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
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
