Inside Job – 10
You’ll like this documentary if you
a. Didn’t like TARP or the Bailout
b. Want to be infuriated
c. Just want to know more about what happened.
In the first ten minutes, as this well-made documentary picks apart the fall of Iceland’s financial system, you’ll begin to recognize the symptoms. As the filmmakers delve into the events leading up to the crash of 2008, one can’t help but be infuriated about the actions of the banks, and the lack of government oversight. It is educational to say the least.
Going into the movie, I had my own viewpoints, but this movie puts your blood pressure on a roller coaster as it reveals the market manipulation and how the American taxpayer had to pick up the bill. There are no hero’s here, and you can play pick-a-villain for 2 hours.
The Next Three Days – 8
You’ll like this movie if you
a. like Russell Crowe
b. like Elizabeth Banks
c. like some credible twists and turns.
So, we’d just been to the big wedding in Pittsburgh and thought it would be a good idea to go see a rare movie set in this highly picturesque city. Lara Brennan (Banks) has been convicted of murder. Her husband believes she is innocent, and after all legal remedies fail, her husband, college professor John Brennan (Crowe), begins to consider non-legal ones. He sets up a careful plan to break her out of the county jail before she is transferred to the state prison. Its fun to watch the plan fall into place, helped along by some lucky breaks and geographies that are a little stretchy. The pace quickens nicely when the escape begins and Brennan’s ingenuity is on display. While the outcome is never really in doubt, it’s the trip that’s fun.
Unstoppable – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Denzel Washington, old star
b. Chris Pine, new star
c. Action
We often lament in America that we don’t export anything anymore. Well, one of our few remaining exports is the over-the-top action movie, done only the way we Americans can finance and execute them. Director Tony Scott specializes in telling these types of fast-paced stories, and this one is typical.
It’s elevated because it’s allegedly based on a true story, it’s well acted, and it’s actually believable. Denzel and Chris are properly heroic and the action moves crisply.
The problem is that for me at least, for some reason I just didn’t get involved until the last 20 minutes. But, it could just be me. The audience was definitely into the “based on a true story” aspect, and it’s a very good action piece.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Saints Report # 11 - November 25. 2010
Motoring to a 2009 championship, the New Orleans Saints paid a preliminary visit to the Super Bowl site to play the Miami Dolphins and won in the most improbable fashion. They came back from a 24-3 deficit, cementing their credentials as real contenders.
On Thanksgiving Day in 2010, the Saints visited the site of this year’s Super Bowl and made last year’s preliminary trip look almost boring by comparison. The Saints charged out to a 17-0 lead. They came out in the 2nd half as if they’d just eaten Thanksgiving dinner and slowly gave up the lead, allowing 3 touchdowns.
Reggie Bush giveth, Malcolm Jenkins taketh away. Reggie was rusty, dropping a probable touchdown pass that could’ve iced the game. However he was not too rusty to dance around on his one punt return long enough to cough up the football, handing the Cowboys a touchdown. That 11 point swing put the Saints on the verge of a disastrous loss.
In steps Malcolm Jenkins. With Dallas only having to run the clock out, QB Kitna connected on a short pass with Roy Williams, beating rookie first round draft pick Patrick Robinson, who had slipped. Williams is off to the races, with Tracy Porter and Jenkins in hot pursuit. As they converge on Williams, Jenkins wrestles the ball out, and the Saints have the ball, down 4 with 3 minutes left.
In the NFL, if you have an elite Quarterback, your strategy is to be close enough for him to pull the game out on your last drive, so thanks Malcolm, Drew will take it from here.
Taking all of 5 plays, the big one being a 55 yarder to Robert Meachum, zip, zip, zip down the field and the Saints end the Dallas Jason Garrett euphoria.
Malcolm Jenkins may have saved the season, as the Saints move to 8-3 and await a little help from Green Bay and Baltimore this weekend.
The Saints are not without their problems, but after 43 years of victimization at the hands of some star quarterback who snatches victory from us, it’s kind of fun to pull a rabbit out of the hat as often as Drew does. We sure know how it feels from the other side.
Now comes that part of the schedule where the Saints have to prove they can produce in the cold weather. Trips to Cincy and Baltimore loom large. To win the division the Saints almost have to match last year’s 13 – 3 record. Wouldn’t that be something?
On Thanksgiving Day in 2010, the Saints visited the site of this year’s Super Bowl and made last year’s preliminary trip look almost boring by comparison. The Saints charged out to a 17-0 lead. They came out in the 2nd half as if they’d just eaten Thanksgiving dinner and slowly gave up the lead, allowing 3 touchdowns.
Reggie Bush giveth, Malcolm Jenkins taketh away. Reggie was rusty, dropping a probable touchdown pass that could’ve iced the game. However he was not too rusty to dance around on his one punt return long enough to cough up the football, handing the Cowboys a touchdown. That 11 point swing put the Saints on the verge of a disastrous loss.
In steps Malcolm Jenkins. With Dallas only having to run the clock out, QB Kitna connected on a short pass with Roy Williams, beating rookie first round draft pick Patrick Robinson, who had slipped. Williams is off to the races, with Tracy Porter and Jenkins in hot pursuit. As they converge on Williams, Jenkins wrestles the ball out, and the Saints have the ball, down 4 with 3 minutes left.
In the NFL, if you have an elite Quarterback, your strategy is to be close enough for him to pull the game out on your last drive, so thanks Malcolm, Drew will take it from here.
Taking all of 5 plays, the big one being a 55 yarder to Robert Meachum, zip, zip, zip down the field and the Saints end the Dallas Jason Garrett euphoria.
Malcolm Jenkins may have saved the season, as the Saints move to 8-3 and await a little help from Green Bay and Baltimore this weekend.
The Saints are not without their problems, but after 43 years of victimization at the hands of some star quarterback who snatches victory from us, it’s kind of fun to pull a rabbit out of the hat as often as Drew does. We sure know how it feels from the other side.
Now comes that part of the schedule where the Saints have to prove they can produce in the cold weather. Trips to Cincy and Baltimore loom large. To win the division the Saints almost have to match last year’s 13 – 3 record. Wouldn’t that be something?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saints Report # 10 - November 21, 2010
Sh!
Quiet!
Don’t tell anybody, but the Saints moved to 7-3 with a workmanlike win over the Seattle Seahawks in the dome.
Each team scored 5 times.
The difference?
The Saints scored 5 touchdowns and the Seahawks only 1, adding 4 field goals as the depleted Saints’ defense did a little bending in the 34-19 victory. Short of safeties this time with both Malcolm Jenkins and Darren Sharper, as well as rookie cornerback Patrick Robinson on the injury shelf, the defense continues to play exceptionally well.
Meanwhile, it doesn’t look like the Saints themselves will be adding any field goals anytime soon as Garrett Hartley is hooking his tea shots into the woods on every drive. He’s yanking it so badly, his extra points are barely sneaking through. His Atlanta miss still haunts the season. There’ll be a whole lotta finger crossing going on if he’s called on to win a game for the Saints.
With Reggie Bush a probable return in time for the Thanksgiving Day matchup with Dallas, it’s unfortunate that the Cowboys are turning professional at just the wrong time.
Jerry Jones finally got the memo on Bum Jr., the Vikings have jettisoned Childress for the Favre/Moss debacle of a season, and only Norv Turner of the Inadequates maintains his job.
Let’s give Thanks.
Thanks for Sean Payton and his full throttle style.
Thanks for Drew Brees and his amazing accuracy.
Thanks for Marques Colston and the glue on his gloves.
Thanks for Lance Moore and his elusiveness.
Thanks for Mickey Loomis and his drafting prowess.
Thanks for Jimmy Graham, star in training.
Thanks for Jonathan Vilma and his intelligence.
Thanks for Gregg Williams and his many defenses.
Thanks for Will Smith and his constant presence.
Thanks for only 6 losses in 20 months
Thanks for the offensive line that is rounding into 09 form.
Thanks for the Who Dat Nation, which is growing faster than the TSA.
Thanks for turkeys, the edibles ones, not the electable ones.
Thanks for tryptophan naps followed by the treat of
Saints Football on Thanksgiving Day.
Get ready for your stomach to rumble.
Quiet!
Don’t tell anybody, but the Saints moved to 7-3 with a workmanlike win over the Seattle Seahawks in the dome.
Each team scored 5 times.
The difference?
The Saints scored 5 touchdowns and the Seahawks only 1, adding 4 field goals as the depleted Saints’ defense did a little bending in the 34-19 victory. Short of safeties this time with both Malcolm Jenkins and Darren Sharper, as well as rookie cornerback Patrick Robinson on the injury shelf, the defense continues to play exceptionally well.
Meanwhile, it doesn’t look like the Saints themselves will be adding any field goals anytime soon as Garrett Hartley is hooking his tea shots into the woods on every drive. He’s yanking it so badly, his extra points are barely sneaking through. His Atlanta miss still haunts the season. There’ll be a whole lotta finger crossing going on if he’s called on to win a game for the Saints.
With Reggie Bush a probable return in time for the Thanksgiving Day matchup with Dallas, it’s unfortunate that the Cowboys are turning professional at just the wrong time.
Jerry Jones finally got the memo on Bum Jr., the Vikings have jettisoned Childress for the Favre/Moss debacle of a season, and only Norv Turner of the Inadequates maintains his job.
Let’s give Thanks.
Thanks for Sean Payton and his full throttle style.
Thanks for Drew Brees and his amazing accuracy.
Thanks for Marques Colston and the glue on his gloves.
Thanks for Lance Moore and his elusiveness.
Thanks for Mickey Loomis and his drafting prowess.
Thanks for Jimmy Graham, star in training.
Thanks for Jonathan Vilma and his intelligence.
Thanks for Gregg Williams and his many defenses.
Thanks for Will Smith and his constant presence.
Thanks for only 6 losses in 20 months
Thanks for the offensive line that is rounding into 09 form.
Thanks for the Who Dat Nation, which is growing faster than the TSA.
Thanks for turkeys, the edibles ones, not the electable ones.
Thanks for tryptophan naps followed by the treat of
Saints Football on Thanksgiving Day.
Get ready for your stomach to rumble.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saints Report # 9 - November 7, 2010
Don’t look now, but the New Orleans Saints are one of 6 teams with 6 victories in the National Parity League. The Steelers could become the 7th with a victory over the CincyBungles Monday Night. The Saints defense continued their stellar play, shutting down Carolina’s hapless offense. The Saints have only given up 3 touchdowns in the last 3 games, and only 12 through 9 games.
Check it out:
Vikings offense – 1 TD
49’ers offense - 3 TD
Falcon’s offense – 3 TD
Panther’s offense – 2 TD
Cardinal’s offense – 0 TD
Buc’s offense – 1 TD
Brown’s offense – 1 TD
Steeler’s offense – 1 TD
Panther’s offense – 0 TD
Jabari Greer even pitched in with the first defensive touchdown of the year on a interception return.
The Saints have moved right back under the radar, as the media focuses on the Rolling Moss gathering a team, and various diva quarterbacks and wide receivers, as well as the disaster in Dallas.
Meanwhile the Baltimore Ravens look like they hold the key to the division as they host the Falcons Thursday night and the Saints in December.
With a perfectly timed bye week, the Saints can look forward to Reggie Bush’s return against the Seahawks on Nov 21. If the Saints can get Pierre Thomas of the mysterious ankle injury back as well, the Saints have every opportunity to get on a roll for the 2nd half. One of the most impressive things about the team is that they have become a plug and play team. Their depth of players who are good enough and know their exact assignment is impressive.
In 2009 the Saints won with their offense. This is the Year of the Defense. Wouldn’t it be cool if the D carried the Saints to another Super Bowl? It would be Way Cool.
Check it out:
Vikings offense – 1 TD
49’ers offense - 3 TD
Falcon’s offense – 3 TD
Panther’s offense – 2 TD
Cardinal’s offense – 0 TD
Buc’s offense – 1 TD
Brown’s offense – 1 TD
Steeler’s offense – 1 TD
Panther’s offense – 0 TD
Jabari Greer even pitched in with the first defensive touchdown of the year on a interception return.
The Saints have moved right back under the radar, as the media focuses on the Rolling Moss gathering a team, and various diva quarterbacks and wide receivers, as well as the disaster in Dallas.
Meanwhile the Baltimore Ravens look like they hold the key to the division as they host the Falcons Thursday night and the Saints in December.
With a perfectly timed bye week, the Saints can look forward to Reggie Bush’s return against the Seahawks on Nov 21. If the Saints can get Pierre Thomas of the mysterious ankle injury back as well, the Saints have every opportunity to get on a roll for the 2nd half. One of the most impressive things about the team is that they have become a plug and play team. Their depth of players who are good enough and know their exact assignment is impressive.
In 2009 the Saints won with their offense. This is the Year of the Defense. Wouldn’t it be cool if the D carried the Saints to another Super Bowl? It would be Way Cool.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Saints Report # 8 - October 31, 2010
So we travelled to the dome hoping that the Saints would show up.
Not only did they show up dressed as Super Bowl re-contenders, but their new personality began to show through in a defensive display that had to stun the pundits who have been calling the Steelers the best NFL team for the last few weeks. The Saints won a 20-10 trench battle on Halloween and it was a revelation.
Understand this, the 2010 Saints are not the offensive juggernaut they were a year ago. Part of that is because of injuries to Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. Part of it is the way they are being defended. Part of it is that the offensive line has not played to last year’s standard. Part of it is the absence of a running game.
Thus, Reggie Bush was not the only one with a broken leg, as fans around the region got injured jumping off the bandwagon.
Let me be the first to say it. The Saints defense is better than last year. Gregg Williams has got players understanding his schemes and their virtual lockdown of the Steelers gave them 4 straight games in which they’ve given up only one touchdown. And all of this comes with Porter and Greer, two shutdown corners, on the shelf with injuries.
Turnovers are not coming in bunches like last year, so the defense hasn’t lit up the scoreboard. Big deficits force teams into gambling and carelessness, and the Saints haven’t had big leads to work with this year. But two turnovers in the 4th quarter Sunday night were a reminder of what this defense can do when playing with a lead.
On Halloween night, Brees, Vilma, Shanle, and Lance Moore in particular played great and showed promise that if they can put together two good games in a row by beating Carolina next Sunday they will improve to 6 – 3 going into the bye week, when they can hopefully replenish two backfields.
This was a must win, as the Saints joined the other 9 teams with 5 wins. Only the Patriots have 6 wins. In Section 116 we’ve returned all our starters and look forward to the Saints doing the same. Now comes the second half of the season. This is going to be fun. Break a leg.
Not only did they show up dressed as Super Bowl re-contenders, but their new personality began to show through in a defensive display that had to stun the pundits who have been calling the Steelers the best NFL team for the last few weeks. The Saints won a 20-10 trench battle on Halloween and it was a revelation.
Understand this, the 2010 Saints are not the offensive juggernaut they were a year ago. Part of that is because of injuries to Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. Part of it is the way they are being defended. Part of it is that the offensive line has not played to last year’s standard. Part of it is the absence of a running game.
Thus, Reggie Bush was not the only one with a broken leg, as fans around the region got injured jumping off the bandwagon.
Let me be the first to say it. The Saints defense is better than last year. Gregg Williams has got players understanding his schemes and their virtual lockdown of the Steelers gave them 4 straight games in which they’ve given up only one touchdown. And all of this comes with Porter and Greer, two shutdown corners, on the shelf with injuries.
Turnovers are not coming in bunches like last year, so the defense hasn’t lit up the scoreboard. Big deficits force teams into gambling and carelessness, and the Saints haven’t had big leads to work with this year. But two turnovers in the 4th quarter Sunday night were a reminder of what this defense can do when playing with a lead.
On Halloween night, Brees, Vilma, Shanle, and Lance Moore in particular played great and showed promise that if they can put together two good games in a row by beating Carolina next Sunday they will improve to 6 – 3 going into the bye week, when they can hopefully replenish two backfields.
This was a must win, as the Saints joined the other 9 teams with 5 wins. Only the Patriots have 6 wins. In Section 116 we’ve returned all our starters and look forward to the Saints doing the same. Now comes the second half of the season. This is going to be fun. Break a leg.
At the Cinema - October 2010
The Social Network – 10
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Great Acting
b. Aaron Sorkin’s writing
c. Social significance
This is an amazing movie about the creation of Facebook. It’s relevance to Facebook devotees is unquestioned, and the story is fascinating. A brilliant script by Sorkin is the backbone here, and he pulls together the legal maneuvers so that we can understand them. The revelation is how nasty software development can get, and Facebook creater Marc Zuckerburg doesn’t come off as the purest character.
It’s Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Zuckerburg that elevates this movie to magical. He is flawless and fascinating in a truly original performance.
Secretariat – 10
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Sports Movies
b. Inspirational Stuff
c. Crowd Pleasers
In the 70’s I was in to horse racing. I’ve never forgotten watching Secretariat, especially that unbelievable run in the Belmont Stakes. Any sports fan who saw it probably hasn’t forgotten it either.
This exciting movie provides the backstory to Secretariat’s life, including the story of the female owner who survived the male-dominated world of horse racing.
Every time Secretariat comes from behind to win a race the theatre crowd cheered. This is one of those thrilling, crowd-pleasing, tear-jerking Disney movies that inspires Rudy-like applause.
It’s Diane Lane’s turn for the Sandra Bullock-type role of Peggy Chenery Tweedy. She shines in a role that will surely get her some recognition. She brings a realism and maturity to the role that we don’t often see in the movies. Bravo.
Wall Street – Money Never Sleeps – 8
Oliver Stone returns to the Gordon Gecko world of Greed with way more flash and dash than the first time. He tells his story like a multi-media presentation to keep the audience informed of the complex financial maneuvers. The story proceeds through the meltdown events of recent years, and it’s actually pretty informative.
But, when it’s all said and done, this is not so much a financial drama as it is a family drama. Gordon’s only family when he gets out of prison is his estranged daughter, beautifully played by the talented Cary Mulligan. Shia Lebouef is the moral center of the story. Surprisingly well done and enjoyable.
Easy A - 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Hip, witty movies
b. High School drama
c. Seeing a star born
This is a pleasant little puff of a movie, and it’s carried by rising star Emma Stone. Her character, Olive Penderghast, is going through the usual high school drama when she is forced to make up a story of a sexual encounter. The rumors run wild throughout the twist and turns of the movie, and it’s like watching a good John Hughes movie. That Emma happens to be studying The Scarlett Letter gives her guidance.
The movie is racy, funny, pleasing and just plain entertaining. John Hughes would be proud.
Waiting for Superman – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. documentaries
b. revealing information on school systems
c. the gamut of emotions
This is an often depressing indictment of America’s schools. By the time the filmmakers are done ripping the teacher’s unions and the malaise that has set in at underperforming schools you’ll wonder where America is going. Among others Bill Gates makes an impressive case for how we need to improve in Math and Science to remain globally competitive. It’s frightening and it’s important.
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Great Acting
b. Aaron Sorkin’s writing
c. Social significance
This is an amazing movie about the creation of Facebook. It’s relevance to Facebook devotees is unquestioned, and the story is fascinating. A brilliant script by Sorkin is the backbone here, and he pulls together the legal maneuvers so that we can understand them. The revelation is how nasty software development can get, and Facebook creater Marc Zuckerburg doesn’t come off as the purest character.
It’s Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Zuckerburg that elevates this movie to magical. He is flawless and fascinating in a truly original performance.
Secretariat – 10
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Sports Movies
b. Inspirational Stuff
c. Crowd Pleasers
In the 70’s I was in to horse racing. I’ve never forgotten watching Secretariat, especially that unbelievable run in the Belmont Stakes. Any sports fan who saw it probably hasn’t forgotten it either.
This exciting movie provides the backstory to Secretariat’s life, including the story of the female owner who survived the male-dominated world of horse racing.
Every time Secretariat comes from behind to win a race the theatre crowd cheered. This is one of those thrilling, crowd-pleasing, tear-jerking Disney movies that inspires Rudy-like applause.
It’s Diane Lane’s turn for the Sandra Bullock-type role of Peggy Chenery Tweedy. She shines in a role that will surely get her some recognition. She brings a realism and maturity to the role that we don’t often see in the movies. Bravo.
Wall Street – Money Never Sleeps – 8
Oliver Stone returns to the Gordon Gecko world of Greed with way more flash and dash than the first time. He tells his story like a multi-media presentation to keep the audience informed of the complex financial maneuvers. The story proceeds through the meltdown events of recent years, and it’s actually pretty informative.
But, when it’s all said and done, this is not so much a financial drama as it is a family drama. Gordon’s only family when he gets out of prison is his estranged daughter, beautifully played by the talented Cary Mulligan. Shia Lebouef is the moral center of the story. Surprisingly well done and enjoyable.
Easy A - 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Hip, witty movies
b. High School drama
c. Seeing a star born
This is a pleasant little puff of a movie, and it’s carried by rising star Emma Stone. Her character, Olive Penderghast, is going through the usual high school drama when she is forced to make up a story of a sexual encounter. The rumors run wild throughout the twist and turns of the movie, and it’s like watching a good John Hughes movie. That Emma happens to be studying The Scarlett Letter gives her guidance.
The movie is racy, funny, pleasing and just plain entertaining. John Hughes would be proud.
Waiting for Superman – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. documentaries
b. revealing information on school systems
c. the gamut of emotions
This is an often depressing indictment of America’s schools. By the time the filmmakers are done ripping the teacher’s unions and the malaise that has set in at underperforming schools you’ll wonder where America is going. Among others Bill Gates makes an impressive case for how we need to improve in Math and Science to remain globally competitive. It’s frightening and it’s important.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)