Survivor: Samoa - Weeks 4 - 7

A Much Needed Merge

Don’t worry! You may have thought I had abandoned my favorite show, but be certain I haven’t! It’s an excuse, but Whitney and I have been super busy. With the combination of taking care of a house, my new job, and being out of town several weekends, we fell a bit behind with all the episodes. I’m not going to even attempt to try to recap each episode, but I want to give you my quick thoughts about the season and then I’m going to summarize about both the players that got the boot and those left in the game. I haven’t watched last night’s episode, so keep that in mind if you email me comments.

To be honest, this hasn’t been my favorite season. It started out strong, but the show has been plagued with a tribe that never wins, and it’s just not as fun to watch. Foa Foa’s losing streak combined with the down weather has provided players who are both physically worn out to strategize and those way too comfortable to strategize (Galu). I’m so glad that this merge is coming up because like last season, I can easily see Galu unraveling. Especially with Russell S. gone, I think Galu will run amuck with new strategy just because they are bored. I think there are a lot of wild cards on that tribe, so we’ll see what happens.

I never say this, but this is season that I think really could have benefited from mixing up the tribes half way. It was pretty clear that Foa Foa was never really going to catch a lucky win streak. Also, this has been one of those seasons whose conditions have been so bad, I’ve actually pondered myself if I could’ve stuck with it like they have. The rain has been miserable and the shots of the casts’ hands and toes would almost (and I stress the word almost) make me not want to go on the show.

So my quick thoughts on those departed...

Yasmin - Probably a mistake at the time to vote her off because of what she brought to challenges, but now we see that it really didn’t matter. From a viewer standpoint, I would have loved to see her stick around just for entertainment sake, but when you are super annoying in this game, you’ll be voted out quick.

Ashley - I really thought she would have gone further. I thought she would have strategized more than she did. I don’t blame the tribe for voting her out, especially when Liz did so well in that challenge.

Russell S. - He provided one of the scariest moments on Survivor history. It wasn’t as frightful the first time he fainted, but seeing his eyes glaze over when he sat up that second time, it showed how brutal this game was. I felt bad for him because you could tell he loved playing this game. I think he would’ve gone far, but he lacked the strategizing skills that you need when the merge comes. I hated to see him go out like that, and I usually don’t say that when people are removed from the game involuntarily.

Elizabeth - She was just the casualty of being on a bad tribe. She was smart and strong in challenges, and I don’t blame Foa Foa for voting her out. Going into the merge, I think Jaison would be more loyal than Liz would’ve been. That’s not a knock on her character, I’m just saying that she could’ve done some damage later on in the game.

And my thoughts on those remaining...

Russell H. - I can’t wait to see what he does in the merge. Like every other Survivor villain, I’m growing to love him, especially because he brings so much entertainment to the game. I think Russell could easily go the final two, but I just think that somebody will finally expose his evil ways. It’ll catch up to him... but I kinda hope it doesn’t.

Natalie - She seems to be smarter than she appears. I bet she plays a really good social game and watch for her bonding with Laura, Monica and Kelly on Galu.

Jaison - It’s not just because he’s my pick, but I’ve been disappointed in Jaison. He has the intelligence and the strength to win this game, but he is holding back. He’ll be gone early just because he’ll be seen as a threat in individual immunity.

Mick - He’s been boring and will just follow Russell along until the cord is cut. Another guy whose heart just isn’t in it anymore. He’s been no sort of leader for Foa Foa.

Erik - I could see Erik easily winning the game if he doesn’t get blindsided. He has the immunity idol, he’s strong and strategic... My pick to win at this moment.

Dave - Really smart, but he’ll be his own worst enemy. I can’t wait to see Russell and him on the same tribe, they are going to HATE each other. He really annoys me, but I could see him going far too.

John - I would never have guessed he would have made it this far. I’m still not sure what to think of him, but I think he’s going to be more a follower than a leader when it comes to winning the game. I don’t see him winning.

Brett - The same thing goes for Brett as John. Maybe they are both flying under the radar on purpose, but both could be a threat to win individual immunity. I don’t see Brett straying far from his alliance at all.

Laura - I could easily see her getting the group of girls together to dominate (accept for Shambo). She’s smart enough to see that she’s at the bottom of the Galu food chain, so I could see her leading the way to help the Foa Foa members get back into the game. Russell was very smart to talk to her on this past episode.

Kelly - Also another girl who seems smarter than she seems. I can’t really say much about her because they haven’t shown much of her.

Monica - She may fly under the radar for a long time, but she’s already been on the chopping block twice, so I really can’t see how she could win.

Shambo - What a wild card Shambo is. Even if she got to the end, I don’t see many jury members giving her the money. She’ll stay true to the four Galu guys if they put enough trust in her, but Foa Foa sure does like her and vice versa. She’ll probably make a stupid move that actually makes her win the game. Who knows with her...

So that’s it! Sorry for the late email and I’ll try to be more disciplined in my writing. I know I may not hear much response because many of you probably watched last night’s episode, but let me know if you are still reading!

Yahoo for the merge!

Survivor: Samoa - Week 3

The Racist is Gone

Obviously the editors at Survivor don’t read my emails because once again Galu got no coverage this episode. While watching this episode, Whitney commented, “I don’t like that tribe.” As soon as she said it, we talked about why that might be and we decided it is because we haven’t spent any time with them. Even though they keep on winning, the way the show has been edited makes Foa Foa the underdogs (even though they have dug their own grave) and Galu as the bad guys, even though there seems to be some very nice people on that tribe. If Foa Foa keeps losing, expect a shake up between tribes very soon. I want to see this just to see how Evil Russell reacts to this.

You know a tribe is dysfunctional when as soon as tribal council is over, they are talking about who is going next. It’s as if that they are already expecting to lose in the challenge. This is when strategy takes over the game too much and you just need to focus on your tribe winning. As it played out the whole episode, Ashley and Ben were on the chopping block from the get go. Ben because he’s, well, Ben... and Ashley because Evil Russell is intimidated by smart girls.

I don’t know if you will agree with me on this, but I am beginning to think that Evil Russell is a lot smarter than what he even displays. Yes, it’s obvious that he loves the spotlight and I think he gives himself way too much credit, but he definitely can get people to trust him. The gullible and to me, boring, Mick is like a King who lets his advisor make all the decisions for him. I keep telling myself that people are going to catch on to Evil Russ, but maybe his seed analogy is true. The reason I am giving him this credit is because of how he backed away from his strategy to get Ashley off. I saw a switch go off in his head that usually happens with great players. Great players know how to be aggressive, yet know when to back off a bit. We’ll see if he stays in this category, because he could easily get bit by the cockiness bug that takes down players (Kenny from Gabon comes to my mind).

For some reason the immunity challenge didn’t click with me this time. I know it was another physical one, but I couldn’t quite grasp the strategy of the players to keep others out of the “block zone.” Also, I don’t like it how some of the players on Foa Foa sat out even though they were down in numbers. I think it was ok for that first challenge because it was just for reward and it started things off, but I think if all possible, everybody should compete. Seeing Mr. Rebel completely miss a tackle was all worth it though.

Following the challenge, we finally got to see some drama at Galu’s tribe besides Shambo’s disgust. Good Russell, as the tribe’s leader, chose comfort over functionality. No matter what he chose, somebody was going to be mad. I wouldn’t have chosen the same way, but that’s not the reason I thought this was a bad move. It was because his explanation to his tribemates about taking care of his women was completely displaying his strategy in this game. He clearly is going to try to make alliances with the women in his tribe, which is smart, but I do think it’s dumb that he declared it out loud like he did. If I were the other guys on the tribe, this would have been a huge red flag for me.

We then saw Shambo throw her tribe under the bus as she became the most amazing person ever in the eyes of Foa Foa. Yasmin, take notes... If Shambo was smart, she would try to mend fences better at Galu, but regardless, she has put herself in a great spot if a merge was to occur. She showed exactly what you need to do if you spend time at another tribe’s camp.

Now to the ousting of Ben... He needed to go and I’m proud of Jaison for standing up like he did. Now, from a game perspective, I don’t know about his threat of leaving the game if Ben stuck around, from a personal perspective, I commend him. I think mentally Jaison is going to check out of Survivor. This pains me to say because he’s my pick for this season, but I think he’s a very smart and athletic guy who could win this game, but other personalities may become the death of him. He’s almost to that point of being so smart the he’s going to put life in perspective and wonder why the heck he is interacting with these wild personalities. Maybe with Ben gone, that will change, but who knows?

It was good to get rid of Ben just from a tribe dynamic position. He was annoying, not really great at challenges, and we really didn’t get to see how much he actually did at camp except just chop one piece of wood over and over and over again. That was one of the most personal tribal councils I’ve seen and I was with Jaison all the way. I thought that Jaison eloquently stated his position well and Ben just was way too prideful to admit that he made a mistake. I don’t remember exactly how he put it, but when he said, “Ok Ben, even if you think Yasmin is ghetto trash, at least admit you weren’t being sensitive to the history of African Americans,” and Ben still wouldn’t back down. That “Southern pride” that just makes me sick. I think it’s one thing to cast controversial people for this show, but I think the producers went too far in casting Ben. Being the way he was in front of everybody, they had to know about his racial tendencies from all the profiling they do for contestants before a show airs. If he had stuck around more, who knows what could have happened between Ben and Jaison, or even Ben and Yasmin, and I think that would definitely had crossed that line of good television versus bad taste. Good riddance to Ben and I hope he gets as little limelight as possible shined on him. I didn’t even love to hate Ben, I just was disgusted by him.

On that cheerful note, what did you think? Am I giving Evil Russell too much credit? What would you have chosen, comfort or functionality? Did Good Russell make the right decision? What did you think of Jaison’s way of getting Ben voted out? What did you think of Ben and do you think the producers went too far in casting somebody like Ben?
Week 3:
The Racist is Gone


Obviously the editors at Survivor don’t read my emails because once again Galu got no coverage this episode. While watching this episode, Whitney commented, “I don’t like that tribe.” As soon as she said it, we talked about why that might be and we decided it is because we haven’t spent any time with them. Even though they keep on winning, the way the show has been edited makes Foa Foa the underdogs (even though they have dug their own grave) and Galu as the bad guys, even though there seems to be some very nice people on that tribe. If Foa Foa keeps losing, expect a shake up between tribes very soon. I want to see this just to see how Evil Russell reacts to this.

You know a tribe is dysfunctional when as soon as tribal council is over, they are talking about who is going next. It’s as if that they are already expecting to lose in the challenge. This is when strategy takes over the game too much and you just need to focus on your tribe winning. As it played out the whole episode, Ashley and Ben were on the chopping block from the get go. Ben because he’s, well, Ben... and Ashley because Evil Russell is intimidated by smart girls.

I don’t know if you will agree with me on this, but I am beginning to think that Evil Russell is a lot smarter than what he even displays. Yes, it’s obvious that he loves the spotlight and I think he gives himself way too much credit, but he definitely can get people to trust him. The gullible and to me, boring, Mick is like a King who lets his advisor make all the decisions for him. I keep telling myself that people are going to catch on to Evil Russ, but maybe his seed analogy is true. The reason I am giving him this credit is because of how he backed away from his strategy to get Ashley off. I saw a switch go off in his head that usually happens with great players. Great players know how to be aggressive, yet know when to back off a bit. We’ll see if he stays in this category, because he could easily get bit by the cockiness bug that takes down players (Kenny from Gabon comes to my mind).

For some reason the immunity challenge didn’t click with me this time. I know it was another physical one, but I couldn’t quite grasp the strategy of the players to keep others out of the “block zone.” Also, I don’t like it how some of the players on Foa Foa sat out even though they were down in numbers. I think it was ok for that first challenge because it was just for reward and it started things off, but I think if all possible, everybody should compete. Seeing Mr. Rebel completely miss a tackle was all worth it though.

Following the challenge, we finally got to see some drama at Galu’s tribe besides Shambo’s disgust. Good Russell, as the tribe’s leader, chose comfort over functionality. No matter what he chose, somebody was going to be mad. I wouldn’t have chosen the same way, but that’s not the reason I thought this was a bad move. It was because his explanation to his tribemates about taking care of his women was completely displaying his strategy in this game. He clearly is going to try to make alliances with the women in his tribe, which is smart, but I do think it’s dumb that he declared it out loud like he did. If I were the other guys on the tribe, this would have been a huge red flag for me.

We then saw Shambo throw her tribe under the bus as she became the most amazing person ever in the eyes of Foa Foa. Yasmin, take notes... If Shambo was smart, she would try to mend fences better at Galu, but regardless, she has put herself in a great spot if a merge was to occur. She showed exactly what you need to do if you spend time at another tribe’s camp.

Now to the ousting of Ben... He needed to go and I’m proud of Jaison for standing up like he did. Now, from a game perspective, I don’t know about his threat of leaving the game if Ben stuck around, from a personal perspective, I commend him. I think mentally Jaison is going to check out of Survivor. This pains me to say because he’s my pick for this season, but I think he’s a very smart and athletic guy who could win this game, but other personalities may become the death of him. He’s almost to that point of being so smart the he’s going to put life in perspective and wonder why the heck he is interacting with these wild personalities. Maybe with Ben gone, that will change, but who knows?

It was good to get rid of Ben just from a tribe dynamic position. He was annoying, not really great at challenges, and we really didn’t get to see how much he actually did at camp except just chop one piece of wood over and over and over again. That was one of the most personal tribal councils I’ve seen and I was with Jaison all the way. I thought that Jaison eloquently stated his position well and Ben just was way too prideful to admit that he made a mistake. I don’t remember exactly how he put it, but when he said, “Ok Ben, even if you think Yasmin is ghetto trash, at least admit you weren’t being sensitive to the history of African Americans,” and Ben still wouldn’t back down. That “Southern pride” that just makes me sick. I think it’s one thing to cast controversial people for this show, but I think the producers went too far in casting Ben. Being the way he was in front of everybody, they had to know about his racial tendencies from all the profiling they do for contestants before a show airs. If he had stuck around more, who knows what could have happened between Ben and Jaison, or even Ben and Yasmin, and I think that would definitely had crossed that line of good television versus bad taste. Good riddance to Ben and I hope he gets as little limelight as possible shined on him. I didn’t even love to hate Ben, I just was disgusted by him.

On that cheerful note, what did you think? Am I giving Evil Russell too much credit? What would you have chosen, comfort or functionality? Did Good Russell make the right decision? What did you think of Jaison’s way of getting Ben voted out? What did you think of Ben and do you think the producers went too far in casting somebody like Ben?

Survivor: Samoa - Week 2

The Woods Ain’t The Hood

Ladies and gentlemen... Survivor Samoa will now be called Survivor Foa Foa. All I really know about the other tribe is that their color is purple and that Shambo’s antics, although highly entertaining, may cause a good character to be booted early. Despite the fact that all the focus has been on Foa Foa, I though that this was a great second episode. Usually the early episodes are forgettable, but like Fans Vs. Favorites, this episode had plenty of memorable moments.

The episode quickly started off with Betsy’s weariness of Russell, so we knew either of them was probably going to go. Then all of a sudden, the villain of the season with the awful strategy actually showed some intellect as he quickly found the hidden immunity idol before any clues had been dispersed. You have to give him some credit here. He was thinking way ahead of everybody, including the producers. How crazy is it that he found it in pure daylight in front of everybody? The producers had to be throwing their hands up in excitement knowing that the “love to hate” character of the season may be sticking around for a bit longer. Now, I don’t know how smart of a move it was to show Jaison the idol. I think he was brilliant for making a true ally in Jaison because they are such an unlikely pair, but we will see if that lasts (according to the sneak peak for the next episode).

As an audience we were then privy too watching probably the most physical Survivor challenge ever. I’m going to sound like an old fart, but they are going to have to tame these ones down a bit. Each season it grows more brutal, which I think is due to contestants trying to raise the stakes each season. The fact that they had girls and guys in that pit at the same time was pretty crazy to me. Regardless of all of that, I think they made too big of a deal of Probst pulling Ben. I had the privilege of watching this episode with Whitney and both of my parents, and we enjoyed the debate of whether Ben should’ve been kicked out. I was in the position that yes he was because he could’ve broken Russell S.’s leg with his trip, but Whitney’s argued that there was just as much choking going on. I’m sure Ben wasn’t intentionally trying to hurt somebody, so I understand that he was trying everything to help his team win. I think it’s an interesting debate.

So Foa Foa lost the fight and Mike left pretty banged up and had to leave the game. You had to see it coming and the fact that they voted out Marisa before him might come back to haunt them. Because the show started off with 20 contestants, you knew at some point there would be two people gone on one episode, so this gave the producers a perfect opportunity to use Mike’s departure to dwindle the number down a bit. This was unfortunate for Betsy because I thought she could’ve really made an impact on the game. I think with a little more time she could’ve really recruited some of the young ones to her side, but despite Ben’s annoying and cocky behavior, I don’t blame them for voting her out. They really have to win challenges at this point being three members down.

Going back a little bit... How big of a win for the episode was the fact that Yasmin came over to Foa Foa’s camp? Out of all the people Russell S. could choose, he chose her. When she went over to that camp and just started down-talking everybody, it blew my mind. I can’t see how any of those rants could benefit her in this game. What a perfect opportunity missed to maybe make some friends when a merge occurs. Her and Ben’s fight was like watching our two political parties duke it out in Washington D.C. You just knew it wasn’t going to go anywhere. But boy was it entertaining to watch.

Ben amazes me with his no-apologies personality. I personally can’t stand arrogant people like him, but if he keeps up his antics there is now way he can win this game. He isn’t even playing mean smart, and when somebody like Russell starts having disrespect for you, you know he has to be pretty bad.

What are your thoughts on everything? Are you giving Russell H. more respect knowing that he found the idol early? Do you think his alliance with Jaison will have legs? Was the challenge too physical and do you think Ben should’ve been kicked out? Do you wish the focus on both tribes would be a little bit more equal? Were you sad to see Mike and Betsy go? Could Yasmin be the next spokesperson for Micro Machines?

A lot of questions... I look forward to hearing what you think!

And remember... never lose the fishing gear! (How does that seem to happen every season?)

Survivor: Samoa - Week 1

Where Did My Socks Go?

First impressions... I think this season is going to be a good one. The cast already seemed more appealing to me than I had seen during the interviews. This is probably due to the fine editors of the show, but it looks like a group that fall in two categories: Really fun people to be around or very vocal and opinionated people.

Right off the bat, I liked how they did the first impressions this time. Instead of calling out the people who are leased liked, they decided to elect leaders of the tribe, which started this season on a positive note. It was also nice to see two challenges instead of one, and I thought the device of picking out particular people to participate was ingenious. I thought it was interesting to see the difference between how the two elected leaders approached their new positions. Russell S. embraced it with full arms knowing that by being one of the older ones, being catapulted into this position was a great way for him to stay in the game longer. Mick on the other hand never seemed comfortable with it and that attitude definitely carried into the camp. With such outgoing personalities like Ben and Russell H. on his tribe, Mick is going to have a tough time being the leader. I think the tribes seem to be very well divided, so hopefully that’ll prove to be true when it comes to the challenges. It just makes the show more interesting when the victories go back and forth.

I suppose the big standout already is the pure evil nature of Russell H. I honestly don’t see how his strategy will carry him to the end. This is Survivor, so I may be proven wrong, but his charade will eventually have to crumble. I really don’t understand the strategy, and although it may take a scapegoat to reveal his evil ways (cough, cough, Betsy, cough, cough), I can’t see him making it very far into a merge. What will keep him around is his contribution to the challenges. The girls will certainly turn on him, but we’ll see what the guys do. Him and Ben could join forces and reek havoc worse than three Johnny Fairplays combined. Russell’s antics might be shocking and entertaining at first, but I think his presence will get tiresome quick. Pouring out water and burning socks??? There’s a difference between manipulating somebody and endangering somebody’s health.

It’s always hard to write a summary for the first episode because there is so much to see and dissect. You had to feel bad for Marisa because if it wasn’t for Russell, she had potential to go far (think of Erinn from last season), but she made the mistake of not talking to others about Russell before he did the same thing about her. I think it kind of stinks for females like Marisa and Ashley who are confident and outspoken in this game. They always seem to be the first to go, but if you are a guy and have the same qualities, it seems redeemable because a guy may swim faster. That said, this show seemed to focus on certain people more than others for sure (Shambo, Russell H.), but I don’t know if that means that their exit will be fast approaching or if they will be around for awhile. Time will tell...

So... do you think there is any redeemable quality to Russell H.? Did you like the beginning as much as I did (voting leaders in, the first challenge)? Do you feel like this season seems promising?

And on one more note... if you haven’t had a chance to see this show on HD, try to as soon as possible. The crew shoots this show so well and the quality puts live NFL games to shame.

Until next time...

The Reader (2008)

This film has Oscar bait written all over it. From the music, to the subject material, it screams to be noticed as important. Sure enough, it worked, because it earned a Best Picture nomination and a Best Actress win for Kate Winslet’s performance. My curiosity coming in was if it was deserving of all these nods.

Without giving too much away, The Reader is a little strange to watch because it centers on an affair between 15-year old Michael Berg (David Kross and later, Ralph Fiennes) and a mid-30’s bus-ticket puncher, Hanna Schmitz (Winslet). What starts as seemingly just a sexual adventure blossoms into a relationship that ends suddenly for both characters. The way the two meet again is not as much surprising as a moralistic decision that no person would want to take on.

The Reader takes a little time to get into. I didn’t know if it’s because of the uneasiness of the main relationship at first, but once the plot arrives at the turning point, my interest was set in. Kate Winslet is very good here giving a sympathetic feel to at the very least, a faulted character. I would usually go more in depth about both the plot and setting, but trust me, the less you know about the story going, the more you will get out of it at the end.


I wasn’t blown away by the total package of the film, but the moral dilemma forces you to invest, which made for a movie that is very much worth seeing, but won’t stay in my subconscious for a long while.

I give The Reader 3.5 out of 5 tape recorders.

#92: GoodFellas (1990)

Oscar Winner: Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci)

When I think of the best directors in movie history, Martin Scorsese is always at the top of that list. He’s had some so-so films here and there, but it’s not from a lack of talent. As an avid film lover and historian, you know his heart is poured out into every film, so you always forgive his missteps and wait for his new one to release. He always seems to be at his best when it comes to gangster films and GoodFellas is no exception. It acts as the pinnacle of Scorsese’s style, preciseness and vision.

GoodFellas is the classic rise-and-fall story of the real-life gangster, Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta. The movie follows him and his two pals, Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy De Vito (Joe Pesci) as they climb the ranks of the New York mafia ladder in the 60’s and 70’s. As their fame and prestige grow, so do the murders, as they continue to adapt to the ever-changing climate of their trade.

Like other gangster films before it, GoodFellas gives you an in-depth look at how the mob operates. What makes it different is that its fast pace perfectly reflects the graphic violence and whirlwind nature of the lifestyle. Every scene and moment moves with a quick pulse, yet each one is truly memorable and builds upon the next. Having the knowledge that everything is based on a true story (Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi) adds to the shock of it all, but like no other film, you feel like you are getting an insiders peak that not even a documentary film could cover. Scorsese is the master of being innovative with his camera movement, use of soundtrack, and editing technique. With every swoop and cut, more and more depth is added to the characters.

Along with being a perfect movie technically, the acting is super. Joe Pesci has always been great at playing characters with a ferocious short-man syndrome, but here he plays a character so out of control that you get nervous anytime he appears in a scene. Robert De Niro’s character isn’t as up front as you would expect, but his acting chops shine through in his subtle nature of knowing that he’s not the main character in the film. Also, I think it’s a shame that Ray Liotta doesn’t get more credit for his role here. He’s likable and charming, yet provides the dangerous qualities that is needed for his tragic nature. In particular, I marveled at how well he did the voice-over narration, which is wound throughout the film so much, that with one bad inflection, it could’ve derailed the film.

I could go on and on about how well made the film is, but at the heart of it all is that it’s just flat out entertaining. It’s funny, suspenseful, dramatic… all the elements that make up a great movie. It’s crazy that at the time, Scorsese didn’t win the Oscar for directing or for best picture. Dances With Wolves pretty much stole everything that year, but Scorsese was finally awarded the statues for The Departed, which is great as well, but not nearly as good as this film. Perhaps the Academy was making up for past mistakes.

GoodFellas has always been a favorite of mine that I can watch over and over and not get tired of it. In short, it’s a perfect film. I give it 5 out of 5 pistol whips.

Watchmen (2009)

Who watches the Watchmen? I’m not sure, but I know you shouldn’t.

Although my wife teased me about it, I wanted to read the film’s original source that landed on Time’s All Time 100 Novels list. True devotees of the graphic novel should be enamored by the fact that the movie is a very, very true representation of the film. Unfortunately, the comic book dialogue and staging did not translate to the screen at all.

The film is set in a reimagined world where Nixon is serving his third term and America has won the Vietnam War. With America on the brink of nuclear war with Russia, a now banned group of superheroes, The Watchmen, come together once again after one of their own has violently been murdered.

I’ll get the compliment out of the way… Zack Synder knows how to appeal to the visual senses. Watchmen is a beautiful film to look at, but it’s too bad that Synder is way too in love with his style. Everything moves in slow motion… the dialogue, the action, the transitions, the story… to a point that the run time of 2 hours and 40 minutes feels like 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach brings the only redeemable acting to the film, but the rest do a terrible job, especially Patrick Wilson and Malin Akerman (who I call the second coming of Cameron Diaz). I feel sorry for anybody who hasn’t read the source material, because I can’t imagine going into this film without any background on the story line. Synder completely forgets to intertwine the themes that made the graphic novel so adored.

I sat there feeling sorry for the people who watched this who weren’t “fan boys.” I myself felt lost and just not caring about anybody, so I really don’t see how anyone else could. Watchmen is a sloppy film that drags on just to showcase how innovative Synder can be with his camera.

I give it 2 out of 5 doomsday clocks.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)

Titles are a very important thing to a movie. This one alone made you decide to read the review with cautious curiosity or an expected shaking of the head. With sexual content right up there with The 40-Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up (if not worse), and the word ‘porno’ in the title, it’ll be hard to convince anybody to look past their barriers to see this film.

My stance is not to convince you to see this because frankly, you know what you can or can’t handle. I’ve been a fan of the controversial director, Kevin Smith, for a long time. Not so much because of his ability to write dialogue that even makes Tarantino blush, but because he adds a real-life feeling to his films that tackle hard-hitting issues like religion and homosexuality. Ok, not all the time (Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), but he does always try to entertain.
Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks (both extremely good here) play long-time best friends and roommates who find themselves not being able to pay their bills. So what’s the simple solution you ask? They make a porno! Yes, Smith uses the set up to poke fun at the industry and probably provide a platform for jokes he always wanted to use, but he once again brings intimate and sweet moments to his raunchy world (which he’s done long before the Apatow crew became famous for this).

It sounds crazy to say this considering the context, but Smith, his core group of actors and the story are very reigned in, and in a way they have become adults who still like to have fun (especially compared to Smith’s Mallrats). Along with this and a scene that I think really demonstrates how important love is to sex and how it can go the complete opposite way when abused, this was a very funny, touching (no pun attended) and well-made film. Just make sure you pray and repent afterwards…

I give Zack and Miri 4 out of 5 awkward high school reunions.

Films Whitney Can’t Believe I’ve Never Seen- 8/20/09

There is a list of movies that my wife, Whitney, gasps at due to the fact that I’ve never seen before, especially being such a “movie guy.” Yes, they are often chick flicks, but they are ones that I somehow missed that the world did not. I’ll occasionally write a brief synopsis of these films that I finally took time to watch.

The Cutting Edge (1992)
A very campy movie that was way more fun than I would have ever expected. It’s one of those rare occasions where early 90’s cheesiness still translates to an enjoyable experience.

3.5 out of 5 Dorseys.

The Notebook (2004)
Although I was surprised by the lack of depth and mystery to the story, it’s one that is truly moving (yes some tears formed) and totally justifiable of being on EW’s 50 Sexiest Movies list. A guy will score major points for watching this one with their significant othe.

3.5 out of 5 dances with no music.

Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)
In honor of John Hughes’ death, we watched this film. With a plot that is as thin as a sheet of paper, the 80’s nostalgic feel can’t save the film from Eric Stoltz’s constant whispering, Lea Thompson’s overacting, and lack of humor that usually carries Hughes’ films. Mary Stuart Masterson’s tomboy character is about the only thing that makes it worth watching.

2 out of 5 drum solos.

#93: The French Connection (1971)

Oscar Winner: Best Picture, Best Director (William Friedkin), Best Actor (Gene Hackman), Best Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay

The best way to describe The French Connection is a cat and mouse chase. Except for a few of the character-building scenes, it’s as if somebody is after another in some form or fashion. This characteristic provides for a movie that overall I wasn’t blown away by, but one that is heavily entertaining throughout. It’s a cop movie that has elements that are all too familiar, but I had to remind myself that it’s from 1971, so in reality it is the source of all the copycats we see today.

The French Connection perfectly embodies the launching ground of the anti-hero movement in 70’s film. The main character, Popeye Doyle (Gene Hackman) is a cop who is overtly racist and fights crime for the thrill of fighting, not for justice. With his partner Buddy Russo (the always good Roy Scheider) in toe, he comes across a heroin smuggling ring that may be his ticket out of sniffing petty drugs out of local bars every day. What follows are French crooks and mafia men who push Popeye’s temper and patience to a point where he tries everything to solve the case just because he can’t stand not solving a case.

Unlike most cop films, you find yourself not rooting for either side because you don’t want the chase to ever end. Friedkin’s direction is very spot-on and calculated, providing for shot compositions and transitions that are unforgettable. This movie is most known for its subway/car chase scene that still holds up today. It remains so raw and computer effects free, that you feel every crash, screech and near miss. Even more so, I think I enjoyed a foot chase between Popeye and the main villain, because it’s more mental in its suspense than physical.

It was hard to keep in mind that this film was revolutionary for the cop drama because there have been so many incarnations of Popeye Doyle since then (a more carefree Sgt. Riggs comes to mind). As a pure enjoyable ride, it hits all the marks, but it forgets about its themes too often until the last shot. The ending is about as bleak and surprising as one you’ll find, but I wished that was strung throughout the film more. It just comes off more as a blockbuster to me than an Oscar winner.

Still, I feel like The French Connection is one of the more accessible films on this list. I give it 3.75 out of 5 subway chases.

Gran Torino (2008)

Despite his legendary status, I have not seen many Clint Eastwood films. I’m more familiar with his current work as a director than his spaghetti-westerns back in the day. So, as an acting swan song, he’s left his iconic image with what my wife put so well as, “A made-for-TV movie that looks really good.”

Eastwood is Walt Kowalski, a Korean war veteran stuck in a Detroit neighborhood with every ethnicity but his (think of an elderly Dirty Harry). Facing loneliness for the first time and children who just don’t give a damn about him, he reluctantly meets his Chinese neighbors after an act of gang violence. He’s faced with overcoming his racial mindset as he learns to stop cursing at life and finally become connected to the community that has left him far behind.

I’ve heard Eastwood is one of the fastest directors when it comes to shooting and making a film. Part of that is taking a screenplay as is (this is unheard of) and shooting 1 to 2 takes for each scene. This method isn’t recognizable in his Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River, but he couldn’t get away with it with this one. It’s a good story that just needed a little more tweaking and maybe just a few more takes from an inexperienced supporting cast.

At times scenes seemed too clunky and cheesy, but also have times where it’s very dramatic and actually funny. It feels odd to laugh at this old crotchety man, especially with his racial slurs that never let up. Eastwood pulls it off though by giving heart and depth to a character that I unfortunately still was not pulling for at the end. You see the transformation in him, which is commendable, but it never apologizes for his racial thoughts that never sat too well with me.

I would put Gran Torino in that category of a good movie, but you aren’t missing anything if you don’t see it. I give it 3 out of 5 “Get off my lawn” growls.

The Ugly Truth (2009)

Here is a movie that the previous film that I reviewed, (500) Days of Summer, is 100% trying not to be… A romantic comedy that is clichéd with circumstances and characters that probably would never exist. Yet, The Ugly Truth uses the well-known formula to form a worthwhile theater-going experience.

The Ugly Truth takes a curve around the PG-13 rating for R-rated material that never steps close to the raunchiness of Apatow films, but has just enough blushful moments to appeal to the Sex and the City crowd. Gerard Butler (from 300 fame) is Mike, an alpha-male TV commentator who gets picked up by a desperate Sacramento news station despite disapproval from its high-strung head producer, Abby (Katherine Heigl). Obviously, Mike and Abby don’t see eye-to-eye on things, but the two draw close as Mike uses his extensive knowledge of the male ego to help Abby land the guy of her dreams.

This was a movie that was way better than I expected, nor was it anywhere near great. It’s most likely to get lost amongst the slew of rom-coms that are out there. Butler and Heigl’s chemistry is lacking a bit, but it’s mainly due to the script, not the acting. The R-rating will probably drive off a lot of viewers, but I almost appreciated the fact that it was taking a chance with the material; versus skirting around the issues like PG-13 films do… too bad it was for the most part unsuccessful.

I give The Ugly Truth 3 out of 5 badly hidden Scottish accents.

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

Everyone has had that breakup where all your thoughts, expectations, and desires have been shattered without warning. If it’s not a breakup, everyone will face, at one time or another, a moment in life where everything you once thought and believed is crushed. It’s a tough time in life, yet a pivotal one, that can make or break somebody. A film hasn’t captured that feeling so well like (500) Days of Summer.

Billed as an anti-love story, first-time director Marc Webb innovatively tells the story of the fruitful beginning and ultimate demise of Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel). Don’t worry, that isn’t a spoiler. The film flips back and forth to pivotal moments of the two’s relationship to give context to the question, “Why?” There are some very out-of-the-box moments that are truly innovative, smart and entertaining that poke fun at the clichés that movies make us think that are reality… i.e. that you must have that special somebody to feel complete in life.

Unfortunately THERE ARE some clichés in this film that don’t quite make it perfect or as innovative as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but it was still a breath of fresh air to sit in a theater that was showing a film that was entertaining throughout, very original, had great performances, and one that I know I want to see again. You connect with a very emotional feeling to this film, but it gives you leverage to laugh at both yourself and the characters. Please go to the theater and support independent films like this one before more brainless blockbusters overtake it.

I give (500) Days of Summer 4 out of 5 Hall & Oates hits.

#94: Pulp Fiction (1994)

Oscar Winner: Best Original Screenplay (Also nominated for 6 other categories)

A Royale with cheese… the big brains on Brad… Honey Bunny… the twist contest… the soundtrack… Ezekiel 25:7… The best way to describe Pulp Fiction is by one word… Cool. Even if the language, violence and drugs that appear repulse you, one has to admit that Quentin Tarantino’s film oozes with Cool.

This is one of the films on the list that I had seen many times, mainly from my time in college, and it still holds up today. It’s now historically known as the movie that brought independent film to the forefront. There are so many memorable scenes and quotes that it’s almost overwhelming. For better or for worse, there are images and moments from this movie that will stick with you for a long time, and to me that is one of the elements that makes a great film.

Pulp Fiction is an ode to the inexpensive fiction magazines that were widely published from the 1920s through 1950s. It tells four original tales that involve gangsters, a boxer, and rather chatty robbers that all connect in someway. The viewer is never quite sure what to expect because everything is intertwined in a non-linear fashion, which was very new and original at the time. The stories almost abandon any sense of theme or purpose, but dive headfirst into a world that you know exists, but one that you don’t want to admit does. You just have to accept that this world that Tarantino has created is pure entertainment and as uncomfortable as it is, you have to sit back and enjoy.

What particularly stands out is the performances and the dialogue. The movie practically made Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman a household name and John Travolta should still be paying Tarantino some compensation for revitalizing his career. Also, the verbiage used between the characters is so unique and clever, but at the same time captures how two people talk to each other. You feel as if you are spying on somebody’s conversation versus hearing a movie script. By blending this innovative, yet real-life conversation with dynamic chemistry between the actors, Tarantino created a world that filmmakers have been trying to recreate since.

The only downfall of this film is the middle story, following Butch (Bruce Willis). Besides for its very funny opening with Christopher Walken and its fury of an ending, it’s boring and way too long with a pace that is not like the others. Still, that segment wasn’t enough to keep it from being nominated for Best Picture in 1994 with an amazing class; Four Weddings and a Funeral, Quiz Show, The Shawshank Redemption, and Forrest Gump (which won).

There was a huge outcry when it didn’t win, especially because it won the prestigious Golden Palm award at the Cannes film festival. I think people must move past that because Pulp Fiction made a huge impact on pop-culture and changed the way the studio system looked at independent films. Which to me is a bigger legacy than receiving the coveted recognition.

I give Pulp Fiction 4.5 out of 5 briefcases.

The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)

I heard about this film way before the heavy Oscar-nominated film, Milk, came out this past year. Before I saw that one, I wanted to see the non-Hollywood depiction of the man who became the first openly gay politician elected to a high office. This film was in my Netflix queue when I first heard about it on my favorite podcast, Filmspotting. From time to time the two hosts have marathons, and they discussed this Oscar winner when they had a documentary marathon.

If you’ve ever seen an older documentary, they have such a different feel than the fast-cutting, hard-hitting, propaganda-filled docs of today. Don’t get me wrong, the filmmakers here had an agenda, but this ’84 film is more of a recapturing of a pivotal moment in history, with a remorseful feel rather than a bitter one. Although Milk’s name is in the title and is definitely the center focus, it didn’t feel like a bio-doc as much as a capturing of the essence and feel of the gay-rights movement in the politically charged San Francisco in the late 70’s.

Harvey Milk was very interesting and his eccentric but well thought out persona provides for a compelling look into this man, but what hit me the most was how up to this point in my life, the pivotal movements of Milk’s political goals had been unknown to me. The reactions and events that occurred due to Milk’s election into city council were not just revolutionary for the gay movement, but in a way defines the strife that was occurring in America at the time. The fact that this information was absent from my high school history books astounds me.

To see Milk’s impact on people is worthy enough to see this film, but honestly I wasn’t blown away by this documentary. It does a wonderful job of capturing a man and his impact, but you are left wanting to be challenged a bit more. It had more of a History Channel feel to it than a film, but I will continue to suggest it to people. I think it would help people see that there is more to the issue of gay rights than the current issue of same-sex marriage. Will the movie change a person’s thoughts on homosexuality… probably not. I do think that the film could at least make people think out of the box more, which is always better than nothing.

When I see Sean Penn’s portrayal, I’ll let you know if you need to see both, or one over the other, but in the meantime, I give The Times of Harvey Milk 3.5 out of 5 Twinkie defenses.

The Proposal (2009)

As many romantic comedies that are out there today, you tend to forget how important chemistry is between an actor and actress. There’s been Astaire & Rogers, Hepburn & Tracy, and now… Bullock & Reynolds? I wouldn’t go quite to that length, but I loved how the two actors worked together in this one. They save what is a not-so-inventive plot.

Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) is an over-worked assistant to a quite cruel, big shot book editor, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock). When Margaret realizes that she hasn’t updated her Canadian immigration papers, she bribes Andrew into marrying her to avoid deportation. The two then fly to the mystic land of Alaska to meet Andrew’s family to redevelop what is already a strained relationship.

Pretty farfetched, huh? It’s not that the two make the plot plausible, but they make you forget about the silly concept by their reactions to each other and their circumstances. Betty White as Andrew’s grandmother adds a lot of humor and strength to her role, and although the character is way out there, Oscar Nunez from The Office brings life to a supporting role that usually would be forgettable.

Bullock and Reynolds aren’t quite Hepburn & Tracy yet, but if they continue to do movies like screwball comedies of old, they might just make it there. I give The Proposal 3.5 out of 5 nude run-ins.

Side note:
Are “funny” deleted takes during the closing credits becoming too overdone? The ones in this film just don’t make sense and aren’t funny. It almost left a bad taste in my mouth.

#95: The Last Picture Show (1971)

Oscar Winner:

Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Ben Johnson), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Cloris Leachman)

This was my second time to watch this movie and I honestly wasn’t looking forward to it. My first viewing occurred during the first summer back from college and I was beginning to gain a strong interest in film. I saw this on the library shelf and thought I should give it a try with all the acclamations that shouted from the cover. What I know now was that I was lost on the independent nature of this film. I was used to the “classics” being just that, and I think I was shocked by its revolutionary style in cinema that began in the 70’s. I’m thankful for this marathon in that it’s made me take a look again at films like these because I’m glad that the second time around I saw the brilliance of this film.

The Last Picture Show focuses on a tiny Texas town and follows two best friends, Sonny and Duane (Timothy Bottoms and Jeff Bridges) as they try to find themselves in that awkward period between boyhood and adulthood. Shot in B&W, director Peter Bogdanovich flips the wholesome image of small-town America in the 50’s upside-down as you are shocked by the turmoil that exists between all the townspeople. This could be labeled an “independent film” but the term didn’t even really exist at the time.

It’s a film about real people with real problems, and how people have always relied on tangible things to fill their lives. Bogdanovich particularly focuses on sex in a frank and candid manner that shocks you not in an erotic manner, but that of horror as people constantly use it for self-gratification rather than love. The film uses the tight knit community to show that everybody has a secret and it helps you realize that not everything is pretty on the outside.

The film won 2 Oscars out of its 8 nominations, which is very commendable for a piece that is not flashy and that develops in a patient manner. The black and white cinematography is beautiful, but gets upstaged by the amazing ensemble of actors that include Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman (Yes, she can be serious!), and Ellen Burstyn. I think any aspiring actor or director needs to watch this to see the importance of range and character development.

I was blown away by the depth and the heart-breaking issues this film tackled. You can see how revolutionary it must have been for the time, but most importantly, it holds up to any art-house piece that is out there today.

I give The Last Picture Show 5 out of 5 pool parties.

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

While Whitney and me were visiting her family in Norman, we had a free afternoon and came across this film. I remembered it coming out, but it seemed to come and go.

Adapted from the popular novel and set during the Civil Rights moments, it follows Lily (Dakota Fanning), a teenage girl who runs away from her strict father (the always good Paul Bettany) and the guilt she carries about the loss of her mom. Alongside her only friend and housekeeper (Jennifer Hudson), they stumble across a bee farm run by African-American sisters. These women take in Lily as she starts to discover her true roots and tries to figure out more about her painful past.

Although I’ve never read the book, this film seemed very true to its original source. It definitely plays out like a novel, and it was just a bit too slow for me. The performances and story are good all around, but it just wasn’t my taste. That being said, I would recommend it to a lot of people who I thought it might appeal to, which leans more to a female demographic. Like a good book, it’s full of sad and happy moments, but for one of the rare times, I would have rather spent my time reading the book. I think I would have been a bit more invested into the characters and I would have liked to taken in the story at my own pace.

I give The Secret Lives of Bees 3 out of 5 grits.

Night At The Museum (2006)

I had always wanted to catch up with this film because the advertisements and plot always peaked the curiosity of my inner kid. It did not fail to disappoint because NATM is one of the most fun family films I’ve seen in a while. It is far from perfect, but I can totally see why kids made this a big hit and it’s one that adults will be able to have fun with as well.

Larry (Ben Stiller), a divorced dad, is slowly loosing his son’s respect due to always hopping from one dead-end job to another. He finally lands a night security job with the Museum of Natural History, and to his surprise, all the historical artifacts come to life at night. This pushes Larry’s perseverance like never before as he tries to figure out how to handle the nighttime antics while also trying to earn his son’s respect.

I couldn’t help but think of Jumanji when watching this. The fun lies in not knowing what will happen, but what will come alive next. I’ve seen Stiller in better roles, but he plays the over-exasperated guard pretty well. What I thought was very commendable of the film was its ability to challenge the audience, particularly kids, to visit museums. It stresses the importance of knowing about what has come before us, but does it with such energy that I can see kids actually wanting to go to their local museum without complaining.

Not every joke is funny and some characters get a little tiring, but I haven’t seen a film provoke so much imagination in a long time. I give NATM 3.5 out of 5 monkey slaps.

Side notes:
• It seems like every family film I see these days have a scenario in which the parents are divorced. I know that it’s the norm these days, but it’s still sad to me that this scenario more relatable to a bigger audience.

• I usually don’t notice this as much, especially in a family film, but I loved the historical feel that the cinematography evoked.

#96: Do The Right Thing (1989)

Spike Lee has always been somewhat of a controversial figure in America’s eyes, but you can’t deny the fact that he brings issues up that sometimes need talking about. Usually I don’t concentrate on what actors or directors do outside of their pictures, but I think that Lee is one of those celebrities, for one reason or another, who has gained such a reputation (viewed either negatively or positively) that it has affected whether or not people see his films. Which is a shame, because Do The Right Thing is one powerful, introspective and moving film filled with humor, drama and in a way, horror. I think that regardless of what your opinion is of Lee, this film is a must see that will garner a new respect for the man.

Do The Right Thing, with a recognizable late 80’s hip-hop culture at its center, follows Mookie (Lee), a pizza delivery boy for the only white occupants in the African-American Brooklyn neighborhood. As the film progresses through one extremely hot day, you meet eccentric and thoughtful characters that make up one huge family. As racial tensions began to slowly boil over, Mookie is forced to make choices that not only affect the neighborhood, but also reflect on the troubles that America’s society faces every day.

There is no question that this movie is about racial issues as the hit “Fight The Power” opens and segues throughout the film, but Lee approaches it in such a new way, that instead of being hesitant, you dive head first into the story. You are weaved into an ensemble of characters that are so funny and touching, that regardless of race, you start to feel a connection. Then with innovative use of cinematography, breaking of the fourth wall, and camera angles, Lee guides you to a face-to-face conflict that is so terrifying in its realistic nature, you don’t know what hits you. What he forces you to do, which is contrary to what others say about the director, is to think for yourself and answer the question, “Why?”

I know that this sounds heavy handed, and it is, but I don’t want to neglect the fact that this movie is a very entertaining ride with superb performances from an all-star cast. When you combine high entertainment with themes that challenge an audience, you can see why this film is now considered as one of the top 100 American films.

I give Do The Right Thing 5 out of 5 pizza slices.

Up (2009)

In my eyes, Pixar can do no wrong in both their short and full-length films. Even their film Cars, which was good but not great, is way above most animated films that come out of rivaling factories. The quality that makes them stand out amongst the rest is their great storytelling ability that spans across all ages.

Up stretches this characteristic to the utmost by having its two main characters be an old widower and a persistent young boy scout. Oppressed by loneliness and life, the elderly Carl (Ed Asner) picks up his life (literally) and flies his home with helium balloons to a place he’s always wanted to visit. What he does not plan for is an adventure that comes in the form of a stowaway and a land full of creatures… both familiar and unusual.

I don’t think Up surpasses other Pixar films, but it succeeds in being innovative, yet not too unfamiliar. It’s so rare to see elderly main characters and the director, Pete Docter, uses Carl as an emotional center that encompasses life that any adult can relate to. To say that I just teared up a couple of times would be an understatement. Just when you are hit at your emotional core, the film whisks you away to a land of humor, action and entertainment that you just can’t find in one place.

Up had just enough moments where I felt like I was watching an animated children’s move and not a film, but it has to be one of the stronger movies I’ve seen this year. One thing you can ALWAYS guarantee with a Pixar movie is a fun time, and as ticket prices continue to go up, it’s great to have that security as a moviegoer.

I give Up 4 out of 5 talking dog collars.

#97: Blade Runner (1982)

I won’t lie, I’ve never been a huge sci-fi fan. They’ve just never done much for me, so going into Blade Runner, I was really skeptical. Oh yeah, and the echos of it being terribly boring didn’t help either. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, but that didn’t necessarily mean that I was thrilled by it.

It should be noted that I watched the director’s cut (Ridley Scott) of this film, that apparently abandons the Harrison Ford narration of the film, expands on the romantic scenes with Ford and Sean Young, and has an ending, which I can testify to as having “somewhat of a bleaker ending.”

With that said, Blade Runner follows Rick Deckard (Ford), a blade runner who is called out of retirement to terminate human clones, known as replicants, who wish more harm than good in the futuristic Los Angeles of 2019. Five replicants (one who is played by Daryl Hannah) have escaped from their exile island to further their short life-spans, and it is up to the rebel Deckard to stop these violent and strong clones from killing civilians to obtain their goal.

Much has been made about the visuals of this film, and they are spectacular. Even though this film was made in 1982, they still hold up, which can’t be said for many things that have come out of the 80’s. And honestly, that’s really the only reason why I can fathom that this film is on the list. The story is intriguing, but the replicants come off more boring than dangerous, and although Harrison Ford does well with the part, it’s nothing to write home about. I did get caught up in the story, but the final battle scene is just like the rest of the movie, very long and slow so you can take in the visuals. I don’t mind endings of movies that keep you guessing, but this one didn’t provide enough information throughout the film to even gather clues to what Scott was trying to say.

If you are really into cinematography and visual effects (especially before the rampant CG you see all the time these days), Blade Runner should be in your collection, but if you are neither a fan of sci-fi or slower paced movies, I would be very surprised if you would enjoy this film.

I give Blade Runner 2.5 out of 5 funky costumes.

Tin Cup (1996)

Why are Kevin Costner films so hit or miss (no pun attended)? It’s a toss up to whether he’s going to show up as a good actor or not, and thankfully he does in this one. He plays a West Texas, golf driving-range owner who always lets his male ego get in the way of actually being successful in life. As in most of these sport/romantic comedies, a girl (Rene Russo) and a long-time rival (a very solid Don Johnson) show up to spur him to win the U.S. Open to prove to everybody he has the talent to back up his mouth.

Tin Cup is just a sold film that is perfect for both guys and girls to enjoy together. The chemistry between Costner and Russo is more than enough to have the gals watching, but there is plenty of golf and buddy humor (Cheech Marin is a lot of fun) for the guys. I was into the story the whole time and enjoyed it from start to finish. Nothing really stands out that makes it bad and I wouldn’t ever put it on the “Best Comedies” list, but if somebody was having trouble figuring out what to rent for a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon, I would recommend this in a heartbeat… especially for date nights. I give Tin Cup 3 out of 5 broken clubs.

Ghost (1990)

Yes, it’s true… this was my first time to see this film. Whitney has always given me a hard time about not seeing it, and I can see why, sorta… This film is a supernatural romance that follows Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) who is trying to avenge his murder and reconnect to his lover (Demi Moore) as a ghost… hence the title. With the help of a con-artist/psychic (Whoopi Goldberg), he pushes the boundaries of his paranormal state to tend to some unfinished business.

Honestly, the first half of the movie really didn’t hold my interest at all. You have to keep in mind that the effects were a pretty big deal at the time, but still the film feels very dated. The cheesy dialogue and Swayze’s overacting did not help, but halfway through there was a switch the flipped for me. The same characteristics were there that bugged me, but I had no idea where things were headed, which kept me invested and entertained. It’s a little surprising to me that Whoppi won Best Supporting Actress because she’s really just a much-needed comic presence in a very melodramatic film, but her acting does save it. Along with Moore, they both take their roles seriously, and you particularly miss Whoppi’s character when she’s away from the screen.

If you can dive into the suspension of disbelief, you’ll love the mixture of mystery, comedy, drama and romance. There were just too many elements that drew me out, but at the end I came out smiling, which means that I give Ghost 3 out of 5 pottery wheels.

#98: Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

Oscar winner:
Best Actor in a Leading Role (James Cagney), Best Music, Scoring of a Musical, Best Sound, Recording

“My mother thanks you. My father thanks you. My sister thanks you. And I thank you...”

I would probably have never seen this movie if it wasn’t for that quote. I always wondered what the context was to make that quote so memorable in film history. Besides that, I’ve been hesitant to watch the film because it never really looked like a true musical (which ended up to be kinda true) and the title alone kinda turns you off because, well, you can’t help but get that annoying song stuck in your head. See, you are humming it in your head right now! You can thank me later...

This bio pic/musical is about the life of George M. Cohan (Cagney) who went from a vaudeville family lifestyle to one of the most famous composers, singers, and dancers to hit not just Broadway, but America.

And yeah...that’s about it. There’s not much to this film, but in a way, that is what makes it stand out. The movie released soon after Pearl Harbor, and boy does it make a connect to the Uncle Sam posters you’ve seen in your history books. This film more or less pukes American propaganda. I had no idea that George Cohan was responsible for such songs as Yankee Doodle Dandy, Give My Regards To Broadway, and the WWI anthem, Over There. Although it’s pretty heavy-handed on American sentiment, it was neat to see a reflection of a time where people would do anything for their country and even thinking of protesting a war was out of the question.

Some of the musical numbers are forgettable because they don’t really support the story, but the whole movie is saved by the acting force of James Cagney. I’ve sadly never seen his films, but like most people, I’ve always connected him with gangster films of the 30’s. Although he isn’t the biggest dancing presence ever seen in film, he brings so much joy and energy to the film, Yankee Doodle Dandy is worth watching solely for his performance. The narrative thread got boring at times, but the film has some really sweet moments and its innocence allows your mind to relax and just enjoy the ride. Yankee Doodle Dandy is a tricky one to pin down: Older generations will love it, while younger ones will be left bored. But it allows you to feel the spirit that was running amongst the U.S.A. during WWII, and no matter what age you are, you can’t help but be moved by that.

I give Yankee Doodle Dandy 3.5 out of 5 catchy tunes.

#99: Toy Story (1995)

I’ve seen Toy Story many, many times before, but even seeing it once again, I felt like a giddy youngster as I was thrust into this world of talking toys. Many animated movies boast that they can make you feel like a kid again, but this movie truly can back that statement up. You used to be so connected to your toys. They had their own personalities and you could’ve sworn they had a life of their own when you couldn’t find them, even though your mom would say that you, “Must’ve just misplaced it.”

Toy Story follows the group of toys that make up Andy’s room. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is the leader of the pack and Andy’s favorite toy. His spot on the throne of plastic majesty is threatened when a new modern toy, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) comes to town. As tempers flare between the two, Woody and Buzz find themselves lost in the real world and forced to work together to return home to their beloved owner.

I can’t believe it has already been over ten years since Toy Story has come out and it still holds up today. The CG animation is still breathtaking and if released today, I think it still looks crisper than some of the Dreamworks movies that have come out recently. John Lasseter really did a great job directing this film. The angles and lights bring a cinematic feel to the movie, but he still keeps the innocent mood the movie requires. One thing I’ve always liked about Pixar is that they truly find the right actor to voice a character and not just who is “hot” at the time. Woody, Buzz, and all the side characters are fully developed and I’m sure people connect with different ones. This movie is just plain fun and finds that perfect balance for both kids and adults to partake in. It’s funny, suspenseful and surprisingly emotional. This is one of those films that I can’t wait to show to my future children, not just so I can enjoy it with them, but to see them transported into this world that always lurks in the back of every kid’s mind.

I give Toy Story 5 out of 5 Randy Newman songs.

The Wrestler (2008)

It’s always hard to go into a heavily nominated film for me. This won’t surprise you at all if you know me, but I tend to overanalyze things… So, the question with this film for most is, “Did Mickey Rourke get snubbed at the Oscars?” Well, I can’t answer that because I haven’t seen Milk. I think the bigger question should be, “Would this movie’s story propel over the performances?” The answer is… not quite, but The Wrestler is still a powerful independent film that dissects the fear of loneliness and losing what is most important to you. Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a huge 80’s wrestling icon that finally has to face the reality of his age and the fact that he can’t demolish his body in stinky convention centers anymore. Rourke’s performance is pretty amazing as he captures the essence of the toils of life in an almost too frightening way. It’s the type of acting that transcends into normal life. Watching this movie will cause you to start seeing “real” people on the streets and thinking of Randy “The Ram.” Not because they look like former wrestlers, but you start to see and visualize the personalized hell on their faces, and you can’t help but be reminded of this film’s messages. It’s a very grim movie, but it stays with you, and you come to realize that the things you take stock in truly form you into who you are, for better or for worse. Some of the scenes and situations are a little clichéd from time to time, but Rourke’s amazing performance and director Darren Aronofsky’s innovative shooting style makes me give The Wrestler 4 out of 5 hair-metal songs.

Survivor: Tocantins - Finale

I've been planning a certain something for Coach for a long time now when he got voted out. I thought it was going to be a lot earlier than it was, but all along I was going to write something from his point of view. But, he ended his "reign" in such a ridiculous fashion, I decided to follow suite: So, before I get to the finale, I would like to recite a poem:

My attempts to be a strong warrior and Survivor player,
were challenged even though I tried to avoid Exile island.
I endured criticism from Erinn, Sierra and all the naysayers,
But with unexpected back pain, immunity lost was unplanned,
and the wizard put the final stake into the Dragon Slayer.

(I know it's not the greatest, but give me some credit, ok?!)

The final four, which wasn't a huge surprise was J.T., Stephen, Taj and Erinn. What was the surprise that followed a spider-web challenge built just for J.T., was the outing of Taj. I'm still trying to figure out the reasoning behind this. They said it was because Taj was more of a threat to win individual immunity in the final three than Erinn was and I don't buy that at all. Besides the challenge way back when everybody played water-tackle-basketball, Taj has not been a threat at all. I don't know if Stephen and J.T. were scared that they might not hold up to their promise to be in the final two, which apparently cracked anyway. I think Taj wouldn't have been frustrated at all to be third and she would have probably cast a vote for Stephen. But they pretty much just made their only Jalapao ally very, very angry.

The regret was apparent when the final three returned to camp and Erinn couldn't shut her yapper. Then my pick Stephen decided to start a new gameplan. I think it was called "Self-implode" because from the moment him and Erinn had their little heart to heart, it seemed like Stephen did everything in his power to destroy the great game he had played up to this point. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of Erinn, I definitely knew she was smart enough to weasel herself into the final two.

I liked the final immunity challenge because it was different than the endurance ones we are used to seeing, yet it obviously tested your mental prowess. J.T. proved once again that concentration can get you a long way in winning a challenge and Stephen just let his nerves overtake him. Then after this, the bond that seemed to have no faults in it broke. Erinn made an ingenious move by pleading a brilliant case to J.T. to take her to the final two. Now, I don't blame Stephen AT ALL for talking to Erinn, but when J.T. confronted him on it, all he had to say was, "Yes, I talked to her about that, but I wanted to throw her off our game. I wanted to see if she would approach you about it..." There, all is said and done.

I honestly think J.T. was dead set at that point to bring Erinn to the final two, but his plan changed at tribal council because Stephen began to be more talkative than he ever should have been. He answered Jeff's questions so badly, I think J.T.'s plans changed. He saw a jury that would respect him for bringing the strongest player with him (which means more votes) and he now had a jury that hated Stephen at that moment more than Erinn. I do think friendship played into it as well, don't get me wrong, but J.T. was so good at reading people at this game, and at that moment he saw that Stephen would be more hated in the final two than Erinn, which had not been the case up to that point.

I've never been the biggest fan of the final tribal council. It provides for all sorts of akwardness, which I know is the point, but it usually just ends up being a jury full of resentful players getting their last two cents in and being all coy about who their vote is going to be for. Besides for Sierra who took this route, I thought the jury asked great questions for the most part and they were ones that actually made the other two squirm, well Stephen at least. Like Amanda in China and Fans vs. Favorites, Stephen did an awful job of pleading his case. Stephen did a great job in this game... he strategized well, seemed to play the social game well (until the end), and made very strong allies, but none of this shine through. For a while in my mind I had Stephen over J.T., because it did seem like Stephen made the plans and J.T. went along but diverted if it shone a bad light on him (how brilliant was it not to vote for Coach?). But by the end, I thought nobody was more deserving of winning than J.T. I was surprised that Stephen got absolutely no votes, but that's how bad he did at that last tribal council.

I thought it was great to see a final two that had the two strongest players in it, and to see somebody win that I thought absolutely played a flawless game throughout. J.T. was a provider, everybody loved him (although he played a part in everybody getting voted out), he was awesome in challenges, and he alligned himself with the right people at the right time.

Congratulations to Roger for winning this season! At the beginning, I was certain J.T. was going to make it to at least the jury, but usually somebody who is so strong gets a target on his chest early. J.T. played that Southern charm to perfection and he showed that you can play this game with intensity and strategy, but still have everybody love you at the end. By far, one of the top Survivor players ever. Wow, it sounds like I have a man-crush on him too... Great pick Roger...

We have at least two more seasons of Survivor left... it'll be a long summer, but in the meantime watch So You Think You Can Dance, you won't regret it...

Thanks for reading all my updates this spring and being patient for all my delays. I hope you love reading them as much as I like writing them. Also, I think it's time to reapply again, don't you? As always, I have to leave you with some questions...

Will there ever be a more colorful character than Coach? Did you think Taj deserved to be voted out like that? If Erinn were in the final two, would she had a chance at all of winning? Was Stephen his own worst enemy? And would you agree that J.T. is one of the best Survivor players ever...

Until the fall...