Early spring has a definite feel. Usually it's "tween weather", too cold to be warm, to warm to be cold, some sun, some clouds.....it's unmistakable. You could even go all VanWinkle.....wake up and know what time of the year it is. I don't have a favorite time of the year. If it's outside friendly, I'm good with it.
When this time comes around my attention turns to being outside, opening day, golf season, and all things anew. The "anew" part for me lies outside. That's where all things anew take shape in my eyes. Plants, the sun, the whole thing. It's also where The Ghost resides. I feel it's presence in all that I do outside. Working in the yard, taking a walk, or playing golf. The Ghost is there, but he does not taunt and does not haunt. The Ghost is a kind and gentle spirit.
Playing golf is something I look forward to when the weather breaks. I play every Sunday morning at least, with three life long friends, and what a blessing. Not many can say they get to spend time with guys of this caliber, and have as much fun doing it every week. You probably have a favorite activity, that is your reward for a weeks worth of getting up early and working hard. This is mine. A few times a year I even go down to Florida where more life long friends live, and we do the same. Spend a week teeing it up... and living large.
It's not about the game. It's about the time. Golf is great, but the time is better. Knowing that for a while you are in the place you're supposed to be. Sound dramatic? Maybe. But sadly, we don't have enough of these moments in our busy lives, especially with the economy the past year or two. We're all working longer and harder. And some things have had to give. But The Ghost reminds me that these times are rare, worth it, and to embrace them.
The Ghost blessed me with the gift of having fun long ago. He tells me, "life is fun" and ..."fun is fundamental" He's right. And there's no place that I frequent that The Ghost carries a larger presence with me than the golf course. As Don, Joe and Tex and I, ready ourselves to begin play in the early Sunday dew swept dawn, they have no idea The Ghost is speaking to me. I reach in the bag for the driver and make a stride to the first tee. There is good in my heart knowing I am embarking on a morning that is going to be more than just golf.
I steady the club, and ready myself for the first shot of the day. The Ghost will not guide my hands, that's up to me. But he guides my heart and reminds me to remember that there are more reasons to be where I am at this moment than drives, pars and birdies. But to live these hours with the passion of a pro, and with the humble demeanor of someone that respects the game, and the joys a simple game can bring.
The Ghost then turns the day over to me, and returns to the first tee at dawn the next Sunday, regardless of what golf course we play. He knows where I am and where to find me, and has for 32 years. for The Ghost is my dad, and this April it's been that many years since he was taken entirely too soon. He played golf every Sunday morning with friends, and now I do. It makes me happy to know there are certain Sundays I am walking on some of the very same grass and greens he did all those years ago. I know he'll always meet me there.
It's unusual for me to play a round of golf without thinking or referencing The Ghost. He taught me about the game, and the proper perspective to keep on the course that is easily transferred to life. And none of it has to do with gloves and clubs.
For The Ghost on the tee doesn't guide my hands... .he guides my heart.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
An Easter Story
Easter is on the way again. It always stirs a bit in me for various reasons, as it does for you. I moved back to Northeast Ohio in 2001, after moving around the country alone for 20 years. I am not complaining, just stating that I spent two decades of Easters away from where I called home and spent it with many great friends and their families in various cities I lived in. And I am so thankful for them.
When I thinking back to those days I am always taken to the most memorable Easter I spent away. Easter 1992, which I spent alone. And there in lies the trouble at the time. I was living and working in Jefferson City, Missouri at a really great radio station, KLIK. I was doing the morning show there, and having great success. - At work. I had been there for about 4 years, and seemingly was a popular guy in the state capital. But all was not good.
In those days I had a worthy adversary. - Me. I was tired of living there. I was tired of thinking that others had a better life than me. I was spending way too much time alone, and I was weary of feeling I didn't have anyone to really talk about it with , or that there was anyone that really wanted to listen to it. All of this junk had been going on too long. Funny it's all a blur now, but it was more than vivid then.
As luck would have it two things happened that really changed things. I met Dr. John. A really great counselor that gave me time, a comfy chair, and a suggestion there was a different way of looking at things. And secondly, Easter. Easter morning 1992 I woke up and decided to take my broken heart, my battered pride, and my wounded soul out to enjoy a nice holiday. I drove to a really nice place called Tan- Tara Resort at the Lake Of The Ozarks for a brunch. It was a nice 50 mile drive on a beautiful day. I didn't know it was a journey that would build the bridge over the wide cravasse, and connect the hurting parts of me.
I asked for the best table they had that overlooked the lake and marina. A bought a paper a Bloody Mary or two, and ordered the fantastic brunch. I sat there for hours, watching the families come and go. Feeling the awesome power of a communal activity on a spiritual day. I watched almost all day the sun glisten off the beautiful lake. Boats coming and going, read the paper front to back. I spoke to a few people that day, but what really happened, the day spoke to me. Easter, synonamous with miracles.
I drove home that day with the sun off the lake in my heart, and the weight of many proceeding days off my shoulders. It was not a cure. But it was a turning point, like Easter itself. That day, thinking enough of myself to venture out on a journey of solitude on the perfect day to do so. I came face to face with my enemy - being alone. Stared it down over the sun filled lake and found peace withhout even knowing I was looking for it. And the irony played out right in front of my eyes. The watershed moment of beating being lonely, was......being alone...on that day...in that place. for it was Easter. It was a tiny miracle... but it was mine.
Shortly after Easter that year, good things started to happen for me personally and professionally. I moved to Florida, where there are plenty of lakes for the sun to shine on. And waves of great people started pouring into my life, and that continues today. In fact today, the best people that I can imagine are in my life from sun up to sundown.
I don't talk about it much but I am a spiritual guy. I believe in the power of something bigger than myself. For me, spirituality is "a search." Always searching for a new answer to a list of endless questions. Dr. John taught me something about myself I didn't know at the time. I was a curious person. He has turned out to be right.
But to be honest I had no idea some of my answers would become so crystal clear to me over a sun swept lake, on a faith filled Sunday. Forever grateful....for Easter.
When I thinking back to those days I am always taken to the most memorable Easter I spent away. Easter 1992, which I spent alone. And there in lies the trouble at the time. I was living and working in Jefferson City, Missouri at a really great radio station, KLIK. I was doing the morning show there, and having great success. - At work. I had been there for about 4 years, and seemingly was a popular guy in the state capital. But all was not good.
In those days I had a worthy adversary. - Me. I was tired of living there. I was tired of thinking that others had a better life than me. I was spending way too much time alone, and I was weary of feeling I didn't have anyone to really talk about it with , or that there was anyone that really wanted to listen to it. All of this junk had been going on too long. Funny it's all a blur now, but it was more than vivid then.
As luck would have it two things happened that really changed things. I met Dr. John. A really great counselor that gave me time, a comfy chair, and a suggestion there was a different way of looking at things. And secondly, Easter. Easter morning 1992 I woke up and decided to take my broken heart, my battered pride, and my wounded soul out to enjoy a nice holiday. I drove to a really nice place called Tan- Tara Resort at the Lake Of The Ozarks for a brunch. It was a nice 50 mile drive on a beautiful day. I didn't know it was a journey that would build the bridge over the wide cravasse, and connect the hurting parts of me.
I asked for the best table they had that overlooked the lake and marina. A bought a paper a Bloody Mary or two, and ordered the fantastic brunch. I sat there for hours, watching the families come and go. Feeling the awesome power of a communal activity on a spiritual day. I watched almost all day the sun glisten off the beautiful lake. Boats coming and going, read the paper front to back. I spoke to a few people that day, but what really happened, the day spoke to me. Easter, synonamous with miracles.
I drove home that day with the sun off the lake in my heart, and the weight of many proceeding days off my shoulders. It was not a cure. But it was a turning point, like Easter itself. That day, thinking enough of myself to venture out on a journey of solitude on the perfect day to do so. I came face to face with my enemy - being alone. Stared it down over the sun filled lake and found peace withhout even knowing I was looking for it. And the irony played out right in front of my eyes. The watershed moment of beating being lonely, was......being alone...on that day...in that place. for it was Easter. It was a tiny miracle... but it was mine.
Shortly after Easter that year, good things started to happen for me personally and professionally. I moved to Florida, where there are plenty of lakes for the sun to shine on. And waves of great people started pouring into my life, and that continues today. In fact today, the best people that I can imagine are in my life from sun up to sundown.
I don't talk about it much but I am a spiritual guy. I believe in the power of something bigger than myself. For me, spirituality is "a search." Always searching for a new answer to a list of endless questions. Dr. John taught me something about myself I didn't know at the time. I was a curious person. He has turned out to be right.
But to be honest I had no idea some of my answers would become so crystal clear to me over a sun swept lake, on a faith filled Sunday. Forever grateful....for Easter.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Hot Tub Tme Machine
Here we go again. Another year, and another attempt at duplicating the huge success of The Hangover from last year.
Hot Tub Time Machine, to be honest, is the the exact same formula of The Hangover from 2009. A bunch of middle aged guys, at different places in their respective lives end up on a vacation type journey, trying to relive portions of their younger lives. Sound familiar? It is....but there are twists that differentiate this from The Hangover, but they are small.
These four guys in the modern day, drive back to a ski destination they use to visit in their youth in the '80's. They find the resort town nothing like they remember. Shabby, run down, and dying. They check into the same place they used to frequent back in the day. And during a four man naked, drunken soak in the tub, something happens, and the dudes are transported back to the same resort in 1986. They are stuck in some sort of time warp. And the laughs are on. All the while trying NOT to do anything to disturb anything that of course could effect the future.
There are some laughs in this movie no doubt. The 1970's sure do get a bad rap in pop culture lore, but you'll be reminded that the 1980's weren't far behind....if not ahead. It is fun to look back to the styles, and the mindset of the 80's. The music will certainly take you back. And there are some really funny scenes here that will make you laugh out loud. They story tries hard to be interesting, but let's face it. You're not going for the story. You want the gags, and the laughs and there are some.
But being fair. HTTM, is very raunchy and loaded with really harsh, and to some highly offensive language. There is a ton of glorified, recreational drug use that may rub some the wrong way too. Of course nudity, sexual situations and numerous tasteless attempts to gross you out. Parents, this does carry an R rating, and it earns it in every scene. This is another in a line of R rated adult comedies that are certainly not appropriate for teens. Although teens may find it humorous, you need to be 40 or so to really get a lot of the humor here.
Being someone of the era of the 80's I found myself laughing throughout this movie. But most of my laughing was at the era, and the way it was as opposed to much of the gags. Although there are some funny gags. But to be square, it's not The Hangover, which was first, more original, had a far better cast, and over all better story that came together much more cleanly in the end.
Hot Tub Time Machine. There are some laughs. It is fun to go back and visit an era gone by, and to laugh at it. But for obvious reasons, this is not for everyone.
Hot Tub Time Machine, to be honest, is the the exact same formula of The Hangover from 2009. A bunch of middle aged guys, at different places in their respective lives end up on a vacation type journey, trying to relive portions of their younger lives. Sound familiar? It is....but there are twists that differentiate this from The Hangover, but they are small.
These four guys in the modern day, drive back to a ski destination they use to visit in their youth in the '80's. They find the resort town nothing like they remember. Shabby, run down, and dying. They check into the same place they used to frequent back in the day. And during a four man naked, drunken soak in the tub, something happens, and the dudes are transported back to the same resort in 1986. They are stuck in some sort of time warp. And the laughs are on. All the while trying NOT to do anything to disturb anything that of course could effect the future.
There are some laughs in this movie no doubt. The 1970's sure do get a bad rap in pop culture lore, but you'll be reminded that the 1980's weren't far behind....if not ahead. It is fun to look back to the styles, and the mindset of the 80's. The music will certainly take you back. And there are some really funny scenes here that will make you laugh out loud. They story tries hard to be interesting, but let's face it. You're not going for the story. You want the gags, and the laughs and there are some.
But being fair. HTTM, is very raunchy and loaded with really harsh, and to some highly offensive language. There is a ton of glorified, recreational drug use that may rub some the wrong way too. Of course nudity, sexual situations and numerous tasteless attempts to gross you out. Parents, this does carry an R rating, and it earns it in every scene. This is another in a line of R rated adult comedies that are certainly not appropriate for teens. Although teens may find it humorous, you need to be 40 or so to really get a lot of the humor here.
Being someone of the era of the 80's I found myself laughing throughout this movie. But most of my laughing was at the era, and the way it was as opposed to much of the gags. Although there are some funny gags. But to be square, it's not The Hangover, which was first, more original, had a far better cast, and over all better story that came together much more cleanly in the end.
Hot Tub Time Machine. There are some laughs. It is fun to go back and visit an era gone by, and to laugh at it. But for obvious reasons, this is not for everyone.
MOVIEW REVIEW - How To Train Your Dragon
It's really great when a major studio makes an animated movie, that is completely family friendly, and a great story at the same time.
How To Train Your Dragon (especially in 3-D) is a fantastic new flick, that kids and adults alike will love. A wonderful little story of Vikings and Dragons, and their at first adversarial relationship, but in the end, they of course learn to live in harmony. That's HTTYD in a nutshell. There's really no reason to go into the plot in detail. It's just fun for families to go and explore a new adventure together.
Fantastic animation and 3-D that is a rival of Alice in Wonderland, and even Avatar. This movie is simply well done. One thing I really like about the way Dreamworks does animated movies is that it doesn't follow any other studio's formula. There's no huge production singing numbers, or memorable songs to sing in at the end. They simply make animated movies for youngsters that are more like adult movies....just for kids.
HTTYD is a tidy 90 minutes and filled with wonderful animation, terrific voice performances, and sizzling 3-D that will leave you breathless. This movie may be possibly a bit too intense at times for the very young. (You know your kids the best). There are some dragon battle scenes that could put a shiver through some. But for most, this will be simply a fun afternoon or evening at the moves.
How To Train Your Dragon. Well done!
How To Train Your Dragon (especially in 3-D) is a fantastic new flick, that kids and adults alike will love. A wonderful little story of Vikings and Dragons, and their at first adversarial relationship, but in the end, they of course learn to live in harmony. That's HTTYD in a nutshell. There's really no reason to go into the plot in detail. It's just fun for families to go and explore a new adventure together.
Fantastic animation and 3-D that is a rival of Alice in Wonderland, and even Avatar. This movie is simply well done. One thing I really like about the way Dreamworks does animated movies is that it doesn't follow any other studio's formula. There's no huge production singing numbers, or memorable songs to sing in at the end. They simply make animated movies for youngsters that are more like adult movies....just for kids.
HTTYD is a tidy 90 minutes and filled with wonderful animation, terrific voice performances, and sizzling 3-D that will leave you breathless. This movie may be possibly a bit too intense at times for the very young. (You know your kids the best). There are some dragon battle scenes that could put a shiver through some. But for most, this will be simply a fun afternoon or evening at the moves.
How To Train Your Dragon. Well done!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Ghost Writer
Let's start off by saying, Ghost Writer is a must see movie!
Let there be no mistake. This is a really fine flick, and man are we in need of one. Ghost Writer is a thrilling, nail-biting, hard to figure out mystery that will leave you saying, "Man that was great!"
It's the fictional story of "The Ghost" (Ewan Mcgregor). He is a writer that has been hired by a former British Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan) to ghost write his memoirs after the PM has left his political office. The first ghost writer has suddenly died, and that's a mystery all it's own. Then the political climate turns ugly, when War Crimes are discussed against the Ex-PM for the whole world to see.
The Ghost is learning more and more about the life of the PM, and the more he digs, the worse it gets. Suddenly, his life is in jeopardy as the story unfolds in front of his very eyes. Using clues left byt he first writer, he pieces the puzzle together slowly. And now he knows too much. Way too much.
The Ghost Writer is masterfully done. I stick by one of my cries for a great movie. They must start with a great story. And this is a great story. And a story you have not seen before. This story grows some tentacles, and branches off to drag in the British Government, the CIA, the media and some ancillary characters. I was concerned it would veer off track and get lost from it's original message, but it doesn't. All twists and turns, compliment the original stor. This story is easy to follow, but not easy to figure out.
It's a shame this is in limited release. Ghost Writer is terrific. And in this early spring sometimes it can be tough to find a real thinking mans movie to go to. With so much else out that is not overly cerebral, Ghost Writer is a great diversion from the rest of the movies at the movie house. Although it's the one in the smallest theater at the end of the hall at the cineplex. Don't let that stop you.
Ghost Writer is smart, well thought out, grown up and wonderfully done. Movie goers? Ghost Writers is not to be missed!
Let there be no mistake. This is a really fine flick, and man are we in need of one. Ghost Writer is a thrilling, nail-biting, hard to figure out mystery that will leave you saying, "Man that was great!"
It's the fictional story of "The Ghost" (Ewan Mcgregor). He is a writer that has been hired by a former British Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan) to ghost write his memoirs after the PM has left his political office. The first ghost writer has suddenly died, and that's a mystery all it's own. Then the political climate turns ugly, when War Crimes are discussed against the Ex-PM for the whole world to see.
The Ghost is learning more and more about the life of the PM, and the more he digs, the worse it gets. Suddenly, his life is in jeopardy as the story unfolds in front of his very eyes. Using clues left byt he first writer, he pieces the puzzle together slowly. And now he knows too much. Way too much.
The Ghost Writer is masterfully done. I stick by one of my cries for a great movie. They must start with a great story. And this is a great story. And a story you have not seen before. This story grows some tentacles, and branches off to drag in the British Government, the CIA, the media and some ancillary characters. I was concerned it would veer off track and get lost from it's original message, but it doesn't. All twists and turns, compliment the original stor. This story is easy to follow, but not easy to figure out.
It's a shame this is in limited release. Ghost Writer is terrific. And in this early spring sometimes it can be tough to find a real thinking mans movie to go to. With so much else out that is not overly cerebral, Ghost Writer is a great diversion from the rest of the movies at the movie house. Although it's the one in the smallest theater at the end of the hall at the cineplex. Don't let that stop you.
Ghost Writer is smart, well thought out, grown up and wonderfully done. Movie goers? Ghost Writers is not to be missed!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A Dog In The Sun
A day or two ago it was so nice outside, my dog Kona came to me and asked me if I would put her outside on the chain for a while. From there, she can go down the four, huge sandstone steps that come down from the roof covered porch attached to our old house. There in the side yard, there is a good mixture of sun and shade from an old sugar maple tree in the summer. But this of course is not summer and that old tree isn't in bloom yet.
Kona went right for the grass in the sun. And in about one second, plopped herself on her side, let out a huge sigh, and proceeded to soak up the well overdue sunshine. I'm sure it felt good on her brown Australian Cattle dog fur. She was done for the afternoon. For a few hours she just lay there, left side, right side..wow. She was so sacked out at one point, I went out to make sure sure she was still breathing. She was and a tad bit annoyed I woke her up. But that didn't last long. She looked so comfortable, I actually texted a friend or two let them know of her bliss.
Kona saw the sun, felt the warm and went with it. Then after a few hours, she asked to come in - permission granted... then she came in tail wagging, and licked my face a bit. And I thought...you know, that's all she has to give. I think she had a good day.
There is a lot to learn from a good pooch. They travel light, and gladly take what is given to them. And in return, they give all they have. Kona doesn't complain when I change her food, move her bed, ask her to go outside in the cold and snow with us when we shovel the drive. She just wants to be where I am. Tail wagging the whole time. She laying under my desk right now as I write this blog. That can't be the most comfy place in the house.
But upon further review....maybe for her it is. After all it's where I am right now...and maybe that's just fine with her. Another lesson learned. Truth is, dogs have great perspective. They know you, like you, and reward you..just for being....you! They are eternally thankful for what they have. And who else among us, can honestly say they give all they have to give every single day. Dogs can be life's great reminders sometimes.
Simple lessons that could have greatly benefited folks like Tiger Woods, Jesse James and a wide array of assorted unappreciative so - and - so's that decided that having millions and being married to Swedish models and beautiful Oscar winning actresses, wasn't enough. We read about these kind of people every day, both famous and the not so famous. Actually, dog lessons are a good thing for the rest of us to keep in mind too.
Who would have thought, so much to take note of....from.....a dog in the sun!
Kona went right for the grass in the sun. And in about one second, plopped herself on her side, let out a huge sigh, and proceeded to soak up the well overdue sunshine. I'm sure it felt good on her brown Australian Cattle dog fur. She was done for the afternoon. For a few hours she just lay there, left side, right side..wow. She was so sacked out at one point, I went out to make sure sure she was still breathing. She was and a tad bit annoyed I woke her up. But that didn't last long. She looked so comfortable, I actually texted a friend or two let them know of her bliss.
Kona saw the sun, felt the warm and went with it. Then after a few hours, she asked to come in - permission granted... then she came in tail wagging, and licked my face a bit. And I thought...you know, that's all she has to give. I think she had a good day.
There is a lot to learn from a good pooch. They travel light, and gladly take what is given to them. And in return, they give all they have. Kona doesn't complain when I change her food, move her bed, ask her to go outside in the cold and snow with us when we shovel the drive. She just wants to be where I am. Tail wagging the whole time. She laying under my desk right now as I write this blog. That can't be the most comfy place in the house.
But upon further review....maybe for her it is. After all it's where I am right now...and maybe that's just fine with her. Another lesson learned. Truth is, dogs have great perspective. They know you, like you, and reward you..just for being....you! They are eternally thankful for what they have. And who else among us, can honestly say they give all they have to give every single day. Dogs can be life's great reminders sometimes.
Simple lessons that could have greatly benefited folks like Tiger Woods, Jesse James and a wide array of assorted unappreciative so - and - so's that decided that having millions and being married to Swedish models and beautiful Oscar winning actresses, wasn't enough. We read about these kind of people every day, both famous and the not so famous. Actually, dog lessons are a good thing for the rest of us to keep in mind too.
Who would have thought, so much to take note of....from.....a dog in the sun!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Repo Men
Here comes another gloomy look into the future. This time it's Jude Law and Forest Whitaker in Repo Men.
Repo Men is a very strange movie about life in our future where artificial organs are being manufactured at break neck pace. The emphasis is no longer on curing, but on replacing. There is a company called The Union, that oversees all these organs and transplants. All of these organs cost a ridiculous amount of money, and the interest rates are silly too. The whole system is designed for recipients NOT to be able to pay for them. So The Union repossess them, much like a car today.
That's where Law and Whitaker come into play. They are best friends, and Repo Men. When someone can't pay, they show up in the middle of the night, and simply take back the organs. They knock you out, cut you open, take the organ, and leave you to die. But when one of them ends up needing an artificial organ, the whole thinking changes. Are they doing the right thing? And can they buck or destroy the corrupt system?
Repo Men is a weird movie. True, I am a fan of seeing plots you've never seen before. And this would certainly qualify for that. So kudos's there. But also, this is very graphic, grizzly, and not for the squeamish. They pull no punches, and show you lots of organ retrieval, with plenty of blood, and guts to go around. Repo Men also turns exceptionally violent near the end. In comes tons of gratuitous violence, all coming together with a very strange, long fight scene, where for some reason all kinds of suit and tie businessmen are armed with small bladed knives. - I have no idea either.
Repo Men also tries very hard not to take itself too seriously by infusing a very off-beat musical soundtrack, and a "used car" satire feel to the whole organ selling business. And that sort of works, but not enough really make this movie really work. Like I said, this is a very strange movie, that will appeal to a very limited audience. Science fiction enthusiasts will find this intriguing. As will the horror movie bunch. And that's the target here. This is really not inviting to date night, or family night. But for a bunch of young folks looking for some mindless give me a jolt movie, Repo Men might be your ticket.
Repo Men. Original? Yes. Strange? Yes. But, my feeling? Rental worthy in 90 days.
Repo Men is a very strange movie about life in our future where artificial organs are being manufactured at break neck pace. The emphasis is no longer on curing, but on replacing. There is a company called The Union, that oversees all these organs and transplants. All of these organs cost a ridiculous amount of money, and the interest rates are silly too. The whole system is designed for recipients NOT to be able to pay for them. So The Union repossess them, much like a car today.
That's where Law and Whitaker come into play. They are best friends, and Repo Men. When someone can't pay, they show up in the middle of the night, and simply take back the organs. They knock you out, cut you open, take the organ, and leave you to die. But when one of them ends up needing an artificial organ, the whole thinking changes. Are they doing the right thing? And can they buck or destroy the corrupt system?
Repo Men is a weird movie. True, I am a fan of seeing plots you've never seen before. And this would certainly qualify for that. So kudos's there. But also, this is very graphic, grizzly, and not for the squeamish. They pull no punches, and show you lots of organ retrieval, with plenty of blood, and guts to go around. Repo Men also turns exceptionally violent near the end. In comes tons of gratuitous violence, all coming together with a very strange, long fight scene, where for some reason all kinds of suit and tie businessmen are armed with small bladed knives. - I have no idea either.
Repo Men also tries very hard not to take itself too seriously by infusing a very off-beat musical soundtrack, and a "used car" satire feel to the whole organ selling business. And that sort of works, but not enough really make this movie really work. Like I said, this is a very strange movie, that will appeal to a very limited audience. Science fiction enthusiasts will find this intriguing. As will the horror movie bunch. And that's the target here. This is really not inviting to date night, or family night. But for a bunch of young folks looking for some mindless give me a jolt movie, Repo Men might be your ticket.
Repo Men. Original? Yes. Strange? Yes. But, my feeling? Rental worthy in 90 days.
Friday, March 19, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - The Bounty Hunter
Everyone seems to be in place. Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston are good to go in The Bounty Hunter new this weekend at the box office.
It's the story of Milo (Butler) and Nicole (Aniston). They were once married, but now are not. He is a bounty hunter after losing his job as a police officer. She is a hard nosed newspaper reporter who always puts career first. Turns out, she has jumped bail and is on the lamb. And guess who? Milo has to go out and bring her in for five grand in reward money. Toss in a mystery, a few side characters, a fun soundtrack, and The Bounty Hunter is OK.
First off, I really like both of these actors. Butler is really coming on as Hollywood's next big thing. Aniston, is always lovely, funny, and fun to watch when she picks the right projects. Sometimes she gets tangled up in questionable movies, but here? This is alright. The Bounty Hunter is just one of those movies ...that is fun.
They're not reinventing the wheel here. The story is slightly new. But it's a romantic comedy, with the typical formula. Sometimes we just like to go to the movies and see a fun movie. And that's what The Bounty Hunter is. It's just fun. Caution - this is NOT hilarious. You won't be writhing on the ground in the aisle, in pain from deep belly laughter, begging it to stop. But, it's a real nice date movie...a good first date movie too.
Luckily for us, it's a true romantic comedy. Carries a PG-13 rating. The Bounty Hunter doesn't sell out and go raunchy on us. But isn't sugary sweet either. It has a nice edge, and a nice story and some side plots that will keep you interested. And this movie doesn't wear out it's welcome either. It ends on schedule and that's good too. I found this movie real enjoyable, and real easy to watch.
The Bounty Hunter. Do not look for this at the Oscars. But do look for it to be fun, and light. Great Saturday night flick.
It's the story of Milo (Butler) and Nicole (Aniston). They were once married, but now are not. He is a bounty hunter after losing his job as a police officer. She is a hard nosed newspaper reporter who always puts career first. Turns out, she has jumped bail and is on the lamb. And guess who? Milo has to go out and bring her in for five grand in reward money. Toss in a mystery, a few side characters, a fun soundtrack, and The Bounty Hunter is OK.
First off, I really like both of these actors. Butler is really coming on as Hollywood's next big thing. Aniston, is always lovely, funny, and fun to watch when she picks the right projects. Sometimes she gets tangled up in questionable movies, but here? This is alright. The Bounty Hunter is just one of those movies ...that is fun.
They're not reinventing the wheel here. The story is slightly new. But it's a romantic comedy, with the typical formula. Sometimes we just like to go to the movies and see a fun movie. And that's what The Bounty Hunter is. It's just fun. Caution - this is NOT hilarious. You won't be writhing on the ground in the aisle, in pain from deep belly laughter, begging it to stop. But, it's a real nice date movie...a good first date movie too.
Luckily for us, it's a true romantic comedy. Carries a PG-13 rating. The Bounty Hunter doesn't sell out and go raunchy on us. But isn't sugary sweet either. It has a nice edge, and a nice story and some side plots that will keep you interested. And this movie doesn't wear out it's welcome either. It ends on schedule and that's good too. I found this movie real enjoyable, and real easy to watch.
The Bounty Hunter. Do not look for this at the Oscars. But do look for it to be fun, and light. Great Saturday night flick.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Green Zone
The Green Zone with Matt Damon opened up to very little overall fanfare at the box office last week, with Alice In Wonderland wiping everyone else out.
The Green Zone is one of those movies that is more than likely going to get lost. This will be a movie that will probably get more legs with On Demand or Netflix. And after seeing it, that's no real surprise. When I walked in, I was figuring that this was just another movie. And that's exactly what it is.
It's a story written about the beginning of the Iraq war in 2003. The allies have launched "shock and awe" and now it's the weeks immediately after. Damon plays Chief Miller. He is a team leader that is going out and looking for weapons of mass destruction in the U.S. Army. He is a good and dedicated soldier charged with a big job. Of course, history has told us none have ever been officially found in Iraq. And we know this today. So right off the bat, that drama is solved.
So what this movie does, is try to tell a story that slowly inches toward some kind of explanation of why we have never found any WMD's. It shows factions of our own military and government fighting among each other, each trying to manage the war to suit their own agenda. Each hiding their truth, and backstabbing each other. Even killing one another to get their objective pushed through.
Green Zone is on a slow and predictable burn to of course making the United States the enemy, and painting the U.S in the worst possible light. It culminates in a very anti-climatic action scene with cheesy "wrap it up" dialogue that attempts to be poignant. And it ends up being so silly, it's almost insulting.
Shame of it is, from a move making standpoint, GZ movies along OK. Damon is pretty strong as the "in the dark" team leader. Greg Kinnear as the villain does a nice job. The casting here is OK. The Green Zone also does a wonderful job of taking you to post war Iraq. It captures the chaos that was rampant after the initial onslaught. It seeingly at it's outset has good intentions and is well executed at times. Then it stops being an interesting story, and starts being a propaganda movie, and loses credibility. And the thing is, you see it coming all the way. And that's a shame.
There are good things in The Green Zone. Looks good, well acted, and starts out as a story you might find interesting. But it doesn't have the courage to completely tell a story you don't know. Instead, it can't resist turning into something completely different.
The Green Zone. The rental zone, when you've seen everything else.
The Green Zone is one of those movies that is more than likely going to get lost. This will be a movie that will probably get more legs with On Demand or Netflix. And after seeing it, that's no real surprise. When I walked in, I was figuring that this was just another movie. And that's exactly what it is.
It's a story written about the beginning of the Iraq war in 2003. The allies have launched "shock and awe" and now it's the weeks immediately after. Damon plays Chief Miller. He is a team leader that is going out and looking for weapons of mass destruction in the U.S. Army. He is a good and dedicated soldier charged with a big job. Of course, history has told us none have ever been officially found in Iraq. And we know this today. So right off the bat, that drama is solved.
So what this movie does, is try to tell a story that slowly inches toward some kind of explanation of why we have never found any WMD's. It shows factions of our own military and government fighting among each other, each trying to manage the war to suit their own agenda. Each hiding their truth, and backstabbing each other. Even killing one another to get their objective pushed through.
Green Zone is on a slow and predictable burn to of course making the United States the enemy, and painting the U.S in the worst possible light. It culminates in a very anti-climatic action scene with cheesy "wrap it up" dialogue that attempts to be poignant. And it ends up being so silly, it's almost insulting.
Shame of it is, from a move making standpoint, GZ movies along OK. Damon is pretty strong as the "in the dark" team leader. Greg Kinnear as the villain does a nice job. The casting here is OK. The Green Zone also does a wonderful job of taking you to post war Iraq. It captures the chaos that was rampant after the initial onslaught. It seeingly at it's outset has good intentions and is well executed at times. Then it stops being an interesting story, and starts being a propaganda movie, and loses credibility. And the thing is, you see it coming all the way. And that's a shame.
There are good things in The Green Zone. Looks good, well acted, and starts out as a story you might find interesting. But it doesn't have the courage to completely tell a story you don't know. Instead, it can't resist turning into something completely different.
The Green Zone. The rental zone, when you've seen everything else.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
You're Kidding....Right?
I noticed that we all are using this phrase a bit more lately. You're kidding...right? Most of it has to do with how much things cost or things that we have to pay for now, that we didn't before.
The other day I was punching through the TV channels and I came across the national news. They were running a story about an airline that has decided to start charging for food on it's flights. I don't know about you, but it's a cold day in......(down deep) before I pay to eat airline food. No offense to the air carriers, but they fly planes. And they do it well .....and safely. Food....I'm not so sure about.
I have thought for years that they should just get out of the food business. I can go a few hours without a thimble sized sandwich, a bag of carrots, and a Three Musketeers bar that's so small, you only get two of the Musketeers. But it did get me thinking how different things have become in our lives, especially in this tough economic climate lately. How we pay for things mom and dad could not have ever imagined. Like this:
1/ Air - Are you kidding me? True. You go to the convenient store and have to toss in some
coin to fill up the tires. Nothing real convenient about that. Never thought this day
would come.
2/ Water - Yep. I think we all grew up drinking out of a garden hose in the summer. But now,
many can't drink any water unless it's out of a bottle. Saw this once, if you do
the math a bottle of water turns into like 15 dollars a gallon. Gasoline is
cheaper.....just don't get them mixed up!
3/ More water - Does it strike anyone else that we live a few miles from the LARGEST
BODIES OF FRESH WATER ON THE PLANET, and it's as pricey as it is.
Sheesh!
4/ Emergency Rows - On a flight now, many are charging for sitting in these rows where you
have added responsibilities. Pay more....for helping them out if they
need it. I thinking an actual discount is in order.
5/ TV - Almost everyone in the world now pays to watch TV. Somehow, over 5o years they
slowly got all of us to chip in to turn on. I know there's a thousand channels now, and
it's digital now...yea, yea....but at one time it was all free.
6/ Radio - Satellite radio? Are you Serious? Actually they are. (Another cold day down deep)
7/ Decaf coffee - Way more expensive than regular coffee. Honestly, there is one LESS
thing in decaf java, as apposed to regular Joe. So obviously caffeine is free.
Who knew!
It's fun to point out the above, but in the end, I guess we have ourselves to blame. For some reason we pay it and move on.
On a final and positive note, I haven't seen a pay toilet in years!! Who the heck came up with that idea anyway? Could be that was an idea that was tried, flied and died. Thank goodness! I mean come on......give us something will ya? We should celebrate this small victory.
I know there are tons more, and may you know some. If you do, drop me an e-mail (it's free) scott@wqmx.com.
The other day I was punching through the TV channels and I came across the national news. They were running a story about an airline that has decided to start charging for food on it's flights. I don't know about you, but it's a cold day in......(down deep) before I pay to eat airline food. No offense to the air carriers, but they fly planes. And they do it well .....and safely. Food....I'm not so sure about.
I have thought for years that they should just get out of the food business. I can go a few hours without a thimble sized sandwich, a bag of carrots, and a Three Musketeers bar that's so small, you only get two of the Musketeers. But it did get me thinking how different things have become in our lives, especially in this tough economic climate lately. How we pay for things mom and dad could not have ever imagined. Like this:
1/ Air - Are you kidding me? True. You go to the convenient store and have to toss in some
coin to fill up the tires. Nothing real convenient about that. Never thought this day
would come.
2/ Water - Yep. I think we all grew up drinking out of a garden hose in the summer. But now,
many can't drink any water unless it's out of a bottle. Saw this once, if you do
the math a bottle of water turns into like 15 dollars a gallon. Gasoline is
cheaper.....just don't get them mixed up!
3/ More water - Does it strike anyone else that we live a few miles from the LARGEST
BODIES OF FRESH WATER ON THE PLANET, and it's as pricey as it is.
Sheesh!
4/ Emergency Rows - On a flight now, many are charging for sitting in these rows where you
have added responsibilities. Pay more....for helping them out if they
need it. I thinking an actual discount is in order.
5/ TV - Almost everyone in the world now pays to watch TV. Somehow, over 5o years they
slowly got all of us to chip in to turn on. I know there's a thousand channels now, and
it's digital now...yea, yea....but at one time it was all free.
6/ Radio - Satellite radio? Are you Serious? Actually they are. (Another cold day down deep)
7/ Decaf coffee - Way more expensive than regular coffee. Honestly, there is one LESS
thing in decaf java, as apposed to regular Joe. So obviously caffeine is free.
Who knew!
It's fun to point out the above, but in the end, I guess we have ourselves to blame. For some reason we pay it and move on.
On a final and positive note, I haven't seen a pay toilet in years!! Who the heck came up with that idea anyway? Could be that was an idea that was tried, flied and died. Thank goodness! I mean come on......give us something will ya? We should celebrate this small victory.
I know there are tons more, and may you know some. If you do, drop me an e-mail (it's free) scott@wqmx.com.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Remember Me
Robert Pattinson is back. This time not as the vampire from Twilight. But as Tyler in the new young love story, Remember me, new at the box office this week.
Remember Me is the story of Tyler (Pattinson) and Ally (Emilie de Ravin). Young college students living in New York City. Tyler is a young, troubled, rebellious young man, who has had a tough way to go. Tragedy in his family, and a horrible relationship with his estranged father (Pierce Brosnan). Tyler is angry. He meets Ally (de Ravin). She has almost the exact same history, and almost the same outlook on life. She has dad trouble too (Chris Cooper) They end up living together in a horrible apartment, rebelling against the parental machine all the way.
As the movie slowly trudges along, you start to wonder what is the point of all this. Why are we watching scene ofter scene of young tortured, tormented young lovers hating the world? Where is this heavier than steel movie really going? I was convinced it was going nowhere, other than the "it's us against the world" routine. Then just as you're about to give up on this, it reaches in and pulls a rabbit out of the hat.
It decides that enough is enough of the, tortured lover shtick . And Remember Me then stands up and becomes something it spent 90 minutes convincing you it wasn't going to be. No spoiler here, but the direction shift saves the day.......as much as it can. Remember Me, over time interestingly enough though will not be memorable.
If you like Pattinson in Twilight, you'll like him here. He's actually the same guy, just no fangs. de Ravin is a nice and fresh new face. But the star performance of this movie is Ruby Jerins as Caroline, Tyler's 11 year old gifted, and complicated sister. She is magnificent! She starts out as a small side role, and then morphs into a main character in this drama. She is a show, and heart stealer.
Remember Me is very targeted at young women especially... much like Twilight. Many outside of that group may have a hard time grabbing on and sticking with it. It can be boring a times, and seemingly the same scene gets played out time after time. It's very dark, cold and melancholy. For me, it much of this was too much like Twilight, and it seemed that its coat tails would be a fine ride. But in the end, there are a few separators. Namely a plot twist and a better cast.
Remember Me. If you want to spend the night watching tortured youth fighting against the established family machine, this could be your movie. Some will love this, others will be dozing off.
Remember Me is the story of Tyler (Pattinson) and Ally (Emilie de Ravin). Young college students living in New York City. Tyler is a young, troubled, rebellious young man, who has had a tough way to go. Tragedy in his family, and a horrible relationship with his estranged father (Pierce Brosnan). Tyler is angry. He meets Ally (de Ravin). She has almost the exact same history, and almost the same outlook on life. She has dad trouble too (Chris Cooper) They end up living together in a horrible apartment, rebelling against the parental machine all the way.
As the movie slowly trudges along, you start to wonder what is the point of all this. Why are we watching scene ofter scene of young tortured, tormented young lovers hating the world? Where is this heavier than steel movie really going? I was convinced it was going nowhere, other than the "it's us against the world" routine. Then just as you're about to give up on this, it reaches in and pulls a rabbit out of the hat.
It decides that enough is enough of the, tortured lover shtick . And Remember Me then stands up and becomes something it spent 90 minutes convincing you it wasn't going to be. No spoiler here, but the direction shift saves the day.......as much as it can. Remember Me, over time interestingly enough though will not be memorable.
If you like Pattinson in Twilight, you'll like him here. He's actually the same guy, just no fangs. de Ravin is a nice and fresh new face. But the star performance of this movie is Ruby Jerins as Caroline, Tyler's 11 year old gifted, and complicated sister. She is magnificent! She starts out as a small side role, and then morphs into a main character in this drama. She is a show, and heart stealer.
Remember Me is very targeted at young women especially... much like Twilight. Many outside of that group may have a hard time grabbing on and sticking with it. It can be boring a times, and seemingly the same scene gets played out time after time. It's very dark, cold and melancholy. For me, it much of this was too much like Twilight, and it seemed that its coat tails would be a fine ride. But in the end, there are a few separators. Namely a plot twist and a better cast.
Remember Me. If you want to spend the night watching tortured youth fighting against the established family machine, this could be your movie. Some will love this, others will be dozing off.
MOVIE REVIEW - Our Family Wedding
Wow! That's all I can say... wow! Our Family Wedding is new in theaters this week, and if you want to see it you better sprint there, because with any luck this train wreck will be pulled away from the crash scene sooner rather than later. This is a comedy....supposedly.
My goodness. OFW is the story in a nutshell about a young couple in love. She is Hispanic, he is African American. Neither one has told their families about the other. So finally they decide it's time. They are getting married and living together. So you can see where this is going. Neither family thinks this is a good idea. Each family wants different things for their kids, and this leads of course to predictable culture clashes, and breaking down of stereotypes that we're supposed to laugh at for the next 90 minutes.
This movie is completely cliche'. There is nothing new here, and in fact it's so horrible, it may have just set the comedy producing film industry back decades. Alright, that may be overstating, but wow! And here's the kicker. I sat in a half full theater with a good mix of all kinds of people. People laughed 2 times! Other than that, it was pin drop city.
Let's start with the writing. This story line in one way or another has been told a thousand times before in both drama or comedy. The dialogue is horrible, and the physical comedy is terrible. Too many dumb story lines here, all wrapped up nice and tidy in mere minutes. Outside of America Ferrera and Forest Whitaker, casting is deplorable. Maybe next time cast some people in a comedy that are actually funny. But there is no hope here. It's all so bad at it's core, it's not salvageable
Even the film editing is tragic. Looks like pieces of film were cut with a razor blade and scotched taped together with a bunch of unbearable scenes lifted from someones supposed imagination. You'll swear you're going to hear the director yelling, "action" and "cut" at some point. The whole mess is actually worse that this. OK, there's a laugh or two here and there. But those will long be forgotten after you reach for, and use the bag tucked in the seat pocket in front of you.
Then after you are forced to endure this whole disaster, the last 10 minutes of this 90 minute sludge fest, you for some reason have to watch scenes from this wedding with absolutely no point to it whatsoever. I wasn't sure a film in 2010 could be this bad. But it is. Looks like someones first try, and if that's true lets hope this is it.
Our Family Wedding. Cliche, dumb, not funny, bad...take your pick. I know it's early, but this might be the worst movie of 2010.
My goodness. OFW is the story in a nutshell about a young couple in love. She is Hispanic, he is African American. Neither one has told their families about the other. So finally they decide it's time. They are getting married and living together. So you can see where this is going. Neither family thinks this is a good idea. Each family wants different things for their kids, and this leads of course to predictable culture clashes, and breaking down of stereotypes that we're supposed to laugh at for the next 90 minutes.
This movie is completely cliche'. There is nothing new here, and in fact it's so horrible, it may have just set the comedy producing film industry back decades. Alright, that may be overstating, but wow! And here's the kicker. I sat in a half full theater with a good mix of all kinds of people. People laughed 2 times! Other than that, it was pin drop city.
Let's start with the writing. This story line in one way or another has been told a thousand times before in both drama or comedy. The dialogue is horrible, and the physical comedy is terrible. Too many dumb story lines here, all wrapped up nice and tidy in mere minutes. Outside of America Ferrera and Forest Whitaker, casting is deplorable. Maybe next time cast some people in a comedy that are actually funny. But there is no hope here. It's all so bad at it's core, it's not salvageable
Even the film editing is tragic. Looks like pieces of film were cut with a razor blade and scotched taped together with a bunch of unbearable scenes lifted from someones supposed imagination. You'll swear you're going to hear the director yelling, "action" and "cut" at some point. The whole mess is actually worse that this. OK, there's a laugh or two here and there. But those will long be forgotten after you reach for, and use the bag tucked in the seat pocket in front of you.
Then after you are forced to endure this whole disaster, the last 10 minutes of this 90 minute sludge fest, you for some reason have to watch scenes from this wedding with absolutely no point to it whatsoever. I wasn't sure a film in 2010 could be this bad. But it is. Looks like someones first try, and if that's true lets hope this is it.
Our Family Wedding. Cliche, dumb, not funny, bad...take your pick. I know it's early, but this might be the worst movie of 2010.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Seldom So Moved
A couple of weeks ago, my partner Sue Wilson and I were asked to emcee the Akron Wine Opener at the beautiful Rosemont Country Club. We attended the event last year, and I was completely impressed by how nice it was. Great food, and wine, a really elegant adult time all for a really great cause. Benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
CF is a really tough thing. It got me thinking back to my first time really learning about this disease. I was doing the morning show at KLIK in Jefferson City, Missouri at the time. It was about 1989. There was this really good guy named Bobby from a rural town outside of the capital who had a child with CF. He put together this fund raiser called the Hoof-A-Thon. It was a bunch of horse enthusiasts that got sponsors to support them with money for every mile they rode their horses on trail. They asked me to ride, and I did. The radio station got involved and it was a real success.
The ride ended at a farm, there was a BBQ, and band, dancing and the general congratulating all that made it happen. The normal stuff. I can't remember the band, or the food, or even all the nice people. But I remember the kids that were there to thank us for helping them. They were all young, 10 to say 15 or so. Beautiful children, with huge smiles on their faces and goodness, and thanks in their hearts. All struggling to breathe and many times choking to talk and voice their thanks for all that we did for them. They all had CF.
I remember knowing that some of them would not be there for the next Hoof-A-Thon. And 2 of them weren't. I fear they are all gone now, and I will never forget them. I was a younger broadcaster then, and it was a growing experience for me. Till then I was raising money for other worthwhile charities, and felt good about it. But that day, put it all front and center. When you support local chapters of local charities, you're doing the best work of all.
Wonderful advances have been made in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis, and life expectancy is much better now. And that's directly attributed to those who give, and support those who are in the fight. These kids and young adults are worth fighting for. Struggling to simply breathe every day. It shouldn't be that way.
So Friday you can do a great thing in every regard. You can go to a fabulous event and eat fantastic food and wine, and do something even more fantastic at the same time. Go to the Akron Wine Opener, treat yourself to a wonderful night, and treat yourself even further knowing that you have done right, and joined the fight.
Hope to see you there. Here's how you can get tickets
Go to wynnandwilson.com, and click on Akron Wine Opener on the right. That will take you to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Website.
Thank you!
CF is a really tough thing. It got me thinking back to my first time really learning about this disease. I was doing the morning show at KLIK in Jefferson City, Missouri at the time. It was about 1989. There was this really good guy named Bobby from a rural town outside of the capital who had a child with CF. He put together this fund raiser called the Hoof-A-Thon. It was a bunch of horse enthusiasts that got sponsors to support them with money for every mile they rode their horses on trail. They asked me to ride, and I did. The radio station got involved and it was a real success.
The ride ended at a farm, there was a BBQ, and band, dancing and the general congratulating all that made it happen. The normal stuff. I can't remember the band, or the food, or even all the nice people. But I remember the kids that were there to thank us for helping them. They were all young, 10 to say 15 or so. Beautiful children, with huge smiles on their faces and goodness, and thanks in their hearts. All struggling to breathe and many times choking to talk and voice their thanks for all that we did for them. They all had CF.
I remember knowing that some of them would not be there for the next Hoof-A-Thon. And 2 of them weren't. I fear they are all gone now, and I will never forget them. I was a younger broadcaster then, and it was a growing experience for me. Till then I was raising money for other worthwhile charities, and felt good about it. But that day, put it all front and center. When you support local chapters of local charities, you're doing the best work of all.
Wonderful advances have been made in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis, and life expectancy is much better now. And that's directly attributed to those who give, and support those who are in the fight. These kids and young adults are worth fighting for. Struggling to simply breathe every day. It shouldn't be that way.
So Friday you can do a great thing in every regard. You can go to a fabulous event and eat fantastic food and wine, and do something even more fantastic at the same time. Go to the Akron Wine Opener, treat yourself to a wonderful night, and treat yourself even further knowing that you have done right, and joined the fight.
Hope to see you there. Here's how you can get tickets
Go to wynnandwilson.com, and click on Akron Wine Opener on the right. That will take you to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Website.
Thank you!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Oscar Gets It Right
The 82nd annual Academy Awards last night in many ways one of the most predictable in recent memory. But for many there was a shock at the top.
Many, including me were ready to attend the James Cameron - Avatar coronation, thinking he was going to need a pick-up truck to take home all the hardware he was going to collect in three hours. Such was not the case. His nine nominations turned into three wins, all in the categories he should have. Most of it for techno stuff, and they were well deserved. But his nomination for Best Picture came and went, and thankfully did not come to bear fruit. The crown jewel of the night went to The Hurt Locker, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
No one is blind to Avatar's success. It has been a gigantic windfall of praise and cash. Avatar is visually spectacular, and at times highly imaginative. But to be fair, Avatar is not very important. The actual story at its root, has been told a thousand times before in various other movies. For me, this was the weak link. All great movies start with a great story. The Hurt Locker was a story you had not seen before- told brilliantly.
As far as Avatar was concerned, if you're going to spend 500 million give us something more than a story line that's been overused in movies for decades. The Hurt Locker over time will retain it's relevance and importance. Avatar will not. As the technology catches up and surpasses Avatar, (and it will) we'll be glad it doesn't carry the Best Picture trophy. As visually stunning as it is, it's just not relevant. I want Oscar to be relevant. It carries the label forever.
Honestly, my choice was Up In The Air. I knew it had no chance to win, but I was moved by it as much as any movie this year. The Hurt Locker was not far behind. Then came the acting awards.
Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock both were terrific in their roles in Crazy Heart and The Blind Side respectively. Bridges I felt was the runaway performances in his category. Bullock conversely was in a dog fight with Meryl Streep, but in the end, Bullocks willingness to completely reinvent herself on screen was the separator.
Chistoph Waltz and Mo'nique were fabulous and I was thrilled to see them carry home the Oscar. We may have seen one of the greatest supporting performances ever in Inglorious Basterds from Waltz.
Congrats to all the winners. This year, Oscar got it right!
Many, including me were ready to attend the James Cameron - Avatar coronation, thinking he was going to need a pick-up truck to take home all the hardware he was going to collect in three hours. Such was not the case. His nine nominations turned into three wins, all in the categories he should have. Most of it for techno stuff, and they were well deserved. But his nomination for Best Picture came and went, and thankfully did not come to bear fruit. The crown jewel of the night went to The Hurt Locker, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
No one is blind to Avatar's success. It has been a gigantic windfall of praise and cash. Avatar is visually spectacular, and at times highly imaginative. But to be fair, Avatar is not very important. The actual story at its root, has been told a thousand times before in various other movies. For me, this was the weak link. All great movies start with a great story. The Hurt Locker was a story you had not seen before- told brilliantly.
As far as Avatar was concerned, if you're going to spend 500 million give us something more than a story line that's been overused in movies for decades. The Hurt Locker over time will retain it's relevance and importance. Avatar will not. As the technology catches up and surpasses Avatar, (and it will) we'll be glad it doesn't carry the Best Picture trophy. As visually stunning as it is, it's just not relevant. I want Oscar to be relevant. It carries the label forever.
Honestly, my choice was Up In The Air. I knew it had no chance to win, but I was moved by it as much as any movie this year. The Hurt Locker was not far behind. Then came the acting awards.
Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock both were terrific in their roles in Crazy Heart and The Blind Side respectively. Bridges I felt was the runaway performances in his category. Bullock conversely was in a dog fight with Meryl Streep, but in the end, Bullocks willingness to completely reinvent herself on screen was the separator.
Chistoph Waltz and Mo'nique were fabulous and I was thrilled to see them carry home the Oscar. We may have seen one of the greatest supporting performances ever in Inglorious Basterds from Waltz.
Congrats to all the winners. This year, Oscar got it right!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Movie Of The Month - February
It's time now to announce the Movie Of The Month, both to the good and the not so good. To qualify the movie must be released to theaters in the Akron area during said month. Last month (January) the best movie I selected was Crazy Heart and the award winning performance of Jeff Bridges. And on the other end was the ridiculous, When In Rome.
In addition, I'll give you an honorable mention to go with each. February was tough not a lot to choose from, so here goes.
The February Movie Of The Month - Best.
Shutter Island - To be honest, I didn't review this movie all that well, and still think it has
multiple problems including it's length which is waaaay tooo long. But it's
slim pickins this month. It's success cannot be denied. Reluctantly is chosen
here.
Honorable Mention - Best
Dear John - The Nicolas Sparks movie that this time was relevant to our world today. Told
well and honestly. It catered directly to it's audience. It's strength? It has a
reason to be told.
February Movie Of The Month - Worst
From Paris With Love - The really insulting John Travolta Flick has more gratuitous violence
than one can imagine. The only decide to tell a story about halfway
though this move. Fails terribly.
Honorable Mention - Worst
The Wolfman - Great cast, great costumes, great sets. Really lame flick. Started out with a
bang, then died out. 150 million budget to make? Please!
Check in next month for more Movies Of The Month!
In addition, I'll give you an honorable mention to go with each. February was tough not a lot to choose from, so here goes.
The February Movie Of The Month - Best.
Shutter Island - To be honest, I didn't review this movie all that well, and still think it has
multiple problems including it's length which is waaaay tooo long. But it's
slim pickins this month. It's success cannot be denied. Reluctantly is chosen
here.
Honorable Mention - Best
Dear John - The Nicolas Sparks movie that this time was relevant to our world today. Told
well and honestly. It catered directly to it's audience. It's strength? It has a
reason to be told.
February Movie Of The Month - Worst
From Paris With Love - The really insulting John Travolta Flick has more gratuitous violence
than one can imagine. The only decide to tell a story about halfway
though this move. Fails terribly.
Honorable Mention - Worst
The Wolfman - Great cast, great costumes, great sets. Really lame flick. Started out with a
bang, then died out. 150 million budget to make? Please!
Check in next month for more Movies Of The Month!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Alice In Wonderland
Director Tim Burton is making another movie, so that must mean Johnny Depp is back at the box office too, this time it's Alice In Wonderland.
Yes, that Alice! She's back and so is the story told in a new and wonderful 3-D format that is absolutely worth the couple of extra bucks to get in. (You do have a choice, but choose the 3-D) As many times as this story has been told in movies, TV, books and folklore, I'm not sure it's ever going to be told in such breathtaking fashion as this. For once this classic story is not the star....the technology is.
All your favorite characters are here. Alice, The Hatter (Depp) The Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) and the White Queen (Anne Hathaway). Toss in Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, The Cat, The Rabbit, and a Jaberwocky and you've got it all. It's a classic good versus evil story of course, that is timeless.
AIW in this version is a little more intense than you may remember. The fabulous 3-D brings everything to life, the beautiful and the very intense and scary. As tempting as it may be, little ones may struggle at times with the loud sounds and the length of some of the moments you may find really cool, but it may be too much for them.
They did a terrific job of blending the animation, with live action. There are some scenes that are truly remarkable. Costuming is great, the sound track fits like a glove and the voice, and acting performances are all solid. But let there be no mistake. This is an animation and special effects fest. Depp and Hathaway names on on the movie poster to get you there. After your arrival, you'll understand the effects are why you are there. This movie would be stunning with almost any actors in it.
This movie does a lot of things really right. First of all it's not so in love with itself that it doesn't know when to quit. A very nice one-hour forty five minutes is plenty here. It is also well cast, and as you might expect Depp is great as The Hatter. Hathaway is wondrous as the "snowy" White Queen, and Carter as the Red Queen is really funny, even though they at times limited her dialogue to a few cliche's. Should be fairly noted, Depp and Hathaway don't show up until well into the movie. These of course are important roles, they're just not huge roles. You may be surprised how little screen time they actually have.
This is not the greatest movie of all time by any means. But there's nothing really wrong here. Alice In Wonderland will come and go and be the flavor of the month, and make a ton of cash, and then retire to "oh yea -dom," and that's OK. It's here today to thrill audiences and it does.
Alice In Wonderland.....a real visual treat at the movies.
Yes, that Alice! She's back and so is the story told in a new and wonderful 3-D format that is absolutely worth the couple of extra bucks to get in. (You do have a choice, but choose the 3-D) As many times as this story has been told in movies, TV, books and folklore, I'm not sure it's ever going to be told in such breathtaking fashion as this. For once this classic story is not the star....the technology is.
All your favorite characters are here. Alice, The Hatter (Depp) The Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) and the White Queen (Anne Hathaway). Toss in Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, The Cat, The Rabbit, and a Jaberwocky and you've got it all. It's a classic good versus evil story of course, that is timeless.
AIW in this version is a little more intense than you may remember. The fabulous 3-D brings everything to life, the beautiful and the very intense and scary. As tempting as it may be, little ones may struggle at times with the loud sounds and the length of some of the moments you may find really cool, but it may be too much for them.
They did a terrific job of blending the animation, with live action. There are some scenes that are truly remarkable. Costuming is great, the sound track fits like a glove and the voice, and acting performances are all solid. But let there be no mistake. This is an animation and special effects fest. Depp and Hathaway names on on the movie poster to get you there. After your arrival, you'll understand the effects are why you are there. This movie would be stunning with almost any actors in it.
This movie does a lot of things really right. First of all it's not so in love with itself that it doesn't know when to quit. A very nice one-hour forty five minutes is plenty here. It is also well cast, and as you might expect Depp is great as The Hatter. Hathaway is wondrous as the "snowy" White Queen, and Carter as the Red Queen is really funny, even though they at times limited her dialogue to a few cliche's. Should be fairly noted, Depp and Hathaway don't show up until well into the movie. These of course are important roles, they're just not huge roles. You may be surprised how little screen time they actually have.
This is not the greatest movie of all time by any means. But there's nothing really wrong here. Alice In Wonderland will come and go and be the flavor of the month, and make a ton of cash, and then retire to "oh yea -dom," and that's OK. It's here today to thrill audiences and it does.
Alice In Wonderland.....a real visual treat at the movies.
Friday, March 5, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Brooklyn's Finest
I love surprises at the box office, and the new cop thriller Brooklyn's Finest is a real nice surprise.
BF is the fictional story of three veteran cops in one of the worst areas of Brooklyn. There is the veteran patrolman (Richard Gere) who is one week from retirement. An undercover cop (Don Cheadle) deep in the drug world. And a third cop (Ethan Hawke) on the anti-drug task force. Their stories in the movie are all unrelated at the outset. Then over the course of this two hour movie their stories slowly, and brilliantly become intertwined. All leading up to an end you won't be able to figure out, and you won't want to anyway.
BF is a movie on a slow burn. It methodically moves along, telling the story skillfully and thoroughly in an easy to follow fashion. The main characters are developed wonderfully, in both the good and bad of each. Even the fringe characters are explained well, as the supporting cast of Will Patton, and Wesley Snipes are well cast and deliver good performances.
BF deals with the pressures that these three cops feel on a daily basis, and what they have to do to survive not only on the job, but in their lives. This movie too, goes deep into the underbelly of an incredibly ugly drug culture and exposes just how awful it can be. This is a serious, heavy drama that is not for the squeamish movie goer. It deals with subjects many would just assume not know about. But if you're really into deep cop drama, Brooklyn's Finest could be your movie.
BF has plenty of violence, shooting, blood, slow death, and is very graphic. Outside of the violence, it deals with several very adult situations, and lifestyles that will not be appetizing to some. Brooklyn's Finest is rated R and well deserved. This is tough matter for many, and way too much for teens or young adults. This is not a movie that sets out to be a good example, and is unashamed of it. That turns out to be its strength in so many ways. It dares to deal with horrible subject matter that does exist in our world, and refuses to water it down for the sake of a box office buck or a lesser rating.
Violence, rough language, death, graphic sex, serious recreational drug usage and corruption. This is Brooklyn's Finest. It makes no apologies, but it keeps you on edge the whole time. This movie is for a select audience who like this kind of movie and willing to go to the streets with it.
Overall, these kind of heavy cop movies are generally not my favorite. But Brooklyn's Finest is frankly, a great story line, fine performances, and thoroughly well told. This may turn out to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. Well done.
BF is the fictional story of three veteran cops in one of the worst areas of Brooklyn. There is the veteran patrolman (Richard Gere) who is one week from retirement. An undercover cop (Don Cheadle) deep in the drug world. And a third cop (Ethan Hawke) on the anti-drug task force. Their stories in the movie are all unrelated at the outset. Then over the course of this two hour movie their stories slowly, and brilliantly become intertwined. All leading up to an end you won't be able to figure out, and you won't want to anyway.
BF is a movie on a slow burn. It methodically moves along, telling the story skillfully and thoroughly in an easy to follow fashion. The main characters are developed wonderfully, in both the good and bad of each. Even the fringe characters are explained well, as the supporting cast of Will Patton, and Wesley Snipes are well cast and deliver good performances.
BF deals with the pressures that these three cops feel on a daily basis, and what they have to do to survive not only on the job, but in their lives. This movie too, goes deep into the underbelly of an incredibly ugly drug culture and exposes just how awful it can be. This is a serious, heavy drama that is not for the squeamish movie goer. It deals with subjects many would just assume not know about. But if you're really into deep cop drama, Brooklyn's Finest could be your movie.
BF has plenty of violence, shooting, blood, slow death, and is very graphic. Outside of the violence, it deals with several very adult situations, and lifestyles that will not be appetizing to some. Brooklyn's Finest is rated R and well deserved. This is tough matter for many, and way too much for teens or young adults. This is not a movie that sets out to be a good example, and is unashamed of it. That turns out to be its strength in so many ways. It dares to deal with horrible subject matter that does exist in our world, and refuses to water it down for the sake of a box office buck or a lesser rating.
Violence, rough language, death, graphic sex, serious recreational drug usage and corruption. This is Brooklyn's Finest. It makes no apologies, but it keeps you on edge the whole time. This movie is for a select audience who like this kind of movie and willing to go to the streets with it.
Overall, these kind of heavy cop movies are generally not my favorite. But Brooklyn's Finest is frankly, a great story line, fine performances, and thoroughly well told. This may turn out to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. Well done.
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