Dreamworks new animated fun fest, Monsters Vs. Aliens hits theaters this weekend. It's another wonderfully animated family movie that everyone in the family will get a kick out of.
To go along with the stunning animation, there are terrific voice performances by many of today's hottest stars. Reece Witherspoon (who is just terrific) , Seth Rogan (hilarious), Hugh Laurie, Paul Rudd and Keifer Sutherland. MVA....really really works!
MVA is the story of Susan (Witherspoon) who is getting married to Derek (Rudd). But on her wedding day she is hit by a meteorite that travels to earth from an exploding planet. As she's taking her wedding vows, she mutates and grows to a stunning size, say 100 feet tall, and is given great strength to boot. The Feds swoop in and take her away to be a part of a secret Federal project of stockpiling "monsters" as a secret military weapon. There she meets the other "monsters" who have been imprisoned for roughly 50 years waiting to be used in an emergency.
Enter the Aliens. They are coming to earth to take back the origin element that is their life blood. It's the same element that hit Susan, and she is housing the source. It is the secret of her gigantic size and strength. So they must get it back. So as they target her, they attack the earth. The Feds then unleash the Monsters to defend us against the Aliens.
MVA is just great in every way. Fantastic animation, performances, and a real nice story. The story is the star. Something for everyone. It's an easy to follow plot, and a real exciting story as well with some important messages for kids to see. Acceptance, team work,self confidence and self esteem. Plus it showcases a young woman, Susan with great grit, determination, and bravery. Nice role modeling here. It's fun, funny and really well put together. Dreamworks should be applauded for really hitting on all cylinders here. There's not one thing wrong with this movie. This is really a nice flick.
Great move too, there are two versions of this movie in the theaters now. One is the fantastic new 3-D, and the other is not. So you can decide which one you want to see and pay for. Nice move!
Monsters Vs. Aliens. Great for the family. Bravo!
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Saturday, March 28, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - The Haunting in Connecticut
Hollywood keeps trying to scare us this season, and they keep coming up short. This weeks feeble attempt is the much-hyped The Haunting in Connecticut.
The movie makers keep stressing that this is based on the true story of a family in 1987, that went through this "haunting" after moving into an old house in upstate Connecticut. The Campbell family has an adolescent son who is suffering from cancer, and they move into this house to be nearer to the center where he is getting experimental treatment. Upon arriving, the son is haunted by some entity that seems to be haunting only him.
This house was a funeral home in the 1920's and that is their first clue that something may be underfoot. Soon enough the whole family is feeling the haunting and as it continues and you're supposed to be scared, but you're not. This whole thing just doesn't work. I wish I could tell you that there are moments of creativity, nice special effects, or even some originality, but there's not.
I believe about 20 percent of what's in this movie. I do believe there is a Connecticut. And that some family lived in this house. I also can believe that this house was a former funeral home, and that there may have been some strange and unaccounted for occurrences there. But I don't believe much of what this story has to say, and that is the movies downfall. I feel Hollywood has taken this basic premise, and run it through the "I'm not buyin' that grinder," Because there's just not enough interesting story here to go around. It's just not palatable, and what's worse, it's NOT scary.
Oh, there's some banging doors, loud noises, shadows, eerie music, and there's stuff coming out of peoples mouths.... but yippee! But it's not scary, suspenseful, or even interesting. I'm sorry this family went through what they feel is a big ordeal. Nice pay day for them, and with life's circumstances surrounding them they may have earned it. But it may be a nice short story, not a 2 hour movie. Interesting note, without spoiling. At the movies end, the mother in the story narrates that she" doesn't care who believes her or not, she knows what happened." Leads us to think there are many skeptics on her story.
The Haunting In Connecticut. It doesn't scare you, haunt you, or make you think. It's a hollow story that just lays there. A must-miss.
You can see all my movie reviews now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
The movie makers keep stressing that this is based on the true story of a family in 1987, that went through this "haunting" after moving into an old house in upstate Connecticut. The Campbell family has an adolescent son who is suffering from cancer, and they move into this house to be nearer to the center where he is getting experimental treatment. Upon arriving, the son is haunted by some entity that seems to be haunting only him.
This house was a funeral home in the 1920's and that is their first clue that something may be underfoot. Soon enough the whole family is feeling the haunting and as it continues and you're supposed to be scared, but you're not. This whole thing just doesn't work. I wish I could tell you that there are moments of creativity, nice special effects, or even some originality, but there's not.
I believe about 20 percent of what's in this movie. I do believe there is a Connecticut. And that some family lived in this house. I also can believe that this house was a former funeral home, and that there may have been some strange and unaccounted for occurrences there. But I don't believe much of what this story has to say, and that is the movies downfall. I feel Hollywood has taken this basic premise, and run it through the "I'm not buyin' that grinder," Because there's just not enough interesting story here to go around. It's just not palatable, and what's worse, it's NOT scary.
Oh, there's some banging doors, loud noises, shadows, eerie music, and there's stuff coming out of peoples mouths.... but yippee! But it's not scary, suspenseful, or even interesting. I'm sorry this family went through what they feel is a big ordeal. Nice pay day for them, and with life's circumstances surrounding them they may have earned it. But it may be a nice short story, not a 2 hour movie. Interesting note, without spoiling. At the movies end, the mother in the story narrates that she" doesn't care who believes her or not, she knows what happened." Leads us to think there are many skeptics on her story.
The Haunting In Connecticut. It doesn't scare you, haunt you, or make you think. It's a hollow story that just lays there. A must-miss.
You can see all my movie reviews now
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ScottyBurger
I am about to divulge something that I have spent a lifetime trying to hide from virtually everyone in my life. Most of my friends don't know it, and neither does my wife. It's something that was a source of real embarrassment for me for a long time as a young adult, but it's time to get over it.
This time of the year is always one of reflection for me. For it was in April that my dad died almost 31 years ago. It's the weather. The "tween" temps? Early spring, it gets me thinking. And for some reason today on my 5 mile walk, I was thinking of the nickname my dad gave me when I was just a little guy - "ScottyBurger." Don't ask. I have no idea why he called me that, or where the heck it came from, but that was his runaway favorite.
I never asked anyone where it came from. My name is Scott, and I do like burgers. But I don't think that affection for hamburgers was evident when I was just 3 years old! It never bothered me when I was a kid. I didn't care then who heard it. And the sound of that silly name made me feel all was right with the world. And it was.
That moniker is probably not the first word I ever spoke, but it's the first one I still remember. For some reason, it gave my dad great delight to say it, and it amused those around us to no end. When I was 7 it was fine, 10 less fine, at 12 not so fine, and at 13, I was running for cover. Then at 16. He died. And so did "ScottyBurger."
I then spent most of my adolescence hoping that some family member at a holiday function wouldn't blow my cover after a couple of quick egg nogs. My fear grew that some group of friends, or God forbid, some girlfriend would learn about that silly name from my childhood.
Oh, I had an Uncle John that used to call me "Burger" well into my 30's, saying things like, "That's a good lookin' sandwich there, Burger!" But he used decorum and only uttered that name within the family. Basically, ScottyBurger was shelved for 31 years. I never said it, never told any friends, and certainly not any girlfriends for decades! But it's time that I own up to it, and give my dad the props he deserves.
Funny thing, I have spent my adult life coming up with nicknames for the important people in my own life. Some really embrace it, and think it's fun. Others roll their eyes, and think I need something better to do with my time. The names have always been harmless, and each one takes about 1 second to come up with. Usually it's just out there before I know it. To be very honest, it's a way I show affection. It's an endearing gesture I've been doing for years. And luckily, I've never saddled anyone with anything like ScottyBurger! And when I hear a nickname parroted by someone else that I originated, that flatters me to no end. Few things make me smile more.
Those in my family say I'm the spittin' image of may dad. I do look like him, I do get excited over life's little things, and I laugh a little too loud for some people sometimes.... and I know it. But I get it honestly, as we all do from our parents. I got lots of things from my dad, and those are just a few. But it's that time of the year. When I think of the things he gave me when I was just a little kid. Most of them were a lot more important than ScottyBurger.
Or were they?
This time of the year is always one of reflection for me. For it was in April that my dad died almost 31 years ago. It's the weather. The "tween" temps? Early spring, it gets me thinking. And for some reason today on my 5 mile walk, I was thinking of the nickname my dad gave me when I was just a little guy - "ScottyBurger." Don't ask. I have no idea why he called me that, or where the heck it came from, but that was his runaway favorite.
I never asked anyone where it came from. My name is Scott, and I do like burgers. But I don't think that affection for hamburgers was evident when I was just 3 years old! It never bothered me when I was a kid. I didn't care then who heard it. And the sound of that silly name made me feel all was right with the world. And it was.
That moniker is probably not the first word I ever spoke, but it's the first one I still remember. For some reason, it gave my dad great delight to say it, and it amused those around us to no end. When I was 7 it was fine, 10 less fine, at 12 not so fine, and at 13, I was running for cover. Then at 16. He died. And so did "ScottyBurger."
I then spent most of my adolescence hoping that some family member at a holiday function wouldn't blow my cover after a couple of quick egg nogs. My fear grew that some group of friends, or God forbid, some girlfriend would learn about that silly name from my childhood.
Oh, I had an Uncle John that used to call me "Burger" well into my 30's, saying things like, "That's a good lookin' sandwich there, Burger!" But he used decorum and only uttered that name within the family. Basically, ScottyBurger was shelved for 31 years. I never said it, never told any friends, and certainly not any girlfriends for decades! But it's time that I own up to it, and give my dad the props he deserves.
Funny thing, I have spent my adult life coming up with nicknames for the important people in my own life. Some really embrace it, and think it's fun. Others roll their eyes, and think I need something better to do with my time. The names have always been harmless, and each one takes about 1 second to come up with. Usually it's just out there before I know it. To be very honest, it's a way I show affection. It's an endearing gesture I've been doing for years. And luckily, I've never saddled anyone with anything like ScottyBurger! And when I hear a nickname parroted by someone else that I originated, that flatters me to no end. Few things make me smile more.
Those in my family say I'm the spittin' image of may dad. I do look like him, I do get excited over life's little things, and I laugh a little too loud for some people sometimes.... and I know it. But I get it honestly, as we all do from our parents. I got lots of things from my dad, and those are just a few. But it's that time of the year. When I think of the things he gave me when I was just a little kid. Most of them were a lot more important than ScottyBurger.
Or were they?
Monday, March 23, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Duplicity
Is it possible to go to a Julia Roberts movie and be bored out of your mind for two hours? The answer is yes! My gosh. I left the theater about 45 minutes ago, and I still think this pile... is still piling up! Duplicity starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. It has to be experienced.
Duplicity is a relatively good story about two former international spies, (Roberts and Owen), who devise a plan to go into the private corporate espionage business. They fall in love and work from each side of two major companies to try to swindle them out of heavily guarded corporate secrets. They hope to pull it off, pocket 40 million dollars, and disappear forever.
But I'm going to stop the love-fest right there, and get down to the brass tacks of Duplicity. It's 2:05 long, and feels like 5:02. Told in flashback form, Duplicity is so impressed with itself that it get too twisty and turny, it just gets fatiguing. Oh, and did I mention flashbacks......after flashback...after flashback...my gosh man make it stop!
You can always tell when a movie is trying to be too smart for its own good. When people start bailing after about 90 minutes, and actually leaving the theater. There was just too much to swallow here. It's kind of like trying to eat an entire jar of peanut butter all at once. And that's what happened today. Just too much log rolling, and TOO MANY FLASHBACKS! For heavens sake. They flashback you right till the very end, and it makes for a long movie.
To its credit, the original story I think is pretty strong. The soundtrack is fun, and the opening credit scene is highly creative, and downright "laugh out loud" funny. There are moments where Duplicity is funny, but it doesn't save it. It's just too slow, and spins in the mud. Roberts is back on the screen and that's a good thing, and I know Owen is the next "big thing" but his last two movies, this one and The International, have just been snoozers. Pack your pillow for this one too.
Duplicity. Fifteen minutes of top notch entertainment, spread out over a two hour show.
Duplicity is a relatively good story about two former international spies, (Roberts and Owen), who devise a plan to go into the private corporate espionage business. They fall in love and work from each side of two major companies to try to swindle them out of heavily guarded corporate secrets. They hope to pull it off, pocket 40 million dollars, and disappear forever.
But I'm going to stop the love-fest right there, and get down to the brass tacks of Duplicity. It's 2:05 long, and feels like 5:02. Told in flashback form, Duplicity is so impressed with itself that it get too twisty and turny, it just gets fatiguing. Oh, and did I mention flashbacks......after flashback...after flashback...my gosh man make it stop!
You can always tell when a movie is trying to be too smart for its own good. When people start bailing after about 90 minutes, and actually leaving the theater. There was just too much to swallow here. It's kind of like trying to eat an entire jar of peanut butter all at once. And that's what happened today. Just too much log rolling, and TOO MANY FLASHBACKS! For heavens sake. They flashback you right till the very end, and it makes for a long movie.
To its credit, the original story I think is pretty strong. The soundtrack is fun, and the opening credit scene is highly creative, and downright "laugh out loud" funny. There are moments where Duplicity is funny, but it doesn't save it. It's just too slow, and spins in the mud. Roberts is back on the screen and that's a good thing, and I know Owen is the next "big thing" but his last two movies, this one and The International, have just been snoozers. Pack your pillow for this one too.
Duplicity. Fifteen minutes of top notch entertainment, spread out over a two hour show.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - I Love You, Man
It's Springtime and time for out first big comedy of the season, and here comes I Love You, Man. This one stars Paul Rudd, Jason Segel and Rashida Jones.
It's the off-beat story of Peter (Rudd) who is newly engaged to Zooey (Jones) and the moments leading up to the wedding that are anything but normal. Peter is a very conservative real estate agent in California and is a bit on the soft side. He has never had any real male friends, and this is brought to his attention by his bride to be, Zooey at a girls night out engagement party. Peter takes it to heart and sets out to find his new "friend" to be his best man at their wedding.
Peter meets Sydney (Segel) who is this very strange, never going to grow up 30 ish "dude" who claims to be an investment broker. But Sydney certainly doesn't live the stereotypical IB lifestyle. He and Peter hit it off, as opposites often do attract, and the follies are on.
ILYM is a formula movie that for some reason has really stood the test of time with us. From Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot, to Neil Simon's' The Odd Couple, to John Hughes' Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The prim and proper on one side, and the outrageous opposite on the other side. We have been laughing at this for decades, and we still are. ILYM, despite some shortcomings, follows the exact recipe and does bring you some good laughs.
There is a stretch at the beginning that ILYM seems to wants to veer off into the sophomoric humor ditch, and does for a time. But it seems to get over the locker room humor and grows a heart and a bit of a soul, then turns the corner and becomes a different movie. The story here is overall pretty good. Rudd is always a good time, and he is here as the understated Peter. Segel is who he is. I'm not a huge fan overall, but this may be his best performance to date, as his character is a little better defined, and doesn't rely solely on the bathroom stuff to get us laughing.
Big kudos too for Rashida Jones, who is Peters fiance, Zooey. She is a real breath of fresh air on the screen. Perfectly cast, she is engaging, real, and looks exactly like the kind of woman Peter would be marrying. Nice chemistry between them too. The decision to cast her, was the movies best decision. A nice supporting cast as well, Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons, Lou Ferrigno, and especially Jamie Presley in a VERY funny small role as one of Zooey's best friends.
I Love You, Man. It's got problems, but in the end it does deliver what it says it will, laughs. Some you will appreciate some you may not. But if you're willing to wade through a bit of mud, you will end up on dry land in the end. Might want to leave Nana at home, but still not a bad night at the movies.
It's the off-beat story of Peter (Rudd) who is newly engaged to Zooey (Jones) and the moments leading up to the wedding that are anything but normal. Peter is a very conservative real estate agent in California and is a bit on the soft side. He has never had any real male friends, and this is brought to his attention by his bride to be, Zooey at a girls night out engagement party. Peter takes it to heart and sets out to find his new "friend" to be his best man at their wedding.
Peter meets Sydney (Segel) who is this very strange, never going to grow up 30 ish "dude" who claims to be an investment broker. But Sydney certainly doesn't live the stereotypical IB lifestyle. He and Peter hit it off, as opposites often do attract, and the follies are on.
ILYM is a formula movie that for some reason has really stood the test of time with us. From Billy Wilder's Some Like It Hot, to Neil Simon's' The Odd Couple, to John Hughes' Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The prim and proper on one side, and the outrageous opposite on the other side. We have been laughing at this for decades, and we still are. ILYM, despite some shortcomings, follows the exact recipe and does bring you some good laughs.
There is a stretch at the beginning that ILYM seems to wants to veer off into the sophomoric humor ditch, and does for a time. But it seems to get over the locker room humor and grows a heart and a bit of a soul, then turns the corner and becomes a different movie. The story here is overall pretty good. Rudd is always a good time, and he is here as the understated Peter. Segel is who he is. I'm not a huge fan overall, but this may be his best performance to date, as his character is a little better defined, and doesn't rely solely on the bathroom stuff to get us laughing.
Big kudos too for Rashida Jones, who is Peters fiance, Zooey. She is a real breath of fresh air on the screen. Perfectly cast, she is engaging, real, and looks exactly like the kind of woman Peter would be marrying. Nice chemistry between them too. The decision to cast her, was the movies best decision. A nice supporting cast as well, Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons, Lou Ferrigno, and especially Jamie Presley in a VERY funny small role as one of Zooey's best friends.
I Love You, Man. It's got problems, but in the end it does deliver what it says it will, laughs. Some you will appreciate some you may not. But if you're willing to wade through a bit of mud, you will end up on dry land in the end. Might want to leave Nana at home, but still not a bad night at the movies.
Friday, March 20, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Knowing
In all honesty, with all that's going on in our world these days only you can decide if the time is right for an "end of the world movie." But that's Knowing starring Nicholas Cage, new in theaters this weekend.
Set in the modern day, Cage stars as a brilliant MIT professor who is also a single dad. His 10 year old son attends the same elementary school that buried a time capsule in 1959. On the 50th anniversary of the capsule, it is unearthed, each student is then given a sealed envelope from a student from 1959. Most students drew pictures, except a student named Lucinda, who wrote a series of numbers on a single sheet of paper. When Cage runs across this he's intrigued.
He deducts that these numbers have incredible historical significance, and they do. Most of the numbers have been accounted for, but there are still some that have not. Who was Lucinda? And was she granted a special gift that let her see the future more clearly than the rest of us? And is it good to know, that you may have the keys to the future? Do you want to know dates and times of our destiny? Well that's the story here.
Knowing is not about performances, soundtracks or even special effects. Many critics are more than likely going to hammer this movie, and I feel they would be wrong. The star of Knowing is the movie. This is a compelling story that leads you wanting to know more the whole movie long. There have been a ton of "end of the world movies", but this has far more creativity and imagination than most, and not by a little.
Sure, Cage can be over-the-top at times, and there are scenes here that are overdone. At times Knowing slows down, and you're wondering if it's going to get back in gear. But Knowing dusts itself off and gets back on track. Knowings strength comes from an imaginative story, and it doesn't get in it's own way. It's a single story, told carefully, and easy to follow. It doesn't get bogged down in junk that doesn't matter. That's where many of these kinds of movies go wrong. Too many characters to keep track of, blah blah blah. Knowing steers clear of that formula, and should be applauded for that.
Knowing is compelling, and very intense at times. A solid PG-13 rating, nothing really wrong here for a teen audience. But Knowing really is a grown-up movie as it talks squarely to adults and parents. There are moments that may prove to be too intense for some, but they are limited, well done, and over all not disturbing.
I've heard too in other reviews, that this is a science-fiction movie, and I couldn't disagree more. I would hate to see it get that label. True, there is a thread of Sci-Fi that runs through it, but there's no laser beams, phaser guns, slide rules, ridiculous computer speak, or pocket protectors to geek this movie up and sour some before the tickets are bought.
Knowing. It's not going to change film making, or drive off with the Hollywood hardware next award show season. But for what it is...a March release? Knowing is Glowing!
For all of my current mvie reviews in one location visit http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Set in the modern day, Cage stars as a brilliant MIT professor who is also a single dad. His 10 year old son attends the same elementary school that buried a time capsule in 1959. On the 50th anniversary of the capsule, it is unearthed, each student is then given a sealed envelope from a student from 1959. Most students drew pictures, except a student named Lucinda, who wrote a series of numbers on a single sheet of paper. When Cage runs across this he's intrigued.
He deducts that these numbers have incredible historical significance, and they do. Most of the numbers have been accounted for, but there are still some that have not. Who was Lucinda? And was she granted a special gift that let her see the future more clearly than the rest of us? And is it good to know, that you may have the keys to the future? Do you want to know dates and times of our destiny? Well that's the story here.
Knowing is not about performances, soundtracks or even special effects. Many critics are more than likely going to hammer this movie, and I feel they would be wrong. The star of Knowing is the movie. This is a compelling story that leads you wanting to know more the whole movie long. There have been a ton of "end of the world movies", but this has far more creativity and imagination than most, and not by a little.
Sure, Cage can be over-the-top at times, and there are scenes here that are overdone. At times Knowing slows down, and you're wondering if it's going to get back in gear. But Knowing dusts itself off and gets back on track. Knowings strength comes from an imaginative story, and it doesn't get in it's own way. It's a single story, told carefully, and easy to follow. It doesn't get bogged down in junk that doesn't matter. That's where many of these kinds of movies go wrong. Too many characters to keep track of, blah blah blah. Knowing steers clear of that formula, and should be applauded for that.
Knowing is compelling, and very intense at times. A solid PG-13 rating, nothing really wrong here for a teen audience. But Knowing really is a grown-up movie as it talks squarely to adults and parents. There are moments that may prove to be too intense for some, but they are limited, well done, and over all not disturbing.
I've heard too in other reviews, that this is a science-fiction movie, and I couldn't disagree more. I would hate to see it get that label. True, there is a thread of Sci-Fi that runs through it, but there's no laser beams, phaser guns, slide rules, ridiculous computer speak, or pocket protectors to geek this movie up and sour some before the tickets are bought.
Knowing. It's not going to change film making, or drive off with the Hollywood hardware next award show season. But for what it is...a March release? Knowing is Glowing!
For all of my current mvie reviews in one location visit http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Spring Time Renewelutions!?
The other day I my partner Sue Wilson wrote a real nice blog, where she took a few minutes to be thankful for the good things in her life. I think it's natural to think about those things, especially now during this tough time in history, but also at this time of year. Spring time, a tmie of renewel. She put together a list, and it was from the heart. After reading her list, it inspired me to put this list together.
I've done a lot of thinking about this for a while now. And I've finally made up my mind. I submit that we should do away with New Years Resolutions and replace them with Spring Time Renewelutions....(if that's a word, if not I just made one up) Hang in there with me!
New Years Day is just too hard to get that whole thing going. We're too easily destined for failure. We've been eating like a machine since Thanksgiving, it's tough to exercise, we're lethargic, and there's just too much chance for relapse. So this year, let's do it the first day of Spring! Weathers going to be great soon, I think we're all feeling a bit better, and happier, the windows will soon be open, and we're certainly more motivated.
So as you compile your list, here's my first list of Spring Time Renewelutions.
Be Slow to speak and quick to listen.
Keep my exercise routine going, every day.
Lose 15 more pounds.
Continue to eat more fruit.
Meet more listeners.
Quit being so hard on myself.
Read to an elementary school every week until school is out.
Collect children's books for groups that need them.
Do another school supplies drive this summer for those in need.
Play more golf with Stacy
Shoot in the 70's more often when I do play golf.
Go to an Indians game once a month.
Try to be the best partner I can for my morning show team members every day.
Continue to learn from those who do things better than me. - Every time.
Do a random act of kindness every week.
Try to be a good example for people younger than me.
Play catch more often.
Go to the Zips first game in their new football stadium.
Now that's my list, and I know it may be a bit ambitious, but you gotta begin somewhere. I think most of them are do-able. And the weather is great, and motivation is high. Compile your list and send it to me scott@wqmx.com asap! Spring Time Renewelutions! Look forward to hearing from you!
You can follow all my blogs too at http://www.akronnewsnow.com/blogs/scottwynnswindow/
I've done a lot of thinking about this for a while now. And I've finally made up my mind. I submit that we should do away with New Years Resolutions and replace them with Spring Time Renewelutions....(if that's a word, if not I just made one up) Hang in there with me!
New Years Day is just too hard to get that whole thing going. We're too easily destined for failure. We've been eating like a machine since Thanksgiving, it's tough to exercise, we're lethargic, and there's just too much chance for relapse. So this year, let's do it the first day of Spring! Weathers going to be great soon, I think we're all feeling a bit better, and happier, the windows will soon be open, and we're certainly more motivated.
So as you compile your list, here's my first list of Spring Time Renewelutions.
Be Slow to speak and quick to listen.
Keep my exercise routine going, every day.
Lose 15 more pounds.
Continue to eat more fruit.
Meet more listeners.
Quit being so hard on myself.
Read to an elementary school every week until school is out.
Collect children's books for groups that need them.
Do another school supplies drive this summer for those in need.
Play more golf with Stacy
Shoot in the 70's more often when I do play golf.
Go to an Indians game once a month.
Try to be the best partner I can for my morning show team members every day.
Continue to learn from those who do things better than me. - Every time.
Do a random act of kindness every week.
Try to be a good example for people younger than me.
Play catch more often.
Go to the Zips first game in their new football stadium.
Now that's my list, and I know it may be a bit ambitious, but you gotta begin somewhere. I think most of them are do-able. And the weather is great, and motivation is high. Compile your list and send it to me scott@wqmx.com asap! Spring Time Renewelutions! Look forward to hearing from you!
You can follow all my blogs too at http://www.akronnewsnow.com/blogs/scottwynnswindow/
Monday, March 16, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Race To Witch Mountain
Duane (don't call me The Rock) Johnson stars in the weekends number one movie, Disney's - Race To Witch Mountain. This is an updated version of the original Disney movies from the 1970's, Race To, Return To, and Escape From Witch Mountain. If it can be done to Witch Mountain, I think it's been done!
Johnson stars as a convicted felon Las Vegas Cab driver, who by luck of the draw ends up with two aliens as a fare. They look like nice teen-aged kids, and act as such. "Seth, and Sara", commandeer him as their transport back to their crashed space ship. It is imperative that they reach their ship before the assassins from their own planet, who do not want them to complete their friendly mission. The assassin represents a planet that wants to invade Earth and take it's resources. Plus there are thugs trying to catch up with our favorite cab driver from mistakes from an earlier time in his life. AND the Feds are after all of them! So the race is on.
RTWM is a fine, fine family movie. I always think that these kinds of movies are hard to review. These are the kinds of movies that critics of Hollywood are clamoring for movie makers to make. Movies that the whole family can go to, and enjoy without being a cartoon, or some form of animation. It's a nice story that moves long at a nice clip, with up-beat performances by it's main stars. RTWM has been updated nicely and fits well in the 21st century.
There's a bit too much gun play for me at times, but that's the world we live in. No matter how well intended movies are and how well they are done. We seem to always have shoot-outs and gun play even for what is considered general audiences.
But no real problem here, Race To Witch Mountain. Nicely done, and wildly fun! Take the family.
Johnson stars as a convicted felon Las Vegas Cab driver, who by luck of the draw ends up with two aliens as a fare. They look like nice teen-aged kids, and act as such. "Seth, and Sara", commandeer him as their transport back to their crashed space ship. It is imperative that they reach their ship before the assassins from their own planet, who do not want them to complete their friendly mission. The assassin represents a planet that wants to invade Earth and take it's resources. Plus there are thugs trying to catch up with our favorite cab driver from mistakes from an earlier time in his life. AND the Feds are after all of them! So the race is on.
RTWM is a fine, fine family movie. I always think that these kinds of movies are hard to review. These are the kinds of movies that critics of Hollywood are clamoring for movie makers to make. Movies that the whole family can go to, and enjoy without being a cartoon, or some form of animation. It's a nice story that moves long at a nice clip, with up-beat performances by it's main stars. RTWM has been updated nicely and fits well in the 21st century.
There's a bit too much gun play for me at times, but that's the world we live in. No matter how well intended movies are and how well they are done. We seem to always have shoot-outs and gun play even for what is considered general audiences.
But no real problem here, Race To Witch Mountain. Nicely done, and wildly fun! Take the family.
Friday, March 13, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Last House On The Left
Here comes another scary movie to the box office, this weeks it's Last House On The Left. This is a remake of Filmmaker Wes Cravens first movie in the 1970's with a modern spin. Is this movie scary? Why, yes it is. But the world is not a better place for having this movie in it.
It's the story of a very affluent family, and their beautiful lake house they spend their summers in with their 17 year-old daughter. He is a doctor, she is a housewife, and the daughter (Mary) is their only child. Mary wants to go visit a summer time friend, Paige, in the nearby small town the first night of their summer stay. She does, and danger finds her.
Bad decisions are made and somehow these two 17 year - old girls end up in the motel room of a wanted fugitive who just killed two cops. He vows he can't let them go, and so what to do with them? The fugitive is with his own 17 year old son, who is a good kid swept up in this terrible drama. Also on board are the fugitives brother, and girlfriend. Both of them are disturbed as well. You can only imagine what's next. After a horrific, and tortuous afternoon, they kill Paige, leave Mary for dead. The movie then becomes what you think it will. One of revenge and vigilantism. But it's a journey to get there.
LHOTL is very graphic in it's violent nature. Much more that I was ready for. There are truly scary and suspenseful moments in this movie, which at times is skillfully made. But it is harsh. Way, way harsh. Going further, to even get to the blood, you have to wade through long and brutal scenes of torture, slow murder, and a horrific sexual attack on Mary to get there. Many will not. It is understood that this is supposed to make you really hate our villain, and that he's really an awful, awful guy. But that had already been firmly established in the movies first scenes. I was really troubled by the age of the girls under attack. Those scenes don't make it a better movie, just a more distasteful one. It will be too much for some to witness.
As the movie rolls on, it becomes more of a bloodbath with plenty of carving up, bleeding, shooting to go around. It's no surprise that good will triumph over evil, and does. You'll see it coming, it's a bit predictable. At times LHOTL shows signs of being really good, but for me there were a few speed bumps just to big to ignore.
Last House On The Left. Scary? Yes. Harsh? Yes. Good? Could've been much better. The company you keep is crucial for your experience. There are moments that will be just too much for some.
It's the story of a very affluent family, and their beautiful lake house they spend their summers in with their 17 year-old daughter. He is a doctor, she is a housewife, and the daughter (Mary) is their only child. Mary wants to go visit a summer time friend, Paige, in the nearby small town the first night of their summer stay. She does, and danger finds her.
Bad decisions are made and somehow these two 17 year - old girls end up in the motel room of a wanted fugitive who just killed two cops. He vows he can't let them go, and so what to do with them? The fugitive is with his own 17 year old son, who is a good kid swept up in this terrible drama. Also on board are the fugitives brother, and girlfriend. Both of them are disturbed as well. You can only imagine what's next. After a horrific, and tortuous afternoon, they kill Paige, leave Mary for dead. The movie then becomes what you think it will. One of revenge and vigilantism. But it's a journey to get there.
LHOTL is very graphic in it's violent nature. Much more that I was ready for. There are truly scary and suspenseful moments in this movie, which at times is skillfully made. But it is harsh. Way, way harsh. Going further, to even get to the blood, you have to wade through long and brutal scenes of torture, slow murder, and a horrific sexual attack on Mary to get there. Many will not. It is understood that this is supposed to make you really hate our villain, and that he's really an awful, awful guy. But that had already been firmly established in the movies first scenes. I was really troubled by the age of the girls under attack. Those scenes don't make it a better movie, just a more distasteful one. It will be too much for some to witness.
As the movie rolls on, it becomes more of a bloodbath with plenty of carving up, bleeding, shooting to go around. It's no surprise that good will triumph over evil, and does. You'll see it coming, it's a bit predictable. At times LHOTL shows signs of being really good, but for me there were a few speed bumps just to big to ignore.
Last House On The Left. Scary? Yes. Harsh? Yes. Good? Could've been much better. The company you keep is crucial for your experience. There are moments that will be just too much for some.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Thrill Of The Grill!
Good news, the sun is out big-time today, and even tough it's a bit cold it's still a very nice afternoon. Weather like this always reminds me that warm weather indeed is on the way, and so is the much anticipated - Grilling Season. I love grilling season!
Last year I bought a gigantic gas grill. I took my stimulus check and plopped it down on seven burners of fun. Truth be told, I probably spent more time with that grill last summer than any one person. I was grilling for lunch, snacks, dinner, it was borderline out-of-hand. I've had a good off-season I think. Bought a freezer full of meat, been practicing my technique, you know normal off-season stuff that everyone does in preparation for the 2009 regular season this Spring.
I've decided to up my game this year and practice my staring at the food on the grill with my buddies. And I've also really worked on my discussions with my buddies, on how good the meats' gonna be when it's done.. while were staring at it on the grill. That was the weakest part of my game last year. Went to Florida to work on that with my friends in February.
My mind got going today after my friend Charlie came to the house to measure a new section of the patio I'm contemplating. He hadn't seen my grill yet, and I made him. (It's mandatory when you come to the house, just humor me will ya?) We were in total agreement that it was a dandy grill - Charlie pontificated, "Now that's a grill. Big, and easy to get to, because I'm not pan fryin' a steak. I don't care if it's -1o below zero outside!" I decided right then and there, Charlie is the smartest man on earth.
I do have a George Foreman Grill, and it's just fine for small jobs, but it's not the big daddy that sits outside yearning to be used. You can't cook a bunch of great steaks on a Foreman with a London Broil tester (appetizer) at the same time like I do with the big grill.
I've been saying on the air for weeks optimistically, (under much ridicule) that the worst of the weather is over and the warm is on the way. And I still believe it. Baseball, bicycles, burgers, and brats are just days away.
Get ready to come on over the the house, opening day of the grilling season......is almost here! I just have to find someone to come over to give the invocation, and sing the national anthem.
Last year I bought a gigantic gas grill. I took my stimulus check and plopped it down on seven burners of fun. Truth be told, I probably spent more time with that grill last summer than any one person. I was grilling for lunch, snacks, dinner, it was borderline out-of-hand. I've had a good off-season I think. Bought a freezer full of meat, been practicing my technique, you know normal off-season stuff that everyone does in preparation for the 2009 regular season this Spring.
I've decided to up my game this year and practice my staring at the food on the grill with my buddies. And I've also really worked on my discussions with my buddies, on how good the meats' gonna be when it's done.. while were staring at it on the grill. That was the weakest part of my game last year. Went to Florida to work on that with my friends in February.
My mind got going today after my friend Charlie came to the house to measure a new section of the patio I'm contemplating. He hadn't seen my grill yet, and I made him. (It's mandatory when you come to the house, just humor me will ya?) We were in total agreement that it was a dandy grill - Charlie pontificated, "Now that's a grill. Big, and easy to get to, because I'm not pan fryin' a steak. I don't care if it's -1o below zero outside!" I decided right then and there, Charlie is the smartest man on earth.
I do have a George Foreman Grill, and it's just fine for small jobs, but it's not the big daddy that sits outside yearning to be used. You can't cook a bunch of great steaks on a Foreman with a London Broil tester (appetizer) at the same time like I do with the big grill.
I've been saying on the air for weeks optimistically, (under much ridicule) that the worst of the weather is over and the warm is on the way. And I still believe it. Baseball, bicycles, burgers, and brats are just days away.
Get ready to come on over the the house, opening day of the grilling season......is almost here! I just have to find someone to come over to give the invocation, and sing the national anthem.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Who's Watching Your Figure?
I was thrilled to find out on Wednesday of last week, who is to blame for all of this economic mess. It's - Anastasia!
She was on Oprah with her fiance' asking financial advice from money guru Suze Orman. Could they afford the wedding of her dreams? Anastasia is about 25, very beautiful with a nice figure. Her finance' was this real average guy who kind of looked like a computer nerd. I didn't notice his figure - sorry.
Figuratively, both of these people are completely out of their mind. "The Big A" (Anastasia) wants her "dream wedding" about 50 grand worth, and he's thinking about 20 grand. They turned their figures over to Suze who was going to give them her advice. As we sit here, this dynamic duo already has more money going out than coming in each month, and plenty of debt. In fact, on national TV it was disclosed by Suze that Anastasia had about about an extra 20 grand of various debt that her fiance didn't know about till that moment. Awkward? You'd think so....but you would be wrong.
Anastasia giggled, made excuses, and he made excuses for her....blah blah. Look, I get that they were on TV, but come on! Suze stressed that HE should take a look at Anastasia's financial figures for a change, and really wonder how much truth she has told him. Sadly, neither one of them seemed to take Suze seriously. The figures were there right in front of them, and they just laughed through it.
Their figures are an example of what some of the problems are right now. Many think it's okay to spend money they don't have now, on stuff that really doesn't matter, and worry about it later. Plus I've got to wonder about the whole priority thing, but that's another blog for another day. But I will be honest with you, Anastasia made me mad!
As a nation, we're cleaning up after Anastasia right now. I want to stress too, I'm not talking about those who have troubles due to no fault of their own. I'm talking about Anastasia (The Big A) and those who chose to spend tons 'o cash they don't have at an alarming clip for no good reason other than "I deserve it." She even said that line to Oprah! You may even know an Anastasia.
These days we all need to watch our figures. Because in today's economic world, your figure is being watched more than ever. And you know, maybe someone watching your figure, is a good thing.
She was on Oprah with her fiance' asking financial advice from money guru Suze Orman. Could they afford the wedding of her dreams? Anastasia is about 25, very beautiful with a nice figure. Her finance' was this real average guy who kind of looked like a computer nerd. I didn't notice his figure - sorry.
Figuratively, both of these people are completely out of their mind. "The Big A" (Anastasia) wants her "dream wedding" about 50 grand worth, and he's thinking about 20 grand. They turned their figures over to Suze who was going to give them her advice. As we sit here, this dynamic duo already has more money going out than coming in each month, and plenty of debt. In fact, on national TV it was disclosed by Suze that Anastasia had about about an extra 20 grand of various debt that her fiance didn't know about till that moment. Awkward? You'd think so....but you would be wrong.
Anastasia giggled, made excuses, and he made excuses for her....blah blah. Look, I get that they were on TV, but come on! Suze stressed that HE should take a look at Anastasia's financial figures for a change, and really wonder how much truth she has told him. Sadly, neither one of them seemed to take Suze seriously. The figures were there right in front of them, and they just laughed through it.
Their figures are an example of what some of the problems are right now. Many think it's okay to spend money they don't have now, on stuff that really doesn't matter, and worry about it later. Plus I've got to wonder about the whole priority thing, but that's another blog for another day. But I will be honest with you, Anastasia made me mad!
As a nation, we're cleaning up after Anastasia right now. I want to stress too, I'm not talking about those who have troubles due to no fault of their own. I'm talking about Anastasia (The Big A) and those who chose to spend tons 'o cash they don't have at an alarming clip for no good reason other than "I deserve it." She even said that line to Oprah! You may even know an Anastasia.
These days we all need to watch our figures. Because in today's economic world, your figure is being watched more than ever. And you know, maybe someone watching your figure, is a good thing.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Movie Review - Watchmen
The much anticipated Watchmen hits theaters this weekend, and it feels more like a summer blockbuster than a simple March movie. I know we're changing the clocks this weekend but it' still winter, adn Watchmen is trying to make us feel like it's July at the movies.
Based on the wildly popular graphic novel, Watchmen is 2 hours and 43 minutes of comic book come to life. It's a story so complicated that it's not really feasible to go into it here, but in a nutshell - here goes. There are 6 "Watchmen Superheroes." All with a different skill set, and belief system. They were a government project designed to be a wild card in the arms race with the Soviets in the 1960's and 70's. The Feds then abandon the project years later, but the Watchmen still exist, just not officially sanctioned.
Set in 1985, the world is on the brink of nuclear war with the Russians, and the Watchmen are being eliminated by someone. Who and Why? We'll there's your movie. Who's watching the Watchmen?
Watchmen is a very good story that gets bogged down in itself a few times here. There are too many characters, and too much to keep track of. It is very violent, with real blood and gore, as you might suspect...and there is a lot of it. Visually good, but not mind blowing by any regard. Watchmen also has a very interesting soundtrack that is squarely geared at people raised in the 1960's and 70's. Interesting too, a young audience will not understand much of what is going on, as it is based on real events at times, with real historical side characters from the 1960's though the mid 80's. That aspect will leave young viewers in it's wake.
The real star of Watchmen is the character Rorschach played by Jackie Earle Haley. He is the Watchmen with the white mask, trench coat and fedora hat that looks like a private eye from Mickey Spillane. He narrates much of the movie in P.I. style, and is the runaway performance of this movie. Rorschach is by far the best developed character and the movies salvation. Without him, it's a bust. When he's on screen, Watchmen is a better movie. When he's absent, it becomes a bit phony and off track. He's the glue.
Is Watchmen great? No, it does have troubles mainly the length. But for comic book fans, it could be a great night a the movies. If cience fiction and comic books don't interest you, steer clear of Watchmen. This is not Spiderman with side humor and a sexual tension love story intertwined. There is an attempt at it, but it becomes cumbersome and doesn't work. Word too, this is a real "guys" movie. Not very female friendly in any way shape or form.
Watchmen. Not a home run, not a foul ball either. More like a single to left field, from a 3 hour at-bat.
Catch all my movie reviews now at
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Based on the wildly popular graphic novel, Watchmen is 2 hours and 43 minutes of comic book come to life. It's a story so complicated that it's not really feasible to go into it here, but in a nutshell - here goes. There are 6 "Watchmen Superheroes." All with a different skill set, and belief system. They were a government project designed to be a wild card in the arms race with the Soviets in the 1960's and 70's. The Feds then abandon the project years later, but the Watchmen still exist, just not officially sanctioned.
Set in 1985, the world is on the brink of nuclear war with the Russians, and the Watchmen are being eliminated by someone. Who and Why? We'll there's your movie. Who's watching the Watchmen?
Watchmen is a very good story that gets bogged down in itself a few times here. There are too many characters, and too much to keep track of. It is very violent, with real blood and gore, as you might suspect...and there is a lot of it. Visually good, but not mind blowing by any regard. Watchmen also has a very interesting soundtrack that is squarely geared at people raised in the 1960's and 70's. Interesting too, a young audience will not understand much of what is going on, as it is based on real events at times, with real historical side characters from the 1960's though the mid 80's. That aspect will leave young viewers in it's wake.
The real star of Watchmen is the character Rorschach played by Jackie Earle Haley. He is the Watchmen with the white mask, trench coat and fedora hat that looks like a private eye from Mickey Spillane. He narrates much of the movie in P.I. style, and is the runaway performance of this movie. Rorschach is by far the best developed character and the movies salvation. Without him, it's a bust. When he's on screen, Watchmen is a better movie. When he's absent, it becomes a bit phony and off track. He's the glue.
Is Watchmen great? No, it does have troubles mainly the length. But for comic book fans, it could be a great night a the movies. If cience fiction and comic books don't interest you, steer clear of Watchmen. This is not Spiderman with side humor and a sexual tension love story intertwined. There is an attempt at it, but it becomes cumbersome and doesn't work. Word too, this is a real "guys" movie. Not very female friendly in any way shape or form.
Watchmen. Not a home run, not a foul ball either. More like a single to left field, from a 3 hour at-bat.
Catch all my movie reviews now at
http://www.akronnewsnow.com/entertainment_movies_expand.asp
Monday, March 2, 2009
Madea Goes To Jail
Tyler Perry again, with another installment of Madea doing something. This time Medea is going to jail. In the first ten days of it's release, 64 million bucks for Madea and her bunch.
Tyler Perry of course, is Madea and two other characters in this movie about Medea and her slightly dysfunctional family and friends. In MGTJ, you get the whole rounded version with two completely different story lines going at the same time. That seems to be the movies achilles heal, as both are a little unfinished and each have a hole or two.
Madea is going to jail in one story, after assaulting three police officers as they attempt to arrest her. The other is the story of extended family and thier wedding plans. The latter story especially is hole filled, and bordering on the unbelievable at times. Through all this, the movie attempts to grow a heart and have a message, and does to a degree. But not enough to prop it up straight and make you think like it could. The dialogue at times is written-rushed, in an attempt to say it all in a few words. and that doesn't work.
There are a few moments of fun and laughter here, but overall, it's more of the same from movies past. It is fun though to see the movies real star, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, who was Rudi on The Cosby Show from the 80's. She's all grown up now, and still as cute as ever, even though now she is 30 years old.
Madea Goes To Jail. A huge success again from Tyler Perry. His stock keeps going up and up.
Tyler Perry of course, is Madea and two other characters in this movie about Medea and her slightly dysfunctional family and friends. In MGTJ, you get the whole rounded version with two completely different story lines going at the same time. That seems to be the movies achilles heal, as both are a little unfinished and each have a hole or two.
Madea is going to jail in one story, after assaulting three police officers as they attempt to arrest her. The other is the story of extended family and thier wedding plans. The latter story especially is hole filled, and bordering on the unbelievable at times. Through all this, the movie attempts to grow a heart and have a message, and does to a degree. But not enough to prop it up straight and make you think like it could. The dialogue at times is written-rushed, in an attempt to say it all in a few words. and that doesn't work.
There are a few moments of fun and laughter here, but overall, it's more of the same from movies past. It is fun though to see the movies real star, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, who was Rudi on The Cosby Show from the 80's. She's all grown up now, and still as cute as ever, even though now she is 30 years old.
Madea Goes To Jail. A huge success again from Tyler Perry. His stock keeps going up and up.
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