Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, my favorite. I think it really captures what a big holiday should be. This year if you have invited someone over for Thanksgiving dinner that needed a place to go, good for you! I want to let you know that it is a wonderful thing to do.
Starting when I was in my early 20's I moved around the country, chasing better jobs in this radio business. I went where the money and opportunity was better, and I did it alone. I have come to realize that kind of life isn't for everyone, but I never thought about it much at the time. Till this year. And I don't know why. Maybe it was thinking a little more this year what I have to be thankful for. With the world the way it is today, maybe you're doing the same thing.
I counted. 20 consecutive Thanksgivings I spent with other peoples families. 20 in a row! Our small family has always done a great job at being together at Christmas, but Turkey day had to give. From Columbus, to Richmond, to Missouri, to Florida, I spent Thanksgiving away from my family, and with someone else' for two decades. And I am so thankful for them, it really gets to me. There were a couple too, that I spent just with the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys on TV. Those where tough, but better times were ahead.
I never really thought about it much at the time, but when someone invites you over for Thanksgiving, it's a big deal. Not many holidays are more family oriented. I always showed up with a bottle of wine, and a smile, and plenty of "pleases and thank you's" to go around, and once in a while a funny line or two. But while watching someone else's family celebrate a big holiday, I remember always being thankful I had a place to go, a fire to sit in front of, someone to watch a game with. With people who thought enough of me to let me in to a real exclusive sanctuary. -Their family. I will never forget them and the good deed they did for me for all those many years.
So to Ray and Debbie, Tim and Kelly, and many other great families that took me in when they didn't have too, I am thankful to you, and in awe of your unselfish deed. If you have someone coming over this Thanksgiving that has no place else to go, you're doing a great thing. They will appreciate it more than you know. No doubt they will say thank you, and that will be fine, but know that deep inside them, they will always remember your kindness that day for ...well forever! I Guarantee It! Thanks for giving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Scott
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Bolt!
Thanksgiving weekend is here, and I have a movie for you to take the kids to. Bolt, is the new Disney Animation movie, and it is right on the money!
Bolt is the story of a dog named, Bolt, and his "person" Penny. They star in a TV show named Bolt. The show is the story of a little girl and her dog, Bolt who has superpowers and does extraordinary things. Big strength, x-ray eyes, and a "superbark." Trouble here is, Bolt is just a dog and doesn't know he's on a TV show. He thinks his powers are real. When then separated from Penny by 2,000 miles, he must find his way back to her with the help of his new friends, Mittens the cat and Rhino the Hamster.
John Travolta is the voice of Bolt, and Miley Cyrus is Penny. I will tell you, her part is limited and small. They don't make that clear in the trailer. Miley is NOT the cat like they want you to think. In addition, the supporting cast of voices are not household names, but are all fantastic. Disney Animation is always first rate, then toss in a fun soundtrack by singers you will certainly recognize and you've got a real winner for the whole family. Bolt is just first class fun!
Bolt luckily breaks away from the Disney pattern of the past 20 years. There are no big production numbers with singing and dancing animals. No got-stuck-in-my-head songs, and no humor about body noises that frankly have become tiresome over time. Bolt is just fun, well done, well written, and good for all ages anywhere, any time.
All good movies begin with a good story, and Bolt is one. You learn that we should be kind to animals, and we hear things from our pets perspective here as well. About their feelings, if only they really could talk. Great job.
Two big paws up for Bolt!!!!
Bolt is the story of a dog named, Bolt, and his "person" Penny. They star in a TV show named Bolt. The show is the story of a little girl and her dog, Bolt who has superpowers and does extraordinary things. Big strength, x-ray eyes, and a "superbark." Trouble here is, Bolt is just a dog and doesn't know he's on a TV show. He thinks his powers are real. When then separated from Penny by 2,000 miles, he must find his way back to her with the help of his new friends, Mittens the cat and Rhino the Hamster.
John Travolta is the voice of Bolt, and Miley Cyrus is Penny. I will tell you, her part is limited and small. They don't make that clear in the trailer. Miley is NOT the cat like they want you to think. In addition, the supporting cast of voices are not household names, but are all fantastic. Disney Animation is always first rate, then toss in a fun soundtrack by singers you will certainly recognize and you've got a real winner for the whole family. Bolt is just first class fun!
Bolt luckily breaks away from the Disney pattern of the past 20 years. There are no big production numbers with singing and dancing animals. No got-stuck-in-my-head songs, and no humor about body noises that frankly have become tiresome over time. Bolt is just fun, well done, well written, and good for all ages anywhere, any time.
All good movies begin with a good story, and Bolt is one. You learn that we should be kind to animals, and we hear things from our pets perspective here as well. About their feelings, if only they really could talk. Great job.
Two big paws up for Bolt!!!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
I'm Glad We Still Do This!
Over the past few weeks I've gone back to a strict 5 mile a day walking routine. I'm eating better, losing some weight and that's good. I've been getting up early even on weekends. And when you're out early, you notice things that would normally escape you just by staying at home.
I feel I have an acute sense of smell. Aromas are really powerful to me and can really transport me back to a place and time, almost like I'm there again watching the whole thing. It's a double edged sword though. Picking up the beautiful, wispy scent of a really elegant perfume... amazing. Catching a whiff of a dead skunk on the road... not so good! But today was neither extreme, it was solidly somewhere in between. I was walking at 5:30 this morning, and I came across the familiar warm smell of a pancake and sausage fundraising breakfast that was going to begin at 7am. That's what the sign said, and man did that take me back!
I'm glad to see that these still exist. Powerful memories of my dad taking me to work these events with him years ago. My dad was a Kiwanian in my hometown of Berea for many years. He would get me up early and take me with him when he worked these. I remember thinking I was such a big-guy, hanging with the other dads, and most times I was the only kid there but I didn't mind. I was about 8 or so. And the smell of hot sausage and fresh pancakes on a cold winter morning never fail to take me right back to Fredrick Roehm Junior High School where the event was held annually.
We'd get there about 5 am, and start in. The whole deal was to raise money for the Kiwanis Little League that I would one day play in, all being prepared in a school I would one day attend and play sports in as well. I'd mix the batter, or flip the links, man can I remember that! I'd wear an apron that wrapped around me twice and hung to the floor once. The other dads would cheer me on, or laugh not at me... but with me. One year we went in later in the day, and we had a TV in the kitchen and watched the Browns/Bengals game while we worked. Now that was a big day. It was there that I learned that "fun" really is fundamental. Even though we were working, it was fun. I try to carry that lesson with me to work every day, and share it with my partners on the show, and co-workers.
I guess what I'm saying is, that I'm so glad to see that we still do things like this in the busy, stressed out world that we live in. That smell took me back big time. I'm not going to say to a simpler, easier time because I'm not sure that it was. I was just a kid. But simpler or not, one thing I'm sure of... it was important. Didn't seem so at the time, it was just fun. But here we are all these years later, and I can still see my smiling self in a kitchen of stainless steel, with the warmth of the grill surrounding me and the smell not just of great food being prepared by really nice community minded men to raise money for a good cause. It was the smell of what childhood should be, safety, stability, and security.
This morning that aroma took me back to a good time, a very good time. One so good, I can almost taste it.
I feel I have an acute sense of smell. Aromas are really powerful to me and can really transport me back to a place and time, almost like I'm there again watching the whole thing. It's a double edged sword though. Picking up the beautiful, wispy scent of a really elegant perfume... amazing. Catching a whiff of a dead skunk on the road... not so good! But today was neither extreme, it was solidly somewhere in between. I was walking at 5:30 this morning, and I came across the familiar warm smell of a pancake and sausage fundraising breakfast that was going to begin at 7am. That's what the sign said, and man did that take me back!
I'm glad to see that these still exist. Powerful memories of my dad taking me to work these events with him years ago. My dad was a Kiwanian in my hometown of Berea for many years. He would get me up early and take me with him when he worked these. I remember thinking I was such a big-guy, hanging with the other dads, and most times I was the only kid there but I didn't mind. I was about 8 or so. And the smell of hot sausage and fresh pancakes on a cold winter morning never fail to take me right back to Fredrick Roehm Junior High School where the event was held annually.
We'd get there about 5 am, and start in. The whole deal was to raise money for the Kiwanis Little League that I would one day play in, all being prepared in a school I would one day attend and play sports in as well. I'd mix the batter, or flip the links, man can I remember that! I'd wear an apron that wrapped around me twice and hung to the floor once. The other dads would cheer me on, or laugh not at me... but with me. One year we went in later in the day, and we had a TV in the kitchen and watched the Browns/Bengals game while we worked. Now that was a big day. It was there that I learned that "fun" really is fundamental. Even though we were working, it was fun. I try to carry that lesson with me to work every day, and share it with my partners on the show, and co-workers.
I guess what I'm saying is, that I'm so glad to see that we still do things like this in the busy, stressed out world that we live in. That smell took me back big time. I'm not going to say to a simpler, easier time because I'm not sure that it was. I was just a kid. But simpler or not, one thing I'm sure of... it was important. Didn't seem so at the time, it was just fun. But here we are all these years later, and I can still see my smiling self in a kitchen of stainless steel, with the warmth of the grill surrounding me and the smell not just of great food being prepared by really nice community minded men to raise money for a good cause. It was the smell of what childhood should be, safety, stability, and security.
This morning that aroma took me back to a good time, a very good time. One so good, I can almost taste it.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Twilight
The weekends big box office smash, Twilight is new this weekend. Based on the wildly popular novel of the same name, Twilight brings the thrill of the book to the big screen.
Reviewing movies like this one is about the easiest thing there is to do. You will be hard pressed to find one fan of the book that won't love this movie. Twilight is a movie that completely understands it core audience, and then delivers it to them.
Let's meet Bella, she is a junior in high school. Transferred to live with her dad after her mom and her new husband decide to movie from Arizona to Florida. Bella ends up in Washington State to live with her father who is the local Chief of police of a small town called Forks. Bella is a pretty, physically clumsy, and socially awkward. She is having a hard time fitting in her new school, and is very vulnerable.
Bella meets and then falls for Edward, who is the class mystery man. Stunning good looks, with standoffish charm and is the schools hard to get guy. Oh did I mention he is a vampire? Bella then falls for Edward, and as you can imagine they are off on a wild journey. Look, this story is way to complicated to try to explain here, but with sidebars a plenty. And Twilight does have some problems, one being the movie is a bit too long, but every single tween at this showing was totally enthralled with it. And all of them will be looking forward to the movies that will follow.
To be fair, I am not the target audience for Twilight. That would be high school girls, and that's OK. But I can recognize that the story is an interesting one, and well told on the screen. They know who they want to see this movie,. and boy are they're going to. A bit long and a bit slow at times, Twilight survives it's problems delivers to it's fans.
Reviewing movies like this one is about the easiest thing there is to do. You will be hard pressed to find one fan of the book that won't love this movie. Twilight is a movie that completely understands it core audience, and then delivers it to them.
Let's meet Bella, she is a junior in high school. Transferred to live with her dad after her mom and her new husband decide to movie from Arizona to Florida. Bella ends up in Washington State to live with her father who is the local Chief of police of a small town called Forks. Bella is a pretty, physically clumsy, and socially awkward. She is having a hard time fitting in her new school, and is very vulnerable.
Bella meets and then falls for Edward, who is the class mystery man. Stunning good looks, with standoffish charm and is the schools hard to get guy. Oh did I mention he is a vampire? Bella then falls for Edward, and as you can imagine they are off on a wild journey. Look, this story is way to complicated to try to explain here, but with sidebars a plenty. And Twilight does have some problems, one being the movie is a bit too long, but every single tween at this showing was totally enthralled with it. And all of them will be looking forward to the movies that will follow.
To be fair, I am not the target audience for Twilight. That would be high school girls, and that's OK. But I can recognize that the story is an interesting one, and well told on the screen. They know who they want to see this movie,. and boy are they're going to. A bit long and a bit slow at times, Twilight survives it's problems delivers to it's fans.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Quantum Of Solace
It's Daniel Craig's second installment of the James Bond series this weekend. This one is a sequel to Casino Royale, it's called Quantum Of Solace. What does that mean? Who knows, sounds good though.
In the last Bond flick, 007 has been reinvented by Craig and the new producers. Gone are the catch phrases, the tradition, and to be honest, most of the fun that was the trademark of Bond movies for so many years. But times change, fans like action only now, and that's what you get in QOS. Action from start to finish. Chase scenes, shooting scenes, and fight scenes a plenty. Bond has become less charming and more violent now. He has lost most of his sense of humor, and so have his movies. But as thye story dictates, he's been a bad mood for a couple of years now.
QOS, is told with the usual backdrop of international espionage, with plenty of world travel, and a story that is complicated, so don't go to the snack bar or the bathroom. There's intrigue, global warming, an eco-message, murder, oil, water, and attempted coups too. And of course there's a nice swipe or two at the American government, who are they really, and of course they are no real match for 007 or the British.
QOS is not a bad movie by any measure, but it now falls into the category of every other quality action movie out there. The elegance, class, romance and the humor of not taking this stuff too seriously has really been erased. QOS is deadly serious. The very thing that has always separated Bond from the pack, has been shelved for the time being. Plenty of action, some are very herky-jerky and chaotic, and some hard to follow. At times it takes on a video game pace. Although a wonderful air born chase scene with Bond at the controls of an old DC-3 aircraft is the highlight of the movie.
James Bond has had to keep up with the times and cater to what a new audience wants...I think. I will tell you, that if you haven't been to a Bond flick in a few years, it's very different than Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Craig sure looks the part, but I don't know if he's a good Bond or not. There's not much acting, but plenty of stunts and action sequences. Footnote too, the famous opening sequences and credits are very good. The song that is sung by Alicia Keys, is not. My gosh turn the sound down will ya?
Quantum Of Solace, Bond reinvented. If you're a fan of Bond's past, you'll may have to reinvent your Bond fever as well. You will have to keep up with the times as much as 007 has.
In the last Bond flick, 007 has been reinvented by Craig and the new producers. Gone are the catch phrases, the tradition, and to be honest, most of the fun that was the trademark of Bond movies for so many years. But times change, fans like action only now, and that's what you get in QOS. Action from start to finish. Chase scenes, shooting scenes, and fight scenes a plenty. Bond has become less charming and more violent now. He has lost most of his sense of humor, and so have his movies. But as thye story dictates, he's been a bad mood for a couple of years now.
QOS, is told with the usual backdrop of international espionage, with plenty of world travel, and a story that is complicated, so don't go to the snack bar or the bathroom. There's intrigue, global warming, an eco-message, murder, oil, water, and attempted coups too. And of course there's a nice swipe or two at the American government, who are they really, and of course they are no real match for 007 or the British.
QOS is not a bad movie by any measure, but it now falls into the category of every other quality action movie out there. The elegance, class, romance and the humor of not taking this stuff too seriously has really been erased. QOS is deadly serious. The very thing that has always separated Bond from the pack, has been shelved for the time being. Plenty of action, some are very herky-jerky and chaotic, and some hard to follow. At times it takes on a video game pace. Although a wonderful air born chase scene with Bond at the controls of an old DC-3 aircraft is the highlight of the movie.
James Bond has had to keep up with the times and cater to what a new audience wants...I think. I will tell you, that if you haven't been to a Bond flick in a few years, it's very different than Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Craig sure looks the part, but I don't know if he's a good Bond or not. There's not much acting, but plenty of stunts and action sequences. Footnote too, the famous opening sequences and credits are very good. The song that is sung by Alicia Keys, is not. My gosh turn the sound down will ya?
Quantum Of Solace, Bond reinvented. If you're a fan of Bond's past, you'll may have to reinvent your Bond fever as well. You will have to keep up with the times as much as 007 has.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW -, Changeling
Clint Eastwood is making the best movies of his life over the past 15 years or so, and Changeling is one of them. Clint does not star in Changeling, that would be Angelina Jolie, and finally..we get to see her do some acting!
Changeling is the true story of Christine Collins (Jolie) a 25 year old single mother in 1928 Los Angeles. Collins is a strong, successful woman way ahead of her time. She lives a modest life with her 9 year- old son Walter. She works for the phone company as an operator, and does right by her boy, who is the light of her life. One day Walter turns up missing, and after months of searching the Los Angeles PD returns a boy to her, and claims it is Walter. But it is not. She challenges, and embarrasses the corrupt LAPD, and is tossed into an insane asylum to be rid of her by the police. There are twists and turns, and sub plots a plenty, and this one movie actually turns into two movies. But it doesn't matter, in fact it makes it better. This movie is fantastic!
The legendary corruption of the LAPD that dogged them until the early 1960's is front and center in Changeling. It helps to have a bit of that history to completely understand Changeling, but they do a great job bringing you up to speed. This movie moves along at a great pace, and the story although complicated, is easy to follow and comprehend. Great directing by Eastwood, wonderfully photographed, excellent score penned by Eastwood as well. Changeling takes you back to the 1920's and immerses you whole, you come out of the theater expecting to see Model -T's in the parking lot.
Angelina Jolie is back. It's a shame that she wastes a lot of her time on those silly action movies where she barely speaks in tough-chick terrible fake accents. We forget she won an Oscar a few years back in Girl, Interrupted, where she was outstanding. Changeling is a command performance of the first order in a big role. She is great, and owns Changeling as the strong, yet wounded Christine Collins. Eastwood successfully disassociates her from those terrible flicks, and puts her in a whole new light. She brings every emotion to a complex character and you ride each one with her. It is easily the best performance of her career.
Changeling has many fantastic supporting performances as well. Add this all up and Changeling is one of the years best movies so far. As of this writing it may be the years best. Changeling, it's been out for a week or two, but don't miss it. Absolutely outstanding!
Changeling is the true story of Christine Collins (Jolie) a 25 year old single mother in 1928 Los Angeles. Collins is a strong, successful woman way ahead of her time. She lives a modest life with her 9 year- old son Walter. She works for the phone company as an operator, and does right by her boy, who is the light of her life. One day Walter turns up missing, and after months of searching the Los Angeles PD returns a boy to her, and claims it is Walter. But it is not. She challenges, and embarrasses the corrupt LAPD, and is tossed into an insane asylum to be rid of her by the police. There are twists and turns, and sub plots a plenty, and this one movie actually turns into two movies. But it doesn't matter, in fact it makes it better. This movie is fantastic!
The legendary corruption of the LAPD that dogged them until the early 1960's is front and center in Changeling. It helps to have a bit of that history to completely understand Changeling, but they do a great job bringing you up to speed. This movie moves along at a great pace, and the story although complicated, is easy to follow and comprehend. Great directing by Eastwood, wonderfully photographed, excellent score penned by Eastwood as well. Changeling takes you back to the 1920's and immerses you whole, you come out of the theater expecting to see Model -T's in the parking lot.
Angelina Jolie is back. It's a shame that she wastes a lot of her time on those silly action movies where she barely speaks in tough-chick terrible fake accents. We forget she won an Oscar a few years back in Girl, Interrupted, where she was outstanding. Changeling is a command performance of the first order in a big role. She is great, and owns Changeling as the strong, yet wounded Christine Collins. Eastwood successfully disassociates her from those terrible flicks, and puts her in a whole new light. She brings every emotion to a complex character and you ride each one with her. It is easily the best performance of her career.
Changeling has many fantastic supporting performances as well. Add this all up and Changeling is one of the years best movies so far. As of this writing it may be the years best. Changeling, it's been out for a week or two, but don't miss it. Absolutely outstanding!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Veterans Day
This week we recognize and honor all Veterans. I should start off by saying that I am not a veteran, and I wish everyday that I was. I have enormous admiration for those that are. You are a truly amazing group of gifted, compassionate individuals that protect our freedom and our way of life every single day, both at home and overseas. I am grateful to you.
It has always been a great honor to be a Veteran, and it will always be. Vets do things, see things, and go places that most of us do not, and could not. It's been that way from the Revolutionary War,to the War On Terror. Veterans dedicate their precious lives to protecting our freedom, and freedom around the world. That's just what they do.
My father was a WWII Veteran. He graduated from Mansfield High School and went to Duke University on a full-ride football scholarship. After Pearl Harbor he left college and enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a tail-gunner on a B-25 Bomber in the South Pacific until the war ended. He then was in occupied Japan for another year. He had three older brothers too, Hank, John and Joe, all in WWII at the same time and all came home at wars end healthy. Amazing.
You would think after all these centuries, that every country on earth would want to be free, live free, want free societies, and yearn to flourish as other nations have. But there are still some that don't. So Veterans have always been there to protect us from them. What soldiers do, and what Veterans have always done is sacrifice everything for us. Time from home, their way of life...and too often ..their own life. All in the name of being free.
If you really stop to think about history, the only thing that stands, and has stood between being free and not being free world-wide, are our soldiers and veterans. No one else is the history of the world has carried such a responsibility. They ensure that the people that cherish freedom and live to be free, are free.
Honoring Veterans one day a year is symbolic and nice, but not nearly enough. I always have to say thanks, when I see a soldier or veteran in uniform. It's just a natural reflex for me, and I'm glad I have that trait. I can't begin to understand their dedication, and sacrifice to our nation, but I'm eternally thankful that they have it.
Veterans and Soldiers are unbelievable people. Men and woman, young and old, that have given more than the rest of us. And they did it all, not because it was their job, I think that's to simple. They did it because they had something way down deep within their collective souls, that made them uniquely special to give wholeheartedly to a cause that was infinitely bigger than themselves. I cannot thank you all enough.
It's Veterans Day 2008. Thank a Vet today if you can. And sometime today, in a quiet moment alone take a few minutes to be thankful, and remember ... all of those....who gave theirs...so we could have ours.
It has always been a great honor to be a Veteran, and it will always be. Vets do things, see things, and go places that most of us do not, and could not. It's been that way from the Revolutionary War,to the War On Terror. Veterans dedicate their precious lives to protecting our freedom, and freedom around the world. That's just what they do.
My father was a WWII Veteran. He graduated from Mansfield High School and went to Duke University on a full-ride football scholarship. After Pearl Harbor he left college and enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a tail-gunner on a B-25 Bomber in the South Pacific until the war ended. He then was in occupied Japan for another year. He had three older brothers too, Hank, John and Joe, all in WWII at the same time and all came home at wars end healthy. Amazing.
You would think after all these centuries, that every country on earth would want to be free, live free, want free societies, and yearn to flourish as other nations have. But there are still some that don't. So Veterans have always been there to protect us from them. What soldiers do, and what Veterans have always done is sacrifice everything for us. Time from home, their way of life...and too often ..their own life. All in the name of being free.
If you really stop to think about history, the only thing that stands, and has stood between being free and not being free world-wide, are our soldiers and veterans. No one else is the history of the world has carried such a responsibility. They ensure that the people that cherish freedom and live to be free, are free.
Honoring Veterans one day a year is symbolic and nice, but not nearly enough. I always have to say thanks, when I see a soldier or veteran in uniform. It's just a natural reflex for me, and I'm glad I have that trait. I can't begin to understand their dedication, and sacrifice to our nation, but I'm eternally thankful that they have it.
Veterans and Soldiers are unbelievable people. Men and woman, young and old, that have given more than the rest of us. And they did it all, not because it was their job, I think that's to simple. They did it because they had something way down deep within their collective souls, that made them uniquely special to give wholeheartedly to a cause that was infinitely bigger than themselves. I cannot thank you all enough.
It's Veterans Day 2008. Thank a Vet today if you can. And sometime today, in a quiet moment alone take a few minutes to be thankful, and remember ... all of those....who gave theirs...so we could have ours.
Friday, November 7, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Role Models
Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star in the new off beat comedy this weekend, Role Models. From time to time I am pleasantly surprised at the box office, and today and Role Models did it for me.
Thirty five-ish year old Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott) work for a fictitious energy drink company. They go around to schools and try to convince kids to stay off drugs and alchohol and to persuade them to drink their energy drink instead. After a series of mishaps and then a final run in with the law, Danny and Wheeler are sentenced to 150 hours of community service at a non profit camp where they are to mentor kids. With an obvious generation gap and a lack of desire they are given Ronnie and Augie as their projects. Ronnie is a little guy with street smarts and horrible language and Augie is the geeky Dungeon and Dragons kid, who lives in a fantasy world of make believe at the age of about 16.
RM is not as complicated as it may sound. Look, there are moments of inappropriateness in this movie, and somethings that don't work, but to be honest RM really is fun. What it is, is a parody on the whole thing. On Danny and Wheeler, on the kids they mentor, and the camp they work at. Jane Lynch is the show stealer here though. She is Sweeny, the leader of the non profit camp. She does a wonderful parody on the former addict turned leader. She is really funny in her small role as the is-she-really-cured camp counselor. One of the really funny small role performances you'll see. Elizabeth Banks has a small role as Beth, Danny's girlfriend, she is always fun and engaging. And a cast of supporting actors in silly roles make RM really fun.
To be honest, Role Models won't work for everyone. But once you get the fact this this is parody, and silliness it's easier to swallow the Kool-Aid here. It's just for laughs period. The dialogue at times is snappy and fun, and foul and straight forward at other times. But to me, there's a sense of lightness that doesn't make it offensive. And to be square with you again, it's been a while since I've heard a theater laugh like they did today. It doesn't all work, but it's okay. Role Models, if nothing else, go laugh at Jane Lynch, she's really funny!
Thirty five-ish year old Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott) work for a fictitious energy drink company. They go around to schools and try to convince kids to stay off drugs and alchohol and to persuade them to drink their energy drink instead. After a series of mishaps and then a final run in with the law, Danny and Wheeler are sentenced to 150 hours of community service at a non profit camp where they are to mentor kids. With an obvious generation gap and a lack of desire they are given Ronnie and Augie as their projects. Ronnie is a little guy with street smarts and horrible language and Augie is the geeky Dungeon and Dragons kid, who lives in a fantasy world of make believe at the age of about 16.
RM is not as complicated as it may sound. Look, there are moments of inappropriateness in this movie, and somethings that don't work, but to be honest RM really is fun. What it is, is a parody on the whole thing. On Danny and Wheeler, on the kids they mentor, and the camp they work at. Jane Lynch is the show stealer here though. She is Sweeny, the leader of the non profit camp. She does a wonderful parody on the former addict turned leader. She is really funny in her small role as the is-she-really-cured camp counselor. One of the really funny small role performances you'll see. Elizabeth Banks has a small role as Beth, Danny's girlfriend, she is always fun and engaging. And a cast of supporting actors in silly roles make RM really fun.
To be honest, Role Models won't work for everyone. But once you get the fact this this is parody, and silliness it's easier to swallow the Kool-Aid here. It's just for laughs period. The dialogue at times is snappy and fun, and foul and straight forward at other times. But to me, there's a sense of lightness that doesn't make it offensive. And to be square with you again, it's been a while since I've heard a theater laugh like they did today. It doesn't all work, but it's okay. Role Models, if nothing else, go laugh at Jane Lynch, she's really funny!
Monday, November 3, 2008
We Made It!!
At last election day is here! And soon we will find out who the next President will be. And if there's going to be casinos in Ohio, plus tons of other stuff in every city across our area. It's finally over! Can you believe it?
Lucky for me, I'm hitting the sack soon, and Tuesday is a busy day for me, so I think I've seen my last political ad on TV. I gotta tell you, I have been so tired of this for so long now, it's hard to think that's it's not going to be on Wednesday. But it's back to normal.
I am kind of sad though that I will fall off every one's "A" list. In just the past three days, I've gotten calls from, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, and a few other issues people wanting to personally invite me to come out and make them look good on TV. They all heard the exact same thing...click! I passed. I'm guessing too, that I'm not going to get anymore calls from ANY of them come Wednesday, Thursday, or even doomsday....they're done with me after I vote I get it, and it doesn't hurt my feelings either.
I'm going to miss the pundits on TV too. (What the heck is a pundit anyway?) I don't know if I can handle not hearing about "swing states" "battleground states" 49-47%, Gallup, Rasmussen, and CNN/Fox Polls. Not to mention issue 5, 6, 8, or 9, or even 127. (And yes there is an issue 127.) It's all over but the cryin'.
And there's going to be plenty of that! That's Wednesdays TV fodder. The Cryin'. No matter who or what wins, there's going to be the boo-hooey, blubbering, bunch, foghorning on all the cable channels writhing in pain that their guy, gal or issue didn't get the golden parachute. That phase should go on for about 3 days. Then it'll all be over.
This will come as no surprise to anyone, but this has been the longest campaign in history. And now all we gotta do is vote. So make sure you do that this year. Vote....it's your right as an American, not to mention your reward for having to sit through the TV ads for the past two years. Get out and vote.....
"I'm Scott Wynn....candidate for nothing and I approved this blog"
Lucky for me, I'm hitting the sack soon, and Tuesday is a busy day for me, so I think I've seen my last political ad on TV. I gotta tell you, I have been so tired of this for so long now, it's hard to think that's it's not going to be on Wednesday. But it's back to normal.
I am kind of sad though that I will fall off every one's "A" list. In just the past three days, I've gotten calls from, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, John McCain, and a few other issues people wanting to personally invite me to come out and make them look good on TV. They all heard the exact same thing...click! I passed. I'm guessing too, that I'm not going to get anymore calls from ANY of them come Wednesday, Thursday, or even doomsday....they're done with me after I vote I get it, and it doesn't hurt my feelings either.
I'm going to miss the pundits on TV too. (What the heck is a pundit anyway?) I don't know if I can handle not hearing about "swing states" "battleground states" 49-47%, Gallup, Rasmussen, and CNN/Fox Polls. Not to mention issue 5, 6, 8, or 9, or even 127. (And yes there is an issue 127.) It's all over but the cryin'.
And there's going to be plenty of that! That's Wednesdays TV fodder. The Cryin'. No matter who or what wins, there's going to be the boo-hooey, blubbering, bunch, foghorning on all the cable channels writhing in pain that their guy, gal or issue didn't get the golden parachute. That phase should go on for about 3 days. Then it'll all be over.
This will come as no surprise to anyone, but this has been the longest campaign in history. And now all we gotta do is vote. So make sure you do that this year. Vote....it's your right as an American, not to mention your reward for having to sit through the TV ads for the past two years. Get out and vote.....
"I'm Scott Wynn....candidate for nothing and I approved this blog"
Saturday, November 1, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Zach and Miri......
It's not often I regret going to the movies, but for Zach and Miri Make A Porno, I have to make an exception. Good gravy man....what were these clowns thinking?
I have always loved the movies. I like all kinds of flicks, and usually find the good, or the idea in the movie that I am seeing. But not here. ZAM stars Seth Rogen, and Elizabeth Banks, and a bunch of other people you don't know or care about. This is another in a long line of "push the envelope' movies from this troop, and this one is just absolutely awful.
Okay, Zach and Miri are 28 year-old platonic roommates who have been friends since the first grade. Both losers, and the bills are mounting. After the electric and the water are turned off and find themselves in 20 grand of debt, they decide to do the next logical thing...make a pornographic movie, and that will solve all of their problems. So they proceed on. Finding the cash to start up, casting calls, finding the right photographer, and of course writing a good script. They then find out, that they both have feelings for each other, and don't want each other "starring" in the movie with anyone other than themselves. (Hurllllllllllllll................!!) I've got a better idea, why don't Zach and Miri get jobs, and be responsible? Wow! There I am again, in the common sense zone.
I'm not sure who is supposed to like this movie. It's two flicks in one. First this raunchy junior high, "let's look at these dirty magazines" movie at the start. Then there's a plot twist that tries to turn this into some kind of love story. Each part mutually terrible.
ZAM is vile, vulgar, completely adolescent, and just flat out raunchy, complete with the worst language you can imagine. Help me here, is there something that I'm not getting? Is hearing really terrible language from guys and girls a million times really funny? Am I missing out? And maybe the worst offense of all....it's not funny! Seth Rogen as an actor, is too likeable, and too potentially funny to get mixed in in manure like this. Elizabeth Banks is beautiful and captivating, and she too should have her head examined before picking her next role.
ZAM...it's not funny, not sexy, not anywhere near watchable, it's just a waste of time. Quite possibly going to end up on many "worst of the year lists." I know it's near the top of mine now.
I have always loved the movies. I like all kinds of flicks, and usually find the good, or the idea in the movie that I am seeing. But not here. ZAM stars Seth Rogen, and Elizabeth Banks, and a bunch of other people you don't know or care about. This is another in a long line of "push the envelope' movies from this troop, and this one is just absolutely awful.
Okay, Zach and Miri are 28 year-old platonic roommates who have been friends since the first grade. Both losers, and the bills are mounting. After the electric and the water are turned off and find themselves in 20 grand of debt, they decide to do the next logical thing...make a pornographic movie, and that will solve all of their problems. So they proceed on. Finding the cash to start up, casting calls, finding the right photographer, and of course writing a good script. They then find out, that they both have feelings for each other, and don't want each other "starring" in the movie with anyone other than themselves. (Hurllllllllllllll................!!) I've got a better idea, why don't Zach and Miri get jobs, and be responsible? Wow! There I am again, in the common sense zone.
I'm not sure who is supposed to like this movie. It's two flicks in one. First this raunchy junior high, "let's look at these dirty magazines" movie at the start. Then there's a plot twist that tries to turn this into some kind of love story. Each part mutually terrible.
ZAM is vile, vulgar, completely adolescent, and just flat out raunchy, complete with the worst language you can imagine. Help me here, is there something that I'm not getting? Is hearing really terrible language from guys and girls a million times really funny? Am I missing out? And maybe the worst offense of all....it's not funny! Seth Rogen as an actor, is too likeable, and too potentially funny to get mixed in in manure like this. Elizabeth Banks is beautiful and captivating, and she too should have her head examined before picking her next role.
ZAM...it's not funny, not sexy, not anywhere near watchable, it's just a waste of time. Quite possibly going to end up on many "worst of the year lists." I know it's near the top of mine now.
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