No Country For Old Turkeys

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

The Following contains SPOILERS! Beware and read at your own Peril!

I want to impart some thoughts on what could quite possibly be the best movie of this year...

No Country For Old Men
by The Coen Bros. by way of author Cormac McCarthy.

I have seen this movie twice now and I know that I will see it at least one more time in theaters before I buy the DVD. This is a great movie ending and all. Is it the best Coen Bro. film? No. Being that it is a faithful adaptation with scenes and dialog lifted verbatim how can it be their best? It does rank right up there though. That said... my take on the ending is this...
Almost perfect. Almost in the sense that you never really quite understand who Anton works for. Perfect because the ending is like life... it happens. Like the ending of The Sopranos... it's life... it goes on.

There need not be a final battle between Moss and Anton... the way Moss dies is perfect... he was ready for Anton... mentally prepared for it... yet he dies by what he didn't see coming just as the Pool side lady points out. That's life... coming at you on it's own terms.

Funny thing about this movie and book... it is in no way about Moss, Anton and the missing money. It's about Ed Tom Bell. While he is just a character circling around the peripheral as law enforcement usually does since their job is more reactionary than anything... the story is about Ed Tom knowing his time has come to step down. He no longer has the stones for what ever evil is coming down the pike... He's given his whole life to this way... he admires those who came before him wearing the badge... but he comes to the conclusion with everything that has stirred up that this is no country for old men.

I can just see what the Coens were getting after and trust me this movie is a whole lot easier to swallow than reading the book. That is not to say the book is bad... But Corman McCarthy has a very unique way of writing I have never come across before. It makes for an interesting albeit tough read. That said... I have to admit... Cormac gets under your skin and his 'ear' is dead on.

One last note: I picked up on Brolin's performance from the get-go... it was pitch-perfect... like when he finds the money. Just some sighs and grunts and body english but he conveys volumes. When the movie opens and you see him track the blood to the killing site... He even asks questions of the wounded Mexican he already knows the answers too...

I hope Josh Brolin receives a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination. I would hope one for Tommy Lee Jones as well... But he gave as good in In the Valley of Elah and Three Burials. But Josh is a revelation. Sure he's great in American Gangster and fun in Planet Terror but he owns in this movie.

Catch up time!

Hi-De-Ho Fellow Bloggers/Readers

Man oh man what a bummer summer! Didn't really like anything... was even let down by Bourne 3.
Don't get me wrong... well made and all.... just boring a retread of 2 in many ways. Best movie still this year is 300 and that was back in Spring.

Now I did see Across the Universe. It was really good. Really. But not earth shattering. But interesting and it was great to hear those Beatles tunes song differently. These were new spins on classic gems.

But now we face the Fall into Winter slate. It's when the Big Smart Movies come out. I admit there are two I am drooling for. No Country For Old Men and There Will Be Blood. Imagine... A Fall with two of the best filmmakers out there with movies in theaters! I of course speak of P.T. Anderson and the Coen Brothers.

TV has been kinda of a let down this Fall as well. Pushing Daisies is the best new show with Dirty Sexy Money a distant 2nd. But I am disappointed with everything else I have tried.

K-Ville: Boring and Old Hat
Bionic Woman: Boring, Trite and Silly
Journeyman: Um... Boring
Life: Intriguing but ugh... Boring
Moonlight: Nice premise, Good 2nd Banana Vampire friend but terrible acting from the lead lady and well... no solid plotting and almost Boring
Viva Laughlin: CANCELLED. And not a moment to soon... pure dreck and a mistake on all levels
Women's Murder Club: Um not only Boring but hard to follow in terms of they way it crams so much in and really doesn't settle on any one thing. just a jumbled mess.
Chuck: Oh wait this show is actually cute, fun and funny and not Boring... so ok 3 new shows this season.

HBO hit a home run with it's mini-series 5 Days. Good stuff that.

The returning shows?

Heroes: Got off to a slow start but picking up some steam
Prison Break: This could be the last season, there is no where else to go with it... but it's been a fun ride
Lost: Waiting until January
24: See Lost
Boston Legal: A really quality gem of entertainment period
The Unit: I miss last season's theme song. I do not like this new one at all. Over all the show is fun but I could take it or leave it
ER: Because I've been there from the 1st episode and I'll watch it to it's grave
My Name Is Earl: Spells FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY
CSI: Las Vegas: Because my daughter makes me watch it that's why
Desperate Housewives: Because my Wife makes me watch it that's why
Dexter: Kinda silly gruesome fun actually
Brotherhood: Not bad... doesn't try to out Soprano's which is a good thing. Has it's own sense of place and crime
The Shield: Please return! You are wanted
Nip/Tuck: Looking forward to it's premiere in La La Land
Rescue Me: Brilliance on hiatus
Damages: Perhaps ran too long with it's storyline but great acting all around
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Watch it and Thank Me in the Morning this show knows funny like no other
Curb Your Enthusiasim: Larry suffers like no other and it's fun to watch him squirm

And yes I still find time to work, smoke cigars and get out of the house... it's why God invented the DVR!

'Nuff Said

SXSW Part Uno

Hey trusty HG readers I just returned from the best film fest in the Southwest, SXSW in Austin (That's South by Southwest folks). Saw tons-o-flicks and meet some great movers-n-shakers.

One of the fun things to come out of the fest was meeting Amy of MavenCom fame. She was promoting this incredibly cool and easy on the eyes site called Lucky Oliver. The link is over to your right. Anyhow... she was spilling the 411 on these creative types from CA and I was captivated enough to check 'em out... well that and she gave me a few free tokens to use so I could download a few pics for this blog. Check one of 'em out it's right above their banner.

Now about Lucky Oliver... Unlike other Royalty Free Photo sites this one is fun and extremely easy to use. Almost too easy. I'd say it's so easy that a Caveman could do it but I don't want Geico to sue me so let's just say Lucky Oliver is so easy to use a dancing Penguin and his Typing Monkey friend could use it. Actually if Geico would like to sue me I say let 'em. I could use the exposure and the book/movie deal that would come from it. But I digress... Back to Lucky Oliver... There choice of photos are way cool and not what you are expecting. Full of pics with different uses like backgrounds, do it yourself signs, gals, dudes, and illustrations out the ying-yang.

So go on over and try them. Become a Carny and let the $1 downloads begin. Actually they have other prices and you can buy some outright or just license them as well. But for blog/site use the $1 price tag is just what the good Doc ordered.

Oh and if you click on their banner to the right let'em know Amy did her job and that through me she sent you to 'em.

A Shout Out to Anonymous (Denk)

Thank You for your two comments. I do wish to address them though since you failed to leave me a way to address you directly.


1: This is a Blog. Blogs are about Opinions. Some Blogs state facts, show art, creative writing, videos ect... but most are either dairies or opinions. You can agree or disagree but please allow me my "Myopic" (As you put it) opinions as I would allow yours.

2: I do feel Shawshank is an American Classic. Notice I said American, not World.
To set things straight here is a list of some Foreign Films I feel are World Classics:

Lawrence Of Arabia
Run Lola Run
Amelie
Rififi
7 Samurai
Leon The Professional
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Hero
Zulu
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
4 Queens
City of Lost Children
Road Warrior
Fifth Element
Fistful of $
The Sweet Hereafter
Breaking the Waves

These and so many more are great great movies. But please remember Anonymous, I live in America, I am American therefore I am steeped first in American Movies then Foreign ones. If I like a movie, enjoy it and all then I do not care where it hales from.

I welcome your thoughts Anonymous... Oh and Thank You for reading my blog and caring to post twice.

"Da Oscars Da Oscars"

Man has it been since Dec. that I have posted here? I have to stop watching DVD's, TV and reading and get back to typing, thought to type one has to think and to think... well for me... it hurts my head.

Anyhow, Hollywood patted itself on it's back tonight... and here are my considered thoughts on the telecast...

I feel this was the best produced Oscars in quite awhile. I enjoyed Errol Morris's opening and Ellen did a fantastic job. She and her writing staff are very creative.

The surprises were in four categories: Best Supporting Actor, Animated Movie, Foreign Picture and Best Song.

Best Supporting Actor: The Pundits had Eddie Murphy. I had Mark Wahlberg and it's Alan Arkin brings the Gold home. Alan did a great job and it's his character that actually permeates the movie even when he is not on the screen so his win is deserved.

Animated Movie: What? A Pixar Movie didn't win? Well at least if it's going to lose it's for Cars. Cars in my opinion is their weakest entry. Monster House was clever but Hollywood right now loves them some Penguins! And can you believe the creator, mastermind and director of the Mad Max/Road Warrior movies made Happy Feet?! Yes I know he made Babe as well... but still...

Best Song: I guess everyone felt it would be one of the three Dreamgirls songs especially the one that the X-Idol contestant sings but they went up against a tuneless Randy Newman and an actually pretty dang good song my the winner Ms. Etheridge.

Best Foreign Film: Pan wins just about every category except Screenplay and this one which of course seemed the choice of so many. Yet a German film The Lives of Others won, and from what I am told deservedly so.

I wish Scorsese though had won for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and Good Fellas. Those three movies added to the vocabulary of film making. The Departed while very good and enjoyable borrowed from his past as a Director. I still feel Eastwood after making two War Movies back to back and for low budgets and one of them in Japanese should have won. Yes he has won two of 'em but heck it's Best Picture or Best Director not Best We owe you one Oscar, that's what Tribute Oscars are for. It's like Newman winning for Color of Money. Was he good? Yes. Oscar good? No.

The other Oscar winner that I feel shouldn't have won is Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth. Best song? Sure, it was better than the other 4 but best Doc? Academy please! Members take another look at the 4 other Docs and look me in the eyes and tell me with a straight face Gore's flick deserved to win. It's mostly a PowerPoint presentation for God's sake! But Hollywood felt the need to be 'Green' and there you have it a misguided but well meaning win.

I will say this though about Al Gore; at least he didn't get all Political on us. In fact the War in Iraq, Bush Hating and the whole Clinton vs. Obama feud stayed were it belongs on the front page not on the Oscars... so kudos for that.

The song that Will, Jack and John sang was perfect. Ellen giving Martin her script, asking for a pic from Eastwood and directing Spielberg on how to frame the shot, her vacuuming and finding the rolling papers... all of these were priceless.

Kudos to Morricone!

And not to beat a dead horse but Miller's Crossing was robbed in it's day of the accolades it so deserves.

A Rant on the Voting Academy for Oscar Nominations

It's kinda shame that the Academy's voters are so fickle when it comes to nominations and selecting winners.

The 'best' movies are not always in the running nor are the 'best' performances. Some times yes the voters get it right.

And what is right? Wow, that is so politically, monetarily, egotistical to know really know what's right.

I remember when the classic Miller's Crossing was snubbed or how about L.A. Confidential? (even though that was at least nominated). And don't get me started on the instant American Classic; The Shawshank Redemption.

At times they get it right as well. Jodie Foster for the Accused, not a great movie by any stretch but her performance was as 'real' as they come.

Craig was great as Bond, he's been great in everything he's done even playing Paul Newman's weak gangster son in Road to Perdition. But he will be ignored because, well the role of Bond is a trifle in these matters.

I want Scorsese to finally get his due and The Departed is one of his best efforts since Goodfellas but that said... I will have no problem if Clint Eastwood gets chummy with Oscar again. Who else put out two movies back to back that were filmed at the same time that have the gravitas, emotional pull and artistry of Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima? Sure Peter Jackson did an amazing job with the Rings all at once but they do not hold up as a 'best' picture to the Eastwood bookends.

Why I haven't been posting...

I will get this blog thing back on track soon I almost promise!

There have been some interruptions of late that have kept me from draining my brain here....

There are two count 'em two sites giving away FREE APPS for us lucky Mac users. And well I have no time for work, life, writing, eating, sleeping and worst of all posting.

Perhaps I need an intervention, God only knows... but I have noticed one thing, My wife kinda likes I have been out of her way...

www.macappaday and the quite wonderful game of www.macheist.com

The Great App Heist

I haven't posted a few days because someone is holding the powerplug to my laptop telling me he will put the 'puter out of it's misery if I don't crack his safe.

It's a really, really large safe more like a bank vault and how he got it into my computer is beyond me.

But I have been cracking it for days now. It's been popped a few times. And guess what... apps... it's full of different apps. Really. The motherload of apps... and like I tell him that he can let go my laptop is no longer going to be feeling inadequate when it sees others at the S**rB**k* (they haven't paid me anything, they are not getting a plug) being put through their kernel paces.

Well now that I have cracked the vault numerous times with more challenges ahead my computer is beaming and puffing out it's lcd and is ready to tackle the new apps.

All you have to do is click the title of this post to watch me in action and heck maybe join in too. If you visit let me know my handle is atticusrex.

But you have to have a Mac. No PC's allowed. Run home and add stuff up while we get graphical.

Day after Stuffing

Hello 'dere... Boy howdy am I stuffed. We all had a grand clan of a time eating, talking. visiting this past Turkey day. I hope everyone reading this also had a food & family filled day as well.

Now it's BLACK FRIDAY!!! The day the public sucumbs to Mad-Shoppers Cow Disease.

I will be chill'in with one of my Bro-in-laws at the local Apple store... yeppers gettin off the couch and join them masses.

Let the Merry begin~

Bond, James Bond

My Name is Bond, James Bond. Britian's original spy is back and with a vengence! He has been rebooted for the 21st Century.

The best way to describe this Bond outing? By mixing in a blender Batman Begins, From Russia With Love, OHMSS and the Bourne films and hit blend.

This is a total reboot. We see what made him a 007 in her Majesty's Secret Service.

Everything feels right. The dialog is perhaps the best ever in a Bond film. The Bond Girls are just right. Not too many 4 as a matter of fact but one just gives him info, another gets a little steamy yet another he never actually meets and then there is Vesper Lynd. Never since OHMSS has a Bond Girl been so classy, bright, intelligent and developed as a character.

The Villians? For just about the first time there are 'real world' villians. Yes the main one looks like a Bond Villian yet the are acting and doing 'real world' bad stuff.

Bond's gadgets? None really except for some computer sleuthing, GPS and a Defilbrator. Plus they have a clever way to work in the original DB5 1964 Astin Martin plus show off the latest DB5 as well.

The Music? The best Bond score since John Barry did The Living Daylights. The Title song was ok though. But the underlying music works well invoking the 007 feeling. All throughout the movie you are teased with the famous Bond theme but never the whole piece until the exact right moment.

Daniel Craig as Bond? You can never take the mantel from Connery but Craig is right there shoulder to shoulder.
Craig is everything I have always wanted in a Bond. Ruthless yet human at times, makes mistakes, stays dogged and get's hot headed. Dangerous at all times. As 'M' call him: "A Blunt instrument." His reply is "So you want a half monk half hitman"

Best script ever for a 007 movie...

Here is to more Craig as Ian Flemings 007 James Bond for at least 3 more pics and beyond.

We Interrupt our regularly scheduled Blog

Christmas Comes Early To all Mac OSX Users!!!

Three Cheers to the wonderful folks at MacAppADay.Com This is a new site that starting on the December 1st will be offering 5,000 lucky Macheads free apps to download.

1 every day and a special surprise on New Years Day! So starting around Midnight PST on 12/01/06 download Apps so cool that your Mac will boot-up with joy.

The good folks at MacAppADay also told me that while yes some apps are valued at $5, there are those that run $10, $15 and more. But what does it matter I say, they are free to those of us in the know (and of course own a Mac).

On another note, if an app on a certain day is one you already own (i.e. paid for) well consider that day's gift a fruit cake and think about all the other days to come in December with other wondrous free apps. So, if you or someone you know has a mac, you might want to check it out or tell them about it at http://www.macappaday.com

Now I know dear reader what your thinking... This is the Hollywood Graffiti Blog where I type all kinds of opinions on Film, TV and occasionally what's on my mind that I feel compelled to share... And this is one of them.

After all I've been drinking the Mac KoolAid since 1984.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled Blog

The Start Of Fall

You know, I send out emails with this blog linked at the bottom of each email and if folks have actually clicked and come here then I am sorry for not updating as often as I should. I know, I know I am a bad blogger!

And so many peeps are making moola blogging too. Hmmm...
Guess I could inset pics of naked gals, or maybe just maybe I could set up a Snakes in the blog page... Nah... that's over--it's played out.

Guess I will just have to update more often and hope that at some point I write something that interests enough eyeballs that wham I am bakin some spendin bread.

Until then suffer this:

It's the new season of TV and hopefully better Hollywood movies.
I admit I am very excitied about the new Bond film. Based on the two trailers it's looking like the powers that be finally have understood what this franchise needs to do... Kick Tail, Take Names and Be Bloody BadAssed! The best kind of Bond is a dangerous one. It's what made Connery so good. Moore was a fop, Lazenby was well... the worst choice for what is maybe the best Bond story so far. Dalton never had a chance. He wasn't bad but he was undermined by the producers. Brosnen tried and while successful at the B.O. the movies with maybe the exception of Goldeneye felt too streamlined and robotized. Now with Craig and from what I can tell from the trailers... he looks, acts and seems BAD! And that's a great thing. The plot line seems right up there with On His Majesty's Secret Service. I cannot wait.

As for the TV season. No hits yet. Still like the holdovers from last season but as far as the newbies... well Studio 60 was good, not great yet, Smith was interesting, Shark as James Woods and that's it, Justice is a waste, Jericho is well not good, Heroes: hmmm need an episode or two to figure if I like it yet, Vanshied has lost me, Kidnapped is a little better but hanging by a thread, Standoff is ok if nothing else is on.

So for now and until all the new shows have debuted I am sticking with my oldies like Lost, 24, Nip/Tuck, Prison Break, My Name Is Earl, Boston Legal (Great show), The Unit (Guilty Pleasure), Weeds, Brotherhood and the BEST SHOW ON TV EVER THAT NO ONE IS WATCHING: The Wire.

I hope you the faithful or those who stumbled into this blog return and I promise to update as much as possible.

Please give feedback, suggestions, opinions or money...

The Mid-Summer Report

I know... It's been a while. Thought I would check in let those who care know where things stand so far this summer.


It's the middle of July and it's HOT! 7 days and counting the temp has hit or gone over 100 degrees.


Last I checked in I was going on about M:I 3 and the end of the TV regular season. So here is The Return of the Summer Flicks 3:

DaVinci Code: Boring!

The Break-Up: Actually funnier than I expected. Nice non-Hollywood ending.

POTC:DMC: Hmmm... My family really enjoyed this. I actually was kinda bored by it all. The one area that impressed me though were the CG effects of Davy Jones and his crusty crew. But I feel the filmmakers didn't really have much except one over-the-top moment after over-the-top-moment.

Proposition: Best movie I have seen this summer thus far. A modern throwback to the early Eastwood westerns with a dash of Peckinpah. Wonderfully acted, shot and brutal with an air of truth about it.

X-Men 3 and Superman Returns: Haven't seen them. I know, I know...
Just haven't made it yet.

As for TV: It's Cable time during the summer months.

If you are not tuning in here are the shows you are missing out on:

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: Damn this is the funniest show! It's out there but it delivers the yucks even when it has you saying yuck!

Rescue Me: Dennis Leary is a joy to behold. He is also brutal to himself with the characters he saddles himself with. (See his great underrated sitcom The Job)

The Closer: Not bad. Mrs. Bacon does a great job. Though the crimes are kinda routine.

Monk: This Generation's Columbo.

The 4400: This Generation's X-Files except that is has a real mystery you can follow instead of a 'eek' of the week.

Entourage: Funny, Truthful, Real and Cool.

Brotherhood: Not bad, tad confusing. Giving it a try.

Deadwood: DAMN DAMN DAMN this is some fine TV! Bit o'Shakesphere here and there. Best uniform acting on TV. Almost the best show on TV as well. You never know where it's going. Incredible. I know I said almost the best show, if you have read my blogs I have stated that The Wire is the best show and now I feel Deadwood is 2 with Sopranos at 3rd.
This is not a knock towards The Sopranos... But Deadwood seems fresher and The Wire... well as I have said before: No show get's to the truth and reality of Police work and Criminal enterprise as this show does and remain engrossing and entertaining. You can believe what you see is about as close to real life as episodic TV can get.

Whew.

Let me know your thoughts... and Thanks for reading Moi.

TV Series Finales

Alias: Which ended for good was a little bit of a let down though I like what happened to Sloane.
But they tacked on a very, very happy ending for Sydney and Vaughn. And naming her kids after her parents... Cute. Of course Sark is still out there causing problems... But is he really a true villain or as he sees himself... A business man who works for profit period.
I just don't know about this series. I loved it during it's first season and kinda thought the second season twists were great and the introduction of the Rambaldi mystery was intriguing. But the show lost it's focus and then felt rush in it's closing episode.
But damn, what fate awaited Sloane... That is justice! RIP Jack.

Lost: Does what it does best. Kinda give you answers that of course create new questions. But then if they stopped doing that and gave the answers it would spell the end of the show.
but it does like to tickle the brain. Very creative show. The cliffhangers which there were many can take us in so many different directions at once! Last year it was all about the Hatch. This year it was all about so many subplots... Are the 3 still alive? Where's Home that another 3 are headed too? Where does the 2 end up at and does Vincent find them? Count 'em 4 Toes... Are the other 3 still waiting on the boat? Is the prisoner who as set free Him? Is it the running dude or the island that has been found by Portuguese men in service to a rich lady? Is the watchers hatch the real experiment? And if you look close at the end scenes... Is that the Doc? Are Twins both good/bad part of all this? Does the electro-magnetic thingy cause planes to fall from the sky? If so what causes things like Wood Pirate boats and sailing ships and Hot Air Balloons crash upon the island? And where is the Tree smashing, Pilot grabbing Monster and the French Woman and last but not least... Where does the cable coming out of the ocean toward the French Woman's hideout from season 1 lead back too and what is it's purpose (My guess, it's connected to her sunken ship.
See gotta love a show that can create so much mystery... And I know I forgot lot's of other stuff!

24: Now that was a great cliffhanger. It ends with so many different ways to go. I also like that we never learn who the Bluetooth group behind POTUS is. Yet. Does Unstoppable Jack make it to Mainland C or does he escape? Is he rescued? Is he headed somewhere else? Why is Jack so valuable?

Man oh Man: Oct. for LOST, January for 24... Arrgh... But soon (June) The best mystery of Summer TV returns: USA's The 4400...

Stay Tuned

State Of My Union

Good Day... My mother a very, very special person in my life for my B-Day and also as a congrats on my new start-up gave me a Mac Powerbook! And that has changed my life almost as much as having TIVO did.

I am unhooked and enchained from my desk. Freedom at last Freedom at last. The thing is...
I am on the 'puter now more than ever! LOL! I also have embraced things that I hadn't before like this blog and Skype and iSight and oh the list is to long.

My Daughter, My Wife, My Mom, My Dad (And with me being 49 they are still around) TIVO, Mac/Apple, My Company, HD, Can life get any better?

I am blessed! Yes I am!

Thought it was time to brag on the good in my life. I do love to chat about Movies, Books and TV. Politics too. In fact I need to post a blog entry on books. But today... Just a hug-out to my Family and yes Powerbooks and TIVO.

I know I didn't mention God or my dog or friends. I have a core group of Friends which make me rich and when they are added to my family I am only richer. My dog... um... hmmm... He can drive me nuts. Yet yes I love him. But he is trying at times. That leaves God. I believe in Faith, Family, Friends and Community. I think God can be a set of standards you live by.

Is there an All-Mighty, All Knowing Being up there watching us with a Plan in Mind for us?

I don't really think so. Otherwise we wouldn't be so fractious. How "In the Name of God" can we have so many different religions that say they are the true one? That if you don't join them then you will not get into Heaven. OR Please if you sacrifice yourself and blow yourself up taking many innocents with you then you will be rewarded with 72 Virgins in heaven. But if you just live out your life in peace... No Virgins. No you must kill and die for that to happen. On that note what about the Women who commit these acts? What is supposedly waiting for them on the other side?

But I have digressed. Point is we have such a screwed up Cast/Class system. You are judge by Color, Race, Creed and what God/Prophet you follow. Why? You want to believe in something I don't great! Let's exchange dialog on that.

I am only right about all this for myself. There is no right or wrong except what is for you. The only exception is your thoughts/acts harm or intrude on someone else's space, body or oh you get the idea.

So there... This blog started out as a Shout-Out to Mom, Family, Material Things I love and wham it slid into a Rant. Go Figure...

What, World is your thoughts?

Summer Movies Are Upon Us Part 2

Welcome to the Summer Movies Are Upon Us Sequel...
This just in... I saw M:I 3 and I am happy to report it's the best one of the bunch. Now I did like the first one but this flick really delivers the goods. I feel now this franchise sits squarely between the Bourne Movies and James Bond Flicks. It has one foot steeped in characterization, a gritty real feel yet has it's other foot planted in the out-there reality of a Bond romp. Thing is though the Villain here is more rooted in the now than just about any Bond Villain. I do have though one major, major complaint about M:I 3... During the end credits you are treated to what maybe the worst song ever. It's by Kayne West and yes his Jesus Walks was great but boy howdy his Impossible Mission song is Impossible to listen too! YUCK! That said kudos to Abrams music vet Michael Giacchino for using more of the original Lalo Schifrin TV music like The Plot.

Ok on to the rest of the movies and what I think about them based on vibes and their Trailers...

Miami Vice: This is shaping up as the COOL film of summer.
I just hope Mann has come up with a better coda than Heat or Collateral. Mann is the Man though when it comes to set design, framing and cinematography!


Talladega Nights: I am sure because of NASCAR's involvement this will be Huge but it looks awful!

Click: Oh boy another crowd pleaser but I will be missing this one as well. Clever concept but we've seen this type of film already and the jokes fall flat.

The Break-Up: This Comedy looks like it has potential. Vaughn is funny and Jennifer hasn't looked this good in ages.

My Super Ex-Girlfriend: Wow... This might be the best Comedy concept of the Summer. I haven't seen the trailer yet but the plotline is priceless: Man (Paul Judd) breaks-up with his girlfriend because he can't handle what she's all about. She (Uma Thurman) wreaks vengeance upon him. What's funny and clever? She is a Superhero along the lines of Superman. And that's what the man has a problem with. Directed by Ivan Reitman who gave us Ghostbusters. Yes I know he also directed Evolution but that's another story.

The Omen: In God's Name WHY?! It's the exact same scene by scene as the original. With some updated FX thrown in.

macho Libra: This could be the cult film of summer. Hard to tell. It's from the guy who directed Napoleon dynamite and it stars Jack Black as a Mexican priest who becomes a wrestler to save an Orphanage. It has some pretty weird moments and with Jack Black that can spell FUNNY!

Lady in the Water: M. Night is back and I just don't know. Sounds silly. Girl is found in pool, she's a creature from out of a child's book. Maintenance man and tenants help her return to her people then find out the too are characters in a book. Perhaps the kiddo's will like it I just don't know about M. Night anymore. He has coasted on 6 senses for far too long.

Ok I think that's a wrap on the Major Releases I would have touched on other films like Over The Hedge and Snakes On A Plane, but Kiddo movies are needed even if bad to us and Snakes... well enough internet ink has been spilled about it
already.

Please comment with your take...

Summer Movies Are Upon Us Part 1

I have yet to see any of the Summer Movies but this is my take based on Trailers and vibes... It will be in two parts because it seems it's how Hollywood likes to work so why not.

Superman Returns: Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor will steal this movie. The rest of it seems like a remake of the first Richard Donner Superman.

Da Vinci Code: HUGE! Unless it is a really bad movie. I can't see that happening. I don't feel it will do Titanic Biz but it should be in the top three for the summer.

MI:3: I think this film will end up doing just fine. I will attend because I am a fan of Mission Impossible the TV Show and I am told this one is more in spirit to the show. Plus I am a fan of Director's Abrams's TV shows Alias and Lost.

Cars: I just don't have a good feel for this. The eyes on the windshield creep me out. I know it's Pixar and they are wonderful... But they are also due for an under-performer.

Pirates 2: More of the same but in this case that's a good thing! Could be the #1 movie.

Poseidon: One of the major bombs in terms of cost vs. Boxoffice. Who is the market for this? The original is considered a classic and all this film can hope to do is better it in the effects department. But what have we not seen in other movies like the original, Titanic and even this films director's Perfect Storm?

To Be Continued...

The Sunday Whatever

Happy Sunday- Day of Rest, Faith and Contemplation.

I love Sundays, the thick Sunday Paper, CBS Sunday Morning (A Wonderful TV magazine show) Sleeping in, Coffee with my wife. Quiet times. Ahh Sunday!

Now onto what bugs me in my mind today...

I wish that TV providers like Comcast, Verizon, Dish and others would adopt TIVO technology within their DVRs. Folks, TIVO has already worked out the bugs, settled on a wonderful user interface and has set the industry standard. But these other services not wanting to deal with TIVO have come up with their own software and use Motorola boxes. (I do not know who makes the boxes for Dish).

I had Directv with Tivo DVR. And loved it! The only problem I had was the fact I would have to program a early and or late start for some programs because the networks play with those times and the Motorola box from Verizon Fios address this and there are no more missed openings or endings cut off. But the is the only good thing!

The software interface is awful and clumsy plus the service at times cracks-up and pixels or the sound goes out. And this is fiber-optics!

I have not made my mind up yet about going back to Directv they even have replaced TIVO with one of their own devices. Sheesh!

However Fios Internet is WONDERFUL!!! I average almost 5,000 down and around 1,900 up. That beats cable and DSL and if I wanted to pay more I could increase that speed 15,000 or 30,000 down.

TIVO is the greatest fun invention in years.

Right now I am watching the Mavs/Spurs game 1, go Mavs! Beat these guys and get that monkey off your backs. You can beat the Spurs, it's possible! Just believe.

America stand-up for yourselves and stop letting other countries dictate who and what we are! A Superpower does have global responsibilities and hiding our heads in the sand won't make the world's ills go away. Am I happy with the way the present administration is handling things... no! But they are the ones leading right now and we need to let them. Voting changes things not complaining.

Should we stick our noses into other peoples business? Yes if it means harm to our country and those who support us. But we also need to commit when we do and see it through to the finish.

We also need to be more careful with who we back... we seem to have a history of backing future enemies. Russia (During and right after WWII), Castro, Osama, Saddam, Noreiga to mention a few.

It is hard to be all things to all people, nigh impossible to please everyone. That is why I can't figure why anyone would want to be President. A centrist or a libertarian seems to have things right but implementing them is another thing. With our two party system we will always be fighting each other for the best way to govern.

But what should government be about? For me: infrastructure, Defense, Education, unifying the states, Protecting our borders, Keeping peace in the world and setting an example of how a soceity can lead and survive and grow.

They should not tell us how to live or what to do as long as we do not harm those around us. Free society has to have some rules/laws to live by so human nature doesn't run out of control. But life here should be about common sense, thinking of how your actions affect others and taking responsibility for your actions. Also freedom of choice, that makes us great. You don't like that show change the channel, you don't like that movie/actor don't buy a ticket or rent the dvd. You like something support it, you don't, don't, it's really that simple. Also live within your means. Now that one is very hard to do in a capitalist society. But remember this is just about the best we got, there is no Utopian place it wouldn't work... because of human nature.

Well that's it for now... I've pontificated enough for one blog... Please comment...

Explain It To Me, Please!

Hey Netsters or is that Blogsters or roadsters?

Anyway... When you have shows on TV that you follow like LOST, CARNIVALE, INVASION, THE WIRE ect, I always read comments in different talkbacks about how slow their respective storylines unfold. That it seems to take forever to get to the point. But isn't that the point?!

How can one really complain if the creators/writers allow their stories to develop through characters and careful laying out of the plot and many sub-plots? If this isn't your cup of tea that's of course cool just watch those shows that deliver everything each week in a nice simple package, i.e. any CSI or LAW & ORDER show. For me that IS the problem I have with those shows. I like continuity in my stories. Now shows like 24 and PRISON BREAK do move their plots along faster but they are action shows from the get-go.

ALIAS on the other hand started out great but for a while got stuck in the spycase of the week and forgot it's continuity, character building aspects and I feel they lost a lot of their viewing audience. Now it seems that they have gotten back to how they started and it's cooking again.

The first real shows to tell stories with great arcs and development were HILL STREET BLUES, TWIN PEAKS and WISEGUY. MIAMI VICE, while not really adhering to this format did play with the normal conventions of the day by ending most episodes in the middle of a shootout or take-down so that the show didn't end up all neatly tied up in a bow.

There is nothing wrong with those want their stories all wrapped up each week but sweet J why do they have to spew hate about the shows that take time to unfold like a really good book?

Oh and this also can relate to Sitcoms as well, I loved ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, SONS & DAUGHTERS and MY NAME IS EARL... and they follow through on plot lines from episode to episode.

Well there is my rant of the day... I invite your thoughts...

But What About Politics?

Hollywood graffiti

I do love to go on about the wonderful world of entertainment but there comes a time when I have to play being grown-up and talk about things of grave importance like Politics and Religion. Of course the way things seem to be headed I believe they are one and the same and quite possible been that way since who knows when.

There is so much to rant on about... Illegal's, Pot, Church, War, Famine, Gas Prices, WMDs, The Holy Land, Price of Cable, Cel Phones, Land Lines and Insurance, Child predators, Gang Violence, Credit Abuse and Identity Theft.

Whew those are just a few topics I can pontificate on... so for today let's pick something that seems to be affecting everyone I know and all of you I don't... High Gas Prices! (The other even more important stuff listed above will wait until we all know each other better or until tomorrow or the next day)

Who do we blame? What can be done?

The Gov could roll back the gas tax that would give some relief.
We want to blame Big Oil and it's easy to point at them especially when they have record profits and give CEO's Platinum retirement plans.
But is Big Oil really to blame? Well, Yes they could have built more refineries, they could be looking for oil in places we can control. They could not react so fast when the Markets go crazy and run scared and drive up prices on future barrels, hello, the gas in the system now at our stations were purchased at a much lower price so don't raise the price because of knee jerk markets.

We could stop buying really big SUV's I suppose... But Automakers put them out because we buy them.

The real answer to me seems simple... If the Automakers and Big Oil and all of the wonderfull, brilliant scientists we have at our disposal could come up with an alternative to gas to power are cars, planes what have you, then they would make money like nobody's business.

First off (Yes Big Oil would have to face-lift their infrastructure) we already have gas stations that can be converted to what ever we need.

But the big thing, the thing that would drive our economy to new highs and create jobs is the manufacturing of the new vehicles that would be powered by the new, clean, efficient, renewable source.

Yes it would be smart to come up with ways that the vehicles we have now could be converted but that too would create jobs. But it compares to the upcoming changeover to HD. We all need to upgrade our TV's from analog to HD by 2009.

Sure there will be a down-converter to you can still use your analog set but eventually you will want to have an HD set period. It's just the way it is and the Electronic industry will see a Huge explosion in sales. They already are but nothing like what is ahead when HD TV's are the norm, their prices lower and of course the HD-DVD's when their prices lower as well.

So that's my point... for now rollback the gas tax, win points with the voting public... shows your thinking of us and doing something to help. THen band together and figure out is it Hydrogen, Corn or Maple syrup? And just do it instead of working against each other. You can always compete once the solutions are in place.

But these high prices will only drive up other prices and services across the board and hurt those who are struggling more than they are now. Gas needs to be back to either $1.50 or less a gallon and I am sure that a new source embraced by all would lower that price to heck .99 a gallon. Dare I dream? Oh and Big Oil don't worry, I'm not saying stop drilling and pumping but just think... if their is a cheaper, renewable, cleaner choice to power are vehicles then there will be a lot of oil left over to make better tires, plastics and all of the other great products we take for granted that we derive from that wonderful black tea.

Whew... Agree? Disagree? Please comment. Thanx!