It's has become a new Hollywood tradition this summer, releasing some of their new movies on a Wednesday. Traitor is the latest to be thrown out there in theaters today.
Don Cheadle finally in a starring role, is Samir. Samir is a Muslim, that is fact. But the rest of his existence is a mystery. Is he a terrorist, a spy, who exactly is he? That is the basic plot line of the latest War On Terror movie that has become a topical trend over the past year or two. Samir appears to be carrying out terrorist attacks, but you're never really sure if he can be trusted or not by the terror group he appears to be working for or is there a wild card out there somewhere? The FBI is of course after him after they uncover a possible terrorist plot to be carried out in America. Guy Pearce is terrific as the lead FBI agent. This is the kind of role he does real well. I loved his performance in the 1997 movie LA Confidential. You don't see Pearce enough, and he's great here.
Cheadle is a nice actor, but I think we've all become so used to him in supporting roles that he does so well, we're not real comfy with him as the big cheese. And that's a problem here. He doesn't command this movie, and that's a soft spot. To be perfectly frank, Traitor has an interesting enough plot line, but the first 30 minutes are a real snooze-fest. It does gain momentum and pull itself together. To be honest again, I found myself about 10 minutes ahead of this movie most of the time, and that's never good. I think Traitor is boring at times, and slow.
But to be fair Traitor is not a bad movie. You have to be willing to watch the war on terror, and find it compelling. It is complicated to a degree, but can be followed. The case is made in the movie too that in this war, neither side really does understand the other.. point made and taken. But it doesn't save it from being what it is. Just another movie.
Traitor... Not as smart as it think it is. The whole time I was watching this movie, I couldn't help but think that this is a rental with popcorn and pajamas in March.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Death Race
The end of the summer movie season is here, and here come the stragglers that didn't pack the punch to be released in June or July. Death Race is here.
The year is 2012. The American economy has collapsed, and crime is rampant. The prison system is overrun, and it has been privatized for profit. Enter Warden Hennessy (Joan Allen.) She is a beautiful, tough as nails prison warden of the Terminal Prison. She has invented this TV show called Death Race. Convicts drive these tricked out death cars, and the whole idea is to kill the other drivers first. If you win five races, you are given your freedom. It is a pay per-view show, that has about 50 million viewers a week, paying 99.00 a show.
I am always so confused why every movie made that deals with our future is one of gloom and doom. According to DR, America will become a police state with a grim and dire environment. No one is happy, every one is broke and death and despair is all around. Package that up with a video game feel to it.. and you have DR.
DR is ultra-violent and chaotic to watch sometimes. There is plenty of action, and hard driving scenes. Lots of shoot-em up, blow-em up and just plain death for everyone. With all that aside, the dialogue is really awful, everyone talks like a robot with bad oratory skills, and every scene is more grim than the last. Joan Allen is a wonderful actress who has a nice track record of movies behind her. You do get to hear her use words you never thought she would ever use, in a role that could have been mailed in by someone 1/3 the cost with no reputation to uphold. I have no idea what she was thinking making DR.
But at the end of the day, DR does not wear out its welcome. It is short and concise just about 90 minutes. It totally testosterone laden, and it really is a young guys flick. Not really date material either. This movie speaks to a younger video game generation and will probably do it with success. It has the feel of other drive-em up movies like Torque, and Fast And The Furious.
Death Race. A rental in February, not 10 bucks in August.
The year is 2012. The American economy has collapsed, and crime is rampant. The prison system is overrun, and it has been privatized for profit. Enter Warden Hennessy (Joan Allen.) She is a beautiful, tough as nails prison warden of the Terminal Prison. She has invented this TV show called Death Race. Convicts drive these tricked out death cars, and the whole idea is to kill the other drivers first. If you win five races, you are given your freedom. It is a pay per-view show, that has about 50 million viewers a week, paying 99.00 a show.
I am always so confused why every movie made that deals with our future is one of gloom and doom. According to DR, America will become a police state with a grim and dire environment. No one is happy, every one is broke and death and despair is all around. Package that up with a video game feel to it.. and you have DR.
DR is ultra-violent and chaotic to watch sometimes. There is plenty of action, and hard driving scenes. Lots of shoot-em up, blow-em up and just plain death for everyone. With all that aside, the dialogue is really awful, everyone talks like a robot with bad oratory skills, and every scene is more grim than the last. Joan Allen is a wonderful actress who has a nice track record of movies behind her. You do get to hear her use words you never thought she would ever use, in a role that could have been mailed in by someone 1/3 the cost with no reputation to uphold. I have no idea what she was thinking making DR.
But at the end of the day, DR does not wear out its welcome. It is short and concise just about 90 minutes. It totally testosterone laden, and it really is a young guys flick. Not really date material either. This movie speaks to a younger video game generation and will probably do it with success. It has the feel of other drive-em up movies like Torque, and Fast And The Furious.
Death Race. A rental in February, not 10 bucks in August.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Take A Shovel To Me
Here we go! Over the next two weeks our lives will be dominated by the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. They will be on all of the major networks every night, and every local and national newscast, every TV news magazine show too. Not to mention the cover of every regular magazine, newspaper and website known to man. Man, take a shovel to me now.
This is the way we do it. It's our system, and I guess the system is what it is. Maybe it's not the system that makes me want to grab the bucket and heave, maybe it's the people involved in it. The conventions really have turned into infomercials since TV has become a major factor in elections. I have to say, I will watch some of it and I hope I am surprised this year.. but I know I won't be. At least we don't have to watch Bob Costas anymore now that the Olympics are over.
Both conventions will be filled with a bunch of ego-maniac blow hard speakers screaming that the other side is out-of-touch, stupid, wrong, jeopardizing our future, our children's future, and has no idea how to govern this country. Take a shovel to me when all this screaming starts. Should be noted too, the constituents on the convention floor will be for the most part party-animals who have been drinking and not sleeping for days, whooping it up in silly hats and yelliing "hi mom" everytime the TV cameras catch a glimps of them. (many on someone elses' nickel too.) These will be the people who will be cheering on our politcal leaders in their finest hour. Glad we're taking this whole thing seriously.
Sad part is, we all have to muddle through this mess so we can be somewhat informed when we vote. It really should be the other way. These conventions really should be shortened down, and the speakers should really be people in both parties that really have something important to say that's greater than themselves, about our selves, our country. But in the politicians world, nothing is more important than themselves. My bad...take a shovel to me again.
After watching these "shows," not many outside of the politicians will feel good about what direction the country may go. Both sides will effectively convince us that there is no hope if they don't win. Well someone has to win. You see the trouble here is, there are way too many Politicians, and not enough Statesmen anymore.
A Statesman cares that we ALL win, not just that THEY win.
This is the way we do it. It's our system, and I guess the system is what it is. Maybe it's not the system that makes me want to grab the bucket and heave, maybe it's the people involved in it. The conventions really have turned into infomercials since TV has become a major factor in elections. I have to say, I will watch some of it and I hope I am surprised this year.. but I know I won't be. At least we don't have to watch Bob Costas anymore now that the Olympics are over.
Both conventions will be filled with a bunch of ego-maniac blow hard speakers screaming that the other side is out-of-touch, stupid, wrong, jeopardizing our future, our children's future, and has no idea how to govern this country. Take a shovel to me when all this screaming starts. Should be noted too, the constituents on the convention floor will be for the most part party-animals who have been drinking and not sleeping for days, whooping it up in silly hats and yelliing "hi mom" everytime the TV cameras catch a glimps of them. (many on someone elses' nickel too.) These will be the people who will be cheering on our politcal leaders in their finest hour. Glad we're taking this whole thing seriously.
Sad part is, we all have to muddle through this mess so we can be somewhat informed when we vote. It really should be the other way. These conventions really should be shortened down, and the speakers should really be people in both parties that really have something important to say that's greater than themselves, about our selves, our country. But in the politicians world, nothing is more important than themselves. My bad...take a shovel to me again.
After watching these "shows," not many outside of the politicians will feel good about what direction the country may go. Both sides will effectively convince us that there is no hope if they don't win. Well someone has to win. You see the trouble here is, there are way too many Politicians, and not enough Statesmen anymore.
A Statesman cares that we ALL win, not just that THEY win.
Friday, August 22, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Henry Poole Was Here
Don't miss the little independent movie at theaters now, Henry Poole Was Here. I always cheer for these kind of movies, and I'm rooting for this one. I will tell you I walked in to the theater with NO idea what this movie was about, and I'm glad I did.
Luke Wilson stars as Henry Poole. He is a deeply troubled 35ish year old single guy who buys a house in Southern California. From the moment he buys this house, he is coming in contact with various women in his neighborhood, all from different walks of life. They all try to befriend Henry in one way or another, but he resists. And we don't know why.
On the side of his new house there is a water stain that some are seeing as the face of god. But not Henry. He rejects the notion, and the women around him trying to help him see the light. There are deep complexities to Henry they don't know, and neither do we. After a "miracle' or two as a result of this "stain" the conflict builds within Henry on his faith- of which he has none.
Does this sound complicated? It's not! BUT this is a wonderful little movie. I always call this kind of flick "little movies." Small budget, small production, and sometimes these can be the real gems that get lost in the big haystack of movies. This movie is just flat out good.
It's PG, and that's fitting. It's spiritual without being preachy. It's for everyone without being syrupy-sweet, or corny. It's a movie with a nice message, and is a real nice time at the movies. I will say, it's a bit quirky at times as most Indy movies are, but that's fine. Great casting in every role. You've never seen Luke Wilson in a role like this, and I thought casting him in this role was movie making genius. For a guy who usually plays characters on the other end of the acting spectrum, he was refreshing.
I know there are tons of BIG movies out there for your dollars, but if you can try to catch Henry Poole Was Here. If you go stick with it, it's strange and quirky start give way to a real nice time, and will make you feel good as well. Nothing wrong here. Long live the Independent filmmaker! Go Henry!
Luke Wilson stars as Henry Poole. He is a deeply troubled 35ish year old single guy who buys a house in Southern California. From the moment he buys this house, he is coming in contact with various women in his neighborhood, all from different walks of life. They all try to befriend Henry in one way or another, but he resists. And we don't know why.
On the side of his new house there is a water stain that some are seeing as the face of god. But not Henry. He rejects the notion, and the women around him trying to help him see the light. There are deep complexities to Henry they don't know, and neither do we. After a "miracle' or two as a result of this "stain" the conflict builds within Henry on his faith- of which he has none.
Does this sound complicated? It's not! BUT this is a wonderful little movie. I always call this kind of flick "little movies." Small budget, small production, and sometimes these can be the real gems that get lost in the big haystack of movies. This movie is just flat out good.
It's PG, and that's fitting. It's spiritual without being preachy. It's for everyone without being syrupy-sweet, or corny. It's a movie with a nice message, and is a real nice time at the movies. I will say, it's a bit quirky at times as most Indy movies are, but that's fine. Great casting in every role. You've never seen Luke Wilson in a role like this, and I thought casting him in this role was movie making genius. For a guy who usually plays characters on the other end of the acting spectrum, he was refreshing.
I know there are tons of BIG movies out there for your dollars, but if you can try to catch Henry Poole Was Here. If you go stick with it, it's strange and quirky start give way to a real nice time, and will make you feel good as well. Nothing wrong here. Long live the Independent filmmaker! Go Henry!
MOVIE REVIEW - The House Bunny
Anna Farris from Saturday Night Live is The House Bunny new this week a the box office. If the theater from this afternoon is any indication, this will be a big box office smash. House Bunny also stars Rumor Willis, Kat Dennings, Katharine McPhee and Colin Hanks.
Let's look at HB from a couple of different angles. Hollywood has been making "dumb blonde" movies for decades. Marilyn Monroe, to Goldie Hawn, to Reece Witherspoon and now to Anna Farris. There has to be a reason for this......they work. For some reason the masses are still not offended, and actually cheer for the smart actress who is willing to look silly on celluloid so the rest of us can laugh. It's a long standing Hollywood tradition.
Anna Farris is "Shelly." She is a Playboy Bunny tossed out of her comfy digs at Hugh Hefner's mansion because she is too old at 27! She then goes on to become the house mother at a college sorority to a bunch of geeky, egghead girls who are in danger of losing their charter because no new girls want to pledge. Shelly saves the day, but you probably new that already.
HB tries real hard to be real funny, but it's really not. BUT Anna Farris IS! Many scenes designed for big laughs fall short, and the writing here is not genius by any stretch of the imagination. BUT Anna Farris is very funny at times with limited resources at her disposal. Like most SNL grads to movies, less is more as a rule. And that will be the case here.
Anna Farris in roles to come will work with better directors and actors on better projects, and in smaller roles, and she will be lauded. I want to clear something up here though. Anna Farris is not a great actress, but she is funny with the willingness to look silly on camera. I always find that endearing, and I respect women who are willing to do it. -(Ala Julia Louis Dreyfuss on Seinfeld or Fran Drescher on the Nanny. Great actresses-no...but funny ladies yes!) HB is required work for Farris to get to another level, and I hope that is the road she takes. In a smart picture, with better surroundings she would be really funny. Nice job here Anna, funny stuff.
HB super serves it's target audience. This flick zero's in on young women and they will love it. The trailer for this movie packages it real well, and those parts are funny but overall HB falls a bit short for the masses. A girls night out to be sure, have fun. Overall I'm good with HB. Problems yes, but I always like watching young funny ladies become funny. I think many better things could be ahead for Anna Farris, and I look forward to that day.
Let's look at HB from a couple of different angles. Hollywood has been making "dumb blonde" movies for decades. Marilyn Monroe, to Goldie Hawn, to Reece Witherspoon and now to Anna Farris. There has to be a reason for this......they work. For some reason the masses are still not offended, and actually cheer for the smart actress who is willing to look silly on celluloid so the rest of us can laugh. It's a long standing Hollywood tradition.
Anna Farris is "Shelly." She is a Playboy Bunny tossed out of her comfy digs at Hugh Hefner's mansion because she is too old at 27! She then goes on to become the house mother at a college sorority to a bunch of geeky, egghead girls who are in danger of losing their charter because no new girls want to pledge. Shelly saves the day, but you probably new that already.
HB tries real hard to be real funny, but it's really not. BUT Anna Farris IS! Many scenes designed for big laughs fall short, and the writing here is not genius by any stretch of the imagination. BUT Anna Farris is very funny at times with limited resources at her disposal. Like most SNL grads to movies, less is more as a rule. And that will be the case here.
Anna Farris in roles to come will work with better directors and actors on better projects, and in smaller roles, and she will be lauded. I want to clear something up here though. Anna Farris is not a great actress, but she is funny with the willingness to look silly on camera. I always find that endearing, and I respect women who are willing to do it. -(Ala Julia Louis Dreyfuss on Seinfeld or Fran Drescher on the Nanny. Great actresses-no...but funny ladies yes!) HB is required work for Farris to get to another level, and I hope that is the road she takes. In a smart picture, with better surroundings she would be really funny. Nice job here Anna, funny stuff.
HB super serves it's target audience. This flick zero's in on young women and they will love it. The trailer for this movie packages it real well, and those parts are funny but overall HB falls a bit short for the masses. A girls night out to be sure, have fun. Overall I'm good with HB. Problems yes, but I always like watching young funny ladies become funny. I think many better things could be ahead for Anna Farris, and I look forward to that day.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Mirrors
Keifer Sutherland stars in the summer, horror flick, Mirrors. This is another adaptation of a foreign movie that is supposed to be scary.
In the past year, a few film studios from over seas have stated that Americans don't know what's really scary. Germany gave us Funny Games this spring, and Japan gave us Shutter. Neither one scary. Although Funny Games was very disturbing. Mirrors comes from Korea...and it's not scary either.
Our story? Manhattans swankiest department store, Mayflowers, has a fire 5 years ago that destroys all but the grand granite shell of the building. 78 people die in the fire. Keifer Sutherlands character gets a job as the night watchman in the ruins, and finds out there are evil spirits that live in the magnificent mirrors of the old store. These spirits kill people for some reason, and pick and choose their victims.....well I really don't know how they pick their victims.
These spirits are now after him, and his family. And to a degree they are successful in their quest to bring death to those around him. Mix in a huge twist, and what have you got? A movie that is mildly jumpy at times, but not real scary in the long run. To it's credit, there could have been a whole lot more gore in Mirrors, there is some. I think this was an attempt to give the movie merit and not turn it into a Prom Night, or some kind of slasher flick. The emphasis is on the story, which goes awry a few times here.
The premise is interesting enough, but the execution is marginal. There is a lot of predictability, and "why are you going down there?'" moments. And the really big question I have to add, "If this place is so scary to you as the night watchman Keifer, why don't you just quit this job anyway and be done with it?" Well, there wouldn't be a movie then.
Mirrors. Not awful, not my favorite either. Story has holes like Swiss cheese. Not as smart as the movie maker thinks it is. If you're going in thinking you're going to be jolted out of your seat, think hard before tossing down 10 large on a ticket!
In the past year, a few film studios from over seas have stated that Americans don't know what's really scary. Germany gave us Funny Games this spring, and Japan gave us Shutter. Neither one scary. Although Funny Games was very disturbing. Mirrors comes from Korea...and it's not scary either.
Our story? Manhattans swankiest department store, Mayflowers, has a fire 5 years ago that destroys all but the grand granite shell of the building. 78 people die in the fire. Keifer Sutherlands character gets a job as the night watchman in the ruins, and finds out there are evil spirits that live in the magnificent mirrors of the old store. These spirits kill people for some reason, and pick and choose their victims.....well I really don't know how they pick their victims.
These spirits are now after him, and his family. And to a degree they are successful in their quest to bring death to those around him. Mix in a huge twist, and what have you got? A movie that is mildly jumpy at times, but not real scary in the long run. To it's credit, there could have been a whole lot more gore in Mirrors, there is some. I think this was an attempt to give the movie merit and not turn it into a Prom Night, or some kind of slasher flick. The emphasis is on the story, which goes awry a few times here.
The premise is interesting enough, but the execution is marginal. There is a lot of predictability, and "why are you going down there?'" moments. And the really big question I have to add, "If this place is so scary to you as the night watchman Keifer, why don't you just quit this job anyway and be done with it?" Well, there wouldn't be a movie then.
Mirrors. Not awful, not my favorite either. Story has holes like Swiss cheese. Not as smart as the movie maker thinks it is. If you're going in thinking you're going to be jolted out of your seat, think hard before tossing down 10 large on a ticket!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thanks Ray!
A day or two ago, my on-air partner Sue Wilson and I were talking on the air about back-to-school, and the expense it is for many these days. That conversation led to us collecting school supplies here at the station for those in need. You are still free to come by and donate, we'd love to have you do that. So this week generosity has been on my mind, as I have witnessed it again from our listeners, and it's great to see.
This week I keep going back to a day that changed me for the better. It was 1998. I was living in Lakeland, Florida and doing the morning show on WPCV there. We were a successful show, number one and all, and my on air partner Tom O'Brien and I did a lot of community things too. I was single at the time, and living a nice life there. Work, golf, sun... pretty much looking out for myself. My friend Ray and I played golf in those days about 2 times a week, and we'd usually have lunch that day too. I met Ray in 1997 at a station function. He drove our station sponsored race car and we became fast friends still to this day.
We were eating at a place called Catfish Country, when Ray asked our waitress to bring him the check of a family of five eating on the other side of the restaurant. I asked what he was doing, and he said he was going to buy their lunch. I was intrigued. He said that when he and his wife were younger with 3 kids under 3 at one time including twins, that people would do that for them from time to time, never knowing who the were. I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen that mattered. I was moved, so I bought our lunch and left the tip, for both tables while he picked up the check of the family. I need to point out, Ray is just a regular guy, with regular bills just like you and me.
That was a moment that changed me forever. I decided that I couldn't buy every ones lunch all the time, but I could be more benevolent, both in my personal and professional life. I have given much more to worthwhile causes since then, like Tree Of Lights, etc...and I hope I've been good at donating my time and efforts to other causes that really matter. Things like my family, friends and their children. Funny how that lunch has been on my mind this week, as we opened our selves up with our school supplies collection.
Ray is a man of faith. Since that day at Catfish Country better things have happened for me. Although I don't get to see Ray as much as I used to, my life long friend Don and I go down to Florida and play golf with him two or three times a year. They too, have become great friends. Don too, believes Ray is one of the really good ones. Don's 19 year-old son Derek hears us talk of Ray often, and he asked something the other day I'll not soon forget. "Do you think I'll get to meet Ray someday?" I'm guessing yes.
When you're around someone that's right with the world, you're better for it. When we visit Florida, after golf we BBQ with his family and get a Ray Pray before we eat. All is good. I'll bet you Ray doesn't remember that day at Catfish Country as much as I do. It's just what he does.
Sometimes you're just better off knowing certain people. I'm lucky, I have many like that in my life, and I know I'm fortunate. I think that day I saw one of the kindest things I had ever seen anyone do for a perfect stranger. Your kindness this week for donating school supplies to those in need is reminiscent of my friend Ray in Florida.
A great lesson that day in 1998...still with me.
Thanks Ray!
(By the way in case you're wondering...Catfish Country? Great fish!)
This week I keep going back to a day that changed me for the better. It was 1998. I was living in Lakeland, Florida and doing the morning show on WPCV there. We were a successful show, number one and all, and my on air partner Tom O'Brien and I did a lot of community things too. I was single at the time, and living a nice life there. Work, golf, sun... pretty much looking out for myself. My friend Ray and I played golf in those days about 2 times a week, and we'd usually have lunch that day too. I met Ray in 1997 at a station function. He drove our station sponsored race car and we became fast friends still to this day.
We were eating at a place called Catfish Country, when Ray asked our waitress to bring him the check of a family of five eating on the other side of the restaurant. I asked what he was doing, and he said he was going to buy their lunch. I was intrigued. He said that when he and his wife were younger with 3 kids under 3 at one time including twins, that people would do that for them from time to time, never knowing who the were. I thought it was the coolest thing I'd ever seen that mattered. I was moved, so I bought our lunch and left the tip, for both tables while he picked up the check of the family. I need to point out, Ray is just a regular guy, with regular bills just like you and me.
That was a moment that changed me forever. I decided that I couldn't buy every ones lunch all the time, but I could be more benevolent, both in my personal and professional life. I have given much more to worthwhile causes since then, like Tree Of Lights, etc...and I hope I've been good at donating my time and efforts to other causes that really matter. Things like my family, friends and their children. Funny how that lunch has been on my mind this week, as we opened our selves up with our school supplies collection.
Ray is a man of faith. Since that day at Catfish Country better things have happened for me. Although I don't get to see Ray as much as I used to, my life long friend Don and I go down to Florida and play golf with him two or three times a year. They too, have become great friends. Don too, believes Ray is one of the really good ones. Don's 19 year-old son Derek hears us talk of Ray often, and he asked something the other day I'll not soon forget. "Do you think I'll get to meet Ray someday?" I'm guessing yes.
When you're around someone that's right with the world, you're better for it. When we visit Florida, after golf we BBQ with his family and get a Ray Pray before we eat. All is good. I'll bet you Ray doesn't remember that day at Catfish Country as much as I do. It's just what he does.
Sometimes you're just better off knowing certain people. I'm lucky, I have many like that in my life, and I know I'm fortunate. I think that day I saw one of the kindest things I had ever seen anyone do for a perfect stranger. Your kindness this week for donating school supplies to those in need is reminiscent of my friend Ray in Florida.
A great lesson that day in 1998...still with me.
Thanks Ray!
(By the way in case you're wondering...Catfish Country? Great fish!)
Monday, August 11, 2008
You Guys Do A Great Job
Monday morning on the show Sue Wilson and I were talking about the weekend, and about how we noticed the huge throngs of people out shopping. We deducted that this was more than likely due to the back to school crowd getting ready for the upcoming year. Clothes, pictures and school supplies can cost a bunch.
After airing a ton of calls about how much it cost to send kids of all ages back to school, we saw a theme brewing. It cost a ton of money, and these are not great economic times for many. Not to be dramatic, but after hearing the desperation in some voices, we thought that maybe we could help. So if you click on our website WQMX.com, you can see how you can help others if your able. And Sue and I certainly hope you do. We're going to use our station as a warehouse, so feel free to bring your school supplies to us and we'll get them to those who need them.
Sending kids back to school has always been expensive but in years past, gasoline wasn't 4 bucks a gallon, and so on and so forth. Looks like this year, it could really strap some families, especially large ones. Somehow parents always seem to get it done, but some could really use some assistance this year. Sending kids back to school isn't what it was 20 years ago. It's a big deal now in every regard, and pricey too. If you've done it and are now done, you know what I mean. It never seems to end!
WQMX listeners always amaze me. When there is a need, you always respond. To be honest it's been that way at every country station I've worked for, but here it's really amplified. I guess it must be the confluence of country radio listeners, traditional mid-western values, big hearts, common sense, and real world living experience. Mix it all up, and you've got the recipe for extreme acts of generosity and benevolence. We're hoping for a great response, so families that really need the help can get some this year.
In case we don't say it enough, thanks for everything. Thanks for listening, thanks for coming to our roadshows, playing our contests, and supporting great causes year after year. I'm proud to be here, and to be with you every day. I am really looking forward to seeing the response to you bring to this worth while cause. Thanks in advance.....and you guys do a great job!
After airing a ton of calls about how much it cost to send kids of all ages back to school, we saw a theme brewing. It cost a ton of money, and these are not great economic times for many. Not to be dramatic, but after hearing the desperation in some voices, we thought that maybe we could help. So if you click on our website WQMX.com, you can see how you can help others if your able. And Sue and I certainly hope you do. We're going to use our station as a warehouse, so feel free to bring your school supplies to us and we'll get them to those who need them.
Sending kids back to school has always been expensive but in years past, gasoline wasn't 4 bucks a gallon, and so on and so forth. Looks like this year, it could really strap some families, especially large ones. Somehow parents always seem to get it done, but some could really use some assistance this year. Sending kids back to school isn't what it was 20 years ago. It's a big deal now in every regard, and pricey too. If you've done it and are now done, you know what I mean. It never seems to end!
WQMX listeners always amaze me. When there is a need, you always respond. To be honest it's been that way at every country station I've worked for, but here it's really amplified. I guess it must be the confluence of country radio listeners, traditional mid-western values, big hearts, common sense, and real world living experience. Mix it all up, and you've got the recipe for extreme acts of generosity and benevolence. We're hoping for a great response, so families that really need the help can get some this year.
In case we don't say it enough, thanks for everything. Thanks for listening, thanks for coming to our roadshows, playing our contests, and supporting great causes year after year. I'm proud to be here, and to be with you every day. I am really looking forward to seeing the response to you bring to this worth while cause. Thanks in advance.....and you guys do a great job!
Friday, August 8, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Pineapple Express
Seth Rogen has a new comedy out this week, Pineapple Express. Pineapple Express is the name of a kind of primo pot that is causing all the trouble here.
Meet Dale, Sol, and Red. They are young adults, Dale has a job the others really don't. Sol and Red sell pot for a living out of their houses, and all three pretty much spend all of their time smoking grass, getting high and not much else. Dale buys from Sol, who buys from Red, and so it goes. Dale one night witnesses a drug deal murder, with Pineapple Express as the cause. He is spotted watching the murders, and the bigger drug dealers are now out to kill him. Soon Red and Sol become guilty by association, and they are all in the cross-hairs now.
There have been many pot smoking movies made dating all the way back to Cheech and Chong. This is nothing really new, just maybe some raunchier language and a little more violence. I was a little surprised at the amount of violence in this flick, I wasn't really expecting it. But in some strange way, it's not really very troubling given the fact that this is a "dark comedy."
Strange thing today though. When I went to the movie, there was about 20 people there. There was this one guy about 60 there by himself. I have never heard anyone laugh so hard, loud and often in a movie in my life. But strangely, he was the only one. I was starting to think he was as high as Dale, Sol, and Red, and in retrospect, he may have been. There are moments in this comedy that are humorous, but not "let's echo through the theater" loud like our 60 year old stoner at the movies was today.
Rated R, PA is totally an adult dark comedy. For my money it was a little lengthy and drawn out at times. Trouble was, there just isn't enough story here to sustain a two hour movie, and the points had to be elongated or you have a 1 hour movie. PA can also be a little loud and chaotic at times, and that gets fatiguing at times as well.
Pineapple Express will not die on the vine and will do big money this weekend. It is a mindless night at the movies, but even that can be fun sometimes. If you're not amused by casual drug usage, it's humor and all that goes with it.... keep on going. Most of this misses, but there is a hit or two. The company you keep will make all the difference again.
Meet Dale, Sol, and Red. They are young adults, Dale has a job the others really don't. Sol and Red sell pot for a living out of their houses, and all three pretty much spend all of their time smoking grass, getting high and not much else. Dale buys from Sol, who buys from Red, and so it goes. Dale one night witnesses a drug deal murder, with Pineapple Express as the cause. He is spotted watching the murders, and the bigger drug dealers are now out to kill him. Soon Red and Sol become guilty by association, and they are all in the cross-hairs now.
There have been many pot smoking movies made dating all the way back to Cheech and Chong. This is nothing really new, just maybe some raunchier language and a little more violence. I was a little surprised at the amount of violence in this flick, I wasn't really expecting it. But in some strange way, it's not really very troubling given the fact that this is a "dark comedy."
Strange thing today though. When I went to the movie, there was about 20 people there. There was this one guy about 60 there by himself. I have never heard anyone laugh so hard, loud and often in a movie in my life. But strangely, he was the only one. I was starting to think he was as high as Dale, Sol, and Red, and in retrospect, he may have been. There are moments in this comedy that are humorous, but not "let's echo through the theater" loud like our 60 year old stoner at the movies was today.
Rated R, PA is totally an adult dark comedy. For my money it was a little lengthy and drawn out at times. Trouble was, there just isn't enough story here to sustain a two hour movie, and the points had to be elongated or you have a 1 hour movie. PA can also be a little loud and chaotic at times, and that gets fatiguing at times as well.
Pineapple Express will not die on the vine and will do big money this weekend. It is a mindless night at the movies, but even that can be fun sometimes. If you're not amused by casual drug usage, it's humor and all that goes with it.... keep on going. Most of this misses, but there is a hit or two. The company you keep will make all the difference again.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
I'm Rooting for Jessica Simpson!
Jessica Simpson is a big star. Whether you like that fact or not is up to you. She is a beautiful, young woman, we all know that. She has been in the tabloids for years, and she is one of the most recognized young stars in Hollywood....or now maybe Nashville.
I'm just going to say it up front. I don't care who Jess has been married to, or who she dates. I don't care about Tony Romo or the Dallas Cowboys either. I DO think it's deplorable that Cowboy fans boo her at Texas Stadium. I more than likely will not buy the zit medicine she hocks on late night TV as well. I did think she was extremely funny on the Pizza Hut spots a few years ago, and I have not been to any of her movies. Hopefully that experiment is over.
BUT.....I will embrace her in Nashville and root for her in today's country music scene. Jessica is a star, with real star power. Doesn't she just look country too? I think so. So after all this time she's finally come to Nashville. One question. What took so long? She with her country roots, her looks, her voice, she was a Nashville natural the whole time. Seems like good advice finally showed up.
I have been playing country music on the radio for 26 years. I've seen a ton come and go. I have also never been thrilled with those who come to Nashville only to leave us, or try to leave us for greener pastures or bigger pay days. They just blow us off and run for the Pop/Rock scene thinking of huge stardom. You know who they have been. Many...we don't have to mention any names here. Most of the time, THAT plan fails and when it does, they try to reconnect with Nashville and country fans. But y'all are way too smart for that. Many times the door never really opens again.
Jessica's new song Come On Over, is a real stunner to me. When I heard this country project was in the works, I was skeptical. But the song is COUNTRY! It's short, tight, concise, has some great country licks in it, some great steel guitar riffs too. Plus she sings the daylights out of it, and it just fits her like a glove. The album comes out next month, and to be honest, I'm looking forward to hearing it. With all that she is, she should've come to Nashville long ago.
We all do our best work when we become comfortable with who we are as people. Sometimes it takes a while to find out who we really are as young adults. And when we do, it feels so good to find your niche. When I started in country radio in 1982, at WOBL in Oberlin, Ohio, I had no knowledge of the music. My first job or two was rock.- n- roll. But it fit me fine, and I've done nothing except country since, and had good success. I am hoping for the same for her. She is a star, and if the music is good she will be great for Nashville. Jessica sounds comfortable with her new life and song, away from Hollywood and in Nashville.
For some reason I feel differently about her than virtually every other tabloid star. I don't have much empathy for the rest of that bunch. When I see her, I have always seen someone other than who she was. I always saw someone seemingly uncomfortable in her own skin. -Sad. Maybe it was because I knew the look. I too, in my 20's had to find my own way through a few mine fields. Sound familiar? Thought so. I always felt Jessica was a fish out of water. She just needed a new pond to swim in.
I feel bad for anyone, man or woman who gets booed by 80.000 at a football game for being who they are, plus the rumors, the real dirt they try to dig up or just flat out invent in Hollywood. I'm not saying she's an angel or that mistakes haven't been made, but being in your 20's is a tough job sometimes, and I haven't forgotten that either.
I'm rooting for Jessica Simpson! It's not often that a real star comes to OUR neck of the entertainment woods, Nashville, and settles in. Trust me Jess this is your niche. I think you could really make a go of it if you stay true to the music. We've made many stars and watched them fly away, it's good to have one come home to roost.
I'm just going to say it up front. I don't care who Jess has been married to, or who she dates. I don't care about Tony Romo or the Dallas Cowboys either. I DO think it's deplorable that Cowboy fans boo her at Texas Stadium. I more than likely will not buy the zit medicine she hocks on late night TV as well. I did think she was extremely funny on the Pizza Hut spots a few years ago, and I have not been to any of her movies. Hopefully that experiment is over.
BUT.....I will embrace her in Nashville and root for her in today's country music scene. Jessica is a star, with real star power. Doesn't she just look country too? I think so. So after all this time she's finally come to Nashville. One question. What took so long? She with her country roots, her looks, her voice, she was a Nashville natural the whole time. Seems like good advice finally showed up.
I have been playing country music on the radio for 26 years. I've seen a ton come and go. I have also never been thrilled with those who come to Nashville only to leave us, or try to leave us for greener pastures or bigger pay days. They just blow us off and run for the Pop/Rock scene thinking of huge stardom. You know who they have been. Many...we don't have to mention any names here. Most of the time, THAT plan fails and when it does, they try to reconnect with Nashville and country fans. But y'all are way too smart for that. Many times the door never really opens again.
Jessica's new song Come On Over, is a real stunner to me. When I heard this country project was in the works, I was skeptical. But the song is COUNTRY! It's short, tight, concise, has some great country licks in it, some great steel guitar riffs too. Plus she sings the daylights out of it, and it just fits her like a glove. The album comes out next month, and to be honest, I'm looking forward to hearing it. With all that she is, she should've come to Nashville long ago.
We all do our best work when we become comfortable with who we are as people. Sometimes it takes a while to find out who we really are as young adults. And when we do, it feels so good to find your niche. When I started in country radio in 1982, at WOBL in Oberlin, Ohio, I had no knowledge of the music. My first job or two was rock.- n- roll. But it fit me fine, and I've done nothing except country since, and had good success. I am hoping for the same for her. She is a star, and if the music is good she will be great for Nashville. Jessica sounds comfortable with her new life and song, away from Hollywood and in Nashville.
For some reason I feel differently about her than virtually every other tabloid star. I don't have much empathy for the rest of that bunch. When I see her, I have always seen someone other than who she was. I always saw someone seemingly uncomfortable in her own skin. -Sad. Maybe it was because I knew the look. I too, in my 20's had to find my own way through a few mine fields. Sound familiar? Thought so. I always felt Jessica was a fish out of water. She just needed a new pond to swim in.
I feel bad for anyone, man or woman who gets booed by 80.000 at a football game for being who they are, plus the rumors, the real dirt they try to dig up or just flat out invent in Hollywood. I'm not saying she's an angel or that mistakes haven't been made, but being in your 20's is a tough job sometimes, and I haven't forgotten that either.
I'm rooting for Jessica Simpson! It's not often that a real star comes to OUR neck of the entertainment woods, Nashville, and settles in. Trust me Jess this is your niche. I think you could really make a go of it if you stay true to the music. We've made many stars and watched them fly away, it's good to have one come home to roost.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Mummy 3
Sometimes we forget as movie goers that the studios are in the business of making money. That's just a fact. The Mummy 3 is designed to do just that.
When Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz starred in the Mummy 1 years ago, it became the Raiders Of The Lost Ark of that summer. It was a surprise hit, and a really fun and exciting movie. A nice marriage of new technology and old school movie making. It was fun, it was visually great, and we all liked it. If the studio wasn't in the business of making money, The Mummy probably would have stopped there. But that's not the world we live in. The Mummy 2 was predictably going to be made, and it wasn't near as good as the first. And the Mummy 3....strikes out as well.
Don't get me wrong here. There's nothing really wrong with this flick. But there's not Rachel Weisz this time, (big loss.) But there is Jet Li as our villain. The trouble here is, there is no real new ground. Great effects, big budget, same characters, and blah, blah, blah. This is not a wasted day a the movies, there's just no real reason to go see it. You've seen it before - TWICE.
But stick with me here. Think about it. The box office, the cable rights, DVD, video rights, video game rights, pay per view rights, and toys? This is a money maker - period. I know we forget that sometimes. I'm not going to pan the Mummy 3, but I can't in good conscience recommend you go and spend 9 bucks to see it when money is tight like it is now. Like I said, you already have if you've seen the first one, or two.
No matter how you adjust the bandages, it's still The Mummy, and you've been there, done that. The Mummy 3.....maybe it should have been named The Money 3. Hmmmm.
When Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz starred in the Mummy 1 years ago, it became the Raiders Of The Lost Ark of that summer. It was a surprise hit, and a really fun and exciting movie. A nice marriage of new technology and old school movie making. It was fun, it was visually great, and we all liked it. If the studio wasn't in the business of making money, The Mummy probably would have stopped there. But that's not the world we live in. The Mummy 2 was predictably going to be made, and it wasn't near as good as the first. And the Mummy 3....strikes out as well.
Don't get me wrong here. There's nothing really wrong with this flick. But there's not Rachel Weisz this time, (big loss.) But there is Jet Li as our villain. The trouble here is, there is no real new ground. Great effects, big budget, same characters, and blah, blah, blah. This is not a wasted day a the movies, there's just no real reason to go see it. You've seen it before - TWICE.
But stick with me here. Think about it. The box office, the cable rights, DVD, video rights, video game rights, pay per view rights, and toys? This is a money maker - period. I know we forget that sometimes. I'm not going to pan the Mummy 3, but I can't in good conscience recommend you go and spend 9 bucks to see it when money is tight like it is now. Like I said, you already have if you've seen the first one, or two.
No matter how you adjust the bandages, it's still The Mummy, and you've been there, done that. The Mummy 3.....maybe it should have been named The Money 3. Hmmmm.
MOVIE REVIEW - Step Brothers
Hold your nose....here comes the latest summer attempt at a comedy. Will Farrell and John C. Reilly star in Step Brothers.
You know, when a movie does not screen for critics in advance there are warning signs that this could be a real tank job. And Step Brothers does not let us down. I need to qualify something right up front. I am not a Will Farrell fan. He has had some moments on TV and movies that I have found funny, especially on Saturday Night Live. But he is a guy that generally is best when less of him is more. John C. Reilly has done some great work in dramatic roles, and been in some big hits like with George Clooney in the Perfect Storm. But this is NOT the Perfect Storm.
Step Brothers is the story of two forty-year old men who still live at home with mom and dad. Their respective, enabling parents get married and suddenly they are all one big happy family. "Dale" and "Brennan" are then thrown together to try to work out their new lives. Dale and Brennan still act 9 years old (and that's not an exaggeration) complete with the whole works. Are you rolling on the floor yet? Me either.
I went into Step Brothers with low expectations, but with an open mind. The latter was wishful thinking. Step Brothers could possibly be the most distasteful movie in months, or maybe even of the year. Complete with really tiresome vulgar language, hard to watch scenes, and always trying to grab the lowest common denominator as far as bathroom humor is concerned. I don't mind mindless humor at times, as long as it has a shred of originality or something new to offer. Nothing new here. This movie pigeon holes itself to appeal to a tiny sliver of the movie going public. some young guys may find this movie hilarious, but they will be alone. This Farrel flick may be his new high in lows. His mother and grandmother must be so proud their little man.
Let's be frank though, it'll be a big pay day, but honestly there's got to be a better way for this bunch to make a living. Run...don't walk past this putrid mess. Word to the wise. The company you keep is the whole deal here. This will offend many, and entertain a few.
You know, when a movie does not screen for critics in advance there are warning signs that this could be a real tank job. And Step Brothers does not let us down. I need to qualify something right up front. I am not a Will Farrell fan. He has had some moments on TV and movies that I have found funny, especially on Saturday Night Live. But he is a guy that generally is best when less of him is more. John C. Reilly has done some great work in dramatic roles, and been in some big hits like with George Clooney in the Perfect Storm. But this is NOT the Perfect Storm.
Step Brothers is the story of two forty-year old men who still live at home with mom and dad. Their respective, enabling parents get married and suddenly they are all one big happy family. "Dale" and "Brennan" are then thrown together to try to work out their new lives. Dale and Brennan still act 9 years old (and that's not an exaggeration) complete with the whole works. Are you rolling on the floor yet? Me either.
I went into Step Brothers with low expectations, but with an open mind. The latter was wishful thinking. Step Brothers could possibly be the most distasteful movie in months, or maybe even of the year. Complete with really tiresome vulgar language, hard to watch scenes, and always trying to grab the lowest common denominator as far as bathroom humor is concerned. I don't mind mindless humor at times, as long as it has a shred of originality or something new to offer. Nothing new here. This movie pigeon holes itself to appeal to a tiny sliver of the movie going public. some young guys may find this movie hilarious, but they will be alone. This Farrel flick may be his new high in lows. His mother and grandmother must be so proud their little man.
Let's be frank though, it'll be a big pay day, but honestly there's got to be a better way for this bunch to make a living. Run...don't walk past this putrid mess. Word to the wise. The company you keep is the whole deal here. This will offend many, and entertain a few.
Friday, August 1, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW- Swing Vote
The first weekend of August brings us the new Kevin Costner flick Swing Vote. A timely piece, given the fact that the political season is in high gear.
Swing Vote is obviously loosely based on the real life Presidential Election of 2000, with the debacle in Florida. You've probably seen the trailer for this one. Costner stars as a drunken loser living in the remote desert of New Mexico who because of screwy circumstances has to re-cast his ballot for president. His vote alone will decide who goes into the White House. Does "Bud" take his role in life seriously, or is this just one big party, and another clown getting 15 minutes of fame?
Swing Vote also stars, Dennis Hopper, Kelsey Grammar, Nathan Lane, and Stanley Tucci. An awfully big cast. But make no mistake this movie belongs to,and is totally owned by a newcomer, Madeline Carroll, who plays Costners 11 year old daughter, Molly. Carroll completely takes over Swing Vote, with all the big stars sitting in the back seat. When she's not on screen, you wish she was, and when she is, she in engaging, believable, and absolutely fantastic. And it's a good thing too. Swing Vote does have some problems, but she makes it tolerable.
Swing Vote is being billed as a comedy of sorts, but it's really not. What it is, is an indictment of the two party system, and the mass media. I will say I was sucked into the story, and found the fact that both major political parties are portrayed as liars and snakes very relateable in today's climate. Many Americans are fed up with both sides playing the "win at all cost card." After watching Swing Vote, it's hard not to wonder if there really are any real statesmen anymore, or are politicians so power hungry and driven that they put their own needs ahead of the rest of us. Pretty accurate and surprising out of Hollywood, which tends to hammer the right and coddle the left in most movies like this. This story line is on point, and is one of the Swing Votes strengths.
Costner though as Bud has a huge role, in virtually every scene. I feel is the movies achilles heel. He's not funny when asked to be, and his drunken routine gets old quick. I will say at the movies crescendo, he does show up big and is compelling. Too bad we had to wait two hours for it. Tucci, Grammar, Lane and Hopper are all underused, contribute average performances to say the least.
To be fair, Swing Vote is not great, but not awful either. What it is hopefully is the launching pad for a bright new star in Hollywood. As we have Abigail Breslin, and Dakota Fanning, we now have Madeline Carroll. Remember the name, Madeline Carroll, she single handedly saves Swing Vote, from swinging and totally missing.
Swing Vote is obviously loosely based on the real life Presidential Election of 2000, with the debacle in Florida. You've probably seen the trailer for this one. Costner stars as a drunken loser living in the remote desert of New Mexico who because of screwy circumstances has to re-cast his ballot for president. His vote alone will decide who goes into the White House. Does "Bud" take his role in life seriously, or is this just one big party, and another clown getting 15 minutes of fame?
Swing Vote also stars, Dennis Hopper, Kelsey Grammar, Nathan Lane, and Stanley Tucci. An awfully big cast. But make no mistake this movie belongs to,and is totally owned by a newcomer, Madeline Carroll, who plays Costners 11 year old daughter, Molly. Carroll completely takes over Swing Vote, with all the big stars sitting in the back seat. When she's not on screen, you wish she was, and when she is, she in engaging, believable, and absolutely fantastic. And it's a good thing too. Swing Vote does have some problems, but she makes it tolerable.
Swing Vote is being billed as a comedy of sorts, but it's really not. What it is, is an indictment of the two party system, and the mass media. I will say I was sucked into the story, and found the fact that both major political parties are portrayed as liars and snakes very relateable in today's climate. Many Americans are fed up with both sides playing the "win at all cost card." After watching Swing Vote, it's hard not to wonder if there really are any real statesmen anymore, or are politicians so power hungry and driven that they put their own needs ahead of the rest of us. Pretty accurate and surprising out of Hollywood, which tends to hammer the right and coddle the left in most movies like this. This story line is on point, and is one of the Swing Votes strengths.
Costner though as Bud has a huge role, in virtually every scene. I feel is the movies achilles heel. He's not funny when asked to be, and his drunken routine gets old quick. I will say at the movies crescendo, he does show up big and is compelling. Too bad we had to wait two hours for it. Tucci, Grammar, Lane and Hopper are all underused, contribute average performances to say the least.
To be fair, Swing Vote is not great, but not awful either. What it is hopefully is the launching pad for a bright new star in Hollywood. As we have Abigail Breslin, and Dakota Fanning, we now have Madeline Carroll. Remember the name, Madeline Carroll, she single handedly saves Swing Vote, from swinging and totally missing.
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