This belongs on the Red Planet.

The other day while Courtney and I cruised the new release wall at our local Family Video rental store looking for a few titles that we would like to add to our year long film fest, I was drawn to this DVD jacket:

In the future, we join a daring crew of astronauts that are delving into a discovery of a long distant life form that has fossilized on the Red Planet. In their...

...Awe, what am I doing? I can't even try to write this as a positive viewing experience.

Let's face it folks, this is a shotty film with horrible directing and even worse acting. The plot is fragmented beyond belief which only accentuates the shabby special effects work. If there is such a thing as a shoe-string budget movie, this is the picture was less than that. It'd equate to the plastic ferrule at the end of the shoe string. I can get behind a movie that has a lot of "grind house" features, but this one was well below even that standard. The local newscaster has more range in acting craft than the yahoos in this waste of time.

I can't even bring myself to suggest other horrible abuses of celluloid that would equate to this abomination.

The tale lasered onto this disc isn't even worth the plastic that was used to create said disk. And for that, this movie rates a 1 out of 10 on my lost satellite list.

Everlast.

Looking into the ever changing electrical inputs of red, green and blue, my dearest daughter is finding an new found respect of the exploited and the self abusing characters that grace this next script. Loaded on screen is a tour de force known as:

We see this story of perseverance detailed by a once prised fighter who has become a second rate "stepping stone" for other pugilists trying to make a name for themselves in the ring. As our boxer tries to find a way out of this ever ensnaring tangle of supporting his family with his wins, he begins to see the writing on the wall and makes a final attempt to validate his talent. With his parasitic mother as his manager and his drug hazed brother and trainer in cahoots with mother, our brawler finds love and eventual vice with the help of bartender who becomes his love interest. With an inspiring outcome, this is a feel good movie that gives us a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of others.

Wahlberg, Bale, and Adams are a sight to behold. Though this picture is another victory story told from ringside, the craft of these three actors are a sight to behold. bake with his physical metamorphosis is utterly believable with the level of commitment to get his role done correctly. Wahlberg does a fantastic interpretation of his model as he's torn by his desire to achieve his goals which is offset by a humanizing look at what his character is unwilling to lose. Adams, is a force to be recon with in her contrast, long gone are the cute rosy read cheeks of the roles that she'd been cast in before. Gritty, brash, and a lot of in-your-face-trampy edginess is what she portrays...And she does it well too.

Again, like I've said before, this is a film that we've seen already. The victory is achieved in the same way and the you'll be cheering for our hero and feeling his heartbreak as well.

Fans of; Rocky Balboa, Million Dollar Baby, Cinderella Man, and In America will definitely find an emotional cord with this one.

A great way to spend a few stolen minutes will rank this film a 7 out of 10 Golden Glove trophies in my book.

Hold on tight.

I suppose I could call this last Wednesday's frozen deluge from the heavens an emotional conundrum. In the moment when the snow falls gently to the cover the grass I'm relived to see that the Earth's current covering will be born anew with a fresh blanket of snow that resembles a fluffy white down comforter that is covering everything that is laid out before our eyes. A clean white sheet to mark a fresh start-An unadulterated canvas in which we can paint our new day, if you will. A beautiful sight created for one and all from the only planet that rounds our beaming solar body that holds liquid water in it's atmosphere.

In the negative, This Humid Continental environment should be hurried along to defrost and allow it's inhabitants to venture forth from their above ground caves made of; wood, stone and glass to reacquaint themselves with the radiating warmth of our daytime solar body sending it's lovingly warm particles to the scuttling humans that dot the world's northern hemisphere. In this envelopment of light, one must feel-to their inner core- the embraces of the enveloping light of our Sun and forget-even if momentarily-the listless floating of the long nighttime hours that make us feel alone and separated in the extended dark night that winter brings.

With the clearing toil of walkways and driveway aprons shoveled clear for the evening's rest bit, our nuclear family finds some solace in the vision of tonight's escape. We find the activation of the Sony Blu-Ray disk player is interpreting the hard copied information of transcribed light to our minds electrical gathering amplifiers with this particular vision:

On distant British isles, we find a select group of young people who have been raised to become the saviors for the rest of man kind. Raised to a naive state and equipped with a rudimentary plan of what their lives will entail, they must venture forth and find their way and struggle with terms of endearment of afflictions of desire that will be set in front of them. How they must find the way to cope with every decision that they make and in some fashion of their own design, they must make the their world tolerable.

A well told yet saddening movie event with magnificent weight and range of emotional depth transcribe by the director and cast is the example that is presented to us here. Told from a one particular view our heroine shows us how life can be; challengingly difficult, vibrantly elating, and forever hopeful. How a life without meaning can quickly become something to the counterpoint. Asking stout moral questions of what lengths human beings will subject other human beings to is always at the forefront of this film. How life, love, and the pursuit of happiness may be out of our hands and the acceptance of that may be all that is left to find hope in. In that summation, this cautionary tale will leave the audience asking if the decisions that we make everyday will cause undo harm to others-Even if the Chaos Theory is relevant.

For morally involved fans of cine-plays like; The Island, Children of Men, and Gattaca, this should be a "must see" for you.

For an unabashed alternate view into what we may be-Or what we may become-this indie film ranks an 9 out of 10 "donations" in my book. Aside from; District 9, Saving Private Ryan, and Life is Beautiful, I've yet to see another "benchmark work" such as this in a good long while.

There's a Spring snow storm outside, but it's warm in here.

The chilly Spring day broke with grass trying to sip the water from the defrosting remnants of disappearing snow banks. The birds were chirping a song that hasn't been heard in some time in this northern snow locked region. A red squirrel squawks out an alarm call as neighbors briskly walk under the tree that it's caught in. Above, the overcast sky presents a teasing sliver of a torn cloud that allows a sharply delineated ribbon of orange-yellow morning sunlight to boldly blind any viewer who dares to state at it's wondrous beauty. Spring has seemingly made it's appearance.

For the way the morning had started, the afternoon must have been bested by all the other times of day at the gambling table and-due to the loss-must have had to entertain 'Ol Jack Frost for one more frolic. As the day progressed, the spotty rain fall digressed into a miasma of premium Snowman making snow, then it converted itself to a slick covering of sleet, which then decided to reinvent itself into mini hail pellets-That could be confused for mini pea shooter pellets.

Now late into the evening, the foul weather has become a fusion of rain-and the aforementioned mini peas shooter pellets-only this time it's accompanied by a few bright flashes of cloud generated electricity and the rumbles of thunder. Oh, what a wondrously confusing storm has this Spring season brought.

While the precipitation contemplates it's confusion outside, Bobbie has fallen asleep. Courtney struggles-valiantly-against the ever impending sleep that is trying to coerce her into an early nights rest. I, on the other hand, still receive nightly visits from Mrs. Insomnia and we dance late into the evening hours looking out into the darkness of the dimly lit city streets with wonder like the little boy in Maurice Sendak's book In the Night Kitchen. What I'm to see is still yet to be revealed.

Hence the night was frequented by a rainy-snowy-haily-thundery front, Courtney, Bobbie, and I wanted to venture  to a warm place. We decided on a Los Angeles crime saga:

We begin our picture following a armored car heist on the streets of the City of Angels. Seeing through a series of second lenses the story of our criminals and their law abiding counterparts are engaged in a game of "cat and mouse" for the soul of blind justice. as the picture materializes, we see how both sides are willing to, take down the big operation, move on to another life, another gig, or just find another way to right a wrong for their past dealings.  

For those of you who may not have seen this tale by Michael Mann, this is a modernized telling of a "western". The players are set on stage in a clear cut fashion. The bandits, the lawmen, how they interact with each other and their tactical styles. We see how each group is in an arms race to identify and out maneuver the other for any sort of advantage. Mann also creates his magic during the direction of this film to allow for our actors to express their characters hopefulness and also punctuate their vision of what they are wanting to create for their future lives. During the telling of this saga, we see our nemesis's find a respect for one another and in this discovery we see that they are a "Yin and Yang" example of good and bad, law and anarchy.

A gritty yet sleekly refined movie is ultimately what we have here. I suggest that anyone who likes a crime drama see this feature. If you've enjoyed: The Town, Collateral, Miami Vice, or Hard Boiled.

No doubt this one gets a high rating for it's great story line and fast moving action sequences. I feel this reel deserves an 8 out of 10 bags of bearer bonds.
 

We the people...

With one dog snoring away and another cleaning her paws, Courtney, Bobbie and I are reclining into a pile of feather pillows as though we were three chubby cherubs peering from the clouds of a Greek heaven. From this vantage point, we look out and into the dancing pixels that will transport us to another time and place.

Tonight we're getting political. On the agenda for tonight's viewing is:

We find ourselves looking into an alternate government as our President is under attack by his own missteps. As our President crumbles under his own sabotage, our new public servant Dave is introduce to fill in for the ailing President due to his similar looks. Ice Dave discovers how his associates in this ruse are manipulating his presence, he begins to find the goodness in change that holding this particular office can invoke. How one person can be called to arms and make a difference in the lives of many. And when the time has come to leave the office and disappear into the night's mist, our fill-in-President can leave with his pride intact knowing that he has done what's right and not what's popular.

A great romantic comedy with a fantastic cast, this screen play will have one cheering for the correct motions of office than the manipulating undertow of the officials. A story of good versus bad, right versus wrong, and accepting the outcomes of what one may have inherited, and being satisfied with a job well done is what this tale sung to me. Though I've had plenty of screenings for this picture, it's still a pleasure to watch weather it's a television broadcast or a spinning disk in the DVD player. Silly and fresh as we take a look into the presidency, this will always pull a light laugh and cheer from me.

This is a film for views who loved The American President.

This one gets a 5 out of 10 votes.

Bondo anyone?

While stealing a few hours from a Sunday afternoon, Courtney, Bobbie, and I, were making up for last week's missing features. As we fiddled though our Road Runner Cable listings, we came across a rebroadcast of the 1992 hit on HBO:

Once upon a time, there was a woman who was self absorbed and was always scheming to barter a better way to, "Have her cake and eat it too." With her arch enemy breathing down her neck, she succumbs to the pressure for her own desire for perpetual youth. When she's jilted by her young lover, the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back" was laid upon her broken youth. In her quest for youth, she ventures to a mysterious home to find a supplement that'll help her aging problems. Once our diva sees first hand what the results can be, she immediately purchases the supplement to turn back the hands of time. Then, the unraveling of her present situation is set on a path that can not be reverted...or derailed.

A great campy comedy accentuated with a witty sarcasm, this picture is still as funny today as when it was released in the early 90's. The C.G.I. execution in this feature was also done so well that-by today's standards-it still looks as fresh as anything that is currently released. A great acting chemistry that follows all of the major actors and actresses can not be denied. Intertwining and aggressively captivating, is the theme of the hilarity for those feature. Once you're in, you're in.

This story is a great accompaniment for other films like; The Twilight Zone, The Witches of Eastwick and even Love Potion #9.

A bountiful 6 out of 10 Proactive bottles is what I feel this movie deserves.

Where's ET? Maybe Elliot knows?

While hoping for an eventfully Saint Patrick's Day, I was surprised by the lack of enjoyment that the day brought. Plans were canceled, and situations were shifted. Irritations were passed around and a bit of discourse was shared.

I did have a pint of Murphy's Irish Stout to celebrate the ridding of Ireland of snakes by St. Pat. That was nice...except the drunken lady that kept talking to me while I was in a foul mood. As the strange lady spoke in her slurred style,I forced a few smiles and nodded politely as she kept telling Bobbie and I about how she drove across town to frequent this particular business. Between her brewery breath and the spittle firing from her drunken lips peppering my face, shirt and coat, I felt like I was on a bad episode of MTV's Boiling Point. I kept thinking of something Ewan McGregor said in his docu-drama Long Way Round, "Get me out of f***ing London."

Once home, I had to get away to suppress the emotional outbursts that-I'm pretty sure-were on their way.

So, out I went into the night to see:

The premise of this script is the present day and the earth is under attack by extraterrestrials trying to harvest the Earth's resources. Upon the arrival of the of the xenos, the areas around the impact zones are set alight with explosions and tumbling buildings. Our tactical force is sent in to secure the front line and extract civilians trapped beyond the engagement zone. Once in the danger zone, our team experiences internal turmoil and a call to leadership that can keep the audience watching.

The screen didn't reveal the aliens immediately like District 9 did, so, there was some of the "old school" mental suspense that the audience projected to the of world beings till they're caught on film. Once there was an appearance of the off world aggressors, the mental impact-for me-was a bit of a let down. Much like other sci-fi movies, the new arrivals are bipedal and carry weaponry that seemed, well, similar to what we have developed here on Earth. So much for other worldly.

Those who've enjoyed screen stories such as, Starship Troopers and Outlander, will more than likely want to see this feature. 

Though the visuals were superb and Aaron Eckhart's square jaw allows for good screen presence, those two aspects couldn't save the plots lean story line. But, the explosions were nice, so, it still has that going for it. For these reasons, I'll need to rate this at a 3 out of 10 broken spaceships.

Turn on the light...Please?

To make up for missing last Friday's movie, I watched a movie titled:

It picture takes place in Italy during the 40's after Mussolini's demise. Though the opening scenes started out promising, as the plot unfolded, it soon became apparent that this wasn't a flick that carried the cast to it's-possible-potential. I couldn't help but to take stock in how long it took to set the scenes and introduce the players.

The development of this drama/thriller/detective story isn't really all that it should be considering the actors listed in the cast. I'm going to chalk this one up to poor directing. Normally, I'd turn a boring film like this off as quickly as I'd pull the plug on movies like; Biker Boyz, Torque, and Harley Davidson and The Marlboro Man.

The only thing that saved this film was Paz Vega. Her dance steps were enough to watch it through the lounge sequence, but after that, pull it and turn on your local broadcasting.One of the inexcusable aspects of this picture was that Paz Vega is supposed to be an Italian national, but one can clearly tell by her accent that she's Spanish. I guess a pretty face can't save a lack of talent for dropping her native accent.

As for a film rating, this one gets 2 bullets in the head out of 10-Because I was so stupid by renting it that I need a "double tap" for doing so.
.
My recommendation is to either save your cash or rent Inception instead.

What a sad state of affairs.

Moving through the day has been easier than I thought it would've been today-For this I am grateful.
Last night, I previewed today's movie should I be caught in the work net and need to stay there.

Tonight's reel is:

Set during the Nazi occupation of Poland, we find a this boy's journey a remarkable telling of; faith, hope, awakening and self actualization. As our character discovers himself, he finds kindness in a remote home. Moving through his new state of being, he needed to wrap himself in the robes of Catholicism to avoid his Jewish past. Once our movie son arrives at his hide-a-way, he is tutored by a priest that enlightens him on the identity of Jesus and awakens a new emotional destination for his foster brothers.

This picture is a visual travel that engulfs the viewers gaze in such completion that one must have the hardest of hearts to not be engaged. Moving through a young persons views during such a turbulent time is definitely an exercise in empathy. The acting craft of all of these young actors and actresses are worth the view alone.

This is a must see for those who loved Life Is Beautiful.

This tale ranks-in my book-an 8 out of 10 rosaries.

I didn't hear Oasis playing in the back ground.

After running the Vue to a mechanic friend for some barter work to be completed, Bobbie and I were returning home and came upon the idea that we didn't want to cook dinner. We bypassed our home and made a bee-line for the local Subway Sandwich Restaurant. After Bobbie reappeared from inside the restaurant doors, we then made a break for the driveway apron. One home, I must admit that I was quite fatigued. there was nothing special to note from work. The day was neither hectic nor was it notably mentally draining.

Somehow, I found my way onto the bed and was roused around 8:00 o'clock p.m.. Making my way out of the now evening darkened room, I stumble out into the neon light of the hall and peeped sleepily around into the living room to see that Courtney was about to start tonight's pixel parade.

On tap tonight was:

Alright, I have to admit that this wasn't one of the films I'd selectively seek to view in a cineplex, but, as a rental, it's cheap enough for me to not feel so guilty to have spent some time on it. So, as usual, we've placed our behinds into the dents that we've made in the couch from previous film screenings. I couldn't help but to keep my iPod at arms length should I need to find a break from the television screen.

Pleasantly surprised, this is a "cute" story of  a woman who's been let go from a job in the television production business. We follow her as she seeks gainful employment with another televising firm and heads up their B-rated-if not forgettable-morning show. As she takes charge, she begins to find the niches of the people that she is working with and forges a "family" from those "loose ends".

A story of, perseverance, hard work and commitment with a sweet "she lived happily ever after" ending, is what this title presents. One can watch this with anyone who may have enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada.

This is a typical vanilla movie without much range of character depth, but the saving grace is that it's a "cute" film that chicks will love. For this, the movie receive 4 out of 10 CARA ratings.

Not your average Comic Convention topic.

Helping an old friend with his home construction Thursday and Friday has monopolized the time that I was able to spend with Courtney. It's a wonderful thing to know that she let's me do these things with an unparalleled understanding of what friends do for each other. It's good to see that she and her brother have a deep understanding of this concept. It's not that friends may stay in one's life for the entire time, but it is about being dedicated to a bond and nurturing the growth of that bond.

My children are a sight to behold as the grow to early adulthood. It brings me much hope that I haven't corrupted them with my own personal demons-On that note, we'll continue this prospect where we left off.

For the next viewing we chose:

To my amazement, I hadn't realized that Courtney's never had the opportunity to see this feature in it's entirety. After a game of Life, she and Max moved to positions on the over sized chair and the couch to continue the visual onslaught of this Tarantino gore fest-It was grand to know that they are mature enough to understand the series of story plays is purely for the shock value-Not to mention that they can follow the jagged sequenced story line.

Set in Tarantino's vision of Los Angeles, the fragmented story tracks the exploits of two hit men as they argue about moot points, have bloody exploits and contemplate moral issues that ensnare their works. Many more players are introduced into the story to give the movie more depth but the hit men are the glue to the segments. Much like the Coen brothers, Tarantino envisions much of this campy L.A. life with his own twits. A great script with brilliant banter and the use of role shifting actors, this is defiantly one of the director/writers best works-In my opinion.

Do I need to suggest any more films to view with this? If I must, just check out the other Tarantino flicks. I mean, if you liked this one, you'll probably enjoy his other grind house styled pictures.

This'll rate a 8 out of 10 brief cases for the witty banter alone.

I hope Marsellus Wallace doesn't know about this-because if he finds out, I may end up like Zed.

This isn't Peter the Dragon.

Maybe I slept too long or had too much belly pain from too much Tabasco sauce today, but I was a bit unruly into the early part of the evening. I must admit that I was a bit short with Courtney when she asked me what movie we should see tonight. I felt badly after Bobbie pointed out to me the error of my ways.

With a slumping sorrowful feeling pinned to my dragging tail, I made my way out to the living room to watch a film of her selection. I'm glad that she picked out something fun ad full of naive commentary about self realization-That completely spun the emotional direction of my evening around.  

Upon Max's suggestion earlier this week, Max, Courtney, and I sat down to see:

I must admit that I was never a fan of this book and had no plan to see this feature. Sure, this one was a C.G.I work of art, but I had my reservations about the story since the book wasn't that long. After all, we all saw what Spike Jonze did with Where The Wild Things Are. I just didn't want that same disjointing feeling in my mouth again. Max eased my concerns with a this quote, "You know Dad, this film was nominated for an Oscar because of it's computer work." Alright, that statement did it, I parked my rump on the couch and didn't move...much.

With great surprise, I was drawn into this flick and was emotionally involved with the main characters and the plight of the dragons. Much a story of finding one's voice against the constraints or the expectations of others, this is also a story of being without prejudice or pre-existing ideas. How living together may be the best way to join two cultures versus fear of each other, because in most cases, when the "shoe is on the other foot", the empathy can be the same on both sides.

Spectacularly presented, with enough sublime visuals to keep the rods and cones in the back of your eyes rapidly stimulated, this family film shouldn't be missed.

For families that love; Wall-E, Spirited Away, and Metropolis(2001 anime created by Osamu Tezuka), this movie is for you.

For bringing a great expansion to the original story, I need to rank this one at a 7 out of 10 bags of guarded treasure.

Paint balls, snakes, and poo.

Tuesday's the day for new releases. Pulling into the parking lot of the video rental store, I was a bit excited to continue with our New Year's resolution. As I made my way inside, the gals at the counter yelled their very happy greeting toward me. Swiftly spinning on my heels, I raised my arm in acknowledgment of their zeal filled welcome. With a smile, wink and a quick flutter of my raised hand, I convey my return hello.

So many new releases to chose from today. I wish I could rent them all, but what would we watch tomorrow if I binged on disks tonight? Selecting only three titles, I figured that I'd be safe by letting Courtney chose tonight's poison.

Of the three rentals, Courtney and Max chose:

Not to say that I'm a Jackass aficionado, but, I do enjoy their style of hijinks's. The distillation of their creativity may be questionable and their execution of said stunts may be repetitive, but the stars' of this choreographed reel are quite fearless. I believe that it's this fearlessness that makes this series so remarkable...and copied.

Watching grown men acting like 12 year old children can be quite a relief compared the daily mundane routine that most of us trudge through. All in all, there is much juggling of humor-and disgust-that can be enjoyed from this edition of a long running MTV television show. The fact that; getting kicked in the "beans" by a burro , playing Tether Ball with a bee hive, or getting punched in the head by your friend can add up to a load of laughs.

If you are the person who laughed hysterically at; Jackass, Jackass II, and shows like Wonder Showzen, you'll enjoy your time seeing this picture.

Though I didn't find episode 3 as funny as releases 1 or 2, it's still quite funny. I'll rank a 4 out of 10 on my "Sick-o-meter".

Why was it so funny you ask? That's an easy answer.
Because in every adult male lives a 12 year old prankster waiting to get out.

I can hear The Tokens singing now.

With much disdain for treadmill work at the gym, I was sweetly shuffled off to the gym by my beautiful bride with a reassurance that it'd make me feel better. I don't know about me "feeling better", but, it did do me good to run along the cylindrical road-Even if it wasn't at a rapid rate.

Sweetly, we stopped at the grocery store for some Oregano leaves, but, as always, we bought the store instead. Wanting to only spend $3.00, we tallied $153.00 on groceries that Bobbie and I figured we needed. Needed? More like wanted.

After unloading the needed/wanted goods into our cupboards and refrigerator, Bobbie spearheaded the cooking exploits of tonight's meal. Baked Parmesan Chicken and steamed beans were on the menu for our taste buds. Once Max, Courtney, and the two gals from down the street that Courtney was caring for a bit were fed, we cleaned like a team of Tasmanian Devils straight out of a Loony Toons cartoon. Shortly there after, the little gals found their way back into their mother's automobile, they waved good bye and proclaimed to their mother how much they enjoyed playing with Max's ferrets and Courtney's dogs.

After that, we had time to settle in for tonight's movie.

Knowing full well that Courtney hasn't had the chance to see this one, I knew she'd be in for a treat.

This motion picture tell us the story of a boy who is sent to live with a pair of eccentric Grand-uncles in the midst of his mothers desire to find herself. During their collision, our boy finds out what happens to his Grand-uncles and begins a tour de force of his own discovery and the truth that makes his bonds with others a beautiful, and sometimes a bitter-sweet, need. Humor abounds with punctuated emotional outpourings that will have you looking retrospectively into your own values and your family ties.

Second Hand Lions is a tale that distills all of the wonderful things that a family can be. Grand achievements, personal losses and the knowledge that, in the end, our bonds can make us whole. One should defiantly see this with someone they love.

For the discerning viewer that found, Unstrung Heroes and Lost in Yonkers a pleasure to the eyes, this one will fit right in their mix.

A fresh take that's always amusing to watch the first time or the hundredth time, this screen play gets a very heartwarming 6 out of 10 Foreign Legion Badges.

 

Xenophobes!

It's Saturday morning and the living room is echoing with propeller compressions and buzzing aeroplane fly-bys. Discovery HD Theater is rebroadcasting of the Red Bull Air Racing  2008 season opener from Abu Dhabi. I look away briefly to watch the pilots roll and spin their race planes in, around and through raised inflatable cones. It's tough not to marvel at the skill and precision that these pilots skillfully exert.

As I take stock for the morning, I can hear Max blurting out directions and locations upstairs-He must be playing some game on-line. Bobbie is resting for the day as she'd worked through the night as we all slept soundly. Courtney has been gone to a Key Club convention since yesterday and she's checked in to let us know that she's safe and having a grand time. The dogs are doing what dogs do...Slepping on their soft beds. Today's going to be a good day, if not, I'll make it a good day-Wow! Larry Pegram's on T.V.! That's one cool Ducati 1198R! See, the day's looking better already.

Thinking back to last night, Max and I made a run to the local Family Video joint directly after Bobbie departed for work. We meandered around the perimeter of the older movies and perused the new releases. Is I went though my check list, I keep mentally checking off the movies that I'd already seen. The only thing left was I Spit On Your Grave. Guess what? I simply chose from the inner corral of films. With Max satisfied with a couple of video games, I settled on two titles that I hadn't even given a fleeting thought to before. One was Afterschool, the other was Alien Autopsy.

Once we were in the house Max and  I had a  snack and talked some about the days events before he excused himself to venture off into the Playstation's virtual world till he's "dog tired"-Which makes me wonder where that term stems from since dogs sleep all day so they should be well rested...All of the time.

Anyway, I chose to drop...

...into the DVD tray. I figured that if I fell asleep watching this flick, I wouldn't be missing anything anyway. To my surprise, I found a spriteful comedy about some true-if embellished-events. The date is 1995 and our two blokes are trying to make the next quick quid. One hatches a hair brained idea to shell his mates car to fund a trip to the United States and purchase Elvis Presley memorabilia as a way to stock their hawking business. As their buying frenzy escalates, our blokes discover a mysterious man who claims to have stock footage from a crash incident during 1947. The place Roswell, New Mexico. Once home in Jolly 'ol England, one of our scheming pals decides to fund the purchase of the mysterious crash footage by enlisting an very peculiar-and intimidating-investor. Once the stock footage is acquired, hilarity ensues as our moronic mate tries to save his hide.

A good humorous photo play that'll have you rooted in one place as the proverbial "train wreck in slow motion" evolves, this one will appeal to those who've enjoyed; The Full Monty and Waking Ned Devine.

I must place this moving picture a bit better than a 5 out of 10 on my spotted dick scale.

Jeepers creepers where'd ya get those peepers.

As I stumbled into the house by way of the back door, I find Bobbie, Max and Courtney scuttling about the kitchen in a pre-storm dinner making frenzy. Courtney is watching the ground beef as it began it's browning session on the stove, Max is folding what appears to be a cardboard box, and Bobbie is finishing the stocking of the refrigerator with the added groceries she'd just bought. On the counter top a few items were strewn about. A couple of Roma tomatoes, an onion, the remains of a garlic bulb, a handful of Cilantro and head of lettuce were piled closely to each other.

Then it hits me...Were having taco salads tonight.
Great! Another night of gas. Thank you Honey-I know you'll enjoy being near me later.

Since I've ascertained-through years of trial and error-that it's the spices in those "all in one" taco spice packets that seem to have me distending like a balloon, I omit the taco meat and make a vegetarian taco salad...Or would that just be considered a salad? I think it'd be the latter.

Once we're ready to take the late day meal together, we again left the dinning room table vacant for a more plush spot in front of the television to watch tonights screening of:

Set in New York City this horror outlines the life of an actor and his wife as the find a new apartment. Once the apartment is obtained, the neighbors are introduced and the couple seems to adjust to their new environment. Shortly though, the darkness creeps in and the bizarre noises turn to strange dreams. Isolation sets in on Rosemary(Mia Farrow) as she finds herself pregnant. Situations move increasingly askew as she continues down the road to motherhood until she finds out the truth.

Though I've only seen bits and pieces of this horror classic, I've never had the chance to see this whole picture reel in a complete format. Due to the horror movies of today's standards, this feature is quite dated. The only special effects are a few flashes of overlapping pictures and a man in a chintzy brown suit...But what would you expect from a movie that was made in the '60s? Though the plot isn't something new, but, the content-for the day-was a frightening proposition for-the then-more reserve and conservative audience. I can see why it pushed the boundaries of the film industry when it was originally released. The thought of being enclosed and thwarted at every turn with nobody to ask for help aids in the isolated state that Mia Farrow's character experiences. This feature does a great job at allowing the viewer to see how one can be thought of as insane when telling their observation of the truth. Again, the director creates a great dichotomy of the being entrapped even though there are millions of people bustling on the streets below.

Rosemary's Baby is a good view if you're a fan of these other picture shows; The Devils Advocate and The Omen.

For being a good solid horror, this picture will get a 5 out of 10 baby rattles.

Ouch! That'll leave a mark.

It was about time that dramas took a back seat to something that'll chill the spine. Stephen King's novel coupled with a small and skillfully arranged cast presents nothing but sheer gasping shock that I know will have Courtney and Max clinging to the couch arms.

What was selected tonight was a thriller that truly peeks into a fractured and bipolar mind.

Corralled on a distant farm in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is where we find our injured writer. held hostage by his number one fan, he's subjected to horrific torments all in the name of her loving desire for him. In the bleak mid winter months, our writer summons strength to find a solution to his bizarre happenstance while trying to muster the courage to escape.

In my opinion, this motion picture is almost unparalleled in the vast seclusion in which the circumstances occur. Masterfully presented by Rob Reiner, this film does for horror what Stand By Me did for the coming of age drama. The sense of helplessness that the injured party must endure is translated so sharply by James Caan that it's hard to look away when his screen persona is struggling  for freedom. Much appreciation must be given to Kathy Bates for an unflinching description of a secluded psychopath. A frightfully believable undertaking by Bates, this is a blood curdling riot to watch.

This photoplay has always been a favorite of mine and if you like it too, I'd suggest you bundle some of the old thriller classics with it-Motion pictures such as; Rear Window, The Shinning and even something new like Monster.

For the excellent expansion of time and compression of panic, this one definitely rates an 8 out of 10 sledge hammers.
  
Archie Bunker says, "Way to go Meathead!"

1 + 1 = 11?

Shhhhh...Courtney doesn't know that I'm going to sneak this one in.

After she'd gone to bed, Bobbie and I decided to get another film in. We curled up under the down comforter and hit the play button on the DVD player remote and we began to watch a documentary titled:

This is a startling look at our education system and some of the systems pit falls. An unabashed look into the infrastructure and the hierarchy of our schools and the processes that define the programs are the topics on hand. In layman's terms, we are allowed to see how Charter and Kipp schools work and why they are successful and why the 1950s education model may not be the best choice in this day and age. Industry leading C.E.O.s also leave their statement as to what the economy will need from our up coming students to be functioning members in our ever changing world.

This documentary is not skewed to any political side or argument. A solid view from the directors research, this film will have you questioning the craft, the motives and the results of the department that we pay for and utilize for the mental growth of our young people. It will also have the viewer question if they've done enough for the unhindered progress of the nation's young people.

A hard nosed film that takes no prisoners, this film should be viewed with your teens-if you should have any-to allow for a more broad perspective about making the right choices about schools and why it's important to be studious.

This is a great reel that rivals other such as; The Cove and Super Size Me.

Well done, and informative, this one ranks 6 out of 10 broken pencils.

Not just for the Sopranos anymore.

41 degrees Fahrenheit is what the dashboard read in my car as I traversed the familiar city streets on the way home. The snow banks still bright white from the latest heavy frozen deluge are slowly melting their deeply hidden gem like barbs as the sun sooths it's caress over their grip of the cold's long embrace. What a nice break to remind us all that spring is just around the corner. Maybe the ground hog was correct about spring being early.

On the way past the local Family Video, I stopped to enlist some new movie titles for the resolution and ended up with four DVD cases instead of one.

For tonight, Courtney could chose what she'd like to view. She chose to see:

When the film started, I looked at James Gandolfini and only saw one thing-Mobster Boss. As the movie progressed, the wise-guy persona was sloughed off and a much darker more sullen person arose. This was a welcome sight from a artist such as Gandolfini. His screen presence is in full bloom as he guides the story along. Great supporting actresses round out the main cast, but, I must confess that I felt Kristen Stewart could've done much better with her role-She seemed a bit...lackluster. Stewart definitely did not seem as engrossed in this role as much as some others-One of those roles being; Georgia Kaminski in the 2007 film The Cake Eaters.

Welcome to the Rileys is a spartan look at a dysfunctional marriage after the death of a child. As Mr. and Mrs. Riley tango with their own mental and emotional trauma, they are forced to seek the truth and find one another in the most unlikely fashion. As Mr. Riley is off on a work conference, he crosses paths with a lost soul and a discovers a desire to help this wayward teen to find his own redemption. In the end, these three people find a family bond that stretches beyond the D.N.A. strands and into the soft spot of the human heart.

This movie will appeal to those who've enjoyed Leaving Las Vegas.

The Rileys will get relatively high marks for me. They'll find themselves ranked 7 out of 10 Po' boys.