The new scary thriller Nightcrawler is out this weekend with an amazing performance from Jake Gyllenhaal as one creepy dude.
This is a movie that deals with the media, the new media, big business, and masterful manipulation that could possibly stir up some trust issues you may have. You may also take a second look at your privacy settings as well, as some of this is very invasive and disturbing. Most are things we already know, but it's another thing altogether to watch it play out on screen.
Meet Lou Bloom (Gyllenhaal). He is young weird, and frankly sick loner of a young guy who lives in Los Angeles. He has no real direction in life. But one late night he witnesses a TV news crew filming a horrible car crash and he decides that he wants to begin a career as TV cameraman. Rushing to new crime scenes, filming, and selling the films to local TV stations. So he begins modestly. He is a big time liar, user of people a seeks out the most vulnerable to interact with, and do business with.
Then after reaching some level of success, Lou decides that it's not enough to simply film the news, but it is more exciting and profitable to manipulate crime scenes for better filming. And he goes so far to actually stage scenes, and manipulate the possible outcome all for greed and money. And of course he is sick, and cares not of who he hurts, or even kills. In short, Lou is a sick monster and super creepy.
This is a pretty darn good movie for the most part. This is scary stuff at times, as Lou constantly manipulates the weak, and exploits their frailties. Lou is a master of the Internet and constantly invades privacy issues, that can make anyone watching this feel a bit uneasy. As opposed to tons of other potentially scary movies, this one is far closer to he bone than ghosts, and phony gore. This, although fiction is a bit eyebrow raising.
Gyllenhaal is great as the horrid Lou. You may barely recognize him, as he dropped 25 pounds for this role. Hollywood always likes when actors do feats like that preparing for a big role, so remember this performance come Oscar time. The movie is dark and very well filmed as most of our story line takes place in the middle of the desert night. A terrific pounding musical soundtrack does add immensely to this well written script. Rene Russo leads a nice supporting cast, but make no mistake, this is basically a one man show. And that's Jake.
One point I felt disappointing was that this is set up for a sequel and beyond and I'm not so sure that's wise. This is a nice idea and this is captured very well here. But I'm not so sure that the same lightning could be caught in the bottle again. Being honest the ending did leave me a bit empty.
Nightcrawler. A perfect name for a creepy movie done well. Certainly worth a ticket, just be prepared to not trust anyone for a while.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - Ouija
Are you kidding me with this? The new Halloween time scary movie is Ouija? Is this all you got??
This movie reminds me first off that that great Geico TV commercial out now. You know, where the teen aged kids in a phoney slasher movie make the worst decisions ever? That's funny because it's true. And right on cue, here comes the new teens getting killed horror movie, Ouija.
Here's all you need to know. Kids playing with a Ouija Board. Things go wrong, they wake up some spirit that is living in the house, "Mama." Teens start getting picked off one-by-one, with the most attractive girl being the last one to face off against Mama in the movies final scene. Seen that one before? And yes, all these kids make the worst decisions possible.
Also, this has kept it's PG-13 stripes so this is what you WON'T get in case you decide to go. There's no obligatory girl getting offed in the tub scene. There's no young couple getting whacked while making out almost nude scene either. And somehow our heroine manages to fight off the evil spirit fully clothed and not in her underwear like most of these movies.
This is not original. This is not scary. This is nothing. NOTHING! And for those of us looking for a good jolt at the movies this time of year this won't do it. I don't know about you, but I find little scary about watching a bunch of teens playing with a Ouija Board! And If you do, you may want to think about getting out more.
Ouija. This is a shameful waste of time, money and effort.
This movie reminds me first off that that great Geico TV commercial out now. You know, where the teen aged kids in a phoney slasher movie make the worst decisions ever? That's funny because it's true. And right on cue, here comes the new teens getting killed horror movie, Ouija.
Here's all you need to know. Kids playing with a Ouija Board. Things go wrong, they wake up some spirit that is living in the house, "Mama." Teens start getting picked off one-by-one, with the most attractive girl being the last one to face off against Mama in the movies final scene. Seen that one before? And yes, all these kids make the worst decisions possible.
Also, this has kept it's PG-13 stripes so this is what you WON'T get in case you decide to go. There's no obligatory girl getting offed in the tub scene. There's no young couple getting whacked while making out almost nude scene either. And somehow our heroine manages to fight off the evil spirit fully clothed and not in her underwear like most of these movies.
This is not original. This is not scary. This is nothing. NOTHING! And for those of us looking for a good jolt at the movies this time of year this won't do it. I don't know about you, but I find little scary about watching a bunch of teens playing with a Ouija Board! And If you do, you may want to think about getting out more.
Ouija. This is a shameful waste of time, money and effort.
MOVIE REVIEW - John Wick
Seldom is an action movie made that is as original, and as fun as John Wick.
This is my guilty pleasure movie of the year. First off, John Wick is certainly not for everyone. This is over-the-top practically cartoonishly violent. And this certainly has no real social redeeming value whatsoever. But every once in a while you have to say, "so what?" They can't all be works of art. But in many ways this dude-centric, action, shoot 'em up revenge thriller is a work of art, in its own weird way.
In a nutshell, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is a 40 ish year old retired assassin, who somehow escaped the Russian mob 5 years ago. He asked the leader of the Russian mob to leave after serving him for years. With no intention of letting Wick out, the deal was given to Wick of an impossible task for freedom. Wick succeeded, and gave the mob boss his empire. Wick was given his freedom. Wick marries, and settled into a normal life. Then his beloved wife dies of cancer.
His wife, while alive made arrangements to have a beagle puppy named Daisy delivered to John after her death to give John something to love. John does. Then the son of the Russian boss unknowingly steals Wicks 1969 Mustang Mach 1, beats up Wick in the middle of the night while sleeping, and kills Daisy the dog. Wick re-enters the assassin game, with the sole purpose of killing the son, and taking down the Russian mob. You don't mess with John Wicks dog!
And then the action begins. Wick, who is an amazing hit man, mows through man after man, taking out his revenge. Being honest, there is a whole lot of killing in this movie, and much of it cartoonish, almost video game like. And he does it all while looking good in his black suit. This movie is big time tongue-in-cheek. There is this hotel in New York, The Continental, that he checks into, and it turns out that all hit men live there. One of many strange and fun nuances here.
There is great wit here, and some very funny moments as well. This is a quirky, off beat movie that somehow works very well. If you can get past the violence and accept it as the movies calling card, the story here is really pretty good. They somehow create a character in Wicks that you like and identify with. We clearly are not all hit men, but there is something remarkably real about him that brings him to our level. He is capable of great love. I mean, taking revenge on the mob, for killing his dog??
Reeves is great as the off beat Wick, and the supporting cast of Ian MacShane, Willem DaFoe and others gives this cred, and makes it fun. This is paced very well, and never lets you off the hook, once you are on it. This is certainly not for all, and this is an acquired taste, but John Wick is going to be a hit. And get ready for more, as is set up nicely for it. This will do very well on pay-per-view in 90 days, and is worth a ticket now as well.
John Wick. Slick and nonstop action, irony, humor, and enough quirk for fun. This works.
This is my guilty pleasure movie of the year. First off, John Wick is certainly not for everyone. This is over-the-top practically cartoonishly violent. And this certainly has no real social redeeming value whatsoever. But every once in a while you have to say, "so what?" They can't all be works of art. But in many ways this dude-centric, action, shoot 'em up revenge thriller is a work of art, in its own weird way.
In a nutshell, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is a 40 ish year old retired assassin, who somehow escaped the Russian mob 5 years ago. He asked the leader of the Russian mob to leave after serving him for years. With no intention of letting Wick out, the deal was given to Wick of an impossible task for freedom. Wick succeeded, and gave the mob boss his empire. Wick was given his freedom. Wick marries, and settled into a normal life. Then his beloved wife dies of cancer.
His wife, while alive made arrangements to have a beagle puppy named Daisy delivered to John after her death to give John something to love. John does. Then the son of the Russian boss unknowingly steals Wicks 1969 Mustang Mach 1, beats up Wick in the middle of the night while sleeping, and kills Daisy the dog. Wick re-enters the assassin game, with the sole purpose of killing the son, and taking down the Russian mob. You don't mess with John Wicks dog!
And then the action begins. Wick, who is an amazing hit man, mows through man after man, taking out his revenge. Being honest, there is a whole lot of killing in this movie, and much of it cartoonish, almost video game like. And he does it all while looking good in his black suit. This movie is big time tongue-in-cheek. There is this hotel in New York, The Continental, that he checks into, and it turns out that all hit men live there. One of many strange and fun nuances here.
There is great wit here, and some very funny moments as well. This is a quirky, off beat movie that somehow works very well. If you can get past the violence and accept it as the movies calling card, the story here is really pretty good. They somehow create a character in Wicks that you like and identify with. We clearly are not all hit men, but there is something remarkably real about him that brings him to our level. He is capable of great love. I mean, taking revenge on the mob, for killing his dog??
Reeves is great as the off beat Wick, and the supporting cast of Ian MacShane, Willem DaFoe and others gives this cred, and makes it fun. This is paced very well, and never lets you off the hook, once you are on it. This is certainly not for all, and this is an acquired taste, but John Wick is going to be a hit. And get ready for more, as is set up nicely for it. This will do very well on pay-per-view in 90 days, and is worth a ticket now as well.
John Wick. Slick and nonstop action, irony, humor, and enough quirk for fun. This works.
Monday, October 27, 2014
The Center Of Anything
I have to chuckle a little about what I have heard today in the media, and especially on social media about the state of the Browns win yesterday. Yeah, it was ugly but who cares in the NFL. A win is a win. The sentiment is that it wasn't good enough - and that's laughable.
Twitter and Facebook guy and gal, and Sports Radio guy and gal are all up in arms about how the Browns won the game. And as they bloviated aimlessly, I too thought of the reason why the spanking of the Steelers seems like such a long time ago to them. (Only 2 weeks). That day was emotion, meeting execution.
Then the Browns stumbled the next week and lost to a defeated team. And this week wrestled badly with team that is still winless thanks to the Browns. And it all comes down to a simple broken leg. Alex Mack, - the Browns All-Pro Center - that never missed a play, or a snap for many years for the Browns is out for the season. And the Browns need to find another way to run, and to move the ball, because the guy who touches the ball on every single play is out. He is the best center in the NFL - period. C'mon!! a Center?
Think about this. The center of everything is the most important part of anything. Ever had a blown out lower back? I have. Do you know what yo can do? - Nothing. Go ahead, try to get out of a chair. When your car has a problem, and it's something deep inside the center of the engine, big problems. Where are the lug nuts on a tire? Where does the food sit on the table? Where is the front door on your house? Where are the lines on a highway? And where do you get your balance? All from the center.
What would have happened to those Indians teams of the 1990's if shortstop Omar Visquel was out for the year? Would they have been the same? Or Lebron with the Cavs? The people or things in the middle of anything are the most important cogs in any machine. (Guess where the cogs are?) And when something in the center of anything is lost or damaged a new way must be found to steady yourself, and get you back to center. Especially when have the best of something, like the Browns do in Mack
Even though those unknown, unnoticed and unheralded pieces in the center of anything are taken for granted, you sure do notice when they are missing, or broken. That's life though, sometimes things hurt in the middle and we have to find a way to bounce back. You've had your turn I'm sure a time or two, as have I. And somehow we are still here, and sometimes better than ever when we solve the center issue. In life, or on the field.
Now, like you, it's he Browns turn. They will have to find a way with a bit more imagination, and a continued, and even more fierce heart.
Oh yeah, guess where that is?
Twitter and Facebook guy and gal, and Sports Radio guy and gal are all up in arms about how the Browns won the game. And as they bloviated aimlessly, I too thought of the reason why the spanking of the Steelers seems like such a long time ago to them. (Only 2 weeks). That day was emotion, meeting execution.
Then the Browns stumbled the next week and lost to a defeated team. And this week wrestled badly with team that is still winless thanks to the Browns. And it all comes down to a simple broken leg. Alex Mack, - the Browns All-Pro Center - that never missed a play, or a snap for many years for the Browns is out for the season. And the Browns need to find another way to run, and to move the ball, because the guy who touches the ball on every single play is out. He is the best center in the NFL - period. C'mon!! a Center?
Think about this. The center of everything is the most important part of anything. Ever had a blown out lower back? I have. Do you know what yo can do? - Nothing. Go ahead, try to get out of a chair. When your car has a problem, and it's something deep inside the center of the engine, big problems. Where are the lug nuts on a tire? Where does the food sit on the table? Where is the front door on your house? Where are the lines on a highway? And where do you get your balance? All from the center.
What would have happened to those Indians teams of the 1990's if shortstop Omar Visquel was out for the year? Would they have been the same? Or Lebron with the Cavs? The people or things in the middle of anything are the most important cogs in any machine. (Guess where the cogs are?) And when something in the center of anything is lost or damaged a new way must be found to steady yourself, and get you back to center. Especially when have the best of something, like the Browns do in Mack
Even though those unknown, unnoticed and unheralded pieces in the center of anything are taken for granted, you sure do notice when they are missing, or broken. That's life though, sometimes things hurt in the middle and we have to find a way to bounce back. You've had your turn I'm sure a time or two, as have I. And somehow we are still here, and sometimes better than ever when we solve the center issue. In life, or on the field.
Now, like you, it's he Browns turn. They will have to find a way with a bit more imagination, and a continued, and even more fierce heart.
Oh yeah, guess where that is?
DVD - New Streaming and DVD October 28
This week there are only two major releases, but I think one of them is one of the years best.
Keep in mind we only feature major movie releases here and not straight to DVD, games, or TV shows making their way to video. Where applicable, I will link you back to my original review from the theater run to help you make the decision before you commit to renting, or buying.
New This Week
Begin
Again -
This is just flat out good. A movie about a down and out music producer. This has a great story, and terrific music. Kiera Knightley is amazing! Great cast. Second best movie of the year behind Chef so far.
Deliver
Us From Evil -
Supposedly based on a real story from a New York City cop, who dealt with this supernatural case years ago.
scott@wqmx.com
Thursday, October 23, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - The Best Of Me
Can we just stop now with all the Nicholas Sparks stuff? Please?
This will be short and sweet. If you've seen any Sparks novel/movie, you've seen them all. We couldn't say that a few years ago, but we can now. Truth be told, there is no reason on earth to see this, for the exception of a Michelle Monaghan sighting as she stars in this, and I'm a big fan of hers. She doesn't make enough movies.
With that said, the kindness stops. This insipid flop of a romantic movie is just about all we can take. For a few minor, and I mean minor exceptions this has the same characters, the same feel, the same basic plot line and the same - everything as every other Sparks book and movie. Heaven forbid Nick can you stray off the path even a little and attempt to give us something that even resembles remotely something original.
Stop me if you've heard this one before. She's a woman grown up who has married the wrong man, who's a jerk and she's unhappy. He is a ridiculously good and good looking guy who looks good without a shirt who gave up on her 20 years ago. She's married and unhappy. He's never married and sullen. They reunite accidentally. They rekindle the fires. She cheats with him, it's OK though because it's Sparks. But it can't be. She has to go back to her life! Then one of them dies! Oh, the agony of it all!
Oh yeah, it's told in flashback form, showing them when they were young and in love. Back and forth, back and forth. You know the drill. He's awkward, she's outgoing. She chases him, he's reluctant. Then as adults, they constantly talk in whispers in romantic settings, and oh yeah, they've grown up to be amazingly beautiful perfect adults. The whole thing just makes me want to puke!
Not the actual story line mind you. I like a good romantic movie as much as anyone. But this is the same thing time after time! Is it simply too much ask Sparky Ole Boy, that you give us something different at some time in your career? Seriously, don't you have enough dough? Have a little dignity to stop making the same exact movie and story time after time. I know it has worked, but that train may be leaving the station, as this stiffed hard opening weekend to a 5th place finish.
The Best Of Me. Break out the air sick bag. Same of formula, same movie as always. One of the years worst.
This will be short and sweet. If you've seen any Sparks novel/movie, you've seen them all. We couldn't say that a few years ago, but we can now. Truth be told, there is no reason on earth to see this, for the exception of a Michelle Monaghan sighting as she stars in this, and I'm a big fan of hers. She doesn't make enough movies.
With that said, the kindness stops. This insipid flop of a romantic movie is just about all we can take. For a few minor, and I mean minor exceptions this has the same characters, the same feel, the same basic plot line and the same - everything as every other Sparks book and movie. Heaven forbid Nick can you stray off the path even a little and attempt to give us something that even resembles remotely something original.
Stop me if you've heard this one before. She's a woman grown up who has married the wrong man, who's a jerk and she's unhappy. He is a ridiculously good and good looking guy who looks good without a shirt who gave up on her 20 years ago. She's married and unhappy. He's never married and sullen. They reunite accidentally. They rekindle the fires. She cheats with him, it's OK though because it's Sparks. But it can't be. She has to go back to her life! Then one of them dies! Oh, the agony of it all!
Oh yeah, it's told in flashback form, showing them when they were young and in love. Back and forth, back and forth. You know the drill. He's awkward, she's outgoing. She chases him, he's reluctant. Then as adults, they constantly talk in whispers in romantic settings, and oh yeah, they've grown up to be amazingly beautiful perfect adults. The whole thing just makes me want to puke!
Not the actual story line mind you. I like a good romantic movie as much as anyone. But this is the same thing time after time! Is it simply too much ask Sparky Ole Boy, that you give us something different at some time in your career? Seriously, don't you have enough dough? Have a little dignity to stop making the same exact movie and story time after time. I know it has worked, but that train may be leaving the station, as this stiffed hard opening weekend to a 5th place finish.
The Best Of Me. Break out the air sick bag. Same of formula, same movie as always. One of the years worst.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - Fury
The new Brad Pitt WWII tank battle drama Fury is here, and is intense.
This is certainly a movie where good discretion on who sees it is well advised, as this is a hard R rated movie, showing the horrors of war in Germany in the waning days of WWII. And although for the most part it isn't Saving Private Ryan hard to watch, this is pretty intense and gruesome at times.
But this is also pretty darn good. Although I will say, this will fall short of the really tremendous movie it could have been with its cast, storyline and hype. In short, this could be classified as disappointing, but only in the fact that it's very good, and not great.
Pitt stars as a tough as nails tank commander who as driven his Sherman tank and his crew all over WWII. From North Africa, to France, Belgium, and now Nazi Germany. Somehow he, his crew and the tank they have named Fury, are still running even though the Nazi Tiger Tanks are far superior in every regard. The war is winding down, and Germany is falling, but the final resistance they are finding is intense and determined.
This is the story really of these five men in this tank, and how they bond, survive, and cope with the horrible conditions of war. This takes you inside the tank, where we seldom have gone, and shows the situation these men find themselves in. Battling the Nazi's, inferior equipment, sanity and each other.
Fury has numerous, and lengthy battle scenes that are the movies best. These are skillfully done, and look amazingly authentic. But it should be noted, they are not for the squeamish. In addition to their length, they are brutal at times, and there is plenty to make everyone a bit uncomfortable. There are scenes outside of battle scenes too that are hard to take, as this pulls no punches.
Fury is a raw, unfettered, and and unapologetic movie whose main component is to take you into WWII and show you that is simply wasn't a John Wayne propaganda piece. It was horrible stuff. With apologies to Battle Of The Bulge, and The Desert Fox, they are classic tank movies that were of their era and are fine.But Fury is far more accurate and direct in taking you inside the tank, and to places you must be brave to go in cinema.
Pitt continues to get better with age in an acting sense. Ever since Moneyball, I think he has really matured and is flat out getting better in each movie forward. Although, this is not as pleasant as Moneyball, Pitt is great, and wonderfully cast as this guy you certainly don't want to cross, but absolutely want on your side in a fight. The sets and backdrops here are wonderful, and the costuming is first rate. They really transport you behind the lines magnificently, and you feel of the era.
Fury. Brutal, tough, hard to watch at times, but quite good.
This is certainly a movie where good discretion on who sees it is well advised, as this is a hard R rated movie, showing the horrors of war in Germany in the waning days of WWII. And although for the most part it isn't Saving Private Ryan hard to watch, this is pretty intense and gruesome at times.
But this is also pretty darn good. Although I will say, this will fall short of the really tremendous movie it could have been with its cast, storyline and hype. In short, this could be classified as disappointing, but only in the fact that it's very good, and not great.
Pitt stars as a tough as nails tank commander who as driven his Sherman tank and his crew all over WWII. From North Africa, to France, Belgium, and now Nazi Germany. Somehow he, his crew and the tank they have named Fury, are still running even though the Nazi Tiger Tanks are far superior in every regard. The war is winding down, and Germany is falling, but the final resistance they are finding is intense and determined.
This is the story really of these five men in this tank, and how they bond, survive, and cope with the horrible conditions of war. This takes you inside the tank, where we seldom have gone, and shows the situation these men find themselves in. Battling the Nazi's, inferior equipment, sanity and each other.
Fury has numerous, and lengthy battle scenes that are the movies best. These are skillfully done, and look amazingly authentic. But it should be noted, they are not for the squeamish. In addition to their length, they are brutal at times, and there is plenty to make everyone a bit uncomfortable. There are scenes outside of battle scenes too that are hard to take, as this pulls no punches.
Fury is a raw, unfettered, and and unapologetic movie whose main component is to take you into WWII and show you that is simply wasn't a John Wayne propaganda piece. It was horrible stuff. With apologies to Battle Of The Bulge, and The Desert Fox, they are classic tank movies that were of their era and are fine.But Fury is far more accurate and direct in taking you inside the tank, and to places you must be brave to go in cinema.
Pitt continues to get better with age in an acting sense. Ever since Moneyball, I think he has really matured and is flat out getting better in each movie forward. Although, this is not as pleasant as Moneyball, Pitt is great, and wonderfully cast as this guy you certainly don't want to cross, but absolutely want on your side in a fight. The sets and backdrops here are wonderful, and the costuming is first rate. They really transport you behind the lines magnificently, and you feel of the era.
Fury. Brutal, tough, hard to watch at times, but quite good.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Royals Role
Time for the World Series. It is possibly my favorite sporting event as nothing really is like post-season baseball.
With due apologies to the major TV networks, the sad reality is that they have to drag their cameras, announcers and crews and try to find Kansas City on a map. (It's in Missouri.) And yes, you must broadcast the series, even if the Yankees are not in it. Also, with apologies to the Giants and their fans, this World Series is all about the young Kansas City Royals. They are charged with a feat far larger than winning 4 games in the next week. Their role, is to save Major League Baseball - if only for a while.
Baseball has a few enemies starting with themselves. No salary cap and the desire to proote only the major TV markets has made it an extreme unfair playing field for all other teams. The sports media -Who insist on simply covering every aspect of the league as it pertains to the Yankees, Red Sox, and the..well.....Yankees and the Red Sox. The new fan - who has become a front runner. Rooting for only teams that win. Foregoing the home town team, because of their inability to compete. And it's understandable, as all they know is that all the great players want to play in about 6 cities, none of them theirs, and getting huge money to do so.
I have always maintained that nothing can galvanize a city like a winning MLB team, and I stick by it. It's the every day of it, the drive to the playoffs and making a deep post season run. Enter the Kansas City Royals. No one is going to sit here and tell you these guys make minimum wage, of course they are making good money, but in a baseball sense they are not the Yankees by any means. They are team that built themselves, with their own farm system, and added a few unnoticed pieces here and there pulling guys off the baseball scrap heap, making bold trades and doing frankly, what they had to do to survive. The hope was to contend. Instead, the Royals have now hypnotized a nation. Winning this series will give the nation and the sport a much needed lift.
They have a ton of guys you've never heard of who play the game the right way. They play 15 miles east of one of the great Mid-American cities we have that no one knows about on I-70. They play in a facility that has been recently revamped, but seriously was LIGHT YEARS ahead of its time when built originally in the 1970's. They get zero credit, and deserve it all. They were he precursor to every single new ball park (including our beautiful park) 20 years before Baltimore's Camden Yard which gets it all - and it's not accurate. Kansas City built the first fantastic ball park 42 years ago! And BTW - it has hosted 73 MILLION fans since.
If the Royals can finish this off, not only will they capture the hearts of Americans, at least for a little while. They can also give hope, real hope, to the dozens of other MLB cities that think they will never have their say in the big show. That the World Series is not only for the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Dodgers, Giants and Cardinals. Yes, the Royals climbed this mountain in 1985 with a world title, but it's different now by a mile. There is a lot riding on this for the fans mind set for the immediate future and well being of the game.
This is a team and an organization that once was mighty when the game was smaller. Then fell victim to the game and money growing out of control. And just when the league and the media was hoping they would simply bow down, or go out of business, the Royals have scaled the summit again, and are on the precipice of restoring order to the baseball world that has tried everything to rid itself of such small market pests.
The Royals role is of course to win this series, but it's really beyond baseball. It's to win it for millions who feel that the world is sometimes a bit too big, and score one for the little guy. And give hope to baseball fans and to to those not mesmerized by baseball, that good things can happen to good people who spend their lives doing things - the right way.
With due apologies to the major TV networks, the sad reality is that they have to drag their cameras, announcers and crews and try to find Kansas City on a map. (It's in Missouri.) And yes, you must broadcast the series, even if the Yankees are not in it. Also, with apologies to the Giants and their fans, this World Series is all about the young Kansas City Royals. They are charged with a feat far larger than winning 4 games in the next week. Their role, is to save Major League Baseball - if only for a while.
Baseball has a few enemies starting with themselves. No salary cap and the desire to proote only the major TV markets has made it an extreme unfair playing field for all other teams. The sports media -Who insist on simply covering every aspect of the league as it pertains to the Yankees, Red Sox, and the..well.....Yankees and the Red Sox. The new fan - who has become a front runner. Rooting for only teams that win. Foregoing the home town team, because of their inability to compete. And it's understandable, as all they know is that all the great players want to play in about 6 cities, none of them theirs, and getting huge money to do so.
I have always maintained that nothing can galvanize a city like a winning MLB team, and I stick by it. It's the every day of it, the drive to the playoffs and making a deep post season run. Enter the Kansas City Royals. No one is going to sit here and tell you these guys make minimum wage, of course they are making good money, but in a baseball sense they are not the Yankees by any means. They are team that built themselves, with their own farm system, and added a few unnoticed pieces here and there pulling guys off the baseball scrap heap, making bold trades and doing frankly, what they had to do to survive. The hope was to contend. Instead, the Royals have now hypnotized a nation. Winning this series will give the nation and the sport a much needed lift.
They have a ton of guys you've never heard of who play the game the right way. They play 15 miles east of one of the great Mid-American cities we have that no one knows about on I-70. They play in a facility that has been recently revamped, but seriously was LIGHT YEARS ahead of its time when built originally in the 1970's. They get zero credit, and deserve it all. They were he precursor to every single new ball park (including our beautiful park) 20 years before Baltimore's Camden Yard which gets it all - and it's not accurate. Kansas City built the first fantastic ball park 42 years ago! And BTW - it has hosted 73 MILLION fans since.
If the Royals can finish this off, not only will they capture the hearts of Americans, at least for a little while. They can also give hope, real hope, to the dozens of other MLB cities that think they will never have their say in the big show. That the World Series is not only for the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Dodgers, Giants and Cardinals. Yes, the Royals climbed this mountain in 1985 with a world title, but it's different now by a mile. There is a lot riding on this for the fans mind set for the immediate future and well being of the game.
This is a team and an organization that once was mighty when the game was smaller. Then fell victim to the game and money growing out of control. And just when the league and the media was hoping they would simply bow down, or go out of business, the Royals have scaled the summit again, and are on the precipice of restoring order to the baseball world that has tried everything to rid itself of such small market pests.
The Royals role is of course to win this series, but it's really beyond baseball. It's to win it for millions who feel that the world is sometimes a bit too big, and score one for the little guy. And give hope to baseball fans and to to those not mesmerized by baseball, that good things can happen to good people who spend their lives doing things - the right way.
DVD - What's New Streaming October 22
This week, there are no real HUGE movies that are new to your home service or DVD counter, but there is something for everyone.
Keep in mind we only feature major motion picture releases here, and not TV series, games, or straight to DVD movies. Where applicable, I will like you back to my original review from it's theater run to give you and idea what you are in for.
New This Week
Sex Tape
Cameron Diaz and Jason Segal in this comedy that fell short of the hoped iconic status. But this story line has more relevance now with all the hacking off The Cloud stories in the news lately. Highly adult.
Earth To Echo
This is a Sci-Fi for tweens. Good family movie that asks, are we alone? Caution: hand held herky-jerky filmed. Can be fatiguing.
The Purge: Anarchy
The original Purge was a big surprise hit released in the later winter last year. This is the sequel, and has given way to formula and lost it's surprisingly good story line of the original
scott@wqmx.com
Keep in mind we only feature major motion picture releases here, and not TV series, games, or straight to DVD movies. Where applicable, I will like you back to my original review from it's theater run to give you and idea what you are in for.
New This Week
Sex Tape
Cameron Diaz and Jason Segal in this comedy that fell short of the hoped iconic status. But this story line has more relevance now with all the hacking off The Cloud stories in the news lately. Highly adult.
Earth To Echo
This is a Sci-Fi for tweens. Good family movie that asks, are we alone? Caution: hand held herky-jerky filmed. Can be fatiguing.
The Purge: Anarchy
The original Purge was a big surprise hit released in the later winter last year. This is the sequel, and has given way to formula and lost it's surprisingly good story line of the original
scott@wqmx.com
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
DVD - New Streaming and DVD October 14
This week, there is a nice array of new choices on your streaming service. Blockbusters and small pics too. Something for everyone.
Keep in mind, we only feature major motion picture releases and not straight to DVD, TV series making their way to DVD, or games. Where applicable, I will link you back to my original review from the movies original theater run to help you make an informed decisions before you invest your time or money.
New This Week
X-Men: Days Of Future Past
They keep making them, and we keep going. Some new and original wrinkles, but this is still dominated by Wolverine. But they introduce Jennifer Lawrence here though.
Peabody And Sherman
Animated. It makes no difference if you know or remember the of TV cartoon or not. This is pretty darn fun.
Persecuted
Washington thriller that takes us deep inside the federal government and it's not pretty. Limited theater run, could do well here.
scott@wqmx.com
Keep in mind, we only feature major motion picture releases and not straight to DVD, TV series making their way to DVD, or games. Where applicable, I will link you back to my original review from the movies original theater run to help you make an informed decisions before you invest your time or money.
New This Week
X-Men: Days Of Future Past
They keep making them, and we keep going. Some new and original wrinkles, but this is still dominated by Wolverine. But they introduce Jennifer Lawrence here though.
Peabody And Sherman
Animated. It makes no difference if you know or remember the of TV cartoon or not. This is pretty darn fun.
Persecuted
Washington thriller that takes us deep inside the federal government and it's not pretty. Limited theater run, could do well here.
scott@wqmx.com
Saturday, October 11, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - The Judge
An all-star cast has been assembled for one of the most anticipated dramas of the fall, with The Judge.
This is a great example of a movie that many people will like simply because of the actors in it. This stars Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thornton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dax Shepard, and Leighton Meester. A really nice mix of big stars, and young up and comers. It is simply tragic that they were not given a better script to work with.
This is the story of Hank (Downey), and his father who is a 42 year judge (Duvall) in rural Indiana. Hank is a high powered big city lawyer who has moved to Chicago and has never returned. His relationship with this father and family is amazingly bad. Hank has to return home after his mother dies. While at home, his father is involved in a hit and run auto accident where a man is killed. And the dead man is one of the judges worst mistakes the judge made 20 years ago in his courtroom. There is hatred between the two.
The judge is arrested and is charged with first degree murder by a special prosecutor (Thornton) with the trial taking place in the judges small town. Even though Hank and his father virtually hate one another, Hank ends up defending his father in court. Will he beat the rap? And what will be the future of their relationship?
Sadly, this is a two and half hour movie about this insanely dysfunctional family and not really about the trial as much as it should be. There are so many side plots, and so many stabs at developing too many characters, this movie veers off course time after time. This is also a very fatiguing movie, as it is constant family bickering and fighting. The one word that kept creeping into my mind this whole movie was "unpleasant." This is a drama for sure, and that's fine. But there is so much about this that is really unpleasant. And there are many moments this is not entertaining to watch.
In an effort to develop this family, they successfully make you like virtually no one. Oh there is an attempt at the end to shine up this nickel, but it's far too late. You have already seen say too much unpleasantness, and you have been there way too long.
Downey, as great as he can be is the weak link in this movie. The character written for him, and his interpretation of it, is simply Tony Stark (Iron Man) as a lawyer. And that is the kiss of death for this movie. This is a large role and he fumbles this around, and at times looks like he's bored and mailing it in. It's not all his fault. Bad dialogue and a story that is mediocre doesn't help. I felt this movie was going to be far more about the trial, and his battle with Billy Bob Thornton (who is great by the way in role that is far too small). But instead we are limited to watching this horribly unlikable family sniping endlessly at each other.
The Judge. This is a huge opportunity missed. All these stars, all these Oscar winners and nominees in a script that is reminiscent of a bad evening soap from the 80's.
This is a great example of a movie that many people will like simply because of the actors in it. This stars Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thornton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dax Shepard, and Leighton Meester. A really nice mix of big stars, and young up and comers. It is simply tragic that they were not given a better script to work with.
This is the story of Hank (Downey), and his father who is a 42 year judge (Duvall) in rural Indiana. Hank is a high powered big city lawyer who has moved to Chicago and has never returned. His relationship with this father and family is amazingly bad. Hank has to return home after his mother dies. While at home, his father is involved in a hit and run auto accident where a man is killed. And the dead man is one of the judges worst mistakes the judge made 20 years ago in his courtroom. There is hatred between the two.
The judge is arrested and is charged with first degree murder by a special prosecutor (Thornton) with the trial taking place in the judges small town. Even though Hank and his father virtually hate one another, Hank ends up defending his father in court. Will he beat the rap? And what will be the future of their relationship?
Sadly, this is a two and half hour movie about this insanely dysfunctional family and not really about the trial as much as it should be. There are so many side plots, and so many stabs at developing too many characters, this movie veers off course time after time. This is also a very fatiguing movie, as it is constant family bickering and fighting. The one word that kept creeping into my mind this whole movie was "unpleasant." This is a drama for sure, and that's fine. But there is so much about this that is really unpleasant. And there are many moments this is not entertaining to watch.
In an effort to develop this family, they successfully make you like virtually no one. Oh there is an attempt at the end to shine up this nickel, but it's far too late. You have already seen say too much unpleasantness, and you have been there way too long.
Downey, as great as he can be is the weak link in this movie. The character written for him, and his interpretation of it, is simply Tony Stark (Iron Man) as a lawyer. And that is the kiss of death for this movie. This is a large role and he fumbles this around, and at times looks like he's bored and mailing it in. It's not all his fault. Bad dialogue and a story that is mediocre doesn't help. I felt this movie was going to be far more about the trial, and his battle with Billy Bob Thornton (who is great by the way in role that is far too small). But instead we are limited to watching this horribly unlikable family sniping endlessly at each other.
The Judge. This is a huge opportunity missed. All these stars, all these Oscar winners and nominees in a script that is reminiscent of a bad evening soap from the 80's.
MOVIE REVIEW - Gone Girl
After seeing the new thriller Gone Girl, no one may ever get married or have a relationship ever again. Forget all the slasher stuff, this is far scarier.
Gone Girl is based on a terrific book and is now a major motion picture with Ben Affleck, and Rosamund Pike. And frankly, this is simply terrific. Oh, there are a few stupid parts, and and a hole or two, but overall this 2 hour, 30 minute movie is suspenseful, well crafted and scary. And doesn't feel that long.
Meet Nick (Affleck) and Amy (Pike). They are a young and beautiful marrieds couple living in Missouri. They left New York when Nick's mom became ill, and she has now passed. Nick is a writer, and Amy is a trust fund woman who also writes. They have been married for a few years, when the marriage starts to have problems. One day Nick comes home and finds the house a mess and Amy missing.
As time goes on, Nick now becomes the center of the police investigation, as Amy is now presumed dead. Problem is, there is no body to even investigate for the crime. As the circumstantial evidence and public opinion starts to mount against Nick, he hires nationally know defense lawyer, Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry). They start to go on the offensive to find out what really happened as Nick has maintained his innocence. But is he innocent? And where is the body? And who the heck is Amy really? Because no one really seems to know.
First off, all three of our main stars here, have never been better in any movie, especially Perry. All give command performances. This story is so well woven, and so original that it really does keep you guessing till the very end. This is told is flashback form for much of it, and that works very well too. This movie has a nice look to it, as it is a bit melancholy, and suspenseful looking. This also has a great supporting cast including Neil Patrick Harris (as you've never seen him), Sela Ward, and Carrie Coon (from Copley). And all are terrific.
Huge kudos to Tyler Perry. He is simply great in this movie, as you've never seen him before. Casting him was genius, as he can hopeully move in a different direction and maybe take of the Madea dress forever. This movie is thoroughly modern as it shows how high profile cases in our world today as handled through the police, the media, social media, and the ever more powerful court of public opinion. And the latter, is not always a good thing, in fact here is seldom is.
This is original, interesting and eye opening to say the least. This is also flat out scary as it makes us all examine, who really are the people in out lives? Do we really know them, and how well? This will not reew any faith in human decency in anyone, anywhere. This movie makes Fatal Attraction look like Captain Kangaroo, and Sleeping With The enemy look like Romper Room. NO one may ever get married ever again!
Gone Girl. A hard rated R movie. Very, very good.
Gone Girl is based on a terrific book and is now a major motion picture with Ben Affleck, and Rosamund Pike. And frankly, this is simply terrific. Oh, there are a few stupid parts, and and a hole or two, but overall this 2 hour, 30 minute movie is suspenseful, well crafted and scary. And doesn't feel that long.
Meet Nick (Affleck) and Amy (Pike). They are a young and beautiful marrieds couple living in Missouri. They left New York when Nick's mom became ill, and she has now passed. Nick is a writer, and Amy is a trust fund woman who also writes. They have been married for a few years, when the marriage starts to have problems. One day Nick comes home and finds the house a mess and Amy missing.
As time goes on, Nick now becomes the center of the police investigation, as Amy is now presumed dead. Problem is, there is no body to even investigate for the crime. As the circumstantial evidence and public opinion starts to mount against Nick, he hires nationally know defense lawyer, Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry). They start to go on the offensive to find out what really happened as Nick has maintained his innocence. But is he innocent? And where is the body? And who the heck is Amy really? Because no one really seems to know.
First off, all three of our main stars here, have never been better in any movie, especially Perry. All give command performances. This story is so well woven, and so original that it really does keep you guessing till the very end. This is told is flashback form for much of it, and that works very well too. This movie has a nice look to it, as it is a bit melancholy, and suspenseful looking. This also has a great supporting cast including Neil Patrick Harris (as you've never seen him), Sela Ward, and Carrie Coon (from Copley). And all are terrific.
Huge kudos to Tyler Perry. He is simply great in this movie, as you've never seen him before. Casting him was genius, as he can hopeully move in a different direction and maybe take of the Madea dress forever. This movie is thoroughly modern as it shows how high profile cases in our world today as handled through the police, the media, social media, and the ever more powerful court of public opinion. And the latter, is not always a good thing, in fact here is seldom is.
This is original, interesting and eye opening to say the least. This is also flat out scary as it makes us all examine, who really are the people in out lives? Do we really know them, and how well? This will not reew any faith in human decency in anyone, anywhere. This movie makes Fatal Attraction look like Captain Kangaroo, and Sleeping With The enemy look like Romper Room. NO one may ever get married ever again!
Gone Girl. A hard rated R movie. Very, very good.
MOVIE REVIEWN - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
The new Disney movie Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is the quintessential modern family movie. And thankfully, it's not animated.
This will be short and sweet. This book was written in 1974, and now it has been successfully updated and brought to the big screen. This will be a hit. In short, this is a story of a very nice family with four kids that have seen their share of troubles, only to run into a really bad day on virtually every front. We need movies for all kinds of audiences, and this targets family viewing squarely - and delivers.
This is a movie that will bring a smile to every family member you have no matter the age. It is completely relevant and although taken to the extreme, this mirrors many families who are trying to stay afloat in today's world. This is a comedy, and is fun most of the time. And in the end sends a good and positive message that all will be OK no matter what is going on.
This is overly chaotic at times, and is very busy for the most part. One of the good decisions made is that this is a very tidy 84 minutes short. As much fun as it is, shorter here is certainly better. This has been updated nicely, and shows us the challenges that kids, and parents face in today's world. This also does not make the mistake of trying to make some kind of silly social statement, or promote some kind of hidden agenda. It is simply fun, and funny for families.
This stars Steve Carrell, and the newly and completely transformed Jennifer Garner. I have developed a ton of respect for her. As her life personal life has grown and matured, so has she as an actor. She of course is married, and has a few kids. And has completely reinvented herself as an actor. She has made a series of safe family movies, that are good for virtually everyone. She looks comfortable in this new role. What she has done is virtually never done in Hollywood. It would appear that she is choosing projects and roles very carefully, not putting herself in a bad position in relation to her real family. This also has a well thought out supporting cast, and a fun story.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. A very good family movie, that isn't animated, and doesn't get in its own way.
This will be short and sweet. This book was written in 1974, and now it has been successfully updated and brought to the big screen. This will be a hit. In short, this is a story of a very nice family with four kids that have seen their share of troubles, only to run into a really bad day on virtually every front. We need movies for all kinds of audiences, and this targets family viewing squarely - and delivers.
This is a movie that will bring a smile to every family member you have no matter the age. It is completely relevant and although taken to the extreme, this mirrors many families who are trying to stay afloat in today's world. This is a comedy, and is fun most of the time. And in the end sends a good and positive message that all will be OK no matter what is going on.
This is overly chaotic at times, and is very busy for the most part. One of the good decisions made is that this is a very tidy 84 minutes short. As much fun as it is, shorter here is certainly better. This has been updated nicely, and shows us the challenges that kids, and parents face in today's world. This also does not make the mistake of trying to make some kind of silly social statement, or promote some kind of hidden agenda. It is simply fun, and funny for families.
This stars Steve Carrell, and the newly and completely transformed Jennifer Garner. I have developed a ton of respect for her. As her life personal life has grown and matured, so has she as an actor. She of course is married, and has a few kids. And has completely reinvented herself as an actor. She has made a series of safe family movies, that are good for virtually everyone. She looks comfortable in this new role. What she has done is virtually never done in Hollywood. It would appear that she is choosing projects and roles very carefully, not putting herself in a bad position in relation to her real family. This also has a well thought out supporting cast, and a fun story.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. A very good family movie, that isn't animated, and doesn't get in its own way.
Monday, October 6, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - Left Behind
When a movie is being made and formulated, it has to clear many steps along the way. Somehow, the new, Left Behind made it past all roadblocks - and clear thinking to make it to the big screen.
Seldom is a movie so amazingly amateurish at the box office, but this is. It is staggering to me this didn't go right into the direct to video pile, or pay per view. Left Behind, (this version) is simply atrocious. This is based on the big book, a best seller nonetheless. This review will have nothing to do with the obvious promoting religious agenda. Frankly, there are plenty of movies every year that fit into that category and, many are pretty good. Clearly better than this!
This, as a movie...is just flat out bad. It stars Nicolas Cage. Brother, this is a long way from the Oscar stage, Moonstruck, The Rock, Con-Air, and countless other good, and entertaining movies he has starred in along the way. Cage plays a passenger airline pilot whose family is going through terrible turmoil. His wife played by Lea Thompson, has recently found God, as that alone has torn the family apart. The rest of the family doesn't buy into her thinking including her husband and college aged daughter.
Then, The Rapture actually happens, the children, and believers are suddenly gone in a blink of an eye to Heaven, sending the entire world into chaos and leaves millions looking for answers. The pilot is in flight when this happens and the panic stricken aircraft is in trouble. What will happen? And is this the actual end of days?
Clearly, for the subject matter this is not for everyone. But this will find an audience and that's fine. We need movies for all kinds of viewers. But this...as a movie... is simply putrid. The writing is abysmal, the dialogue is so terrible it borders on worst ever. The actors are given no chance as this is written preachy, and insulting to all. Our characters are incredibly stereotypical to the point of eye rolling, and all you look forward to is the one hour and forty-five minutes to be up. I actually was hoping I had to go to the bathroom during this movie, just for a break. This is movie making at its worst, plain and simple.
The special effects are horrible, the story is silly, our stars are asked to do things on camera in the name of the story that I am sure they were insulted to do. There are tons of holes in the story, and countless errors, including a flight attendant giving the pre-flight instructions to the passengers, by talking into the EARPIECE of the planes phone. Don't get me started.
Left Behind. Certainly going to be in line at the Razzie Awards in the coming months, as one of the years worst. And deserved.
Seldom is a movie so amazingly amateurish at the box office, but this is. It is staggering to me this didn't go right into the direct to video pile, or pay per view. Left Behind, (this version) is simply atrocious. This is based on the big book, a best seller nonetheless. This review will have nothing to do with the obvious promoting religious agenda. Frankly, there are plenty of movies every year that fit into that category and, many are pretty good. Clearly better than this!
This, as a movie...is just flat out bad. It stars Nicolas Cage. Brother, this is a long way from the Oscar stage, Moonstruck, The Rock, Con-Air, and countless other good, and entertaining movies he has starred in along the way. Cage plays a passenger airline pilot whose family is going through terrible turmoil. His wife played by Lea Thompson, has recently found God, as that alone has torn the family apart. The rest of the family doesn't buy into her thinking including her husband and college aged daughter.
Then, The Rapture actually happens, the children, and believers are suddenly gone in a blink of an eye to Heaven, sending the entire world into chaos and leaves millions looking for answers. The pilot is in flight when this happens and the panic stricken aircraft is in trouble. What will happen? And is this the actual end of days?
Clearly, for the subject matter this is not for everyone. But this will find an audience and that's fine. We need movies for all kinds of viewers. But this...as a movie... is simply putrid. The writing is abysmal, the dialogue is so terrible it borders on worst ever. The actors are given no chance as this is written preachy, and insulting to all. Our characters are incredibly stereotypical to the point of eye rolling, and all you look forward to is the one hour and forty-five minutes to be up. I actually was hoping I had to go to the bathroom during this movie, just for a break. This is movie making at its worst, plain and simple.
The special effects are horrible, the story is silly, our stars are asked to do things on camera in the name of the story that I am sure they were insulted to do. There are tons of holes in the story, and countless errors, including a flight attendant giving the pre-flight instructions to the passengers, by talking into the EARPIECE of the planes phone. Don't get me started.
Left Behind. Certainly going to be in line at the Razzie Awards in the coming months, as one of the years worst. And deserved.
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