It is amazing that a toy from the early 1980's can stir such a huge fan base at the movies some 30 year later.
But Transformers continues to thrill an audience that already loves this move before they walk in. And virtually nothing that happens in that movie could shake their love for this flick. Sometimes there are just "can't miss" movies made and this is one of them. It's the continuing saga of the Autobots and the Decepticons and their attempt to protect or take over Earth respectfully. After the complete disaster of T2, a film even the film makers apologized for, there is some pressure on this one.
T3 makes an all out effort to be a grown up film. A virtual who's who of Hollywood has lined up even for the most rudimentary of roles to be in this one. They have hardened up the language, and have up-ed the stakes for even more intense computer generated violence between the robots. This franchise is trying to grow with it's core audience. I'm not so sure it can effectively though. T3 may be pretty cool for the 30n year old dudes in the crowd who played (or play with the toys), but may be getting a bit too edgy and intense in many regards for very the very young.
The special effects are of course incredible, but to be fair they are no different or better than a few years ago when this franchise first started out. This movie also leads one to believe that the real life moon walk and Apollo program of the 1960' and 1970's was to go to the moon to investigate the Autobots space ship crash there in 1961. For the record. It wasn't.
This also may the most product placed movie I have ever seen. Virtually all of the advertisers imaginable are on display in this movie. Everything from NASCAR to FedEx and everything in between. See how many you can count up. NASA is also on display in this movie. An hour or so of it's logo, and at a time that there seems to be a slowing in space exploration interest, I'm sure NASA is thrilled to be aligned with such a bit of pop culture.
If you are going to this movie, you will more than likely love it. That's why you're going. But being fair, you've seen this before in it's execution. The story continues to develop but in it's film making, there really is no new ground here. Lot's of battles, lots of action. And checking in at 2:25. You will certainly get your moneys worth. Showing in 2-D and 3-D.
Transformers 3. Overall more intense, but overall more of the same.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Midnight In Paris
Sometimes little movies have a big story.
Legendary movie maker Woody Allen has made a new "Allen" flick, Midnight In Paris. Understanding that Allen is an acquired taste, his movies are not for everyone. Always quirky, and off beat and always with that "Woody Allen" feel. I am not a fan of all of his flicks, but you always seem to know when you are watching one. Midnight In Paris is a small gem in this summer of big box office budget busters.
MIP is the story of Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams). They are a young couple from California who tag along with her parents as they take a trip to Paris. Inez and her family are typical snobs, and Gil is a writer that is romantically taken with Paris. He wants to move to Paris like in the old days of lore and write his great novel there. Inez does not. Gil feels he was born too late, and feels he relates better to an era gone by, rather than the modern day he lives in.
Then MIP takes a weird, but fun twist. One drunken night at midnight, he meets up with his heroes of The Expatriate Era in Paris in the 1920's. He ends up at a party with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Ernest Hemingway, and countless others who lived in Paris after WWI. He befriends them and starts to live in their world every night at midnight. He has been transported somehow back in time. Will this "revelation" help him with the clarity he needs to help him write his novel, or make the right choices in his life? That's Midnight In Paris. Sound strange? It is, it's Woody Allen.
Wonderfully written, most creative, really snappy dialogue, and interesting casting choices put Wilson and McAdams in roles they've never attempted before. Both are terrific, and so is the supporting cast. Wilson especially is really great. Usually limited to mindless roles in comedies and action flicks, he shines here and shows he really can do this. Mix in a fun soundtrack that is so typical of Allen. And a fabulous backdrop of Paris itself, and you have a real fun 90 minute getaway at the movies. This movie will find a very, and I mean very limited audience, but no matter. Midnight In Paris is a fun reason to go to the movies.
Woody Allen after all this time, can still put on a real nice movie, and this one is. Midnight In Paris is all that is good about an Allen film, and good fun.
Legendary movie maker Woody Allen has made a new "Allen" flick, Midnight In Paris. Understanding that Allen is an acquired taste, his movies are not for everyone. Always quirky, and off beat and always with that "Woody Allen" feel. I am not a fan of all of his flicks, but you always seem to know when you are watching one. Midnight In Paris is a small gem in this summer of big box office budget busters.
MIP is the story of Gil (Owen Wilson) and Inez (Rachel McAdams). They are a young couple from California who tag along with her parents as they take a trip to Paris. Inez and her family are typical snobs, and Gil is a writer that is romantically taken with Paris. He wants to move to Paris like in the old days of lore and write his great novel there. Inez does not. Gil feels he was born too late, and feels he relates better to an era gone by, rather than the modern day he lives in.
Then MIP takes a weird, but fun twist. One drunken night at midnight, he meets up with his heroes of The Expatriate Era in Paris in the 1920's. He ends up at a party with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Ernest Hemingway, and countless others who lived in Paris after WWI. He befriends them and starts to live in their world every night at midnight. He has been transported somehow back in time. Will this "revelation" help him with the clarity he needs to help him write his novel, or make the right choices in his life? That's Midnight In Paris. Sound strange? It is, it's Woody Allen.
Wonderfully written, most creative, really snappy dialogue, and interesting casting choices put Wilson and McAdams in roles they've never attempted before. Both are terrific, and so is the supporting cast. Wilson especially is really great. Usually limited to mindless roles in comedies and action flicks, he shines here and shows he really can do this. Mix in a fun soundtrack that is so typical of Allen. And a fabulous backdrop of Paris itself, and you have a real fun 90 minute getaway at the movies. This movie will find a very, and I mean very limited audience, but no matter. Midnight In Paris is a fun reason to go to the movies.
Woody Allen after all this time, can still put on a real nice movie, and this one is. Midnight In Paris is all that is good about an Allen film, and good fun.
Friday, June 24, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Bad Teacher
Cameron Diaz is back in the new comedy Bad Teacher.
It's another in a long line of raunchy comedies that have come down the pike lately. In short, it's the story (if there really is one) about a teacher, Elizabeth (Diaz). She teaches English at a middle school, and her ultimate goal in life is to marry a rich guy so she doesn't have to work anymore. She then thinks the way to get that goal accomplished is to get a breast enhancement done so she can attract the right guy.
She is a terrible teacher. She's either drunk all the time, or high as she smokes grass in the school parking lot most of the time. She sleeps in class, she hates her students, has horrible language and hates her job. She is a user, and a loser. She then sets her sights on Scott (Justin Timberlake) who teachers with her. She thinks he is rich from family money. All the while being pursued by the gym teacher (Jason Segel) as the other teachers look on.
Raunchy can be fun at times. But the real trouble here is this. Diaz does the same thing over and over in this movie. And it wasn't funny the first time. She is not a funny woman. Not before, and certainly not now. This movie just reeks of desperation on her part. Being cast in a raunchy "comedy" that requires nothing except smoking pot, and cussing. In her big scene at the students car wash where she of course wears little clothing and soaps up with a sponge and garden hose to draw attention. She can't even really be sexy anymore. Final straw. This is just flat out embarrassing. If you've seen the trailer for this movie, you have seen the whole thing.
This movie tries to have a story, but it's disjointed, and silly. Then it gets worse as they pull out all the junior high humor stops as the movie goes on. And this thing just spirals out of control to it's eventual demise. A bright spot though is Lucy Punch as the eccentric, perky young teacher, Miss Squirrel is pretty darn funny here. Timberlake too, has a moment or two, but he deteriorates as the flick moves on. Not his fault, bad writing. Also, Phyllis Smith as teacher Lynn, a scared of her shadow, reluctant, understated, quirky friend is very funny. She was totally underused here.
In short, Bad Teacher never gets off the ground. This satirical concept actually could have been funny handled and written properly. But it's not good. It takes the easy way out. Sometimes makers as so focused on making a "cool" movie they take their eye off the ball. My goodness, how many scenes do we have to watch Diaz do nothing creative on camera? Pay attention guys.
Bad Teacher. It will be a hit, and find an audience. But the full theater wanted to laugh today way more than it actually did. And for those that walked out halfway, I wonder if you got your money back.
It's another in a long line of raunchy comedies that have come down the pike lately. In short, it's the story (if there really is one) about a teacher, Elizabeth (Diaz). She teaches English at a middle school, and her ultimate goal in life is to marry a rich guy so she doesn't have to work anymore. She then thinks the way to get that goal accomplished is to get a breast enhancement done so she can attract the right guy.
She is a terrible teacher. She's either drunk all the time, or high as she smokes grass in the school parking lot most of the time. She sleeps in class, she hates her students, has horrible language and hates her job. She is a user, and a loser. She then sets her sights on Scott (Justin Timberlake) who teachers with her. She thinks he is rich from family money. All the while being pursued by the gym teacher (Jason Segel) as the other teachers look on.
Raunchy can be fun at times. But the real trouble here is this. Diaz does the same thing over and over in this movie. And it wasn't funny the first time. She is not a funny woman. Not before, and certainly not now. This movie just reeks of desperation on her part. Being cast in a raunchy "comedy" that requires nothing except smoking pot, and cussing. In her big scene at the students car wash where she of course wears little clothing and soaps up with a sponge and garden hose to draw attention. She can't even really be sexy anymore. Final straw. This is just flat out embarrassing. If you've seen the trailer for this movie, you have seen the whole thing.
This movie tries to have a story, but it's disjointed, and silly. Then it gets worse as they pull out all the junior high humor stops as the movie goes on. And this thing just spirals out of control to it's eventual demise. A bright spot though is Lucy Punch as the eccentric, perky young teacher, Miss Squirrel is pretty darn funny here. Timberlake too, has a moment or two, but he deteriorates as the flick moves on. Not his fault, bad writing. Also, Phyllis Smith as teacher Lynn, a scared of her shadow, reluctant, understated, quirky friend is very funny. She was totally underused here.
In short, Bad Teacher never gets off the ground. This satirical concept actually could have been funny handled and written properly. But it's not good. It takes the easy way out. Sometimes makers as so focused on making a "cool" movie they take their eye off the ball. My goodness, how many scenes do we have to watch Diaz do nothing creative on camera? Pay attention guys.
Bad Teacher. It will be a hit, and find an audience. But the full theater wanted to laugh today way more than it actually did. And for those that walked out halfway, I wonder if you got your money back.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW -The Art Of Getting By
Small movies sometimes are diamonds in the rough.
I'm not so sure The Art Of Getting By is, but it is honest. Honest enough that it could be tough for some parents who have honest self awareness to watch. I've heard it described as a "teen coming of age" movie, and I guess it literally is. But to me it was more.
TAOGB is very straight forward social commentary. It's the story of George and Sally, and their various friends and acquaintances in high school. Set in modern day, George and Sally go to a private school in New York City. George is as unmotivated in life and school as one can be. He is also completely isolated and socially terrible. He is a walking statue. Sally is pretty, outgoing, but also totally scraping by. So are all of their friends, and everyone in their lives. These kids and young adults are living adult lives long before they should or are ready. And are not better for it.
But what a surprise. They have all been raised by equally self centered, immature, hands off parents who have let the kids call the shots. Their parents have made one horrible decision after another and are shocked when their kids do the same. This is the fruit of their lack of labor. Entitled kids with no real direction in life that's meaningful, just like their parents. Pretty powerful stuff. Hard to watch at times, about a problem that could be far too common.
George is on the verge of not graduating high school and just being swallowed up by the world. And Sally just wants to be happy, and loved. Can they work this out? Life, and their lives? That's the deal here. My take on this flick was, this was a bad parenting wake-up call movie as much as a teen flick. Told through the teens eyes, it shows what the modern teen can go through when there is nothing there for them at home. Of course, all bear some responsibility, but the commentary here is, all need to get in the game.
This is a very tidy little movie coming in at 80 minutes, and that's about all you can take. But this small movie takes on a big topic, and although I wanted to like this movie a lot, some is the best I can do. I respect the angle, and I respect the idea. But during the credits, it dawns on you that you've just been asked to have empathy for entitled East Coast kids of privilege as they seemingly squander away one chance after another that many would die for. And that will miss with many. Hard to cheer for anyone here.
The Art of Getting By. New polish on an old idea. If you are a real movie goer, be one of the tens that will see this before it goes away - quickly.
I'm not so sure The Art Of Getting By is, but it is honest. Honest enough that it could be tough for some parents who have honest self awareness to watch. I've heard it described as a "teen coming of age" movie, and I guess it literally is. But to me it was more.
TAOGB is very straight forward social commentary. It's the story of George and Sally, and their various friends and acquaintances in high school. Set in modern day, George and Sally go to a private school in New York City. George is as unmotivated in life and school as one can be. He is also completely isolated and socially terrible. He is a walking statue. Sally is pretty, outgoing, but also totally scraping by. So are all of their friends, and everyone in their lives. These kids and young adults are living adult lives long before they should or are ready. And are not better for it.
But what a surprise. They have all been raised by equally self centered, immature, hands off parents who have let the kids call the shots. Their parents have made one horrible decision after another and are shocked when their kids do the same. This is the fruit of their lack of labor. Entitled kids with no real direction in life that's meaningful, just like their parents. Pretty powerful stuff. Hard to watch at times, about a problem that could be far too common.
George is on the verge of not graduating high school and just being swallowed up by the world. And Sally just wants to be happy, and loved. Can they work this out? Life, and their lives? That's the deal here. My take on this flick was, this was a bad parenting wake-up call movie as much as a teen flick. Told through the teens eyes, it shows what the modern teen can go through when there is nothing there for them at home. Of course, all bear some responsibility, but the commentary here is, all need to get in the game.
This is a very tidy little movie coming in at 80 minutes, and that's about all you can take. But this small movie takes on a big topic, and although I wanted to like this movie a lot, some is the best I can do. I respect the angle, and I respect the idea. But during the credits, it dawns on you that you've just been asked to have empathy for entitled East Coast kids of privilege as they seemingly squander away one chance after another that many would die for. And that will miss with many. Hard to cheer for anyone here.
The Art of Getting By. New polish on an old idea. If you are a real movie goer, be one of the tens that will see this before it goes away - quickly.
MOVIE REVIEW - Mr. Poppers Penguins
Jim Carrey is back and this time it's a true family with Mr. Poppers Penguins.
Carrey has been around now in the movies for 20 years or so, and we are used to him as a comic with the rubbery face, and the silly ad-libbed one liners, and that's great fun. We've also seen a more serious Carrey at time, say Truman Show, Simon Birch and others. This is family movie Carrey, and to be fair, it's alright.
True family movies I think are hard to review. How do you truthfully find critical flaw in a movie that is clearly targeted at a very young audience? Of course, for older viewers there is going to be the eye rolling. But the idea is to laugh at the little ones that are gazing at the wonder on screen, laughing hysterically at a show made specifically for them.
Carrey stars as Mr. Popper. He is a successful real estate agent who always get the deal in New York city. He is divorced with two kids who are teens or so, and dad is always goo busy, or just not cool anymore. Until Popper's father passes away, and leaves him 6 full grown penguins from the South Pole. The kids love them. And there is plenty to love. And there are plenty of antics and tom-foolery to go around. How do you keep these penguins a secret? And do they hold the key to reuniting this family?
Carrey is funny, but not over the top here, and that's a good thing. A nice mix of scratching what he was, and channeling what he is. Carrey is now 50ish, and the Dumb And Dumber thing just doesn't work anymore. The penguins, (mix of real birds and computer generated) are funny, and give the kids much to cackle over for 90 minutes. Carrey does the real smart thing, and let's them be the star, and doesn't ramp up a competition with the animals. You always lose that one.
With a few side plots and some fun supporting cast members, Jeffery Tambor, Angela Landsbury and others, Mr. Poppers Penguins over all is good family fun. There may be a bit too much bathroom humor at times, but it's harmless. And the kids cracked up the whole time. And being honest again, it's the rare movie that garners applause at the end from the crowd. This movie got some. Not sure it deserved it, but it's more proof that kids loved it and mom and dad survived it.
Mr. Poppers Penguins. It's not a real movie, it's family fun. That's what it is. No more, no less.
Carrey has been around now in the movies for 20 years or so, and we are used to him as a comic with the rubbery face, and the silly ad-libbed one liners, and that's great fun. We've also seen a more serious Carrey at time, say Truman Show, Simon Birch and others. This is family movie Carrey, and to be fair, it's alright.
True family movies I think are hard to review. How do you truthfully find critical flaw in a movie that is clearly targeted at a very young audience? Of course, for older viewers there is going to be the eye rolling. But the idea is to laugh at the little ones that are gazing at the wonder on screen, laughing hysterically at a show made specifically for them.
Carrey stars as Mr. Popper. He is a successful real estate agent who always get the deal in New York city. He is divorced with two kids who are teens or so, and dad is always goo busy, or just not cool anymore. Until Popper's father passes away, and leaves him 6 full grown penguins from the South Pole. The kids love them. And there is plenty to love. And there are plenty of antics and tom-foolery to go around. How do you keep these penguins a secret? And do they hold the key to reuniting this family?
Carrey is funny, but not over the top here, and that's a good thing. A nice mix of scratching what he was, and channeling what he is. Carrey is now 50ish, and the Dumb And Dumber thing just doesn't work anymore. The penguins, (mix of real birds and computer generated) are funny, and give the kids much to cackle over for 90 minutes. Carrey does the real smart thing, and let's them be the star, and doesn't ramp up a competition with the animals. You always lose that one.
With a few side plots and some fun supporting cast members, Jeffery Tambor, Angela Landsbury and others, Mr. Poppers Penguins over all is good family fun. There may be a bit too much bathroom humor at times, but it's harmless. And the kids cracked up the whole time. And being honest again, it's the rare movie that garners applause at the end from the crowd. This movie got some. Not sure it deserved it, but it's more proof that kids loved it and mom and dad survived it.
Mr. Poppers Penguins. It's not a real movie, it's family fun. That's what it is. No more, no less.
Friday, June 17, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Green Lantern
Ryan Reynolds as a superhero? Is that the road we are going down?
That's the deal here in the yet another comic book come to life and this time it's the Green Lantern. It's another super special effected flick, that tries to explain the origins of the Green Lantern in our world. And how Hal (Reynolds) becomes the protector of the earth. Don't we have enough of this stuff out right now? Evidently not.
But you try to go in with an open mind, a watchful eye, and walking in with low expectation sometimes is a good thing. GL is OK. They makers of this movie in an all out effort to try not to wander too far off the original premise of the story, do remain true. Everything is very carefully explained for the purists. And there is enough computer generated stuff to hold the attention of those who could really care less about the story, and just want to see what special effects can be conjured up next.
I will say that Reynolds holds his own here, but truthfully, there is not a great deal of acting asked of him. Mostly it's jumping around in front of a big screen so the set can be superimposed behind him. Lots of pretend flying that kind of stuff. And there is a big gravy train riding cast of Blake Lively, Tim Robbins, Angela Basset and others do give this flick a bit of cred. The special effects are big, up to the minute in cutting edge and non-stop. A huge level of sophistication for such an old school story.
Being honest, I am not sure how many women will really be interested in this Sci-Fi borderline geek fest. That's what Reynolds, and Lively are for. This story is way too complicated to tell you here in these short notes, but it's OK. Trouble is, all of these superhero movies are really starting to look the same. It's the same formula time after time. Just insert new star here, insert up and coming actress here, big effects here, and a soaring soundtrack here and you're good to go.
But Green Lantern is OK. True, it's Thor, Iron Man, and blah blah all over again, it sort of works. It's not too long, and for the exception of a very slow 15 minutes or so in the middle, and draggy start, Green Lantern is entertaining.
Not great, not really anything that will move you, Green Lantern though is summer fun, and get ready there are many more of these ahead.
That's the deal here in the yet another comic book come to life and this time it's the Green Lantern. It's another super special effected flick, that tries to explain the origins of the Green Lantern in our world. And how Hal (Reynolds) becomes the protector of the earth. Don't we have enough of this stuff out right now? Evidently not.
But you try to go in with an open mind, a watchful eye, and walking in with low expectation sometimes is a good thing. GL is OK. They makers of this movie in an all out effort to try not to wander too far off the original premise of the story, do remain true. Everything is very carefully explained for the purists. And there is enough computer generated stuff to hold the attention of those who could really care less about the story, and just want to see what special effects can be conjured up next.
I will say that Reynolds holds his own here, but truthfully, there is not a great deal of acting asked of him. Mostly it's jumping around in front of a big screen so the set can be superimposed behind him. Lots of pretend flying that kind of stuff. And there is a big gravy train riding cast of Blake Lively, Tim Robbins, Angela Basset and others do give this flick a bit of cred. The special effects are big, up to the minute in cutting edge and non-stop. A huge level of sophistication for such an old school story.
Being honest, I am not sure how many women will really be interested in this Sci-Fi borderline geek fest. That's what Reynolds, and Lively are for. This story is way too complicated to tell you here in these short notes, but it's OK. Trouble is, all of these superhero movies are really starting to look the same. It's the same formula time after time. Just insert new star here, insert up and coming actress here, big effects here, and a soaring soundtrack here and you're good to go.
But Green Lantern is OK. True, it's Thor, Iron Man, and blah blah all over again, it sort of works. It's not too long, and for the exception of a very slow 15 minutes or so in the middle, and draggy start, Green Lantern is entertaining.
Not great, not really anything that will move you, Green Lantern though is summer fun, and get ready there are many more of these ahead.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunny Sweeney
I was talking with rising star Sunny Sweeney the other day at the Brad Paisley show. On a beautiful sun splashed, breezy day we talked about how this was a good time to be in Country Music. And it is.
Sunny was getting ready for her performance on the H20 Stage in the Gateway Plaza. I have been a Sunny fan since the first time I heard her first single, From A Table Away, many months ago. I remember I was driving into work to do the show on WQMX at about 3AM. And this fresh country song came rocketing through the night. Traditional in nature, with a thump and a beat, channeling an honest voice resonating a story of love and lust seemingly gone wrong, and for naught. The thing I really remember was how good that song actually sounded on the radio, and in the middle of the night, just added to the drama.
In today's country music, a real hurtin' song, from a young woman. Sounds almost like a novel idea. I'm a fan of hurtin' songs. They are part of the backbone of country music. And at times, it seems like they are not as prevalent as they used to be. There's plenty of, you're too good to be true songs. Tons of I'm over you songs, and soaring vocal ballads a plenty. There's room for all. And we are in the midst of the greatest country era maybe ever. Great balance, with artists ranging from traditional to borderline classic rock to young pop country. There is something for everyone.
Sunny Sweeney has the right idea. From East Texas, she said she grew up listening to two types of music. Country, and ...Country. And that's what she is. It's honest, straight forward and unapologetic. I'll be honest, I love hearing a woman sing a good hurtin' song. And to be more than honest, I love listening to Sunny Sweeney sing a country song. It's no BS stuff. Here I am, here's my story, and this is what it feels like. Her second single, Stayin's Worse Than Leavin', powerful stuff too.
I have listened to her sing in person, and on the radio, and in my stereo. I believe every word she sings, and that is the grand separator for a country singer. We always like the ones that have lived the songs they sing. That goes back to the beginning, and remains today. Happy or sad, we want to believe it. When we do it's powerful, and we relate to it. And in the end you can't fool us. Fans will see right through the glass.
We use the term "cut through" in radio sometimes. Does the sound cut through? Is there something about a certain artist that pops out? When I heard Sunny singing on the air for the first time, it was different. I knew it was someone new, there was a story being told from the gut, over a steel guitar and few barroom guitars. Good stuff.
I believe there is room for many styles in today's country. And I think that in the sum of all works we need a good balance. Her music sounds as good in a BMW as an F-150, an Ipod, or a truck stop jukebox. I believe Sunny Sweeney is good balance, good music, and her message is clear. A fresh new a face with the stuff to contend.
I believe in Sunny Sweeney.
Sunny was getting ready for her performance on the H20 Stage in the Gateway Plaza. I have been a Sunny fan since the first time I heard her first single, From A Table Away, many months ago. I remember I was driving into work to do the show on WQMX at about 3AM. And this fresh country song came rocketing through the night. Traditional in nature, with a thump and a beat, channeling an honest voice resonating a story of love and lust seemingly gone wrong, and for naught. The thing I really remember was how good that song actually sounded on the radio, and in the middle of the night, just added to the drama.
In today's country music, a real hurtin' song, from a young woman. Sounds almost like a novel idea. I'm a fan of hurtin' songs. They are part of the backbone of country music. And at times, it seems like they are not as prevalent as they used to be. There's plenty of, you're too good to be true songs. Tons of I'm over you songs, and soaring vocal ballads a plenty. There's room for all. And we are in the midst of the greatest country era maybe ever. Great balance, with artists ranging from traditional to borderline classic rock to young pop country. There is something for everyone.
Sunny Sweeney has the right idea. From East Texas, she said she grew up listening to two types of music. Country, and ...Country. And that's what she is. It's honest, straight forward and unapologetic. I'll be honest, I love hearing a woman sing a good hurtin' song. And to be more than honest, I love listening to Sunny Sweeney sing a country song. It's no BS stuff. Here I am, here's my story, and this is what it feels like. Her second single, Stayin's Worse Than Leavin', powerful stuff too.
I have listened to her sing in person, and on the radio, and in my stereo. I believe every word she sings, and that is the grand separator for a country singer. We always like the ones that have lived the songs they sing. That goes back to the beginning, and remains today. Happy or sad, we want to believe it. When we do it's powerful, and we relate to it. And in the end you can't fool us. Fans will see right through the glass.
We use the term "cut through" in radio sometimes. Does the sound cut through? Is there something about a certain artist that pops out? When I heard Sunny singing on the air for the first time, it was different. I knew it was someone new, there was a story being told from the gut, over a steel guitar and few barroom guitars. Good stuff.
I believe there is room for many styles in today's country. And I think that in the sum of all works we need a good balance. Her music sounds as good in a BMW as an F-150, an Ipod, or a truck stop jukebox. I believe Sunny Sweeney is good balance, good music, and her message is clear. A fresh new a face with the stuff to contend.
I believe in Sunny Sweeney.
Friday, June 10, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - Super 8
Steven Spielbergs's new summer flick, Super 8 opens to much fanfare this weekend. And were off and running for the big summer movies.
Super 8 is set in rural Ohio in 1979. It's the story of this group of young kids, middle school age that somehow find themselves in the middle of a major government cover up. But what exactly is the Air Force covering up? These kids are having fun, making a zombie movie on the old super 8 film. For many of you, that makes no sense. But before there was video tape there was regular 8 and then super 8 film. No sound,just a grainy picture, and film pack that would only hold about 5 minutes of action. As they are filming, they accidentally capture a major train derailment in their town. And end up seeing things the Air Force wish they wouldn't have.
The small town of Lillian, Ohio now after this accident, is being terrorized by something. No one knows what. What exactly was on that ill-fated train that is so dangerous, so enormous that it's causing all this? Some being, that is causing major trouble, and forcing the government to swoop in and take over the town. Will the kids and the town survive this turmoil? That is Super 8.
Super 8 is typical Speilberg. It is highly entertaining, and not too intense. His action flicks by and large have a nice feel to them. It has been said that he can make great scenes, but not great movies. That is a bit harsh, but there are some really great scenes here. But for some, the end result may be a let down. This has happened before. War Of The Worlds, and a few others come to mind. A great idea that somehow just doesn't kick the door all the way down. The trouble spots in Super 8, are problems with story and writing, and not movie making execution.
Teen aged 1979 is captured spot on here. It's done through music, cars, wonderful sets, and costuming. But far more importantly, it's captured through mood, and feel. These kids are perfectly cast, and the actions, emotions, and a certain innocence of the time is perfect. You can feel it. Although they are not perfect kids, the things parents wish they were not doing in 1979, by today's standards are tame. If you were a teen then, this movie will really speak to you in that regard. Well, well done.
There is plenty of action here, but much of it is not overly compelling. And to be fair, there are a few loose ends out there, and some things not made overly clear as the plot goes on. Super 8 is also a bit too convenient at times, and rushed through a bit quickly at critical times. There will be those too who will find the end payoff a bit shallow. But I'm not sure that is a deal breaker. The allure of Super 8 will be transporting those back to a time, and watching their adolescence all over again, only in a summer action movie.
Because of a generation gap, this may not be for 20ish year-olds. Although they will enjoy the action and effects, because of how fast we've gone down the high tech trail, some of this may look like a silent movie to them. But, this target is a bit older. For those who would like to see their junior high friends one more time.
Super 8. It's not super great. But it is summer fun. And in the end, that's all it is supposed to be.
Super 8 is set in rural Ohio in 1979. It's the story of this group of young kids, middle school age that somehow find themselves in the middle of a major government cover up. But what exactly is the Air Force covering up? These kids are having fun, making a zombie movie on the old super 8 film. For many of you, that makes no sense. But before there was video tape there was regular 8 and then super 8 film. No sound,just a grainy picture, and film pack that would only hold about 5 minutes of action. As they are filming, they accidentally capture a major train derailment in their town. And end up seeing things the Air Force wish they wouldn't have.
The small town of Lillian, Ohio now after this accident, is being terrorized by something. No one knows what. What exactly was on that ill-fated train that is so dangerous, so enormous that it's causing all this? Some being, that is causing major trouble, and forcing the government to swoop in and take over the town. Will the kids and the town survive this turmoil? That is Super 8.
Super 8 is typical Speilberg. It is highly entertaining, and not too intense. His action flicks by and large have a nice feel to them. It has been said that he can make great scenes, but not great movies. That is a bit harsh, but there are some really great scenes here. But for some, the end result may be a let down. This has happened before. War Of The Worlds, and a few others come to mind. A great idea that somehow just doesn't kick the door all the way down. The trouble spots in Super 8, are problems with story and writing, and not movie making execution.
Teen aged 1979 is captured spot on here. It's done through music, cars, wonderful sets, and costuming. But far more importantly, it's captured through mood, and feel. These kids are perfectly cast, and the actions, emotions, and a certain innocence of the time is perfect. You can feel it. Although they are not perfect kids, the things parents wish they were not doing in 1979, by today's standards are tame. If you were a teen then, this movie will really speak to you in that regard. Well, well done.
There is plenty of action here, but much of it is not overly compelling. And to be fair, there are a few loose ends out there, and some things not made overly clear as the plot goes on. Super 8 is also a bit too convenient at times, and rushed through a bit quickly at critical times. There will be those too who will find the end payoff a bit shallow. But I'm not sure that is a deal breaker. The allure of Super 8 will be transporting those back to a time, and watching their adolescence all over again, only in a summer action movie.
Because of a generation gap, this may not be for 20ish year-olds. Although they will enjoy the action and effects, because of how fast we've gone down the high tech trail, some of this may look like a silent movie to them. But, this target is a bit older. For those who would like to see their junior high friends one more time.
Super 8. It's not super great. But it is summer fun. And in the end, that's all it is supposed to be.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
MOVIE REVIEW - X-Men First Class
More superhero comic book movies at the theaters this week with X-Men First Class, and we're not a better nation for it. I am not anti-superhero movie. But enough is enough.
For heavens sake. How far are they going to take some of this stuff anyway. X-Men FC, is a prequel on how then eventual X-Men became, X-Men. And to be frank, do we need this? I'm thinking not. But a whopping pay day in on the way for this studio, and these actors in a way most of them have never dreamed. But this is a total cheese-fest of the first order.
This story does have some allure and intriguing moments and ideas. It starts back in the 1940's as the mutant experiment that goes awry, and now mutants with tremendous powers are among us. One goes completely rogue, Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon). His plan is that since mankind will hunt down and exterminate the mutants, he then decides to orchestrate the real life Cuban Missile Crises of the early 1960's. The plan is that mankind will destroy themselves with nuclear war, and the mutants will take over and flourish on earth. For anyone under 35 reading this, we should point out, that "mutants" did not prevent the Cuban Missile Crises from happening, or prevent nuclear war as this movie takes credit for.
The one good thing about this flick is this. The beginning of the movie, where they establish Shaw as a diabolical and insane international criminal is very good. His character has a James Bond villain feel to it at it's inception. But then it all goes horribly wrong. This movie turns so bad it borders on unwatchable. It saddens me that Kevin Bacon got involved here. So many great movies to his credit like Apollo 13. But after you lose all your money as it was reported he did on Wall Street, I guess you gotta get on the gravy train. He is a fine actor, that has no business playing dress up with this bunch.
Special effects that are average at best, too many characters trying to squeeze in their time on screen, and scenes so amazingly absurd it resembles a bad monster movie from Japan in the 1960's. The final hour of this two hour quagmire is so incredibly horrible, I am amazed it made it through editing. It looks like they were making this up as they went along. Absolutely ridiculous fight scenes, that are embarrassing to the actors themselves. But for most of them, this is the payday they've waited for. So a little "Dude, you look ridiculous" from their friends and spouses will be all worthwhile.
James McAvoy who was just great in the recent, The Conspirator that was heralded by some as a great flick, stars here as well. But The Conspirator doesn't pay the bills, and this trash will be the gift that keeps on giving for all these actors. Hope your contract was good. Because this is rock bottom for sheer performing and acting. It looks like these guys were playing some superhero game in the backyard at 8 years old. Great activity for kids, but a movie?
X-Men First Class. Poorly named. Because this is a first class bomb.
For heavens sake. How far are they going to take some of this stuff anyway. X-Men FC, is a prequel on how then eventual X-Men became, X-Men. And to be frank, do we need this? I'm thinking not. But a whopping pay day in on the way for this studio, and these actors in a way most of them have never dreamed. But this is a total cheese-fest of the first order.
This story does have some allure and intriguing moments and ideas. It starts back in the 1940's as the mutant experiment that goes awry, and now mutants with tremendous powers are among us. One goes completely rogue, Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon). His plan is that since mankind will hunt down and exterminate the mutants, he then decides to orchestrate the real life Cuban Missile Crises of the early 1960's. The plan is that mankind will destroy themselves with nuclear war, and the mutants will take over and flourish on earth. For anyone under 35 reading this, we should point out, that "mutants" did not prevent the Cuban Missile Crises from happening, or prevent nuclear war as this movie takes credit for.
The one good thing about this flick is this. The beginning of the movie, where they establish Shaw as a diabolical and insane international criminal is very good. His character has a James Bond villain feel to it at it's inception. But then it all goes horribly wrong. This movie turns so bad it borders on unwatchable. It saddens me that Kevin Bacon got involved here. So many great movies to his credit like Apollo 13. But after you lose all your money as it was reported he did on Wall Street, I guess you gotta get on the gravy train. He is a fine actor, that has no business playing dress up with this bunch.
Special effects that are average at best, too many characters trying to squeeze in their time on screen, and scenes so amazingly absurd it resembles a bad monster movie from Japan in the 1960's. The final hour of this two hour quagmire is so incredibly horrible, I am amazed it made it through editing. It looks like they were making this up as they went along. Absolutely ridiculous fight scenes, that are embarrassing to the actors themselves. But for most of them, this is the payday they've waited for. So a little "Dude, you look ridiculous" from their friends and spouses will be all worthwhile.
James McAvoy who was just great in the recent, The Conspirator that was heralded by some as a great flick, stars here as well. But The Conspirator doesn't pay the bills, and this trash will be the gift that keeps on giving for all these actors. Hope your contract was good. Because this is rock bottom for sheer performing and acting. It looks like these guys were playing some superhero game in the backyard at 8 years old. Great activity for kids, but a movie?
X-Men First Class. Poorly named. Because this is a first class bomb.
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