I was never a Marvel Comic's addict. I know garbage when I see it. Most Marvel material is just that - poorly thought out garbage. I am glad they can finance movies based on their character set from Stan Lee's brain, such as it is. Everyone makes millions, everyone is happy, and the world's IQ takes another dip.
However, the movies have not been all that bad so far. Entertaining, sometimes a decent performance, always with so many plot holes you could drive an Oscar contender through it. So tension must exist between the script writers and the cartoonists. Because it is so obvious that cartoonist inept vision often triumphs over good film making / story telling.
The Winter Soldier ... well, is one of those really poorly thought out script ideas. It might look good in a comic book but utterly fails when you try to make something like a movie out of it. And apparently I am not alone in the thought - there were under 30 people in the audience Saturday night!
Okay, so believability aside:
It is a dark movie.
The Captain America character was done well.
Nick Fury, well he is always fun in a dark way since we are talking a politically driven visionary.
Robert Redford? Never saw that one coming but it was good to see him again, not like he ever acted.
Scarlett Johansson was well done in the beginning and then acting died somewhat towards the end.
Scarlett is the good example of the problem with this movie. Most of the audience is going to be female, they understand females, they expect a female to react as a female. And she is the male embodiment of what a female should be and act like if she is so terribly talented - and then in the end she completes negates that model she has faithfully served in the movie and becomes ..... ? Call that a disappearing act. Maybe she got called away to another film because she flat disappeared from this movie except for some one liners and all acting was over. Go figure.
And the Winter Soldier. Really Stan Lee? This is the best quality of dung you could come up with? How desperate were you that day? Much less to actually think this would translate well into a movie? Supreme ego there dude.
And the technology ... I was working in data processing in 1972, on the largest computing system in existence at the time. It would have taken so little effort to have used the internet to correct computing errors they created in this movie. Just another bad example of either bad research, sloppy script writing or another agenda driving the script from a comic book.
In the end:
It was a fun film. The audience, not just me, were roaring with laughter at the situations and they obviously had not been intended as humorous. Which actually made them all the more humorous.
Acting uneven and you are not exactly sure whom to cheer for.
Settings were not bad if not completely laughable. Physics has nothing to do with reality in this film.
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Monday, April 14, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Pompeii
Friday, turned out to be a night without anyone to hang with, so I took myself out to Taco Bell - and remembered better times and then to the dollar theater. Pompeii was the first movie up, so I went for it. If it has a volcano, can it be all bad?
The critics had brutalized this movie long ago, so it also meant it has possible Kris interest - the more critics assassinate a film for being worthless and without social message - the greater the obvious entertainment value! The short of it: this movie a keeper and has two thumbs up from moi!
Keifer Sutherland, famous for shows such as 24 and movies of absolutely no interest to me like Flatliners, and even less notable ones! He seems drawn to everything I have interest in! And his lack of acting ability shined through yet again. Thank god for actors and actresses of absolute no credit to carry this movie!
Obviously, this movie deals with Pompeii, a magnificent partially dug archaeological site in southern Italy. So lots of CGI, lots of shooting at what looked to be real Roman sites. Sometimes a little blurry, sometimes odd angles, some innovation required to carry a story that has to look 2,000 years old. But, I am guessing that the camera crew was inexperienced.
The acting was a bit shallow but then so was the script, just a tremendous amount of sword fighting, blood and guts.
Add in lots of good volcano effects - geysers, cracks, landslides, firebombs, ash, pyroclastic flows (I was in one at Mt. St. Helens so I remember well what it looked, felt and smelled like!), etc. This was the strongest point of the movie and was well researched and done. (After-all, all things vulcan - are of strong interest to me!)
Running throughout is an odd love story, an odd tale of political corruption and contrived marriage. Unfortunately, not a historically accurate movie in the least, but then how popular would the movie be if the real role of women in the Roman Empire, circa 70 AD was really filmed?
It all comes together well and I will not tell you the ending. I will just say that this movie joins that small minority for films whom have ever been able to draw a tear from me.
A good movie to go see, no nudity, one kiss, lots of gladiator violence and acts of violence by nature.
But, not a good movie if you are romantically wounded ... no sense in salting those wounds.
The critics had brutalized this movie long ago, so it also meant it has possible Kris interest - the more critics assassinate a film for being worthless and without social message - the greater the obvious entertainment value! The short of it: this movie a keeper and has two thumbs up from moi!
Keifer Sutherland, famous for shows such as 24 and movies of absolutely no interest to me like Flatliners, and even less notable ones! He seems drawn to everything I have interest in! And his lack of acting ability shined through yet again. Thank god for actors and actresses of absolute no credit to carry this movie!
Obviously, this movie deals with Pompeii, a magnificent partially dug archaeological site in southern Italy. So lots of CGI, lots of shooting at what looked to be real Roman sites. Sometimes a little blurry, sometimes odd angles, some innovation required to carry a story that has to look 2,000 years old. But, I am guessing that the camera crew was inexperienced.
The acting was a bit shallow but then so was the script, just a tremendous amount of sword fighting, blood and guts.
Add in lots of good volcano effects - geysers, cracks, landslides, firebombs, ash, pyroclastic flows (I was in one at Mt. St. Helens so I remember well what it looked, felt and smelled like!), etc. This was the strongest point of the movie and was well researched and done. (After-all, all things vulcan - are of strong interest to me!)
Running throughout is an odd love story, an odd tale of political corruption and contrived marriage. Unfortunately, not a historically accurate movie in the least, but then how popular would the movie be if the real role of women in the Roman Empire, circa 70 AD was really filmed?
It all comes together well and I will not tell you the ending. I will just say that this movie joins that small minority for films whom have ever been able to draw a tear from me.
A good movie to go see, no nudity, one kiss, lots of gladiator violence and acts of violence by nature.
But, not a good movie if you are romantically wounded ... no sense in salting those wounds.
Friday, January 24, 2014
At The Movies
Been playing catch up with the releases I have been interested in:
Jack Reacher, I honestly did not want to see this film, turned down a dozen offers to see it with people, I DO NOT LIKE Tom Cruise! Yuck! Yet, Swede gave it to me for my birthday so I was sort of honor bound to watch it finally, under his snoring gaze (one eye open, mouth slack, etc). Yeah, I now know why so many wanted me to see it with them - to point out the holes an eighteen wheeler could be driven through! Plot is utter nonsense. Shooting is wish full. Nasty old Russian guy - well done but a little over the top since he was cast opposite Tom "I have not talent" Cruise. In spite of this, it was entertaining and I laughed heartily several times. I really dislike Robert Duvall however he did well in this movie and obviously he spent some time learning from a trainer, because he did it "right" for those of us of the old iron. It is an owner as long as you can understand that those whom behave this way in real life will be the first to die - no matter how high your lifts are in your shoes.
Ender's Game, was another Swede recommendation - but you know, I really do not need anymore children movies where only they can conquer the universe and oh by the way, check out our plush stuffed toys for Christmas ... Yeah, burned out on Spielberg and Lucas forever. But, this movie was rather well done. I understood the main character too well, I loved Ben Gazzara's role (i think that was him anyway!) but still flying saucers where leaping between the fictional fabric holes in this story. I seem to have read this as a short story back in 7th grade, so I guessed the ending rather quickly. Still a good film, not sure an owner, but ... not bad at all.
Secret Life of Walter Mitty, was an utter surprise! I remember the first two well. The first circa 1930-ish was delightful and I remember almost nothing of it - it has disappeared to history. The 1947 version was a little darker as we are talking espionage and not really an owner either. And now this one left me completely unprepared for one of the best efforts I have seen on film in quite a while. Not only is this a must see, it is a must own as well. Well paced, good use of humor, a clean film, and a well done eruption sequence! (just saying because i was in one) If you only own one film in the next six months or so, this is the one more than likely. Good job gold stars to Ben Stiller! And as a spoiler, the Greenland sequence, wasn't. I know the driving scene was filmed on the road out of the Reykjavik airport to the city of Reykjavik.
So time to go hit the $1.00 theaters if you have any in your town!
Jack Reacher, I honestly did not want to see this film, turned down a dozen offers to see it with people, I DO NOT LIKE Tom Cruise! Yuck! Yet, Swede gave it to me for my birthday so I was sort of honor bound to watch it finally, under his snoring gaze (one eye open, mouth slack, etc). Yeah, I now know why so many wanted me to see it with them - to point out the holes an eighteen wheeler could be driven through! Plot is utter nonsense. Shooting is wish full. Nasty old Russian guy - well done but a little over the top since he was cast opposite Tom "I have not talent" Cruise. In spite of this, it was entertaining and I laughed heartily several times. I really dislike Robert Duvall however he did well in this movie and obviously he spent some time learning from a trainer, because he did it "right" for those of us of the old iron. It is an owner as long as you can understand that those whom behave this way in real life will be the first to die - no matter how high your lifts are in your shoes.
Ender's Game, was another Swede recommendation - but you know, I really do not need anymore children movies where only they can conquer the universe and oh by the way, check out our plush stuffed toys for Christmas ... Yeah, burned out on Spielberg and Lucas forever. But, this movie was rather well done. I understood the main character too well, I loved Ben Gazzara's role (i think that was him anyway!) but still flying saucers where leaping between the fictional fabric holes in this story. I seem to have read this as a short story back in 7th grade, so I guessed the ending rather quickly. Still a good film, not sure an owner, but ... not bad at all.
Secret Life of Walter Mitty, was an utter surprise! I remember the first two well. The first circa 1930-ish was delightful and I remember almost nothing of it - it has disappeared to history. The 1947 version was a little darker as we are talking espionage and not really an owner either. And now this one left me completely unprepared for one of the best efforts I have seen on film in quite a while. Not only is this a must see, it is a must own as well. Well paced, good use of humor, a clean film, and a well done eruption sequence! (just saying because i was in one) If you only own one film in the next six months or so, this is the one more than likely. Good job gold stars to Ben Stiller! And as a spoiler, the Greenland sequence, wasn't. I know the driving scene was filmed on the road out of the Reykjavik airport to the city of Reykjavik.
So time to go hit the $1.00 theaters if you have any in your town!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Thor: The Dark World
Short: Hysterical movie I laughed for hours over some of the sequences - yes they were meant to be funny, quite a bit of sci-fi violence, with added elements of dark humor I seemed to be the only one to catch in the theater. Good flick.
Long: A better movie than the first one and I thought that one was pretty good, however everyone was relaxed this time and had fun with the genre and movie direction. When you hit the funny part, well it is darn hard to forget that comedy which is why I am still laughing.
Loki comes into his own and does a great job, in many ways actually the best part of the film. Thor is type cast to saying "No" a great deal or grunting - and just how tiny is our damsel in distress? It is reminiscent of John Wayne having to walk in a trench or the damsel on a boardwalk so they could have both their faces in the same frame! Over all Loki was by far the best.
Plot is typical, everybody wants to rule the world, to quote Jung. No surprise there, utter failure is no surprise either. However should you stay through the credits - your brain will be tweaked when you realize that all is as it seems that you just watched! Some future movie has a great deal to explain to make up for the mind games stuffed in the credits!
So I did it! Not a single spoiler's alert!
Yeah, I will probably end of owning it, it is quirky enough to watch a few times over ...
Long: A better movie than the first one and I thought that one was pretty good, however everyone was relaxed this time and had fun with the genre and movie direction. When you hit the funny part, well it is darn hard to forget that comedy which is why I am still laughing.
Loki comes into his own and does a great job, in many ways actually the best part of the film. Thor is type cast to saying "No" a great deal or grunting - and just how tiny is our damsel in distress? It is reminiscent of John Wayne having to walk in a trench or the damsel on a boardwalk so they could have both their faces in the same frame! Over all Loki was by far the best.
Plot is typical, everybody wants to rule the world, to quote Jung. No surprise there, utter failure is no surprise either. However should you stay through the credits - your brain will be tweaked when you realize that all is as it seems that you just watched! Some future movie has a great deal to explain to make up for the mind games stuffed in the credits!
So I did it! Not a single spoiler's alert!
Yeah, I will probably end of owning it, it is quirky enough to watch a few times over ...
Monday, October 28, 2013
Pirate Radio
I noted last week that amongst my lost posts was the movie review for Pirate Radio, the short of it: skip this work of fiction - reality was far more exciting and a whole lot less Haute Culture-ish. But, that is not what this post is about, even though it is entitled as such.
It was fall 1964, a lanky 5'6" German was removed from his life with his Danish great-uncle on a dairy to a small town on the French, Lux, Flemish borders. My father had worked his way out of weapons design to implementation, hence our relocation. For me it was death. I was 10, on the eve of my teen years, many would say I had already been there for months, if not a year. I did not speak French, I spoke Yiddish, German and English. I had nothing in common with anyone in my new village. Most were laborers for the national train network; anyone with an artist bent or dairy background was not going to fit in - and my parents could not understand my "problems".
My first job was to crawl into the third floor rafters of our 1700's home and string 1.5 miles of copper wire (liberated from the the local NATO base trash) then attach this to my radio. It kept me from my family, it hid me, it gave me safety in the darkness of the roof. No fights up there, but once back out, everyone was in my face, no one understood.
But on my shortwave radio, there were those whom did, the disc jockeys of 199, on the medium wave band. Faceless, but they understood teenagers, they understood music, they understood who and where I was. They became my family, since I had been forcibly removed my mine to even be here. They gave comfort, they gave advice, they were transparent adults - talking about life, love and the universe. It made sense. It was all I had.
Radio Caroline was a fishing trawler anchored off the Manx coast. Outfitted with a127' antenna array, it primarily broadcast to southern England but by spill over, those of us with a good radio and antenna matrix, could get it as well. I listened to them loyally from start up through the wave-length wars with the British Government, numerous winter storms, their relocation to off the Dutch coast and initial shutdown by Dutch bankers for non-payment for their equipment. Unfortunately, their restart would come after I was now relocated to utter death as a human in the swamps of South Carolina in 1969. But my shortwave continued to keep me occupied. And, Caroline was never the same.
As I watched the film last week, I saw that the movie had nothing to offer me - I had lived that history, I knew it by heart. I had loved Radio Caroline, I knew their ship names, the DJ's, their history, every one of the jingles - including those they did not include in the movie. Things which I can never lose as long as my brain still functions. So, the film goes away, the memories stay...
And as I remembered those years, I continued even further back in my mind and considered my nature. Was I ever normal? Had I been broken by something but once was normal? Was I healing now or was this truly a gift of God? Could I remember, now as an adult, and review my early years? And the answer surprised me.
My first job was to crawl into the third floor rafters of our 1700's home and string 1.5 miles of copper wire (liberated from the the local NATO base trash) then attach this to my radio. It kept me from my family, it hid me, it gave me safety in the darkness of the roof. No fights up there, but once back out, everyone was in my face, no one understood.
Radio Caroline was a fishing trawler anchored off the Manx coast. Outfitted with a127' antenna array, it primarily broadcast to southern England but by spill over, those of us with a good radio and antenna matrix, could get it as well. I listened to them loyally from start up through the wave-length wars with the British Government, numerous winter storms, their relocation to off the Dutch coast and initial shutdown by Dutch bankers for non-payment for their equipment. Unfortunately, their restart would come after I was now relocated to utter death as a human in the swamps of South Carolina in 1969. But my shortwave continued to keep me occupied. And, Caroline was never the same.
As I watched the film last week, I saw that the movie had nothing to offer me - I had lived that history, I knew it by heart. I had loved Radio Caroline, I knew their ship names, the DJ's, their history, every one of the jingles - including those they did not include in the movie. Things which I can never lose as long as my brain still functions. So, the film goes away, the memories stay...
And as I remembered those years, I continued even further back in my mind and considered my nature. Was I ever normal? Had I been broken by something but once was normal? Was I healing now or was this truly a gift of God? Could I remember, now as an adult, and review my early years? And the answer surprised me.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Video Viewing
For my casual reader, I am in the midst this year of viewing every film in my library (over 6,000 of them!) to decide whether or not it is a keeper. So far about 20% have been joining the heap to go bye-bye.
So some of the interesting changes since last I brought up this subject:
Blood Diamond, originally I kept to remember my RSAS friends by, now because I understand the character.
El Coronado, now liked for a completely different reason. Keeper.
El Mariachi, what a quirky film, it was special order years ago, now trash pile.
Ninja Assassin, used to like, now please go away!
Outrageous Fortune, once a winner with me, now on the goodbye pile.
Vampires Suck, okay, will now have a category of keeper-no grandchildren allowed to view.
World War Z, awesome, badly done film, a keeper.
So, a new category is now formed, movies I will keep but not in the general collection the grand kids can reach. Vampire's Suck was so horrible, so funny, so embarrassing, yeah. But, there is the entire Trancer's series that I have wondered what to do with, they still appeal to me in its weird wicked look at the future, time travel, pseudo-vampires and yes, evil Santa Claus'. I am still laughing ...
I am sure someone somewhere is smacking their forehead but at least I am cleaning out 20% of the ones I own and just how bad, you have to ask, are they when you see the ones I am keeping!?!?
So some of the interesting changes since last I brought up this subject:
Blood Diamond, originally I kept to remember my RSAS friends by, now because I understand the character.
El Coronado, now liked for a completely different reason. Keeper.
El Mariachi, what a quirky film, it was special order years ago, now trash pile.
Ninja Assassin, used to like, now please go away!
Outrageous Fortune, once a winner with me, now on the goodbye pile.
Vampires Suck, okay, will now have a category of keeper-no grandchildren allowed to view.
World War Z, awesome, badly done film, a keeper.
So, a new category is now formed, movies I will keep but not in the general collection the grand kids can reach. Vampire's Suck was so horrible, so funny, so embarrassing, yeah. But, there is the entire Trancer's series that I have wondered what to do with, they still appeal to me in its weird wicked look at the future, time travel, pseudo-vampires and yes, evil Santa Claus'. I am still laughing ...
I am sure someone somewhere is smacking their forehead but at least I am cleaning out 20% of the ones I own and just how bad, you have to ask, are they when you see the ones I am keeping!?!?
Monday, October 7, 2013
Gravity
Saturday evening I had a chance to escape to the movies, something I do not seem to have time for much any more! I desperately wanted to see a sci-fi movie - no realism, just pure entertainment satisfaction - I got far more than I expected!
It was a toss up, Pacific Rim or World War Z were my top picks at the dollar theather. Swedish Rocket Scientist told me to just buy WWZ, because it is an owner and we should so see Pacific Rim. But, I saw Gravity was playing in 3-D and plans changed instantly! That is to say the title was intriguing, the lure of George Clooney, not. Honestly, outside of the fact that he is a "face" I have never seen a movie yet where he acted! And, also honestly, it was with relief when he disappeared from this movie, because he contributed nothing. He still is just a "pretty face" and I am sure for the same money they could have gotten an actor if the producers had thought about it ... I am glad he cleans up nicely and looks dashing in a tux (yawn!), but being an actor actually requires some ability that he does not have. Sorry, you get to join Pierce Brosnan on that count!
Sandra Bullock, scored major in this movie! If she does not get the nod for an Oscar, I will be stunned because this may well be the finest performance she has ever given! Unfortunately, outside of 2001 and First Encounters, Oscars are scarce in the Sci-fi world.
The movie covers the hours surrounding a disaster in space, a missile test goes bad, creating orbiting debris taking out everything in its path. Too bad the space shuttle is up there on a mission to fix the Hubble Telescope! Hubble is destroyed, the shuttle is destroyed, half the crew killed and the rollercoaster ride begins as asset after asset in space is destroyed.
No, I am not going to give any secrets away!
But, Sandra distinguished herself in having to play someone, with no reason to live, having to make the choice to live. The last third of the movie, sans Clooney, was exceptionally powerful and very well done - yeah with some holes you could put an aircraft carrier through, but then that is what makes a movie entertaining for me.
So, teen friendly as long as you understand that in space you wear underwear. Nothing even remotely sexual. Good language control.
Sorry, no bullets - just space debris. No exploding cars, but plenty of space carnage. No blood and guts dripping off the walls. And yet, it is still an excellent movie to see!
It is a must see.
It is an owner.
Bullock was awesome.
The final third of the movie was outstanding.
It is gripping, a nail-biter, entertaining, yet almost reasonable - as far as reality goes.
Simply, WOW!, what a ride ... !
It was a toss up, Pacific Rim or World War Z were my top picks at the dollar theather. Swedish Rocket Scientist told me to just buy WWZ, because it is an owner and we should so see Pacific Rim. But, I saw Gravity was playing in 3-D and plans changed instantly! That is to say the title was intriguing, the lure of George Clooney, not. Honestly, outside of the fact that he is a "face" I have never seen a movie yet where he acted! And, also honestly, it was with relief when he disappeared from this movie, because he contributed nothing. He still is just a "pretty face" and I am sure for the same money they could have gotten an actor if the producers had thought about it ... I am glad he cleans up nicely and looks dashing in a tux (yawn!), but being an actor actually requires some ability that he does not have. Sorry, you get to join Pierce Brosnan on that count!
Sandra Bullock, scored major in this movie! If she does not get the nod for an Oscar, I will be stunned because this may well be the finest performance she has ever given! Unfortunately, outside of 2001 and First Encounters, Oscars are scarce in the Sci-fi world.
The movie covers the hours surrounding a disaster in space, a missile test goes bad, creating orbiting debris taking out everything in its path. Too bad the space shuttle is up there on a mission to fix the Hubble Telescope! Hubble is destroyed, the shuttle is destroyed, half the crew killed and the rollercoaster ride begins as asset after asset in space is destroyed.
No, I am not going to give any secrets away!
But, Sandra distinguished herself in having to play someone, with no reason to live, having to make the choice to live. The last third of the movie, sans Clooney, was exceptionally powerful and very well done - yeah with some holes you could put an aircraft carrier through, but then that is what makes a movie entertaining for me.
So, teen friendly as long as you understand that in space you wear underwear. Nothing even remotely sexual. Good language control.
Sorry, no bullets - just space debris. No exploding cars, but plenty of space carnage. No blood and guts dripping off the walls. And yet, it is still an excellent movie to see!
It is a must see.
It is an owner.
Bullock was awesome.
The final third of the movie was outstanding.
It is gripping, a nail-biter, entertaining, yet almost reasonable - as far as reality goes.
Simply, WOW!, what a ride ... !
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
RIPD
So, it took three attempts for me to finally see this film!
First time, the theater had dropped it from their offerings on the second day!
The next time, I was beaten up by a Wendy's cup dispenser and rendered incapable of sitting through the movie.
And finally, Friday night, it all came together for me and I was able to see it at long last!
First off, I do not like Jeff Bridges. Name a movie of his and it will not be on the Kris like's list. I feel very much the same over his brother Beau believing he is an 'actor' as well. Their father had talent, but those genes were never was passed to the the children!
The movie starts up and of course, I hate the Bridges character instantly. It has been so long since Tremors, I barely recognized Kevin Bacon - so I expected something fun with him being in the movie. And Ryan Reynolds, honestly, who cares? So not much talent assembled here in my book.
If you enjoyed Ghostbusters or Men In Black, the storyline is basically the same recycle from those two. Outside of a few script twist, there is no originality here.
So, you are getting my impression here: lack luster stars, non original storyline, a few laughs and nothing more.
However, by the end of the movie I was liking the Jeff Bridges character and his effort, he had put some thought into his effort and it came together nicely for him. But the film was still not an owner.
CGI violence, teen friendly, language not overly terrible. Recommended for mind numbing entertainment only - when you are brain dead, unless your brain is occupied watching or doing something else something (I am often 'watching' a movie when I type up these posts!) - else go rent Men in Black and enjoy something fairly original ...
First time, the theater had dropped it from their offerings on the second day!
The next time, I was beaten up by a Wendy's cup dispenser and rendered incapable of sitting through the movie.
And finally, Friday night, it all came together for me and I was able to see it at long last!
First off, I do not like Jeff Bridges. Name a movie of his and it will not be on the Kris like's list. I feel very much the same over his brother Beau believing he is an 'actor' as well. Their father had talent, but those genes were never was passed to the the children!
The movie starts up and of course, I hate the Bridges character instantly. It has been so long since Tremors, I barely recognized Kevin Bacon - so I expected something fun with him being in the movie. And Ryan Reynolds, honestly, who cares? So not much talent assembled here in my book.
If you enjoyed Ghostbusters or Men In Black, the storyline is basically the same recycle from those two. Outside of a few script twist, there is no originality here.
So, you are getting my impression here: lack luster stars, non original storyline, a few laughs and nothing more.
However, by the end of the movie I was liking the Jeff Bridges character and his effort, he had put some thought into his effort and it came together nicely for him. But the film was still not an owner.
CGI violence, teen friendly, language not overly terrible. Recommended for mind numbing entertainment only - when you are brain dead, unless your brain is occupied watching or doing something else something (I am often 'watching' a movie when I type up these posts!) - else go rent Men in Black and enjoy something fairly original ...
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
RED 2
So went to go see RIPD. I had seen this as a preview, when I went to The Wolverine while I was in Denver, and it looked funny. But, it must have tanked quickly because the AMC I went to had it advertised and it was no longer available only hours later! Hmmmm.
Well, what do you do when the movie you start out for, disappears?
RED 2 was on the marque and so it was either that or The Wolverine again. RED 2 won.
Now I did like RED, it was humorously over the top. And RED 2 is equally as humorously over the top - with the noted exception that it is a far better film.
John Malkovich is allowed to be quite humorous this time around and I laughed as I have not done in a very long time. Bruce Willis I can live without but he seemed to manage to not hog the film as he usually does. Catherine Zeta Jones I guess is supposed to be "hot" and honestly almost anyone else could have played the femme fatale so much better! She was believable in Entrapment, but that was a few decades ago.
Lots of shooting, explosions, car chases, psychopathic humor and did I mention that Anthony Hopkins is quite delightful? I liked him in a sociopathic way..... Any one over 13 will love this film.
Everyone kept their clothes on, I did not notice any language problems, lots of martial arts and dark humor.
Its an owner.
Well, what do you do when the movie you start out for, disappears?
RED 2 was on the marque and so it was either that or The Wolverine again. RED 2 won.
Now I did like RED, it was humorously over the top. And RED 2 is equally as humorously over the top - with the noted exception that it is a far better film.
John Malkovich is allowed to be quite humorous this time around and I laughed as I have not done in a very long time. Bruce Willis I can live without but he seemed to manage to not hog the film as he usually does. Catherine Zeta Jones I guess is supposed to be "hot" and honestly almost anyone else could have played the femme fatale so much better! She was believable in Entrapment, but that was a few decades ago.
Lots of shooting, explosions, car chases, psychopathic humor and did I mention that Anthony Hopkins is quite delightful? I liked him in a sociopathic way..... Any one over 13 will love this film.
Everyone kept their clothes on, I did not notice any language problems, lots of martial arts and dark humor.
Its an owner.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Wolverine
With one of my friends in the Denver area, we went to see Wolverine. In short, pretty good movie.
The Good:
One of the only film depictions of an atomic bomb drop on Japan. Very well done, very powerful in its impact.
Best train battle of the year.
I like it when women are portrayed as independent, strong, with a slight evil streak, especially with sharp implements.
Story is entertaining.
Strong side kicks.
The Bad:
Not very historic since the bomb's ground zero was dead center on the Allied POW camp, as an act of mercy. The scientists theorized what the effects would be of the blast. So, yeah, Wolverine has to survive but really - miss the actual real target by miles? Oh well.
His only memories of his great love are all of her in bed ...... yeah, I could have lived without every single one of them, it could have been done so much better and interestingly. I have no idea whom the actress is, and not going to waste time looking her up, but honestly, girls were cuter in junior high than what we were forced to view, and I am just guessing, but there are men somewhere whom think she is hot? Yeah, not impressed, and sorry if you think she is hot.
And I guess, we have to have Wolverine behave just like the stereotypical male - instantly in bed with any willing female. In this case, the daughter of a man he had called friend - okay, strained relationship, but he did save his life at the beginning of the movie and what better way to say thank you than bed his daughter? (this space contained what I think of stereotypical males!)
Recommendation:
Over-all a good entertaining film.
Mostly teen friendly, since all films seem to require the hero to appear in bed often.
Hugh Jackman has to bare his butt, probably a statement to the director's ability.
Any language appears acceptable.
Action, adventure, mayhem, Japanese violence requiring Godzilla whom was not given a part in the film.
The Good:
One of the only film depictions of an atomic bomb drop on Japan. Very well done, very powerful in its impact.
Best train battle of the year.
I like it when women are portrayed as independent, strong, with a slight evil streak, especially with sharp implements.
Story is entertaining.
Strong side kicks.
The Bad:
Not very historic since the bomb's ground zero was dead center on the Allied POW camp, as an act of mercy. The scientists theorized what the effects would be of the blast. So, yeah, Wolverine has to survive but really - miss the actual real target by miles? Oh well.
His only memories of his great love are all of her in bed ...... yeah, I could have lived without every single one of them, it could have been done so much better and interestingly. I have no idea whom the actress is, and not going to waste time looking her up, but honestly, girls were cuter in junior high than what we were forced to view, and I am just guessing, but there are men somewhere whom think she is hot? Yeah, not impressed, and sorry if you think she is hot.
And I guess, we have to have Wolverine behave just like the stereotypical male - instantly in bed with any willing female. In this case, the daughter of a man he had called friend - okay, strained relationship, but he did save his life at the beginning of the movie and what better way to say thank you than bed his daughter? (this space contained what I think of stereotypical males!)
Recommendation:
Over-all a good entertaining film.
Mostly teen friendly, since all films seem to require the hero to appear in bed often.
Hugh Jackman has to bare his butt, probably a statement to the director's ability.
Any language appears acceptable.
Action, adventure, mayhem, Japanese violence requiring Godzilla whom was not given a part in the film.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
The Lone Ranger
I have been a lifelong Lone Ranger fan. Clayton Moore did the NATO tours, as did many western stars and why I did meet many of them. Moore was not exactly the most friendly however, Jay Silverheels was, and a real person whom I really liked. I always felt as a child that there was some friction between the two of them but, hey, what does a kid know?
In Germany, we had rebroadcasts of the older radio series from the radio station at Kaiserslautern (K-Town to us NATO Brats!), which was quite well done and greatly enjoyed by at least one member of my family!
So this latest offering, I already hear is being touted as a blockbuster movie failure - after only one week! Seems a little premature! But, then I never worked in the industry and have often felt that it critics and its analysts were both equally insane. You also will have to remember that I love the area of the country this was filmed in and had to laugh at one point in the film when I was working harder remembering where this sequenced was filmed, rather than following the movie!
Armie Hammer, is about as convincing as awet tuna salad on a soggy bun - sorry, no real talent there.
Johnny Depp, turned in a very good performance as an indian lost to both his own culture and equally lost in the white man's world.
William Fichtner, whom plays the heavy, honestly deserves a nomination for his bad guy characterization! Nice sociopathic humor in there! It was a toss up between the Indian cultural tension and Fichtner's performance which captivated me the most.
Scenes came in from all over Colorado: Creede, Georgetown, Silver Plume, Wagon Wheel Gap, Wheeler Monument, as well as, Arizona and Utah, plus some CGI magic.
And I love the romance of old iron! I have been in most of those engines personally!
The story is typical western material which is so politically incorrect: white man's greed, Indian naivety, manifest destiny.
The bad: the Indian tribe selected is the Comanche, which are poorly portrayed, since they are one of the better documented tribes due to their problems with white man's encroachment. However, had they of used the Arapahoe, it would have been mighty close to what did happen and the Arapahoe were the scourge of the Rocky Mountain are this was film in. So right story, wrong tribe.
The story takes place in 1869, yet many elements of the story were more likely to have been encountered in the 1890's!
Over two hours long! The story could have been firmed up with a few less rabbit trails that although novel, really did not add to the story.
Armie Hammer.
The good: a solid western story weaving together politics, greed, racism and man's inhumanity of the 19th century.
William Frichtner.
View-ability:
Very violent.
Really only one female character and her clothes stay on. There is a visit to a brothel, however bawdy, it was supposed to be, everyone had their clothing on.
Intense movie in which manifest destiny is shown to really be nothing more than greed and plays for power where the only real loser is the Indian and their way of life.
There were a few pre-teens there and they were laughing at the appropriate times, though I would have been a little concerned for the level of violence and a pre-teen. Teen friendly, with reservations for the same reason.
I think this is an owner movie and does have a message for the next generation concerning greed, inhumanity and hiding behind religion to support our own desires.
In Germany, we had rebroadcasts of the older radio series from the radio station at Kaiserslautern (K-Town to us NATO Brats!), which was quite well done and greatly enjoyed by at least one member of my family!
So this latest offering, I already hear is being touted as a blockbuster movie failure - after only one week! Seems a little premature! But, then I never worked in the industry and have often felt that it critics and its analysts were both equally insane. You also will have to remember that I love the area of the country this was filmed in and had to laugh at one point in the film when I was working harder remembering where this sequenced was filmed, rather than following the movie!
Armie Hammer, is about as convincing as awet tuna salad on a soggy bun - sorry, no real talent there.
Johnny Depp, turned in a very good performance as an indian lost to both his own culture and equally lost in the white man's world.
William Fichtner, whom plays the heavy, honestly deserves a nomination for his bad guy characterization! Nice sociopathic humor in there! It was a toss up between the Indian cultural tension and Fichtner's performance which captivated me the most.
Scenes came in from all over Colorado: Creede, Georgetown, Silver Plume, Wagon Wheel Gap, Wheeler Monument, as well as, Arizona and Utah, plus some CGI magic.
And I love the romance of old iron! I have been in most of those engines personally!
The story is typical western material which is so politically incorrect: white man's greed, Indian naivety, manifest destiny.
The bad: the Indian tribe selected is the Comanche, which are poorly portrayed, since they are one of the better documented tribes due to their problems with white man's encroachment. However, had they of used the Arapahoe, it would have been mighty close to what did happen and the Arapahoe were the scourge of the Rocky Mountain are this was film in. So right story, wrong tribe.
The story takes place in 1869, yet many elements of the story were more likely to have been encountered in the 1890's!
Over two hours long! The story could have been firmed up with a few less rabbit trails that although novel, really did not add to the story.
Armie Hammer.
The good: a solid western story weaving together politics, greed, racism and man's inhumanity of the 19th century.
William Frichtner.
View-ability:
Very violent.
Really only one female character and her clothes stay on. There is a visit to a brothel, however bawdy, it was supposed to be, everyone had their clothing on.
Intense movie in which manifest destiny is shown to really be nothing more than greed and plays for power where the only real loser is the Indian and their way of life.
There were a few pre-teens there and they were laughing at the appropriate times, though I would have been a little concerned for the level of violence and a pre-teen. Teen friendly, with reservations for the same reason.
I think this is an owner movie and does have a message for the next generation concerning greed, inhumanity and hiding behind religion to support our own desires.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Yeah, I know, everyone and their mother has seen this one - it was just at the bottom of the list for my current "must see
" list. I reached the end of the list and since youngest daughter wanted to go to the movies and I did not want to see "The Call", I opted for GI Joe.
No, I am not a part of the demographic which enjoys flying tanks, car chases and explosions. Nor am I of the ilk that thinks The Rock is "scrumptious" as the teenie bopper behind squealed in delight as Dwayne came on screen for the first time. I wondered if she realized he could be her grandfather .....
I am also not a real fan of Bruce Willis. Were it not for his attempts to take over every scene he is in, and no not by shear force of his talent but his constant mugging in every camera shot!, he might be a reasonable actor. But, he does mug every scene, so really, why are we stuck with him in so many movies? Oh yeah, his mother and famous and someone thinks he is cute ..... yeah .....
As you can tell, I am not impressed with the cast, its anchors offer nothing to any movie. The story is contrived, Himalayan ninja sword fights, where only good guys can figure out that if you cut someone's rope, they are out of the story, yeah, bad guys are always too dumb to understand gravity and let us not forget that ex-generals keep caches of arms for just in case scenarios.
Really, this is one movie where going to the library is a better commendation than wasting 96 minutes of your life.
Don't bother with this one! Unless you are a 13 year old male and hence a part of the demographic for this movie....
" list. I reached the end of the list and since youngest daughter wanted to go to the movies and I did not want to see "The Call", I opted for GI Joe.
No, I am not a part of the demographic which enjoys flying tanks, car chases and explosions. Nor am I of the ilk that thinks The Rock is "scrumptious" as the teenie bopper behind squealed in delight as Dwayne came on screen for the first time. I wondered if she realized he could be her grandfather .....
I am also not a real fan of Bruce Willis. Were it not for his attempts to take over every scene he is in, and no not by shear force of his talent but his constant mugging in every camera shot!, he might be a reasonable actor. But, he does mug every scene, so really, why are we stuck with him in so many movies? Oh yeah, his mother and famous and someone thinks he is cute ..... yeah .....
As you can tell, I am not impressed with the cast, its anchors offer nothing to any movie. The story is contrived, Himalayan ninja sword fights, where only good guys can figure out that if you cut someone's rope, they are out of the story, yeah, bad guys are always too dumb to understand gravity and let us not forget that ex-generals keep caches of arms for just in case scenarios.
Really, this is one movie where going to the library is a better commendation than wasting 96 minutes of your life.
Don't bother with this one! Unless you are a 13 year old male and hence a part of the demographic for this movie....
Monday, May 20, 2013
Star Trek - Into Darkness
Friday was a fairly horrible day, just incredible pain throughout my body. Afternoon came along and I felt well enough to go pick up some crab legs for dinner. Everything was falling into place time wise and then my son called.
"Hey, pops, wanna go to a movie?"
Okay, that is pretty close a first time for any of the children! So, wondering what was really up, I agreed. And in walked my oldest daughter with her two kids - and they got to enjoy my cooking while I went to the movie with son.
So, first off, the trailers do not do the movie any justice. The movie does the Star Trek saga no justice, in fact it muddies the waters a bit.
However, this is a first rate film and just as you have to keep reminding yourself that "Left Behind" has nothing to do with the Bible, "Into Darkness" has nothing to do with Star Trek outside of it being created by part of the franchise, with characters of similar names and spaceships with familiar numbers on them!
I saw the 3-D version and outside of the effect being used to its fullest effect during a scene while traversing a debris field, it is wasted on this movie, as it is in most movies. However, if you could see this is in IMAX if just might be an awesome movie - apart from the debris field! I will be doing this hopefully today.
The movie on first take was well done, compares poorly with other Star Trek offerings, however just as a stand alone film is well worth seeing.
Teen friendly, other than twice scenes of females in underwear, however modest and of course completely unneccessary. Lots of explosions to keep the demographic audience happy and some memories for those of us whom remember the original series. (Of course I lived in Europe in an age of no TV so I only saw reruns when we moved to the States.)
Probably an owner as well, but let us face it, not much will ever come close to "The Wrath of Khan"....
"Hey, pops, wanna go to a movie?"
Okay, that is pretty close a first time for any of the children! So, wondering what was really up, I agreed. And in walked my oldest daughter with her two kids - and they got to enjoy my cooking while I went to the movie with son.
So, first off, the trailers do not do the movie any justice. The movie does the Star Trek saga no justice, in fact it muddies the waters a bit.
However, this is a first rate film and just as you have to keep reminding yourself that "Left Behind" has nothing to do with the Bible, "Into Darkness" has nothing to do with Star Trek outside of it being created by part of the franchise, with characters of similar names and spaceships with familiar numbers on them!
I saw the 3-D version and outside of the effect being used to its fullest effect during a scene while traversing a debris field, it is wasted on this movie, as it is in most movies. However, if you could see this is in IMAX if just might be an awesome movie - apart from the debris field! I will be doing this hopefully today.
The movie on first take was well done, compares poorly with other Star Trek offerings, however just as a stand alone film is well worth seeing.
Teen friendly, other than twice scenes of females in underwear, however modest and of course completely unneccessary. Lots of explosions to keep the demographic audience happy and some memories for those of us whom remember the original series. (Of course I lived in Europe in an age of no TV so I only saw reruns when we moved to the States.)
Probably an owner as well, but let us face it, not much will ever come close to "The Wrath of Khan"....
Monday, May 13, 2013
Iron Man III
A great many told me that this sequel, number 3, is nowhere near as good as the original. Being a cynic, I have to find out for myself. 'D' grade sci-fi is just too fun pass up!
So, with friend in tow, we descended upon the local theater and watched the latest Iron Man offering.
First up are the trailers and I see a new Thor is coming out. I hope it is as good as the original, I liked it a great deal.
Now for Iron Man.
Hmmmm. I like Paltrow, but not so much in this one. Sort of a Pod Pepper appears in this movie. The need to masculate the femme fatale is never appreciated. Imagine Ingrid Bergman physically beating up the Nazi's in Casablanca! No, just the wrong message to what is supposed to bear a romantic quality.
Robert Downey Jr was, well, himself. I like the guy because I understand him and appreciate the battle he fights. And he is a great actor after all. And I think that the trailers really misrepresented the film and how it plays out. He did well, given what the screen writers gave him.
The plot was quite good and the usage of Ben Kingsley was very good, I have to admit I never saw the trickery coming, I had guessed that the Manchurian was in league with the doofus, but really?!?!?!?! So that part played out quite well. Up to the discovery of whom the Manchurian really is, it is a great film. It falls apart after that because it is solid explosions and CGI for the rest of the film.
Oh well, such is the pain of not being a part of the demographic audience ..... age minus IQ, I guess.
Yes, it is an owner of a film and a good film at that. But, only about 75% great picture and then 25% loser.
Big bag of popcorn needed!
So, with friend in tow, we descended upon the local theater and watched the latest Iron Man offering.
First up are the trailers and I see a new Thor is coming out. I hope it is as good as the original, I liked it a great deal.
Now for Iron Man.
Hmmmm. I like Paltrow, but not so much in this one. Sort of a Pod Pepper appears in this movie. The need to masculate the femme fatale is never appreciated. Imagine Ingrid Bergman physically beating up the Nazi's in Casablanca! No, just the wrong message to what is supposed to bear a romantic quality.
Robert Downey Jr was, well, himself. I like the guy because I understand him and appreciate the battle he fights. And he is a great actor after all. And I think that the trailers really misrepresented the film and how it plays out. He did well, given what the screen writers gave him.
The plot was quite good and the usage of Ben Kingsley was very good, I have to admit I never saw the trickery coming, I had guessed that the Manchurian was in league with the doofus, but really?!?!?!?! So that part played out quite well. Up to the discovery of whom the Manchurian really is, it is a great film. It falls apart after that because it is solid explosions and CGI for the rest of the film.
Oh well, such is the pain of not being a part of the demographic audience ..... age minus IQ, I guess.
Yes, it is an owner of a film and a good film at that. But, only about 75% great picture and then 25% loser.
Big bag of popcorn needed!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Touching The Void
I have been extremely disappointed to find that most of my old favorites in movies no longer have any attraction for me with this new personality developing within me. For instance, I find myself more attracted now to the photography than to the story line (old me). I am sure my children are rejoicing that I no longer view vampire movies anymore, but Godzilla still rules!
So, last night, I plugged in, Touching the Void. A disquieting movie because I used to be a climbing guide and it was the only place where I knew I belonged for very many years. And almost instantly, I was back on Longs Peak in Colorado, December 1975 .....
In the 1930's, the US Geodetic Survey was working on the mountain to determine the actual height of it (14,259'). Those men had to spend months up there, living in an area called Boulder Field and having to summit everyday. Well, it is a hard climb and so to ease their labors, they packed in about a thousand feet of steel cable to help them past the almost impossible part of the mountain's northern terrain. Those men hold the record for most ascents on the mountain.
However, outside of those men using cables to reach the summit, no one was able to beat my record I set in high school. I darn near matched those engineers. In some ways I have a little pride there because I did every route on the mountain, even creating a few new ones - and without using bolts to do so. If you are not a climber, none of this really matters to you. So, I digress...
It was bitterly cold day, easily -20 F. Not too bad for a Colorado winter's day. But, it was not until you went through the Keyhole that you would be whacked by the 60+ mile per hour winds that day. It was bitterly cold with that wind chill factor!
It was a little before noon when my climbing partner, Randy and I reached the Trough. A narrow chute in the granite of the mountain. Filled with snow and ice, it is a short slide before you are launched into the air for the rest of the 8,000 foot fall into the valley on the western side of the mountain. I had lost a climbing party here in 1973. One second they were there, the next they were gone, just that fast. I and the guy roped to me thought maybe they had turned back. Yeah, wishful thinking. Randy and I roped up and began the nerve wracking climb up the ice.
I had just reached the Notch, a break in the eastern face of Longs Peak when I heard Randy yell. He was falling in the chute! I was at the worse possible place to have this happen. In front of me, below the frozen snow cornice I stood on, was Chasm Lake 1,600 feet of air between us. Behind me was a falling Randy and 8,000 feet of air to the bottom.
I did the only thing I could do as I was jerked backwards, I swung my ice axe for all I was worth, hoping for a solid bite into the ice beneath the cornice. But, there was precious little space to swing that ice axe in and so as the pick slammed into the ice, the lower walking point I had been using up the chute, penetrated my leg and sunk solidly into the bone above my right knee.
At once, a thousand thoughts raced through my mind: the sudden pain as the leg was pierced and the sound of the bone splintering, the sharp impact as the rope went taunt and my leg was jerked free of the spear which had gone through it, the heavy grunt of my friend as he reached the end of the rope's stretch, the jerk of pain as my right shoulder separated being pulled out by the strap which held my wrist to the ice axe, then knowledge that we were dead.
There was nothing I could do to help Randy from where he hung. He had to get back on the ice himself; I was busy slamming my right shoulder on the rock wall hard enough to pop the arm back together, before it swelled up. It would be worthless now for trying to do anything with. I put weight on my right leg; exquisite pain. Randy was now up to me and apologizing for the fall, which was the least of our worries. Going back the way we came was out of the question, as the area known as the Narrows, a thin ledge of rock, would require strength in both of my legs. It was easily another 500 feet up the side of the mountain to reach the top. I knew the cables were still there, but after almost 50 years, what kind of shape would they be in? Would they hold our weight? Could I control my descent with only my left leg and arm, my weakest side? And could we even make it to the top? Randy would have to lead and he did not know this part of the mountain.
So, standing in the notch, buffeted by sixty mile an hour winds with a wind chill somewhere around -80 or lower, we asked God for a miracle. And Randy took the lead, with my guiding him on how to avoid the common mis-steps on that section of the mountain which had led to more than a few tragedies in the recent past. We summited about an hour later, it was a glorious day, but we had no time to enjoy the view, we had to get me down and we were now three hours from the car when on good legs. I theorized that if Randy could get me down to Jim's grove, a sheltered area, I could survive with my space blanket for a few hours while he went for help.
We crested the summit and found the upper cable to be in good shape. 1,700 feet below lay boulder field where the engineers had lived for months. With Randy belaying me, I slid to the first eyelet holding the cable to the mountain, then he joined me. I would slide to the next eyelet and so on, until we reached a point where he could stand and I could continue my slide down to a ledge wide enough to hop along. This was actually the easy part.
As we entered Boulder Field, those random rocks only hours ago we had hopped across in glee, now posed an almost insurmountable obstacle! No way around the rocks, no way to now jump from rock to rock and no way Randy would be able to carry me. My right leg had been completely numb since starting the descent and my right shoulder robbed me from any grip with my strong hand. I knew the femur was broken to some extent and I counted it a blessing I could not feel anything. It had been excruciating making it the 500 feet to the summit from the accident point. Four miles to the car and only Randy's good will to rely on in order to make it just to Jim's Grove, maybe a mile and a half more, and I could curl up into a ball and whimper. God how I needed something for my shoulder!
With Randy helping me move gingerly from rock to rock, we made it past Boulder Field. We were at the juncture; turn right and bivouac in Jim's Grove or go straight. The official trail wanders around through the trees for miles and would take Randy hours to traverse, or if Randy could be my crutch, I remembered the route used to run the telegraph line up to Boulder Field from the base of the trail. It would be hazardous for me due to the terrain and ice but this could save Randy literally hours and maybe my life. Randy was game to try.
We made it back to the car about 6:00 pm. I limped to the car, threw my gear in the Duster's trunk and then pulled my pants and Duco leggings off. I expected to see blood and lots of it but there was nothing other than a blackened square hole in my leg and a very wobbly bone underneath. Yeah, we thanked God for getting us back to the car. If bone chips and frostbite were all I was going to suffer above the knee, then awesome!
As we drove back to Denver, my leg began to thaw out and the pain began to come in waves. I splinted it while Randy drove and thanked God again for even being alive.
As the movie drew to a close, I felt so sorry for that man whom had to crawl five miles out, after having been left for dead by his climbing partner, and having survived a horrible fall! I could relate to a well told story, I could still feel the truth in their words. I understood their viewpoints, but I also recognized that what separated us was that Randy and I were both Christians and therefore you sometimes need to take a risk, to make a sacrifice to save a brother (or sister, or even the lost!).
I am not saying that what happened on that mountain face in Peru would have been any different, were they Christians, but neither of them seem to have seen or found God through it, when He was so plainly evident in what did happen in the story. There are no coincidences in life.....
Language is a little rough in spots in the movie, and though I consider it a must own because of my own similar experience, it has some real lessons in it concerning the nature of man, the triumph of the will, and the need for God by every person - particularly before you are facing your maker in an icy tomb .....
Rent it. Sorry no girls, death, machine guns or explosions, just a real life story of survival and the nature of natural man.
Now for the rest of the story:
Back home, of course I had to go to the hospital. A tetanus shot, some work for the frostbite at the wound site and a better splint helped a great deal. Unfortunately, this was followed by blood poisoning and I almost lost the leg, however God came through.... :)
So, last night, I plugged in, Touching the Void. A disquieting movie because I used to be a climbing guide and it was the only place where I knew I belonged for very many years. And almost instantly, I was back on Longs Peak in Colorado, December 1975 .....
However, outside of those men using cables to reach the summit, no one was able to beat my record I set in high school. I darn near matched those engineers. In some ways I have a little pride there because I did every route on the mountain, even creating a few new ones - and without using bolts to do so. If you are not a climber, none of this really matters to you. So, I digress...
It was bitterly cold day, easily -20 F. Not too bad for a Colorado winter's day. But, it was not until you went through the Keyhole that you would be whacked by the 60+ mile per hour winds that day. It was bitterly cold with that wind chill factor!It was a little before noon when my climbing partner, Randy and I reached the Trough. A narrow chute in the granite of the mountain. Filled with snow and ice, it is a short slide before you are launched into the air for the rest of the 8,000 foot fall into the valley on the western side of the mountain. I had lost a climbing party here in 1973. One second they were there, the next they were gone, just that fast. I and the guy roped to me thought maybe they had turned back. Yeah, wishful thinking. Randy and I roped up and began the nerve wracking climb up the ice.
I did the only thing I could do as I was jerked backwards, I swung my ice axe for all I was worth, hoping for a solid bite into the ice beneath the cornice. But, there was precious little space to swing that ice axe in and so as the pick slammed into the ice, the lower walking point I had been using up the chute, penetrated my leg and sunk solidly into the bone above my right knee.
At once, a thousand thoughts raced through my mind: the sudden pain as the leg was pierced and the sound of the bone splintering, the sharp impact as the rope went taunt and my leg was jerked free of the spear which had gone through it, the heavy grunt of my friend as he reached the end of the rope's stretch, the jerk of pain as my right shoulder separated being pulled out by the strap which held my wrist to the ice axe, then knowledge that we were dead.
There was nothing I could do to help Randy from where he hung. He had to get back on the ice himself; I was busy slamming my right shoulder on the rock wall hard enough to pop the arm back together, before it swelled up. It would be worthless now for trying to do anything with. I put weight on my right leg; exquisite pain. Randy was now up to me and apologizing for the fall, which was the least of our worries. Going back the way we came was out of the question, as the area known as the Narrows, a thin ledge of rock, would require strength in both of my legs. It was easily another 500 feet up the side of the mountain to reach the top. I knew the cables were still there, but after almost 50 years, what kind of shape would they be in? Would they hold our weight? Could I control my descent with only my left leg and arm, my weakest side? And could we even make it to the top? Randy would have to lead and he did not know this part of the mountain.
So, standing in the notch, buffeted by sixty mile an hour winds with a wind chill somewhere around -80 or lower, we asked God for a miracle. And Randy took the lead, with my guiding him on how to avoid the common mis-steps on that section of the mountain which had led to more than a few tragedies in the recent past. We summited about an hour later, it was a glorious day, but we had no time to enjoy the view, we had to get me down and we were now three hours from the car when on good legs. I theorized that if Randy could get me down to Jim's grove, a sheltered area, I could survive with my space blanket for a few hours while he went for help.
As we entered Boulder Field, those random rocks only hours ago we had hopped across in glee, now posed an almost insurmountable obstacle! No way around the rocks, no way to now jump from rock to rock and no way Randy would be able to carry me. My right leg had been completely numb since starting the descent and my right shoulder robbed me from any grip with my strong hand. I knew the femur was broken to some extent and I counted it a blessing I could not feel anything. It had been excruciating making it the 500 feet to the summit from the accident point. Four miles to the car and only Randy's good will to rely on in order to make it just to Jim's Grove, maybe a mile and a half more, and I could curl up into a ball and whimper. God how I needed something for my shoulder!
With Randy helping me move gingerly from rock to rock, we made it past Boulder Field. We were at the juncture; turn right and bivouac in Jim's Grove or go straight. The official trail wanders around through the trees for miles and would take Randy hours to traverse, or if Randy could be my crutch, I remembered the route used to run the telegraph line up to Boulder Field from the base of the trail. It would be hazardous for me due to the terrain and ice but this could save Randy literally hours and maybe my life. Randy was game to try.
We made it back to the car about 6:00 pm. I limped to the car, threw my gear in the Duster's trunk and then pulled my pants and Duco leggings off. I expected to see blood and lots of it but there was nothing other than a blackened square hole in my leg and a very wobbly bone underneath. Yeah, we thanked God for getting us back to the car. If bone chips and frostbite were all I was going to suffer above the knee, then awesome!
As we drove back to Denver, my leg began to thaw out and the pain began to come in waves. I splinted it while Randy drove and thanked God again for even being alive.
As the movie drew to a close, I felt so sorry for that man whom had to crawl five miles out, after having been left for dead by his climbing partner, and having survived a horrible fall! I could relate to a well told story, I could still feel the truth in their words. I understood their viewpoints, but I also recognized that what separated us was that Randy and I were both Christians and therefore you sometimes need to take a risk, to make a sacrifice to save a brother (or sister, or even the lost!).
I am not saying that what happened on that mountain face in Peru would have been any different, were they Christians, but neither of them seem to have seen or found God through it, when He was so plainly evident in what did happen in the story. There are no coincidences in life.....
Language is a little rough in spots in the movie, and though I consider it a must own because of my own similar experience, it has some real lessons in it concerning the nature of man, the triumph of the will, and the need for God by every person - particularly before you are facing your maker in an icy tomb .....
Rent it. Sorry no girls, death, machine guns or explosions, just a real life story of survival and the nature of natural man.
Now for the rest of the story:
Back home, of course I had to go to the hospital. A tetanus shot, some work for the frostbite at the wound site and a better splint helped a great deal. Unfortunately, this was followed by blood poisoning and I almost lost the leg, however God came through.... :)
Monday, April 22, 2013
Oblivion
Friday night was movie night and I managed to attend the IMAX release of Oblivion with and compliments of a friend. I am sure I have mentioned in the past that I find Tom Cruise to be about as exciting as wall paste, so keep that in mind as you read this review....
Beautifully photographed using fly through technology (again, thank you again cruel world for using something I had a hand in and not giving a me nickel for it! ). But, it was so well done, it was almost believable throughout the movie, it was some of the best CGI I have ever seen. Much cleaner than the last Sherlock Holmes.
The Sci-Fi toys were great and I want that little airship, bad, honest!
The story was actually a pretty good one, and wall paste even did a believable job with his parts! (As if one TC is not bad enough!)
The Good: an exceptional movie and I loved it.
The Bad: one nude scene and luckily having my friend with me allowed me to continue to save this new born emotion and spirit within me from any tarnishment or exposure to desire. Yeah, month two of complete take over and still hanging in there!
Final thought: the movie asked a relevant question: What price humanity?
Interestingly, I had been praying about just that very question on Friday. I find myself growing frighteningly human but at what cost? Everything I possess to become what? A human? Why? What was wrong staying as I was? Questions, questions, questions! No answers.
But, this movie is highly recommended by both my friend and I, save for the 90 seconds or so I missed with my friend's help.
It is an owner.
Beautifully photographed using fly through technology (again, thank you again cruel world for using something I had a hand in and not giving a me nickel for it! ). But, it was so well done, it was almost believable throughout the movie, it was some of the best CGI I have ever seen. Much cleaner than the last Sherlock Holmes.
The Sci-Fi toys were great and I want that little airship, bad, honest!
The story was actually a pretty good one, and wall paste even did a believable job with his parts! (As if one TC is not bad enough!)
The Good: an exceptional movie and I loved it.
The Bad: one nude scene and luckily having my friend with me allowed me to continue to save this new born emotion and spirit within me from any tarnishment or exposure to desire. Yeah, month two of complete take over and still hanging in there!
Final thought: the movie asked a relevant question: What price humanity?
Interestingly, I had been praying about just that very question on Friday. I find myself growing frighteningly human but at what cost? Everything I possess to become what? A human? Why? What was wrong staying as I was? Questions, questions, questions! No answers.
But, this movie is highly recommended by both my friend and I, save for the 90 seconds or so I missed with my friend's help.
It is an owner.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Warm Bodies
It is hard for me to avoid a zombie movie. Usually they are filled with sick humor which really appeals to me.
Warm Bodies, is your usual zombie flick: zombies hunting humans for their brains, humans hunting zombies to blow out theirs. yawn.....
But, this film is also a love story between a zombie and a young woman. Apparently the zombie for whatever reason wanted to relearn about emotion and love, while she was more interested in not having her brains bashed out and eaten. You will have to like dark humor to love this film.
And there sat this adult, with a two month, three week old emotion - in fully control of him, no old nature left to revert to - to protect him from what was coming. I was forced to tears as I experienced a flood of emotion. I think my friend feared for my sanity and asked if I needed to leave. I probably should have, my emotional state for the rest of the evening was a train wreck.
Surprisingly, Kris gives this movie a thumbs up. Think Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" crossed with Shakespeare's Twelfth Night or maybe Romeo and Juliet, only played backwards since he starts out dead and comes back to life. Yeah, campy but fun.
Is it an owner? I do not know. I refused to watch during a disrobing scene, it would have been to much at that point. I also refused to watch points where snogging was going to be the action. I was an emotion wreck as I said. Apparently, it takes very little to set me off. So, one day it may become an owner but for now I am too financially broke and emotionally fragile.
Recommendation? Yeah, teenagers on up would enjoy this film, either for the love story or the brain eating. heh, heh, heh, heh.......
Warm Bodies, is your usual zombie flick: zombies hunting humans for their brains, humans hunting zombies to blow out theirs. yawn.....
But, this film is also a love story between a zombie and a young woman. Apparently the zombie for whatever reason wanted to relearn about emotion and love, while she was more interested in not having her brains bashed out and eaten. You will have to like dark humor to love this film.
And there sat this adult, with a two month, three week old emotion - in fully control of him, no old nature left to revert to - to protect him from what was coming. I was forced to tears as I experienced a flood of emotion. I think my friend feared for my sanity and asked if I needed to leave. I probably should have, my emotional state for the rest of the evening was a train wreck.
Surprisingly, Kris gives this movie a thumbs up. Think Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" crossed with Shakespeare's Twelfth Night or maybe Romeo and Juliet, only played backwards since he starts out dead and comes back to life. Yeah, campy but fun.
Is it an owner? I do not know. I refused to watch during a disrobing scene, it would have been to much at that point. I also refused to watch points where snogging was going to be the action. I was an emotion wreck as I said. Apparently, it takes very little to set me off. So, one day it may become an owner but for now I am too financially broke and emotionally fragile.
Recommendation? Yeah, teenagers on up would enjoy this film, either for the love story or the brain eating. heh, heh, heh, heh.......
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Hansel and Gretel
Here is a money saving tip for you: do not go to see this film!
I had hoped for something campy, you know really horrible, a Kris must own movie! What I got was horrible alright but it is not an owner film in the least!
So, Niece and I went for the viewing - but she had to keep burying her face in my armpit, yeah it was that disgusting at times. I offered to leave for her sake several times but she wanted to stick it out. Really, it would have been fine with me to walk on that one. Finally I had to decide she just like Old Spice deodorant.....
Gore is all this film has to offer and if you are into entrals hanging off the shrubbery, it is probably the film for you.
A big NO to this one.....
I had hoped for something campy, you know really horrible, a Kris must own movie! What I got was horrible alright but it is not an owner film in the least!
So, Niece and I went for the viewing - but she had to keep burying her face in my armpit, yeah it was that disgusting at times. I offered to leave for her sake several times but she wanted to stick it out. Really, it would have been fine with me to walk on that one. Finally I had to decide she just like Old Spice deodorant.....
Gore is all this film has to offer and if you are into entrals hanging off the shrubbery, it is probably the film for you.
A big NO to this one.....
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Looper
Well, this has been an action packed week, little of which would be of any benefit to share - except with those whom are impacted with what all has been going on!
Yesterday, I took off, just time for me. I worked on my year end planning, not that it matters - events for people whom ultimately do not care, utilizing resources which are dwindling - a show of form, a hope of change, a fear that all is doomed.
So, I took myself to the movies. I have been considering Looper for months and since I was alone, okay, let's do it. I do love time travel.
First important note: not for teenage males. Cut 90 seconds out and it is only a borderline okay movie, but nope not in Kris' book with those 90 second in there. Those 90 seconds are a nude female, lord knows how broken to appear to be so vulnerable in the scene, so exposed, for no real reason at all. It added nothing to the film, it made me feel compassion for her as a woman. Sorry not a turn on for this guy. If you are adult and comfortable with the concept that females have breasts, then you whatever - your choice. But, if you are normal American guy, avoid the movie, you don't need this.
Storywise, it was quite good. Put together very well with some interesting twists in the plot. Drug abuse is rampant in the film, tons of shoot 'em ups and other violence, yeah not exactly socially redeeming - except in the end when the main character realizes that everyone is willing to sacrifice themselves for someone else and he holds the key to the entire problem. Intriguing.
Strip out the nudity and it a decent story, more than a few in the church could learn from - especially in light of how readily we are so willing to sacrifice others to get our way and even then we shoot our own.
As is - no recommendation.
Yesterday, I took off, just time for me. I worked on my year end planning, not that it matters - events for people whom ultimately do not care, utilizing resources which are dwindling - a show of form, a hope of change, a fear that all is doomed.
So, I took myself to the movies. I have been considering Looper for months and since I was alone, okay, let's do it. I do love time travel.
First important note: not for teenage males. Cut 90 seconds out and it is only a borderline okay movie, but nope not in Kris' book with those 90 second in there. Those 90 seconds are a nude female, lord knows how broken to appear to be so vulnerable in the scene, so exposed, for no real reason at all. It added nothing to the film, it made me feel compassion for her as a woman. Sorry not a turn on for this guy. If you are adult and comfortable with the concept that females have breasts, then you whatever - your choice. But, if you are normal American guy, avoid the movie, you don't need this.
Storywise, it was quite good. Put together very well with some interesting twists in the plot. Drug abuse is rampant in the film, tons of shoot 'em ups and other violence, yeah not exactly socially redeeming - except in the end when the main character realizes that everyone is willing to sacrifice themselves for someone else and he holds the key to the entire problem. Intriguing.
Strip out the nudity and it a decent story, more than a few in the church could learn from - especially in light of how readily we are so willing to sacrifice others to get our way and even then we shoot our own.
As is - no recommendation.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Skyfall
I am very tempted to write this in a very different manner, because God brought to mind my old friend Spook, whom you can read about elsewhere on this site. The story is not that far from a 1980's incident few are aware of.....
Had the movie ended at the opening credits, it would have already been worth the ticket price. It was awesome. But, there was still a two hour movie behind this and it was - very different, very good, and were it not a Bond, it still would have been a great movie. But, for the reality of what happened .....
Spook and his life came back sharply into focus in my mind as the story unwound. I probably have not thought of him in over a year, maybe two. I think Daniel Craig does a commendable job of portraying the man Spook was, though Spook had far more blood on his hands than Bond would ever dream of - because no one would believe it. But, Craig never could portray the loss of humanity this life actually brings in reality, nor the damage done to the soul. In Spook that damage, he could recognize but not understand because he had no basis for which to understand from. Though Pierce Brosnon did a decent job of this, but not the rest. This I am assured is why God brought me into his life - a broken man, showing another broken man, that life does not have to be this way. Now that I think of it, just search on Spook and read his story - remember that the oldest is the earliest in the sequence.
Back to Skyfall.
One of the best chase sequences I have ever seen, believable situations, timely in its message, yeah a fantasy but not so unbelievable.
The bad, humorous shooting sequences they should have known better about. Have to have one "sex" scene every 20 minutes or so, but since there is no real nudity, still older teen friendly. Unfortunately, everyone ends up getting killed, so the movie probably ought to have been called Resurrection, at least for Bond.
Were it not for Quantum of Solace, this is probably the best of the series yet. But, QofS had something no other Bond contained and I am not going to tell you what it was that would make me vote for it as best Bond ever. I will let that be my secret.....
Had the movie ended at the opening credits, it would have already been worth the ticket price. It was awesome. But, there was still a two hour movie behind this and it was - very different, very good, and were it not a Bond, it still would have been a great movie. But, for the reality of what happened .....
Spook and his life came back sharply into focus in my mind as the story unwound. I probably have not thought of him in over a year, maybe two. I think Daniel Craig does a commendable job of portraying the man Spook was, though Spook had far more blood on his hands than Bond would ever dream of - because no one would believe it. But, Craig never could portray the loss of humanity this life actually brings in reality, nor the damage done to the soul. In Spook that damage, he could recognize but not understand because he had no basis for which to understand from. Though Pierce Brosnon did a decent job of this, but not the rest. This I am assured is why God brought me into his life - a broken man, showing another broken man, that life does not have to be this way. Now that I think of it, just search on Spook and read his story - remember that the oldest is the earliest in the sequence.
Back to Skyfall.
One of the best chase sequences I have ever seen, believable situations, timely in its message, yeah a fantasy but not so unbelievable.
The bad, humorous shooting sequences they should have known better about. Have to have one "sex" scene every 20 minutes or so, but since there is no real nudity, still older teen friendly. Unfortunately, everyone ends up getting killed, so the movie probably ought to have been called Resurrection, at least for Bond.
Were it not for Quantum of Solace, this is probably the best of the series yet. But, QofS had something no other Bond contained and I am not going to tell you what it was that would make me vote for it as best Bond ever. I will let that be my secret.....
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