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.
Friday, July 9, 2010
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.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Pre-Sherlock Holmes Favorite Film List of 2009
Hello all,
I've seen 15 films this year in theatres. I have yet to see Sherlock Holmes (hence, the title) or Nine (Kristen's influence). 15 is about an average year quantity wise.
Quality? There were a handful of films which I really liked, but none I loved. Two are what I consider "great" (because the standard is so low), but none I'd give a 9/10. The maximum is 8. Please note that these are only ones I've seen in the theaters. I've seen more on video and in class.
So, from worst to best...
15. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.
Kristen loves Kristin Kreuk and Chun-Li, and that's why I saw it. From the poo-poo acting to the camera winks, it's a pile of shit. In fact, Kristin K. was the only redeemable thing about the movie.
14. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
I don't need to go into detail. It's really that bad.
13. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.
While the first film was creative and new, the sequel got old fast.
12. New Moon.
As long as you put it in its proper context, it's watchable. Please remember it's not a horror movie. The films are much better than the books, which make me want to hurt myself.
11. Paranormal Activity.
Bad ending. Descent premise. A big upgrade from Blair Witch, though neither are really scary.
10. X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
A little underrated. Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds are what makes the movie tick.
9. Watchmen.
Overrated and a little long. Though everyone loves Rorschach, Jeffrey Dean Morgan made this movie for me.
8. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.
Much better on a second viewing. Ties up the Underworld mythology nicely.
7. Bruno.
Not as good as Borat, but close. Inappropriate and hilarious, right up my alley.
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Not as good as Order of the Phoenix, but enjoyable. Alan Rickman needed much more screen time.
5. Public Enemies.
Michael Mann gangster film. No need to explain.
4. A Christmas Carol.
An unexpected pleasure. Beautiful and a little creepy.
3. Earth.
Breathtaking and gut-wrenching.
2. The Princess and the Frog.
I laughed more in this movie than I have at any other this year. It's about time they had an African-American princess. Please, Disney... do this style of animation over Pixar.
1. Terminator Salvation.
Great story and even better special effects. Highly underrated and deserving of a sequel.
I've seen 15 films this year in theatres. I have yet to see Sherlock Holmes (hence, the title) or Nine (Kristen's influence). 15 is about an average year quantity wise.
Quality? There were a handful of films which I really liked, but none I loved. Two are what I consider "great" (because the standard is so low), but none I'd give a 9/10. The maximum is 8. Please note that these are only ones I've seen in the theaters. I've seen more on video and in class.
So, from worst to best...
15. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.
Kristen loves Kristin Kreuk and Chun-Li, and that's why I saw it. From the poo-poo acting to the camera winks, it's a pile of shit. In fact, Kristin K. was the only redeemable thing about the movie.
14. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
I don't need to go into detail. It's really that bad.
13. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.
While the first film was creative and new, the sequel got old fast.
12. New Moon.
As long as you put it in its proper context, it's watchable. Please remember it's not a horror movie. The films are much better than the books, which make me want to hurt myself.
11. Paranormal Activity.
Bad ending. Descent premise. A big upgrade from Blair Witch, though neither are really scary.
10. X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
A little underrated. Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds are what makes the movie tick.
9. Watchmen.
Overrated and a little long. Though everyone loves Rorschach, Jeffrey Dean Morgan made this movie for me.
8. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.
Much better on a second viewing. Ties up the Underworld mythology nicely.
7. Bruno.
Not as good as Borat, but close. Inappropriate and hilarious, right up my alley.
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Not as good as Order of the Phoenix, but enjoyable. Alan Rickman needed much more screen time.
5. Public Enemies.
Michael Mann gangster film. No need to explain.
4. A Christmas Carol.
An unexpected pleasure. Beautiful and a little creepy.
3. Earth.
Breathtaking and gut-wrenching.
2. The Princess and the Frog.
I laughed more in this movie than I have at any other this year. It's about time they had an African-American princess. Please, Disney... do this style of animation over Pixar.
1. Terminator Salvation.
Great story and even better special effects. Highly underrated and deserving of a sequel.
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