My friend Jedi Jawa gets out to see many more new movie releases than do I. Apparently, Jedi has (a) a whole lot less responsibility than I; thus (b) more idle time; and (c) more disposable cash, with which he can afford that popcorn with extra fake butter.
Me? I gotta go the combo route when I finally make it to the theater. Dialogue I overhear in the kid's line while I'm ordering the #2--which comes with the candy of your choice, along with unbuttered popcorn and a medium soda, by the way--is pretty interesting, and keeps me feelin' young.
Anyway, Jedi made it out to see the newest Bond movie this past weekend, and sent me some comments on it. In typical Jedi style, the comments were full of big words I didn't understand, and it was a paragraph or two too long. But, I owe him one. So, he's the guest reviewer for Casino Royale.
It's a good review. Here is: "How I Spent My Weekend" by Jedi Jawa.
I went to see the new James Bond movie "Casino Royale" this weekend, the 21st official James Bond film (yes, there have been a few unofficial ones).
First, I have to say that this movie really surprised me by just how good that it was. Every time that a new James Bond is rolled out there is that adjustment as you get the last Bond out of your mind and you try to size the new one up to the likes of Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and even George Lazenby (if you just said "George who?" then you are not a hard core Bond fan). The new Bond is Daniel Craig and (for the ladies) he is far more physical and muscular than the previous Bonds. For the guys he is by far the most ruthless of the other Bonds and many times I thought of him as a "blue eyed assassin" as the film progressed. He is deadly serious in a way similar to Timothy Dalton; he doesn't womanize like Roger Moore but uses women to achieve his goals more like Sean Connery without the same leve l of callous indifference; yet there is still something about the way that he looks at women that invokes George Lazenby who was the only Bond to ever marry (though it was short lived).
"Casino Royale" is based off of the first Bond book written by Ian Fleming, Bond's creator, in 1953. In turn, the first Bond movie, "Dr. No", was actually based off of the 6th Bond book by Fleming. This is the final of Fleming's books to be adapted to film with the last one being "The Living Daylights". What makes this movie instantly different from the earlier ones is that it is like a prequel except that it is not set before the events of "Dr. No". That means that Bond gets to show up as a newly commissioned "double 0" spy without having to use the clunky technology of the 1960s or having to go back and use someone other than Judi Dench who replaced the original "M" starting with "Goldeneye". Actually, gadgets are not a focus of this film and "Q" does not make an appearance which should not be surprising because "Q" did not appear until several books into Fleming's development of the would-be franchise. What does appear is a lot of action and we see Bond at his grittiest in this chapter of the Bond franchise. I grew up watching Roger Moore who was quick with a joke and tended to shoot from a distance and barely ruffle his feathers in dispensing with his foes. This Bond gets bloodied and physical in his fights in a way that makes the violence more graphic but also more realistic. This film was the first time that I can recall seeing Bond use significant martial arts training in his combat as well.
There is plenty of intrigue and action to be had as we see Bond's early days in MI6 unfold. From a high stakes game of Texas Hold Em (originally Baccarat in the book) to Bond's first meeting with his CIA friend Felix Leiter, the film keeps delivering on the standard Bond elements of interesting bad guys and beautiful vistas while throwing in some new twists as well. For instance, this is the first Bond film that does not open with the dancing Bond girls in the credits. It also does not have the usual teaser opening as all of the previous films have had. Most people will probably not notice this and it is not a distracting break from tradition. This film certainly sets up the expectation of good things coming to the Bond franchise and I think that they have found a Bond that will have a wide appeal after the lukewarm fan feelings of the last two Bond actors (who I personally liked ... particularly Dalton who many seemed to hate).
All in all, it was a very good addition t o the Bond franchise and, as it says at the end of all Bond films, "James Bond will return." They mean it as Craig has been signed to do at least one more film tentatively named "Bond 22" to be released in November 2008.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Robert Altman
According to the AP, Robert Altman, the legendary film director, has died at age 81.
ZUMA Press
My favorite Altman film is M*A*S*H. Most message movies tend to lose poignancy after a few years, but I though M*A*S*H stayed relevant.
What was your favorite Altman flick?
ZUMA Press
My favorite Altman film is M*A*S*H. Most message movies tend to lose poignancy after a few years, but I though M*A*S*H stayed relevant.What was your favorite Altman flick?
Taking A Stand
From AOL News: ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 21) - "Relatives of a missing boy's mother who killed herself after aggressive questioning by CNN's Nancy Grace sued the network and the talk-show host Tuesday, claiming Grace caused emotional distress that led to the suicide.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Melinda Duckett committed suicide Sept. 8, a day after CNN Headline News aired a segment in which Grace grilled Duckett about her whereabouts Aug. 27 - the day 2-year-old Trenton Duckett was reported missing. Authorities, who said last week they believe the boy is alive, have named Duckett as the prime suspect in his disappearance."
No matter the result of this lawsuit, I hope it serves to reshape how the 24 hour "news channels" carry out their work.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Melinda Duckett committed suicide Sept. 8, a day after CNN Headline News aired a segment in which Grace grilled Duckett about her whereabouts Aug. 27 - the day 2-year-old Trenton Duckett was reported missing. Authorities, who said last week they believe the boy is alive, have named Duckett as the prime suspect in his disappearance."No matter the result of this lawsuit, I hope it serves to reshape how the 24 hour "news channels" carry out their work.
Slightly Exaggerated Thanksgiving Memories
At my parent's home each Thanksgiving-- after a big turkey dinner and before the Detroit Lions played some other team that afternoon--my brother and I would move furniture out of the middle of the living room, get the tall, plastic trash-can-that-was-never-used-as-a-trash-can from the closet and announce:
"It's Thanksgiving Game time!"
Our four and five-year-old nieces and nephews would come a-runnin'. We would remind them of the rules: (1) You will have the plastic trash can placed over your head and shoulders so that you can't see; (2) You will be spun around fast, until you get dizzy; (3) We will throw soft pillows at you while you try and keep your balance; and (4) If you can stay upright, you win the game.
The Thanksgiving Game was simply a ruse that allowed my brother and me to pelt small, dizzy kids with pillows. There was no winner, as the game was always extended for as long as it took to finally drop the kid to the floor. Even if a kid had stayed upright, there was no prize to be awarded.
It was a con. A fun con, but a con nonetheless.
Later in the evening--and without being plied by alcohol, I should add--we would typically stage a Round-Robin Tournament of something we called Indian Wrestling. It was similar to arm wrestling and thumb wrestling, except this competition used the legs. I never won, but my Mom usually did. She was a real competitor, and had great technique. Even at our physical peak, we kids never stood a chance against her.
Central, rural West Virginia in the early 80s. What else you gonna do for entertainment?
Life seems a bit more complicated these days, what with the hustle and bustle of the season, and family members living farther apart than they did twenty-five years ago. And kids certainly have more entertainment options than I had back in the day. Indian wrestling? Yeah, right...maybe if the electricity in the house goes out and the battery in the Gameboy eventually dies.
More options may not necessarily mean more fun, though.
I could still take most people best two-out-of three.
"It's Thanksgiving Game time!"
Our four and five-year-old nieces and nephews would come a-runnin'. We would remind them of the rules: (1) You will have the plastic trash can placed over your head and shoulders so that you can't see; (2) You will be spun around fast, until you get dizzy; (3) We will throw soft pillows at you while you try and keep your balance; and (4) If you can stay upright, you win the game.
The Thanksgiving Game was simply a ruse that allowed my brother and me to pelt small, dizzy kids with pillows. There was no winner, as the game was always extended for as long as it took to finally drop the kid to the floor. Even if a kid had stayed upright, there was no prize to be awarded.
It was a con. A fun con, but a con nonetheless.
Later in the evening--and without being plied by alcohol, I should add--we would typically stage a Round-Robin Tournament of something we called Indian Wrestling. It was similar to arm wrestling and thumb wrestling, except this competition used the legs. I never won, but my Mom usually did. She was a real competitor, and had great technique. Even at our physical peak, we kids never stood a chance against her.
Central, rural West Virginia in the early 80s. What else you gonna do for entertainment?
Life seems a bit more complicated these days, what with the hustle and bustle of the season, and family members living farther apart than they did twenty-five years ago. And kids certainly have more entertainment options than I had back in the day. Indian wrestling? Yeah, right...maybe if the electricity in the house goes out and the battery in the Gameboy eventually dies.
More options may not necessarily mean more fun, though.
I could still take most people best two-out-of three.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is the kind of film that frustrates me. A bunch. The sort of movie that has all the necessary pieces to be a classic--an inventive way to tell the story, solid acting, some of the best written dialogue in recent years--but somehow, finds a way to fall a bit short.
And this film does. Falls a bit short, that is. It's still a fine movie, but it could have been great.
Robert Downey, Jr. stars as Harry Lockhart, a low-rent thief who happens into a new lifestyle and potential gig as an actor in Hollywood. He takes up with Gay Perry (played cooly by Val Kilmer), a Private Dick hired to show Lockhart the ropes. Michele Monoghan's character, Holly, hooks up with the duo and drags them into a case that is complicated, surreal and deadly.
Downey is terrific as Lockhart, who tries to be a tough guy despite his penchant for tenderness. He carries the film, and does double duty as it's star and narrator. Kilmer is solid in his supporting role. Michele Monghan--who I don't recall seeing before this--was quite good as the stereotypical chick who's probably smarter than she is pretending to be.
Together, the three make a formidable team. There is chemistry, and there is suspense. The problem is, I think, there is no real substance.
Kiss, Kiss plays up the idea that this story is a few days in the real life of the central character, and tries to look-and-feel real life. Unfortunately, in movies--even good ones, like this--that can come across as rather bland.
And this film does. Falls a bit short, that is. It's still a fine movie, but it could have been great.
Robert Downey, Jr. stars as Harry Lockhart, a low-rent thief who happens into a new lifestyle and potential gig as an actor in Hollywood. He takes up with Gay Perry (played cooly by Val Kilmer), a Private Dick hired to show Lockhart the ropes. Michele Monoghan's character, Holly, hooks up with the duo and drags them into a case that is complicated, surreal and deadly.
Downey is terrific as Lockhart, who tries to be a tough guy despite his penchant for tenderness. He carries the film, and does double duty as it's star and narrator. Kilmer is solid in his supporting role. Michele Monghan--who I don't recall seeing before this--was quite good as the stereotypical chick who's probably smarter than she is pretending to be.
Together, the three make a formidable team. There is chemistry, and there is suspense. The problem is, I think, there is no real substance.
Kiss, Kiss plays up the idea that this story is a few days in the real life of the central character, and tries to look-and-feel real life. Unfortunately, in movies--even good ones, like this--that can come across as rather bland.
Festivas
Damn...
Talk about an Airing Of Grievances. Perhaps feeling insecure about no longer being the Master of His Domain, Michael Richards comes off like the Soup Nazi while performing stand-up in LA.
Enough with the puns, already. And with intolerant, boorish behavior...
Talk about an Airing Of Grievances. Perhaps feeling insecure about no longer being the Master of His Domain, Michael Richards comes off like the Soup Nazi while performing stand-up in LA.Enough with the puns, already. And with intolerant, boorish behavior...
The Butterfly Effect 2
The small decisions.
Those little choices we make without a great deal of thought sometimes become the first link in a chain of life events that can spiral horribly out of control, or change positively the direction of one's life. Those brief moments where --when some years later, during a moment of reflection--we think: "If only I had..."
If only.
I had a serious crush on Mary during my freshman and sophomore years in high school. But she was out of my league, I thought, so I didn't ask her out. I was too scared, and too insecure. I eventually began a serious relationship with another girl who, during my senior year, inspired me to go to college.
Mary sat immediately beside me during graduation. About mid-way through the ceremony, she leaned in and whispered: "You probably don't know this, but I've always had a crush on you." I wanted then and there to ask her out. By that time I'd developed the confidence to, and she suggested she would be willing to go on a date. All I had to do was ask her out.
I passed.
Instead, I smiled and told her I hoped we kept in touch after graduation.
We haven't.
Not asking her out at that moment kept me on a course to college, during which time I: fell into a niche career path that would not have been possible elsewhere at the time; met and fell in love with my wife; and raised a bunch of wonderful and interesting kids along the way.
"If only I had..." may well have eliminated those possibilities.
Such is the Butterfly Effect: the term used in Chaos Theory to demonstrate how physical systems -no matter how complex they may be - rely upon an underlying order, and that very simple or small systems and events can cause very complex behaviors or events. In other words, a butterfly flapping it's wings in the United States may cause a monsoon months later in Asia.
(I looked that up, just to be sure.)
It's this theory that served as the inspiration for The Butterfly Effect (2004) staring Ashton Kutcher. The Butterfly Effect 2 is pretty much the same movie as the original (which was a movie I liked), with a less talented cast and not-as-impressive special effects.
Here's the skinny: One tragic event in 2004--that occurs on the birthday of a central character-- changes the lives of four friends. Nick, played by Jason Lively, soon realizes he has the ability to go back to that day and change it so that the outcome isn't as tragic. His plan backfires, of course, when he realizes that his changing history effected other aspects of the lives he and his friends have lived. Sometimes dramatically so. He goes back and forth through time during the course of that year to change events, and remedy problems his actions have created.
The Butterfly Effect 2 isn't a great movie, but it's not the worst I've seen this year. It lasts only 90 minutes or so, if you have nothing else to do...
Those little choices we make without a great deal of thought sometimes become the first link in a chain of life events that can spiral horribly out of control, or change positively the direction of one's life. Those brief moments where --when some years later, during a moment of reflection--we think: "If only I had..."
If only.
I had a serious crush on Mary during my freshman and sophomore years in high school. But she was out of my league, I thought, so I didn't ask her out. I was too scared, and too insecure. I eventually began a serious relationship with another girl who, during my senior year, inspired me to go to college.
Mary sat immediately beside me during graduation. About mid-way through the ceremony, she leaned in and whispered: "You probably don't know this, but I've always had a crush on you." I wanted then and there to ask her out. By that time I'd developed the confidence to, and she suggested she would be willing to go on a date. All I had to do was ask her out.
I passed.
Instead, I smiled and told her I hoped we kept in touch after graduation.
We haven't.
Not asking her out at that moment kept me on a course to college, during which time I: fell into a niche career path that would not have been possible elsewhere at the time; met and fell in love with my wife; and raised a bunch of wonderful and interesting kids along the way.
"If only I had..." may well have eliminated those possibilities.
Such is the Butterfly Effect: the term used in Chaos Theory to demonstrate how physical systems -no matter how complex they may be - rely upon an underlying order, and that very simple or small systems and events can cause very complex behaviors or events. In other words, a butterfly flapping it's wings in the United States may cause a monsoon months later in Asia.
(I looked that up, just to be sure.)It's this theory that served as the inspiration for The Butterfly Effect (2004) staring Ashton Kutcher. The Butterfly Effect 2 is pretty much the same movie as the original (which was a movie I liked), with a less talented cast and not-as-impressive special effects.
Here's the skinny: One tragic event in 2004--that occurs on the birthday of a central character-- changes the lives of four friends. Nick, played by Jason Lively, soon realizes he has the ability to go back to that day and change it so that the outcome isn't as tragic. His plan backfires, of course, when he realizes that his changing history effected other aspects of the lives he and his friends have lived. Sometimes dramatically so. He goes back and forth through time during the course of that year to change events, and remedy problems his actions have created.
The Butterfly Effect 2 isn't a great movie, but it's not the worst I've seen this year. It lasts only 90 minutes or so, if you have nothing else to do...
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Pink: It's The Color Of Passion
It started as some guy's idea to raise awareness of breast cancer. Quickly, it turned into an ordeal that divided and embarrassed the town. (Photo by: Louis Brems/The Herald-Dispatch.)
From start (The Painter simply started painting city property without asking permission) to finish (people continue to harass and insult the guy, and vandalize his efforts) this story is an example of how petty and self-involved we humans tend to be.
Oh yeah, ...October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But, I suppose, because of the bridge painting controversy and extended paint-time necessary to complete the job, Huntington gets two months of awareness for the price of one.
From start (The Painter simply started painting city property without asking permission) to finish (people continue to harass and insult the guy, and vandalize his efforts) this story is an example of how petty and self-involved we humans tend to be.
Oh yeah, ...October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But, I suppose, because of the bridge painting controversy and extended paint-time necessary to complete the job, Huntington gets two months of awareness for the price of one.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Nature vs. Nurture
Or, "Why I Still, Sometimes, Count On My Fingers."
When I was in fifth grade (or fourth, or sixth...it's all a bit blurry at this age), my Math teacher had an epiphany. She would divide the students into two sections: Section 1 would be students who did well in Math, and who could get through new concepts pretty easily. Section 2 was for the kids who struggled with Math, the kids who needed extra attention.
The section that was probably called Remedial in the teacher's handbook, and something less polite in the break room during lunch hour.
We had a pretty large classroom, so the teacher decided she would separate the two sections by placing us at opposite ends of the same room. We students stood in a long line at the back of the room until our names were called out; then, after she announced which section we were in, we were instructed to go to that particular part of the room.
Teacher: "Susan...Section 1."
Teacher: "Flavia...Section 2."
Teacher: "Marc...
That second seemed to last for hours. When I think of it today, I still experience it in slow-motion. My heart was thumping, I felt like I was spinning and I silently begged: "Please say one. Please say one. Please say one. Please say one..."
Teacher: ...Section 2"
To this day, I'm insecure about my ability to do Math. So insecure that I feel like I'm going to panic if I'm forced, for some reason, to perform it in public. Damn that teacher and her great idea.
Why do we do that to kids? Kids should be encouraged, and inspired. Taught to be resilient. Made to feel hopeful.
I'm venting, I suppose, because of a small event that occurred at lunch today. As I was walking back to my office from Comic World (go ahead and smirk...Whatever, hater) I passed a group of eight kids, each around the age of 3. The group was obviously on an outing from a pre-school, because the kids were all holding that knotted rope designed to (1) keep the kids safe, and (2) teach the kids they have to conform.
While still a block away, a teacher's voice caught my ear. She was loud, and her voice was grating. (I remember thinking I was glad she was not teaching my kids.) When I was just a few feet away I heard crying, and looked down to see one of the smallest little boys, very upset. He seemed scared of the traffic, and was really crying. Hard. Our eyes met as I continued to walk, and I smiled. I felt bad for him.
Suddenly, the teacher said:
"People are looking at you because you're crying! You have to stop. People are going to stare at you."
Jeez...I hope that kid will be good at Math.
When I was in fifth grade (or fourth, or sixth...it's all a bit blurry at this age), my Math teacher had an epiphany. She would divide the students into two sections: Section 1 would be students who did well in Math, and who could get through new concepts pretty easily. Section 2 was for the kids who struggled with Math, the kids who needed extra attention.
The section that was probably called Remedial in the teacher's handbook, and something less polite in the break room during lunch hour.
We had a pretty large classroom, so the teacher decided she would separate the two sections by placing us at opposite ends of the same room. We students stood in a long line at the back of the room until our names were called out; then, after she announced which section we were in, we were instructed to go to that particular part of the room.
Teacher: "Susan...Section 1."
Teacher: "Flavia...Section 2."
Teacher: "Marc...
That second seemed to last for hours. When I think of it today, I still experience it in slow-motion. My heart was thumping, I felt like I was spinning and I silently begged: "Please say one. Please say one. Please say one. Please say one..."
Teacher: ...Section 2"
To this day, I'm insecure about my ability to do Math. So insecure that I feel like I'm going to panic if I'm forced, for some reason, to perform it in public. Damn that teacher and her great idea.
Why do we do that to kids? Kids should be encouraged, and inspired. Taught to be resilient. Made to feel hopeful.
I'm venting, I suppose, because of a small event that occurred at lunch today. As I was walking back to my office from Comic World (go ahead and smirk...Whatever, hater) I passed a group of eight kids, each around the age of 3. The group was obviously on an outing from a pre-school, because the kids were all holding that knotted rope designed to (1) keep the kids safe, and (2) teach the kids they have to conform.
While still a block away, a teacher's voice caught my ear. She was loud, and her voice was grating. (I remember thinking I was glad she was not teaching my kids.) When I was just a few feet away I heard crying, and looked down to see one of the smallest little boys, very upset. He seemed scared of the traffic, and was really crying. Hard. Our eyes met as I continued to walk, and I smiled. I felt bad for him.
Suddenly, the teacher said:
"People are looking at you because you're crying! You have to stop. People are going to stare at you."
Jeez...I hope that kid will be good at Math.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Whatever Happened To...Jeff MacKay
Tales of the Gold Monkey kicked some serious TV butt back in the early 80s...That is, until ABC figured out that not a lot of people were watching the show, and gave it the boot.
With a one-eyed dog named Jack as his sidekick, cargo pilot Jake Cutter flew his "Cutter's Goose" through the sky above some islands in the tropics (mainly the fictitious island, Boragora), transporting goods here and there, all the while trying to dodge spies and villains in the war-consumed 1930s.
Actor Jeff MacKay played Cutter's bipedal buddy, Corky. Corky chased a lot of his demons with the bottle, and was more than a bit simple. But, he had a child-like quality about him that made the airplane mechanic sympathetic and lovable.
Tales of the Gold Monkey lasted only 21 episodes, from September 1982 to July 1983. It gathered quite a cult following in the years after it's short run, however. MacKay has worked pretty steadily in TV since Gold Monkey, most recently as Big Bud Roberts in several episodes of JAG.
Gold Monkey Trivia: Did you know the original title of this show was to be Tales of the Brass Monkey?
Not quite the same, huh?
With a one-eyed dog named Jack as his sidekick, cargo pilot Jake Cutter flew his "Cutter's Goose" through the sky above some islands in the tropics (mainly the fictitious island, Boragora), transporting goods here and there, all the while trying to dodge spies and villains in the war-consumed 1930s.
Actor Jeff MacKay played Cutter's bipedal buddy, Corky. Corky chased a lot of his demons with the bottle, and was more than a bit simple. But, he had a child-like quality about him that made the airplane mechanic sympathetic and lovable.
Tales of the Gold Monkey lasted only 21 episodes, from September 1982 to July 1983. It gathered quite a cult following in the years after it's short run, however. MacKay has worked pretty steadily in TV since Gold Monkey, most recently as Big Bud Roberts in several episodes of JAG.
Gold Monkey Trivia: Did you know the original title of this show was to be Tales of the Brass Monkey?
Not quite the same, huh?
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