The number one movie this week at the box office was The Last Exorcism.
This is a movie that is filmed in much the same fashion as Cloverfield, or Paranormal Activity. You know, with a hand held camera. Where the camera person is actually in the movie. TLE is a fictional story that lasts a mere 82 minutes, and in this case it's one of its strengths.
It is the story of a young Louisiana preacher who has made a living seemingly duping his way through his ministry. As we meet him, he is filming a documentary of sorts about his life and his story. He decides to perform and film an exorcism on a 16 year old girl from extreme rural Louisiana. Trouble is, the original is a fake. He basically stages this holy event, and gets it all on film. He gladly takes a ton of money from the young girls father and in his film, makes fun of the whole scheme. Then the twist. The girl IS actually possessed it seems. Or someone is, and things turn horribly wrong.
With that story line said, it should be noted right up front, this movie is not for everyone. It deals with demons, and demonic possession and if that makes you uncomfortable or is offensive to your value system, you'll want to steer clear from this movie. Also, it shares that herky-jerky camera motion much like the Blair Witch Project, and Paranormal Activity. If that makes you queasy or motion sick, again you'll want to stay away. That's the whole movie.
This movie has the look at first as a real clunker. But to its credit, it does build a compelling story line as it rolls on. Although it does become somewhat predictable, and a bit formula at the end, The Last Exorcism stands in there and doesn't veer off into the lousy movie abyss. But to be fair, this is not and Oscar winner either. Young audiences may find this scary, and fun to go to in packs especially to later showings. But to be square, this movie is not very scary for most. But to it's credit, at only 82 minutes, it gets out and doesn't belabor its point and we can all go home.
The Last Exorcism. For some this will be a hit. For others, just another attempt at a scary movie.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Brooks And Dunn
This coming Thursday in Nashville, Brooks And Dunn will perform their last concert together. That night should be special for so many reasons. Right up front. I will miss them.
Last Thursday they performed a fantastic show at Blossom. After it only 3 remain. My partner Sue Wilson and I were lucky enough to visit with them backstage in a very quiet setting with only a select few others. It was really nice. As they walked out to greet, and visit with us, there was a wide variety of mixed emotions. Some sad, some happy. When they approached and we shook hands, the only thing that I could really say to them was, "Thank you. Thanks for 20 years of making my job a bit easier."
I thought a lot about what I wanted to say, because this was it! History right there. Say it now, or it's lost forever. From my vantage point it was just natural. I have been fortunate enough to be in country music now for 30 years on the radio, and have played every single Brooks And Dunn hit ever. They were a part of the fabric of country music for 2 decades. And maybe at times, it was easy take them for granted. They were just here. Hit after hit, year after year. Awards by the tractor-trailer load. Selling out every night. Virtually every song a big hit. You name it, they did it. -In the studio, on the radio, video, TV, literally everything, and remained relevant the whole time.
With all due respect to the giants of our format, not even Garth Brooks had as long of a run. There have been some others. George Strait (30 years) , Alan Jackson (22 years) and a handful of others, but Brooks And Dunn somehow really never had a lull in the action. They are the most consistent hit makers in country music for the last two decades. They spawned fashion, they helped make the dance clubs huge in the 90's, and found acceptance with those not wild about country music. Their songs didn't "cross over" to pop charts, but their appeal did. And that's a real great gift left behind. Bringing more people to country music. - Thank you!
And I for one am glad they didn't cross over to pop radio. They were ours! They define who we are in country music, and you had to come to us to get them. Don't get me wrong, bless those that do cross over. But I love country stars that really get the fact that country listeners love those acts that we can lay claim to. I will always love them for the music, the shows and the fact that country fans, concerts and festivals were good enough for them. They and their music didn't have to go out and try to track down people outside of country music. The new fans came looking for them! They defined "cool" in country for 20 years. That is absolute. That will be missed.
Thank you Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. The respect I have for you is enormous and I will love and play the music for hopefully 30 more years. Seeing them Thursday on and back stage was a blessing. Sue and I talked about it afterwards, just those few minutes of thanks was something special. I am happy we got the chance.
It was an honor to play every song, every time. What a run!
Last Thursday they performed a fantastic show at Blossom. After it only 3 remain. My partner Sue Wilson and I were lucky enough to visit with them backstage in a very quiet setting with only a select few others. It was really nice. As they walked out to greet, and visit with us, there was a wide variety of mixed emotions. Some sad, some happy. When they approached and we shook hands, the only thing that I could really say to them was, "Thank you. Thanks for 20 years of making my job a bit easier."
I thought a lot about what I wanted to say, because this was it! History right there. Say it now, or it's lost forever. From my vantage point it was just natural. I have been fortunate enough to be in country music now for 30 years on the radio, and have played every single Brooks And Dunn hit ever. They were a part of the fabric of country music for 2 decades. And maybe at times, it was easy take them for granted. They were just here. Hit after hit, year after year. Awards by the tractor-trailer load. Selling out every night. Virtually every song a big hit. You name it, they did it. -In the studio, on the radio, video, TV, literally everything, and remained relevant the whole time.
With all due respect to the giants of our format, not even Garth Brooks had as long of a run. There have been some others. George Strait (30 years) , Alan Jackson (22 years) and a handful of others, but Brooks And Dunn somehow really never had a lull in the action. They are the most consistent hit makers in country music for the last two decades. They spawned fashion, they helped make the dance clubs huge in the 90's, and found acceptance with those not wild about country music. Their songs didn't "cross over" to pop charts, but their appeal did. And that's a real great gift left behind. Bringing more people to country music. - Thank you!
And I for one am glad they didn't cross over to pop radio. They were ours! They define who we are in country music, and you had to come to us to get them. Don't get me wrong, bless those that do cross over. But I love country stars that really get the fact that country listeners love those acts that we can lay claim to. I will always love them for the music, the shows and the fact that country fans, concerts and festivals were good enough for them. They and their music didn't have to go out and try to track down people outside of country music. The new fans came looking for them! They defined "cool" in country for 20 years. That is absolute. That will be missed.
Thank you Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. The respect I have for you is enormous and I will love and play the music for hopefully 30 more years. Seeing them Thursday on and back stage was a blessing. Sue and I talked about it afterwards, just those few minutes of thanks was something special. I am happy we got the chance.
It was an honor to play every song, every time. What a run!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Piranha 3-D
Part slasher flick, part horror movie, part music video, part gore fest, and part comedy. That is this new Piranha 3-D movie.
Things must be a little slow at the Shue household these days. Elisabeth Shue stars in this total mess (literally) of a movie. Shue plays a local sheriff of a resort town in Arizona that has this gigantic lake where spring breakers come to visit a few weeks a year. Due to an underwater earthquake of sorts, prehistoric piranhas somehow find their way into this resort town and start munching down on everyone in sight. That's your story.
Should be noted this is a movie that knows how bad it is. It knows among the gore, the blood and graphic eating scenes, that it's making fun of itself and movies of this nature that proceeded it. Numerous subtle references to Jaws including a cameo from Richard Dreyfuss, fishing and singing the same song he and Chief Brodie sang on board the Orca in Jaws. Then he gets eaten. So there is the "we're making a bad movie here line." Plus tons of subtle parody of other stupid things people have done in other eat 'em up movies too. They do lampoon the genre, but virtually none of it really works.
Plus, if it's nudity you're looking for there is no shortage of it here. Pretty much from start to finish. Featuring a huge array of beautiful, young, well endowed women, most of them ending up being eaten by the fish or killed in some other awful fashion. As a matter of fact this may be one of the most graphic mass death by animal movies I have ever seen. Maybe Starship Troopers years ago with the bugs might rival it.
This is shot in 3-D, but there really was no need for it. In fact, it might even be a detriment. This movie has it all. Bad story, silly script, special effects that are not so special. It's not scary, or intense or anything good. It plain and simple is a bunch of naked, or nearly naked people getting eaten by a bench of angry fish. I get what they were trying to do, but it I feel will let down even the most hard core bloody movie fan.
Piranha 3-D The most tasteless movie of the year so far, and may be one of the most in recent memory. A huge flop at the box office, and not worth your 3-D movie money...keep that in mind, at barely 80 minutes. Horrible!
Things must be a little slow at the Shue household these days. Elisabeth Shue stars in this total mess (literally) of a movie. Shue plays a local sheriff of a resort town in Arizona that has this gigantic lake where spring breakers come to visit a few weeks a year. Due to an underwater earthquake of sorts, prehistoric piranhas somehow find their way into this resort town and start munching down on everyone in sight. That's your story.
Should be noted this is a movie that knows how bad it is. It knows among the gore, the blood and graphic eating scenes, that it's making fun of itself and movies of this nature that proceeded it. Numerous subtle references to Jaws including a cameo from Richard Dreyfuss, fishing and singing the same song he and Chief Brodie sang on board the Orca in Jaws. Then he gets eaten. So there is the "we're making a bad movie here line." Plus tons of subtle parody of other stupid things people have done in other eat 'em up movies too. They do lampoon the genre, but virtually none of it really works.
Plus, if it's nudity you're looking for there is no shortage of it here. Pretty much from start to finish. Featuring a huge array of beautiful, young, well endowed women, most of them ending up being eaten by the fish or killed in some other awful fashion. As a matter of fact this may be one of the most graphic mass death by animal movies I have ever seen. Maybe Starship Troopers years ago with the bugs might rival it.
This is shot in 3-D, but there really was no need for it. In fact, it might even be a detriment. This movie has it all. Bad story, silly script, special effects that are not so special. It's not scary, or intense or anything good. It plain and simple is a bunch of naked, or nearly naked people getting eaten by a bench of angry fish. I get what they were trying to do, but it I feel will let down even the most hard core bloody movie fan.
Piranha 3-D The most tasteless movie of the year so far, and may be one of the most in recent memory. A huge flop at the box office, and not worth your 3-D movie money...keep that in mind, at barely 80 minutes. Horrible!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Dude! It's Good To Be Young!
You may heard about a survey recently that was given to young people that asked them about various things in all of our lives. It was given to the class of 2014. It asked them about their views on things, and how their views on issues compared to those older. Oh oh, time to leap over the generation gap. 75 questions, and to be honest some of it was a bit concerning, there were some things that stood out, and are worth embracing.
These are just some of the 75 things they were asked about. And this is how they see things. And to be fair, some things in this world will always be better the way they were, but some are not. Let's see what some of what they said.
"Phones have never had chords" - This is a good thing. Chords on phones have always been a pain in the can. Always twisting up, getting really dirty, especially on the under side. Once really tangled, never really successfully untangled. Just a mess. No one boo hoo'd when the chord was shown the door.
"E- mail is just too slow" - Remember when we were all beside ourselves with e-mail? Now with texting, it's just ho-hum. Still a nice tool, but so is a level. Good to have, but you don't use it for every job.
"Few can really write cursive" - Yea me either, and that's a good thing too. Go ahead and try to read most people's cursive writing. OK, there are some that are blessed with the gift of fabulous flowing cursive, but it's rare. And who writes anything longhand anyway anymore?
"No one likes snail mail" - Think about it. Most of the mail that comes to the house is junk anyway that you never look at. Or a bill. Good again. But they will never know the thrill of getting that special letter or card with the wispy hint of a girlfriends perfume. With that being said, most regular mail stinks.
"Never owned a wristwatch" - I've tried and tried in my adult life to wear a watch. I just can't do it. So many clocks all over the place, and it's just something else I have to remember to put on and not lose. This is good again.
"Beethoven is only a dog" - You mean there's another Beethoven? (Kidding)
"And toothpaste tubes have always stood on their caps" - How on earth did it take 100 years for someone to finally figure this one out? One of the best oral hygiene ideas of all time! Never liked the roll-up thing. We put up with those monkey-shines for way too long.
These are just some of the questions asked and of course there were some eye rollers that will certainly maintain the generation gap for many more generations to come. I heard many people saying who old it made them feel, and I couldn't disagree more. After reading it, I didn't feel old at all. What the heck is wrong with new things anyway? OK, not all new things new are great, I mean I could live without the Twilight series, and a good amount of reality TV. BUT....
But over all this list made me feel young, and that's the key to being young. Dude, it's good to be young.
These are just some of the 75 things they were asked about. And this is how they see things. And to be fair, some things in this world will always be better the way they were, but some are not. Let's see what some of what they said.
"Phones have never had chords" - This is a good thing. Chords on phones have always been a pain in the can. Always twisting up, getting really dirty, especially on the under side. Once really tangled, never really successfully untangled. Just a mess. No one boo hoo'd when the chord was shown the door.
"E- mail is just too slow" - Remember when we were all beside ourselves with e-mail? Now with texting, it's just ho-hum. Still a nice tool, but so is a level. Good to have, but you don't use it for every job.
"Few can really write cursive" - Yea me either, and that's a good thing too. Go ahead and try to read most people's cursive writing. OK, there are some that are blessed with the gift of fabulous flowing cursive, but it's rare. And who writes anything longhand anyway anymore?
"No one likes snail mail" - Think about it. Most of the mail that comes to the house is junk anyway that you never look at. Or a bill. Good again. But they will never know the thrill of getting that special letter or card with the wispy hint of a girlfriends perfume. With that being said, most regular mail stinks.
"Never owned a wristwatch" - I've tried and tried in my adult life to wear a watch. I just can't do it. So many clocks all over the place, and it's just something else I have to remember to put on and not lose. This is good again.
"Beethoven is only a dog" - You mean there's another Beethoven? (Kidding)
"And toothpaste tubes have always stood on their caps" - How on earth did it take 100 years for someone to finally figure this one out? One of the best oral hygiene ideas of all time! Never liked the roll-up thing. We put up with those monkey-shines for way too long.
These are just some of the questions asked and of course there were some eye rollers that will certainly maintain the generation gap for many more generations to come. I heard many people saying who old it made them feel, and I couldn't disagree more. After reading it, I didn't feel old at all. What the heck is wrong with new things anyway? OK, not all new things new are great, I mean I could live without the Twilight series, and a good amount of reality TV. BUT....
But over all this list made me feel young, and that's the key to being young. Dude, it's good to be young.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - The Switch
Jennifer Aniston is back in the new, thoroughly 21st century romantic comedy, The Switch.
Aniston stars along with Jason Bateman in the story of a women, in her late 30's who decides to have a baby with "a donor" instead of a husband or partner. Kassie (Aniston) and Wally (Bateman) are former lovers and now longtime friends. Kassie decides that Wally will not be the donor, and decides on a "better" pedigree instead.
Then at the "insemination party" Wally decides to switch the donors sperm with him own, without anyone's knowledge. Flash forward 7 years, and her son Sebastian is his son, and not the donors. Will Wally tell Kassie of the switch? How will it go over? And of course will they, or can they possibly live happily ever after? That is The Switch.
The Switch starts off with some real snappy dialogue and some really funny scenes, as they establish the characters. There is some brilliant writing, and much of the early part of The Switch is really fun. As the movie goes along, there is a slow drag on this middle that really lingers on for a while and it loses a bunch of momentum. Then there's a rebound a the end, that sort of saves the day. This is a good example of how hard it is to make a really good romantic comedy, where the characters and performances can keep our attention for a full 100 minutes. Funny too, this movie has a very sudden end, that may leave some scratching their heads. It was almost like, "OK, this is long enough, let's just end here."
Aniston is always likable, Bateman is fun, and perfectly cast as the goofy Wally. Should be noted though, Juliette Lewis and the typical "goofy friend of the main woman character" in romantic comedies, is absolutely awful. My gosh, I'm not sure the role could have been written or acted any worse. But with that aside, The Switch does have its moments.
The Switch. Aniston fans will like this before they walk in. As for the rest of us, there is no real reason to go to this one right away, a rental in 90 days would be sufficient. Average at best.
Aniston stars along with Jason Bateman in the story of a women, in her late 30's who decides to have a baby with "a donor" instead of a husband or partner. Kassie (Aniston) and Wally (Bateman) are former lovers and now longtime friends. Kassie decides that Wally will not be the donor, and decides on a "better" pedigree instead.
Then at the "insemination party" Wally decides to switch the donors sperm with him own, without anyone's knowledge. Flash forward 7 years, and her son Sebastian is his son, and not the donors. Will Wally tell Kassie of the switch? How will it go over? And of course will they, or can they possibly live happily ever after? That is The Switch.
The Switch starts off with some real snappy dialogue and some really funny scenes, as they establish the characters. There is some brilliant writing, and much of the early part of The Switch is really fun. As the movie goes along, there is a slow drag on this middle that really lingers on for a while and it loses a bunch of momentum. Then there's a rebound a the end, that sort of saves the day. This is a good example of how hard it is to make a really good romantic comedy, where the characters and performances can keep our attention for a full 100 minutes. Funny too, this movie has a very sudden end, that may leave some scratching their heads. It was almost like, "OK, this is long enough, let's just end here."
Aniston is always likable, Bateman is fun, and perfectly cast as the goofy Wally. Should be noted though, Juliette Lewis and the typical "goofy friend of the main woman character" in romantic comedies, is absolutely awful. My gosh, I'm not sure the role could have been written or acted any worse. But with that aside, The Switch does have its moments.
The Switch. Aniston fans will like this before they walk in. As for the rest of us, there is no real reason to go to this one right away, a rental in 90 days would be sufficient. Average at best.
MOVIE REVIEW - Vampires Suck
Here's another lampoon movie, taking shots at hugely popular movies. Vampires Suck is the latest spoof, taking direct aim at the Twilight series.
They've been making movies like this for decades of course. Airplane comes to mind as one we all love, and somehow that one has always cut through and been enjoyed by a few generations since. It was pretty funny, and fun. It's an easy pay day, and usually these movies are pretty popular for the moment.
Vampires Suck has it's moments as being really funny. Be mindful, if you have not seen the Twilight series, you'll be in the dark on much of this. But one thing this movies does well is successfully lampoon other people and things outside of Twilight, that are pertinent to young people. And that's pretty funny. Jenn Proske is the star of the show. she is Kristin Stewart (Bella...aka Becca) in this movie. Her job here was not only to be funny, but to imitate Stewart's performances, and she has her down cold. Her performance as the quirky Stewart is really funny, but does get old after a while. Although it does bring to mind how limited Stewart actually is the the real movies.
Disappointing though is this. Many young girls at this movie, and a bunch with their moms, have to sit through a bunch of just really raw and raunchy stuff that's just not funny. Thew out loud laughs came during the moments that really lampooned the movie, and not the raunchy stuff. I was surprised how explicit this was a few times in action and dialogue. But I guess I don't know why. There had to be some awkward moments in the theater between mom and daughter. Inappropriate to say the least, especially for pre-teens.
Vampires Suck. Moments of fun, but overall a complete mess and miss.
They've been making movies like this for decades of course. Airplane comes to mind as one we all love, and somehow that one has always cut through and been enjoyed by a few generations since. It was pretty funny, and fun. It's an easy pay day, and usually these movies are pretty popular for the moment.
Vampires Suck has it's moments as being really funny. Be mindful, if you have not seen the Twilight series, you'll be in the dark on much of this. But one thing this movies does well is successfully lampoon other people and things outside of Twilight, that are pertinent to young people. And that's pretty funny. Jenn Proske is the star of the show. she is Kristin Stewart (Bella...aka Becca) in this movie. Her job here was not only to be funny, but to imitate Stewart's performances, and she has her down cold. Her performance as the quirky Stewart is really funny, but does get old after a while. Although it does bring to mind how limited Stewart actually is the the real movies.
Disappointing though is this. Many young girls at this movie, and a bunch with their moms, have to sit through a bunch of just really raw and raunchy stuff that's just not funny. Thew out loud laughs came during the moments that really lampooned the movie, and not the raunchy stuff. I was surprised how explicit this was a few times in action and dialogue. But I guess I don't know why. There had to be some awkward moments in the theater between mom and daughter. Inappropriate to say the least, especially for pre-teens.
Vampires Suck. Moments of fun, but overall a complete mess and miss.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - The Expendables
Every once in a while, you gotta ask one simple question about a movie - Why?
Sylvester Stallone and virtually every single aging action star of the past 30 years stars in this weeks number one movie, The Expendables. Keep in mind, almost all these guys are about 65 now. And there are worse things in the world for sure, but this is getting out of hand.
TE is the story of a bunch of mercenary ex-soldiers that are hired out privately to go in and do tough military jobs that the government deems as too messy, and where the risk and politics are too much. There is this island in the Gulf that has this huge drug cartel that supposedly the CIA is behind. Actually an ex-CIA guy gone rogue. Then the CIA hires the Expendables to go in and clean up their mess. That's about as much story as there is.
This is testosterone gone wild. TE is very video gamey, with more explosions, fires and gun play than you could throw a joystick at. Literally hundreds of men being killed in seconds time and time again. Guns and bigger guns. Bombs, and knives too. Toss in some motorcycle riding, car chases and a few hot women and you have The Expendables.
There is an attempt at developing characters here, but it's weak. There is some humor, and some of it pretty funny actually. But overall this is just silly, mundane and over the top in every way. The idea on paper may have been better, but too many stars fighting for their moment to shine, and no one really does. This is also exceptionally, and graphically violent. You have to decide if you want your teens to see dozens of decapitations and limb severing, all done with smiles on the faces of the "good guys." There is torture as well, and there are virtually no consequences to any of this.
I am no prude, I have been watching these kinds of flicks for a long time, and watched them become more violent all the time. I don't mind almost anything in a movie, as long as it makes it a better movie, is central to the story, and moves the movie along. But this just killing, and torture, disguised as a movie. Plain and simple. You can go and plop your money down, and maybe be taken off to someplace else for a while, but there's nothing new here. But stand by, it nlooks like there could be more of this franchise up the road in a year or two. When these guys are about 70.
The Expendables. For some this will be "awesome" for others "awful."
Sylvester Stallone and virtually every single aging action star of the past 30 years stars in this weeks number one movie, The Expendables. Keep in mind, almost all these guys are about 65 now. And there are worse things in the world for sure, but this is getting out of hand.
TE is the story of a bunch of mercenary ex-soldiers that are hired out privately to go in and do tough military jobs that the government deems as too messy, and where the risk and politics are too much. There is this island in the Gulf that has this huge drug cartel that supposedly the CIA is behind. Actually an ex-CIA guy gone rogue. Then the CIA hires the Expendables to go in and clean up their mess. That's about as much story as there is.
This is testosterone gone wild. TE is very video gamey, with more explosions, fires and gun play than you could throw a joystick at. Literally hundreds of men being killed in seconds time and time again. Guns and bigger guns. Bombs, and knives too. Toss in some motorcycle riding, car chases and a few hot women and you have The Expendables.
There is an attempt at developing characters here, but it's weak. There is some humor, and some of it pretty funny actually. But overall this is just silly, mundane and over the top in every way. The idea on paper may have been better, but too many stars fighting for their moment to shine, and no one really does. This is also exceptionally, and graphically violent. You have to decide if you want your teens to see dozens of decapitations and limb severing, all done with smiles on the faces of the "good guys." There is torture as well, and there are virtually no consequences to any of this.
I am no prude, I have been watching these kinds of flicks for a long time, and watched them become more violent all the time. I don't mind almost anything in a movie, as long as it makes it a better movie, is central to the story, and moves the movie along. But this just killing, and torture, disguised as a movie. Plain and simple. You can go and plop your money down, and maybe be taken off to someplace else for a while, but there's nothing new here. But stand by, it nlooks like there could be more of this franchise up the road in a year or two. When these guys are about 70.
The Expendables. For some this will be "awesome" for others "awful."
Friday, August 13, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Eat, Pray. Love
It's been a while since Julia Roberts has had a huge role in a big budget movie, but here she is. She is Liz Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love new at the box office this week. This of course, based on the wildly popular book of the same name that swept the country and is certain to do it again now that this movie is in theaters.
EPL is the true story of Liz Gilbert, who is a freelance writer that goes on this fantastic year long journey to heal what ails her heart. She goes through a very painful divorce that leaves her feeling empty. But it seems, it is the wake up call to finally face her emotional demons head on and do the extraordinary to heal herself. To make some real changes and break the troubled cycle of her life - expecting others, (mainly men) to make her feel good about herself. She takes a year off, and ventures to Italy, India, and Indonesia, Each one represents a different facet of her healing and also gives her a new set of challenges.
In Italy, she takes the first steps by virtually eating herself silly. She also takes a cue from many of the native people she meets that life should be lived at a slower pace. She then goes to pray with a Guru in India, and learns the art of meditation. And finally to Indonesia to study with a"medicine man" and learn really how to look at herself more honestly than ever before. One of this stories real strengths is, that her problems are highly relatable to many women. Although her means, resources and methods are not. A really nice trip as fans can live vicariously through her on the screen.
Julia Roberts is really good here as this is the biggest role for her since Erin Brockovitch years ago. Although there are many good supporting cast members and characters surrounding her, make no mistake. This is a Julia Roberts movie, and she rises up and really takes command of a very demanding role. She really takes on the persona of our lead character, and even though it's Julia Roberts, great care was taken to make her the average woman. And that was really well done.
As many felt about the book, there are some slow moments in this movie, and it's certainly not perfect, but this is pretty well done. This will also spur much after movie chat over coffee, and that's always a good thing. With summer winding down, it's great to have a real nice adult movie that will take charge at the box office. Great for a group, or a date.
Eat, Pray, Love. Julia's back. Always great to have one of Hollywood's biggest stars do well at the movies. Well done.
EPL is the true story of Liz Gilbert, who is a freelance writer that goes on this fantastic year long journey to heal what ails her heart. She goes through a very painful divorce that leaves her feeling empty. But it seems, it is the wake up call to finally face her emotional demons head on and do the extraordinary to heal herself. To make some real changes and break the troubled cycle of her life - expecting others, (mainly men) to make her feel good about herself. She takes a year off, and ventures to Italy, India, and Indonesia, Each one represents a different facet of her healing and also gives her a new set of challenges.
In Italy, she takes the first steps by virtually eating herself silly. She also takes a cue from many of the native people she meets that life should be lived at a slower pace. She then goes to pray with a Guru in India, and learns the art of meditation. And finally to Indonesia to study with a"medicine man" and learn really how to look at herself more honestly than ever before. One of this stories real strengths is, that her problems are highly relatable to many women. Although her means, resources and methods are not. A really nice trip as fans can live vicariously through her on the screen.
Julia Roberts is really good here as this is the biggest role for her since Erin Brockovitch years ago. Although there are many good supporting cast members and characters surrounding her, make no mistake. This is a Julia Roberts movie, and she rises up and really takes command of a very demanding role. She really takes on the persona of our lead character, and even though it's Julia Roberts, great care was taken to make her the average woman. And that was really well done.
As many felt about the book, there are some slow moments in this movie, and it's certainly not perfect, but this is pretty well done. This will also spur much after movie chat over coffee, and that's always a good thing. With summer winding down, it's great to have a real nice adult movie that will take charge at the box office. Great for a group, or a date.
Eat, Pray, Love. Julia's back. Always great to have one of Hollywood's biggest stars do well at the movies. Well done.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Firestone Stars
As much as I love golf, this has virtually nothing to do with golf. It has to do with pride. Basic civic pride.
The other day I was lucky enough to be able to go out and walk the historic hallowed grounds of the Firestone South Golf Course. Of course the Bridgestone Invitational was in town, and that's great. But to be honest, I was there to see the real star of the week. Firestone! Seeing some of the 80 greatest golfers in in the world was just a bonus.
If you went, volunteered, or watched it on TV it is an amazing place. Virtually every player there raved about this gem. Commentators on TV went on and on about how fabulous Firestone is. It isn't near often enough that it's unanimous you have one of the greatest of anything right in your town. But we do. Firestone in it's design, and sheer grace is among the greatest places in this country to play golf...period.
Firestone South is a living, breathing thing. It has to be. There is so much life out there, so much color, so much beauty, it can be easily forgotten in a simple stroll that it is a golf course. Greens of all shades, water that is bluer than blue, fantastic flowers, unspeakably beautiful trees that have seen the decades pass by with elegance and strength. All mended and tended with the greatest of care by craftsmen seemingly working on a masterpiece painting suitable for a museum, rather than for drivers and five-irons.
As I walk the fairways and watch, I can't help but think of the years in the making. I envision the players of the 7 previous decades playing and walking on the same grass I am. I see both pro and amateurs, the members, the original members who could play for 5 dollars. I imagine the fun had, the cigars smoked, the money won and lost between friends, and the hands shaken at rounds end. I hear the laughter, the cheers, and see the smokey memories of those special weeks when the greatest players from the PGA came to town to play. I see the thousands of trees that line each fairway and protect each green. I try to imagine them much smaller.....I can't. They've been there since the beginning, and like the memories, grow stronger, taller, and become more inspiring. Just like the course itself.
Firestone South also has a soul. It accurately reflects the people of its area. It's big, and strong. It rewards, and respects hard work and likes good play. Hit in the fairway, and you'll be rewarded with a fair chance at par. If you challenge it, take risks or try to take advantage of it. You are penalized...but not out of malice. But out of design. You see, it has stood the test of time and it has been here longer than you or I.
Firestone South is wise. As strong and as powerful as it is, it knows the game. It knows that if you are really there for the right reasons, it will not only reward you smart and accurate play. But it will supply you with the most fantastic of canvasses for you to paint on, in your memory for the few short hours you're there, that will without question go by too fast and end too soon. But you will remember forever.
Even if you've never touched a golf club in your life, be glad that we have one of the greatest, most beautiful and most respected places in the country to play the most gentlemanly of games. For through the decades its light continues to shine brighter and longer and it's heart beats quicker and stronger.
Firestone South is a living, breathing thing.
The other day I was lucky enough to be able to go out and walk the historic hallowed grounds of the Firestone South Golf Course. Of course the Bridgestone Invitational was in town, and that's great. But to be honest, I was there to see the real star of the week. Firestone! Seeing some of the 80 greatest golfers in in the world was just a bonus.
If you went, volunteered, or watched it on TV it is an amazing place. Virtually every player there raved about this gem. Commentators on TV went on and on about how fabulous Firestone is. It isn't near often enough that it's unanimous you have one of the greatest of anything right in your town. But we do. Firestone in it's design, and sheer grace is among the greatest places in this country to play golf...period.
Firestone South is a living, breathing thing. It has to be. There is so much life out there, so much color, so much beauty, it can be easily forgotten in a simple stroll that it is a golf course. Greens of all shades, water that is bluer than blue, fantastic flowers, unspeakably beautiful trees that have seen the decades pass by with elegance and strength. All mended and tended with the greatest of care by craftsmen seemingly working on a masterpiece painting suitable for a museum, rather than for drivers and five-irons.
As I walk the fairways and watch, I can't help but think of the years in the making. I envision the players of the 7 previous decades playing and walking on the same grass I am. I see both pro and amateurs, the members, the original members who could play for 5 dollars. I imagine the fun had, the cigars smoked, the money won and lost between friends, and the hands shaken at rounds end. I hear the laughter, the cheers, and see the smokey memories of those special weeks when the greatest players from the PGA came to town to play. I see the thousands of trees that line each fairway and protect each green. I try to imagine them much smaller.....I can't. They've been there since the beginning, and like the memories, grow stronger, taller, and become more inspiring. Just like the course itself.
Firestone South also has a soul. It accurately reflects the people of its area. It's big, and strong. It rewards, and respects hard work and likes good play. Hit in the fairway, and you'll be rewarded with a fair chance at par. If you challenge it, take risks or try to take advantage of it. You are penalized...but not out of malice. But out of design. You see, it has stood the test of time and it has been here longer than you or I.
Firestone South is wise. As strong and as powerful as it is, it knows the game. It knows that if you are really there for the right reasons, it will not only reward you smart and accurate play. But it will supply you with the most fantastic of canvasses for you to paint on, in your memory for the few short hours you're there, that will without question go by too fast and end too soon. But you will remember forever.
Even if you've never touched a golf club in your life, be glad that we have one of the greatest, most beautiful and most respected places in the country to play the most gentlemanly of games. For through the decades its light continues to shine brighter and longer and it's heart beats quicker and stronger.
Firestone South is a living, breathing thing.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Other Guys
It's summer time and that must mean time for another Will Farrel comedy, this one is called The Other Guys.
The Other Guys is a police satire comedy about a rag tag group of New York City detectives. TOG also stars Mark Wahlberg, Micheal Keaton, and Eva Mendes. Plus small cameos from The Rock, and Samuel L. Jackson and others. This is an action comedy that has all the potential to be another raunchy Will Farrel movie, but hold on. There is a strange and welcome twist here.
I am no Farrel fan at all. I seldom don't pass up a chance to pile on the already huge heap of critics that are trashing the latest Farrel attempt. But in this flick, he is somewhat reinvented. And it's about time. You will be very relieved to know that we don't have to watch him parade around in his underwear or do a bunch of sophomoric things with no clothes on this time around. Finally, someone has convinced him that hasn't been funny in years.
Farrel and Wahlberg play two detectives who are trying to carve out their name in the bureau. But there are problems. Both are nerds and are not taken seriously by their boss or their peers. Will they finally cut through and finally make it? That's why they are called The Other Guys.
There are some laughs here and there are some real misses here. Farrel is new in the fact that he is finally doing some acting here and not running around being a moron. Overall, this is somewhat imaginative, and fun at times. There are a few scenes where he becomes Will Ferrel and they don't really work. but for the most part this is OK. There's plenty of action and some funny plot developments, and over all this is not a bad afternoon at the movies. Let;s not get carried away. I think what I am actually saying is, I was expecting horrible and didn't get it.
The Other Guys. Not hilarious, but not bad. Thank goodness someone has finally talked some sense into Will Farrel. The worst may be over.
The Other Guys is a police satire comedy about a rag tag group of New York City detectives. TOG also stars Mark Wahlberg, Micheal Keaton, and Eva Mendes. Plus small cameos from The Rock, and Samuel L. Jackson and others. This is an action comedy that has all the potential to be another raunchy Will Farrel movie, but hold on. There is a strange and welcome twist here.
I am no Farrel fan at all. I seldom don't pass up a chance to pile on the already huge heap of critics that are trashing the latest Farrel attempt. But in this flick, he is somewhat reinvented. And it's about time. You will be very relieved to know that we don't have to watch him parade around in his underwear or do a bunch of sophomoric things with no clothes on this time around. Finally, someone has convinced him that hasn't been funny in years.
Farrel and Wahlberg play two detectives who are trying to carve out their name in the bureau. But there are problems. Both are nerds and are not taken seriously by their boss or their peers. Will they finally cut through and finally make it? That's why they are called The Other Guys.
There are some laughs here and there are some real misses here. Farrel is new in the fact that he is finally doing some acting here and not running around being a moron. Overall, this is somewhat imaginative, and fun at times. There are a few scenes where he becomes Will Ferrel and they don't really work. but for the most part this is OK. There's plenty of action and some funny plot developments, and over all this is not a bad afternoon at the movies. Let;s not get carried away. I think what I am actually saying is, I was expecting horrible and didn't get it.
The Other Guys. Not hilarious, but not bad. Thank goodness someone has finally talked some sense into Will Farrel. The worst may be over.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Charlie St. Cloud
Zac Efron is back on the big screen starring as Charlie St. Cloud, new this week.
I have always thought that many times you have to review movies for what they are and who they are for. This movie deserves that, because it knows that. If nothing else, this movie does one thing very well. It knows what it is.
CSC is name of a young man who is beset by the death of his 11 year old brother, Sam. They are very close, and Sam is killed by a drunk driver. Charlie was driving that night they were struck down, and although he is not at fault he carries a tremendous amount of guilt with him for the next five years. He cannot go on with his own life because he will not let go of Sam's memory. He forgoes college and becomes the caretaker for his bothers graveyard. He is a recluse.
Charlie then meets Tess, (Amanda Crew). And he starts to wake up, and starts to put all the pieces together of his broken life. But who is she? And is she the answer to Charlies troubles? That in a nutshell is Charlie St. Cloud.
First off, in a movie making sense, this movie makes almost no sense. The story is weak, and a told in some kind of supernatural realm, and in the end doesn't make any real sense. There are holes in the story, and at times this is draggy and repetitive. And in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter one little bit.
This movie is shooting squarely at teens and very young adults. And you gotta like a movie that knows it audience and caters right to it. This is a story where Zac Efron is falling in love with a beautiful young woman under very emotional circumstances and how many teens and young adults are gonna eat that up? My guess is a lot. This movie is squeaky clean too, with virtually no objectionable material in it, and that's nice for young fans as well. This movie may shoot too low for 35 year olds, but not all movies are made for all people. Truth is, this is sort of like Twilight, without the vampires werewoves, violence and the obsessive teen behavior.
I'll be square, this is not my favorite movie by any means, and the first weekend out was disappointing at the box office. But I respect a movie that knows its base, and isn't concerned with pleasing all the people all the time. And that's what Charlie St. Cloud does best. It gives young fans a chance to feel a little more grown up at the movies without being animated. And I'm good with that.
Charlie St. Cloud. It's not perfect, but it's also not made for me. For it's fans? Right on the dot!
I have always thought that many times you have to review movies for what they are and who they are for. This movie deserves that, because it knows that. If nothing else, this movie does one thing very well. It knows what it is.
CSC is name of a young man who is beset by the death of his 11 year old brother, Sam. They are very close, and Sam is killed by a drunk driver. Charlie was driving that night they were struck down, and although he is not at fault he carries a tremendous amount of guilt with him for the next five years. He cannot go on with his own life because he will not let go of Sam's memory. He forgoes college and becomes the caretaker for his bothers graveyard. He is a recluse.
Charlie then meets Tess, (Amanda Crew). And he starts to wake up, and starts to put all the pieces together of his broken life. But who is she? And is she the answer to Charlies troubles? That in a nutshell is Charlie St. Cloud.
First off, in a movie making sense, this movie makes almost no sense. The story is weak, and a told in some kind of supernatural realm, and in the end doesn't make any real sense. There are holes in the story, and at times this is draggy and repetitive. And in the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter one little bit.
This movie is shooting squarely at teens and very young adults. And you gotta like a movie that knows it audience and caters right to it. This is a story where Zac Efron is falling in love with a beautiful young woman under very emotional circumstances and how many teens and young adults are gonna eat that up? My guess is a lot. This movie is squeaky clean too, with virtually no objectionable material in it, and that's nice for young fans as well. This movie may shoot too low for 35 year olds, but not all movies are made for all people. Truth is, this is sort of like Twilight, without the vampires werewoves, violence and the obsessive teen behavior.
I'll be square, this is not my favorite movie by any means, and the first weekend out was disappointing at the box office. But I respect a movie that knows its base, and isn't concerned with pleasing all the people all the time. And that's what Charlie St. Cloud does best. It gives young fans a chance to feel a little more grown up at the movies without being animated. And I'm good with that.
Charlie St. Cloud. It's not perfect, but it's also not made for me. For it's fans? Right on the dot!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Cornerstone
Last weekend we were lucky enough again to be a part of a really wonderful event in Akron for the second year in a row. It was the Leap Program at Cornerstone Methodist Church on Killian Road. This has been going on for a number of years, but my parnter Sue Wilson and I became aware of this fantastic day just last year.
This year over 2,000 people in need came by to get school supplies, clothes, medical treatment, haircuts, and just about every other service there is to be had. And again, it was all for free. When you are lucky enough to be a part of an event like this, it's as rewarding as anything you can do professionally. To go along with such a great need, is contact with so many great people.
There isn't much that can really be said about this event, it simply has to be experienced.
We all know that the economy has been tough the past few years, and some are still struggling mightily to make it through. And we will make it through. Because at least here in Akron, there will always be those with great needs coupled with those with great deeds. It's interwoven. And this event every single year is one of the best acts of good "deedsmanship" I have ever seen. It's just good...doing good.... with the good. Anyway you look at it.
But what would you expect from a place called Cornerstone anyway? Simply by definition, Cornerstone - "something that is the basic part of it, on its existence, success, or truth depends"
Looking forward to next year already.
This year over 2,000 people in need came by to get school supplies, clothes, medical treatment, haircuts, and just about every other service there is to be had. And again, it was all for free. When you are lucky enough to be a part of an event like this, it's as rewarding as anything you can do professionally. To go along with such a great need, is contact with so many great people.
There isn't much that can really be said about this event, it simply has to be experienced.
We all know that the economy has been tough the past few years, and some are still struggling mightily to make it through. And we will make it through. Because at least here in Akron, there will always be those with great needs coupled with those with great deeds. It's interwoven. And this event every single year is one of the best acts of good "deedsmanship" I have ever seen. It's just good...doing good.... with the good. Anyway you look at it.
But what would you expect from a place called Cornerstone anyway? Simply by definition, Cornerstone - "something that is the basic part of it, on its existence, success, or truth depends"
Looking forward to next year already.
MOVIE REVIEW - Dinner For Schmucks
He may be the most over exposed man in Hollywood right now, but here he comes again. Steve Carell in Dinner For Schmucks, a new comedy at the box office this week.
DFS is the story of Tim (Paul Rudd) who is working his way up in the investment house he is employed in. Trying to better himself so he can marry the woman of his dreams, Julie. In his haste to make it up the ladder, Tim finds out there is much fanny-kissing to be done, and he is willing to do about anything to make himself look better.
His boss and many others in this firm stage this dinner once a month at the bosses house. It is billed as a dinner for "extraordinary" people. But actually it's not. All are instructed to bring by an "idiot" so the rest of the "normal" people can make fun of them, and they even crown a monthly winner, with the idiots none the wiser. Does this sound fun? I guess it's possible, but it's not here. Tim's moron is Barry (Carell). Barry is a real strange guy who can't get a clue and can't do a thing right. Will he win? That's DFS.
First, there are some laughs. A few out loud laughs too. But they are way too few and far between. The semi full theater broke up a few times, but this is not really all that funny. Carell at times is creative, and so is Rudd. But to be honest, Carell has done about everything funny on screen he's ever going to do that's funny. Sort of pathetic. When Jim Carrey was in his hey day, it was kind of funny. But even Carrey has grown up and understood that you can't be "that guy" forever. Carell doesn't need anymore money, but he does need to get a clue. It's old and tired. Overall too, the script is weak and the idea is more like a Saturday Night Live bit, as opposed to a two hour flick.
Two hours is entirely too long here. Some of the scenes designed for big laughs, have none, and at the movies end, it becomes very mean spirited and off track. Offensive to many even. Sad part is there are a few times this movie could have grown a heart and been better than just a sophomoric slime fest. But it can't resist. There could have been a different outcome here that would have been much better. As it is, it's just weak and over all just not funny.
Dinner For Schmucks. This dinner doesn't go down very easy, and for some may even come back up. Pass on it. Overall disappointing.
DFS is the story of Tim (Paul Rudd) who is working his way up in the investment house he is employed in. Trying to better himself so he can marry the woman of his dreams, Julie. In his haste to make it up the ladder, Tim finds out there is much fanny-kissing to be done, and he is willing to do about anything to make himself look better.
His boss and many others in this firm stage this dinner once a month at the bosses house. It is billed as a dinner for "extraordinary" people. But actually it's not. All are instructed to bring by an "idiot" so the rest of the "normal" people can make fun of them, and they even crown a monthly winner, with the idiots none the wiser. Does this sound fun? I guess it's possible, but it's not here. Tim's moron is Barry (Carell). Barry is a real strange guy who can't get a clue and can't do a thing right. Will he win? That's DFS.
First, there are some laughs. A few out loud laughs too. But they are way too few and far between. The semi full theater broke up a few times, but this is not really all that funny. Carell at times is creative, and so is Rudd. But to be honest, Carell has done about everything funny on screen he's ever going to do that's funny. Sort of pathetic. When Jim Carrey was in his hey day, it was kind of funny. But even Carrey has grown up and understood that you can't be "that guy" forever. Carell doesn't need anymore money, but he does need to get a clue. It's old and tired. Overall too, the script is weak and the idea is more like a Saturday Night Live bit, as opposed to a two hour flick.
Two hours is entirely too long here. Some of the scenes designed for big laughs, have none, and at the movies end, it becomes very mean spirited and off track. Offensive to many even. Sad part is there are a few times this movie could have grown a heart and been better than just a sophomoric slime fest. But it can't resist. There could have been a different outcome here that would have been much better. As it is, it's just weak and over all just not funny.
Dinner For Schmucks. This dinner doesn't go down very easy, and for some may even come back up. Pass on it. Overall disappointing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
