It's always interesting to so see little, independent movies that are in limited release. And in very limited release is Cyrus.
Cyrus stars John C. Reilly, Marisa Tomei, Katherine Keener and Jonah Hill, who is Cyrus. This is a very interesting, and daring story to tell, as it is an indictment of sorts on soft parenting, single parent households and entitled children. As most Indy's, it is a little quirky and a bit off center. But it's honest, has a story to tell, and tells it well. Whether or not you want to look at this sea of dysfunction is your decision. With that said, this is considered a comedy. Be it a dark one.
John (Reilly) is a divorced, middle aged guy who doesn't have a lot going for him. He's still torn over his divorce 7 years ago from Jamie (Keener). He has terrible self esteem and somehow this "Shrek like" loser, ends up having a torrid affair with Molly (Tomei). She is young and beautiful, and has a 21 year old son, Cyrus. Cyrus is one strange young man, and he is always in the way.
Cyrus is trying to destroy the budding relationship between John and Molly. He is a lying, manipulative, underhanded kid, who has successfully put blinders on his mothers eyes about him and his ways. Cyrus is so strange, that you are wondering the whole time if there's something wrong with him or not. The only thing wrong with him is that he is one incredibly awful kid who has been pampered and spoiled his whole life, and has learned the system of running his mother. He's a mooch, with no motivation, and can only see what he wants.
The movie Cyrus is a very well told movie with Hill really taking center stage as our lead character. This is a "little" movie that won't be for everyone. Sometimes these kind of flicks are too off beat for many, but I enjoyed it. This was very honored at the Sundance Film Festival. If you are lucky enough to find this movie at the metroplex, it's the movie at the end of the hallway next to the concession stand that's never open, and you might have to turn on the projector yourself, but if you love off beat movies, this could be your call.
Cyrus. Proof positive that in the summer of big action thrillers and over the top special effects flicks, that there is still room for a good and new story that can be told. Off-beat, direct, and not for all, but still pretty good.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
100 Dogs
I'm a few days late with this, but I finally found some time to sit down and put pen to paper and talk about a real neat thing my partner Sue Wilson and I were lucky enough to be involved with last weekend.
We were asked to come down and be a part of the Adopt-A-Thon at "The Pound" Saturday morning. The Summit County animal control is moving to a new facility and they wanted to get all the dogs and cats adopted out before the big move. So teaming up with Paws and Prayers, One Of A Kind pets, and a TON of volunteers we went down and set up shop and get the word out.
Sue and I are both big animal lovers. We have sort of taken dogs, and animals in and made it something we are known for. Sue with two dogs, and me with one - rescues. We are both vested through the heart in making sure dogs with no home, can hopefully get one. Or ones that have lost their way in the world find thier way back home to the ones that love and lost them. This event could not have gone better.
Amazingly, as we arrived there were about 200 people already waiting in line for the chance to adopt a fully fixed, and vetted dog for only 10 dollars. We were both pretty excited to see such a great crowd, but neither one of us could have been prepared for what happened in two short hours. All 100 or so dogs were adopted out. We were shocked. Pleasantly, but shocked. The event was to go until four, but the dogs were all gone by 12 noon.
Think about that. At ten AM on a 100 degree Akron day, 100 homeless dogs were just hanging out at the pound. And at about 1pm or so, 100 lonely dogs were no longer so. They were more than likely getting a hose bath, or taken to the groomer. Maybe they were trying out a new bed, or blanket that had been bought or reserved just for them. And by 4pm, most were probably cleaned up, done sniffing about the new digs, and were grabbing their first restful nap in their new favorite place they didn't know existed 3 hours ago, in the air conditioning, with people that had fallen in love with them that same day. Ahhh! A new life had begun. A second chance. Isn't that all anyone really ever asks for?
We were so proud to be a part of this and if you had any hand in this, you should be proud too. Even if your part was simply keeping a good thought for the lonely pooches, or saying a prayer for them. It seemed to work. If you love animals, and heard of this event, you had a part in it. It was impossible not to quietly root for a miracle. And we got one. Understand too, that the need goes on long after today. Dogs will continue to come in, new shelter or not, and will always need your help and thoughts, but bless the lucky dogs that went home that day.
It was a good day for both man, and beast. Sue, me and 100 comfy dogs thank you!
We were asked to come down and be a part of the Adopt-A-Thon at "The Pound" Saturday morning. The Summit County animal control is moving to a new facility and they wanted to get all the dogs and cats adopted out before the big move. So teaming up with Paws and Prayers, One Of A Kind pets, and a TON of volunteers we went down and set up shop and get the word out.
Sue and I are both big animal lovers. We have sort of taken dogs, and animals in and made it something we are known for. Sue with two dogs, and me with one - rescues. We are both vested through the heart in making sure dogs with no home, can hopefully get one. Or ones that have lost their way in the world find thier way back home to the ones that love and lost them. This event could not have gone better.
Amazingly, as we arrived there were about 200 people already waiting in line for the chance to adopt a fully fixed, and vetted dog for only 10 dollars. We were both pretty excited to see such a great crowd, but neither one of us could have been prepared for what happened in two short hours. All 100 or so dogs were adopted out. We were shocked. Pleasantly, but shocked. The event was to go until four, but the dogs were all gone by 12 noon.
Think about that. At ten AM on a 100 degree Akron day, 100 homeless dogs were just hanging out at the pound. And at about 1pm or so, 100 lonely dogs were no longer so. They were more than likely getting a hose bath, or taken to the groomer. Maybe they were trying out a new bed, or blanket that had been bought or reserved just for them. And by 4pm, most were probably cleaned up, done sniffing about the new digs, and were grabbing their first restful nap in their new favorite place they didn't know existed 3 hours ago, in the air conditioning, with people that had fallen in love with them that same day. Ahhh! A new life had begun. A second chance. Isn't that all anyone really ever asks for?
We were so proud to be a part of this and if you had any hand in this, you should be proud too. Even if your part was simply keeping a good thought for the lonely pooches, or saying a prayer for them. It seemed to work. If you love animals, and heard of this event, you had a part in it. It was impossible not to quietly root for a miracle. And we got one. Understand too, that the need goes on long after today. Dogs will continue to come in, new shelter or not, and will always need your help and thoughts, but bless the lucky dogs that went home that day.
It was a good day for both man, and beast. Sue, me and 100 comfy dogs thank you!
Monday, July 26, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Salt
Angelina Jolie is back at the box office as a rogue CIA agent in Salt.
Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt. A highly decorated CIA agent that in a flash is accused of being a Russian spy, sent here to infiltrate the American Government. Her actions in theory could be so devastating that the entire existence of the United States could hang in the balance. She could commit crimes so heinous that she could become the patsy for creating nuclear war, and murdering heads of states, that would infuriate the entire world and isolate the USA. That in nutshell is Salt.
The entire idea of this story is actually a good one. The story in its rawest form is interesting and imaginative. But in a movie making sense, it ends up being a good idea, thrown away in a sell-out, video game action flick.
This seems like a role Jolie would be born to play, and maybe it is. But the sad part is that there isn't really any acting here. This is one action sequence after another, time and time again. Jolie running here, and there, her jumping off of this and that. Her shooting this person and this person, and never getting it wrong. The idea of the character of Salt is a good one, but any good character developed has to have some fallibility, and she doesn't.
Salt never makes a mistake, she wins every fight, and somehow kills, or severely injures dozens of male agents from various US agencies like they are school kids. Her plans are always executed to absolute perfection, and no one in the country seems to be able to even run as fast as she does. Salt is a mismatch for every highly trained agent she comes in contact with, and never gets a scratch. Killing her enemies in about 2 seconds, many times with her bare hands
No one minds a little Hollywood embellishment, but this movie is so ridiculous, that after a while it can't be taken seriously. Jolie as Lora Croft was one thing, that's fantasy, and a video game. This is supposed to be somewhat believable, but it turns out to be cartoonish and silly.
To be fair, there is some really nice stunt work done here, especially in a very compelling escape scene where Salt jumps from truck to truck to truck top in her effort to elude authorities. And if it's total action you want there is no lack if it here. James Newton Howard's musical soundtrack is strong and determined and is a real asset. But overall this is a good idea wasted.
Salt's biggest problem is that it thinks it smarter than it really is. It is predictable and you more than likely will be ahead of the plot line. That takes away a ton of the drama. Most will be able to figure this out with no real problem long before it plays out. Add that up with the previous problems and you've got problems. But...it is summer and maybe a mindless action flick may be in your plans. And hang on, the door is open for more Salt pics to be made.
Salt. She's too perfect and the movie making is not. Pass the Salt.
Jolie stars as Evelyn Salt. A highly decorated CIA agent that in a flash is accused of being a Russian spy, sent here to infiltrate the American Government. Her actions in theory could be so devastating that the entire existence of the United States could hang in the balance. She could commit crimes so heinous that she could become the patsy for creating nuclear war, and murdering heads of states, that would infuriate the entire world and isolate the USA. That in nutshell is Salt.
The entire idea of this story is actually a good one. The story in its rawest form is interesting and imaginative. But in a movie making sense, it ends up being a good idea, thrown away in a sell-out, video game action flick.
This seems like a role Jolie would be born to play, and maybe it is. But the sad part is that there isn't really any acting here. This is one action sequence after another, time and time again. Jolie running here, and there, her jumping off of this and that. Her shooting this person and this person, and never getting it wrong. The idea of the character of Salt is a good one, but any good character developed has to have some fallibility, and she doesn't.
Salt never makes a mistake, she wins every fight, and somehow kills, or severely injures dozens of male agents from various US agencies like they are school kids. Her plans are always executed to absolute perfection, and no one in the country seems to be able to even run as fast as she does. Salt is a mismatch for every highly trained agent she comes in contact with, and never gets a scratch. Killing her enemies in about 2 seconds, many times with her bare hands
No one minds a little Hollywood embellishment, but this movie is so ridiculous, that after a while it can't be taken seriously. Jolie as Lora Croft was one thing, that's fantasy, and a video game. This is supposed to be somewhat believable, but it turns out to be cartoonish and silly.
To be fair, there is some really nice stunt work done here, especially in a very compelling escape scene where Salt jumps from truck to truck to truck top in her effort to elude authorities. And if it's total action you want there is no lack if it here. James Newton Howard's musical soundtrack is strong and determined and is a real asset. But overall this is a good idea wasted.
Salt's biggest problem is that it thinks it smarter than it really is. It is predictable and you more than likely will be ahead of the plot line. That takes away a ton of the drama. Most will be able to figure this out with no real problem long before it plays out. Add that up with the previous problems and you've got problems. But...it is summer and maybe a mindless action flick may be in your plans. And hang on, the door is open for more Salt pics to be made.
Salt. She's too perfect and the movie making is not. Pass the Salt.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
MOVIE REVIEW - Inception
Leonardo Dicaprio stars in the new thriller, Inception.
When I first saw this trailer for this movie a few months ago, I thought it looked like a typical thriller, that may be a bit of thinking mans movie. Looked like it might be pretty interesting. and after seeing it, I guess parts of it are. But for heavens sake let's make a point, tell a story and move along. That is NOT Inceptions intentions or execution.
Inception is the story of "dream sharing". Techniques developed to probe dreams of others, and sharing your own. They seem real, and there are consequences to peeking into, and participating in other peoples dreams while they sleep. The technique of "inception" is the planting of ideas in someones mind in their dreams while they sleep. The idea is to ultimately change the world by altering processes through dreams.
First, much of this from a movie making standpoint is really great. Some really slick, and at times jaw dropping effects that make you go "whew." The soundtrack is strong and powerful and well written into the production of this movie. And the basic story is really an interesting one in it's raw form.
But that's where this movie is going to lose people. Inception is so deep, so complicated, and so hard to follow a times, many patrons simply gave up and threw their hands up at the theater. How can you tell? Numerous people getting up to answer calls, go get drinks, bathroom at about the same time, many times. Lots of questions asked in the audience too. In a nutshell, I think many just became bored with having to follow every single word, and nuance. At it's end you could see that many were just glad it was over. There's way too much dialogue that moves too fast, and after a while, you're done. This movie simply tries too hard to be......smart.
And belabored? My gosh, this is all entirely, way, way way, too long. Flashback here, forward here, backtracking here. Who is who? It's just boring after while, and you just want something to happen that you can follow. This is a good idea that goes haywire.
If you hear tons of national critics saying how great this move is, beware. Many are going to be afraid to hit this movie in the mouth for fear of looking like they don't understand it. Or that it's Dicaprio so therefore it must be great. I understood it for most part, and I still say it's way too many things that are hard to follow and tedious. At two hours-twenty two minutes of no room for missing one word or be lost, it simply doesn't work.
Inception. This movie will lose many after about 20 minutes for various and different reasons. It's so belabored, it really doesn't work. Good idea, bad Inception execution.
When I first saw this trailer for this movie a few months ago, I thought it looked like a typical thriller, that may be a bit of thinking mans movie. Looked like it might be pretty interesting. and after seeing it, I guess parts of it are. But for heavens sake let's make a point, tell a story and move along. That is NOT Inceptions intentions or execution.
Inception is the story of "dream sharing". Techniques developed to probe dreams of others, and sharing your own. They seem real, and there are consequences to peeking into, and participating in other peoples dreams while they sleep. The technique of "inception" is the planting of ideas in someones mind in their dreams while they sleep. The idea is to ultimately change the world by altering processes through dreams.
First, much of this from a movie making standpoint is really great. Some really slick, and at times jaw dropping effects that make you go "whew." The soundtrack is strong and powerful and well written into the production of this movie. And the basic story is really an interesting one in it's raw form.
But that's where this movie is going to lose people. Inception is so deep, so complicated, and so hard to follow a times, many patrons simply gave up and threw their hands up at the theater. How can you tell? Numerous people getting up to answer calls, go get drinks, bathroom at about the same time, many times. Lots of questions asked in the audience too. In a nutshell, I think many just became bored with having to follow every single word, and nuance. At it's end you could see that many were just glad it was over. There's way too much dialogue that moves too fast, and after a while, you're done. This movie simply tries too hard to be......smart.
And belabored? My gosh, this is all entirely, way, way way, too long. Flashback here, forward here, backtracking here. Who is who? It's just boring after while, and you just want something to happen that you can follow. This is a good idea that goes haywire.
If you hear tons of national critics saying how great this move is, beware. Many are going to be afraid to hit this movie in the mouth for fear of looking like they don't understand it. Or that it's Dicaprio so therefore it must be great. I understood it for most part, and I still say it's way too many things that are hard to follow and tedious. At two hours-twenty two minutes of no room for missing one word or be lost, it simply doesn't work.
Inception. This movie will lose many after about 20 minutes for various and different reasons. It's so belabored, it really doesn't work. Good idea, bad Inception execution.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Sorcerers Apprentice
New this weekend, The Sorcerers Apprentice a the box office, destined to be a big hit.
Right up front, if you were a fan of the National Treasure movies that Nicolas Cage starred in, you will more than likely be a fan of this Cage flick. Although the story is very different, they have the same feel. Families again, benefit from another Disney movie. TSA, is really fun for all and maybe it's strongest selling point, especially for me, it's not animated. I am not anti-animation a the movies, but there is just so much of it and more on the way.
TSA is the mythical story of the Sorcerer (Cage) and his hundreds of years of searching for the next sorcerer that will save all of mankind from the evil that exists in the world. Baltazar (Cage) does have his enemies in the magical world, and he needs to find the new sorcerer to carry on. His search leads him to New York City, where he finds him. And the apprenticeship is on. And so is the race to teach him quickly enough, to stand in the way of evil, and save all of mankind from being "enslaved" by the evil world.
TSA is a fun movie with some rally nice effects, and also a well written script that keeps every ones interest. The story for the most part stays focused, and on track. Cage is strong here, and so is co-star Alfred Molina as our evil sorcerer. Although this movies seems tidy and wrapped up, upon further review you can see the door begin left open for this saga to go on in movies still to come.
The Sorcerers Apprentice. This is not fantactic Disney magic, or anything that is over the top great. But it is again, more family fun. Well done!
Right up front, if you were a fan of the National Treasure movies that Nicolas Cage starred in, you will more than likely be a fan of this Cage flick. Although the story is very different, they have the same feel. Families again, benefit from another Disney movie. TSA, is really fun for all and maybe it's strongest selling point, especially for me, it's not animated. I am not anti-animation a the movies, but there is just so much of it and more on the way.
TSA is the mythical story of the Sorcerer (Cage) and his hundreds of years of searching for the next sorcerer that will save all of mankind from the evil that exists in the world. Baltazar (Cage) does have his enemies in the magical world, and he needs to find the new sorcerer to carry on. His search leads him to New York City, where he finds him. And the apprenticeship is on. And so is the race to teach him quickly enough, to stand in the way of evil, and save all of mankind from being "enslaved" by the evil world.
TSA is a fun movie with some rally nice effects, and also a well written script that keeps every ones interest. The story for the most part stays focused, and on track. Cage is strong here, and so is co-star Alfred Molina as our evil sorcerer. Although this movies seems tidy and wrapped up, upon further review you can see the door begin left open for this saga to go on in movies still to come.
The Sorcerers Apprentice. This is not fantactic Disney magic, or anything that is over the top great. But it is again, more family fun. Well done!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
I'm Taking My Talents to Lock 3
I am very glad to be here in Northeast Ohio, and the Akron Hamburger Festival is one of the reasons why. How many things in life are more worth celebrating than the hamburger? It might just be the worlds perfect food.
Shockingly, I am not calling a one hour press conference on national TV to announce that I'm going to the festival, not because it's ill-advised and not very well thought out. But because it wouldn't be enough time for me to adequately express my sincere appreciation for America's best dish. Also, I'm doubting there would be a huge national backlash about some guy talking up the burger at dinner time on some self absorbed cable network.
I decided over the past three years in conference with some of my best friends that we would be attending the festival together this year. We've all had other obligations the past year or two, but now we are all free to go take our talents to Lock 3 and eat hamburgers together. It really is a dream come true for all of us. It was a tough decision on whether to go this year or not. But when I woke up this morning, I talked to my mom, and she said, "In the end, if going to the Hamburger festival makes you happy I think you should go. Your happiness is all that matters." And that was all I needed to hear. I knew I had made the best decision for me.
I think the Akron Hamburger Festival is a good idea. There has been controversy over the years about who invented the burger, where and how. And to be honest I don't care. It's here, and that's all I care about. Why shouldn't we all get together one weekend a summer at beautiful Lock 3 and knock down a few burgers together? We'll probably find a brew or two, listen to some music, walk around and scope out the next burger were going to eat.
On the other hand, there are rumors of talks or seminars on the history of the burger, and I don't need that. And, I don't need to see over sized guys eating burgers at a break neck pace in some silly contest, or any related speed eating display of buffoonery. I've seen, and heard enough buffoonery over the past week or so to last me a while.
So in the cover of darkness, I am going to sneak off from my safe house in the suburbs in my private Ford Focus, with my guys, away from the paparazzi. And make my way to the biggest party in town at Lock 3 to the Akron Hamburger Festival and have the time of my life. With any luck, they'll work out a long term deal, and guarantee my attendance for the next 5-6 years or so. This could become a winning tradition for years to come.
Not having or loving the Hamburger Festival in unimaginable. That would be like getting booed at a wedding, Who does that?
See you at Lock 3!
Shockingly, I am not calling a one hour press conference on national TV to announce that I'm going to the festival, not because it's ill-advised and not very well thought out. But because it wouldn't be enough time for me to adequately express my sincere appreciation for America's best dish. Also, I'm doubting there would be a huge national backlash about some guy talking up the burger at dinner time on some self absorbed cable network.
I decided over the past three years in conference with some of my best friends that we would be attending the festival together this year. We've all had other obligations the past year or two, but now we are all free to go take our talents to Lock 3 and eat hamburgers together. It really is a dream come true for all of us. It was a tough decision on whether to go this year or not. But when I woke up this morning, I talked to my mom, and she said, "In the end, if going to the Hamburger festival makes you happy I think you should go. Your happiness is all that matters." And that was all I needed to hear. I knew I had made the best decision for me.
I think the Akron Hamburger Festival is a good idea. There has been controversy over the years about who invented the burger, where and how. And to be honest I don't care. It's here, and that's all I care about. Why shouldn't we all get together one weekend a summer at beautiful Lock 3 and knock down a few burgers together? We'll probably find a brew or two, listen to some music, walk around and scope out the next burger were going to eat.
On the other hand, there are rumors of talks or seminars on the history of the burger, and I don't need that. And, I don't need to see over sized guys eating burgers at a break neck pace in some silly contest, or any related speed eating display of buffoonery. I've seen, and heard enough buffoonery over the past week or so to last me a while.
So in the cover of darkness, I am going to sneak off from my safe house in the suburbs in my private Ford Focus, with my guys, away from the paparazzi. And make my way to the biggest party in town at Lock 3 to the Akron Hamburger Festival and have the time of my life. With any luck, they'll work out a long term deal, and guarantee my attendance for the next 5-6 years or so. This could become a winning tradition for years to come.
Not having or loving the Hamburger Festival in unimaginable. That would be like getting booed at a wedding, Who does that?
See you at Lock 3!
MOVIE REVIEW - Despicable Me
More animation at the movie this summer, and with the previews I saw, there is muc more to come. This week it's the new Despicable Me, starring the voice of funnyman, Steve Carell.
It's the story of Gru, (Carell). He is the worst criminal in the world. Stealing thing after thing, including many things you could never imagine being stolen. After someone steals the pyramids (that's right) Gru gets the idea he is going to steal the moon! And sets out to do so long before his arch rival Vector does. But there is a stumbling block for our diabolical Gru.
He adopts 3 little girls who are selling cookies, as his "in" to Vectors house. He needs an invention Vector has come up with that shrinks items down to a mini copy of itself, including the moon. Trouble is, he decides he really loves these three little girls, and has a change of heart, and will he change his despicable ways and be a dad? Or not? That is DM in a nutshell.
I think we all know at this point that the 3-D and animation in these movies are really terrific, and get better all the time. So these movies have to really pay attention to the story that they will tell. I have to admit, on seeing the previews here I was less than enamored with this whole idea. Plus I thought the name was stupid too. Truth be told, this is a real adorable movie.
This story has a lot more heart and soul than you would think. Plus, the vocal performances of Carell, Jason Segal, plus the lesser known voices of the three little girls make this movie a real winner. Plus the little "minions" that are Gru's helpers in crime, are really funny and provide some great laughs. I think too, this movie has a silly name. I'm not so sure what I'd change it to, but Despicable Me doesn't work for me or this movie.
This is this summers Up. It's not going to be as critically acclaimed or more than likely as successful. But Despicable Me is a real, real winner. Go and take the kids, have a ball. And laugh, and laugh. Well done!
It's the story of Gru, (Carell). He is the worst criminal in the world. Stealing thing after thing, including many things you could never imagine being stolen. After someone steals the pyramids (that's right) Gru gets the idea he is going to steal the moon! And sets out to do so long before his arch rival Vector does. But there is a stumbling block for our diabolical Gru.
He adopts 3 little girls who are selling cookies, as his "in" to Vectors house. He needs an invention Vector has come up with that shrinks items down to a mini copy of itself, including the moon. Trouble is, he decides he really loves these three little girls, and has a change of heart, and will he change his despicable ways and be a dad? Or not? That is DM in a nutshell.
I think we all know at this point that the 3-D and animation in these movies are really terrific, and get better all the time. So these movies have to really pay attention to the story that they will tell. I have to admit, on seeing the previews here I was less than enamored with this whole idea. Plus I thought the name was stupid too. Truth be told, this is a real adorable movie.
This story has a lot more heart and soul than you would think. Plus, the vocal performances of Carell, Jason Segal, plus the lesser known voices of the three little girls make this movie a real winner. Plus the little "minions" that are Gru's helpers in crime, are really funny and provide some great laughs. I think too, this movie has a silly name. I'm not so sure what I'd change it to, but Despicable Me doesn't work for me or this movie.
This is this summers Up. It's not going to be as critically acclaimed or more than likely as successful. But Despicable Me is a real, real winner. Go and take the kids, have a ball. And laugh, and laugh. Well done!
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