Invictus (2009)

February 10, 1992 and the apartheid comes to an end with Nelson Mandela elected to the presidency. In his search to unite the people of South Africa, Mandela (Morgan Freeman) turns to the leader of the country’s rugby team—Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon). Challenged by Mandela to help him unite their country, Pienaar sets out to win the 1995 World Cup.

Director Clint Eastwood brings real-life events to the big screen. Adapted from a memoir, Eastwood locks in two fine performances from Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. Without these two, Invictus would be another formulaic feel-good drama.

Freeman makes Mandela—of whom I know little—interesting. The very embodiment of ‘being the change you want to see in the world’, as Mandela, Freeman spouts wisdom beyond his years. The film gives us an enigma. Damon owns his performance with conviction. He nails the accent and provides us with an understated, determined man in Francois Pienaar. Equally as interesting is the game of rugby. Intricate cinematography, on and off the field, along with stunning scoring by Kyle Eastwood creates a beautiful production.

As I see it, Invictus is not Eastwood’s best. But he’s a fine director and anyone investing in this drama won’t be disappointed.

Whip It (2009)

Amazingly strong and surprisingly good story of a teen (Ellen Page) coming of age in small Texas town. Bucking her mom’s obsession with beauty pageants, Bliss finds bliss in roller derby. Marcia Gay Harden as the religious/straight-laced Mom and Daniel Stern are brilliant casting. But Kristen Wiig and Juliette Lewis threaten to steal the show. Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut is smart, sweet, quirky fun

Fever Pitch (2005)

Surprisingly sweet romantic comedy (based on the book by Nick Hornby) about Ben (Jimmy Fallon) a crazed Boston Red Sox fan and his workaholic girlfriend Lindsey (Drew Barrymore) who must overcome their respective obsessions that threaten to destroy their relationship. 

The Blind Side (2009)

Michael ‘Big Mike’ Oher (Quinton Aaron) is a victim of circumstances. Born into a broken home to a cokehead of a mother, Michael is a vagrant on the wrong side of the tracks at 16. Enter Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) and Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw). Taken in by the affluent family, Michael is giving the keys to success and rises to the occasion with a little help from the tenacious Leigh Anne. The opportunities afforded Michael blossom as he does resulting in a family and a community benefiting.

In this cynical age, it’s hard to find a film that endears without the saccharine feel. The Blind Side is a rare example success. Sandra Bullock leads an ensemble cast that feels good. Tim McGraw, the celebrity, is lost inside his role as a supportive husband and a young Jae Head threatens a precocious overload alert.

As sports movies go, The Blind Side is predictable; but that doesn’t keep the movie from being productive. I don’t know the true story of Michael Oher, but I sincerely hope he did have a parade of college coaches visit; otherwise, this film jumps the shark at its climax. The film was more about Leigh Ann (and Sandra's exaggerated performance of her).  I wanted more about Michael.

For all my nitpicking, The Blind Side is wholesome entertainment. It is often trite, stereotypical and a little to neat, but that’s the cynic in talking. For what it is—inspirational family fare—The Blind Side is a success.

Bracket Buster: Austin Peay Governors vs. Oral Roberts University Golden Hawks

Overheard at tonight's OVC bracket buster from the Dunn Center:

• Do the Dave.
• Somebody break that Craion.
• Is Austin Peay running midgets?!
• Three point PLAY!
• You should've been aborted.
• Everybody clap your hands.
• Airmail!
• Where are the Bibles?!
• Hey Justin!

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

Anyone watch the Opening Ceremonies? I caught most of it--including the famed Parade of Nations--via telephonic play byplay. The color commentary was unforgettable. Suck it, Matt Lauer and Bob Costas!

What I actually got to see besides punk fiddlers and an incredible amount of Gaynadians, was the awesome Olympic FAIL!. Awk.ward. Vancouver isn't doing to well right about now. First the weather, then the unibrowed luger's death, the cauldron thingie... should be an interesting next few weeks.

Big Fan (2009)

A sports drama that asks the question: What if your love isn’t reciprocated?

Kickboxer (1989)

Try as I might the combination of cheese and corn was too irresistible. That, dear reader is how I found myself yesterday afternoon watching the local matinee, Kickboxer. With a young Jean-Claude Van Damme seeking vengeance on behalf of brother who was paralyzed as the hands (and knees) of Tong Po. Kurt (Van Damme) trains in the art of muay-thai with the help of unorthodox master Xian Chow.

Kickboxer, with its melodramatic montages filled with 80s music, is the epitome of Van Damme. The formula for success is predictable right to the ring. Van Damme is in good form despite those unflattering pants.  His physical prowess is outstanding and it's evolution here is nicely done.

As I see it, Kickboxer isn’t high-brow, but it is fun entertainment. Enjoy!

Okie Noodling (2001)

It was just by chance that I caught this documentary on my local PBS station. It was by sheer fascination that I actually watched it.

Noodling--a type of fishing that requires a participant to use his/her hand to blindly feel along river banks and beds in hope that some prehistoric sized catfish will bite you--is quite a sight! The oddly endearing doc exposes a cultural phenomenon in the Midwest. It's actually banned in most states, but here, it is celebrated.

What I found most fascinating where the people. There was a genuine passion for this unusual event; the interviewees were consumed by the thrill of grappling in murky water will God knows what. One gentlemen even states his priorities as family, farming, and noodling--in that order.

Okie Noodling highlights Oklahoma with it's noodling tournament and the generations of men that have engaged in the 'sport'.

As I see it, Okie Noodling is an authentic piece of Americana perfectly preserved for posterity. It's an unforgettable eccentric tale that celebrates the passion of a people.

Titans Vs Bucs (2009)

Yet another opportunity to watch the Titans from the promenade. Nice. The preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was fun. I'll admit, thanks to great company, my attention wasn't on the game. Much.

With a moment of silence for Steve McNair {which I found overly cliched thanks to Green Day's Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)}, the game got off to a slow start. QB Kerry Collins had a few issues and youngster Vince Young was convincing, but it was the rookie receivers that shown. Javon Ringer and Ryan Mouton ran for touchdowns in the second half.

Final Score: 27-20. Titans Win! All it all, it was an entertaining game.

Overheard on the Promenade:

• That's what she said.
• The grass is always greener on the HDTV.
• Stylez White?! Is that a real name?!
• Kenny Britt? Yes, please.
• I'm not going on that elevator by myself.
• In the event of an emergency, we're screwed!
• Getting hot and sweaty with a bunch of women--can't imagine a better evening.

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.

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.

Green Street Hooligans (2006)

After taking the fall for his wealthy roommate, wrongfully expelled Harvard journalism student, Matt Buckner (Elijah Wood) flees to England to stay with his sister, Shannon (Claire Forlani). Once there, Matt is reluctantly befriended by his brother in law's brother Pete Dunham (Charlie Hunnam). Thanks to the charismatic Pete, Matt is introduced to football (soccer) and the 'firms' who are known for their violence against rival teams' fans. Matt soon discovers hooliganism. He has been taken into the Green Street Elite. The 'firm' of West Hampton United Football Club. In GSE, Matt experiences a brotherhood, a connection he obviously had been craving. As the plot unfolds (sorry, I'm giving nothing away) Matt learns a lot that summer about friendship, loyalty, life and death.

Green Street Hooligans is the directorial debut of Lexi Alexander. What a debut it is! With a superb cast lead by Wood and Hunnam, Alexander brings to life the insanity known as football from across the pond. Wood is surprisingly strong and convincing as the passive Matt who, under Pete's tutelage grows not only in fierceness, but confidence. Hunnam is amazing as the cocky, confident Pete who struggles with the leadership expectations from his mates.

The exterior of the film portrays the raw, gritty and bloody violent world of hooligans who support their club with their minds, passion, fists and hearts. Thanks to brilliant character development the viewer is convinced that that West Hampton football is all that's worth living and dying for. As the film advances, the viewer discovers the interior goes much deeper than this. People can learn to grow with each other and give their lives for something that would seem ridiculous yet means everything to them. In this seemingly secret world of extreme violence and mob mentality it's captivating to see the bonds of friendship develop while the moral becomes clear: always stand your ground and fight for what your heart truly believes in. Ironically, a gang of football hooligans seems the the best way to portray this.

The amazing soundtrack elevates Green Street Hooligans to yet another level of intensity. The cinematography is mesmerizing with shots so tight during fight scenes, you'll find yourself ducking. While, I had a bit of trouble with the heavy cockney accents, it's nothing that turning on the subtitles didn't fix. Another word of warning, language is explicit.

This is another great film that would have easily ended in my top ten of 2005. Green Street Hooligans elevates itself from the typical 'fight' movie to an intense, passionate drama of loyalty, trust and the sometimes brutal consequences of living close to the edge.

Titans Win!

In the ten years the Titans have been a part of Tennessee, I've yet to see a game. Until tonight. Excuse me for being a wee bit giddy, but you haven't experienced a game until you see it like this.

2008 Preseason Game 2 against the Oakland Raiders--from the skybox, no less. Can you imagine? I don't have to; I've been there.

Arriving shortly before kick-off allowed me to take in the world of NFL sports. The walk across the pedestrian bridge--I've done numerous times--with hundreds of Titans fans in tow. The short walk across the west concourse to the elevators. The air was electric. The elevator up was quiet. Another short walk followed.

Stepping into the box was like entering another world. Taking in my surroundings, I was overwhelmed. There was so much to see. The view of LP Field was break-taking even with grass as dry and the field lines pale. Playing it cool, professional, I nodded greeting to my associates, grabbed a drink and mingled.

As kick-off approached, I settled in. The coin toss. Raiders lose. Tennessee receives and runs back for 22 yards. So it begins.

The first and second quarters were tame. Six plays, I think. Numerous incompletes, but Oakland gets on the board in the first quarter. Tennessee answers in the second.

Back to the box, food and alcohol continue to flow. It's rather low-key. Some of us have turned to watch Michael Phelps continue his dominance in Beijing.

There is so much to see from up here. My eyes leave to came to watch Fisher and the bench. The kickers are working it out, lineman are on ellipticals, a couple more are joshing. The dynamics are interesting. Turn to the Refs and you see a further dynamic.

Entranced by the rhythm of the field, it's difficult not to get caught up in the pulse. I don't follow professional sports, per se. I even half-heartedly play in the fantasy leagues. I just don't find it interesting. This, however, has my undivided attention.

The company inside the box was lacking, unfortunately. I haven't meshed with my fellow associates yet. Sometimes, I think, I don't care to. A few begin to bail early in the third quarter. Their loss.

The games comes down to the last two minutes. The Titans push down the field. Martin's pass deep left is incomplete. Short right, incomplete. With 1:15 left on the clock, Martin is sacked. Timeout. One last push to the goal gives Tennessee 26 yards. With :02 left on the clock, Vaughn steps out for a 33 yard field goal. It's good.

The remaining crowd erupts. Cue fireworks.

A few pictures are snapped before leaving. It's like there is an need to validate our time there. It was an awesome experience. Some lessons learned:

1. The Titans have a potent running game.
2. It's infinately more fun to watch people drink.
3. Chicken tenders give grown-ups a reason to act like kids.

Preseason Game 2 against the Oakland Raiders. Yeah, it was wicked cool.

The Cutting Edge (1992)

Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly) is the proverbial ice queen. The sheltered and spoiled pairs figure skater goes through male partners like most people change socks. After another disappointing showing at the Calgary Olympics, she is resigned to never achieving the coveted gold medal. For hockey phenom Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney) the Calgary Olympics were supposed to bring gold and a chance to play professional hockey, instead, after a vicious loss to Germany, he will never play again He too, is resigned to never tasting his dreams. When these two opposites attract, look out! Their competitive edge drives each other to push harder and harder. As their attraction grows, so does their skills on the ice.

Years ago, this was my favorite movie. It was the perfect love story in my preteens. I can remember yelling 'toe pick' at my little brother when he took a fall and finding out the real meaning of 'orgasmic' after using it inappropriately, being reprimanded and made to look it up in the dictionary. Years later, The Cutting Edge is still a pretty solid, if by the book, romance.

The chemistry on and off the ice from Kelly and Sweeney is great. Without that, The Cutting Edge would have no edge at all. The intensity of competition between the two leads is palpable and the viewer is easily engaged. The verbal sparring adds a cute sarcastic element that's all the more enjoyable because of the tension between them.

The cinematography is nice. Upon it's original release how were we to know they weren't actually skating?! Oh and every ice skating fan worth their medal know the Olympics doesn't use theatrical lighting or spotlights in competition. Despite the now obvious cuts to professionals and head shots only, The Cutting Edge blends the real and fake beautifully.

The Cutting Edge is genuinely entertaining. It's a solid film with a remarkable ability to be even more charming at the next viewing thanks to brilliant performances from Kelly and Sweeney.