Saints Report #16 - December 29, 2013

The New Orleans Saints total mastery over the NFL continued Sunday as they completed another undefeated season, finishing 8 – 0 and outscoring their opponents 272 – 125.  That’s an average of 34 – 16 if you’re keeping score.  This kind of total domination has rarely been seen, and the Saints are clearly the most invincible juggernaut of all time. 

At home.

Unfortunately, there won’t be any more of those games this year, and now they most do something that no one believes they can do, go win 4 games away from the bayou to become Super Bowl Champions again.  Let’s say the odds are long.

Sunday the Saints offense was a study in efficiency as they bopped Tampa Bay 42 – 17.  They scored six touchdowns in their first seven possessions.  That would be a nice recipe for success in the playoffs.

Drew Brees threw darts all over the field and sliced and diced the Tampa Bay defense, including a very ordinary-looking Darrell Revis, to the tune of 381 yards.  Underappreciated outside New Orleans, Brees exceeded 5000 yards passing for the third consecutive season, something that has never been done before.  While Peyton Manning was breaking Brees single season yardage record, Brees continued his amazing run of efficiency. 

Tonight sit down and make a long list of the things you take for granted.  Mine would include great seafood, beautiful beaches, and Drew Brees.  You may get some bad oysters, sometimes you get a cloudy day on the beach, and sometimes Brees throws a bad pass, or has a bad game.  Don’t let that diminish your appreciation of what a great quarterback New Orleans has been gifted with.

A few playoff observations:

Seattle has to be the favorite to win the Super Bowl.  My preseason picks of the 49’ers vs. the Denver Broncos is still a possibility, but the 49’ers, like the Saints have the wild-card route to travel.  Carolina is a serious threat as long as Luke Kuechly is allowed to hold receivers.  New England will be a threat as long as they have #12.  The Eagles have improved throughout the year but don’t play particularly well at home, which will make for an interesting matchup next Saturday night when the Saints travel to Philly – a bad road team against a bad home team.  The Packers have Aaron Rodgers back, and no one wants to play against him.   The Bengals, Chiefs, Colts, and Chargers still appear to be pretenders.

I’d like to tell you that I closely evaluated the Eagles, but to be honest I went home and watched the final episode of Treme.  So whatever I see Saturday night will be a surprise.   Tee it up.

Saints Report #15 - December 22, 2013

Bad News from Charlotte. 

The Saints went to Charlotte and got beat 17 – 13, in another on-the-road-again egg laying.   They did the same thing the Panthers did two weeks ago.  They drove the ball early and twice settled for field goals to lead only 6 – 0.  The game was pretty even, but sloppy.  Each defense had one bad series, and each offense had one good series.  The rest of the game was a rather ugly wash, no detergent.  Unfortunately, the Panthers only decent drive of the day came at the end of the game.

So, it’s not bad news that the Saints probably will have to go on the road in the playoffs.  It’s not bad news that they made the road to the Super Bowl a game longer.  It’s not bad news that the offense looks sloppy.  It’s not bad news that the Panthers have come out of nowhere to catch the Saints.

It’s not bad news that the Saints are struggling away from the Superdome.

No, here’s the bad news: The NFL appears to have caught up to the Saints offense.  NFL defensive coordinators don’t get fooled for long, and the Saints offense has had a good long run.  But now, they’re not fooling anyone.  The screen passes are easily anticipated.  The running game doesn’t scare anyone.  The defenses are filling the passing lanes on the mid-range stuff.  And defensive coordinators have figured out that with pressure on Brees, there’s no time for the bombs.  Face it, the Saints offense is now middle-of-the-pack.

So Sean Payton, who allegedly reconstructed the playbook last year while on Goodell Sabatical, isn’t surprising anyone anymore.  Protection problems, no deep threat, an untrusted running game, it all adds up to one simple fact:  the Saints aren’t scaring anyone, and that does not bode well for a long playoff run. 

When the season began, I thought the Saints defense would not be good enough.  I was wrong.  They are.  It’s the Saints offense that isn’t good enough.  One thing I was right about was that this stretch of games to close the season was brutal and the Saints have not met the challenge.  Can Payton straighten all this out in time for the playoffs?  We can only guess.  Can they beat Tampa to insure a playoff berth?  I guess we’ll find out.  A Superdome game that shouldn’t have meant anything next Sunday now looms very large.  Drat!

Saints Report # 14 - December 15, 2013

The New Orleans Saints travelled to St. Louis Sunday and took a firm stance against prosperity.  The laid an egg, they scrambled it, they cooked it, and then they seasoned it too much to eat it.  In a performance that can only be labelled an “epic fail” they ceded the control of the division right back to the Carolina Panthers by coughing up a 27 – 16 ball game that only got that close late.

Truth is, the Saints handed this one over very quickly - in their first two possessions.  Any other team in America, down 7 – 0 and with their first possession starting on their own 7 would have calmly tried to grind the ball out of the hole with a running play or two.  No, not the Saints, because in the Payton offense, every down is a passing down.  When the Payton offense is clicking, it’s a thing of beauty and precision.  When it’s not, it turns the ball over in bunches at the worst possible time.

That took exactly one play Sunday.  On first down, first play from scrimmage, Brees dropped back toward the end zone, got pressured up the middle (which would be a common theme) and clunked it right into the arms of a waiting Ram.  Soon it was 14 – 0.  Brees drove the Saints down the field but threw an end zone interception.  Make it a 17 – 0 hole.  And on and on.  It wasn’t until late in the 4^th quarter that the Saints battled their way within striking distance, but it probably would’ve taken two more quarters to take a lead.  We’ve seen this movie before, like every time the Saints go to St. Louis.

So the Saints spit the bit on prosperity and now have positioned themselves as an underdog for next week’s division-deciding trip into Charlotte.  It will be the game Carolina has been waiting years for.  It will be a game that didn’t have to be this important.  It will be another test of character.  It will be another road test, and at this point the Saints road confidence has to be waning.

Saints Report #13 - December 8, 2013

Once upon a time the New Orleans Saints visited Seattle and got embarrassed on a Monday night.  The plane had a windshield cracked so the return was delayed.  How would they get home and get prepared in such a short week for a game with the division lead on the line?

Simple.  Sean Payton got out of the plane, clicked his heels together 3 times, and said “there’s no place like home, there’s no place home.”

Instantly they were transported back to their home sweet dome and all was right with the team. 

The Carolina Panthers came into the Mercedes Benz Superdome on an 8 game winning streak.  They had significantly more rest, more prep time, and everything pointed to them being able to take that next step.  Nope.  There’s no place like dome for the Saints and they administered a good old fashioned beating, 31 – 13, moving to a 10-3 record.

Drew Brees picked the Panthers apart on his way to becoming the 5^th and fastest NFL Quarterback to 50,000 yards.  Marques Colston shined with 125 yards receiving.  The defense held Cam Newton in check.   This strange NFL schedule sets them up for a rematch in two weeks.  The Saints must go on the road for 2 of their last 3 games and hold their position as the second seed in the NFC.  The payoff for that will be a bye week, then a home game to start the playoffs.  They’ve worked hard to set this up. 
The Saints have slipped up in St. Louis before.  Let’s hope they maintain their focus.  Another big game ahead.

Saints Report 12 - December 2, 2013

It’s taken me a few days to fully digest the Seattle slewing that took place Monday night.  Never in the Payton/Brees era have the Saints been more thoroughly spanked.  What does it mean?  It just means the media can continue to talk about how the Saints don’t play as well on the road as they do at home, just like every other NFL team ever.   (Ok, I’ll admit the Eagles are weird this year.)  So, it was just one of 16 games.  No reason for panic at the disco.

Here’s what the 34-7 baking reminded me.  I’ve played and coached sports enough to know that when the “big” game comes, your weaknesses are going to get exposed.  Sometimes, I was the weakness.  Or maybe you have a 3^rd baseman who won’t get in front of the ball.  Or you have a point guard with limited court sense.  Or maybe you’ve tried to hide a guy who is good, but there’s a certain thing he can’t do.  Bet your bottom dollar that he will be called on to do that very thing in the big game. 

So, Monday night the Saints weaknesses got fully exposed.  The offensive line couldn’t hold up.  Pressure up the middle in the face of a short quarterback is a serious problem.  Wide Receivers who can’t separate are a problem.  It’s time to face reality.  Marques Colston is a great, dependable possession receiver.  The Saints have no deep threat.  It speaks volume that a Robert Meachum who couldn’t cut it on a mediocre San Diego team, came back to New Orleans and became our deep threat.  Lance Moore has not been productive.  Kenny Stills has shown flashes, but is not yet a consistent producer.  So it also is telltale that our most explosive passing game options are an all world tight end who is still learning, and 2 spectacular pass receiving running backs.  Look for our first round draft choice to be a speed burner wide out.  Where have you gone Devery Henderson?

Our defense obviously took a major blow when it lost Jabari Greer, who had lost a step already.  Our safeties are having to camouflage our lack of speed at linebacker.  Seattle was a match up nightmare for a defense that is fading.  I couldn’t believe the number of times the Saints only rushed three, allowing emerging superstar Russell Wilson to bide his time while his receivers outran our defenders.  Not the right formula.   Bigger, stronger and faster is a better one, and spreading the field increases the advantage.  The Seahawks were bigger, stronger, and faster and it all made me go to bed early.  Guessing we’ll see teams spreading the field out.  We’ll see more emphasis on stopping Graham, Sproles, and Thomas, meaning Moore, Stills, and Meachum must step up. 

This stretch of the schedule is proving as brutal as I thought it would be.  Two months ago who could have predicted that a surging Panther team would be licking their chops in anticipation of a relevant Superdome visit, and one that comes on the heels of the Saints looking vulnerable.  Will the crowd provide enough lift to compensate for the Saints lack of prep time?  Will Brees again look like he’s in brick galoshes compared to a young QB?  Will the Saints preserve at least a first round bye in the playoffs now that home field advantage appears out of reach?  By the time the clock strikes midnight Sunday night we’ll have our answer.

At the Cinema - November 2013

12 Years A Slave – 9
This is an amazingly well-done movie that is not at all enjoyable to watch. It is so intense and graphic that it wears you down as if the plantation owner is abusing you.  But he’s not.  Not even close.  Is there still anyplace where humans are treated this way?  That this is easily the best movie ever about slavery has been pretty well established.  It doesn't make it easy to watch

Chiwetel Ejiofor joins the Oscar discussion with his portrayal of Solomon Northrup, a free man who is kidnapped and enslaved.  If you’ve seen this actor’s incredible work in movies like “Serenity” this won’t surprise you.  He's great here.  His nuances are riveting as Northrup must keep his secret as the key to survival.  This is based on the memoirs of Northrup, who was a musician living in Saratoga, New York when he was lured away, chained, and sent to Louisiana.  Director Steve McQueen spares no detail of what it must have been like.  This is a contender for best picture and many other honors.  Michael Fassbender plays the sadistic and relentless plantation owner with a passion that is scary.    If you see this movie you will likely be equally impressed and horrified.  You will also just sit there in a silent theater as the credits roll.

Hunger Games:  Catching Fire – 8

If you liked the first Hunger Games, you’ll like this one.   Because, as is the case with many sequels, it’s much the same movie.  That is not to say that it isn’t extremely well done, because it is.  Knowing nothing about the book, as usual, I was certainly hoping for a little variety.  What I got, is an amped up version of the first movie.  If the job of this movie was to get me excited about the final movie of the trilogy, it succeeded.  These two movies are well-produced, well-acted, well-written, and just engaging enough to leave you wanting a little more.  I guess that's the point. 

Dallas Buyer’s Club – 8

If you always thought Matthew McConaughey was a great actor that just needed the right vehicle to showcase his talent, your faith will be rewarded with this movie.  I was never in that number, but here he is emerging as an Oscar contender by losing a lot of weight so that he can portray an Aids victim and activist.  Ron Woodruff was a wild living Texas cowboy who contracted HIV around 1985 just in time to be in the midst of the Aids epidemic and hysteria.  When he was given 30 days to live, he got serious about prolonging his life.  His research found that the U.S. was behind the curve and he became a major importer of more effective drugs.  Soon he had Aids patients lining up and joining his club to get access to his treatment.  Of course this didn’t go over too well with entities like the border patrol, the FDA, and the doctors treating Aids patients.

McConaughey attacks the role with a sometimes uneven gusto, but there’s no denying the power of his performance.  The subject matter is unpleasant and seemly.  It’s not easy to watch at times, but you shall be entertained.

Muscle Schoals – 8

If you like rock, pop, or soul music, this is the movie for you.  This is a documentary about the Muscle Shoals sound, which originated in a little studio run by a guy named Rich Hall.  His life story would make a movie by itself.  He opened Fame studios in 1961 in the little Alabama town on the Tennessee River.  Hit after hit flowed out of that studio, then the house band quit to form their own studio.  The rivalry of the two studios ebbed and flowed with more hits for decades.

You will be amazed at the legacy of song after song, artist after artist.  The Rolling Stones?  Check.  Wilson Pickett?  Check.  Bob Seger?  Check.  It goes on and on.  Why spoil one revelation after another.  If you get a chance, see this.  It’s not a perfect documentary, but for a music lover, it’s a little bit of heaven.

Scanning the Satellite 

Legendary Nights:  the Tale of Gatti-Ward - 9
If you are a boxing fan you’ve got to see this HBO documentary.  It is the amazing chronicle of the 3 light-heavyweight fights between “Irish” Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti.  The movie “The Fighter” is based on the first fight, and despite Hollywood’s penchant for playing it up, well it turns out you can’t even imagine what these 30 blood soaked rounds were like.  You have to see them.  When Jim Lampley calls round 9 of the first fight the greatest round of boxing he ever saw, you know that it has to be amazing.  When they meet again in the emergency room after the fights that tells you all you need to know.   Oddly, at only an hour and 20 minutes, this documentary goes on too long, as everyone gets their chance to describe things that have already been visually stated all they needed to be.  Still, this is a “don’t miss” for any sports fan. 

Killing Them Softly (2012) – 6

If you like Brad Pitt you’ll love this gabfest of a movie about hit men running their mouth way too much before they get around to their professional tasks.  The late James Gandolfini and Pitt are the hit men and the yammering is punctuated by slow motion and graphic violence.  There is little of redeeming value here other than the actors and their portrayals of low lifes.  Interesting to note that this movie, like 12 Years a Slave, was mostly filmed in Louisiana, although it takes place in New England.  Pitt fell in love with New Orleans, has a home in the French quarter, and is heroically helping to revitalize the 9^th ward with his Make It Right foundation.  By filming so many movies in Louisiana, he continues to contribute to the economic recovery.  This is a dark and lonely film.  Guess hit men have feelings after all.

Sport In America:  Our Defining Stories – 8
There are familiar and unfamiliar stories in this HBO Special about the impact of events and teams on individuals and communities.  Triggered by terrific documentary work like ESPN’s “30 for 30” film series , the NFL Network’s “A Football Life” series, and HBO’s perennial emmy-winning series “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” we are in a golden age of sports documentaries.  Fiction is wonderful but nothing can touch the real life stories we get about the passion of sports.  Which brings me to

A Football Life – Steve Gleason (NFL Network) – 9

I guess this is not technically a movie, but holy cow, what an enthralling hour.  I was there the night that the Superdome reopened after Hurricane Katrina and saw Steve Gleason block Atlanta’s punt, thus electrifying an entire region.  As most know by now, Gleason suffers from MLS, and is deteriorating, but refusing to surrender to the disease.  With the help of his wife Michelle, and his “teamgleason” he’s setting up foundations, increasing awareness, and climbing Machu Peechu.  It’s all just incredibly inspiring.  Expect a tractor pull on your heartstrings.   No White Flags.

Saints Report # 11 - November 21, 2013

This was going to be the year.  I had budgeted myself to buy another jersey.  But not just any jersey.  I was finally going to get my Pierre Thomas jersey.  When I went to order one I was dismayed to find out they weren’t being sold this year.  Big Mistake.  With the way Pierre played Thursday night in the Saints 17 – 13 victory over the Falcons, a return to market may be in order. 

Drew Brees is undoubtedly the best player the Saints have ever had.  But it may be Pierre that best exemplifies the heart and character of the Sean Payton era.  While the Saints rarely depend on Thomas, when they do turn to him, he’s ready.  At the game I said almost nothing to the Falcon fan sitting next to me, but after one of Thomas’s clutch plays in the 4^th quarter, I turned to him and said simply, “Now that’s a football player.”  I should have added that to get him to fumble you have to knock him out.  That’s how dependable he is.  I’ll always believe that if he not been ko’d early in the 49’ers 2011 playoff victory over the Saints, New Orleans would already be a 2 ring town.

 In a league where a 35 – 31 final seems to be about average, the Saints and Falcons continue to hold a twice yearly throwback bowl that usually ends up about 17-14 or 21- 17.  Thomas gained 130 yards from scrimmage as the Saints grinded to their 3^rd victory in 12 days.  While the Saints started lethargic and fatigued, it was Thomas who seemed fresh.  Jimmy Graham continued his all-pro pace with one of his best games as a Saint.  The Saints dominated defensively, and while the absence of Jabari Greer is troublesome, if the front four led by Cameron Jordan continue to play this way, the secondary coverage time will be reduced, and that’s the secret to a great NFL defense.

Pierre has now quietly moved into 4^th place on the Saints all-time rushing list with 3460 yards.  He has passed Rueben Mayes and Chuck Muncie.  Let’s hope they keep putting the ball in his hands.  A credible running game is a must as the December stretch run begins.  It starts with the Seahawks in a Monday night matchup that has ESPN salivating.  Don't miss it.

Saints Report #10 - November 17, 2013

Beleaguered placekicker Garrett Hartley staved off unemployment during the week, then hammered three straight 4^th quarter field goals including the game winner as time expired to give the Saints a 23 – 20 victory over the hated San Francisco 49’ers Sunday in the Superdome. 

How did they do it?  Well it sure wasn’t easy.  The Saints were uncharacteristically sloppy, committing three turnovers and two led to Niner scores.  The defense again continued its recent progress, holding the 49’ers to under 200 yards total offense.  The Dome was rocking, and so was Rob Ryan’s defense which shut down the 49’ers running game. 

Much is made of the Drew Brees – Sean Payton connection   Their synergy is truly amazing and it becomes most evident when the clock is winding down in a half.  Most fans of football teams lament poor clock management, and the Saints have not been immune from that malady.  But in this game it was magnificent clock management by Payton in the 4^th quarter that put the Saints in position to dominate the last 2 minutes.  He milked 3 plays between the 2:11 mark and the two minute warning.  The defense nearly broke the 20-20 tie with a safety, but they forced a three and out, then Brees took over.

The crispness of the Saints 2 minute offense can be directly traced to  Brees – Payton commication.  It’s no coincidence that they’ve done this over and over.  It’s a well-rehearsed drill and it’s impressive.  It’s just another thing that Saints fans shouldn’t be taking for granted.   It’s not just that Drew Brees, Marques Colston, and Pierre Thomas among others, know exactly what their job is with the game on the line, it’s that they execute it so well, so often.  This won’t last forever, but is sure enjoyable, and it’s such a contrast from the Saints first 3 decades when we watched other teams (like the 49’ers) out-execute and thus execute the Saints.   In this game Marques Colston became the all-time passing reception yardage leader for the Saints.   Having watched the well-oiled connection since Colston was drafted, is there a more underrated but more consistent player than Colston?

I’m still not sure if the Saints are good enough to go all the way.  Can the defense continue to improve, especially with what looked like a severe injury to Jabari Greer?  Can Malcolm Jenkins ever cover Vernon Davis?  Can the defensive line continue to pressure the quarterback?  Can the offensive line continue it’s much improved play?  Can Payton continue to call running plays?

Next test is a quick one as the Saints travel to Atlanta Thursday night where the Falcons will undoubtedly be trying to salvage one meaningful win out of a lost season.  The Seahawks have a bye week to get ready for the Saints.  This isn’t going to be any easier than this game was, but if the game is within reach and it comes down to the last few minutes, Brees and Payton know exactly what they’re doing.  You can’t say they aren’t battle-tested.

Saints Report #9 - November 10, 2013

There is only one thing that guarantees a victory in an NFL game.  The one, irrevocable truth.  That one thing that if you accomplish it means you will not lose.   It’s the only sure thing in the history of the NFL.

Here it is:

Make 40 first downs. 

The Saints became the first team to ever do that as they strafed the Dallas Cowboys 49 – 17 Sunday night.  Never have the Saints gained more yards in a game.  Never has Sean Payton’s offense looked more efficient.  But for a Sproles muffed punt, an onside kick successfully pulled off by the Cowboys, and another unemployment application by Garret Hartley, the Saints came as close to perfection as possible.  Against a badly depleted Cowboy defense, the Saints offensive line redeemed themselves for their performance of a week ago against the Jets when they got manhandled.  The Saints ran the ball better than they have in years, with even Mark Ingram achieving a career high 145 yards.  Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles were equally effective as the Saints and a magnificent Brees put on an offensive clinic.  It must have felt like a mini-camp.

What we saw was a Dallas defense devastated by injuries just as much of the NFL is.  The schedule turns tougher and forces get depleted.  Saints Defensive Rookie of the year candidate Kenny Vaccaro, who has been the lynchpin to the Ryan turn around on defense, suffered a severe concussion and has already been ruled out for the 49’ers game.  He joins safeties Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins on the injury list and the key to this huge game will be preventing a breakout game from Colin Kapernick, who so far has not been spectacular. 

Great games ahead.  You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Saints Report #8 - November 3, 2013

As the Saints were getting manhandled by the Jets in their 26-20 loss Sunday, many fans were probably cringing as Saints castoff Chris Ivory ran wild.  Not me.  I was happy for him.  You see he’s landed on a team that is committed to power football and the run.  If Chris Ivory were still playing for the Saints he’d be standing on the sideline watching the Saintsations.  The Saints already have some good running backs that they don’t know what to do with.  The Saints could have Jim Brown, OJ Simpson and Walter Payton and they’d be fresh as a daisy because they’d each be getting 5 carries and picking up blitzes. 

No, it’s not Ivory I was missing.  It was guys like Carl Nicks, Jermond Bushrod, and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.  I was reminded of one of Jim Mora’s famous rants when he said “we couldn’t run the ball, we didn’t try to run the ball.”  That would describe this year’s Saints and Sean Payton who continues to call plays like it’s a video game.  I understand.  We have a great quarterback.  But he needs a little help now and then.    

Coach Payton, yes you have to outsmart the other coach with creative play calling.  But football is still a game of power, and sometimes you just have to line up and smack the other team in the mouth.  That’s certainly what the Jets did Sunday.  They overpowered the Saints on the line of scrimmage.  Low points included a 3^rd and 1 two-play sequence where every team in America would have handed it to their fullback and just pushed.  The Saints did, but the Jets had called time-out.  So, did you think they’d just try that again?  Ha.  A dropped pass and a horrible reverse blew that opportunity.  Trying to be too cute.  As Amanda Shaw would sing, “Pretty don’t last.”  Dropped passes and crucial penalties made matters worse. 

Here’s the scoop.  As the weather cools, it becomes more important, especially on the road, to go out and play a little power football.  Run the ball, control the clock, establish a power superiority, take the crowd out of it by grinding it out, jam the ball down the other teams’ throat, demoralizing them.  We saw that on Sunday, but we saw it from the Jets.   The Saints act like they’re allergic to the run. 

The bad news is, at the half way point the Saints are 6 – 2, with injuries mounting, and the schedule about to turn nasty.  Dallas and the 49ers are coming to visit, and two games remain with the surprising Carolina Panthers who have to be smelling blood at this point.  Then there’s the biggest matchup of all, with the Seahawks, who will be waiting in Seattle.  Most of these are power football teams.  The Saints need to solve their offense line problems or we’re going to see too much of Brees running for his life, running backs not running, and a steady parade of 3^rd and 18’s.

It can’t be pretty.  It won’t be pretty.  It doesn’t need to be pretty.  Pretty don’t last.  Power does.

At the Cinema - October 2013

Gravity – 9
You’ll like this movie if you like Jim Valvano, Space Movies, and Sandra Bullock. 
The late basketball coach Jim Valvano is famous for his last speech before dying of cancer.  He said “Never give up,” and that is the only choice Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) has as she is set adrift after a space accident.   Her perseverance as she is buffeted through space is the emotional hook in a movie bound to amaze you.

The visual hook is cinematography like nothing you’ve ever seen.  I guess it’s cinematography.  Maybe it’s just computer graphics.  Whatever it is, it is stunning.  And here’s a sentence I don’t say often – see it in 3-D.  Somehow director Alfonso Cuaron has captured space as we think it is. 

Dr. Stone and Mission Commander Matt Kowalski, played by George Clooney, are space walking at their space station trying to do some repairs, when the station is destroyed by debris that is circling the earth.  This won’t be the last encounter with the debris, and are those scenes something to behold!  Quite simply, there’s never been a film like this.  It’s even relatively short at 90 minutes.  The story is told well, economically, and memorably. 

There is only one quibble with this movie.  The music and the soundtrack are over the top.  This is a visual movie, that needs little dramatic emphasis, but for some reason the soundtrack explodes at times with music and sound effects that are meant to heighten the drama, but instead distract from it.  I love music and great sound effects, so for me to object to the sound is really saying something. I’d like to see this movie without the musical effects.  The panorama that fills the screen needs no emphasis.

 

Captain Phillips – 9

You’ll like this movie if you like Tom Hanks, True Stories, and Military Muscle. 
One of my favorite underrated movies of the last few years is director Paul Greengrass’ United 93.  He told the amazing story of the plane which crashed into the Pennsylvania farm country on 9/11 when the passengers overthrew the terrorists who had taken over their flight.  Greengrass did a magnificent job telling this story but let’s face it – no one really knows what happened on the plane that day.  All the witnesses are dead.

Not so here.  Captain Phillips is the real life captain of a ship that was taken over by Somali Pirates in 2009.  He lived to tell his tale, write a book, and be played by Tom Hanks in one of those first class action movies that Greengrass does so well. 

Tom Hanks isn’t Bruce Willis, or any type of action hero.  He’s just an everyman trying to use his wits and experience to survive and keep his crew safe.  He becomes a hostage, and the interplay between Captain Phillips and his squabbling captors is the anchor of the movie.  The desperation of both parties is illuminated as the minutes tick away.  The suspense is on a steady build until the Navy Seals arrive, bringing the full power of the US military to rescue an American at risk.  If at the 2 hour mark of the film Hanks hasn't staked his claim to an Oscar, he surely does in the final 15 minutes.  All quite impressive. 

 

Scanning the Satellitea

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) – 9

I missed this wonderful little movie when it came out last year.  Had I seen it then, I know what I would have done.  I would have run right out and bought the CD to relive the great music. 

Emma Watson is enchanting as a High School senior who befriends a befuddled freshman in Pittsburgh in 1991.  Her name is Sam, and she not only welcomes the awkward freshman Charlie to “the island of misfit toys” but becomes his first crush.  You remember that first high school crush don’t you?  The hurt, the elation, the music.  It’s all here.

Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, is more than a wallflower.  He has secrets of his own and they frame  his freshman year, which begins by him counting the days until he graduates.  At least I never did that.  Hats off to Writer/Director Stephen Chombsky for a new take on an experience we all remember, but haven't seen much of since John Hughes left us.

Saints Report #7 - October 27, 2013

The New Orleans Saints extended their record to 6 – 1 on Sunday with a 35 -17 victory over the Buffalo Bills, but not before they extended their bye week by more than a quarter and a half.  It was late in the first half, with the Saints trailing 10 – 7, and looking lethargic and out of sync on offense, when the urgency of the clock shook the offense out of the doldrums, and the Saints busted loose for 2 touchdowns.  I have to admit that a hint of worry was creeping in when Brees and company began to matriculate their way to a 21-10 halftime lead.

The familiarity of the Saints system was undoubtedly helpful to the Bills staff, many of whom were on Payton’s staff when he first arrived.  The Bills started the game with a read option – quarterback keeper that they would never run again.  Linebacker David Hawthorne, who is making it look like Jonathan Vilma may have a problem cracking the lineup if and when he comes back, absolutely creamed QB Thad Lewis.  It was a “welcome to the NFL” moment for Lewis, who although he fumbled on the play and was down for 3 minutes, came back to acquit himself pretty well.   The Saints failed to capitalize because a) Sean Payton still doesn’t realize 2^nd and 4 is a good thing, and certainly not the down and distance to go to an empty backfield/shotgun play, and b) Garrett Hartley is back to pulling his field goal attempts, which he did twice on the day.  John Carney probably has some missed calls on his iphone.  Are we sure Thomas Morestead can’t place kick?  He seems to drill every kickoff through the uprights, and it just seems like he’s got a 70 yard attempt in his future.

Every QB has a rough time with pressure, but while he makes an occasional mistake, nobody is better under duress than Drew Brees, and his 5 touchdown passes while he was getting clubbed around was pretty impressive.  The Saints biggest evolving weakness and thus their main playoff obstacle is their offensive line.  Even though Pierre Thomas is a reliable 4 to 5 yards a carry, no one is going to mistake the Saints for a running team.  Brees set an NFL record by throwing 5 td's for the 8^th time, and someday I hope to have grandchildren on my knee so I can tell them I saw him play.  He's the ticket.

So, like the Super Bowl march of 2009, the Saints get to preview the stadium where the “Big Game” will be played.  They travel to play the New York Jets who are on the standard week-off/week-on program of many .500 teams.  They upset the Patriots, then got embarrassed by the Bengals and sit at 4-4.  The Ryan Bowl should be interesting.

Saints Report #6 - October 13, 2013

The New Orleans Saints were eased out of the unbeaten ranks Sunday 30-27 by the New England Patriots when a frustrated Tom Brady threw a game-winning touchdown pass with 5 second left.  The story of this game was that Brady and the Patriots, down by 1, then 4, squeezed 3 possessions out of the last 3 and a half minutes.  I can’t account for an unexplained critical clock stoppage at 2:26 after a Saints running play, but the Saints just couldn’t control the clock, and it cost them when Brady led his last drive after getting the ball back with 1:13 and 70 yards to navigate with no timeouts .  He made it look easy.

Sometimes one team deserves to win and doesn’t.  Sometimes it’s the opposite.  This was a game where I can honestly say both teams played well enough to win.  Patriot’s coach Bill Belichick’s defensive plan was masterful as he took away Jimmy Graham completely by putting a cornerback on him.  Aqib Tahib shut the tight end down with no catches.  Expect this to be a blue print going forward for every team in the league. 

New Saints took up the slack.  Rookies Khiry Robinson and Kenny Stills scored, as did 2^nd year running back Tavaris Cadet.  But with Lance Moore still sidelined, Robert Meachum ineffective, and Marques Colston almost as blanketed as Graham, Brees options were limited.  Despite great protection most of the game, Brees had trouble finding open receivers.  The Saints ran the ball effectively at times, but refused to make it easy.   If I see another empty backfield on 2^nd and 4, with no threat that they might run, I’m going to throw up.  Sean (EDIAPD) Payton just can’t take what the defense gives him.  He wants more, more, more. 

The Saints were dominated in the first half and trailed 17 – 7 at the half.  As you would expect with their veteran leadership, they battled back to tie, and finally take the lead. 

Four years ago, in the magical 13-0 start on their way to their Championship, the Patriots came to the dome to provide a measuring stick for the Saints.  The Saints dominated that contest and it was a huge validation win.  This time the measuring stick yielded a different result.  The Saints are a very good team.  They aren’t great yet, but the potential is there.  A few holes got revealed, like the lack of a deep threat, and a heavy reliance on a few players who can be taken out of the game.  Their clock management was inexplicable in the last 3 minutes, but at least they fell victim to a great QB, not an average one.  That’s going to happen, but it doesn’t lessen the pain.

Now it’s a week off, and then a tough 10 games to complete the season  In the NFL, you can’t take anything for granted. 

Saints Report # 5 - October 6, 2013

The curse is broken.  The Soldier Field curse.  Drew Brees had never won at Soldier Field in three previous tries, and the Saints hadn’t had much luck there throughout their history.  All that changed on Sunday when the Saints went in and exerted their muscle on the usual sloppy Chicago field, 26 – 18, moving to a perfect 5-0.

The Saints defense was again impressive, although they allowed Jay Cutler some yardage.  The Saints ran the ball a little more than usual, and Sean “every down is a passing down” Payton turned to the reliable Pierre Thomas, who caught two touchdown passes, one on his patented screen pass to complement the Graham and Sproles show.  Pierre and his mates ran the ball effectively helping the Saints control the clock with their short passing game.  The effect is that they’re keeping the defense fresh. 

Da Bears played like they were the visiting team.  They fumbled on their first play from scrimmage, committed a critical offsides in the final minutes, and dropped a perfect 4^th and 1 pass.  They seemed jittery.  The Saints took full advantage.

So now there are three.  The Saints joined the surprising Kansas City Chiefs, and the not surprising Denver Broncos as the last of the undefeated teams in the NFL.  The meat of the schedule is ahead, and it’s off to New England against a Patriot team that is sure to be in a foul mood, with a returning Rob Gronkowsi on Sunday.  Saints fans are getting that 09 feeling again and who can blame them? 

At the Cinema - September 2013

Elysium – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a.  Science Fiction
b.  Matt Damon
c.  Heroes and Villains

Matt Damon is Max, a car thief of the future, but he’s been convicted and he’s therefore watched closely even though he toils away in a mundane job.  When he gets radiation poisoning on that job, he can easily get cured, but not on earth – only on Elysium, a space station circling earth populated with the rich and privileged. They have all the luxuries of the future on Elysium, and they guard them closely.  The Secretary of Defense is played coldly by Jodi Foster who grew into a mature lady while we weren’t looking.

All this is ludicrous of course, but good science fiction makes it believable, and this all seems to work.  Matt’s poisoning has made him weak, so he has to get outfitted with hardware welded to him so that he becomes a robotic superman.  Transformer-like battles ensue as Damon tries to make the commute from Los Angeles to Elysium.  Director Neill Blomkamp inexplicably became a hot property after his District 9 became a hit, although I didn’t care for it at all.  He redeems himself here with a more entertaining metaphorical leap.  We’re headed for separate planets (or space stations) with the widening divide between the haves and the have-nots.  I guess the Conservatives get a planet, and the Liberals get a planet.  Let’s hope there’s a third choice.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler - 7
You’ll like this movie if you like:
a.  Historical Perspective
b.  Interesting Characters
c.  Great Acting

This is an interesting movie in many ways.  Unfortunately, it is also deceptive.  If you walked in off the street knowing nothing you would believe that this is a true story of a man (not Lee Daniels - he's the director) who is a White House butler through several administrations.  You would be wrong.

Forest Whitaker plays The Butler, Cecil Gaines, a character “based on a true story.”  It’s loosely based on Eugene Allen, who was a White House servant through 8 administrations, and a whole lot of discrimination.  Oprah Winfrey plays his wife, and they both do a great job.  There is a parade of Presidential caricatures’ as the movie unfolds, with the emphasis on the Civil Rights movement, and one can’t help wonder what’s real and what isn’t. 

Did Ronald Reagan really think he was on the wrong side of the civil rights movement even as he was unwinding legislation?  Did Nancy Reagan really invite a Butler and his wife to a state dinner?  What’s real here?  Should I really have to research a movie when I leave to find out what was real and what was fictional?

We watch Forrest Gump and we understand that it is just entertainment.  Here, we are baffled.

But, that doesn’t mean there isn’t significant merit to the movie.  It does a fine job weaving old footage of key historical events with character evolution as the years go by in Gaines’ life.  Most interesting is his relationship with a rebellious son who is in the thick of key events. 
All of which is interesting, but too important to be a mishmash of truth and fiction, one that made me more and more uncomfortable as I learned more.  Movies like this can be so important.  The truth is fascinating enough.  Why leave us guessing?

In a World… - 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. An original subject
b. Movie Trailers
c. Voice Overs

It seems talented actresses like Lake Bell and Brit Marling (The East) have to write their own movies to land a decent role.  In this case Lake also has to direct and produce.  That’s a shame, because here Lake Bell the wonderful actress gets let down by Lake Bell the writer, producer, and director.    This is a wonderful premise that never quite ignites.

Lake plays Carol Solomon, a vocal coach who longs to break through the male-dominated profession of movie voice overs.  One of the males that dominates is her own father, a bundle of ego who has no intention of letting his daughter break through.  Another male is Don LaFontaine, the author of the famous “In a world where” preface to so many movie trailers.  LaFontaine has died (he actually died 5 years ago) and the studio wants to revive his signature phrase, perhaps even with a woman.  Carol should be so lucky. 

Unfortunately, this wonderful backdrop deteriorates into a couple of love story soap operas that we’ve seen a million times.  Too bad.  Nice try, in a world where women have to write movies to get a decent role.

The Family – 4

You’ll like this movie if you like:
a.  Waterboarding for fun
b.  Dianna Agron
c.  Tedium

This movie is so shockingly tedious that you’ll wonder who green-lighted the script.  I feared the worst but agreed to go because of the presence of the beautiful Agron, whose charisma is sorely missed on Glee.  I would have rather watched an interview of her, or just a still picture, or paint dry.

The biggest problem here is that this is as humorless a movie as one could imagine, and it is sorely in need of humor, anything to break the monotony of seeing Robert DeNiro play Robert DeNiro for the 23^rd consecutive movie.  Michelle Pfeifer and Agron are wasted.  You see, DeNiro testified against his mob buddies and he and his Munchasen family are in witness protection under a dour Tommy Lee Jones.  Even the inevitable violent ending is dull. 

I can’t think of a single reason to make this movie, and I surely can’t think of a reason to see it.  Another high school role for Agron surely wasn’t it.  Note to Hollywood:  Dianna Agron is a potential star and it’s time for her to graduate from high school and take on an adult role.  That might be worth seeing.   This wasn’t.

Saints Report #4 - September 30, 2013

The undefeated Miami Dolphins came to the Superdome for a check on their progress Monday night and left dazed and confused.  They fell victim to another Monday night showcase by Drew Brees, who passed for over 400 yards in a 38-17 shellacking.   This will all be forgotten by Sunday morning when the talking heads, an average 7 per pregame show, resume rhapsodizing about Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.  That’s a shame because through 4 games Brees has kept pace with Manning.  He does everything they do. 

The bad news for the NFL is that the Saints offense for the first time looked in rhythm and in sync.  The Dolphins learned that there is just no way to cover David and Goliath, Darren Sproles and jimmy Graham.  They each had 100 yards in receiving and Marques Colston came close.  The Saints were still unable to establish much of a running game, but rookie Khiry Robinson got some playing time while Mark Ingram was inactive with turf toe.  He may be inactive for a while as Robinson makes Ingram look like he’s running in concrete galoshes.

Meanwhile the defense continues to surprise.  They continue to create turnovers and now the offense is capitalizing.  A few extra possessions a game, good red zone defense, and field position advantage gained through an efficient kicking game are all very positive indicators.

But, here’s reality.  The Saints desperately needed to start off 4 – 0, because now the schedule is brutal.  It’s not just that they have to play Chicago, Seattle, and New England, but they have to travel to do it.  Trips are ahead to play the Jets, Falcons, Panthers and Rams, and the Cowboys and 49’ers are among the dome visitors ahead.  This was the start they needed.  Four in the bank is a nice deposit.

Saints Report #3 - September 22, 2013

The story of many a life is to get things backward.  I admit it.  My Saints analysis was completely backwards.  The 31-7 slow burn they did on the Arizona Cardinals was the proof.

I didn’t think the Saints defense could transform so quickly, but they have.  After an opening drive for a touchdown the Cardinals were completely stifled by the Saints defense.  The D has developed a most important commodity – a pass rush.  That has allowed 1^st round pick Kenny Vaccaro, and free agent cornerback Keenan Lewis to thrive in the secondary (when did you ever think you’d hear that phrase) and they both picked off passes from Carson Palmer to prove it.  The line play, led by Cameron Jordan has blossomed, and the Saints defense has dominated each game.  It's almost as if Ricky Jackson has suited up.

The new defensive confidence was in evidence as the second half began to wind down, and with the Cardinals trying to drive, Sean Payton kept calling time-outs as if to assist them.  It became obvious at that point he didn’t think there was any way Palmer could hurt the Saints, much less score. 

The offense is another story.  I don’t know if it’s a good sign or a bad sign that Robert Meachum caught the Saints first touchdown pass.  The Chargers released him, reportedly because he’d lost his hands, his speed, and his body control.  A chemistry with Phillip Rivers never developed either.  That he has been able to slide right into his old role with the Saints makes me wonder.  Good or Bad?  I liked our young receivers, but is Meachum better?

Well, we know the Saints can’t run the ball.  They don’t try much, and only when they had worn the Cardinals down in the 4^th quarter did they accumulate any ground yardage.  Again, is this good or bad?

When your quarterback is your most effective rusher going into the 4^th quarter, and he’s not doing any read option, well, is this good or bad?  Is our run blocking bad because it’s an afterthought?

The offense isn’t clicking yet, although they did a nice job on the short drives, and no one can keep Jimmy Graham off the backboard, I mean out of the end zone.  If they can add a running game, or if Payton will call a running play in something other than a short yardage situation, and the offense becomes a little more consistent, well, I could get some of my questions answered.  For now, I'll lean to "good."

Saints Report # 2 - September 15, 2013

The 60^th minute (or is it the 59^th) of the first two games of the season have been berry berry good to the New Orleans Saints.  They Breesed into Tampa and got beat up and pushed around by a Tampa Bay team that seemed to have the game in hand at about the 58 minute mark.  The Saints offense played sloppily under duress and then pulled out a field goal on the last play of the game to edge the Bucs 16-14.  Fortunately, NFL games go 60 minutes. 

Like many football games, there were some surprises:

Surprise – the Bucs harassed Drew Brees into several mistakes and a most uneven performance.

No Surprise – the Saints couldn’t or wouldn’t put a running game into play.

Surprise – the Saints defense continued to perform well

No Surprise – Quiet Storm Marques Colston came through with a huge clutch catch to set up the winning field goal as time expired.

Surprise – The Saints took a field goal off the board to go for a touchdown

No Surprise – Mark Ingram couldn’t get the job done from inside the 1.

Surprise – Coach Payton continued to use Mark Ingram while Pierre Thomas is clearly better in almost every capacity.

No Surprise – Drew Brees bounced back from some poor throws with a stellar drive to the winning field goal.

Surprise – The Saints defense is causing turnovers.

No Surprise – with the Saints defense playing this well, they start off 2-0. 

This was a tough road win.  Good teams often win when maybe they don’t quite deserve it.  Saints fans would do well to forget the how, and just enjoy the record.

Meanwhile, we just have to beat the dead horse.  Once again Coach Payton is persistently trying to extract value from a first round pick used on a running back.  Can’t help but wonder why Payton doesn’t see on film what we can all see on TV.

 

So, recalling the heat Reggie Bush took, thought it was time for a thoughtful comparison:

	Reggie Bush	Mark Ingram
College Accolades	Heisman surrendered	Still has Heisman.
Dancing behind the line	Dances too much	Won’t dance, don’t ask him
Hitting the hole	Hesitant to hit the line	Wouldn’t recognize a hole
Taking on tacklers	Quick to run out of bounds	Not quick enough to get to the sideline
Evasiveness	Tried to run away from tacklers	Seeks out tacklers
Power	Not a power back	Powerless
Penalties	Got taunting penalties	Has nothing to taunt about
Moves	Jukes and Jives	Straight ahead runner
Breaking tackles	Very rarely	Breaking hearts
Blitz Pickups	Not a strong suit	Watch out Drew!
Feet	Quick feet	Feet in Concrete
Social Life	Dated Kim Kardashian	On twitter
Injuries	Injury prone	Injury prone
Vertical Jump	Could leap tall buildings	Would run straight into a building
Catching Passes	Great hands	Unknown