I haven't commented on the state of UM since the ganking of Randy Shannon, until now.
1. The Gruden rumors seem a little far-fetched. Yet its continually reported (and by good sources), the timing is curious (NFL collective bargaining lockout), and the administration wants to spend the dough to get a good coach. $3 million a year? That's enough to have him at least listen. Based on the athletic director's comments, you better make a big splash... and there's no bigger splash than Gruden.
2. As for right now... We suck, but we have the talent not to suck. When you commit penalties and turnovers, you suck. When you don't play up to your potential, and down to other teams' talent, YOU SUCK. No, Miami wasn't more talented than Ohio State. But we certainly had more in the gun than South Florida, Virginia Tech, and freaking UVA (see why you don't lose to UVA here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RidU6ILUQNE and here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zKxcXfKYgY&feature=related).
We're the 4th best team in the state of Florida. When, if ever, has that ever been said about Miami?
3. Randy Shannon needed the axe. He needed it after he lost to UVA, yet the administration gave him the chance to right the ship. Additional losses to Virginia Tech and South Florida doomed his career.
Randy Shannon is an excellent defensive coordinator, solid recruiter, and overall great dude. But he is ill-equipped to deal with the pressures of an attractive head coaching position. He was simply a better #2 than #1. Think Scottie Pippen.
There were signs before the UVA game, though. The lack of discipline and mental toughness were evident due to the outrageous penalties, continuous turnovers, and erratic motivation of the players.
Shannon also mishandled the media. He refused to come on Sid Rosenberg's show because he asked tough questions. If you can't handle honest queries, how can you handle the pressure of the UM alumni, boosters, and fanbase? In addition, he didn't allow his two quarterbacks to speak to the media after the continued turnovers. That sends a bad message. Morris still hasn't spoken. Banning Twitter didn't work, either.
The Shannon era produced zero bowl wins, a losing record against postseason top 25 teams, a .500 record in a mediocre ACC, and at least 4 losses every year. Not good.
I'll give props. Fantastic citizens, outstanding academic and graduation rates, and solid recruiting make Randy Shannon a good asset to a football team. Asset, not head coach. On paper, I'd have to be insane to think that 2010 wouldn't be another stepping stone given the talent. But, I was unfortunately wrong.
4. I'm really not excited about many of the candidates. Richt said no. Dan Mullen? Edsall? That's not a splash. Honestly, there aren't that many big name coaches to match the volume of Kirby Hocutt's desire to return to "revelance."
Jim Harbaugh is almost an impossibility. Bill Cowher is also a nutty choice. Butch Davis? Urban Meyer and Nick Saban's salaries are huge at established title contenders. I'm trying to think outside the box here. Tommy Tuberville seems like a weak choice, given the connotations of the need to make an impact.
The wait continues. Hope for Gruden, but there's probably a 10% shot that he'll be in Miami.
Better than none, right?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
UM... and THEM.
Fire Randy Shannon. That’s the opinion that’s going on. Last week, I would have agreed that such is a reactionary and emotional. So let’s take the emotion out of it.
Is Randy Shannon the guy? I don’t know. We have at least one to two years of talent to make up for. Then again, UM is always talented. So, is that good enough? I saw there in the rain last year in Blacksburg. I watched as the penalties and interceptions racked up against Ohio State.
I try not to be emotional. I allow rationale and good judgment to enforce my decisions about UM. But I’m fucking pissed. I’m furious we lost to “THEM.” I’d rather lose to Duke. I’d be sick, but at least you can take medicine for a sickness.
As for the caller who yelled at Mr. Rosenburg for criticizing Randy Shannon, that’s bullshit. That’s part of his job… to put up with the heat, and to take the praise. So shut up, people. Criticism is healthy and necessary.
I applaud the university for its academics. I’m proud to be a fan of that. But do we have to sacrifice one for the other? Do we really have to choose between national championships and Rhodes Scholars? If so, it’s a fucking shame. If we must choose, and the administration is academics first (and inexpensive coaching)… who to replace Shannon? I don’t know… I’m asking.
We need a tight end, and O’Leary is going to FSU. We need more linemen… but who’s coming? The recruiting took a big hit.
We’ve improved every year under Randy Shannon. This year making it to the ACC title game is mandatory. If not, then I’m done. I’ve defended Shannon to the end… and I’ll continue to do so, unless we improve (reach the ACC title game). But I’m fucking pissed we lost to THEM.
I’m out. Go Sid.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Remembering Dr. McGehee, Part 2: Influence
One of the best facets of early pre-production is that you can gauge the interest, talent, and the faculties of your potential collaborator. You're essentially an idea salesman; what snags the really good folks is the idea... and most importantly, what you're going to do with it. When you have the capital to compensate that person, things get even better.
That being said, I have something huge coming down the pike. I dare say, it's larger than anything I've attempted. It's a bold piece of work, and I'll let the news trickle down as things become more concrete. It's developed past an idea, a story, and a sheet of paper.
I've recruited some pretty spectacular people thus far. Four, perhaps five after this week, talented individuals are on board and ready to do some remarkable things. I'm shocked at how many people are content to get a local job, and not pursue something meaningful with their education. I will not fall into such a rut. I've been building myself up to this point for years, and I've finally arrived.
It's thrilling.
--------------------
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite references was the "transforming power of education." He's right, and I had the pleasure to film him saying so. Education is a marvelously liberating and rewarding experience. It is almost entirely based on energy and its context in your life.
I remember the passion in his Sherlockian features as he lectured. There was nothing simple about his stories. I could actually smell the death at Gettysburg, feel the depression of Lincoln, and laugh in disgust at Imelda Marcos.
Something a lot of folks don't realize is that the man's "push and pull" was astounding. The more you gave in his classes, the more you got back. Lazy students were unwelcome and downright offensive to his person, as it should be.
-------------
I bitch about the government and goobers in general, but that's my personality. It was Dr. McGehee who commented to me that I was "becoming more radical with age." So I accept and embrace it. Some people just like to be pricks, and those are the folks whom I take issue with. But I am thankful for where I am and what I have become. Many say that "I probably wouldn't be here because of Person A." That's a detestably large understatement.
There are two reasons why I am where I am today. One reason is Kristen. She's awesome like that, and I was lucky she took my Miami Hurricane loving rear-end in. :) The second is Dr. McGehee. I can't begin to even describe what sort of pedestal I place him on. His words, wise counsel, unfathomable kindness, empathy, and comedy are things I take with me on a daily basis. I have a fundamental need to laugh often, and the easiest way to do so is to remember his words.
I ache to do these two people justice, and to make them proud of me. They deserve every inch of my creativity, heart, intelligence, and diligence.
So now I'm going to make my mark.
That being said, I have something huge coming down the pike. I dare say, it's larger than anything I've attempted. It's a bold piece of work, and I'll let the news trickle down as things become more concrete. It's developed past an idea, a story, and a sheet of paper.
I've recruited some pretty spectacular people thus far. Four, perhaps five after this week, talented individuals are on board and ready to do some remarkable things. I'm shocked at how many people are content to get a local job, and not pursue something meaningful with their education. I will not fall into such a rut. I've been building myself up to this point for years, and I've finally arrived.
It's thrilling.
--------------------
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite references was the "transforming power of education." He's right, and I had the pleasure to film him saying so. Education is a marvelously liberating and rewarding experience. It is almost entirely based on energy and its context in your life.
I remember the passion in his Sherlockian features as he lectured. There was nothing simple about his stories. I could actually smell the death at Gettysburg, feel the depression of Lincoln, and laugh in disgust at Imelda Marcos.
Something a lot of folks don't realize is that the man's "push and pull" was astounding. The more you gave in his classes, the more you got back. Lazy students were unwelcome and downright offensive to his person, as it should be.
-------------
I bitch about the government and goobers in general, but that's my personality. It was Dr. McGehee who commented to me that I was "becoming more radical with age." So I accept and embrace it. Some people just like to be pricks, and those are the folks whom I take issue with. But I am thankful for where I am and what I have become. Many say that "I probably wouldn't be here because of Person A." That's a detestably large understatement.
There are two reasons why I am where I am today. One reason is Kristen. She's awesome like that, and I was lucky she took my Miami Hurricane loving rear-end in. :) The second is Dr. McGehee. I can't begin to even describe what sort of pedestal I place him on. His words, wise counsel, unfathomable kindness, empathy, and comedy are things I take with me on a daily basis. I have a fundamental need to laugh often, and the easiest way to do so is to remember his words.
I ache to do these two people justice, and to make them proud of me. They deserve every inch of my creativity, heart, intelligence, and diligence.
So now I'm going to make my mark.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Remembering Dr. McGehee, Part 1
Hello all,
It's taken forever for me to get the courage to comment on the greatest loss of my life. It's still hard to even think about him. I have a picture of him in my office. Some may think that's weird, but I don't.
In any case, I'm going to post some short stories about him.
My first comes on the heels of LeBron James to Miami. Cleveland fans are weeping... and I understand that. Sports fans are passionate. But, it's just sports.
I'm a diehard, lifelong Miami Hurricanes fan. I've suffered through the sanctions post Erickson, watched the rise and departure of Butch Davis, been amazed by Ken Dorsey, royally pissed by the devolution under Coker, and now the hope to rise again under Randy Shannon. I pay attention to things like high school recruiting in Florida, jersey numbers, statistics... and I always pay humorous insults to Florida State.
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite quotes was: "Lawrence is the only Caucasian Miami Hurricane fan in America."
"Instead of rooting for the team from your own state, he instead chooses the team from his childhood. That's both psychotic and admirable."
Stuff like that. It was funny, sarcastic, and meant in the best of spirits. My classmates were highly entertained. He watched my face falter from week to week as Miami got worse. The jokes got funnier.
"I can't believe you're still wearing that fucking shirt. Damn, you're brave."
I went to see Kristen in California in Christmas 2005, easily the best three week span and best Christmas of my life. This was before she moved in with me on 4/1/06.
This was also the year Miami would fall out of the national elite. Miami got demolished by LSU in the Peach Bowl. It wasn't even close. But, it wasn't so bad. I was with the redhead. Kristen attests that the worse the Canes are, the quieter of a fan I am. Thankfully, my yelling has gotten louder since 2008.
I return to WV in January of 2006, just in time to jump into Dr. McGehee's Presidency class. His first statement when I walk through the door?
"Where have you been? I've been trying all break to get in touch with you. I thought you were on suicide watch or some damn thing because of Miami. How are you feeling?"
I laughed for three minutes. I then explained to him the situation of my winter. He smiled. When he met Kristen, he understood why.
Dr. McGehee was like that. He'd motivate you so completely to kick ass in the classroom, and then catch you off-guard with the most hilarious thing you've ever heard. I've got a bunch of stories, and I'm slowly going to tell them when the wind blows.
The world got a lot less interesting when it lost its best historian.
It's taken forever for me to get the courage to comment on the greatest loss of my life. It's still hard to even think about him. I have a picture of him in my office. Some may think that's weird, but I don't.
In any case, I'm going to post some short stories about him.
My first comes on the heels of LeBron James to Miami. Cleveland fans are weeping... and I understand that. Sports fans are passionate. But, it's just sports.
I'm a diehard, lifelong Miami Hurricanes fan. I've suffered through the sanctions post Erickson, watched the rise and departure of Butch Davis, been amazed by Ken Dorsey, royally pissed by the devolution under Coker, and now the hope to rise again under Randy Shannon. I pay attention to things like high school recruiting in Florida, jersey numbers, statistics... and I always pay humorous insults to Florida State.
One of Dr. McGehee's favorite quotes was: "Lawrence is the only Caucasian Miami Hurricane fan in America."
"Instead of rooting for the team from your own state, he instead chooses the team from his childhood. That's both psychotic and admirable."
Stuff like that. It was funny, sarcastic, and meant in the best of spirits. My classmates were highly entertained. He watched my face falter from week to week as Miami got worse. The jokes got funnier.
"I can't believe you're still wearing that fucking shirt. Damn, you're brave."
I went to see Kristen in California in Christmas 2005, easily the best three week span and best Christmas of my life. This was before she moved in with me on 4/1/06.
This was also the year Miami would fall out of the national elite. Miami got demolished by LSU in the Peach Bowl. It wasn't even close. But, it wasn't so bad. I was with the redhead. Kristen attests that the worse the Canes are, the quieter of a fan I am. Thankfully, my yelling has gotten louder since 2008.
I return to WV in January of 2006, just in time to jump into Dr. McGehee's Presidency class. His first statement when I walk through the door?
"Where have you been? I've been trying all break to get in touch with you. I thought you were on suicide watch or some damn thing because of Miami. How are you feeling?"
I laughed for three minutes. I then explained to him the situation of my winter. He smiled. When he met Kristen, he understood why.
Dr. McGehee was like that. He'd motivate you so completely to kick ass in the classroom, and then catch you off-guard with the most hilarious thing you've ever heard. I've got a bunch of stories, and I'm slowly going to tell them when the wind blows.
The world got a lot less interesting when it lost its best historian.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Blogging Eclipse
Today was one of those random days when nothing else was happening. We went to see Eclipse, no doubt influenced by its choice of directors. Again, we expect it to be shit... and hope for the best. The books are God-awful, so much so that I stopped reading after the second one (the absolute worst thing I've ever read). I'll be as honest as possible to better inform your spending decisions.
----
- I see at least 30 Iphones. It's like the plague.
- Now I see 50.
- The sound is way too fucking loud.
- The Deathly Hallows trailer is awesome. I will be there opening night with proverbial bells on.
----
- Texting during a film... how revolting. I wonder what vital, urgent matters are being discussed.
- A death, an early death at that. Could it be that there is some actual conflict in this film?
- Bella and Edward are again in a field. So they're hippies? However, they look a little less stoned than their usual flower-child sense. They must be Florida State fans.
- Wow, Robert and Kristen really aren't good actors. They're not Megan Fox, but certainly no award winners.
-The supporting characters are interesting, far more so than the main characters.
- Can we get some sort of petition to have Ashley Greene dance around in a cage?
- The back stories to the supporting characters give the story something it was missing.
- More death. David Slade's hand, no doubt.
- An infant cries. Why do people bring babies to the theater? Is that really in everyone's best interest?
- The Volturi are the laziest villains I've ever seen.
- Edward and Bella's dialogue is rough to listen to.
- Again, another nice back story for a supporting character.
- What's up with the Confederate soldier turned bad gone good routine?
- Nice shot overhead. Very 30 Days of Night.
- Bryce Dallas Howard is purdy. She should stay as a redhead.
- So Bella is the female Tiger Woods?
* Bella is prostituting her love between two men. Stephanie Meyer's unfulfilled sexual longings are really showing here... for the worst.
- Nice color; I like the greens and how they bleed against the black.
- Damn, Robert Pattinson should just shut up. We get it... you love Bella, and you're mad because you ruined your phone in the last movie.
- I wonder if there's an application that allows some of these irritating texters to text while they screw. I'm being mean, but this is ridiculous.
- This is the most unrealistic love triangle I've ever seen. I understand the nature of fantasy, and the relationships do fantasy injustice. Stephanie Meyer has no shame.
- Special effects? Meh.
- These wolves are cute. I want one. By the way, these aren't werewolves or vampires... they're shape-shifters. Vampires do not sparkle. Only Dracula can hang in the sun and not roast. So, no go.
- Kristen just told me that she knows who started the emo-army... Rick James. I struggle to hold in my laughter.
- Bella just kissed Jacob. 2:1 odds he gets killed.
- Bryce Dallas Howard has nowhere near the screen time she deserves.
- Hey look, Jacob got hurt.
- The Volturi are talkers. They remind me of my Dad.
- Roll credits.
--------------------
Final thoughts: skip the horrible books, for the sake of your children. This is the best of the third movies, but it really isn't great. It's not scary, nor is it classified as a horror film. It's not a love story, either, because Robert and Kristen have reached their limit as actors. If David Slade can't bring it out of them... there's not much hope. This film franchise should be classified as art films... nothing more.
The supporting characters run the movie. Bryce Dallas Howard isn't on screen enough to matter. However, there is actual conflict in this go. There are nice shots, good color, and thoughtful sound editing. The direction is good, but there's not much to work with. There are deaths, violence, and some descent sets.
The love story went from promising in the first film to flat-out awful in the third film. It's really bad. Big, big props to David Slade for making this watchable. It's the best film of the bunch, by far. See it. prepare for it to suck, and you'll end up satisfied.
7/10 (bonus to Slade).
----
- I see at least 30 Iphones. It's like the plague.
- Now I see 50.
- The sound is way too fucking loud.
- The Deathly Hallows trailer is awesome. I will be there opening night with proverbial bells on.
----
- Texting during a film... how revolting. I wonder what vital, urgent matters are being discussed.
- A death, an early death at that. Could it be that there is some actual conflict in this film?
- Bella and Edward are again in a field. So they're hippies? However, they look a little less stoned than their usual flower-child sense. They must be Florida State fans.
- Wow, Robert and Kristen really aren't good actors. They're not Megan Fox, but certainly no award winners.
-The supporting characters are interesting, far more so than the main characters.
- Can we get some sort of petition to have Ashley Greene dance around in a cage?
- The back stories to the supporting characters give the story something it was missing.
- More death. David Slade's hand, no doubt.
- An infant cries. Why do people bring babies to the theater? Is that really in everyone's best interest?
- The Volturi are the laziest villains I've ever seen.
- Edward and Bella's dialogue is rough to listen to.
- Again, another nice back story for a supporting character.
- What's up with the Confederate soldier turned bad gone good routine?
- Nice shot overhead. Very 30 Days of Night.
- Bryce Dallas Howard is purdy. She should stay as a redhead.
- So Bella is the female Tiger Woods?
* Bella is prostituting her love between two men. Stephanie Meyer's unfulfilled sexual longings are really showing here... for the worst.
- Nice color; I like the greens and how they bleed against the black.
- Damn, Robert Pattinson should just shut up. We get it... you love Bella, and you're mad because you ruined your phone in the last movie.
- I wonder if there's an application that allows some of these irritating texters to text while they screw. I'm being mean, but this is ridiculous.
- This is the most unrealistic love triangle I've ever seen. I understand the nature of fantasy, and the relationships do fantasy injustice. Stephanie Meyer has no shame.
- Special effects? Meh.
- These wolves are cute. I want one. By the way, these aren't werewolves or vampires... they're shape-shifters. Vampires do not sparkle. Only Dracula can hang in the sun and not roast. So, no go.
- Kristen just told me that she knows who started the emo-army... Rick James. I struggle to hold in my laughter.
- Bella just kissed Jacob. 2:1 odds he gets killed.
- Bryce Dallas Howard has nowhere near the screen time she deserves.
- Hey look, Jacob got hurt.
- The Volturi are talkers. They remind me of my Dad.
- Roll credits.
--------------------
Final thoughts: skip the horrible books, for the sake of your children. This is the best of the third movies, but it really isn't great. It's not scary, nor is it classified as a horror film. It's not a love story, either, because Robert and Kristen have reached their limit as actors. If David Slade can't bring it out of them... there's not much hope. This film franchise should be classified as art films... nothing more.
The supporting characters run the movie. Bryce Dallas Howard isn't on screen enough to matter. However, there is actual conflict in this go. There are nice shots, good color, and thoughtful sound editing. The direction is good, but there's not much to work with. There are deaths, violence, and some descent sets.
The love story went from promising in the first film to flat-out awful in the third film. It's really bad. Big, big props to David Slade for making this watchable. It's the best film of the bunch, by far. See it. prepare for it to suck, and you'll end up satisfied.
7/10 (bonus to Slade).
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Top 11 of 2010, So Far
Hello all,
I promise not to bore you with details of these films, but some need an honest opinion. Since you spend your hard-earned (or inherited) money, you may need some guidance in how to spend it. I have never seen so many films in a five month span (though it may seem like I do). So, here goes:
11. Percy Jackson & the Olympians. 4.5/10
What Worked: The cinematography and special effects. Then again, that's a given in modern cinema, isn't it?
What Didn't: The story. Can anyone explain to me the goal of the story? The acting needed also needed some help.
Try This Movie Instead: This film was an attempt to gain money off of the rush of Greek mythology stuff (Clash of the Titans). It combined Harry Potter with Greek stuff. Try the Harry Potter series for better results.
10. Daybreakers. 5/10.
What Worked: The editing and a lack of slow-motion. Unlike the slow-mo fest of such films as Blade: Trinity, it allowed the violence actually happen. Good performances by the lead actors.
What Didn't: Lost most modern horror, it was a gross-out fest. How to make you sick in 90 minutes without scaring you.
Try This Movie Instead: Interview With the Vampire
9. Valentine's Day. 6.5/10.
What Worked: Pretty girls, and simple sub-stories. Anne Hathaway was particularly good.
What Didn't: Fitting too much into the script.
Try This Movie Instead: This movie tries mightily to be Love Actually, and misses.
8. Iron Man 2. 6.5/10.
What Worked: Special effects, the primary cast.
What Didn't: This movie was totally rushed. The first half especially so. The female characters had no substance whatsoever. The obligatory "wink at the camera" in a Marvel movie.
Try These Instead: The Incredible Hulk, Blade (1998).
7. Legion. 7/10.
What Worked: Strong cast, simple story. Creepy old people.
What Didn't: Way too fast. Throw-away dialogue.
Try This Movie Instead: The Prophecy.
6. Clash of the Titans. 7/10.
What Worked: Thoughtful sequences. Great animation. Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and all of the other cast except...
What Didn't: Sam Worthington. Somebody get this guy some face-acting lessons and keep his ass in Terminator: Salvation. Good grief. Don't watch this in 3D unless you want your eyes to hurt.
Try This Movie Instead: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
5. Alice in Wonderland. 7/10.
What Worked: A strong cast, lead and supporting. Anne Hathaway again steals the show. Nice things to look at. 3D is good.
What Didn't: The Tim Burton factor. I am fully aware of his popularity, but the cast looked like life-size corpses. This is also at least the second Tim Burton movie in which Johnny Depp looks like a reject from Dracula A.D. 1972 (the other being Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
Try This Movie: It is worth seeing. Some, perhaps most, will love it. I'd see it again.
4. Oceans. 8/10.
What Worked: Spectacular footage and ridiculously cute animals. It's gorgeous.
What Didn't: A touch too political and a bit too short.
See It: It's better than Earth. Maybe the DVD will have some bonus footage.
3. The Lovely Bones. 8/10.
What Worked: I was pleasantly surprised by everything. Solid all the way around. Nice to listen to and look at. Peter Jackson's best movie.
What Didn't: The ending didn't fit at all with the theme of the film.
Buy It: It literally has something for everyone. Take it in its proper context, and you've got a gem.
2. The Wolfman. 8/10.
What Worked: The performances, editing, and the violence. The werewolves were brutal. It's refreshing to see females shine, and Emily Blunt was wonderful. Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, and Hugo Weaving were their usual effective selves.
What Didn't: The first few minutes of the movie were way too fast. Character development is key. The fate of Anthony Hopkins's character rubbed me the wrong way and was a little cheap.
Am I Hearing You Correctly?: Yes, I liked it better than the original. I almost never say things like that. Guess what? A Director's Cut DVD is coming, making me all the more happy.
1. How To Train Your Dragon. 9/10.
What Worked: Where did this movie come from? A clean, simple story. Cute dragons. Great animation. Splendid voice performances. Funny Vikings.
What Didn't: Some of the dialogue was out of place. You could really tell with Gerard Butler's.
So Far, It's Tops: Pleasing. Potentially addictive for adults and kids.
Comments and gripes welcome.
I promise not to bore you with details of these films, but some need an honest opinion. Since you spend your hard-earned (or inherited) money, you may need some guidance in how to spend it. I have never seen so many films in a five month span (though it may seem like I do). So, here goes:
11. Percy Jackson & the Olympians. 4.5/10
What Worked: The cinematography and special effects. Then again, that's a given in modern cinema, isn't it?
What Didn't: The story. Can anyone explain to me the goal of the story? The acting needed also needed some help.
Try This Movie Instead: This film was an attempt to gain money off of the rush of Greek mythology stuff (Clash of the Titans). It combined Harry Potter with Greek stuff. Try the Harry Potter series for better results.
10. Daybreakers. 5/10.
What Worked: The editing and a lack of slow-motion. Unlike the slow-mo fest of such films as Blade: Trinity, it allowed the violence actually happen. Good performances by the lead actors.
What Didn't: Lost most modern horror, it was a gross-out fest. How to make you sick in 90 minutes without scaring you.
Try This Movie Instead: Interview With the Vampire
9. Valentine's Day. 6.5/10.
What Worked: Pretty girls, and simple sub-stories. Anne Hathaway was particularly good.
What Didn't: Fitting too much into the script.
Try This Movie Instead: This movie tries mightily to be Love Actually, and misses.
8. Iron Man 2. 6.5/10.
What Worked: Special effects, the primary cast.
What Didn't: This movie was totally rushed. The first half especially so. The female characters had no substance whatsoever. The obligatory "wink at the camera" in a Marvel movie.
Try These Instead: The Incredible Hulk, Blade (1998).
7. Legion. 7/10.
What Worked: Strong cast, simple story. Creepy old people.
What Didn't: Way too fast. Throw-away dialogue.
Try This Movie Instead: The Prophecy.
6. Clash of the Titans. 7/10.
What Worked: Thoughtful sequences. Great animation. Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, and all of the other cast except...
What Didn't: Sam Worthington. Somebody get this guy some face-acting lessons and keep his ass in Terminator: Salvation. Good grief. Don't watch this in 3D unless you want your eyes to hurt.
Try This Movie Instead: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
5. Alice in Wonderland. 7/10.
What Worked: A strong cast, lead and supporting. Anne Hathaway again steals the show. Nice things to look at. 3D is good.
What Didn't: The Tim Burton factor. I am fully aware of his popularity, but the cast looked like life-size corpses. This is also at least the second Tim Burton movie in which Johnny Depp looks like a reject from Dracula A.D. 1972 (the other being Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
Try This Movie: It is worth seeing. Some, perhaps most, will love it. I'd see it again.
4. Oceans. 8/10.
What Worked: Spectacular footage and ridiculously cute animals. It's gorgeous.
What Didn't: A touch too political and a bit too short.
See It: It's better than Earth. Maybe the DVD will have some bonus footage.
3. The Lovely Bones. 8/10.
What Worked: I was pleasantly surprised by everything. Solid all the way around. Nice to listen to and look at. Peter Jackson's best movie.
What Didn't: The ending didn't fit at all with the theme of the film.
Buy It: It literally has something for everyone. Take it in its proper context, and you've got a gem.
2. The Wolfman. 8/10.
What Worked: The performances, editing, and the violence. The werewolves were brutal. It's refreshing to see females shine, and Emily Blunt was wonderful. Anthony Hopkins, Benicio Del Toro, and Hugo Weaving were their usual effective selves.
What Didn't: The first few minutes of the movie were way too fast. Character development is key. The fate of Anthony Hopkins's character rubbed me the wrong way and was a little cheap.
Am I Hearing You Correctly?: Yes, I liked it better than the original. I almost never say things like that. Guess what? A Director's Cut DVD is coming, making me all the more happy.
1. How To Train Your Dragon. 9/10.
What Worked: Where did this movie come from? A clean, simple story. Cute dragons. Great animation. Splendid voice performances. Funny Vikings.
What Didn't: Some of the dialogue was out of place. You could really tell with Gerard Butler's.
So Far, It's Tops: Pleasing. Potentially addictive for adults and kids.
Comments and gripes welcome.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wish List For 2010
10 being most important.
1. More happiness.
2. Social justice.
3. Given my deserved compensation.
4. One empathetic friend.
5. Nice things to look at and listen to.
6. Generous hours of peace per day.
7. Improved health.
8. My path to be revealed.
9. The best year of my life.
10. Kristen's happiness.
1. More happiness.
2. Social justice.
3. Given my deserved compensation.
4. One empathetic friend.
5. Nice things to look at and listen to.
6. Generous hours of peace per day.
7. Improved health.
8. My path to be revealed.
9. The best year of my life.
10. Kristen's happiness.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
