period! It's a movie that sets a pretty realistic tone about today's modern teen and that is commendable. They are shown in the true roles that kids today play. To it's credit, there's no teen drinking, drugs, and needless language or sex to get in the way of a fun movie. Although it should be noted that the teens are NOT shown to be flawless either, which is a strength of this movie.
There are some troubles here. First up, it is never made clear how he's made 17 again. You see it happen, but are clueless on why he gets this chance and where it comes from. I think this is the movies weakest link. And it's just as murky when he is turned back into a 38 year old man at the end. (Not a spoiler, you know it's coming) There is no drama on how long he gets to be 17, or anything even associated with it. He just is, then he's not. Good chance for this movie to be smarter, and it doesn't take it.
One more note. If you're going to see Mathew Perry, you'll be disappointed. (I'm guessing that's only a few, all the kids are there to see Efron.) Perry is in this movie for only a short time. BUT to me that's a good thing. He's very good in this very small role. I have always felt he is better as a side dish and not the main course. The less of him the better. I have never liked him in leading roles, he's just not funny enough. To be noted - this is Zac Efrons movie.
17 Again......Could have been good and really smart, but has to settle for just good.
Monday, April 13, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Observe And Report
It seems every really funny guy at one time or another has to make a movie that seemed like a good idea at the time. But the reality is something completely different. That guy is Seth Rogan and that movie is Observe And Report.
Remember The Cable Guy? Jim Carrey at the time riding high with hit after hit, and then that piece of junk. Dark, disturbing, not funny? Here we go again. OAR is a horrible attempt at a dark comedy with a social message of some kind that just lays a huge egg, and did at the box office over the weekend.
Rogan plays a disturbed mall security officer who is on tons of medication for a bi-polar issue. He loves guns, and hates the fact that he can't carry one. He is mentally unbalanced, creepy to women, and just overall a nut job. He is fixated on Brandi (Anna Farris) who works in the mall as a cosmetic sales person. He wants to be more than he is, and will stop at nothing to get it. And when the mall and Brandi is being harassed by a serial "flasher" he swings into action to get capture him. Are you intrigued? Oh course not. Warning - This is in no way shape or form Paul Blart Mall Cop. If you did or didn't love that one, at least it was harmless, mindless fun.
OAR is a feeble attempt at social satire of our times. Everyone is on drugs, or a drunk, or struck with some kind of affliction that makes them a burden on society. Dark comedies too, are very hard to pull off. The mid-nineties Fargo is probably the most successful, and funny one in years. As a viewer you are to make some kind of sense and see some humor in tragic, or unreal circumstances. OAR is just flat out disturbing, not funny, and a complete waste of time. It's a waste of time for you, for Seth Rogan, and actually for anyone else who decides to go wade through this bottomless swamp.
It just doesn't work. No plot, with incessant, needless, offensive language, violence, very disturbing characters, glorified drug use with no real point or storyline at all. Seth Rogan to me has always been funny, even when I haven't liked the movies. Pineapple Express, and Zach Miri are two examples. Plus his voice work in the smash current hit Monsters VS. Aliens is terrific. What he was thinking here, I can't explain. Everyone gets a mulligan.
Observe And Report. This is Hollywood at its worst.
Remember The Cable Guy? Jim Carrey at the time riding high with hit after hit, and then that piece of junk. Dark, disturbing, not funny? Here we go again. OAR is a horrible attempt at a dark comedy with a social message of some kind that just lays a huge egg, and did at the box office over the weekend.
Rogan plays a disturbed mall security officer who is on tons of medication for a bi-polar issue. He loves guns, and hates the fact that he can't carry one. He is mentally unbalanced, creepy to women, and just overall a nut job. He is fixated on Brandi (Anna Farris) who works in the mall as a cosmetic sales person. He wants to be more than he is, and will stop at nothing to get it. And when the mall and Brandi is being harassed by a serial "flasher" he swings into action to get capture him. Are you intrigued? Oh course not. Warning - This is in no way shape or form Paul Blart Mall Cop. If you did or didn't love that one, at least it was harmless, mindless fun.
OAR is a feeble attempt at social satire of our times. Everyone is on drugs, or a drunk, or struck with some kind of affliction that makes them a burden on society. Dark comedies too, are very hard to pull off. The mid-nineties Fargo is probably the most successful, and funny one in years. As a viewer you are to make some kind of sense and see some humor in tragic, or unreal circumstances. OAR is just flat out disturbing, not funny, and a complete waste of time. It's a waste of time for you, for Seth Rogan, and actually for anyone else who decides to go wade through this bottomless swamp.
It just doesn't work. No plot, with incessant, needless, offensive language, violence, very disturbing characters, glorified drug use with no real point or storyline at all. Seth Rogan to me has always been funny, even when I haven't liked the movies. Pineapple Express, and Zach Miri are two examples. Plus his voice work in the smash current hit Monsters VS. Aliens is terrific. What he was thinking here, I can't explain. Everyone gets a mulligan.
Observe And Report. This is Hollywood at its worst.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Hannah Montana
Ring the registers, it's time for Miley Cyrus to come to the big screen in Hannah Montana the movie.
This will be a quick review because movies like this are really hard to review with any real substance. We need Hollywood to make movies for the entire family to go see and this is one of them. They are what they are. Fun, friendly, and of course designed to make truck loads of cash, which they do.
HM isn't going to win The Oscar for best picture. And I'll even go out on a limb and say that none of the actors will win either. But if you have a HM fan in your life, they will love this movie, and why not. Miley-a-plenty, there's good music, even some nice cameo's by some of your favorite music stars as well. This movie is targeted directly to the Miley fan, and hits it bulls eye! Plus this movie being shot in Tennessee, has a wonderful backdrop for most of this movie. Well done!
On a slightly critical note, some of HM is a bit awkward, and some of the acting is..flat out bad acting, plain and simple with some really terrible dialogue at times, There's just no way around that fact, but it doesn't matter to the HM fan. Also just for some perspective, pay no attention to the national review or two stating this is "By far the best movie of the year." I think it was the LA Times, (obviously a total loss of any kind of real perspective) but HM is great for its fans.
Hannah Montana, for the fan in your life, worth every penny for the smiles it will bring.
This will be a quick review because movies like this are really hard to review with any real substance. We need Hollywood to make movies for the entire family to go see and this is one of them. They are what they are. Fun, friendly, and of course designed to make truck loads of cash, which they do.
HM isn't going to win The Oscar for best picture. And I'll even go out on a limb and say that none of the actors will win either. But if you have a HM fan in your life, they will love this movie, and why not. Miley-a-plenty, there's good music, even some nice cameo's by some of your favorite music stars as well. This movie is targeted directly to the Miley fan, and hits it bulls eye! Plus this movie being shot in Tennessee, has a wonderful backdrop for most of this movie. Well done!
On a slightly critical note, some of HM is a bit awkward, and some of the acting is..flat out bad acting, plain and simple with some really terrible dialogue at times, There's just no way around that fact, but it doesn't matter to the HM fan. Also just for some perspective, pay no attention to the national review or two stating this is "By far the best movie of the year." I think it was the LA Times, (obviously a total loss of any kind of real perspective) but HM is great for its fans.
Hannah Montana, for the fan in your life, worth every penny for the smiles it will bring.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Open The Gates
Today is proof that Spring is here. Yea, it could be a bit warmer and it will be. It's sunny, slightly breezy, and just picture perfect outside. I love that warm weather is on the way, and I'm impatient that it's not here yet. Also this week marks the date that my dad passed away some 31 springs ago.
So some bitter to go with some sweet, but there's always one thing for me each spring that adds the extra pinch of sugar, to make it all go down a lot easier. It's the opening of the gates that have been shut all winter long.
Friday the big, mighty, ornate gates of Progressive Field will swing open for another baseball season. I have been to the last 4 opening days with the Indians and it's one of the highlights of my spring. My dad used to take me to opening day as a kid. Great memories there, I won't bore you with the details, but you can imagine. A young boy with his dad, out of school at the Indians game. It doesn't get much better.
It was then I learned that few things signify the beginning of something good better than baseball. Baseball starts before the bud, and goes well beyond the bloom. It can be cold at the start, hot in the middle and cool again at the end, but overall it's averages just about perfect.
From now through the fall, there will be baseball played in every single town in America every single night. Major and Minor League, Connie Mack, AAU, Pony and Little League, Tee Ball too. Coach pitch, machine pitch, fast and slow pitch, baseball and softball, they will play and we will go. No other sport can honestly day that.
It's baseballs reflection of life that grabs us the most. It's every day, just like life. You win and you lose, no way around it in baseball. While most of us know how to win, baseball teaches us how to lose with grace, and that lesson is becoming more valuable with every generation that comes to pass. Because life has its ups and downs, and it's best to learn that now.
But maybe its greatest allure of all? It's an individual-team sport. Just like life again. Sometimes no matter how great your team is, you must do some things on you own. That's the game of baseball in microcosm.
Baseball brings the warm, the sun
The longer days, and the fun.
It's more than merely a game
Simply put, baseball is life in frame.
The beauty is in its simplicity.....
It's putting bat to ball...that's all.
So some bitter to go with some sweet, but there's always one thing for me each spring that adds the extra pinch of sugar, to make it all go down a lot easier. It's the opening of the gates that have been shut all winter long.
Friday the big, mighty, ornate gates of Progressive Field will swing open for another baseball season. I have been to the last 4 opening days with the Indians and it's one of the highlights of my spring. My dad used to take me to opening day as a kid. Great memories there, I won't bore you with the details, but you can imagine. A young boy with his dad, out of school at the Indians game. It doesn't get much better.
It was then I learned that few things signify the beginning of something good better than baseball. Baseball starts before the bud, and goes well beyond the bloom. It can be cold at the start, hot in the middle and cool again at the end, but overall it's averages just about perfect.
From now through the fall, there will be baseball played in every single town in America every single night. Major and Minor League, Connie Mack, AAU, Pony and Little League, Tee Ball too. Coach pitch, machine pitch, fast and slow pitch, baseball and softball, they will play and we will go. No other sport can honestly day that.
It's baseballs reflection of life that grabs us the most. It's every day, just like life. You win and you lose, no way around it in baseball. While most of us know how to win, baseball teaches us how to lose with grace, and that lesson is becoming more valuable with every generation that comes to pass. Because life has its ups and downs, and it's best to learn that now.
But maybe its greatest allure of all? It's an individual-team sport. Just like life again. Sometimes no matter how great your team is, you must do some things on you own. That's the game of baseball in microcosm.
Baseball brings the warm, the sun
The longer days, and the fun.
It's more than merely a game
Simply put, baseball is life in frame.
The beauty is in its simplicity.....
It's putting bat to ball...that's all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Sunshine Cleaning
I sometimes like going to the movies with virtually no idea what the movie on the screen is about, or its over all feel. That was my challenge today when I went to the little-hyped comedy drama, Sunshine Cleaning which did crack the top ten at the box office last weekend.
Sunshine Cleaning is a little Indy-movie starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin. It's a quirky little movie about two sisters, Rose (Adams) and Norah (Blunt) both in their late 20's who are each fighting an uphill battle in life. Both have not felt very well about themselves since their mother died when they were just young girls. The sisters have made a habit out of self-destructive behavior due to lack of self esteem. Rose is a single mom, who suddenly finds herself having to put her young son in private school due to his unacceptable behavior in public schools. They both have no money whatsoever, so they decide on going into a strange new field that Rose learns of from her married boyfriend who also is a cop.
She and Norah set off of a new business venture, called Sunshine Cleaning. It's is a company they start up that cleans up after crime scenes, mainly deaths, shootings and the like. They of course, really don't know what they're doing. They are unlicensed, and uninsured. This, of course leads to big trouble for these two and their family.
Sunshine Cleaning is one of those movies that isn't for everyone. But I was totally into it, and thought it was truly a breath of fresh air. It's quirky, strange at times, and really off the beaten path in it's casting, it's plot line, and it's slight twists and turns. Adams is charming and alluring as Rose, Blunt is perfectly cast as the girl gone wrong Norah, and Arkin is always funny as their underachieving father. It's pretty straightforward and honest, with some very interesting side plots and characters. But to its credit, they don't bog it down or get in the way of the main story line. Instead, each is a perfect compliment to it. Well done!
I know I hit the plot line quick here, but this really is a nice movie with a good message or two. Its subtle humor and overall off center feel makes Sunshine Cleaning a real winner. Again, some will walk out saying, "what was that?" While others will embrace Sunshine Cleaning for what it is, a real nice "little movie" that takes a real chance and shines brightly.
Sunshine Cleaning. Quirky, fun, risky, and just so different, it shouldn't be missed. If you live and love the movies, you'll love Sunshine Cleaning.
Sunshine Cleaning is a little Indy-movie starring Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin. It's a quirky little movie about two sisters, Rose (Adams) and Norah (Blunt) both in their late 20's who are each fighting an uphill battle in life. Both have not felt very well about themselves since their mother died when they were just young girls. The sisters have made a habit out of self-destructive behavior due to lack of self esteem. Rose is a single mom, who suddenly finds herself having to put her young son in private school due to his unacceptable behavior in public schools. They both have no money whatsoever, so they decide on going into a strange new field that Rose learns of from her married boyfriend who also is a cop.
She and Norah set off of a new business venture, called Sunshine Cleaning. It's is a company they start up that cleans up after crime scenes, mainly deaths, shootings and the like. They of course, really don't know what they're doing. They are unlicensed, and uninsured. This, of course leads to big trouble for these two and their family.
Sunshine Cleaning is one of those movies that isn't for everyone. But I was totally into it, and thought it was truly a breath of fresh air. It's quirky, strange at times, and really off the beaten path in it's casting, it's plot line, and it's slight twists and turns. Adams is charming and alluring as Rose, Blunt is perfectly cast as the girl gone wrong Norah, and Arkin is always funny as their underachieving father. It's pretty straightforward and honest, with some very interesting side plots and characters. But to its credit, they don't bog it down or get in the way of the main story line. Instead, each is a perfect compliment to it. Well done!
I know I hit the plot line quick here, but this really is a nice movie with a good message or two. Its subtle humor and overall off center feel makes Sunshine Cleaning a real winner. Again, some will walk out saying, "what was that?" While others will embrace Sunshine Cleaning for what it is, a real nice "little movie" that takes a real chance and shines brightly.
Sunshine Cleaning. Quirky, fun, risky, and just so different, it shouldn't be missed. If you live and love the movies, you'll love Sunshine Cleaning.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Movies - Retro - Recommendations
Over the past couple of years, I have reviewed movies for Akronnewsnow.com. I see most of the movies that hit the theaters, but some sort of come and go with very little fanfare. So I thought that I'd throw this update out there from time to time, to direct you to flicks that maybe you missed at the box office, but might want to check out on pay-per-view or at the rental store. Hopefully this will help you out!
Retro Recommendations
1/ The Bank Job - Originally out February 2008. True Story about a thrilling bank heist in
England. Really well done, brilliantly acted, and a compelling story. This
one really got lost. Smart, smart movie. A home run!
2/ Baby Mama - Originally out April 2008. Tina Fey before the Sara Palin days. Funny
story about a woman and her quest for a baby. Amy Poehler as the
surrogate mother. It has some minor problems but Fey is really great.
Light and fun comedy.
3/ Smart People - Originally out April 2008. Very underrated and well done drama-comedy
that reminds us that really smart people often have the most to learn.
Dennis Quaid, Thomas Haden-Church, Ellen Page and Sarah
Jessica Parker. One of 2008's best movies.
4/ WALL * E - Originally out July 2008. If you or your kids missed this gem, totally worth
it. Great story and fantastic animation. And A+ movie.
5/ Henry Poole Is Here - Originally out August 2008. The most missed movie of 2008. Great
positive story. Well done indy flick. Story of a young man and his
struggles in life, and faith. Luke Wilson as you've never seen
him. Well cast, quirky movie. Loved every frame.
6/ Lakeview Terrace - Originally out September 2008. Samuel L. Jackson as a cop gone
wrong as a neighbor. Story is deep and compelling. You never stop
learning about Jackson's character. Nightmarish plot.
7/ Nick And Nora - (Infinite Playlist) Originally out October 2008. Surprisingly strong
movie about young love and today's young people. Reminds us that
growing up troubles are timeless. Not perfect, but very good. Kat
Dennings is terrific, a springboard towards big things for her.
8/ Changeling - Originally out November 2008. Clint Eastwood directed true story
starring Angelina Jolie. Young mothers' son kidnapped in the 1920's
and her struggles to find him with the corrupt Los Angeles P.D.
Warning - harsh at times not for everyone. But overall
compelling and brilliant. Jolie has never been better, and not by a
little.
9/ Bolt - Originally out November 2008. Huge surprise from 2008. Wonderful
animated story of friendship and loyalty. John Travolta shines as the
voice of our hero Bolt the dog! Miley Cyrus stars too. Great movie.
10/ Role Models - Originally out November 2008. Strange comedy. Look, this movie has
problems and is certainly not for everyone. The longer you watch, the
better it gets. Sophomoric - Yes. But grows a heart at the end.
Warning - NOT for everyone. Some real crudeness but it does
land on it's feet surprisingly.
That's the first list of Retro - Recommendations!
Feel free to e-mail me anytime with your thoughts scott@wqmx.com
Check out all my latest movie reviews now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Retro Recommendations
1/ The Bank Job - Originally out February 2008. True Story about a thrilling bank heist in
England. Really well done, brilliantly acted, and a compelling story. This
one really got lost. Smart, smart movie. A home run!
2/ Baby Mama - Originally out April 2008. Tina Fey before the Sara Palin days. Funny
story about a woman and her quest for a baby. Amy Poehler as the
surrogate mother. It has some minor problems but Fey is really great.
Light and fun comedy.
3/ Smart People - Originally out April 2008. Very underrated and well done drama-comedy
that reminds us that really smart people often have the most to learn.
Dennis Quaid, Thomas Haden-Church, Ellen Page and Sarah
Jessica Parker. One of 2008's best movies.
4/ WALL * E - Originally out July 2008. If you or your kids missed this gem, totally worth
it. Great story and fantastic animation. And A+ movie.
5/ Henry Poole Is Here - Originally out August 2008. The most missed movie of 2008. Great
positive story. Well done indy flick. Story of a young man and his
struggles in life, and faith. Luke Wilson as you've never seen
him. Well cast, quirky movie. Loved every frame.
6/ Lakeview Terrace - Originally out September 2008. Samuel L. Jackson as a cop gone
wrong as a neighbor. Story is deep and compelling. You never stop
learning about Jackson's character. Nightmarish plot.
7/ Nick And Nora - (Infinite Playlist) Originally out October 2008. Surprisingly strong
movie about young love and today's young people. Reminds us that
growing up troubles are timeless. Not perfect, but very good. Kat
Dennings is terrific, a springboard towards big things for her.
8/ Changeling - Originally out November 2008. Clint Eastwood directed true story
starring Angelina Jolie. Young mothers' son kidnapped in the 1920's
and her struggles to find him with the corrupt Los Angeles P.D.
Warning - harsh at times not for everyone. But overall
compelling and brilliant. Jolie has never been better, and not by a
little.
9/ Bolt - Originally out November 2008. Huge surprise from 2008. Wonderful
animated story of friendship and loyalty. John Travolta shines as the
voice of our hero Bolt the dog! Miley Cyrus stars too. Great movie.
10/ Role Models - Originally out November 2008. Strange comedy. Look, this movie has
problems and is certainly not for everyone. The longer you watch, the
better it gets. Sophomoric - Yes. But grows a heart at the end.
Warning - NOT for everyone. Some real crudeness but it does
land on it's feet surprisingly.
That's the first list of Retro - Recommendations!
Feel free to e-mail me anytime with your thoughts scott@wqmx.com
Check out all my latest movie reviews now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
MOVIE REVIEW - Adventureland
Here comes the biggest surprise so far in 2009 at the movies - Adventureland! Sometimes you walk into the theater with certain expectations, and it's great to have them exceeded. Adventureland is that movie.
Starring Jessie Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, Adventureland is set in 1987 about growing up and crossing over from college to the next stage. James, (Eisenberg) has completed his studies at Oberlin College, and is getting ready to go on his European vacation before starting graduate school in New York at Columbia. His plans get derailed when his parents can't afford either. So he moves back home to suburban Pittsburgh with his parents and gets a summer job at the worst amusement park on earth, Adventureland.
There he meets Em, (Stewart), who has plans of her own for grad school in NYC, but she has demons a plenty. The two find each other and the romance is on. But it's not an easy road. Em is looking for something, anything good in her sad and complicated life. Is the extremely educated, terribly naive about women, virgin James her answer? There's your movie.
Adventureland is a terrific movie that really captures and era very well. All the surrounding characters are plucked right out of 1987, along with a great soundtrack, and fantastic costuming and hairstyling. An era captured perfectly to say the least. This movie has the feel of American Graffiti, The Breakfast Club, and even the more recent Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist all mixed together. It reminds us that growing up is hard no matter what generation it is. Some issues are just timeless. Dating, young love, sex, and figuring out who you are are just tough things to do in any era. Adventureland may be the name of the park, but it's really symbolism for what goes on after the park closes at night.
Adventureland is a raw look back at typical American young adults some 20 years ago. What we were doing, and how we were feeling. How we handled being young, and the many times we didn't do so well. As a matter fact, many more failures than victories. But that's the raw beauty of Adventureland. Word too, even though this is a young cast with many stars appealing to young people today, Adventureland is a better adult movie. It has strong appeal to those 40 ish in its overall feel and focus.
Adventureland. It's funny, raw at times, and honest in every frame. It successfully shows a generation with all its flaws and challenges. A great trip down a road already traveled by some, all the while speaking to those who are on that road right now, and those getting ready to. A big surprise.
Adventureland is really worth it. The sleeper hit movie so far in 2009!
Check out all my latest movie review now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Starring Jessie Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, Adventureland is set in 1987 about growing up and crossing over from college to the next stage. James, (Eisenberg) has completed his studies at Oberlin College, and is getting ready to go on his European vacation before starting graduate school in New York at Columbia. His plans get derailed when his parents can't afford either. So he moves back home to suburban Pittsburgh with his parents and gets a summer job at the worst amusement park on earth, Adventureland.
There he meets Em, (Stewart), who has plans of her own for grad school in NYC, but she has demons a plenty. The two find each other and the romance is on. But it's not an easy road. Em is looking for something, anything good in her sad and complicated life. Is the extremely educated, terribly naive about women, virgin James her answer? There's your movie.
Adventureland is a terrific movie that really captures and era very well. All the surrounding characters are plucked right out of 1987, along with a great soundtrack, and fantastic costuming and hairstyling. An era captured perfectly to say the least. This movie has the feel of American Graffiti, The Breakfast Club, and even the more recent Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist all mixed together. It reminds us that growing up is hard no matter what generation it is. Some issues are just timeless. Dating, young love, sex, and figuring out who you are are just tough things to do in any era. Adventureland may be the name of the park, but it's really symbolism for what goes on after the park closes at night.
Adventureland is a raw look back at typical American young adults some 20 years ago. What we were doing, and how we were feeling. How we handled being young, and the many times we didn't do so well. As a matter fact, many more failures than victories. But that's the raw beauty of Adventureland. Word too, even though this is a young cast with many stars appealing to young people today, Adventureland is a better adult movie. It has strong appeal to those 40 ish in its overall feel and focus.
Adventureland. It's funny, raw at times, and honest in every frame. It successfully shows a generation with all its flaws and challenges. A great trip down a road already traveled by some, all the while speaking to those who are on that road right now, and those getting ready to. A big surprise.
Adventureland is really worth it. The sleeper hit movie so far in 2009!
Check out all my latest movie review now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
MOVIE REVIEW - Fast And Furious
It's spring break for many for the next couple of weeks, and that fact is reflected at the box office this weekend. Vin Diesel is back as Dom in Fast And Furious.
There are times when all movie enthusiasts have to remember that some movies are made specifically to make money, and that's this movie. FAF is only filmed to bring in the green....fast and furious! Do we really need a plot recap? Okay.
Dom is back in FAF, and he's still up to his old tricks, wanted by the FBI, after pulling off crime after crime, and racing in the streets for various reasons both good and bad. The FBI is still chasing him. His girlfriend, Letty is killed and he's chasing the killers. There's plenty of chasing, gun play, illegal racing, killing, felonious stealing, and hard drug running to go around.
In FAF's defense, there are plenty of really long racing and driving sequences, so you're not cheated there. Slick editing makes it tough to tell if you're watching really great driving by Hollywood's best, or if it's half great- half fake. While much of this action is certainly entertaining, it's all so over-the-top and not at all believable. No one drives like this and gets away with it every single time. That's the thing about these movies. They tear around Los Angeles for miles at a time causing all kinds of havoc, with no ramifications at all. I know this underground racing circuit exists, but you would think that there are no police in Los Angeles left. It's all so wrong and it's really glorified.
You do get to see some fantastic cars here, including a few mint 1970 Chevelle SS's, an extremely rare 1972 Ford Gran Torino, a hopped up 1970 Plymouth Fury, and there are others. Really nice. Tough to watch them get wrecked too, but I'm thinking they're not really getting wrecked either.
But with that all said, FAF is just a crash-em-up, cash machine getting ready to ring. Young people will flock to the box office, the rentals and purchasing will be huge in 90 days. Pay-per-view, and don't forget the countless video games that are coming starring Vin Diesel too. That's what FAF is all about. It's not about being good or moving, or anything. It's about the dough. And Hollywood needs to make some too. Many times big money studios make from pics like this, fund other projects up the road.
Fast And Furious. It's a targeted young persons adrenaline rush, that will get the blood pumping too. Not for everyone. BUT if you've been waiting, Fast And Furious will be your cup of....rather can of energy drink. Maybe a few cans
Check out all my latest movie reviews now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
There are times when all movie enthusiasts have to remember that some movies are made specifically to make money, and that's this movie. FAF is only filmed to bring in the green....fast and furious! Do we really need a plot recap? Okay.
Dom is back in FAF, and he's still up to his old tricks, wanted by the FBI, after pulling off crime after crime, and racing in the streets for various reasons both good and bad. The FBI is still chasing him. His girlfriend, Letty is killed and he's chasing the killers. There's plenty of chasing, gun play, illegal racing, killing, felonious stealing, and hard drug running to go around.
In FAF's defense, there are plenty of really long racing and driving sequences, so you're not cheated there. Slick editing makes it tough to tell if you're watching really great driving by Hollywood's best, or if it's half great- half fake. While much of this action is certainly entertaining, it's all so over-the-top and not at all believable. No one drives like this and gets away with it every single time. That's the thing about these movies. They tear around Los Angeles for miles at a time causing all kinds of havoc, with no ramifications at all. I know this underground racing circuit exists, but you would think that there are no police in Los Angeles left. It's all so wrong and it's really glorified.
You do get to see some fantastic cars here, including a few mint 1970 Chevelle SS's, an extremely rare 1972 Ford Gran Torino, a hopped up 1970 Plymouth Fury, and there are others. Really nice. Tough to watch them get wrecked too, but I'm thinking they're not really getting wrecked either.
But with that all said, FAF is just a crash-em-up, cash machine getting ready to ring. Young people will flock to the box office, the rentals and purchasing will be huge in 90 days. Pay-per-view, and don't forget the countless video games that are coming starring Vin Diesel too. That's what FAF is all about. It's not about being good or moving, or anything. It's about the dough. And Hollywood needs to make some too. Many times big money studios make from pics like this, fund other projects up the road.
Fast And Furious. It's a targeted young persons adrenaline rush, that will get the blood pumping too. Not for everyone. BUT if you've been waiting, Fast And Furious will be your cup of....rather can of energy drink. Maybe a few cans
Check out all my latest movie reviews now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
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