The Who: The Kids Are Alright (1979)

In all fairness, I'm the last one who should writing a review on this rock doc. Not being a fan of The Who--what possessed me to rent this?! Based on my previous selections {Dylan and Stones docs} Netflix recommended it.

The Kids Are Alright is less documentary and more concert footage--which is cool. It doesn't take a fan to appreciate the contributions that Roger, John, Keith and Pete have made to rock and roll. Still when I see them I think the Sex Pistols. HORRIBLE analogy, I know, but The Who ARE loud, sloppy, and obnoxious.

Concert footage seems to span decades and just underscore my last comment The group is sloppy. Their sets are chaotic at best. Keith is on one level, raging Pete Townsend on another. Entwistle is probably the most appreciated bass player ever and Roger... he just looks uncomfortable.

The Kids Are Alright surely is a must-see for Who fans because is marks a moment of rock history capturing Keith Moon's last performance before his untimely death. The songs are classic, but sadly, their greatness is lost on me.

Bonus Feature: CD

Intense and surprisingly earnest, 1991's self-titled album is the simplest of Metallica's ever-expanding discography. Hetfield and Co. have been pioneers for the heavy metal genre, but it's their most commercial project that I prefer. Instead of crunching their way through, the band channels that passion and create a set of menacing tracks that provoke a myriad of emotions.

Enter Sandman rocks with an unbelievable volatility. Throwing down riffs, Hatfield and Kevin Hammett tear it up and that's just the first track. Sad But True and Holier Than Thou are typical crunch. The melodic refrains of Hetfield on The Unforgiven is chilling. Easily my favorite track. The raw tenderness here is beautiful.

Then we have some more ass-kicking rock. Don't Tread on Me and Through the Never dial in and pound away. Yeah, I don't understand a word.

Nothing Else Matters {surprise!} is another track of haunting emotion. Can this be the same band?!

This album is one of select few that continue to resonate in my life Appropriate for all seasons, Metallica is a classic album that any self-respecting rock fan should own.

I'm anxious to hear what Death Magnetic, produced by Rick Rubin, has to say.

The Saint (1997)

As a young orphaned boy, Simon Templar, honed his skills as a thief, con-man and thrill seeker. Assuming the names of obscure saint, Simon (Val Kilmer) eludes his pursuers and sells his skills to the highest of bidders. But when Russian politician, Ivan Tretiak (Rade Serbedzija) hires him to steal the formula for cold fusion, he never bet on falling in love with Emma Russell (Elizabeth Shue). Dr. Russell, the trusting Oxford scientist, has unlocked the process and is determined to bring light and heat to all of Russian for humanity's sake. Simon must then choose between the money and the girl.

In a whole filled with James Bond and Ethan Hunt, Simon Templar is practically unheard of. This 1997 movie from director Phillip Noyce (Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games) isn't even a blip on the radar. That doesn't keep The Saint from being a memorable thrill-ride.

Val Kilmer is remarkable as the many faces of Simon Templar. He plays each role with developed, believable nuances that entertain and amaze. Elizabeth Shue is beautiful and plays the faint-proned doctor well. Their chemistry together is excellent.

The film's pacing is solid containing the keys elements of the genre. Car chase, narrow escapes, mystery, intrigue, and humor. Noyce throws in a bit of random for good measure. There is nothing deep here--good and evil are clearly defined-- except in Simon's case. He is the gorgeous enigma everyone wants a piece of.

The dialogue {and soundtrack} is perfect. The settings throughout Russia have an authentic Cold War feel as does the skill set of Simon Templar. The Saint never gets to clever or scientific. Instead, the audience gets a believable rogue to root for.

Sexy cool, The Saint is an entertaining thriller that demands a viewing by any fan of the genre.

Side bar: I've never understood why Val Kilmer gets no respect. Since his days of Top Gun, Kilmer has been a solid actor, but has never seemed to crack the leading role, I think, he deserves. Whether its as Doc Holiday in Tombstone, Gay Perry in Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang or Jim Morrison in The Doors, Kilmer has proven himself a versatile, albeit somewhat odd, actor.

Adventures in MySpace

Why do I feel like such a creep when on MySpace. Seriously! Poking around looking at random stranger's profiles. Is this supposed to be fun?! I don't get it. Once again, I have caved to peer pressure and kick-a$$ wi-fi. MySpace.

What the Hades is networking anyway? Think it's a dork way of saying 'I'm too lame to have a real like so let's pretend to be someone else online. Then I can meet other fake weirdos like me and we can be friends.'

Lurking last night... I found a profile with a 'Truth Box'. Excuse me?! What the hell?! Here is an anonymous box for random people to put the 'truth in'. Wait!!! Think this through people!! If it's the truth then back it up.

Oh well, I'm trying to connect or reconnect with friends through the site. I don't know how successful this is going to be, you know? I can't devote hours on end to it. As I See It is a labour of love. MySpace is a proverbial dead-goose around the neck.

And thanks, Matt!! Not every one can rock Pee-Wee.

27 Dresses (2008)

27 bridesmaid dresses later, Jane (Katherine Heigl) finds herself staring down her worst nightmare. Her younger sister Tess (Malin Akerman) announces her own wedding to George (Ed Burns), Jane's boss and the man she secretly adores. Faced with smiling along while her sister destroys everything she ever wanted, Jane faces her own fears with the help of the cynical, but charming Kevin (James Marsden).

This fluffy romantic comedy comes courtesy of Anne Fletcher, a well known Hollywood choreography and aspiring director (Step Up). 27 Dresses is all warm and fuzzy thanks to a cute cast and sweet, but predictable storyline.

All-American Katherine Heigl is adorable as Jane. She has a knack for physical comedy that's nice. James Marsden is gorgeous and under appreciated. He plays the perfect everyman. Their on-screen chemistry is cute. Ed Burns and Malin Akerman are solid supports and Judy Greer really shines as Jane's feisty best friend, Casey.

27 Dresses isn't rocket science. It's a nicely written story {with a good soundtrack} that's far from boring thanks to a believable cast.