The Karate Kid (1984)

I had the opportunity to watch this gem for the first time in years. It's just as awesome as I remember it. There's something about the heart-warming story that transcends the pure 80s shtick.

Decades later, The Karate Kid remains the classic underdog story. Ralph Macchio as the eager Jersey boy suffering from culture shock on the West Coast. Compounding the situation is the school bully--with a black belt in karate--who discovers Daniel and just won't stop. Macchio plays Daniel-san wonderfully, imbuing the scrawny teenager with that awkward innocence of first love and belonging. Noriyuki Morita as handyman Kesuke Miyagi is equally engaging. Mr. Miyagi is somewhat cliched, but he plays to strengths as he agrees to train Daniel to face his fear.


The Karate Kid is easy to love. Sure the movie is formulaic; the dialogue is the definition of cheesy, and well, let's face it, the 80s ring true in both settings, and soundtrack. Still, the film rises above it all thanks to genuine performances.

Bonus Feature: link

It's not often that I find something so riveting out in the world wide web. In this day and age, out time is too fleeting--too precious. We are bombarded each day with images that give us no cause to pause. I found this site by chance; but time stopped for me here.

Riveting is too simple a word for it. Haunting is equally true. These images are captivating.

http://www.opacity.us/

24: Redemption (2008)

The clock is ticking...

This 2 hour event bridges the gap from season six to season seven (premiering January 11, 2009) for the Fox juggernaut 24. The best drama on network television {imho} teases unmercifully with Redemption.

Setting the story for the upcoming season, Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) is found in Sangala, Africa. On the lam from a U.S. government subpoena, Bauer is hiding out/supporting fellow former ops solider turned human rights worker Carl (28 Weeks Later's Robert Carlyle). Steeped in the current African conflict, the story is equally sad and righteous.

The pacing is direct; characters are quickly judged at face value. No worries! No spoilers here! The body count starts from the opening minutes.

The U.S. is transitioning governments from President Noah Daniels' (Powers Boothe) administration to President Elect Allison Tayler {how American} (Cherry Jones). Jon Voight's menacing mug pops up quickly as does Peter MacNichol (CBS' Numb3rs).

The story's set; Jack Bauer is pissed {for more that one reason}. The world needs saving and only one man can do it again. Jack's back.

Laugh at me.

Ahem. OK, this is embarrassing, but 'show code' insists that I share. You can laugh; I did--once I got over how utterly stupid I felt. Actually, I'm not over it. I shake my head with shame.
Just got this. Today. Like five hours ago. Seriously. Growing up, my grandparents had a round yellow magnet with 'tuit' on it. It was always on the refrigerator, might still be. The refrigerators have changed, perhaps. That doesn't negate the fact that I JUST GOT THIS!! HELL-O!! God, I feel stupid. Maybe I was blonde in another life...

Neil Young: Heart of Gold (2006)

Jonathan Demme directs a intimate concert with Neil Young in Nashville in this 2006 release. Recorded during a two night concert at the Ryman Auditorium and just before Young's surgery for a brain aneurysm at Vanderbilt Hospital, Heart of Gold is as good as it gets.

Young may have slowed down a bit, but this Canadian continues to create relevant sound; his 2006 album Prairie Wind doesn't rock as hard, but the footage is beautiful. Demme knows his subject well and captures Young at his peak. The film is gently paced--almost meditative. Demme has captured his subject well and under his direction, the Young is his most complex. The editing is seamless; visually, the film is slightly haunting.

Neil Young plays the entire album, intersperses a few hits and some obscure classics. The chemistry between him and the stellar group of musicians onstage (among them Emmy Lou Harris, his wife Pegi, The Nashville String Machine and Fisk Jubilee Singers)-it's wonderful to behold.

Heart of Gold is definitely for a niche audience. Still I would hate to think that anyone would miss out on one of the ICONS. For fans of Neil Young and/or Jonathan Demme, this shouldn't be missed.

The Big Bang Theory: Season One (2007)

This CBS sitcom is perhaps the most underrated show on television. The premise centers around four uber-nerds: Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, and Howard. These socially inept geniuses befriend a gorgeous, albeit naive Midwestern girl named Penny. True hilarity ensures. Each character has a trademark tic that shines through each episode.

Leonard the most 'normal' of the nerds wants to be 'average' normal and spends most of his time either trying to woo Penny or calming Sheldon. Sheldon, Leonard's roommate, is the most socially retarded and spends most of his time exasperated at the simplest of things he doesn't understand. Sheldon can easily disseminate quantum physics, but can't delineate restaurant dining. Raj, of Indian decent, has a pathological fear of beautiful women. Around Penny he is silent. Wolowitz (Howard) is a Jewish wannabe lady killer. Together, the four spend Wednesdays playing Halo, speak Klingon, engage in Superman movie marathons, and lay down string theory. Oh, Penny works at The Cheesecake Factory.

Each episode contains above average comedy that typically allows Sheldon (Jim Parsons) to kill. His straight-faced, exasperated, know-it-all tone is pitch perfect. {Look for Sheldon as the Doppler Effect for Halloween} Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) deliver some of the best physical comedy to come to network television in ages.

The Big Bang Theory is the latest in geek chic. Witty and genuine, the show deserves a look and listen. As season two continues, the writers and cast stick with the fresh formula and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

The Foot Fist Way (2008)

The Foot Fist Way is reminiscent of Napoleon Dynamite with it's indie feel, but that's where the similarities end. After 30 minutes of foul-mouthed meanness, I couldn't take it any longer.

The film stars Danny McBride (the dynamite expert in Tropic Thunder) as a small-town tae kwon do instructor. When Mr. Simmons discovers his wife's infidelities, the pompous twit freaks out. That's as far as I got.

Don't ask me what happens, I don't care. Maybe like Napoleon Dynamite, the movie requires a couple of viewings. I don't get it; nor do I want to.

Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008)

Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt, and Pa Grape star in the latest feature from Big Idea. As lowly busboys at the Pieces of Ate Dinner Theatre, the trio finally get a chance to be heroes when they are sent back in time. The boys face pirates, rock monsters, and laziness in order to rescue the royal family.

In their trademark style, Big Idea wrap important lessons in animated stories starring vegetable. Always age appropriate, the only thing parents might need to worry about is killer cheese curls. Adults may find the story surprisingly flat. The typical pandering to adults hardly rises above a chuckle.

Watch past the credits for the highlight: Larry, Mr. Lunt and Pa Grape with their interpretation of The B-52's classic, Rock Lobster.

Pirates Who Don't Do Anything would be an entertaining addition to a 3-year old's collection. For my money, see Jonah instead.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

This average animated adventure is in a word: tedious. Clocking in at 93 minutes, the adventure centers around Count Dooku's plot to kidnap Jabba the Hutt's son and blame the Republic for it, in order to gain Hutt's allegiance in the Outer Rim. Sound exciting? It's not.

The {for lack of a better word} manga-ey animation ranges from wooden to average. The galaxy and fight sequences are solid; it's the the characters that suffer. The dialogue is mind-numbingly boring. The film introduces a few new characters among Anakin, Obi-Wan, R2D2, Yoda, Mace Windu, etc.. Anakin is given a Padawan during the course of the story. A youngling named Ahsoka. What an annoying twerp! General Grievous is sadly absent, but we do meet Sith baddie Ventriss.

The Force is not with this one. There is no need to watch this.

Autumn Sabbatical Ramblings

Can't imagine a better way to observe Veteran's Day than by writing about two 'old' things I've fallen in love with...

Pipes: Wait, wait! I know tobacco is not good for you, but pipes are cool. I'm sure my feelings derive from childhood memories. Have you notice some of the young gents today? Notice them smoking pipes? It's oddly sexy, lung cancer be damned. {You can laugh now.} People who smoke pipes carry themselves in a different manner--and not in a Fred Rogers cardigan sort of way, neither.

Hot Water Bottle: This is an essential old people item. I mean this is what you find next to the Vick's Vap-o-rub, and Fixodent. Let me tell you. When you're sick, it's like blessings from heaven. Now, I'm talking the old, extinct kind of water bottle made from actual tree rubber. It's that funky red-orange color with the stopper. Since I've been sick, I don't sleep without it. Fill it up with near boiling water, place in small of back, or just cuddle with it. Sweet Lord.

Rockin' old school...that's just how I roll...

Autumn Sabbatical Ramblings

I don't like to use the term 'vacation'. To me, it implies the beach or at least going out of town. Yeah, I'm not likely to do either of those. Instead, I choose sabbatical--a period of rest.

My soundtrack selection for tonight's post, RHCP '06 release Stadium Arcadium. It's all good and I don't just mean Dani California {which I kill as Toasty Frijoles}.

The first day of rest was just that. The antibiotics, besides causing loose stools {wait, is that a TMI?} has caused an overall feeling of lethargy. I stayed in most of the day. Enjoyed a movie, painted Rimmel's 'Manic' on my fingernails, went Krogering, and spent some time with my little brother at Burger King. {For the record there's not a f'ing Starbucks here and it was his pick.}

Bet we were a sight. He in his post-welding day uniform of wrinkle utility khaki pants, an orange hoodie {that I suspect was really orange at one time}, and a mucky white tee--all with the trademark flash burn singes. And me?! Yeah, is my weak-eyed, rasping phone-sex voice bringing pale back ensemble. It was wonderful to talk to him over sips of Sprite {for me} and Diet Coke {him}.

I was up to 2.30 this morning reading Forever Odd by Dean Koontz. Wow. The first book was sweet and innocent; the second takes on a completely different, diabolical tone. Odd Thomas is losing his innocence. It's funny. I can count on one hand the literary characters that have had true impact on my life. {I shan't reveal them; to do so, would feel like exposing the most private of my thoughts.} Odd Thomas, however, is becoming one. Koontz writes so thoughtfully. To make parallels to a fictional character {especially this one} is ludicrous; but I can't help it. That it what makes it riveting. {God, that sounds melodramatic.}

Tuesday, my plans for the week begin in earnest. They are simple, just to explore and enjoy the moments. There is such intensity in my spirit that true relaxation doesn't come easy. Perhaps it's a restlessness. Loneliness? Sadness?

If you see a stranger with 'manic' on her hands and intensity in her eyes, say 'hello', would you?

Run, Fat Boy, Run (2007)

Dennis (Simon Pegg) is a failure; he's a quitter. He's never finished anything in his life and now, five years after leaving his pregnant girlfriend, Libby (Thandie Newton), he is filled with regret. With the help of his best mate,Gordon (Dylan Moran) {must see: the BBC series Black Books} Dennis finally admits it. When the new boyfriend Whit (Hank Azaria) moves in on Libby, Dennis decides to prove to her that he has changed. Too bad for him, he's decided to illustrate is point with a 26 mile marathon in three weeks, no less. With the help of Gordon and his Indian widower landlord, Dennis might just succeed at putting his pint-and-cig diet to rest and get the girl.

Run, Fat Boy, Run is an uplifting, albeit predictable, underdog story that delivers thanks to fun-loving cast, sight gags, and smart dialogue. Making his directorial debut is David Schwimmer. <------ Not my favorite, but this works.

The film leans heavily on it's cast. Simon Pegg in a semi-serious role as a dad is spot-on. The dialogue plays to his comedic strengths, but even in moments of seriousness, Pegg nails it. Dylan Moran is hysterical as always and alongside Pegg, the two creates a hilarious chemistry. Newton is cute; Azaria is perfectly smarmy. The young lad cast as Dennis' son is adorable.

Let me be clear. I would watch Pegg watching paint dry and it would be funny to me. Pegg's body of work: Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Spaced--it all plays to Pegg's impeccable comedic skills. Run, Fat Boy, Run is no different.

Iron Man (2008)

Everything changes for Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) playboy heir to weapons manufacturer Stark Industries, after his engineered escape from kidnappers. Returning to wealth and privilege, Tony can't shake seeing his weapons used for death and destruction. Now determined to make a difference, Tony takes his inspiration from the iron shield that helped him escape.

Look, you don't need another rehashing of the plot. There is reason Iron Man ruled the summer at the box office. Behold its perfection. From the opening credits, it's clear to see that director Jon Favreau (Elf, The Break-Up) loves this story.

Iron Man is pure escapism in stunning fashion. Much like the body suit, the movie is seamless in every way. The plot is coherent, moving at a fast clip to build back story and get to business. The settings are beautiful. Equally lavish and ridiculous, Stark is surrounded by beauty. Speaking of beauty, the CG is seamless. If you get your eyes off a gorgeous cast, you still wouldn't notice the CG.

Robert Downey, Jr. is riveting. Downey's embodiment of redeemed bad boy Stark is multi-faceted and engaging. Downey simply sparkles. Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts is stunning. Terrance Howard and Jeff Bridges bridge additional depth and substance to the film, but Favreau never reaches to far. He allows the cast to shine with a well-written screenplay that keeps the camp to minimum.

Iron Man is simply fantastic! The film is a perfectly executed; it is a much heralded {and welcomed} addition to the superhero canon.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Two words: Edward Norton. He was my only reason for seeing this one. As superhero movies go, The Incredible Hulk is a decent addition. Norton is Bruce Banner, the fugitive gamma-rayed scientist that turns green when angry. Norton is solidly cast against William Hurt, Liv Tyler, and Tim Roth.

The story is solid without too many WTF?! moments. Banner is simply looking for a cure knowing that what lurks within is power too dangerous for anyone to have. Norton humanizes Banner well. The back story is quickly set through the opening credits, but I did want to see more of the origin. Norton is fascinating to watch, even here.

The CG is nicely and believably constructed. Although the Hulk antithesis, played in the flesh by Tim Roth, with it's dinosauric bony protuberances was more God of War than true villain.

The Incredible Hulk saves itself from mediocrity thanks to Norton and a surprise cameo by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. Guess I'll queue Iron Man up.

The Hunger (1983)

Naming an 80's vampire flick usually results in one answer: The Lost Boys. The Hunger is often overlooked cult gem that's, shall we say, for adults.

Sensual and seductive, The Hunger stars Cathering Deneauve as Miriam Blaylock, an elegant, beautiful woman who shares her luxurious lifestyle with her husband John (David Bowie). Miriam is immortal--a vampire. John is not; life immortal for him is a curse. 300 years later and aging rapidly, John is cursed. Aware of the flaw in the human existence, Miriam sets her sights on a new lover, a promising Dr. Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon).

Surprisingly, Tony Scott is at the helm of this 80's piece and boy does it scream 80's. Thankfully, the story rises above it's dated settings and is quite riveting. The film is beautifully shot, almost ethereal. Scott creates a dream-like setting.

French actress Deneauve is stunning. She's elegant beyond words. Bowie is a nice compliment. Susan Sarandon with that awful 80's shag is sufficient; but there's a nagging feeling that her character could have been so much more with the right actress.

Still the film is solely Scott's vision and it is a stunning one. The use of color and the sumptuous classical score that oddly enough begins with Bauhaus' famous song "Bela Lugosi is Dead". The Gothic feel of the film is pitch-perfect, but it's the camera that elevates a dragging plot into something sublime.

The Hunger is a beautifully stylized film that's completely underrated. Bloody, erotic, haunting and cool, this film is a credit to the genre. It's truly a shame it's not better known.

All Together Now: A Documentary Film (2008)

This Best Buy exclusive is a behind the scenes documentary that showcases the creation of Cirque Du Soleil's LOVE show. While I'm disappointed that there is not more footage of the actual show, the documentary is still amazing. Of course, the soundtrack is brilliant. It's remarkable the craftsmanship and respect that the creators of Cirque have. How George Harrison befriended the creators is addressed--that's pretty cool. They met over a love of motorcar racing.

During the course of the film, we meet the cast of the show as their learn parts, see the creators interpret and then try to obtain approval from the remaining Beatles, Olivia Harrison and Yoko Ono Lennon. It's a beautiful, stressful time for all.

For me, the real gem is Sir George Martin and his son dissecting the reworking of the Beatles' master recordings.

If anything, All Together Now will have you thankful that the Beatles and their respective spouses, friends, etc, have maintained such control over the band's legacy. It makes things like this high caliber and all the more precious.

This blows.

I'm on vacation this coming week and I'm f'ing sick. I'd been fighting since this past Monday, thinking that my throat soreness was due to heavy practice with Edicius Oz. My vocals are really improving. I'd been powering through each day at the Centre until yesterday. I still feel I have alot to prove there, so I'd been refusing to acknowledge I'm ill, therein lies my folly. At the Centre--if you show weakness, the pack mentality comes out.

I worked yesterday just long enough to complete the week's tasks asked of me. I hit the clinic only to find my doctor more concerned about obtaining Barack Obama inauguration ball tickets than figuring out if I'm dying. Nice. My f'ing doctor could care less. What's more, my own mother seems annoyed. WTF?!

It's not like I'm a whiner. I'd just like a little consideration. Hell, the doc said to rest. I can't do that with a clear conscience.

And so it begins...

Election Coverage Free Zone

That's right; you won't find a thing here.

This struck me a funny. The Pope clocking in and out... gives new meaning to being on God's timetable.

Additionally, famed author Michael Crichton has lost his battle with cancer. Don't care what anyone else says, his contribution to the literary field is/was substantial--even if he didn't win a Pulitzer.

So, what's going on? Since the 31 Days ended, lots of ca-ca that keeps me from here and viewing movies. On deck for review: Run, Fat Boy, Run and The Incredible Hulk. Hate to tease, but stay tuned.

The AFF was brilliant. It's a once a year shendig at Montgomery Bell that shouldn't be missed. Rumor has it, two days are in order next year. Go Dara! Old Ceremony is my new fav. You can find them and the Americana Folk Festival on MySpace.