Course: Manakiki
Location: Willoughby
Directions: Off of I-90. Easy access from 90 or I-271 to 90
Dewsweepers Tee Time was: 7AM
Conditions: Ideal
Manakiki Website
This week we took a 45 minute ride out to Willoughby, east of Cleveland and played a terrific golf course called Manakiki. This is part of the MetroParks golf course system, and in my view, this is their best course. What a place.
Manakiki is of moderate length, as it is an old country club from an era gone by. It was designed originally by heralded, and now legendary golf course architect Donald Ross many decades ago. This course is so well designed, other courses could really learn from this track. The par 5's are score-able, the par 3's are unique and well protected, and the par 4's are pretty darn tough. This is a good example of a course that if you keep the ball in front of you, you can play well here. Not much of this is real tight, but the rough was brutal on this day. More on that in a minute.
As we were playing Manakiki, we got to the third hole and great par 5, about 480 yards with tons of hills, up and down to a raised green and we noticed a ridiculously difficult pin placement. About 7 feet on the front left, near a bunker on a ridge. We later found out that later that day the final round of the Manakiki Club Championship was going to be played there. Holy cow, were these greens fast, and the flags on every green were about as tough as they could have been. This made this great golf course insanely hard. But it was a nice test for us to see how upper tier players battle on the course.
Without real specifics, we all played fairly well. I and the rest of the Dewsweepers drove the ball quite well all day long, as the tees were also fairly deep because of the impending tournament later. This was the round though that short game and putting really came into play. That is where all of us really lost our scores, on the greens. The wonderful greens were fast and pins brutal. There was some three-putting posted by all of us, which we really stay away from by and large.
But the pinnacle was my 4-putt on the great number 6 a wonderful par 5. I was on in regulation making three good shots to 25 feet from the pin, and hacked it up. Being tentative, horrible. But it can happen when you are way out of your norm, and we were. Well as we played, none of us could score as our green play was really challenged. It was one of those rounds where you "played" better than you "scored". And all 4 of us did just that. It even led to some colorful language uttered by
But this is a fantastic, and beautiful track and worth the drive from anywhere. Great facilities, and really friendly people too. Manakiki is just a great place. Taking nothing away from some of the MetroParks other nice places, including the wonderful Sleepy Hollow in Brecksville, Shawnee Hills in Bedford, and Big Met in Fairview. Manakiki is simply in another league from those places. And it's in the setting and in superior design.
Course highlights? The whole track, from its design, to it's upkeep, facilities, service and beauty, Manakiki is a jewel. Play it, and love it.
Scores
Wynn -- 88
Beef -- 88
Joe Red -- 91
Tex -- 101
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Wolverine
Here comes Hugh Jackman again in another installment of The Wolverine. Not to be confused with the 2009's Wolverine X-Man Origins that also started Jackman.
This of course has been spawned off the original comic book X-Men and the X-Men series of movies that goes back to 2000. The group of mutant humans that each posses extraordinary skills to fight the evils of the world, all the while being thought of by many as evil themselves. Jackman stars as Logan, The Wolverine. A man cursed with immortality. He has been engineered to be essentially unable to be killed. He is a now a reluctant soldier trying to find some kind of normal life, while being anything but.
Here he has been summoned by a Japanese billionaire who is dying of cancer. The two men have a long history as Logan saved the then young man, a prison guard, from the nuclear blast at Nagasaki at the end of WWII. Logan travels to Japan, so that the man may say an honorable thank you before dying. But the real motive is, to steal Logan's Wolverine powers from him biologically so that he may live, and Logan may be mortal again. Logan denies the deal but they try to destroy him anyway.
Logan also finds that within him, even though he is reluctant, he can't help the inner voice that commands him to be a protector. He decides to protect the young granddaughter of the dying man, as her life too is in danger as the man will leave her the global company the he owns. So there no shortage of people trying to kill Logan. Can the Wolverine survive?
This character certainly is the most interesting of the X-Men series, and Jackman is seemingly born to play it. Lots of things have changed since 2000 and the first X-Men. Jackman is now a huge star and you would think he might look silly playing this blade slashing hero. But he doesn't. In fact, his star power now is even more fuel to this fire. He also may have a bit more say-so these days. This is a very smart script for this kind of movie. It develops strong characters along the way, and embraces its own image. This is a piece of big fiction and it feels like it and that's fun. But it also remembers the human element and that makes it feel very real at times.
Jackman is great as our enigmatic hero, and the supporting cast is terrific. This gets a bit long at the end as they make a terrible decision to make the ending fight scene way, way too long, where the same thing happens over and over, but it's not a killer. Well done action sequences all along the way save the day. A well written script and story, really push this along.
The Wolverine. This is very good.
This of course has been spawned off the original comic book X-Men and the X-Men series of movies that goes back to 2000. The group of mutant humans that each posses extraordinary skills to fight the evils of the world, all the while being thought of by many as evil themselves. Jackman stars as Logan, The Wolverine. A man cursed with immortality. He has been engineered to be essentially unable to be killed. He is a now a reluctant soldier trying to find some kind of normal life, while being anything but.
Here he has been summoned by a Japanese billionaire who is dying of cancer. The two men have a long history as Logan saved the then young man, a prison guard, from the nuclear blast at Nagasaki at the end of WWII. Logan travels to Japan, so that the man may say an honorable thank you before dying. But the real motive is, to steal Logan's Wolverine powers from him biologically so that he may live, and Logan may be mortal again. Logan denies the deal but they try to destroy him anyway.
Logan also finds that within him, even though he is reluctant, he can't help the inner voice that commands him to be a protector. He decides to protect the young granddaughter of the dying man, as her life too is in danger as the man will leave her the global company the he owns. So there no shortage of people trying to kill Logan. Can the Wolverine survive?
This character certainly is the most interesting of the X-Men series, and Jackman is seemingly born to play it. Lots of things have changed since 2000 and the first X-Men. Jackman is now a huge star and you would think he might look silly playing this blade slashing hero. But he doesn't. In fact, his star power now is even more fuel to this fire. He also may have a bit more say-so these days. This is a very smart script for this kind of movie. It develops strong characters along the way, and embraces its own image. This is a piece of big fiction and it feels like it and that's fun. But it also remembers the human element and that makes it feel very real at times.
Jackman is great as our enigmatic hero, and the supporting cast is terrific. This gets a bit long at the end as they make a terrible decision to make the ending fight scene way, way too long, where the same thing happens over and over, but it's not a killer. Well done action sequences all along the way save the day. A well written script and story, really push this along.
The Wolverine. This is very good.
MOVIE REVIEW - Red 2
You may remember a couple years ago, the action comedy Red. It was the fictional story of aging CIA, FBI, and MI6 agents fighting crime on a global scale.
Red starred Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Catherine Zeta-Jones Antony Hopkins and Mary Louise Parker. And guess what? They are all back in this one. In fact, there is not a whole lot of difference in the entire project. There is a bit more action in this installment and being honest I'm not sure that's a good thing. As the first one, this is an action movie for an older audience. And that's fine.
This time two of our agents are being framed on an international scale as a bogus Internet report sets up two American CIA agents saying they planted a secret nuclear weapon in 1979 in the center of Moscow during the Cold War. As the killing contracts are then issued for them by the Americans, the British, and the Russians, they try to clear their names by getting to the bottom of this erroneous report. Our story takes us all over the world for resolution. The original had a bunch of fun humor that really picked up the pace, and helped make the case this was really not a serious movie, and gave us all a good laugh. Same here.
But overall this is very much the same movie as the original with the same humor, and long action sequences that are unreal. But there is one big difference. Mary Louise Parker is really funny. She plays the very naive Sarah who is now the girlfriend of the Willis character. She is NOT a federal agent, and has no clue what he really does for a living.
This move needs this performance so badly, it would be a wash without it. Her comedic timing is sensational, and her physical comedy, especially facially is wonderful. She is the savior of this script. In a movie where there is nothing really new, the further development of her character and her performance is stellar. She is worth the price of a ticket this summer, as she has saved two movies out right now. This one and RIPD. RIPD is really not good, but she is.
Red 2. Movie - ehh. Parker? Great!
Red starred Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Catherine Zeta-Jones Antony Hopkins and Mary Louise Parker. And guess what? They are all back in this one. In fact, there is not a whole lot of difference in the entire project. There is a bit more action in this installment and being honest I'm not sure that's a good thing. As the first one, this is an action movie for an older audience. And that's fine.
This time two of our agents are being framed on an international scale as a bogus Internet report sets up two American CIA agents saying they planted a secret nuclear weapon in 1979 in the center of Moscow during the Cold War. As the killing contracts are then issued for them by the Americans, the British, and the Russians, they try to clear their names by getting to the bottom of this erroneous report. Our story takes us all over the world for resolution. The original had a bunch of fun humor that really picked up the pace, and helped make the case this was really not a serious movie, and gave us all a good laugh. Same here.
But overall this is very much the same movie as the original with the same humor, and long action sequences that are unreal. But there is one big difference. Mary Louise Parker is really funny. She plays the very naive Sarah who is now the girlfriend of the Willis character. She is NOT a federal agent, and has no clue what he really does for a living.
This move needs this performance so badly, it would be a wash without it. Her comedic timing is sensational, and her physical comedy, especially facially is wonderful. She is the savior of this script. In a movie where there is nothing really new, the further development of her character and her performance is stellar. She is worth the price of a ticket this summer, as she has saved two movies out right now. This one and RIPD. RIPD is really not good, but she is.
Red 2. Movie - ehh. Parker? Great!
Monday, July 22, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The Way, Way Back
In this summer of computer generated superheroes, monsters and animation, here comes a nice little Indy comedy pic, The Way, Way Back.
This is a star studded little movie. I know that sounds oxymoronical, but it's true. Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Maya Rudolph, Alison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Rob Coddroy and Amanda Peete lead this big cast in this small movie. And this is a real nice island in a sea of summer blockbusters.
TWWB is the story of Duncan (Liam James) and Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb). They are 14ish teens who are from divorced households who end up spending the summer at their respective summer houses in an east coast cottage town. Duncan's mom (Collette) has a new boyfriend (Carell) who is a moron, and treats Duncan and his mom badly with passive aggressiveness. Susanna lives next door for the summer with her mother (Janney) who is a frustrated drunk party mom with little to offer.
These two awkward teens end up spending much of their time with the worlds worst parents, and their friends. So they try to find solace and direction elsewhere. Duncan gets a job at a water park with a funny, seemingly immature boss (Rockwell.) But it turns out that they bond, and they become exactly what each other needs. Susanna and Duncan are also trying to figure out the ropes of first time adolescent puppy love. How will this all work out?
This movie is pretty darn good. I will admit this could have had some sharper teeth at times, especially at the end. It maybe could have found one more thing to say, but up until that point it says plenty. This is certainly a quiet, and then again not so quiet indictment of many contemporary parents who grew up in the 1980's. Duncan and Susanna's parents and their friends are incredibly self absorbed narcissists who think parenting is a part time thing. They spend much of their time drunk and reliving the old glory days and leave their kids to find leadership elsewhere. This will possibly cut close to the bone for many who see this movie, on both ends
It also shows the lengths that impressionable young kids will go to find adults who care and find comfort. Although this may sound like a serious and heavy movie, it is presented with sharp and funny dialogue, and just the rigth amount of clever humor that tackle a tough subject with real care. This also has a great 1980's musical soundtrack, skillfully used to give it that fun Indy feel. This is directed and acted well, and put together in a very slick little package.
Janney is very funny as the sexually frustrated and heavy drinking Betty. Carell has seldom been better as the control freak Trent. I always like Carell more when he simply acts. Rockwell is splendid as the hero Owen and both James and Robb give very believable performances as awkward teens trying to figure things out. This is smart, funny and right on point. It looks at modern family troubles head on and has something to say, and I always like that. But I wish it would have said one poignant thing more.
The Way, Way Back. This is a nice change of pace and a very fun night at the movies. Well done!
This is a star studded little movie. I know that sounds oxymoronical, but it's true. Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Maya Rudolph, Alison Janney, Sam Rockwell, Rob Coddroy and Amanda Peete lead this big cast in this small movie. And this is a real nice island in a sea of summer blockbusters.
TWWB is the story of Duncan (Liam James) and Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb). They are 14ish teens who are from divorced households who end up spending the summer at their respective summer houses in an east coast cottage town. Duncan's mom (Collette) has a new boyfriend (Carell) who is a moron, and treats Duncan and his mom badly with passive aggressiveness. Susanna lives next door for the summer with her mother (Janney) who is a frustrated drunk party mom with little to offer.
These two awkward teens end up spending much of their time with the worlds worst parents, and their friends. So they try to find solace and direction elsewhere. Duncan gets a job at a water park with a funny, seemingly immature boss (Rockwell.) But it turns out that they bond, and they become exactly what each other needs. Susanna and Duncan are also trying to figure out the ropes of first time adolescent puppy love. How will this all work out?
This movie is pretty darn good. I will admit this could have had some sharper teeth at times, especially at the end. It maybe could have found one more thing to say, but up until that point it says plenty. This is certainly a quiet, and then again not so quiet indictment of many contemporary parents who grew up in the 1980's. Duncan and Susanna's parents and their friends are incredibly self absorbed narcissists who think parenting is a part time thing. They spend much of their time drunk and reliving the old glory days and leave their kids to find leadership elsewhere. This will possibly cut close to the bone for many who see this movie, on both ends
It also shows the lengths that impressionable young kids will go to find adults who care and find comfort. Although this may sound like a serious and heavy movie, it is presented with sharp and funny dialogue, and just the rigth amount of clever humor that tackle a tough subject with real care. This also has a great 1980's musical soundtrack, skillfully used to give it that fun Indy feel. This is directed and acted well, and put together in a very slick little package.
Janney is very funny as the sexually frustrated and heavy drinking Betty. Carell has seldom been better as the control freak Trent. I always like Carell more when he simply acts. Rockwell is splendid as the hero Owen and both James and Robb give very believable performances as awkward teens trying to figure things out. This is smart, funny and right on point. It looks at modern family troubles head on and has something to say, and I always like that. But I wish it would have said one poignant thing more.
The Way, Way Back. This is a nice change of pace and a very fun night at the movies. Well done!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Course Review
Course: Ironwood
Location: Hinckley (Medina County)
Directions: On Rt. 94 (State Road) Easy from I-71, I-77, Rt. 303 and Rt. 82
Dewsweepers Tee Time Was: 632AM
The Dewsweepers were shorthanded this week, but we still headed it over to Ironwood. A nice and challenging course in the hills, and we do mean hills of Hinckley. Beef had business, and Joe Red was out of town, so Tex and I represented, and teed it up bright and early.
Ironwood is of moderate length and tree lined for the most part. The story of Ironwood, is it is very hilly. Many of the greens are elevated and many are undulated. This course has taken on a bunch of water and is still a bit wet today, but this has been a heavy season with persistent rain in Medina County. Ironwood is not in bad shape, but you can see where some of it has been wet for while. The fairways played very well, and the greens were fast, and extremely true. Your putts did what you thought they would do. And it is best to stay below the hole. Just sayin..!
Ironwood has a great starting hole, a huge 410 yard par 4 down the hill tree lined right, with spotty trees down the left. It is an intimidating first drive. A heavily sloped green, back to front. Best to be putting uphill. Number 2, is a 185 yard par 3, off a huge hill to a big green. Welcome to Ironwood!
The par 3's here are great. All four either play straight uphill, or down. All challenging. Only 3 par 5's, all play slightly uphill to uphill to give them extra length. Most of the par 4's are moderate length, but most fairways give you awkward stances and make them tougher. I would not call Ironwood an easy course at all. And today with the dew and the damp conditions, it was really tough. Much of this has to be managed properly or you will really rack up the numbers. You need to play a bunch of clubs, as this is well designed.
Tex hit the ball well most of the day, but the damp conditions gave him (or me) little to no roll, so the course did play longer. One problem Tex battled was one that all of us non-pros battle. It seemed he was putting from 30 plus feet all day long, when in fact I think he was. Lots of pressure on the putter. Tex fought through it for the most part. He had played steady until back to back triples on the front derailed him. But Tex recovered and shot better on the more difficult back 9.
I played pretty well for the most part. I fought an inconsistent driver today, but hung in there after a slow start. I drained a 40 footer on 4 for a par. From there I played one over par over the next 9 holes. The back gave me fits on 15 and 16 as I took my only bad numbers a double and triple. I putted well all day and it saved me. In addition to the gagger on 4, I made a 20 footer on 5, and a 40 foot birdie on 7. But two 3 footers missed kept me from going low on the front. I Treaded water on the back.
Course highlights? In addition to number one, great par 4's are number 5, number one handicap, number 8 a long down hiller. 15 and 16 are really tough with hard to hit greens. All par three's are great, as you go up and down the hills. The approach shots on 1, 5, 14, 15, and 16 are among the best on the course. Again the greens were very receptive and putted very well.
Ironwood is a great place to play, very quiet and serene and wonderful setting away from the city, and worth the drive. Great location makes it not far from anyone. We'll be back.
Scores
Wynn -- 83
Tex -- 96
Next week The Dewsweepers hit a terrific MetroParks course, Manakiki.
Other courses we've recently played and reviewed and some and articles too.
Location: Hinckley (Medina County)
Directions: On Rt. 94 (State Road) Easy from I-71, I-77, Rt. 303 and Rt. 82
Dewsweepers Tee Time Was: 632AM
The Dewsweepers were shorthanded this week, but we still headed it over to Ironwood. A nice and challenging course in the hills, and we do mean hills of Hinckley. Beef had business, and Joe Red was out of town, so Tex and I represented, and teed it up bright and early.
Ironwood is of moderate length and tree lined for the most part. The story of Ironwood, is it is very hilly. Many of the greens are elevated and many are undulated. This course has taken on a bunch of water and is still a bit wet today, but this has been a heavy season with persistent rain in Medina County. Ironwood is not in bad shape, but you can see where some of it has been wet for while. The fairways played very well, and the greens were fast, and extremely true. Your putts did what you thought they would do. And it is best to stay below the hole. Just sayin..!
Ironwood has a great starting hole, a huge 410 yard par 4 down the hill tree lined right, with spotty trees down the left. It is an intimidating first drive. A heavily sloped green, back to front. Best to be putting uphill. Number 2, is a 185 yard par 3, off a huge hill to a big green. Welcome to Ironwood!
The par 3's here are great. All four either play straight uphill, or down. All challenging. Only 3 par 5's, all play slightly uphill to uphill to give them extra length. Most of the par 4's are moderate length, but most fairways give you awkward stances and make them tougher. I would not call Ironwood an easy course at all. And today with the dew and the damp conditions, it was really tough. Much of this has to be managed properly or you will really rack up the numbers. You need to play a bunch of clubs, as this is well designed.
Tex hit the ball well most of the day, but the damp conditions gave him (or me) little to no roll, so the course did play longer. One problem Tex battled was one that all of us non-pros battle. It seemed he was putting from 30 plus feet all day long, when in fact I think he was. Lots of pressure on the putter. Tex fought through it for the most part. He had played steady until back to back triples on the front derailed him. But Tex recovered and shot better on the more difficult back 9.
I played pretty well for the most part. I fought an inconsistent driver today, but hung in there after a slow start. I drained a 40 footer on 4 for a par. From there I played one over par over the next 9 holes. The back gave me fits on 15 and 16 as I took my only bad numbers a double and triple. I putted well all day and it saved me. In addition to the gagger on 4, I made a 20 footer on 5, and a 40 foot birdie on 7. But two 3 footers missed kept me from going low on the front. I Treaded water on the back.
Course highlights? In addition to number one, great par 4's are number 5, number one handicap, number 8 a long down hiller. 15 and 16 are really tough with hard to hit greens. All par three's are great, as you go up and down the hills. The approach shots on 1, 5, 14, 15, and 16 are among the best on the course. Again the greens were very receptive and putted very well.
Ironwood is a great place to play, very quiet and serene and wonderful setting away from the city, and worth the drive. Great location makes it not far from anyone. We'll be back.
Scores
Wynn -- 83
Tex -- 96
Next week The Dewsweepers hit a terrific MetroParks course, Manakiki.
Other courses we've recently played and reviewed and some and articles too.
It's Now... Phil, and Tiger
Golf, along with baseball is one of life's greatest teaching tools wrapped up in a game. That's is it's real beauty.
Famous golfers are forever joined in history as they cross paths during their run throughout the PGA Tour. Most famous certainly, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. They are linked for all time as one. They dominated their era together, much like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Or should we now say, Phil and Tiger? Yes. I used to be the other way around. And it has nothing to really do with golf. Watching Phil win the British Open today, you could not help but notice that his joy came from someplace much deeper than golf. He simply understood the moment completely.
Tiger Woods was blessed with the greatest set of golf skills ever crammed into one man. A prodigy. Mastering the worlds most difficult game at an early age. Having been graced naturally with the tools it takes to be immortal. Skills and abilities that most of us spend a lifetime trying to develop, and never do. But we try to chase it down. Then he joined the tour, and dominated it as no one ever has or will. He became the first player most of us saw that appeared to have no limits. And Phil watched in awe. Probably too much in awe.
Phil Mickelson was given the love of golf and became a great player. But he was his own worst enemy for much of his early career. Taking ridiculous chances on the course, giving away tournaments and wondering if he would ever reach Tiger's level. But life asked him to grow up off the course. In turn, he learned the game better by learning about life better. Finally realizing that golf and life are great mimics of each other. As his life progressed and he has matured, so has his game, and his appreciation and love of it.....and the same of his life. Understanding that golf is what he does and not what he is. I don't think Tiger watched any of it.
I am not saying that Phil is a better player than Tiger. I am saying that Phil is more prepared for what lies ahead of him on and off the course. Phil embraces the game, his ups, his downs, his fans and the moment. Tiger embraces only his own singular temporary personal successes, and loses his joy of the game when things are not going well. He has been through a ton in his personal life and not all of it fair. Injuries are unfortunate, but unavoidable. I personally don't care what he has ever done off the course. We are all fallible. But sadly, with all that has been given to him, taken away, and come back again, he seems far behind Phil on what he has learned.
Tiger is seemingly enjoying golf little these days, and Phil has never enjoyed it more. Tiger may find that if he can find the joy of the game again, he may find his game. But that would require finding peace in life, ALA Phil. Which most of the time requires counting your blessings and embracing what you are, and what you are not. Being grateful for the chance to be, and do, what everyone else cannot.
For Phil, the greatest days of his professional and personal life are ahead of him, I have no doubt. Phil is holding a clinic on life and we are all invited to watch.
Much can be learned by watching now...Phil, and Tiger.
Famous golfers are forever joined in history as they cross paths during their run throughout the PGA Tour. Most famous certainly, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. They are linked for all time as one. They dominated their era together, much like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Or should we now say, Phil and Tiger? Yes. I used to be the other way around. And it has nothing to really do with golf. Watching Phil win the British Open today, you could not help but notice that his joy came from someplace much deeper than golf. He simply understood the moment completely.
Tiger Woods was blessed with the greatest set of golf skills ever crammed into one man. A prodigy. Mastering the worlds most difficult game at an early age. Having been graced naturally with the tools it takes to be immortal. Skills and abilities that most of us spend a lifetime trying to develop, and never do. But we try to chase it down. Then he joined the tour, and dominated it as no one ever has or will. He became the first player most of us saw that appeared to have no limits. And Phil watched in awe. Probably too much in awe.
Phil Mickelson was given the love of golf and became a great player. But he was his own worst enemy for much of his early career. Taking ridiculous chances on the course, giving away tournaments and wondering if he would ever reach Tiger's level. But life asked him to grow up off the course. In turn, he learned the game better by learning about life better. Finally realizing that golf and life are great mimics of each other. As his life progressed and he has matured, so has his game, and his appreciation and love of it.....and the same of his life. Understanding that golf is what he does and not what he is. I don't think Tiger watched any of it.
I am not saying that Phil is a better player than Tiger. I am saying that Phil is more prepared for what lies ahead of him on and off the course. Phil embraces the game, his ups, his downs, his fans and the moment. Tiger embraces only his own singular temporary personal successes, and loses his joy of the game when things are not going well. He has been through a ton in his personal life and not all of it fair. Injuries are unfortunate, but unavoidable. I personally don't care what he has ever done off the course. We are all fallible. But sadly, with all that has been given to him, taken away, and come back again, he seems far behind Phil on what he has learned.
Tiger is seemingly enjoying golf little these days, and Phil has never enjoyed it more. Tiger may find that if he can find the joy of the game again, he may find his game. But that would require finding peace in life, ALA Phil. Which most of the time requires counting your blessings and embracing what you are, and what you are not. Being grateful for the chance to be, and do, what everyone else cannot.
For Phil, the greatest days of his professional and personal life are ahead of him, I have no doubt. Phil is holding a clinic on life and we are all invited to watch.
Much can be learned by watching now...Phil, and Tiger.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - R.I.P.D.
The new Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds action comedy flick, RIPD is new this week for some summer fun at the movies.
The RIPD is the Rest In Peace Department. When law officers pass on, before they can cross over in certain cases they are enlisted in the RIPD. Their job is to find the dead among us on earth, and send them to the other side, one way or another. The dead or "dead-o's" as they are called in this movie, are trying to rearrange the order of things, and bring all the dead back to earth so the dead will rule the earth, and the end of the living is in the balance.
This is the new Men In Black to a degree. It has much the same feel to it, as it is a lighthearted look at the dead, as opposed to people from another world. But it certainly feels and looks the same at times. RIPD does a number of things right. It is basically fun, and has a good feel to it. It is well casted with Bridges and Reynolds as our principle RIPD law men. Also a nice supporting cast with Kevin Bacon as our villain, and Mary Louise Parker who is outstanding as the boss in the RIPD. I thought she was terrific in her small role.
RIPD has tons of big computer effects, has no shortage of action sequences and it does not wear out its welcome, as you are ready for this to end at about 90 minutes. In fairness, that's about all it has to say, and they know it. To me, this movie starts out much better than it ends. Sadly, I thought the first half of this was way better than the second half. It just kind of runs out on ideas, so we go back and rerun a fun scene from earlier in the movie.
There is some great dialogue in this movie, it is funny and amusing throughout. Bridges is great as usual, and gives this the star power it needs. He elevates the rest of the cast and gives this some credence. Although, he does channel the same basic voice from his iconic performance in True Grit as he again plays a old west lawman, it's not a problem really. This movie though may have a tough time cutting through as there is so much action at the box office right now.
RIPD. For the most part fun, not overly original, but not a bad night a the movies.
The RIPD is the Rest In Peace Department. When law officers pass on, before they can cross over in certain cases they are enlisted in the RIPD. Their job is to find the dead among us on earth, and send them to the other side, one way or another. The dead or "dead-o's" as they are called in this movie, are trying to rearrange the order of things, and bring all the dead back to earth so the dead will rule the earth, and the end of the living is in the balance.
This is the new Men In Black to a degree. It has much the same feel to it, as it is a lighthearted look at the dead, as opposed to people from another world. But it certainly feels and looks the same at times. RIPD does a number of things right. It is basically fun, and has a good feel to it. It is well casted with Bridges and Reynolds as our principle RIPD law men. Also a nice supporting cast with Kevin Bacon as our villain, and Mary Louise Parker who is outstanding as the boss in the RIPD. I thought she was terrific in her small role.
RIPD has tons of big computer effects, has no shortage of action sequences and it does not wear out its welcome, as you are ready for this to end at about 90 minutes. In fairness, that's about all it has to say, and they know it. To me, this movie starts out much better than it ends. Sadly, I thought the first half of this was way better than the second half. It just kind of runs out on ideas, so we go back and rerun a fun scene from earlier in the movie.
There is some great dialogue in this movie, it is funny and amusing throughout. Bridges is great as usual, and gives this the star power it needs. He elevates the rest of the cast and gives this some credence. Although, he does channel the same basic voice from his iconic performance in True Grit as he again plays a old west lawman, it's not a problem really. This movie though may have a tough time cutting through as there is so much action at the box office right now.
RIPD. For the most part fun, not overly original, but not a bad night a the movies.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Conjuring
It isn't often that we get a horror movie out in the summer, but here comes The Conjuring. Should be noted, this is not a classic horror movie, but there are some jolts here. This really focuses on demonic possession.
This is based on a supposed true story that took place in 1971 on the east coast to a family that recently moved into a new house. The young couple and their five young daughters find themselves being "haunted" as the doors are slamming at night and so on. As in many movies, the episodes get worse as the nights wear on. They of course, are panicked and enlist the help a famous at the time married couple who have extreme experience in this medium.
The experts are a married couple. She is a clairvoyant and he is a professor and they help people who have a haunting or supernatural occurrences. They come into this terrified family's lives and try to find the source, and try to dispense of the demon, or whatever it is that has latched on to this young family. Sound familiar? Yeah, thought so, as this has been done 400,000 times before! It's not that this is a bad movie, there are some compelling moments in it, and a times this is entertaining. The trouble is, this is the same formula used time and time again. So for originality, it gets no points. It's hard not to feel this is just the same old thing.
There are some interesting minutes in this movie. But as time drags on, you do feel that the fact that this is supposed to be "true" becomes harder and harder to grasp. Also, this has a very heavy demonic possession theme to it, that actually get far more intense as it goes on. So if you are uncomfortable with that subject matter, you may want to see the movie in the theater next door.
The Conjuring. There is nothing, not one thing new here. Same old formula, whether it's "true" or not. Rental at best.
This is based on a supposed true story that took place in 1971 on the east coast to a family that recently moved into a new house. The young couple and their five young daughters find themselves being "haunted" as the doors are slamming at night and so on. As in many movies, the episodes get worse as the nights wear on. They of course, are panicked and enlist the help a famous at the time married couple who have extreme experience in this medium.
The experts are a married couple. She is a clairvoyant and he is a professor and they help people who have a haunting or supernatural occurrences. They come into this terrified family's lives and try to find the source, and try to dispense of the demon, or whatever it is that has latched on to this young family. Sound familiar? Yeah, thought so, as this has been done 400,000 times before! It's not that this is a bad movie, there are some compelling moments in it, and a times this is entertaining. The trouble is, this is the same formula used time and time again. So for originality, it gets no points. It's hard not to feel this is just the same old thing.
There are some interesting minutes in this movie. But as time drags on, you do feel that the fact that this is supposed to be "true" becomes harder and harder to grasp. Also, this has a very heavy demonic possession theme to it, that actually get far more intense as it goes on. So if you are uncomfortable with that subject matter, you may want to see the movie in the theater next door.
The Conjuring. There is nothing, not one thing new here. Same old formula, whether it's "true" or not. Rental at best.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Pacific Rim
The big time summer blockbusters are out in force this time of year. Here comes the mammoth special effects sci-fi flick, Pacific Rim. Available in regular, 3-D, and 3-D IMAX.
There has been a certain formula that has developed in the past few years of these big action jobs. They are generally long, and have a ton of Spielberg-type humor. Generally a few young handsome actors, and the budding young romance angle is always in play. And the goal is that say, Transformers can be all things to all people. There will be something for everyone, no matter who goes. Pacific Rim, in its first installment goes a different way.
The story in a nutshell is this. Earth has been invaded by huge Godzilla-like creatures from out of the ocean depths called Kaiju. They come up and destroy cities, and humanity is on the verge of being wiped out, or at least demoted to the not dominate species on the planet. The world then bands together as one, and develops a series of gigantic robots named Jaegers. They are controlled by a pair of human pilots who use their movements inside the Jaegers to fight the Kaiju. This is the story of how the two pilot system works, and the war against the Kaiju. For those who have been around a while, it is essentially Godzilla versus Ultraman. Although, we've come a long way since then in our movie making and movie savvy, but this is not a new idea. Google Ultraman. I know it looks silly, but storytellers have to draw their inspiration from somewhere.
Pacific Rim is a huge, special effect laden movie that checks in at a bit over 2 hours. Up front, this was not my favorite movie by any means, but this is right on target for a hard core science fiction lover. But among the things I did like about this movie is that it is one kind of movie. If you are a serious sci-fi fanatic, this is your movie. There are huge and great effects. There are amazing machines in this movie, computers, and a story line that goes well beyond he simple "big things fighting" deal and goes deep into the minds of the geeks behind the machines, and the pilots who run them. And that is an unending feast for sci-fi fans. This is a bit Godzilla, a bit Top Gun, a bit Transformers, and a lot of fantasy fun.
Pacific Rim also has little time for romance or overused ironic humor, at least in this first one. It also wastes no time getting you into the action. This is not a movie that makes you wait an hour for the principles to be introduced, and the action begins right away. And that was well done too. For me, this was far more enjoyable than the Transformers series, as it stays on target, and doesn't water down its original message. Note, not everyone will like this movie. For many this will look like 200 million dollar silliness. To others,this will be the one they've been waiting for.
Pacific Rim. This is for the serious science fiction fan, and there are plenty of them out there. Mid-summer over the top action. It will work.
There has been a certain formula that has developed in the past few years of these big action jobs. They are generally long, and have a ton of Spielberg-type humor. Generally a few young handsome actors, and the budding young romance angle is always in play. And the goal is that say, Transformers can be all things to all people. There will be something for everyone, no matter who goes. Pacific Rim, in its first installment goes a different way.
The story in a nutshell is this. Earth has been invaded by huge Godzilla-like creatures from out of the ocean depths called Kaiju. They come up and destroy cities, and humanity is on the verge of being wiped out, or at least demoted to the not dominate species on the planet. The world then bands together as one, and develops a series of gigantic robots named Jaegers. They are controlled by a pair of human pilots who use their movements inside the Jaegers to fight the Kaiju. This is the story of how the two pilot system works, and the war against the Kaiju. For those who have been around a while, it is essentially Godzilla versus Ultraman. Although, we've come a long way since then in our movie making and movie savvy, but this is not a new idea. Google Ultraman. I know it looks silly, but storytellers have to draw their inspiration from somewhere.
Pacific Rim is a huge, special effect laden movie that checks in at a bit over 2 hours. Up front, this was not my favorite movie by any means, but this is right on target for a hard core science fiction lover. But among the things I did like about this movie is that it is one kind of movie. If you are a serious sci-fi fanatic, this is your movie. There are huge and great effects. There are amazing machines in this movie, computers, and a story line that goes well beyond he simple "big things fighting" deal and goes deep into the minds of the geeks behind the machines, and the pilots who run them. And that is an unending feast for sci-fi fans. This is a bit Godzilla, a bit Top Gun, a bit Transformers, and a lot of fantasy fun.
Pacific Rim also has little time for romance or overused ironic humor, at least in this first one. It also wastes no time getting you into the action. This is not a movie that makes you wait an hour for the principles to be introduced, and the action begins right away. And that was well done too. For me, this was far more enjoyable than the Transformers series, as it stays on target, and doesn't water down its original message. Note, not everyone will like this movie. For many this will look like 200 million dollar silliness. To others,this will be the one they've been waiting for.
Pacific Rim. This is for the serious science fiction fan, and there are plenty of them out there. Mid-summer over the top action. It will work.
Friday, July 12, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Grown Ups 2
This could quite possibly be the shortest movie review of all time, the new Adam Sandler sequel comedy, Grown Ups 2.
This again is star studded with all the original suspects back from first film, and a ton of cameo "performances" from many pop culture scenes. It's the same basic premise, these four guy friends from childhood all now live back in their small home town and are reliving their youth all over again. Plot? There really is none, this is simply a block of SNL type skits, welded together in a 100 minute movie.
This is complete with humor that will make a 10 year old laugh uncontrollably. Plenty of poop jokes, and sight gags you would rather not see. Lots of puke too, and scads of face near the rear end shots too, just for giggles. Lots of 5th grade stuff that gets old very quickly. I get it, I was 10 once and of course that was hilarious then. But a whole lot of this is targeted at those 40 plus, as our characters are about that age, and the soundtrack is clearly out of the 1980's. The music soundtrack is actually pretty good here, would be a good one for your collection.
Honest observation here. The 10-12 year olds that packed the theater last night were laughing a ton during this movie. The even clapped when it was over. So, all the poop jokes and gags worked. But a little bit of this goes a long way. Oh, there are some funny moments here and some clever dialogue from time to time, but not enough to save the day. There is nothing really different from the first movie, and I did ask a few patrons when we were leaving and all of them said the original was funnier, and better.
In the end, this actually may end up on many year end lists as one of the worst movies of the year. It certainly is near the top so far.
Grown Ups 2. Nothing new here. Same stuff.
This again is star studded with all the original suspects back from first film, and a ton of cameo "performances" from many pop culture scenes. It's the same basic premise, these four guy friends from childhood all now live back in their small home town and are reliving their youth all over again. Plot? There really is none, this is simply a block of SNL type skits, welded together in a 100 minute movie.
This is complete with humor that will make a 10 year old laugh uncontrollably. Plenty of poop jokes, and sight gags you would rather not see. Lots of puke too, and scads of face near the rear end shots too, just for giggles. Lots of 5th grade stuff that gets old very quickly. I get it, I was 10 once and of course that was hilarious then. But a whole lot of this is targeted at those 40 plus, as our characters are about that age, and the soundtrack is clearly out of the 1980's. The music soundtrack is actually pretty good here, would be a good one for your collection.
Honest observation here. The 10-12 year olds that packed the theater last night were laughing a ton during this movie. The even clapped when it was over. So, all the poop jokes and gags worked. But a little bit of this goes a long way. Oh, there are some funny moments here and some clever dialogue from time to time, but not enough to save the day. There is nothing really different from the first movie, and I did ask a few patrons when we were leaving and all of them said the original was funnier, and better.
In the end, this actually may end up on many year end lists as one of the worst movies of the year. It certainly is near the top so far.
Grown Ups 2. Nothing new here. Same stuff.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Local Golf: Sunday Morning Golf Course Review
The Dewsweepers had two members off this weekend, but we subbed-up and drove down to the Rawiga Golf Club in Seville.
Rawiga is a golf course with a great story. A long time private club, that has gone public over the last few years, and has come a long way. Dewsweeper Beef and I played Rawiga about 2 plus years ago for the first time, and loved its design. We went back last year with all the Dewsweepers and had a great time, and noticed vast improvements in the course. And this year, Rawiga is in terrific shape and is ready for you.
Rawiga is old-school golf, and to me translated, that means tough. I love old school designed courses, as we all do on our tour It's not long, only about 6,200 from the white tees, but it is tree lined, with unforgiving rough, hitting onto mostly raised, and turtle backed greens protected by sand. And the greens were sensational. Fast, smooth and doing exactly what you think they will. And now they are holding your approach shots perfectly. This course today, although not long, played very difficult, with challenging rough and not much roll if any.
But this week it was all about one of our subs, Beef's son Dirk who filled in for Joe Red who is on vacation, and Tex who was playing in a weekend outing. Beef and I played today, but what we really did was plod along making occasional good shots and scrambling for scores. And also what we did was watch the 24 year-old Dirk really play a great round of golf. Especially on the front, where he took it apart.
Dirk hammered 300 yard drives all round long down the gut. His approach shots were crisp, and basically he overpowered the front nine. He simply out drove the course and left short chips and approaches, and finally, draining a bunch of putts. There have been many rounds where his driver length has gotten him into big trouble, when he sprays it around. But not today, it was arrow straight. Dirk tossed down 3 birdies on the front, and only had 13 putts. A sensational 37 on front, missing par only by taking a bogey on number 9.
Dirk kept it going on the back charging along nicely for the most part. But Dirk did limp down stretch a bit on the last 4 holes or so, but he "limped" to a 41. A terrific 78 on the day, and about as solid as an amateur can play. Fairways and greens with few shots from the rough, and making putts always helps. Dirk lost a bit of magic from the front, but that's why there are 18 holes. It's the hardest game on earth, and today for much of it Dirk made it look easy. Well done. I have seen him play golf all his life, and I have never seen him play better. To be honest, you won't see many players play as he did on the front 9.
Course highlights? There are some brutally tough holes on this course. Number 1, par 4, 400 all uphill. Number 4, par 4 420 to a raised green. Number 16, as good a par 5 as you'll play. 520, a blind tee shot, and blind second shot all to a decent approach. Number 9 and 18, long par 4's, and the signature number 15, spectacular par 3, off an elevated tee, to a big protected green, 175. Great hole.
Rawiga is wonderfully carved in the soft rolling hills and trees near Seville. It is serene, quiet and really nice golf. Worth the drive from wherever you are. Rates a very fair for this quality of course. But keep it in the fairway, it makes it so much easier.
Rawiga is great golf. And continues to get better.
Scores
Dirk -- 78
Beef -- 87
Wynn -- 88
Rawiga is a golf course with a great story. A long time private club, that has gone public over the last few years, and has come a long way. Dewsweeper Beef and I played Rawiga about 2 plus years ago for the first time, and loved its design. We went back last year with all the Dewsweepers and had a great time, and noticed vast improvements in the course. And this year, Rawiga is in terrific shape and is ready for you.
Rawiga is old-school golf, and to me translated, that means tough. I love old school designed courses, as we all do on our tour It's not long, only about 6,200 from the white tees, but it is tree lined, with unforgiving rough, hitting onto mostly raised, and turtle backed greens protected by sand. And the greens were sensational. Fast, smooth and doing exactly what you think they will. And now they are holding your approach shots perfectly. This course today, although not long, played very difficult, with challenging rough and not much roll if any.
But this week it was all about one of our subs, Beef's son Dirk who filled in for Joe Red who is on vacation, and Tex who was playing in a weekend outing. Beef and I played today, but what we really did was plod along making occasional good shots and scrambling for scores. And also what we did was watch the 24 year-old Dirk really play a great round of golf. Especially on the front, where he took it apart.
Dirk hammered 300 yard drives all round long down the gut. His approach shots were crisp, and basically he overpowered the front nine. He simply out drove the course and left short chips and approaches, and finally, draining a bunch of putts. There have been many rounds where his driver length has gotten him into big trouble, when he sprays it around. But not today, it was arrow straight. Dirk tossed down 3 birdies on the front, and only had 13 putts. A sensational 37 on front, missing par only by taking a bogey on number 9.
Dirk kept it going on the back charging along nicely for the most part. But Dirk did limp down stretch a bit on the last 4 holes or so, but he "limped" to a 41. A terrific 78 on the day, and about as solid as an amateur can play. Fairways and greens with few shots from the rough, and making putts always helps. Dirk lost a bit of magic from the front, but that's why there are 18 holes. It's the hardest game on earth, and today for much of it Dirk made it look easy. Well done. I have seen him play golf all his life, and I have never seen him play better. To be honest, you won't see many players play as he did on the front 9.
Course highlights? There are some brutally tough holes on this course. Number 1, par 4, 400 all uphill. Number 4, par 4 420 to a raised green. Number 16, as good a par 5 as you'll play. 520, a blind tee shot, and blind second shot all to a decent approach. Number 9 and 18, long par 4's, and the signature number 15, spectacular par 3, off an elevated tee, to a big protected green, 175. Great hole.
Rawiga is wonderfully carved in the soft rolling hills and trees near Seville. It is serene, quiet and really nice golf. Worth the drive from wherever you are. Rates a very fair for this quality of course. But keep it in the fairway, it makes it so much easier.
Rawiga is great golf. And continues to get better.
Scores
Dirk -- 78
Beef -- 87
Wynn -- 88
Saturday, July 6, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - Despicable Me 2
As much as I and most loved the original animated gem, Despicable Me, this is a premise that might have well been well enough left alone. Before you throw something at the screen, read on.
Seldom do I review animated flicks, because everyone who goes already loves this movie the minute they announce they are making it or they see the trailer. DM2 seems like a good idea, after all few animated movies dealt with the realities of our real world and the fictional world as well as this. The original was remarkably charming, warm and fun you had to love every single frame. DM2, though has its minutes of recapturing that magic, sadly in the end, it loses most of its charm from the original.
Gru and crew are back, along with some new friends to try to breathe some new life in this, and that's fine. Clearly the studio did much research and fans obviously said they want more of The Minions. And you certainly get more of the funny, lovable creatures here. Some of that is very funny. Our lead voices are again terrific, with Steve Carrell and now Kristen Wiig are very funny as well as the supporting cast. Plus, this is first class and stunning animation.
But it should be noted that this is in may ways very different than the original. I am not really sure who this is made for. My gut tells me the makers are leaving the children far behind, and targeting more later teens and young adults. This at times is very video-gamey, and action based. Our characters all become action heroes. Be it with silly, animated weapons and for a common good.
Understanding that in the sequel world, you can't make the same movie over and over again, but I have to question some of the decisions made here. There are numerous spoken references about killing. "I'm going kill you!" "The Minions are now thousands of killing machines!" These are not my words, they are the movies. This is a far, far cry from stealing the moon from the first flick. And these are not the only references to such. Also, there are numerous scenes of blatant disrespect of young people to older, including a teen kicking Gru in the groin from behind. You make the call.
This movie loses much of its charm and joy from the first. This is not a wash out, but it does have the aura that maybe we should have just let this be a great and feel good movie from 2 years ago. But that seldom happens.
Despicable Me 2. Certainly not the original.
Seldom do I review animated flicks, because everyone who goes already loves this movie the minute they announce they are making it or they see the trailer. DM2 seems like a good idea, after all few animated movies dealt with the realities of our real world and the fictional world as well as this. The original was remarkably charming, warm and fun you had to love every single frame. DM2, though has its minutes of recapturing that magic, sadly in the end, it loses most of its charm from the original.
Gru and crew are back, along with some new friends to try to breathe some new life in this, and that's fine. Clearly the studio did much research and fans obviously said they want more of The Minions. And you certainly get more of the funny, lovable creatures here. Some of that is very funny. Our lead voices are again terrific, with Steve Carrell and now Kristen Wiig are very funny as well as the supporting cast. Plus, this is first class and stunning animation.
But it should be noted that this is in may ways very different than the original. I am not really sure who this is made for. My gut tells me the makers are leaving the children far behind, and targeting more later teens and young adults. This at times is very video-gamey, and action based. Our characters all become action heroes. Be it with silly, animated weapons and for a common good.
Understanding that in the sequel world, you can't make the same movie over and over again, but I have to question some of the decisions made here. There are numerous spoken references about killing. "I'm going kill you!" "The Minions are now thousands of killing machines!" These are not my words, they are the movies. This is a far, far cry from stealing the moon from the first flick. And these are not the only references to such. Also, there are numerous scenes of blatant disrespect of young people to older, including a teen kicking Gru in the groin from behind. You make the call.
This movie loses much of its charm and joy from the first. This is not a wash out, but it does have the aura that maybe we should have just let this be a great and feel good movie from 2 years ago. But that seldom happens.
Despicable Me 2. Certainly not the original.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Lone Ranger
On the surface, The Lone Ranger seems like a very good idea for 2013 movie making. And the casting of Johnny Depp seem like a natural as Tonto also seems perfect. But this movie may be the biggest opportunity missed in a long time.
Depp stars as Tonto, Armie Hammer as The Lone Ranger and a nice supporting cast, star as the iconic and legendary characters from the old days of radio, and early television. This is told from Tonto's perspective, as Depp is actually the star of this movie. This feels like the first of a few of these as it is set up for more. This story chronicles how our title character, and Tonto come together to be the duo that has been played out for generations. Good guys, turned bad guys, but for he common good.
First off, there are many fun moments in this movie, and some of this is really enjoyable. Some is even in style, a throwback to old school movie making. There is some great humor, and some terrific action sequences that are fun to watch, and some stunts actually astounding to see. But sadly, there are far too few moments like this in this 2 hour and 30 minute film. And that is the first real trouble here. This is entirely too long. This could and should be 30 minutes shorter.
The real problem with this is the writing. This may be he most violent PG-13 movie I have ever seen. The reason it can keep this rating is that there is no sex, nudity, and almost no bad language at all. But the violence was staggering for a movie with this rating. This move can't decide what kind of move it wants to be, so it decides to be every kind of movie and that slows it down. Is it a comedy, or action, or a socially aware flick? Yes....it tries for all three and many more.
This story leaves the premise behind of the Ranger and Tonto for about an hour or more, and becomes an indictment of 19th century expansion and greed. The railroad is expanding from coast to coast, and destroying the treaties with the Native Americans. We all know about the terrible wars that did happen in this highly violent time, and that is well told in history and in other movies. Telling it here graphically here I think was a horrible decision. This movie loses its focus totally to make its elongated statement, and show the terrible slaughter of hundreds of Indians by the U.S. Army and Railroad executives. I thought this was The Lone Ranger!
Oh yeah. He and Tonto are in this too. The set up at the beginning of this movie and some of the fun action near the end is very fun, an skillfully done. Depp is well cast as Tonto, but at times, I think we are seeing Jack Sparrow from the Pirates series, and not Tonto. When Depp is deep in the Tonto character, I thought he was really good, but the writing prevents this all the way through. Hammer is fine as The Ranger, but again questionable writing handcuffs him for much of this. The writers you can tell as well, think they are really funny writers and inject far too much humor here, and it becomes stale after a while.
In the end, there is just too much going on here to be great. But there is enough right to be simply good - at times. But again I have to say, this is highly violent complete with stunning and bloody massacre scenes, cannibalism, and tons of gratuitous killing. This really is not very appropriate for kids and that's a shame.
The Lone Ranger. Some to like and enjoy, but a huge opportunity missed.
Depp stars as Tonto, Armie Hammer as The Lone Ranger and a nice supporting cast, star as the iconic and legendary characters from the old days of radio, and early television. This is told from Tonto's perspective, as Depp is actually the star of this movie. This feels like the first of a few of these as it is set up for more. This story chronicles how our title character, and Tonto come together to be the duo that has been played out for generations. Good guys, turned bad guys, but for he common good.
First off, there are many fun moments in this movie, and some of this is really enjoyable. Some is even in style, a throwback to old school movie making. There is some great humor, and some terrific action sequences that are fun to watch, and some stunts actually astounding to see. But sadly, there are far too few moments like this in this 2 hour and 30 minute film. And that is the first real trouble here. This is entirely too long. This could and should be 30 minutes shorter.
The real problem with this is the writing. This may be he most violent PG-13 movie I have ever seen. The reason it can keep this rating is that there is no sex, nudity, and almost no bad language at all. But the violence was staggering for a movie with this rating. This move can't decide what kind of move it wants to be, so it decides to be every kind of movie and that slows it down. Is it a comedy, or action, or a socially aware flick? Yes....it tries for all three and many more.
This story leaves the premise behind of the Ranger and Tonto for about an hour or more, and becomes an indictment of 19th century expansion and greed. The railroad is expanding from coast to coast, and destroying the treaties with the Native Americans. We all know about the terrible wars that did happen in this highly violent time, and that is well told in history and in other movies. Telling it here graphically here I think was a horrible decision. This movie loses its focus totally to make its elongated statement, and show the terrible slaughter of hundreds of Indians by the U.S. Army and Railroad executives. I thought this was The Lone Ranger!
Oh yeah. He and Tonto are in this too. The set up at the beginning of this movie and some of the fun action near the end is very fun, an skillfully done. Depp is well cast as Tonto, but at times, I think we are seeing Jack Sparrow from the Pirates series, and not Tonto. When Depp is deep in the Tonto character, I thought he was really good, but the writing prevents this all the way through. Hammer is fine as The Ranger, but again questionable writing handcuffs him for much of this. The writers you can tell as well, think they are really funny writers and inject far too much humor here, and it becomes stale after a while.
In the end, there is just too much going on here to be great. But there is enough right to be simply good - at times. But again I have to say, this is highly violent complete with stunning and bloody massacre scenes, cannibalism, and tons of gratuitous killing. This really is not very appropriate for kids and that's a shame.
The Lone Ranger. Some to like and enjoy, but a huge opportunity missed.
Monday, July 1, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW - The East
In very limited release is the new Domestic Eco-Terrorist movie The East.
This is a very interesting look at the extreme, and I do mean extreme environmental groups that potentially could wreak havoc on us all. Should be noted that this does not frame the average environmentally aware groups. This is the extreme...of the extreme.
The East is the story of a young undercover agent named Sarah who works deep undercover for a private security firm that works in conjunction with the FBI, to protect large clients from this kind of domestic terrorism. And make no mistake, in this movie this group are terrorists. Sarah goes double deep inside The East to try to break them up and thwart their latest "jams" (jobs). The East is a group of about 10 young adults in their early 20's. Most of them are from privileged backgrounds on the east coast, and are voluntary Ivy League College drop-outs. They form The East to seek revenge against large companies, like drug and energy companies. But it's not like they want to do physical damage. This group is bent on killing, kidnapping, and terrorizing those companies into submission.
They are a serious cult that has seemingly lost all real perspective of the original mission. They are extreme in every regard. They are also well organized. So can Sarah bring this group all the way down, or will she start to buy into the message The East has to offer? She is amazingly conflicted, and this mission is compromising her personal, and professional life. It's getting to her. Is she up for this job, or is she really one of them in disguise? That is The East.
This is not light movie making to say the least. This is heavy drama, and is borderline uncomfortable at times. Without question, the group have legitimate concerns, but it is hard to really embrace their methods. This is light years away from graffiti and vandalism. They want death, and sometimes worse fates for those who are undeniably breaking the law, or lying to the public. But they are extreme, and want and eye for an eye...period. This groups passion does risk it all for what they believe.
This movie though as provocative as portions of it are, is rather predictable. If you are watching, you kind of know where this is eventually going. This movie reeks of thinking it is way smarter than you and it's not. It also dies on the vine at the end, and gives up begin compelling, for being convenient. And ironically, this movie about a bunch of young and idealistic kids willing to risk it all for a dream, are featured in a movie that is not willing to do the same. It becomes mundane and ho-hummy at the end.
The East. Few will see this, and few will come away with any sense of resolution. In fact, for a movie made about kids trying to make a difference, this movie does not.
This is a very interesting look at the extreme, and I do mean extreme environmental groups that potentially could wreak havoc on us all. Should be noted that this does not frame the average environmentally aware groups. This is the extreme...of the extreme.
The East is the story of a young undercover agent named Sarah who works deep undercover for a private security firm that works in conjunction with the FBI, to protect large clients from this kind of domestic terrorism. And make no mistake, in this movie this group are terrorists. Sarah goes double deep inside The East to try to break them up and thwart their latest "jams" (jobs). The East is a group of about 10 young adults in their early 20's. Most of them are from privileged backgrounds on the east coast, and are voluntary Ivy League College drop-outs. They form The East to seek revenge against large companies, like drug and energy companies. But it's not like they want to do physical damage. This group is bent on killing, kidnapping, and terrorizing those companies into submission.
They are a serious cult that has seemingly lost all real perspective of the original mission. They are extreme in every regard. They are also well organized. So can Sarah bring this group all the way down, or will she start to buy into the message The East has to offer? She is amazingly conflicted, and this mission is compromising her personal, and professional life. It's getting to her. Is she up for this job, or is she really one of them in disguise? That is The East.
This is not light movie making to say the least. This is heavy drama, and is borderline uncomfortable at times. Without question, the group have legitimate concerns, but it is hard to really embrace their methods. This is light years away from graffiti and vandalism. They want death, and sometimes worse fates for those who are undeniably breaking the law, or lying to the public. But they are extreme, and want and eye for an eye...period. This groups passion does risk it all for what they believe.
This movie though as provocative as portions of it are, is rather predictable. If you are watching, you kind of know where this is eventually going. This movie reeks of thinking it is way smarter than you and it's not. It also dies on the vine at the end, and gives up begin compelling, for being convenient. And ironically, this movie about a bunch of young and idealistic kids willing to risk it all for a dream, are featured in a movie that is not willing to do the same. It becomes mundane and ho-hummy at the end.
The East. Few will see this, and few will come away with any sense of resolution. In fact, for a movie made about kids trying to make a difference, this movie does not.
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