I have a general rule of thumb that I have found out to be mostly true. The higher the number next to the movie title, the worse the movie. Here comes Fast And Furious 6. High enough?
But this time, I think we need to go down a slightly different path. Let's face facts together. These movies are...what they are. They are too long, with agonizingly long action sequences that defy any kind of believability. They develop characters that don't exist in the real world, and everyone generally walks away OK, no matter what the plot. So, that's been swallowed and digested.
I remember years ago when one of my friends 13 year-old son said to me, the original Fast And Furious (2001) was "The best movie of all-time!" Well of course, that is not true in any sense of the word, but it is the first step in making this now 6 movie set relevant. I think then, a whole lot of young boys felt that way, and now that they are mid twenties, they still feel the same to a degree. This series has grown with its audience and cultivated a new one along the way. They have benefited greatly from pay-per-view, and DVD's and new 14 year olds have caught up on the saga, and now can't wait to go to this one.
In that regard this is an amazing franchise. The opening Memorial Day weekend take was 130 million for this movie, and it is just getting started. This series almost died after the huge flop of Fast and Furious 3 Tokyo Drift. But they reloaded, and restarted it and now the past two, and this one are going to be wildly profitable. This had a budget of 140 million or so, and that will be paid back time and time again. Whether this is good movie making or not, you can't deny the success over now 13 years for this, and it is a cash cow.
This installment is has the same formula that the first few had. There are fast cars, endless chase scenes, lots of things blowing up, tempered violence, tons of action, and lots of women showing just enough skin, and skimp to keep these rated PG-13. There are portions of this that cross the line of being completely ridiculous, and eye-rolling, until you remember that it's not for you. It's for you at a younger time in life. Yes, these are way more violent than movies 25 years ago, but it's non-bloody, and inconsequential. Doesn't make it a role model for perfect teen viewing, but in today's world, kids see a lot worse.
The cast is back, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, The Rock, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris and the others. Here we also get to see the wonderful Gina Carano in an action role. This band of former street racers now is trying to save the world, and have their names cleared. Should be noted, Diesel doesn't look as young as he used too, but this is still his franchise. He is also blessed with the most original voice in Hollywood.
I have respect for this franchise. They somehow have been able to maintain a huge fan base, and make movies that these teen boys, and now young guys want to see. It's a guilty pleasure of sorts, that seems to be gaining momentum as the years go on, and not lose any. Not an easy feat. Is this great movie making? Well, no, not really. It's all action, noises, and special effects and they are pretty darn good and that's not lost on me. But this will not be picking up any hardware at years end. And it's not supposed to. But it's gigantic box office success, makes it possible for the studio to make movies that will. Oh, and stay and watch the cookies, there's going to be another one.
Fast And Furious 6. Still relevant.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Hangover 3
The first Hangover movie was an R-rated, guilty pleasure, adult comedy that gave us a bunch of big laughs. Mostly at ourselves as it put us right there in Vegas showing exaggerated versions of us, and our visions of a Vegas trip gone wrong.
I wasn't so sure the second movie was a good idea, and it wasn't. As it was the exact same movie almost right down the line, just not near as funny. Hangover 3, will be better received than 2, but it is laden with problems. Oh, there are some laughs here and there. But in the end, this is far darker, less innocent, and really lacking of any kind of movie making passion.
In this final installment, our four friends are back, but this time they are begin threatened by organized crime who is claiming that one of their acquaintances has made off with 21 million dollars worth of stolen gold. So they kidnap one of them, and give the other three, three days to go out and locate the guy, and bring his gold back to them, or they will kill their friend. The road trip then goes from California, to Arizona, to Tijuana, then back to Vegas. As we sit and watch all the hi jinx along the way.
The test audiences must has said that they want more Allen (Zach Galifianakis) in this movie, because much of this if focused on him, and his shtick. And being honest, Allen was far funnier when he was a side dish as opposed to a main course. Our other principles Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms) are really relegated to the background by and large in this movie. Also, Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) is back in a major role and is a main focus of this story. Much of what this movie looks like is Helms and Cooper standing round watching Allen and Mr. Chow make a movie. Much of this really looks badly mailed in. Can I have my check and my release, please?
But some of this is understandable. Helms has moved on beyond this series, and has been pretty darn good in some really funny and original Indy pics. And Cooper frankly, is Hollywood's new leading man, and has grown far, and I mean far beyond this franchise. He now looks like a huge star out of place in a slap-stick, R-rated comedy, when in essence now he is so much more. This is not 5 years ago, things have changed. This does have some real laughs in places, but really lacks the passion of the first one especially.
There are some new friends, John Goodman, and Melissa McCarthy make appearances in this movie, and some of the old cast is back for small goodbye roles. But all of that doesn't matter. This just lays there and doesn't move much. But as big of a hit as this will be, in the end, the final two installments will pale terribly in comparison to the original Hangover, which was very funny.
Helms and Cooper look done in this movie, and they more than likely will be. But the door is wide open for Allan (Galifianakis) and McCarthy to move on in some form and make more movies together in these characters, as projects may be more limited for them up the line. They end up together here, but you'll figure that out halfway through. Would not surprise me for them take an ill-advised movie making press-on in these characters.
The Hangover 3. It's here. It's more than likely a hit. And thankfully, it's over.
I wasn't so sure the second movie was a good idea, and it wasn't. As it was the exact same movie almost right down the line, just not near as funny. Hangover 3, will be better received than 2, but it is laden with problems. Oh, there are some laughs here and there. But in the end, this is far darker, less innocent, and really lacking of any kind of movie making passion.
In this final installment, our four friends are back, but this time they are begin threatened by organized crime who is claiming that one of their acquaintances has made off with 21 million dollars worth of stolen gold. So they kidnap one of them, and give the other three, three days to go out and locate the guy, and bring his gold back to them, or they will kill their friend. The road trip then goes from California, to Arizona, to Tijuana, then back to Vegas. As we sit and watch all the hi jinx along the way.
The test audiences must has said that they want more Allen (Zach Galifianakis) in this movie, because much of this if focused on him, and his shtick. And being honest, Allen was far funnier when he was a side dish as opposed to a main course. Our other principles Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms) are really relegated to the background by and large in this movie. Also, Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) is back in a major role and is a main focus of this story. Much of what this movie looks like is Helms and Cooper standing round watching Allen and Mr. Chow make a movie. Much of this really looks badly mailed in. Can I have my check and my release, please?
But some of this is understandable. Helms has moved on beyond this series, and has been pretty darn good in some really funny and original Indy pics. And Cooper frankly, is Hollywood's new leading man, and has grown far, and I mean far beyond this franchise. He now looks like a huge star out of place in a slap-stick, R-rated comedy, when in essence now he is so much more. This is not 5 years ago, things have changed. This does have some real laughs in places, but really lacks the passion of the first one especially.
There are some new friends, John Goodman, and Melissa McCarthy make appearances in this movie, and some of the old cast is back for small goodbye roles. But all of that doesn't matter. This just lays there and doesn't move much. But as big of a hit as this will be, in the end, the final two installments will pale terribly in comparison to the original Hangover, which was very funny.
Helms and Cooper look done in this movie, and they more than likely will be. But the door is wide open for Allan (Galifianakis) and McCarthy to move on in some form and make more movies together in these characters, as projects may be more limited for them up the line. They end up together here, but you'll figure that out halfway through. Would not surprise me for them take an ill-advised movie making press-on in these characters.
The Hangover 3. It's here. It's more than likely a hit. And thankfully, it's over.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Course Review
Course: Maplecrest
Location - Kent
Directions: Access right off I-76, and easy access off Rt.8
Dewsweeper Tee Time was: 630AM
Maplecrest Website
We have a tendency to like "shot makers" golf courses, and Maplecrest certainly is one. Maplecrest is a wonderful, old school golf course chiseled into rolling terrain nestled back in the trees of Kent. It is a par 71, very tight, very tree laden, and a very nice golf course that requires you to swing virtually every club in your bag. You must be able to hit the ball straight to score here. If you can, you are good to go, as it checks on at only 6,300 yards from the tips. There wasn't anything about this golf course we didn't like.
Blessed with short, tight par 4's, very long par 3's and average length par 5's, Maplecrest requires you hit is straight all day. All holes are tree lined with huge mighty oaks, and majestic maple trees. There are plenty of sand bunkers all at the greens, very little water, although there is a creek that weaves in and out of a few holes, primarily on the front 9. Toss in small, and nice greens, many of them raised, and you have a great track. And an historical one, as this has been there since 1928. Great place.
We teed off at 630, and it was a beautiful day. Beef was shaking off the rust of not playing in a couple weeks, and he had the typical problems you would have. Beef suffered from lack of "touch". struggling basically on the greens, with 3 3putts on the front. But hung in there for 45. On the back it was just inconsistent play, as is normal for having time off, and a couple bad breaks and it was a 91 on the day for Beef. But I think the higher than normal number was easy for Beef to set aside, as his son Derek was playing in the group behind us (JR. Dewsweepers), and recorded his first hole in one ever on the tough number 6 par 3, 185 yards uphill. Well done! Much pride for Beef!
Joe Red's son Bryan filled in for Red who is out of the country this week. Bryan was having tough time with the driver at first, but found it halfway through, and posted a 42 on the front, and struggled with a bad break or two on the back. Bryan also had a tough time on some of the par 3's, as there are five of them, all are pretty long and tough. But even though Bryan never really go into a good gofler's rhythm, he hung in there, and posted a bogey golf round of 90.
Tex is hitting his new driver extremely well, and it's going to change his game in the long run. Tex was sailing along after the first 8 holes playing very well. A few pars and great birdie on number 4 had Tex right in it. Then a very bad number on number 9, par 5 really killed his front 9, shooting a 46, but he played much better than that. Tex battled the course and the memory of number 9 for while, and played pretty well till 18, another par 5, and another bad number there. Tex finished with a 94, and should have scored much better than that. But oh, those bad numbers. But his game is coming along, equipment is making a big time positive difference.
I struggled for the first 3 holes then got down to business. With a birdie on number 5 and few pars I escaped with a 40 on the front. On the back I played well and under control, until I took a double on 16 and 18 to hurt my score more than it should have been. Shooting a 43 on the back, but a penalty stroke on 18 hurt, and a bad double on 16 didn't help. That one was needless. I also staggered out of the gate, 3 putting on 1 par 5. 83 on the day.
Course highlights? All 5 par 3's are great golf holes, with the awesome number 8 230 yards (1 handicap, how often do you see that?) to an elevated green as the crown jewel of them all. All 3's are long. Number 1, 500 yard par 5, tree lined both sides all the way. Number 10, doggy left, with a beautiful and tough approach shot. Number 2, fantastic par 4, so is number 4, and 5 which is easily drivable. And number 14, 400 yard par 4 to a tough green to hit, tree lined both sides all the way. Great hole.
Maplecrest is a great, traditional course. If you want to wail away with the driver all day long, you won't play well here. Use your bag, and good course management and you will. This is a course that has to be thought out. But it is certainly worth a play or two. We will be back later this summer.
Location - Kent
Directions: Access right off I-76, and easy access off Rt.8
Dewsweeper Tee Time was: 630AM
Maplecrest Website
We have a tendency to like "shot makers" golf courses, and Maplecrest certainly is one. Maplecrest is a wonderful, old school golf course chiseled into rolling terrain nestled back in the trees of Kent. It is a par 71, very tight, very tree laden, and a very nice golf course that requires you to swing virtually every club in your bag. You must be able to hit the ball straight to score here. If you can, you are good to go, as it checks on at only 6,300 yards from the tips. There wasn't anything about this golf course we didn't like.
Blessed with short, tight par 4's, very long par 3's and average length par 5's, Maplecrest requires you hit is straight all day. All holes are tree lined with huge mighty oaks, and majestic maple trees. There are plenty of sand bunkers all at the greens, very little water, although there is a creek that weaves in and out of a few holes, primarily on the front 9. Toss in small, and nice greens, many of them raised, and you have a great track. And an historical one, as this has been there since 1928. Great place.
We teed off at 630, and it was a beautiful day. Beef was shaking off the rust of not playing in a couple weeks, and he had the typical problems you would have. Beef suffered from lack of "touch". struggling basically on the greens, with 3 3putts on the front. But hung in there for 45. On the back it was just inconsistent play, as is normal for having time off, and a couple bad breaks and it was a 91 on the day for Beef. But I think the higher than normal number was easy for Beef to set aside, as his son Derek was playing in the group behind us (JR. Dewsweepers), and recorded his first hole in one ever on the tough number 6 par 3, 185 yards uphill. Well done! Much pride for Beef!
Joe Red's son Bryan filled in for Red who is out of the country this week. Bryan was having tough time with the driver at first, but found it halfway through, and posted a 42 on the front, and struggled with a bad break or two on the back. Bryan also had a tough time on some of the par 3's, as there are five of them, all are pretty long and tough. But even though Bryan never really go into a good gofler's rhythm, he hung in there, and posted a bogey golf round of 90.
Tex is hitting his new driver extremely well, and it's going to change his game in the long run. Tex was sailing along after the first 8 holes playing very well. A few pars and great birdie on number 4 had Tex right in it. Then a very bad number on number 9, par 5 really killed his front 9, shooting a 46, but he played much better than that. Tex battled the course and the memory of number 9 for while, and played pretty well till 18, another par 5, and another bad number there. Tex finished with a 94, and should have scored much better than that. But oh, those bad numbers. But his game is coming along, equipment is making a big time positive difference.
I struggled for the first 3 holes then got down to business. With a birdie on number 5 and few pars I escaped with a 40 on the front. On the back I played well and under control, until I took a double on 16 and 18 to hurt my score more than it should have been. Shooting a 43 on the back, but a penalty stroke on 18 hurt, and a bad double on 16 didn't help. That one was needless. I also staggered out of the gate, 3 putting on 1 par 5. 83 on the day.
Course highlights? All 5 par 3's are great golf holes, with the awesome number 8 230 yards (1 handicap, how often do you see that?) to an elevated green as the crown jewel of them all. All 3's are long. Number 1, 500 yard par 5, tree lined both sides all the way. Number 10, doggy left, with a beautiful and tough approach shot. Number 2, fantastic par 4, so is number 4, and 5 which is easily drivable. And number 14, 400 yard par 4 to a tough green to hit, tree lined both sides all the way. Great hole.
Maplecrest is a great, traditional course. If you want to wail away with the driver all day long, you won't play well here. Use your bag, and good course management and you will. This is a course that has to be thought out. But it is certainly worth a play or two. We will be back later this summer.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Course Review
Course: Brookledge
Location: Cuyahoga Falls
Directions: Cuyahoga Falls, off Rt. 8, easy access from Turnpike, Rt. 8 and I-76
Dewsweepers Tee Time Was: 7AM
Brookledge Website
This week we played one of the best overall public courses you can play in the area. Last year The Dewsweepers voted this as our favorite course we played all season long. Should be noted, we play lots of really nice tracks, all different and unique in their own way. I think we were so takes with Brookledge is that it was so much nicer than any of us had pictured in our minds before we teed off last year.
Last Sunday we were greeted by the very nice staff first thing in the morning, as the coffee was on, and so were the smiles. The staff at this city owned facility is amazingly pleasant and that's a big deal to us. We teed off right on time at 7AM. Sadly for our fist visit to Brookledge this season the weather conditions were pretty tough for actually playing golf, let alone scoring well. Although the morning looked pleasant enough with a nice sunrise, the winds were blowing about 30 mph, and the temp was in the low 40's.
Brookledge is a course that we all played very well last summer when weather conditions were perfect. It is a course that really suits my game especially on the Dewsweeper tour, as I love to play lots of irons. This is not a long golf course, but a target course. For most amateurs, going out to Brookledge wailing away with the driver all day can be a recipe for disaster unless you are pounding it arrow straight. But with the wind, damp and cold, we all were out of our games, and we were more focused surviving.
But this course is one of the great kept secrets in all of Northeast Ohio. Brookledge is in incredible shape, with fantastic fairways, and smooth, fast, and wonderfully undulated greens. Rough that is just enough, and bunkers that are very well maintained. This is a very visual course with tree lined fairways, all carved into a very nice and rolling terrain. There is just enough of everything to be well balanced. There is not a lot of water trouble at Brookledge, but the creeks, and wetlands are well placed and can cause issues with mis-hits.
On this Sunday, the pin placements were extremely difficult, as most were set deep on the greens. They were certainly competition on caliber, and made a tough weather condition day, very challenging. With the windy, cold weather, the speed of the green, pin placements and damp rough, I don't know if this course could have played more difficult on this day. Scored badly, but we did have fun as this is a very enjoyable course, and we look forward to going back when it's 80 degrees and still.
Brookledge is a golf course you should certainly put on your list of courses to play at least once this season. It is first class public golf. IN fact, we have played some private clubs that are not as nice of a golf course as this. Green, lush, and perfectly maintained clearly with pride and good management. Play it once and you'll play it again, and again.
We look forward to going back in July when the weather is a bit more kind, and far less windy and cold. We all agreed on that. Brookledge - fantastic course and overall experience.
This week we play, and make our Dewsweepers debut at Maplecrest in Kent! A course you can play at a great discount when you buy the WQMX Players Golf Card.
Location: Cuyahoga Falls
Directions: Cuyahoga Falls, off Rt. 8, easy access from Turnpike, Rt. 8 and I-76
Dewsweepers Tee Time Was: 7AM
Brookledge Website
This week we played one of the best overall public courses you can play in the area. Last year The Dewsweepers voted this as our favorite course we played all season long. Should be noted, we play lots of really nice tracks, all different and unique in their own way. I think we were so takes with Brookledge is that it was so much nicer than any of us had pictured in our minds before we teed off last year.
Last Sunday we were greeted by the very nice staff first thing in the morning, as the coffee was on, and so were the smiles. The staff at this city owned facility is amazingly pleasant and that's a big deal to us. We teed off right on time at 7AM. Sadly for our fist visit to Brookledge this season the weather conditions were pretty tough for actually playing golf, let alone scoring well. Although the morning looked pleasant enough with a nice sunrise, the winds were blowing about 30 mph, and the temp was in the low 40's.
Brookledge is a course that we all played very well last summer when weather conditions were perfect. It is a course that really suits my game especially on the Dewsweeper tour, as I love to play lots of irons. This is not a long golf course, but a target course. For most amateurs, going out to Brookledge wailing away with the driver all day can be a recipe for disaster unless you are pounding it arrow straight. But with the wind, damp and cold, we all were out of our games, and we were more focused surviving.
But this course is one of the great kept secrets in all of Northeast Ohio. Brookledge is in incredible shape, with fantastic fairways, and smooth, fast, and wonderfully undulated greens. Rough that is just enough, and bunkers that are very well maintained. This is a very visual course with tree lined fairways, all carved into a very nice and rolling terrain. There is just enough of everything to be well balanced. There is not a lot of water trouble at Brookledge, but the creeks, and wetlands are well placed and can cause issues with mis-hits.
On this Sunday, the pin placements were extremely difficult, as most were set deep on the greens. They were certainly competition on caliber, and made a tough weather condition day, very challenging. With the windy, cold weather, the speed of the green, pin placements and damp rough, I don't know if this course could have played more difficult on this day. Scored badly, but we did have fun as this is a very enjoyable course, and we look forward to going back when it's 80 degrees and still.
Brookledge is a golf course you should certainly put on your list of courses to play at least once this season. It is first class public golf. IN fact, we have played some private clubs that are not as nice of a golf course as this. Green, lush, and perfectly maintained clearly with pride and good management. Play it once and you'll play it again, and again.
We look forward to going back in July when the weather is a bit more kind, and far less windy and cold. We all agreed on that. Brookledge - fantastic course and overall experience.
This week we play, and make our Dewsweepers debut at Maplecrest in Kent! A course you can play at a great discount when you buy the WQMX Players Golf Card.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Star Trek Into Darkness
I have to admit, I really like this whole Star Trek re-boot series. The latest installment of this prequel series Star Trek Into Darkness, is very good movie making.
In fact, I am enjoying this series way more than either of the others that have been landing in theaters for 30 years now. This series takes us back to Kirk, Spock, Sulu, Scotty, Bones and the rest of the crew before the TV series and early movie characters. This series is well thought out, well written and really produced in top-notch fashion.
The same cast is back from the first one of this series, and a few others are introduced here. Without giving away too much, this has the crew of the Starship Enterprise meeting up with some old foes, and enemies. And if you are a real Trekkie, this is actually the first time they meet up with them as this takes place before all the rest.
This is everything that is really good about summer action movie making. This is exciting, and fun, and not over the top. I loved the first one, and this is just as good if not better. I am not a gigantic Si-Fi fan, but the one thing I have always loved about the entire Star Trek franchise, is that they do a great job of remembering that even though this takes place 100's of years in our future, the characters still share the same frailties humans face today. That is the separator for me.
Wonderful character development, and a great story. What a wonderful combination for any movie at any time, let alone for a summer action movie. Amazing effects that look very believable, a fantastic musical score, and command performances by all of our actors and this really sings. It is set up for more to come and I'm good with that. I like everything about this movie. Great writing, casting performances, and final production and decision making.
Star Trek Into Darkness. Extremely good.
In fact, I am enjoying this series way more than either of the others that have been landing in theaters for 30 years now. This series takes us back to Kirk, Spock, Sulu, Scotty, Bones and the rest of the crew before the TV series and early movie characters. This series is well thought out, well written and really produced in top-notch fashion.
The same cast is back from the first one of this series, and a few others are introduced here. Without giving away too much, this has the crew of the Starship Enterprise meeting up with some old foes, and enemies. And if you are a real Trekkie, this is actually the first time they meet up with them as this takes place before all the rest.
This is everything that is really good about summer action movie making. This is exciting, and fun, and not over the top. I loved the first one, and this is just as good if not better. I am not a gigantic Si-Fi fan, but the one thing I have always loved about the entire Star Trek franchise, is that they do a great job of remembering that even though this takes place 100's of years in our future, the characters still share the same frailties humans face today. That is the separator for me.
Wonderful character development, and a great story. What a wonderful combination for any movie at any time, let alone for a summer action movie. Amazing effects that look very believable, a fantastic musical score, and command performances by all of our actors and this really sings. It is set up for more to come and I'm good with that. I like everything about this movie. Great writing, casting performances, and final production and decision making.
Star Trek Into Darkness. Extremely good.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Great Gatsby
One thing I have learned over the years of reviewing movies is this. When you are hearing far more in the hype about who directed the movie, as opposed to the actual movie, that's not usually a good sign.
Quick question. Do you know who Baz Luhrmann is? No, I didn't think so. You may know a few of movie movies, Moulin Rouge, Romeo And Juliet, and Australia. All really interesting movies, but he's certainly not a household name. So he is the maker of the new version of the classic, The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby. This also has a nice cast, with Tobey McGuire and Carey Mulligan, in this adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic novel from the 1920's.
You may know the story in some memories of your high school mandatory reading in literature class. And somewhere in this movie version, the original story still exists, but there have been significant changes. I'm not sure that was a good idea here. The idea is that it needs to be updated to be more contemporary in some regards, but it really was not necessary. Fitzgerald knew what he was doing. This is more than a story written by him. It is the quintessential story about the hedonism and self indulgence of the roaring 1920's. It has stood for almost a 100 years on its own. It may be one of the best novels ever written in many eyes.
Going along with Luhrmann's movie past, this film is very visual and colorful. There are many parts of this movie that look fantastic, and take you back to the 1920's in a way you have never seen, and that's great. Huge sets, lavish costumes, wonderful props, vintage cars, and really wonderful scene setting all throughout this movie. It is set in the 1920's of course, but much of the sound track is a hip-hop mix from 2013. The music is strangely right on target at times, but not at others.
The problem with this movie though is this. It is amazingly fatiguing. Endless party scenes at Gatsby's house, far too many drawn out scenes that go nowhere. And DiCpario to my eye, seems to be doing a Robert Redford imitation from the 1973 classic of the same movie. As mysterious as Gatsby is in the original story, what he is here, is simply hollow, shallow and a shadow of the character in the book and earlier versions. This is not DiCaprio's fault, it's poor adaptation. This should have been a huge part for him, as it turns out, it smacks of poor writing, and a movie maker more concerned on what they could do, and not what they should do.
There is so much effort into making this a visual experience and it falls short on being an entertaining one. Mistake here was effects and fluff first, and everything else sits in the back seat. It is a bad movie? No, but it's certainly a movie that is far more hype than substance. And that's sad.
The Great Gatsby. New and different? Yes. Is it really a great movie? No. A very expensive underachieving project.
Quick question. Do you know who Baz Luhrmann is? No, I didn't think so. You may know a few of movie movies, Moulin Rouge, Romeo And Juliet, and Australia. All really interesting movies, but he's certainly not a household name. So he is the maker of the new version of the classic, The Great Gatsby starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby. This also has a nice cast, with Tobey McGuire and Carey Mulligan, in this adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic novel from the 1920's.
You may know the story in some memories of your high school mandatory reading in literature class. And somewhere in this movie version, the original story still exists, but there have been significant changes. I'm not sure that was a good idea here. The idea is that it needs to be updated to be more contemporary in some regards, but it really was not necessary. Fitzgerald knew what he was doing. This is more than a story written by him. It is the quintessential story about the hedonism and self indulgence of the roaring 1920's. It has stood for almost a 100 years on its own. It may be one of the best novels ever written in many eyes.
Going along with Luhrmann's movie past, this film is very visual and colorful. There are many parts of this movie that look fantastic, and take you back to the 1920's in a way you have never seen, and that's great. Huge sets, lavish costumes, wonderful props, vintage cars, and really wonderful scene setting all throughout this movie. It is set in the 1920's of course, but much of the sound track is a hip-hop mix from 2013. The music is strangely right on target at times, but not at others.
The problem with this movie though is this. It is amazingly fatiguing. Endless party scenes at Gatsby's house, far too many drawn out scenes that go nowhere. And DiCpario to my eye, seems to be doing a Robert Redford imitation from the 1973 classic of the same movie. As mysterious as Gatsby is in the original story, what he is here, is simply hollow, shallow and a shadow of the character in the book and earlier versions. This is not DiCaprio's fault, it's poor adaptation. This should have been a huge part for him, as it turns out, it smacks of poor writing, and a movie maker more concerned on what they could do, and not what they should do.
There is so much effort into making this a visual experience and it falls short on being an entertaining one. Mistake here was effects and fluff first, and everything else sits in the back seat. It is a bad movie? No, but it's certainly a movie that is far more hype than substance. And that's sad.
The Great Gatsby. New and different? Yes. Is it really a great movie? No. A very expensive underachieving project.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Course Review
Course: Valleaire
Location: Boston Road off Ridge in Hinckley
Directions: Easy access of of Rt. 82, Rt. 303. Close to Medina, 20 minutes or so from Akron
Dewsweepers Tee Time Was: 7AM
This week The Dewsweepers went out to a nice place to play in Medina County, Valleaire which is at the end of Boston Road in Hinckley.
We have played Valleaire a few times before, and it is always in good shape and is pretty darn good golf. They are in good shape for early in the season with their front 9 rolling terrain, and a more flat back 9. We found the greens quick for this time of year. We also found that for some reason the greens seemed faster on the back 9 overall.
Valleaire is of decent length as a golf course, and overall is a very comfortable place to play. This is a course that is driver friendly off most tees, with it closing in a bit on the back where it is more of a thinking mans course. I always feel this is a course that has some murderous par 4's, so scoring on the 5's and 3's is really important.
Being fair, there was not a lot of good scoring on this round for any of us, except Beef who really played well posting a very solid 83. Not bad at all for this course. Beef kept the ball in front of him for the most part, but really saved himself on the greens. Beef made a bunch of 8-10 footers to either save par,or bogey for the most part, and even drained a real nice birdie putt on number 8 and skinny par 5 up hill. Well done
Tex showed up with new TaylorMade white headed driver finally joining the "white headed drivers club" (we've been waiting) But just as Joe Red is adjusting to his new driver, Tex was too. In fact, Tex took off the plastic and literally hit it for the first time on number one. But you you can see that both are going to benefit mightily when the adjustment is complete. Tex was elevating this driver nicely as that has been one of his bug-a -boo's off the tee. Joe Red too, always a long hitter, will be even longer with his new weapon. But as you know as a one or two time a week player, this takes time. It's not like the pro's who hit a 1,000 balls a day and play 18, where the adjustment is very fast.
I didn't complete my round, as I had a work obligation, I had to call it quits halfway through the back 9. Good thing, I wasn't playing well on the back, after a so-so front. I had back-to-back birdies on 8 and 9, that saved me and shot a 42 on the front, with 3 doubles. Very inconsistent. On the back had a clouded mind, and a focusing problem, and did not play well around the greens or putt well. I drove the ball very well all day, but had nothing to show for it. We handicapped me out for a 48 on the back.
Course highlights? This course boasts really tough par 4's. Including number 2, 430 yards to an elevated green. Number 4 hard uphill 335 yards, number 6 very tight drive 340 yards to a protected green. Number 10, brutally long par 4 uphill, 420 yards high elevated green, and 18, a tough driving 375, with a creek at the landing area. The par 5's are where you can make your move as most are scorable. But number 3, is very long, but still a scoring hole. And the signature number 9, 150 yard par 3 off a high hill, over water all the way to a green 40 foot below. Great hole.
Overall Valleaire is a fun course with a bit of everything. Quaint clubhouse, nice service and and rates that are fair.
Scores
Beef - 83
Wynn - 90
Joe Red - 94
Tex - 107
Location: Boston Road off Ridge in Hinckley
Directions: Easy access of of Rt. 82, Rt. 303. Close to Medina, 20 minutes or so from Akron
Dewsweepers Tee Time Was: 7AM
This week The Dewsweepers went out to a nice place to play in Medina County, Valleaire which is at the end of Boston Road in Hinckley.
We have played Valleaire a few times before, and it is always in good shape and is pretty darn good golf. They are in good shape for early in the season with their front 9 rolling terrain, and a more flat back 9. We found the greens quick for this time of year. We also found that for some reason the greens seemed faster on the back 9 overall.
Valleaire is of decent length as a golf course, and overall is a very comfortable place to play. This is a course that is driver friendly off most tees, with it closing in a bit on the back where it is more of a thinking mans course. I always feel this is a course that has some murderous par 4's, so scoring on the 5's and 3's is really important.
Being fair, there was not a lot of good scoring on this round for any of us, except Beef who really played well posting a very solid 83. Not bad at all for this course. Beef kept the ball in front of him for the most part, but really saved himself on the greens. Beef made a bunch of 8-10 footers to either save par,or bogey for the most part, and even drained a real nice birdie putt on number 8 and skinny par 5 up hill. Well done
Tex showed up with new TaylorMade white headed driver finally joining the "white headed drivers club" (we've been waiting) But just as Joe Red is adjusting to his new driver, Tex was too. In fact, Tex took off the plastic and literally hit it for the first time on number one. But you you can see that both are going to benefit mightily when the adjustment is complete. Tex was elevating this driver nicely as that has been one of his bug-a -boo's off the tee. Joe Red too, always a long hitter, will be even longer with his new weapon. But as you know as a one or two time a week player, this takes time. It's not like the pro's who hit a 1,000 balls a day and play 18, where the adjustment is very fast.
I didn't complete my round, as I had a work obligation, I had to call it quits halfway through the back 9. Good thing, I wasn't playing well on the back, after a so-so front. I had back-to-back birdies on 8 and 9, that saved me and shot a 42 on the front, with 3 doubles. Very inconsistent. On the back had a clouded mind, and a focusing problem, and did not play well around the greens or putt well. I drove the ball very well all day, but had nothing to show for it. We handicapped me out for a 48 on the back.
Course highlights? This course boasts really tough par 4's. Including number 2, 430 yards to an elevated green. Number 4 hard uphill 335 yards, number 6 very tight drive 340 yards to a protected green. Number 10, brutally long par 4 uphill, 420 yards high elevated green, and 18, a tough driving 375, with a creek at the landing area. The par 5's are where you can make your move as most are scorable. But number 3, is very long, but still a scoring hole. And the signature number 9, 150 yard par 3 off a high hill, over water all the way to a green 40 foot below. Great hole.
Overall Valleaire is a fun course with a bit of everything. Quaint clubhouse, nice service and and rates that are fair.
Scores
Beef - 83
Wynn - 90
Joe Red - 94
Tex - 107
Monday, May 6, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Disconnect
Newly out ,and in extremely limited release is the new cyber-space intense thriller, Disconnect.
Many times we go to the movies to be scared. Hollywood tries slasher flicks, horror flicks and tons of body dismemberment tactics thinking that that will scare us. I doesn't really. All those movies are in sense, are bad car crashes. You kind of have to watch to see how they do it. But fear does not generally ensue, maybe a jolt or two.
Disconnect has none of the qualities mentioned above. What this is, is a movie about the digital age we live in, and what happens every single time we talk on a mobile phone, send a text, e-mail or go on the web. It dares to show you what happens to you, and your identity when we do what we do every day. Some of it ain't pretty.
This is three separate stories all relevant to our world today. The first one centers around social networking and kids at middle school, with a horrible case of cyber-bullying that really isn't far -fetched at all. And the possible ramifications to the young and the vulnerable. Then there is the case of identity theft, where a young couple loses all their money and what happens to their lives. The third one centers around cyber-sex and that industry that involves young kids, the media, and laws that can be broken on the Federal level that many don't even know about.
The stories all eventually intersect and all come together in tidy manner. But just as in real life, there really is no resolution that is absolute in either of our stories, just like real life. Disconnect follows the same formula as Crash years ago, but so what? It was good formula then, and it works here.
This is a very eye-opening movie about the digital world that we so willingly live in, and it may be wake up call for many who see it. Even though our characters themselves as humans make terrible decisions that lead to many of the problems in their lives, it shows how easy it is for all to be tied up worse than ever in cyber-space. Skillfully, this movie does not blame their problems on the technology that exists, but it shows just how quickly it can quickly spiral out of control.
This has a great cast with Jason Bateman, best think he's done in a while. as this is not some screwball cookie cutter comedy with buddies. And he lovely Andrea Riseborough, who is also the best thing in Oblivion with Tom Cruise right now. She is a wonderful new face in American theaters and she is solid here. She has such a great look with a perfectly flawed appearance, and manner making her very real. But in fairness, the star of this movie, is the movie and story.
Disconnect. If you go, be willing to learn the truth you may be lying to yourself about. This is pretty intense, and sometimes scary stuff. Well done.
Many times we go to the movies to be scared. Hollywood tries slasher flicks, horror flicks and tons of body dismemberment tactics thinking that that will scare us. I doesn't really. All those movies are in sense, are bad car crashes. You kind of have to watch to see how they do it. But fear does not generally ensue, maybe a jolt or two.
Disconnect has none of the qualities mentioned above. What this is, is a movie about the digital age we live in, and what happens every single time we talk on a mobile phone, send a text, e-mail or go on the web. It dares to show you what happens to you, and your identity when we do what we do every day. Some of it ain't pretty.
This is three separate stories all relevant to our world today. The first one centers around social networking and kids at middle school, with a horrible case of cyber-bullying that really isn't far -fetched at all. And the possible ramifications to the young and the vulnerable. Then there is the case of identity theft, where a young couple loses all their money and what happens to their lives. The third one centers around cyber-sex and that industry that involves young kids, the media, and laws that can be broken on the Federal level that many don't even know about.
The stories all eventually intersect and all come together in tidy manner. But just as in real life, there really is no resolution that is absolute in either of our stories, just like real life. Disconnect follows the same formula as Crash years ago, but so what? It was good formula then, and it works here.
This is a very eye-opening movie about the digital world that we so willingly live in, and it may be wake up call for many who see it. Even though our characters themselves as humans make terrible decisions that lead to many of the problems in their lives, it shows how easy it is for all to be tied up worse than ever in cyber-space. Skillfully, this movie does not blame their problems on the technology that exists, but it shows just how quickly it can quickly spiral out of control.
This has a great cast with Jason Bateman, best think he's done in a while. as this is not some screwball cookie cutter comedy with buddies. And he lovely Andrea Riseborough, who is also the best thing in Oblivion with Tom Cruise right now. She is a wonderful new face in American theaters and she is solid here. She has such a great look with a perfectly flawed appearance, and manner making her very real. But in fairness, the star of this movie, is the movie and story.
Disconnect. If you go, be willing to learn the truth you may be lying to yourself about. This is pretty intense, and sometimes scary stuff. Well done.
Friday, May 3, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Mud
This is a flat out great movie.
Matthew McConaughey stars in the role of his career as Mud. Mud is a young guy marooned on this small island deep in the Arkansas river bed area. He lives in a boat that has become perched high in a tree after the last big flood. He is discovered by two young 14 year old boys out exploring one day and befriends them.
But who is Mud really? What is his story, and why does he carry a gun in his pants? And why is he way out there all alone? These are all big questions the boys have. And you will too when you go see Mud.
This is tough story to really articulate well, as it is extremely well written and extremely well thought out. In the end, it is a love story of sorts, but also makes commentary about life in the deep, and I mean deep river south. As it takes us to places not really seen by most of us. This is not light movie making. It's a tragedy of sorts. A cross between Shakespeare, Stand By Me, and Deliverance.
This has a great cast including Reece Witherspoon, and others all perfectly placed in this movie. But the story of Mud,the movie, is McConaughey. There is no one else that could have played this role and certainly no one could have played it as well. This is far more than a movie for him. It is a reminder to himself and all of us, that he is capable of doing well above excellent work, when given the right vehicle. He is brilliant as the mysterious Mud. In fact, he will be as good in this movie as anyone else will be in any other movie the rest of this year.
Seldom does Oscar buss start this time of year, but this performance will live on till Christmas and will be remembered. He quite frankly was born to play this role.
Mud. Limited release, but a movie goers must see. McConaughey is phenomenal.
MOVIE REVIEW - Iron Man 3
Movies like Iron Man 3 are then hardest to review. Because virtually everyone that goes to see this movie, started loving this movie months before they saw one minute of it. And they don't want to hear anything but how great it is.
And that's how it is with these kinds of movies. Many, so fixated on what the movie makers "can" do and not what they "could" do. Right up front, the special effects here are first class, and this movie is visually very stunning, no matter if you go regular or 3-D. This is even in IMAX 3-D, which makes any movie spectacular. This has a marvelous and exciting musical soundtrack that accompanies the long action sequences. Sets and staging for this movie are first rate, and much of this looks, and sometimes feels very good.
Robert Downey Jr is back as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Gwenyth Paltrow is back as Pepper, and much of the rest of the regular supporting cast is back as well. All fine. Ben Kingsley is a guest star here as The Mandarin, the new "villain", and Guy Pearce is here, and he too is on Iron Man's wrong side Seems all the elements are in place for a very good movie. And much of this is good. But then there's reality.
In short, this is a very non-subtle movie that puts terrorism right out front. There is a new kind of science that is DNA altering and could have wonderful uses when injected into humans. The thought is to grow back and repair parts of the body that become damaged, or even amputated. But the science is flawed and there are massive failures. But this technology falls into terrorist hands and now it is being used to force an agenda. More on that later. The "Think Tank" create a face to the movement and his name is The Mandarin. He and this group are extremely anti-west, anti-American, and anti-big oil and big business. So they target America with their campaign.
They also target Stark and his technology hoping that they can acquire that so they can not only terrorize the world, but they couldn't be stopped. They believe America likes to fight a war on terror, and they want to supply the supply. They pose a huge threat to the country and the world and to Iron Man himself, as the new technology seems to trump his.
But what this turns out to be is really something else rooted deep in the story and really makes this under what it should be. This terrorist group in the end turns out to be a radical environmental group on steroids. They execute an oil executive on live TV, and they try to kill The President who they say is soft on an oil spill they are angry about. They blow up Air Force One, torture the President, infiltrate the Vice-President and flip him over to their side for his own gain.
Then there's the villain. Basic Superhero 101. You must have a fantastic villain to make a great superhero movie. And this movie plain and simple does not have one. In fact, the amazing villain you think you're going to get in Ben Kingsley, turns out to be a rouse on you, the customer, and that is the films most disappointing feature. Truth be told, he's hardly in this movie at all. And certainly does not live up to the billing or as advertised.
What Iron Man hasn't figured out quite yet, is that as fun and funny as Tony Stark is, villains make these movie great. Ask the Batman makers how Heath Ledger worked out, Tom Hardy too. And the list goes on from there. I always think what makes these movies go, is your hatred for the bad guy, and not your love for the good. This gets lost here, and what this turns into, is a video game with tons of Iron Men running around trying to save the day. I now that can be very compelling for many fans, but it thins out the story and cheapens the movie. This movie should have it all, big effects, big characters and an inventive story. What it really has, it toys, gadgets, computers and effects.
In the end this is a big, loud and visually stunning movie that is going to be very entertaining for tons of people. But this series as big as this will be, could be teetering on having to decide where it wants to go. How many more wisecracks will we have to hear Stark say, and how many more facets can they develop for Iron Man himself.
Iron Man 3. This may rewrite every single box office record ever for the time being. But from my seat, it's not all it should have been.
And that's how it is with these kinds of movies. Many, so fixated on what the movie makers "can" do and not what they "could" do. Right up front, the special effects here are first class, and this movie is visually very stunning, no matter if you go regular or 3-D. This is even in IMAX 3-D, which makes any movie spectacular. This has a marvelous and exciting musical soundtrack that accompanies the long action sequences. Sets and staging for this movie are first rate, and much of this looks, and sometimes feels very good.
Robert Downey Jr is back as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Gwenyth Paltrow is back as Pepper, and much of the rest of the regular supporting cast is back as well. All fine. Ben Kingsley is a guest star here as The Mandarin, the new "villain", and Guy Pearce is here, and he too is on Iron Man's wrong side Seems all the elements are in place for a very good movie. And much of this is good. But then there's reality.
In short, this is a very non-subtle movie that puts terrorism right out front. There is a new kind of science that is DNA altering and could have wonderful uses when injected into humans. The thought is to grow back and repair parts of the body that become damaged, or even amputated. But the science is flawed and there are massive failures. But this technology falls into terrorist hands and now it is being used to force an agenda. More on that later. The "Think Tank" create a face to the movement and his name is The Mandarin. He and this group are extremely anti-west, anti-American, and anti-big oil and big business. So they target America with their campaign.
They also target Stark and his technology hoping that they can acquire that so they can not only terrorize the world, but they couldn't be stopped. They believe America likes to fight a war on terror, and they want to supply the supply. They pose a huge threat to the country and the world and to Iron Man himself, as the new technology seems to trump his.
But what this turns out to be is really something else rooted deep in the story and really makes this under what it should be. This terrorist group in the end turns out to be a radical environmental group on steroids. They execute an oil executive on live TV, and they try to kill The President who they say is soft on an oil spill they are angry about. They blow up Air Force One, torture the President, infiltrate the Vice-President and flip him over to their side for his own gain.
Then there's the villain. Basic Superhero 101. You must have a fantastic villain to make a great superhero movie. And this movie plain and simple does not have one. In fact, the amazing villain you think you're going to get in Ben Kingsley, turns out to be a rouse on you, the customer, and that is the films most disappointing feature. Truth be told, he's hardly in this movie at all. And certainly does not live up to the billing or as advertised.
What Iron Man hasn't figured out quite yet, is that as fun and funny as Tony Stark is, villains make these movie great. Ask the Batman makers how Heath Ledger worked out, Tom Hardy too. And the list goes on from there. I always think what makes these movies go, is your hatred for the bad guy, and not your love for the good. This gets lost here, and what this turns into, is a video game with tons of Iron Men running around trying to save the day. I now that can be very compelling for many fans, but it thins out the story and cheapens the movie. This movie should have it all, big effects, big characters and an inventive story. What it really has, it toys, gadgets, computers and effects.
In the end this is a big, loud and visually stunning movie that is going to be very entertaining for tons of people. But this series as big as this will be, could be teetering on having to decide where it wants to go. How many more wisecracks will we have to hear Stark say, and how many more facets can they develop for Iron Man himself.
Iron Man 3. This may rewrite every single box office record ever for the time being. But from my seat, it's not all it should have been.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Arthur Newman
Here comes a small, Indy pic in extremely limited release, with Oscar winner Colin Firth and Emily Blunt, Arthur Newman.
First off, I like Firth as an actor, but I love Blunt as an actress. And they both give really good performances in this movie that has all of the makings of being a good movie, but isn't. The trouble with this movie is there just isn't enough memorable story here.
This is the story of Wallace (Firth). He is a middle aged washed up golf pro who is sick of his life so he decides to drop out of it. He is also divorced with a 13-year old son. He now has a new girlfriend, Mina (Ann Heche) but he's bored with her too. His son hates him, so does his ex-wife, and Mina loves him, but thinks he's boring too. So Wallace fakes his own death and assumes the identity of someone named Arthur Newman.
As he leaves Florida he meets a young junkie woman named Mike (Blunt). She has her own demons too and somehow these two are seemingly made for each other as they each are running away from something in the past. They set out on this road trip that includes sneaking into other peoples houses and having sex in their beds and temporarily living their lives. Sound weird? It is. Sadly, it's just not very compelling. Will they somehow find peace or, will they end up together? Who knows, and again sadly, who cares?
Many Indy flicks can be so very good, and there are elements of this that are. But what I think really hurts this movie is the fact that there is no sense of harsh reality. It attempts it but fails. It goes out of its way to be topical, but maybe that's the problem. Great Indy movies just kind of happen, and thrust you into their lives and you can relate somehow. And generally, they say something, usually poignant. But not here. Quirky and fun at times yes. But you need more. When you are in an era of huge movies and you choose to be small like this, you have to have an above the line story. That is the epic fail of this movie.
Firth is fine here, and Blunt I think is at some point will win an Oscar up the road for some role. She is great here, as the enigmatic Mike. Blunt is easy to watch and she is easy to take in. She's a natural, and there hopefully are great things ahead for here. She is great here, and has been great in the past. I already look forward to her next movie.
Arthur Newman. You need more that just an Indy formula, you need a big story in a small movie.
First off, I like Firth as an actor, but I love Blunt as an actress. And they both give really good performances in this movie that has all of the makings of being a good movie, but isn't. The trouble with this movie is there just isn't enough memorable story here.
This is the story of Wallace (Firth). He is a middle aged washed up golf pro who is sick of his life so he decides to drop out of it. He is also divorced with a 13-year old son. He now has a new girlfriend, Mina (Ann Heche) but he's bored with her too. His son hates him, so does his ex-wife, and Mina loves him, but thinks he's boring too. So Wallace fakes his own death and assumes the identity of someone named Arthur Newman.
As he leaves Florida he meets a young junkie woman named Mike (Blunt). She has her own demons too and somehow these two are seemingly made for each other as they each are running away from something in the past. They set out on this road trip that includes sneaking into other peoples houses and having sex in their beds and temporarily living their lives. Sound weird? It is. Sadly, it's just not very compelling. Will they somehow find peace or, will they end up together? Who knows, and again sadly, who cares?
Many Indy flicks can be so very good, and there are elements of this that are. But what I think really hurts this movie is the fact that there is no sense of harsh reality. It attempts it but fails. It goes out of its way to be topical, but maybe that's the problem. Great Indy movies just kind of happen, and thrust you into their lives and you can relate somehow. And generally, they say something, usually poignant. But not here. Quirky and fun at times yes. But you need more. When you are in an era of huge movies and you choose to be small like this, you have to have an above the line story. That is the epic fail of this movie.
Firth is fine here, and Blunt I think is at some point will win an Oscar up the road for some role. She is great here, as the enigmatic Mike. Blunt is easy to watch and she is easy to take in. She's a natural, and there hopefully are great things ahead for here. She is great here, and has been great in the past. I already look forward to her next movie.
Arthur Newman. You need more that just an Indy formula, you need a big story in a small movie.
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