The new 2010 version of True Grit is out this week, and it has been placed in the hands of pioneering film makers Joel and Ethan Coen. They have given us gems like, No Country for Old Men, Fargo, and O' Brother Where Art Thou. All Oscar nominated or winners.
True Grit of course is a remake of sorts of the 1960's John Wayne western that many think was his best performance as the enigmatic U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn. Now that role has been reprised by Oscar winner Jeff Bridges. Although this technically is a remake there are many differences in the two movies.
True Grit was a fantastic book written in 1968 and was published in a series by the Saturday Evening Post. But was later issued as a full length novel. The story is timeless as a little girl in the American West hires a broken down US Marshall to track down and the man who killed her father. It's pretty simple. But Charles Portis, the writer of this magnificent story was so skilled as a writer, this story is often referred as the Shakespearean Western. His written dialogue for his characters is second to none.
It's not often that a remake is smarter and more polished than the original, but this is. More times than not the remake is a dumbed down version with more special effects, harsher language, with more bells and whistles to keep interest for the modern movie goer. Not here. True Grit 2010, is straight out of the book, very pure and authentic. Fantastic lines delivered by skilled actors, with a story so good, and characters so well defined you wonder why all movies can't pull this off. Simple. All great movies start with a great story, and this is a great story.
Bridges as Rooster Cogburn is simply great and should have his name in the Oscar race again. Cogburn is a gigantic role. Bridges is getting better with age, after last years Oscar win with Crazy Heart. Again, she shows off his amazing ability to climb so far into the character, you think he may never come out. Matt Damon as LaBoeuf the Texas Ranger is very good and a nice compliment to Bridges. And Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross, the 14 year old spunky young girl who hires this group to avenge her fathers death, is quite honestly nothing short of fantastic. You must have a great Mattie to do this movie, as it is told through her eyes. A great supporting cast with Josh Brolin and Barry Pepper too, rounds outs a very good cast.
True Grit will be a real favorite with many this season, although this may miss with the younger set, who may be turned off to westerns or not able to understand the purity of this movie. Many too are used top non-top video game action. That's not True Grit. It is a story first, and second and final.
True Grit. Smarter and more pure the second time around. Great....simply great, one of the years best.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Black Swan
They don't make many movies about ballet these days, but Black Swan is getting a lot of buzz around the movie community.
There has also been lots of Oscar talk about this new artsy-thriller, as it is nominated for a bunch of Golden Globes. And after seeing it, I have to say to those who are crowning this as the years best.....hold on a minute.
Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina. Nina is a long time ballerina in New York City, who finally gets her chance at the big time by being cast as The Swan Queen in the classic ballet, Swan Lake. But she is demonized from within. From years of being around very competitive, caddy behavior in her troupe, she has become extremely paranoid. Her mother (Barbara Hershey) is a one time ballerina who Nina wonders about her motives, as mom never rose to such heights.
Lilly, (Mila Kunis) is a rival ballerina to the group. Is she sabotaging Nina, or is it Beth, (Winona Ryder) the recently fired for being past her prime ballet star. Or her male coach? Just who on earth is the Black Swan, and who is out to get Nina seemingly to the death just as in the Swan Lake Ballet itself.
First off, Black Swan is the kind of movie that Hollywood loves to honor itself with. You take art like ballet. Toss in the art of actually being able to cast this movie. Then of course the incredible art and chore of being able to film this in a way that is compelling and moving. All of this is done very well. And the fantastic music of Swan Lake. It is so well done, with such terrific orchestral arrangements that cannot be ignored. the music throughout this movie is really great. All of this is simply brilliant. Hollywood will be slapping itself on its own back over this one for months to come.
But with the general movie going public, Black Swan is limited. The story in its shell is a good one. They do a nice job taking you backstage of professional ballet, and show you the hurt, the heartache, the jealousy, and the physical toll this can take on these young women. Now, you have to decide if that's your cup of tea or not. But that's the deal it makes with you. Also this is a very adult R rated movie that deals with some very delicate subjects behind the scenes as well. All turn in nice performances, and the dancing is exquisite. Word of honest caution. You better have some patience with ballet, because there is a lot of it here.
Black Swan. Much of this is very good. But even though Hollywood won't be able to stop honoring itself over this one, I will. Black Swan is good, and solid. But overall certainly a upper crust movie, but not the best picture of the year.
There has also been lots of Oscar talk about this new artsy-thriller, as it is nominated for a bunch of Golden Globes. And after seeing it, I have to say to those who are crowning this as the years best.....hold on a minute.
Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as Nina. Nina is a long time ballerina in New York City, who finally gets her chance at the big time by being cast as The Swan Queen in the classic ballet, Swan Lake. But she is demonized from within. From years of being around very competitive, caddy behavior in her troupe, she has become extremely paranoid. Her mother (Barbara Hershey) is a one time ballerina who Nina wonders about her motives, as mom never rose to such heights.
Lilly, (Mila Kunis) is a rival ballerina to the group. Is she sabotaging Nina, or is it Beth, (Winona Ryder) the recently fired for being past her prime ballet star. Or her male coach? Just who on earth is the Black Swan, and who is out to get Nina seemingly to the death just as in the Swan Lake Ballet itself.
First off, Black Swan is the kind of movie that Hollywood loves to honor itself with. You take art like ballet. Toss in the art of actually being able to cast this movie. Then of course the incredible art and chore of being able to film this in a way that is compelling and moving. All of this is done very well. And the fantastic music of Swan Lake. It is so well done, with such terrific orchestral arrangements that cannot be ignored. the music throughout this movie is really great. All of this is simply brilliant. Hollywood will be slapping itself on its own back over this one for months to come.
But with the general movie going public, Black Swan is limited. The story in its shell is a good one. They do a nice job taking you backstage of professional ballet, and show you the hurt, the heartache, the jealousy, and the physical toll this can take on these young women. Now, you have to decide if that's your cup of tea or not. But that's the deal it makes with you. Also this is a very adult R rated movie that deals with some very delicate subjects behind the scenes as well. All turn in nice performances, and the dancing is exquisite. Word of honest caution. You better have some patience with ballet, because there is a lot of it here.
Black Swan. Much of this is very good. But even though Hollywood won't be able to stop honoring itself over this one, I will. Black Swan is good, and solid. But overall certainly a upper crust movie, but not the best picture of the year.
Monday, December 20, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW -The Fighter
It's big movie season now, and here come the heavy hitters. The Fighter, no pun intended, is a heavy hitter.
The Fighter stars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams in the real life story of Mickey Wade, a welterweight boxer in the early 1990's. This is a compelling tale of a fighter with a huge heart, a crack - addict former brother ex-boxer, and an incredibly dysfunctional white trash family from Lowell, Massachusetts. Right up front, this is not Rocky in any way.
Wahlberg is Wade, a down on his luck fighter. He is being managed horribly by his awful, extremely ignorant mother and brother. They have only their needs in mind, as they mismanage Wade's career to further their own paydays. This is the story of Wade and his quest to get away from his family, and get with the right people to hopefully manage his career to a title shot before he's past his prime.
Wahlberg is absolutely fantastic as the downtrodden Wade. Bale is terrific as his drug infested brother, and Amy Adams is Charlene his new girlfriend, who has a past of her own she's trying to come to grips with. Everyone in this movie cast perfectly, including the supporting cast. The writing here is sharp, smart, and on point. The Fighter doesn't veer off in some ill-advised direction and lose it's focus. True, this is a movie about a boxer, but it is so much more. It dares to take us into the putrid, unsavory, trash side of the local boxing scene and eventually the big time scene. It shows the not so glamorous underbelly of the sport and those involved in and around it.
It is a movie about courage, redemption, and the willingness to break the terrible familial cycle that plagues this family. It is powerful, raw and well done. Our three main stars carry the day, and Adams has broken through with new direction as the wrong side of the tracks Charlene. I always like seeing actors go down a new road and succeed, and she is a big part of the beauty of this movie. The Fighter with it's boxing backdrop may be a bit too raw and not sanded enough for some. But for movie goers this is mandatory viewing.
The Fighter. Just flat out good. One of the years best movies.
The Fighter stars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams in the real life story of Mickey Wade, a welterweight boxer in the early 1990's. This is a compelling tale of a fighter with a huge heart, a crack - addict former brother ex-boxer, and an incredibly dysfunctional white trash family from Lowell, Massachusetts. Right up front, this is not Rocky in any way.
Wahlberg is Wade, a down on his luck fighter. He is being managed horribly by his awful, extremely ignorant mother and brother. They have only their needs in mind, as they mismanage Wade's career to further their own paydays. This is the story of Wade and his quest to get away from his family, and get with the right people to hopefully manage his career to a title shot before he's past his prime.
Wahlberg is absolutely fantastic as the downtrodden Wade. Bale is terrific as his drug infested brother, and Amy Adams is Charlene his new girlfriend, who has a past of her own she's trying to come to grips with. Everyone in this movie cast perfectly, including the supporting cast. The writing here is sharp, smart, and on point. The Fighter doesn't veer off in some ill-advised direction and lose it's focus. True, this is a movie about a boxer, but it is so much more. It dares to take us into the putrid, unsavory, trash side of the local boxing scene and eventually the big time scene. It shows the not so glamorous underbelly of the sport and those involved in and around it.
It is a movie about courage, redemption, and the willingness to break the terrible familial cycle that plagues this family. It is powerful, raw and well done. Our three main stars carry the day, and Adams has broken through with new direction as the wrong side of the tracks Charlene. I always like seeing actors go down a new road and succeed, and she is a big part of the beauty of this movie. The Fighter with it's boxing backdrop may be a bit too raw and not sanded enough for some. But for movie goers this is mandatory viewing.
The Fighter. Just flat out good. One of the years best movies.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas Lives In The Heart
At this time of year many of us are thinking about things we may not think about the rest of the calender year. Christmas time can bring to the forefront wondrous memories of times gone by. Or the excitement of being a kid and the slow moving time march to Christmas morning. Everyone knows the reason for the season and that's not forgotten here. But in addition there is the Christmas that lives in each and every one of us, that's unique and personal.
We are all busy this time of year with the shopping, gift giving, and the running around that we all get caught up in. But after the gifts have been unwrapped and all has quieted down from the morning it's still Christmas day, and eventually Christmas night. That to me is when it really becomes Christmas. That night and day if no other is the day you hopefully will be with the exact people you want to be with.
As you look around the dinner table you see that this is your life, this is your family. If no other, this is the day that all busy schedules, all other responsibilities and commitments are set aside and give way to a simpler, easier moment. In our world today this moment is not easily replicated. If you're lucky enough to welcome a new life to your table, the joy can be almost more than you thought you were capable of. A blessing indeed.
It is inevitable and normal though, among all the wonder that is that day and night, to reflect on the fact that there may be some absent from our day. Maybe they are deployed overseas, or the time and miles are just too large to overcome. Could be some other intangible for the absence, or maybe it's that they are no longer with us in body. For those we can say a prayer for, drink a toast to, and allow our hearts to feel just a bit more openly than we usually do.
Isn't that where Christmas really lives? In a part of the heart that opens a bit wider when everything that is good intersects? It is incredibly palpable when all that is important to you is all around you. It's more rare than it should be. But maybe that's the real beauty of Christmas. Maybe that's the ever evolving Christmas miracle. Replenishing the love and joy in your heart. Remembering that this time of the year is pure and good. And reminding you that all that are most important to you near or far, or just beyond your reach are always with you.
Christmas lives in the heart of us all. And at Christmas, the heart... and the heart alone, can bring all that is right for you...... right to you.
We are all busy this time of year with the shopping, gift giving, and the running around that we all get caught up in. But after the gifts have been unwrapped and all has quieted down from the morning it's still Christmas day, and eventually Christmas night. That to me is when it really becomes Christmas. That night and day if no other is the day you hopefully will be with the exact people you want to be with.
As you look around the dinner table you see that this is your life, this is your family. If no other, this is the day that all busy schedules, all other responsibilities and commitments are set aside and give way to a simpler, easier moment. In our world today this moment is not easily replicated. If you're lucky enough to welcome a new life to your table, the joy can be almost more than you thought you were capable of. A blessing indeed.
It is inevitable and normal though, among all the wonder that is that day and night, to reflect on the fact that there may be some absent from our day. Maybe they are deployed overseas, or the time and miles are just too large to overcome. Could be some other intangible for the absence, or maybe it's that they are no longer with us in body. For those we can say a prayer for, drink a toast to, and allow our hearts to feel just a bit more openly than we usually do.
Isn't that where Christmas really lives? In a part of the heart that opens a bit wider when everything that is good intersects? It is incredibly palpable when all that is important to you is all around you. It's more rare than it should be. But maybe that's the real beauty of Christmas. Maybe that's the ever evolving Christmas miracle. Replenishing the love and joy in your heart. Remembering that this time of the year is pure and good. And reminding you that all that are most important to you near or far, or just beyond your reach are always with you.
Christmas lives in the heart of us all. And at Christmas, the heart... and the heart alone, can bring all that is right for you...... right to you.
Friday, December 17, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW- How Do You Know
There is a lot riding on the new romantic comedy How Do You Know at the box office this week.
Romantic comedies are taking a real beating this year at the movies, so will this one renew faith in a struggling genre? I'm thinking not. And it's really a shame.
Reece Witherspoon, is Lisa. She is cut from the USA Women's National Softball team. She is a mere 31 years old and is feeling a bit past her prime. She meets Matty (Owen Wilson) who is a professional baseball player. They start living together in his posh Washington DC apartment. But he's shallow and fun, not the "serious" type. Lisa then meets George (Paul Rudd). George is in business with crook father Charles (Jack Nicholson) and finds himself the target of a federal investigation. It's the eternal triangle. One woman, two men, who will she pick? Hmmm...I wonder. That's How Do You Know.
This is a GREAT example of a bunch of really good people, given a really terrible script. With extrmeme emphasis on terrible! My goodness. HDYN is so jumbled, so frantic at times, so tedious, it's really tough watching after a while. Really bad dialogue, very awkward scenes, a story that really doesn't make much sense or have much believability. Characters that spend more time on the phone than anything else, and it's way too long.
There are also entirely too many characters in this movie, and not by a little. Simpler would have been a step in the right direction, but it still would have driven off a cliff. So many are so not necessary you may ask yourself out loud why they are there. There is no chemistry at all especially between Rudd and Spoon, you have a hard time rooting for them to end up together. This is a terribly disjointed, very mundane movie that really does not work at all in any way shape or form.
I love Reece Witherspoon. And here, she is lovely yet again. She is easy to watch and has that intangible that makes her so endearing in virtually all her roles going back to Pleasantville. Her character here, is fairly well developed, but what she is asked to do is simply silly. It's a shame, because she is an Oscar winner and deserves better. Just because you toss in a bunch of really talented people, doesn't insure success. This movie just staggers and stammers to its merciful finish. It is packaged as charming and fun. Don't be fooled. No real laughs, no signature scene, no flow, pace or saving grace. There is a smattering of amusing moments but not enough to pull it along at all. What may have started off as a good idea, and real nice grown up opportunity for Rudd especially as he crosses over from sophomoric movies to the big leagues, this is a dud.
How Do You Know. Witherspoon - lovely. The rest? Not even Jack Nicholson can save this. Don't believe the hype, this is a tanker.
Romantic comedies are taking a real beating this year at the movies, so will this one renew faith in a struggling genre? I'm thinking not. And it's really a shame.
Reece Witherspoon, is Lisa. She is cut from the USA Women's National Softball team. She is a mere 31 years old and is feeling a bit past her prime. She meets Matty (Owen Wilson) who is a professional baseball player. They start living together in his posh Washington DC apartment. But he's shallow and fun, not the "serious" type. Lisa then meets George (Paul Rudd). George is in business with crook father Charles (Jack Nicholson) and finds himself the target of a federal investigation. It's the eternal triangle. One woman, two men, who will she pick? Hmmm...I wonder. That's How Do You Know.
This is a GREAT example of a bunch of really good people, given a really terrible script. With extrmeme emphasis on terrible! My goodness. HDYN is so jumbled, so frantic at times, so tedious, it's really tough watching after a while. Really bad dialogue, very awkward scenes, a story that really doesn't make much sense or have much believability. Characters that spend more time on the phone than anything else, and it's way too long.
There are also entirely too many characters in this movie, and not by a little. Simpler would have been a step in the right direction, but it still would have driven off a cliff. So many are so not necessary you may ask yourself out loud why they are there. There is no chemistry at all especially between Rudd and Spoon, you have a hard time rooting for them to end up together. This is a terribly disjointed, very mundane movie that really does not work at all in any way shape or form.
I love Reece Witherspoon. And here, she is lovely yet again. She is easy to watch and has that intangible that makes her so endearing in virtually all her roles going back to Pleasantville. Her character here, is fairly well developed, but what she is asked to do is simply silly. It's a shame, because she is an Oscar winner and deserves better. Just because you toss in a bunch of really talented people, doesn't insure success. This movie just staggers and stammers to its merciful finish. It is packaged as charming and fun. Don't be fooled. No real laughs, no signature scene, no flow, pace or saving grace. There is a smattering of amusing moments but not enough to pull it along at all. What may have started off as a good idea, and real nice grown up opportunity for Rudd especially as he crosses over from sophomoric movies to the big leagues, this is a dud.
How Do You Know. Witherspoon - lovely. The rest? Not even Jack Nicholson can save this. Don't believe the hype, this is a tanker.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - The Tourist
Two huge stars, Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp star in this weeks big release, The Tourist.
Right up front. Depp and Jolie are generally not tow of my favorites. Both have done great work. Jolie in 2008's Changeling I felt was Oscar-worthy. She already has one in Girl, Interrupted. Depp, hits and misses with me. Although I get why he is the star that he is. But with that said, I have to say I loved this movie.
The Tourist is movie making that is fun, exciting, and just flat out enjoyable to watch. Jolie is Elise. Depp is Frank. Elise is this beautiful young British woman who Scotland yard believes is the key to retrieving over a billion dollars in taxes on money that her lover stole from British gangsters two years earlier. She meets Frank who is an American traveling by rail in Europe. She uses him to be a diversion to the ever watching police, in hopes that they think Frank is her lover who has disappeared altogether. But one problem, she falls for Frank. Toss in the British gangsters who want their money back, and you have an everyone chasing everyone movie.
The Tourist has a real nice feel. There is international intrigue much like a Bond movie. Also it has some real fun moments. It is sexy at times, and real smart all the time. But The Tourist does not make the fatal flaw. It doesn't bog itself down by getting in it's own way. It has a story, sticks to it, and doesn't become something it's not. AND it doesn't take itself too seriously. It keeps your interest, it keeps you laughing at times and keeps you thinking always. It's just flat out well done.
Jolie and Depp are both great, nice supporting cast and a beautiful Venice, Italy backdrop. This is a nice trip to the movies. Few will be disappointed.
The Tourist. Great movie at a time we need one at the box office. Don't miss it.
Right up front. Depp and Jolie are generally not tow of my favorites. Both have done great work. Jolie in 2008's Changeling I felt was Oscar-worthy. She already has one in Girl, Interrupted. Depp, hits and misses with me. Although I get why he is the star that he is. But with that said, I have to say I loved this movie.
The Tourist is movie making that is fun, exciting, and just flat out enjoyable to watch. Jolie is Elise. Depp is Frank. Elise is this beautiful young British woman who Scotland yard believes is the key to retrieving over a billion dollars in taxes on money that her lover stole from British gangsters two years earlier. She meets Frank who is an American traveling by rail in Europe. She uses him to be a diversion to the ever watching police, in hopes that they think Frank is her lover who has disappeared altogether. But one problem, she falls for Frank. Toss in the British gangsters who want their money back, and you have an everyone chasing everyone movie.
The Tourist has a real nice feel. There is international intrigue much like a Bond movie. Also it has some real fun moments. It is sexy at times, and real smart all the time. But The Tourist does not make the fatal flaw. It doesn't bog itself down by getting in it's own way. It has a story, sticks to it, and doesn't become something it's not. AND it doesn't take itself too seriously. It keeps your interest, it keeps you laughing at times and keeps you thinking always. It's just flat out well done.
Jolie and Depp are both great, nice supporting cast and a beautiful Venice, Italy backdrop. This is a nice trip to the movies. Few will be disappointed.
The Tourist. Great movie at a time we need one at the box office. Don't miss it.
MOVIE REVIEW - Fair Game
The new Sean Penn/Naomi Watts movie Fair Game has been at the theaters for a week or two now, to literally no fanfare at all.
Fair Game is the story of the CIA agent exposing in the early days of the war in Iraq in 2003. It's the story of Joe Wilson (Penn) and his wife (Watts), as they are the victims of the federal government blowing her cover as a well decorated CIA agent. It's based on the Scooter Libby scandal who was the Vice-Presidents chief of staff in those days. In essence, the movie makes the case that the White House intentionally lied to the world for its reasons to go to war in Iraq in the wake of 9/11. And those who were potentially in the way, were destroyed in every way.
Fair Game is rather compelling movie making. A very well written script, with good dialogue, edited well, with enough to hold your interest for the duration. Penn and Watts are always good in most movies that they make, and this is no exception. To me, Watts is always compelling on screen. She has a real nice way on camera that makes her easy to watch, and usually very believable on the screen.
So why the tremendous flop? The financial numbers here are flat out embarrassing. Few reasons. Lots of competition, lots of animation, Harry Potter, and a few others as well. All valid. But a very interesting trend is developing at the movies the past couple of years. Two kinds of movies are just getting creamed. Romantic comedies, and movies view America in a less than favorable light. Fair Game is the latter. And it's just another causality of this trend. These two genres are really taking a financial beating, and Hollywood is eventually going to have to address this. These financial beat-downs to the tune of 100's of millions of dollars can't continue. To be clear, this critic doesn't think this is a good trend, to me there is room for all, but the public is speaking loudly the other way.
Fair Game is also a thinking man's movie, and that is another trend as well. The movie going public seemingly more and more just wants to be entertained. They want action, they want to laugh, they want big effects for big box office success. Animation is huge too. And much of the time, they want the movie to take them somewhere other than where they are. I feel there is room for all kinds of movies, but the box office is young people driven. Movies like Fair Game, are simply in the eye of the hurricane. Mix a young audience with the money and time to go, the subject matter, and the changing movie habits of the movie going public, and it has no chance.
Fair Game. It has it's moments, but good but not great. For the very few that will see this movie it's though provoking and open to for lively debate over coffee after it's over.
Fair Game is the story of the CIA agent exposing in the early days of the war in Iraq in 2003. It's the story of Joe Wilson (Penn) and his wife (Watts), as they are the victims of the federal government blowing her cover as a well decorated CIA agent. It's based on the Scooter Libby scandal who was the Vice-Presidents chief of staff in those days. In essence, the movie makes the case that the White House intentionally lied to the world for its reasons to go to war in Iraq in the wake of 9/11. And those who were potentially in the way, were destroyed in every way.
Fair Game is rather compelling movie making. A very well written script, with good dialogue, edited well, with enough to hold your interest for the duration. Penn and Watts are always good in most movies that they make, and this is no exception. To me, Watts is always compelling on screen. She has a real nice way on camera that makes her easy to watch, and usually very believable on the screen.
So why the tremendous flop? The financial numbers here are flat out embarrassing. Few reasons. Lots of competition, lots of animation, Harry Potter, and a few others as well. All valid. But a very interesting trend is developing at the movies the past couple of years. Two kinds of movies are just getting creamed. Romantic comedies, and movies view America in a less than favorable light. Fair Game is the latter. And it's just another causality of this trend. These two genres are really taking a financial beating, and Hollywood is eventually going to have to address this. These financial beat-downs to the tune of 100's of millions of dollars can't continue. To be clear, this critic doesn't think this is a good trend, to me there is room for all, but the public is speaking loudly the other way.
Fair Game is also a thinking man's movie, and that is another trend as well. The movie going public seemingly more and more just wants to be entertained. They want action, they want to laugh, they want big effects for big box office success. Animation is huge too. And much of the time, they want the movie to take them somewhere other than where they are. I feel there is room for all kinds of movies, but the box office is young people driven. Movies like Fair Game, are simply in the eye of the hurricane. Mix a young audience with the money and time to go, the subject matter, and the changing movie habits of the movie going public, and it has no chance.
Fair Game. It has it's moments, but good but not great. For the very few that will see this movie it's though provoking and open to for lively debate over coffee after it's over.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Merry Christmas - Banana Pie
Christmas time is just about here, and I think that this time of the year gets lots of us thinking about family. And no matter what Christmas I think of, I always think of banana pie.
We are a small family, both immediate and extended. For a number of years my youngest cousin Heather, used to make me some kind of banana chiffon pie for Christmas. She started this when she was in her teens, and continued it for quite a while. She is my Uncle Johns daughter, and we used to spend Christmas with them all the time. They would come over on Christmas Eve, and Heather would be right there with that pie. She would emphatically state that this was my pie to all. We didn't really exchange gifts with them, but Heather always brought me that pie.
The first year was a learning experience. Heather gave me the pie, and I did what you would do. I shared it with everyone. But one bite in, I knew I had really made a tremendous blunder of epic proportions. This was, and is without question the best pie I have ever eaten! That was the last year of the good will towards men option with the pie. I would start taking Heathers advice. It was my pie. This went on for years. Heather making it, and me hogging it, I'm not ashamed, and no one blamed me. For they too, would do the same if they had been the chosen one.
Time, miles and life, have spanned a long bridge since then, and the pie is just a story now in family lore. But it's a great memory for me. I am not a big brother as I am the youngest in my immediate family. But I felt like one then. Heather has no brothers, so maybe in those days she saw me as such. For some reason then I guess I was special to Heather and she just felt like doing something nice for me.
And you know, I never found out why Heather chose me for this honor. And I still don't know. I remember though that it always made me happy that a family member chose me for something a little extra special for no real reason, and asked for nothing in return. I never asked her, or my aunt and uncle why. I figured if Heather wanted to tell me, she would. It wouldn't be Christmas to me without thinking about it.
Over the years I have wondered, did that pie taste a little extra good because it was a nice gesture intended just for me? And the answer is yes. I mean how could it not be? I am always so moved at life's little gestures. The idea that someone takes time and would do something nice specifically for me......is still a big deal to me, and I think that is straight from Heather making me a pie. As a young adult at the time it meant a lot to me. And it still does.
I don't see Heather as much as I used to. She lives a long way away, and our lives have gone in different directions. But I have to still say thank you to Heather for being so nice to me then. Sadly, I may have been too young at the time to really know how long that memory would stay with me. For at the time it was just pie. But now it's pure gold...... to me.
And for the record? It's still the greatest pie in the world.
We are a small family, both immediate and extended. For a number of years my youngest cousin Heather, used to make me some kind of banana chiffon pie for Christmas. She started this when she was in her teens, and continued it for quite a while. She is my Uncle Johns daughter, and we used to spend Christmas with them all the time. They would come over on Christmas Eve, and Heather would be right there with that pie. She would emphatically state that this was my pie to all. We didn't really exchange gifts with them, but Heather always brought me that pie.
The first year was a learning experience. Heather gave me the pie, and I did what you would do. I shared it with everyone. But one bite in, I knew I had really made a tremendous blunder of epic proportions. This was, and is without question the best pie I have ever eaten! That was the last year of the good will towards men option with the pie. I would start taking Heathers advice. It was my pie. This went on for years. Heather making it, and me hogging it, I'm not ashamed, and no one blamed me. For they too, would do the same if they had been the chosen one.
Time, miles and life, have spanned a long bridge since then, and the pie is just a story now in family lore. But it's a great memory for me. I am not a big brother as I am the youngest in my immediate family. But I felt like one then. Heather has no brothers, so maybe in those days she saw me as such. For some reason then I guess I was special to Heather and she just felt like doing something nice for me.
And you know, I never found out why Heather chose me for this honor. And I still don't know. I remember though that it always made me happy that a family member chose me for something a little extra special for no real reason, and asked for nothing in return. I never asked her, or my aunt and uncle why. I figured if Heather wanted to tell me, she would. It wouldn't be Christmas to me without thinking about it.
Over the years I have wondered, did that pie taste a little extra good because it was a nice gesture intended just for me? And the answer is yes. I mean how could it not be? I am always so moved at life's little gestures. The idea that someone takes time and would do something nice specifically for me......is still a big deal to me, and I think that is straight from Heather making me a pie. As a young adult at the time it meant a lot to me. And it still does.
I don't see Heather as much as I used to. She lives a long way away, and our lives have gone in different directions. But I have to still say thank you to Heather for being so nice to me then. Sadly, I may have been too young at the time to really know how long that memory would stay with me. For at the time it was just pie. But now it's pure gold...... to me.
And for the record? It's still the greatest pie in the world.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - 127 Hours
James Franco stars in the new 127 Hours, based of the incredible true story of Aron Ralston in 2003.
Ralston was rock climbing in Utah alone, when he became wedged in a narrow canyon with his arm trapped between two rocks. He was stranded there isolated for 5 days, before taking extraordinary measures to free himself. Today, he is married with a small child.
Franco stars as Ralston who was in those days a selfish, loner who had a passion for the outdoors. He takes off alone to the deep canyons of Utah, without letting anyone know he is going, where he is going, and with less than desirable equipment to be in such a wilderness. Due to really no fault of his own, a freak happening traps him alone, deep in a canyon with no real chance for escape. After exhausting all sensible options, he resorts to insensible ones in the quest for survival.
First, this is a very compelling story, and it is told about as well as it could be. Much of this movie is simply Franco alone wedged in the rocks trying to get out. There are tons of flashbacks, and self exploration for the character as well. This is a hard story to tell in a movie, simply because there may not be enough story to tell. He gets stuck. He tries to get out. He eventually does. Franco is very good here. His performance not unlike Tom Hanks in Castaway. But 127 is much shorter and to the point.
127 will leave some bored, and others compelled. This will be a feast or famine for many. This has been the subject of many TV magazine shows, and the story is interesting enough. But for some there will not be enough to sustain attention. Also, this is hard to watch at times as you might imagine what Ralston has do do to free himself.
127 is very loud and weird at times when is shouldn't be. A very strange musical soundtrack to boot. I'm guessing these might be the songs in Ralston's head at the time. Also, the beginning and end of this movie has annoying sequences that have virtually nothing to do with any part of the meat of this movie.
127 Hours. I enjoyed it overall, simply because it's a good story of the human spirit. But with that said, I was ready for it to be over. It's a tough squeeze to eek out 90 minutes of movie here.
Ralston was rock climbing in Utah alone, when he became wedged in a narrow canyon with his arm trapped between two rocks. He was stranded there isolated for 5 days, before taking extraordinary measures to free himself. Today, he is married with a small child.
Franco stars as Ralston who was in those days a selfish, loner who had a passion for the outdoors. He takes off alone to the deep canyons of Utah, without letting anyone know he is going, where he is going, and with less than desirable equipment to be in such a wilderness. Due to really no fault of his own, a freak happening traps him alone, deep in a canyon with no real chance for escape. After exhausting all sensible options, he resorts to insensible ones in the quest for survival.
First, this is a very compelling story, and it is told about as well as it could be. Much of this movie is simply Franco alone wedged in the rocks trying to get out. There are tons of flashbacks, and self exploration for the character as well. This is a hard story to tell in a movie, simply because there may not be enough story to tell. He gets stuck. He tries to get out. He eventually does. Franco is very good here. His performance not unlike Tom Hanks in Castaway. But 127 is much shorter and to the point.
127 will leave some bored, and others compelled. This will be a feast or famine for many. This has been the subject of many TV magazine shows, and the story is interesting enough. But for some there will not be enough to sustain attention. Also, this is hard to watch at times as you might imagine what Ralston has do do to free himself.
127 is very loud and weird at times when is shouldn't be. A very strange musical soundtrack to boot. I'm guessing these might be the songs in Ralston's head at the time. Also, the beginning and end of this movie has annoying sequences that have virtually nothing to do with any part of the meat of this movie.
127 Hours. I enjoyed it overall, simply because it's a good story of the human spirit. But with that said, I was ready for it to be over. It's a tough squeeze to eek out 90 minutes of movie here.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
WQMX Tree Of Lights 2010
The time is here again for the annual WQMX Tree Of Lights.
I have written about it before. Our yearly fundraiser for the Haven Of Rest in downtown Akron. They help people of course, get back on their feet and off the street. For three days we ask that the community really come together and support this wonderful asset with financial donations. You always show up. And right up front, we thank you.
Thursday morning my partner Sue Wilson and I will start the radiothon on our show at 6am on WQMX. At 10am we will go down stairs and take our place at the table at our studios at 1795 West Market Street underneath the tree and ask that you come by and donate. Sue and I will be there for much of the next three days, and the balance of the WQMX staff will anchor the cause as well. It's a great time to get to know us, and us you. Lots of hugs and handshaking this week.
Sue and I have been talking with many of the people who have been through the Haven Of Rest recently, and they have shared their moving stories. One thing that has really made an impression on me is this. The reasons so many people can find themselves so alone, and so close to the edge are so many and different than you might think. As our world has changed, so have our problems. After listening to many of them, you can't help but think that this could be you, or someone you know or love someday. I know it's hard to even think about. But where would you go, what would you do if your troubles were big and many, and your options few or none? What if the pressures of the world were about to swallow you whole? To think that the Haven Of Rest is just a place for a bunch of homeless guys to crash out of the night's cold is antiquated.
Men, women and children of all kinds have found solace, comfort and new hope at the Haven Of Rest. One of the many things we learned is that lots of them never imagined finding themselves there. But when there was no place left to turn, and a door needed to be warmly opened, The Haven was there. We live in a fast paced, hard to keep up world these days, and for many it can be a real challenge. None of us make it through this world unscathed. But for some, the scathing can be a little deeper. The path can get long, narrow, dark, and possibly life threatening. Thank goodness for the Haven Of Rest.
The Haven picks people up, collects the pieces worth saving, and adds some that are new. And with love carefully glues those back together who wish to be so, and prepares them for life anew. Many leave with a lighter heart, wider shoulders and a second chance they thought was offered, given and spent many years earlier. They leave wearing the cloak of security that The Haven will be there for them again on those days that the darkness tries to creep back in and eclipse the new found light. In many cases The Haven saves lives, and has been doing so for many years. No one in our country really does it better than they do. These are people worth supporting.
The WQMX Tree Of Lights is proud to be supporting The Haven Of Rest, and we hope you support them this week with us too. There's always a nice feeling around the station Tree Of Lights week. I am very passionate about what I do for a living every day, but this week is one of my favorite times to work here. Feels good to do good. It always feels good to know when you are on the side of the angels. And this is that time.
From the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you in advance for your support of the WQMX Tree Of Lights.
I have written about it before. Our yearly fundraiser for the Haven Of Rest in downtown Akron. They help people of course, get back on their feet and off the street. For three days we ask that the community really come together and support this wonderful asset with financial donations. You always show up. And right up front, we thank you.
Thursday morning my partner Sue Wilson and I will start the radiothon on our show at 6am on WQMX. At 10am we will go down stairs and take our place at the table at our studios at 1795 West Market Street underneath the tree and ask that you come by and donate. Sue and I will be there for much of the next three days, and the balance of the WQMX staff will anchor the cause as well. It's a great time to get to know us, and us you. Lots of hugs and handshaking this week.
Sue and I have been talking with many of the people who have been through the Haven Of Rest recently, and they have shared their moving stories. One thing that has really made an impression on me is this. The reasons so many people can find themselves so alone, and so close to the edge are so many and different than you might think. As our world has changed, so have our problems. After listening to many of them, you can't help but think that this could be you, or someone you know or love someday. I know it's hard to even think about. But where would you go, what would you do if your troubles were big and many, and your options few or none? What if the pressures of the world were about to swallow you whole? To think that the Haven Of Rest is just a place for a bunch of homeless guys to crash out of the night's cold is antiquated.
Men, women and children of all kinds have found solace, comfort and new hope at the Haven Of Rest. One of the many things we learned is that lots of them never imagined finding themselves there. But when there was no place left to turn, and a door needed to be warmly opened, The Haven was there. We live in a fast paced, hard to keep up world these days, and for many it can be a real challenge. None of us make it through this world unscathed. But for some, the scathing can be a little deeper. The path can get long, narrow, dark, and possibly life threatening. Thank goodness for the Haven Of Rest.
The Haven picks people up, collects the pieces worth saving, and adds some that are new. And with love carefully glues those back together who wish to be so, and prepares them for life anew. Many leave with a lighter heart, wider shoulders and a second chance they thought was offered, given and spent many years earlier. They leave wearing the cloak of security that The Haven will be there for them again on those days that the darkness tries to creep back in and eclipse the new found light. In many cases The Haven saves lives, and has been doing so for many years. No one in our country really does it better than they do. These are people worth supporting.
The WQMX Tree Of Lights is proud to be supporting The Haven Of Rest, and we hope you support them this week with us too. There's always a nice feeling around the station Tree Of Lights week. I am very passionate about what I do for a living every day, but this week is one of my favorite times to work here. Feels good to do good. It always feels good to know when you are on the side of the angels. And this is that time.
From the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you in advance for your support of the WQMX Tree Of Lights.
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