Well what a week it's been. What a firestorm over the blown call on Monday Night Football this week. The result? The "real" NFL referees return to work just in time for our Cleveland Browns to take on the Ravens tonight on national TV.
I am glad. Mostly for finally not having to watch that silly play rerun a million times a day on television. We get it. It was missed, and the Packers still lost. Now ESPN will have to resume talking about the New York Yankees, and New England Patriots every second of every day again.
Now we have the refs back. This is certainly going to be the shortest honeymoon of all time. Of course, tonight at 8PM the refs will be cheered wildly, then on the first blown call they will really hear it, as per norm. This will probably happen midway through the first quarter. The reality of this whole thing is, these guys are overseeing the largest, fastest, most physical sport on the planet. And there are going to be problems in officiating it. The replacements can't be called out. They were over matched by the NFL game, the spotlight and stage, not by their lack of knowledge of football in general.
But let's not forget, the "real" refs have their problems too. They are in fact, the reason we have instant replay in the first place. Fans became so enraged and weary of decades of blown and missed calls on national TV they demanded to institute replay. And they still don't always get it right. Heck, remember it was the "real" officials that even blew a coin flip on the 50 yard line of the Superbowl a few years ago in front of literally a billion people. That play of course is not reviewable. So what's the over/under on how fast it will take for living rooms all over Northeast Ohio and Baltimore to be screaming at the TV that the ref blew a call or two tonight? And they will. Because they are human.
Human frailty. As much as technology is injected into our sports lives, and just our lives in general, the more we see how fallible we really are. The fallibility is now just preserved on film. Somehow there is more and more demand for absolute resolution, or cut and dry everything. And thankfully, I'm not so sure that's possible. At least I hope not. The subjectivity, the discussion, and the disagreement that life, and sports, can provide is half the fun - if not most of it. That was so evident to me this week. Reminded me of this famous quote, "I have never learned anything from a man that I agreed with."
I love the fact that sports of all kinds are one of the great tools to teach all of us how to deal with loss, and adversity. Whether your playing the game or watching it. We are defined in life partly on how we handle defeat. And the debates of, "was he in or out of bounds" or was he, "safe or out". or "did the shot go in before the buzzer?" To me that is a lot of the fun of sports.
But what about, "did I do the right thing" or "should I have done this or that" or "I wonder why, or when?" No replay or replacement or real refs for that one. - Not yet. GO BROWNS!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
The Dewsweepers were all back together this week and we played a real fun family course, Royal Crest near Strongsville.
Royal Crest is an 18 hole golf course that has been around since 1966, and is still family owned. It's just a low pressure, fun place to play. Royal Crest has some very interesting features. First, there is almost no sand, minimal water, and virtually no rough. But don't let that fool you. Royal can be very challenging with other features that we'll go over here in a minute.
Royal Crest plays white tee's about 6,300 yards which is about average. There are lots of tree lined fairways, and elevated greens, and a few thin drives. Now with no real sand, water or rough, not tough enough? Then go ahead and back up to the blue tees. And Royal plays 7,000 yards. OK, fine you'll play the whites. We did, as the course was wet from the rains earlier in the weekend. But we've played the blues before. Really long. Royal in the dry season can get hard fairways, and you can hit some monster drives. Sunday was not that day. BTW - the greens today were simply great. As good as we've played in a while. Fast, and true and held the shots in.
Beef had maybe he toughest day he's had all year on our tour. His first drive of the day was some 300 yard all-carry bomb on a short par 4, and we all thought he was loading up to go low. But after a double on 1, Beef had a hard time getting on track on the front. His short game let him down, and so did his putting. Beef was blaming the purple shirt he wore as it was his first time wearing that color on Sunday mornings. (We all said, yeah yeah.) We have all had days like Beef had, this was his turn. Beef said that he "had no feel" and that's a golfers nightmare. Been there! Although he kept a good sense of humor, and used some very colorful language we all laughed with, and he did birdie number 18 for an uncharacteristic 95 on the day.
Tex hit the ball quite well on this course, and scored pretty well. Tex made 5 putts which always helps, and struck the ball straight most of the day. He was far more consistent on this day, and kept the ball in front of him. Royal Crest sets up well for Tex, as the drives are generally generous as far as trouble is concerned. you've got to hit it straight, and he does. He for the most part avoided anything really bad and kept it consistent, and shot a 95.
Joe Red showed why he's a pretty good player as he battled all day long. But kept the damage as minimal as you can. When you don't have your best game, you've got to battle, and he did. Although you can get a bit frustrated. But you keep swinging. Red posted a 44 on the front, and hit the ball far better overall on the back posting a more consistent 43 there, and carded an 87 on the day. Not bad when you are not your best, and are battling.
I hit the ball pretty well and had my share of pars, no birdies, and only one bad number - a double on the easy number 8, a 300 yard par 4. Really terrible. I got off to a good start parring the first three, then three putting number 4 par 5. But recovered for a 40 on the front. On the back I shot 41 for 81 on the day. But the cardinal sin was I posted a pretty good number and bogeyed all of the par 5's. Could have shot much better.
Course highlights? Number 2, and long 210 par 3, water left. Number 4, 530 par 5, hard dog leg left with tons of trees. Number 6, incredibly long par 4, elevated green, plays as a par 5 for women. Number 12, 210 par 3, tree lined on both sides, and number 15, long, hard par 4, 440 yards, doggie right.
Royal Crest is a fun place to play and the rates are generally quite good. A very simple clubhouse and decent food with a fun feel to it overall. Royal Crest is simply a golf course and I like that. Nothing fancy. Just fun golf. We had a great time and we will probably go back this fall again.
Scores
Wynn - 81
Joe Red - 87
Beef - 95
Tex - 95
Royal Crest is an 18 hole golf course that has been around since 1966, and is still family owned. It's just a low pressure, fun place to play. Royal Crest has some very interesting features. First, there is almost no sand, minimal water, and virtually no rough. But don't let that fool you. Royal can be very challenging with other features that we'll go over here in a minute.
Royal Crest plays white tee's about 6,300 yards which is about average. There are lots of tree lined fairways, and elevated greens, and a few thin drives. Now with no real sand, water or rough, not tough enough? Then go ahead and back up to the blue tees. And Royal plays 7,000 yards. OK, fine you'll play the whites. We did, as the course was wet from the rains earlier in the weekend. But we've played the blues before. Really long. Royal in the dry season can get hard fairways, and you can hit some monster drives. Sunday was not that day. BTW - the greens today were simply great. As good as we've played in a while. Fast, and true and held the shots in.
Beef had maybe he toughest day he's had all year on our tour. His first drive of the day was some 300 yard all-carry bomb on a short par 4, and we all thought he was loading up to go low. But after a double on 1, Beef had a hard time getting on track on the front. His short game let him down, and so did his putting. Beef was blaming the purple shirt he wore as it was his first time wearing that color on Sunday mornings. (We all said, yeah yeah.) We have all had days like Beef had, this was his turn. Beef said that he "had no feel" and that's a golfers nightmare. Been there! Although he kept a good sense of humor, and used some very colorful language we all laughed with, and he did birdie number 18 for an uncharacteristic 95 on the day.
Tex hit the ball quite well on this course, and scored pretty well. Tex made 5 putts which always helps, and struck the ball straight most of the day. He was far more consistent on this day, and kept the ball in front of him. Royal Crest sets up well for Tex, as the drives are generally generous as far as trouble is concerned. you've got to hit it straight, and he does. He for the most part avoided anything really bad and kept it consistent, and shot a 95.
Joe Red showed why he's a pretty good player as he battled all day long. But kept the damage as minimal as you can. When you don't have your best game, you've got to battle, and he did. Although you can get a bit frustrated. But you keep swinging. Red posted a 44 on the front, and hit the ball far better overall on the back posting a more consistent 43 there, and carded an 87 on the day. Not bad when you are not your best, and are battling.
I hit the ball pretty well and had my share of pars, no birdies, and only one bad number - a double on the easy number 8, a 300 yard par 4. Really terrible. I got off to a good start parring the first three, then three putting number 4 par 5. But recovered for a 40 on the front. On the back I shot 41 for 81 on the day. But the cardinal sin was I posted a pretty good number and bogeyed all of the par 5's. Could have shot much better.
Course highlights? Number 2, and long 210 par 3, water left. Number 4, 530 par 5, hard dog leg left with tons of trees. Number 6, incredibly long par 4, elevated green, plays as a par 5 for women. Number 12, 210 par 3, tree lined on both sides, and number 15, long, hard par 4, 440 yards, doggie right.
Royal Crest is a fun place to play and the rates are generally quite good. A very simple clubhouse and decent food with a fun feel to it overall. Royal Crest is simply a golf course and I like that. Nothing fancy. Just fun golf. We had a great time and we will probably go back this fall again.
Scores
Wynn - 81
Joe Red - 87
Beef - 95
Tex - 95
MOVIE REVIEW - Trouble With The Curve
Clint Eastwood is back on the screen this week with Trouble With The Curve. I've heard this called a baseball drama, but I fail to see it simply as that.
This is only an Eastwood movie in the sense that he is in it, and served as one of the producers. He did not write or direct this. As a result, this does not really have the "Eastwood Movie" feel. But they did surround him with great actors, and a really good script and Curve is good.
Curve is the story of Gus (Eastwood) who is an aging professional baseball scout for the Atlanta Braves. He has had a great career signing some of the Braves greatest players ever. But he's older now, and some think he is losing his edge. His sight is failing, and it's causing huge troubles for him as he is scouting one of the Braves leading prospects for the upcoming draft. He has to get this right, or he's out of a job.
Gus has a 33 year old daughter Mickey, (Amy Adams). She has a rocky relationship with her dad who raised her the best he could after her mother died when she was six. She is an up and coming lawyer on the verge of making partner in her firm. But she also is torn with her allegiance to her dad. She decides to take time off at a crucial time for her professionally, and go on a scouting trip with Gus risking everything. She also comes to meet a potential new love interest at the same time in Johnny (Justin Timberlake) all of this at the same time. Can they find common ground and find the keys to each other during this important week?
This is a great story, but be advised with Gus as the central character, this is really an Amy Adams movie. And I'm good with that. She is terrific again in this dramatic role as a very complicated and interesting young woman who is struggling with many different major issues of her life. Adams is so likable, so easy to watch she makes any movie better. She even looks much different than many movies prior, more grown up and more confident. Adams really seems to be coming into her own and into the next chapter of her career. What I really like about her is as a movie star, she has the wonderful trait of looking and acting like someone you would know. She is great.
Eastwood has become so smart in his 80's in the movies. He realizes who he is, and takes roles that celebrates his age. He's not trying to be someone he's not. He is very good here. Timberlake too, continues to grow as an actor and keeps getting better roles as he goes. John Goodman is terrific as he too is embracing more and more who he is.
This is really not a strictly a baseball movie. Yes, baseball and some x's and o's are a big part of this, and there is a certain bit of baseball jargon and language spoken. But to me it's a movie about a man and his daughter trying to find common ground and bridge the years. And that idea of course is nothing new, but here it is done very well and with a new twist of baseball as the common denominator. . Somehow working with Eastwood always elevates everyones game and Adams and Timberlake have never been better.
Trouble With The Curve. Adams great... movie, very good.
This is only an Eastwood movie in the sense that he is in it, and served as one of the producers. He did not write or direct this. As a result, this does not really have the "Eastwood Movie" feel. But they did surround him with great actors, and a really good script and Curve is good.
Curve is the story of Gus (Eastwood) who is an aging professional baseball scout for the Atlanta Braves. He has had a great career signing some of the Braves greatest players ever. But he's older now, and some think he is losing his edge. His sight is failing, and it's causing huge troubles for him as he is scouting one of the Braves leading prospects for the upcoming draft. He has to get this right, or he's out of a job.
Gus has a 33 year old daughter Mickey, (Amy Adams). She has a rocky relationship with her dad who raised her the best he could after her mother died when she was six. She is an up and coming lawyer on the verge of making partner in her firm. But she also is torn with her allegiance to her dad. She decides to take time off at a crucial time for her professionally, and go on a scouting trip with Gus risking everything. She also comes to meet a potential new love interest at the same time in Johnny (Justin Timberlake) all of this at the same time. Can they find common ground and find the keys to each other during this important week?
This is a great story, but be advised with Gus as the central character, this is really an Amy Adams movie. And I'm good with that. She is terrific again in this dramatic role as a very complicated and interesting young woman who is struggling with many different major issues of her life. Adams is so likable, so easy to watch she makes any movie better. She even looks much different than many movies prior, more grown up and more confident. Adams really seems to be coming into her own and into the next chapter of her career. What I really like about her is as a movie star, she has the wonderful trait of looking and acting like someone you would know. She is great.
Eastwood has become so smart in his 80's in the movies. He realizes who he is, and takes roles that celebrates his age. He's not trying to be someone he's not. He is very good here. Timberlake too, continues to grow as an actor and keeps getting better roles as he goes. John Goodman is terrific as he too is embracing more and more who he is.
This is really not a strictly a baseball movie. Yes, baseball and some x's and o's are a big part of this, and there is a certain bit of baseball jargon and language spoken. But to me it's a movie about a man and his daughter trying to find common ground and bridge the years. And that idea of course is nothing new, but here it is done very well and with a new twist of baseball as the common denominator. . Somehow working with Eastwood always elevates everyones game and Adams and Timberlake have never been better.
Trouble With The Curve. Adams great... movie, very good.
MOVIE REVIEW - End Of Watch
Police dramas can be very compelling or they can fall flat. There are a whole bunch of them on TV and at the movies, so they can all seems to run together sometimes. But the new End Of Watch is pretty darn good.
EOW is the story of two young and very talented Los Angeles patrol cops. They always seem to find themselves in the middle of the worst cases and situations a beat cop can. Bryan (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike (Michael Pena) are not only partners on the job, but are best friends, almost brothers off the job. Bryan is single, ex-military and is a brazen cop who believes in taking risks to get the job done. Mike is married man who shares Bryan's zest for the job but approaches it from a cooler perspective.
They become highly decorated patrolmen after a series of really incredible feats on the job. Then comes the big mistake. In their zeal, and with too much ego they unknowingly enter a case they have no business in. They happen to cross paths with a brutal Mexican Drug Cartel that is operating in Los Angeles, as they raid a huge drug house filled with dead bodies, drugs and money. Now the cartel is out to get them, as a contract is put out for their killing. But our heroes don't really believe it, and they don't find out till it's too late that they are in way over their heads. Can the survive?
EOW is a terrific movie that right up front is not for the squeamish. There is a ton of graphic violence, but none of it that isn't central to the story. These guys go into horrible, almost unspeakable situations and that could make some a bit uncomfortable too. This is very well written script that pulls no punches. There is a incredible sense of "real" with this movie, as you do feel like you are right in there with them
This is also a dead on depiction of these young cops off the job too. The script and dialogue is spot on accurate and is highly representative of young people today. Sometimes we can forget that many police really are young guys and women that have lives off the job too. This movie really nails the entirety of these guys' lives. This movie also develops really effective villains that you really hate. And again their characters are written wonderfully, and highly accurate.
This movies along nicely, and keeps you guessing the whole time. It takes you to where few ever go, and even fewer are willing to go. EOW, is powerful movie making, and should be applauded for its attention to detail and its willingness to be unapologetic in its story telling.
End Of Watch. Flat out good!
EOW is the story of two young and very talented Los Angeles patrol cops. They always seem to find themselves in the middle of the worst cases and situations a beat cop can. Bryan (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike (Michael Pena) are not only partners on the job, but are best friends, almost brothers off the job. Bryan is single, ex-military and is a brazen cop who believes in taking risks to get the job done. Mike is married man who shares Bryan's zest for the job but approaches it from a cooler perspective.
They become highly decorated patrolmen after a series of really incredible feats on the job. Then comes the big mistake. In their zeal, and with too much ego they unknowingly enter a case they have no business in. They happen to cross paths with a brutal Mexican Drug Cartel that is operating in Los Angeles, as they raid a huge drug house filled with dead bodies, drugs and money. Now the cartel is out to get them, as a contract is put out for their killing. But our heroes don't really believe it, and they don't find out till it's too late that they are in way over their heads. Can the survive?
EOW is a terrific movie that right up front is not for the squeamish. There is a ton of graphic violence, but none of it that isn't central to the story. These guys go into horrible, almost unspeakable situations and that could make some a bit uncomfortable too. This is very well written script that pulls no punches. There is a incredible sense of "real" with this movie, as you do feel like you are right in there with them
This is also a dead on depiction of these young cops off the job too. The script and dialogue is spot on accurate and is highly representative of young people today. Sometimes we can forget that many police really are young guys and women that have lives off the job too. This movie really nails the entirety of these guys' lives. This movie also develops really effective villains that you really hate. And again their characters are written wonderfully, and highly accurate.
This movies along nicely, and keeps you guessing the whole time. It takes you to where few ever go, and even fewer are willing to go. EOW, is powerful movie making, and should be applauded for its attention to detail and its willingness to be unapologetic in its story telling.
End Of Watch. Flat out good!
Monday, September 24, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - House At The End Of The Street
Seems we just can't resist making more of these supposedly scary movies that all seem to look the same. And that is certainly apt here with, House At The End Of The Street.
Even the name of this movie seems predictable, out of place ...and it is. As "the end of the street" reference actually has no real bearing on this story at all. Up front, this is a very forgettable movie that will fall into the trap of being a mild hit with younger movie goers.
Stop me if you've heard this one before. House is the story of a high school girl and her single mother who move into a house as a rental after the mom divorces a lousy father. They know going in that the house they've voluntarily chosen to live in alone, is next door to a house where a horrible double murder took place 4 years earlier. A young daughter kills her parents in the night. Now, what mother/daughter duo would do that? I'm thinking none. But the "rent is good."
The whole town just wishes that the house would be torn down and the property be donated to the park service, but the 21 year-old son now lives in the house. And he's vilified by the entire town. But he's fixing the house up to sell. Turns out that the sister who committed the double murder is begin "kept" in the deep recesses of the basement of the house by the son as a prisoner. But why? And she continually tries to escape and kill some more. Well that's the big story here, Any more info would give away too much.
This movie is so much like a thousand movies before it, it is borderline insulting. All of these flicks look the same and in the end have the same ending. There are a couple of plot twists that give it some semblance of originality, but not much. This is a very manipulative movie, where they use a young girl as the subject as being basically not being savvy enough to take care of herself, or spot trouble that is serious and potentially dangerous. I think young women today are far different than that. This is insulting to young women, grown women and single mothers in general. Plus, the writing is putrid, as much of this is snooze-worthy, and entirely too long. And not by a little.
This has all of the obligatory scenes. Many of them in the dark, you know when everyone who is petrified but no one turns on the light for some reason. Also, the where the middle aged cop is killed trying to rescue our young girl, and of course decides he won't call for backup before he puts his life in danger. Tons of noise scenes that end up being nothing. It's all so incredibly predictable. There is really nothing very scary here, and most of this is just plain stupid. But, the door is open for more of this.. Gosh, we can't wait.
House At The End Of The Street. A loser.
Even the name of this movie seems predictable, out of place ...and it is. As "the end of the street" reference actually has no real bearing on this story at all. Up front, this is a very forgettable movie that will fall into the trap of being a mild hit with younger movie goers.
Stop me if you've heard this one before. House is the story of a high school girl and her single mother who move into a house as a rental after the mom divorces a lousy father. They know going in that the house they've voluntarily chosen to live in alone, is next door to a house where a horrible double murder took place 4 years earlier. A young daughter kills her parents in the night. Now, what mother/daughter duo would do that? I'm thinking none. But the "rent is good."
The whole town just wishes that the house would be torn down and the property be donated to the park service, but the 21 year-old son now lives in the house. And he's vilified by the entire town. But he's fixing the house up to sell. Turns out that the sister who committed the double murder is begin "kept" in the deep recesses of the basement of the house by the son as a prisoner. But why? And she continually tries to escape and kill some more. Well that's the big story here, Any more info would give away too much.
This movie is so much like a thousand movies before it, it is borderline insulting. All of these flicks look the same and in the end have the same ending. There are a couple of plot twists that give it some semblance of originality, but not much. This is a very manipulative movie, where they use a young girl as the subject as being basically not being savvy enough to take care of herself, or spot trouble that is serious and potentially dangerous. I think young women today are far different than that. This is insulting to young women, grown women and single mothers in general. Plus, the writing is putrid, as much of this is snooze-worthy, and entirely too long. And not by a little.
This has all of the obligatory scenes. Many of them in the dark, you know when everyone who is petrified but no one turns on the light for some reason. Also, the where the middle aged cop is killed trying to rescue our young girl, and of course decides he won't call for backup before he puts his life in danger. Tons of noise scenes that end up being nothing. It's all so incredibly predictable. There is really nothing very scary here, and most of this is just plain stupid. But, the door is open for more of this.. Gosh, we can't wait.
House At The End Of The Street. A loser.
Friday, September 21, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Dredd
Long time comic book character Judge Dredd is back at the movies this week. You might remember the ill-advised 1995 Judge Dredd with Sylvester Stallone. This Dredd, is not that.
It is the future, and America is in a post nuclear war state. 800 million people live in confined areas and in terrible conditions. The only justice system are "the judges." What they are is this. Highly trained and armed police officers that go to crime scenes and not only investigate the crime, but carry out justice on the spot, and that can include execution. All done under a veil of secrecy. Judges are feared by the masses as they are the ultimate power.
In our story, Judge Dredd and his rookie Judge go into a horrible area where there is murder and drug trafficking. There is a new drug called "slo-mo." And our villain Mama, is attempting to take over the entire city with drug a highly addictive drug, and extreme violence. After Mama learns of the Judges presence, she orders them killed, so she can carry on with building her illegal empire. Then enter some politics, and some cops on the take and you have a deeper story than you might imagine from Dredd.
Dredd has a very different feel from Judge Dredd 1995. JD1995 had a sense of the comic book, and even a cartoon feel to it at times. Yes there was violence, but it wasn't all that heavy. What we did have was Stallone totally overacting, and quite frankly delivering lines like he was completely drunk most of the time, and it became kind of a joke that summer. Who doesn't remember, "I am....the law!" What the heck was that Stallone?
Dredd is very different. Dredd is very serious, and has lost all connection to the1995 moviein its feel. Some of the costuming is similar but it stops there. It has followed the latest Batman series model. Very dark, very serious, socially aware, and very violent at times. The villain here, Mama, is much in the same mold as the Batman villains. Dark, and actually terrorists. This has been written in a very intense mode that young movie goers today like, and the 3-D makes it play out like a video game at times. But to be clear, this is not Batman. Those movies are events. Dredd is just a movie.
Dredd is actor Karl Urban and he is well cast. Very smart to cast a basic under the radar actor in Urban. You only see Dredd, and someone playing Dredd. That was one of the fatal flaws with the 1995 Dredd. You saw Stallone looking drunk, as opposed to Judge Dredd.
This is violent, but not over the top. It's not overly intelligent, but there are far less cerebral flicks. Effects are decent, action is fair, and overall Dredd is OK. This will not blow anyone away, but there are moments that are compelling, and well done. The final action scene is very well done, and is one you don't see coming.
Dredd. Not great, but not a washout either.
It is the future, and America is in a post nuclear war state. 800 million people live in confined areas and in terrible conditions. The only justice system are "the judges." What they are is this. Highly trained and armed police officers that go to crime scenes and not only investigate the crime, but carry out justice on the spot, and that can include execution. All done under a veil of secrecy. Judges are feared by the masses as they are the ultimate power.
In our story, Judge Dredd and his rookie Judge go into a horrible area where there is murder and drug trafficking. There is a new drug called "slo-mo." And our villain Mama, is attempting to take over the entire city with drug a highly addictive drug, and extreme violence. After Mama learns of the Judges presence, she orders them killed, so she can carry on with building her illegal empire. Then enter some politics, and some cops on the take and you have a deeper story than you might imagine from Dredd.
Dredd has a very different feel from Judge Dredd 1995. JD1995 had a sense of the comic book, and even a cartoon feel to it at times. Yes there was violence, but it wasn't all that heavy. What we did have was Stallone totally overacting, and quite frankly delivering lines like he was completely drunk most of the time, and it became kind of a joke that summer. Who doesn't remember, "I am....the law!" What the heck was that Stallone?
Dredd is very different. Dredd is very serious, and has lost all connection to the1995 moviein its feel. Some of the costuming is similar but it stops there. It has followed the latest Batman series model. Very dark, very serious, socially aware, and very violent at times. The villain here, Mama, is much in the same mold as the Batman villains. Dark, and actually terrorists. This has been written in a very intense mode that young movie goers today like, and the 3-D makes it play out like a video game at times. But to be clear, this is not Batman. Those movies are events. Dredd is just a movie.
Dredd is actor Karl Urban and he is well cast. Very smart to cast a basic under the radar actor in Urban. You only see Dredd, and someone playing Dredd. That was one of the fatal flaws with the 1995 Dredd. You saw Stallone looking drunk, as opposed to Judge Dredd.
This is violent, but not over the top. It's not overly intelligent, but there are far less cerebral flicks. Effects are decent, action is fair, and overall Dredd is OK. This will not blow anyone away, but there are moments that are compelling, and well done. The final action scene is very well done, and is one you don't see coming.
Dredd. Not great, but not a washout either.
MOVIE REVIEW - For A Good Time...Call
Now here comes a movie that is in very limited release, and you'll see why. But For A Good Time..Call, is a movie you won't soon forget.
This movie is a good example of a mixture of extreme raunch, comedy, and modern humor that has its moments, and can make you laugh if you have an open mind and and open sense of humor. It is rated R, and is very deserving of it. And when I say extreme raunch, you can take it to the bank.
It's the story of two attractive women in their 20's who live in New York City. They are complete opposites in very regard. One is very educated and proper from money. The other is from the wrong side of the tracks and rough and raw. They end up being roommates because of financial need. And at first are not friends. Then after money really gets tight, and they have no real jobs, they decide to start up a phone-sex line to try to make some money. And it is wildly successful.
Then reality starts to creep in. Namely, can they keep this going, and away from their families? And can they really do this forever? And what ramifications does this kind of work have on your personal life? That is For A Good Time...Call.
Should be noted this is highly adult in every regard. There is extreme raunch, with incredibly adult language and situations. There is no real nudity here to speak of, but there is plenty of raunch to go around. There are also some guilty pleasure laughs that you may find yourself surprised that you are laughing at.
What this movie does well, is develop two very distinct and interesting lead characters in our two young women. They are funny, relatable, and original. What this movie is, is a continuation of raunchy comedies for young adult women like, Bridesmaids. But this is not Bridesmaids. But the feeling is the same. Raunchy, edgy situations that young women will identify with. This is not your typical "date movie" there could be better choices for that.
For A Good Time...Call. Not for everyone. Leave Nana at home. Girls night out is best.
This movie is a good example of a mixture of extreme raunch, comedy, and modern humor that has its moments, and can make you laugh if you have an open mind and and open sense of humor. It is rated R, and is very deserving of it. And when I say extreme raunch, you can take it to the bank.
It's the story of two attractive women in their 20's who live in New York City. They are complete opposites in very regard. One is very educated and proper from money. The other is from the wrong side of the tracks and rough and raw. They end up being roommates because of financial need. And at first are not friends. Then after money really gets tight, and they have no real jobs, they decide to start up a phone-sex line to try to make some money. And it is wildly successful.
Then reality starts to creep in. Namely, can they keep this going, and away from their families? And can they really do this forever? And what ramifications does this kind of work have on your personal life? That is For A Good Time...Call.
Should be noted this is highly adult in every regard. There is extreme raunch, with incredibly adult language and situations. There is no real nudity here to speak of, but there is plenty of raunch to go around. There are also some guilty pleasure laughs that you may find yourself surprised that you are laughing at.
What this movie does well, is develop two very distinct and interesting lead characters in our two young women. They are funny, relatable, and original. What this movie is, is a continuation of raunchy comedies for young adult women like, Bridesmaids. But this is not Bridesmaids. But the feeling is the same. Raunchy, edgy situations that young women will identify with. This is not your typical "date movie" there could be better choices for that.
For A Good Time...Call. Not for everyone. Leave Nana at home. Girls night out is best.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Last Ounce Of Courage
Over the years lots of people have commented to me that I have a great job - and I do! I have loved being a morning personality for over 30 years on radio, and I am lucky to love what I do so much. But this week I learned something about a former classmate from high school and what she does, that has really stuck with me.. It's like really been on my mind all week because it's cool!
She is a captain of jumbo passenger jets for a major airline and has been for a long time now. I gotta ask, how cool is that? Seriously, who as a kid at least at one time or another didn't want to be a pilot, or an astronaut? I know I did. It was right up there with fireman, and policeman. After I learned this almost by accident from social media, I was totally impressed on every level. I mean someone flies these behemoths through the heavens, and we just take it for granted they are people that someone else knows. But people do these kind of jobs every day.
She doesn't fly those little jets, you know the ones you take from here to Sheyboygan or While Plains with two seats on one side on one on the other. Although I'm sure she can. She pilots the huge ones with multiple rows of seats, and the ones you are sure are not going to get off the ground as you seemingly are going down the runway at what feels like 25 mph upon takeoff.
And it got me thinking that what we all do is relevant and important, even if we don't always think about it. One wheel of machine can't turn if we don't turn our wheel first. Hopefully you are doing exactly what you want to be doing for a living. After all we spend so much of our lives doing it. One should be following the directions of our dreams.
I always knew what I wanted to do and I was lucky for that. And I'm sure the good captain did too. After all, you don't elevate to that position on whim. She, I'm sure like me had a dream, and went for it, and is now living it. With me, what I do is far more than a job, it's a lifestyle. And I'm sure that being a commercial pilot is too. And I admire people that practice their passion in what they do and are lucky enough to get paid for it. The old saying is, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life." Apt.
So it makes me glad to know a classmate is doing something so cool that it might be the envy of others she went to school with in a healthy way. I am happy for her. But I confess, I am a little jealous. Although upon further review, I may not be quite right for responsibly flying people all over the world. I wonder if she gets nervous when she has to crack the mic from the cockpit and give the, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speech?"
That part for me, would be a piece of cake. Well done Captain A! Impressive.
She is a captain of jumbo passenger jets for a major airline and has been for a long time now. I gotta ask, how cool is that? Seriously, who as a kid at least at one time or another didn't want to be a pilot, or an astronaut? I know I did. It was right up there with fireman, and policeman. After I learned this almost by accident from social media, I was totally impressed on every level. I mean someone flies these behemoths through the heavens, and we just take it for granted they are people that someone else knows. But people do these kind of jobs every day.
She doesn't fly those little jets, you know the ones you take from here to Sheyboygan or While Plains with two seats on one side on one on the other. Although I'm sure she can. She pilots the huge ones with multiple rows of seats, and the ones you are sure are not going to get off the ground as you seemingly are going down the runway at what feels like 25 mph upon takeoff.
And it got me thinking that what we all do is relevant and important, even if we don't always think about it. One wheel of machine can't turn if we don't turn our wheel first. Hopefully you are doing exactly what you want to be doing for a living. After all we spend so much of our lives doing it. One should be following the directions of our dreams.
I always knew what I wanted to do and I was lucky for that. And I'm sure the good captain did too. After all, you don't elevate to that position on whim. She, I'm sure like me had a dream, and went for it, and is now living it. With me, what I do is far more than a job, it's a lifestyle. And I'm sure that being a commercial pilot is too. And I admire people that practice their passion in what they do and are lucky enough to get paid for it. The old saying is, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life." Apt.
So it makes me glad to know a classmate is doing something so cool that it might be the envy of others she went to school with in a healthy way. I am happy for her. But I confess, I am a little jealous. Although upon further review, I may not be quite right for responsibly flying people all over the world. I wonder if she gets nervous when she has to crack the mic from the cockpit and give the, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speech?"
That part for me, would be a piece of cake. Well done Captain A! Impressive.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
The Dewsweepers headed out this weekend to Lorain County to play a real nice golf course, Mallard Creek. This time we played the "new 18" or Ye New Course there.
Mallard Creek is a 36 hole track on Rt. 82 in Columbia Station. We have reviewed the original 18 here, or "Ye Old Course", but not Ye New. Even though they are at the same exact place, they are completely different in almost every way. The newer course is far more difficult than the original. There are challenging aspects to both, but the new course can be pretty tough.
Ye New Course at Mallard is not overly long, we played the blue tips and it plays about 6,300 yards. This week it was just me and Beef, as Tex took the week off, and Joe Red's son Bryan got married Saturday night. Bryan is an occasional fill in Dewsweeper, and all around good kid. Congrats. Anyway, Beef and I teed it up at 645, and got to work.
The newer Mallard course is much more difficult in it's design than the older18. You wouldn't think so by hole number one, a 365 yard par 4 with no real trouble. But hole two is a 540 yard monster that has tons of trouble. It requires three really great shots to not only get on the green, but to avoid water all down the right, and trees left. Brutal. More trouble then on hole 5, a tough, tough par 5, with a thin tee shot, and water across the fairway in a really difficult place, playing all uphill. You better make your hay on the front because the back nine is really tough. Beef and I held serve on the front, each with a mistake or two we wished we had back, Beef 43, men 41.
The back nine here is very challenging. Number 10 is another water hole in play, with a huge tree guarding the green on virtually every approach shot you can have, and about 370 yards. 11, a par 4, water all the way right, 12 a long par 3, 220 yards. Then 13, a ridiculous par 5, tough drive with water off the tee, 14, short 4, water all down the right, 15, short 5, but water all the way to the green dog-leg right. Somehow we survived, Beef 39, me 38 on the back.
Beef hit the all well all morning, and was aided by two great birdies on the day. Making a 40 foot gagger on number 6, par 4, and a beautiful blind shot chip in shot on number 15 downhill. Might be the best golf shot any of us has made this year. Beef also racked up a bunch of pars, and kept the damage minimal with only 2 doubles and posted a nice 82 on a water filled course.
I birdied number 15 as well, just the conventional way of a one-putt. I had a terrible double bogey on number 9 that really hurt, my only bad number. Plus a 3-putt on number one for a bad bogey too. But on the day I carded 10 pars and a birdie, and made 4 straight putts on the front to keep the number low at 79. I was pleased too, to finally be hitting my new Taylor Made Superfast Driver consistently.
Course highlights? All par 5's are pretty tough and very guarded. Plus holes 9-15, are all water laden and that's where you either keep the ball dry and score well, or fall off the cliff as they can add up quick with all that H20. We kept it dry and took advantage of the courses shorter length and scored well. But that is the meat of the course. Seven really protected holes.
Beef and I of course had a great time, smoked a couple of cigars, and a hot dog a the turn, which are always good there. Mallard Creek's newer course. Pretty nice, but hit them straight and stay dry.
Scores
Wynn - 79
Beef - 82
Mallard Creek is a 36 hole track on Rt. 82 in Columbia Station. We have reviewed the original 18 here, or "Ye Old Course", but not Ye New. Even though they are at the same exact place, they are completely different in almost every way. The newer course is far more difficult than the original. There are challenging aspects to both, but the new course can be pretty tough.
Ye New Course at Mallard is not overly long, we played the blue tips and it plays about 6,300 yards. This week it was just me and Beef, as Tex took the week off, and Joe Red's son Bryan got married Saturday night. Bryan is an occasional fill in Dewsweeper, and all around good kid. Congrats. Anyway, Beef and I teed it up at 645, and got to work.
The newer Mallard course is much more difficult in it's design than the older18. You wouldn't think so by hole number one, a 365 yard par 4 with no real trouble. But hole two is a 540 yard monster that has tons of trouble. It requires three really great shots to not only get on the green, but to avoid water all down the right, and trees left. Brutal. More trouble then on hole 5, a tough, tough par 5, with a thin tee shot, and water across the fairway in a really difficult place, playing all uphill. You better make your hay on the front because the back nine is really tough. Beef and I held serve on the front, each with a mistake or two we wished we had back, Beef 43, men 41.
The back nine here is very challenging. Number 10 is another water hole in play, with a huge tree guarding the green on virtually every approach shot you can have, and about 370 yards. 11, a par 4, water all the way right, 12 a long par 3, 220 yards. Then 13, a ridiculous par 5, tough drive with water off the tee, 14, short 4, water all down the right, 15, short 5, but water all the way to the green dog-leg right. Somehow we survived, Beef 39, me 38 on the back.
Beef hit the all well all morning, and was aided by two great birdies on the day. Making a 40 foot gagger on number 6, par 4, and a beautiful blind shot chip in shot on number 15 downhill. Might be the best golf shot any of us has made this year. Beef also racked up a bunch of pars, and kept the damage minimal with only 2 doubles and posted a nice 82 on a water filled course.
I birdied number 15 as well, just the conventional way of a one-putt. I had a terrible double bogey on number 9 that really hurt, my only bad number. Plus a 3-putt on number one for a bad bogey too. But on the day I carded 10 pars and a birdie, and made 4 straight putts on the front to keep the number low at 79. I was pleased too, to finally be hitting my new Taylor Made Superfast Driver consistently.
Course highlights? All par 5's are pretty tough and very guarded. Plus holes 9-15, are all water laden and that's where you either keep the ball dry and score well, or fall off the cliff as they can add up quick with all that H20. We kept it dry and took advantage of the courses shorter length and scored well. But that is the meat of the course. Seven really protected holes.
Beef and I of course had a great time, smoked a couple of cigars, and a hot dog a the turn, which are always good there. Mallard Creek's newer course. Pretty nice, but hit them straight and stay dry.
Scores
Wynn - 79
Beef - 82
Thursday, September 13, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - The Cold Light Of Day
New this week, opening up to a tremendous thud at the box office was the soon to be forgotten, The Cold Light Of Day.
I saw this movie and I still have no idea what that title means for this movie. Or any movie. I think they just found some words to try to be dramatic, and try to dress this thing up a bit, but they failed . This is just not very good.
This is the story of a young man and his family. He flies across the ocean to spend a week with his parents and his younger brother in Spain on their yacht. His dad is some kind of big wig with the government in foreign affairs. But low and behold, he actually works for the CIA. What a shock, because if he was anything else we would not have a movie. Sarcasm aside, the young man comes to discover that his entire family has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. Seems that his CIA father is suspected of being an agent gone wrong, and it is in the name of world security they get this settled.
The father (Bruce Willis) is then killed by, guess who? The CIA, who is actually framing him because one of the other agents has actually gone wrong. Willis is in the movie for about 10 minutes. So, the young man sets out to find his family, and make things right. He hunts downs the actual rogue agent (Sigourney Weaver) and clear his fathers name. By the way, as bad as Weaver is, you'll be wishing she was only in it for 10 minutes, but you have to suffer through the entire flick with her.
Alright, this is all so incredibly silly, it's hard to really get a grasp on this. What this is a is a series of long chase and action scenes that really become boring after a while. It is filmed with the beautiful backdrop of Spain, but it can't save it. Long.drawn out action scenes that go nowhere, and an ridiculously written plot line sink this almost right out of the gate.
I don't know what is harder to digest. The fact that this is terribly dumb, or how this really made it to the theaters and not straight to video. But it was released on the slowest weekend in ten years, so even the movie makers must have felt it had no chance. And they would be right. Willis and Weaver are on the marquis, but pay no mind. They stink here, the plot stinks here and there's no saving it in any way.
The Cold Light Of Day. Never should have any light of any day.
I saw this movie and I still have no idea what that title means for this movie. Or any movie. I think they just found some words to try to be dramatic, and try to dress this thing up a bit, but they failed . This is just not very good.
This is the story of a young man and his family. He flies across the ocean to spend a week with his parents and his younger brother in Spain on their yacht. His dad is some kind of big wig with the government in foreign affairs. But low and behold, he actually works for the CIA. What a shock, because if he was anything else we would not have a movie. Sarcasm aside, the young man comes to discover that his entire family has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. Seems that his CIA father is suspected of being an agent gone wrong, and it is in the name of world security they get this settled.
The father (Bruce Willis) is then killed by, guess who? The CIA, who is actually framing him because one of the other agents has actually gone wrong. Willis is in the movie for about 10 minutes. So, the young man sets out to find his family, and make things right. He hunts downs the actual rogue agent (Sigourney Weaver) and clear his fathers name. By the way, as bad as Weaver is, you'll be wishing she was only in it for 10 minutes, but you have to suffer through the entire flick with her.
Alright, this is all so incredibly silly, it's hard to really get a grasp on this. What this is a is a series of long chase and action scenes that really become boring after a while. It is filmed with the beautiful backdrop of Spain, but it can't save it. Long.drawn out action scenes that go nowhere, and an ridiculously written plot line sink this almost right out of the gate.
I don't know what is harder to digest. The fact that this is terribly dumb, or how this really made it to the theaters and not straight to video. But it was released on the slowest weekend in ten years, so even the movie makers must have felt it had no chance. And they would be right. Willis and Weaver are on the marquis, but pay no mind. They stink here, the plot stinks here and there's no saving it in any way.
The Cold Light Of Day. Never should have any light of any day.
Monday, September 10, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
This week, The Dewsweepers loaded up and drove out to play an extremely difficult golf course, Grey Hawk in Lorain County. La Grange to be exact.
Grey Hawk is a rather new course that site in rural Lorain county that has about every kind of challenge that a course can have for golfers. First some full disclosure. This is not a course for those learning the game. You must be able to hit the ball well to have any real fun here. There is tons of water, and sand, some very thin fairways, and challenging and very fast greens. Also more full disclosure. This course has been hit very hard by the summer drought, and is not in the usual very nice shape. The greens were terrific, but much Grey Hawk now is recovering still from a tough summer.
With all that said, we played there for the first time in a few years Sunday. Grey Hawk can be played from 6,100 yards to about 7,100 yards. Three sets of tees make it more palatable for certain golfers. Fantastic clubhouse and staff make playing Grey Hawk a nice experience.
Joe Red got off to a great start on the front, but fell into trouble on 8 and 9. But that's not unusual here. 7,8, and 9 are a brutal stretch of holes on this course where being able to hit that ball well isn't enough. You must manage the course wisely. Red also had the same trouble we all did on the par 5's. None of us really played them well, and that's a difference maker at Grey Hawk. The 5's are very tough, and not easily scored on. Red kept the ball in front of him on the front, and putted well, making 4 putts and survived the front in 44. That did give way to a 46 on the back for 90 on the day.
Tex was ready for a tough day, and joined the rest of us in having one. Although Tex did lead the pack in putting. Tex's short game and putting are usually his story. Grey hawk is really tough and many of the shots you must make here are not in Tex's arsenal. Tex plays a game of low trajectory and roll, and that's not Grey Hawk design.
Beef was pretty consistent all day long. Not too many highs or lows. He struggled where we all did, and had to survive some putting woes on the front to recover on the back. Beef was tough down the stretch by parring the last 3 holes to help on the back. Nice string. He shaved off 4 strokes from front to the back to shoot a 92 on the day.
I stumbled out of the gate, but got my feet under me on the back to a degree. All of us completely hacked up number 3, a 325 yard par 4 that has a ton of sand. Me included. And we all chunked up number 7, which is brutal. And we all killed number 14. A par 5 with all kinds of trouble. I took the dreaded snowman there, which really hurt my back nine. I shot 44 on the front and 43 on the back, even with that terrible 8, and a double on 12. But In like Beef, finished strong playing even over the last 4 holes.
Course highlights? Number 3 is a short 4 but incredibly protected with sand. 7,8, and 9...par 5, and then 4, and 4. Very difficult stretch. Number 11, island green with no room for error. Joe Red hit a reall hice shot about 4 yards left of the green that his a bridfge and went into th drink. Literally no room for error.
Grey Hawk. Very difficult, but fun. Looking forward to going back agian next year.
Scores
Wynn - 87
Joe Red - 90
Beef - 92
Tex - 100+
Grey Hawk is a rather new course that site in rural Lorain county that has about every kind of challenge that a course can have for golfers. First some full disclosure. This is not a course for those learning the game. You must be able to hit the ball well to have any real fun here. There is tons of water, and sand, some very thin fairways, and challenging and very fast greens. Also more full disclosure. This course has been hit very hard by the summer drought, and is not in the usual very nice shape. The greens were terrific, but much Grey Hawk now is recovering still from a tough summer.
With all that said, we played there for the first time in a few years Sunday. Grey Hawk can be played from 6,100 yards to about 7,100 yards. Three sets of tees make it more palatable for certain golfers. Fantastic clubhouse and staff make playing Grey Hawk a nice experience.
Joe Red got off to a great start on the front, but fell into trouble on 8 and 9. But that's not unusual here. 7,8, and 9 are a brutal stretch of holes on this course where being able to hit that ball well isn't enough. You must manage the course wisely. Red also had the same trouble we all did on the par 5's. None of us really played them well, and that's a difference maker at Grey Hawk. The 5's are very tough, and not easily scored on. Red kept the ball in front of him on the front, and putted well, making 4 putts and survived the front in 44. That did give way to a 46 on the back for 90 on the day.
Tex was ready for a tough day, and joined the rest of us in having one. Although Tex did lead the pack in putting. Tex's short game and putting are usually his story. Grey hawk is really tough and many of the shots you must make here are not in Tex's arsenal. Tex plays a game of low trajectory and roll, and that's not Grey Hawk design.
Beef was pretty consistent all day long. Not too many highs or lows. He struggled where we all did, and had to survive some putting woes on the front to recover on the back. Beef was tough down the stretch by parring the last 3 holes to help on the back. Nice string. He shaved off 4 strokes from front to the back to shoot a 92 on the day.
I stumbled out of the gate, but got my feet under me on the back to a degree. All of us completely hacked up number 3, a 325 yard par 4 that has a ton of sand. Me included. And we all chunked up number 7, which is brutal. And we all killed number 14. A par 5 with all kinds of trouble. I took the dreaded snowman there, which really hurt my back nine. I shot 44 on the front and 43 on the back, even with that terrible 8, and a double on 12. But In like Beef, finished strong playing even over the last 4 holes.
Course highlights? Number 3 is a short 4 but incredibly protected with sand. 7,8, and 9...par 5, and then 4, and 4. Very difficult stretch. Number 11, island green with no room for error. Joe Red hit a reall hice shot about 4 yards left of the green that his a bridfge and went into th drink. Literally no room for error.
Grey Hawk. Very difficult, but fun. Looking forward to going back agian next year.
Scores
Wynn - 87
Joe Red - 90
Beef - 92
Tex - 100+
MOVIE REVIEW - The Words
Last weekend was one of the slowest weeks at the movies in the last 10 years. But it's not because of this movie - The Words, which is fantastic.
The Words may be construed as an egg head, maybe a stuffy piece, but that really is not correct. True, it's a drama about plagiarism in the New York literary world, but it's so much more. There is no violence, no action, no computer generated effects, and animation. But there are 20 things here in play that make a movie great.
The Words stars Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, and Zoe Saldana. A really perfectly cast ensemble for this great story. A well thought out mix of young stars and terrific veterans. It's the story of a young writer Rory, (Cooper). He lives in New York and is a struggling novelist. He is married to Dora (Saldana), and they are cray in love. Rory tries to get his novels published, but is having no luck. Everyone loves his work, but tells him it's not marketable. Rory is incredibly discouraged. Then he discovers a lost story by accident. He reads the typed manuscript and is totally enthralled with it. So he submits it, and gets it published as his own not knowing who's work it actually is.
Then an old man surfaces (Irons) and in the twilight of his life confronts Rory that the book is his story. After Rory wins awards for this novel, the old man is angry because the story was not only written by him, but is his real life story. All the while, this is the story that another writer named Clay (Quaid) is telling hrough his own novel. Sound confusing? It's not. This is simply brilliant.
This story really attacks the ramifications of plagiarism. And what it really means in the long run, and what it says about those that choose to do so. It not only is wrong, but it effects everyone around you. Your character is seriously called into question.
The Words is a very well told, and an incredibly well acted and written movie that hopefully will find an audience. Cooper again shows his versatility as a really great actor outside of The Hangover and The A-Team. Both fun flicks, but not overly challenging. The supporting cast mentioned is very good as well. But the command performance in this movie belongs to Jeremy Irons. He is fantastic as the old man - the writer. Is he angry? Is he sad? What is it that he really wants from Rory? He owns this movie. This is an Oscar worthy performance.
This story is woven skillfully in and out from a few different story angles. This script is very slick, and even though it has a few layers, it is easy to follow. This movie also is just long enough. It has a story to say, says it, and moves along. In a year where comic book movies and animation have been king, The Words is a real breath of fresh air.
The Words. One of the years best so far.
The Words may be construed as an egg head, maybe a stuffy piece, but that really is not correct. True, it's a drama about plagiarism in the New York literary world, but it's so much more. There is no violence, no action, no computer generated effects, and animation. But there are 20 things here in play that make a movie great.
The Words stars Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, and Zoe Saldana. A really perfectly cast ensemble for this great story. A well thought out mix of young stars and terrific veterans. It's the story of a young writer Rory, (Cooper). He lives in New York and is a struggling novelist. He is married to Dora (Saldana), and they are cray in love. Rory tries to get his novels published, but is having no luck. Everyone loves his work, but tells him it's not marketable. Rory is incredibly discouraged. Then he discovers a lost story by accident. He reads the typed manuscript and is totally enthralled with it. So he submits it, and gets it published as his own not knowing who's work it actually is.
Then an old man surfaces (Irons) and in the twilight of his life confronts Rory that the book is his story. After Rory wins awards for this novel, the old man is angry because the story was not only written by him, but is his real life story. All the while, this is the story that another writer named Clay (Quaid) is telling hrough his own novel. Sound confusing? It's not. This is simply brilliant.
This story really attacks the ramifications of plagiarism. And what it really means in the long run, and what it says about those that choose to do so. It not only is wrong, but it effects everyone around you. Your character is seriously called into question.
The Words is a very well told, and an incredibly well acted and written movie that hopefully will find an audience. Cooper again shows his versatility as a really great actor outside of The Hangover and The A-Team. Both fun flicks, but not overly challenging. The supporting cast mentioned is very good as well. But the command performance in this movie belongs to Jeremy Irons. He is fantastic as the old man - the writer. Is he angry? Is he sad? What is it that he really wants from Rory? He owns this movie. This is an Oscar worthy performance.
This story is woven skillfully in and out from a few different story angles. This script is very slick, and even though it has a few layers, it is easy to follow. This movie also is just long enough. It has a story to say, says it, and moves along. In a year where comic book movies and animation have been king, The Words is a real breath of fresh air.
The Words. One of the years best so far.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
59 Minutes
I grew up in Berea,which is the home of the Cleveland Browns. As a kid I used to go watch them practice at their facility on the Baldwin Wallace campus. I have been a lifelong Browns fan. Even when I moved away for 20 years in various radio markets doing morning shows, I was still a huge fan. Same with the Cav's and Tribe. And still am.
So the weekly Sunday fall afternoon dry-heaving about 4pm eastern that you experience during Browns season, is my experience too. The Browns have been a struggling franchise for a long time now. But the struggling would cease if NFL games were reduced to 59 minutes instead of 60. One scrawny, dinky little minute is all I ask. And Sunday's loss to the mighty Philadelphia Eagles is more proof positive of that 17-16, as we lost with one lone minute remaining yet again. After the Browns played a pretty darn good game, especially on defense.
Forget all the terrible stats on offense. Or the interceptions our rookie quarterback threw Sunday. The stat I really want to know is how many games the Browns have lost in my lifetime in the final minute. I am supremely confident that we easily lead the league. Regular season, post season, preseason it doesn't matter. And my guess would be... it isn't even close. I'm sure it's Google-able.
Ownership changes, coaching changes, decades of different players in different eras, heck even a different stadium and an actual different franchise. It boggles the mind. If games were 59 minutes long, I think the Browns may have won a couple of Superbowls. And I'm dead serious about that! Tons of division championships, and played a boatload more post season games. Heck, we would be a dynasty. The Browns do it nowadays, but also did it when the franchise was great in the 80's and early 90's. This literally has been going on for 30 years.
Isn't it amazing how often this happens? I am not piling on here, because these kind of losses hurt, and demoralize not only a team but an area that is passionate about its Browns. But today I think I had to really ask myself simply this. How is it that this happens seemingly every single week? My friend Don texted me after the game today stating, "S.O.S." (you can translate). And he's right. My show partner Sue Wilson on WQMX has a theory on watching the Browns, that you only need to watch the last 5 minutes and you will see the entire game. And she's also right. But we watch the game anyway. From the anticipated 1pm start, to the brutal and appendix exploding 4pm finish.
Ever notice too that the Browns never seem to win a game in the last minute? That's because we're too pre-occupied giving up the final agonizing points for the loss. I am starting to think there is something far larger than actual competition at work here for this to continue. You've just got to keep thinking there is an eventual end payoff that will bring such glee to us Browns fans someday, that will make all this worth it. No area will enjoy a championship more than this one when it happens. And it will happen.
So next year when the NFL rules committee meets to discuss rule reviews and changes for the next season, I say send millions of letters to the NFL office and ask the Commissioner to consider a little mercy on our lovable Browns. Give us the keys to begin a dynasty so we can beat those darn Steelers, Ravens and the Patriots. Ask for the 59 minute game. Just one minute off the fourth quarter would be fine. One stinkin', tiny, minuscule minute!
Please Mr. Commissioner. Take the 60 minute boot out of our guts, and give our much damaged solar plexus' a much needed rest.
So the weekly Sunday fall afternoon dry-heaving about 4pm eastern that you experience during Browns season, is my experience too. The Browns have been a struggling franchise for a long time now. But the struggling would cease if NFL games were reduced to 59 minutes instead of 60. One scrawny, dinky little minute is all I ask. And Sunday's loss to the mighty Philadelphia Eagles is more proof positive of that 17-16, as we lost with one lone minute remaining yet again. After the Browns played a pretty darn good game, especially on defense.
Forget all the terrible stats on offense. Or the interceptions our rookie quarterback threw Sunday. The stat I really want to know is how many games the Browns have lost in my lifetime in the final minute. I am supremely confident that we easily lead the league. Regular season, post season, preseason it doesn't matter. And my guess would be... it isn't even close. I'm sure it's Google-able.
Ownership changes, coaching changes, decades of different players in different eras, heck even a different stadium and an actual different franchise. It boggles the mind. If games were 59 minutes long, I think the Browns may have won a couple of Superbowls. And I'm dead serious about that! Tons of division championships, and played a boatload more post season games. Heck, we would be a dynasty. The Browns do it nowadays, but also did it when the franchise was great in the 80's and early 90's. This literally has been going on for 30 years.
Isn't it amazing how often this happens? I am not piling on here, because these kind of losses hurt, and demoralize not only a team but an area that is passionate about its Browns. But today I think I had to really ask myself simply this. How is it that this happens seemingly every single week? My friend Don texted me after the game today stating, "S.O.S." (you can translate). And he's right. My show partner Sue Wilson on WQMX has a theory on watching the Browns, that you only need to watch the last 5 minutes and you will see the entire game. And she's also right. But we watch the game anyway. From the anticipated 1pm start, to the brutal and appendix exploding 4pm finish.
Ever notice too that the Browns never seem to win a game in the last minute? That's because we're too pre-occupied giving up the final agonizing points for the loss. I am starting to think there is something far larger than actual competition at work here for this to continue. You've just got to keep thinking there is an eventual end payoff that will bring such glee to us Browns fans someday, that will make all this worth it. No area will enjoy a championship more than this one when it happens. And it will happen.
So next year when the NFL rules committee meets to discuss rule reviews and changes for the next season, I say send millions of letters to the NFL office and ask the Commissioner to consider a little mercy on our lovable Browns. Give us the keys to begin a dynasty so we can beat those darn Steelers, Ravens and the Patriots. Ask for the 59 minute game. Just one minute off the fourth quarter would be fine. One stinkin', tiny, minuscule minute!
Please Mr. Commissioner. Take the 60 minute boot out of our guts, and give our much damaged solar plexus' a much needed rest.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Lawless
New this week is the drama, Lawless.
Lawless is a look at the bootlegging done in rural Virginia during prohibition in the 1930's. It deals specifically with the legend of the Bondurant family. This is sort of a true story, as it was written from a member of the Bondurant family many years later and brought to the screen here.
In short, the Bondurant brothers were major bootleggers from a rural county in Virginia. As prohibition moved on, clearly there was less ability to control illegal alcohol making and distribution. So, the Virginia state government decides to try to cash in on the whole deal. If certain members are paid off, safe passage and head turning will continue for the bootleggers to get their shipments through. This is a story of government corruption on the local and state level.
All of the bootleggers agree, except the Bondurant brothers. They say no to the pay off thing, and will continue to not only ship their booze through free of charge, but actually plan to increase production all in the face of political officials. Needless to say, a war ensues and the battle is on. It's a fight to the death match.
The Bondurtants in this movie are depicted as an extremely loyal and tight bunch. They are essentially "organized crime" on the rural level, and not the level say in Chicago during that historical period. They are a ruthless bunch, that seem almost immortal, in that they survive death time and time again. Kudos in some regards to this movie. It is a story you don't know and have never seen before. All of the performances are pretty good, led by Tom Hardy as Forest Bondurant, the leader of the clan. He is great as a steely, angry and calculating leader. Shia LaBeouf as his brother Jack, the younger brother desperate for his brothers approval.
Also Guy Pearce as the head law man, and overall horrible human being Charles Rakes is really great. There is a a strong and capable supporting cast that runs through this entire picture, and there is some to like here. But in the end Lawless just has something missing and it's hard to put your finger on it.
Lawless just might not have enough compelling stories to tell within this movie. This might be better told as a documentary in another forum. I think this is certainly interesting enough, but Lawless lacks the memorable or powerful scenes that most really good movies have. This is an ensemble cast and that's fine. But sadly, it's an ensemble of decent scenes and stories and lacks a real nice one-two combination punch that it needs.
Lawless looks pretty good as we travel back to early 20th century Virginia, but it's not totally immersing, and it's needs to be. As hard as they tried, you don't feel that you are actually there, but rather are watching from afar, and that hurts too. This also has a very strange musical soundtrack that at times is irritating and seems strangely out of place in others. Toss in a couple of off track side plots and what you have here is a movie that isn't what is should have been.
Lawless. There is some good here, but overall an opportunity missed.
Lawless is a look at the bootlegging done in rural Virginia during prohibition in the 1930's. It deals specifically with the legend of the Bondurant family. This is sort of a true story, as it was written from a member of the Bondurant family many years later and brought to the screen here.
In short, the Bondurant brothers were major bootleggers from a rural county in Virginia. As prohibition moved on, clearly there was less ability to control illegal alcohol making and distribution. So, the Virginia state government decides to try to cash in on the whole deal. If certain members are paid off, safe passage and head turning will continue for the bootleggers to get their shipments through. This is a story of government corruption on the local and state level.
All of the bootleggers agree, except the Bondurant brothers. They say no to the pay off thing, and will continue to not only ship their booze through free of charge, but actually plan to increase production all in the face of political officials. Needless to say, a war ensues and the battle is on. It's a fight to the death match.
The Bondurtants in this movie are depicted as an extremely loyal and tight bunch. They are essentially "organized crime" on the rural level, and not the level say in Chicago during that historical period. They are a ruthless bunch, that seem almost immortal, in that they survive death time and time again. Kudos in some regards to this movie. It is a story you don't know and have never seen before. All of the performances are pretty good, led by Tom Hardy as Forest Bondurant, the leader of the clan. He is great as a steely, angry and calculating leader. Shia LaBeouf as his brother Jack, the younger brother desperate for his brothers approval.
Also Guy Pearce as the head law man, and overall horrible human being Charles Rakes is really great. There is a a strong and capable supporting cast that runs through this entire picture, and there is some to like here. But in the end Lawless just has something missing and it's hard to put your finger on it.
Lawless just might not have enough compelling stories to tell within this movie. This might be better told as a documentary in another forum. I think this is certainly interesting enough, but Lawless lacks the memorable or powerful scenes that most really good movies have. This is an ensemble cast and that's fine. But sadly, it's an ensemble of decent scenes and stories and lacks a real nice one-two combination punch that it needs.
Lawless looks pretty good as we travel back to early 20th century Virginia, but it's not totally immersing, and it's needs to be. As hard as they tried, you don't feel that you are actually there, but rather are watching from afar, and that hurts too. This also has a very strange musical soundtrack that at times is irritating and seems strangely out of place in others. Toss in a couple of off track side plots and what you have here is a movie that isn't what is should have been.
Lawless. There is some good here, but overall an opportunity missed.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - The Possession
Labor Day weekend is traditionally the slowest movie weekend of the summer. And this year the new release, The Possession was number one. At least for a week.
The Possession is another demonic possession movie that "is based on a true story." Again, a young girl becomes possessed by a demonic spirit of some kind. Not overly original.
There is also chat that this is not as scary as the actual story, of which I could find almost no information. I did find myself wanting to know more, and I think they should be more forthcoming with actual information. Would give it more cred. Way more. Right now, we have to just take their word for it.
It's the story of a young couple that have recently divorced. They have two young girls about 14 and 10 years old. Emily is the 10 year old, and after she buys an old wooden box at a yard sale with her dad, she becomes possessed by an ancient demon that lives in the box. Of course, no one knows that at first. It's the typical stuff. Emily develops a scratchy voice, eats uncontrollably, violent outbursts, and body contortions. The demon slowly takes over the little girl and the race is on to somehow slay the demon, before he completely takes over the little girl and it's too late.
When reviewing these kind of flicks, I always say if you are uncomfortable with demonic possession in your beliefs, then steer clear. That is what this is from start to finish. There are a few compelling moments here, and a jolt or two but don't believe the hype. This is NOT terrifying, or overly unsettling. What it is for movie goers who have seen this kind of movie before, is the same old thing. I get it, it's a true story, but there is no new ground here. It's a formula that has been rehashed to the point of nausea.
On the bright side, it is very short and tidy, checking in at about 90 minutes. There is only so much story here and it barely fills up the allotted time. The performances are decent, but it is hard to get beyond the fact that you've seen this story before many times. I will say that Natasha Calis who is Emily in this movie is simply spectacular in this role. I was very taken with her, as she was asked to do many things in her portrayal of this possessed little girl and she met it head on, and is the movies shining stay by far. She is incredibly emotional, and vulnerable. This 13 year-old is way beyond that in an acting sense. She was great, and perfectly cast.
The Possession, overall weak but a budding star is in the offing. Natasha Calis is great!
The Possession is another demonic possession movie that "is based on a true story." Again, a young girl becomes possessed by a demonic spirit of some kind. Not overly original.
There is also chat that this is not as scary as the actual story, of which I could find almost no information. I did find myself wanting to know more, and I think they should be more forthcoming with actual information. Would give it more cred. Way more. Right now, we have to just take their word for it.
It's the story of a young couple that have recently divorced. They have two young girls about 14 and 10 years old. Emily is the 10 year old, and after she buys an old wooden box at a yard sale with her dad, she becomes possessed by an ancient demon that lives in the box. Of course, no one knows that at first. It's the typical stuff. Emily develops a scratchy voice, eats uncontrollably, violent outbursts, and body contortions. The demon slowly takes over the little girl and the race is on to somehow slay the demon, before he completely takes over the little girl and it's too late.
When reviewing these kind of flicks, I always say if you are uncomfortable with demonic possession in your beliefs, then steer clear. That is what this is from start to finish. There are a few compelling moments here, and a jolt or two but don't believe the hype. This is NOT terrifying, or overly unsettling. What it is for movie goers who have seen this kind of movie before, is the same old thing. I get it, it's a true story, but there is no new ground here. It's a formula that has been rehashed to the point of nausea.
On the bright side, it is very short and tidy, checking in at about 90 minutes. There is only so much story here and it barely fills up the allotted time. The performances are decent, but it is hard to get beyond the fact that you've seen this story before many times. I will say that Natasha Calis who is Emily in this movie is simply spectacular in this role. I was very taken with her, as she was asked to do many things in her portrayal of this possessed little girl and she met it head on, and is the movies shining stay by far. She is incredibly emotional, and vulnerable. This 13 year-old is way beyond that in an acting sense. She was great, and perfectly cast.
The Possession, overall weak but a budding star is in the offing. Natasha Calis is great!
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