Just keep the summer blockbusters rolling out! Terminator Salvation gets the early jump on the Memorial Day box office, new this weekend.
Christian Bale stars as the legendary Jon Connor as the Terminator series trudges on. It's 2018, and the war against the Machines is raging. The Machines of course are set on eliminating the humans still after Judgment Day. But somehow Connor and the humans hang on again and again. How is it that the Machines are so far ahead of the humans in every way, but the battle rages on? I've been asking that question for a couple of decades now.
There have been movies a plenty, and even a TV series of so about the Terminator series, and as long as we keep paying they'll keep filming. Tough to believe that this series debuted in 1984. Think about it. If you saw your first Terminator movie at 15 years old, you are now 40! That's a long time to try to keep a franchise like this going. James Bond of course has been rolling on since 1960 or so, but it's different in so many ways.
Terminator movies continue to come up with innovative and breathtaking special effects that set the standard for other movies, and the effects here are really something for the most part. That's the bread and butter here again. But that's where the breathtaking part ends. TS is strong on action, but weak on story....(if anyone cares.) Now that you are 40 ish, you will figure this movie out long before it happens in front of you. The plot turns that wowed you 20 years ago, come at you like a fright train now.
From a performance standpoint, there's a lot of the same. Short quick lines of dialogue, complete with plenty of breathy deliveries. Seems every man in this movie is doing a Clint Eastwood imitation from his hey day. Gets old after a while.
Also, TS is a very LOUD movie. I've noticed that in this era of great sound systems, volume is really becoming a big deal at the theaters. If you're sensitive, be advised. Tons of action, a huge dramatic soundtrack, and action seemingly in every scene, TS is truly summer time movie making.
Is Terminator Salvation worth it? Fans that have been waiting, will be ready to go. Quick footnote too, at the heavily attended matinee I attended, there was only one female there. It's a guy thing I think. If you grew up with it, it's your day.
Terminator Salvation. There are moments but for me, special effects can't save the day.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Angels And Demons
It's always great to have Tom Hanks back in the theaters, as his new movie Angels And Demons opens this weekend. Trouble here is, the cast far outshines the movie. And it's a shame.
Hanks stars again as Robert Langdon, the lead character from it's predecessor The Da Vinci Code. He's the Harvard professor who investigates the many mysteries of the Catholic Church. Ewan McGregor gets pulled long for this ride, that takes far too long to complete. There was sharp criticism about the Da Vinci Code from 2006 being too slow and without enough forward movement. AAD tries hard to pick up the pace, but the problem is...it looks like it's trying to be faster. And what you've got now is a movie with action, where the story gets confusing.
In a nutshell, this is the fictional story of big trouble at the Vatican. The Pope has died, and the reverent process of choosing the new one is on. Strange circumstances surround the Pontiffs death, and it is feared that an ancient enemy of the church has somehow risen, and is declaring war on the church. This enemy can be traced back five hundred years or so, as it was once a part of the church. But this secret society has gone underground, and has now resurfaced and wants control of the Vatican. So the church calls in Langdon to figure it all out.
There are many spins, twists and turns, too many to mention and frankly too many to keep track of. AAD is a great example of a pretty good story at it's root, but this movie gets in its own way time after time. Slow at times, clunky at times, and entirely too long, AAD is disappointing. Hanks of course is great again, McGregor shines as well. Plus, meet a new face Ayelet Zurer. She is the young, beautiful scientist teamed up with Hanks on this scavenger hunt. She is fresh and new, and holds her own in the tracks of two of Hollywood's biggest stars.
AAD tries too hard to be really smart and challenging. I think this could have used another rewrite, and a tighter editing tool. At two hours and twenty minutes, it loses steam in the middle and again at its end. In fairness, it is an adult action movie that is fine for almost any adult audience. It will sort of remind you as National Treasure for adults in some regard, but without some of the silliness. But to be fair again, some of this movie is just plain silly.
Angels and Demons does have on huge thing going for it. Tom Hanks and Director Ronnie Howard. Americans have a tendency to love their movies together and separate. And if you're a fan, then Angels and Demons could be right for you.
But buyer beware, there is some trouble here. Angels And Demons. It is what it is. It's not what it should be.
Hanks stars again as Robert Langdon, the lead character from it's predecessor The Da Vinci Code. He's the Harvard professor who investigates the many mysteries of the Catholic Church. Ewan McGregor gets pulled long for this ride, that takes far too long to complete. There was sharp criticism about the Da Vinci Code from 2006 being too slow and without enough forward movement. AAD tries hard to pick up the pace, but the problem is...it looks like it's trying to be faster. And what you've got now is a movie with action, where the story gets confusing.
In a nutshell, this is the fictional story of big trouble at the Vatican. The Pope has died, and the reverent process of choosing the new one is on. Strange circumstances surround the Pontiffs death, and it is feared that an ancient enemy of the church has somehow risen, and is declaring war on the church. This enemy can be traced back five hundred years or so, as it was once a part of the church. But this secret society has gone underground, and has now resurfaced and wants control of the Vatican. So the church calls in Langdon to figure it all out.
There are many spins, twists and turns, too many to mention and frankly too many to keep track of. AAD is a great example of a pretty good story at it's root, but this movie gets in its own way time after time. Slow at times, clunky at times, and entirely too long, AAD is disappointing. Hanks of course is great again, McGregor shines as well. Plus, meet a new face Ayelet Zurer. She is the young, beautiful scientist teamed up with Hanks on this scavenger hunt. She is fresh and new, and holds her own in the tracks of two of Hollywood's biggest stars.
AAD tries too hard to be really smart and challenging. I think this could have used another rewrite, and a tighter editing tool. At two hours and twenty minutes, it loses steam in the middle and again at its end. In fairness, it is an adult action movie that is fine for almost any adult audience. It will sort of remind you as National Treasure for adults in some regard, but without some of the silliness. But to be fair again, some of this movie is just plain silly.
Angels and Demons does have on huge thing going for it. Tom Hanks and Director Ronnie Howard. Americans have a tendency to love their movies together and separate. And if you're a fan, then Angels and Demons could be right for you.
But buyer beware, there is some trouble here. Angels And Demons. It is what it is. It's not what it should be.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past
Here comes the new Mathew McConaughey romantic comedy Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past. Remember the golden rule of romantic comedies. They should be both romantic, and comical. This one is not.
There are a bevy of stars here, in addition to MM, there is Jennifer Garner, Micheal Douglas, and Ann Archer. But it can't be saved. All great movies start with a good script and good writing, and that's the trouble here, not the players, it's the coach. This is disappointing for McConaughey. Some of his movie choices the past couple of years have been questionable to say the least. Looking back, I'm liking his dramatic roles much more than this new found attempt at comedy the past few years. He's painting himself into a corner by being the same guy now movie after movie.
Meet Conner (MM) he is a big time New York City photographer, who is also a first class womanizer. At his younger brothers wedding, this movie takes the Dickens' Christmas Carol formula and he is introduced to ghosts from his past. Girlfriends past, present and future. He gets to relive the biggest moments of his romantic life, and see the ramifications of his womanizing, and playing. Guess what? He has the epiphany, and changes! Shocking I know.
Conner is then reunited with the love of his life, Jenny (Garner) and will they rekindle their lost love? I'm guessing yes. Totally predictable, and that's the weakness of GOGP.
There are flickers of fun here. Jennifer Garner doesn't make enough movies. She has an easy-going style I really like. She's easy to watch, and relate to. The runaway bright spot though is Lacy Chabert, who is absolutely hilarious as the totally nervous, drama queen bride at Conner's brothers wedding. She is the show stealer in a really small role.
Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past. There are moments, but over all this just doesn't work. A terrible script, with not much originality, predictable. You've seen this before. Lacy Chabert - great, the rest....yawn.
There are a bevy of stars here, in addition to MM, there is Jennifer Garner, Micheal Douglas, and Ann Archer. But it can't be saved. All great movies start with a good script and good writing, and that's the trouble here, not the players, it's the coach. This is disappointing for McConaughey. Some of his movie choices the past couple of years have been questionable to say the least. Looking back, I'm liking his dramatic roles much more than this new found attempt at comedy the past few years. He's painting himself into a corner by being the same guy now movie after movie.
Meet Conner (MM) he is a big time New York City photographer, who is also a first class womanizer. At his younger brothers wedding, this movie takes the Dickens' Christmas Carol formula and he is introduced to ghosts from his past. Girlfriends past, present and future. He gets to relive the biggest moments of his romantic life, and see the ramifications of his womanizing, and playing. Guess what? He has the epiphany, and changes! Shocking I know.
Conner is then reunited with the love of his life, Jenny (Garner) and will they rekindle their lost love? I'm guessing yes. Totally predictable, and that's the weakness of GOGP.
There are flickers of fun here. Jennifer Garner doesn't make enough movies. She has an easy-going style I really like. She's easy to watch, and relate to. The runaway bright spot though is Lacy Chabert, who is absolutely hilarious as the totally nervous, drama queen bride at Conner's brothers wedding. She is the show stealer in a really small role.
Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past. There are moments, but over all this just doesn't work. A terrible script, with not much originality, predictable. You've seen this before. Lacy Chabert - great, the rest....yawn.
Monday, May 11, 2009
I'll Take On Tiger Woods
I love golf, everyone knows that. With that said, I'll say up front this is not an article on golf. It's on something much more important than that.
I would like to challenge Tiger Woods to a friendly game of golf at a local course. Say, Windmill Lakes in Ravenna. I played there Sunday morning and it's very challenging and really nice. After 18 holes, Tiger will have successfully wood shedded me, as his score would be 60 something, mine, 80 or 90 something. He can have a caddie, I'll get a pull cart. He'll have custom made clothes, I'll wear my TJ Maxx on sale fashions. His unlimited sponsor supplied golf clubs will be glistening in the sun, I hope I remember to wash mine the night before. He will drive some par 4's and eagle par 5's, I won't. He'll get to play for free, and I will somehow find the cash to play. And I'm totally good with all of that.
Because I am confident that I will handle myself in a much more gentlemanly fashion on the golf course than he will. Of that I have no doubt. That's more to be proud of, and that's the whole deal here.
Tiger Woods is a more than likely the greatest golfer to ever play the game. But his actions on the course at times on TV are anything but those of a champion. No one else will say it, but I will. His club lobbing, throwing, slamming, and dropping is ridiculous. His constant foul language directed at himself so we all can hear on TV, is getting old. His grim reaper act to TV reporters after a tough day on the course is embarrassing as well.
The TV analysts just call him "fiery" or "intense" and "that's just Tiger." And they would be right... but Tiger is wrong. As Tiger introduces the game to so many new players, his actions are not a part of the game, or any game. Golf is the game of gentlemen - period! When you're on the course you conduct yourself like you've been there before, even if your game doesn't reflect it sometimes.....like mine for instance. I play golf every Sunday morning with three lifelong friends, and we handle ourselves much better than he does.
No one is slamming or throwing clubs, or treating those around us like dirt. We don't play as well as Tiger but we want to play our best. We get "fiery", and "focused" sometimes, but never disrespect our selves our partners, or the game. Golf teaches you honesty, respect, and can challenge you at times like no other game. It can teach you more about yourself that most other games. Because it's you against....you...and the course. What other game do you call a penalty on yourself?
I just wish for the sake of young people watching and idolizing Tiger, that he would set a better example more than just being great at the game. Yea, I saw him last week signing the hat of the scoreboard carrying kid, and the hat of the fan he drilled with an errant tee shot, but it's still more than that.
There's more to being a champion than just being the best, winning and re-writing the record books like he's doing. It's knowing that there's some kid out there trying to learn this game for the first time with you as his inspiration..and caring that he is watching your every move. But to be fair, I didn't think of those things at Tigers age either. But it's time he does. His game is unparalleled, now it's time for his behavior to be the same.
We've all watched Tiger grow up on TV and in the media. Now it's time for Tiger ....to just grow up!
I would like to challenge Tiger Woods to a friendly game of golf at a local course. Say, Windmill Lakes in Ravenna. I played there Sunday morning and it's very challenging and really nice. After 18 holes, Tiger will have successfully wood shedded me, as his score would be 60 something, mine, 80 or 90 something. He can have a caddie, I'll get a pull cart. He'll have custom made clothes, I'll wear my TJ Maxx on sale fashions. His unlimited sponsor supplied golf clubs will be glistening in the sun, I hope I remember to wash mine the night before. He will drive some par 4's and eagle par 5's, I won't. He'll get to play for free, and I will somehow find the cash to play. And I'm totally good with all of that.
Because I am confident that I will handle myself in a much more gentlemanly fashion on the golf course than he will. Of that I have no doubt. That's more to be proud of, and that's the whole deal here.
Tiger Woods is a more than likely the greatest golfer to ever play the game. But his actions on the course at times on TV are anything but those of a champion. No one else will say it, but I will. His club lobbing, throwing, slamming, and dropping is ridiculous. His constant foul language directed at himself so we all can hear on TV, is getting old. His grim reaper act to TV reporters after a tough day on the course is embarrassing as well.
The TV analysts just call him "fiery" or "intense" and "that's just Tiger." And they would be right... but Tiger is wrong. As Tiger introduces the game to so many new players, his actions are not a part of the game, or any game. Golf is the game of gentlemen - period! When you're on the course you conduct yourself like you've been there before, even if your game doesn't reflect it sometimes.....like mine for instance. I play golf every Sunday morning with three lifelong friends, and we handle ourselves much better than he does.
No one is slamming or throwing clubs, or treating those around us like dirt. We don't play as well as Tiger but we want to play our best. We get "fiery", and "focused" sometimes, but never disrespect our selves our partners, or the game. Golf teaches you honesty, respect, and can challenge you at times like no other game. It can teach you more about yourself that most other games. Because it's you against....you...and the course. What other game do you call a penalty on yourself?
I just wish for the sake of young people watching and idolizing Tiger, that he would set a better example more than just being great at the game. Yea, I saw him last week signing the hat of the scoreboard carrying kid, and the hat of the fan he drilled with an errant tee shot, but it's still more than that.
There's more to being a champion than just being the best, winning and re-writing the record books like he's doing. It's knowing that there's some kid out there trying to learn this game for the first time with you as his inspiration..and caring that he is watching your every move. But to be fair, I didn't think of those things at Tigers age either. But it's time he does. His game is unparalleled, now it's time for his behavior to be the same.
We've all watched Tiger grow up on TV and in the media. Now it's time for Tiger ....to just grow up!
Friday, May 8, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Star Trek
The summer blockbusters keep rolling out, and this week it's the much anticipated prequel, Star Trek. Not to be confused with the other Star Treks, this one goes back to the early life and rise to prominence of the young crew we've known for a couple of generations on the star ship Enterprise. You know the names. Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Sulu, Scotty and the rest. They are all here.
Let me first tell you I am not a huge fan of the whole Star Trek thing. Like you, I watched the TV show in syndication, and have seen some of the movies too. I didn't like many of them, but I loved Star Trek: The Wrath Of Kahn. I didn't care much for the Next Generation crew, TV show or movies. But I will say this, I loved this movie.
Star Trek is so skillfully done, it's tough to know exactly where to begin. A quick over view of this movie is simple. All good movies begin with a great story and Star Trek has one. This franchise never ceases to amaze people with the sheer smartness of the scripts, and twists and turns that you've not seen before. This has been their trademark since the TV show, and continues today. Great characters, wonderfully cast, and brilliantly refreshed for 2009, Star Trek really is great movie making as it reinvents itself yet again. Although this Star Trek could have used a stronger villian both in character and casting, it doesn't sink the ship here. It still works.
This Star Trek is filmed in the spirit of the TV show. Actors cast to resemble the original TV cast, (as younger versions of themselves) and their individual performances of each major character is terrific. Toss in a couple of fun cameo's and a really great performance by Leonard Nimoy as an aged Spock, and you have a real winner. He really makes this movie work.
Tons of action, slick special effects, a killer soundtrack and visuals a plenty, Star Trek is great summer time fun. But the real separator is the story, writing and the script. Star Trek is much smarter than the majority of summer movies, and that successfully takes it out of the "summer movie" category, and just flat out makes it a great movie - period.
Star Trek. Outstanding!
Let me first tell you I am not a huge fan of the whole Star Trek thing. Like you, I watched the TV show in syndication, and have seen some of the movies too. I didn't like many of them, but I loved Star Trek: The Wrath Of Kahn. I didn't care much for the Next Generation crew, TV show or movies. But I will say this, I loved this movie.
Star Trek is so skillfully done, it's tough to know exactly where to begin. A quick over view of this movie is simple. All good movies begin with a great story and Star Trek has one. This franchise never ceases to amaze people with the sheer smartness of the scripts, and twists and turns that you've not seen before. This has been their trademark since the TV show, and continues today. Great characters, wonderfully cast, and brilliantly refreshed for 2009, Star Trek really is great movie making as it reinvents itself yet again. Although this Star Trek could have used a stronger villian both in character and casting, it doesn't sink the ship here. It still works.
This Star Trek is filmed in the spirit of the TV show. Actors cast to resemble the original TV cast, (as younger versions of themselves) and their individual performances of each major character is terrific. Toss in a couple of fun cameo's and a really great performance by Leonard Nimoy as an aged Spock, and you have a real winner. He really makes this movie work.
Tons of action, slick special effects, a killer soundtrack and visuals a plenty, Star Trek is great summer time fun. But the real separator is the story, writing and the script. Star Trek is much smarter than the majority of summer movies, and that successfully takes it out of the "summer movie" category, and just flat out makes it a great movie - period.
Star Trek. Outstanding!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Complicated
Sue Wilson and I were on the air the other day on the WQMX morning show, going off on the recent surge in gas prices. Up like 31 cents basically overnight. So that day I went home looking for answers. The prevailing lame response that I heard time and time again all day on TV was - "Well, it's complicated." Blah, blah blah!
Yea OK I hear you, gas prices are complicated I get it. But if you think about it, this is the cop-out catch phrase of the day. When the experts we turn to for answers to important questions are backed up into the corner without any real substantive response, they yank out the "complicated defense." Question is....are these kid of problems really complicated?
I have a real sense that gas prices are not really all that complicated. Or a bevy of other daily subjects that routinely impact our lives from the outside are shoved off into the "complicatedland abyss." It just sounds a whole lot better than, "We have no real answer, we just know that you don't deserve a straight answer." So it becomes, "complicated."
I'll tell you what's complicated. Most Americans work schedules, the kids sports calender, being a teenager, sending kids to college and paying for it, saving for retirement, or figuring out a medical bill. The Rubik's Cube, learning to use your new Blackberry, and trying to get a real person on the customer service hot line when you have a problem. Now those are really complicated!
The truth is, life in our world today, is complicated. The things that matter have slowly become such, and that's a shame. We're all busy with our lives and families, deadlines, peer pressures, and trying to keep it all going forward. Work, taxes, ever changing rules and regulations in our public lives make it such. And it bleeds over.
Relationships with our families, both immediate and extended, siblings, aging parents, and the growing children we're raising. And, be honest have you ever seen a romantic relationship that gets less complicated as time goes on? Yea, me either. These are the things are truly complicated, and real. And many times, are worth the time and effort required to untangle the crissed-crossed web that has been spun by life in general.
Gas prices and the like - complicated?
I'm thinking not.
Yea OK I hear you, gas prices are complicated I get it. But if you think about it, this is the cop-out catch phrase of the day. When the experts we turn to for answers to important questions are backed up into the corner without any real substantive response, they yank out the "complicated defense." Question is....are these kid of problems really complicated?
I have a real sense that gas prices are not really all that complicated. Or a bevy of other daily subjects that routinely impact our lives from the outside are shoved off into the "complicatedland abyss." It just sounds a whole lot better than, "We have no real answer, we just know that you don't deserve a straight answer." So it becomes, "complicated."
I'll tell you what's complicated. Most Americans work schedules, the kids sports calender, being a teenager, sending kids to college and paying for it, saving for retirement, or figuring out a medical bill. The Rubik's Cube, learning to use your new Blackberry, and trying to get a real person on the customer service hot line when you have a problem. Now those are really complicated!
The truth is, life in our world today, is complicated. The things that matter have slowly become such, and that's a shame. We're all busy with our lives and families, deadlines, peer pressures, and trying to keep it all going forward. Work, taxes, ever changing rules and regulations in our public lives make it such. And it bleeds over.
Relationships with our families, both immediate and extended, siblings, aging parents, and the growing children we're raising. And, be honest have you ever seen a romantic relationship that gets less complicated as time goes on? Yea, me either. These are the things are truly complicated, and real. And many times, are worth the time and effort required to untangle the crissed-crossed web that has been spun by life in general.
Gas prices and the like - complicated?
I'm thinking not.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - X-Men Origins Wolverine
With the release of X-Men Origins Wolverine, the blockbuster summer movie season has officially begun. This one stars heartthrob Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and his life leading up to him being the X-Men character you've known in the first couple of X-Men movies.
Prequels have become very trendy in Hollywood over the past ten years or so. It gives movie makers a chance to tell more of a story, and make more money for a successful movie franchise. And XMOW is off to a great start at the box office. Cha-ching!
You know from the original X-Men movies, Wolverine is the indestructible mutant with the slashy metal blades that jet out from his hands. XMOW is the story of the government project that takes this "regular" mutant and gives him the gift of being indestructible. And of course, it's a project gone wrong and the government changes their mind, and has ulterior motives, and even sets out to kill our hero. Blah, blah, blah.......here we go again. The government gets it wrong, and is the big evil. Even if this the way you may feel about the Feds, have you seen this storyline enough? Can't anyone be more original?
To be very honest, if you're a fan of the X-Men you will love this movie. If you're not, or if you're not into superhero movies in general, this movie will miss with you. This is an over-the-top special effects fest on steroids. While there is plenty of action for all, much of this is just looks silly, and as I watched it I envisioned a bunch of 14 year - olds thinking how cool this all is. There is no new ground here, and the effects have been used in countless movies in the past. I found myself checking my watch more than a few times wondering when this pubescent picture was going to be over.
Although with all things in perspective, this is summer fun movie time, and at times this is. But by and large this flick thin on any kind of meaningful story, or dialogue to mention. The real downfall of XMOW is that we've seen this movie 150 times before in one way or another. The same effects, same silly spoken lines, and a soundtrack that sounds just like every other superhero movie ever made.
X-Men Origins Wolverine, If you're a fan, go and have fun. If you're being dragged along for the ride, or expecting to see something exciting and new....you'll be checking your watch too.
Prequels have become very trendy in Hollywood over the past ten years or so. It gives movie makers a chance to tell more of a story, and make more money for a successful movie franchise. And XMOW is off to a great start at the box office. Cha-ching!
You know from the original X-Men movies, Wolverine is the indestructible mutant with the slashy metal blades that jet out from his hands. XMOW is the story of the government project that takes this "regular" mutant and gives him the gift of being indestructible. And of course, it's a project gone wrong and the government changes their mind, and has ulterior motives, and even sets out to kill our hero. Blah, blah, blah.......here we go again. The government gets it wrong, and is the big evil. Even if this the way you may feel about the Feds, have you seen this storyline enough? Can't anyone be more original?
To be very honest, if you're a fan of the X-Men you will love this movie. If you're not, or if you're not into superhero movies in general, this movie will miss with you. This is an over-the-top special effects fest on steroids. While there is plenty of action for all, much of this is just looks silly, and as I watched it I envisioned a bunch of 14 year - olds thinking how cool this all is. There is no new ground here, and the effects have been used in countless movies in the past. I found myself checking my watch more than a few times wondering when this pubescent picture was going to be over.
Although with all things in perspective, this is summer fun movie time, and at times this is. But by and large this flick thin on any kind of meaningful story, or dialogue to mention. The real downfall of XMOW is that we've seen this movie 150 times before in one way or another. The same effects, same silly spoken lines, and a soundtrack that sounds just like every other superhero movie ever made.
X-Men Origins Wolverine, If you're a fan, go and have fun. If you're being dragged along for the ride, or expecting to see something exciting and new....you'll be checking your watch too.
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