I am not a complainer.
In fact, no one in my life of any consequence is. That doesn't mean we all don't have a moment or two to go off and rip a blue streak about something that is firmly under our skin. It's natural to get it off your chest and out there. But I don't even call that complaining. I call that getting it off your chest so you don't literally blow up and detonate. You know how complainers are...always beefing about something, blah, blah, blah. That's not us.
But I gotta launch off on this "spring" so far. Today, as I write this I am looking out my home office window and see it snowing - hard! This winter weather is Methuselah old with me right now. Even though it has only been about 4 months, this winter seems to go on and on. Today, I will curse the cold. I am ready to welcome the warm. And this year, I'm not wasting one minute of it when (and if) it finally gets here.
Upon arrival of the warm, I just might camp out this summer in the backyard with a pup tent I'm sure I could find at Rite Aid. My plan is to be outside around 15 hours a day, and I will not once ask anyone "Hot enough for Ya?" Dumb question anyway. Ask that when you live on the equator or something, or a least the Tropic of Capricorn. This is Akron, Ohio man!
I'm going to mow, edge and trim the yard every day. My garage will be so organized I will be the envy of the neighborhood. My cars will proudly glisten in the sun from the weekly waxing they will lovingly receive from my tan hands. I will attend numerous Indians games, and might even see a win. I will go to a few Aero's games too and have a beer that will cost one third as much as an Indians beer. I will be at the Blossom shows with my workmates, shmoozing, having margaritas, a cigar or two and having fun.
I am going to ride my bike everyday and the BBQ grill every night. Our friends Don and Terri have a pool, and at some time every single day my feet are going to be in it. And, I am going to play so much golf, my arms may literally be dragging the ground by October.
OK, that all might be a bit dramatic. But that's the way I feel right now, and have been for a few weeks. This painful, agonizing, arduous journey from the cold to the warm is wearing us down. It's like running the bases on opening day with a refrigerator on your back. And quite frankly, I'm over it. I see Facebook updates today too saying how pretty the snow is. Oh for heavens sake, give it a rest, zip it and move to Anchorage!
OK, get a grip. April is almost here and the dew and the dawn of a new day will soon be upon us. And yes, the cold will be conquered and the warm and the sun will settle in for long pleasant days and smooth summer nights.
And after this winter, I'm not wasting one minute of the warm.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
MOVIE PREVIEW - April
The first quarter of any calender year can be tough going at the movies. I call it movie purgatory. The big movies of the holiday season thankfully hold over, but new releases generally are mediocre at best. There were a few gems this year. I thoroughly enjoyed Anthony Hopkins in The Rite, and the grownup breakthrough for Bradley Cooper in Limitless come to mind.
But now that April is upon us, things should be getting better with a wider variety to choose from. Be mindful, there will still be a rash of young movies as spring break is either here, or on the way. Let's look at what April has in store for us.
April 1
Hop - A live action, animated mix for Easter with Russel Brand as the voice of the Easter Bunny. There has been a ton of promotion for this, and undoubtedly will be a huge hit.
Source Code - Jake Gyllenhall, and the far to seldom seen Michelle Monaghan in this military, time traveling, preventing terrorism thriller. Although, on the surface it appears to be formula. But Monaghan's a fresh face along with Vera Farmiga in a supporting role, should be enough to carry the day.
April 8
Arthur - More Russel Brand in the remake of the Dudley Moore 1980 classic. Redone with some major changes. Helen Mirren as the "Nanny" this time, and toss in Jennifer Garner too. Should be a big success with a new generation that has never heard of the original.
Hanna - Incredibly disturbing looking movie, with a pre-teen as a trained assassin. As she kills, the Reds put out a hit on her. Lovely.
Soul Surfer - Big cast in this story of the young woman surfer who loses an arm in a terrible surfing accident. Carrie Underwood, makes her big screen debut, but not in the lead role.
Your Highness - Fresh off her Oscar win, Natalie Portman goes low brow in this sophomoric comedy targeted at 20 year old guys. Bound to pack them in.
April 15
Scream 4 - As if this franchise hasn't been ridden to death. A good deal of the original cast is back for more satire and slashing.
April 22
Water For Elephants - Reece Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, both Oscar winners, and Robert Pattinson too. Huge book comes to the movies as we travel back to the 1930's circus trains and a huge love story too.
African Cats - Disney's Earth Day offering this year, with more breathtaking photography as they document life in Africa for the big cats.
Apollo 18 - Another "lost footage" movie. Find out the real reason we've never gone back to the moon.
April 29
Fast Five - Vin Diesel. Wouldn't be Spring Break with yet another sequel to the Fast And The Furious saga. Word is this will be the last one. More glorifying really bad behavior.
Make sure you check back weekly for my reviews of all of Aprils movies right here on akronnewsnow.com - Scott Wynn
But now that April is upon us, things should be getting better with a wider variety to choose from. Be mindful, there will still be a rash of young movies as spring break is either here, or on the way. Let's look at what April has in store for us.
April 1
Hop - A live action, animated mix for Easter with Russel Brand as the voice of the Easter Bunny. There has been a ton of promotion for this, and undoubtedly will be a huge hit.
Source Code - Jake Gyllenhall, and the far to seldom seen Michelle Monaghan in this military, time traveling, preventing terrorism thriller. Although, on the surface it appears to be formula. But Monaghan's a fresh face along with Vera Farmiga in a supporting role, should be enough to carry the day.
April 8
Arthur - More Russel Brand in the remake of the Dudley Moore 1980 classic. Redone with some major changes. Helen Mirren as the "Nanny" this time, and toss in Jennifer Garner too. Should be a big success with a new generation that has never heard of the original.
Hanna - Incredibly disturbing looking movie, with a pre-teen as a trained assassin. As she kills, the Reds put out a hit on her. Lovely.
Soul Surfer - Big cast in this story of the young woman surfer who loses an arm in a terrible surfing accident. Carrie Underwood, makes her big screen debut, but not in the lead role.
Your Highness - Fresh off her Oscar win, Natalie Portman goes low brow in this sophomoric comedy targeted at 20 year old guys. Bound to pack them in.
April 15
Scream 4 - As if this franchise hasn't been ridden to death. A good deal of the original cast is back for more satire and slashing.
April 22
Water For Elephants - Reece Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, both Oscar winners, and Robert Pattinson too. Huge book comes to the movies as we travel back to the 1930's circus trains and a huge love story too.
African Cats - Disney's Earth Day offering this year, with more breathtaking photography as they document life in Africa for the big cats.
Apollo 18 - Another "lost footage" movie. Find out the real reason we've never gone back to the moon.
April 29
Fast Five - Vin Diesel. Wouldn't be Spring Break with yet another sequel to the Fast And The Furious saga. Word is this will be the last one. More glorifying really bad behavior.
Make sure you check back weekly for my reviews of all of Aprils movies right here on akronnewsnow.com - Scott Wynn
Monday, March 28, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Sucker Punch
The latest motion picture based on a graphic novel is in theaters this week. This time it's Sucker Punch.
What the heck is this thing anyway? This horribly conceived, mess of a movie is proof positive that some things that roll around in some dude's brain is better off staying there. I would try to explain this movie to you here, but to be honest it really can't be done effectively. Here or on the screen. This is what you can chew on to give you an idea what Sucker Punch is all about.
It's about a bunch of hot young women, that are sentenced to an insane asylum back in the day. Then because they can, the writers and director make these five women who are being used as prostitutes in prison some form of superhero's. They then spend scene after scene wearing virtually no clothes and high heels fighting serpents, zombies of sorts, dragons, in the trenches of WWI, and various other moments in time. All done is huge special effects scenes that go on and on...and on. They do this trying to escape and find their freedom.
There are plenty of shots of these women jumping around like the Matrix, blowing things up, shooting, stabbing, killing anything in their way, and generally doing it in the most suggestive way that you can probably get away with. Most of the time wearing thigh high stockings, leotards, and short skirts. Does any of this really make any sense? No, not really. This is just some dudes fantasy come to life. And while no one likes to quash anyone's creativity, and we all have different opinions about what is worth seeing at the movies, this just doesn't work.
Sucker Punch looks, feels, sounds and has all the trappings of a video game. And maybe a darn good one. But these graphic novels are starting to become a force at the movies, Sucker Punch is one too many, too fast. 300, and Watchmen (same makers) each have good moments and really set the stage for the new genre of movie making. But you've got to be into comic books, video games and that kind of setting to really enjoy this kind of flick.
The long line of movies targeted at 20 year old boys continues to be the rule at the movies, and they will run to this one. There are worse things than watching good looking women at the movies. Sucker Punch for some will be visually stunning at times, but for many overall, will be silly and exploiting.
What the heck is this thing anyway? This horribly conceived, mess of a movie is proof positive that some things that roll around in some dude's brain is better off staying there. I would try to explain this movie to you here, but to be honest it really can't be done effectively. Here or on the screen. This is what you can chew on to give you an idea what Sucker Punch is all about.
It's about a bunch of hot young women, that are sentenced to an insane asylum back in the day. Then because they can, the writers and director make these five women who are being used as prostitutes in prison some form of superhero's. They then spend scene after scene wearing virtually no clothes and high heels fighting serpents, zombies of sorts, dragons, in the trenches of WWI, and various other moments in time. All done is huge special effects scenes that go on and on...and on. They do this trying to escape and find their freedom.
There are plenty of shots of these women jumping around like the Matrix, blowing things up, shooting, stabbing, killing anything in their way, and generally doing it in the most suggestive way that you can probably get away with. Most of the time wearing thigh high stockings, leotards, and short skirts. Does any of this really make any sense? No, not really. This is just some dudes fantasy come to life. And while no one likes to quash anyone's creativity, and we all have different opinions about what is worth seeing at the movies, this just doesn't work.
Sucker Punch looks, feels, sounds and has all the trappings of a video game. And maybe a darn good one. But these graphic novels are starting to become a force at the movies, Sucker Punch is one too many, too fast. 300, and Watchmen (same makers) each have good moments and really set the stage for the new genre of movie making. But you've got to be into comic books, video games and that kind of setting to really enjoy this kind of flick.
The long line of movies targeted at 20 year old boys continues to be the rule at the movies, and they will run to this one. There are worse things than watching good looking women at the movies. Sucker Punch for some will be visually stunning at times, but for many overall, will be silly and exploiting.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Measuring The Immeasurable
If there's one thing we in Northeast Ohio can relate to and identify with, it's the role of the underdog.
We seemingly are perennial underdogs, if only in our own minds. Sometimes to our detriment. In fact, the underdog role is an inherently American one. After all, a rag-tag, not well provisioned militia defeated the British Empire to forge our nation some 230 years ago. Even though our nation has prospered beyond Adams, Jefferson, and Hancock's wildest dreams, we still hold underdogs instinctively dear.
That's why what has happened in this years NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has captured our complete attention, if you're a fan or not. Butler University and Virginia Commonwealth University have made it all the way to the Final Four, and are in position to win a championship for every underdog that has ever dared to beg and bark. And the great thing is, all of this has virtually nothing to do with basketball.
What has captured our hearts....are their hearts. Small schools looking up at a long line of Goliath's for two weeks, in three different cities. And one-by-one BU, and VCU have picked off major program one after the other and moved on. Game after game of facing superior athletes, more heavily recruited,with better everything. Daring to stare them down, and sending them home. It's the story we as Americans and Northeast Ohioans always want to see, but never really does happen. And for them, Goliath is still ahead.
What I think we have been witnessing are not battles on the courts, but rather battles of the hearts. There is no accurate measure of the will of the heart. What we have seen is the desire to be the better than you ever dreamed you can be. To give all of yourself to a common cause shared with others of like mind. To remember that basketball and life are both teams sports. The willingness to hear you don't belong, and the savvy not to listen. And from the start, not to follow the path not set by others, but the one set out in your heart.
In honesty... teams, clubs, and individuals set out with these exact goals in all avenues of life every single day. And generally when we are out manned, out gunned and over matched by those, or by circumstances that are insurmountable, we applaud the effort and are grateful for the chance. Most of the time this is inspiring enough for others to follow and eventually try for themselves or to try again. The chance is what makes life more interesting than if there was no chance of the miraculous. OK, that was a bit spiritual, but so is the underdog. As we generally "bless him" or "bless his heart" at journeys end.
What Butler and VCU have done in a simple sporting event, should be inspiring to a whole line of underdogs, or those facing odds far larger, and more important than basketball. But the incredible journey these two teams and young men have taken is heart warming. Watching great things, happen to good kids who are achieving the miraculous.....all while going about it the right way. The only way the underdog by definition can. By reaching down and finding something deeper....than others are willing.
For when it comes to the size of the heart, you can not measure the immeasurable.
We seemingly are perennial underdogs, if only in our own minds. Sometimes to our detriment. In fact, the underdog role is an inherently American one. After all, a rag-tag, not well provisioned militia defeated the British Empire to forge our nation some 230 years ago. Even though our nation has prospered beyond Adams, Jefferson, and Hancock's wildest dreams, we still hold underdogs instinctively dear.
That's why what has happened in this years NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament has captured our complete attention, if you're a fan or not. Butler University and Virginia Commonwealth University have made it all the way to the Final Four, and are in position to win a championship for every underdog that has ever dared to beg and bark. And the great thing is, all of this has virtually nothing to do with basketball.
What has captured our hearts....are their hearts. Small schools looking up at a long line of Goliath's for two weeks, in three different cities. And one-by-one BU, and VCU have picked off major program one after the other and moved on. Game after game of facing superior athletes, more heavily recruited,with better everything. Daring to stare them down, and sending them home. It's the story we as Americans and Northeast Ohioans always want to see, but never really does happen. And for them, Goliath is still ahead.
What I think we have been witnessing are not battles on the courts, but rather battles of the hearts. There is no accurate measure of the will of the heart. What we have seen is the desire to be the better than you ever dreamed you can be. To give all of yourself to a common cause shared with others of like mind. To remember that basketball and life are both teams sports. The willingness to hear you don't belong, and the savvy not to listen. And from the start, not to follow the path not set by others, but the one set out in your heart.
In honesty... teams, clubs, and individuals set out with these exact goals in all avenues of life every single day. And generally when we are out manned, out gunned and over matched by those, or by circumstances that are insurmountable, we applaud the effort and are grateful for the chance. Most of the time this is inspiring enough for others to follow and eventually try for themselves or to try again. The chance is what makes life more interesting than if there was no chance of the miraculous. OK, that was a bit spiritual, but so is the underdog. As we generally "bless him" or "bless his heart" at journeys end.
What Butler and VCU have done in a simple sporting event, should be inspiring to a whole line of underdogs, or those facing odds far larger, and more important than basketball. But the incredible journey these two teams and young men have taken is heart warming. Watching great things, happen to good kids who are achieving the miraculous.....all while going about it the right way. The only way the underdog by definition can. By reaching down and finding something deeper....than others are willing.
For when it comes to the size of the heart, you can not measure the immeasurable.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Paul
R-rated comedies are really picking up steam economically at the theaters the past few years.
In fact, you may be hard pressed to find one not rated R these days that wouldn't be considered a kids movie. Paul is not a kids movie at all, as it is aptly rated R. This is just a cautionary word to parents. Even though your small kids may want to go to this movie, you will be glad later that you didn't give in. This is just more proof positive that most comedies today are targeted at young guys, and they will flock to this one.
Paul is the story of these two British Sci- Fi Geeks that come to America on "holiday", to attend a space and Sci-Fi convention. They decide then to rent an RV and travel through the southwest and explore the famed Area-51. There the meet a wise-cracking, foul mouthed fun loving honest to gosh space alien, Paul. They take Paul in and go on a wild adventure picking up more non-believers along the way. Suddenly the government is after them, so is the law and so are some other kooks that want to capture Paul. That in a nutshell is Paul.
First, Paul is an immensely imaginative script, riddled with heavy satire on space geeks, and the whole sci-fi world. It's also a very strong parody on past science fiction movies, and the comic book culture with some funny twists and turns and some very funny moments. Much of the satirical humor will be lost with those under 40. The majority of this humor is ripped right out of the 1970's, as are most of the musical selections in this movie.
Paul although fun, is highly adult. Constant use of really offensive language, from all characters. And trust me, it's not your normal bad language. There are also numerous references to highly emotionally charged subjects, that are certainly not child appropriate. But like it or not, this is the movie making comedy climate were in right now. This is the norm, and we've become somewhat deaf to it. There is also a lot of low-brow humor here that doesn't make Paul a better movie, just a more rated - R one.
Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kristin Wiig, Jason Bateman, Jayne Lynch, Seth Rogan and the voice of the animated character Paul, and a ton of funny cameo's there was no shortage of stars lining up to be in this one. This movie is pretty darn funny for much of the 90 minutes. This is one of those flicks you have to put your, " uptightedness" away, and go laugh at what it is. This is not your fathers comedy. We are in a new day in Hollywood, and although this kind of thing does not work in all comedies, overall it works here.
Paul, not award winning. Not Oscar-worthy. But for a fun time, there is a certain charm here that makes this crude piece a bit easier to take. And just laugh at.
In fact, you may be hard pressed to find one not rated R these days that wouldn't be considered a kids movie. Paul is not a kids movie at all, as it is aptly rated R. This is just a cautionary word to parents. Even though your small kids may want to go to this movie, you will be glad later that you didn't give in. This is just more proof positive that most comedies today are targeted at young guys, and they will flock to this one.
Paul is the story of these two British Sci- Fi Geeks that come to America on "holiday", to attend a space and Sci-Fi convention. They decide then to rent an RV and travel through the southwest and explore the famed Area-51. There the meet a wise-cracking, foul mouthed fun loving honest to gosh space alien, Paul. They take Paul in and go on a wild adventure picking up more non-believers along the way. Suddenly the government is after them, so is the law and so are some other kooks that want to capture Paul. That in a nutshell is Paul.
First, Paul is an immensely imaginative script, riddled with heavy satire on space geeks, and the whole sci-fi world. It's also a very strong parody on past science fiction movies, and the comic book culture with some funny twists and turns and some very funny moments. Much of the satirical humor will be lost with those under 40. The majority of this humor is ripped right out of the 1970's, as are most of the musical selections in this movie.
Paul although fun, is highly adult. Constant use of really offensive language, from all characters. And trust me, it's not your normal bad language. There are also numerous references to highly emotionally charged subjects, that are certainly not child appropriate. But like it or not, this is the movie making comedy climate were in right now. This is the norm, and we've become somewhat deaf to it. There is also a lot of low-brow humor here that doesn't make Paul a better movie, just a more rated - R one.
Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kristin Wiig, Jason Bateman, Jayne Lynch, Seth Rogan and the voice of the animated character Paul, and a ton of funny cameo's there was no shortage of stars lining up to be in this one. This movie is pretty darn funny for much of the 90 minutes. This is one of those flicks you have to put your, " uptightedness" away, and go laugh at what it is. This is not your fathers comedy. We are in a new day in Hollywood, and although this kind of thing does not work in all comedies, overall it works here.
Paul, not award winning. Not Oscar-worthy. But for a fun time, there is a certain charm here that makes this crude piece a bit easier to take. And just laugh at.
Monday, March 21, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - The Lincoln Lawyer
Mathew McConaughey is back in The Lincoln Lawyer this week.
And this may seem hard to believe, but it's the first movie of his in years, that he actually wears a shirt the whole time! OK, enough foolery. This movie has been hit hard by some national critics, and although there are better movies this is not the dog some would lead you to believe.
It's the story of a greasy defense lawyer, Mickey Haller, (McConaughey). He does almost all of his business out of the back of this Lincoln Town Car. He is greasy, but brilliant, and can work the system to it's fullest. But it's clear he is in it for himself in the ling run. But after he takes on a real brutal case with his new client, rich kid, punk Louis, he's thinking about having a change of heart, or is he?
TLL is a typical courtroom drama that has a bunch of twists and turns, and does it's best to keep you guessing, and for the most part it does. There is one glaring trouble here. There are a few real slow sports in this flick that really hurt the overall presentation. It's hard to explain how this happens with a good cast, and story that is worth telling. Could be that we've seen Mac in these kind of roles before, and the whole greasy lawyer thing has been played to death it seems in the movies, and on TV.
TLL also boasts a pretty good cast, with Marissa Tomei, William H.Macy, Ryan Phillippe, and Trace Adkins. I think one of the problems here is a tough one to swallow. As popular as Mac is, he is limited. His appeal is absolute with his fans, and that's great. But he is very limited on what he can do on screen. He does one thing very well, and this is it. But he's kind of the same guy in every movie, whether he's playing a lawyer or not. Could be that the sands are running through the hour glass on our tolerance of him. Might be time for a reinvention for him professionally.
The Lincoln Lawyer. This is certainly not a bad movie, and if you're a fan go and live it up. But fairly, there is nothing here you have not seen before, and is simply a precursor to more greasy lawyer movies you'll be offered up the road. Netflix in 90 days.
And this may seem hard to believe, but it's the first movie of his in years, that he actually wears a shirt the whole time! OK, enough foolery. This movie has been hit hard by some national critics, and although there are better movies this is not the dog some would lead you to believe.
It's the story of a greasy defense lawyer, Mickey Haller, (McConaughey). He does almost all of his business out of the back of this Lincoln Town Car. He is greasy, but brilliant, and can work the system to it's fullest. But it's clear he is in it for himself in the ling run. But after he takes on a real brutal case with his new client, rich kid, punk Louis, he's thinking about having a change of heart, or is he?
TLL is a typical courtroom drama that has a bunch of twists and turns, and does it's best to keep you guessing, and for the most part it does. There is one glaring trouble here. There are a few real slow sports in this flick that really hurt the overall presentation. It's hard to explain how this happens with a good cast, and story that is worth telling. Could be that we've seen Mac in these kind of roles before, and the whole greasy lawyer thing has been played to death it seems in the movies, and on TV.
TLL also boasts a pretty good cast, with Marissa Tomei, William H.Macy, Ryan Phillippe, and Trace Adkins. I think one of the problems here is a tough one to swallow. As popular as Mac is, he is limited. His appeal is absolute with his fans, and that's great. But he is very limited on what he can do on screen. He does one thing very well, and this is it. But he's kind of the same guy in every movie, whether he's playing a lawyer or not. Could be that the sands are running through the hour glass on our tolerance of him. Might be time for a reinvention for him professionally.
The Lincoln Lawyer. This is certainly not a bad movie, and if you're a fan go and live it up. But fairly, there is nothing here you have not seen before, and is simply a precursor to more greasy lawyer movies you'll be offered up the road. Netflix in 90 days.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
My School Is Closing....
I was born in Columbus. My family moved to Northeast Ohio when I was five. I grew up here in the suburb of Berea, where I attended Parknoll Elementary School, Roehm Junior High, and Berea High.
Some of my very best childhood memories took place at Parknoll school. It is a public school neatly nestled in the woods of sorts, with a huge grassy field behind for kids to play. It sits off the road a bit, away from most houses near the Berea/Olmsted Falls line. I went there from kindergarten through the sixth grade, and can remember most of it very well. Well sadly, Parknoll school is closing along with all others in town and they consolidate all into one big new elementary school next year.
A few years ago I wrote an article about how deeply it can resonate with us when certain things are no more. Schools, theaters, amusement parks, stadiums, and places that brought people together for learning or fun, I think it can really affect us. Parknoll for me, is no different than your school elementary school was to you. And if yours has since closed, you know how that made you feel. It just kind of - hurts.
Parknoll school is the place I learned to read, write, add, subtract, multiply and divide. I learned about gym class, lunch lines, the Dewey Decimal System, and what happens at your first physical. It was the first place I went by myself, and was solely responsible for my behavior without my mom and dad around to straighten me out. I remember it was my school, my place, my corner of the world where I felt safe, secure and felt like I belonged to something that was not of the Wynn name.
Parknoll school was the first place I had to share things with those not in my family. Where I learned that the lessons my mom and dad taught me really did work. I learned that I was a good athlete there, and that I could be a good friend, and that other kids liked me, and I liked them. It was the place I watched "lift-offs" and "splashdowns" from NASA on the TV that was wheeled in on a huge cart. I was an audio/visual aid, learned first aid, and accidentally broke Becky Mercers wrist in a kickball game. It was a place I shouldn't have teased a kid named David as I did, and where I should have stopped that fight between Brian and Jeff. And afterward, Principal Kern made me apologize to David , then we were friends. And Mr. Hawthorne privately scolded me telling me to be the leader I could be and stop a fight next time if one broke out.
I walked to and from school every day, and went home for lunch most days. After school most of us would go home only to ride bikes back up to the school and play football, baseball or something. I went to camps there in the summer for t-ball, and baseball. Parknoll school was my childhood, and now it's being replaced and closed after 50 years of service. I know it's not the first school to close, but this one is mine. It has been here all my life, and now it will not do any of the above for one more child after this spring. I can't help but be saddened by it.
Things change I understand, but some are just harder to swallow than others. This ones going down rough. But I hope for those kids starting school next year at the new school, that in years ahead they feel for their school as I have always felt for mine.
So for Mrs. Poole, Mrs. Berger, Miss Bolander, Mrs. Emily, Miss Pihurko, Mr. Lapp, and Mr. Berry...thanks for everything.
Parknoll Elementary School 1961 - 2011.
Some of my very best childhood memories took place at Parknoll school. It is a public school neatly nestled in the woods of sorts, with a huge grassy field behind for kids to play. It sits off the road a bit, away from most houses near the Berea/Olmsted Falls line. I went there from kindergarten through the sixth grade, and can remember most of it very well. Well sadly, Parknoll school is closing along with all others in town and they consolidate all into one big new elementary school next year.
A few years ago I wrote an article about how deeply it can resonate with us when certain things are no more. Schools, theaters, amusement parks, stadiums, and places that brought people together for learning or fun, I think it can really affect us. Parknoll for me, is no different than your school elementary school was to you. And if yours has since closed, you know how that made you feel. It just kind of - hurts.
Parknoll school is the place I learned to read, write, add, subtract, multiply and divide. I learned about gym class, lunch lines, the Dewey Decimal System, and what happens at your first physical. It was the first place I went by myself, and was solely responsible for my behavior without my mom and dad around to straighten me out. I remember it was my school, my place, my corner of the world where I felt safe, secure and felt like I belonged to something that was not of the Wynn name.
Parknoll school was the first place I had to share things with those not in my family. Where I learned that the lessons my mom and dad taught me really did work. I learned that I was a good athlete there, and that I could be a good friend, and that other kids liked me, and I liked them. It was the place I watched "lift-offs" and "splashdowns" from NASA on the TV that was wheeled in on a huge cart. I was an audio/visual aid, learned first aid, and accidentally broke Becky Mercers wrist in a kickball game. It was a place I shouldn't have teased a kid named David as I did, and where I should have stopped that fight between Brian and Jeff. And afterward, Principal Kern made me apologize to David , then we were friends. And Mr. Hawthorne privately scolded me telling me to be the leader I could be and stop a fight next time if one broke out.
I walked to and from school every day, and went home for lunch most days. After school most of us would go home only to ride bikes back up to the school and play football, baseball or something. I went to camps there in the summer for t-ball, and baseball. Parknoll school was my childhood, and now it's being replaced and closed after 50 years of service. I know it's not the first school to close, but this one is mine. It has been here all my life, and now it will not do any of the above for one more child after this spring. I can't help but be saddened by it.
Things change I understand, but some are just harder to swallow than others. This ones going down rough. But I hope for those kids starting school next year at the new school, that in years ahead they feel for their school as I have always felt for mine.
So for Mrs. Poole, Mrs. Berger, Miss Bolander, Mrs. Emily, Miss Pihurko, Mr. Lapp, and Mr. Berry...thanks for everything.
Parknoll Elementary School 1961 - 2011.
MOVIE REVIEW - Limitless
Great timing. Getting a Bradley Cooper movie into the theaters a couple of weeks before spring break.
Limitless, is the new movie featuring Hollywood's newest big star. And it's very good to see him finally make a movie that really shows what he can do. The Hangover, The A-Team, Valentines Day, yeah they're fun and all, but Limitless? Finally, a great role in a very good movie that can't help but be taken seriously.
Limitless is the fictional story of a young writer, Eddie, (Cooper) in New York City who is on the wrong path. He has a serious case of creative block, and is a classic underachiever. He is sponging off his ex-girlfriend, and really has no direction in his life whatsoever. Until he discovers the secret to unlocking all the potential that a human can have.
Through a few channels, his ex-brother in law turns Eddie on to a new pill called NZT. It is an off the market drug that lets humans access every single nook and cranny of the brain. Since the average human only accesses about 10 percent, he literally becomes a genius in 30 seconds. Eddie is able to do seemingly the impossible. He writes his long thought of novel in a matter of days. His whole life is anew. He then hits the gambling circuit and makes a ton, then it's Wall Street and becomes the talk of the town as he turns 10,000 into 3 million in days.
As he continues to take the drug, there are side effects physically and of course the emotional ramifications of sudden brilliance. There are those in his life directly who are effected by his new life. And of course, the people indirectly in his life who want his secret and are not so warmly receiving his new found success. And they are out to get him.
Limitless is a story you have never seen before, that is really compelling and riveting to watch. It's so good to see a real thriller on the screen that tells its story candidly, through wonderful writing and equally good acting that is pure. Limitless does resist the temptation to go down the over the top effects route, and stay on course. Limitless allows Cooper to shine and really break through as an actor. This performance will more than likely allow Cooper to now be the star he should be. He really could be the next big leading man, if good projects are now presented to him and good decisions are made from here on in.
Limitless also stars Robert DeNiro, and Abby Cornish in strong supporting roles. This movie has great pace, and stays on track while holding your interest the whole time. At times the musical soundtrack can be a distraction and a bit irritating, but it's livable.
Limitless. Good story telling. Very good, worth a ticket.
Limitless, is the new movie featuring Hollywood's newest big star. And it's very good to see him finally make a movie that really shows what he can do. The Hangover, The A-Team, Valentines Day, yeah they're fun and all, but Limitless? Finally, a great role in a very good movie that can't help but be taken seriously.
Limitless is the fictional story of a young writer, Eddie, (Cooper) in New York City who is on the wrong path. He has a serious case of creative block, and is a classic underachiever. He is sponging off his ex-girlfriend, and really has no direction in his life whatsoever. Until he discovers the secret to unlocking all the potential that a human can have.
Through a few channels, his ex-brother in law turns Eddie on to a new pill called NZT. It is an off the market drug that lets humans access every single nook and cranny of the brain. Since the average human only accesses about 10 percent, he literally becomes a genius in 30 seconds. Eddie is able to do seemingly the impossible. He writes his long thought of novel in a matter of days. His whole life is anew. He then hits the gambling circuit and makes a ton, then it's Wall Street and becomes the talk of the town as he turns 10,000 into 3 million in days.
As he continues to take the drug, there are side effects physically and of course the emotional ramifications of sudden brilliance. There are those in his life directly who are effected by his new life. And of course, the people indirectly in his life who want his secret and are not so warmly receiving his new found success. And they are out to get him.
Limitless is a story you have never seen before, that is really compelling and riveting to watch. It's so good to see a real thriller on the screen that tells its story candidly, through wonderful writing and equally good acting that is pure. Limitless does resist the temptation to go down the over the top effects route, and stay on course. Limitless allows Cooper to shine and really break through as an actor. This performance will more than likely allow Cooper to now be the star he should be. He really could be the next big leading man, if good projects are now presented to him and good decisions are made from here on in.
Limitless also stars Robert DeNiro, and Abby Cornish in strong supporting roles. This movie has great pace, and stays on track while holding your interest the whole time. At times the musical soundtrack can be a distraction and a bit irritating, but it's livable.
Limitless. Good story telling. Very good, worth a ticket.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Kill The Irishman
It's in limited release, but the new Kill The Irishman is doing a big business at local theaters this week.
Kill The Irishman is based on the real life, adult life of Cleveland mob boss Danny Greene. Greene you may know was killed by a car bomb in the Cleveland suburb of Lyndhurst in May 1977. His assassination by members of a rival organized crime ring, set off a chain reaction across the nation. Multiple arrests and various Mafia families were broken for good in numerous major U.S. cites coast to coast. And the mob was done for good in Cleveland.
KTI is shows the rise of Greene from dockworker to the head of the Longshoreman's Union, to his beginnings in organized crime. Green eventually set his sights on having his own crime ring rivaling the established Mafia, which lead to his killing. KTI takes us up to the Gangland Wars in Cleveland in 1976 when mob bombings were part of the nightly local news, to his eventual killing in 1977.
KTI is an interesting movie, well done, and told in a very direct matter of fact way. It doesn't get bogged down and complicated which is to its credit. They weave in actual news footage too from local TV stations from the era, which is a very nice touch. Although the story takes place exclusively in Cleveland, sadly this movie was shot in Detroit. That's a bit disappointing. The only real critisim is, there's just something missing here. I think it's maybe I wish the story was put in the hands of a more skillful movie makers hands.
Greene is portrayed as a big, colorful Irishman who was extremely well read, and smart. Which he was. There are moments that this movie goes dangerously close to glorifying him, and at times he may be. But the one thing that is done well, as affable, and smart as he may have been, he is shown to be a calculating bad guy, who did a lot of killing, even killing many of his friends. That fact is not lost and well done.
KTI is entertaining, and informative, and if you are too young to remember, or never heard of Danny Greene, it certainly is worth a watch. Good cast, with Ray Stephenson as Greene. Also with Val Kilmer and a strong and believable supporting cast.
Kill The Irishman. A good story worth telling, and for the most part well done.
Kill The Irishman is based on the real life, adult life of Cleveland mob boss Danny Greene. Greene you may know was killed by a car bomb in the Cleveland suburb of Lyndhurst in May 1977. His assassination by members of a rival organized crime ring, set off a chain reaction across the nation. Multiple arrests and various Mafia families were broken for good in numerous major U.S. cites coast to coast. And the mob was done for good in Cleveland.
KTI is shows the rise of Greene from dockworker to the head of the Longshoreman's Union, to his beginnings in organized crime. Green eventually set his sights on having his own crime ring rivaling the established Mafia, which lead to his killing. KTI takes us up to the Gangland Wars in Cleveland in 1976 when mob bombings were part of the nightly local news, to his eventual killing in 1977.
KTI is an interesting movie, well done, and told in a very direct matter of fact way. It doesn't get bogged down and complicated which is to its credit. They weave in actual news footage too from local TV stations from the era, which is a very nice touch. Although the story takes place exclusively in Cleveland, sadly this movie was shot in Detroit. That's a bit disappointing. The only real critisim is, there's just something missing here. I think it's maybe I wish the story was put in the hands of a more skillful movie makers hands.
Greene is portrayed as a big, colorful Irishman who was extremely well read, and smart. Which he was. There are moments that this movie goes dangerously close to glorifying him, and at times he may be. But the one thing that is done well, as affable, and smart as he may have been, he is shown to be a calculating bad guy, who did a lot of killing, even killing many of his friends. That fact is not lost and well done.
KTI is entertaining, and informative, and if you are too young to remember, or never heard of Danny Greene, it certainly is worth a watch. Good cast, with Ray Stephenson as Greene. Also with Val Kilmer and a strong and believable supporting cast.
Kill The Irishman. A good story worth telling, and for the most part well done.
MOVIE REVIEW - Red Riding Hood
Does the term "bad community theater" mean anything to you?
The new Red Riding Hood this week is simply that. RRH stars the wonderful new face Amanada Seyfried, and veteran bad buy actor Gary Oldman. And to absolutely no fault of their own, RRH is really a tanker.
Loosely based on the fairy tale, RRH is a boring adaptation with ironically no teeth whatsoever. It's the silly story of this little village where there are arranged marriages, forbidden love, and a mythical wolf of some kind that terrorizes the residents every full, or "wolf" moon. The wolf comes to town, rips up a few people and goes back to wherever he or she lives. But it is thought that it is a werewolf that lives among the villagers during the light, and kills at night.
Yawn! About halfway through this thing, you may find yourself asking what I did, "Why did they make this movie anyway?" It certainly can't be to entertain me, because there isn't an entertaining 5 minutes in it. It's not compelling, well written, scary, riveting, or anything. RRH just lays there like a dog in front of the fireplace.
Don't wait for a payoff, or a real exciting ending either. You sit and sit for roughly 90 agonizing minutes only to be let down by the ending you knew was going to happen 30 minutes ago. Bad script, bad effects, just bad. This really looks high school for a major release. Again, this is bad community theater.
Red Riding Hood. "Grandma, what a big terrible movie you have."
"The better to bore you with my dear"
The new Red Riding Hood this week is simply that. RRH stars the wonderful new face Amanada Seyfried, and veteran bad buy actor Gary Oldman. And to absolutely no fault of their own, RRH is really a tanker.
Loosely based on the fairy tale, RRH is a boring adaptation with ironically no teeth whatsoever. It's the silly story of this little village where there are arranged marriages, forbidden love, and a mythical wolf of some kind that terrorizes the residents every full, or "wolf" moon. The wolf comes to town, rips up a few people and goes back to wherever he or she lives. But it is thought that it is a werewolf that lives among the villagers during the light, and kills at night.
Yawn! About halfway through this thing, you may find yourself asking what I did, "Why did they make this movie anyway?" It certainly can't be to entertain me, because there isn't an entertaining 5 minutes in it. It's not compelling, well written, scary, riveting, or anything. RRH just lays there like a dog in front of the fireplace.
Don't wait for a payoff, or a real exciting ending either. You sit and sit for roughly 90 agonizing minutes only to be let down by the ending you knew was going to happen 30 minutes ago. Bad script, bad effects, just bad. This really looks high school for a major release. Again, this is bad community theater.
Red Riding Hood. "Grandma, what a big terrible movie you have."
"The better to bore you with my dear"
Monday, March 14, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - The Adjustment Bureau
I always hear various reasons why people like to go to the movies. By and large, the most common one that I hear is, "to be entertained."
There are lots of reasons to go to the movies, the above mentioned is totally applicable to the new Matt Damon flick, The Adjustment Bureau. It's pretty hard not to like this movie. This is not going to win any awards, or change movie making history but it is very entertaining.
TAB is the story of David (Damon), who is an up and coming politician who has a colorful past. He rises up through the political ranks, and eventually runs for the U.S. Senate. He loses that election with his past coming back to bite him. On the losing election night he meets Elise, (Emily Blunt) and his life is forever changed more than he knows.
David and the rest of us are being followed by a group of men, called The Adjustment Bureau. These hat wearing men are in charge of the order of things, and making sure that everyone's life goes according to "the plan." They are angels of sorts who have extraordinary powers that can adjust everyone's life to fit the plan. And David's plan does not include having Elise in his life. After that is made clear to David, needless to say he doesn't like that plan. He is determined to have Elise in his life and takes on the bureau.
This movie is just flat out good. Damon as the rebellious David is wonderfully cast, and always gives a solid performance. But the real compelling part of TAB is Emily Blunt. Her character Elise is so well written, and developed. Blunt is just amazingly beautiful, engaging, and alluring as she is supposed to be basically the perfect woman for a young man. And she basically is. Her character is a great mix of sass, class, talent and sheer elegance and fun. As good as Damon and the supporting cast is, Blunt steals this show.
TAB, is fun, exciting, thought provoking, and a story you certainly have not seen before told exactly this way. There is some fun action, twists and turns, and even though this is a drama of sorts, it is told with a certain innocence that is hard not to like. No reason virtually anyone can't go see this movie, as it is many good things we like to go to the movies for. It's entertaining. Good date movie too.
The Adjustment Bureau. Good!
There are lots of reasons to go to the movies, the above mentioned is totally applicable to the new Matt Damon flick, The Adjustment Bureau. It's pretty hard not to like this movie. This is not going to win any awards, or change movie making history but it is very entertaining.
TAB is the story of David (Damon), who is an up and coming politician who has a colorful past. He rises up through the political ranks, and eventually runs for the U.S. Senate. He loses that election with his past coming back to bite him. On the losing election night he meets Elise, (Emily Blunt) and his life is forever changed more than he knows.
David and the rest of us are being followed by a group of men, called The Adjustment Bureau. These hat wearing men are in charge of the order of things, and making sure that everyone's life goes according to "the plan." They are angels of sorts who have extraordinary powers that can adjust everyone's life to fit the plan. And David's plan does not include having Elise in his life. After that is made clear to David, needless to say he doesn't like that plan. He is determined to have Elise in his life and takes on the bureau.
This movie is just flat out good. Damon as the rebellious David is wonderfully cast, and always gives a solid performance. But the real compelling part of TAB is Emily Blunt. Her character Elise is so well written, and developed. Blunt is just amazingly beautiful, engaging, and alluring as she is supposed to be basically the perfect woman for a young man. And she basically is. Her character is a great mix of sass, class, talent and sheer elegance and fun. As good as Damon and the supporting cast is, Blunt steals this show.
TAB, is fun, exciting, thought provoking, and a story you certainly have not seen before told exactly this way. There is some fun action, twists and turns, and even though this is a drama of sorts, it is told with a certain innocence that is hard not to like. No reason virtually anyone can't go see this movie, as it is many good things we like to go to the movies for. It's entertaining. Good date movie too.
The Adjustment Bureau. Good!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The Perfect Mix
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about dog named Mixer. Mixer came to our attention on WQMX by way of the wonderful people at One Of A Kind Pet Rescue in Akron. Mixer is young, 35 pound dog thrown out of a moving car in Akron. As a result, Mixer physically lost both of his eyes. The people at OOAK should be commended for unbelievable work with this dog, and all that are fortunate to come into their care
I am very happy to say right here, right now, Mixer has been adopted by wonderful people who have renamed him Mix. He will have a life now that most dogs dream of.
When my partner Sue Wilson and I on WQMX learned of this story, it really moved us. Kind of shook us up. We both love dogs, and both of us were really stunned by this whole thing. To be honest, at first this really made me mad. How on Earth could someone do this? I carried it with me for a few days, then I went over to OOAK to see Mixer. And it turned out to be a good decision......for me. I needed to see him, even if he couldn't see me. My anger quickly subsided, and my compassion kicked in.
On the first occasion I met him, it was hard for me, and for him. It was difficult to see such a nice pooch so wounded. I spent about an hour with him. He was friendly and I think he was glad I was there. But after a few minutes, he was whining. Not normal whining, but frustrated whining. You can hear the difference. What I heard was, "Why can't I see anymore?" And that was hard. We played a bit and got to know each other.
My next few visits, he recognized my scent I think. A nice greeting in my lap, and some playing and no whining. He actually came over after a few minutes and fell fast asleep on my feet, for about an hour. This was the pattern for future visits I had with him. To be honest, I really thought about adopting Mixer. But as moved as I was by this pooch, I knew in my heart I was not the right fix for Mix. Our schedule and our home with tons of steps on wooden floors was a problem too. Also I live on a good size lot that is not development living, but I was envisioning Mix being able to run fast and free with other dogs, with no chance of any kind of accident happening with car and canine. He'd had enough of that. Our house is not perfect for that.
I met the angels that adopted Mix this weekend at an appearance at Giant Eagle in Streetsboro. And I am here to report to you, that Mix seems to have landed on his feet just fine. These folks love him and realize how special he is. They have other animals and have places for Mix to be the dog he should be. He has kids and a family and a place to tear around like a vibrant dog should have. He's earned that. I could not be happier for them, and for the dog. They told me that he sleeps with them on the bed, and keeps an eye, (or in his case a nose) on their family when things go bump in the night.
It's clear, that's all that Mix ever wanted to do. And now he can. It is also clear that Mixer is special because he's a good dog... and because of his ailment. Mixer will be a great example to all he meets, and for children for a lifetime. He will have much to teach them. - And all of us.
Mixer is also an example of what's good about creatures in the world with his resilience and his willingness to forgive. All the while, being a constant reminder there are those out there.... who don't care one bit about such things.
He quite possibly is...The Perfect Mix.
I am very happy to say right here, right now, Mixer has been adopted by wonderful people who have renamed him Mix. He will have a life now that most dogs dream of.
When my partner Sue Wilson and I on WQMX learned of this story, it really moved us. Kind of shook us up. We both love dogs, and both of us were really stunned by this whole thing. To be honest, at first this really made me mad. How on Earth could someone do this? I carried it with me for a few days, then I went over to OOAK to see Mixer. And it turned out to be a good decision......for me. I needed to see him, even if he couldn't see me. My anger quickly subsided, and my compassion kicked in.
On the first occasion I met him, it was hard for me, and for him. It was difficult to see such a nice pooch so wounded. I spent about an hour with him. He was friendly and I think he was glad I was there. But after a few minutes, he was whining. Not normal whining, but frustrated whining. You can hear the difference. What I heard was, "Why can't I see anymore?" And that was hard. We played a bit and got to know each other.
My next few visits, he recognized my scent I think. A nice greeting in my lap, and some playing and no whining. He actually came over after a few minutes and fell fast asleep on my feet, for about an hour. This was the pattern for future visits I had with him. To be honest, I really thought about adopting Mixer. But as moved as I was by this pooch, I knew in my heart I was not the right fix for Mix. Our schedule and our home with tons of steps on wooden floors was a problem too. Also I live on a good size lot that is not development living, but I was envisioning Mix being able to run fast and free with other dogs, with no chance of any kind of accident happening with car and canine. He'd had enough of that. Our house is not perfect for that.
I met the angels that adopted Mix this weekend at an appearance at Giant Eagle in Streetsboro. And I am here to report to you, that Mix seems to have landed on his feet just fine. These folks love him and realize how special he is. They have other animals and have places for Mix to be the dog he should be. He has kids and a family and a place to tear around like a vibrant dog should have. He's earned that. I could not be happier for them, and for the dog. They told me that he sleeps with them on the bed, and keeps an eye, (or in his case a nose) on their family when things go bump in the night.
It's clear, that's all that Mix ever wanted to do. And now he can. It is also clear that Mixer is special because he's a good dog... and because of his ailment. Mixer will be a great example to all he meets, and for children for a lifetime. He will have much to teach them. - And all of us.
Mixer is also an example of what's good about creatures in the world with his resilience and his willingness to forgive. All the while, being a constant reminder there are those out there.... who don't care one bit about such things.
He quite possibly is...The Perfect Mix.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Cedar Rapids
Stepping outside the norm sometimes can be really a good thing in life and at the movies.
The new Indy flick Cedar Rapids is certainly off the beaten path, and shapes up as a really fresh, extremely adult, dark comedy that is really funny. Cedar Rapids is certainly not for everyone, but if you are a fan of the underdogs of movie making, this is for you.
Cedar Rapids is the story of Tim Lippe, who is an incredibly naive 35 year old single man in Wisconsin who works for a very small insurance company. He has never flown on a plane, or done a million things most have done by that stage of life. He has never even had a drink. He is being used by his former middle school teacher for sex now that she is retired and divorced, and he has no clue she doesn't share his real feelings. He is then charged with going to the "big city" of Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the Midwest Insurance Conference where his job is to bring home the coveted "Two Diamond" award for his goofy boss.
Once there, Tim meets a bunch of other veteran insurance agents, all who have there own troubles and quirks too. Now that he's in the "big city" Tim becomes something of a wild man, partying till all hours, sleeping with a fellow "frustrated in life" insurance woman. He gets tangled up at a drug party with a prostitute, gets caught skinny dipping by the president of the conference in the hotel pool drunk, and ends up making a devils deal with him in exchange for the award.
This movie is so well written you can't help but laugh at, and with this. They develop great characters that have real growth, and tell a story you certainly have not seen before. Fantastic parody of the insurance industry, and small city life in the upper mid west. Many laugh out loud moments that are guilty pleasures. There is plenty of crude language, and serious adult moments here, drug usage and some serious stereotypes. But all skillfully handled and done with a sense of harmlessness that innocence that is more charming than offensive. That is the beauty of a well done Indy movie.
Cedar Rapids also extremely well cast with Ed Helms (Tim), John C. Reilly, Anne Heche (who is terrific) Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Sigourney Weaver. Throw in an eclectic and funny soundtrack, all wrapped in in about 90 minutes, it doesn't wear out its welcome.
Cedar Rapids. This has the potential to be one of the real fun movies you may see this year. But this will miss with some I understand. If you like off beat, quirky movies this is for you.
The new Indy flick Cedar Rapids is certainly off the beaten path, and shapes up as a really fresh, extremely adult, dark comedy that is really funny. Cedar Rapids is certainly not for everyone, but if you are a fan of the underdogs of movie making, this is for you.
Cedar Rapids is the story of Tim Lippe, who is an incredibly naive 35 year old single man in Wisconsin who works for a very small insurance company. He has never flown on a plane, or done a million things most have done by that stage of life. He has never even had a drink. He is being used by his former middle school teacher for sex now that she is retired and divorced, and he has no clue she doesn't share his real feelings. He is then charged with going to the "big city" of Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the Midwest Insurance Conference where his job is to bring home the coveted "Two Diamond" award for his goofy boss.
Once there, Tim meets a bunch of other veteran insurance agents, all who have there own troubles and quirks too. Now that he's in the "big city" Tim becomes something of a wild man, partying till all hours, sleeping with a fellow "frustrated in life" insurance woman. He gets tangled up at a drug party with a prostitute, gets caught skinny dipping by the president of the conference in the hotel pool drunk, and ends up making a devils deal with him in exchange for the award.
This movie is so well written you can't help but laugh at, and with this. They develop great characters that have real growth, and tell a story you certainly have not seen before. Fantastic parody of the insurance industry, and small city life in the upper mid west. Many laugh out loud moments that are guilty pleasures. There is plenty of crude language, and serious adult moments here, drug usage and some serious stereotypes. But all skillfully handled and done with a sense of harmlessness that innocence that is more charming than offensive. That is the beauty of a well done Indy movie.
Cedar Rapids also extremely well cast with Ed Helms (Tim), John C. Reilly, Anne Heche (who is terrific) Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Sigourney Weaver. Throw in an eclectic and funny soundtrack, all wrapped in in about 90 minutes, it doesn't wear out its welcome.
Cedar Rapids. This has the potential to be one of the real fun movies you may see this year. But this will miss with some I understand. If you like off beat, quirky movies this is for you.
Friday, March 11, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Battle:LA
Just when you think there can not be anymore blatant rip-offs in Hollywood these days, here comes the latest, Battle:LA.
My gosh man, can't you guys at least try to cover up the fact that you're ripping off another movie, and a complete story? Battle:LA is the latest in a series of "end of the world" movies that have been marching to the theaters like a high school band at halftime the past few years. This disaster was written by "veteran" movie writer Christopher Bertolini. I don't know the man, but I know this. I'm confident that he saw Independence Day from the mid 1990's. And I am equally confident that he has played a combat video game. And as a result, it seemed he decided to merge the two for a movie script.
BLA, is virtually the exact same story as the inane Independence Day, just not as long, mercifully. Some alien world, comes to Earth and begins a worldwide takeover for some reason that is never really made clear. And they are eventually defeated by us, in the almost the exact same fashion in both movies. Bertolini does take a slightly different road to get there, but it's the same story. Somehow, some movie executive thought this was a good idea and bada-bing, we have Battle:LA.
This is two hours of video game like action. There really is no definitive story. There is no drama, and there is no doubt from the first frame what the outcome will be. This is really insulting to the movie paying public, but if you insist on flopping down dough on this thing you have yourself to blame. Cheesy, stupid, predictable, dumb...should I stop? And full of gaping holes. Who are these aliens? Where are they from? What exactly do they want? And above all......how is it there is a civilization out there that can travel light years to earth, plan a calculated worldwide attack, and still be using weapons similar to ours? And can be beaten by our rag tag weaponry? And by the way, how can a group of five regular marines not get killed by these things when everyone has. And oh yeah. These aliens are so advanced with all the above, but they can't shoot a lick at point blank range.
Stunning too, is the amount of movies coming to the theaters that are so young men heavy in their targeting. They keep going, and they keep making them. Lots of guns, things blowing up and no story to mention. This movie is non-stop battle sequences - period, and I don't think these clowns care if one female on earth goes to see this. And I'm guessing that one may be the final count when this is over. It really is a video game, and that's my recommendation. There is not need to see this, when it's far more comfy and less expensive to sit home in your underwear at one in the morning and play a video game.
Sad too, this movie looks like 1,000 other movies that have been made over the past 10 years. Special effects are mundane and unoriginal. You can see the formula, and you know that there is nothing new here after about 15 minutes. Shame on the writer and director of this dog. This is a huge waste of time, resources and money.
Battle:LA. Pay no attention to this garbage. Pitiful and pathetic.
My gosh man, can't you guys at least try to cover up the fact that you're ripping off another movie, and a complete story? Battle:LA is the latest in a series of "end of the world" movies that have been marching to the theaters like a high school band at halftime the past few years. This disaster was written by "veteran" movie writer Christopher Bertolini. I don't know the man, but I know this. I'm confident that he saw Independence Day from the mid 1990's. And I am equally confident that he has played a combat video game. And as a result, it seemed he decided to merge the two for a movie script.
BLA, is virtually the exact same story as the inane Independence Day, just not as long, mercifully. Some alien world, comes to Earth and begins a worldwide takeover for some reason that is never really made clear. And they are eventually defeated by us, in the almost the exact same fashion in both movies. Bertolini does take a slightly different road to get there, but it's the same story. Somehow, some movie executive thought this was a good idea and bada-bing, we have Battle:LA.
This is two hours of video game like action. There really is no definitive story. There is no drama, and there is no doubt from the first frame what the outcome will be. This is really insulting to the movie paying public, but if you insist on flopping down dough on this thing you have yourself to blame. Cheesy, stupid, predictable, dumb...should I stop? And full of gaping holes. Who are these aliens? Where are they from? What exactly do they want? And above all......how is it there is a civilization out there that can travel light years to earth, plan a calculated worldwide attack, and still be using weapons similar to ours? And can be beaten by our rag tag weaponry? And by the way, how can a group of five regular marines not get killed by these things when everyone has. And oh yeah. These aliens are so advanced with all the above, but they can't shoot a lick at point blank range.
Stunning too, is the amount of movies coming to the theaters that are so young men heavy in their targeting. They keep going, and they keep making them. Lots of guns, things blowing up and no story to mention. This movie is non-stop battle sequences - period, and I don't think these clowns care if one female on earth goes to see this. And I'm guessing that one may be the final count when this is over. It really is a video game, and that's my recommendation. There is not need to see this, when it's far more comfy and less expensive to sit home in your underwear at one in the morning and play a video game.
Sad too, this movie looks like 1,000 other movies that have been made over the past 10 years. Special effects are mundane and unoriginal. You can see the formula, and you know that there is nothing new here after about 15 minutes. Shame on the writer and director of this dog. This is a huge waste of time, resources and money.
Battle:LA. Pay no attention to this garbage. Pitiful and pathetic.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
MOV IE REVIEW - Beastly
It's always hard to trash a movie that is riddled with good intentions. So as tempting as it is, I will throttle back and let the new teen flick Beastly off the hook. But not all the way.
Beastly is another tortured-teen love story that is an interesting enough story in its root form. But Beastly develops so many problems along the way, the holes cannot be overlooked. Beastly is a victim of an idea that may have started off OK, but because of budget, limited appeal and some very green talent on both sides of the camera, it falls flat.
Beastly is the story high school senior Kyle. Kyle is a handsome young man who wins class president, and his election platform is, "the world has no use for unattractive people." His incredibly arrogant demeanor has him cross paths with Kendra. Kendra is some kind of witch who puts a spell on him for one year, making him beastly almost hideous looking. And if no woman honestly says "I love you" to him in one year, his new look will be permanent. If so, he will return to normal. Nice enough lesson learning plot.
He then meets Lindy, and attempts to have her fall in love with him by using various tactics, some successful some not so much. Lindy does not know it's Kyle from high school, but thinks his name is Hunter. So the courting is on, and it's a race against time for Kyle. He must change in every regard. Can he do it?
Being kind and with the target audience in mind, Beastly really suffers from some terrible writing, and acting, and overall awkwardness that is really tough to over come. Teens may really like this movie if they find it. And there are certainly worse things for them to be watching. But Beastly really has more of a feel of a music video, or after school special than a movie house flick. It is exceptionally amateurish at times, and spends too much time tying to be all things to all people and not staying focused on the plot at hand. There may just not be enough story here for a 90 minute movie.
Beastly...is not ghastly... but not good. Good intentions and that's not lost here, but off the mark. Certainly a rental at very best in 90 days.
Beastly is another tortured-teen love story that is an interesting enough story in its root form. But Beastly develops so many problems along the way, the holes cannot be overlooked. Beastly is a victim of an idea that may have started off OK, but because of budget, limited appeal and some very green talent on both sides of the camera, it falls flat.
Beastly is the story high school senior Kyle. Kyle is a handsome young man who wins class president, and his election platform is, "the world has no use for unattractive people." His incredibly arrogant demeanor has him cross paths with Kendra. Kendra is some kind of witch who puts a spell on him for one year, making him beastly almost hideous looking. And if no woman honestly says "I love you" to him in one year, his new look will be permanent. If so, he will return to normal. Nice enough lesson learning plot.
He then meets Lindy, and attempts to have her fall in love with him by using various tactics, some successful some not so much. Lindy does not know it's Kyle from high school, but thinks his name is Hunter. So the courting is on, and it's a race against time for Kyle. He must change in every regard. Can he do it?
Being kind and with the target audience in mind, Beastly really suffers from some terrible writing, and acting, and overall awkwardness that is really tough to over come. Teens may really like this movie if they find it. And there are certainly worse things for them to be watching. But Beastly really has more of a feel of a music video, or after school special than a movie house flick. It is exceptionally amateurish at times, and spends too much time tying to be all things to all people and not staying focused on the plot at hand. There may just not be enough story here for a 90 minute movie.
Beastly...is not ghastly... but not good. Good intentions and that's not lost here, but off the mark. Certainly a rental at very best in 90 days.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Rango
It's not often I open up a movie review with this. For what the new Johnny Depp voiced animated movie Rango is, I don't know if it could have been better.
Rango is a very strange little movie about a bunch of lizards that live in the old west it seems, in a fictional ghost town called Dirt. Dirt is in the middle of the desert and has no water at all. Rango (Depp) a little lizard of some kind, somehow ends up as the town Marshall that has none. And he goes on a quest with the love and help of the downtrodden other lizards and rodents and varmints to try to bring hope to this dried up town. I told you this is very strange. Almost too strange to describe here. It borrows an old western story line, water and grazing rights. And makes a pretty strong statement that is applicable to today's world.
Rango has every element needed to be great. A fun story, and a wonderfully developed cast of characters ripped right out of an old Clint Eastwood western. Rango is filmed much in the classic western format, and also a strong influence from the Eastwood camp too. A great hero, fantastic supporting characters, scary and diabolical villains. Rango also sports a terrific western movie soundtrack, and a hilarious narrative mariachi band that jumps in from time to time and helps sing the story along.
Rango is great fun in every regard. I am not a huge animated movie guy. I think there are way too many of them, and most follow the same tired formula invented by Disney years ago. There are exceptions. I have to admit, I have never seen a true western animated movie before. And I expect this may be the last. And I'm good with that. This is so good, it shouldn't be copied. Wonderful voice performances too from Depp, Isla Fisher, Ray Winstone, Ned Beatty, and Abigail Breslin.
Rango. Could be a bit intense at times for very young, there is some language, smoking and some tons of adult humor. This is not a kids movie. Rango is squarely for adults. But very original and very well done.
Rango is a very strange little movie about a bunch of lizards that live in the old west it seems, in a fictional ghost town called Dirt. Dirt is in the middle of the desert and has no water at all. Rango (Depp) a little lizard of some kind, somehow ends up as the town Marshall that has none. And he goes on a quest with the love and help of the downtrodden other lizards and rodents and varmints to try to bring hope to this dried up town. I told you this is very strange. Almost too strange to describe here. It borrows an old western story line, water and grazing rights. And makes a pretty strong statement that is applicable to today's world.
Rango has every element needed to be great. A fun story, and a wonderfully developed cast of characters ripped right out of an old Clint Eastwood western. Rango is filmed much in the classic western format, and also a strong influence from the Eastwood camp too. A great hero, fantastic supporting characters, scary and diabolical villains. Rango also sports a terrific western movie soundtrack, and a hilarious narrative mariachi band that jumps in from time to time and helps sing the story along.
Rango is great fun in every regard. I am not a huge animated movie guy. I think there are way too many of them, and most follow the same tired formula invented by Disney years ago. There are exceptions. I have to admit, I have never seen a true western animated movie before. And I expect this may be the last. And I'm good with that. This is so good, it shouldn't be copied. Wonderful voice performances too from Depp, Isla Fisher, Ray Winstone, Ned Beatty, and Abigail Breslin.
Rango. Could be a bit intense at times for very young, there is some language, smoking and some tons of adult humor. This is not a kids movie. Rango is squarely for adults. But very original and very well done.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A Different Area Code
This week I was fortunate enough to go to Nashville with some really great people from WQMX and attend a national conference with Country Radio. It's called CRS. Radio pros from all across the nation are there.
It is a conference, but I will admit that there are some really great things to do, and performers to see in settings that most do not. I will not try to sell you a bag of goods here, with the word "conference." There is much to learn yes, but there are certainly fun times with unique opportunities for us attending. But this is not a "look what we got to do piece."
Instead, for me just as important as the event itself, was the soul cleansing act of spending a few short days in a different area code. Seeing things you don't see every day and doing some things that are a bit outside your norm. Breathing some different air, walking down a different street, and seeing and meeting new people. There's a certain re-energizing facet to it, that can be equally satisfying. I think in short bursts this can really be good for you from time to time. I was reminded this week how important this can be, and recommend it highly.
It felt great to walk outside less the snow and ice. It was refreshing to shed a coat and heavy shoes and feel the South on your skin, and beneath your feet. Was nice too, not to worry about the mundane things, chores and the like. And it also felt good to be surrounded by good people that you know well, or hardly know at all with the common denominator of the love and passion of what one does for a living.
And after all has been done, it does feel good to come back home. Even if the North is a little tougher on the skin and more slick under foot. But sometimes, having such a great time...in such a short time...is the best time.
All made possible by a trip to a different area code.
It is a conference, but I will admit that there are some really great things to do, and performers to see in settings that most do not. I will not try to sell you a bag of goods here, with the word "conference." There is much to learn yes, but there are certainly fun times with unique opportunities for us attending. But this is not a "look what we got to do piece."
Instead, for me just as important as the event itself, was the soul cleansing act of spending a few short days in a different area code. Seeing things you don't see every day and doing some things that are a bit outside your norm. Breathing some different air, walking down a different street, and seeing and meeting new people. There's a certain re-energizing facet to it, that can be equally satisfying. I think in short bursts this can really be good for you from time to time. I was reminded this week how important this can be, and recommend it highly.
It felt great to walk outside less the snow and ice. It was refreshing to shed a coat and heavy shoes and feel the South on your skin, and beneath your feet. Was nice too, not to worry about the mundane things, chores and the like. And it also felt good to be surrounded by good people that you know well, or hardly know at all with the common denominator of the love and passion of what one does for a living.
And after all has been done, it does feel good to come back home. Even if the North is a little tougher on the skin and more slick under foot. But sometimes, having such a great time...in such a short time...is the best time.
All made possible by a trip to a different area code.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Hall Pass
When you see the previews for the new Owen Wilson movie, Hall Pass you think it's really going to be a bust.
And for the most part, you would be right. Hall Pass from the Farrelly Brothers is the latest in envelope pushing comedies that have become a signature of this movie making duo now for over a decade. This comedy is another in a long line of young men comedies that have been streaking to the box office. What they want is 18 year old guys to flock to these movies and they do in record numbers.
It is becoming more and more difficult for women to go to the movies and really be entertained. This movie is the poster child for this fact. No, there's no real shoot-em-up scenes, or things blowing up, and there are no super-hero's that swoop in and save the day. But it does address the other thing that young men find so fascinating......hot women.
Hall Pass is maybe the most ridiculous premise that young men will not be able to relate to. These young beautiful wives in our story decide to give their mid-life crisis husbands "a week off from marriage to do whatever they want." Yeah, that's gonna happen. So our husbands in or movie run out and of course chase women, try to get them in bed and look absolutely pathetic doing it. You can only imagine what these movie makers with an R-rated movie attached to this piece, end up doing, and how much of it you get to see.
You know, there are moments in all of their movies that are really funny, and worthy of a laugh or two, but they never really stop pushing, and generally end up taking something too far. Then it just gets to be gross. And the young men howl like hyenas. And their girlfriends roll their eyes. But with this premise to begin with, this movie really has no shred of credibility with much of the movie going public. As you become adult, you realize this is so stupid and the joke loses the aura that make most movies really funny. The truth. Although, there are some truths shown about middle aged men, that are quite humorous.
But this movie is not made for adults, it's made for an audience that can not relate to being married, or anything resembling it whatsoever. And they will go, and roll on the floor laughing, at various foul language, body fluids, gross scenes, and hot women. This is a silly, far-fetched flick with a couple of laughs, rolled into a vile-fest.
Hall Pass. - Frat house rental in 90 days.
And for the most part, you would be right. Hall Pass from the Farrelly Brothers is the latest in envelope pushing comedies that have become a signature of this movie making duo now for over a decade. This comedy is another in a long line of young men comedies that have been streaking to the box office. What they want is 18 year old guys to flock to these movies and they do in record numbers.
It is becoming more and more difficult for women to go to the movies and really be entertained. This movie is the poster child for this fact. No, there's no real shoot-em-up scenes, or things blowing up, and there are no super-hero's that swoop in and save the day. But it does address the other thing that young men find so fascinating......hot women.
Hall Pass is maybe the most ridiculous premise that young men will not be able to relate to. These young beautiful wives in our story decide to give their mid-life crisis husbands "a week off from marriage to do whatever they want." Yeah, that's gonna happen. So our husbands in or movie run out and of course chase women, try to get them in bed and look absolutely pathetic doing it. You can only imagine what these movie makers with an R-rated movie attached to this piece, end up doing, and how much of it you get to see.
You know, there are moments in all of their movies that are really funny, and worthy of a laugh or two, but they never really stop pushing, and generally end up taking something too far. Then it just gets to be gross. And the young men howl like hyenas. And their girlfriends roll their eyes. But with this premise to begin with, this movie really has no shred of credibility with much of the movie going public. As you become adult, you realize this is so stupid and the joke loses the aura that make most movies really funny. The truth. Although, there are some truths shown about middle aged men, that are quite humorous.
But this movie is not made for adults, it's made for an audience that can not relate to being married, or anything resembling it whatsoever. And they will go, and roll on the floor laughing, at various foul language, body fluids, gross scenes, and hot women. This is a silly, far-fetched flick with a couple of laughs, rolled into a vile-fest.
Hall Pass. - Frat house rental in 90 days.
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