Don't call him "The Rock" anymore, call him Duane Johnson.
And here he is with his latest movie, Faster. Strange time of the year to release a movie like this. Very dark,. sad, spiteful, angry, and a movie filled with revenge killing, and no real reason to smile. Faster is the story of a young man (Johnson) who does 10 years in jail for his role in bank robbery gone wrong with his brother and his posse. The gang is then hijacked by another group, and his brother is brutally killed. And our "hero" is shot in the head - but lives.
After his release, he goes on a spree of cold blooded revenge killings of every member of the gang that shot him and killed his brother. OK. This sounds like a ton of other "B" to "C" movies that you've seen before. But after to peel back all the killing, and the anger, and the extreme violence this movie possesses, you have a pretty good story here. This story has the twists, turns, irony, and even some of the spirituality of a good Steven King novel, which it is not. In fact, this story may actually read better than it comes to the screen.
Johnson, as the lead is not asked to do much. He is a focused character without much to say, except quick targeted lines. He is a character of mystery, who tells his story through action not words. Much like a Clint Eastwood "Spaghetti Westerns" character. Billy Bob Thornton as the cop gone wrong cop who is tangled in this story is really good, and the supporting cast is well cast, and all pretty strong.
I went into Faster with pretty low expectations, and for a while, I felt like I had seen this movie in it's rare form many times before. And in some aspects, we all have. But, this is a pretty good story, that is just more than raw and brutal killing. Be advised, there is extreme violence here, and Faster is certainly not for everyone. It is charged with testosterone, loud at times , and chock full of most everything that can make some movies tough to watch for some at times. But after all of that is put on the table, the story here is one worth telling....or reading.
Faster......the story here is really pretty good. Think it might be a better read than movie. But with that said, this movie is much better than the low expectations I went in with. Limited audience, but in the overall body of work, better than one would think.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Love And Other Drugs
The movies come early this week because of the holiday, and Love And Other Drugs is in the theaters.
LAOD stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and a real strong supporting cast in the aptly rated R romantic comedy. At least that it appears to be a romantic comedy on the surface, but you need to dig deeper. It's more than just that. But it should be noted maybe again. This is a true R rated movie.
Meet Jamie (Gyllenhaal). He is a rep from a major drug company in the mid 1990's. He is a real ladies man, and now he's selling Viagra in it's early days. He is borderline out of control, until he meets Maggie (Hathaway). Maggie is a beautiful, quirky seemingly free spirit who is way off the beaten path. She is a mere 26 years old, and has stage one Parkinson's Disease, very rare for someone so young. She and Jamie start up this purely physical relationship that at first which is fine, but as life dictates....it's not really sustainable. Will they fall in love? Can Jamie accept Maggie's fate? Can Maggie let Jamie get close despite her illness? All good questions, and all a big part of LAOD.
There are some real fun moments in this movie. Nice characters that are clearly developed. And for the most part a story that you don't see every day. This is a movie you have to stick with too. It looks like a few times it's going off into the ditch, only to save itself at the last possible moment. Not all of this works. Some really stupid scenes mixed in with some really good ones, make it a bit inconsistent. There are a few too many characters mixed in. And at times this all gets a bit jumbled up, and bogged down.
But after you wade through a lot of ups and downs, LAOD comes together real nice near the end. It stops being what is. And becomes what it could be. Not many newer comedies have the guts to do that, but this does. A real nice finish with a big heart. This movie slowly leaves the silly comedy behind, and ushers in a nice mix of drama, realism, all the while being topical.
I'm not certain the major drug companies, the medical field, and a few other groups will find much humor here. This movie does paint these groups in a very dim light, and for a time does become slightly agenda laden, but it's not a deal breaker. Nice performances by all involved here. Our stars and our supporting cast, that includes, Oliver Platt, and Hank Azaria.
Love And Other Drugs. You have to hang with it but at the days end.... not perfect, but not bad either.
LAOD stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, and a real strong supporting cast in the aptly rated R romantic comedy. At least that it appears to be a romantic comedy on the surface, but you need to dig deeper. It's more than just that. But it should be noted maybe again. This is a true R rated movie.
Meet Jamie (Gyllenhaal). He is a rep from a major drug company in the mid 1990's. He is a real ladies man, and now he's selling Viagra in it's early days. He is borderline out of control, until he meets Maggie (Hathaway). Maggie is a beautiful, quirky seemingly free spirit who is way off the beaten path. She is a mere 26 years old, and has stage one Parkinson's Disease, very rare for someone so young. She and Jamie start up this purely physical relationship that at first which is fine, but as life dictates....it's not really sustainable. Will they fall in love? Can Jamie accept Maggie's fate? Can Maggie let Jamie get close despite her illness? All good questions, and all a big part of LAOD.
There are some real fun moments in this movie. Nice characters that are clearly developed. And for the most part a story that you don't see every day. This is a movie you have to stick with too. It looks like a few times it's going off into the ditch, only to save itself at the last possible moment. Not all of this works. Some really stupid scenes mixed in with some really good ones, make it a bit inconsistent. There are a few too many characters mixed in. And at times this all gets a bit jumbled up, and bogged down.
But after you wade through a lot of ups and downs, LAOD comes together real nice near the end. It stops being what is. And becomes what it could be. Not many newer comedies have the guts to do that, but this does. A real nice finish with a big heart. This movie slowly leaves the silly comedy behind, and ushers in a nice mix of drama, realism, all the while being topical.
I'm not certain the major drug companies, the medical field, and a few other groups will find much humor here. This movie does paint these groups in a very dim light, and for a time does become slightly agenda laden, but it's not a deal breaker. Nice performances by all involved here. Our stars and our supporting cast, that includes, Oliver Platt, and Hank Azaria.
Love And Other Drugs. You have to hang with it but at the days end.... not perfect, but not bad either.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thanksgiving From Upstairs
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year and it's not even close. It's all that's good in any holiday. No gifts, no real pressure. It's just a day of the four F's! Family, food, football and fun! But maybe the bigger picture is, that few holidays are as pure and provide as much perspective as Thanksgiving. At least for me.
Thanksgiving 1983.
It is one I will never forget. I had just moved to Columbus, and was working at a big county station there. I had to work that morning, and because of reasons I can't fully remember I was going to spend Thanksgiving totally alone - for the first time. I was not home with any family, and being new in town I hadn't made any friends yet. I got home around 11am. It then hit me. It was just me, and the Detroit Lions in the early game and the Dallas Cowboys in the late game. I was young, broke and sitting in my 175 dollar a month apartment by myself. I remember running on adrenaline for a while. My own place, my own couch, control of the TV, but then about the fourth quarter of the Detroit game, it hit me. Thanksgiving alone. No turkey, no nothing.
Then a knock on my door. It was my upstairs neighbor Suzy. I sort-of knew her. We'd see each other in the parking lot, exchange pleasantries. She was 10 years or so older than me. She stopped by to give me a plate of Thanksgiving dinner from her parents house she brought for me. I asked her to stay. She declined saying said she had to go to sleep because she worked third shift. But she saw me leave early that morning and was worried I was going to be alone. Bless her. To this day, I never learned Suzy's last name, as she moved out a few weeks later.
As a young adult, it was among the first times I remember another adult really doing something really nice for me. The food was great, and so was her thoughtfulness. I was so excited I actually drank 2 Pepsi's that day as a treat. I was so poor, I rationed myself to only one per day. It fact may sound so silly to some given today's world, but then the whole thing was a big deal to me. It's been almost 30 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Not much can make me well up and get slightly boo-hooey. But this memory can.
I grew up a bunch that afternoon between Detroit and Dallas. I learned that there are some really nice people in the world that do great things just because. Also, that tough days, no matter how tough yield to better ones..not just once ..but always. Plus, I learned that I better up my game, and that the people I was going to be in contact with from here on in as an adult were exactly that - adult.
It was the year that Thanksgiving became my favorite holiday, when actually I was on my way to loathing it an hour earlier. I learned that day that Thanksgiving is aptly named. A day for thanks....and a day for giving.
God bless you Suzy.....wherever you are.....Just bless you......
Thanksgiving 1983.
It is one I will never forget. I had just moved to Columbus, and was working at a big county station there. I had to work that morning, and because of reasons I can't fully remember I was going to spend Thanksgiving totally alone - for the first time. I was not home with any family, and being new in town I hadn't made any friends yet. I got home around 11am. It then hit me. It was just me, and the Detroit Lions in the early game and the Dallas Cowboys in the late game. I was young, broke and sitting in my 175 dollar a month apartment by myself. I remember running on adrenaline for a while. My own place, my own couch, control of the TV, but then about the fourth quarter of the Detroit game, it hit me. Thanksgiving alone. No turkey, no nothing.
Then a knock on my door. It was my upstairs neighbor Suzy. I sort-of knew her. We'd see each other in the parking lot, exchange pleasantries. She was 10 years or so older than me. She stopped by to give me a plate of Thanksgiving dinner from her parents house she brought for me. I asked her to stay. She declined saying said she had to go to sleep because she worked third shift. But she saw me leave early that morning and was worried I was going to be alone. Bless her. To this day, I never learned Suzy's last name, as she moved out a few weeks later.
As a young adult, it was among the first times I remember another adult really doing something really nice for me. The food was great, and so was her thoughtfulness. I was so excited I actually drank 2 Pepsi's that day as a treat. I was so poor, I rationed myself to only one per day. It fact may sound so silly to some given today's world, but then the whole thing was a big deal to me. It's been almost 30 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Not much can make me well up and get slightly boo-hooey. But this memory can.
I grew up a bunch that afternoon between Detroit and Dallas. I learned that there are some really nice people in the world that do great things just because. Also, that tough days, no matter how tough yield to better ones..not just once ..but always. Plus, I learned that I better up my game, and that the people I was going to be in contact with from here on in as an adult were exactly that - adult.
It was the year that Thanksgiving became my favorite holiday, when actually I was on my way to loathing it an hour earlier. I learned that day that Thanksgiving is aptly named. A day for thanks....and a day for giving.
God bless you Suzy.....wherever you are.....Just bless you......
Friday, November 19, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - The Next Three Days
The new action-thriller, The Next Three Days is new this week.
Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks star in this escape from prison movie, that has people talking, especially those who are looking for something besides Harry Potter at the movies this week. The interesting thing here is, this movie even with Harry as it's competition, will cut through and be a hit.
This is the story of a young couple with a young son. The wife (Banks) is convicted of murdering her boss, and is sent to prison for life. Her husband, (Crowe) has exhausted all legal means to get her a new trial, so he decides to take matters in his own hands and spring her out of jail. He designs a plan with the help of a former con turned author (Liam Neeson). He teaches him the basics, and then it's all put into motion. Will he succeed? That's TNTD.
This is a pretty good movie. And even though it drags its feet for some of it, the story is for the most part strong enough to pull it though. This movie is a bit belabored, and some scenes are entirely too long. Also, you must be patient. It takes is own sweet time getting to the parts you really want to see. But Crowe is always solid, and he delivers in this really big role.
If you've seen the trailer for this movie and are excited about seeing Liam Neeson and Crowe together, think again. This is the movies major flaw. The commercials show you the ONLY scene where Neeson is in the movie. Five minutes at the beginning. A seemingly great character, for five short minutes. So in essence, Neeson is NOT in this movie. False advertising.
But this is action based, and it delivers that extremely well. A nice supporting cast, with a beautiful backdrop of Pittsburgh and surrounding area. At times this can be a bit convenient and bit fat-fetched, but if you are willing to overlook a blemish or two, this is a good night at the movies.
The Next Three Days. Not great, and not perfect, but good enough to invest an evening into.
Russell Crowe and Elizabeth Banks star in this escape from prison movie, that has people talking, especially those who are looking for something besides Harry Potter at the movies this week. The interesting thing here is, this movie even with Harry as it's competition, will cut through and be a hit.
This is the story of a young couple with a young son. The wife (Banks) is convicted of murdering her boss, and is sent to prison for life. Her husband, (Crowe) has exhausted all legal means to get her a new trial, so he decides to take matters in his own hands and spring her out of jail. He designs a plan with the help of a former con turned author (Liam Neeson). He teaches him the basics, and then it's all put into motion. Will he succeed? That's TNTD.
This is a pretty good movie. And even though it drags its feet for some of it, the story is for the most part strong enough to pull it though. This movie is a bit belabored, and some scenes are entirely too long. Also, you must be patient. It takes is own sweet time getting to the parts you really want to see. But Crowe is always solid, and he delivers in this really big role.
If you've seen the trailer for this movie and are excited about seeing Liam Neeson and Crowe together, think again. This is the movies major flaw. The commercials show you the ONLY scene where Neeson is in the movie. Five minutes at the beginning. A seemingly great character, for five short minutes. So in essence, Neeson is NOT in this movie. False advertising.
But this is action based, and it delivers that extremely well. A nice supporting cast, with a beautiful backdrop of Pittsburgh and surrounding area. At times this can be a bit convenient and bit fat-fetched, but if you are willing to overlook a blemish or two, this is a good night at the movies.
The Next Three Days. Not great, and not perfect, but good enough to invest an evening into.
MOVIE REVIEW - Skyline
There's a new Sci-Fi flick at the movies this week, Skyline.
Real simple. Skyline is the story of a small group of young people, all friends, who end up in Los Angeles together and try to survive an alien attack. After a big night of partying, some kind of super advanced alien monsters descend down on LA, and begin extermination of humans. Our small group of heroes somehow become the only people to hold out as long as they do. Will the monsters get them? Or will they live to tell their kids about it. That is Skyline.
This movie really has the feel of a bunch of dudes, getting together and writing a comic book style movie script. You know with these real rad monsters, that come down and like destroy things, and like harvest humans and steal their brains and stuff. It'll be real cool - awesome even. It very hard to take any of this seriously.
There really is no significant story line here. Terrible dialogue, and really marginal performances by actors that look like this is their first go around. The makers are so intent on creating these aliens, they forget to tell us anything meaningful. Like a story, who these aliens are, and why they do the things they are doing. But they sure like to show you these aliens harvesting human brains, and stalking our cast over and over again. And to be honest that is the good part. There are too many holes to plug here.
Skyline does have some real nice effects, but that's about where the line has to be drawn. The over all movie making is very sophomoric and borderline silly. If you are a huge comic book geek, or intense Sci-fi nut who thinks this kind of matter is interesting, then this is your day. But for the rest, it's not scary, suspenseful or groundbreaking in any way.
Skyline. Skip it for sure.
Real simple. Skyline is the story of a small group of young people, all friends, who end up in Los Angeles together and try to survive an alien attack. After a big night of partying, some kind of super advanced alien monsters descend down on LA, and begin extermination of humans. Our small group of heroes somehow become the only people to hold out as long as they do. Will the monsters get them? Or will they live to tell their kids about it. That is Skyline.
This movie really has the feel of a bunch of dudes, getting together and writing a comic book style movie script. You know with these real rad monsters, that come down and like destroy things, and like harvest humans and steal their brains and stuff. It'll be real cool - awesome even. It very hard to take any of this seriously.
There really is no significant story line here. Terrible dialogue, and really marginal performances by actors that look like this is their first go around. The makers are so intent on creating these aliens, they forget to tell us anything meaningful. Like a story, who these aliens are, and why they do the things they are doing. But they sure like to show you these aliens harvesting human brains, and stalking our cast over and over again. And to be honest that is the good part. There are too many holes to plug here.
Skyline does have some real nice effects, but that's about where the line has to be drawn. The over all movie making is very sophomoric and borderline silly. If you are a huge comic book geek, or intense Sci-fi nut who thinks this kind of matter is interesting, then this is your day. But for the rest, it's not scary, suspenseful or groundbreaking in any way.
Skyline. Skip it for sure.
Monday, November 15, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Morning Glory
The lovely Rachel McAdams stars in the new comedy Morning Glory, new at the box office this week.
MG also stars Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton in this movie about early morning network TV, and all that goes with it. MG isn't a romantic comedy, and it's not a true comedy, truth is this movie is tough to label other than the fact that there are some funny moments.
Meet Becky (McAdams). She is a young naive TV producer in New Jersey. She is totally married to her work. She ends up losing her job due to budget cuts, and ends up as the Executive Producer at the fictional IBS (interesting letter choice) Network in New York City. She takes over a show called Daybreak which is terrible both on the air, and in the ratings. Her job is to revive this show, before it gets cancelled. Keaton is Colleen, who has been with the show forever. Ford is Mr. Pomeroy, an aging former news giant, who has this aversion to morning television. Somehow Becky has to make it all work out.
MG does a few things very well. It establishes a wonderful Becky, who is fun, and funny, ADD, smart, aggressive and generally likeable. Her chemistry with the two ego giants on her show is really funny. MG takes no prisoners in the lampooning of TV anchors, and makes them out to be raging ego manics. And that is funny as well. It also takes you behind the scenes of network TV as best it can, and shows you the really tough business that it is. There are some very funny scenes here, and some out loud laughs. But sadly, not enough of them.
McAdams is fun again, but I am still of the belief that she is a better second banana than leading lady. Keaton is typically good. Ford as Pomeroy is very glum and dark, and even though it's part of the shtick, it does get old quickly, and you may find yourself ready for the story to move on. And it finally does, begrudgingly. This movie lags badly in it's middle, but rebounds for a decent finish without being silly. There's enough silliness already here. Also, a bad decision for some kind of love story with Becky and a coworker really doesn't work. Plus, it actually makes you question is Becky really as smart as the movie is trying so hard to convince you that she is. That side plot is awkward, and doesn't make this a better movie, just a more formula one.
Nice supporting cast throughout including Jeff Goldblum, and others. MG has a nice soundtrack skillfully woven in the mix, and a story that although isn't great, is good enough to pull it through. The real problem with MG, is that it will be forgettable. Never a good thing at the movies.
Morning glory, for today, OK, for next year at this time? What movie was that???
MG also stars Harrison Ford, and Diane Keaton in this movie about early morning network TV, and all that goes with it. MG isn't a romantic comedy, and it's not a true comedy, truth is this movie is tough to label other than the fact that there are some funny moments.
Meet Becky (McAdams). She is a young naive TV producer in New Jersey. She is totally married to her work. She ends up losing her job due to budget cuts, and ends up as the Executive Producer at the fictional IBS (interesting letter choice) Network in New York City. She takes over a show called Daybreak which is terrible both on the air, and in the ratings. Her job is to revive this show, before it gets cancelled. Keaton is Colleen, who has been with the show forever. Ford is Mr. Pomeroy, an aging former news giant, who has this aversion to morning television. Somehow Becky has to make it all work out.
MG does a few things very well. It establishes a wonderful Becky, who is fun, and funny, ADD, smart, aggressive and generally likeable. Her chemistry with the two ego giants on her show is really funny. MG takes no prisoners in the lampooning of TV anchors, and makes them out to be raging ego manics. And that is funny as well. It also takes you behind the scenes of network TV as best it can, and shows you the really tough business that it is. There are some very funny scenes here, and some out loud laughs. But sadly, not enough of them.
McAdams is fun again, but I am still of the belief that she is a better second banana than leading lady. Keaton is typically good. Ford as Pomeroy is very glum and dark, and even though it's part of the shtick, it does get old quickly, and you may find yourself ready for the story to move on. And it finally does, begrudgingly. This movie lags badly in it's middle, but rebounds for a decent finish without being silly. There's enough silliness already here. Also, a bad decision for some kind of love story with Becky and a coworker really doesn't work. Plus, it actually makes you question is Becky really as smart as the movie is trying so hard to convince you that she is. That side plot is awkward, and doesn't make this a better movie, just a more formula one.
Nice supporting cast throughout including Jeff Goldblum, and others. MG has a nice soundtrack skillfully woven in the mix, and a story that although isn't great, is good enough to pull it through. The real problem with MG, is that it will be forgettable. Never a good thing at the movies.
Morning glory, for today, OK, for next year at this time? What movie was that???
Saturday, November 13, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Unstoppable
The new action flick Unstoppable opens this weekend, and it does not disappoint.
Unstoppable is the runaway train movie you've heard about, based on true events a couple of years ago. Human error somehow gets a locomotive complete with a ton of cars attached running unmanned down a main line in rural Pennsylvania. As it heads towards more populated areas, the 70mph train of course becomes seemingly "unstoppable." How will they get this under control, without huge loss of life, and real destruction?
Denzel Washington stars as the 28 year veteran engineer, and Chris Pine is the rookie, and they fall into the middle of the plot to be our heroes and get this train stopped. There is a real fine performance too from Rosario Dawson, as the Yard Manager, and the rest of the supporting cast is unknown and adequate.
But Unstoppable is a real nice. exciting movie with a story that isn't told every day. This movie gets you right in the middle of it, without making you wait 30 minutes for them to develop some kind of ancillary story line. They get right to it, and deliver what you paid to see. Wonderfully filmed, with some real breath taking action, and some heart pounding and heart breaking scenes. Plus, it takes us to places we seldom could go. In the pulse center of a rail yard, and in the cab of a speeding 10 million pound train.
Unstoppable is not perfect. There is some real poor dialogue, and it's a bit campy at times. Also there is this focus on the news media and their coverage of it. And in and out, the reporters in the movie act as narrators, and that really doesn't work. Bad choice. Also, a bit too much "good guy, bad guy" too, but it's not a deal breaker. Unstoppable says you're going to see some really well done, real life action, and you do.
Washington has really reinvented himself recently as a "thinking mans" action hero, and I like it. He's solid here and easy to watch. And he is the glue. Unstoppable is solid, but just as The Book Of Eli did, Unstoppable needs Washington to succeed. And both do.
Unstoppable. Exciting and very well done. Go for the ride!
Unstoppable is the runaway train movie you've heard about, based on true events a couple of years ago. Human error somehow gets a locomotive complete with a ton of cars attached running unmanned down a main line in rural Pennsylvania. As it heads towards more populated areas, the 70mph train of course becomes seemingly "unstoppable." How will they get this under control, without huge loss of life, and real destruction?
Denzel Washington stars as the 28 year veteran engineer, and Chris Pine is the rookie, and they fall into the middle of the plot to be our heroes and get this train stopped. There is a real fine performance too from Rosario Dawson, as the Yard Manager, and the rest of the supporting cast is unknown and adequate.
But Unstoppable is a real nice. exciting movie with a story that isn't told every day. This movie gets you right in the middle of it, without making you wait 30 minutes for them to develop some kind of ancillary story line. They get right to it, and deliver what you paid to see. Wonderfully filmed, with some real breath taking action, and some heart pounding and heart breaking scenes. Plus, it takes us to places we seldom could go. In the pulse center of a rail yard, and in the cab of a speeding 10 million pound train.
Unstoppable is not perfect. There is some real poor dialogue, and it's a bit campy at times. Also there is this focus on the news media and their coverage of it. And in and out, the reporters in the movie act as narrators, and that really doesn't work. Bad choice. Also, a bit too much "good guy, bad guy" too, but it's not a deal breaker. Unstoppable says you're going to see some really well done, real life action, and you do.
Washington has really reinvented himself recently as a "thinking mans" action hero, and I like it. He's solid here and easy to watch. And he is the glue. Unstoppable is solid, but just as The Book Of Eli did, Unstoppable needs Washington to succeed. And both do.
Unstoppable. Exciting and very well done. Go for the ride!
Friday, November 5, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Due Date
Due Date is out this weekend with Robert Downey Jr., and Hollywood's newest funnyman Zack Galifianakis.
Due Date is without question this generations Planes, Trains And Automobiles. You may remember that very funny John Hughes movie from 1987 with Steve Martin and John Candy. About two totally mis-matched guys thrown together and forced on a cross-country trip. One straight laced and uptight. The other goofy, strange, quirky and a bit off. Due Date is the exact same movie. OK, the story is slightly different, and many things about Due Date are more 21st century, but trust me it's the same exact formula right down the line.
But that's OK. This formula works. Downey is the straight man, with a pressing reason to get back home to Los Angeles for his pregnant wife. Galifianakis is the goof ball with acting aspirations trying to get to Hollywood to start his acting career. Along the way they learn to hate each other and also to love each other. They have a series of comical mishaps along the way and overall there are some good laughs here. This is sort of a cross between The Hangover in it's irreverence, and it's fun from Planes, Trains And Automobiles.
There are some very funny scenes and also some where the envelope was pushed too far, and it doesn't work. But for the most part it's fun, and does grow an heart and that gives it a bit more credibility. But you may go and think you've seen this before in it's story. But if that's OK with you, then all will be good.
I have to be honest, my expectations for this were not very high going in. But on the way out, I felt entertained and amused. Downey is always good, and even though Galifianakis is thought by many to be really, really funny, he hits and misses with me. But he over all is funny here.
Due Date. Don't look for this on PBS anytime soon, but this is pretty darn funny, even if it's a total ripoff off a 23 year old classic.
Due Date is without question this generations Planes, Trains And Automobiles. You may remember that very funny John Hughes movie from 1987 with Steve Martin and John Candy. About two totally mis-matched guys thrown together and forced on a cross-country trip. One straight laced and uptight. The other goofy, strange, quirky and a bit off. Due Date is the exact same movie. OK, the story is slightly different, and many things about Due Date are more 21st century, but trust me it's the same exact formula right down the line.
But that's OK. This formula works. Downey is the straight man, with a pressing reason to get back home to Los Angeles for his pregnant wife. Galifianakis is the goof ball with acting aspirations trying to get to Hollywood to start his acting career. Along the way they learn to hate each other and also to love each other. They have a series of comical mishaps along the way and overall there are some good laughs here. This is sort of a cross between The Hangover in it's irreverence, and it's fun from Planes, Trains And Automobiles.
There are some very funny scenes and also some where the envelope was pushed too far, and it doesn't work. But for the most part it's fun, and does grow an heart and that gives it a bit more credibility. But you may go and think you've seen this before in it's story. But if that's OK with you, then all will be good.
I have to be honest, my expectations for this were not very high going in. But on the way out, I felt entertained and amused. Downey is always good, and even though Galifianakis is thought by many to be really, really funny, he hits and misses with me. But he over all is funny here.
Due Date. Don't look for this on PBS anytime soon, but this is pretty darn funny, even if it's a total ripoff off a 23 year old classic.
MOVIE REVIEW - Conviction
Two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank is back again and this time it's the true story drama Conviction.
Conviction is the remarkable story of a Massachusetts woman and her brother that takes place over a 30 year period. Kenny (Sam Rockwell) and Betty Anne (Swank) are brother and sister that grow up in horrible conditions in rural New England. After a childhood of mischief, Kenny finds himself as an adult convicted of murder in 1982. Betty Anne, with no formal education of any kind is convinced of her brothers innocence.
Betty Anne then sends herself back to school to get her GED, then her college degree, and finally puts herself through law school and becomes a lawyer. In fact, she becomes Kenny's lawyer and sets out to set him free. Kenny in jail, spends 13 years waiting for his sister to finish up school and start on this remarkably feat. This is a very compelling story. Hollywood can't write them this good. Will she be able to free Kenny? And is he really innocent? That's Conviction.
Swank is Hollywood's best leading young woman right now. A two-time Oscar winner, she generally picks per roles carefully, and that's great. Million Dollar Baby (Oscar), Freedom Writers, and most recently Amelia. She generally picks roles of substance about real or real life characters. She has the innate ability to be very attractive and no so attractive at the same time. She is totally believable here and really gives Betty Anne a face, a voice and a grit that can be challenging for many. Swank becomes the character in total and she does it here. Her performance here is stellar, This is this years Blind Side.
Rockwell too is terrific, and a leads a great supporting cast of Minnie Driver, Juliette Lewis, and Peter Gallagher. A great story, with a nice cast. Conviction does have a few slow moments at times, but over all this really works. Sad too, this movie is going to get completely lost in the Halloween, and animated field out there right now at the box office. But I can not stress enough this is a great adult night at the movies that shouldn't be missed.
Conviction. Again, Swank is great, Rockwell is great, and the story is great. What's not to like. Well, well done!
Conviction is the remarkable story of a Massachusetts woman and her brother that takes place over a 30 year period. Kenny (Sam Rockwell) and Betty Anne (Swank) are brother and sister that grow up in horrible conditions in rural New England. After a childhood of mischief, Kenny finds himself as an adult convicted of murder in 1982. Betty Anne, with no formal education of any kind is convinced of her brothers innocence.
Betty Anne then sends herself back to school to get her GED, then her college degree, and finally puts herself through law school and becomes a lawyer. In fact, she becomes Kenny's lawyer and sets out to set him free. Kenny in jail, spends 13 years waiting for his sister to finish up school and start on this remarkably feat. This is a very compelling story. Hollywood can't write them this good. Will she be able to free Kenny? And is he really innocent? That's Conviction.
Swank is Hollywood's best leading young woman right now. A two-time Oscar winner, she generally picks per roles carefully, and that's great. Million Dollar Baby (Oscar), Freedom Writers, and most recently Amelia. She generally picks roles of substance about real or real life characters. She has the innate ability to be very attractive and no so attractive at the same time. She is totally believable here and really gives Betty Anne a face, a voice and a grit that can be challenging for many. Swank becomes the character in total and she does it here. Her performance here is stellar, This is this years Blind Side.
Rockwell too is terrific, and a leads a great supporting cast of Minnie Driver, Juliette Lewis, and Peter Gallagher. A great story, with a nice cast. Conviction does have a few slow moments at times, but over all this really works. Sad too, this movie is going to get completely lost in the Halloween, and animated field out there right now at the box office. But I can not stress enough this is a great adult night at the movies that shouldn't be missed.
Conviction. Again, Swank is great, Rockwell is great, and the story is great. What's not to like. Well, well done!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
When Good Needs To Be Done
There are times when you see something and at that particular moment, you know you're seeing something special. And when you try to tell others of what you've seen, you realize that although your words may be flattering and be filled with unbridled enthusiasm, they will come up short and the listener must see it for themselves.
I'm afraid that may happen here but I'll give it a go. Today I was lucky enough to get the tour of the new One Of A Kind Pets facility in West Akron. It's right there on West Market Street, 1900 block where the old bowling alley used to be. Long gone are the pins and lanes, and a new era has been ushered in on a piece of property that needed attention. Before I go on and on, I know there are many people and organizations in need as well. But for just this moment, let's let the animals have the light.
In case you don't know, One Of A Kind Pets is a non-profit, no-kill rescue and shelter for dogs and cats in need. This is their new home, and my on air partner on WQMX, Sue Wilson and I will be doing an appearance there Saturday afternoon. We both love, and have rescued our own dogs, so the mission is close to our hearts. But even with that said, this is something worth seeing. This new home is so nice, so inventive, so forward thinking, and such a breath of fresh air it really has to be seen to be truly appreciated, and we are inviting you do do so.
Never have I seen such a serene environment for animals in need. It redefined my view of any other shelter or pound I have ever toured or seen before. If adoption is in your plans, you can meet you new friend in a clean, relaxed setting that shows the animal in his or her truest light. After I visited with a few of the pooches there, I found that my experience was calming both for me, and the dog. Amazing for a home for wayward dogs and cats.....but true.
But more importantly there's this. There are times when you know you are in the presence of good. It is palpable when you are somewhere and all of those involved are bonded by a single, goodheartedness and a belief that they are tending carefully to their little corner of the world. And when the plan comes together and the tools needed ......match the passion heeded, it is a wonderful confluence of good and good....that needs to be seen. People practicing their passion. That is what's in the heart of an animal lover and volunteer, and these are people worth supporting.
I know times are tough for many, and I haven't lost sight of that. But even if animal adoption is not in your future, or the time to volunteer, or even if monetary donations aren't practical for you right now, that is OK. Support can come as easy as just coming out and seeing the work that can be done, and you going out and spreading the word. They can't buy that, but only hope for it.
And you know for me it was more than the place, the day and the fun. It was the fact that it feels good to know....that it's still people that can do good.....when it's good that needs to be done.
I'm afraid that may happen here but I'll give it a go. Today I was lucky enough to get the tour of the new One Of A Kind Pets facility in West Akron. It's right there on West Market Street, 1900 block where the old bowling alley used to be. Long gone are the pins and lanes, and a new era has been ushered in on a piece of property that needed attention. Before I go on and on, I know there are many people and organizations in need as well. But for just this moment, let's let the animals have the light.
In case you don't know, One Of A Kind Pets is a non-profit, no-kill rescue and shelter for dogs and cats in need. This is their new home, and my on air partner on WQMX, Sue Wilson and I will be doing an appearance there Saturday afternoon. We both love, and have rescued our own dogs, so the mission is close to our hearts. But even with that said, this is something worth seeing. This new home is so nice, so inventive, so forward thinking, and such a breath of fresh air it really has to be seen to be truly appreciated, and we are inviting you do do so.
Never have I seen such a serene environment for animals in need. It redefined my view of any other shelter or pound I have ever toured or seen before. If adoption is in your plans, you can meet you new friend in a clean, relaxed setting that shows the animal in his or her truest light. After I visited with a few of the pooches there, I found that my experience was calming both for me, and the dog. Amazing for a home for wayward dogs and cats.....but true.
But more importantly there's this. There are times when you know you are in the presence of good. It is palpable when you are somewhere and all of those involved are bonded by a single, goodheartedness and a belief that they are tending carefully to their little corner of the world. And when the plan comes together and the tools needed ......match the passion heeded, it is a wonderful confluence of good and good....that needs to be seen. People practicing their passion. That is what's in the heart of an animal lover and volunteer, and these are people worth supporting.
I know times are tough for many, and I haven't lost sight of that. But even if animal adoption is not in your future, or the time to volunteer, or even if monetary donations aren't practical for you right now, that is OK. Support can come as easy as just coming out and seeing the work that can be done, and you going out and spreading the word. They can't buy that, but only hope for it.
And you know for me it was more than the place, the day and the fun. It was the fact that it feels good to know....that it's still people that can do good.....when it's good that needs to be done.
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