Saturday, May 31, 2014

MOVIE REVIEW - A Million Ways To Die In The West

Sometimes a comedy comes around with high hopes, and tons of hype that ultimately falls short. That is the new Seth MacFarland comedy.

MacFarland is s creative, talented and funny guy with a most original brand of humor.  He is basically easy to like on screen, and in this piece surrounds himself with good people. This should be a really funny movie, but this does have a bunch of problems.

This movie cannot decide what kind of movie it wants to be.  First off, this is a heavy parody on the classic westerns from the 1960's especially.  And that aspect of this works exceedingly well. Complete with a fun and fresh Copeland inspired western them and soundtrack it does take you back to those days.  There is a bunch within this movie that works well along that line, but sadly that won't be enough for some to carry the day.

Because in the same movie, it is also decided that it wants to be a poop, and pee joke fest.  It also wants to openly and obsessively talk about male, and especially female body parts and how to use them. Both human and animal.  And sadly that will be too much for some, and for others who could care less or even notice the creative underlying parody, there won't be near enough of the above.  In short, it tries to be all things to all peeps, and that generally does not work out.  That was the success of Ted from MacFarland.  It was raunchy edgy and tasteless and that was it's undying theme.  And for those who went, they loved it.  For them, it didn't get watered down with parody and creativity.

This movie also has a ton, and I mean a ton of jokes and gags that fall embarrassingly flat on the ground that were designed for big laughs and got none.   If I may suggest that MacFarland's ego gets in the way time after time. And less of him might ultimately be more.  There are more than a few moments where he ends up horribly embarrassing himself, when it would have been on the cutting room floor. Trouble is, when he writes it, directs it, and produces it, no one is going to tell him there are 15-20 minutes of this where he is amazingly NOT funny - and supposed to be.

This also stars Charlize Theron, Neil Patrick Harris, Giovanni Ribisi, and Sarah Silverman.  Plus, Liam Neeson is very funny as the evil gunslinger Clinch Leatherwood.   It's fun to see him do comedy, and he works in this movie well. But overall, there is just too much to overcome here to be really good.  It's good to see Theron on the screen again, as she is generally likable. But I can't help but wonder if Harris and Silverman read the script all the way through before signing on.  Much of what they are asked to do is simply tasteless over and over again.

A Million Ways To Die In The West.   There won't be near enough raunchy stuff for true MacFarland fans. And too much for the casual fan.  Needs a clearer direction.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

DVD - What's New on Streaming and on DVD This Week

New this week there are some major releases for you on your streaming service or the DVD counter. And there is something for everyone from the Sci-Fi to action, to spiritual.

Keep in mind we only feature major motion picture releases and not straight to video or TV series making their way to DVD.  I will link you back to the my original review (where applicable) so you can rad and help you make an informed decision before you buy, rent, or hit "pay" on your remote.

New This Week

Lone Survivor

Mark Wahlberg's movie that caused quite a stir this winter.  True story of Navy Seals stranded, outnumbered and out gunned in Afghanistan. 

Son Of God

This did remarkably well in theaters, and got a lot of people talking as this chronicles then life of Christ up to, and after the Crucifixion.

In The Blood

The amazing Gina Carano in this action flick.  She is an MMA star, and does her own stunts.  Action with a recognizable cast.

RoboCop

Remake and reboot of the robot cop flick from the 1980's. Big cast, and little fanfare of enthusiasm for this during its theater run.



scott@wqmx.com


Monday, May 26, 2014

MOVIE REVIEW - Blended

Here comes yet another Adam Sandler comedy. We get one about every year this time, and it's always the same.  Critics hate them, and those who choose to go see them, love them.

Sandler had no where to go but up after last summers putrid, Grown Ups 2.  So right off the bat, this one is better than that.  But not by a mile, maybe by a foot or two.  This time Sandler has drug along Drew Barrymore again, and some more of his friends to make his movie that attempts to lampoon the troubles facing today's parents.

Meet Jim (Sandler).  He is a single father of three young girls, whose wife has passed away from cancer a few years earlier.   He goes on a date with Lauren, (Barrymore).  She is a single mother of two young boys after a nasty divorce.  The date is horrible, and they vow not to see each other again.  But as fate would have it, they do, and somehow end up on an African vacation together complete with their kids.   So will they fall in love and end up a blended family?  I'm guessing they will.

Please!  While there are a few nice moments here, and yes there is a few seconds of being poignant,  this looks like it was written in about an hour.  And more than that, it looks like it was an all expense paid trip to Africa for Sandler and his friends.  It's the same old thing in every single movie.   Jokes about formerly "taboo" topics until Sandler has made them a mainstay in this movies.  This is yet another 7th grade level humor piece that is insanely insulting to anyone who has chosen to grow up.  Yes I laughed a few times, but I would hope to. But mostly, this is just the same of junk.

Although this movie has dropped pretty much all of the poop and pee jokes and gags that many previous Sandler movies have, it has ventured into a new level of distasteful humor.  For some reason we are supposed to think it's funny to hear a little girl, about 4, saying highly objectionable things at the wrong times.  And it's not funny.   And that's only scratching the surface of how really bad this is.   

Sandler has fallen so far as a movie maker it's almost sad.  Yes, he does know what makes the infantile laugh, and that's a skill.   But all of this lately is so incredible unimaginative, and looks terribly dated.  But there is money to be made, and I guess there are still those who haven't had enough of people spitting up food, gross humor and  dirty jokes in their lives.

Blended.  It will be a hit, but you may think it is actually funnier... than it honestly is.






Sunday, May 25, 2014

MOVIE REVIEW - X-Men: Days Of Future Past

Truth is, it is really hard work to try to keep up with all of these "superhero" movie series'.  There are so many of them that look and sound the same.  And where are we with this one... or that one? 

X-Men is out this week, and they have assembled all of the remaining characters from the earlier movies, and have attempted for breathe new life into this series.  This or course, has been split off a few times with various characters, example being the Wolverine series with Hugh Jackman. And don't panic. He is here.  In fact, he is the most prominent character.

As we pick up this series, the rival mutant factions are now facing certain death, as an amazing weapon named the Sentinels are here.  They are machines that are immune to the mutants superhero powers as they are made, and powered by mutant DNA.  More notably from one mutant, Raven, who can adapt to look like anyone on earth she wants.  In the 1970's she goes off the deep end and makes it possible for a defense contractor to actually manufacture the Sentinels.

So, as we are in 2023 in our movie, the former rival mutants factions are teamed up and they decide the only way to defeat the Sentinels, is to send Wolverine back in time to 1973, with the help of another mutant with those powers.  They plan is to alter the past, so the Sentinels are never made.  Sound easy enough? That's where we are here.

This is an interesting idea the try to give this series a boost, and some of this is really pretty darn good and interesting.  They do transport you back well to 1973, and there is at times a very good story here.  The trouble is, it holds out as long as it can being new and original, but it eventually becomes and looks like all the others. But that's what people want. And being honest and fair, gets a bit silly near the end.  Should be noted, there is some funny stuff in this movie too, as there is a balance among all the end-of-the-world melodrama.

In this installment, we have Jennifer Lawrence as Raven. And dudes will get to see plenty of her (or more than likely someone who looks like her) in skin tight costumes that leave little to nothing the imagination.  All the while doing insanely athletic things.  The rest of the cast is here, Jackman, Patrick Stewart,  Ian McKellen, Halle Berry (who is virtually not in this movie), Ellen Page, (same) and many others.  They have also brought some new actors in, to play younger versions of some of our main characters in 1973.  Namely, James McAvoy, and Micheal Fassbender

After seeing this, it is becoming clear that it's a good thing that Marvel and DC Comics wrote all those comic books.  If not, I don't know what kind of movies they would be making these days.  This craze has been going on for years now, and there seems to be no evidence of slowing down anytime soon.  This will be a major hit, as people have been waiting for a while for this.  And it's not a bad movie at all.  It's just kind of the same movie  - again.    And if you are not up to speed on the X-Men series, go see Godzilla instead as you will be totally lost.  (Not to be an X-Men snob or anything). 

Maybe that's the next movie, X-Men meet Godzilla.  


Thursday, May 22, 2014

New This Weekend on Streaming and DVD

It's Memorial Day weekend, and lots of family time which may include video rental, or something fun to watch on your streaming service.  This week, a bunch of movies from the horrible weather winter, and you may not have ventured out in the cold to see these.

We only show new releases that are major motion pictures and not straight to video, or specific seasons of TV shows making their way to DVD.   Where applicable, I will link you back to my original review to help you make an informed decision before you rent, buy, or push pay on your TV remote.

New This Week

The Monuments Men 

A huge cast starring George Clooney, and a story that you don't know. Original, although a good movie, not the Oscar-worthy film many thought it might be. Cate Blanchett is amazing.

Pompeii

Immense box office flop.  This got lost in a world where these kind of movies all look the same.

3 Days To Kill

Kevin Costner, Amber Heard and Hailee Steinfeld star in this CIA thriller, action comedy of sorts. This was a mild hit, and I liked it more than most.

About Last Night

Kevin Hart comedies are huge!  And so was this. Funny, very adult.

scott@wqmx.com

Friday, May 16, 2014

MOVIE REVIEW - Godzilla

They have been making Godzilla movies now for 60 years.  2014 marks Toho Productions iconic monster figure officially 60.

The new Godzilla has a whole lot of toys, bells and whistles that the 1954 original with Raymond Burr, or the silly rubber suited ones of the 1960's didn't.  Today, we have computer generation animation, IMAX, incredible 3-D, plus movie making in general has spring forward leaps and bounds.  While all of that is used in the new 2014 version of Godzilla, that isn't what makes it good alone.  

They have rebooted Godzilla for a whole new era of movie goers that maybe have never seen one of the previous 28 Godzilla movies.  It goes back to the beginning and borrows the underlying theme from the 1954 original.  Then, it was only 9 years after the real atomic bomb dropping on Hiroshima, and the original made social commentary on the dangers of atomic power, and the new atomic age.  Godzilla, long thought to be a mythical almost God-like serpent was awakened and created by nuclear blasts and tests and wreaked havoc on Japan. 

In today's version there are new monsters to tend with.  After a mining accident in the Philippines in 1999, a horrible radiation eating monster is discovered, and causes a huge nuclear power plant accident in Japan.  They try to cover it up for 15 years, and do, until another accident from a government experiment goes wrong, and our radiation eating monster is one the loose.   He is so dangerous, because he makes all electrical activity in a huge radius non-existent, as he is insanely radioactive.  There is also loud commentary made here on the vulnerability of losing the power grid, and its possible devastating effects. Suddenly the world's balance of power is out of balance.

Enter Godzilla.  Godzilla is an "alpha-predator" and has resurfaced to balance things out. He is the only hope for man, as all of our weapons are obsolete, with no power.  Godzilla has sensed that there is challenge to his power, as top of the food chain rule and he intends to rid the world of these horrible monsters on his own.  All of our weapons are useless with no power, and humanity stands defenseless.

Yeah, this is science fiction, and good sci-fi to boot.  In an era where there is no shortage of superheros, with amazing gadgetry, and technology, it's good to have a hero that is a good old 500 foot tall fire breathing dinosaur like creature.  This is a throwback to an past era, and is pretty darn good movie making for what it is. This is simply summer fun.  Buy a big tub of corn, grab a soda and sit back and watch.

Godzilla checks in at only 2 hours, and doesn't wear out its welcome.  Also, it does not become fatiguing with way too long of battle or action scenes.  This boasts a real good cast with Bryan Cranston, Juliette Binoche, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, David Strathairn, and the talented Ashley Olsen. Oh, yeah, and Godzilla.  It is PG-13, is not overly intense, but is action packed especially near the end.  For those who are Godzilla veterans, it will be good to see an old friend again, and for those new to the whole thing, this is a good introduction.

Godzilla.  Good summer sci-fi fun.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Kim Kardashian Plays Football?

There's been a whole lot of buzz about the Browns drafting Johnny Manziel in the NFL draft.  It's been a long time since a Cleveland team has laid claim to a big time popular athlete. One that is actually bigger than the game.  Well we've got one now.  Manziel is immensely popular, but can he play in the NFL?

This whole thing kind of reminds me of the Kim Kardashian phenomenon.  She was born into real affluence, is incredibly popular and been raised to heights unimaginable a few years ago. And why?   Her TV show, and it has snowballed since, with memorable selfies, and marrying famous athletes and controversial singers.  Kim is very beautiful, and insanely curvaceous in popular areas.  She seems entitled, loves the bling, the high roller lifestyle, fabulous clothes, and fame.  But what is she actually  good at?  That's a fair question.  What she is good at is breaking the rules, living outside of her fans lives, all the while making them wanting to live hers. That is no small feat. Making others wanting to live your life and getting paid for it?  She is popular for simply being popular.

I don't know if Kimmy K can play football or not.  But for some reason, those who have far less than her, are so willing to make sure she gets more by supporting all of her endeavours and making sure she stays relevant.  Johnny Manziel is the male Kim Kardashian.  But there are a few differences... clearly.  Manziel can play football.  He won the Heisman Trophy, and played in a small handful of very exciting college football games in the nation's best college football conference.  He did not win any championships, and only spent two years at Texas A&M. He is an exciting player.  All of that is true.

But now he's a Cleveland Brown, and the local dudes are going hog wild!  He's another young guy, born into real affluence.  He breaks all the rules, seems entitled, and does his own thing just like KK.  He is going to be hugely rich before he takes one step onto an NFL field whenever that is.  He is a bad boy in a sense, gets in trouble, and makes waves.  He lives outside of his fans lives and makes them want to live his.  Sound familiar?  He's brash, confident, and seems eager for prime time.  Dudes love everything about him. They have us winning the Superbowl with him at the helm - this year!  And they honestly don't even know if he can play at this level. But he and Kim, do have another big difference....or two.  

The proof will eventually be in the pudding. Manziel will either win football games or not when he gets his chance - period. While Manziel is either tossing touchdowns, or getting his brains beat out, Kimmy will still be on top tweeting away.  If Johnny is bombing out, the fact that he is bigger than the game, and the entire draft will fade away.  Oh it will take a while. Dudes will make excuses for their hero until it becomes so obvious that they have hitched their wagon to the wrong horse.  But if that's the case, they will pick up and move on to the next flavor of the month, some kid they don't know today who is about in the 8th grade throwing passes this fall. And Manziel will go the way of Cleveland sports trivia lore ala Mike Junkin, Luke Witte, and Gomer Hodge.

But if Manziel cuts through and somehow graciously moves the local kid Brian Hoyer aside, and becomes the Browns for real future on the field, this area could be in for a real treat.  Unlike Kardashian, Manziel will have an absolute barometer of success, and not just for being famous.  He wants to win, and he could be big time exciting to watch.  And if that scenario plays out, this area could be on it's ear for the next decade as the legend takes hold.  Especially if Manziel totally embraces his role here as a player and a citizen in a working mans town.  But he has a decision to make.  Do I want to be Kimmy K, or Johnny Football?  Truth is, he's a rock star to his fans, and so is she.  We don't often get a player that is bigger in theory than the sport itself, and now he is here.
So will he be the future that we have been waiting for? 

Or does Kim Kardashian play football?


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

New On Streaming and DVD This Week

After a very slow week last week, we have some major releases this week.  We have an Oscar nominated for best picture flick, an action flick and a buddy comedy.  So in short, something for everything.

Keep in mind, we only feature major motion picture releases here, and no TV series, or straight to DVD's.  I also will link you back to my original review (where applicable) to help you make an informed decision before you rent, buy or hit pay on your remote.

New This Week

Her

A big cast with Joaquin  Phoenix, Amy Adams and a great voice performance by Scarlett Johansson.  This is an acquired taste, as our main character has a relationship with his computer operating system in the near future. Some say very creative, some say creepy.

I, Frankenstein

A huge box office flop from early in the calender year.  Aaron Eckart in this new adaptation of the classic.

That Awkward Moment

Buddy comedy that did have some funny moments, and some extreme raunchiness.  Again, this is an acquired taste


scott@wqmx.com

Monday, May 12, 2014

MOVIE REVIEW - Neighbors

Seth Rogen and Zac Efron are together in the new raunchy comedy, Neighbors is out in a big way this week. A huge opening weekend of about 52 million dollars.

This is no Animal House, but there are some pretty funny moments in this movie. Clearly, this was inspired by the 1970's classic, as a bad boy college fraternity is facing expulsion and cause huge trouble in the neighborhood.   But, this goes places that Animal House never could because of the era, or did because of peoples' tolerance.  Times have changed.

This is the story of Mac (Rogen), and Kelly (Rose Byrne). They are a young married couple that have a little baby girl.  Then a frat moves in next door to them, with Teddy (Efron) as its president.   Mac and Kelly are concerned that the frat will make too much noise, and cause general havoc in the quiet area. So they try to befriend the boys by partying with them.  And they succeed. Then one night as the boys are out of control, they call the police on them, the worm turns, and now they are not the friends they once were.  So the battle of gags is on, to see who will eventually win the battle.  That's as deep as this goes.

First off, there are plenty of laughs here.   But before we dive in there, there is some funny parody here as well.   They do a very good job of lampooning modern young parenting that goes on today.  I also thought at times this made funny commentary on millennials in general and their lifestyle.  There are some really funny sight gags that are great laughs. Trouble is, they would have been far funnier if we hadn't seen them in the trailers for 6 months beforehand.  There is much that will make you laugh in this movie.

But much of this movie is fairly raunchy and sophomoric.   Rogen, who is funny, continues to deepen his bond with his audience with more heavy drug recreational drug use, and drinking himself into a coma.  Plus, the continued, and almost agonizing infatuation with private body parts, is starting to get a bit concerning.   But he as much as anyone knows what tons of his core want to laugh at and think is funny.  And he continues to give it to them. This is a hard R rated movie.  Sadly, there are a few scenes here that will cross the line for some.  They do go for a shock factor a time or two, and they get it.  You might want to leave Nana at home. 

This movie though is wonderfully cast.   Rogen is pretty darn funny as the 35 ish year old Mac, and Efron is really beliveable as the up-to-no-good Teddy.  I especially thought Rose Byrne was hilarious at times as the in over-her-head Kelly.  There by and large is no supporting cast to mention, as this is a big ensemble cast beyond our stars.  The one thing this movie does very well is show just how fast things change in our world today.  The frat thinks that our couple is old, and that they are young. It also showcases that the generation gap that exists today, is between people far closer in age than in days gone by.  That was pretty funny as well.

Neighbors.  Yeah it's funny at times, but an acquired taste -  not for all.


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Mothers Day - Gifts From Mom

Mothers Day is a day we aside to honor mom and give her the day off in a sense.  But that in itself is ironic.  Sure, mom loves the idea of having a day that honors and recognizes her only, but she really doesn't want the "day off."  Mom's love being moms every day.  Although she won't miss a day of not having to the the mundane stuff.  But in short order, most moms miss that too.

You never stop learning from your mom. My mom is 86.  One of the cool things my mom gives us, is that being 86 doesn't bother her.  Sure, there's all the stuff that goes with being that age, but overall her health has been great, and she is fortunate.  And she knows it, as there is never any whining.  She still drives some, lives on the 2 and a half acres I grew up on in a big old farm house that is 160 years old with her big dog, Summer.  She has owned that house since 1957, when she and my dad bought it for $25,000 and had to stress on how to come up with a whopping $1,000 down payment and then have a mortgage of $147 a month.  And she added on to it three times in the past 10 years.  That turned all of our heads, but now I am glad she did.

She doesn't complain about her age, instead embraces it, and builds on. She used to say, "No one likes a complainer." (Except for other complainers).   She finally retired from being a college professor of  speech and theater at 75.  She taught us too, that working is a good thing, and that it goes far beyond simply the money.  That good and passionate work helps give our lives meaning from within.  She also redefined "work" for me. That it's not really "work" at all.  She loved what she did for decades, and when she didn't love it anymore, she retired.  Another great move.  She said, and still says that working is good for you, and makes you happy. In short, she taught me to find something to do for a living that I love.  And I did.

She always has some kind of project going. She designed all three room additions to her old house and had an active role in building them.  And now she paints. And man, can she paint. Mostly restoring old furniture pieces that are made into works of art. My house is full of them, that she has been generous enough to give me. In fact, my brother and sisters houses are loaded with her art. She calls it her work.  All donated to us - by mom.

On Mothers Day, I know we all see posts and things that brag about moms, and how perfect they are, and we all know within that is really figurative.  My mom has her faults like we all do, and I'm not blind to that. But I always think that's been the strength of my relationship with her.  I look at my mom as a real, not a mythical person, who is fallible like we all are. And that allows me open my mind wider and absorb the good far more easily and honestly, when I have previously accepted the faults.

She has never slowed down, and I think that is the best example of all.  My dad died when she was 50, and I was 16.  She never remarried, (she said my dad was a tough act to follow).  And she knuckled down and worked hard.  Teaching college, extra classes, weekend college, and even consulted executives at major corporations on how to speak more effectively.  She didn't lose her house and is enjoying a retirement that is enviable.

When she called it quits, she had something to do - every day.  Painting her paintings, her furniture, writing plays, acting some still, and always looking forward to her next project, loving what she is doing.  All I've had to do is watch, and learn.  That work is not really work when you are practicing your passion.

I think I inherited that from her - and my dad.  But mostly from her since she's made all the way ton here, and he was only allowed to go so far.   She gives credence to the saying, "Find something you love, and you never work a day in your life." That is apt here, and in life in general. Her natural and unintended example is a gift that I will carry with me till I'm 86, if I am allowed to go that far.

Thanks, and Happy Mothers Day  - to your mom and all moms.




Monday, May 5, 2014

LOCAL GOLF - Golf Course Review - Sugarbush

Course:  Sugarbush Golf Club

Locations:  Garrettsville, Portage County

Directions: On Rt. 88  with access near Rt. 422 and Ohio Turnpike

Driving Time:  50 minutes from Cleveland, 30 from Akron, 40 from Medina

Dewsweepers Tee Time Was: 648

Sugarbush Website


It's always fun to look forward to playing a new course you have never played.  We had always heard good things about Sugarbush, but our Sunday Morning Tour had never made it there. Why did we wait so long?  Sugarbush is a gem of a golf course in every way.  We can not tell you how much we loved this place in its entirety.

Sugarbush is out in the trees in Portage County, built in the mid 1960's.  It is a course of decent length, with a nice amount of everything to make this very challenging.  Before we go on, we need t tell you this is "big boy" golf.  Sugarbush is not a course really for beginners.  More on that in a minute. But what Sugarbush is, is unspoiled. A simple and quaint clubhouse, old school golf course design, and real authenticity to it that make this a really great golf experience. There are fancier courses with bigger facilities, smoother cart paths, and a bigger sense of flash.  But few public golf courses are a nice as this.

This terrific track has a nice mix of sand, water, tons of trees, protected greens and a wonderful design. Par 72 with a story of 2 separate 9's.  The front is longer, and a bit more open.  But don't be fooled. This is a tough 9.  Almost all greens are elevated and undulated, sloped and fast.  And I mean very fast.  A Facebook friend of mine named Glenn Duncan posted, "STAY BELOW THE HOLE!"  And that is apt.  Sheesh!  When we did, we played well. When we didn't we got chewed up. 

When reading the score card you think the back will play a bit easier, as it is 500 less yards, but you would be wrong.  It is tighter with more blind shots, and more slick, and fast greens.  On this Sunday, these greens were holding wonderfully, and putting exceptionally fast.  With murderous pin locations that made this insanely challenging.  Many pins were way up front, or very deep, and the ones that were center, were seldom on a flat area.  There are many false fronts on these elevated greens that make your approach shots really tough.  And although it didn't happen to me, there were a few short shots made today that rolled back to us after not making it to the greens.

And putting? The greens were fast and true, and did pretty much what you thought they would. But speed is everything here. If you were above the hole, you better make the putt, or you were looking at a tough comeback.  3 putting and  a difficult short game is where we all lost our rounds.  But, this is a fair course. You just need to play it a time or two. And we will.  You also have to decide where on the greens you want the ball before you approach.  Tough for us amateurs.  I will post the scores in a few, and it should be noted, we all hit the ball very well, and kept it in play most of the time.  But pretty much all strokes over our normal scores were on and around the greens. You don't play many public courses that are this tough around the greens. 

There is a wonderful authenticity to this place that is tough to replicate. Up hill, down hill, twisting and turning with a great mixture of everything you want when you play a tough course.  The rates are very good for this level of play, and the service was incredibly friendly, and even have a "course dog" Tuna, that greets you early in the morning when you arrive as we did at 630 today.

Sugarbush.  This golf course is sensational in every single way.  One play, and it's already one of our favorites. Worth the drive from anywhere. And although a friendly place, this course will be enjoyed far more by golfers that can play well overall, very challenging.  As an amateur if you shoot around bogey golf as we did, you have done well.  To score here, you must have a well above average short game. We can't wait to go back.  And we will later this summer.

Scores

Beef  - 90
Wynn  -  91
Bryan  - 93
Joe Red  - 96

Next week, we tee it up at Astorhurst in the Metroparks.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

MOVIE REVIEWN - The Amazing Spiderman 2

Lot's of hype for this, and sadly this gets caught up in its own web.

The Amazing Spiderman 2 is 2 hours and 21 minutes, and a whole lot of this is simply not very good.  This version of this franchise has a lot of difficulties long before this came out this week.  We may be "Spidermanned" to death with the old series.  There's just simply not more to say and do. I think the goal here is to wow you with so much IMAX, 3D, and high flying Spiderman heroics that you will look past the flaws.  You more than likely won't.   Die hard fans of course loved this movie even before they saw one frame.  Let's see if we were watching the same movie.

This has been sanitized so much it has been brought down to about a 10 year old level.  And that's not a bad thing if the deeper parts of the story would match. But they don't.  To it's credit, there is no profanity, and nothing really objectionable to get upset the family viewing applecart.  But this movie tries to make a ton of social commentary that looks silly in the end and shoots over a ten years old's head. 

Spiderman is facing a villain called Electro (Jamie Foxx)  He is basically a big bunch of electricity that is terrorizing New York City.  He was an electrical engineer that designed the East Coast Power Grid. But after a terrible industrial accident he becomes this horrible "electrical terrorist" of sorts.  The accident took place in a defense contractors lab.  Or course, they are horrible people that can't be trusted. They have sold out tons of secrets to foreign countries for money.  They are also amazingly corrupt, and only out for themselves the world be damned.

Electro starts to rob the East Coast of it's electricity, and it's up to Spiderman to save us. Guess what?  He does!   But in the midst of battling Electro, Spiderman's arch nemesis, The Green Goblin is born, and now we have to deal with him in the next ill-advised episode of this franchise.  This movie also brings to light just how vulnerable we may be to power robbing terrorism, and there may be a certain truth to that. But it shows no real ramifications of it. Opportunity missed.

This is also not casted very well.  I am a big Emma Stone fan, but her in this franchise as Spidey's love interest is simply silly. Stone is a beautiful, grown up real woman.  I am having a tough time with her playing someone just graduating high school.  She looks 25...and IS!  Plus, she is so above this, and that just glares at you.  "Why are you in this movie?  You should be in grown up roles now, you are a grown woman."  But that money is just too much.  The rest of the cast is fair, and that's being kind.

This is a movie that looks like it's trying so hard to be different from the other movies, that is ends up looking silly.  Lot's of flying around, lots of spinning webs, lots of things moving about a thousand miles per hour.   Also, there is some fun humor, and some of the feeling from the old TV cartoon, and comic book that actually is well done.  But in the end, this franchise has worn out its welcome, and the next one more than likely will be agonizing as there is really no place else to go with it.

The Amazing Spiderman 2.   In the end, enough is enough. Time to let this go.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

MOVIE REVIEW - The Quiet Ones

Here comes another scary movie that somehow forgot to be "scary."  The paranormal story of The Quiet Ones.

This movie is based on "actual events" from England in 1974 of a scientific experiment that began at Oxford, and ended up as a private affair.  It's the story of a college relentless professor and some of his students as they observe, document and try to unlock the secret of a "possessed" young woman.   The woman has a spirit living within that manifests itself and is tearing this woman apart. But who, or what is this spirit really?  Can they successfully remove the spirit and allow this subject to live a regular life?  Or is this spirit dangerous to them and to her? That is The Quiet Ones.

This will be short and sweet. This movie looks, sounds, and feels like 10,000 other movies that have come before it.  Everything about this is typical, and basic.  Lots of shadows, lots of banging, and a flash or two here and there of something different, and mildly compelling. But sadly, not near enough.  This is about as predictable as anything you will ever pay to see.  And it's another picture where after wading through this quagmire for almost 2 hours, you will learn nothing, and have absolutely no answers to the questions you may be asking yourself.  If you can stay awake.

I am growing a bit weary of these "based on actual event" movies of stories you have never heard of in any way.  And isn't is funny that all of them are about some kind of paranormal activity where in there end there are no answers, and nothing really resolved.  That's bad enough, but the real problem here is, it's not even close to being scary, horrifying, frightening or anything like that.  There is just frankly no reason to go.  This is non-compelling and this just lays there, sleeping...just like I almost was, and you might be.

The Quiet Ones.  It's quiet alright, a little too quiet. It'll put you to sleep!