You've been busy, and maybe after the holidays, you are going to be looking for things to do. Here is what is new for you at the movies.
Why Him
Well, James Franco does make me laugh sometimes, and he does here as well. This is another comedy where the daughter is marrying the "wrong guy" and dad ain't to happy about it. Franco is Laird and he is about as goofy as they come. Brian Cranston is the dad who is being tormented by Laird.
This has some fun moments and is pretty funny throughout. We just never seem to get tired of this formula. This is rated a hard R, and well deserved. Kudos to Megan Mullaley who was quite funny here as mom, and there is a funny supporting cast.
Not great, but good fun
LA LA Land
This movie is going to win so many awards, it may need a tractor trailer to get them all home. This is is a wonderfully done movie that Hollywood will love to honor, because it is a story about - itself. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone star and both will be nominated for numerous awards as well.
This is a great mixture of old school musicals, and a modern one. The singing, the dancing, and the music in general is amazing. Incredibly filmed, superbly written, and acted brilliantly. It's a love story, a comedy and tragedy and a musical. This is as original as movies get, and this is an experience that every movie lover should not miss on the big screen.
One of the best movies of this year. Or any year.
Fences
Fences is a new movie starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. This was adapted from a play and this movie actually views like one. This is really serious drama, with a stellar story and an equally stellar performance by Washington who also directed this.
It's a story in the early 1960's of a struggling family in Pittsburgh, who are a victim of the times, timing of life, race and family background. This is very powerful and will make you uncomfortable at times with its honesty. This is not big on a music soundtrack, or anything flashy, this is simply great actors, being great telling a story that is tough to watch at times, but worth the time.
Terrific.
Jackie
A short Indy movie about former first lady Jackie Kennedy, and the days immediately following her husband's assassination in 1963. This stars Oscar winner Natalie Portman as Jackie. And this will be the role of her career. She is magnificent.
This deals with Jackie as a wife, mother, and first lady and takes you to places you never have been with the Kennedy's. This is wonderfully written, acted and produced. This also has incredible costuming, sets and a very strong supporting cast. Portman is amazing, and she will more than likely be nominated for another Oscar.
Limited release, but worth the drive to find it.
scott@wqmx.com
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Thursday, December 29, 2016
MUSIC - My Five Favorite Songs of 2016
2016 has been another solid year in Country Music, that was loaded with some good transition. There were some strong breakthrough acts this year that added a real nice seasoning to our already strong format. And for my ear, some of these artists and their great new songs and sound dominated my top 5 of the year.
5/ 80's Mercedes - Maren Morris. She absolutely has the chops to be a real player for years to come. Both of her singles were terrific as I loved My Church as well. This song is a great example of a newer sound from a new woman artist that talks directly to her audience and has a thunderous beat.
4/ Hometown Girl - Josh Turner. So great to have him back and it's worth the wait. This is a real nice mix of who Josh was, as it doesn't abandon the road he's traveled, and paves the way for a clear view of where he's going.
3/ May We All - Florida Georgia Line. I loved Holy too, but this a real nice song and a bit different from them as was Holy. Their 2016 songs have shown some real versatility. They are on a great roll these days and are cementing themselves as one of our largest acts.
2/ I Met A Girl - William Michael Morgan. Great song, done traditionally, sung by a young singer with a Stetson, that is totally believable. This song is among the ones that are really centering the format. A lot of singers I feel would have loved to have this song.
1/ Head Over Boots - John Pardi. Good example of the right song finding the right singer. This song also reminds us that with all the serious ballads and love songs out there, country music is still fun, and there's room for all kinds of country. Really fun song!
scott@wqmx.com
5/ 80's Mercedes - Maren Morris. She absolutely has the chops to be a real player for years to come. Both of her singles were terrific as I loved My Church as well. This song is a great example of a newer sound from a new woman artist that talks directly to her audience and has a thunderous beat.
4/ Hometown Girl - Josh Turner. So great to have him back and it's worth the wait. This is a real nice mix of who Josh was, as it doesn't abandon the road he's traveled, and paves the way for a clear view of where he's going.
3/ May We All - Florida Georgia Line. I loved Holy too, but this a real nice song and a bit different from them as was Holy. Their 2016 songs have shown some real versatility. They are on a great roll these days and are cementing themselves as one of our largest acts.
2/ I Met A Girl - William Michael Morgan. Great song, done traditionally, sung by a young singer with a Stetson, that is totally believable. This song is among the ones that are really centering the format. A lot of singers I feel would have loved to have this song.
1/ Head Over Boots - John Pardi. Good example of the right song finding the right singer. This song also reminds us that with all the serious ballads and love songs out there, country music is still fun, and there's room for all kinds of country. Really fun song!
scott@wqmx.com
Thursday, December 15, 2016
MOVIE REVIEWS - Now In Theaters
Here's a look at some of choices you have at the movies this weekend. And yes, the new Star Wars movie is out as well.
Collateral Beauty
This is a really good idea, and my feeling is this would read in a book very well. But as a movie, I'm not sure. This has an all star cast including Will Smith, Kate Winslett, Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Edward Norton and others. So clearly star power is not the issue here.
This is the story of Howard, his friends and his advertising company. Howard has an extreme personal tragedy and retreats entirely from life. This is the story of bringing him back as best as he can be brought back. As he writes abstract letters to things like, Death, Love, and Time. And he gets an answer from each of them - but how?
This is done as well as it can be, problem is I think you need your imagination here more than your eyes. This is a story that doesn't transfer well to the visual. Plus, in this adaptation, the ending was insanely predictable. You will be way, way ahead of the movie, even though they think they are smarter than you.
This is emotional, entertaining, and pretty well paced. Is this great? No. But it's worth the time and money if you are in for a emotional ride at the movies.
Office Christmas Party
What can you say? It's 2 hours of footage from a huge office party. Big cast, some laughs, topical at times.
Story attempted, but you don't really care about it. You just want to see the party shenanigans and watch all of our stars again try their hand at non-scripted improvisational jokes.
Miss Sloane
Here comes another political thriller with an agenda that was supposed to make a big splash at the box office but did not, and will not. Jessica Chastain is terrific as Miss Sloane. She is a tough as nails, smart, slick Washington DC lobbyist with a great track record, this time taking on the NRA and trying to get control legislation passed.
But there are a few really big problems here. First, this is too long, and draggy at times. Second, even though Chastain is great, the character they portray is simply a horrible, ugly, lost, immensely terrible person in general. You are supposed to be pulling for her, but you really just hate her more as time rolls on. They try at the end to redeem her, but you could care less about her by then. This movie also becomes a lecture about, well basically everything, and her dialogue is simply not credible.
Chastain does a lot with a little, and she is to be commended. Also, these movies with anti-everything agendas for the most part flop and flop hard, as this will. And even a small 18 million dollar budget will still be a huge tanker.
scott@wqmx.com
Collateral Beauty
This is a really good idea, and my feeling is this would read in a book very well. But as a movie, I'm not sure. This has an all star cast including Will Smith, Kate Winslett, Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Edward Norton and others. So clearly star power is not the issue here.
This is the story of Howard, his friends and his advertising company. Howard has an extreme personal tragedy and retreats entirely from life. This is the story of bringing him back as best as he can be brought back. As he writes abstract letters to things like, Death, Love, and Time. And he gets an answer from each of them - but how?
This is done as well as it can be, problem is I think you need your imagination here more than your eyes. This is a story that doesn't transfer well to the visual. Plus, in this adaptation, the ending was insanely predictable. You will be way, way ahead of the movie, even though they think they are smarter than you.
This is emotional, entertaining, and pretty well paced. Is this great? No. But it's worth the time and money if you are in for a emotional ride at the movies.
Office Christmas Party
What can you say? It's 2 hours of footage from a huge office party. Big cast, some laughs, topical at times.
Story attempted, but you don't really care about it. You just want to see the party shenanigans and watch all of our stars again try their hand at non-scripted improvisational jokes.
Miss Sloane
Here comes another political thriller with an agenda that was supposed to make a big splash at the box office but did not, and will not. Jessica Chastain is terrific as Miss Sloane. She is a tough as nails, smart, slick Washington DC lobbyist with a great track record, this time taking on the NRA and trying to get control legislation passed.
But there are a few really big problems here. First, this is too long, and draggy at times. Second, even though Chastain is great, the character they portray is simply a horrible, ugly, lost, immensely terrible person in general. You are supposed to be pulling for her, but you really just hate her more as time rolls on. They try at the end to redeem her, but you could care less about her by then. This movie also becomes a lecture about, well basically everything, and her dialogue is simply not credible.
Chastain does a lot with a little, and she is to be commended. Also, these movies with anti-everything agendas for the most part flop and flop hard, as this will. And even a small 18 million dollar budget will still be a huge tanker.
scott@wqmx.com
Friday, December 2, 2016
BROWNS - Learning in Earnest From Byner
Today at our WQMX Tree Of Lights Fundraiser I met Browns legendary running back, Earnest Byner. What a thrill for us.
For those who can remember, and for those who only saw it on the ESPN movie, Believeland, he is the player whose fumble at the goal line in Denver ended the Browns Superbowl run in 1987. That is what ESPN wants you to remember - The Fumble - but I have always refused to do that. Byner was a darn good football player who played on some darn good teams, who wouldn't have been darn good without him. For me, it was not his fumble, but Jeremiah Castille's great play when his team needed it. But it's not as good of theater for many.
I always thought Byner was unfairly judged. Truth is, what happened to Byner that day was tough for all of us fans to accept. It hurt. But now, 29 years later I have learned our pain, the fans, was nothing in the grand scheme of things. We got off easy.
The slow motion footage of Byner on the ground at Mile High Stadium was hard to watch as he is in emotional agony. And it's harder to watch now - than then. Because now, we realize, Byner was just a 25 year old guy, who in about 5 seconds had the entire weight of a major city placed on his shoulders, not just for that Sunday, but forever. He was made to carry the Browns, Indians and the Cavaliers failures from that moment forward. Think about that, he was only 25 years old at that time. It wasn't fair then, and it's not fair now.
Talking with Byner, it is clear he is comfortable in his own skin and has turned that early Sunday evening agony into a positive outlook. And we should be able to as well, as we only carry our own weight, and not the weight of all. Good lesson for all of us, life is filled with things that require perspective. Real perspective, and it's a good time of the year to be reminded of it.
Because if Earnest Byner can accept that what happened that day, was only a tiny moment in time, in a good life lived, the rest of us are charged to do the same.
For those who can remember, and for those who only saw it on the ESPN movie, Believeland, he is the player whose fumble at the goal line in Denver ended the Browns Superbowl run in 1987. That is what ESPN wants you to remember - The Fumble - but I have always refused to do that. Byner was a darn good football player who played on some darn good teams, who wouldn't have been darn good without him. For me, it was not his fumble, but Jeremiah Castille's great play when his team needed it. But it's not as good of theater for many.
I always thought Byner was unfairly judged. Truth is, what happened to Byner that day was tough for all of us fans to accept. It hurt. But now, 29 years later I have learned our pain, the fans, was nothing in the grand scheme of things. We got off easy.
The slow motion footage of Byner on the ground at Mile High Stadium was hard to watch as he is in emotional agony. And it's harder to watch now - than then. Because now, we realize, Byner was just a 25 year old guy, who in about 5 seconds had the entire weight of a major city placed on his shoulders, not just for that Sunday, but forever. He was made to carry the Browns, Indians and the Cavaliers failures from that moment forward. Think about that, he was only 25 years old at that time. It wasn't fair then, and it's not fair now.
Talking with Byner, it is clear he is comfortable in his own skin and has turned that early Sunday evening agony into a positive outlook. And we should be able to as well, as we only carry our own weight, and not the weight of all. Good lesson for all of us, life is filled with things that require perspective. Real perspective, and it's a good time of the year to be reminded of it.
Because if Earnest Byner can accept that what happened that day, was only a tiny moment in time, in a good life lived, the rest of us are charged to do the same.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
MOVIE REVIEWS - In Theaters Now
Let's look at some of the new movies in theaters this week, and see how we're doing.
Allied
Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star in this amazing WWII flick, that everyone should see if you love well done, well acted movies.
This is full of nice twists and turns and features incredible performances from the entire cast. Pitt is making the best movies of his career lately and Cotillard is terrific and cold earn herself an Oscar nomination. She is terrific in this complicated role, and she delivers from tough to insanely sexy.
Allied. This is a must see.
Rules Don't Apply
Warren Beatty leads a huge cast in this movie taking place in the 1950's and 60's that deals with the intensely eccentric Howard Hughes and his empire, both the good and the really not so good. As good as this cast is the star of this movie is the young actress Lily Collins, who plays this amazingly naive young actress that finds herself involved with Hughes in Hollywood at RKO Pictures.
She is so good in this flick, she saves this. Oscar nomination? Possible. This is not a bad movie, but it is slow at times, but she makes it tolerable. This looks great, and has a nice soundtrack. But make no mistake, the versatile performance by Collins is the gas in the engine that it badly needs.
This is solid and worth the time, thanks to Collins.
Bad Santa 2
Billy Bob Thornton and the cast of crazies is back again, and more vile than ever in this sequel. This is the continuing story of our favorite vulgar Santa, his horrible life, and his never ending quest to try to get it right. Should be noted, the R rating was invented for this movie.
This is very harsh in every regard. This is of course like the original in its dark comedy feel, but we are climbing to a new low in colorful language and subject matter. Yes, there are some laughs here, and there are some ridiculous moments you can't help but laugh at. But, this is very dark, and incredibly politically incorrect. So if you are easily offended, pass this one by.
Plenty of tough dialogue, sexual situations, and downright raunchy. If it's total detachment you are looking for this may be your comedy. For me, this did get fatiguing after a while
Hard R rating. Not at all for any kid anywhere.
scott@wqmx.com
Allied
Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star in this amazing WWII flick, that everyone should see if you love well done, well acted movies.
This is full of nice twists and turns and features incredible performances from the entire cast. Pitt is making the best movies of his career lately and Cotillard is terrific and cold earn herself an Oscar nomination. She is terrific in this complicated role, and she delivers from tough to insanely sexy.
Allied. This is a must see.
Rules Don't Apply
Warren Beatty leads a huge cast in this movie taking place in the 1950's and 60's that deals with the intensely eccentric Howard Hughes and his empire, both the good and the really not so good. As good as this cast is the star of this movie is the young actress Lily Collins, who plays this amazingly naive young actress that finds herself involved with Hughes in Hollywood at RKO Pictures.
She is so good in this flick, she saves this. Oscar nomination? Possible. This is not a bad movie, but it is slow at times, but she makes it tolerable. This looks great, and has a nice soundtrack. But make no mistake, the versatile performance by Collins is the gas in the engine that it badly needs.
This is solid and worth the time, thanks to Collins.
Bad Santa 2
Billy Bob Thornton and the cast of crazies is back again, and more vile than ever in this sequel. This is the continuing story of our favorite vulgar Santa, his horrible life, and his never ending quest to try to get it right. Should be noted, the R rating was invented for this movie.
This is very harsh in every regard. This is of course like the original in its dark comedy feel, but we are climbing to a new low in colorful language and subject matter. Yes, there are some laughs here, and there are some ridiculous moments you can't help but laugh at. But, this is very dark, and incredibly politically incorrect. So if you are easily offended, pass this one by.
Plenty of tough dialogue, sexual situations, and downright raunchy. If it's total detachment you are looking for this may be your comedy. For me, this did get fatiguing after a while
Hard R rating. Not at all for any kid anywhere.
scott@wqmx.com
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
THANKSGIVING - And Thanks!
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and not by a little.
It's everything that is great about a holiday. Yeah, there's the "F's" Food, Fun, Family, and Football, and that's great. But for me, there is so much more. How cool is it we set aside an entire day, just to say - "thanks." That's it. Just - "thanks." And add another "F." Friends.
One reason I think this day is so powerful to me, is that I spent it away from my actual family for many years while I was moving around the nation in Country Radio. 21 in fact. What Thanksgiving did for me then, and does for me now is solidify my friendships that I have had for my entire life. And because of the road life has led me, my friendships are my guiding light.
I remember spending a couple Thanksgivings with my friend Debbie and her husband John. He is an amazing chef, and I am still in awe of him making, and me eating, a completely de-boned turkey - delicious! I spent a few a with my friends Ray and Debbie too, who have a very large family and they still made room for me, and Ray says they still set a place for me each year. My friends Tim, and Kelley invited me for a few, and we had amazing times there with us and their dogs. And my friends Don and Terri and their family, who have always made me feel welcome at Thanksgiving and every other day.
Funny, Ray, Tim and Don represent a combined 101 years of friendship to me. And how lucky am I (and the 4 of us) that we still get together a few times every year in Florida and play golf, eat, smoke cigars and hang by the pool. They are amazing friends. As are my friends Tex and Tammi, and Joe and Lori, and Kurt and Meg who represent another combined 105 years of friendship to me.
Everyone I have mentioned here is worthy of my thanks for so many reasons. Some because they were, and are amazing family when I was away from my family all those years. I am sure you have those people in your life too, who aren't technically family, but feel like it, and feel like it more in some cases.
Like mine. Happy Thanksgiving and - Thanks!
It's everything that is great about a holiday. Yeah, there's the "F's" Food, Fun, Family, and Football, and that's great. But for me, there is so much more. How cool is it we set aside an entire day, just to say - "thanks." That's it. Just - "thanks." And add another "F." Friends.
One reason I think this day is so powerful to me, is that I spent it away from my actual family for many years while I was moving around the nation in Country Radio. 21 in fact. What Thanksgiving did for me then, and does for me now is solidify my friendships that I have had for my entire life. And because of the road life has led me, my friendships are my guiding light.
I remember spending a couple Thanksgivings with my friend Debbie and her husband John. He is an amazing chef, and I am still in awe of him making, and me eating, a completely de-boned turkey - delicious! I spent a few a with my friends Ray and Debbie too, who have a very large family and they still made room for me, and Ray says they still set a place for me each year. My friends Tim, and Kelley invited me for a few, and we had amazing times there with us and their dogs. And my friends Don and Terri and their family, who have always made me feel welcome at Thanksgiving and every other day.
Funny, Ray, Tim and Don represent a combined 101 years of friendship to me. And how lucky am I (and the 4 of us) that we still get together a few times every year in Florida and play golf, eat, smoke cigars and hang by the pool. They are amazing friends. As are my friends Tex and Tammi, and Joe and Lori, and Kurt and Meg who represent another combined 105 years of friendship to me.
Everyone I have mentioned here is worthy of my thanks for so many reasons. Some because they were, and are amazing family when I was away from my family all those years. I am sure you have those people in your life too, who aren't technically family, but feel like it, and feel like it more in some cases.
Like mine. Happy Thanksgiving and - Thanks!
Sunday, November 20, 2016
MOVIE REVIEWS - Now in Theaters
Here is a look at some of the movies out at the box office for you now that "better movie" season is here.
Bleed For This
Miles Teller stars in this "real" movie with a "real" leading role for him. Based on a true story of a boxer in the 1980's who went to the top and became champion. His life and his career though become jeopardized when a car accident leaves him with a broken neck. The story is what he does next.
This has a real nice cast, and on the surface seems like a real good story to tell. Problem is this is a slow paced story that totally wears out its welcome. The performances are fine, but the main problem is, the main character portrayed well by Teller, is incredibly unlikable. He makes dumb decision after dumb decision, and after a bit, you quit rooting for him and just want this thing over.
Bleed For This is mediocre at best. Teller is strong, but this is simply marginal at best.
The Edge Of Seventeen
Hailee Steinfeld is as good of a young actor as I have ever seen. Her projects starting with her leading role in True Grit (2010) at 12 was a great start, and there have been many since. She is being handled very well, and this is another great project. She stars as a troubled 17 year-old girl who is a victim of her times, her environment and the death of her father. She is not popular with her classmates, and more importantly not with herself either.
This is incredibly well written and very well acted. This story is insanely spot on with the situations young people find themselves in more than we would like to admit. This is a great movie for parents to see, if you are willing to look at your own life honestly and see what is out there for your teens to handle. Great writing, and just a fantastic flick all the way around.
The Edge Of Seventeen. Steinfeld is amazing and this movie is strong.
Shut In (semi limited release)
For some reason this did not screen for critics and I don't understand why. Naomi Watts and Oliver Platt star in this thriller that has the feel of a King novel. A young stepmother who has lost her husband now has to care for her severely brain injured young son. So why is she being terrorized? What is going on in her remote rural Maine home?
There are parts of this that are a bit quirky and could be disturbing to some, but this is thrilling and suspenseful. This is a story you have not seen before in total and that is hard to do in a scary movie. It's short, tidy and for the most part well done.
Shut In. Gives you a jolt.
scott@wqmx.com
Bleed For This
Miles Teller stars in this "real" movie with a "real" leading role for him. Based on a true story of a boxer in the 1980's who went to the top and became champion. His life and his career though become jeopardized when a car accident leaves him with a broken neck. The story is what he does next.
This has a real nice cast, and on the surface seems like a real good story to tell. Problem is this is a slow paced story that totally wears out its welcome. The performances are fine, but the main problem is, the main character portrayed well by Teller, is incredibly unlikable. He makes dumb decision after dumb decision, and after a bit, you quit rooting for him and just want this thing over.
Bleed For This is mediocre at best. Teller is strong, but this is simply marginal at best.
The Edge Of Seventeen
Hailee Steinfeld is as good of a young actor as I have ever seen. Her projects starting with her leading role in True Grit (2010) at 12 was a great start, and there have been many since. She is being handled very well, and this is another great project. She stars as a troubled 17 year-old girl who is a victim of her times, her environment and the death of her father. She is not popular with her classmates, and more importantly not with herself either.
This is incredibly well written and very well acted. This story is insanely spot on with the situations young people find themselves in more than we would like to admit. This is a great movie for parents to see, if you are willing to look at your own life honestly and see what is out there for your teens to handle. Great writing, and just a fantastic flick all the way around.
The Edge Of Seventeen. Steinfeld is amazing and this movie is strong.
Shut In (semi limited release)
For some reason this did not screen for critics and I don't understand why. Naomi Watts and Oliver Platt star in this thriller that has the feel of a King novel. A young stepmother who has lost her husband now has to care for her severely brain injured young son. So why is she being terrorized? What is going on in her remote rural Maine home?
There are parts of this that are a bit quirky and could be disturbing to some, but this is thrilling and suspenseful. This is a story you have not seen before in total and that is hard to do in a scary movie. It's short, tidy and for the most part well done.
Shut In. Gives you a jolt.
scott@wqmx.com
BROWNS/ STEELERS - Here's The Season/Reason
For the first time in a very long time, the season has come down to the Browns/Steelers game and is going to decide the season.
Look, with all the Cavs did, Indians did, and what the Cavs are doing again, it is tough to be a Browns fan these days. 0-10 will do that to you. And being honest, who knows what will happen today at the stadium. But for both teams, this is their season. If the Browns would win this game, no matter what happens over the last few weeks, the team and their fans would be happy with a win over the Steelers. That is undeniable.
A Steelers loss is the end of their season more than likely as they have been staggering around more than usual. And I can't say I'm sorry about that. I also have not missed their amazingly fair weather fans gloating all over social media about how this is the greatest team of all time. This about your news feed. It's been really quiet. But I am a big Mike Tomlin fan and I do LOVE listening to his incredibly refreshing, non-coddling player comments after each loss. We need more guys like this in sport. And in the world.
Make no mistake this is a big game for each team. It really is refreshing to see this game really mean something for both teams. I am certain as good of a football man Tomlin is, there are many teams they would rather be playing in a must win situation on the road than the Browns this week.
Browns win, the streak is over, and season made. Steelers win, and it's business as usual. I am not a predictor, nor do I have a crystal ball, but I will say this. In sport, it is always dangerous to be a team that cannot lose, playing a team that has nothing left to lose.
Look, with all the Cavs did, Indians did, and what the Cavs are doing again, it is tough to be a Browns fan these days. 0-10 will do that to you. And being honest, who knows what will happen today at the stadium. But for both teams, this is their season. If the Browns would win this game, no matter what happens over the last few weeks, the team and their fans would be happy with a win over the Steelers. That is undeniable.
A Steelers loss is the end of their season more than likely as they have been staggering around more than usual. And I can't say I'm sorry about that. I also have not missed their amazingly fair weather fans gloating all over social media about how this is the greatest team of all time. This about your news feed. It's been really quiet. But I am a big Mike Tomlin fan and I do LOVE listening to his incredibly refreshing, non-coddling player comments after each loss. We need more guys like this in sport. And in the world.
Make no mistake this is a big game for each team. It really is refreshing to see this game really mean something for both teams. I am certain as good of a football man Tomlin is, there are many teams they would rather be playing in a must win situation on the road than the Browns this week.
Browns win, the streak is over, and season made. Steelers win, and it's business as usual. I am not a predictor, nor do I have a crystal ball, but I will say this. In sport, it is always dangerous to be a team that cannot lose, playing a team that has nothing left to lose.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
THANKSGIVING - End Of An Era?
The other morning when I was putting together some material for Wynn, Kay And The Morning Crew on WQMX, I ran across this horrifying headline.
"Experts now say you should not have the card table, or small table anymore at Thanksgiving and everyone should be at the main table" Something about how everyone should eat and talk at the same table, or whatever...and I supposed there may be a few good reasons for it. But c'mon! It's the card table! We had a blast at the card table for those glorious years before you got the call up to the big table. It was the only big meal all year, that you had no real adult supervision. Loved it.
Yeah, the turkey was cold, it wobbled, the chairs were small, and sometimes it was in a hallway or foyer, but who cares? When you're young all you want to do is scarf it down and run off and play with your cousins anyway. All while the adults devour each other with political talk and bring up old family squabbles. Sure, you had to beg for more gravy and stuffing, but you didn't have to eat aunt Martha's awful chutney if you didn't want to. You could dog down 10 rolls (with unlimited butter) because no one was monitoring you. It was bliss.
These experts obviously never experienced this, or they suffer from some deep mental scarring of not being good enough to eat with the adults nonsense, plus they clearly need more to do. And yes, when you became that kid that was about 10 years older than the other kids at the card table, you did look longingly at the master table. And eventually the call came. From the bullpen to the mound, from AAA to the major leagues and you crossed over.
And on that glorious day, you left your younger cousins behind, but a part of you always stays - at the card table.
"Experts now say you should not have the card table, or small table anymore at Thanksgiving and everyone should be at the main table" Something about how everyone should eat and talk at the same table, or whatever...and I supposed there may be a few good reasons for it. But c'mon! It's the card table! We had a blast at the card table for those glorious years before you got the call up to the big table. It was the only big meal all year, that you had no real adult supervision. Loved it.
Yeah, the turkey was cold, it wobbled, the chairs were small, and sometimes it was in a hallway or foyer, but who cares? When you're young all you want to do is scarf it down and run off and play with your cousins anyway. All while the adults devour each other with political talk and bring up old family squabbles. Sure, you had to beg for more gravy and stuffing, but you didn't have to eat aunt Martha's awful chutney if you didn't want to. You could dog down 10 rolls (with unlimited butter) because no one was monitoring you. It was bliss.
These experts obviously never experienced this, or they suffer from some deep mental scarring of not being good enough to eat with the adults nonsense, plus they clearly need more to do. And yes, when you became that kid that was about 10 years older than the other kids at the card table, you did look longingly at the master table. And eventually the call came. From the bullpen to the mound, from AAA to the major leagues and you crossed over.
And on that glorious day, you left your younger cousins behind, but a part of you always stays - at the card table.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
BROWNS - Is He Still With Us?
Am I alone in this? I'm betting this news hit you the same way it hit me today.
While doing the show today, Wynn, Kay And The Morning Crew, our news dude Ryan Lang blasted out this story. "And in Browns news, QB Robert Griffin III, has been cleared to practice, but with no contact." Who the heck is this Griffin cat? Oh yeah, RG3! I forgot he was still on the team! You too? He's been out since week one.
Do you know how much has happened since then? The Tribe ran through the American League Pennant and went not game seven of the World Series. Halloween, The Blossom concert season had 4 shows, and wrapped up. I went to Florida, and Ryan joined our show after Amani Abraham left for TV-3. And Oh yeah, the Browns have gone 0-10! I gotta be honest, it seems like it was a million years ago. 0-10 will do that to you.
Griffin playing for the Browns seems more like something I dreamed once, and didn't actually see. Think about it, We've had like 100 QB's play this year, and even had "Clipboard Jesus" take a few snaps, but we canned him too. And when you are a QB, and get released from THIS team? I think thats rock bottom.
So as Cody Kessler, and Old Man McCown are led out there to be the Sunday afternoon tackling dummies, RG3 can only hope the weeks keep ticking by, and he can make it to mid January unscathed. But as of now, he still isn't cleared for contact.
Oh, and when he is reactivated and we are reintroduced to RG3? Make sure you watch quick, Because oh yes, there will be contact.
While doing the show today, Wynn, Kay And The Morning Crew, our news dude Ryan Lang blasted out this story. "And in Browns news, QB Robert Griffin III, has been cleared to practice, but with no contact." Who the heck is this Griffin cat? Oh yeah, RG3! I forgot he was still on the team! You too? He's been out since week one.
Do you know how much has happened since then? The Tribe ran through the American League Pennant and went not game seven of the World Series. Halloween, The Blossom concert season had 4 shows, and wrapped up. I went to Florida, and Ryan joined our show after Amani Abraham left for TV-3. And Oh yeah, the Browns have gone 0-10! I gotta be honest, it seems like it was a million years ago. 0-10 will do that to you.
Griffin playing for the Browns seems more like something I dreamed once, and didn't actually see. Think about it, We've had like 100 QB's play this year, and even had "Clipboard Jesus" take a few snaps, but we canned him too. And when you are a QB, and get released from THIS team? I think thats rock bottom.
So as Cody Kessler, and Old Man McCown are led out there to be the Sunday afternoon tackling dummies, RG3 can only hope the weeks keep ticking by, and he can make it to mid January unscathed. But as of now, he still isn't cleared for contact.
Oh, and when he is reactivated and we are reintroduced to RG3? Make sure you watch quick, Because oh yes, there will be contact.
Friday, November 11, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - In Theaters Now
Arrival
Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker star in this Sci-Fi flick out this week. To it's credit, this is not a special effects fest, and this focuses far more on story, than on computer art. This story dwells on how would two worlds try to find a way to communicate upon contact. This is smart, and very well done.
Although this is a bit drawn out, and does take a bit too long to make its point. Our performances are good and solid and the writing is sound. This is not perfect, but this is a thinking man's Sci-Fi, and not the Star Wars variety.
Well Done.
Dr. Strange
This latest Marvel flick is fun, and totally quirky. And it gotta admit, Dr. Strange is a bit...weird. Even the star has a weird name, Benedict Cumberbatch. Good to see Rachel McAdams, and Tilda Swinton along for the ride here.
This flick though IS loaded with special effects. In fact, that is about 90% of what's going on here. It is a celebration of what can be done by the computer geeks, and it delivers. This is fun, funny, and very creative at times. Perfect? No. But this is worth a ticket. In fact, I saw this is 3-D and I seldom recommend it, but here I do.
This is just fine.
Hacksaw Ridge
Mel Gibson directs this true story out of WWII and this is darn good. Up front, this is as violent at Saving Private Ryan, but not as good or as long. But, this is a powerful movie about a simple man named Desmond Doss who did some incredible things on the battlefield in the South Pacific.
This is a story so worth telling, and this movie is getting some Oscar buzz. I am not sure that's in the offing but this is very good. This is very adult, and this is not for everyone. But in the new style of war movies, this is authentic and true to life - and death.
This is very, very good.
Inferno
Tom Hanks again in the continuing saga of the DeVinci Code books. They cut his hair this time and that helps. This story is very much like the first two. If you like watching people chasing people and being chased at the same time, this is your movie.
The twist is, there is a madman who wants to wipe out half the worlds population with a man made virus, and only our favorite professor can stop it. Moves along nicely, but looks a whole lot like the first two.
Not bad, just nothing new to see here
scott@wqmx.com
Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker star in this Sci-Fi flick out this week. To it's credit, this is not a special effects fest, and this focuses far more on story, than on computer art. This story dwells on how would two worlds try to find a way to communicate upon contact. This is smart, and very well done.
Although this is a bit drawn out, and does take a bit too long to make its point. Our performances are good and solid and the writing is sound. This is not perfect, but this is a thinking man's Sci-Fi, and not the Star Wars variety.
Well Done.
Dr. Strange
This latest Marvel flick is fun, and totally quirky. And it gotta admit, Dr. Strange is a bit...weird. Even the star has a weird name, Benedict Cumberbatch. Good to see Rachel McAdams, and Tilda Swinton along for the ride here.
This flick though IS loaded with special effects. In fact, that is about 90% of what's going on here. It is a celebration of what can be done by the computer geeks, and it delivers. This is fun, funny, and very creative at times. Perfect? No. But this is worth a ticket. In fact, I saw this is 3-D and I seldom recommend it, but here I do.
This is just fine.
Hacksaw Ridge
Mel Gibson directs this true story out of WWII and this is darn good. Up front, this is as violent at Saving Private Ryan, but not as good or as long. But, this is a powerful movie about a simple man named Desmond Doss who did some incredible things on the battlefield in the South Pacific.
This is a story so worth telling, and this movie is getting some Oscar buzz. I am not sure that's in the offing but this is very good. This is very adult, and this is not for everyone. But in the new style of war movies, this is authentic and true to life - and death.
This is very, very good.
Inferno
Tom Hanks again in the continuing saga of the DeVinci Code books. They cut his hair this time and that helps. This story is very much like the first two. If you like watching people chasing people and being chased at the same time, this is your movie.
The twist is, there is a madman who wants to wipe out half the worlds population with a man made virus, and only our favorite professor can stop it. Moves along nicely, but looks a whole lot like the first two.
Not bad, just nothing new to see here
scott@wqmx.com
Monday, October 24, 2016
Tribe - Underdog To The Underdog
For as long as anyone can remember who is able to read this, the Chicago Cubs have been perennial underdogs. They have even been dubbed the "Lovable Losers" - by their own fans and every Ken Burns Documentary every made. After all, about 108 years of no World Series Crowns, and 71 years of no World Series appearances make it apt.
But now, the Cubs are not the underdog. Not by a mile. They have been boastfully dubbed the "Big Bad Cubs" by just about everyone in the media, social media and public opinion in general. Enter the Tribe, the underdog - to the underdog. And that moniker fits just fine. Personally, my hope would be that everyone, and I mean everyone, keeps telling this bunch of Indians they can not win this thing. That has been the gas in the engine here all year long.
The Tribe has been written off even before the first pitch of this series. They are not enough of this, and not enough of that. Too injured, too young, we really aren't that good, blah blah... That alone, has been the very thing that has taken the pressure off this team all season long, and made them play as loose as a goose in a steam room. The Cubs, who are wearing a tight 108 year old iron collar around their neck coming into this season, now have the weight of being "a shoe in" for the title. The Indians can tell you all about that from 1995.
I've seen a lot of posts on Facebook and Twitter like, "Let's prove them wrong.." blah blah, but I'm not sure that's the way to go. I think Tribe fans should not be angry, and simply enjoy this as much as the Tribe does. Let's allow the Cubs, and their suddenly insanely arrogant fans, carry the same weight as the Red Sox, and the Blue Jays. According to the media they had much too much for the Tribe too. They are now playing golf, and Big Papi is watching reruns of his various awards ceremonies while we're playing for the title.
Under normal circumstances the Cubs would be a feel good story, but these are not normal for anyone. These Cubs are pretty darn good. But the Cubs have been pretty darn good before. Finally, the Cubs make it this far and they can't embrace who they are, or who they have been. They are now the big town bully, and the Tribe, are..well ...the Cubs. Ironic that after a century of waiting, you would think that the Cubs would have a hard time not being the underdog. They would have to deal with the Yankees, or Red Sox. But no one ever thought they would face - The Cleveland Indians. They make movies about those clowns!
So while the Cubs have to learn to be someone else, the Tribe can just go on being who they are and have been as long as anyone reading this can remember. They can be the underdog. In fact, they are underdogged to the 100 year old - underdog. Gonna make it all the sweeter when the Tribe wins this thing, and oh yeah, ends their own 68 year drought. Remember that? We are the only ones.
For this year no one wants to talk Tribe intangibles. Our own drought, The Cavs karma, a city on the definite rise. A team that somehow got home field advantage for the entire playoffs, and has seemingly thrived on the very adversity that was dispatched to doom them. As we step over the Bones of the Red Sox and Blue Jays strewn along the way. Destiny is playing here - this year.
Play loose, play easy, and enjoy this next week. Go Tribe!
But now, the Cubs are not the underdog. Not by a mile. They have been boastfully dubbed the "Big Bad Cubs" by just about everyone in the media, social media and public opinion in general. Enter the Tribe, the underdog - to the underdog. And that moniker fits just fine. Personally, my hope would be that everyone, and I mean everyone, keeps telling this bunch of Indians they can not win this thing. That has been the gas in the engine here all year long.
The Tribe has been written off even before the first pitch of this series. They are not enough of this, and not enough of that. Too injured, too young, we really aren't that good, blah blah... That alone, has been the very thing that has taken the pressure off this team all season long, and made them play as loose as a goose in a steam room. The Cubs, who are wearing a tight 108 year old iron collar around their neck coming into this season, now have the weight of being "a shoe in" for the title. The Indians can tell you all about that from 1995.
I've seen a lot of posts on Facebook and Twitter like, "Let's prove them wrong.." blah blah, but I'm not sure that's the way to go. I think Tribe fans should not be angry, and simply enjoy this as much as the Tribe does. Let's allow the Cubs, and their suddenly insanely arrogant fans, carry the same weight as the Red Sox, and the Blue Jays. According to the media they had much too much for the Tribe too. They are now playing golf, and Big Papi is watching reruns of his various awards ceremonies while we're playing for the title.
Under normal circumstances the Cubs would be a feel good story, but these are not normal for anyone. These Cubs are pretty darn good. But the Cubs have been pretty darn good before. Finally, the Cubs make it this far and they can't embrace who they are, or who they have been. They are now the big town bully, and the Tribe, are..well ...the Cubs. Ironic that after a century of waiting, you would think that the Cubs would have a hard time not being the underdog. They would have to deal with the Yankees, or Red Sox. But no one ever thought they would face - The Cleveland Indians. They make movies about those clowns!
So while the Cubs have to learn to be someone else, the Tribe can just go on being who they are and have been as long as anyone reading this can remember. They can be the underdog. In fact, they are underdogged to the 100 year old - underdog. Gonna make it all the sweeter when the Tribe wins this thing, and oh yeah, ends their own 68 year drought. Remember that? We are the only ones.
For this year no one wants to talk Tribe intangibles. Our own drought, The Cavs karma, a city on the definite rise. A team that somehow got home field advantage for the entire playoffs, and has seemingly thrived on the very adversity that was dispatched to doom them. As we step over the Bones of the Red Sox and Blue Jays strewn along the way. Destiny is playing here - this year.
Play loose, play easy, and enjoy this next week. Go Tribe!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Jack Reacher 2
A lot a very average reviews nationally for the latest Tom Cruise - Jack Reacher flick, and frankly I can't understand why.
Can we just get over the fact that Cruise is not as tall and hulky as Reacher is in the books? He's the one. Swallow the hook! He is the movie Reacher period. Look, I am not a huge Cruise fan either, but I am a fan of this enigmatic character that Reacher is. And I have never read a single Reacher book.
In this installment, Reacher the semi-retired, semi off the radar, heavily decorated Amy Intelligence man comes face to face with a ghost or two from his colorful past. Plus, he meets a new attractive female high ranking Army officer, who is in big trouble and needs Reacher to help clear her name after she is charged with spying against the United States.
This is the second in this series, and frankly I like them. These are action based, but these are smart too. Reacher is a GREAT character that is hard to figure out. He's flawed, and he's confused about many things in his life, both past and present. He does of course have James Bond like skills, but his flaws and his confusion make him very much like everyone else.
This moves along nicely, and has enough action to keep your senses engaged, and enough smarts to keep your mind engaged too. Yes, there is a hole or two here, and yes some of this is a bit convenient, but who cares. There is no illusion of this winning an Oscar or anything. This is just a fun escape movie that is better than most in this genre because of the character that Reacher is.
Jack Reacher 2. Good, go, fun!
Can we just get over the fact that Cruise is not as tall and hulky as Reacher is in the books? He's the one. Swallow the hook! He is the movie Reacher period. Look, I am not a huge Cruise fan either, but I am a fan of this enigmatic character that Reacher is. And I have never read a single Reacher book.
In this installment, Reacher the semi-retired, semi off the radar, heavily decorated Amy Intelligence man comes face to face with a ghost or two from his colorful past. Plus, he meets a new attractive female high ranking Army officer, who is in big trouble and needs Reacher to help clear her name after she is charged with spying against the United States.
This is the second in this series, and frankly I like them. These are action based, but these are smart too. Reacher is a GREAT character that is hard to figure out. He's flawed, and he's confused about many things in his life, both past and present. He does of course have James Bond like skills, but his flaws and his confusion make him very much like everyone else.
This moves along nicely, and has enough action to keep your senses engaged, and enough smarts to keep your mind engaged too. Yes, there is a hole or two here, and yes some of this is a bit convenient, but who cares. There is no illusion of this winning an Oscar or anything. This is just a fun escape movie that is better than most in this genre because of the character that Reacher is.
Jack Reacher 2. Good, go, fun!
Thursday, October 20, 2016
The Tribe - Just Believe
This started with the Cavaliers, and now it's the Indians turn to face the tons of doubters who continually tell us these teams just aren't good enough.
A lot has been made of the TBS coverage of the Indians run through the playoffs, and the national media in general, doubting this team, on air, the entire way. The angst that exists between the sports networks and the Cleveland sports teams is nothing new, as they can't get their heads around the fact that these teams are really good. They continue to dismiss us, and we just keep winning, and they continually get embarrassed for their non-educated views and opinions. In short, they don't know the Tribe at all, because we are not Boston, New York, San Francisco, or Washington. All of who are home on the couch.
Let's recap how good we really are, and see how really inexcusable it is the media doesn't know this they way they should.
- We played the entire season without our best overall player, Michael Brantley
- We played half the season without maybe the best catcher in the American league, Yan Gomes
- We lost 60% of our starting pitching rotation in September and October
- We had a franchise best 14 game winning streak - (started playing ball in 1901)
- We are the only team in MLB not to lose 4 games in a row this season
- We are 64-1 when leading by 3 or more runs
- We don't have the energy of playing in front of 40K fans every night
- We were in first place virtually all season long
- We earned home field advantage by sweeping the WORLD CHAMPS at seasons end on the road.
- We swept the Red Sox and unceremoniously sent Big Papi packing
And the list goes on and on. Yet, night after night, game after game they all say, this is the end. This is where it turns.
I am not angry at TBS, ESPN or anyone else in the media. I don't think it's "hate" at all. I think it's their biggest nightmare. A team that may be baseballs best, and they know nothing about them because of their voluntary blindness and obsession with the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Big Papi and the the rest of that bunch. It's insanely embarrassing for them, not us. Even a local beat writer for the Tribe pronounced them dead a couple weeks ago, in print, after the Carlos Carrasco injury causing a huge stir.
But all of this, all season long brought this bunch of kids and veterans together, and they got it done. I even heard a guy on ESPN - TODAY saying, "The Indians really are not the best team, they are just playing well now... blah blah.." I personally don't care if they are the best team, I just want them to win the World Series. They are the first ones to make it there going 7-1 against the medias much loved and vaunted East Coast Teams. Sorry to embarrass you - yet again.
This is why baseball is such a a great game. It's life in a fishbowl, and teaches us so much. It humbles us, teaches us how to win and lose graciously, it shows that life can be challenging at times and that hard work and perseverance can pay off. So for all of us that have ever been told repeatedly we're not good enough, or not as good as someone, or something else, you have two choices. You can believe it, or you can do as the Tribe did - just - believe.
Just believe - Thank you Tribe.
A lot has been made of the TBS coverage of the Indians run through the playoffs, and the national media in general, doubting this team, on air, the entire way. The angst that exists between the sports networks and the Cleveland sports teams is nothing new, as they can't get their heads around the fact that these teams are really good. They continue to dismiss us, and we just keep winning, and they continually get embarrassed for their non-educated views and opinions. In short, they don't know the Tribe at all, because we are not Boston, New York, San Francisco, or Washington. All of who are home on the couch.
Let's recap how good we really are, and see how really inexcusable it is the media doesn't know this they way they should.
- We played the entire season without our best overall player, Michael Brantley
- We played half the season without maybe the best catcher in the American league, Yan Gomes
- We lost 60% of our starting pitching rotation in September and October
- We had a franchise best 14 game winning streak - (started playing ball in 1901)
- We are the only team in MLB not to lose 4 games in a row this season
- We are 64-1 when leading by 3 or more runs
- We don't have the energy of playing in front of 40K fans every night
- We were in first place virtually all season long
- We earned home field advantage by sweeping the WORLD CHAMPS at seasons end on the road.
- We swept the Red Sox and unceremoniously sent Big Papi packing
And the list goes on and on. Yet, night after night, game after game they all say, this is the end. This is where it turns.
I am not angry at TBS, ESPN or anyone else in the media. I don't think it's "hate" at all. I think it's their biggest nightmare. A team that may be baseballs best, and they know nothing about them because of their voluntary blindness and obsession with the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Big Papi and the the rest of that bunch. It's insanely embarrassing for them, not us. Even a local beat writer for the Tribe pronounced them dead a couple weeks ago, in print, after the Carlos Carrasco injury causing a huge stir.
But all of this, all season long brought this bunch of kids and veterans together, and they got it done. I even heard a guy on ESPN - TODAY saying, "The Indians really are not the best team, they are just playing well now... blah blah.." I personally don't care if they are the best team, I just want them to win the World Series. They are the first ones to make it there going 7-1 against the medias much loved and vaunted East Coast Teams. Sorry to embarrass you - yet again.
This is why baseball is such a a great game. It's life in a fishbowl, and teaches us so much. It humbles us, teaches us how to win and lose graciously, it shows that life can be challenging at times and that hard work and perseverance can pay off. So for all of us that have ever been told repeatedly we're not good enough, or not as good as someone, or something else, you have two choices. You can believe it, or you can do as the Tribe did - just - believe.
Just believe - Thank you Tribe.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - The Girl On The Train
Here comes the new poster child for a compelling story that I'm sure is far more interesting to read, as opposed to seeing on the big screen.
This is no way reflective of the good story this is. It simply is not told well in this version in this movie. Even with the strong star power of the lovely Emily Blunt, this unfortunate adaptation of this story looks little better than a Lifetime movie for their fall lineup. This movie is very slow at times, predictable all the time, and compelling very little of the time. If you watch this with any attention span whatsoever, you will be an hour ahead of it they whole way.
This is the story of three women, one main man, and twisted lives they lead in a very affluent area seemingly in Connecticut, just outside of New York City. It is a movie where there seems to be a murder of passion, as these women are interconnected in one way or another. They all have big problems, and one of them ends up dead. All while our main character, Rachel (Blunt), watches the other two women's lives play out in front of her, as her life spirals out of control while she rides the train daily into the city.
Blunt is very good here and the supporting cast is as well cast, including Haley Bennett (who also is in the Magnificent 7 right now), the great Allison Janney, Justin Theroux and others. They are not the problem. This great story for some reason was placed in the hands of people seemingly dead set on making a boring movie, as opposed to making one more closely resembling the book. This veers wildly from it, and no one really benefits.
The Girl On The Train. They made a Lifetime movie, so wait to see it for free on your TV, or Netflix soon if you must.
This is no way reflective of the good story this is. It simply is not told well in this version in this movie. Even with the strong star power of the lovely Emily Blunt, this unfortunate adaptation of this story looks little better than a Lifetime movie for their fall lineup. This movie is very slow at times, predictable all the time, and compelling very little of the time. If you watch this with any attention span whatsoever, you will be an hour ahead of it they whole way.
This is the story of three women, one main man, and twisted lives they lead in a very affluent area seemingly in Connecticut, just outside of New York City. It is a movie where there seems to be a murder of passion, as these women are interconnected in one way or another. They all have big problems, and one of them ends up dead. All while our main character, Rachel (Blunt), watches the other two women's lives play out in front of her, as her life spirals out of control while she rides the train daily into the city.
Blunt is very good here and the supporting cast is as well cast, including Haley Bennett (who also is in the Magnificent 7 right now), the great Allison Janney, Justin Theroux and others. They are not the problem. This great story for some reason was placed in the hands of people seemingly dead set on making a boring movie, as opposed to making one more closely resembling the book. This veers wildly from it, and no one really benefits.
The Girl On The Train. They made a Lifetime movie, so wait to see it for free on your TV, or Netflix soon if you must.
Friday, September 30, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Deepwater Horizon
Mark Wahlberg continues to make movies with stories that need, and should be told. Deepwater Horizon is the latest flick to do this.
This is based on the story of the sinking of the massive oil rig Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf Of Mexico in April of 2010 where 11 men lost their lives. We all kind of know what happened, but what really happened, and who are these brave people that work well off shore on those oil platforms?
This stars Wahlberg as Mike Williams, a real technician on the DH. It also stars Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson, John Malkovich and Ethan Suplee in a nice breakout role for him. All of our stars are actual real characters from the real story. It is told from Williams point of view who somehow found his way off the DH under amazing circumstances.
This movie puts you right on the DH, and place that we never get to go. How many of us have actually been on a rig? The sets are amazing, and the casting of our characters and the total supporting cast is terrific. The special effects are sensational, as this is extremely intense, exciting, and very suspenseful. This is incredible movie making in every regard.
As far as the plot is concerned, this places the blame for this horrible disaster right at the feet of B.P. Oil. They did NOT own the rig, as they hire companies who know what they are doing to drill and capture the oil. Here, the BP brass overrides the company and pushes the DH to over perform and go against protocol and safety procedures. This is not an anti-energy movie, but it is not afraid to place blame where they feel it belongs.
This movie also takes the time to let us get to know these people on these platforms. And shows us what kind of lives they lead, which none of us really know. They also explain what the DH was, and what role it played in the gulf. And how the system works at large. This is a very exciting movie, that is right on time for this time of the year. It's grown up, and is helping usher in the fall movie season where the better movies start showing up.
Deepwater Horizon. Flat out good all the way around.
This is based on the story of the sinking of the massive oil rig Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf Of Mexico in April of 2010 where 11 men lost their lives. We all kind of know what happened, but what really happened, and who are these brave people that work well off shore on those oil platforms?
This stars Wahlberg as Mike Williams, a real technician on the DH. It also stars Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson, John Malkovich and Ethan Suplee in a nice breakout role for him. All of our stars are actual real characters from the real story. It is told from Williams point of view who somehow found his way off the DH under amazing circumstances.
This movie puts you right on the DH, and place that we never get to go. How many of us have actually been on a rig? The sets are amazing, and the casting of our characters and the total supporting cast is terrific. The special effects are sensational, as this is extremely intense, exciting, and very suspenseful. This is incredible movie making in every regard.
As far as the plot is concerned, this places the blame for this horrible disaster right at the feet of B.P. Oil. They did NOT own the rig, as they hire companies who know what they are doing to drill and capture the oil. Here, the BP brass overrides the company and pushes the DH to over perform and go against protocol and safety procedures. This is not an anti-energy movie, but it is not afraid to place blame where they feel it belongs.
This movie also takes the time to let us get to know these people on these platforms. And shows us what kind of lives they lead, which none of us really know. They also explain what the DH was, and what role it played in the gulf. And how the system works at large. This is a very exciting movie, that is right on time for this time of the year. It's grown up, and is helping usher in the fall movie season where the better movies start showing up.
Deepwater Horizon. Flat out good all the way around.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - The Magnificent Seven
Many people who go to see this star-studded western will have no idea this is a remake of a movie from about 50 years ago of the same name. Same basic premise, but not the same movie.
The M7 from the 60's was even more star-studded at the time than this one, and was a big hit. But this time Denzel Washington leads a strong cast, in this really well done remake directed by the ever improving, Antwon Fuqua.
Sadly, for some reason westerns in this era don't do the box office they should. Yes, this did open number one but this is certainly a hit, and absolutely very good. This is far more like Tombstone (1993), True Grit (2010), and Unforgiven (1992) than the original M7 in its feel, look and overall presentation. Our stars are great, and Washington continues his march on, as a reinvented tough guy in his second career.
This stars Washington, also Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and many others, in this story of revenge and redemption. A poor western city is being taken over by a horrible bunch of terrible people for profit and a few members of the town hire a few strong gunmen to push back. It's a classic formula, and it works. It pits really tough, and bad men, against really tough worse men. A feel far more authentic than the 1960's John Wayne classics of simply good versus bad.
This is very well done, with incredible character development, and a story that is timeless. This is also filmed beautifully in the wonderful mountainous backdrop of the American west. The music soundtrack is strong and our performances same. This is also shot in the classic western style of Clint Eastwood style of westerns. Many very tight facial shots, with strange characters to showcase the tension in the room. This technique was certainly researched before shooting, and works very well still. Tombstone used the same formula and was great there too.
Yes this is violent, but not bloody or gratuitous. This is powerful, and exciting with a strong plot, and a very nice payoff. Kudos to our supporting cast, sets and costuming, all extremely good and really adds to the entire project.
The Magnificent Seven. Terrific!
The M7 from the 60's was even more star-studded at the time than this one, and was a big hit. But this time Denzel Washington leads a strong cast, in this really well done remake directed by the ever improving, Antwon Fuqua.
Sadly, for some reason westerns in this era don't do the box office they should. Yes, this did open number one but this is certainly a hit, and absolutely very good. This is far more like Tombstone (1993), True Grit (2010), and Unforgiven (1992) than the original M7 in its feel, look and overall presentation. Our stars are great, and Washington continues his march on, as a reinvented tough guy in his second career.
This stars Washington, also Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and many others, in this story of revenge and redemption. A poor western city is being taken over by a horrible bunch of terrible people for profit and a few members of the town hire a few strong gunmen to push back. It's a classic formula, and it works. It pits really tough, and bad men, against really tough worse men. A feel far more authentic than the 1960's John Wayne classics of simply good versus bad.
This is very well done, with incredible character development, and a story that is timeless. This is also filmed beautifully in the wonderful mountainous backdrop of the American west. The music soundtrack is strong and our performances same. This is also shot in the classic western style of Clint Eastwood style of westerns. Many very tight facial shots, with strange characters to showcase the tension in the room. This technique was certainly researched before shooting, and works very well still. Tombstone used the same formula and was great there too.
Yes this is violent, but not bloody or gratuitous. This is powerful, and exciting with a strong plot, and a very nice payoff. Kudos to our supporting cast, sets and costuming, all extremely good and really adds to the entire project.
The Magnificent Seven. Terrific!
Saturday, September 10, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Sully
Clint Eastwood directed it, Tom Hanks stars in it, and the true story supplies the backdrop for this bio-pic of Captain Sullenberger. The pilot at the controls of the US Airways flight that went into the Hudson a few years ago.
Since the actual flight only lasted 208 seconds, there has been a lot of speculation if there is enough story to make this as a feature movie. What this is, is the back story of the investigation that followed the accident where every single person got off safely. Some of this you know, and some you don't. I always think that is a sign of good movie making, where you have a story where you know the eventual outcome, and still have it being compelling and interesting.
This is Eastwood's real first wading into the CG world, and being honest, the scenes where the landing is showcased are quite good. It successfully puts you on the plane, and in the cockpit, a place few of us seldom get to go. Might be interesting to see how actual pilots view this, but from a citizens view, it looks pretty good. But I, and every other critic can't honestly tell you if it's authentic or not.
This movie also understands well, that this has a story to tell, and says it in about a hour and thirty-five minutes. Good move. They take this about as far as it can go, and this does not get old and repetitive. Hanks is very good and the supporting cast, although small, is well cast and quite good.
Is this fantastic? No, but it is interesting and sometimes it is nice to see a movie that showcases an actual event that does have a good ending. Even though the plane is ill-fated, the eventual outcome is basically a happy one. This is not too intense for most, it is compelling and done tastefully where essentially anyone can go. One of the more tame Eastwood flicks ever.
Sully. Available to you in IMAX as well.
Since the actual flight only lasted 208 seconds, there has been a lot of speculation if there is enough story to make this as a feature movie. What this is, is the back story of the investigation that followed the accident where every single person got off safely. Some of this you know, and some you don't. I always think that is a sign of good movie making, where you have a story where you know the eventual outcome, and still have it being compelling and interesting.
This is Eastwood's real first wading into the CG world, and being honest, the scenes where the landing is showcased are quite good. It successfully puts you on the plane, and in the cockpit, a place few of us seldom get to go. Might be interesting to see how actual pilots view this, but from a citizens view, it looks pretty good. But I, and every other critic can't honestly tell you if it's authentic or not.
This movie also understands well, that this has a story to tell, and says it in about a hour and thirty-five minutes. Good move. They take this about as far as it can go, and this does not get old and repetitive. Hanks is very good and the supporting cast, although small, is well cast and quite good.
Is this fantastic? No, but it is interesting and sometimes it is nice to see a movie that showcases an actual event that does have a good ending. Even though the plane is ill-fated, the eventual outcome is basically a happy one. This is not too intense for most, it is compelling and done tastefully where essentially anyone can go. One of the more tame Eastwood flicks ever.
Sully. Available to you in IMAX as well.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Hands Of Stone
This movie goes into wider release this weekend, and may be worth a look.
This is the story of the very flashy boxer from the late 1970's and 80's, Roberto Duran (Edgar Ramirez) and his hectic career. Based on a book of the same name, and is written from Duran's point of view. This is a sympathetic piece towards Duran and attempts to explain the reasons why Duran was the way he was.
This takes us from his very troubled youth in Panama, until basically his famous "no mas" fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. And then on to his eventual comeback a couple years later. This is an interesting movie that continues in the really nice new trend of sports movies, that uses sport as a backdrop, but tells the story of the man first and sports second.
This also showcases the relationship between Duran and his reluctant trainer Ray Arcel (Robert DeNiro). There are some really nice aspects to this, but this does have its troubles. As well as this is filmed, especially the fight scenes, much of this looks like a ton of other boxing movies. There is a formula and they follow it. Being totally fair, this would be a very nice 30 For 30 on ESPN. This is a story worth telling, but I'm not so sure there is enough to carve out a 2 hour theatrical presentation.
But there is a bunch of good here. Both Ramirez and DeNiro give great performances. The fight scenes are very well done and authentic. The supporting cast is fair, and the overall picture is decent. I won't say this is a opportunity missed, but I will say there just may not be enough there to support this movie in his form. Seems here we say the same thing a few too many times.
Hands Of Stone. Nothing really wrong here, just nothing great either.
This is the story of the very flashy boxer from the late 1970's and 80's, Roberto Duran (Edgar Ramirez) and his hectic career. Based on a book of the same name, and is written from Duran's point of view. This is a sympathetic piece towards Duran and attempts to explain the reasons why Duran was the way he was.
This takes us from his very troubled youth in Panama, until basically his famous "no mas" fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. And then on to his eventual comeback a couple years later. This is an interesting movie that continues in the really nice new trend of sports movies, that uses sport as a backdrop, but tells the story of the man first and sports second.
This also showcases the relationship between Duran and his reluctant trainer Ray Arcel (Robert DeNiro). There are some really nice aspects to this, but this does have its troubles. As well as this is filmed, especially the fight scenes, much of this looks like a ton of other boxing movies. There is a formula and they follow it. Being totally fair, this would be a very nice 30 For 30 on ESPN. This is a story worth telling, but I'm not so sure there is enough to carve out a 2 hour theatrical presentation.
But there is a bunch of good here. Both Ramirez and DeNiro give great performances. The fight scenes are very well done and authentic. The supporting cast is fair, and the overall picture is decent. I won't say this is a opportunity missed, but I will say there just may not be enough there to support this movie in his form. Seems here we say the same thing a few too many times.
Hands Of Stone. Nothing really wrong here, just nothing great either.
Monday, August 29, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Don't Breathe
There is no question that this has it's share of problems, but being suspenseful is not among them.
In a nutshell, this is the story of three young amateur thieves in the worst part of abandoned Detroit who are pulling off small time home robberies. They decide to try to pull off a huge heist that seems easy to the naked eye. But they soon learn that it is anything but.
They hear of a former US military veteran, who is blind, having a minimum of 300 grand in his house as a result of a lawsuit from the car crash that killed his daughter. So our thugs, 2 guys and a girl go in for the job at 2AM in the worst part of Detroit where the veteran lives. What ensues is a vet, who is cunning, well trained, angry, and ready to defend what he has left. And once they find their way in, our crooks find it impossible to get out.
This is very well written, and quite interesting. There are a few twists you will not see coming that keep this 1 hour 30 minute flick moving along nicely. This also does not wear out it's welcome. Does this make some mistakes? Well yes. There are a few moments of silliness that I quite frankly don't understand, because it didn't need them in the story and don't make this better. But this is filmed well, acted well, and doesn't go over the edge with gratuitous violence. This remembers that the story is what brought this to the dance, and that was a good decision.
Stephen Lang is great as our blind hero, who comes off as completely credible. There is just enough here to keep you on the edge of your seat, and stays the course. This is well done, and for once, pretty intense in a genre lately that has increasingly become less intense and simply more violent.
Don't Breathe. Quite good for what it is.
In a nutshell, this is the story of three young amateur thieves in the worst part of abandoned Detroit who are pulling off small time home robberies. They decide to try to pull off a huge heist that seems easy to the naked eye. But they soon learn that it is anything but.
They hear of a former US military veteran, who is blind, having a minimum of 300 grand in his house as a result of a lawsuit from the car crash that killed his daughter. So our thugs, 2 guys and a girl go in for the job at 2AM in the worst part of Detroit where the veteran lives. What ensues is a vet, who is cunning, well trained, angry, and ready to defend what he has left. And once they find their way in, our crooks find it impossible to get out.
This is very well written, and quite interesting. There are a few twists you will not see coming that keep this 1 hour 30 minute flick moving along nicely. This also does not wear out it's welcome. Does this make some mistakes? Well yes. There are a few moments of silliness that I quite frankly don't understand, because it didn't need them in the story and don't make this better. But this is filmed well, acted well, and doesn't go over the edge with gratuitous violence. This remembers that the story is what brought this to the dance, and that was a good decision.
Stephen Lang is great as our blind hero, who comes off as completely credible. There is just enough here to keep you on the edge of your seat, and stays the course. This is well done, and for once, pretty intense in a genre lately that has increasingly become less intense and simply more violent.
Don't Breathe. Quite good for what it is.
Monday, August 22, 2016
MOVIE REVIEWS - New In Theaters
War Dogs
This is a very interesting movie, that if it wasn't true, you would never believe it. Jonah Hill, Miles Teller and Bradley Cooper star in this stunning story of two 22 year old dudes somehow become incredibly wealthy international arms dealers, supplying weapons to the US Military with virtually no experience or accreditation. What a story!
All of our stars are great here. The writing is slick and this moves along nicely. Cooper is especially good here as a real dirt bag of a character running weapons all over the world and getting insanely rich doing it. The good thing here, is that they never forget who the star of this movie really is. The story - period! Hill, and Teller are willing to let the story play out, and shine, all the while not getting in the way with wayward performances, or overacting. Great soundtrack, fair amount of action, shot in great locations and that gives this a real nice look and feel.
War Dogs. This is darn good, and well worth your time.
Hell Or High Water
When a movie stars Jeff Bridges, I feel it is mandatory viewing, and this is. In fact, this is one of the best movies of the year so far. This also stars Chris Pine, and Ben Foster and they both deliver incredible performances. There isn't anything about this that isn't great.
Pine and Foster star in this terrific story about two brothers living in thoroughly depressed West Texas, go on a poorly thought out bank robbing spree. Bridges is a soon to be retired Texas Ranger who is out to catch them before he hangs it up. Why is each side doing what they are? That's the story, and it's great. While Pine and Foster are great in their large roles as close knit outlaw brothers, Bridges is simply amazing again. In the right role, he is simply Hollywood's best actor these days. This also one of those movies, where every single person in it, no matter how small the role, is perfectly cast.
This is exciting, thrilling, suspenseful, and funny at times. This is about as well written as it could be. The characters are well defined, and the story is topical, relevant, and exceedingly believable.
Hell or High Water. Go watch great actors be great. One of the best movies of the year. First class project.
scott@wqmx.com
This is a very interesting movie, that if it wasn't true, you would never believe it. Jonah Hill, Miles Teller and Bradley Cooper star in this stunning story of two 22 year old dudes somehow become incredibly wealthy international arms dealers, supplying weapons to the US Military with virtually no experience or accreditation. What a story!
All of our stars are great here. The writing is slick and this moves along nicely. Cooper is especially good here as a real dirt bag of a character running weapons all over the world and getting insanely rich doing it. The good thing here, is that they never forget who the star of this movie really is. The story - period! Hill, and Teller are willing to let the story play out, and shine, all the while not getting in the way with wayward performances, or overacting. Great soundtrack, fair amount of action, shot in great locations and that gives this a real nice look and feel.
War Dogs. This is darn good, and well worth your time.
Hell Or High Water
When a movie stars Jeff Bridges, I feel it is mandatory viewing, and this is. In fact, this is one of the best movies of the year so far. This also stars Chris Pine, and Ben Foster and they both deliver incredible performances. There isn't anything about this that isn't great.
Pine and Foster star in this terrific story about two brothers living in thoroughly depressed West Texas, go on a poorly thought out bank robbing spree. Bridges is a soon to be retired Texas Ranger who is out to catch them before he hangs it up. Why is each side doing what they are? That's the story, and it's great. While Pine and Foster are great in their large roles as close knit outlaw brothers, Bridges is simply amazing again. In the right role, he is simply Hollywood's best actor these days. This also one of those movies, where every single person in it, no matter how small the role, is perfectly cast.
This is exciting, thrilling, suspenseful, and funny at times. This is about as well written as it could be. The characters are well defined, and the story is topical, relevant, and exceedingly believable.
Hell or High Water. Go watch great actors be great. One of the best movies of the year. First class project.
scott@wqmx.com
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Sausage Party
Some may say why review this movie? But I say this movie could be a real turning point into the next big trend in movie going.
As you can clearly see, even the title suggests that this is not going to be the slightest bit family friendly even being a completely animated flick. This is the brain child of Seth Rogen and others to do an extreme parody of very friendly Pixar animated movies. And being honest, they do that very, very well here. This really makes fun of the Pixar formula. And this absolutely has serious political and social over and undertones. Some of that quite well done as well.
But this is also raunchy without end, very direct and flat out offensive for many - in many regards. Easily the mildest part of this is the incredible harsh and never ending foul language. There is a constant sexual undertone throughout, and this again glorifies harsh recreational drug use and that entire lifestyle. And with that said, some of this is still quite funny.
This movie brings to life, food, in a grocery store and the life it leads. Sound way out there? It is. Talking, walking, drug ingesting, sexually active and down right horny animated food. You may have caught on, this is not for youngsters. This is the hardest of R ratings. In fact, I saw a theater where NO ONE under 7 would be admitted under any circumstances. I have never seen that before.
What Sausage Party may do though, is usher in a new line of movie making if it makes a ton. Mainstream, extremely naughty, harsh, and unfriendly for kids animated movies. I think it is safe to assume that there will be more movies like this from various movie makers. Is this a good idea? Doesn't make any difference, if there is big money in it, it will happen because of all the platforms we have to view it.
Sausage Party. Not for the kids at all, highly adult, funny in spots. It seems a new era may be born.
As you can clearly see, even the title suggests that this is not going to be the slightest bit family friendly even being a completely animated flick. This is the brain child of Seth Rogen and others to do an extreme parody of very friendly Pixar animated movies. And being honest, they do that very, very well here. This really makes fun of the Pixar formula. And this absolutely has serious political and social over and undertones. Some of that quite well done as well.
But this is also raunchy without end, very direct and flat out offensive for many - in many regards. Easily the mildest part of this is the incredible harsh and never ending foul language. There is a constant sexual undertone throughout, and this again glorifies harsh recreational drug use and that entire lifestyle. And with that said, some of this is still quite funny.
This movie brings to life, food, in a grocery store and the life it leads. Sound way out there? It is. Talking, walking, drug ingesting, sexually active and down right horny animated food. You may have caught on, this is not for youngsters. This is the hardest of R ratings. In fact, I saw a theater where NO ONE under 7 would be admitted under any circumstances. I have never seen that before.
What Sausage Party may do though, is usher in a new line of movie making if it makes a ton. Mainstream, extremely naughty, harsh, and unfriendly for kids animated movies. I think it is safe to assume that there will be more movies like this from various movie makers. Is this a good idea? Doesn't make any difference, if there is big money in it, it will happen because of all the platforms we have to view it.
Sausage Party. Not for the kids at all, highly adult, funny in spots. It seems a new era may be born.
Friday, August 5, 2016
MOVIE REVIEWS - Various Out Now
Nerve
This is a very interesting movie that has come out to very little fanfare, but is not a bad night at the flicks. This is a fictional story about an interactive video game called Nerve. It seems a quick way to make money if you do the "dares" that you are challenged to do as a "player." Then the "watchers" follow the players, and drive the game. The more followers you get as a player, the more you can make and the more your popularity soars. But there are problems.
The game becomes a mind control and life controlling entity that makes it impossible for you to get out of it, unless you win it outright. It is an identity stealing, harsh game that is driven by the watchers desire to see more and more graphic and live content.
This is good original story and a nice performance from our star Emma Roberts who is becoming more of a star all the time. It showcases, certainly in an extreme form, the public's appetite for fame, voyeurism, greed, and the need for acceptance in social media. Very topical, and a real eye opener, and this could be the precursor to actual events in the future. Well done.
Bad Moms
This is an all star cast of many of today's most popular female Hollywood stars in a parody of being a mom in today's very difficult environment. This has been referred to as the "Hangover" for girls and for the most part it is true. This is a hard R rated movie that shows a group of moms, who have had it with the politically correct world they are forced to live in, while raising young children. And for the most part, there are some really good laughs here.
But in addition to the laughs, there are also gaffs. This is a good idea that veers off the tracks at times and goes a bit too far, drifting into areas that are no longer funny. But they don't wreck the ship. There is a bit too much harsh language and a few too many redundant scenes, but this is a good day, especially a group of women to go together and laugh out loud. Kudos too, to Kristen Bell, who is really funny in her supporting role. Easily the funniest thing I have ever seen her do.
Bad Moms. Target audience will LOVE this!
scott@wqmx.com
This is a very interesting movie that has come out to very little fanfare, but is not a bad night at the flicks. This is a fictional story about an interactive video game called Nerve. It seems a quick way to make money if you do the "dares" that you are challenged to do as a "player." Then the "watchers" follow the players, and drive the game. The more followers you get as a player, the more you can make and the more your popularity soars. But there are problems.
The game becomes a mind control and life controlling entity that makes it impossible for you to get out of it, unless you win it outright. It is an identity stealing, harsh game that is driven by the watchers desire to see more and more graphic and live content.
This is good original story and a nice performance from our star Emma Roberts who is becoming more of a star all the time. It showcases, certainly in an extreme form, the public's appetite for fame, voyeurism, greed, and the need for acceptance in social media. Very topical, and a real eye opener, and this could be the precursor to actual events in the future. Well done.
Bad Moms
This is an all star cast of many of today's most popular female Hollywood stars in a parody of being a mom in today's very difficult environment. This has been referred to as the "Hangover" for girls and for the most part it is true. This is a hard R rated movie that shows a group of moms, who have had it with the politically correct world they are forced to live in, while raising young children. And for the most part, there are some really good laughs here.
But in addition to the laughs, there are also gaffs. This is a good idea that veers off the tracks at times and goes a bit too far, drifting into areas that are no longer funny. But they don't wreck the ship. There is a bit too much harsh language and a few too many redundant scenes, but this is a good day, especially a group of women to go together and laugh out loud. Kudos too, to Kristen Bell, who is really funny in her supporting role. Easily the funniest thing I have ever seen her do.
Bad Moms. Target audience will LOVE this!
scott@wqmx.com
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Ghostbusters
There was certainly enough negative on the internet leading up to this flicks release. But, sadly for the naysayers, it's not the horrible garbage they were anticipating.
This is the updated version of the 1984 classic. This of course with an all-female cast featuring some big names including Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. This has been brought up to date in some ways, and that part of this was done pretty well. This is a big CG fest, and you get plenty of it. But, this movie was kept to a nice one hour and thirty-five minutes and that was a good decision. Also a good idea to not let this sink into the raunchy hole as that was my biggest fear. Language tame - and sight gags same. And amazingly someone made a comedy without horrible human bodily functions gone wrong.
This version, is the genesis for what will certainly be more of these, with this cast in tact. There are some fun cameo's here that are quick and work well. The soundtrack has been updated nicely, and the original Ghostbusters theme in used as well, in a newer version.
Is this funny? Actually no. Much of the completely over used technique of improv dialogue really doesn't work very well here. Our stars are again, the same character as they were in last movie they made only this time fighting ghosts. Many of these performances are really starting to meld together and look the same. McKinnon for some reason really doesn't work here, as her character in theory should be really funny, but is not. Sadly, she is the weak link, but inn fairness, more was asked of her, as McCarthy, and Wiig are relegated to be the same character again, and again, and again - again.
But as non-funny as this is, Ghostbusters is pretty entertaining. This moves along well, and there is enough to hold you till the next scene. Most are quick and tidy, and they do pay off well as far as the special effects many want to see. Strangely too, this is being reviewed far better than it is being received by many fans who seem to be so-so on the whole idea and movie.
Ghostbusters. On a rainy or 100 degree day, not a bad afternoon in air conditioning.
This is the updated version of the 1984 classic. This of course with an all-female cast featuring some big names including Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. This has been brought up to date in some ways, and that part of this was done pretty well. This is a big CG fest, and you get plenty of it. But, this movie was kept to a nice one hour and thirty-five minutes and that was a good decision. Also a good idea to not let this sink into the raunchy hole as that was my biggest fear. Language tame - and sight gags same. And amazingly someone made a comedy without horrible human bodily functions gone wrong.
This version, is the genesis for what will certainly be more of these, with this cast in tact. There are some fun cameo's here that are quick and work well. The soundtrack has been updated nicely, and the original Ghostbusters theme in used as well, in a newer version.
Is this funny? Actually no. Much of the completely over used technique of improv dialogue really doesn't work very well here. Our stars are again, the same character as they were in last movie they made only this time fighting ghosts. Many of these performances are really starting to meld together and look the same. McKinnon for some reason really doesn't work here, as her character in theory should be really funny, but is not. Sadly, she is the weak link, but inn fairness, more was asked of her, as McCarthy, and Wiig are relegated to be the same character again, and again, and again - again.
But as non-funny as this is, Ghostbusters is pretty entertaining. This moves along well, and there is enough to hold you till the next scene. Most are quick and tidy, and they do pay off well as far as the special effects many want to see. Strangely too, this is being reviewed far better than it is being received by many fans who seem to be so-so on the whole idea and movie.
Ghostbusters. On a rainy or 100 degree day, not a bad afternoon in air conditioning.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates
Summer means summer comedies. Since The Hangover series is long over, we need something to replace it for the next few summers, and that franchise is here.
Sometimes you go to a movie and you know what it is. You know this is going to be a raw, if not raunchy comedy. And that's basically what this is. But looking at it fairly, this is more than that. No doubt they take the easy way out for much of this with predictable raunchy stuff, but this also takes a really honest look at this generation as a whole.
This is based on actual characters. Meet Mike and Dave. They are brothers in their late 20's who ruin about everything they touch at family gatherings with their drunken and even light drug infused antics. As their baby sister is getting married, the parents insist they bring dates to the wedding who will keep them in line. Instead the girls they choose are in many ways even worse than them as far as the partying is concerned. So it's on!
As the escapades roll on there are some good laughs, some of them guilty pleasure, laughs but a lot of this is pretty funny. It walks up to, but never really crosses over the line as far as gross, or outrageous comedy is concerned. Plenty of drinking, sex talk, light drug use and general inappropriateness. And some of this works. But there is more.
This movie actually addresses the issues that this generation faces, and looks at them head on. Some of this is done through comedic dialogue and some of it heartfelt. This does poke fun at the characters in general, and the generation at large. Is this perfect? Heck no, but this is not a bad day a the flicks. This is a hard R rated flick, so it may not be for everyone. But for the intended target, this will be spot on.
Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates. It's no Hangover, but it's fun. And there will be more.
Sometimes you go to a movie and you know what it is. You know this is going to be a raw, if not raunchy comedy. And that's basically what this is. But looking at it fairly, this is more than that. No doubt they take the easy way out for much of this with predictable raunchy stuff, but this also takes a really honest look at this generation as a whole.
This is based on actual characters. Meet Mike and Dave. They are brothers in their late 20's who ruin about everything they touch at family gatherings with their drunken and even light drug infused antics. As their baby sister is getting married, the parents insist they bring dates to the wedding who will keep them in line. Instead the girls they choose are in many ways even worse than them as far as the partying is concerned. So it's on!
As the escapades roll on there are some good laughs, some of them guilty pleasure, laughs but a lot of this is pretty funny. It walks up to, but never really crosses over the line as far as gross, or outrageous comedy is concerned. Plenty of drinking, sex talk, light drug use and general inappropriateness. And some of this works. But there is more.
This movie actually addresses the issues that this generation faces, and looks at them head on. Some of this is done through comedic dialogue and some of it heartfelt. This does poke fun at the characters in general, and the generation at large. Is this perfect? Heck no, but this is not a bad day a the flicks. This is a hard R rated flick, so it may not be for everyone. But for the intended target, this will be spot on.
Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates. It's no Hangover, but it's fun. And there will be more.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Indians - Tribe Time Is Our Time
When the Cavaliers won the NBA Title and bridged the 52 year sports crevasse, we all breathed a little easier, and stood a little taller.
The celebration across the region was amazing, as we all took part in one way or another, and maybe you still are. Enter the Indians, our Tribe. Yes, they have been playing terrific baseball since the Cav's title, and I feel that is not a coincidence. Who, in essence are the Indians? They are just young guys, be it rich ones, who own televisions too. They saw what happened in the wake of a championship in Northeast Ohio. They liked it, and they want it too.
What the Cav's did was partly because of us, and with our help. I will always believe that. We felt that that it was within our grasp, and we willed this team to perform at its best when it seemed all was too late. Then we took to the streets and let it all our when Lebron and the boys came home. That has rejuvenated the area in total. What a great gift from the Cavs.
Many fans are coming back to the Tribe now that it is fashionable to to so. I personally don't care how you get there, just so you do. Many on Sports Radio and Social Media complain about the Tribe's ownership, and have problems with the Indians because of that, and are slow to support. Please! How ridiculous and uneducated is that? I have never decided to be a fan of any sports team because of the billionaire who owns them.
But this Indians team is good. And they have a much larger advantage than even the Cav's do. No, the Tribe does not have the worlds best player, but they have something even more bonding for all of us to grab on to. They have the everydayness of baseball. I know that's not a word, but so what, it's the truth. It's so ironic that what the very casual fan views as baseball's negative in so-so or losing years, becomes it's biggest asset when it's finally "next year." I don't know about you, but I find myself a bit ticked off - on days off. When you're winning, you want to play. With this team, I'm all in!
But the truth is, the Tribe has laid the framework down for an amazing season, and now it's up to us to push them as far as we can any way we can. Take the ride with them and get involved emotionally with this very likable team. As much as the Cav's brought us together, the Tribe now has the opportunity to galvanize us like never before, day in and day out.
Virtually no one reading this was even alive the last time the Tribe won the World Series in 1948 me included. And I don't know about you, but I am ready. I embrace the Tribe every year, but I am a realist from season to season and look at them as the really are. And this year, they are really good and really built right to give us all the thrill of a lifetime, and remind us that there is nothing like a World Series Title. - In OUR town.
It's Tribe time now, and that's true. But just as important, it is our time too. Enjoy this, because what you're seeing is damn rare air. Go Tribe!
The celebration across the region was amazing, as we all took part in one way or another, and maybe you still are. Enter the Indians, our Tribe. Yes, they have been playing terrific baseball since the Cav's title, and I feel that is not a coincidence. Who, in essence are the Indians? They are just young guys, be it rich ones, who own televisions too. They saw what happened in the wake of a championship in Northeast Ohio. They liked it, and they want it too.
What the Cav's did was partly because of us, and with our help. I will always believe that. We felt that that it was within our grasp, and we willed this team to perform at its best when it seemed all was too late. Then we took to the streets and let it all our when Lebron and the boys came home. That has rejuvenated the area in total. What a great gift from the Cavs.
Many fans are coming back to the Tribe now that it is fashionable to to so. I personally don't care how you get there, just so you do. Many on Sports Radio and Social Media complain about the Tribe's ownership, and have problems with the Indians because of that, and are slow to support. Please! How ridiculous and uneducated is that? I have never decided to be a fan of any sports team because of the billionaire who owns them.
But this Indians team is good. And they have a much larger advantage than even the Cav's do. No, the Tribe does not have the worlds best player, but they have something even more bonding for all of us to grab on to. They have the everydayness of baseball. I know that's not a word, but so what, it's the truth. It's so ironic that what the very casual fan views as baseball's negative in so-so or losing years, becomes it's biggest asset when it's finally "next year." I don't know about you, but I find myself a bit ticked off - on days off. When you're winning, you want to play. With this team, I'm all in!
But the truth is, the Tribe has laid the framework down for an amazing season, and now it's up to us to push them as far as we can any way we can. Take the ride with them and get involved emotionally with this very likable team. As much as the Cav's brought us together, the Tribe now has the opportunity to galvanize us like never before, day in and day out.
Virtually no one reading this was even alive the last time the Tribe won the World Series in 1948 me included. And I don't know about you, but I am ready. I embrace the Tribe every year, but I am a realist from season to season and look at them as the really are. And this year, they are really good and really built right to give us all the thrill of a lifetime, and remind us that there is nothing like a World Series Title. - In OUR town.
It's Tribe time now, and that's true. But just as important, it is our time too. Enjoy this, because what you're seeing is damn rare air. Go Tribe!
Sunday, July 3, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Free State Of Jones
Sometimes a movie comes out that looks like its going to be incredible, only to be on the other end. And that's what we are dealing with here.
Matthew McConaughey stars in this Civil War Drama that is based on actual events that took place between 1862 an 1876. A Rebel soldier leaves the Confederate Army at the zenith of the war, and sets out to stage a rebellion against the Confederate way of life, and the Confederate Army itself. And basically everyone and everything else. Interesting story sure. But...
I am having a very tough time deciding what this movie is actually trying to say. And I think the makers of this are too. It's anti-North, South, Government, War, Rich, Military, Judicial system...in short, it's about anti-everything. The story in it's raw form is pretty good, but it just goes on and on about how tough life was then, and how the deck is and was stacked against everyone. Might be true, but it doesn't make for very good movie making.
This is also insanely too long. It's only about 2 hours 15, but feels way longer than that as it's about 30 minutes too long. This totally needed a sharper editing blade. There are some compelling moments in this movie, and McConaughey gives a nice performance, in an incredibly large role. A role he seemingly was born to play. But there is simply a heavy fog of "something's not right here" hanging over this entire project. This is missing with many national critics, and this time they probably have it right.
The Free State Of Jones. Marginal.
Matthew McConaughey stars in this Civil War Drama that is based on actual events that took place between 1862 an 1876. A Rebel soldier leaves the Confederate Army at the zenith of the war, and sets out to stage a rebellion against the Confederate way of life, and the Confederate Army itself. And basically everyone and everything else. Interesting story sure. But...
I am having a very tough time deciding what this movie is actually trying to say. And I think the makers of this are too. It's anti-North, South, Government, War, Rich, Military, Judicial system...in short, it's about anti-everything. The story in it's raw form is pretty good, but it just goes on and on about how tough life was then, and how the deck is and was stacked against everyone. Might be true, but it doesn't make for very good movie making.
This is also insanely too long. It's only about 2 hours 15, but feels way longer than that as it's about 30 minutes too long. This totally needed a sharper editing blade. There are some compelling moments in this movie, and McConaughey gives a nice performance, in an incredibly large role. A role he seemingly was born to play. But there is simply a heavy fog of "something's not right here" hanging over this entire project. This is missing with many national critics, and this time they probably have it right.
The Free State Of Jones. Marginal.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Independence Day 2
Some ideas are simply better left alone. This certainly qualifies as one of them, if not the poster child for it.
20 years ago this was a real big CG movie that was fun, and had a sense of suspense to it, as it played on our fears of possibly being attacked by a large alien force. It starred Will Smith and others, and in the end the good guys (Earth) survives. Now flash forward to this installment (minus Smith) but with virtually all the other original cast and what do you have? A total mess. (Smith wanted nothing to do with this)
Now it's 2016 in the movie, and their world in this movie looks zero like the real world today. There are colonies on the moon, and we have space craft flying all over cities across the country. We travel in space like we are running to Circle K. I really don't understand this scenario at all for our movie. This looks more like Star Wars than not. This flaw is the death blow to this movie right out of the gate.
What made the original work so well, was you felt the vulnerability of living in our world, while being attacked by a superior race force. This has none of that really, and is very much like a video game in its look and feel. The script is embarrassingly bad, and is written on about a 4th grade level. No offense to 4th graders, but this is simply bad. Stink bad.
There is some humor here that works at times, and there are long action scenes that help push this along, but it can't be saved. But unlike the original from 1996, they have set this up for more to be made as this series can go on. Oh joy! But luckily for some of our better actors involved, they chose to have their characters killed off so they don't have to do any more of these. Good decision!
Independence Day 2. What a waste of time, energy, money and effort. This really is a joke.
20 years ago this was a real big CG movie that was fun, and had a sense of suspense to it, as it played on our fears of possibly being attacked by a large alien force. It starred Will Smith and others, and in the end the good guys (Earth) survives. Now flash forward to this installment (minus Smith) but with virtually all the other original cast and what do you have? A total mess. (Smith wanted nothing to do with this)
Now it's 2016 in the movie, and their world in this movie looks zero like the real world today. There are colonies on the moon, and we have space craft flying all over cities across the country. We travel in space like we are running to Circle K. I really don't understand this scenario at all for our movie. This looks more like Star Wars than not. This flaw is the death blow to this movie right out of the gate.
What made the original work so well, was you felt the vulnerability of living in our world, while being attacked by a superior race force. This has none of that really, and is very much like a video game in its look and feel. The script is embarrassingly bad, and is written on about a 4th grade level. No offense to 4th graders, but this is simply bad. Stink bad.
There is some humor here that works at times, and there are long action scenes that help push this along, but it can't be saved. But unlike the original from 1996, they have set this up for more to be made as this series can go on. Oh joy! But luckily for some of our better actors involved, they chose to have their characters killed off so they don't have to do any more of these. Good decision!
Independence Day 2. What a waste of time, energy, money and effort. This really is a joke.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
The Weight Of The Wait
I have been a Cleveland sports fan my entire life. I grew up here, and no matter where my professional travels took me, The Tribe, Browns and Cavaliers were still my favorite teams. I am well aware of the 52 year wait for a championship from one of these guys, and I am trilled, like you - it has finally happened. I had been waiting too.
What the Cavaliers did was even more amazing that the sport stats will say. I have stated on the air and on social media many times that nothing can galvanize an area more than a winning pro sports team. Many times to the raised eyebrows to those within eye and or ear shot. But I think the last month or so, we all saw that play out day after day. No matter where we come from socially, the one thing we all had in common this spring was the Cavs. Or was it?
The Cavs did everything right, and for the record they did not break some silly so called "curse." I have never bought into that scapegoat negative mentality. The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, Jose Mesa, and the rest were just what sports cities go through. All of those moments were simply one thing. Better players, on better teams, making better plays, in bigger games. Period! Even Jim Chones broken foot for the Miracle Cavs, was just part of the game. Over time, all of those things though do become a bit weighty
You see, what the Cavs did even more than win a championship for us, is they gave us an even better gift. They reminded us of how much we all really love our city, our area. That to me, is the galvanization, the real gift, and what we all may be secretly waiting for and not even know it. They have relieved some of the pressure off the other teams here, and the city at large. And maybe reminded you how much you love living here, if by chance you had forgotten.
Now we can stop talking about some half century drought, and get on with the enjoying the games, for the reason you're supposed to. Because you love the game, and the fact that we are so fortunate to live in such an area to have all the major sports teams we do. The Cavs reminded us that our sports teams are here to enjoy and not to agonize over.
Thanks to the Cavaliers and their fans, the weight of the wait - is officially over.
What the Cavaliers did was even more amazing that the sport stats will say. I have stated on the air and on social media many times that nothing can galvanize an area more than a winning pro sports team. Many times to the raised eyebrows to those within eye and or ear shot. But I think the last month or so, we all saw that play out day after day. No matter where we come from socially, the one thing we all had in common this spring was the Cavs. Or was it?
The Cavs did everything right, and for the record they did not break some silly so called "curse." I have never bought into that scapegoat negative mentality. The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, Jose Mesa, and the rest were just what sports cities go through. All of those moments were simply one thing. Better players, on better teams, making better plays, in bigger games. Period! Even Jim Chones broken foot for the Miracle Cavs, was just part of the game. Over time, all of those things though do become a bit weighty
You see, what the Cavs did even more than win a championship for us, is they gave us an even better gift. They reminded us of how much we all really love our city, our area. That to me, is the galvanization, the real gift, and what we all may be secretly waiting for and not even know it. They have relieved some of the pressure off the other teams here, and the city at large. And maybe reminded you how much you love living here, if by chance you had forgotten.
Now we can stop talking about some half century drought, and get on with the enjoying the games, for the reason you're supposed to. Because you love the game, and the fact that we are so fortunate to live in such an area to have all the major sports teams we do. The Cavs reminded us that our sports teams are here to enjoy and not to agonize over.
Thanks to the Cavaliers and their fans, the weight of the wait - is officially over.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - The Shallows
Here comes another shark movie, and the difference this time - is that this is good. Darn good.
This is essentially a one person movie. This stars the wonderful Blake Lively who portrays a troubled young woman who is trying desperately to survive after being attacked by a shark while surfing in Mexico. This is very nice and tidy checking in at 1 hour and 27 minutes, and almost all of them very intense.
Nancy (Lively) goes to Mexico after the death of her mother who is taken by cancer. Nancy drops out of medical school and is trying to cope with her mothers death. So she returns to a hidden Mexican beach her mother surfed before Nancy was born hoping that will bring her some solace. What it brings is a savage shark attack, and this becomes a tale of survival.
This is brilliantly done. This movie is extremely intense with the entire emphasis on the impact, and the terror and the will to survive instead of the blood and gore of countless other shark movies. Nancy get marooned on this rock about 200 yards off shore and cannot make it back. She is battling countless enemies in addition to the shark. The water, heat, sun, a badly wounded foot and leg and her inner demons. You are the rock with her, and you squirm in your seat.
So refreshing to see a movie determined to be good instead of a bloody CG fest. There is far less shark here than you would think, but he looks great when you see him. But this is Lively's flick. She is great, and pulls of this basically one person show with ease. I am becoming a big fan of hers as she has grown into herself. It's been a long time since The Traveling Pants movies. I loved her in The Town, and the Age Of Adaline was a real nice performance.
She is easy to watch on screen, and is really good here in a very physically challenging role. I find myself really being ready to see what her next project will be. She's becoming that good.
The Shallows. Solid, intense, good. Like a good jolt at the movies? Go see this.
This is essentially a one person movie. This stars the wonderful Blake Lively who portrays a troubled young woman who is trying desperately to survive after being attacked by a shark while surfing in Mexico. This is very nice and tidy checking in at 1 hour and 27 minutes, and almost all of them very intense.
Nancy (Lively) goes to Mexico after the death of her mother who is taken by cancer. Nancy drops out of medical school and is trying to cope with her mothers death. So she returns to a hidden Mexican beach her mother surfed before Nancy was born hoping that will bring her some solace. What it brings is a savage shark attack, and this becomes a tale of survival.
This is brilliantly done. This movie is extremely intense with the entire emphasis on the impact, and the terror and the will to survive instead of the blood and gore of countless other shark movies. Nancy get marooned on this rock about 200 yards off shore and cannot make it back. She is battling countless enemies in addition to the shark. The water, heat, sun, a badly wounded foot and leg and her inner demons. You are the rock with her, and you squirm in your seat.
So refreshing to see a movie determined to be good instead of a bloody CG fest. There is far less shark here than you would think, but he looks great when you see him. But this is Lively's flick. She is great, and pulls of this basically one person show with ease. I am becoming a big fan of hers as she has grown into herself. It's been a long time since The Traveling Pants movies. I loved her in The Town, and the Age Of Adaline was a real nice performance.
She is easy to watch on screen, and is really good here in a very physically challenging role. I find myself really being ready to see what her next project will be. She's becoming that good.
The Shallows. Solid, intense, good. Like a good jolt at the movies? Go see this.
Friday, June 24, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Central Intelligence
Well, the unlikely duo of Kevin Hart and The Rock has proven to be a good one, in this new summer comedy.
"Summer Comedy" are the key words here. Is this going to change one thing about cinematic history? No, but by today's standards this is pretty tame, pretty funny stuff. This is mindless, but who cares, it's summer. We'll think again in October.
Bob (The Rock) was a bullied and awkward kid in the high school he attended with Calvin (Hart) in 1996. Flash forward 20 years. These two have not seen one another since. But they reunite as the 20 year reunion creeps up.
Turns out Bob has grown into this hulking CIA operative who hasn't really grown up emotionally at all. And he unknowingly enlists Calvin's help in a huge CIA case. And the laughs are on. And there are some really good laughs here.
These two have a nice chemistry, and look so mismatched on screen, that it works wonderfully. This is slapstick at times, and action based at times. This does address an issue or two that has faced this generation as the have grown up, and that works too. Hart's comedies are always face paced, and for the most part, and relatively clean by today's ever and rapidly changing comedy standards. This is fun, tidy, and doesn't wear out its welcome.
Central Intelligence. Yes, this is set up for more installments too. Fun, summer fun!
"Summer Comedy" are the key words here. Is this going to change one thing about cinematic history? No, but by today's standards this is pretty tame, pretty funny stuff. This is mindless, but who cares, it's summer. We'll think again in October.
Bob (The Rock) was a bullied and awkward kid in the high school he attended with Calvin (Hart) in 1996. Flash forward 20 years. These two have not seen one another since. But they reunite as the 20 year reunion creeps up.
Turns out Bob has grown into this hulking CIA operative who hasn't really grown up emotionally at all. And he unknowingly enlists Calvin's help in a huge CIA case. And the laughs are on. And there are some really good laughs here.
These two have a nice chemistry, and look so mismatched on screen, that it works wonderfully. This is slapstick at times, and action based at times. This does address an issue or two that has faced this generation as the have grown up, and that works too. Hart's comedies are always face paced, and for the most part, and relatively clean by today's ever and rapidly changing comedy standards. This is fun, tidy, and doesn't wear out its welcome.
Central Intelligence. Yes, this is set up for more installments too. Fun, summer fun!
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Me Before You
Sometimes a sappy, romantic movie comes along that is exactly the same as all the others in some regards. And then there's, Me Before You.
Based on the incredibly successful book of the same name, this comes to life in a way that Nicolas Sparks wish his gaggle of syrupy books and stories could. This is NOT a Sparks book, and it's in a league that Sparks could only dream to live.
This is a fictional story of young love, that seems impossible. This is the story of Louisa (Emilia Clarke) and Will (Sam Claflin). Will is a wildly rich and successful young British man who is struck down in the prime of his life in a motorcycle accident and is now a quadriplegic. He is angry and lost. Louisa is a wonderful young British woman from the other side of the tracks as far as Will's family would normally be concerned. She is down on her luck and ends up being hired as Will's personal caregiver by his emotionally distant parents. Why has this unlikely woman come into these peoples lives?
Lou has no experience whatsoever with this line of work, but learns as she goes. And as you may have figured out, she and Will form a loving bond, that eventually turns into an "in love bond." But, with all the obstacles in their way, can this possibly work? And are there other agendas at work here? This is Me Before You.
This movie has been greeted marginally by the national critics, and I really can't understand that. No, this is not perfect, but this is light years better than any Sparks movie that was ever been made. This is well thought out, this is well done, and moves along nicely for the most part. The supporting cast is fine, and the story is one you have not seen before. Plus this movie is not written for the obligatory signature scene that teens will be talking about in social media for days to come. This is simply a nice movie with a far more adult feel to it.
The absolute strength of this movie is the wonderful creation of an incredible character in Louisa. She is amazingly intelligent, fun and quirky, without being obnoxious and that's tough to do as it is a very fine line to walk in a m movie making sense. Clarke plays her fantastically and makes you love Louisa, making is easy to see how Will would as well. You care about Louisa, and are pulling for her, even though you know the journey is borderline impossible. I always praise movies that introduce us to characters we have not met before in any way, and that's Louisa. She, and Clarke are terrific, and make this work.
Me Before You. Well written, well done, and well worth a trip to the movies.
Based on the incredibly successful book of the same name, this comes to life in a way that Nicolas Sparks wish his gaggle of syrupy books and stories could. This is NOT a Sparks book, and it's in a league that Sparks could only dream to live.
This is a fictional story of young love, that seems impossible. This is the story of Louisa (Emilia Clarke) and Will (Sam Claflin). Will is a wildly rich and successful young British man who is struck down in the prime of his life in a motorcycle accident and is now a quadriplegic. He is angry and lost. Louisa is a wonderful young British woman from the other side of the tracks as far as Will's family would normally be concerned. She is down on her luck and ends up being hired as Will's personal caregiver by his emotionally distant parents. Why has this unlikely woman come into these peoples lives?
Lou has no experience whatsoever with this line of work, but learns as she goes. And as you may have figured out, she and Will form a loving bond, that eventually turns into an "in love bond." But, with all the obstacles in their way, can this possibly work? And are there other agendas at work here? This is Me Before You.
This movie has been greeted marginally by the national critics, and I really can't understand that. No, this is not perfect, but this is light years better than any Sparks movie that was ever been made. This is well thought out, this is well done, and moves along nicely for the most part. The supporting cast is fine, and the story is one you have not seen before. Plus this movie is not written for the obligatory signature scene that teens will be talking about in social media for days to come. This is simply a nice movie with a far more adult feel to it.
The absolute strength of this movie is the wonderful creation of an incredible character in Louisa. She is amazingly intelligent, fun and quirky, without being obnoxious and that's tough to do as it is a very fine line to walk in a m movie making sense. Clarke plays her fantastically and makes you love Louisa, making is easy to see how Will would as well. You care about Louisa, and are pulling for her, even though you know the journey is borderline impossible. I always praise movies that introduce us to characters we have not met before in any way, and that's Louisa. She, and Clarke are terrific, and make this work.
Me Before You. Well written, well done, and well worth a trip to the movies.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - The Nice Guys
I love a good guilty pleasure movie, and The Nice Guys is certainly that as the summer season begins.
This is a buddy-detective comedy that is set in Hollywood in 1977, that stars Ryan Gosling, and Russell Crowe. When you see the trailer, it may not look like a very good, or even very original movie, but it is. Yes, the buddy premise is an old one but this works. Gosling and Crowe are good together.
This is about 2 really marginal private detectives ..sort of... who work together on a case of a missing young girl, Amelia. Who is she? Why does seemingly everyone want to find her? And why is everyone out to kill her? This story bobs and weaves throughout and in the end, ends up being a pretty darn good story.
This is full of slapstick and some really slick dialogue delivered very well, as our characters are developed nicely throughout the flick. This is a combination of a good old fashioned Hollywood who-done-it, a father/daughter story, a straight sight gag comedy, and a bit of Lethal Weapon tossed in. This takes us back amazingly well to 1977 as the costuming, sets, props, cars and soundtrack are really spot on.
Huge kudos to a wonderful young actress, Angourie Rice. She plays Gosling's character daughter who is about 13. She is really great in this movie, and is needed as she provides great balance and relief from the sometimes hectic pace. SHE is the real star of this movie, both in her performance and the character they created and wrote around her. She is what makes this movie a whole lot better and a whole lot different than a ton of other buddy comedies. Well done.
This has a nice supporting cast, and the overall feel of this movie is really refreshing. This is certainly set up to become a franchise as they leave the door wide, and I mean wide open for more.
The Nice Guys. This is flat out good.
This is a buddy-detective comedy that is set in Hollywood in 1977, that stars Ryan Gosling, and Russell Crowe. When you see the trailer, it may not look like a very good, or even very original movie, but it is. Yes, the buddy premise is an old one but this works. Gosling and Crowe are good together.
This is about 2 really marginal private detectives ..sort of... who work together on a case of a missing young girl, Amelia. Who is she? Why does seemingly everyone want to find her? And why is everyone out to kill her? This story bobs and weaves throughout and in the end, ends up being a pretty darn good story.
This is full of slapstick and some really slick dialogue delivered very well, as our characters are developed nicely throughout the flick. This is a combination of a good old fashioned Hollywood who-done-it, a father/daughter story, a straight sight gag comedy, and a bit of Lethal Weapon tossed in. This takes us back amazingly well to 1977 as the costuming, sets, props, cars and soundtrack are really spot on.
Huge kudos to a wonderful young actress, Angourie Rice. She plays Gosling's character daughter who is about 13. She is really great in this movie, and is needed as she provides great balance and relief from the sometimes hectic pace. SHE is the real star of this movie, both in her performance and the character they created and wrote around her. She is what makes this movie a whole lot better and a whole lot different than a ton of other buddy comedies. Well done.
This has a nice supporting cast, and the overall feel of this movie is really refreshing. This is certainly set up to become a franchise as they leave the door wide, and I mean wide open for more.
The Nice Guys. This is flat out good.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Neighbors 2
Seth Rogen and his bunch have a new movie out, and it's a sequel. This is Neighbors 2.
Rogen, Rose Byrne,n Zac Efron, and Chloe Grace Moretz star in this comedy that also includes a bunch of cameos by a few others. This time instead of a frat moving in next door to our new young parents, this time its a new sorority. Someone thought this was a good idea. They should never be listened to again in a serious manner.
Besides just not being funny, this is a perfect, and I mean perfect example of a original good idea having nothing new to say that's anywhere near creative. This is an attempted money grab, that's it. Being fair, this movie does do a pretty good job at times completely lampooning entire generations, and many times quite effectively. There are some good laughs in spots.
But for some reason, Rogen and his humor have become that really awkward coworker you have. You know, the one who doesn't know when to stop talking. The guy show doesn't know when the joke is over, and now it's simply uncomfortable, and in most cases exceptionally inappropriate? There are numerous scenes in this that can only be described as the poorest taste imaginable. And they don't make this a better movie, just a more gross and juvenile one. This also can be offensive to many, but not to the intended target audience. There are a ton of really offensive references.
There is no reason to talk about any performances, as the writing and directing is so horrible, no one has a chance to do anything worth remembering. Did the theater laugh at times? Yes, but not near enough. This really fell flat today.
Neighbors 2. This movie tries so hard to be cool, and in the end, it's just not funny
Rogen, Rose Byrne,n Zac Efron, and Chloe Grace Moretz star in this comedy that also includes a bunch of cameos by a few others. This time instead of a frat moving in next door to our new young parents, this time its a new sorority. Someone thought this was a good idea. They should never be listened to again in a serious manner.
Besides just not being funny, this is a perfect, and I mean perfect example of a original good idea having nothing new to say that's anywhere near creative. This is an attempted money grab, that's it. Being fair, this movie does do a pretty good job at times completely lampooning entire generations, and many times quite effectively. There are some good laughs in spots.
But for some reason, Rogen and his humor have become that really awkward coworker you have. You know, the one who doesn't know when to stop talking. The guy show doesn't know when the joke is over, and now it's simply uncomfortable, and in most cases exceptionally inappropriate? There are numerous scenes in this that can only be described as the poorest taste imaginable. And they don't make this a better movie, just a more gross and juvenile one. This also can be offensive to many, but not to the intended target audience. There are a ton of really offensive references.
There is no reason to talk about any performances, as the writing and directing is so horrible, no one has a chance to do anything worth remembering. Did the theater laugh at times? Yes, but not near enough. This really fell flat today.
Neighbors 2. This movie tries so hard to be cool, and in the end, it's just not funny
Saturday, May 14, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Money Monster
The new George Clooney, Julia Roberts thriller Money Monster is here this week. It's supposed anti-Wall Street plot is the main feature. Or is it?
In short, Clooney plays a guy named Lee Gates, a fictional cable TV star who hosts one of those high energy financial shows. He's rich, arrogant, and is disliked by most of the people who work with him on the show. Roberts plays the director who is leaving the show because of Gates. During a live episode, the show is literally taken hostage by Kyle, (Jack O'Connel) at gunpoint, and a suicide vest he places on Gates.
Kyle is a down and out delivery man who lost all his mother's inheritance on the advice of Gates on a previous episode. Now he wants answers from the company he invested in, and Gates himself, as it all plays out live on television. What kind of lies have been told to him and investors world wide, as this company lost 800 million in a day? This movie has been billed as anti-Wall Street, even anti-Capitalism, and yes they do that to a degree, but there is more.
Yes, they make Wall Street look bad, and yes they make big business look greedy. But what this movie did more to my eye was make the New York City Police look horrible. They are portrayed as stupid, unprepared, bloodthirsty, and amazingly incompetent. This movie is trying so hard to make such heavy handed social commentary all around, it forgets to be really good, and settles for also ran. But this has become a Clooney staple recently. This movie again reeks of "I am the smartest man in the world." And this does not connect with the average movie goer.
Let's start with the good. It's short, this moves nicely, and is edited extremely well. There are nice elements to this movie that make it easy to watch. But it stumbles with so many really questionable choices, in plot and in execution, it will more than likely leave many less than pleased.
This movie is also badly cast. It's just tough not to see George Clooney, the guy. And harder to see Lee Gates the character. His international fame is a problem here, as his cred with this character is highly questionable. But being fair, this has become a big problem for him the past few movies, with the Descendants being the exception (which is terrific). Roberts is fine in a role she is not asked to do much in, and she is totally over casted. But they needed the name. O' Connell is quite good as our troubled man. He works because you believe him, as his lack of international notoriety gives him cred. I'm not buying the other two.
Money Monster. Honestly? Very forgettable. It'll be a cable TV weekend movie though for years between Law And Order marathons.
In short, Clooney plays a guy named Lee Gates, a fictional cable TV star who hosts one of those high energy financial shows. He's rich, arrogant, and is disliked by most of the people who work with him on the show. Roberts plays the director who is leaving the show because of Gates. During a live episode, the show is literally taken hostage by Kyle, (Jack O'Connel) at gunpoint, and a suicide vest he places on Gates.
Kyle is a down and out delivery man who lost all his mother's inheritance on the advice of Gates on a previous episode. Now he wants answers from the company he invested in, and Gates himself, as it all plays out live on television. What kind of lies have been told to him and investors world wide, as this company lost 800 million in a day? This movie has been billed as anti-Wall Street, even anti-Capitalism, and yes they do that to a degree, but there is more.
Yes, they make Wall Street look bad, and yes they make big business look greedy. But what this movie did more to my eye was make the New York City Police look horrible. They are portrayed as stupid, unprepared, bloodthirsty, and amazingly incompetent. This movie is trying so hard to make such heavy handed social commentary all around, it forgets to be really good, and settles for also ran. But this has become a Clooney staple recently. This movie again reeks of "I am the smartest man in the world." And this does not connect with the average movie goer.
Let's start with the good. It's short, this moves nicely, and is edited extremely well. There are nice elements to this movie that make it easy to watch. But it stumbles with so many really questionable choices, in plot and in execution, it will more than likely leave many less than pleased.
This movie is also badly cast. It's just tough not to see George Clooney, the guy. And harder to see Lee Gates the character. His international fame is a problem here, as his cred with this character is highly questionable. But being fair, this has become a big problem for him the past few movies, with the Descendants being the exception (which is terrific). Roberts is fine in a role she is not asked to do much in, and she is totally over casted. But they needed the name. O' Connell is quite good as our troubled man. He works because you believe him, as his lack of international notoriety gives him cred. I'm not buying the other two.
Money Monster. Honestly? Very forgettable. It'll be a cable TV weekend movie though for years between Law And Order marathons.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - A Hologam For A King
This is the season seemingly for the small Indy movies to shine a the theaters. The big blockbusters are on the way, and these will be pushed out in a few weeks.
Tom Hanks stars in this charming little movie that dares to take us to places we seldom get to go to in the movies. It takes us to the depths of Saudi Arabia, in its culture and in its actual environment. This is based on a strange novel about a man who finds himself deep inside mid-life crisis, and needs a complete reinvention, although he seems to be the last one to know that.
Hanks plays a lifelong salesman who is going through a horrible divorce to a terrible woman, and has a 21 year-old daughter. He has made a ton of mistakes along he way in all avenues of his life. He gets a new job that takes him to Saudi Arabia where he is in charge of selling a huge new tech package to the Saudi King. He thinks he's there to do a job, but what he's really there for is to start again, a complete reinvention in total.
This is a little, tidy movie event that checks in at about 85 minutes. It's quick and to the point, and lets Hanks shine through. He anchors a real nice cast, and gives this very strange little story the wings it needed. I always score movies high that have a story you have not seen before, and that is this movie. A unique story with a nice cast, set in an area you have not been before. This is not for everyone, as this is a movie goers movie. This is not typical Hanks, this is smaller and more focused to a specific kind a viewer.
A Hologram For A King. Solid, not great but quite good.
Tom Hanks stars in this charming little movie that dares to take us to places we seldom get to go to in the movies. It takes us to the depths of Saudi Arabia, in its culture and in its actual environment. This is based on a strange novel about a man who finds himself deep inside mid-life crisis, and needs a complete reinvention, although he seems to be the last one to know that.
Hanks plays a lifelong salesman who is going through a horrible divorce to a terrible woman, and has a 21 year-old daughter. He has made a ton of mistakes along he way in all avenues of his life. He gets a new job that takes him to Saudi Arabia where he is in charge of selling a huge new tech package to the Saudi King. He thinks he's there to do a job, but what he's really there for is to start again, a complete reinvention in total.
This is a little, tidy movie event that checks in at about 85 minutes. It's quick and to the point, and lets Hanks shine through. He anchors a real nice cast, and gives this very strange little story the wings it needed. I always score movies high that have a story you have not seen before, and that is this movie. A unique story with a nice cast, set in an area you have not been before. This is not for everyone, as this is a movie goers movie. This is not typical Hanks, this is smaller and more focused to a specific kind a viewer.
A Hologram For A King. Solid, not great but quite good.
Friday, April 29, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Mothers Day
Can we just stop with all these kinds of movies? Please, just stop.
You put a bunch of supposed big name actors together and suddenly you have a great movie right? Nothing could be further from the truth, and nothing can save one minute of this absolute dry heave of a movie, that eventually does throw up all over itself. And eventually you.
Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Britt Robertson, Jason Sudeikis, and the list goes on, all star in this piece of junk. It attempts to bring a few different stories together, and attempts to be topical and contemporary. And in fairness, there is a certain amount of realness to some of what modern parents and especially moms go through. OK, that's enough praise.
This is so terrible, it is shocking this has made it all the way to your theater. The writing is horrific, the acting is insanely bad, and the editing is so incredibly amateurish, it smacks of a high dollar, high school presentation. This starts off badly, and gets worse with each frame. As bad as New Years Eve, and Valentines Day were, I fear this is the cherry on the sundae, and it's worse than them.
This isn't funny, this isn't heartfelt, this isn't anything that is good. This is simply a waste of about 60 million, our time, the actors time, and your money. When you see this many "A" listers in a single movie, that they know going in is this bad, it makes you rethink if these actors are actually "A" listers at all - anymore.
Roberts has her Oscar and deserved it, but this movie makes it seem so long ago. Someone please tell Aniston she's not funny, and Hudson she's not either. Robertson is a fresh young face that I like, and I can't fault her for trying to get her career off the ground. Sudeikis is completely unbelievable in this and that's being generous.
Mothers Day. Do anything but go and pay money to see this.
You put a bunch of supposed big name actors together and suddenly you have a great movie right? Nothing could be further from the truth, and nothing can save one minute of this absolute dry heave of a movie, that eventually does throw up all over itself. And eventually you.
Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Britt Robertson, Jason Sudeikis, and the list goes on, all star in this piece of junk. It attempts to bring a few different stories together, and attempts to be topical and contemporary. And in fairness, there is a certain amount of realness to some of what modern parents and especially moms go through. OK, that's enough praise.
This is so terrible, it is shocking this has made it all the way to your theater. The writing is horrific, the acting is insanely bad, and the editing is so incredibly amateurish, it smacks of a high dollar, high school presentation. This starts off badly, and gets worse with each frame. As bad as New Years Eve, and Valentines Day were, I fear this is the cherry on the sundae, and it's worse than them.
This isn't funny, this isn't heartfelt, this isn't anything that is good. This is simply a waste of about 60 million, our time, the actors time, and your money. When you see this many "A" listers in a single movie, that they know going in is this bad, it makes you rethink if these actors are actually "A" listers at all - anymore.
Roberts has her Oscar and deserved it, but this movie makes it seem so long ago. Someone please tell Aniston she's not funny, and Hudson she's not either. Robertson is a fresh young face that I like, and I can't fault her for trying to get her career off the ground. Sudeikis is completely unbelievable in this and that's being generous.
Mothers Day. Do anything but go and pay money to see this.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Everybody Wants Some!!
Sometimes movies are just made as for good fun, and for no real purpose whatsoever other than make you feel good. And that is this movie.
Everybody Wants Some!! Is a retro piece that takes us back perfectly to the fall of 1980 on a random college campus in Texas. This is simply a movie that celebrates the times, and the simple pleasures that were that era, and of course growing up. This basically has a no name cast, that are all cast perfectly and reflect with amazing accuracy the young moments that were the dawn of the 1980's as we watched the 70's sunset fade.
This is the story of 16 well defined guy characters, all on a baseball team living together in two houses on a fictitious college campus in Southeastern Texas. What the plot is, really all about is these guys drinking, getting high, and chasing young women. It's sort of like Animal House, Porky's and a few others. But what makes this really good movie making is, they transport you back to that era with such incredible accuracy, it's almost eerie. The performances are all spot on by all of these actors, none of them born when this movie was set. They are all terrific. The seperator is that Animal House and Porky's were made in that era.
The sets, costuming, and general setting is so slick that you may think you are back in the day. The written dialogue is incredible, as this is very funny, intelligent, and poignant in many places. Of course, there is a fair amount of really bad language, drinking and recreational drug use. But this is not targeting today's kids. This is made to take you back to a far more innocent era and remember how you (we) were, and it does. This is very good movie making, and is a real home run in many ways.
Everybody Wants Some!! Take a trip back, you won't regret it. Very, very well done.
This is the story of 16 well defined guy characters, all on a baseball team living together in two houses on a fictitious college campus in Southeastern Texas. What the plot is, really all about is these guys drinking, getting high, and chasing young women. It's sort of like Animal House, Porky's and a few others. But what makes this really good movie making is, they transport you back to that era with such incredible accuracy, it's almost eerie. The performances are all spot on by all of these actors, none of them born when this movie was set. They are all terrific. The seperator is that Animal House and Porky's were made in that era.
The sets, costuming, and general setting is so slick that you may think you are back in the day. The written dialogue is incredible, as this is very funny, intelligent, and poignant in many places. Of course, there is a fair amount of really bad language, drinking and recreational drug use. But this is not targeting today's kids. This is made to take you back to a far more innocent era and remember how you (we) were, and it does. This is very good movie making, and is a real home run in many ways.
Monday, April 25, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Elvis And Nixon
Here comes a really small movie that certainly isn't for the casual movie goer, but Elvis And Nixon is pretty darn good. This is in limited release.
This stars Micheal Shannon (Elvis) and Kevin Spacey (Nixon) and a real nice supporting cast. This is a straight, understated comedy that is based on an actual event in 1970. When Elvis went into the oval office for a meeting with the President Nixon. Elvis, for some reason was infatuated with becoming a "Federal Agent At-Large" (whatever that means.) Elvis had a legitimate concern at the time about America's youth and their love affair with drugs. Elvis wants to go undercover to break up the drug rings and wants Nixon to make it happen.
This is the a story of how this meeting came to be. This is short, to the point and flat our really funny as this travels from truth to absolute absurdity. And the whole thing kind of was. Who knows what really happened in the oval office that day, and the days leading up to it. The story is fun to watch. The meeting between the two is just flat out good movie making. Shannon and Spacey are simply terrific and are really great together. This has a nice pace, and is entertaining - every frame.
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. This movie certainly proves that. How is it these two opposites came to bond and found some common ground to spend an afternoon together discussing our nations future. This is crazy, absurd, and wonderful insight to this really weird couple.
Elvis And Nixon. This is flat out fun. Good day at the theater.
This stars Micheal Shannon (Elvis) and Kevin Spacey (Nixon) and a real nice supporting cast. This is a straight, understated comedy that is based on an actual event in 1970. When Elvis went into the oval office for a meeting with the President Nixon. Elvis, for some reason was infatuated with becoming a "Federal Agent At-Large" (whatever that means.) Elvis had a legitimate concern at the time about America's youth and their love affair with drugs. Elvis wants to go undercover to break up the drug rings and wants Nixon to make it happen.
This is the a story of how this meeting came to be. This is short, to the point and flat our really funny as this travels from truth to absolute absurdity. And the whole thing kind of was. Who knows what really happened in the oval office that day, and the days leading up to it. The story is fun to watch. The meeting between the two is just flat out good movie making. Shannon and Spacey are simply terrific and are really great together. This has a nice pace, and is entertaining - every frame.
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. This movie certainly proves that. How is it these two opposites came to bond and found some common ground to spend an afternoon together discussing our nations future. This is crazy, absurd, and wonderful insight to this really weird couple.
Elvis And Nixon. This is flat out fun. Good day at the theater.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
LOCAL GOLF: Dewsweepers Golf Course Review
Course: Royal Crest
Location: Strongsville Area
Directions: On Route 82 about 4 miles west of I-71
Minutes From: 30 from Akron, 10 from Medina, 45 from Kent
Dewsweepers
Tee Time: 7AM
Course
Info:
Royal Crest is a real nice family owned golf course that is a wonderful place to play a relaxing round of golf. Average length par-71 with no sand, very little water, but tons of trees. The rough is left always at a very manageable length, and the greens are never super fast, but are always in good shape. Tight, and with lots of elevated greens, Royal can be tough in spots and let's you breathe in others. But, if it's tough you want, play the blue tees here. They are ridiculously long and tight and change this course from relaxing to perplexing.
Round:
Today the Dewsweepers consisted of me, Beef, Joe Red, and Red's son, Bryan. Tex is still out recovering from hip surgery. This was our first Sunday morning out, and with all things considered there was some decent golf.
Beef - It was all about the par 3's today. He played them very poorly and that was too bad as he hit the ball well most of the day, and two birdies on the back nine. Short game woes, but it's early.
Joe Red - First time he's touched the clubs all season. He drove the ball well all day long, and played pretty well despite a couple of bad holes. But his swing looked good.
Bryan - The driver let him down today, but overall, made nice recovery shots when he had too, and his play is always strong enough to keep him in a round.
Wynn - Slow start, with a terrible triple bogey on the par 3, number 5. But I recovered on the back firing a 1 over 37 that included a birdie on number 16 and a nice run of pars.
Course Highlights:
Number 2 - 214 yard par 3, with water all the way on the left. Number 4, long dog leg par 5, tree lined, sloped and elevated green. Number 6, 425 par 4, uphill tree protected green. Number 12, 220 yard par 3, tree lined both sides. Number 15, 425 doggy par 4, just tough.
Scores:
Beef -
Joe Red -
Bryan - 84
Wynn - 81
Next
Week:
We move across the street to the up and coming Hickory Nut.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
MOVIE REVIEW - Criminal
The star studded, Criminal is new this week. An action flick for grown-ups.
Criminal is a good old fashioned government gone wrong thriller, that has a great cast and a hint of originality that's become pretty rare these days. This stars Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones and a real nice supporting cast that bring it to life nicely without wearing out its welcome checking in a one hour forty five minutes.
It's modern day technology cyber warfare. A international hacker has cracked the USA code and can control every single aspect of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. He is demanding cash and freedom from the CIA. Problem is there is an international nut-job and his gang that also want his program, as he wants to destroy every single nation on earth and start over.
Problem is, the CIA operative that was dealing with the hacker has been killed, and they have no idea how to proceed. So they revive an old CIA program that transfers a dead persons memory to a live person, in essence making that person - them again. They transfer the agents memory into Jericho (Costner). He is a complete lunatic or many reasons, some in his control and some not. He is the one whose brain is the best fit for this risky transfer. So, will this work, and will he survive and will the world be saved from these crazies?
The star of this movie is Costner. All of the rest are fine, but you've seen all of them in similar roles. But this is new for Costner. He is really strong as this crazy, damaged guy, who is in jail, then magically becomes a super CIA agent, with a new identity and that he doesn't understand at all. This is a complex role that he embraces well, and gives a nice performance. Sure there are problems here, as this is an April action release, and the national critics are drilling it. But being honest, this is fine. This will find an audience that will like it, and like seeing some of their favs on screen together.
Criminal. This could have been really great, but it's not. But this is not a wasted night at the movies. If you're a fan, go enjoy.
Criminal is a good old fashioned government gone wrong thriller, that has a great cast and a hint of originality that's become pretty rare these days. This stars Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones and a real nice supporting cast that bring it to life nicely without wearing out its welcome checking in a one hour forty five minutes.
It's modern day technology cyber warfare. A international hacker has cracked the USA code and can control every single aspect of the U.S. nuclear arsenal. He is demanding cash and freedom from the CIA. Problem is there is an international nut-job and his gang that also want his program, as he wants to destroy every single nation on earth and start over.
Problem is, the CIA operative that was dealing with the hacker has been killed, and they have no idea how to proceed. So they revive an old CIA program that transfers a dead persons memory to a live person, in essence making that person - them again. They transfer the agents memory into Jericho (Costner). He is a complete lunatic or many reasons, some in his control and some not. He is the one whose brain is the best fit for this risky transfer. So, will this work, and will he survive and will the world be saved from these crazies?
The star of this movie is Costner. All of the rest are fine, but you've seen all of them in similar roles. But this is new for Costner. He is really strong as this crazy, damaged guy, who is in jail, then magically becomes a super CIA agent, with a new identity and that he doesn't understand at all. This is a complex role that he embraces well, and gives a nice performance. Sure there are problems here, as this is an April action release, and the national critics are drilling it. But being honest, this is fine. This will find an audience that will like it, and like seeing some of their favs on screen together.
Criminal. This could have been really great, but it's not. But this is not a wasted night at the movies. If you're a fan, go enjoy.
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