A week or two ago, we really had something special here at WQMX. Not only did Sue Wilson and I have a great time on our show all week. But we hosted a Rising Star Showcase for charity at the Tangier in Akron. Always fun when we host a show in Sultans Cabaret. We raised a bunch of money for Project Homeless Connect of Stark County. Felt good to do so.
But the rising star of our show was the real story.
The rising star was a singer named Brantley Gilbert. Gilbert has finally come to Nashville and signed a recording contract. He has been quite a star on the Internet for a while now, but it seems now that the masses are going to learn of him sooner rather than later. It's a new tech world we are living in. This is the latest example of where the traditional world of mouth, works hand in hand with the newer, word of mouse. Thousands clicking on demand to their favorite singer on the web that they learned about from a friend. And watching it over and over.
The 300 or so lucky ticket holders that packed Tangier that night were so wildly enthusiastic it was almost like a Hollywood script. Truth is, we could have sold many more tickets if we had the room. They cheered his every word, song, and move. They came in from all over including some from out of state. Plus, they sang out loud almost every song, most of which have never been on one radio wave anywhere. And when it was over, the young audience didn't want it to be. And they let that be known.
Gilbert has written big songs recently recorded by other Nashville stars, but now he is carving out his own niche. There is lots of great music in Nashville these days. There is no shortage of young talent stepping down off the Greyhound with big dreams and an almost paid for guitar strapped across their backs. Never has been. But Gilbert goes in with a huge following and a running head start that he crafted in our new media age. His connection with his fan base is strong, intense and stunningly real. Seldom do you see such passion from fans over a brand new artist. But he's not new to them.
But after I thought about it for a while, it all started to make sense. These fans are in it with him. They have been there before there was this new beginning. Gilbert is theirs. He looks like them, he sings to them, and they have come to know him before there was a "him." That is rare. The fans know they provided the push that got this thing started from mired in the mud inertia, to locomotive rolling downhill. And the fans are layin' on the horn, as Gilbert mans the throttle. Most get to know stars after they have become stars. But Gilbert's fans have been watching him for a long while now, and cheering his baby step advances. The strides are suddenly longer now, and casting greater shadow.
As Americans, we love the underdog. And until now Brantley Gilbert has been one. Trying to get noticed while others have been singing in the big halls, on TV and radio. All while he waits for his turn. And now it's here. And the celebration begins as "they" have knocked down this wall together. When the front door was closed, they went around to the side porch, and simply let themselves in.
It was palpable in that concert room. Gilbert's fans wanted more as they were unashamed and unabashed in their passion for their new star. Many of us like to say "We were there at the beginning." And that's whats going on here. Yes, the music is great, but the connection transferred from the high speed Internet, to a higher speed real life experience was just as powerful.
It's all starting to click now for Brantley Gilbert. Word of mouth isn't the only way to go anymore.....but word of mouse too.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Pirates Of The Caribean
Break out the male mascara and eyeliner, the fake beards and the long dreadlocks, it's time for yet another "Pirates" movie.
Johnny Depp is back again as the over the top, highly animated Captain Jack, and he brings along Penelope Cruz, Geoffery Rush, and Ian MacShane this time. This is the fourth installment in the Pirates Of The Carribean series. I have to think this is the most successful film franchise based on an amusement park ride. Enough sarcasm, although true.
How on earth do you review a movie like this? This is one of those movies than everyone loves before the walk in the theater. I know the second one caught some heat, and well deserved. But trying to review these movies will fall on deaf ears. Depp in this series is terrific, and that's all fans really need. I tihnk they could really do about anything they wanted in this series and everyone would love it. At this point, it's still bullet proof.
Swashbuckling a plenty, tons of action, and the desperate search for the Fountain Of Youth in this movie, is a winning combination for it's fans. Elaborate sets, extraordinary costumes, tons of special effects, and a sense of humor pull this franchise through yet again. And if the ending is any hint, this will not the last one of these anytime soon. If we're not careful Depp could be the fist pirate in history on Social Security. OK, maybe a little sarcasm hung around.
Action based, and intense at times Pirates does check in at two hours and twenty minutes, so it's a real afternoon commitment, but no one will mind. A far cry from the 2 hours forty five a movie or two ago. Unending summer fun for those who have been waiting.
Pirates Of The Caribbean (4). Fans will love it.
Johnny Depp is back again as the over the top, highly animated Captain Jack, and he brings along Penelope Cruz, Geoffery Rush, and Ian MacShane this time. This is the fourth installment in the Pirates Of The Carribean series. I have to think this is the most successful film franchise based on an amusement park ride. Enough sarcasm, although true.
How on earth do you review a movie like this? This is one of those movies than everyone loves before the walk in the theater. I know the second one caught some heat, and well deserved. But trying to review these movies will fall on deaf ears. Depp in this series is terrific, and that's all fans really need. I tihnk they could really do about anything they wanted in this series and everyone would love it. At this point, it's still bullet proof.
Swashbuckling a plenty, tons of action, and the desperate search for the Fountain Of Youth in this movie, is a winning combination for it's fans. Elaborate sets, extraordinary costumes, tons of special effects, and a sense of humor pull this franchise through yet again. And if the ending is any hint, this will not the last one of these anytime soon. If we're not careful Depp could be the fist pirate in history on Social Security. OK, maybe a little sarcasm hung around.
Action based, and intense at times Pirates does check in at two hours and twenty minutes, so it's a real afternoon commitment, but no one will mind. A far cry from the 2 hours forty five a movie or two ago. Unending summer fun for those who have been waiting.
Pirates Of The Caribbean (4). Fans will love it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Two Statues
With the advent over the past 20 years of extreme media growth especially Cable TV, we have become a country seemingly in the "creating hero's" business. Fact is, most of the hero's ESPN, E, MTV, and countless other acronyms would like you to worship are really not worthy. And most not by a long shot.
But that's what they do. Try to convince us that many average athletes, teams or sort of stars, are actually better at what they do than they are, or who they are so you will watch and be impressed. Examples being, Tiger Woods, and Lindsay Lohan come to mind right away. Examples here yes, but hardly examples. It is becoming harder as we go on to recognize real hero's and real people worth emulating.
This spring, we said goodbye to two hero's from an era gone by. The era, of not being right, but doing right. In Cleveland we said good bye to Cleveland Indians legend Bob Feller. The record setting pitcher, who once he started pitching for the Indians in the late 1930's ,remained an Indian in one way or another for the next 70 years. He left the Indians in the middle of his Hall Of Fame career to enlist in World War II. Came back 5 years a later and won the last World Series the Indians have won - 1948. Feller remained with the Tribe till he died. Amazing.
And this week, Minnesota Twins legend, Harmon Killebrew died after a long illness. He was with the Twins (and the Washington Senators before they moved to Minneapolis) for virtually all of his career starting in 1954. He retired 5th on the all time home run list in 1975 with 573. He is now 11th. 4 out of the 5 who have passed him have admitted to, or have been accused of steroids. Killebrew was an overachiever, short and stocky and unassuming. A gentle, humble hero, that simply played a game, and did the job he was paid to do. A true gentleman.
Two old-schoolers who have passed on. And they world is not a better place without them. Both represented their city with honor, dignity, class and pride. Neither was from the city they did so proud. Feller from Iowa, Killebrew from Idaho. Both from humble beginnings and spent their lives in salt of the earth, hard working Midwestern cities. Both in the hall of fame. Both have statues in front of their cities newer ball parks. And both should.
Good to see that both cities got it right before these guys passed on. For yes.. true, they played a game. But they did so much more. It's one thing to play a game right. But it's quite another thing to get life right. To understand that young eyes were watching the way it was played. And older eyes were watching the way it all played out. These two hero's were not invented by a runaway Cable TV franchise, they created their own heroics in two common sense, heart of America cities, all the while not realizing they were doing so. That's the best kind of hero.
And Two Statues say it's so.
But that's what they do. Try to convince us that many average athletes, teams or sort of stars, are actually better at what they do than they are, or who they are so you will watch and be impressed. Examples being, Tiger Woods, and Lindsay Lohan come to mind right away. Examples here yes, but hardly examples. It is becoming harder as we go on to recognize real hero's and real people worth emulating.
This spring, we said goodbye to two hero's from an era gone by. The era, of not being right, but doing right. In Cleveland we said good bye to Cleveland Indians legend Bob Feller. The record setting pitcher, who once he started pitching for the Indians in the late 1930's ,remained an Indian in one way or another for the next 70 years. He left the Indians in the middle of his Hall Of Fame career to enlist in World War II. Came back 5 years a later and won the last World Series the Indians have won - 1948. Feller remained with the Tribe till he died. Amazing.
And this week, Minnesota Twins legend, Harmon Killebrew died after a long illness. He was with the Twins (and the Washington Senators before they moved to Minneapolis) for virtually all of his career starting in 1954. He retired 5th on the all time home run list in 1975 with 573. He is now 11th. 4 out of the 5 who have passed him have admitted to, or have been accused of steroids. Killebrew was an overachiever, short and stocky and unassuming. A gentle, humble hero, that simply played a game, and did the job he was paid to do. A true gentleman.
Two old-schoolers who have passed on. And they world is not a better place without them. Both represented their city with honor, dignity, class and pride. Neither was from the city they did so proud. Feller from Iowa, Killebrew from Idaho. Both from humble beginnings and spent their lives in salt of the earth, hard working Midwestern cities. Both in the hall of fame. Both have statues in front of their cities newer ball parks. And both should.
Good to see that both cities got it right before these guys passed on. For yes.. true, they played a game. But they did so much more. It's one thing to play a game right. But it's quite another thing to get life right. To understand that young eyes were watching the way it was played. And older eyes were watching the way it all played out. These two hero's were not invented by a runaway Cable TV franchise, they created their own heroics in two common sense, heart of America cities, all the while not realizing they were doing so. That's the best kind of hero.
And Two Statues say it's so.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Priest
It's time for another graphic novel to come to the screen, this time it's Priest.
Based on the graphic novel series, Priest not only is the latest 3-D graphic novel flick at the movies, but the latest "end of the world" plot that is really resonating with movie goers over the past 18 months or so. And guess what, it's yet another vampire movie.
Priest is part action, part drama, part slasher, part western and part cartoon network. To be fair, it attempts to be heavy on story but comes up short. This is an effect-heavy loud flick that pits good versus evil, plain and simple.
Story in a nutshell, there was a war between humans and vampires. The wars over. The vampires thought to be essentially defeated, are not. And they of course want to start up and new war and exterminate the humans. The gifted Priests are capable of defeating the vampires, and they set out to do so yet again. You can dress it up all you want, with everything you want, and that's still what you have. Another battle of the good and bad.
Priest does a few things well. It's vision of vampires is hardly Twilight. They are original in form, but predictable on screen. Priest is nice and tidy, only about 85 minutes, and that's a good thing. You are ready to be finished. My fear was this would really wear out it's welcome. There is only so much killing of computer generated vampires you can watch. Priest is very video-gamey, and sometimes just flat out regular gamy.
Priest looks good in 3-D, but that's not a saving grace here. Priest needs to get in line with a bunch of moves that look exactly the same. 3-D if you must. Otherwise, see what else is out there to see.
Based on the graphic novel series, Priest not only is the latest 3-D graphic novel flick at the movies, but the latest "end of the world" plot that is really resonating with movie goers over the past 18 months or so. And guess what, it's yet another vampire movie.
Priest is part action, part drama, part slasher, part western and part cartoon network. To be fair, it attempts to be heavy on story but comes up short. This is an effect-heavy loud flick that pits good versus evil, plain and simple.
Story in a nutshell, there was a war between humans and vampires. The wars over. The vampires thought to be essentially defeated, are not. And they of course want to start up and new war and exterminate the humans. The gifted Priests are capable of defeating the vampires, and they set out to do so yet again. You can dress it up all you want, with everything you want, and that's still what you have. Another battle of the good and bad.
Priest does a few things well. It's vision of vampires is hardly Twilight. They are original in form, but predictable on screen. Priest is nice and tidy, only about 85 minutes, and that's a good thing. You are ready to be finished. My fear was this would really wear out it's welcome. There is only so much killing of computer generated vampires you can watch. Priest is very video-gamey, and sometimes just flat out regular gamy.
Priest looks good in 3-D, but that's not a saving grace here. Priest needs to get in line with a bunch of moves that look exactly the same. 3-D if you must. Otherwise, see what else is out there to see.
MOVIE REVIEW - Everything Must Go
In limited release, Everything Must Go, is a must see.
Brace yourself, it stars Will Ferrell. No kidding. Also with the little used Rebbecca Hall, and Laura Dern, EMG is a wonderful little movie.
EMG is the story of Nick, (Ferrell). He is a 45 year old alcoholic that in one single day, gets fired and comes home to find his wife has thrown him out, and tossed all his stuff on the front yard. Nick has tried for a few years to quit drinking, but can't. And this really sends him over the edge. So with nothing at all, he decides to live on his front yard with his stuff. The cops give him 5 days to sell everything and make other arrangements.
Nick befriends his new neighbor, (Hall) who is a pregnant young wife, who also has a story to tell, as her husband has yet to join her as he lives out of state. Nick, desperate for some form of attention even looks up and old high school friend, Delilah (Dern) and shows up at her home unannounced after 25 years. Nick is just a mess, and so is seemingly everyone around him. Will he find the strength to overcome this mid life crisis, or will this be the hump he can't get over?
It's an honest look, that we all have some problems. Do we face them, or do we deny they exist? And if we except them, what are we then to do with this new realization? This movie asks this and 20 other questions worth asking.
EMG is splendidly done, as are most small Indy movies like this. You have never seen this story before, and I'm a story guy. Farrell is superb as the quirky, and mostly intoxicated Nick. Should be noted, this is real acting here. This is not a typical Will Ferrell flick. This is a dark comedy at best, and a drama at its core. Don't go if you're not willing to see him as you have never seen him before. There is no running around in his underwear, and no silly screaming scenes that he has built an empire on.
Hall is tender, sensitive, and perfectly cast as the enigmatic but lovely neighbor. I wish we would see her more at the movies. I love her realness. Dern is sharp in her one scene that although is quick, is essential to our story. This movie has a story to tell, tells it and makes a point. It is thought provoking and makes you think.
Everything Must Go, is flat out good. A new chapter for Farrell that he handled very well, Skillfully done, and wonderfully told. Way off the beaten path. A real movie goers must see.
Brace yourself, it stars Will Ferrell. No kidding. Also with the little used Rebbecca Hall, and Laura Dern, EMG is a wonderful little movie.
EMG is the story of Nick, (Ferrell). He is a 45 year old alcoholic that in one single day, gets fired and comes home to find his wife has thrown him out, and tossed all his stuff on the front yard. Nick has tried for a few years to quit drinking, but can't. And this really sends him over the edge. So with nothing at all, he decides to live on his front yard with his stuff. The cops give him 5 days to sell everything and make other arrangements.
Nick befriends his new neighbor, (Hall) who is a pregnant young wife, who also has a story to tell, as her husband has yet to join her as he lives out of state. Nick, desperate for some form of attention even looks up and old high school friend, Delilah (Dern) and shows up at her home unannounced after 25 years. Nick is just a mess, and so is seemingly everyone around him. Will he find the strength to overcome this mid life crisis, or will this be the hump he can't get over?
It's an honest look, that we all have some problems. Do we face them, or do we deny they exist? And if we except them, what are we then to do with this new realization? This movie asks this and 20 other questions worth asking.
EMG is splendidly done, as are most small Indy movies like this. You have never seen this story before, and I'm a story guy. Farrell is superb as the quirky, and mostly intoxicated Nick. Should be noted, this is real acting here. This is not a typical Will Ferrell flick. This is a dark comedy at best, and a drama at its core. Don't go if you're not willing to see him as you have never seen him before. There is no running around in his underwear, and no silly screaming scenes that he has built an empire on.
Hall is tender, sensitive, and perfectly cast as the enigmatic but lovely neighbor. I wish we would see her more at the movies. I love her realness. Dern is sharp in her one scene that although is quick, is essential to our story. This movie has a story to tell, tells it and makes a point. It is thought provoking and makes you think.
Everything Must Go, is flat out good. A new chapter for Farrell that he handled very well, Skillfully done, and wonderfully told. Way off the beaten path. A real movie goers must see.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Bridesmaids
Saturday Night Love alum Kristen Wiig has taken a stab at writing and starring in her new comedy, Bridesmaids new this week.
This attempt at a "Hangover" style flick for women will more than likely be a big hit, and find an audience that might not normally go to this kind of comedy. To be honest, there are not a lot of movies made like this. Here, our young women characters have their chance to act less than attractive in scenes on screen. In short, this is a story of a few young women all thrown together as a wedding party for one of their friends. They don't know each other well, and we'll see if they can get along. Been done before? Yes.
But being very fair, when I left Bridesmaids, I felt it was one of those movies that left me feeling very definite about many things in this movie. Let's run them down.
First, Kristen Wiig is a very, very funny woman. I've like her before in smaller roles in other flicks, but here she shines. She plays Annie the maid of honor, with no money, no prospects, a string of bad luck, a chip on her shoulder and terrible decision making about men. Wiig is a great mix of being strangely attractive, physically very funny, and a master of understated dialogue delivery. I like everything about her in this movie. Good to see her really take off.
Second, there are undeniably some hilarious moments here. Both traditionally funny, and some very funny guilty pleasure laughs where you can't help but laugh even though it can be a bit uncomfortable. There is some very harsh language at times, and some vile and vulgar moments. Bridesmaids is clearly rated R in every regard. You have to be prepared to go down a road that is generally reserved for "dude" flicks. This is not for everyone.
Bridesmaids also does a great job of showing the highly complicated relationships that can develop between young women in this situation. There is wonderful parody of women's cattiness, jealousy and tension over planning a wedding. And how they deal with all of this tension. The women in the theater were howling at those moments. They had all been there.
But definite too is this. Bridesmaids is ENTIRELY too long. Checking in at over 2 hours, I was stunned at this. This flick would have been way funnier at 90 minutes. That's about the life of a great comedy. There are a few specific scenes too that are so long, they wore out their welcome many minutes earlier. This happens a few times. There are too many characters and side plots that don't make Bridesmaids better, just belabored and longer. That has always been the knock on SNL as well. The writers don't know how to ends scenes on TV. That happens here terribly a few times.
Bridesmaids. Taking into account all the good and the bad, this is not a wash out. It's very funny at times, and awkward at times. Just like Wiig herself. Interesting reflection of the writer. But a far better editing job and better decisions throughout, this could have been far better. Wiig though is worth the price of a ticket.
This attempt at a "Hangover" style flick for women will more than likely be a big hit, and find an audience that might not normally go to this kind of comedy. To be honest, there are not a lot of movies made like this. Here, our young women characters have their chance to act less than attractive in scenes on screen. In short, this is a story of a few young women all thrown together as a wedding party for one of their friends. They don't know each other well, and we'll see if they can get along. Been done before? Yes.
But being very fair, when I left Bridesmaids, I felt it was one of those movies that left me feeling very definite about many things in this movie. Let's run them down.
First, Kristen Wiig is a very, very funny woman. I've like her before in smaller roles in other flicks, but here she shines. She plays Annie the maid of honor, with no money, no prospects, a string of bad luck, a chip on her shoulder and terrible decision making about men. Wiig is a great mix of being strangely attractive, physically very funny, and a master of understated dialogue delivery. I like everything about her in this movie. Good to see her really take off.
Second, there are undeniably some hilarious moments here. Both traditionally funny, and some very funny guilty pleasure laughs where you can't help but laugh even though it can be a bit uncomfortable. There is some very harsh language at times, and some vile and vulgar moments. Bridesmaids is clearly rated R in every regard. You have to be prepared to go down a road that is generally reserved for "dude" flicks. This is not for everyone.
Bridesmaids also does a great job of showing the highly complicated relationships that can develop between young women in this situation. There is wonderful parody of women's cattiness, jealousy and tension over planning a wedding. And how they deal with all of this tension. The women in the theater were howling at those moments. They had all been there.
But definite too is this. Bridesmaids is ENTIRELY too long. Checking in at over 2 hours, I was stunned at this. This flick would have been way funnier at 90 minutes. That's about the life of a great comedy. There are a few specific scenes too that are so long, they wore out their welcome many minutes earlier. This happens a few times. There are too many characters and side plots that don't make Bridesmaids better, just belabored and longer. That has always been the knock on SNL as well. The writers don't know how to ends scenes on TV. That happens here terribly a few times.
Bridesmaids. Taking into account all the good and the bad, this is not a wash out. It's very funny at times, and awkward at times. Just like Wiig herself. Interesting reflection of the writer. But a far better editing job and better decisions throughout, this could have been far better. Wiig though is worth the price of a ticket.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Thor
Well now that Thor is in theaters, the official start of the summer blockbusters is underway.
Thor is that latest in a long line of superhero movies, and there is no end in sight. They just keep cranking them out one after the other. Lots ask why there are so many, and the answer is simple. They make too much cash to not make them. These kinds of movies make piles of money, and much of it has nothing to do with the actual movie itself in theaters. The after market is so huge on these movies. Rentals, DVD sales, cable and network rights, and the toys, action figures, and fast food meals. Spend 250 million or so to make it, and they'll get it back many times over, over many years.
Thor too, continues the trend of Hollywood actively targeting and serving a very young audience that will love its non-stop action, loud soundtrack and if you choose the 3-D version that is stunning too for the young movie goer. But Thor, as most blockbuster flicks emphasis is on the bells and whistles after all, that is summer movie going.
But Thor is more than just that. When seen in 3-D it is visually stunning. A nice story pitting good against evil, set in our world of today, and in Thor's world, or realm, that is unimaginable to us. This is just the beginning, as we learn of how Thor becomes the King of his world, and longs for his mortal "queen" in ours.
Thor is blessed with a big cast, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Toss in a soaring musical soundtrack and a very imaginative vision for this old school story and this is pretty good movie making. This is summer fun, and that's all there is to it.
Thor. For what it is, I've certainly seen worse. This is designed to take you far away, and it does, and brings you back safely. Thor is more than you might think.
Thor is that latest in a long line of superhero movies, and there is no end in sight. They just keep cranking them out one after the other. Lots ask why there are so many, and the answer is simple. They make too much cash to not make them. These kinds of movies make piles of money, and much of it has nothing to do with the actual movie itself in theaters. The after market is so huge on these movies. Rentals, DVD sales, cable and network rights, and the toys, action figures, and fast food meals. Spend 250 million or so to make it, and they'll get it back many times over, over many years.
Thor too, continues the trend of Hollywood actively targeting and serving a very young audience that will love its non-stop action, loud soundtrack and if you choose the 3-D version that is stunning too for the young movie goer. But Thor, as most blockbuster flicks emphasis is on the bells and whistles after all, that is summer movie going.
But Thor is more than just that. When seen in 3-D it is visually stunning. A nice story pitting good against evil, set in our world of today, and in Thor's world, or realm, that is unimaginable to us. This is just the beginning, as we learn of how Thor becomes the King of his world, and longs for his mortal "queen" in ours.
Thor is blessed with a big cast, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, and Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Toss in a soaring musical soundtrack and a very imaginative vision for this old school story and this is pretty good movie making. This is summer fun, and that's all there is to it.
Thor. For what it is, I've certainly seen worse. This is designed to take you far away, and it does, and brings you back safely. Thor is more than you might think.
Friday, May 6, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Something Borrowed
The romantic comedy takes yet another beating here with this weeks Something Borrowed.
But there is a silver lining in this thing. We'll get there in a minute. Something Borrowed is classic romantic comedy formula. Young woman is getting married to a dashing young man. Trouble is the girls friend, you know the hopeless romantic friend is in love with the fiance' and has been for years. In fact, she introduced the two lovebirds to each other years ago in college. But as the wedding draws near, sparks are flying where they shouldn't. Will everything work out? That's Something Borrowed.
This stars Kate Hudson as Darcy, the completely self-absorbed fiance'. Darcy is so annoying, that you wonder how anyone can stomach her for an hour, let alone a lifetime. She is a rich, good time party girl that is best friends with Rachel, (Ginnifer Goodwin) since childhood. Trouble is Rachel is in love with Darcy's fiance', Dex (Colin Eggelston). Rachel is the 30 year old boring, lawyer who has none of the vivaciousness as Darcy. But Dex is falling for Rachel. Let's be honest. This has been done to death.
Hudson, could not be worse. She's hard to watch here and grates on your nerves I think even more than the director would want. Overall, Hudson is just not funny anymore. She's limited, and I think has worn out her welcome in the romantic comedy arena. In her slight defense, the writing here is abysmal and not well thought out. They ask Darcy to be irritating and drunk most of the time, and that's limiting for any actor. There is an attempt at the end for Darcy to grow a heart, but it's too late.
Now the silver lining. Ginnifer Goodwin is a star in the making. She has been in a few flicks, including Walk The Line, and He's Just Not That Into You. One great, and one bad respectively. But she is wonderful. Here again, she is lovely, alluring and wonderfully awkward as the lovable loser, love starved young woman. She does this so well. She is so easy to watch on screen, just as she was in He's Just Not That Into You. She was the star there, and here. You can't help but love her here, even as you're trying to choke down this movie, as it goes down sideways.
This formula here is so old. They try to spruce it up. And all they do is make you hate these characters more than like them. As this story stumbles down the aisle, you find you are hoping they all drive off a cliff in some kind of terrible misfortune so we can go home. But that does not happen. But I will tell you this, you will more than likely hate the end of this movie. It tries hard to make you feel something for these backstabbing New Yorkers. And it attempts to be a coming of age flick, and a "things in life change flick." But it fails. Luckily, this movie will get lost in the Thor vacuum that you'll hear loudly this weekend.
Something Borrowed. - Not good. But keep your eye on Ginnifer Goodwin. Simply wonderful yet again! I wish she worked more.
But there is a silver lining in this thing. We'll get there in a minute. Something Borrowed is classic romantic comedy formula. Young woman is getting married to a dashing young man. Trouble is the girls friend, you know the hopeless romantic friend is in love with the fiance' and has been for years. In fact, she introduced the two lovebirds to each other years ago in college. But as the wedding draws near, sparks are flying where they shouldn't. Will everything work out? That's Something Borrowed.
This stars Kate Hudson as Darcy, the completely self-absorbed fiance'. Darcy is so annoying, that you wonder how anyone can stomach her for an hour, let alone a lifetime. She is a rich, good time party girl that is best friends with Rachel, (Ginnifer Goodwin) since childhood. Trouble is Rachel is in love with Darcy's fiance', Dex (Colin Eggelston). Rachel is the 30 year old boring, lawyer who has none of the vivaciousness as Darcy. But Dex is falling for Rachel. Let's be honest. This has been done to death.
Hudson, could not be worse. She's hard to watch here and grates on your nerves I think even more than the director would want. Overall, Hudson is just not funny anymore. She's limited, and I think has worn out her welcome in the romantic comedy arena. In her slight defense, the writing here is abysmal and not well thought out. They ask Darcy to be irritating and drunk most of the time, and that's limiting for any actor. There is an attempt at the end for Darcy to grow a heart, but it's too late.
Now the silver lining. Ginnifer Goodwin is a star in the making. She has been in a few flicks, including Walk The Line, and He's Just Not That Into You. One great, and one bad respectively. But she is wonderful. Here again, she is lovely, alluring and wonderfully awkward as the lovable loser, love starved young woman. She does this so well. She is so easy to watch on screen, just as she was in He's Just Not That Into You. She was the star there, and here. You can't help but love her here, even as you're trying to choke down this movie, as it goes down sideways.
This formula here is so old. They try to spruce it up. And all they do is make you hate these characters more than like them. As this story stumbles down the aisle, you find you are hoping they all drive off a cliff in some kind of terrible misfortune so we can go home. But that does not happen. But I will tell you this, you will more than likely hate the end of this movie. It tries hard to make you feel something for these backstabbing New Yorkers. And it attempts to be a coming of age flick, and a "things in life change flick." But it fails. Luckily, this movie will get lost in the Thor vacuum that you'll hear loudly this weekend.
Something Borrowed. - Not good. But keep your eye on Ginnifer Goodwin. Simply wonderful yet again! I wish she worked more.
MOVIE REVIEW - Prom
Disney's new teen love story, Prom is in theaters this week.
Oh, no! All the prom decorations have been destroyed in a fire. Prom is three weeks away, what are we gonna do? Oh yeah, and Nova the class president doesn't have a date! This is terrible!
OK, enough kidding around, but that's the basic story of this new movie rated PG, that stars Aimee Teegarden as Nova and Thomas McDonnel as the sullen rebel teen, Jessie. Nova is of course the goodie-two shoes student without a blemish and she is in charge of making sure the prom goes off without a hitch. Jessie, the motorcycle riding teen has just gotten in trouble with the principal and now he must help Nova replace and make the prom decorations as part of his detention. So this sounds a bit silly? It is to you and me, but for middle school or early high school age girls, this movie will be right on the money.
Prom is a great example of an age old formula. Squeaky clean girl, and the rebel young boy. Opposites attract. With Nova and Jessie fall for each other? And will he ask her to the prom in the end? Well, of course he will. This is no secret. But as in these kinds of flicks, the audience doesn't care they know the answer before they walk in. There is joy in watching the predictable journey. And that's OK with me.
Prom is not for me. It's for a young adolescent crowd and it serves who it intends too very well. It's story, plot line, execution and casting set a far more tolerable and far less intense example than the Twilight movies. True, this is not going to be the hit Twilight is, and that's fine too. It may be said this is a poor mans Twilight. But Prom doesn't try to fool you that adults may like this movie. Prom is for a young audience, and they need movies too that aren't animated , computer generated or inappropriate. And Prom is none of these. Overall, Prom goes to great lengths to be safe for teens, and not to be square. - Kudos.
Teegarden is very good in this breakout role, very well cast, and so is McDonnel. Lot's of side characters and side plots too many to mention. All very easy to relate too, know matter how old you are. Some things about growing up never change.
Prom. Overall for whom it's for and who will go, this is timely and OK.
Oh, no! All the prom decorations have been destroyed in a fire. Prom is three weeks away, what are we gonna do? Oh yeah, and Nova the class president doesn't have a date! This is terrible!
OK, enough kidding around, but that's the basic story of this new movie rated PG, that stars Aimee Teegarden as Nova and Thomas McDonnel as the sullen rebel teen, Jessie. Nova is of course the goodie-two shoes student without a blemish and she is in charge of making sure the prom goes off without a hitch. Jessie, the motorcycle riding teen has just gotten in trouble with the principal and now he must help Nova replace and make the prom decorations as part of his detention. So this sounds a bit silly? It is to you and me, but for middle school or early high school age girls, this movie will be right on the money.
Prom is a great example of an age old formula. Squeaky clean girl, and the rebel young boy. Opposites attract. With Nova and Jessie fall for each other? And will he ask her to the prom in the end? Well, of course he will. This is no secret. But as in these kinds of flicks, the audience doesn't care they know the answer before they walk in. There is joy in watching the predictable journey. And that's OK with me.
Prom is not for me. It's for a young adolescent crowd and it serves who it intends too very well. It's story, plot line, execution and casting set a far more tolerable and far less intense example than the Twilight movies. True, this is not going to be the hit Twilight is, and that's fine too. It may be said this is a poor mans Twilight. But Prom doesn't try to fool you that adults may like this movie. Prom is for a young audience, and they need movies too that aren't animated , computer generated or inappropriate. And Prom is none of these. Overall, Prom goes to great lengths to be safe for teens, and not to be square. - Kudos.
Teegarden is very good in this breakout role, very well cast, and so is McDonnel. Lot's of side characters and side plots too many to mention. All very easy to relate too, know matter how old you are. Some things about growing up never change.
Prom. Overall for whom it's for and who will go, this is timely and OK.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
How Much Fun Is This?
The news has been so bad lately. You know what's going on from the terrible weather in our country, gas prices, to problems seemingly all over the world. This is a bad news cycle no doubt. But things will get better as they always do.
That's why we are in such need, especially locally of some really good news. A fun diversion from the melodramatic and melancholy mess that has gripped us recently. Enter the next logical choice for making us all a bit happier - the Cleveland Indians! That's right the Mighty Tribe! Stick with me, we're not going down a statistical x's and o's road here. But the best April in our teams 110 year history is reason to celebrate.
I feel the same way you do about much of what goes on in sports. I know these guys in all sports, and on all teams make way too much money. I'm not thrilled about the glorification of bad behavior from some professional athletes either. But I am equally appalled too, when it's Hollywood stars, big company executives, and politicians. In fact maybe more so. Because there is seldom "give back" from them by and large. But a team that wins? That's a different story.
If you really think about it, few things in a community can galvanize an area like a winning professional team. Especially one in an area that has had its share of tough luck. Football can, but it's only once a week. Basketball can but seldom does because of its players detachment from the fans. But baseball is a different story. It's every day. And that's the beauty of it. It's just like our lives. You wake up and go to battle every day. Not once a week. Every day. Baseball and life are very parallel.
The past few years when the Tribe has been less than competitive, it seemed almost cruel and torturous that they had to take the field every day. But today, right now...during this great run? We can't wait for the first pitch. I'm kind of ticked off when they have a day off. Baseball is funny that way. What many people with casual interest say is baseball's biggest problem, too many games, every single day. Actually becomes it's biggest asset. Every Day Is Game Day! Even if you're not going to Progressive Field, watching it on TV, or listening to is on the radio, you're probably are asking the score in the morning. I love watching baseball do, what only it can. Grip an area every day. And that is what is going on right here...right now.
Whether you are a big fan or not, right now you are aware that The Tribe is winning, and people are buzzing. It's all over social networks, people are talking about it and it flat out makes you feel good. It makes you feel good about your city, your area, and can rekindle civic pride. And that among all the bad news, there is a bunch of young guys playing really good baseball at the between Ontario and East 9th Street. Playing it the right way, and making the area proud.
I know these guys make too much money, the stadium cost too much, and a beer and hot dog there is a million dollars. I get it. And I am aware too that in baseball many times the blossoms of April can be the weeds of September... as it is a long season. But for right now, I am going to enjoy this great ride as long as it lasts, and I invite you to do the same. For as of this writing, there is one team in the major leagues that has the best record, and Chief Wahoo is on the uniform.
With the bad news right now, it's nice there is The Mighty Tribe! How much fun it this?
That's why we are in such need, especially locally of some really good news. A fun diversion from the melodramatic and melancholy mess that has gripped us recently. Enter the next logical choice for making us all a bit happier - the Cleveland Indians! That's right the Mighty Tribe! Stick with me, we're not going down a statistical x's and o's road here. But the best April in our teams 110 year history is reason to celebrate.
I feel the same way you do about much of what goes on in sports. I know these guys in all sports, and on all teams make way too much money. I'm not thrilled about the glorification of bad behavior from some professional athletes either. But I am equally appalled too, when it's Hollywood stars, big company executives, and politicians. In fact maybe more so. Because there is seldom "give back" from them by and large. But a team that wins? That's a different story.
If you really think about it, few things in a community can galvanize an area like a winning professional team. Especially one in an area that has had its share of tough luck. Football can, but it's only once a week. Basketball can but seldom does because of its players detachment from the fans. But baseball is a different story. It's every day. And that's the beauty of it. It's just like our lives. You wake up and go to battle every day. Not once a week. Every day. Baseball and life are very parallel.
The past few years when the Tribe has been less than competitive, it seemed almost cruel and torturous that they had to take the field every day. But today, right now...during this great run? We can't wait for the first pitch. I'm kind of ticked off when they have a day off. Baseball is funny that way. What many people with casual interest say is baseball's biggest problem, too many games, every single day. Actually becomes it's biggest asset. Every Day Is Game Day! Even if you're not going to Progressive Field, watching it on TV, or listening to is on the radio, you're probably are asking the score in the morning. I love watching baseball do, what only it can. Grip an area every day. And that is what is going on right here...right now.
Whether you are a big fan or not, right now you are aware that The Tribe is winning, and people are buzzing. It's all over social networks, people are talking about it and it flat out makes you feel good. It makes you feel good about your city, your area, and can rekindle civic pride. And that among all the bad news, there is a bunch of young guys playing really good baseball at the between Ontario and East 9th Street. Playing it the right way, and making the area proud.
I know these guys make too much money, the stadium cost too much, and a beer and hot dog there is a million dollars. I get it. And I am aware too that in baseball many times the blossoms of April can be the weeds of September... as it is a long season. But for right now, I am going to enjoy this great ride as long as it lasts, and I invite you to do the same. For as of this writing, there is one team in the major leagues that has the best record, and Chief Wahoo is on the uniform.
With the bad news right now, it's nice there is The Mighty Tribe! How much fun it this?
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