The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo – 10
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Atmosphere
b. Plot
c. Chemistry
I walked out of this and said “now that’s a movie!” Make no mistake - this is a dark, brutal, graphic movie that is not for the squeamish or prudish. I want to also disclose that I was unburdened by the book, or the previous Swedish movie version. I walked into this movie knowing little and was rewarded with the best movie I’ve seen this year - finally, on December 30th.
David Fincher, who directed last year’s masterpiece The Social Network, starts with an incredible title sequence and never lets up. When a movie has the guts to start with an amped up cover of Led Zeppelin's "The Immigrant Song" you know you're in for a ride. Daniel Craig superbly plays a disgraced journalist who is called upon to solve a 40 year old murder. There’s no way he can unravel this, it’s too old and too complicated. Then his daughter unwittingly solves a clue, and he realizes he’s dealing with a serial killer. He takes on the bizarre title character as a research assistant. She’s a computer hacker and that’s not her only skill. Rooney Mara is incredible as Lisbeth and their chemistry is one of those magical mysteries that couldn’t have been predicted. They roll through the maze of clues and keep us riveted. I can’t think of a scene that wasn’t perfect.
I’ve watched the first 10 minutes of The Social Network several times because the “breakup” scene that launches Mark Zuckerberg is a classic. Rooney Mara is the girl he’s breaking up with and who would’ve guessed she could pull this role off? She won’t win an Oscar because this character is so far out there, but she gives my favorite performance of the year. The movie is long and winding, but I can't think of a dead moment. Awesome cinema.
Be warned, this is a hard R rated movie. With graphic rape and sex scenes and brutal violence, I’d have rated this NC-17 if I’d been doing the rating – but that doesn’t diminish its greatness.
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Tom Cruise in action
b. Crisp special effects
c. Amazing stunts
Tom Cruise’s versions of the old Mission Impossible TV series have always been missing an essential part of that series – the teamwork part. It felt like a one-man band, a starring vehicle for the ever photogenic Cruise. That shortcoming is unexpectedly remedied in this fourth installment as the IMF team is formed on the fly starting with the rescue of Ethan Hunt (a maturing Cruise) from a Russian prison.
What will make this movie famous is the scene where Cruise climbs, jumps, and repels on the outside of the Dubai skyscraper. If you're afraid of heights, you may want to look away. Probably, you won’t be able to. The scene is shot so effectively that it’s one of the most exciting action pieces ever done in a movie. I don’t know how they did it, but it’s terrific.
Surprisingly, the movie keeps up its momentum after that. There’s one ridiculous stunt after another, but isn’t that what we expect? They’re done with a light-hearted believability and they set up the next installment nicely. The resultant IMF team, played by Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, and Simon Pegg, are all set. How long do we have to wait for the next installment?
J. Edgar – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The History Channel
b. The FBI
c. Leonardo DiCaprio
Clint Eastwood directs this chronicle of the life of J Edgar Hoover, FBI Director for most of our lives. Maybe this is a factual story of his life, but it’s drier than a bone. While the set pieces are perfect and every detail appears to be correct in the public side of the things, it just seems that the speculated upon private life of the never-married Hoover is just guessing. It’s like a historical National Inquirer version as Eastwood lightly touches on rumored cross-dressing and homosexuality
Eastwood jumps back in forth in time at a frantic pace and using what used to be a nice touch in a movie of a few flashbacks, he vaults around like on a pogo stick. It’s 50 vignettes back to back, as Hoover tells his story to a bureau biographer, one of many unnecessary plot devices.
Leonardo DiCaprio is earnest and intense in the title role, and he may even get some award citations. But let’s be honest – This was a role that should have been played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He would've been great. DiCaprio just doesn’t have the pudge factor. Nevertheless, it’s a nice examination of power in the cold war era.
Margin Call – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Financial drama
b. Kevin Spacey
c. Bail-out debates
it used to be that high drama and suspense took place in the wild, wild west, or maybe in a crime drama. Today, in light of financial collapses, bank failures, and government bailouts, there is no better setting for high drama than a financial firm on the brink. Wall Street never sleeps, and the walls keep tumbling down.
The story is told here of one such brokerage firm. It starts on layoff day, as the firm is downsizing. One of the downsizees, Eric Dane played by Stanley Tucci, is a risk analyst who’s been studying the risk models of his firm’s financial bets. He can’t quite figure out how bad it is, but before taking his exit, flips a flash drive to his protégé,Peter(Zachary Quinto). Unfortunately, Peter has no such problem, and over the course of one long overnight sequence, gets to explain the math to all the firms’ succession of bosses. It’s riveting stuff. Some critics have called this the best movie ever made about Wall Street.
It’s excellent for sure, with standout performances by Kevin Spacey and Jeremy Irons. Spacey plays the middle manager who must pull off the impossible task of dumping the toxic assets before the buyers catch on. His conflicted soul is the moral center of the movie, and Spacey gives one of his best performances. Jeremy Irons is equally riveting as the salesman who runs the firm while never sure of exactly what he’s selling, just that it has made him rich.
Watching the mass survival instinct of a company in trouble, and the lengths they will go to is interesting. The problem is that the story is so dryly told it feels methodical. The emotional detachment that most of the brokers feel permeates the movie. It’s their love of money that they put first, but it’s a love with no passion.
Tree of Life – 4
You’ll like this movie if you
a. Are a movie critic
b. Like stunning visuals
c. Hate dialogue
Wow. I’m not sure where to begin. This is the consensus best picture of the year per the film critics. (See metacritic.com) It’s visually stunning – that’s true. Apparently director Terrance Malick is telling the story of the creation of the earth, counterpointing it with the story of a repressed family in Texas in the 1950’s. Brad Pitt plays the strict father of 3 sons, and he’s perfect, as is Jessica Chastain as his wife. The oldest son Jack grows up to be played by Sean Penn who is apparently still suffering from his upbringing. Most of the abuse is shown, as there is probably less dialogue per minute than any movie since talkies began.
Malick’s Days of Heaven is one of my favorite movies, so I don’t consider myself a dolt on his style. This movie has been compared to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, and that’s an apt comparison, as in the wildly artistic scenes, I just could not figure out what he was getting at. The pacing is so slow I’m sure it will try the patience of the typical movie-goer. I’m probably wasting my breath here anyway. The movie never made it to Mississippi, you probably won’t see it, and I couldn’t sit through it again if you paid me.
Scanning the Satellite
Cedar Rapids – 6
This 2011 feature did nothing at the box office and it’s easy to see why. It doesn’t know if it’s a comedy or a drama, and I certainly didn’t either. It starts out as “country bumpkin goes to the city,” and there are some funny bits there, as John C. Reilly, Ann Heche, and Ed Helms put on quite a raunchy show. Then the movie turns serious and Capraesque and I thought it lost steam, but maybe you won’t.
Jolene – 5
I watched this movie just to check out the debut 2008 performance by this year’s breakout star Jessica Chastain who plays the title role. Her stunning work in 6 movies released in 2011 has earned her accolades and recognition by several critics groups. That amazing charisma is on display in an otherwise average movie that has no idea what it wants to be. Is it soft porn, is it soap opera, is it a lifetime movie? Hard to figure, but worth watching to see the sparkle of an actress we’ll be watching for a long time to come. She gives way more than the movie deserves.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saints Report # 15 - December 26, 2011
If it turns out that Drew Brees only holds the NFL single-season yardage record for one week, it won’t matter to the who-dat nation. Monday night he gave them another in a series of thrills as he led a thrashing of the Atlanta Falcons 45-16. Usually a blow-out like this will result in early exits, but in the midst of the growing euphoria not a creature was stirring in that direction as Brees closed in on Marino’s record.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend a lot of great events at the Superdome. That first Monday night game where Steve Gleason blocked the punt. Michael Jordan’s Final Four. The NFC Championship over the Vikings. About 15 Sugar Bowls (before the BCS Bullshit began) including Michael Vick running all over the carpet against Florida State, Tennessee’s upset of the Miami Hurricanes, and Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Herschel Walker, and several National Championship games. Pete Maravich and the New Orleans Jazz. Ali-Spinks in 1978. Two Super Bowls, both involving the New England Patriots, one starring Brett Favre, and one Tom Brady. The Saints first playoff victory over the Rams, and too many Saints games to count.
What made this one just as special? It was a culmination of sorts. The game it came closest to for me was the Cal Ripken record breaker, which I was lucky enought to attend. It wasn’t so much about winning and losing – that was decided early. It was a new pinnacle. It was Drew Brees saying thank you to a special sports nation and the nation thanking him right back. The magical hold he has on this fan base is earned. It’s earned in his hard work, his amazing preparation and his strict discipline. It’s in his community service and his accessible personality. He’s made all the right moves, living in uptown instead of Ormond or Mandeville and participating in the uniquely orleanian rituals from Mardi Gras to restaurant exploration. Drew Brees has done more than help win a Super Bowl. He’s become a part of the fabric of a region the way only a few stars do. Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Roberto Clemente, Walter Payton, Roger Staubach, Joe Montana. Icons. It’s when the stars align – the stars of talent, preparation, and execution and a man becomes iconic for a whole community. It’s been an amazing journey that every Saints fan should feel lucky to have participated in. That we would expect nothing less than the locker room speech that followed the game, captured by ESPN, is just another example of his class and commitment to victory in it's many forms.
Practically it was a climax of offensive excellence. Mickey Loomis is the provider, Sean Payton is the mastermind and Drew Brees is the executioner behind a perfect storm of an offense. It is an incredible collection of talent that Brees utilizes to this amazing point – we the nation, and Brees the quarterback, truly believe that every drive will result in a touchdown. We are drinking this in. We are the beneficiaries, the spoiled nation. But mostly, we are surprised – shocked when a defense slows the Saints offense down. Punting? An aberration.
Unfortunately there are minor technicalities ahead in the last week of the NFL season. Brees has broken the record, but not SET it. The setting will only occur at the end of play Sunday. Tom Brady is nipping at the heels of Marino and Brees, only 190 yards back. Brees and Brady both have baggage here. While they have playoff seeding to play for, they also have bad Game 16 injury-memories that they share with their coaches. Wes Welker, Jimmy Graham, Pierre Thomas, Malcolm Jenkins all went down in less than urgent games.
So this soap opera of record-making will unfold Sunday with team-by-team subplots.
The playoffs are looming. The remote chance of a first-round bye should be enough to send the Saints into a full battle mode this coming weekend. The opportunity the Patriots have to secure the first seed will certainly send them. The rapidly improving Panthers and probable rookie of the year Cam Newton will be another test for the also improved Saints defense. The defense, while still not getting the Sharperesque turnovers is bending a lot, but breaking a little. They are definitely playing well enough to support the offense deep into the playoffs, and the Saints have a chance to equal the 13-3 record of their Super Bowl run.
I have to tell you I don’t look forward to a third meeting with the Falcons. If the playoffs don’t motivate them, they can watch film of the record breaking to get them stoked up. Even worse, the Lions are just plain scary. In fact, here’s my personal fear meter in the trek to the Super Bowl:
1. Detroit
2. Green Bay
3. Atlanta
4. San Francisco
A very good Saints team will be looking to elevate to greatness for a month and as usual it will largely rest on the shoulders of their iconic #9.
January football – gotta love it. Here we go.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend a lot of great events at the Superdome. That first Monday night game where Steve Gleason blocked the punt. Michael Jordan’s Final Four. The NFC Championship over the Vikings. About 15 Sugar Bowls (before the BCS Bullshit began) including Michael Vick running all over the carpet against Florida State, Tennessee’s upset of the Miami Hurricanes, and Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett, Herschel Walker, and several National Championship games. Pete Maravich and the New Orleans Jazz. Ali-Spinks in 1978. Two Super Bowls, both involving the New England Patriots, one starring Brett Favre, and one Tom Brady. The Saints first playoff victory over the Rams, and too many Saints games to count.
What made this one just as special? It was a culmination of sorts. The game it came closest to for me was the Cal Ripken record breaker, which I was lucky enought to attend. It wasn’t so much about winning and losing – that was decided early. It was a new pinnacle. It was Drew Brees saying thank you to a special sports nation and the nation thanking him right back. The magical hold he has on this fan base is earned. It’s earned in his hard work, his amazing preparation and his strict discipline. It’s in his community service and his accessible personality. He’s made all the right moves, living in uptown instead of Ormond or Mandeville and participating in the uniquely orleanian rituals from Mardi Gras to restaurant exploration. Drew Brees has done more than help win a Super Bowl. He’s become a part of the fabric of a region the way only a few stars do. Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Roberto Clemente, Walter Payton, Roger Staubach, Joe Montana. Icons. It’s when the stars align – the stars of talent, preparation, and execution and a man becomes iconic for a whole community. It’s been an amazing journey that every Saints fan should feel lucky to have participated in. That we would expect nothing less than the locker room speech that followed the game, captured by ESPN, is just another example of his class and commitment to victory in it's many forms.
Practically it was a climax of offensive excellence. Mickey Loomis is the provider, Sean Payton is the mastermind and Drew Brees is the executioner behind a perfect storm of an offense. It is an incredible collection of talent that Brees utilizes to this amazing point – we the nation, and Brees the quarterback, truly believe that every drive will result in a touchdown. We are drinking this in. We are the beneficiaries, the spoiled nation. But mostly, we are surprised – shocked when a defense slows the Saints offense down. Punting? An aberration.
Unfortunately there are minor technicalities ahead in the last week of the NFL season. Brees has broken the record, but not SET it. The setting will only occur at the end of play Sunday. Tom Brady is nipping at the heels of Marino and Brees, only 190 yards back. Brees and Brady both have baggage here. While they have playoff seeding to play for, they also have bad Game 16 injury-memories that they share with their coaches. Wes Welker, Jimmy Graham, Pierre Thomas, Malcolm Jenkins all went down in less than urgent games.
So this soap opera of record-making will unfold Sunday with team-by-team subplots.
The playoffs are looming. The remote chance of a first-round bye should be enough to send the Saints into a full battle mode this coming weekend. The opportunity the Patriots have to secure the first seed will certainly send them. The rapidly improving Panthers and probable rookie of the year Cam Newton will be another test for the also improved Saints defense. The defense, while still not getting the Sharperesque turnovers is bending a lot, but breaking a little. They are definitely playing well enough to support the offense deep into the playoffs, and the Saints have a chance to equal the 13-3 record of their Super Bowl run.
I have to tell you I don’t look forward to a third meeting with the Falcons. If the playoffs don’t motivate them, they can watch film of the record breaking to get them stoked up. Even worse, the Lions are just plain scary. In fact, here’s my personal fear meter in the trek to the Super Bowl:
1. Detroit
2. Green Bay
3. Atlanta
4. San Francisco
A very good Saints team will be looking to elevate to greatness for a month and as usual it will largely rest on the shoulders of their iconic #9.
January football – gotta love it. Here we go.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Saints Report # 14 - December 18, 2011
Living the Dream.
Despite some early hiccups, the Saints disposed of the hapless Minnesota Vikings 42-20 Sunday. Saints fans are living the dream. Their quarterback is having a record season. Yesterday he threw for over 400 yards and 5 touchdowns and made it look easy. It looks like Drew Brees will break Dan Marino’s single season yardage record, which has stood for 27 years, and he may do it Monday night with one game still left on the schedule. Raise your hand if you ever thought that record would reside in New Orleans. Only in your dreams .
Here is the conclusion after Sunday’s beat down . The Saints are at this moment the best football team on the planet. They could probably even beat LSU.
Let’s start with the defense. They have slowly improved throughout the year, particularly in stopping the run. They are not creating turnovers, but they do specialize in harassing young quarterbacks. The secondary, when healthy, is very solid. Porter, Greer, and Robinson are steady coverage guys, even though it’s really impossible to effectively cover anyone in the NFL. Roman Harper, while weak in coverage is strong in run stoppage and pressuring quarterbacks. Unfortunately he has become a flag-magnet, as referees have apparently added him to the most-wanted list. Malcolm Jenkins should be joining Harper as a pro-bowler soon, although he is in the middle of every scrum. I guess he’s the Saints enforcer. Jonathan Vilma has been slowed by injury, and while the linebacker crew has been spectacular at times, they are probably the weakest part of the defense. What’s promising is that their young linebackers appear to be more athletic than in the past. They are running sideline to sideline better than at any times in recent years.
No one has noticed that the Saints Special teams, led by Darren Sproles and Courtney Roby, have been terrific all year.
Then there’s the offense. The Saints offense may be the best assemblage of talent ever. Drew Brees is in command of a healthy arsenal that is hitting on all cylinders, and any other cliché you want to apply. There are three quarterbacks, Brees, Brady, and Rodgers, that are playing at as high a level as the NFL has ever seen. It’s video game football and Brees has reached a comfort level with this Sean Payton offense that makes them a nightmare for defenses.
So now we can enjoy this holiday season without the ghosts of Christmas past. Next Monday night the Saints will face their only nemesis – a ball control offense. Ask the no longer undefeated Packers. Keep away is the only way to derail the big three quarterbacks. Atlanta will be trying to grind, the Saints will be flinging it all over the yard, and we won’t be thinking of Christmases past.
We’re too busy living the dream.
Despite some early hiccups, the Saints disposed of the hapless Minnesota Vikings 42-20 Sunday. Saints fans are living the dream. Their quarterback is having a record season. Yesterday he threw for over 400 yards and 5 touchdowns and made it look easy. It looks like Drew Brees will break Dan Marino’s single season yardage record, which has stood for 27 years, and he may do it Monday night with one game still left on the schedule. Raise your hand if you ever thought that record would reside in New Orleans. Only in your dreams .
Here is the conclusion after Sunday’s beat down . The Saints are at this moment the best football team on the planet. They could probably even beat LSU.
Let’s start with the defense. They have slowly improved throughout the year, particularly in stopping the run. They are not creating turnovers, but they do specialize in harassing young quarterbacks. The secondary, when healthy, is very solid. Porter, Greer, and Robinson are steady coverage guys, even though it’s really impossible to effectively cover anyone in the NFL. Roman Harper, while weak in coverage is strong in run stoppage and pressuring quarterbacks. Unfortunately he has become a flag-magnet, as referees have apparently added him to the most-wanted list. Malcolm Jenkins should be joining Harper as a pro-bowler soon, although he is in the middle of every scrum. I guess he’s the Saints enforcer. Jonathan Vilma has been slowed by injury, and while the linebacker crew has been spectacular at times, they are probably the weakest part of the defense. What’s promising is that their young linebackers appear to be more athletic than in the past. They are running sideline to sideline better than at any times in recent years.
No one has noticed that the Saints Special teams, led by Darren Sproles and Courtney Roby, have been terrific all year.
Then there’s the offense. The Saints offense may be the best assemblage of talent ever. Drew Brees is in command of a healthy arsenal that is hitting on all cylinders, and any other cliché you want to apply. There are three quarterbacks, Brees, Brady, and Rodgers, that are playing at as high a level as the NFL has ever seen. It’s video game football and Brees has reached a comfort level with this Sean Payton offense that makes them a nightmare for defenses.
So now we can enjoy this holiday season without the ghosts of Christmas past. Next Monday night the Saints will face their only nemesis – a ball control offense. Ask the no longer undefeated Packers. Keep away is the only way to derail the big three quarterbacks. Atlanta will be trying to grind, the Saints will be flinging it all over the yard, and we won’t be thinking of Christmases past.
We’re too busy living the dream.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Saints Report # 13 - December 11, 2011
In a playoff clinching performance the Saints travelled to Nashville and defeated a fine Tennessee Titan defense, an opportunistic offense, and another over-zealous officiating crew in moving to 10-3 with their 5th straight win.
Wait – it’s not just me that thought the game was horribly ref’d:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Adventures-in-Officiating-Do-some-refs-care-mor?urn=nfl-wp13646
In the midst of the endless parade of flags, the Saints continued their balanced attack. That’s the good news. My theory is that if they make it to the NFC Championship game, almost surely at Lambeau Field, they will have to run the ball, control the clock, and still have some aerial success to beat the Packers.
The bad news is that they will have to score more than they did against the Titans.
The defense played well, coming up with enough big plays to win. Amazingly Drew Brees stretched his streak of games with a touchdown pass to 40, second only to Johnny Unitas. His two TD passes to Marques Colston in the 4th quarter brought the Saints back from a 10-9 deficit. Chris Ivory filled the Mark Ingram role (or is Ingram filling the Ivory role?) smashing the ball into the line on numerous occasions. Pierre Thomas played his usual steady game and Darren Sproles had a spectacular punt return called back by a phantom holding car.
So now they travel to Minnesota where the Vikings have lost close games all year. With the rest of their games in doors, the Saints offense should flourish.
Around the League:
The Cardinals helped the Saints out by stunning the San Francisco 49’ers who are returning to earth, and will hopefully continue to slide so the Saints can overtake them for the second seed in the NFC. The Tebow Juggernaut continues in Denver in concert with a terrific defense. My Super Bowl AFC pick, the Houston Texans, are down to their 3rd quarterback and hanging on. In Dallas Jerry Jones has figured out everything about the NFL except the head-coach-hiring part. Good news Jerry, Norv Turner should be available soon and you should scoop him up. The Bears are doing a Dallas-like implosion and the Falcons and Giants look destined for the playoffs. The Patriots, Steelers, and Ravens are sure playoff bets. In other words, not much has changed lately in the NFL, except the officiating.
Wait – it’s not just me that thought the game was horribly ref’d:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Adventures-in-Officiating-Do-some-refs-care-mor?urn=nfl-wp13646
In the midst of the endless parade of flags, the Saints continued their balanced attack. That’s the good news. My theory is that if they make it to the NFC Championship game, almost surely at Lambeau Field, they will have to run the ball, control the clock, and still have some aerial success to beat the Packers.
The bad news is that they will have to score more than they did against the Titans.
The defense played well, coming up with enough big plays to win. Amazingly Drew Brees stretched his streak of games with a touchdown pass to 40, second only to Johnny Unitas. His two TD passes to Marques Colston in the 4th quarter brought the Saints back from a 10-9 deficit. Chris Ivory filled the Mark Ingram role (or is Ingram filling the Ivory role?) smashing the ball into the line on numerous occasions. Pierre Thomas played his usual steady game and Darren Sproles had a spectacular punt return called back by a phantom holding car.
So now they travel to Minnesota where the Vikings have lost close games all year. With the rest of their games in doors, the Saints offense should flourish.
Around the League:
The Cardinals helped the Saints out by stunning the San Francisco 49’ers who are returning to earth, and will hopefully continue to slide so the Saints can overtake them for the second seed in the NFC. The Tebow Juggernaut continues in Denver in concert with a terrific defense. My Super Bowl AFC pick, the Houston Texans, are down to their 3rd quarterback and hanging on. In Dallas Jerry Jones has figured out everything about the NFL except the head-coach-hiring part. Good news Jerry, Norv Turner should be available soon and you should scoop him up. The Bears are doing a Dallas-like implosion and the Falcons and Giants look destined for the playoffs. The Patriots, Steelers, and Ravens are sure playoff bets. In other words, not much has changed lately in the NFL, except the officiating.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Saints Report # 12 - December 4, 2011
During my second trip to the Superdome in seven days, I just had to marvel at how things have changed in my lifetime of watching the Saints.
Sunday night the Saints routinely disposed of the Detroit Lions 31-17, helped along by their opponent’s determination to self-destruct play by play. Has any receiver gotten called for three offensive interferences in one game, or was Nate Burleson determined to have this record all to himself? Somehow the Lions accumulated enough yardage to go up and down the field almost 6 times, but only scored 17 points, repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot. However, the Lions showed enough talent to make it ok with me if we don’t have to play them in the playoffs.
In the meantime Drew Brees continued his assault on Marino’s yardage record that seems like it will only be derailed if he sits and rests in the final game of the season. Winning their 4th straight game, a feat it will be nice to repeat at year-end, puts them on pace to duplicate the magical 13-3 record of 2009 if they don’t stumble. Wouldn’t that be something?
I confess, there was a moment after the Saints scored one of their touchdowns when I didn’t get crunk. I was crunkless. Now if you haven’t been to a Saints game in the last 3 years you don’t know what I mean by crunk, and to be honest with you I’m not sure that I know what I mean. It’s a form of 7 point Saints euphoria that just seems to fit the city that care forgot about as perfectly as gumbo. It involves a song, a lot of singing and waving of arms that I haven’t really perfected and am not sure I want to. So I didn’t stand up and get crunk. I just sat there. I just wanted to look around and marvel at the atmosphere in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
First I marveled that despite the renovations, the luxury name enhancement, and my expensive plaza ticket, I still was without a luxury cup holder. That’s all I really want now. I have a Superbowl and the wardrobe that comes with it, proclaiming that I am a world champion. I just want a cup holder so I don’t have to stand in spilled drink. For some reason the Superdome is the open-container capital of the sports world. No plastic tops, no caps allowed. I guess we could not be prevented from hurling plastic caps onto the field, although I don’t know about you but my record for hurling a plastic drink top is about 5 yards. Thus when you are required to stand up and get crunk, you set your drink on the floor and there is a 36% chance you will kick it over within 5 minutes and stand in it during subsequent crunks. If we could get Mercedes-Benz to spring for cup-holders I swear I’ll buy a Mercedes just as soon as I can afford it.
Anyway, in my state of non-crunkiness during which I chose to hold my diet coke rather than wave my arms I realized that we had experienced a real paradigm shift. The most fun I’d had was in that 13-0 start we had on the way to the Superbowl. It was completely unknown territory, like the Packers are enjoying right now. But, in the sixth year of the Payton/Brees era I remembered how Payton always wanted to emulate the Patriots organizational consistency. Well here’s what’s cool:
The Saints expect to win.
The Fans expect to win.
The commentators expect the Saints to win.
The bettors expect the Saints to win.
The Saints are much more likely to win than lose. They, like all teams throw in a stinker (Rams) from time to time, but those are pretty rare.
The paradigm has shifted. We are an elite program with elite personnel from top to bottom. We pluck the unheralded (Jimmy Graham) and the heralded (Mark Ingram) and the undervalued (Darren Sproles) and we’re officially re-loaded.
Sure, anyone that watches the Saints knows we could still use some help on defense, but there are only a few defenses in the NFL – the Ravens, year after year or until Lewis and Reed retire, the Steelers most of the time, and the 49’ers this year. And it’s impossible to play defense in the NFL anyway, when the referees have one hand in their pocket and the league office is doling out fines on their own new paradigm.
So, it’s not just that we’re spoiled. Fast forward 10 years and we’ll be saying of our quarterback, “He’s no Drew Brees,” because he won’t be. After all how often does one Hall of Fame QB follow immediately behind another? It just doesn’t happen, except in Green Bay, and I sure hope they appreciate their good fortune. But I’ve got news for the Pack, barring a “stinker” (like Seattle last year) The Saints are coming.
Next, the Saints are off to Tennessee where Chris Johnson is just wrapping up training camp and Matt Hasselback is undoubtedly having flashbacks to that playoff torching of the Saints last year. The Saints have improved at stopping the run but put so little pressure on the quarterback that 400 yard games are the norm, and Brees and the offense must score constantly. Which they do. It’s the new paradigm.
Sunday night the Saints routinely disposed of the Detroit Lions 31-17, helped along by their opponent’s determination to self-destruct play by play. Has any receiver gotten called for three offensive interferences in one game, or was Nate Burleson determined to have this record all to himself? Somehow the Lions accumulated enough yardage to go up and down the field almost 6 times, but only scored 17 points, repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot. However, the Lions showed enough talent to make it ok with me if we don’t have to play them in the playoffs.
In the meantime Drew Brees continued his assault on Marino’s yardage record that seems like it will only be derailed if he sits and rests in the final game of the season. Winning their 4th straight game, a feat it will be nice to repeat at year-end, puts them on pace to duplicate the magical 13-3 record of 2009 if they don’t stumble. Wouldn’t that be something?
I confess, there was a moment after the Saints scored one of their touchdowns when I didn’t get crunk. I was crunkless. Now if you haven’t been to a Saints game in the last 3 years you don’t know what I mean by crunk, and to be honest with you I’m not sure that I know what I mean. It’s a form of 7 point Saints euphoria that just seems to fit the city that care forgot about as perfectly as gumbo. It involves a song, a lot of singing and waving of arms that I haven’t really perfected and am not sure I want to. So I didn’t stand up and get crunk. I just sat there. I just wanted to look around and marvel at the atmosphere in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
First I marveled that despite the renovations, the luxury name enhancement, and my expensive plaza ticket, I still was without a luxury cup holder. That’s all I really want now. I have a Superbowl and the wardrobe that comes with it, proclaiming that I am a world champion. I just want a cup holder so I don’t have to stand in spilled drink. For some reason the Superdome is the open-container capital of the sports world. No plastic tops, no caps allowed. I guess we could not be prevented from hurling plastic caps onto the field, although I don’t know about you but my record for hurling a plastic drink top is about 5 yards. Thus when you are required to stand up and get crunk, you set your drink on the floor and there is a 36% chance you will kick it over within 5 minutes and stand in it during subsequent crunks. If we could get Mercedes-Benz to spring for cup-holders I swear I’ll buy a Mercedes just as soon as I can afford it.
Anyway, in my state of non-crunkiness during which I chose to hold my diet coke rather than wave my arms I realized that we had experienced a real paradigm shift. The most fun I’d had was in that 13-0 start we had on the way to the Superbowl. It was completely unknown territory, like the Packers are enjoying right now. But, in the sixth year of the Payton/Brees era I remembered how Payton always wanted to emulate the Patriots organizational consistency. Well here’s what’s cool:
The Saints expect to win.
The Fans expect to win.
The commentators expect the Saints to win.
The bettors expect the Saints to win.
The Saints are much more likely to win than lose. They, like all teams throw in a stinker (Rams) from time to time, but those are pretty rare.
The paradigm has shifted. We are an elite program with elite personnel from top to bottom. We pluck the unheralded (Jimmy Graham) and the heralded (Mark Ingram) and the undervalued (Darren Sproles) and we’re officially re-loaded.
Sure, anyone that watches the Saints knows we could still use some help on defense, but there are only a few defenses in the NFL – the Ravens, year after year or until Lewis and Reed retire, the Steelers most of the time, and the 49’ers this year. And it’s impossible to play defense in the NFL anyway, when the referees have one hand in their pocket and the league office is doling out fines on their own new paradigm.
So, it’s not just that we’re spoiled. Fast forward 10 years and we’ll be saying of our quarterback, “He’s no Drew Brees,” because he won’t be. After all how often does one Hall of Fame QB follow immediately behind another? It just doesn’t happen, except in Green Bay, and I sure hope they appreciate their good fortune. But I’ve got news for the Pack, barring a “stinker” (like Seattle last year) The Saints are coming.
Next, the Saints are off to Tennessee where Chris Johnson is just wrapping up training camp and Matt Hasselback is undoubtedly having flashbacks to that playoff torching of the Saints last year. The Saints have improved at stopping the run but put so little pressure on the quarterback that 400 yard games are the norm, and Brees and the offense must score constantly. Which they do. It’s the new paradigm.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
At The Cinema - November 2011
Hugo – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. slowly paced drama
b. movie history
c. Martin Scorcese
Martin Scorsese’s initial foray into 3D technology is a tale of two movies. The first half is a methodical story of the young orphan Hugo who hides out in the Paris train station. He has assumed the duties of his uncle as the keeper of the clocks in the station, where he gets to utilize the mechanical skills taught to him by his late father, who was tragically killed in a fire.
The pacing of the first half is luscious and tedious at the same time. The characters are all wonderfully developed in the claustrophobic city within a city that exists in an old train station. The problem here is that this is a movie that employs 1950’s pacing with 2011 technology. The 3D impact centers on the intricate workings of the myriad clocks. Don’t mistake the PG rating to be a sign that that this is a movie for children. I don’t know any kids that won’t squirm their way through the movie.
The second part of the movie, when Hugo becomes the catalyst for the revival of pioneer film-maker Georges Melies, is more quickly paced, almost rushed. But, it is certainly more vivid and interesting than the first two thirds.
Scorsese has received much acclaim for this love letter to the beginning of movie making. A Scorsese release is always a sure ticket for me, but sorry, this one doesn’t crack my personal top ten of his films:
Raging Bull
Taxi Driver
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
The Departed
Goodfelllas
Gangs of New York
The Aviator
Shutter Island
The Last Waltz
Cape Fear
Footloose – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Julianne Hough
b. the first Footloose
c. Dancing
The best thing you can say about this movie is that it’s a faithful remake of the Kevin Bacon 1984 film. That’s also the worst thing you can say about it. There are no surprises here, but there’s some good dancing.
Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald are the leads and they’ve got the goods. Julianne is best known for her appearances on the never-ending Dancing with The Stars, but here she shows even greater promise as she lights up the screen in the key role. The dancing is luminous. The problem is there’s just not enough of it.
There’s been a tragedy in Bomont, Georgia and subsequently the town has moved into the dark ages. What was believable in 1984 would have been a stretch in 2000, but is downright ridiculous in 2011. The townspeople are so backwards they make you want to scream. I guess that’s the point.
Fortunately, the plot is broken up by some great dancing scenes, particularly in a honky-tonk. They make it worth the ticket price.
Scanning the Satellite - Wherein I check out some of the movies I missed in theaters and other stuff brought to me by the fine millionaires at DirecTV.
Love and Other Drugs – 8
All of Anne Hathaway’s attributes are on display, and I mean all of them, in this “Love Story” which I missed in the theaters, but caught on HBO this month. The critics blew this one off, so despite the lure of Anne’s extreme nakedness, I didn’t rush to see it. Big Mistake.
Hathaway plays a blunt young lady suffering from early onset Parkinson’s and the “nothing to lose” approach to life that seems to accompany movie diseases. Her love interest, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who women tell me isn’t as bland as I think he is, must decide between career advancement and caring for dreamboat Annie. Annie takes her clothes off a lot to help him along in the decision making process.
Jake plays Jamie Randall, one of those pharmaceutical reps that comes and goes through doctor’s offices while you’re sitting there at 12:15 for your 10 am appointment. As a Pfizer rep he gets to peddle Viagra and that comes in handy as things progress.
Anne Hathaway is terrific and brings the emotional heft needed to play mercurial. Not a perfect movie, but certainly enjoyable, especially when Anne is on-screen.
Unknown – 6
It’s one of the great movie mysteries that Liam Nielson has become an action hero. Did Tom Cruise go on leave? Is he too busy with his Scientology? In this potboiler, Liam goes swimming in a taxi, bumps his head and can’t remember who he is, and can’t understand why his wife, played by January Jones (who is terrible in this role by the way) doesn’t know him. In a cross between “The Man Who Knew too Much” and “Frantic” the movie gyrates all over Berlin and is resolved just in time for the credits.
Country Strong – 2
This movie is barely watchable, even for a Gwyneth Paltrow fan. Cringe your way through it if you love Country Music, or a by-the-numbers soap opera on the road to redemption. Gwyneth does the Ronee Blakely thing here (see Robert Altman’s “Nashville” if you have any questions.)
I’ve often said that the happiest people I know are those who play music for a living. But there’s no happiness in this movie, and it portrays musicians as tortured. The truth is probably somewhere in between. Other than one nice concert scene, there’s just not much to like here, unless it’s the country music, of which I’m not an aficionado. Here’s hoping someday someone taps Paltrow’s musical potential for the big screen the way Glee did on the small screen. How about her and Anne Hathaway as Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart?
The Last Winter – 6
This is a movie about environmental horror at an artic drilling sight and you’ll shiver your way through it until you get to the single incredible scene – a small airplane crashing into the campsite. It’s a jaw-dropping scene in an otherwise forgettable soap opera.
Homeland – 9
I’d caught enough of this Showtime series, and read enough of the media accolades to do something I rarely do, go back to the beginning via On-Demand. It was worth it. Claire Danes who last wowed in Temple Grandin, shines here as the off-kilter CIA agent who is stalking a returning 8 year U.S. prisoner of war. She believes he has been turned into an Al Qaeda operative and so far the cat and mouse game has been exquisite. Produced by the team that gave us “24” this is a less frenetic version of what they do best. I’m guessing it’s going to be in for a long run.
Woody Allen - American Masters - 9
For an Allen fan, this four hour PBS documentary, with a lot of unique Allen interviews, explains much of the ups and downs of his career. It gives some fascinating insight into his film-making process. Especially interesting are the discussions on his classics like Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Hannah and her Sisters. Great stuff. Must be time for a pledge drive.
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. slowly paced drama
b. movie history
c. Martin Scorcese
Martin Scorsese’s initial foray into 3D technology is a tale of two movies. The first half is a methodical story of the young orphan Hugo who hides out in the Paris train station. He has assumed the duties of his uncle as the keeper of the clocks in the station, where he gets to utilize the mechanical skills taught to him by his late father, who was tragically killed in a fire.
The pacing of the first half is luscious and tedious at the same time. The characters are all wonderfully developed in the claustrophobic city within a city that exists in an old train station. The problem here is that this is a movie that employs 1950’s pacing with 2011 technology. The 3D impact centers on the intricate workings of the myriad clocks. Don’t mistake the PG rating to be a sign that that this is a movie for children. I don’t know any kids that won’t squirm their way through the movie.
The second part of the movie, when Hugo becomes the catalyst for the revival of pioneer film-maker Georges Melies, is more quickly paced, almost rushed. But, it is certainly more vivid and interesting than the first two thirds.
Scorsese has received much acclaim for this love letter to the beginning of movie making. A Scorsese release is always a sure ticket for me, but sorry, this one doesn’t crack my personal top ten of his films:
Raging Bull
Taxi Driver
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
The Departed
Goodfelllas
Gangs of New York
The Aviator
Shutter Island
The Last Waltz
Cape Fear
Footloose – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Julianne Hough
b. the first Footloose
c. Dancing
The best thing you can say about this movie is that it’s a faithful remake of the Kevin Bacon 1984 film. That’s also the worst thing you can say about it. There are no surprises here, but there’s some good dancing.
Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald are the leads and they’ve got the goods. Julianne is best known for her appearances on the never-ending Dancing with The Stars, but here she shows even greater promise as she lights up the screen in the key role. The dancing is luminous. The problem is there’s just not enough of it.
There’s been a tragedy in Bomont, Georgia and subsequently the town has moved into the dark ages. What was believable in 1984 would have been a stretch in 2000, but is downright ridiculous in 2011. The townspeople are so backwards they make you want to scream. I guess that’s the point.
Fortunately, the plot is broken up by some great dancing scenes, particularly in a honky-tonk. They make it worth the ticket price.
Scanning the Satellite - Wherein I check out some of the movies I missed in theaters and other stuff brought to me by the fine millionaires at DirecTV.
Love and Other Drugs – 8
All of Anne Hathaway’s attributes are on display, and I mean all of them, in this “Love Story” which I missed in the theaters, but caught on HBO this month. The critics blew this one off, so despite the lure of Anne’s extreme nakedness, I didn’t rush to see it. Big Mistake.
Hathaway plays a blunt young lady suffering from early onset Parkinson’s and the “nothing to lose” approach to life that seems to accompany movie diseases. Her love interest, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who women tell me isn’t as bland as I think he is, must decide between career advancement and caring for dreamboat Annie. Annie takes her clothes off a lot to help him along in the decision making process.
Jake plays Jamie Randall, one of those pharmaceutical reps that comes and goes through doctor’s offices while you’re sitting there at 12:15 for your 10 am appointment. As a Pfizer rep he gets to peddle Viagra and that comes in handy as things progress.
Anne Hathaway is terrific and brings the emotional heft needed to play mercurial. Not a perfect movie, but certainly enjoyable, especially when Anne is on-screen.
Unknown – 6
It’s one of the great movie mysteries that Liam Nielson has become an action hero. Did Tom Cruise go on leave? Is he too busy with his Scientology? In this potboiler, Liam goes swimming in a taxi, bumps his head and can’t remember who he is, and can’t understand why his wife, played by January Jones (who is terrible in this role by the way) doesn’t know him. In a cross between “The Man Who Knew too Much” and “Frantic” the movie gyrates all over Berlin and is resolved just in time for the credits.
Country Strong – 2
This movie is barely watchable, even for a Gwyneth Paltrow fan. Cringe your way through it if you love Country Music, or a by-the-numbers soap opera on the road to redemption. Gwyneth does the Ronee Blakely thing here (see Robert Altman’s “Nashville” if you have any questions.)
I’ve often said that the happiest people I know are those who play music for a living. But there’s no happiness in this movie, and it portrays musicians as tortured. The truth is probably somewhere in between. Other than one nice concert scene, there’s just not much to like here, unless it’s the country music, of which I’m not an aficionado. Here’s hoping someday someone taps Paltrow’s musical potential for the big screen the way Glee did on the small screen. How about her and Anne Hathaway as Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart?
The Last Winter – 6
This is a movie about environmental horror at an artic drilling sight and you’ll shiver your way through it until you get to the single incredible scene – a small airplane crashing into the campsite. It’s a jaw-dropping scene in an otherwise forgettable soap opera.
Homeland – 9
I’d caught enough of this Showtime series, and read enough of the media accolades to do something I rarely do, go back to the beginning via On-Demand. It was worth it. Claire Danes who last wowed in Temple Grandin, shines here as the off-kilter CIA agent who is stalking a returning 8 year U.S. prisoner of war. She believes he has been turned into an Al Qaeda operative and so far the cat and mouse game has been exquisite. Produced by the team that gave us “24” this is a less frenetic version of what they do best. I’m guessing it’s going to be in for a long run.
Woody Allen - American Masters - 9
For an Allen fan, this four hour PBS documentary, with a lot of unique Allen interviews, explains much of the ups and downs of his career. It gives some fascinating insight into his film-making process. Especially interesting are the discussions on his classics like Annie Hall, Manhattan, and Hannah and her Sisters. Great stuff. Must be time for a pledge drive.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saints Report # 11 - November 28, 2011
A visiting team’s disorientation these days probably begins when they pull up to a Superdome that has looked the same outside since it opened in 1975. Now it sports a sponsor’s name and a light show. Then they walk inside, suit up, and are immediately subject to an unprecedented aerial assault. Must be fun.
Monday night the Saints scored seven touchdowns en route to a 49-24 destruction of a New York Giants team sadly lacking a rush on both offense and defense. The Saints unleashed their full arsenal. It was another impressive home performance. If the Saints play like this on the road, and they’ll need to in the playoffs, another Lombardi trophy could be in the offing.
Several things became clear during the course of the Thanksgiving NFL weekend:
1. It’s become nearly impossible to play defense in the NFL because:
a.) You can’t touch the quarterback
b.) You can’t impede the receiver’s progress
c.) You can’t hit the receiver too hard
The NFL has become flag day every day. In an effort to protect the players the zebras have run amuck at the direction of Roger Goody2Shoes. Stop. America is attracted to this game because it is controlled violence and power. It's war-like in that it's a fight for turf, a basic instict of mankind. That they fight over the same 100 yards over and over is beside the point. We love it as it is, don't swing the pendulum toward safety too much. There's little doubt in my mind that someone is going to get killed playing in the NFL some day. The players are bigger and faster, thus the collisions are of a higher impact. But legislating all collisions will make it touch football, and that's not a $7billion business. The NFL is.
2. The Green Bay Packers are having an incredible year and to the untrained eye, there is only one team that can stop them – the New Orleans Saints. When they’re hitting on 8 cyclinders, like they often do in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, they can outgun any team.
3. Drew Brees, on a record-setting yardage pace, should challenge Aaron Rogers for NFL MVP. In his 6th year of collaboration with Sean Payton, Brees is orchestrating an attack the sophistication of which has never been seen before in the NFL. It’s a collection of talent on offense which most teams can only dream of.
Starting at 8-3 is significantly better than 7-4 when the Atlanta Falcons are lurking. The Suh-less Lions come to town for a Sunday night game that should be the next step in a trek that could end in Indianapolis, and another February parade. That would be great.
Monday night the Saints scored seven touchdowns en route to a 49-24 destruction of a New York Giants team sadly lacking a rush on both offense and defense. The Saints unleashed their full arsenal. It was another impressive home performance. If the Saints play like this on the road, and they’ll need to in the playoffs, another Lombardi trophy could be in the offing.
Several things became clear during the course of the Thanksgiving NFL weekend:
1. It’s become nearly impossible to play defense in the NFL because:
a.) You can’t touch the quarterback
b.) You can’t impede the receiver’s progress
c.) You can’t hit the receiver too hard
The NFL has become flag day every day. In an effort to protect the players the zebras have run amuck at the direction of Roger Goody2Shoes. Stop. America is attracted to this game because it is controlled violence and power. It's war-like in that it's a fight for turf, a basic instict of mankind. That they fight over the same 100 yards over and over is beside the point. We love it as it is, don't swing the pendulum toward safety too much. There's little doubt in my mind that someone is going to get killed playing in the NFL some day. The players are bigger and faster, thus the collisions are of a higher impact. But legislating all collisions will make it touch football, and that's not a $7billion business. The NFL is.
2. The Green Bay Packers are having an incredible year and to the untrained eye, there is only one team that can stop them – the New Orleans Saints. When they’re hitting on 8 cyclinders, like they often do in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, they can outgun any team.
3. Drew Brees, on a record-setting yardage pace, should challenge Aaron Rogers for NFL MVP. In his 6th year of collaboration with Sean Payton, Brees is orchestrating an attack the sophistication of which has never been seen before in the NFL. It’s a collection of talent on offense which most teams can only dream of.
Starting at 8-3 is significantly better than 7-4 when the Atlanta Falcons are lurking. The Suh-less Lions come to town for a Sunday night game that should be the next step in a trek that could end in Indianapolis, and another February parade. That would be great.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saints Report #10 - November 13, 2011
Here’s the game plan.
The run and gun, pass-happy New Orleans Saints are coming to the Georgia Dome. They can’t stop the run, and we’ve got Michael Turner whom they’ve never been able to tackle. Teams fare best against the Saints when they keep the ball out of Drew Brees’ hands, by grinding the clock.
So, naturally we’ll throw the ball 52 times, abandon the run quickly even though we’re having success, and to top things off we’ll Belicheck it and go for it on 4th down in our own territory with the game on the line.
Gotta love the Falcons.
In a critical NFC South game, the Falcons blinked and the Saints took advantage. While the Saints were getting out-gained by over 100 yards, they played a mistake free field-position game. The Saints couldn’t run the ball, but Marques Colston was snatching missiles out of the air at critical times. Jimmy Graham dropped a few before he became the Tight End No One Can Cover. The defense slowed the Falcons just enough to turn it into a field goal kicking contest. They snuck out of town with a 26-23 overtime win and took control of the division, with 6 games to go. The last 2 games of the year are Atlanta and Carolina, and hopefully by then the Saints will have the division locked up.
Now it’s a much needed bye week. For me – not the Saints. The Giants come on the Monday night after Thanksgiving, and let’s hope by then the Falcons have come up with another screwy game plan and lost another one.
The run and gun, pass-happy New Orleans Saints are coming to the Georgia Dome. They can’t stop the run, and we’ve got Michael Turner whom they’ve never been able to tackle. Teams fare best against the Saints when they keep the ball out of Drew Brees’ hands, by grinding the clock.
So, naturally we’ll throw the ball 52 times, abandon the run quickly even though we’re having success, and to top things off we’ll Belicheck it and go for it on 4th down in our own territory with the game on the line.
Gotta love the Falcons.
In a critical NFC South game, the Falcons blinked and the Saints took advantage. While the Saints were getting out-gained by over 100 yards, they played a mistake free field-position game. The Saints couldn’t run the ball, but Marques Colston was snatching missiles out of the air at critical times. Jimmy Graham dropped a few before he became the Tight End No One Can Cover. The defense slowed the Falcons just enough to turn it into a field goal kicking contest. They snuck out of town with a 26-23 overtime win and took control of the division, with 6 games to go. The last 2 games of the year are Atlanta and Carolina, and hopefully by then the Saints will have the division locked up.
Now it’s a much needed bye week. For me – not the Saints. The Giants come on the Monday night after Thanksgiving, and let’s hope by then the Falcons have come up with another screwy game plan and lost another one.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
At the Cinema - September/October
Moneyball – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Baseball
b. Brad Pitt
c. Aaron Sorkin
We’re very lucky. It looks like every summer we’ll get a gift from Aaron Sorkin. Last year it was the wonderfully scripted “The Social Network.” This summer along comes “Moneyball.” Somehow he and Steven Zaillian adapted Michael Lewis’ brilliant book. I don’t read many books, but I thoroughly enjoyed “Moneyball.” I never thought it could be made into a movie, but apparently Pitt, Sorkin, and company had a unique vision.
Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, the wonderkid General Manager of the money-poor Oakland A’s. His portrayal is solid and believable and most importantly funny. There are some hilarious scenes that he anchors, and he delivers a great character portrayal of a man who has some strange habits. This is one of Brad’s best performances. Catch it.
Tower Heist – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. dangling
b. revenge on Wall Street
c. Eddie Murphy
This movie clips along at a decent pace, nothing hilarious, but consistent throughout. Alan Alda plays the Bernie Madoff type who has swindled many without a morsel of remorse. When Ben Stiller, Murphy, and their gang decide to reclaim their investment which they believe to be hidden in the penthouse, a mild adventure breaks out. The most harrowing scenes, especially if you don’t like heights, are when there’s a whole lot of dangling from the Tower. All in all, a decent diversion on a Saturday afternoon.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Nowhere Boy – 8
This is a cool little biography of a young John Lennon and his relationship with the mother who abandoned him and the aunt who raised him. We see the early incarnation of the Beatles. It’s a must see for Beatles fans, and especially John Lennon fans.
George Harrison: Living in the Material World – 9
Martin Scorsese put together another monumental rock documentary with this HBO broadcast. This 4 hour chronicle of George’s music and loves is wonderful. It also can be costly. Up to this point I had resisted the digitally re-mastered box set of The Beatles, but the audio here is so good that I was halfway to Best Buy before the credits were finished. Oh, and while you’re at Best Buy pick up The Concert For George, one of the best concert videos. It was held one year after his death and highlights, much like this documentary, the amazing music that George produced both during and after his Beatles’ days.
Larry Flynt: The Right to Be Left Alone – 8
This documentary is a must-see if you are a fan of the great “The People vs. Larry Flynt.” Through interviews and archival footage the same story is told, and it’s very interesting to see how events really unfolded. Interested in the First Amendment? Check this out.
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Baseball
b. Brad Pitt
c. Aaron Sorkin
We’re very lucky. It looks like every summer we’ll get a gift from Aaron Sorkin. Last year it was the wonderfully scripted “The Social Network.” This summer along comes “Moneyball.” Somehow he and Steven Zaillian adapted Michael Lewis’ brilliant book. I don’t read many books, but I thoroughly enjoyed “Moneyball.” I never thought it could be made into a movie, but apparently Pitt, Sorkin, and company had a unique vision.
Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, the wonderkid General Manager of the money-poor Oakland A’s. His portrayal is solid and believable and most importantly funny. There are some hilarious scenes that he anchors, and he delivers a great character portrayal of a man who has some strange habits. This is one of Brad’s best performances. Catch it.
Tower Heist – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. dangling
b. revenge on Wall Street
c. Eddie Murphy
This movie clips along at a decent pace, nothing hilarious, but consistent throughout. Alan Alda plays the Bernie Madoff type who has swindled many without a morsel of remorse. When Ben Stiller, Murphy, and their gang decide to reclaim their investment which they believe to be hidden in the penthouse, a mild adventure breaks out. The most harrowing scenes, especially if you don’t like heights, are when there’s a whole lot of dangling from the Tower. All in all, a decent diversion on a Saturday afternoon.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Nowhere Boy – 8
This is a cool little biography of a young John Lennon and his relationship with the mother who abandoned him and the aunt who raised him. We see the early incarnation of the Beatles. It’s a must see for Beatles fans, and especially John Lennon fans.
George Harrison: Living in the Material World – 9
Martin Scorsese put together another monumental rock documentary with this HBO broadcast. This 4 hour chronicle of George’s music and loves is wonderful. It also can be costly. Up to this point I had resisted the digitally re-mastered box set of The Beatles, but the audio here is so good that I was halfway to Best Buy before the credits were finished. Oh, and while you’re at Best Buy pick up The Concert For George, one of the best concert videos. It was held one year after his death and highlights, much like this documentary, the amazing music that George produced both during and after his Beatles’ days.
Larry Flynt: The Right to Be Left Alone – 8
This documentary is a must-see if you are a fan of the great “The People vs. Larry Flynt.” Through interviews and archival footage the same story is told, and it’s very interesting to see how events really unfolded. Interested in the First Amendment? Check this out.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Saints' Report #9 - November 6, 2011
The Saints ran over the Tampa Bay Bucs on Sunday, 27-16, “ran” being the operative word. The Saints bevy of running backs shredded the Bucs defense, and when the Saints are running the ball, they can beat anybody. It is becoming obvious that as the offensive line goes, so goes the Saints. Right now the Saints are an inconsistent team, and that inconsistency can be traced directly to the offensive line. The Saints and their offensive line have moved to 6-3, which is not spectacular, but certainly respectacle.
While the Saints still don’t have that bruising power back, (closest is Chris Ivory), I can’t remember a team ever having 6 running backs this caliber. Payton is even keeping 2 fullbacks, which almost no team does, because he likes both Jed Collins and Korey Hall so much. That’s a valuable roster spot, and when Mark Ingram returns from a heel injury, how are they all going to get carries? Sunday was a reminder of how good Pierre Thomas is, and Darren Sproles has been what Reggie Bush should have been, a streaker instead of a dancer. This is a group in desperate need of a nickname. The passing attack has even morphed from wide receiver dominated to back/tight end dominated. Ironic that in a league where the running back has been devalued, a movement that has been lead by offenses like Payton’s, he has wound up with this arsenal.
This is the fourth straight year the Saints have split the series with Tampa and a pretty intense rivalry has developed. Now it’s time to face the Falcons, most hated rival of all. The two remaining games with the Falcons will probably determine the Saints’ playoff hopes. Want an early indication? Watch the offensive line and the running backs. They’ve become the key economic indicator for Sundays in the who dat nation.
While the Saints still don’t have that bruising power back, (closest is Chris Ivory), I can’t remember a team ever having 6 running backs this caliber. Payton is even keeping 2 fullbacks, which almost no team does, because he likes both Jed Collins and Korey Hall so much. That’s a valuable roster spot, and when Mark Ingram returns from a heel injury, how are they all going to get carries? Sunday was a reminder of how good Pierre Thomas is, and Darren Sproles has been what Reggie Bush should have been, a streaker instead of a dancer. This is a group in desperate need of a nickname. The passing attack has even morphed from wide receiver dominated to back/tight end dominated. Ironic that in a league where the running back has been devalued, a movement that has been lead by offenses like Payton’s, he has wound up with this arsenal.
This is the fourth straight year the Saints have split the series with Tampa and a pretty intense rivalry has developed. Now it’s time to face the Falcons, most hated rival of all. The two remaining games with the Falcons will probably determine the Saints’ playoff hopes. Want an early indication? Watch the offensive line and the running backs. They’ve become the key economic indicator for Sundays in the who dat nation.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saints Report #8 - October 30, 2011
I rarely bet on football. When I do it’s because I perceive that one team has a huge emotional edge. I should have seen this coming a mile away. I didn’t. Or maybe last week I was just a week early in my premonition of doom.
When the Saints got bowled over by the St. Louis Rams 31-21 Sunday in a game that wasn’t as close as the score would indicate, they seemed to move to 0 for St. Louis in my lifetime. They also have yet to tackle Steven Jackson in my lifetime. There have been some dismal loses to St. Louis, but none more unexpected than this one. The Saints wandered into a World Series inspired city and got trounced just one week after embarrassing another winless team. The Rams are winless no more, as they chose to win one for their sidelined quarterback, Sam Bradford. The Rams may have taken themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes with this inspired victory.
If Hector Cruz had caught that line drive for Texas to win the World Series in game 6 none of this would have happened. Now, the St. Louis Cardinals’ incredible comeback from 10 ½ games out in late August to win the National League pennant, then the World Series has served to inspire the Rams to do the impossible, starting with stomping the Saints, even with journeyman AJ Feely at quarterback. Pencil them in for the Super Bowl.
All the Cardinals, including Tony LaRussa showed up, and it would have been horrible etiquette for the Rams to play less than inspired football. Saying that they dominated the Saints at the line of scrimmage doesn’t fully describe this game. The most positive thing you can say is that at least Drew Brees didn’t get hurt while he was getting pounded
I know if you’ve been living on a couch, you’re surprised that Texas and St. Louis have baseball teams. The Major League ESPN league consists solely of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, so this development had to be distressing to the baseball powers. That these two obscure teams produced a sloppy (ever play baseball in Arctic weather?) but thrilling World Series is further evidence that baseball is such a great game. While I love football and basketball, their suspense is greatly artificial due to bizarre and ever-changing rules.
Examples? The onside kick. Imagine if a baseball team got an extra inning when they wanted it. Advance the ball to half-court. Can we start the final inning with a runner at second base? Not enough offense? Constantly change the rules to protect the players. You know, the offensive ones.
Meanwhile baseball slogs along with the same old rules, and whether or not it’s a 1-0 game or a 10-9 or even 10-0 one, there’s a magic to this ancient game. There is no clock. Time never runs out. Only the strikes run out.
Time ran out on the Saints Sunday, and now they must do what they couldn’t do a few weeks ago – beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will have had 2 weeks to prepare.
Can you say big game? The Saints are a disappointing 5-3. Disappointing not because they’re out of it, but because their road to a reprised Super Bowl now almost surely runs through Lambeau Field. In January. On the tundra. Frozen. Blech.
When the Saints got bowled over by the St. Louis Rams 31-21 Sunday in a game that wasn’t as close as the score would indicate, they seemed to move to 0 for St. Louis in my lifetime. They also have yet to tackle Steven Jackson in my lifetime. There have been some dismal loses to St. Louis, but none more unexpected than this one. The Saints wandered into a World Series inspired city and got trounced just one week after embarrassing another winless team. The Rams are winless no more, as they chose to win one for their sidelined quarterback, Sam Bradford. The Rams may have taken themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes with this inspired victory.
If Hector Cruz had caught that line drive for Texas to win the World Series in game 6 none of this would have happened. Now, the St. Louis Cardinals’ incredible comeback from 10 ½ games out in late August to win the National League pennant, then the World Series has served to inspire the Rams to do the impossible, starting with stomping the Saints, even with journeyman AJ Feely at quarterback. Pencil them in for the Super Bowl.
All the Cardinals, including Tony LaRussa showed up, and it would have been horrible etiquette for the Rams to play less than inspired football. Saying that they dominated the Saints at the line of scrimmage doesn’t fully describe this game. The most positive thing you can say is that at least Drew Brees didn’t get hurt while he was getting pounded
I know if you’ve been living on a couch, you’re surprised that Texas and St. Louis have baseball teams. The Major League ESPN league consists solely of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, so this development had to be distressing to the baseball powers. That these two obscure teams produced a sloppy (ever play baseball in Arctic weather?) but thrilling World Series is further evidence that baseball is such a great game. While I love football and basketball, their suspense is greatly artificial due to bizarre and ever-changing rules.
Examples? The onside kick. Imagine if a baseball team got an extra inning when they wanted it. Advance the ball to half-court. Can we start the final inning with a runner at second base? Not enough offense? Constantly change the rules to protect the players. You know, the offensive ones.
Meanwhile baseball slogs along with the same old rules, and whether or not it’s a 1-0 game or a 10-9 or even 10-0 one, there’s a magic to this ancient game. There is no clock. Time never runs out. Only the strikes run out.
Time ran out on the Saints Sunday, and now they must do what they couldn’t do a few weeks ago – beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will have had 2 weeks to prepare.
Can you say big game? The Saints are a disappointing 5-3. Disappointing not because they’re out of it, but because their road to a reprised Super Bowl now almost surely runs through Lambeau Field. In January. On the tundra. Frozen. Blech.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Saints Report # 7 - October 23, 2011
I know football.
I was worried about the Saints Sunday night matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
I thought it was a trap game.
I thought the Saints might take the Colts lightly because the Colts were winless.
I thought the Colts were improving.
I thought the Colts were primed for a win.
I thought the Colts would want revenge for their Super Bowl upset by the Saints.
I thought the Saints would make a star of a new opposing quarterback, as is their tradition.
I thought the Saints would run the ball like the 2010 Saints that showed up in Tampa last week.
I thought the Saints defense would continue to struggle.
I thought the Saints offense would suffer without Sean Payton on the sidelines.
I thought the Saints would have problems getting the plays in.
I thought the Colts would onside kick at some point.
I thought the Saints would miss their starting center who threw in the towel during the week.
I thought the Saints would struggle to block the Colts defensive ends.
I was worried.
Guess I don’t know football.
With Drew Brees playing a nearly perfect game without so much as a word from Sean Payton, the Saints rarely even saw a 3rd down. It was a dominant performance unlike any a Saints team has ever put on.
How good was Drew Brees? Let me quote the local paper:
“Brees completed 21 of 26 passes for 260 yards in the first half. He finished the game completing 31 of 35 passes for 335 yards and 5 touchdowns….”
Guess I don’t know football.
I was worried about the Saints Sunday night matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.
I thought it was a trap game.
I thought the Saints might take the Colts lightly because the Colts were winless.
I thought the Colts were improving.
I thought the Colts were primed for a win.
I thought the Colts would want revenge for their Super Bowl upset by the Saints.
I thought the Saints would make a star of a new opposing quarterback, as is their tradition.
I thought the Saints would run the ball like the 2010 Saints that showed up in Tampa last week.
I thought the Saints defense would continue to struggle.
I thought the Saints offense would suffer without Sean Payton on the sidelines.
I thought the Saints would have problems getting the plays in.
I thought the Colts would onside kick at some point.
I thought the Saints would miss their starting center who threw in the towel during the week.
I thought the Saints would struggle to block the Colts defensive ends.
I was worried.
Guess I don’t know football.
With Drew Brees playing a nearly perfect game without so much as a word from Sean Payton, the Saints rarely even saw a 3rd down. It was a dominant performance unlike any a Saints team has ever put on.
How good was Drew Brees? Let me quote the local paper:
“Brees completed 21 of 26 passes for 260 yards in the first half. He finished the game completing 31 of 35 passes for 335 yards and 5 touchdowns….”
Guess I don’t know football.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Saints Report #6 - October 16, 2011
The Saints travelled to Tampa without their usual mojo and magic and surrendered control of the division to Tampa in a lackluster 26-20 loss. When Sean Payton got Paterno’d early in the game it was a sign of things to come. Payton suffered a broken kneecap and torn MCL and never came out for the 2nd half.
Last year the Saints blow-out victory in Tampa was highlighted by Chris Ivory’s breakout game as he ran wild. This time the Saints running game was nowhere to be found. The Saints couldn’t run the ball at all, and when this quarterback is the most effective rusher, that’s a really bad sign. The passing game lacked the precision of games past as balls were dropped and Drew Brees threw 3 interceptions, including a 4th down end zone pick late in the 4th quarter. A touchdown would have put the Saints ahead, but if they had pulled it out, it would have gone down in the “won one we didn’t deserve” column. That the Saints were even in position to go ahead after 4 turnovers is a tribute to their resilience.
Two years ago, the Saints defense was a turnover-creating machine. That’s the biggest absence in Gregg Williams’ defense. Like every other defense in the NFL they get riddled by the passing game. Unlike the others, they just can’t seem to ever get a turnover. There’s no room for offensive error the way the defense is playing, and there were too many offensive errors Sunday. Their last two opponents have featured often inaccurate quarterbacks hitting wide-open receivers. The lack of a pass rush is still a problem for the Saints. This was an old-fashioned ball game, won in the trenches and the Bucs offensive line played better than the Saints offensive line.
Suddenly the Saints are in a tough position. Their Head Coach is scheduled for knee surgery Monday and that leaves a lot of questions. Fortunately the winless, Manningless Colts come to the dome and the Saints early tough schedule is in the books. If the Saints take care of business with the Colts and Rams, it sets up a pivotal rematch with the Bucs on November 6th. Let’s hope that both Payton and his Saints are on their feet.
Last year the Saints blow-out victory in Tampa was highlighted by Chris Ivory’s breakout game as he ran wild. This time the Saints running game was nowhere to be found. The Saints couldn’t run the ball at all, and when this quarterback is the most effective rusher, that’s a really bad sign. The passing game lacked the precision of games past as balls were dropped and Drew Brees threw 3 interceptions, including a 4th down end zone pick late in the 4th quarter. A touchdown would have put the Saints ahead, but if they had pulled it out, it would have gone down in the “won one we didn’t deserve” column. That the Saints were even in position to go ahead after 4 turnovers is a tribute to their resilience.
Two years ago, the Saints defense was a turnover-creating machine. That’s the biggest absence in Gregg Williams’ defense. Like every other defense in the NFL they get riddled by the passing game. Unlike the others, they just can’t seem to ever get a turnover. There’s no room for offensive error the way the defense is playing, and there were too many offensive errors Sunday. Their last two opponents have featured often inaccurate quarterbacks hitting wide-open receivers. The lack of a pass rush is still a problem for the Saints. This was an old-fashioned ball game, won in the trenches and the Bucs offensive line played better than the Saints offensive line.
Suddenly the Saints are in a tough position. Their Head Coach is scheduled for knee surgery Monday and that leaves a lot of questions. Fortunately the winless, Manningless Colts come to the dome and the Saints early tough schedule is in the books. If the Saints take care of business with the Colts and Rams, it sets up a pivotal rematch with the Bucs on November 6th. Let’s hope that both Payton and his Saints are on their feet.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saints Report # 5 - October 9, 2011
There’s a scene in the over-the-top Patrick Swayze movie Roadhouse where the late singer Jeff Healey says “the name is Dalton.”
For Saints fans, the name is Brees.
The good news is that we should be the beneficiary of another five years or so of his magic. The bad news is that it looks like we have 15 years of Cam Newton ahead of us in the NFC South.
While Newton isn’t an accurate passer (yet) he’s nothing but a football player. Exceeding the expectations of everyone in the league, Newton competes for 60 minutes. Seeing him twice a year won’t be fun. But on this Sunday Brees and the Saints’ 30 point consistency was just enough as time ran out on the Panthers 30-27. The Saints moved to 4-1 and control their destiny now as they sit alone atop the division.
The Saints final fourth quarter drive was a thing of beauty, as not only did they patiently work their way down the field, Brees made sure they used just enough clock, spoiling Saints fans once again.
On a Sunday when the Saints employed their own “just win, baby,” mantra, the death of long-time owner Al Davis fired up his Raiders, although with his death, they now become the favorite to move to Los Angeles. While the Raiders have often been good, it was the Raiders of the Mad Bomber, Darryl Lamonica, that were most fun to watch in the days of Al Derogatis and the AFL. Davis must have gotten a kick out of the NFL becoming such a passing league, with each team bombing away the way Darryl used to.
More than ever, it’s a quarterback league.
The Saints have a great one.
The name is Brees.
For Saints fans, the name is Brees.
The good news is that we should be the beneficiary of another five years or so of his magic. The bad news is that it looks like we have 15 years of Cam Newton ahead of us in the NFC South.
While Newton isn’t an accurate passer (yet) he’s nothing but a football player. Exceeding the expectations of everyone in the league, Newton competes for 60 minutes. Seeing him twice a year won’t be fun. But on this Sunday Brees and the Saints’ 30 point consistency was just enough as time ran out on the Panthers 30-27. The Saints moved to 4-1 and control their destiny now as they sit alone atop the division.
The Saints final fourth quarter drive was a thing of beauty, as not only did they patiently work their way down the field, Brees made sure they used just enough clock, spoiling Saints fans once again.
On a Sunday when the Saints employed their own “just win, baby,” mantra, the death of long-time owner Al Davis fired up his Raiders, although with his death, they now become the favorite to move to Los Angeles. While the Raiders have often been good, it was the Raiders of the Mad Bomber, Darryl Lamonica, that were most fun to watch in the days of Al Derogatis and the AFL. Davis must have gotten a kick out of the NFL becoming such a passing league, with each team bombing away the way Darryl used to.
More than ever, it’s a quarterback league.
The Saints have a great one.
The name is Brees.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Saints' Report # 4 - October 2, 2011
The New Orleans Saints travelled, probably for the last time, to Jacksonville to take on Jack “12 games to go” Del Rio’s “most-likely-to-be-Los Angeles” Jaguars and their rookie quarterback.
The results were comfortably predictable as Drew Brees threw more passes than were probably needed in disposing of the Jaguars 23 – 10. There was a time when the Saints made stars out of opposing rookie quarterbacks. No more, as defensive coordinator Gregg Williams indiscriminately unleashes his full defensive playbook no matter who is taking snaps. Blaine Gabbert felt the pain this time, as he struggled most of the afternoon.
How cool is it the Saints, one-season removed from a Super Bowl title, are developing new stars? One year ago Jimmy Graham was a late round draft flyer. Sunday he only caught 10 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Many are drafted because of their potential, but few realize it. Chalk another one up for the Saints scouting department. Graham has become a new threat that has been added to the already deep Saints receiving corps. He snatches passes like they were rebounds, and he’s got the speed to get deep. I’ll admit I wasn’t buying the release of Shockey to turn the workload over to Graham. If Graham continues at this pace, Pro Bowls are waiting. I’m sold.
Then there’s Darren Sproles, all 5’6” of him. The Saints knew they had a potential replacement for dancing Reggie Bush. Reggie has not been missed as Darren Sproles, he of instant acceleration, is providing that consistent production that Reggie never could. He produced 188 yards Sunday, playing “tackle me if you can find me.”
Best news of all was that Saints ran the ball effectively with Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram also finding holes. Just 7 days until we find out what Coach Williams has in store for Cam Newton, whose addition has made the NFC South the strongest QB division in the NFL. Should be a great one.
The results were comfortably predictable as Drew Brees threw more passes than were probably needed in disposing of the Jaguars 23 – 10. There was a time when the Saints made stars out of opposing rookie quarterbacks. No more, as defensive coordinator Gregg Williams indiscriminately unleashes his full defensive playbook no matter who is taking snaps. Blaine Gabbert felt the pain this time, as he struggled most of the afternoon.
How cool is it the Saints, one-season removed from a Super Bowl title, are developing new stars? One year ago Jimmy Graham was a late round draft flyer. Sunday he only caught 10 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Many are drafted because of their potential, but few realize it. Chalk another one up for the Saints scouting department. Graham has become a new threat that has been added to the already deep Saints receiving corps. He snatches passes like they were rebounds, and he’s got the speed to get deep. I’ll admit I wasn’t buying the release of Shockey to turn the workload over to Graham. If Graham continues at this pace, Pro Bowls are waiting. I’m sold.
Then there’s Darren Sproles, all 5’6” of him. The Saints knew they had a potential replacement for dancing Reggie Bush. Reggie has not been missed as Darren Sproles, he of instant acceleration, is providing that consistent production that Reggie never could. He produced 188 yards Sunday, playing “tackle me if you can find me.”
Best news of all was that Saints ran the ball effectively with Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram also finding holes. Just 7 days until we find out what Coach Williams has in store for Cam Newton, whose addition has made the NFC South the strongest QB division in the NFL. Should be a great one.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saints' Report # 3 - September 25, 2011
Five Year Anniversaries. As I watched Steve Gleason, heard and read his story, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a journey the last 5 years have been for so many of us. I began writing this blog shortly after closing my restaurant shortly after Hurricane Katrina ripped its way into our lives. One of my first blogs was about that incredible night the Superdome re-opened. Yet Steve’s halting walk to midfield puts things in perspective. His battle with ALS reminds us that while these games are fun, they are not life and death. A lot can change during the course of 174 blogs.
Last Sunday the Houston Texans brought their gunslinging ways to the Superdome Sunday and got outslung by an inspired Saints team and a won’t quit Drew Brees 40-33.
When the Saints came out in throwback jerseys Sunday, long-time Saints fans shuddered a little at the sight, and the Saints played like the Saints of old for much of the game. The only thing missing was Danny Abramowicz. The sight of a Dunbar in the middle of the field brought back memories of Jubilee Dunbar. We are being spoiled, and ain’t it great?
In the NFL, the winning formula is to hang close and let your star quarterback win it in the end. Drew Brees more often than not is moneyball. He lead the Saints to 23 fourth quarter points, the most in their history, and another come from behind win. Spoiled.
Matt Schaub has Texas quarterback disease, as he moved his team up and down the field but seemed to freeze in the clutch.
The good news is that the Saints came through this daunting 3 game opening of the season with a 2-1 record. Despite some injuries, the Saints are on track. Prepare to stay spoiled.
Last Sunday the Houston Texans brought their gunslinging ways to the Superdome Sunday and got outslung by an inspired Saints team and a won’t quit Drew Brees 40-33.
When the Saints came out in throwback jerseys Sunday, long-time Saints fans shuddered a little at the sight, and the Saints played like the Saints of old for much of the game. The only thing missing was Danny Abramowicz. The sight of a Dunbar in the middle of the field brought back memories of Jubilee Dunbar. We are being spoiled, and ain’t it great?
In the NFL, the winning formula is to hang close and let your star quarterback win it in the end. Drew Brees more often than not is moneyball. He lead the Saints to 23 fourth quarter points, the most in their history, and another come from behind win. Spoiled.
Matt Schaub has Texas quarterback disease, as he moved his team up and down the field but seemed to freeze in the clutch.
The good news is that the Saints came through this daunting 3 game opening of the season with a 2-1 record. Despite some injuries, the Saints are on track. Prepare to stay spoiled.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saints Report # 2 - September 18, 2011
The New Orleans Saints began the 2011 season by travelling to Lambeau field and running into a big fat measuring stick. While they held their own in a loss to the defending Super Bowl champions, week two presented a different challenge. The Chicago Bears were at last coming to the Louisiana Superdome. The Payton Saints have not fared well against the Bears, going 0-3 at Soldier Field. The Bears learned not to come knockin’ when the dome is rockin’. You may end up as just so much cutlery.
With Roman Harper leading the defensive charge, the Saints blitzed Jay Cutler early and often en route to a 30-13 pasting. Cutler’s offensive line had one of “those games” and Cutler spent most of the afternoon throwing off his back foot when he wasn’t running for his life. The single Bears' touchdown was tainted by a ridiculous roughing call against Harper when he failed to pick Cutler up and feather him to the ground gently. Once the Saints figured out that Tulane’s Matt Forte was the Bears' most effective weapon and decided to blanket him, the Bears went silent.
On offense, the Saints were efficient but not dominant as they broke 30 for the second straight week, a good sign in light of last year’s struggles. Drew Brees has now thrown 3 touchdowns and no interceptions 2 weeks in a row, and Payton is dialing up Darrren Sproles number a lot more often than he did Reggie Bush. Who knew?
As we walked up to the Superdome and I took in the sea of jerseys, I couldn’t help but marvel at what a golden age it is for the New Orleans Saints and their fans. Brees, Thomas, Ingram, Colston, Sproles, Graham, Moore, Henderson, Meachum, Vilma, Jenkins, Harper, Porter, Greer, and even the departed Sharper, Bush, and Shockey. All top notch players with solid followings.
It sure is fun.
With Roman Harper leading the defensive charge, the Saints blitzed Jay Cutler early and often en route to a 30-13 pasting. Cutler’s offensive line had one of “those games” and Cutler spent most of the afternoon throwing off his back foot when he wasn’t running for his life. The single Bears' touchdown was tainted by a ridiculous roughing call against Harper when he failed to pick Cutler up and feather him to the ground gently. Once the Saints figured out that Tulane’s Matt Forte was the Bears' most effective weapon and decided to blanket him, the Bears went silent.
On offense, the Saints were efficient but not dominant as they broke 30 for the second straight week, a good sign in light of last year’s struggles. Drew Brees has now thrown 3 touchdowns and no interceptions 2 weeks in a row, and Payton is dialing up Darrren Sproles number a lot more often than he did Reggie Bush. Who knew?
As we walked up to the Superdome and I took in the sea of jerseys, I couldn’t help but marvel at what a golden age it is for the New Orleans Saints and their fans. Brees, Thomas, Ingram, Colston, Sproles, Graham, Moore, Henderson, Meachum, Vilma, Jenkins, Harper, Porter, Greer, and even the departed Sharper, Bush, and Shockey. All top notch players with solid followings.
It sure is fun.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
At the Cinema July/August
The Help – 8
You’ll like this if you like
a. Mississippi Movies
b. Faithful book adaptations
c. History
There have been many movies about Mississippi. Mississippi Burning, Ghosts of Mississippi, Mississippi Masala, O Brother, Where Art Thou; Crossroads, and over 90 more that are listed in IMDB.com. Most focus on race relations, an area where Mississippi doesn’t exactly shine. But few movies capture the Mississippi I know. The Help seems to get it right. No Ashley Judd sweating buckets as if we haven’t gotten air conditioning yet.
My family first moved to Mississippi in the early 60’s, and I can’t say that the coast experienced what Jackson did, as portrayed in the movie. Having owned a restaurant in Jackson I can honestly say that Jackson is a separate world in Mississippi, much like you can divide Louisiana into New Orleans and not New Orleans. That Jackson world is captured in this movie.
Sometimes you watch a movie knowing that it’s good, even great, but it’s not enjoyable. That’s the way I felt watching this. It made me uncomfortable, but I guess that’s ok. Two performances brought this film to life. Viola Davis captures the soul of the black maid Aibileen Clark who decides to let Skeet (Emma Stone) tell her story. Bryce Dallas Howard as the aristocratic Hilly Holbrook gives the movie the villainy needed. They help make this an important movie.
Captain America: The First Avenger - 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Marvel Comics
b. Old Fashioned Movie values
c. Patriotism in your movies
Captain America is better than expected, but not as good as it could have been. It’s entertaining in a 1940’s kind of way. It’s a little disconcerting to see World War II fought with advanced weaponry shown with advanced special effects, but it’s best to just eat the popcorn and enjoy.
All in all this is a Saturday afternoon kind of movie.
What 98 pound weakling hasn’t wanted a little scientific help? Steve Rogers, who has what it takes in every other way, has been rejected by the military repeatedly. He volunteers for a magical research project, and after one heroic act, is relegated to selling savings bonds in Captain America garb. He gets his chance to do a little “Inglourious Bastards” rewriting of history, and at the same time set up Joss Whedon’s Avengers movie of next summer. Sounds good to me.
Horrible Bosses – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. What passes for comedy these days
b. Fantasy Assassination
c. The usual comedy suspects.
Most people just want their boss to go away. Here’s the story of three guys searching for a more permanent solution. Their problems are as funny as their solutions. Like most comedies today, this isn’t high art. It’s ribald humor and some of it works, some of it doesn’t. When it works, like in a car chase sequence, it’s out right hysterical. Some of it just falls flat. Such is comedy in 2011.
Jennifer Anniston and Colin Farrell play surprisingly bad bosses. Of course it’s Kevin Spacey that is the most horrible, and he’s easily the best thing in the movie. Hope he does some serious work again soon. If lewd screwball comedy that continues Justin Bateman’s career renaissance is your idea of fun, this movie will be your cup of lunacy.
The Debt – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Espionage Thrillers
b. Star-is-born acting
c. CGI-less action
Three Israeli secret agents in 1965 infiltrate East Berlin to capture a brutal Nazi doctor, the Surgeon of Birkenau. The story alternates between 1965 and 1997 as the three must deal with the long term impact of not only their mission, but their complex relationship. The mission goes slightly ary when their “capture and transport” mission turns into a “capture and hold.” The love triangle that develops among the three agents before and after the capture gives this movie the emotional weight that you won’t get in a special effects extravaganza.
Helen Mirren is the star of this deliberately paced spy story. But make no mistake, Jessica Chastain, playing Helen’s character 30 years earlier is the reason to see this movie. The camera loves her and she’s the centerpiece of the movie. If she doesn’t convey the emotions of the love triangle perfectly the movie doesn’t work.
Jessica Chastain plays a pivotal role in The Help as well, and the diversity of these roles is amazing. Watch out, a star is born.
Scanning The Satellite
Torchwood: Miracle Day -8
Strike Back – 8
With the success of HBO and Showtime series it seems that every pay channel must put something out. I promise myself I won’t get involved in them, but sometimes I check them out and get hooked. Starz brings us Torchwood – Miracle Day, which has the fascinating story of how governments would react if people just stopped dying. Strike Back is a Cinemax adventure series and it’s got first rate action and some great plot twists. Be prepared however. Like HBO with Game of Thrones, Starz and Cinemark have no problem with killing off main characters.
The Tillman Story – 10
Saving the best for last, here’s easily the best movie I’ve seen in a few months. A typically infuriating documentary, this one takes you inside Pat Tillman’s family in a way that you’ll rarely see. Pat Tillman was an NFL safety who gave up his career to enlist in the Army after 9/11. He was subsequently killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan and the resultant cover-up would have stymied any family I know. I don’t know any families like the Tillman’s. Their pursuit of the truth is more riveting than any superhero movie you’ll see. This movie is a “wow” in every way. Don’t miss it.
You’ll like this if you like
a. Mississippi Movies
b. Faithful book adaptations
c. History
There have been many movies about Mississippi. Mississippi Burning, Ghosts of Mississippi, Mississippi Masala, O Brother, Where Art Thou; Crossroads, and over 90 more that are listed in IMDB.com. Most focus on race relations, an area where Mississippi doesn’t exactly shine. But few movies capture the Mississippi I know. The Help seems to get it right. No Ashley Judd sweating buckets as if we haven’t gotten air conditioning yet.
My family first moved to Mississippi in the early 60’s, and I can’t say that the coast experienced what Jackson did, as portrayed in the movie. Having owned a restaurant in Jackson I can honestly say that Jackson is a separate world in Mississippi, much like you can divide Louisiana into New Orleans and not New Orleans. That Jackson world is captured in this movie.
Sometimes you watch a movie knowing that it’s good, even great, but it’s not enjoyable. That’s the way I felt watching this. It made me uncomfortable, but I guess that’s ok. Two performances brought this film to life. Viola Davis captures the soul of the black maid Aibileen Clark who decides to let Skeet (Emma Stone) tell her story. Bryce Dallas Howard as the aristocratic Hilly Holbrook gives the movie the villainy needed. They help make this an important movie.
Captain America: The First Avenger - 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Marvel Comics
b. Old Fashioned Movie values
c. Patriotism in your movies
Captain America is better than expected, but not as good as it could have been. It’s entertaining in a 1940’s kind of way. It’s a little disconcerting to see World War II fought with advanced weaponry shown with advanced special effects, but it’s best to just eat the popcorn and enjoy.
All in all this is a Saturday afternoon kind of movie.
What 98 pound weakling hasn’t wanted a little scientific help? Steve Rogers, who has what it takes in every other way, has been rejected by the military repeatedly. He volunteers for a magical research project, and after one heroic act, is relegated to selling savings bonds in Captain America garb. He gets his chance to do a little “Inglourious Bastards” rewriting of history, and at the same time set up Joss Whedon’s Avengers movie of next summer. Sounds good to me.
Horrible Bosses – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. What passes for comedy these days
b. Fantasy Assassination
c. The usual comedy suspects.
Most people just want their boss to go away. Here’s the story of three guys searching for a more permanent solution. Their problems are as funny as their solutions. Like most comedies today, this isn’t high art. It’s ribald humor and some of it works, some of it doesn’t. When it works, like in a car chase sequence, it’s out right hysterical. Some of it just falls flat. Such is comedy in 2011.
Jennifer Anniston and Colin Farrell play surprisingly bad bosses. Of course it’s Kevin Spacey that is the most horrible, and he’s easily the best thing in the movie. Hope he does some serious work again soon. If lewd screwball comedy that continues Justin Bateman’s career renaissance is your idea of fun, this movie will be your cup of lunacy.
The Debt – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Espionage Thrillers
b. Star-is-born acting
c. CGI-less action
Three Israeli secret agents in 1965 infiltrate East Berlin to capture a brutal Nazi doctor, the Surgeon of Birkenau. The story alternates between 1965 and 1997 as the three must deal with the long term impact of not only their mission, but their complex relationship. The mission goes slightly ary when their “capture and transport” mission turns into a “capture and hold.” The love triangle that develops among the three agents before and after the capture gives this movie the emotional weight that you won’t get in a special effects extravaganza.
Helen Mirren is the star of this deliberately paced spy story. But make no mistake, Jessica Chastain, playing Helen’s character 30 years earlier is the reason to see this movie. The camera loves her and she’s the centerpiece of the movie. If she doesn’t convey the emotions of the love triangle perfectly the movie doesn’t work.
Jessica Chastain plays a pivotal role in The Help as well, and the diversity of these roles is amazing. Watch out, a star is born.
Scanning The Satellite
Torchwood: Miracle Day -8
Strike Back – 8
With the success of HBO and Showtime series it seems that every pay channel must put something out. I promise myself I won’t get involved in them, but sometimes I check them out and get hooked. Starz brings us Torchwood – Miracle Day, which has the fascinating story of how governments would react if people just stopped dying. Strike Back is a Cinemax adventure series and it’s got first rate action and some great plot twists. Be prepared however. Like HBO with Game of Thrones, Starz and Cinemark have no problem with killing off main characters.
The Tillman Story – 10
Saving the best for last, here’s easily the best movie I’ve seen in a few months. A typically infuriating documentary, this one takes you inside Pat Tillman’s family in a way that you’ll rarely see. Pat Tillman was an NFL safety who gave up his career to enlist in the Army after 9/11. He was subsequently killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan and the resultant cover-up would have stymied any family I know. I don’t know any families like the Tillman’s. Their pursuit of the truth is more riveting than any superhero movie you’ll see. This movie is a “wow” in every way. Don’t miss it.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Saints Report #1 - September 8, 2011
The New Orleans Saints began their march to the Super Bowl by running out of time at Lambeau field in a 42-34 loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Although the Packers jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, in large part due to a pivotal Marques Colston fumble, the Saints never backed down, and never gave up. Saints rookie Mark Ingram got stopped a half yard short of the goal line on the last play of the game as the Saints tried to put themselves into position for a tying two point conversion. The Packers had never trailed.
With Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers doing major matriculation for four quarters, the difference was several big plays by the Packer defense where they overpowered the Saints. The last play was one of several key plays where the Saints got pushed around.
It was another Seattle-like performance by the Saint defense, although to be fair, this was a Championship team lining up against them. Who’s going to beat the Packers this year? They’re loaded. Not sure I’ve ever seen a team with this many weapons. That the Saints could hang close is actually quite a testament. Wouldn’t it be nice to catch them in the dome in the NFC Championship? The Saints went into a hostile environment and fared pretty well. Now there will be significant ground to make up.
A few things stood out. Brees played flawlessly while under more duress than Rodgers. Darren Sproles played great. The Saints tight ends looked overmatched when asked to block. Look for the Saints to add a blocking tight end this week, as well as hope Lance Moore is ready to step in for Colston who suffered a broken collarbone. Time for an Adrian Arrington sighting? Time for the Saints to find a way to pressure the QB? It may get easier with Jay Cutler and his porous line coming to the dome, but the way the Saints defense is looking Cutler may be licking his chops. Nothing comes easy in the NFL. Don’t expect this season to be.
With Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers doing major matriculation for four quarters, the difference was several big plays by the Packer defense where they overpowered the Saints. The last play was one of several key plays where the Saints got pushed around.
It was another Seattle-like performance by the Saint defense, although to be fair, this was a Championship team lining up against them. Who’s going to beat the Packers this year? They’re loaded. Not sure I’ve ever seen a team with this many weapons. That the Saints could hang close is actually quite a testament. Wouldn’t it be nice to catch them in the dome in the NFC Championship? The Saints went into a hostile environment and fared pretty well. Now there will be significant ground to make up.
A few things stood out. Brees played flawlessly while under more duress than Rodgers. Darren Sproles played great. The Saints tight ends looked overmatched when asked to block. Look for the Saints to add a blocking tight end this week, as well as hope Lance Moore is ready to step in for Colston who suffered a broken collarbone. Time for an Adrian Arrington sighting? Time for the Saints to find a way to pressure the QB? It may get easier with Jay Cutler and his porous line coming to the dome, but the way the Saints defense is looking Cutler may be licking his chops. Nothing comes easy in the NFL. Don’t expect this season to be.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Saints Kickoff
Saints Report # 22 February 5th, 2012
The New Orleans Saints ran roughshod over the Houston Texans 38 – 21 in Super Bowl 46 last night in Indianapolis. Super Bowl MVP Safety Malcolm Jenkins intercepted two fourth quarter Matt Schaub passes to stymy the Texans. It was the Saints second NFL Championship in three years and featured another stellar performance by Quarterback Drew Brees who went 28 of 40 for 312 yards as the Saints avenged a pre-season and an early season loss to the Texans.
The Texans, who had blown out the Jets and the Patriots en route to the Super Bowl didn’t score in the second half, while the Saints tallied three touchdowns to put the game away. The Saints who squeaked by the Eagles, the Falcons, and the Cowboys in three playoff classics seemed relaxed and confident as they rolled up 512 yards total offense.
That’s how the NFL Season will end.
How will it begin?
Wish I knew. It’s September that has me guessing. After an uneven preseason, the Saints could start 3-0 or 0-3. It won’t matter. It’s the division that counts this year, and the Saints must turn back the Falcons and Bucs to make the playoffs. The Saints success will come down to how the offensive line plays. If the line can protect Brees with pass protection and a running game, January football is in store. No chance this season ends Crunkless in Seattle.
To win in Green Bay to start the NFL season, the Saints will have to hit the Packers in the mouth early and often and beat them up physically. With Lance Moore sidelined and Colston slowed, look for Jimmy Graham and Mark Ingram as indicators of how the Saints will approach this trip into hostile territory.
Prediction – Saints 33 Packers 30
The New Orleans Saints ran roughshod over the Houston Texans 38 – 21 in Super Bowl 46 last night in Indianapolis. Super Bowl MVP Safety Malcolm Jenkins intercepted two fourth quarter Matt Schaub passes to stymy the Texans. It was the Saints second NFL Championship in three years and featured another stellar performance by Quarterback Drew Brees who went 28 of 40 for 312 yards as the Saints avenged a pre-season and an early season loss to the Texans.
The Texans, who had blown out the Jets and the Patriots en route to the Super Bowl didn’t score in the second half, while the Saints tallied three touchdowns to put the game away. The Saints who squeaked by the Eagles, the Falcons, and the Cowboys in three playoff classics seemed relaxed and confident as they rolled up 512 yards total offense.
That’s how the NFL Season will end.
How will it begin?
Wish I knew. It’s September that has me guessing. After an uneven preseason, the Saints could start 3-0 or 0-3. It won’t matter. It’s the division that counts this year, and the Saints must turn back the Falcons and Bucs to make the playoffs. The Saints success will come down to how the offensive line plays. If the line can protect Brees with pass protection and a running game, January football is in store. No chance this season ends Crunkless in Seattle.
To win in Green Bay to start the NFL season, the Saints will have to hit the Packers in the mouth early and often and beat them up physically. With Lance Moore sidelined and Colston slowed, look for Jimmy Graham and Mark Ingram as indicators of how the Saints will approach this trip into hostile territory.
Prediction – Saints 33 Packers 30
Monday, July 4, 2011
At the Cinema - June 2011
Midnight in Paris – 9
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Fantasy
b. Historical Comedy
c. Whimsy
I guess most would say Woody Allen returns to form in this often hysterical comedy. But the truth is that I can’t remember a comedy quite like this, by Woody or anyone else.
Owen Wilson plays an unhappy movie writer who is struggling through his first serious book. While vacationing in Paris with his rather obnoxious fiancée and her parents, he takes to wandering the beautiful streets at night. Soon, he is time-traveling into an old Paris and getting to meet its many famous artisans of the past.
Among those is his muse, the achingly beautiful Marion Cotillard who inspires him to complete his book.
Not only are the characters incredibly well drawn by another amazing Allen ensemble cast, but it is Paris itself that becomes the central character, as Allen films a virtual travelogue of the beautiful city. It is his “Manhattan” of this decade, but in vivid color.
Owen Wilson, whom no one could consider one of our great actors, is often perfect in his amazement at the beauty of Paris and its residents. There are many wonderfully funny moments, and as always Woody moves things along quickly. Anyone who hasn’t been to Paris that watches this movie, will want to go
Super Eight – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The good JJ Abrams
b. The bad Steven Speilberg
c. Home movies
Super talented director JJ Abrams weaves an entertaining update of a certain Spielberg classic in this great half of a movie. It’s the first half that’s magical as a group of middle school boys spend their spare time filming a movie in the Super 8 film of the 70’s. The kids are amazing as the story unfolds. One night they sneak out to film a climatic scene in their little horror movie, when they witness, and film a train wreck. The train wreck was caused by their biology teacher who drives straight onto the tracks. Somehow he amazingly survives the most over the top train wreck in movie history.
The movie doesn’t quite go off the rails with the train. You see, there was some mysterious government secret on the train, and soon the town is in chaos. Things like car engines and microwaves start disappearing at night and I can only wish I could sleep as soundly as the residents of this Ohio town seem to sleep with a thief in their midst.
As the secret begins to unravel, so does the movie. Before long Transformers 26 breaks out and the Spielberg influence, an apparent fascination with how much detail he can put into something bizarre up on the screen at the cost of all credibility, takes over. JJ’s homage to Spielberg has a lot of in-joke moments, but the wonderful set up of the first hour isn’t recaptured til the closing credits – for which you should definitely remain seated.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Hot Coffee – 10
I’m really digging the HBO Monday night documentaries. This one’s fantastic. It’s an examination of tort reform in America, and when a documentary changes your mind on as many subjects as this one did for me, it’s achieved its objective. A friend of mine likes to say “never let the facts cloud your thinking.” Wow, do things get cloudy here as the movie chronicles several families who have been impacted by efforts to influence the legal system, including a Mississippi judge. This is a must see movie – a game changer. Let me know what you think.
Sex Crimes Unit – 8
A detailed look at the first sex crimes unit in America and how it has grown and been successful in prosecuting criminals, this is another top notch documentary.
http://www.hbo.com/#/documentaries/inside/summer-series-2011/video/life-happens-2011-documentaries-summer-series.html/eNrjcmbOUM-PSXHMS8ypLMlMDkhMT-VLzE1lztcsy0xJzYeJO+fnlaRWlDAXsjFyMjKyMbJJJ5aW5BfkJFbalhSVpgIATuUXOA==
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Fantasy
b. Historical Comedy
c. Whimsy
I guess most would say Woody Allen returns to form in this often hysterical comedy. But the truth is that I can’t remember a comedy quite like this, by Woody or anyone else.
Owen Wilson plays an unhappy movie writer who is struggling through his first serious book. While vacationing in Paris with his rather obnoxious fiancée and her parents, he takes to wandering the beautiful streets at night. Soon, he is time-traveling into an old Paris and getting to meet its many famous artisans of the past.
Among those is his muse, the achingly beautiful Marion Cotillard who inspires him to complete his book.
Not only are the characters incredibly well drawn by another amazing Allen ensemble cast, but it is Paris itself that becomes the central character, as Allen films a virtual travelogue of the beautiful city. It is his “Manhattan” of this decade, but in vivid color.
Owen Wilson, whom no one could consider one of our great actors, is often perfect in his amazement at the beauty of Paris and its residents. There are many wonderfully funny moments, and as always Woody moves things along quickly. Anyone who hasn’t been to Paris that watches this movie, will want to go
Super Eight – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The good JJ Abrams
b. The bad Steven Speilberg
c. Home movies
Super talented director JJ Abrams weaves an entertaining update of a certain Spielberg classic in this great half of a movie. It’s the first half that’s magical as a group of middle school boys spend their spare time filming a movie in the Super 8 film of the 70’s. The kids are amazing as the story unfolds. One night they sneak out to film a climatic scene in their little horror movie, when they witness, and film a train wreck. The train wreck was caused by their biology teacher who drives straight onto the tracks. Somehow he amazingly survives the most over the top train wreck in movie history.
The movie doesn’t quite go off the rails with the train. You see, there was some mysterious government secret on the train, and soon the town is in chaos. Things like car engines and microwaves start disappearing at night and I can only wish I could sleep as soundly as the residents of this Ohio town seem to sleep with a thief in their midst.
As the secret begins to unravel, so does the movie. Before long Transformers 26 breaks out and the Spielberg influence, an apparent fascination with how much detail he can put into something bizarre up on the screen at the cost of all credibility, takes over. JJ’s homage to Spielberg has a lot of in-joke moments, but the wonderful set up of the first hour isn’t recaptured til the closing credits – for which you should definitely remain seated.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Hot Coffee – 10
I’m really digging the HBO Monday night documentaries. This one’s fantastic. It’s an examination of tort reform in America, and when a documentary changes your mind on as many subjects as this one did for me, it’s achieved its objective. A friend of mine likes to say “never let the facts cloud your thinking.” Wow, do things get cloudy here as the movie chronicles several families who have been impacted by efforts to influence the legal system, including a Mississippi judge. This is a must see movie – a game changer. Let me know what you think.
Sex Crimes Unit – 8
A detailed look at the first sex crimes unit in America and how it has grown and been successful in prosecuting criminals, this is another top notch documentary.
http://www.hbo.com/#/documentaries/inside/summer-series-2011/video/life-happens-2011-documentaries-summer-series.html/eNrjcmbOUM-PSXHMS8ypLMlMDkhMT-VLzE1lztcsy0xJzYeJO+fnlaRWlDAXsjFyMjKyMbJJJ5aW5BfkJFbalhSVpgIATuUXOA==
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
At The Cinema - May 2011
The Conspirator - 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The History Channel
b. Civil War Stuff
c. Period Pieces
Robert Redford directed this straightforward telling of the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The details seem perfect and the characterizations are low key and methodical as Redford tells the story of the woman who housed the assassins, including her son, prior to the event.
The government arrests Mary Surratt who runs the boarding house where the plotting took place. Their decision to try her in a military court and expedite her punishment is not just borne of anger, but of a desire to pressure her into revealing the whereabouts of her son. Sound familiar?
The lawyer who gets stuck with the case, played by James McAvoy, gradually becomes a societal outcast as his passion for the case grows and he has the audacity to put on a defense and object to the railroading of his client.
Well done, nicely paced, and better than fiction.
Bridesmaids – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The Hangover
b. Women behaving badly (and who doesn’t)
c. Slapstick
When a comedy gets ground out by the Judd Apatow factory, you can be sure the boundaries of taste will get pushed, and this movie is no exception. What makes this one stand out is that the writer/star is SNL veteran Kristen Wiig and she does a great job not just with the slapstick, but with the character. Are we seeing another star born?
The misadventures of this group of bridesmaids, usually propelled by Wiig’s myriad of personal and professional problems, makes for a pretty funny, if not hysterical ride. I would have to say I didn’t find it quite as funny as the audience, nor quite as shocking as the old lady sitting on our row who obviously had been dragged to her first movie in years. Her looks of shock at some of the more graphic scenes were as memorable as the scenes themselves.
What was so shocking? Let’s just say movie love is different from TV love. In the movies, the girl meets the guy, jumps into bed for the graphic sex scene, and then the characters begin the quest to find out if they’re compatible.
On TV, the flirtations and chemistry last for seasons (Bones, Castle, The Good Wife).
No surprise that you rarely hear the rhyme “first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage” anymore. When you have to tell your story in two hours, I guess that’s just too boring.
Scanning the Satellite
Too Big to Fail – 10
HBO does it again with their adaptation of Andrew Ross Sorkin’s bestseller about the Government bailouts of 2008. We may never know how close we came to a financial meltdown prior to TARP, but this retelling sure makes it exciting. The pacing is gripping from the opening credits. There’s more tension in this movie than most of the fiction thrillers that Hollywood churns out.
All the familiar names are here. I’ve read and seen so much about the bailout and tarp that I don’t even know how to feel about it anymore. Who were the good guys? Who saved us, or who buried us depending on your point of view? What mistakes were made? What would happen today? What’s about to happen with the debt ceiling? Are the consequences similar?
The debates and behind the scenes revelations are fascinating. This is one of those rare movies that ends too quickly. You want to see more. That makes this movie quite an achievement. There are many stars in the movie, but special accolades to William Hurt who is cast as conflicted Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson. Hurt must carry the movie as Paulson carries the weight of the country.
Curtis Hanson directs. I’m a huge fan of his “L.A. Confidential” and the pace here is even faster.
These events have now been portrayed in several movies. Capitalism, A Love Story, Wall Street – Money Never Sleeps, and “W,” to name a few. I was thinking how fortunate we are that we get to see so many interpretations, and this one emerges as the most complete and exciting version yet. Don’t you wish there were cameras behind the scenes in Congress right now? Sorry, you’ll have to wait for the movie.
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The History Channel
b. Civil War Stuff
c. Period Pieces
Robert Redford directed this straightforward telling of the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The details seem perfect and the characterizations are low key and methodical as Redford tells the story of the woman who housed the assassins, including her son, prior to the event.
The government arrests Mary Surratt who runs the boarding house where the plotting took place. Their decision to try her in a military court and expedite her punishment is not just borne of anger, but of a desire to pressure her into revealing the whereabouts of her son. Sound familiar?
The lawyer who gets stuck with the case, played by James McAvoy, gradually becomes a societal outcast as his passion for the case grows and he has the audacity to put on a defense and object to the railroading of his client.
Well done, nicely paced, and better than fiction.
Bridesmaids – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The Hangover
b. Women behaving badly (and who doesn’t)
c. Slapstick
When a comedy gets ground out by the Judd Apatow factory, you can be sure the boundaries of taste will get pushed, and this movie is no exception. What makes this one stand out is that the writer/star is SNL veteran Kristen Wiig and she does a great job not just with the slapstick, but with the character. Are we seeing another star born?
The misadventures of this group of bridesmaids, usually propelled by Wiig’s myriad of personal and professional problems, makes for a pretty funny, if not hysterical ride. I would have to say I didn’t find it quite as funny as the audience, nor quite as shocking as the old lady sitting on our row who obviously had been dragged to her first movie in years. Her looks of shock at some of the more graphic scenes were as memorable as the scenes themselves.
What was so shocking? Let’s just say movie love is different from TV love. In the movies, the girl meets the guy, jumps into bed for the graphic sex scene, and then the characters begin the quest to find out if they’re compatible.
On TV, the flirtations and chemistry last for seasons (Bones, Castle, The Good Wife).
No surprise that you rarely hear the rhyme “first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage” anymore. When you have to tell your story in two hours, I guess that’s just too boring.
Scanning the Satellite
Too Big to Fail – 10
HBO does it again with their adaptation of Andrew Ross Sorkin’s bestseller about the Government bailouts of 2008. We may never know how close we came to a financial meltdown prior to TARP, but this retelling sure makes it exciting. The pacing is gripping from the opening credits. There’s more tension in this movie than most of the fiction thrillers that Hollywood churns out.
All the familiar names are here. I’ve read and seen so much about the bailout and tarp that I don’t even know how to feel about it anymore. Who were the good guys? Who saved us, or who buried us depending on your point of view? What mistakes were made? What would happen today? What’s about to happen with the debt ceiling? Are the consequences similar?
The debates and behind the scenes revelations are fascinating. This is one of those rare movies that ends too quickly. You want to see more. That makes this movie quite an achievement. There are many stars in the movie, but special accolades to William Hurt who is cast as conflicted Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson. Hurt must carry the movie as Paulson carries the weight of the country.
Curtis Hanson directs. I’m a huge fan of his “L.A. Confidential” and the pace here is even faster.
These events have now been portrayed in several movies. Capitalism, A Love Story, Wall Street – Money Never Sleeps, and “W,” to name a few. I was thinking how fortunate we are that we get to see so many interpretations, and this one emerges as the most complete and exciting version yet. Don’t you wish there were cameras behind the scenes in Congress right now? Sorry, you’ll have to wait for the movie.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
At the Cinema - March/April 2011
Source Code – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Cool Science Fiction
b. Time travel
c. Ground Hog Day
Easily the best movie so far this year, which is not yet saying much, Source Code is the story of a supposedly dead soldier who is sent back in time to inhabit a man’s DNA right before a terrorist attack. The story becomes Inception meets Ground Hog Day as he must go back over and over to learn who the terrorist is and then prevent the destruction. It’s the bland Jake Gyllenhaal in the Bill Murray role here.
The best thing about this movie is the pace. There’s no dawdling in needless detail. The action and the revelations come quickly and there’s no wasted action. If, like me, your patience with two and a half hour blockbusters has worn thin, this is the movie for you. It’s wham, bam, boom, then do it again, with steroids. Cool stuff.
Hanna – 6
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Foreign movies
b. Cate Blanchett out of character
c. A new star
Hanna – no sisters, thank goodness. Sequels, yes. Sisters, no.
This is a mildly interesting movie shot in a Euro style at a much slower pace than the previews would suggest. Some shots linger strangely, almost laboriously, and the pace of the movie is just odd. At times it slows to such a crawl that you want to doze off. Then suddenly the action breaks out. Strangely edited.
The story is about a young woman, played convincingly by Saorise Ronan, raised in the wild by her mysterious father, apparently an in-hiding former CIA agent. He teaches her survival and assassin skills as she grows up, and when she’s ready she’s on a mission to kill Cate Blanchett. Wait. Cate Blanchett? Seems there’s all kinds of unfinished business between the three of them and let’s just say that things end in a sequel-worthy fashion, and my guess is that a female action series is Bourne.
Water for Elephants – 5
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The Circus
b. Snoring
c. Love Stories
I’ll admit it. I was really tired when I slumped into my front row seat. However, this movie did nothing to keep me awake. The most entertaining part of this movie is trying to guess Reese Witherspoon’s body fat count. I didn’t think people were this skinny in the thirties, even during the depression. Girl, Please. Have a donut.
This is a slow paced love story. Now I’m all for character development, but Reese’s love interest, as played by Robert Pattinson, comes off as such a wimp that he sucks the life out of the movie, as if he were a camera vampire. He’s un-heroic to say the least, boring to say the most.
As much as I like Reese, the best acting in the movie is done by the circus animals. The whole story is telegraphed, and while I’m sure it was a good book, it should have been a lifetime movie, then I could have slept on the couch.
Christoph Walz solidifies his role as a baddie, lighting up the screen with his cruelty. Unfortunately, there are parts of the story that are so foreign to us (throwing people off trains) that even though they may have occurred in the depression, we just can’t relate. I guess it’s one of those movies you’ll either love it or hate it, and you’ll probably know that before you hand over your cash.
The Lincoln Lawyer – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Legal drama
b. Matthew McConaughey
c. Bad guys
This is a better-than-expected legal drama. Matthew McConaughey, (shirt off count – once) operates out of his Lincoln as an ambulance chaser of sorts. He finds himself over his head in one case.
This is one of those movies where if you saw the previews, they gave too much away, like who the bad guys are. Too bad, because it’s nicely done and could have yielded some nice surprises, if they’d been a surprise to me. Maybe you will be surprised. Don’t watch any previews, just the movie.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Rarely get involved in TV series anymore, they’re just too time consuming. But, if you like legal drama, here’s a Tip of the hat to a great one. If you’re not watching The Good Wife on CBS, you’re missing some great television. WAIT - don’t start watching now. The season is ending.
The story is set in Chicago. The Good Wife, Alicia, played incredibly by Julianna Marguilles (some people are just made for the small screen) has to go back to work as a lawyer after raising a family because her husband, a district attorney, has been caught up in a political scandal.
Turns out she’s a brilliant lawyer.
The behind the scenes legal drama, generally a case a week, is fascinating. Not just a courtroom drama, it’s often a deposition drama – and that’s new to me.
Some shows are so well-written they're stunning. The "Facebook" episode this year was in my top ten of all time. Can't wait to see it again.
The on-going political drama, this is Chicago after all, is equally riveting. The secondary characters, Kalinda the investigator, and Carey the prosecutor have emerged as two of the most enthralling on television. Even the kids and their problems are unique. Stars are being born.
The second season is about to end. Don’t watch or you’ll ruin an incredible story line. You’ve got the summer to crank up the DVD player and catch up before the third season begins. This has slowly evolved into a great show.
Next. Why has American Idol been so good this year? First, the talent. All the singers have been great, although America’s voting doesn’t always parallel what’s on the screen. Who cares? The production values show off each song to the hilt, and the rehearsals aptly nail each song down, resulting in some great renditions.
Secondly, the Judges. Stephen Tyler and Jennifer Lopez were great casting decisions. Who’d a thunk it? The absence of Simon Cowell has turned out to be a plus, as he worn thin in the last few years. Don’t miss him one bit. If you haven’t been watching it, just DVR it. Our DVR is a Secrest-eliminator. Takes you right to the singing.
Finally, cool movie on HBO. Cinema Verite is the story of the Louds, the subject of the first reality show. Ground-breaking in the early 70’s, the Louds and their 5 kids provided more drama than was expected when their son came out of the closet and they broke up. All on camera. Well done, with great use of 70’s music. Any time a movie uses Blind Faith, I’m all in.
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Cool Science Fiction
b. Time travel
c. Ground Hog Day
Easily the best movie so far this year, which is not yet saying much, Source Code is the story of a supposedly dead soldier who is sent back in time to inhabit a man’s DNA right before a terrorist attack. The story becomes Inception meets Ground Hog Day as he must go back over and over to learn who the terrorist is and then prevent the destruction. It’s the bland Jake Gyllenhaal in the Bill Murray role here.
The best thing about this movie is the pace. There’s no dawdling in needless detail. The action and the revelations come quickly and there’s no wasted action. If, like me, your patience with two and a half hour blockbusters has worn thin, this is the movie for you. It’s wham, bam, boom, then do it again, with steroids. Cool stuff.
Hanna – 6
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Foreign movies
b. Cate Blanchett out of character
c. A new star
Hanna – no sisters, thank goodness. Sequels, yes. Sisters, no.
This is a mildly interesting movie shot in a Euro style at a much slower pace than the previews would suggest. Some shots linger strangely, almost laboriously, and the pace of the movie is just odd. At times it slows to such a crawl that you want to doze off. Then suddenly the action breaks out. Strangely edited.
The story is about a young woman, played convincingly by Saorise Ronan, raised in the wild by her mysterious father, apparently an in-hiding former CIA agent. He teaches her survival and assassin skills as she grows up, and when she’s ready she’s on a mission to kill Cate Blanchett. Wait. Cate Blanchett? Seems there’s all kinds of unfinished business between the three of them and let’s just say that things end in a sequel-worthy fashion, and my guess is that a female action series is Bourne.
Water for Elephants – 5
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. The Circus
b. Snoring
c. Love Stories
I’ll admit it. I was really tired when I slumped into my front row seat. However, this movie did nothing to keep me awake. The most entertaining part of this movie is trying to guess Reese Witherspoon’s body fat count. I didn’t think people were this skinny in the thirties, even during the depression. Girl, Please. Have a donut.
This is a slow paced love story. Now I’m all for character development, but Reese’s love interest, as played by Robert Pattinson, comes off as such a wimp that he sucks the life out of the movie, as if he were a camera vampire. He’s un-heroic to say the least, boring to say the most.
As much as I like Reese, the best acting in the movie is done by the circus animals. The whole story is telegraphed, and while I’m sure it was a good book, it should have been a lifetime movie, then I could have slept on the couch.
Christoph Walz solidifies his role as a baddie, lighting up the screen with his cruelty. Unfortunately, there are parts of the story that are so foreign to us (throwing people off trains) that even though they may have occurred in the depression, we just can’t relate. I guess it’s one of those movies you’ll either love it or hate it, and you’ll probably know that before you hand over your cash.
The Lincoln Lawyer – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Legal drama
b. Matthew McConaughey
c. Bad guys
This is a better-than-expected legal drama. Matthew McConaughey, (shirt off count – once) operates out of his Lincoln as an ambulance chaser of sorts. He finds himself over his head in one case.
This is one of those movies where if you saw the previews, they gave too much away, like who the bad guys are. Too bad, because it’s nicely done and could have yielded some nice surprises, if they’d been a surprise to me. Maybe you will be surprised. Don’t watch any previews, just the movie.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Rarely get involved in TV series anymore, they’re just too time consuming. But, if you like legal drama, here’s a Tip of the hat to a great one. If you’re not watching The Good Wife on CBS, you’re missing some great television. WAIT - don’t start watching now. The season is ending.
The story is set in Chicago. The Good Wife, Alicia, played incredibly by Julianna Marguilles (some people are just made for the small screen) has to go back to work as a lawyer after raising a family because her husband, a district attorney, has been caught up in a political scandal.
Turns out she’s a brilliant lawyer.
The behind the scenes legal drama, generally a case a week, is fascinating. Not just a courtroom drama, it’s often a deposition drama – and that’s new to me.
Some shows are so well-written they're stunning. The "Facebook" episode this year was in my top ten of all time. Can't wait to see it again.
The on-going political drama, this is Chicago after all, is equally riveting. The secondary characters, Kalinda the investigator, and Carey the prosecutor have emerged as two of the most enthralling on television. Even the kids and their problems are unique. Stars are being born.
The second season is about to end. Don’t watch or you’ll ruin an incredible story line. You’ve got the summer to crank up the DVD player and catch up before the third season begins. This has slowly evolved into a great show.
Next. Why has American Idol been so good this year? First, the talent. All the singers have been great, although America’s voting doesn’t always parallel what’s on the screen. Who cares? The production values show off each song to the hilt, and the rehearsals aptly nail each song down, resulting in some great renditions.
Secondly, the Judges. Stephen Tyler and Jennifer Lopez were great casting decisions. Who’d a thunk it? The absence of Simon Cowell has turned out to be a plus, as he worn thin in the last few years. Don’t miss him one bit. If you haven’t been watching it, just DVR it. Our DVR is a Secrest-eliminator. Takes you right to the singing.
Finally, cool movie on HBO. Cinema Verite is the story of the Louds, the subject of the first reality show. Ground-breaking in the early 70’s, the Louds and their 5 kids provided more drama than was expected when their son came out of the closet and they broke up. All on camera. Well done, with great use of 70’s music. Any time a movie uses Blind Faith, I’m all in.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
At the Cinema - February 2011
The Mechanic – 6
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Jason Statham
b. Mindless Action
c. New Orleans’ locales
This movie is a remake of an old Charles Bronson flick, and it’s not bad. It’s diversionary action on a Saturday afternoon.
A Mechanic is a killer for hire. When mechanic Statham takes on a protégé, the son of his mentor whom he had to murder, the inevitable conclusion is that one is going to have to kill the other. There’s proper mayhem in between and as long as you don’t take it too seriously, you’ll have some fun.
The Adjustment Bureau – 2
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Matt Damon
b. Emily Blunt
c. Romantic chemistry
Unfortunately, the charisma and chemistry of the two stars can’t save this silly whisp of a movie.
What could have been an interesting premise falls flat. The premise is that there is a higher power mapping out everyone’s lives and when love upsets the apple cart it’s time to send in the adjusters. This dilemma gets resolved when the stars run from the adjusters (identified by the hats they wear) and everyone gets transported all over Manhattan by running through doors that open to unexpected places. Sorry, it gets laughable after awhile and the pearly whites of the stars can’t save the script. This might have been a better TV show, just get rid of the “door” concept. Captain Kirk can give you some “transporter” alternatives.
Conviction – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Stories of persistence
b. Hillary Swank
c. Lawyer stuff
This is a better story than it is a movie. Hillary plays real-life heroine Betty Anne Waters who obsessively spends 18 years going to college, then law school to fight the unjust murder conviction of her brother, played by Sam Rockwell. They’re both compelling and convincing as the outcasts of another dysfunctional family.
People have fundamental fears. One of them has to be a wrongful conviction. You’re thrown in jail. Who on the outside is going to work hard to save you? Or would you just rot? Imagine.
Great question, but here it seems hard for two hours to cover and condense the 18 years. There seems to be a lot left out, like where’s the rest of the family? Why does Betty Anne get divorced? Why are those pesky Boston accents so distracting?
Google it all and you’ll find that the movie bales on “the rest of the story” and I’ll just let you be the judge. It’s an earnest depiction, but it’s just not as compelling as the real story is. Probably a good book, not a great movie.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Prompted by this Rotten Tomatoes Ranking:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/best_of_the_best_pictures/
I’m determined to catch all the Best Picture Winners I’ve missed. The Oscars were pretty boring this year. In the same way that scientific polling has taken the mystery out of most elections, the Oscars have become too predictable thanks to all the surveying they do of the membership. Casting an Oscar nominee as a host who appeared to still be stuck in his movie, didn’t help. Oh well. Time to check out past winners.
First Up:
On The Waterfront – 10
No matter how many times I’ve seen the ending, and the famous “coulda been a contender” taxi cab scene I’d never seen the whole movie. I recently caught it on the new SONY HD channel on Directv. It lives up to its billing, first for the amazing performance of Marlon Brando, secondly for great raw story telling. Now it stands as a historical document of how hard some Americans, in this case dock workers, had to fight for the worker’s rights we take for granted now. Great stuff.
Some day I’ll get to do my ranking.
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Jason Statham
b. Mindless Action
c. New Orleans’ locales
This movie is a remake of an old Charles Bronson flick, and it’s not bad. It’s diversionary action on a Saturday afternoon.
A Mechanic is a killer for hire. When mechanic Statham takes on a protégé, the son of his mentor whom he had to murder, the inevitable conclusion is that one is going to have to kill the other. There’s proper mayhem in between and as long as you don’t take it too seriously, you’ll have some fun.
The Adjustment Bureau – 2
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Matt Damon
b. Emily Blunt
c. Romantic chemistry
Unfortunately, the charisma and chemistry of the two stars can’t save this silly whisp of a movie.
What could have been an interesting premise falls flat. The premise is that there is a higher power mapping out everyone’s lives and when love upsets the apple cart it’s time to send in the adjusters. This dilemma gets resolved when the stars run from the adjusters (identified by the hats they wear) and everyone gets transported all over Manhattan by running through doors that open to unexpected places. Sorry, it gets laughable after awhile and the pearly whites of the stars can’t save the script. This might have been a better TV show, just get rid of the “door” concept. Captain Kirk can give you some “transporter” alternatives.
Conviction – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Stories of persistence
b. Hillary Swank
c. Lawyer stuff
This is a better story than it is a movie. Hillary plays real-life heroine Betty Anne Waters who obsessively spends 18 years going to college, then law school to fight the unjust murder conviction of her brother, played by Sam Rockwell. They’re both compelling and convincing as the outcasts of another dysfunctional family.
People have fundamental fears. One of them has to be a wrongful conviction. You’re thrown in jail. Who on the outside is going to work hard to save you? Or would you just rot? Imagine.
Great question, but here it seems hard for two hours to cover and condense the 18 years. There seems to be a lot left out, like where’s the rest of the family? Why does Betty Anne get divorced? Why are those pesky Boston accents so distracting?
Google it all and you’ll find that the movie bales on “the rest of the story” and I’ll just let you be the judge. It’s an earnest depiction, but it’s just not as compelling as the real story is. Probably a good book, not a great movie.
SCANNING THE SATELLITE
Prompted by this Rotten Tomatoes Ranking:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/best_of_the_best_pictures/
I’m determined to catch all the Best Picture Winners I’ve missed. The Oscars were pretty boring this year. In the same way that scientific polling has taken the mystery out of most elections, the Oscars have become too predictable thanks to all the surveying they do of the membership. Casting an Oscar nominee as a host who appeared to still be stuck in his movie, didn’t help. Oh well. Time to check out past winners.
First Up:
On The Waterfront – 10
No matter how many times I’ve seen the ending, and the famous “coulda been a contender” taxi cab scene I’d never seen the whole movie. I recently caught it on the new SONY HD channel on Directv. It lives up to its billing, first for the amazing performance of Marlon Brando, secondly for great raw story telling. Now it stands as a historical document of how hard some Americans, in this case dock workers, had to fight for the worker’s rights we take for granted now. Great stuff.
Some day I’ll get to do my ranking.
Monday, January 31, 2011
At The Cinema - January 2011
The Kings Speech – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. Great Acting
b. British dramas
c. History
The King’s Speech is the current darling of the awards circuit.
It is one of those British productions that feature great acting, terrific writing, incredible sets, historical detail, and wonderful direction. It is about as well done as you can do a movie.
So, why didn’t I like it more?
It never fired.
That’s a description you see in The Racing form for a horse that never engages in the race.
To me, as well done as the movie is, it just kind of sits there. I doubt that I could sit through it again. I love being transported to a different place and time, but this trip is like visiting Bellingrath Gardens. You know it’s beautiful, but you’d rather be home watching the game. Any Game.
I guess one of my problems with it is that it reveals how stupid the idea of a British Monarchy is. I know the British love their royalty, but why? Colin Firth, who is a lock, deservedly, to win every Best Actor award given this year, shows that his King Edward was so out of touch with the people, he makes U.S. politicians look totally engaged. Remember when George H. W. Bush didn’t know the price of milk. Believe me, that’s nothing. British royalty has probably never seen a milk carton. Milk is poured for them from the day they’re born from some crystal piece probably worth more than my house. I couldn’t help but wonder how a country puts up with leaders that are born to their role, rather than earn it. While we’re bitching about expensive trips our President takes, Prince Charles has 200 servants, and he’s not even King yet. He’s King in Waiting, for 60 pampered years now. Sometimes we forget how lucky we are. How and when Great Britain transitioned to a parliament, reducing the role of the monarchy – that’s a movie I’d like to see.
Everybody I know loves this movie, so don’t let me discourage you. It really is well done. It’s on a roll, picking up “Best Picture” steam approaching the Oscars. It looks like it’s going to overtake The Social Network, which has been the favorite since the day it came out.
So, here’s my prediction. The King’s Speech will win, then it will join such movies as Out of Africa, The English Patient, and The Last Emperor, never to be heard from again.
Red – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Bruce Willis
b. Old farts like Bruce Willis
c. Neat action
As far fetched as most action movies are, this one is better than I expected. The CIA decides to eliminate its retired assassins for reasons that don’t really matter, and fun and games begin. Filled with old pros, the movie moves along briskly and smartly and you’ll have fun, as long as you take it about as seriously as Bruce Willis takes it.
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a. Great Acting
b. British dramas
c. History
The King’s Speech is the current darling of the awards circuit.
It is one of those British productions that feature great acting, terrific writing, incredible sets, historical detail, and wonderful direction. It is about as well done as you can do a movie.
So, why didn’t I like it more?
It never fired.
That’s a description you see in The Racing form for a horse that never engages in the race.
To me, as well done as the movie is, it just kind of sits there. I doubt that I could sit through it again. I love being transported to a different place and time, but this trip is like visiting Bellingrath Gardens. You know it’s beautiful, but you’d rather be home watching the game. Any Game.
I guess one of my problems with it is that it reveals how stupid the idea of a British Monarchy is. I know the British love their royalty, but why? Colin Firth, who is a lock, deservedly, to win every Best Actor award given this year, shows that his King Edward was so out of touch with the people, he makes U.S. politicians look totally engaged. Remember when George H. W. Bush didn’t know the price of milk. Believe me, that’s nothing. British royalty has probably never seen a milk carton. Milk is poured for them from the day they’re born from some crystal piece probably worth more than my house. I couldn’t help but wonder how a country puts up with leaders that are born to their role, rather than earn it. While we’re bitching about expensive trips our President takes, Prince Charles has 200 servants, and he’s not even King yet. He’s King in Waiting, for 60 pampered years now. Sometimes we forget how lucky we are. How and when Great Britain transitioned to a parliament, reducing the role of the monarchy – that’s a movie I’d like to see.
Everybody I know loves this movie, so don’t let me discourage you. It really is well done. It’s on a roll, picking up “Best Picture” steam approaching the Oscars. It looks like it’s going to overtake The Social Network, which has been the favorite since the day it came out.
So, here’s my prediction. The King’s Speech will win, then it will join such movies as Out of Africa, The English Patient, and The Last Emperor, never to be heard from again.
Red – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Bruce Willis
b. Old farts like Bruce Willis
c. Neat action
As far fetched as most action movies are, this one is better than I expected. The CIA decides to eliminate its retired assassins for reasons that don’t really matter, and fun and games begin. Filled with old pros, the movie moves along briskly and smartly and you’ll have fun, as long as you take it about as seriously as Bruce Willis takes it.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saints Report # 17 - January 8, 2011
If there is one thing Saints fans weren't accustomed to it was January fun.
Last year they got spoiled during the Saints' magical season
This year they had a mystical season and it came to an end abruptly when they traveled to Seattle and got trounced by what many thought was the worst NFL playoff team ever. The Seahawks 41 – 36 victory was a shocker to many, but not to those who watched this Saints team struggle all year to find last year’s formula.
Other than the fact that Reggie Bush failed to show up when the Saints needed him most, the offense held up its end of the bargain. Scoring 36 points when you’re essentially down to your eighth running back of the year and he just got off the bus should be enough to win. Drew Brees made a valiant effort, throwing a ridiculous 60 passes, completing 39 for 404 yards. Some strange play calls on short yardage short circuited the point production, but the bottom line is that when your quarterback sets a post season record for completions, you should win.
Which brings us to the defense. They didn’t make the trip.
Start with the play of the two safeties. Roman Harper had a horrible game. He was out of position most of the time. Darren Sharper was two steps slow the whole game and never provided the help that was needed. Retirement, and hopefully the Hall of Fame await Darren after an awesome career.
From the moment Malcolm Jenkins went out with a knee injury early in the Tampa loss in the last regular season game, the Saints tackling turned to mush. Marshawn Lynch’s classic 4th quarter run was symptomatic of the way the Saints played for the last eight quarters of the season. The defense had been stellar for the most part all year until it disappeared in January.
Covering people in the NFL is difficult for even the best defensive backs. But there was little coverage in evidence Saturday. Receivers were so wide open that they could have called for a fair catch on some of Matt Hasselback’s throws.
Is Malcolm Jenkins really that good?
We knew going in the Saints would miss Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas, but Brees compensated for them. No such luck on defense. The Saints didn’t blitz and didn’t appear to have the right game plan to slow down the Seahawks. Worse, they never seemed to adjust.
Is Courtney Roby really that good?
Did the Saints ever make it to the 20 with a kick return? Other than after the first kick went out of bounds, Brees never got much in the way of field position. News flash – Devery Henderson and Robert Meachum aren’t kick returners. They looked scared to death.
So, the Saints go down to an embarrassing defeat. Let the shopping begin.
There are many priorities going into the off-season, but here are just a few.
1. Pass Rush – The Saints rely on the blitz to pressure quarterbacks, and pressure from the front four would be nice for a change. Most teams have defensive ends with 12.5 sacks – ours have 4. A pass-rushing end would be huge.
2. Running Backs – Versatile Pierre Thomas will be a free agent. Chris Ivory hasn’t proven he can stay on the field. Reggie Bush will be released if he won’t renegotiate. The Saints desperately need, and have needed for years, a big bruising short yardage back like a Brandon Jacobs. It’s obvious that you can’t have enough running backs and the proposed 18 game schedule is only going to make things worse.
3. Outside Linebackers – The Saints missed Scott Fujita more than they ever would have dreamed. Speed needed desperately. The Saints couldn’t cover tight ends and backs (just like most teams). Could we order up a superstar outside linebacker please?
4. Defensive Backs – Just like running backs, you can’t have too many, not in the pass-happy NFL. Greer and Porter were victimized by big, physical receivers, so a little height in the secondary would be welcome.
The good news for the Saints is that they have one thing only about 10 teams have – a proven quarterback. They need to go all out to reload around him. The window of opportunity will close in a few years, and only one trip to the Super Bowl with a QB the caliber of Brees would be a shame.
So no wasted draft picks this year. (Sean Canfield?). Shore up the defense and special teams and make another run next year. The division is going to get even tougher, as Tampa Bay improves and Carolina picks a quarterback.
Saints fans want January to be fun again.
Last year they got spoiled during the Saints' magical season
This year they had a mystical season and it came to an end abruptly when they traveled to Seattle and got trounced by what many thought was the worst NFL playoff team ever. The Seahawks 41 – 36 victory was a shocker to many, but not to those who watched this Saints team struggle all year to find last year’s formula.
Other than the fact that Reggie Bush failed to show up when the Saints needed him most, the offense held up its end of the bargain. Scoring 36 points when you’re essentially down to your eighth running back of the year and he just got off the bus should be enough to win. Drew Brees made a valiant effort, throwing a ridiculous 60 passes, completing 39 for 404 yards. Some strange play calls on short yardage short circuited the point production, but the bottom line is that when your quarterback sets a post season record for completions, you should win.
Which brings us to the defense. They didn’t make the trip.
Start with the play of the two safeties. Roman Harper had a horrible game. He was out of position most of the time. Darren Sharper was two steps slow the whole game and never provided the help that was needed. Retirement, and hopefully the Hall of Fame await Darren after an awesome career.
From the moment Malcolm Jenkins went out with a knee injury early in the Tampa loss in the last regular season game, the Saints tackling turned to mush. Marshawn Lynch’s classic 4th quarter run was symptomatic of the way the Saints played for the last eight quarters of the season. The defense had been stellar for the most part all year until it disappeared in January.
Covering people in the NFL is difficult for even the best defensive backs. But there was little coverage in evidence Saturday. Receivers were so wide open that they could have called for a fair catch on some of Matt Hasselback’s throws.
Is Malcolm Jenkins really that good?
We knew going in the Saints would miss Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas, but Brees compensated for them. No such luck on defense. The Saints didn’t blitz and didn’t appear to have the right game plan to slow down the Seahawks. Worse, they never seemed to adjust.
Is Courtney Roby really that good?
Did the Saints ever make it to the 20 with a kick return? Other than after the first kick went out of bounds, Brees never got much in the way of field position. News flash – Devery Henderson and Robert Meachum aren’t kick returners. They looked scared to death.
So, the Saints go down to an embarrassing defeat. Let the shopping begin.
There are many priorities going into the off-season, but here are just a few.
1. Pass Rush – The Saints rely on the blitz to pressure quarterbacks, and pressure from the front four would be nice for a change. Most teams have defensive ends with 12.5 sacks – ours have 4. A pass-rushing end would be huge.
2. Running Backs – Versatile Pierre Thomas will be a free agent. Chris Ivory hasn’t proven he can stay on the field. Reggie Bush will be released if he won’t renegotiate. The Saints desperately need, and have needed for years, a big bruising short yardage back like a Brandon Jacobs. It’s obvious that you can’t have enough running backs and the proposed 18 game schedule is only going to make things worse.
3. Outside Linebackers – The Saints missed Scott Fujita more than they ever would have dreamed. Speed needed desperately. The Saints couldn’t cover tight ends and backs (just like most teams). Could we order up a superstar outside linebacker please?
4. Defensive Backs – Just like running backs, you can’t have too many, not in the pass-happy NFL. Greer and Porter were victimized by big, physical receivers, so a little height in the secondary would be welcome.
The good news for the Saints is that they have one thing only about 10 teams have – a proven quarterback. They need to go all out to reload around him. The window of opportunity will close in a few years, and only one trip to the Super Bowl with a QB the caliber of Brees would be a shame.
So no wasted draft picks this year. (Sean Canfield?). Shore up the defense and special teams and make another run next year. The division is going to get even tougher, as Tampa Bay improves and Carolina picks a quarterback.
Saints fans want January to be fun again.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saints Report # 16 - January 2, 2011
They say that if you get in a fight hit the other guy in the nose with your first punch. If the nose is broken and bloodied, you’ll quickly find out if your opponent has a taste for further combat. Sunday the New Orleans Saints came into their game with the Tampa Bay Bucs already bloodied. When two of their young stars, Jimmy Graham and Malcolm Jenkins, went down with injuries, the Saints began to realize that with the playoffs ahead, discretion was the better part of valor, and they had no taste for unnecessary combat. They didn’t lie down, but they certainly began to take their foot off the gas, although make no mistake; they weren’t exactly hitting on eight cylinders.
The Bucs continued to show development. With a very young team, Josh Freeman is now the third fine quarterback in the NFC South. With Carolina poised to draft Andrew Luck of Stanford, if he goes into the draft, the NFC South could soon be the best QB conference in the NFL.
The Saints started off fast with an opening touchdown drive culminating in a short pass to Graham which turned out to be his last play of the game. Julius Jones let a fumble and momentum slip away deep in the red zone on a subsequent drive, then a Lance Moore slip on a pass route resulted in a Brees interception on another foray into the red zone. Not exactly the “finishing” that was so prevalent last year. They threw in the towel in the 4th quarter bringing down the curtain on the Superdome (probably) for 2010 with a lackluster 23-13 loss to Tampa Bay.
It was déjà vu all over again as the Saints game 16 performance was a near repeat of their game 15 performance of last year, when, after having spanked Tampa Bay decisively earlier in the year in Tampa, they stunk it up in the dome.
Here’s the good news for the Saints:
Reggie Bush began to show signs of life, rushing for 70 yards and catching passes for 55.
Adrian Arrington showed the promise that fans have been hearing about for years, catching everything thrown his way and filling in capably for Marques Colston.
Junior Galette, and Chase Daniel finally saw some action as well.
Here’s the bad news:
Bush got so many carries because Chris Ivory again failed to stay on the field, getting hurt early, joining Pierre Thomas on the sideline.
Jimmy Graham got hurt early, after a touchdown catch, joining Jeremy Shockley and David Thomas on the sidelines. Suddenly the Saints are short at tight end.
Malcolm Jenkins went down early with a knee injury, and he’s been a bright spot all year on defense.
A special team’s breakdown on a kick return was again of vital importance.
The injury list grew substantially and the Saints don’t have a bye weak to get healthy.
Jabari Greer continues to struggle, as he got out-jumped for both of the Bucs’ touchdown passes.
The Juicy Fruit Genius still operates with a few illusions:
1) No respect for running backs. He thinks he can take a back and just throw him in any time. Julius Jones fumbled on his first carry as the Saints were closing in on a touchdown, and it’s asking an awful lot for a back’s first hit to come at the goal line.
2) That the Saints can throw it constantly, and win any game by flinging it all over the lot. Brees set an NFL record with 448 completions in a season. The question is, why? Why was it necessary?
The Saints finish at 11 – 5, two games worse than last year.
Playoff outlook? The Saints will get their depth tested when they travel to Seattle next Saturday. The Saints have more injuries than at any time in the last few years. By record this shouldn’t be much of a contest, but Saints fans know better. Quest field is a tough place to play, it’s a short week, and nobody expects much from the Seahawks. The Saints have never won a road playoff game. It’s survival week. They’re in the final 12 teams, and have a chance to move to the final 8. It’s quite an achievement, but there’s no way they can be as confident as they were at this time last year.
The Bucs continued to show development. With a very young team, Josh Freeman is now the third fine quarterback in the NFC South. With Carolina poised to draft Andrew Luck of Stanford, if he goes into the draft, the NFC South could soon be the best QB conference in the NFL.
The Saints started off fast with an opening touchdown drive culminating in a short pass to Graham which turned out to be his last play of the game. Julius Jones let a fumble and momentum slip away deep in the red zone on a subsequent drive, then a Lance Moore slip on a pass route resulted in a Brees interception on another foray into the red zone. Not exactly the “finishing” that was so prevalent last year. They threw in the towel in the 4th quarter bringing down the curtain on the Superdome (probably) for 2010 with a lackluster 23-13 loss to Tampa Bay.
It was déjà vu all over again as the Saints game 16 performance was a near repeat of their game 15 performance of last year, when, after having spanked Tampa Bay decisively earlier in the year in Tampa, they stunk it up in the dome.
Here’s the good news for the Saints:
Reggie Bush began to show signs of life, rushing for 70 yards and catching passes for 55.
Adrian Arrington showed the promise that fans have been hearing about for years, catching everything thrown his way and filling in capably for Marques Colston.
Junior Galette, and Chase Daniel finally saw some action as well.
Here’s the bad news:
Bush got so many carries because Chris Ivory again failed to stay on the field, getting hurt early, joining Pierre Thomas on the sideline.
Jimmy Graham got hurt early, after a touchdown catch, joining Jeremy Shockley and David Thomas on the sidelines. Suddenly the Saints are short at tight end.
Malcolm Jenkins went down early with a knee injury, and he’s been a bright spot all year on defense.
A special team’s breakdown on a kick return was again of vital importance.
The injury list grew substantially and the Saints don’t have a bye weak to get healthy.
Jabari Greer continues to struggle, as he got out-jumped for both of the Bucs’ touchdown passes.
The Juicy Fruit Genius still operates with a few illusions:
1) No respect for running backs. He thinks he can take a back and just throw him in any time. Julius Jones fumbled on his first carry as the Saints were closing in on a touchdown, and it’s asking an awful lot for a back’s first hit to come at the goal line.
2) That the Saints can throw it constantly, and win any game by flinging it all over the lot. Brees set an NFL record with 448 completions in a season. The question is, why? Why was it necessary?
The Saints finish at 11 – 5, two games worse than last year.
Playoff outlook? The Saints will get their depth tested when they travel to Seattle next Saturday. The Saints have more injuries than at any time in the last few years. By record this shouldn’t be much of a contest, but Saints fans know better. Quest field is a tough place to play, it’s a short week, and nobody expects much from the Seahawks. The Saints have never won a road playoff game. It’s survival week. They’re in the final 12 teams, and have a chance to move to the final 8. It’s quite an achievement, but there’s no way they can be as confident as they were at this time last year.
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