Summer is an unlikely time for a movie like My Sisters Keeper to be in theaters, but here it is. I will say right now, My Sisters Keeper my be way too much for some movie goers. I think that's a fair disclaimer to a very powerful movie.
MSK is the story that is every parents nightmare. The Fitzgerald Family is facing the possibility of losing their precious 16 year-old daughter Kate, to cancer. She was diagnosed early in life. The family who also has an older son doesn't know what to do. So they genetically engineer another daughter Anna, who will be a perfect organ and "spare parts" donor for Kate. Anna at now age 11, sues her parents for the right to make her own medical decisions, rather than have them made for her.
That's just part of the journey here. Kate's mother, Sara has understandably lost all real perspective, and sees nothing wrong with the idea of Anna being "farmed out" for Kate. Sara is a dedicated, loving mother facing the worst possible scenario in any family. A terminal illness of a young child. MSK is the story of Kate's illness, and the far reaching ramifications that it has on an entire family. It is a very powerful movie.
This movie is a raw, and hard to watch story sometimes of life not fair. Not everyone will be able to sit through watching a beautiful, young girl go through cancer treatments, and watch her steady decline. Also, the tragedy of a family going through hell is not light movie watching. But MSK is a very emotional and powerful look at a tough, tough topic. It hits you hard, and doesn't really relent for one hour and forty six minutes.
Starring Cameron Diaz as Sara. This is new ground for her, and she's far more believable than I thought she would be. Also starring Jason Patric, Joan Cusack, Alec Baldwin as the slickity -slick lawyer hired by Anna. And there's Abigail Breslin (Anna) now 13 years old and just terrific in this leading role. She has been good in virtually everything I've seen her in, and continues to get better. This movie also takes its time and develops as many characters well in a short period of time. The script is honest, and straightforward. It doesn't lie to you. It starts out as one kind of movie, and stays there. Even when it gets a little too close for comfort. That is MSK strength. Also a VERY interesting soundtrack and use of songs, both familiar and not, adds to this real emotional journey.
My Sisters Keeper. Heavy drama at least. And be rest assured, there will be tears, and more than likely a hard memory or two for most of us who have dealt with a loved one with cancer. But overall, very well done with a tough, harsh subject. It may be too close to the bone for some, NOT FOR EVERYONE. But a very strong. powerful, well done movie.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Transfomers 2
Hard to believe it's time for another Transformers movie again, but it's been two years, and here comes Transformers 2. It set the all time record with a 60 million dollar day on Wednesday, its first day in theaters.
Reviewing a movie like this is tough. It's a movie that is a guaranteed hit long before it even makes it to the box office. It doesn't make any difference if it's any good or not. It exists, therefore it is huge. There's no way fans of the first movie are not going to like this one. Again, with huge computer generated Transformers, doing battle time and time again. Many times to the edge of fatigue. There's not a lot of plot line here that an easily be explained. And that's OK, it's summer time at the movies.
Kids and adults of all ages wait for movies like this to come out, and they flock to them like seagulls at the beach. This Transformers is not a whole lot different than the first. Everything is huge. the effects, the music, the action, and the TIME. This edition is 2:40 minutes long. In my opinion, way, way, way too long and way too much of everything. BUT in fairness, to the fan whose been playing with his Transformers toys for the past year (or 20 years) , it's a virtual fun-fest. And that's OK too.
Going to see Transformers 2 is an investment. It's battling big crowds, and spending a lot of time at a really big movie. If you have kids whose faces light up for a couple of hours though, it's worth it. Killer effects no doubt...and like the first installment, you are not cheated. You get plenty of it.
Transformers 2. Not for all, but for some.....awesome!
Reviewing a movie like this is tough. It's a movie that is a guaranteed hit long before it even makes it to the box office. It doesn't make any difference if it's any good or not. It exists, therefore it is huge. There's no way fans of the first movie are not going to like this one. Again, with huge computer generated Transformers, doing battle time and time again. Many times to the edge of fatigue. There's not a lot of plot line here that an easily be explained. And that's OK, it's summer time at the movies.
Kids and adults of all ages wait for movies like this to come out, and they flock to them like seagulls at the beach. This Transformers is not a whole lot different than the first. Everything is huge. the effects, the music, the action, and the TIME. This edition is 2:40 minutes long. In my opinion, way, way, way too long and way too much of everything. BUT in fairness, to the fan whose been playing with his Transformers toys for the past year (or 20 years) , it's a virtual fun-fest. And that's OK too.
Going to see Transformers 2 is an investment. It's battling big crowds, and spending a lot of time at a really big movie. If you have kids whose faces light up for a couple of hours though, it's worth it. Killer effects no doubt...and like the first installment, you are not cheated. You get plenty of it.
Transformers 2. Not for all, but for some.....awesome!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Year One
It isn't often you start out a movie review with the sentence, "This is the worst movie of the year!" But that's where we are going to start. Year One with Jack Black and Michael Cera is without question the biggest gagger so far this calender year. And not by a little!
It's the story of two...I don't know what they are, cave men I guess. Wandering through the early ages of civilization. All the while throwing out understated modern-day dialogue and generally making fools of themselves. They encounter others along the way in symbolic, historical cities, that are just as not-funny as our "heroes." Look, I've spent too much time here already trying to explain this mess that is masquerading as a story. There is no story here.
Year One is simply putrid. What on earth were these guys thinking filming this load of manure. Black and Cera even managed to convince Hank Azaria and Oliver Platt this was a good idea. Gotta think that friendship is over. I can't imagine anyone thinking this was ever a good idea. To be perfectly honest, this is embarrassing to all involved. Jack Black has done some really good work in his career no doubt, but this is simply a paycheck. Year One will turn out to be the joke at this years Oscars monologue.
Year One is not funny, witty, comical, inventive, groundbreaking, or anything that resembles good. It is terrible, lousy, not funny, boring, and possibly career killing for somebody somewhere. What a waste of time, and money. It's really a shame that someones actually going to get paid for making this garbage.
Year One. Save your time, and your dime! What a mess! What a MESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's the story of two...I don't know what they are, cave men I guess. Wandering through the early ages of civilization. All the while throwing out understated modern-day dialogue and generally making fools of themselves. They encounter others along the way in symbolic, historical cities, that are just as not-funny as our "heroes." Look, I've spent too much time here already trying to explain this mess that is masquerading as a story. There is no story here.
Year One is simply putrid. What on earth were these guys thinking filming this load of manure. Black and Cera even managed to convince Hank Azaria and Oliver Platt this was a good idea. Gotta think that friendship is over. I can't imagine anyone thinking this was ever a good idea. To be perfectly honest, this is embarrassing to all involved. Jack Black has done some really good work in his career no doubt, but this is simply a paycheck. Year One will turn out to be the joke at this years Oscars monologue.
Year One is not funny, witty, comical, inventive, groundbreaking, or anything that resembles good. It is terrible, lousy, not funny, boring, and possibly career killing for somebody somewhere. What a waste of time, and money. It's really a shame that someones actually going to get paid for making this garbage.
Year One. Save your time, and your dime! What a mess! What a MESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WQMX Rising Star Showcase - Kate and Kacey
The Rising Star Showcase has become legendary with WQMX listeners. Lucky listeners win their way in to the WQMX Concert Room to get a nice dinner and a show by one of the new stars in Nashville. Tuesday night, we were lucky enough to welcome Big Machine recording artists, Kate and Kacey Coppola to our stage.
Kate and Kacey are identical twins (9 minutes apart, I asked) who have come to Nashville via Denver to make their mark in the music world. During their well paced 40 minute set, we got to see the great versatility they bring to the table. With Kate on guitar, and Kacey on the occasional harmonica, the twins harmonized beautifully through song after song. The vast majority skillfully written by the duo themselves. A nice mix of up tempo-sassy numbers, and a beautiful ballad or two, it became clear quickly they have been singing together a long time.
I think it must be the DNA thing. But for some reason, hearing siblings harmonize together is a little more special than those that are not. It's a treat to hear! And especially for identical twins. Kate and Kacey's voiced blended together perfectly song after song as if one voice, but all the while knowing it was actually two. Hard to explain, hard to do. And with some of the gentler love songs and ballads, their harmony bordered on the angelic. It was wonderful to listen to.
It was also wonderful to see. Twins are always intriguing to watch. Most have a special kind of bond that we who are not can't fully understand. But Kate and Kacey's chemistry on stage was palpable, while powerfully emulating a nice sense of positivity. Complete with big, engaging smiles, a wonderful sense of humor and an obvious love for what they are doing. The audience loved it. I think we as audience members like to see people on stage that really like being there. That's Kate and Kacey. Great to see.
Off stage, down to earth nice people that made everyone feel relaxed and at ease. They are clearly comfortable in their own skin, and fans can sense that right from the start. Kate and Kacey are really nice, and talented people that you pull for to really make it big, in a business that can be tough.
I'm rooting for Kate and Kacey Coppola.
http://www.myspace.com/thecoppolas
Kate and Kacey are identical twins (9 minutes apart, I asked) who have come to Nashville via Denver to make their mark in the music world. During their well paced 40 minute set, we got to see the great versatility they bring to the table. With Kate on guitar, and Kacey on the occasional harmonica, the twins harmonized beautifully through song after song. The vast majority skillfully written by the duo themselves. A nice mix of up tempo-sassy numbers, and a beautiful ballad or two, it became clear quickly they have been singing together a long time.
I think it must be the DNA thing. But for some reason, hearing siblings harmonize together is a little more special than those that are not. It's a treat to hear! And especially for identical twins. Kate and Kacey's voiced blended together perfectly song after song as if one voice, but all the while knowing it was actually two. Hard to explain, hard to do. And with some of the gentler love songs and ballads, their harmony bordered on the angelic. It was wonderful to listen to.
It was also wonderful to see. Twins are always intriguing to watch. Most have a special kind of bond that we who are not can't fully understand. But Kate and Kacey's chemistry on stage was palpable, while powerfully emulating a nice sense of positivity. Complete with big, engaging smiles, a wonderful sense of humor and an obvious love for what they are doing. The audience loved it. I think we as audience members like to see people on stage that really like being there. That's Kate and Kacey. Great to see.
Off stage, down to earth nice people that made everyone feel relaxed and at ease. They are clearly comfortable in their own skin, and fans can sense that right from the start. Kate and Kacey are really nice, and talented people that you pull for to really make it big, in a business that can be tough.
I'm rooting for Kate and Kacey Coppola.
http://www.myspace.com/thecoppolas
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
It Will Never Happen Again
You more than likely heard about the death of Ed McMahon early today. He was 86, and in the end, he died rather unceremoniously. Sad really. His death now follows the death a few years ago of his long time friend and partner Johnny Carson. Now that incredible duo is silent. Ed had many health and financial troubles near the end, and that is not the end anyone wants.
I'm not going to remember that part. I'm going to remember the the good, if not great times that Ed gave us over many years. When Ed was teamed up with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show for over 30 years, it was truly golden. And I think I can safely say the magic, chemistry, and fun that the Tonight Show gave us with those two at the controls will never be duplicated in TV history. Ed and Johnny were a team even before the Tonight Show that they took over in 1962. They go back to the popular game show circuit of the late 1950's and 1960's. After Jack Paar Left the Tonight Show, it was turned over to Johnny and Ed. Virtual unknowns.
I don't think anyone had any idea at that time just how successful they would be. For some reason we didn't seem to mind the two of them on TV every single late night for 30 years. We invited them into our lives, and our bedrooms before we went to sleep at night. We loved to see Johnny make fun of Ed, and watch Ed take it with a smile. It was always good natured, and not vicious at all. And of course, we all loved Ed's coveted and much imitated, "HEEEEEERRRREESSSS JOHNNY!"
There was just such a good feeling on the Tonight Show in those days. Through it all, it was evident that Ed and Johnny loved working together, and for those few hours every day, there was no place else they would rather be. That is not any reflection on Jay Leno or the new host, Conan O'Brien. Things change. Even they would be the first to tell you, the magic that was Johnny and Ed, is what they strive for and never achieve. Even Letterman I think tips his hat to the legend of the 30 year run of the Johnny and Ed Tonight Show.
Ed, of course did many other shows after and during his Tonight Show run. Star Search, Bloopers with Dick Clark, and countless commercials and Publishers Clearinghouse spots. And that kept him out there. But for me and hopefully you, I choose to remember Ed as one half of TV history. As Johnny's foil, and more importantly friend...... for a half century.
What Ed and Johnny did was TV magic. And it will never happen that way again.
I'm not going to remember that part. I'm going to remember the the good, if not great times that Ed gave us over many years. When Ed was teamed up with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show for over 30 years, it was truly golden. And I think I can safely say the magic, chemistry, and fun that the Tonight Show gave us with those two at the controls will never be duplicated in TV history. Ed and Johnny were a team even before the Tonight Show that they took over in 1962. They go back to the popular game show circuit of the late 1950's and 1960's. After Jack Paar Left the Tonight Show, it was turned over to Johnny and Ed. Virtual unknowns.
I don't think anyone had any idea at that time just how successful they would be. For some reason we didn't seem to mind the two of them on TV every single late night for 30 years. We invited them into our lives, and our bedrooms before we went to sleep at night. We loved to see Johnny make fun of Ed, and watch Ed take it with a smile. It was always good natured, and not vicious at all. And of course, we all loved Ed's coveted and much imitated, "HEEEEEERRRREESSSS JOHNNY!"
There was just such a good feeling on the Tonight Show in those days. Through it all, it was evident that Ed and Johnny loved working together, and for those few hours every day, there was no place else they would rather be. That is not any reflection on Jay Leno or the new host, Conan O'Brien. Things change. Even they would be the first to tell you, the magic that was Johnny and Ed, is what they strive for and never achieve. Even Letterman I think tips his hat to the legend of the 30 year run of the Johnny and Ed Tonight Show.
Ed, of course did many other shows after and during his Tonight Show run. Star Search, Bloopers with Dick Clark, and countless commercials and Publishers Clearinghouse spots. And that kept him out there. But for me and hopefully you, I choose to remember Ed as one half of TV history. As Johnny's foil, and more importantly friend...... for a half century.
What Ed and Johnny did was TV magic. And it will never happen that way again.
Monday, June 22, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - The Proposal
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds star in the new summer smash, The Proposal. It opened this weekend to huge crowds, all having to get out of the way of the armoured car backing up to the bank to deposit over 35 million dollars.
Meet Margaret (Bullock) she is a high-powered editor for a publishing company in New York City. Her personal assistant is Andrew (Reynolds.) She spends her life bossing him around and treating him like dirt and is despised by everyone in her company. She is also Canadian, and when she's faced being deported back to Canada, she devises a scheme. She wants a fictional, but legal short marriage to Andrew to stave off the deportation, and uses it as blackmail so he can keep his job.
He goes along with the scheme to save his young career. As the U.S. Immigration Department is chasing them down, they run off to Andrews family in Alaska to stage this sham. There, Margaret meets Andrews over baring, but loving family. So the question bares, will they find love, or just a business deal?
Many romantic comedies get trapped in the "bunch of gags" trap. Some funny moments but no real story. Some are so sappy, they make you want to gag. The Proposal doesn't make any of those mistakes. Instead, it relies on what all good movies do. A good story told well. The Proposal may look in previews like another ho-hum Bullock attempt a comedy, but surprise! It has a heart that beats and a soul you can peer into. It develops characters very well, and gives you a nice balance of laughs, and believability. There's no fall on the floor moments here, and no "give me a break" sap either. Just fun!
Bullock is funnier than she has been in recent years, and is still engaging and lovely. At times you may struggle with her casting as a high powered tycoon, but it's not a ship sinker either. Some of her act is the same as always, but the hilarious scene of her dirty dancing by the campfire, is almost worth the cost of a ticket. Reynolds continues to be one of Hollywood's newest and fastest rising stars. Make no mistake. He is selling the tickets here. And he's also pretty darn funny as the beaten down for the moment, Andrew.
The Proposal doesn't make every good decision. There are a few moments you can see were designed for laughs that get none. And there's a bit a cheese here and there, but it's all forgivable. Toss in a real nice supporting cast of Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and Betty White, and The Proposal is off and running. Plus, there's a new line coined at the end that is certain to be a wedding line used for the next 5 years or so.
The Proposal. Very, very good. Very, very fun.
Meet Margaret (Bullock) she is a high-powered editor for a publishing company in New York City. Her personal assistant is Andrew (Reynolds.) She spends her life bossing him around and treating him like dirt and is despised by everyone in her company. She is also Canadian, and when she's faced being deported back to Canada, she devises a scheme. She wants a fictional, but legal short marriage to Andrew to stave off the deportation, and uses it as blackmail so he can keep his job.
He goes along with the scheme to save his young career. As the U.S. Immigration Department is chasing them down, they run off to Andrews family in Alaska to stage this sham. There, Margaret meets Andrews over baring, but loving family. So the question bares, will they find love, or just a business deal?
Many romantic comedies get trapped in the "bunch of gags" trap. Some funny moments but no real story. Some are so sappy, they make you want to gag. The Proposal doesn't make any of those mistakes. Instead, it relies on what all good movies do. A good story told well. The Proposal may look in previews like another ho-hum Bullock attempt a comedy, but surprise! It has a heart that beats and a soul you can peer into. It develops characters very well, and gives you a nice balance of laughs, and believability. There's no fall on the floor moments here, and no "give me a break" sap either. Just fun!
Bullock is funnier than she has been in recent years, and is still engaging and lovely. At times you may struggle with her casting as a high powered tycoon, but it's not a ship sinker either. Some of her act is the same as always, but the hilarious scene of her dirty dancing by the campfire, is almost worth the cost of a ticket. Reynolds continues to be one of Hollywood's newest and fastest rising stars. Make no mistake. He is selling the tickets here. And he's also pretty darn funny as the beaten down for the moment, Andrew.
The Proposal doesn't make every good decision. There are a few moments you can see were designed for laughs that get none. And there's a bit a cheese here and there, but it's all forgivable. Toss in a real nice supporting cast of Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and Betty White, and The Proposal is off and running. Plus, there's a new line coined at the end that is certain to be a wedding line used for the next 5 years or so.
The Proposal. Very, very good. Very, very fun.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Dad's The Man!
Fathers Day is Sunday. Don't forget dad, he's the man! I'm not sure we view it the same way we do Mothers Day. Mothers Day just seems so much more important. We seem to take it a bit more serious, and plan things a bit more elaborate for mom rather than dad.
If by chance we forget dad on his day till the last minute he's fine with it. I fact, he can't tell you were rushing around at the last minute. Mom? Well, now one has ever had the guts to try that one- especially dad! To lend some support to that, Mothers Day was made a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in the early 20th century. Fathers Day was signed into holidayhood by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. Dad hardly noticed the over half-century gap there.
And he still doesn't. "Hey dad, what do you want for Fathers Day?" "When is it this year?" "This weekend!" "Oh, don't worry about me, I've got everything I need" ...blah blah blah. This is the standard answer dads give to their families every single year. He undersells it. He's not really lying to you, he's just...Dad! Dad doesn't get all the fuss. Oh, he'll love the new recliner after he gets over the shock at how much it cost. Same goes for the new I-Phone, fishing pole, or Taylor Made Driver.
Kidding aside, it is kind of sad that in our society today, whether it's TV, or the movies, dad is a bumbling idiot. He can't really do anything right, and always needs mom or the kids to bail him out. I guess a certain amount of that is based on truth, but not to the degree that it is made out to be. I think it's a bit dangerous to put that out there day after day after day, in show after show. In our society we, though the media especially have minimized dad. I fear a generation or two have grown up with the wrong idea of dad. Overall, he's not Homer Simpson, and he's not Ward Cleaver either. Even though at times may resemble both. And I think we should remember that!
Truth is, dad's really NOT and idiot. He's a good guy. An important guy. Even though it's hard for us all to swallow sometimes, he is just as important as mom. His role is very different, but no less important. Sometimes we have a tendency to take dad for granted. Because a good one is so stable, so steady that we sometimes forget that he is doing some heavy lifting so others don't have to. And somehow, dad doesn't mind that much.
I was lucky, in the short time my dad was in my life before he died, I had a lot of appreciation for him and what he did. He always made me special. And being the youngest of three, I appreciated that at the time. Three decades later, I appreciate it even more. Some things you just don't forget. And that....is a good thing!
Yea my dad was probably like your dad. Couldn't cook real well, wore the wrong clothes sometimes, splashed on Old Spice, and had that confused look on his face a lot of the time trying to keep up with mom and the rest of us. But we wouldn't have it any other way. That's just dad!
Look, if you're lucky enough to have your dad around, take good care of him this Fathers Day. And if you for whatever reason haven't seen dad in a while, make this the year you put it back together. He'll appreciate that more than anything else you could get him. Remember, he's "got everything he needs!"
Because Dad's the man!
If by chance we forget dad on his day till the last minute he's fine with it. I fact, he can't tell you were rushing around at the last minute. Mom? Well, now one has ever had the guts to try that one- especially dad! To lend some support to that, Mothers Day was made a holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in the early 20th century. Fathers Day was signed into holidayhood by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966. Dad hardly noticed the over half-century gap there.
And he still doesn't. "Hey dad, what do you want for Fathers Day?" "When is it this year?" "This weekend!" "Oh, don't worry about me, I've got everything I need" ...blah blah blah. This is the standard answer dads give to their families every single year. He undersells it. He's not really lying to you, he's just...Dad! Dad doesn't get all the fuss. Oh, he'll love the new recliner after he gets over the shock at how much it cost. Same goes for the new I-Phone, fishing pole, or Taylor Made Driver.
Kidding aside, it is kind of sad that in our society today, whether it's TV, or the movies, dad is a bumbling idiot. He can't really do anything right, and always needs mom or the kids to bail him out. I guess a certain amount of that is based on truth, but not to the degree that it is made out to be. I think it's a bit dangerous to put that out there day after day after day, in show after show. In our society we, though the media especially have minimized dad. I fear a generation or two have grown up with the wrong idea of dad. Overall, he's not Homer Simpson, and he's not Ward Cleaver either. Even though at times may resemble both. And I think we should remember that!
Truth is, dad's really NOT and idiot. He's a good guy. An important guy. Even though it's hard for us all to swallow sometimes, he is just as important as mom. His role is very different, but no less important. Sometimes we have a tendency to take dad for granted. Because a good one is so stable, so steady that we sometimes forget that he is doing some heavy lifting so others don't have to. And somehow, dad doesn't mind that much.
I was lucky, in the short time my dad was in my life before he died, I had a lot of appreciation for him and what he did. He always made me special. And being the youngest of three, I appreciated that at the time. Three decades later, I appreciate it even more. Some things you just don't forget. And that....is a good thing!
Yea my dad was probably like your dad. Couldn't cook real well, wore the wrong clothes sometimes, splashed on Old Spice, and had that confused look on his face a lot of the time trying to keep up with mom and the rest of us. But we wouldn't have it any other way. That's just dad!
Look, if you're lucky enough to have your dad around, take good care of him this Fathers Day. And if you for whatever reason haven't seen dad in a while, make this the year you put it back together. He'll appreciate that more than anything else you could get him. Remember, he's "got everything he needs!"
Because Dad's the man!
Friday, June 12, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Pelham 123
Wanted: A good, solid well done summer thriller, that's not computer generated and that movie goers of all adult ages will love. We've got one with Pelham 123. It's a remake of a 1973 movie, but most don't known that, and no one will care. They didn't remake Gone With The Wind here, and this version will be the one that stands the test of time.
John Travolta is Ryder. Ryder is a modern day terrorist in New York City. He hijacks the subway train Pelham 123, and demands 10 million in ransom, or he'll start killing a hostage a minute after his hour long deadline. Denzel Washington is Garber. He is the MTA employee who has communication with Ryder during the standoff. Both men have questionable pasts. As the negotiations drag on, will Garber be able to reach Ryder and save the day? That's the basic plot of Pelham 123.
But it's so much more than that. This movie has a terrific story line, and a real strong supporting cast. John Turturro, and James Gandolfini lead the list. This is more than a police shoot-em-up movie. It goes deep into the main characters past, and present. You get a sense that you know what makes these two principles tick. You find yourself wanting to go faster to find out what the next twist is. And this movie doesn't make the fatal flaw. It remains true, and doesn't get silly or loose it's focus. It's just two guys. No superpowers, no real experience at what they're doing. Both just trying to survive this nightmare. It stay firmly on track (excuse the pun.)
What a great reminder too,.on what a great actor Washington really is. He is fantastic as Garber. He does a whole lot, with the every man he is playing. Garber is complicated, and simplistic at the same time. Is he who he says he is? Or is he more than that? All performances are solid here, including Travolta as the maniacal Ryder. But from my seat, this is Washington's movie.
Pelham 123.....not to be missed. In a summer of animated, actiony, superhero movies, finally a real lesson is first class storytelling. Plus two of Hollywood's superstars acting super.
This movie is just terrific!
John Travolta is Ryder. Ryder is a modern day terrorist in New York City. He hijacks the subway train Pelham 123, and demands 10 million in ransom, or he'll start killing a hostage a minute after his hour long deadline. Denzel Washington is Garber. He is the MTA employee who has communication with Ryder during the standoff. Both men have questionable pasts. As the negotiations drag on, will Garber be able to reach Ryder and save the day? That's the basic plot of Pelham 123.
But it's so much more than that. This movie has a terrific story line, and a real strong supporting cast. John Turturro, and James Gandolfini lead the list. This is more than a police shoot-em-up movie. It goes deep into the main characters past, and present. You get a sense that you know what makes these two principles tick. You find yourself wanting to go faster to find out what the next twist is. And this movie doesn't make the fatal flaw. It remains true, and doesn't get silly or loose it's focus. It's just two guys. No superpowers, no real experience at what they're doing. Both just trying to survive this nightmare. It stay firmly on track (excuse the pun.)
What a great reminder too,.on what a great actor Washington really is. He is fantastic as Garber. He does a whole lot, with the every man he is playing. Garber is complicated, and simplistic at the same time. Is he who he says he is? Or is he more than that? All performances are solid here, including Travolta as the maniacal Ryder. But from my seat, this is Washington's movie.
Pelham 123.....not to be missed. In a summer of animated, actiony, superhero movies, finally a real lesson is first class storytelling. Plus two of Hollywood's superstars acting super.
This movie is just terrific!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - My LIfe In Ruins
Summer is not really romantic comedy season, but here comes My Life In Ruins. MLIR stars Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) again, with the Greek theme in the background. This movie debuted last week with a very disappointing showing at the box office and is bound to get lost in the summer movie shuffle.
Meet Georgia (Vardalos). She is a 30 something single tour guide in Greece specializing in 4 day bus trips. Georgia moved to Greece to take a teaching job, but when it didn't work out she had to choose a new career path. She has become uptight, and sort of reclusive. She is also the worlds worst tour guide. Then she takes on the final tour of her career, and the passengers on this particular ride become the inspiration she needs to make the changes in her life, and get herself back in the love game. It also helps to have the single, hunk-of-the-year as the bus driver. Will she find love at last? Well that's MLIR.
To be perfectly fair, this movie staggers, and I mean staggers out of the gate. Some of the first 20 minutes or so are so bad, and awkward, it bordered on unwatchable. But is does recover to a degree, and picks up some steam. That's if you're not poisoned by the start. Horribly written, poorly acted, and terrible at the outset.
MLIR though does have one thing going for it- Nia Vardalos. Just as she was in Greek Wedding, Nia is lovely and engaging as the loveable, can't-get-it-right underdog in love. She is funny, quick, shameless, clueless, and vulnerable at times. She may be painting herself into an acting corner, but she does this kind of role very well. This movie isn't even filmed without her in the lead. Although, this is two Greek parody movies]...time to move on Nia.
My Life In Ruins is a little movie. A quick 88 minutes, with simple music, and a wonderful backdrop of Greece to give it some life. Richard Dreyfuss leads a supporting cast that is supposed to help carry this movie, but doesn't. Too many characters and not enough talent among them. Many fall flat, and become cumbersome. A rewrite would have helped.
To be fair, there are some very funny moments in this movie, and a touch or two of realness that keeps it from being a total flop. I fear this movie may just get lost in the box office onslaught, but it's out there. Date night movie - you bet!
My Life In Ruins. Nia Vardalos is great. The movie? Not great....but for Vardalos fans, or the romantics out there, it is a simple night at the movies.
Meet Georgia (Vardalos). She is a 30 something single tour guide in Greece specializing in 4 day bus trips. Georgia moved to Greece to take a teaching job, but when it didn't work out she had to choose a new career path. She has become uptight, and sort of reclusive. She is also the worlds worst tour guide. Then she takes on the final tour of her career, and the passengers on this particular ride become the inspiration she needs to make the changes in her life, and get herself back in the love game. It also helps to have the single, hunk-of-the-year as the bus driver. Will she find love at last? Well that's MLIR.
To be perfectly fair, this movie staggers, and I mean staggers out of the gate. Some of the first 20 minutes or so are so bad, and awkward, it bordered on unwatchable. But is does recover to a degree, and picks up some steam. That's if you're not poisoned by the start. Horribly written, poorly acted, and terrible at the outset.
MLIR though does have one thing going for it- Nia Vardalos. Just as she was in Greek Wedding, Nia is lovely and engaging as the loveable, can't-get-it-right underdog in love. She is funny, quick, shameless, clueless, and vulnerable at times. She may be painting herself into an acting corner, but she does this kind of role very well. This movie isn't even filmed without her in the lead. Although, this is two Greek parody movies]...time to move on Nia.
My Life In Ruins is a little movie. A quick 88 minutes, with simple music, and a wonderful backdrop of Greece to give it some life. Richard Dreyfuss leads a supporting cast that is supposed to help carry this movie, but doesn't. Too many characters and not enough talent among them. Many fall flat, and become cumbersome. A rewrite would have helped.
To be fair, there are some very funny moments in this movie, and a touch or two of realness that keeps it from being a total flop. I fear this movie may just get lost in the box office onslaught, but it's out there. Date night movie - you bet!
My Life In Ruins. Nia Vardalos is great. The movie? Not great....but for Vardalos fans, or the romantics out there, it is a simple night at the movies.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Funny Ol' Dog
Life's a funny ol' dog sometimes isn't it? You know, a little strange, awkward, kinda quirky, and many times with a checkered past to go along with it. You've known a dog like that I'm sure. That dog and life go hand in hand.
Today, I met someone with the exact same name (first and last) as someone I have chosen not to think about in years. This person from my perspective "did me wrong" a long time ago. That exact story isn't important for the rest of this blog, but it is ironic. I have always tried to be fair that being "done wrong" can be subjective and most people deserve the benefit of the doubt. I've tried to keep that in mind.
But that's where we take a ninety degree turn. After meeting this person today, it got me thinking about lots of things in my past. The places I've lived, jobs I used to have, some of the people that I worked with and for. Even some of the important players in my personal life that were once woven into the fabric of my life. Things I haven't really thought about in a long time.
The mind is a powerful, and wonderful thing that can give us miracles daily if we let it. On our long journey we have many things, places and people that come in and out of our lives. Sometimes, that can take a little getting used to. And as I looked back, I noticed that practically all of the memories that are still with me, are the good things all of those things, places, and people had to offer.
I think that's the gift of the good. We remember the good- the really good. Probably because the good, was even better than we thought at the time. The good remains, and the not-so-good leaves. Maybe the not-so-good, really wasn't as bad as it seemed at the time either. So it loses and good triumphs in the end. I think that is especially true when a friendship, or a relationship ends for whatever reason not to be repaired. Even though it ended and maybe it was for the best.
Or in other cases when a loved one passes on, and whose life is done too soon. I think we remember all that was good first...and last. Because the other stuff really doesn't seem very important at all. And when we remember all that was good, it makes us happy, and gives us peace that we were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I felt that way about my dad after he died... and I still do. 31 years later.
Maybe we are given this miracle because we don't want to give the loss yet another voice. It had its say once, and we heard it clearly, whether it was a really large loss or change, or one that was seemingly small. I feel our memory somehow chooses to give the good the last and final say. Then puts it in perfect harmony for us to listen to when we wish.
I found myself driving down I-77 and Memory Lane at the same time today. And on that ride I felt lucky that I had so much to remember, and blessed that almost all of it was recalled fondly.
The same named person years ago hasn't been worth my energy to think about at all over time. And the new person with the same name today gave me plenty to think about all these years later. And with joy!
It reminded me that life is a funny ol' dog sometimes isn't it?
Today, I met someone with the exact same name (first and last) as someone I have chosen not to think about in years. This person from my perspective "did me wrong" a long time ago. That exact story isn't important for the rest of this blog, but it is ironic. I have always tried to be fair that being "done wrong" can be subjective and most people deserve the benefit of the doubt. I've tried to keep that in mind.
But that's where we take a ninety degree turn. After meeting this person today, it got me thinking about lots of things in my past. The places I've lived, jobs I used to have, some of the people that I worked with and for. Even some of the important players in my personal life that were once woven into the fabric of my life. Things I haven't really thought about in a long time.
The mind is a powerful, and wonderful thing that can give us miracles daily if we let it. On our long journey we have many things, places and people that come in and out of our lives. Sometimes, that can take a little getting used to. And as I looked back, I noticed that practically all of the memories that are still with me, are the good things all of those things, places, and people had to offer.
I think that's the gift of the good. We remember the good- the really good. Probably because the good, was even better than we thought at the time. The good remains, and the not-so-good leaves. Maybe the not-so-good, really wasn't as bad as it seemed at the time either. So it loses and good triumphs in the end. I think that is especially true when a friendship, or a relationship ends for whatever reason not to be repaired. Even though it ended and maybe it was for the best.
Or in other cases when a loved one passes on, and whose life is done too soon. I think we remember all that was good first...and last. Because the other stuff really doesn't seem very important at all. And when we remember all that was good, it makes us happy, and gives us peace that we were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. I felt that way about my dad after he died... and I still do. 31 years later.
Maybe we are given this miracle because we don't want to give the loss yet another voice. It had its say once, and we heard it clearly, whether it was a really large loss or change, or one that was seemingly small. I feel our memory somehow chooses to give the good the last and final say. Then puts it in perfect harmony for us to listen to when we wish.
I found myself driving down I-77 and Memory Lane at the same time today. And on that ride I felt lucky that I had so much to remember, and blessed that almost all of it was recalled fondly.
The same named person years ago hasn't been worth my energy to think about at all over time. And the new person with the same name today gave me plenty to think about all these years later. And with joy!
It reminded me that life is a funny ol' dog sometimes isn't it?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Land Of The Lost
Will Farrel is trying to be funny again, this time in his tribute to the 1970's Saturday morning kids show, Land Of The Lost. You may remember the live action Sid and Marty Kroft show where Rick Marshall and his group get lost in time, and battle large reptiles and the Sleestacks! It was campy then, and it's campy now.
That's pretty much the whole premise of this tribute/parody movie new in theaters this weekend. To be honest, there was a large crowd at the showing I attended and there was a lot of laughter throughout this flick. But I'm going to be frank here. I think that many of these people that were laughing at this movie, are huge Farrel fans, and they are going to laugh at anything he does, whether he actually funny or not. And here he is not.
The Kroft Brothers are the producers of this movie, and they're going to get the pay day of their dreams no doubt. So it should be no surprise here that the sell-out to recreational drug use, body noises, grabbing body parts of various characters especially the lead woman character, the voluptuous Holly, and watching Farrel in his underwear was approved. Funny, I don't remember that from the Saturday morning show. Making fun of the show is easy enough to do, and that's not the problem. The problem is, there takes no imagination needed to do what they do. It's just so easy to go the low road. But maybe that's all there is with Farrel. It's a formula, and it works for the bank account.
But that's Farrel. Every movie it's the same old joke, time after time. I understand that this is a parody of sorts, but to be square it's just not very funny. I have always thought that he is much funnier in smaller doses. I thought his small role in Wedding Crashers was great. Again, less is more with him. His time on Saturday Night Live, he was funny. Less is more.
I think Farrel has Mike Myers disease. They have a ton of money, and a fan base, and the pay days just keep coming. But I think it's time for both of them to grow up and at least think about making movies, or taking parts where they can be more than what they are. If in fact, there is more of them than just this, because this is getting old , stale and tired. But the dollar signs are just too big.
Land Of The Lost. The same old joke, just a new set and story.
That's pretty much the whole premise of this tribute/parody movie new in theaters this weekend. To be honest, there was a large crowd at the showing I attended and there was a lot of laughter throughout this flick. But I'm going to be frank here. I think that many of these people that were laughing at this movie, are huge Farrel fans, and they are going to laugh at anything he does, whether he actually funny or not. And here he is not.
The Kroft Brothers are the producers of this movie, and they're going to get the pay day of their dreams no doubt. So it should be no surprise here that the sell-out to recreational drug use, body noises, grabbing body parts of various characters especially the lead woman character, the voluptuous Holly, and watching Farrel in his underwear was approved. Funny, I don't remember that from the Saturday morning show. Making fun of the show is easy enough to do, and that's not the problem. The problem is, there takes no imagination needed to do what they do. It's just so easy to go the low road. But maybe that's all there is with Farrel. It's a formula, and it works for the bank account.
But that's Farrel. Every movie it's the same old joke, time after time. I understand that this is a parody of sorts, but to be square it's just not very funny. I have always thought that he is much funnier in smaller doses. I thought his small role in Wedding Crashers was great. Again, less is more with him. His time on Saturday Night Live, he was funny. Less is more.
I think Farrel has Mike Myers disease. They have a ton of money, and a fan base, and the pay days just keep coming. But I think it's time for both of them to grow up and at least think about making movies, or taking parts where they can be more than what they are. If in fact, there is more of them than just this, because this is getting old , stale and tired. But the dollar signs are just too big.
Land Of The Lost. The same old joke, just a new set and story.
Friday, June 5, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - The Hangover
The big summer comedies roll out in force this weekend, and The Hangover leads the list. You've more than likely seen a ton of promotion for this night gone wrong in Vegas comedy, and today it finally lands in theaters.
The Hangover is the story of four, 30 ish year old guys that run off to Las Vegas for a bachelor party the weekend before one of them gets married. These guys are all life long friends that have remained great such through life's ups and downs. So they set off to Vegas for one last blast. As you may have figured out, things go horribly wrong in Sin City. The four end up with every imaginable problem. They lose the groom, one loses a tooth, and a long series of unexplainable events takes place.
Trouble too, none of them can remember a thing about the night the groom vanishes. And they spend the next two days trying to find him and piece it all together. They meet some strange characters along the way, and find themselves getting in even more trouble during their search. Is it all's well the ends well? That's the whole deal in The Hangover.
First up. Lots of really bad language, and some totally "Borat"type of humor here. Drug abuse, and plenty of drinking to last a lifetime. There is also some very inappropriate behavior and a few instances of bad decision making by the movie makers themselves where some scenes made it into the final cut, that don't make it a better movie just a more sophomoric one. I wouldn't recommend kids see The Hangover, but they're not supposed to. This isn't Animal House dealing with college kids or high school kids gone awry. It's "grown up" guys heading off to Vegas so it's not as relateable for younger fans. In short it's kind of a "adult sophomoric" flick.
But I will say, there are some very funny moments in this movie. Maybe you have to see this movie when you're in the state of mind to laugh a lot. Some of The Hangover works like a charm, when others fall flat. It hits and misses many times. And to its credit, The Hangover understands when it's wearing out its welcome and ends before you start to squirm in your seat. When this movie says all it can say, it goes away and that's a good decision.
The Hangover. It's not ever going to show at the Cannes Film Festival, but that's okay too. In this climate of tough economic times, maybe we need a silly, senseless release of laughter once in a while. It's still funny to watch goofy guys do goofy things. It's been that way since The 3 Stooges, and more thank likely will remain that way for the next 50 years. See The Hangover with fun people. Leave the sticks in the mud's at home.
Cinematic art? No. Silly Fun? Yes.
The Hangover is the story of four, 30 ish year old guys that run off to Las Vegas for a bachelor party the weekend before one of them gets married. These guys are all life long friends that have remained great such through life's ups and downs. So they set off to Vegas for one last blast. As you may have figured out, things go horribly wrong in Sin City. The four end up with every imaginable problem. They lose the groom, one loses a tooth, and a long series of unexplainable events takes place.
Trouble too, none of them can remember a thing about the night the groom vanishes. And they spend the next two days trying to find him and piece it all together. They meet some strange characters along the way, and find themselves getting in even more trouble during their search. Is it all's well the ends well? That's the whole deal in The Hangover.
First up. Lots of really bad language, and some totally "Borat"type of humor here. Drug abuse, and plenty of drinking to last a lifetime. There is also some very inappropriate behavior and a few instances of bad decision making by the movie makers themselves where some scenes made it into the final cut, that don't make it a better movie just a more sophomoric one. I wouldn't recommend kids see The Hangover, but they're not supposed to. This isn't Animal House dealing with college kids or high school kids gone awry. It's "grown up" guys heading off to Vegas so it's not as relateable for younger fans. In short it's kind of a "adult sophomoric" flick.
But I will say, there are some very funny moments in this movie. Maybe you have to see this movie when you're in the state of mind to laugh a lot. Some of The Hangover works like a charm, when others fall flat. It hits and misses many times. And to its credit, The Hangover understands when it's wearing out its welcome and ends before you start to squirm in your seat. When this movie says all it can say, it goes away and that's a good decision.
The Hangover. It's not ever going to show at the Cannes Film Festival, but that's okay too. In this climate of tough economic times, maybe we need a silly, senseless release of laughter once in a while. It's still funny to watch goofy guys do goofy things. It's been that way since The 3 Stooges, and more thank likely will remain that way for the next 50 years. See The Hangover with fun people. Leave the sticks in the mud's at home.
Cinematic art? No. Silly Fun? Yes.
Monday, June 1, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Drag Me To Hell
Allison Lohman and Justin Long star in the new scary, thriller Drag Me To Hell new in theaters this week. Seems every summer Hollywood takes a stab or two at some kind of new way to scare us, and in some respect they are successful here.
Christine (Lohman) is a young up and comer in the banking business. She is up for an assistant managers job at her local branch. When convinced by her boss that the way to advance is to be more aggressive and make the tough decisions, she takes it. In walks a creepy looking, gypsy kind of woman who is on the verge of being evicted from her home. Christine picks her to be the example, and turns her down for a mortgage extension, and informs her she will be evicted. The gypsy woman then puts an ancient curse on Christine. She has three days to somehow appease the evil spirit, and save her self from certain death and an eternity of burning in hell.
Let the loud noises and banging begin, along with the scary music and special effects. All predictable, and overall not very scary. But there is a "but". What is kind of scary here is the fact that no one would be thrilled having as curse bestowed on them, whether you are a believer or not. I think DMTH could be scary especially to some young people. Our young victim looks very youthful, and could be easily identifiable with many.
DMTH does succeed in delivering a story that hasn't been told in a while. This is not a slasher flick at all. Minimal blood, and language tame. There are a couple of extremely uncomfortable moments with possible animal sacrifice, that may be disturbing for some. BUT again, is this movie playing it straight, or is this a parody on these kind of movies? No question there is comic relief among the supposed intensity. True too, special effects by and large are adequate, but a couple of times you'll think you're watching the silliness of The Mask, or some kind of silly cartoon.
To be honest, this movie lost me a few times during the first one hour and 37 minutes it ran, but the final two minutes, gave it me back a mark or two. You may find yourself ahead of the movie, and that's okay. I don't think the makers mind that at all.
Drag Me To Hell is very targeted, If you're a fan of these kind of movies, you may be very intrigued and think this is a really great night at the movies. But to be fair it's not for everyone. It's a young persons, group go-see night at the movies.
Leave Nana at home.
Christine (Lohman) is a young up and comer in the banking business. She is up for an assistant managers job at her local branch. When convinced by her boss that the way to advance is to be more aggressive and make the tough decisions, she takes it. In walks a creepy looking, gypsy kind of woman who is on the verge of being evicted from her home. Christine picks her to be the example, and turns her down for a mortgage extension, and informs her she will be evicted. The gypsy woman then puts an ancient curse on Christine. She has three days to somehow appease the evil spirit, and save her self from certain death and an eternity of burning in hell.
Let the loud noises and banging begin, along with the scary music and special effects. All predictable, and overall not very scary. But there is a "but". What is kind of scary here is the fact that no one would be thrilled having as curse bestowed on them, whether you are a believer or not. I think DMTH could be scary especially to some young people. Our young victim looks very youthful, and could be easily identifiable with many.
DMTH does succeed in delivering a story that hasn't been told in a while. This is not a slasher flick at all. Minimal blood, and language tame. There are a couple of extremely uncomfortable moments with possible animal sacrifice, that may be disturbing for some. BUT again, is this movie playing it straight, or is this a parody on these kind of movies? No question there is comic relief among the supposed intensity. True too, special effects by and large are adequate, but a couple of times you'll think you're watching the silliness of The Mask, or some kind of silly cartoon.
To be honest, this movie lost me a few times during the first one hour and 37 minutes it ran, but the final two minutes, gave it me back a mark or two. You may find yourself ahead of the movie, and that's okay. I don't think the makers mind that at all.
Drag Me To Hell is very targeted, If you're a fan of these kind of movies, you may be very intrigued and think this is a really great night at the movies. But to be fair it's not for everyone. It's a young persons, group go-see night at the movies.
Leave Nana at home.
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