When you see the TV commercials for Charlie Bartlett don't be fooled. What you think you're going to get and what you do get are two completely different things.
Charlie Bartlett is a very quirky little movie, with quirky characters, and an equally quirky soundtrack. It's the story of a stinking rich 17 year old whose been tossed out of countless private schools for various degrees of shenanigans, and finally ends up a public high school. After initially failing to connect with his piers, he goes on to become the most popular in his class by leading the charge against....well everything. He becomes a dealer of prescription drugs, a non professional psychologist who hold sessions in bathroom stalls, and the lead voice this group of misfits never had. He also dates the principals daughter and about drives him out of his mind.
OK, first of all, this is an R rated movie and well deserved. This is not the real feel good movie that the TV spots would suggest. This is a movie that takes on many of the obstacles that face young people today and puts them into focus. It also speaks to the new problems of a generation out of high school for 10 -12 years. But maybe more importantly, it speaks to all of us on the personal demons we all have on some level or another, and if we choose to face them or not.
Charlie Bartlett is not for everyone. It's tough to watch at times, and deals with some heavy teen issues too. One thing I think is very skillfully done here, is that while this movie feels very real, you also know the whole time that this IS a story in a movie and that saves you from really losing hope for it characters. To enjoy Charlie Bartlett, I think you really have to love going to the movies. This is not for the twice a year movie goer.
But Charlie Bartlett is not a bad movie either. I was not thrilled with every frame in every scene, but in the end I rather enjoyed the sum of all the parts. True, it is not world changing cinema, but little is. Charlie Bartlett will be a big date movie with young adults, but might be worth a view for parents too. Just in case you think you may know a Charlie Bartlett.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
No Buzz For Oscar
The Academy Awards are traditionally one of the biggest events of year and officially they will be again this year. The TV ratings will be good, and so will the cost per commercial. But many fans this year I feeling left out and in the cold.
There's usually a lot of anticipation leading up to the Oscars. Fun quips like "1 hour of top notch entertainment, spread out over a 4 hour show." Plus the wonderment if your favorite flick if going to win anything this year. But there just doesn't seem to be the "buzz" this year. Hollywood had a great year at the box office, tough not to at 9-13 bones per ticket. Plus there were some really great movies made. But this year Oscar is getting thrown around by many circumstances beyond his control.
Maybe more than any year ever, the Oscar nominations were dominated by movies that many in the movie going public did not see or really embrace. This is nothing new, but it's really glaring this year. Dynasty's are good for sports and entertainment, but this year there is no Titanic. Fans are having a tough time latching on to a favorite flick.
Juno, There Will Be Blood, Micheal Clayton, No Country For Old Men, and Atonement, are some of the most nominated movies and are all really good. But for the most part their message is heavy, and dark. Some would say reflective of the times and they may be right, but it's not really conducive to creating "buzz."
Oscar is also under siege from it own. There are so many other award shows that are flashier that lead up to the Academy Awards. Over time we may be tired of watching Hollywood pat itself on the back time and time again in the months leading up to it's really big show. Oscar has a lightweight host too this year. John Stewart is a real fan favorite for some, but by and large he misses with the majority of Americans. His show at 11pm on Comedy Central is a long way from mainstream TV. No buzz before the broadcast.
We must face this too. The Writers strike didn't help. It doesn't sit well with most regular people to see what is perceived by most as privileged people walking the picket lines screaming that they are not rich enough. Fans really didn't like it with Major League Baseball, or Hockey and they didn't care for it much here either. From a public relations standpoint too, it didn't help that the trillionaire actors were out in support of them every day on national TV. But it's over and we can all movie on.
Be mindful when you watch the Oscars or read about them online the next day, they are voted on by the Academy and not by one fan anywhere. Same can be said by many other award shows too. It's what THEY choose to honor and not us and that's fine. It's their show, and they should be able to do what they want.
So the time has come and I'll go out on a limb and do my share to create some buzz.....and the Oscar goes to - Best Actor- Daniel Day Lewis (There Will Be Blood) Best Actress - Ellen Page (Juno) Best Supporting Actor - Javier Bardiem (No Country For Old Men) Best Supporting Actress - Ruby Dee (American Gangster.) Best Picture - No Country For Old Men. Dark horse - The movie Micheal Clayton and it's nominees.
Pass the popcorn, the show is about to begin!
There's usually a lot of anticipation leading up to the Oscars. Fun quips like "1 hour of top notch entertainment, spread out over a 4 hour show." Plus the wonderment if your favorite flick if going to win anything this year. But there just doesn't seem to be the "buzz" this year. Hollywood had a great year at the box office, tough not to at 9-13 bones per ticket. Plus there were some really great movies made. But this year Oscar is getting thrown around by many circumstances beyond his control.
Maybe more than any year ever, the Oscar nominations were dominated by movies that many in the movie going public did not see or really embrace. This is nothing new, but it's really glaring this year. Dynasty's are good for sports and entertainment, but this year there is no Titanic. Fans are having a tough time latching on to a favorite flick.
Juno, There Will Be Blood, Micheal Clayton, No Country For Old Men, and Atonement, are some of the most nominated movies and are all really good. But for the most part their message is heavy, and dark. Some would say reflective of the times and they may be right, but it's not really conducive to creating "buzz."
Oscar is also under siege from it own. There are so many other award shows that are flashier that lead up to the Academy Awards. Over time we may be tired of watching Hollywood pat itself on the back time and time again in the months leading up to it's really big show. Oscar has a lightweight host too this year. John Stewart is a real fan favorite for some, but by and large he misses with the majority of Americans. His show at 11pm on Comedy Central is a long way from mainstream TV. No buzz before the broadcast.
We must face this too. The Writers strike didn't help. It doesn't sit well with most regular people to see what is perceived by most as privileged people walking the picket lines screaming that they are not rich enough. Fans really didn't like it with Major League Baseball, or Hockey and they didn't care for it much here either. From a public relations standpoint too, it didn't help that the trillionaire actors were out in support of them every day on national TV. But it's over and we can all movie on.
Be mindful when you watch the Oscars or read about them online the next day, they are voted on by the Academy and not by one fan anywhere. Same can be said by many other award shows too. It's what THEY choose to honor and not us and that's fine. It's their show, and they should be able to do what they want.
So the time has come and I'll go out on a limb and do my share to create some buzz.....and the Oscar goes to - Best Actor- Daniel Day Lewis (There Will Be Blood) Best Actress - Ellen Page (Juno) Best Supporting Actor - Javier Bardiem (No Country For Old Men) Best Supporting Actress - Ruby Dee (American Gangster.) Best Picture - No Country For Old Men. Dark horse - The movie Micheal Clayton and it's nominees.
Pass the popcorn, the show is about to begin!
Friday, February 22, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Vantage Point
Sometimes you buy your ticket and settle in for what you hope will be a really good and interesting movie. Vantage Point is not that movie.
I have to admit the whole idea of Vantage Point seems good enough at first glance. This movie stars a ton of well-known Hollywood actors, but in the end there are no real "performances" here. It's kind of a concept piece. It's the story of a tough-on terror American President who is assassinated in Spain as part of a world summit on terror. The assassination scene is then told over and over again from different points of view from various eyewitnesses. I was interested.
But as Vantage Point unveils, the story becomes 100% unbelievable - and that's a shame. The idea was good enough. Just a footnote, if you are uncomfortable with an anti-American message and agenda, than Vantage Point will not be an enjoyable night out.
In Vantage Point, the inept, bumbling, grey haired, top departments of our government are easily infiltrated and compromised by the highly sophisticated, very attractive, young terrorists that make killing the President look easy. Amazingly a group of 4, almost without incident are way smarter and more organized than the Secret Service and the executive branch of the government combined. Plus at the conclusion, Vantage Point takes a story changing twist that is almost laughable. I'll leave it at that.
They then cram all this action into about 90 chaotic minutes. Chaotic being the operative word. I think too the movie makers thought they were making a "smart thinking-mans movie." They didn't. If you can grasp the flash-back formula, (and who can't) you don't have to do a lot of thinking here.
To it's credit it Vantage Point does zip along with good pace and they don't weigh it down with a love story side plot that sometimes accompany movies like this. Vantage Point should have been better. The idea was there. The actors were there. The budget was there. Sadly, it just doesn't work.
I have to admit the whole idea of Vantage Point seems good enough at first glance. This movie stars a ton of well-known Hollywood actors, but in the end there are no real "performances" here. It's kind of a concept piece. It's the story of a tough-on terror American President who is assassinated in Spain as part of a world summit on terror. The assassination scene is then told over and over again from different points of view from various eyewitnesses. I was interested.
But as Vantage Point unveils, the story becomes 100% unbelievable - and that's a shame. The idea was good enough. Just a footnote, if you are uncomfortable with an anti-American message and agenda, than Vantage Point will not be an enjoyable night out.
In Vantage Point, the inept, bumbling, grey haired, top departments of our government are easily infiltrated and compromised by the highly sophisticated, very attractive, young terrorists that make killing the President look easy. Amazingly a group of 4, almost without incident are way smarter and more organized than the Secret Service and the executive branch of the government combined. Plus at the conclusion, Vantage Point takes a story changing twist that is almost laughable. I'll leave it at that.
They then cram all this action into about 90 chaotic minutes. Chaotic being the operative word. I think too the movie makers thought they were making a "smart thinking-mans movie." They didn't. If you can grasp the flash-back formula, (and who can't) you don't have to do a lot of thinking here.
To it's credit it Vantage Point does zip along with good pace and they don't weigh it down with a love story side plot that sometimes accompany movies like this. Vantage Point should have been better. The idea was there. The actors were there. The budget was there. Sadly, it just doesn't work.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Less Would Be More!
Well here we are in the middle of the campaign for President and the question is, are you tired of the whole thing yet? Just think we still have 8 months to go!
The whole thing should be shorter and easier and I'm here to help. So no matter what party you claim or who your candidate is let's take 5 minutes and reform the system shall we?
First - Debates - Since most important questions in politics are Yes or No questions, and no candidate ever comes close to saying those two words in the current debating climate, let's make it mandatory. Have 25 questions asked by some regular Joe. Make the questions fair and honest and we expect answers the same in return. Yes or No. First one to NOT answer, yes or no, loses. It's clear and we all can learn the truth, plus they are on the record - no mistake. That was easy. Footnote - None of us wants to hear them babbling anyway.
Second - Money - Candidates now currently spend a seemingly unending supply of other peoples money to convince us that they really know how to budget and spend OUR money responsibly if elected. Solution, candidates are only allowed a certain same amount, and let's see how effectively they spend it. Just like you and I have to do. Simple again.
Third - No Negative Ads - If you really made candidates say how they are actually qualified for the job, then we could really learn if that's true or not. Plus we'd all feel a lot better about who we eventually DO vote for. That's just human nature. This is easier than I thought!
Fourth - One Term - Go ahead and lengthen it if you want I'm good with that. But upon further review, after you get the biggest job on earth you should probably spend your time actually DOING it, and NOT spending the first four years re-applying for it again. Here I am ..alone again in the common sense zone!
And Finally this - We don't start the 2008 Major League Baseball season in 2006. The campaign should start January 1st of the election year. Primaries over by summer, conventions should take 2 days, and let's get on with it. You and I know this could be done.
One more thing - Candidates should NOT be allowed to pretend they are "thrilled" to be everywhere. Example - "I am just THRILLED to be in (your small town) and I love what you stand for!" Loud applause. If they do choose to say that, they should be made to put this disclaimer on it. "And after today, if elected, I will NEVER, EVER come back here again unless there is some kind of huge national news worthy event here, and only if the network TV cameras are here and rolling first - But I DO love you!" It would be tough to hear - but honest.
How is it that one man can fix this problem in about 5 minutes on his home computer and Congress would debate it endlessly with no real change? Look, it's obvious these reforms are tongue- in- cheek and not likely to be adopted any time soon. But a man can dream can't he?
The whole thing should be shorter and easier and I'm here to help. So no matter what party you claim or who your candidate is let's take 5 minutes and reform the system shall we?
First - Debates - Since most important questions in politics are Yes or No questions, and no candidate ever comes close to saying those two words in the current debating climate, let's make it mandatory. Have 25 questions asked by some regular Joe. Make the questions fair and honest and we expect answers the same in return. Yes or No. First one to NOT answer, yes or no, loses. It's clear and we all can learn the truth, plus they are on the record - no mistake. That was easy. Footnote - None of us wants to hear them babbling anyway.
Second - Money - Candidates now currently spend a seemingly unending supply of other peoples money to convince us that they really know how to budget and spend OUR money responsibly if elected. Solution, candidates are only allowed a certain same amount, and let's see how effectively they spend it. Just like you and I have to do. Simple again.
Third - No Negative Ads - If you really made candidates say how they are actually qualified for the job, then we could really learn if that's true or not. Plus we'd all feel a lot better about who we eventually DO vote for. That's just human nature. This is easier than I thought!
Fourth - One Term - Go ahead and lengthen it if you want I'm good with that. But upon further review, after you get the biggest job on earth you should probably spend your time actually DOING it, and NOT spending the first four years re-applying for it again. Here I am ..alone again in the common sense zone!
And Finally this - We don't start the 2008 Major League Baseball season in 2006. The campaign should start January 1st of the election year. Primaries over by summer, conventions should take 2 days, and let's get on with it. You and I know this could be done.
One more thing - Candidates should NOT be allowed to pretend they are "thrilled" to be everywhere. Example - "I am just THRILLED to be in (your small town) and I love what you stand for!" Loud applause. If they do choose to say that, they should be made to put this disclaimer on it. "And after today, if elected, I will NEVER, EVER come back here again unless there is some kind of huge national news worthy event here, and only if the network TV cameras are here and rolling first - But I DO love you!" It would be tough to hear - but honest.
How is it that one man can fix this problem in about 5 minutes on his home computer and Congress would debate it endlessly with no real change? Look, it's obvious these reforms are tongue- in- cheek and not likely to be adopted any time soon. But a man can dream can't he?
Monday, February 18, 2008
It Has Just Been Brutal!
Have you really tried to watch TV lately? Man.....it's tough! Whether it's the writers' strike or not, watching the tube these days is bordering on brutal. I can never remember a time when the big networks have had so little to put on. The writers are back now, so things should be getting somewhat better soon.
As far as the big shows are concerned, we did get a little reprieve during the past week or two. Survivor and Lost came back on. And if you're into American Idol, that's back on... Big Brother too. But the past few months have been sheer torture.
As shocked as we all were, the new Bionic Woman tanked. Knight Rider has been ressurected; haven't seen it yet. The Moment of Truth...boy, that's compelling television, and tonight get ready for My Dad is Better Than Your Dad. - No kidding.
It's so bad, I'm pining for Deal or No Deal or some classic episode of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. I know this is all fun and games, and come on it's only television. But you would think that people that make it all the way to the top in the profession could muster up the energy to get something really good on TV.
The truth is there really are no new ideas. Television is now 50 plus years old and the gammit has been run. As interesting as the past 50 years or so have been, I think the next 50 will be even more interesting. What are "they" going to do? Seriously? I have no idea and I don't think TV execs do either. There was a time that the best people in Hollywood were working in television in one aspect or another, but those days are over. And in decades past, they cranked out some real dogs too, ala My Mother The Car.- Oh boy! So bad television is nothing new. But I think we expect more now. I keep seeing all these prep pieces too on local news about the digital switch over a year from now....heck, I'd settle for something good to watch in analog!!!!!!!!!!
One problem TV seems to be having these days is the same problem that pop-rock music has been having for the past 20 years. It's all so disposable. By and large, no staying power. Too trendy, too eager to cash in on the latest fads with not a lot of thought given to quality. There have been some great shows TV shows in that same period, but most will fade and be gone forever. Just like Brittany Spears music. We've changed too. We, as a people, are much more dismissive of anything not in the here-and-now. Tough combination.
So, if the remote has been smoking lately at your house from overuse, you're not alone. If this keeps up we may have to do something really drastic......like read a book, like Stephen King's Duma Key. C'mon......it's gotta be at least as much fun as My Dad is Better Than Your Dad!
As far as the big shows are concerned, we did get a little reprieve during the past week or two. Survivor and Lost came back on. And if you're into American Idol, that's back on... Big Brother too. But the past few months have been sheer torture.
As shocked as we all were, the new Bionic Woman tanked. Knight Rider has been ressurected; haven't seen it yet. The Moment of Truth...boy, that's compelling television, and tonight get ready for My Dad is Better Than Your Dad. - No kidding.
It's so bad, I'm pining for Deal or No Deal or some classic episode of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. I know this is all fun and games, and come on it's only television. But you would think that people that make it all the way to the top in the profession could muster up the energy to get something really good on TV.
The truth is there really are no new ideas. Television is now 50 plus years old and the gammit has been run. As interesting as the past 50 years or so have been, I think the next 50 will be even more interesting. What are "they" going to do? Seriously? I have no idea and I don't think TV execs do either. There was a time that the best people in Hollywood were working in television in one aspect or another, but those days are over. And in decades past, they cranked out some real dogs too, ala My Mother The Car.- Oh boy! So bad television is nothing new. But I think we expect more now. I keep seeing all these prep pieces too on local news about the digital switch over a year from now....heck, I'd settle for something good to watch in analog!!!!!!!!!!
One problem TV seems to be having these days is the same problem that pop-rock music has been having for the past 20 years. It's all so disposable. By and large, no staying power. Too trendy, too eager to cash in on the latest fads with not a lot of thought given to quality. There have been some great shows TV shows in that same period, but most will fade and be gone forever. Just like Brittany Spears music. We've changed too. We, as a people, are much more dismissive of anything not in the here-and-now. Tough combination.
So, if the remote has been smoking lately at your house from overuse, you're not alone. If this keeps up we may have to do something really drastic......like read a book, like Stephen King's Duma Key. C'mon......it's gotta be at least as much fun as My Dad is Better Than Your Dad!
Friday, February 15, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Jumper
Sometimes, in winter, our choices at the movies are limited, and many times our they leave us as cold as the weather. Jumper does not.
Set in modern day, the Sci-Fi Jumper starring Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson is the story of genetic anomolies called "Jumpers" who can and do teleport themselves anywhere in the world at the speed of light. It is also the story of their enemies who have been out to destroy the Jumpers for centuries. Now hold on, this is not "some cheesy made for 16 year old boys special-effect fest" gone wrong. Jumpers is a slick, interestingly fresh movie that I found very compelling.
Don't worry about the actors or star power here. The star of this movie...is the MOVIE. The characters are fairly well-defined who quite frankly could have been played by anyone. Jumpers is very interesting movie making. The effects are quite good, and the story line moves along nicely. Also to its credit, Jumpers realizes that it could wear out its welcome and limits itself to only 86 minutes. Great move there!
I know there have been national critics hammering away at Jumpers, and I don't really understand it. Critics are always screaming that there's too much sex, too much gratuitous violence, too much bad language, movies are too juvenile for young adults today, or we just have too many cartoons in this day and age. This movie is cool without being babyish. There's no real blood, bad language or sex. Jumpers is what it is. It's what "they've" been asking for, and here it is!
Jumpers is not going to make cinematic history, or make a huge social statement, or change the world that we live in. But if you're up for an adventure that you haven't seen before, then forget what you may have heard and "take a jump" around the world.
Set in modern day, the Sci-Fi Jumper starring Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson is the story of genetic anomolies called "Jumpers" who can and do teleport themselves anywhere in the world at the speed of light. It is also the story of their enemies who have been out to destroy the Jumpers for centuries. Now hold on, this is not "some cheesy made for 16 year old boys special-effect fest" gone wrong. Jumpers is a slick, interestingly fresh movie that I found very compelling.
Don't worry about the actors or star power here. The star of this movie...is the MOVIE. The characters are fairly well-defined who quite frankly could have been played by anyone. Jumpers is very interesting movie making. The effects are quite good, and the story line moves along nicely. Also to its credit, Jumpers realizes that it could wear out its welcome and limits itself to only 86 minutes. Great move there!
I know there have been national critics hammering away at Jumpers, and I don't really understand it. Critics are always screaming that there's too much sex, too much gratuitous violence, too much bad language, movies are too juvenile for young adults today, or we just have too many cartoons in this day and age. This movie is cool without being babyish. There's no real blood, bad language or sex. Jumpers is what it is. It's what "they've" been asking for, and here it is!
Jumpers is not going to make cinematic history, or make a huge social statement, or change the world that we live in. But if you're up for an adventure that you haven't seen before, then forget what you may have heard and "take a jump" around the world.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Definitely, Maybe
Valentines Day is here and so is the big Valentines Day movie Hollywood is banking on to be a big hit with couples this year.
The studios have been hitting us over the head the past month or two with romantic comedies one ofter the other most of them tough to keep down after we ingest them. Until now. Here comes Definitely, Maybe with Ryan Reynolds ,Rachel Weisz, Isla Ficher, and Abigail Breslin. It's the story of 35ish "Will" (Reynolds) whose getting divorced telling his inquisitive ten year old daughter" Maya" (Breslin) the story of his dating life before she was born. The movie is told basically in flashback form with the movie concluding in the modern day.
"Will" wades through the 90's with broken hearts one after the other and doesn't grasp the closure thing with woman after woman. This may not sound like a compelling plot line but it works. To be honest, Reynolds holds his own but he may be the weak link in this movie. This picture is completely stolen by Isla Fisher and Abigail Breslin - again. Breslin was the little girl in Little Miss Sunshine last year and she is great again.
I'm not wild about kid characters in movies that utter dialogue that sounds like someone 40 years old. At the movies start it looked like it was going down that awful road but they put the brakes on that quick. - Thankfully. Oh there's a moment or two of that but it doesn't ruin Maya and make her unbelieveable. The movie actually needs more of her. "April" (Fisher) who is one of Wills many love interests is terrific as well. When either one of those two is not on the screen you wish they were. Everyone else in this flick sits in the back seat to Fisher and Breslin.
The main reason this movie works too is that is doesn't try too hard. The story is a little far fetched I know, but hey it's a movie!! There is no real attempt here to make us roll on the floor with a lot attempted physical comedy. We don't have to slop through ill-advised, lame punch lines for two hours either. It's just fun. It's relaxed and easy to watch. Definitely, Maybe does seem to stumble out of the gate but gains some nice pace and finishes strong. It's a fun night at the flicks. Happy Valentines Day - At last!
The studios have been hitting us over the head the past month or two with romantic comedies one ofter the other most of them tough to keep down after we ingest them. Until now. Here comes Definitely, Maybe with Ryan Reynolds ,Rachel Weisz, Isla Ficher, and Abigail Breslin. It's the story of 35ish "Will" (Reynolds) whose getting divorced telling his inquisitive ten year old daughter" Maya" (Breslin) the story of his dating life before she was born. The movie is told basically in flashback form with the movie concluding in the modern day.
"Will" wades through the 90's with broken hearts one after the other and doesn't grasp the closure thing with woman after woman. This may not sound like a compelling plot line but it works. To be honest, Reynolds holds his own but he may be the weak link in this movie. This picture is completely stolen by Isla Fisher and Abigail Breslin - again. Breslin was the little girl in Little Miss Sunshine last year and she is great again.
I'm not wild about kid characters in movies that utter dialogue that sounds like someone 40 years old. At the movies start it looked like it was going down that awful road but they put the brakes on that quick. - Thankfully. Oh there's a moment or two of that but it doesn't ruin Maya and make her unbelieveable. The movie actually needs more of her. "April" (Fisher) who is one of Wills many love interests is terrific as well. When either one of those two is not on the screen you wish they were. Everyone else in this flick sits in the back seat to Fisher and Breslin.
The main reason this movie works too is that is doesn't try too hard. The story is a little far fetched I know, but hey it's a movie!! There is no real attempt here to make us roll on the floor with a lot attempted physical comedy. We don't have to slop through ill-advised, lame punch lines for two hours either. It's just fun. It's relaxed and easy to watch. Definitely, Maybe does seem to stumble out of the gate but gains some nice pace and finishes strong. It's a fun night at the flicks. Happy Valentines Day - At last!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Snow Blowers!
On the top of the list of the truly great inventions in the history of mankind is the electric blanket. Just flat out unbelieveable! Sometimes I wish I could go to bed at three o'clock in the afternoon! But to be honest the snow blower ain't too far behind.
What on earth did I ever do before I owned one of these babies? I grew up here, shoveled snow all through my childhood. Even through the blizzards of the late 70's, I was out there whisking the snow away one shovel load at a time as my older brother watched out the window....(not really... good shot though. I'm the youngest can you tell). I don't remember hating that job. It had to be done and I did it. I even walked up and down the street asking if I could shovel the neighbors driveways for a nominal fee.
Then came the Southern Years. Living in Virginia, Missouri, and Florida for a grand total of 18 years there wasn't much shoveling to be done. As you may guess, I don't think I shoveled snow once while I lived and worked in Lakeland, Florida! Then in 2001 I moved back home and came to WQMX. Let the shoveling begin.
We bought a nice house with a big driveway and the fist thing I did was buy a lawnmover and snow blower in the same trip. I didn't even consider shoveling the snow.....and it hadn't even snowed yet. I don't know where it went so wrong with me and snow. I think I'd rather slam my hand in a car door than spend a winter shoveling my driveway. At least it would be quick and over with.
Instead I put on my Carhart bibs, fire up the blower and with a carefreeness rarely acheived by man or beast, I easily dispose of the snow in about 20 minutes. I get so fired up, I do the sidewalks, my neighbors sidewalks on both sides and if I'm really in the zone my neighbors driveways too. Now were up to 35 minutes. I'm not even bothered that there may be more snow on the way. As a matter of fact I'm kinda hoping there is so I can feel the auger again spinning in front of me blasting away at the once problamatic snow and sending it to the neighbors back yard. I even belt out a sinister laugh as if I'm in a Stephen King novel! I can't be stopped!
I think it's the power. A lawn mover simply grinds up the grass and mulches it back into the ground. BORING! But a snow blower?! It grabs the snow and throws it feet, yards away, wow Look at ME I can squeeze a handle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't even own a multi stage snow blower just a medium sized one. Me, like all snow blower operators like to think we really know what we're doing, but we don't. We just look like we do. It truly is a tool that makes you look like you're really qualified to handle big equipment but it's really not all that hard. Just keep your hands out of the auger and your pretty much home free.
Today it snowed. And I showed it who was boss. Send over a Rolling Rock to the man who put the motor and the auger together for use in the fourth season. "Snow... now get this and get this good.....you're finished see???"
What on earth did I ever do before I owned one of these babies? I grew up here, shoveled snow all through my childhood. Even through the blizzards of the late 70's, I was out there whisking the snow away one shovel load at a time as my older brother watched out the window....(not really... good shot though. I'm the youngest can you tell). I don't remember hating that job. It had to be done and I did it. I even walked up and down the street asking if I could shovel the neighbors driveways for a nominal fee.
Then came the Southern Years. Living in Virginia, Missouri, and Florida for a grand total of 18 years there wasn't much shoveling to be done. As you may guess, I don't think I shoveled snow once while I lived and worked in Lakeland, Florida! Then in 2001 I moved back home and came to WQMX. Let the shoveling begin.
We bought a nice house with a big driveway and the fist thing I did was buy a lawnmover and snow blower in the same trip. I didn't even consider shoveling the snow.....and it hadn't even snowed yet. I don't know where it went so wrong with me and snow. I think I'd rather slam my hand in a car door than spend a winter shoveling my driveway. At least it would be quick and over with.
Instead I put on my Carhart bibs, fire up the blower and with a carefreeness rarely acheived by man or beast, I easily dispose of the snow in about 20 minutes. I get so fired up, I do the sidewalks, my neighbors sidewalks on both sides and if I'm really in the zone my neighbors driveways too. Now were up to 35 minutes. I'm not even bothered that there may be more snow on the way. As a matter of fact I'm kinda hoping there is so I can feel the auger again spinning in front of me blasting away at the once problamatic snow and sending it to the neighbors back yard. I even belt out a sinister laugh as if I'm in a Stephen King novel! I can't be stopped!
I think it's the power. A lawn mover simply grinds up the grass and mulches it back into the ground. BORING! But a snow blower?! It grabs the snow and throws it feet, yards away, wow Look at ME I can squeeze a handle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't even own a multi stage snow blower just a medium sized one. Me, like all snow blower operators like to think we really know what we're doing, but we don't. We just look like we do. It truly is a tool that makes you look like you're really qualified to handle big equipment but it's really not all that hard. Just keep your hands out of the auger and your pretty much home free.
Today it snowed. And I showed it who was boss. Send over a Rolling Rock to the man who put the motor and the auger together for use in the fourth season. "Snow... now get this and get this good.....you're finished see???"
Friday, February 8, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Fools Gold
Occasionally there is a movie that has a "love-hate"relationship with critics and the movie going public. Fools Gold is that movie.
The national critics has had a big old time ripping apart the new Matthew McConaughey-Kate Hudson romantic comedy Fools Gold. It's the story of and out-of-work, won't grow up treasure hunter in the Carribean named "Finn," (McConaughey.) His wife "Tess" (Hudson) divorces him...for the previously mentioned shortcomings and they reunite for a treasure hunt with a band of characters to the oceans floor looking for lost wealth...well you can probably guess the rest.
To be frank it looked like our two main stars phoned it in and collected big pay days and that's fine if you're a fan. They have both played these same roles before in other movies. Some of the fringe characters have moments, and there are chuckles and small laughs throughout. Although you will have a hard time with Donald Sutherlands newfound British accent. What's up with that? Please!
Honestly there is more down side than up here and Fools Gold could have been told in less time as it's a bit draggy in spaces. But there is enough bad-boy image, shirtless Matthew for his fans, plus Kate Hudson is lovely enough, but they can't save it. It would be nice to see both of them be a bit more selective on their role choices and get involved with better projects. Fools Gold looks like it was written for McConaughey specifically. Without him this movie has no star power at all and falls flat on it's face at the box office or never is made at all.
All of this will not make any difference. Fans of the McConaughey-Hudson matchup will go and will love it. Thus the "love-hate." Fools Gold is not great but I'm not sure it's supposed to be. Not all movies are supposed to make statements or win awards. And this one won't. It is what it is. A light-hearted journey to the Carribean for us on a cold winters night. This movie will also fit into the "forgettable" catagory in short order. But it's a safe, harmless, date night at the movies just in time for Valentines Day.
The national critics has had a big old time ripping apart the new Matthew McConaughey-Kate Hudson romantic comedy Fools Gold. It's the story of and out-of-work, won't grow up treasure hunter in the Carribean named "Finn," (McConaughey.) His wife "Tess" (Hudson) divorces him...for the previously mentioned shortcomings and they reunite for a treasure hunt with a band of characters to the oceans floor looking for lost wealth...well you can probably guess the rest.
To be frank it looked like our two main stars phoned it in and collected big pay days and that's fine if you're a fan. They have both played these same roles before in other movies. Some of the fringe characters have moments, and there are chuckles and small laughs throughout. Although you will have a hard time with Donald Sutherlands newfound British accent. What's up with that? Please!
Honestly there is more down side than up here and Fools Gold could have been told in less time as it's a bit draggy in spaces. But there is enough bad-boy image, shirtless Matthew for his fans, plus Kate Hudson is lovely enough, but they can't save it. It would be nice to see both of them be a bit more selective on their role choices and get involved with better projects. Fools Gold looks like it was written for McConaughey specifically. Without him this movie has no star power at all and falls flat on it's face at the box office or never is made at all.
All of this will not make any difference. Fans of the McConaughey-Hudson matchup will go and will love it. Thus the "love-hate." Fools Gold is not great but I'm not sure it's supposed to be. Not all movies are supposed to make statements or win awards. And this one won't. It is what it is. A light-hearted journey to the Carribean for us on a cold winters night. This movie will also fit into the "forgettable" catagory in short order. But it's a safe, harmless, date night at the movies just in time for Valentines Day.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - There Will Be Blood
Don't be fooled by the name, there really isn't much blood in the new movie There Will Be Blood.
All great movies have to start with a great story and this movie is proof of that. The latest Daniel Day-Lewis movie about an early twentieth century independent oil tycoon that goes to great lengths to protect what he has built and what he see's as his. Lewis plays the drunken, bitter Daniel Plainview who strikes it rich in small towns and makes and keeps his fortune by being a ruthless dictator of sorts. Breaking promises to less savvy people, taking advantage of the less eduacated. He is on the surface a nice man, but as the story unfolds over 2 hours and 40 minutes he is anything but.
These are the kind of roles that win you Academy Awards, and I think thats where he's going with this one. I can't recall a scene in this movie that he's not in. It's a huge role. In a story that takes place over the course of 30 years, Lewis is great in every phase of this movie. If you love watching great actors give their career performance, then this movie is for you.
I am generally not a fan of long movies, but to be honest this one has great pace and the story is very compelling and holds your interest. Don't be looking for a lot of big action scenes, soaring soundtracks, or stunning cinematography. The star of this movie is the story. The title too may keep some away but surprisingly, the amount of violence, language, and blood is under control here. With that said though, this is an adult movie. I call these "movie goers movies." If you go to the movies once or twice a year, this is not going to be one of your favorites. This movie for many reasons is not for everyone but if you love this movies, then buy your ticket.
This movie is not going to break box office or video rental records. But to be honest, There Will Be Blood, is one of the years best. I'd be stunned if Daniel Day-Lewis did not win the Oscar for best actor.
This Friday, I'll take a look at the new romantic comedy Fools Gold.
All great movies have to start with a great story and this movie is proof of that. The latest Daniel Day-Lewis movie about an early twentieth century independent oil tycoon that goes to great lengths to protect what he has built and what he see's as his. Lewis plays the drunken, bitter Daniel Plainview who strikes it rich in small towns and makes and keeps his fortune by being a ruthless dictator of sorts. Breaking promises to less savvy people, taking advantage of the less eduacated. He is on the surface a nice man, but as the story unfolds over 2 hours and 40 minutes he is anything but.
These are the kind of roles that win you Academy Awards, and I think thats where he's going with this one. I can't recall a scene in this movie that he's not in. It's a huge role. In a story that takes place over the course of 30 years, Lewis is great in every phase of this movie. If you love watching great actors give their career performance, then this movie is for you.
I am generally not a fan of long movies, but to be honest this one has great pace and the story is very compelling and holds your interest. Don't be looking for a lot of big action scenes, soaring soundtracks, or stunning cinematography. The star of this movie is the story. The title too may keep some away but surprisingly, the amount of violence, language, and blood is under control here. With that said though, this is an adult movie. I call these "movie goers movies." If you go to the movies once or twice a year, this is not going to be one of your favorites. This movie for many reasons is not for everyone but if you love this movies, then buy your ticket.
This movie is not going to break box office or video rental records. But to be honest, There Will Be Blood, is one of the years best. I'd be stunned if Daniel Day-Lewis did not win the Oscar for best actor.
This Friday, I'll take a look at the new romantic comedy Fools Gold.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
One Moment Of Sheer Joy!
Sunday's Superbowl was the most watched in history. There should be more Superbowls like this one. What a game and what a day.....but there is one moment that for some reason has really stayed with me.
I can't sit here and tell you that I am a big Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers fan. I grew up enjoying their music. I know the words as you do, but I don't own a single CD from them....never have. When they were chosen to do the halftime show, I don't know of one person that was really excited by that news. We all knew what was coming. 4 or 5 songs we could predict he would sing. We weren't ready for the beard Tom was sporting, the suit he was wearing, and what was up with that gigantic guitar he was playing in the first song? Petty's solid performance was typical of Superbowl halftime shows over the past four years since the Janet Jackson debacle..... but the seconds following the last song were anything but.
When done, Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers gave us a moment. After the final song he and all his band came out front with arms around each other and strode to the front of the stage. What began as a great camera shot on Fox became much more to me as a viewer. On occasion there are pictures suitable for framing....and this was one of them. I think what I saw on all of the Heartbreakers faces was sheer joy!
Every one of those guys had 50 emotions on his face for those fleeting seconds. 57 year old Petty (that's right) even sincerely thanked the crowd. They ALL looked so happy, so awed, thankful, and appreciative. These guys who have been together for three plus decades, I feel totally "got" the moment. I felt so good for them. That picture proved to me that they completely understood they just did something that NO one else will ever get to do in reality. They were regular guys standing on the worlds largest stage for a day. Their faces spoke "thank you for today, thank you for 30 years, thank you for this chance, thank you for your applause, and most of all for this moment." And I couldn't have been happier for them!
I can't imagine that when Tom Petty put his Heartbreakers together in the mid 70's he could ever have dreamed this big. I haven't lost perspective here. I understand the Superbowl gig isn't the ultimate concert experience. But what I DO understand is that for these guys, it was a mountain that they never, ever expected to be given the chance to climb. That makes reaching the summit all the more sweet. And The Heartbreakers were more than willing to share thier feelings with us in that great candid shot on TV. I wish I had a copy of that picture. It was a moment. How could you not feel great for those guys at that second?
How refreshing in today's entertainment and sports climate. Humility. The willingness to be thankful that you have been blessed enough to make your living starring in a show, playing a game, or just playing your songs. In those brief TV seconds on Fox, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers reminded us all of a great lesson. It just jumped out of the TV at me. Be thankful for what you've got. What a great concept.
I can't sit here and tell you that I am a big Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers fan. I grew up enjoying their music. I know the words as you do, but I don't own a single CD from them....never have. When they were chosen to do the halftime show, I don't know of one person that was really excited by that news. We all knew what was coming. 4 or 5 songs we could predict he would sing. We weren't ready for the beard Tom was sporting, the suit he was wearing, and what was up with that gigantic guitar he was playing in the first song? Petty's solid performance was typical of Superbowl halftime shows over the past four years since the Janet Jackson debacle..... but the seconds following the last song were anything but.
When done, Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers gave us a moment. After the final song he and all his band came out front with arms around each other and strode to the front of the stage. What began as a great camera shot on Fox became much more to me as a viewer. On occasion there are pictures suitable for framing....and this was one of them. I think what I saw on all of the Heartbreakers faces was sheer joy!
Every one of those guys had 50 emotions on his face for those fleeting seconds. 57 year old Petty (that's right) even sincerely thanked the crowd. They ALL looked so happy, so awed, thankful, and appreciative. These guys who have been together for three plus decades, I feel totally "got" the moment. I felt so good for them. That picture proved to me that they completely understood they just did something that NO one else will ever get to do in reality. They were regular guys standing on the worlds largest stage for a day. Their faces spoke "thank you for today, thank you for 30 years, thank you for this chance, thank you for your applause, and most of all for this moment." And I couldn't have been happier for them!
I can't imagine that when Tom Petty put his Heartbreakers together in the mid 70's he could ever have dreamed this big. I haven't lost perspective here. I understand the Superbowl gig isn't the ultimate concert experience. But what I DO understand is that for these guys, it was a mountain that they never, ever expected to be given the chance to climb. That makes reaching the summit all the more sweet. And The Heartbreakers were more than willing to share thier feelings with us in that great candid shot on TV. I wish I had a copy of that picture. It was a moment. How could you not feel great for those guys at that second?
How refreshing in today's entertainment and sports climate. Humility. The willingness to be thankful that you have been blessed enough to make your living starring in a show, playing a game, or just playing your songs. In those brief TV seconds on Fox, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers reminded us all of a great lesson. It just jumped out of the TV at me. Be thankful for what you've got. What a great concept.
Friday, February 1, 2008
42 Should Be Super
41 Superbowls played and to be honest not many have really been great football games. A few here and there, but by and large the game itself has been a real dog.
The Superbowl has become so much more than a game. The game is kind of a sidenote. It's pop culture on steroids. It's the place to see and be seen. Athletes, actors, politicians, the press, it's all there in one big feeding frenzy! I love Superbowl Sunday like anyone else. You watch the game with your best friends eat great food, and have a beverage or two. The celebration goes into the next day too at work as offices are abuzz about the pageantry that was the day before.
From humble beginnings and the ashes of the old AFL/NFL debate, the Superbowl's popularity 42 years later can't be denied. But maybe could be improved. Football fans say the two weeks between the end of the playoffs and the Superbowl is too long. Detracts from the game. The halftime show is too long and the game starts too late. Plus the elements play no part in the Superbowl. A neutral field in perfect conditions on field turf or the most lush grass one could imagine. Oh yea, it might even be played inside!!!!!
Then the pop culture fans will wonder why the halftime show isn't two hours instead of one. They will wonder when the next funny commerical will be on, can they get a glimps of Brittany, and why do have to bother with this stupid GAME anyway?
But Sunday after the 6 hour pregame show and concerts. After Jordin Sparks cranks out up the national anthem. And when Tom Petty gets done hacking up the final chorus of Free Fallin', sorry to say this year the winner will be the football fans. Cut through all the culture stuff and what do you got??? History one way or the other. There is no way around it.
Will the Patriots finish 19-0 and make NFL history? Or will the Giants play giant-killers and slay the beast and make every underdog in the world wag it's tail in victory? Well... the football fans will have to wait till about 11pm Sunday night for the pop culture fans to get out of the way so we can get to the final gun of the NFL season.
No matter why you watch the game you'll be watching history. "Can they really do it?' Same question for both sides and for every other fan whose team went home a month ago. This one should finally be super.
The Superbowl has become so much more than a game. The game is kind of a sidenote. It's pop culture on steroids. It's the place to see and be seen. Athletes, actors, politicians, the press, it's all there in one big feeding frenzy! I love Superbowl Sunday like anyone else. You watch the game with your best friends eat great food, and have a beverage or two. The celebration goes into the next day too at work as offices are abuzz about the pageantry that was the day before.
From humble beginnings and the ashes of the old AFL/NFL debate, the Superbowl's popularity 42 years later can't be denied. But maybe could be improved. Football fans say the two weeks between the end of the playoffs and the Superbowl is too long. Detracts from the game. The halftime show is too long and the game starts too late. Plus the elements play no part in the Superbowl. A neutral field in perfect conditions on field turf or the most lush grass one could imagine. Oh yea, it might even be played inside!!!!!
Then the pop culture fans will wonder why the halftime show isn't two hours instead of one. They will wonder when the next funny commerical will be on, can they get a glimps of Brittany, and why do have to bother with this stupid GAME anyway?
But Sunday after the 6 hour pregame show and concerts. After Jordin Sparks cranks out up the national anthem. And when Tom Petty gets done hacking up the final chorus of Free Fallin', sorry to say this year the winner will be the football fans. Cut through all the culture stuff and what do you got??? History one way or the other. There is no way around it.
Will the Patriots finish 19-0 and make NFL history? Or will the Giants play giant-killers and slay the beast and make every underdog in the world wag it's tail in victory? Well... the football fans will have to wait till about 11pm Sunday night for the pop culture fans to get out of the way so we can get to the final gun of the NFL season.
No matter why you watch the game you'll be watching history. "Can they really do it?' Same question for both sides and for every other fan whose team went home a month ago. This one should finally be super.
Over Her Dead Movie...uhh....Body
Well it romantic comedy season again at the movies. Flicks that are suppoesed to make us feel all warm inside when it's cold outside. Over Her Dead Body is the latest in a line that's been streaming out since December. I wish I had better news on this one.
This is Eva Longoria-Parkers' new light-hearted flick where her character Kate dies on her wedding day, and then comes back to earth to haunt another woman from hooking up with her fiance' a year after her death. I think we've all see this premise before..and it gets less funny each time. I fear Longoria-Parker has reached her career zenith. She does one thing and she does is well. On Desperate Housewives she's funny and perfectly cast. In this mess she is neither. I have always felt that she is way more side dish than main course and this movie proves just that. She's just not funny here.
This "comedy" clunks on and draggs Paul Rudd (Knocked Up) and Jason Biggs (American Pie) along for it arduous ride until it plays out to it's obvious end you see coming 15 minutes in. Buyer beware too, Longoria-Parker gets the top billing but be advised she is only in this movie for about 20 minutes in total time.
But there is good news here too. Great to see Lake Bell. She plays Ashley, the new love interest of Kate's fiance' and Kate's rival. She is physically beautiful and physically funny in this movie at the same time. For me that's a lethal combination. Her performance can't save this unromantic, unfunny romantic comedy, but she does make it hurt just a little less. It's always good to see great, new, fresh faces on the big screen and she qualifies for all the above. Every smile or laugh in this movie is because of her and I hope to see much more of her in movies to come. Lake Bell is the star of this movie period. This one is not her fault. There will be better movies for her ahead and she will be good in them.
Over Her Dead Body is typical. It will have some success at the box office and some at the video counter, but in the long run it will be very forgettable. You'll see it twice a week on TBS in about three years and you'll look back and say.."Oh yea....I thought about seeing that one....what else is on"
This is Eva Longoria-Parkers' new light-hearted flick where her character Kate dies on her wedding day, and then comes back to earth to haunt another woman from hooking up with her fiance' a year after her death. I think we've all see this premise before..and it gets less funny each time. I fear Longoria-Parker has reached her career zenith. She does one thing and she does is well. On Desperate Housewives she's funny and perfectly cast. In this mess she is neither. I have always felt that she is way more side dish than main course and this movie proves just that. She's just not funny here.
This "comedy" clunks on and draggs Paul Rudd (Knocked Up) and Jason Biggs (American Pie) along for it arduous ride until it plays out to it's obvious end you see coming 15 minutes in. Buyer beware too, Longoria-Parker gets the top billing but be advised she is only in this movie for about 20 minutes in total time.
But there is good news here too. Great to see Lake Bell. She plays Ashley, the new love interest of Kate's fiance' and Kate's rival. She is physically beautiful and physically funny in this movie at the same time. For me that's a lethal combination. Her performance can't save this unromantic, unfunny romantic comedy, but she does make it hurt just a little less. It's always good to see great, new, fresh faces on the big screen and she qualifies for all the above. Every smile or laugh in this movie is because of her and I hope to see much more of her in movies to come. Lake Bell is the star of this movie period. This one is not her fault. There will be better movies for her ahead and she will be good in them.
Over Her Dead Body is typical. It will have some success at the box office and some at the video counter, but in the long run it will be very forgettable. You'll see it twice a week on TBS in about three years and you'll look back and say.."Oh yea....I thought about seeing that one....what else is on"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
