Bon chance!

During our brisk walk to the High School, I picked Courtney's mind about the film that we'll be seeing at the auditorium. She mentioned that this was the last film-in a series of films-that the foreign language arts classes puts on. It's free to the public and this one is supposed to be good, but, it's subtitled.

Armed with only that much information from Courtney, we made our way through the brass and glass doors of the auditorium. We made our purchases of Bon Bon candies then staked our claim on a pair of seats two rows back from the projector.

Before long, the screen glitches were ironed out and the room lights dimmed to reveal this tale:

Set in France-of course-we find a recluse in an apartment who maintains a collection of butterflies(hence the title Le Papillon). Recent additions to the tenement building are a mother and daughter who happen to live in the apartment above the semi-hermit. As the days go on, a chance meeting between the young girl and the older gentleman lead to a wonderful story of; self discovery, tolerance, understanding, and love. It's in this relationship that the girl understands what a parental love can be and how opening himself up to others can help him heal his emotional wounds.

Shot in the grand mountain scape of the French Alps, this film is utterly stunning to view. Valleys of tall green grass speckled with yellow and white flowers flanked by magnificent pine forests and the blue cathedral sky vaulted by mountain peaks give a view of grandeur that will have the audience feeling as though they were on location with our storytellers.

This is a great family film that will have everyone thinking about what it means to be part of a nuclear unit. Thank goodness for the translation, because if you know a little French, you may realize that some words aren't translated into their direct mean-Isn't that correct Courtney? :-D

This is a film that shouldn't be missed by any family. If you've enjoyed, Heidi or Frankie Starlight, this on will be another added to that beloved list.

Because the film was propelled by such a great script, I need to rank this feature a 7 out of 10 chrysali. 

Deja vu? Absolutely.

With Friday behind me and Dear Bride off to the Animal Shelter Fundraiser, I had time to round up Max and Courtney for a meal at one of the local restaurants. The food was fair, the atmosphere was enjoyable, but the company was even better. As we feasted on London Broil and endless tureens of Fish and Chips, we mentally gathered our time and reminisced about the days events, caught free Wi-Fi, and perused silly pictures on line as we giggled and spoke loudly of the kids next ski trip. As I peered momentarily out the window, I was thankful for the cold and the looming front on the horizon that'll bring a flurry or two. At least they'll have some fresh snow to blanket the man made stuff.

Once we've gorged our bellies on flaky battered fish and a slab of cow, we waddled to the car to trek across town to our home. There was a fleeting mention of stopping for ice cream, but when a pale drawn look pasted over Max and Courtney's face, I figured that would be out of the question. I think I'm going to have Max and Courtney go to confession because we surely did glutt...In nomine Patris-et Filii-et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Once we were home, the dogs were shushed out, and shortly there after, returned to the inner warmth of our castle. Max excused himself for more Playstation exploits as Courtney and I settled on watching our Friday night movie in the master bedroom. We decided to view it there because-like a lion after eating a huge portion-we needed to lay down take the weight off of our bellies.

For this night, Courtney had a desire to see:

Now, as you all know from an earlier post, I really don't have a burning in my bosom for Father of the Bride, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I won't have have burning desire to own this one either. Why you ask? That's easy. It's because Mean Girls didn't get an Oscar Nomination either.

Not unlike other Disney teen angst movies this film doesn't "break the mold". Here we see our characters-young and old-try to resolve their undesirable High School years at a later date. A wedding in the family coordinates the multiple collisions that could leave one laughing...If one's ten years old that is. Aside from the typical sweet moral education about asking for forgiveness and coming to grips with that action, this movie really has no extraordinary merit. There is one redeeming scene was in the film though. It's of Tom(a jilted lover played Kyle Bornheimer). With comedic brilliance,and a fearless execution of acting craft, he storms the wedding rehearsal dinner with his song of love that steals the sequence-It's very reminiscent of Steve Buscemi during the toasting scene of The Wedding Singer.

Though watching Tom spouting a love song won't redeem the whole movie, it is a bitter consellation...Or should I say, concession.

If you feel the need to seek out this movie, be warned. If you like or own; Father of the Bride, Mean Girls, and  Confessions of a Teen Age Drama Queen, you may want to go for this.

As for me, this film gets a 3 out of 10 ant bites.

Sorry folks, the sight of Kristen Bell in a tight running outfit couldn't even save it from that rank...Though it did raise it one point.

It's money time.

Today resolves itself with a fine finish. Bobbie and I made it to the gym together where we proceeded to burn some calories before we would pack a few more in. My cousin Mary was also at the gym and we had a chance to exchange some conversations about the day and how sore she was-Since the previous day she'd been beating herself up with her weight training session. Once the exercise routine was completed, we returned home just in time for me to make spaghetti for dinner. I think we needed-or wanted-the carbs.

With the spaghetti gravy bubbling away happily permeating the house with the fragrant wafting of rosemary and oregano, I finished off the pasta to a nice al dente texture so that it could finish cooking as it sat in the collinder...and no, I didn't rinse the noodles-Just a splash of extra virgin olive oil and some freshly milled sea salt lightly season the spaghetti. 

With the preparation out of the way, we plate a pile of noodles topped with a beautiful red sauce making the plate look like a nuclear Kilimanjaro. Though we were not taking a meal at our dinning room table, we are all together on a cold night enjoying each others company and loving the food.

 For tonight's entertainment, we settled on this:

Set in Charleston Massachusetts, this is an action thriller from the get go. Much like any other heist movie, the robbery team is a group of friend that have had a checkered past. Of course, there is a federal agent who's out to capture this team of bandits. With minimal information, he uses all possible means to build the robbery case that can find the law breakers in a Federal penitentiary. 

Say what you will about Ben Affleck and some of his questionable role choices, but as a director, he's outstanding. Never flashy or over the top, he delivers a great sequence of screen shots that will draw the viewer in from the opening credit to the final fade to black. He does a fantastic job finding the perfect casting agent to enlist some of the best new actors to move this story along. With such strong supporting actors as Rebecca Hall and Jeremy Renner, Affleck's movie was assured to be a blockbuster.

A thrill ride with a great story is what you should expect...and this celluloid delivers.

This film will appeal to fans of movies such as; Gone baby Gone, Heat, and 3000 Miles to Graceland.

Rating for this one calls for a solid 8 out of 10 "Benjamin's".

Nice placenta.

For Wednesday's viewing pleasure, we rented the comedy:

Cameos abound in this bit of comedy. Our two passengers, Peter(Downey) and Ethan(Galifianakis), are tossed together through a course of events that keep them intertwined till their journey's end. From the airport to the hospital, this is a typical script of two fundamentally different people who find compromises in their eccentricity's to come to grips with each other and see things through each other's perspective...with a heavy dose of downward spiraling events.

Though I enjoy much of the works of Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galvani's, I couldn't find the side splitting laughs in this film-Not to say that it isn't funny. It is very humorous. I was really expecting to be in stitches over this one, but unfortunately, the raucous belly laughs were non existent. The more I watched this, the more I reminded of another film. That film being Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

I'd have to consider this a retelling of the afore mentioned John Hughes film, the score is different, the sets are different but the tale remains the same...but without the annoyingly endearing presentation that John Candy donated to the original role of course.

For those who've enjoyed; Road Trip and Planes, Trains and Automobiles this one may be right up your ally.

For lack of creativity and using Hughes' manuscript, this film gets a 4 out of 10 Glaucoma Rx's.

"Awe...How cute!" -Courtney Her

On Tuesday night, with Bobbie and Courtney nestled on the couch and I sprawled out on the chair like a bearskin rug, we took time to see the family classic;

Holy cow!
The cinematography is awful.
The picture can be out of focus at times.
The costumes aren't the correct period.
The lighting is poor.

But hey, what do you get with film work circa 1974.

That aside, the story is as I remembered. It was like seeing an old friend in a grocery store. Though the times may date your relationship-The moment hasn't changed and you pick up where you've left off.

Always a great telling about; perseverance, companionship, determination and love between a boy and his dogs, this is a heart warming tale that'll leave have you giggling over the naive comedy and have your puppy loving family members in tears. This is a great screenplay that captures the feel of Wilson Rawls' book of the same title. Check this one out if you, or anyone in your family, is a dog lover. You'll start for the dogs, but you'll be amazed at the story.

Bobbie would probably say that if you like this film, you should also see; The Sound of Music, Two Brothers and Pollyanna.

This one scores an easy 7 out of 10 raccoon pelts.

Even our dogs Lucy and Mitzi would give this a "thumbs up"...If they had thumbs.

On with the show.

Spring has turned into winter once more. Shovels and snowblowers buzz and scrape outside windows to steal the thunder from alarm clocks in the early hours of daybreak. The only thing to show the slow turn of the earth's rotation is the daylight. Longer days and more minutes will eventually lead to the warmth of summer...and that'll be a welcome release.

The last two weeks have left my work schedule compressed for time and therefore, my movie viewing time with Courtney has been compromised. Though I'm able to see the films piece meal, I have not been able to settle on the couch with her to see our selections. This is not the way we planned things to be, unfortunately, this is the way it has to be for the moment.

Monday night's movie was:

I have never had a chance to watch this Scorsese feature and wanted to give it a go. With many other Scorsese films to my liking, I figured that this was going to be a safe bet. There are many actors that-I believe-the director favors and all are present here as well. De Niro and Pesci utilize their great on screen presence to accentuate the roles played. I was surprised ad how the roles were reversed from other Scorsese movies that involve these two actors. De Niro usually plays the role of the mores soft spoken "wise-guy" and Pesci is the loose cannon. In this switch, I was quite surprised.

Though the film had a campy feel and the look of a black and white 1950s film, I feel that the story could've been better. The plot moved from one angry scene to the next, which may have been what the director wanted, but after a time, the viewer becomes a desensitized to the violent activities and then the story becomes a bit of a "train wreck in slow motion". The story is a bit lean but you can't seem look away since our main subject makes bad choices and spirals out of control.

If you're a boxing movie fanatic, I'd suggest this movie.
If you're looking for boxing movies with more heart felt involvement, I'd suggest; Cinderella Man, Million Dollar Baby, Rocky, Rocky Balboa and The Fighter.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 10 world championship title belts. 

Be careful where you go.

Max cruised into the master bedroom as I was lounging on the bed tapping away on my iPod's keyboard. He broke into a semi excited sentence and said, "Dad, you've got to see this video game trailer. Courtney cried because it was so sad. She never even made it to the end of the trailer-And that was the best part."

Engrossed in what I was doing at the moment,I half heartily said, "Alright I'll check it out."
Dropping my iPod onto the fluffy down comforter, I began the slow rise out of the bed like an old man creeping his way out of his favorite recliner.

About mid sit up Max said, " What are you doing? You can stay right there and watch the trailer on that new fancy iPod. It has a speaker in it. Did you forget?"

"Yep." I said. "Let's check it out together." I added.

Max made no hesitation to jump onto the comforter right next to me. We then began our short video game trailer journey together. With the iPod doing it loading rotation, we waited intently so that he could share this short trailer with me.


Warning: This trailer is graphic. Viewers be advised.

You all may have been waiting to hear about what Courtney and I have viewed, but, this short explanation of a game seemed to stand out more poignantly in my mind this weekend. I've never had the chance to view such a skillful game teaser such as this. Not only is this emotionally impacting, but it's also visually arresting. One marvels at the state of what is a completely computer generated image such as these. The time, care, observation and love that these designers have for their craft is clearly evident in this body of work. Much can be gleaned of the facial recognition programs that may have been written to cover the subtle facial expressions that couldn't be generated even by the last version of  whatever software was used. When movies like Terminator 2 and Avatar use the surface of the actors who embody the film characters to drive the motion capture devices, the outcome is superb. In stark contrast, this software is a free standing unit and works independently of the human body to create it's own framework. The software even codes correctly how light should radiate through skin to reveal the underlying colors in soft rosy tones. And it's in those facts that-I feel-the C.P.U. driven bodies are an unadulterated-almost artistic-rendering of the human form...and this is where the "art" converges with the "science".

I hope the entire game will be executed with this type fit and finished, but sadly, as most games are, there will be glorious frames unveiling the story line, but the play graphics will be much like any other playtime generated images. Either way, I think I'm going to have to buy another Playstation 3 just for this game. It's either that or commandeer Max's PS3 unit.

Again, keep in mind that this trailer is graphic, so, be advised.

This trailer can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTtv3DyXRow


For a short story, this one gets a 9 out of 10 for shear brilliant execution of the tale , how many hours it must have taken the digital crafters to convey the beautifully rendered details that's made even more compelling with a magnificently tailored score.

This is a glorious piece of C.G.I.. See it if your stomach will let you.

They're coming through the wire.

After a trip to the gym with Courtney and Bobbie, we arrive home to wind down for the evening and disappear into the couch for another night's movie. Briefly catching up on the day's events we spend a series of seconds blabbing while the DVD finds it's title screen.

As the disk player launches the show, we blast into the past because we've chosen to view:

Courtney wasn't too enthralled with this one at first. She would sputter a few paragraphs about something that made up her day from time to time. As the movie progressed, the paragraphs became shorter and shorter till soon, she was engrossed with the flashing scenes on the television. Once the village sequence arrived, she was watching with intently at what was unfolding. Empathetically her eyes welled with extra moisture as Barnes delivered his questions to the village elder while holding his daughter at gun point. Bobbie vocalized how she was disgusted by the sights-But she says that every time we see this part of the film. Max had even pulled himself from the draw of his Playstation 3 to complete our nuclear family because of the impact of this movie. Here we all were, occupying a living space and staring into an electric screen. It was wonderful.

Well, what can I say about Oliver Stone's vision of the Vietnam war. For those that have seen it, it's one of the most compelling tales of this category. The narration of Chris is soulful and poetic in comparison to the horrors of war. Yet through the grief and the fear, a bond that is made between brothers in arms is brilliantly conveyed and poignantly felt by the viewer. We watch the main character grow from a naive new grunt to a battle hardened warrior who tries to make sense of the jagged world around him. In the end, he begins to find the truth in himself, of what the war has taken from him, and what he'll never regain from the battles that have scarred him.

I'm sure you've probably seen this film and others like it. If you want to make a day out of this, you can follow up this DVD with; Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket.

This movie will always be compelling if it's being watched the first time or if it's being watched the 100th time. For this, I'm ranking this narration as an 8 out of 10 M-16's.

Before the invasion.

Before Grunge, before Acid Rock, before Punk Rock and before the "Video killed the Radio Star", there was one pinnacle band that helped to unleash the offshore music tidal wave known as the British Invasion.

I know that you've figured it out. It's the Beatles.

But with every success story, there's always a back story. This is that story:

Before John Lennon found his voice and the Beatles were comprised of George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. Long before the slim black suits, psychedelic drugs, Yoko Ono and Wings, this was the tale.

John Lennon's life-in some ways-was not unlike any other young man's. It was a struggle to understand the changes of his youth contrasted with the difficulties of how to come to terms with the future man. During the youth of Lennon, we see how he was conflicted with his contorted family life, how the loss of his parents affected him and we see the final peace he makes so that he can come to grips with the truth-What find understanding what having a family means and how it defines his life.

This is not a happy telling of experiences. There's no dreams of making it big on the world stage. and certainly no talk of the Beatles. On the contrary, this is heartfelt and determined film that will have you mesmerized by the sight of growing pains.

The outstanding screen presences of Aaron Johnson and Kristin Scott Thomas move the film to a greater level. Johnson, speaks, walks and-to an extent-looks so much like John Lennon that it's difficult to believe that he wasn't actually Lennon. Kristin Scott Thomas carries her part with such skill that one can't look away while she graces the screen.

If you're a fan of story driven films such as; Life is Beautiful and District 9, don't let this one get by you.

I'm loving this film so I'm giving this one a 8 out of 10 plates of Bangers and Mash.



 

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Shortly after Bobbie had finished crafting dinner, we made a bee-line for our local polling station to cast our ballots. Since we walked to the booths, we had the idea that we should frequent our local video rental joint to find a new flick for the night.

As we strolled down the-less than occasionally occupied-street, we took time to revel in each others company and discuss what drives our passions for life. We careened from foot step to foot step and took note of the unseasonably warm weather and how a murder of crows had crowded into the trees above us to shriek their calls at we gravity bound flightless creatures.That same flock of birds were feasting on the remnants of the defrosting berries that hung sadly from the smaller trees along the boulevard. They seemed to cackle their malcontent as we shuffled under their thawing feast as though to warn us of the claim they've made on their tree top booty.

Across pools of rock salt ladened water and  melting snowbanks filled with jagged shards of ice we trekked till we were at the neon OPEN sign of our neighborhood Family Video. Once inside, we took a deep breath, looked around and started down the outer wall marked NEW RELEASE.

We noticed, then settled upon this title:

I sputter out, "Hey baby, do you want to see this one? Denzel Washington and 'Captain Kirk' are in it."
Lovely bride responded, "What's it about?"

blurting out, I sputter, "I don't know-It's probably about a train."
Soothingly my Darling says, "It's an Oscar Nominee."

Sincerely, I questioned, "Really? How do you know?"
Bluntly my Love said, "It says so on the cover."

We laugh out loud and the staff looks our direction as though we've just escaped from the local psych ward with straight jackets still strapped between our crotches-Maybe it's partly the truth.

Shortly after our bill was settled with the video store's register, we were on the road toward home in the falling light of the warm winter evening with a breeze gently moving Bobbie's beautiful locks away from her left cheek exposing her gently curving neckline. Upon our arrival in our quaint homestead, we cast off what thinly laid protective clothing that we used to keep the southern breeze off of our base layers and settled on to the couch with a plate of supper and with the Blu-ray spinning softly against the clicking of forks on plates.

Once the film starts, the night was transformed from a restful night into a fit of nail biting, breath holding and repeated finger imprinting on the edge of the seat cushions. I must confess to you that I really wasn't too enthusiastic about this film's trailer when I saw it as movie previews. The name didn't seem to exude any direction for this reel. There was no emotional connection-for me. Boy, was I ever wrong. once the characters are in place, the roller coaster ride begins. Every appropriate action sequence is represented on screen. Close calls, car chases, explosions, panic, mayhem, humor, etc...etc pepper this celluloid like a shot gun blast containing bird shot. Once the engines are warm, the action doesn't stop-So don't look away.

Let's face it folks, with a film like this, you're not watching it for content. Your watching this picture for the heightened sense of speed, shaky camera angles and vicarious adrenaline boost. The plot does have it's moments, but, don't go looking for anything too profound. There aren't any life lessons to be learned here...well...maybe there is one lesson that should be highlighted. That would be, "Follow safety protocols." With that aside, this set of takes will have any action film junkie licking their chops feverishly for more spills, thrills and bent metal.

Action craver's that would chose to view this will have probably viewed; Gone in 60 Seconds, Bullitt, Vanishing Point and The Island.

It's getting a 5 out of 10 on my scale, but it's not because I don't genuinely like the film itself. After all, it's an Oscar Nominee.

All aboard!

Roll on one.

While playing catch up yesterday on our daily movie routine, Courtney decided that we should view something with a bit more emotional heft. We peered over at the shelving that holds our DVD titles and let our eyes scroll across the plastic and paper jacket spines of the CD cases. Screening each title, my dearest daughter took mental notes of the movies that she hasn't viewed. She has this cute and peculiar way she words the titles but without a sound that presents it self from her mouth. With roving eyes and an ever slight movement on her lips, she finally said, "You know Dad, I never did see all of The Green Mile."

It was with that simple request that I moved across the room, retrieved the disk and made it's next resting place the tray of our DVD player. Pushing the MENU button on the remote we were sent on our journey into another time and place.

What can I say about this tale? Filled with wonder and sadness, celled in bricks and steel bars, we find our characters playing out their ordeal on death row. Many stories have taken place in a similar environment, but with this screen play adapted from a Stephen King novel, it carries a bit of an extraordinary flare. Mixing the religious and the angelic with a campy feel, this revelation of a manuscript sends us into the networkings of the cast. In this aspect, I found myself thinking of the good people who try to do the right things with their choices. I saw the angels and the demons sitting side by side and vying for the actions of man. How in the end, good will be served and the wicked will receive their just deserts.

Again, this one has an all star cast with weathered Hollywood stars ans character actors. Though Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan shine though out this visual, we should not forget the stunning work that Sam Rockwell produces as the darkest figure in the line up. With an absolute disregard for civility, he conjures a personal expression of an absolutely ravenous psychopath. 

In the end, I think the the story found a soft spot in Courtney's heart...A few tears at the last few scenes let me know that she understood the meaning of the script as John Coffey sang "I'm in Heaven."

Mr. Jingles says that if you like The Green Mile, you may want to see; The Shawshank Redemption, Dead Man Walking and Murder in the First.

This one ranks 7 out of 10 thread spools-Isn't that right Mr. Jingles?

Stop thief!

Many apologies to all for missing Friday's blog.

In the time after my work day end and the time that "Date Night" began with my Lovely Bride, my daughter and I found not a moment of freedom to rest our bones on our comfy couch and enjoy a brief moment in eye shot of our flashing pixel machine.

Since my dear daughter and son were engaged with school activities the following day, finding time to insert a film was out of the question. They'd be gone from our view long before a rooster could muster up it's nerve to move from a coop to sing it's morning serenade till long after that same rooster was tucked in on it's perch. The following day would be the only time available.

It was not until late Sunday afternoon that my daughter and I had a moment to engage ourselves with this endeavor once more. With cleaning duties accomplished and friendships ties renewed, we hunkered down, blipped the remote control buttons and allowed the controller to whisk us off to the Home Box Office-On Demand channel. Here's where we found our next muse.



Set in the infrastructure of New York City, a little girl rides her bicycle to her mothers store front. As with most young children, the concept of having one's property stolen is never in thought. The world is a perceived to be a safe place where wrong doings are never an occurrence. It's in this state that our gal has her beloved cycle stolen. As her mother views the theft and give chase, the cycle abductor disappears. As the girls mother asks for help from some young men in front of an apartment building she alerts the police to which the young men take great offense. Questions arise and a volatile moment brews as authority collide with the rebellious youth. When a local activist arrives the hostility is momentarily tamed.

When the bicycle is recovered, there is a refreshing moment of unflinching forgiveness that graces the screen. It's in this moment when the thief is confronted-I feel-that the story gels into a wonderful tapestry of daily life. It becomes a momentary look into the makings of a "plein air" cinematic masterpiece.  

Though the film was not of standard length-17 minutes to be exact-it was packed to the moral brim with issues of; loss, realizing one's actions, that the idea that people are inherently good, and, if given a choice, people will repent for their ill doings.

Again, I see this as an astonishing piece of screen work. Much is condensed into 17 minutes and much can be gleaned from it's contents.

For those who find The Shipping News and  Life As A House mesmerizing, this may be the next film for you.

This is certainly getting a 7 out of 10 Masterlocks...For sheer content alone. 

Red-Right, Left-Green.

It's day two of feeling under the weather, but I'm thankful for the lull in today's work schedule. Since, I'm on call tonight, my partners took pity on me and divided the work load among themselves to allow me to rest a spell should the "levee" break and a deluge of work heads my direction. This allotted hiatus from physical duties has allowed me to view this particular gem:

This remarkable film strikes all chords and fills them with enough emotional content to allow for the viewer to see what the players are feeling. Jack (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a limousine driver who's looking for something to fulfill his life. Clyde (John Ortiz) is Jack's closest friend and associate who-along side his wife Lucy (Daphne Rubin-Vega)-concocts a scheme to set up Lucy's work mate Connie (Amy Ryan) with Jack for a blind dinner date. As we find Jack and Connie working hard to overcome their own insecurities, they begin to see what their friends lives are really composed of. It's during our main characters interactions with their friends that we begin to see that all the truths are never "black and white". How intimate relationships could be built on sand and the fear of the ever encroaching sea could drive the relationship builders insane with compromises.

Yet in this tempest of unforgivingness, we see that there is a glimmer of a great love as it starts to blossom. there's a great story of true friendship that stands the test of even the hardest tribulations. With the victory and the spoils there are also the razed remains of what was...and sometimes the ruins can never be rebuilt.

Smartly written and humorously dry, this film is for those who may want to see the transformation of a persons psyche. It's ultimately an uplifting tale of two people who find each other in the masses and create a peace for themselves. Philip Seymour Hoffmann impresses in his directorial debut with a wonderfully inviting vision of the inner workings of Jack's mind. John Ortiz has an ability to sway the viewer into multiple feelings about his screen persona. With a pair like this anchoring a small and skilled cast, how could you not like this independent gig?

Emotionally investing and intellectually jolting, this celluloid will likely be enjoyed by those who've embraced; Garden State, Map of the Human Heart, an Benny & Joon.

This one receives a solid 7 out of 10 life preservers.

Rock a by baby...

As my automobile stopped on the driveway apron, I was elated at the jingle that my keys made as I turned the ignition to the left and heard the car's final stutter as it came to a quiet rest. Home, there's no place like it. When looking down the barrel of some form of illness, home is the most comforting place to kick off one's shoes and hang one's coat in an entryway closet.

Thankfully, I had enough change rattling around in my credit card to rent a movie on my way home for an illness filled afternoon respite. Since Bobbie is recovering from whatever this bug is and Courtney was kept home from school because of the afore mentioned germ, I chose something a bit "softer" for the ladies of my life to view. I came across this flick and deemed it "appropriate":

I figured that with all of the sniffling and runny noses, why not throw a few tears into the mix. Once we've all been hydrated and fed, Bobbie, Courtney and I watched the movie in the master bedroom where the low slung afternoon sun could stream though the southern window and warm our down comforter. As my ladies crawled exhaustingly under the solar powered quills, I put the disk into the DVD player and found my way over to a sunlit portion of the bed. At this point, I was instructed to tilt the blind louvers to dim the warming rays of the solar body since it was "...too bright..." and that the glare on the LED screen was troublesome.

As I shuffled the short distance to the blind's louver rod, I tried to gather as much warmth from that glowing celestial body to power my return trip across the chilly wood floor. As crept under the comforter, I found my self thinking, "If I can't do my interpretation of a crocodile on a shore line, I hope these women will-at least-cry during this movie."

The player whirs and zips as we proceeded through trailers, upcoming DVD releases and Main Menu. We stumble across a reel splashed with moments of sadness and peppered with humor that has a pronounced meaning over casted by a love story. As we start our voyage, we find a couple who have a straight laced friend coupled with the another who happens to be a bit more free-wheeling. As the script unfolds, this odd couple are drawn together through a mutual hardship resulting is a plethora of clichéd laughs and predictable outcomes. Though the story isn't one that may change one's outlook on life, or make one gasp at the epic screen shots, It does present a few good hours of enjoyment...even if you're feeling "under the weather".

This is definitely a "date night" movie with life lessons such as; owing your life's course and never giving up on a promise. There are other morals if you'd like to read into the movie, but I'll leave those for you to find-You can call it an Easter egg hunt. All in all, I thought this was going to turn out to be like the movie Father Of The Bride. I'm truly thankful that it didn't. Keep some tissues nearby because if your date is like the ladies at my house, they'll tear up from time to time.

For those of you out there that think that I'm out of line not enjoying Father Of The Bride, this film is more akin to; Leap Year, 27 Dresses, and She's Having A Baby. If you've enjoyed any of those last three titles, you may want to check out this disk.

This one is getting a 4 out of 10 Gerber baby food jars in my humble opinion.

If you're planning to see this release, I hope it's all Blueberry Buckle for you.
If it's not what you cared for, here's some baby food to take the after taste from your tongue.

Enjoy!

Brrrrrrrr...

Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. Please take your seat and fasten your seat belt. Make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position.-We were off to Las Vegas. Our in flight movie will be The Cooler. The only difference is that unlike the statement "What happens in Vegas-Stays in Vegas", will not apply when this particular film is viewed.

In the present state of Las Vegas with it's flare for over stimulation, the Shangri-La Casino is a throw back to the bygone era of mob connections, connected employees, big losses and even bigger wins. This is where we start.

Two friends who've been conjoined through misdeeds find themselves at a proverbial cross road. One has the chance to leave and reinvent himself, while the other is too reluctant to change for the better. While biding his final days, the unlucky Bernie Lootz (William H. Macy) wishes to move into his future without any missteps. His long time friend Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin) is determined to keep him on the casino's private accounts no matter what the cost. This perpetual game of tug-o-war fuels a love affair that will not only unravel Bernie and Shelly's long time association, but dissect the true meaning of their relationship and change the course of Bernie's luck.

Shot with very little sunlit scenes, this film conveys a feel like one perpetual day. There seems to be no difference between day or night, just the sequence of moving from one point to another while encapsulated by a never dissolving fog. The score also maintains the Las Vegas of old with it's soft jazz blown across reeds and though brass to form melancholy tones. While this mood is set, we find ourselves rooting for the underdog, feel sadness for the losses, disappointment for the betrayals, joy for the achievements...and lucky to have seen it all.

Not a film to be missed, William H. Macy is a force to behold in frames. Macy convincinly plays Bernie with out a hint of any of the other roles that he's been in before. There's no need for make up and his phisical stature seems to change with every role also.  For me-He ranks among some of the best actors to grace a stage. Mr. Macy takes his place with some of the best chameleon actors in the biz like; John Turturro, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sam Rockwell, Gary Oldman and Tom Hanks.

I'm reminded of films like; Casino and Leaving Las Vegas when I see this one. If you like those, give this one a go.

This one gets 7 out of 10 chips...But I'd have no problem doubling down on it. 

Either way, you'll have to make the "call".

We were in another dimension.

Skipping a run to the local Family Video, Courtney and I decided to take in an HBO broadcast of:

Since this was a travel down memory lane for me, I wasn't about to let Courtney know what she was in for. As we sat nestled into the couch and chair with blankets covering us to keep the foreboding words of Burgess Meredith at bay, we began our journey into the Twilight Zone.

Now for those of you who may not have had a chance to see this film, it is a series of short stories instead of on continuous plot. All are remakes of earlier television releases so there isn't a real surprise for those who've seen the original programing.

The first segment was titled "Time Out" and outlines a bigot who's angry at being passed over for a job promotion. In his anger, he lashes out at the ethnic communities that he feels is at the root of his troubles. As our bigot leaves the bar in which he was voicing his disdain only to find that he's passed into a realm where he lives-briefly-as the cultures that he's maligned during their darkest torments. In the end, our bigot is locked away on a rail car and disappears into the Twilight Zone.

Segment two is aptly listed as "Kick the Can". In this short story, we find ourselves at a rest home where a new addition to the resting party has found his way into the midst of the long term residents. All who reside at this facility reminisce of times gone by and regrets that may have turned their lives in some way. It is at this moment that the newest addition to the residential body talks of reason why they "can" do what they'd like. as he pulls a shinny can fro his pocket, he encourages the house mates to join him in a game of Kick the Can. Within the confines of the game, the time is turned backward for those that play. They drink from a cup of youth and for a time and do the activities that they'd wanted to do for ages. As the game draws to a close, all of the players can chose to do what ever they would like with their new found zeal. Some decide for a pause, some decided to go on as before. But in the Twilight Zone, decisions can be anything that one decides.

Three is called "It's a Good Life". This one is the most cautionary of the all. As the sequence unfolds, a woman is drawn into a life controlled solely by a young boy who can manifest all of his desires. The home that this boy has created is populated by abducted people who play the roles of his immediate family. Viewing the events in this remake is quite chilling and surreal since the child is able to manifest cartoon characters in the real world as he sees fit. One can understand and empathize with the hostages and clearly see the fear that they experience as every request may turn out to be their last. Ultimately, the latest abducted convinces the young boy to abandon his desire to control with fear and find another way to channel his gift.

Last, but not least, is "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet". By far my favorite remake of the movie, this one chronicles a man who suffers from aviophobia during a flight. As the frightful passenger begins to loose a grip on his fear, he begins to see something outside the aircraft. Thinking this is just a figment of his imagination, he tries hard to convey his concerns to the flight crew. As the airplane staff dispels his inquiries as nonsense, our passenger is again affirmed of his vision. Once the vision of the external stow away is pressed against the glass in front of our aviophobic, he takes actions that draw him face to face with his fear of possibly dying in flight at the hands of an otherworldly circumstance. This script-for me-is the creepiest of the film since John Lithgow executes an alarming sense of fear that's coupled with a note of someone not being able to escape from that fear. Sorry William Shatner, I know you did a good job in the original version, but, Mr. Lithgow knocked this one out of the park with his frenetic fright.

For those who love segmental movies like; Paris Je T'Aime(Paris I Love You), New York I Love You, Pulp fiction, and even Vantage Point, this one may be right up your ally.

This group of still shots gets a solid 5 out 10 temporal clocks-Because of all of the stories that Rod Surling hosted, there could've been better choices.

On your next rainy day, make a trip into the Twilight Zone.

Bloody good.

For tonight's viewing pleasure, Courtney and I decided to do a comparison of a foreign release in with a current U.S. DVD release.

We selected:

Keep in mind that this is a remake of the 2008 Norwegian release titled:

Let's get down to it, this is a vampire movie. Though this isn't some Anne-Rice-styled-ruffled-collar-vampire-with-a-blood-lust-for-power flick-It's a simpler more...if I may...innocent night flower that graces the scene. This set of scripts looks through another type of view as it examines the tortured life of this night walker who finds a friendship without bounds with an ostracized boy.

Not to detract form the original Norwegian Let The Right One In, but the new version, Let Me In, allows for more character development between the two main actors along with a more linear flow to the story. In the original, the two friends are presented more as a pair of companions due to their perceived peculiarities. In the newest re-imagining of the script, there is more of a love interest and emotional connection-A "first crush" idea is more prevalent.

As with most remakes, something usually gets lost in translation. Cultural differences may also not allow elemental continuity. We've seen this happen with remakes such as the original 1999 Thai release of Bangkok Dangerous starring Pawalit Mongkopisit and the 2008 U.S. release of Bangkok Dangerous starring Nicolas Cage-The original being much better than the second. Unlike Bangkok Dangerous, these two versions of this-quite original-vampire movie, the translation was "spot on" and misses none of its potency.

All in all, these two pieces of celluloid represent a view of revenge, or, of a love that knows no bounds. If you see either of them, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this fresh take on an old genre.

This film may appeal to those who've enjoyed; Interview With A Vampire and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.

I'm rating this one a solid 8 out of 10 crucifixes.

Ouch! That hurt!

Another day, another movie.

For my birthday, I was treated to a great time out that included Courtney's and my resolution. This treat was a dinner and a movie. Though the dinner experience was not so enthralling, the movie was absolutely the counter.

We wheeled into the cinema's parking lot and halted in front of this poster:

Let me tell you, I was really quite ecstatic. Being a Danny Boyle fan, I've always enjoyed his camera work. Some of you may remember his use of "video game" caricatures in The Beach. Maybe the sequence with the children jumping from tin roofs in Slumdog Millionaire is what you remember. It could even be Ren (Ewan Mcgregor)diving into a disgusting toilet searching for a suppository in Trainspotting. None the less, these exposures are just as thrillingly executed as any of his films.

If you haven't heard of Aron Ralston will have by the time this is over. Mr. Ralston was quite the A-type adventurer who happened to find himself in a very precarious situation in 2003-due to over looking certain aspects of notification while he's out in the wilderness. The story dares to look at the moments that accrue during the predicament and how the mind can aid in ones perseverance.

Boyle executes a great mix of claustrophobia with the narrow canyon and then juxtaposes that aspect with the vast  desolation of the Utah canyon lands-Much like the movie Alien does. There are moments of hope and fear as the character experiences bodily changes and perceived salvation. Again, in Boyle-esque fashion, there are moments of beauty and awe that are brought to bear as our character finds peace in a passing bird, a thought of his family or a few minutes of sunlight.

For those of you who know of the story of Aron Ralston-And for those who've just Goggled him-this is a tale about moving forward and finding ones inner strength-No matter if the choice may be hard to bear. A nod goes to James Franco for tackling this role as-I feel-it's his best work to date. In doing this part, he puts himself squarely in a group of up-and-coming Hollywood A-listers. So long Pineapple Express! 

Fans of films such as; The Beach, Trainspotting, Master and Commander, and Buried will be sure to enjoy this tapestry.

I'm ranking this 9 out of 10 carabiners.

Just have someone there to belay you as you watch this-Because, this moving picture could be an emotional climb for some.

It's a date....Weekdays that is.

Today isn't day one-It's actually day 23-so you'll need to forgive my tardiness as to the beginning of the blog. Somehow, I think my partner in this little venture may have thought that I'd have given up by now, but, the experiment continues.

My daughter and I created a new year's resolution that wouldn't involve; frequenting a gym, watching what we eat, or even how often we'll need to cut our finger nails. We decided to venture into something that would allow us to spend more time with each other since her day is filled with teenage details and my work schedule can be...umm...unpredictable. In our resolution, we can steal a few hours to enjoy each others company. What we decided to do was to view an new movie every weeknight.

The rules to this nightly film festival are:

1.) The movies don't need to be "new"-as in "new releases"-but something that she or I haven't had the chance to view in the past. Overlapping is acceptable, as long as one person hasn't had the chance to see the suggested movie.

2.) We'll need to blog about the movies to see what we have taken away from the movies content.

3.) We're not movie critics so we'll watch any film genre for the fun of this resolution.


Hence we begin. We had just viewed Secretariat:

I must say that I was taken aback by this one and thoroughly enjoyed the film. There was an enthusiastic rhythm to the story line that was utterly engrossing and emotionally compelling. Much like other Disney films, Secretariat is well shot, well written, well directed and has a cast of actors who are skilled at making one believe that they're the embodiment of the true people that the story is about-Embellished or not.

This particular piece of celluloid is not just about a horse, horse racing or even a triple crown winner. The true story is about the intertwining of people and how following ones inner voice can be more fulfilling than one can possibly imagine. How an underdog can rise to the top against adverse and trying times through determination coupled with an unstoppable skill. This film definitely rings home the old Chinese proverb that says, "The journey is the reward."

A great family film that examines values and excites the retinas is what this film is. There are enough dynamic shots that if this is viewed on a big 1080P monitor with HD or Blu-ray formats it would be visually outstanding. I'd have only wished that I'd have seen this film in the theater surrounded by people exuding a triumphant energy that can only be felt when watching this picture show in the company of others. Though this reel may not be a life changing statement, it can be seen as a life affirming study instead.

This film would appeal to those who've enjoyed; March of The Penguins, Seabiscuit, Black Beauty and Marley and Me.

This is a film that shouldn't be missed. I'm giving this one 8 out of 10 horseshoes-Either way, it's a "ringer".