Monday, December 07, 2009
Sadness for Saturn
I am a creature of habit. And I am stubborn. With minor exception, when I find a solution to a problem that I like, I'm sold, and I'm loyal. I'm probably an advertising agency's dream. So, the fact that I've been a Saturn driver for the last ten plus years should be no surprise. And with a car-buying decision likely in my future in the next few years, I had intended stay the course. However, the tragically poor operation of what I call a foundational American company has led to the collapse and inevitable vanishing of a brand and its fiercely loyal customer base. And make no mistake brand saboteurs (you know who you are), we are quite pissed-off about it. (kids, pardon my language)
This is old news I realize. The elimination of the Saturn brand of cars is a done deal. But today it hit me hardest because I saw it first hand. I visited the dealership for what may be the last time. And death was in the air. The lot was half-empty of new cars (presumably no new vehicles are being built or delivered). There were new faces everywhere (as though the folks I seen around for years knew it was over and wasted no time getting out of there). And most importantly, NO ONE WAS THERE TO BUY CARS and NO ONE SEEMED TO BE SELLING CARS. Everyone at the dealership was there for service. No wonder they tried to up sell me on a service that's only needed every 100,000 miles, which I got probably 50,000 miles ago.
Well, farewell Saturn. You will be missed. Deeply. And as to not reward those that most failed you and us, I pledge to do my very best to never buy another GM product again. They did not try hard enough to keep you. And I will not try hard enough to keep them. So, in the paraphrased words of Dr. Rick Marshall, GENERAL MOTORS CAN SUCK IT!
This is old news I realize. The elimination of the Saturn brand of cars is a done deal. But today it hit me hardest because I saw it first hand. I visited the dealership for what may be the last time. And death was in the air. The lot was half-empty of new cars (presumably no new vehicles are being built or delivered). There were new faces everywhere (as though the folks I seen around for years knew it was over and wasted no time getting out of there). And most importantly, NO ONE WAS THERE TO BUY CARS and NO ONE SEEMED TO BE SELLING CARS. Everyone at the dealership was there for service. No wonder they tried to up sell me on a service that's only needed every 100,000 miles, which I got probably 50,000 miles ago.
Well, farewell Saturn. You will be missed. Deeply. And as to not reward those that most failed you and us, I pledge to do my very best to never buy another GM product again. They did not try hard enough to keep you. And I will not try hard enough to keep them. So, in the paraphrased words of Dr. Rick Marshall, GENERAL MOTORS CAN SUCK IT!
Labels: opinion
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Christmas Concert (well, sort of)
I took Darby to the All American Rejects concert tonight as an early Christmas present. She's a big fan, like many her age. Compared to her first concert experience last month at U2, this was quite different, according to her.
Unlike the U2 show, where she says she had plenty of room to move around even though she was close to the stage, tonight we were squished like sardines. Think this looks bad? It got worse. This is not, by the way, a knock on the venue (OKC's Bricktown Events Center).
Add to that the fact that there were three bands and a small stage (meaning no room for multiple setups... each band had to take 30 mins plus to setup between shows), and we had a long, long night. From doors opening (which we were in line for) until the end of the show, it was four hours and ten minutes. That's right 4:10. Half a work day. Except standing the entire time. No sitting whatsoever (no room). Also? No beveraging. And no restroom breaks (for fear of losing our pretty decent spots). By the end of the evening, my legs were very, very sore. But then, I'm old.
So, the three bands were Anberlin, Taking Back Sunday, and, of course, AAR. I hadn't heard of Anberlin, but I liked them quite a bit. I may have to explore them further. Loyal readers know that I'm a big fan of TBS, who I was personally there to see, as I caught them the last time they were in town.
TBS was actually more entertaining to me this time around, perhaps because we were so much closer to the stage. However, since they were not the headliner this time, their set was considerably shorter. But even with the shorter set, they managed to sneak in a few tunes from the new record as well as most of the favorites from the previous three. Though I will admit that I could have done without the newer tracks in favor of more of the favorites. The new album just hasn't grown on me as quickly as the previous releases.
AAR put on a very entertaining show. However, I have to say that I was disturbed with a couple things. First, I could have done without the lead singer being shirtless the entire time, and second, knowing that their music draws a large under-15 crowd, I think we all could have done without the over-the-top profanity and innuendo (I'm being nice in my wording here). That said, they really do know how to put on a show. As expected, they played all their big hits. I was a little disappointed there weren't more first album tracks. But their Last Song/Encore combo really put the show away quite nicely.
So, to sum up, it was a good show overall. A bit long. Maybe a little pricey considering the seating arrangements. But I'm glad we went, and most importantly, Darby says she had a GREAT time.
Unlike the U2 show, where she says she had plenty of room to move around even though she was close to the stage, tonight we were squished like sardines. Think this looks bad? It got worse. This is not, by the way, a knock on the venue (OKC's Bricktown Events Center).
Add to that the fact that there were three bands and a small stage (meaning no room for multiple setups... each band had to take 30 mins plus to setup between shows), and we had a long, long night. From doors opening (which we were in line for) until the end of the show, it was four hours and ten minutes. That's right 4:10. Half a work day. Except standing the entire time. No sitting whatsoever (no room). Also? No beveraging. And no restroom breaks (for fear of losing our pretty decent spots). By the end of the evening, my legs were very, very sore. But then, I'm old.
So, the three bands were Anberlin, Taking Back Sunday, and, of course, AAR. I hadn't heard of Anberlin, but I liked them quite a bit. I may have to explore them further. Loyal readers know that I'm a big fan of TBS, who I was personally there to see, as I caught them the last time they were in town.
TBS was actually more entertaining to me this time around, perhaps because we were so much closer to the stage. However, since they were not the headliner this time, their set was considerably shorter. But even with the shorter set, they managed to sneak in a few tunes from the new record as well as most of the favorites from the previous three. Though I will admit that I could have done without the newer tracks in favor of more of the favorites. The new album just hasn't grown on me as quickly as the previous releases.
AAR put on a very entertaining show. However, I have to say that I was disturbed with a couple things. First, I could have done without the lead singer being shirtless the entire time, and second, knowing that their music draws a large under-15 crowd, I think we all could have done without the over-the-top profanity and innuendo (I'm being nice in my wording here). That said, they really do know how to put on a show. As expected, they played all their big hits. I was a little disappointed there weren't more first album tracks. But their Last Song/Encore combo really put the show away quite nicely.
So, to sum up, it was a good show overall. A bit long. Maybe a little pricey considering the seating arrangements. But I'm glad we went, and most importantly, Darby says she had a GREAT time.
Labels: concert, music, opinion, review
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Ghouls and Guitars
Oklahoma City's increasingly popular Ghouls Gone Wild parade was tonight and I was glad we were able to make it. Well, part of it anyway. The parade started at 7pm and we had something else to do at 8pm, but I think we got a pretty good sampling of the event this year. We learned a lot and will be much better prepared to see more of the show from the right location next year.
Being dark out, most of my pictures did not come out well. But here are a few that did or mostly did, along with a decent video clip.
After we left "GGW", we went to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which has a VERY nice single-screen theater for independent film showings, to see "It Might Get Loud", which was a GREAT film. The timing was particularly nice because less than a week ago I had gone to a U2 concert, and this film featured the band's "The Edge". If you love rock and roll like I do, particularly guitar rock, you should not miss this film. If you're in the OKC area, you can still catch this show tomorrow at the OKC MOA.
Being dark out, most of my pictures did not come out well. But here are a few that did or mostly did, along with a decent video clip.
After we left "GGW", we went to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which has a VERY nice single-screen theater for independent film showings, to see "It Might Get Loud", which was a GREAT film. The timing was particularly nice because less than a week ago I had gone to a U2 concert, and this film featured the band's "The Edge". If you love rock and roll like I do, particularly guitar rock, you should not miss this film. If you're in the OKC area, you can still catch this show tomorrow at the OKC MOA.
Labels: holiday, movies, OKC, opinion, review
Monday, October 19, 2009
Best Show on Earth?
I feel I must disclaim that U2 is NOT my favorite band. They're among my favorites. And I have many of their albums, including the latest. But I actually did not plan on going to this show initially. And had a friend not picked up some tickets, I'm not sure that I would have. That said, I am SO very glad that I did go after all.
From a raw production/entertainment value perspective, this had to be one of the best shows I have personally ever seen. Ridiculously well put together. Jaw-dropping in nearly all regards. Well intended otherwise. And if you said to me that, of the active tours in the world, U2 360 was presently the best show on Earth, I could certainly see why you would think that. And I'm not sure I'd be able to disagree.
The opening band, though not one I'd listen to on most days, was wisely chosen from a "pump up the crowd" perspective. Aside from a few glaring omissions (Pride, Desire, New Years Day, All I Want is You), the set list was well chosen and executed. Everything was so great, in fact, that I had to tell my oldest daughter, who was attending her first concert, that all of what she had experienced was NOT typical of what she should expect of future shows, lest she be infinitely disappointed in her further concert going exploits.
According to Bono, U2 had last performed in Norman 26 years ago in 1983. While I can't speak on behalf of those lucky ones to have seen them back then, I'd like to believe that if I had been among them, I would have felt that they made it well worth the wait. I can't imagine that anyone left that show feeling terribly disappointed. Unless perhaps Pride was the all time favorite song of a loved one recently departed or some such scenario.
Unfortunately for you, if you were at all like me and did not get off your butt to make this show happen for yourself, you missed out on what would likely be considered a once in a lifetime concert event. And though I'd guess that U2 will keep performing until Bono's larynx falls out, I don't know that they have many shows of this caliber left in them. So there may not be a next time for you I'm sorry to say.
The set was a massive endeavor. Referred to as the "mothership" by Bono. In the very center was the stage, and there was an additional stage area that formed a "ring" around the main stage, with 3 bridges that crossed over to the ring, two of which moved during the show, going OVER the audience making up the "inner ring". Bono talked about this arrangement, saying it was for us, the audience, to get closer to us. He said it was "intimacy on a grand scale". And I'd have to agree. The "360 degree screen" was an amazing centerpiece to the show. Without which I'm certain the show would have suffered. And the lights, wow. They did not fail to amuse.
Obviously, by the pictures below, my seats weren't that intimate, but my daughter had better luck than myself. She went down to Norman earlier in the afternoon with a friend's sister and kids to stand in the general admission line. Sounds like a worse deal than mine, but she was one of the lucky first 1200 folks to get to stand inside the "inner ring" and experience Bono intimately, though fortunately it was the kind of intimately a parent prefers. She texted me during the show... "OMG this is intense" and "This is magnificent". Let me just point out that my teenage daughter used a big word. Voluntarily. So, she really meant it. She was genuinely impressed. Tough to do with kids these days.
And now for the pictures. Due to the quality of my seats, these are mostly about pretty lights. Mostly.
Here is the set before the show. Nice, huh? Certainly big enough.
Here's a zoom of the lucky people in the inner ring. My 13 year old daughter is among them. Her first real concert and she's spoiled already.
I really like this picture, taken during the Black Eyed Peas opening performance, with the lights out and the cell phones on. The mothership analogy fits right in with this snapshot of the U2 fan universe.
My friend Rob, who I've known since college, and I during intermission.
Me, during intermission, apparently wearing the mothership on my head.
Perhaps more amazing than the mothership itself was the screen. It changed shapes and sizes and moved up and down. A very neat, and probably crucial, piece of the experience.
Another view of the screen. Even though I didn't have the intimate Bono experience, I still had a nice view of what was going on up there.
The rest of the pictures are to give you an idea of the different lighting arrangements and the different shapes and positions of the screen.
This video is from intermission. I guess we got bored enough to get a wave going.
And here is the beginning of the show. You're not really supposed to be able to enjoy the show. Just giving you a taste.
From a raw production/entertainment value perspective, this had to be one of the best shows I have personally ever seen. Ridiculously well put together. Jaw-dropping in nearly all regards. Well intended otherwise. And if you said to me that, of the active tours in the world, U2 360 was presently the best show on Earth, I could certainly see why you would think that. And I'm not sure I'd be able to disagree.
The opening band, though not one I'd listen to on most days, was wisely chosen from a "pump up the crowd" perspective. Aside from a few glaring omissions (Pride, Desire, New Years Day, All I Want is You), the set list was well chosen and executed. Everything was so great, in fact, that I had to tell my oldest daughter, who was attending her first concert, that all of what she had experienced was NOT typical of what she should expect of future shows, lest she be infinitely disappointed in her further concert going exploits.
According to Bono, U2 had last performed in Norman 26 years ago in 1983. While I can't speak on behalf of those lucky ones to have seen them back then, I'd like to believe that if I had been among them, I would have felt that they made it well worth the wait. I can't imagine that anyone left that show feeling terribly disappointed. Unless perhaps Pride was the all time favorite song of a loved one recently departed or some such scenario.
Unfortunately for you, if you were at all like me and did not get off your butt to make this show happen for yourself, you missed out on what would likely be considered a once in a lifetime concert event. And though I'd guess that U2 will keep performing until Bono's larynx falls out, I don't know that they have many shows of this caliber left in them. So there may not be a next time for you I'm sorry to say.
The set was a massive endeavor. Referred to as the "mothership" by Bono. In the very center was the stage, and there was an additional stage area that formed a "ring" around the main stage, with 3 bridges that crossed over to the ring, two of which moved during the show, going OVER the audience making up the "inner ring". Bono talked about this arrangement, saying it was for us, the audience, to get closer to us. He said it was "intimacy on a grand scale". And I'd have to agree. The "360 degree screen" was an amazing centerpiece to the show. Without which I'm certain the show would have suffered. And the lights, wow. They did not fail to amuse.
Obviously, by the pictures below, my seats weren't that intimate, but my daughter had better luck than myself. She went down to Norman earlier in the afternoon with a friend's sister and kids to stand in the general admission line. Sounds like a worse deal than mine, but she was one of the lucky first 1200 folks to get to stand inside the "inner ring" and experience Bono intimately, though fortunately it was the kind of intimately a parent prefers. She texted me during the show... "OMG this is intense" and "This is magnificent". Let me just point out that my teenage daughter used a big word. Voluntarily. So, she really meant it. She was genuinely impressed. Tough to do with kids these days.
And now for the pictures. Due to the quality of my seats, these are mostly about pretty lights. Mostly.
Here is the set before the show. Nice, huh? Certainly big enough.
Here's a zoom of the lucky people in the inner ring. My 13 year old daughter is among them. Her first real concert and she's spoiled already.
I really like this picture, taken during the Black Eyed Peas opening performance, with the lights out and the cell phones on. The mothership analogy fits right in with this snapshot of the U2 fan universe.
My friend Rob, who I've known since college, and I during intermission.
Me, during intermission, apparently wearing the mothership on my head.
Perhaps more amazing than the mothership itself was the screen. It changed shapes and sizes and moved up and down. A very neat, and probably crucial, piece of the experience.
Another view of the screen. Even though I didn't have the intimate Bono experience, I still had a nice view of what was going on up there.
The rest of the pictures are to give you an idea of the different lighting arrangements and the different shapes and positions of the screen.
This video is from intermission. I guess we got bored enough to get a wave going.
And here is the beginning of the show. You're not really supposed to be able to enjoy the show. Just giving you a taste.
Labels: concert, music, opinion, review, video
Friday, October 16, 2009
Scanning My Insides
This is my new friend, Charlene.
Okay, so it's just a CT scanner, but I figure something so personal that it requires me to take my pants down to get a good look at my insides ought to be named. I'm having some technical difficulties that will not be gone into here. But a few months ago I got an ultrasound, which didn't determine anything, so this time the doc upped the ante with Charlene here. Results are pending.
--
This evening I saw Law Abiding Citizen, which did its job well as a thriller, though doing so with some graphic scenes throughout. I was pleasantly surprised that the film took place in Philadelphia, allowing me to catch some familiar glimpses of home. Considering the gripping nature of the film in general, the ending was a little flat, but I'm not sure I could recommend a better approach. For you ladies that are Gerard Butler (or G-Butts as Jimmy Fallon would say) fans and maybe on the fence about this movie, there is a "butt shot" of G-Butts early in movie. Personally, I could have done without that.
Okay, so it's just a CT scanner, but I figure something so personal that it requires me to take my pants down to get a good look at my insides ought to be named. I'm having some technical difficulties that will not be gone into here. But a few months ago I got an ultrasound, which didn't determine anything, so this time the doc upped the ante with Charlene here. Results are pending.
--
This evening I saw Law Abiding Citizen, which did its job well as a thriller, though doing so with some graphic scenes throughout. I was pleasantly surprised that the film took place in Philadelphia, allowing me to catch some familiar glimpses of home. Considering the gripping nature of the film in general, the ending was a little flat, but I'm not sure I could recommend a better approach. For you ladies that are Gerard Butler (or G-Butts as Jimmy Fallon would say) fans and maybe on the fence about this movie, there is a "butt shot" of G-Butts early in movie. Personally, I could have done without that.
Labels: movies, opinion, Philadelphia, review, Shawn
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
More Tacos and Cuppies
Seems like only a couple weeks ago that I last had back-to-back tacos and cuppies. I sense an unusual but yummy trend here.
Tonight I attended an informal tweetup at the Iguana Grill and met a number of new people. The food was very tasty, and Darby absolutely LOVED the salsa. Be forewarned, however, that it is not what I'd call a "traditional" Mexican restaurant, so don't go there expecting that so much as wanting to trying something a little different. If you're open to that, you'll love it.
I have to also say that I'm a bit particular about my chips. I'll eat about anything, but I only LOVE the chips at fewer than a handful of establishments. Well, I think I might have to add the Iguana chips to my list. And not only are they quite tasty, but they give you a very large bowl, so when you have several folks at the table you don't find yourself low on chips after just a few trips to the bowl.
I'd been wanting to visit the Iguana for some time (I pass it nearly every day), but it always seems very packed, particularly on "Taco Tuesday". Today was no exception. We were there for something like ninety minutes and I swear there were people waiting for at least sixty of those minutes for seats. Fortunately there is ample parking in the vicinity.
Right next door to the Iguana is Sara Sara Cupcakes, another tasty local establishment, which we patronized.
While I was very pleased with SSC, in terms of cupcake varieties (though I didn't make a particularly creative choice -- strawberry -- due to a craving), yumminess, and atmosphere, I'd have to say that the previously visited Cuppies and Joe edges out Sara Sara in terms of "coziness" and entertainment value. If you're just jonesing for some cuppies and don't plan on hanging out, by all means head over to SSC. If you plan on taking in a book or some music with your snack, C&J is it.
Tonight I attended an informal tweetup at the Iguana Grill and met a number of new people. The food was very tasty, and Darby absolutely LOVED the salsa. Be forewarned, however, that it is not what I'd call a "traditional" Mexican restaurant, so don't go there expecting that so much as wanting to trying something a little different. If you're open to that, you'll love it.
I have to also say that I'm a bit particular about my chips. I'll eat about anything, but I only LOVE the chips at fewer than a handful of establishments. Well, I think I might have to add the Iguana chips to my list. And not only are they quite tasty, but they give you a very large bowl, so when you have several folks at the table you don't find yourself low on chips after just a few trips to the bowl.
I'd been wanting to visit the Iguana for some time (I pass it nearly every day), but it always seems very packed, particularly on "Taco Tuesday". Today was no exception. We were there for something like ninety minutes and I swear there were people waiting for at least sixty of those minutes for seats. Fortunately there is ample parking in the vicinity.
Right next door to the Iguana is Sara Sara Cupcakes, another tasty local establishment, which we patronized.
While I was very pleased with SSC, in terms of cupcake varieties (though I didn't make a particularly creative choice -- strawberry -- due to a craving), yumminess, and atmosphere, I'd have to say that the previously visited Cuppies and Joe edges out Sara Sara in terms of "coziness" and entertainment value. If you're just jonesing for some cuppies and don't plan on hanging out, by all means head over to SSC. If you plan on taking in a book or some music with your snack, C&J is it.
Labels: food, opinion, review, tweetup
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Festa, Tacos, and Cuppies
I was pleased that the girls and I were able to attend the annual Mesta Festa, as the last couple years we've missed it. It was also cool to have been able to sample some Big Truck Tacos food that I'd recently read about. I must say that I was not disappointed.
The burritos were quite huge. My thumb is left in the picture for scale. While I initially thought $6.50 for the burrito was steep, I'll now acknowledge that I've paid more for lesser burritos, but never less for better.
Since we had sampled one somewhat recently opened neighborhood eatery, I figured, why not another. Every day we drive by Cuppies and Joe, but we never seem to have the time to stop. No hurries today, so upon the conclusion of Mesta Festa, we trekked on over. I have to say I LOVED the atmosphere, as did the girls.
While I'm not a coffee drinker, and not necessarily a cupcake connoisseur, I am a fan of ANYthing peanut butter, and here I had found great satisfaction. Called "Neverland", I definitely give my cupcake selection at least four out of five "Noms" (someday, this will make more sense).
Shelby and her insatiable appetite for chocolate danced in the "Chocolate Rain", while Darby had the seasonal "Bibbity Bobbity Boo", a pumpkin-flavored variety. Even though I don't drink coffee, and there's only so much cuppie I can take, I could spend a lot of time in this place. Very cozy. Free Wi-Fi. Apparently live music sometimes. Yummy all around.
The burritos were quite huge. My thumb is left in the picture for scale. While I initially thought $6.50 for the burrito was steep, I'll now acknowledge that I've paid more for lesser burritos, but never less for better.
Since we had sampled one somewhat recently opened neighborhood eatery, I figured, why not another. Every day we drive by Cuppies and Joe, but we never seem to have the time to stop. No hurries today, so upon the conclusion of Mesta Festa, we trekked on over. I have to say I LOVED the atmosphere, as did the girls.
While I'm not a coffee drinker, and not necessarily a cupcake connoisseur, I am a fan of ANYthing peanut butter, and here I had found great satisfaction. Called "Neverland", I definitely give my cupcake selection at least four out of five "Noms" (someday, this will make more sense).
Shelby and her insatiable appetite for chocolate danced in the "Chocolate Rain", while Darby had the seasonal "Bibbity Bobbity Boo", a pumpkin-flavored variety. Even though I don't drink coffee, and there's only so much cuppie I can take, I could spend a lot of time in this place. Very cozy. Free Wi-Fi. Apparently live music sometimes. Yummy all around.
Labels: food, mesta park, opinion, review
Thursday, August 06, 2009
John Hughes you're my hero
Two movie makers most defined key aspects of my youth (Cameron Crowe being the other). They could always be counted on to properly bring context to the world I was attempting to discern. And if all else failed their work was the comfort I sought when that world was otherwise overwhelming. Thus, I am deeply wounded by the loss of one of the pillars of my generation's cultural standard. A hero of my imagination. A savior of my very sanity.
Mr. Hughes you shall be missed. But we will remember you often. And with gusto.
Mr. Hughes you shall be missed. But we will remember you often. And with gusto.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Weekend Activities
It was a VERY busy weekend. Here are some partially representative pics. Saturday morning we went to the zoo, and it was amazingly beautiful. Just about the most perfect kind of day for the zoo. Crystal clear. Mid-sixties. Gentle breeze. I miss it already.
We could only stay a few hours at the zoo, though, as we had an Easter Egg Hunt. I was almost a bad parent in that we nearly missed the Egg Hunt, but we did make it in time. Barely. Okay, it started already, but we got some eggs, alright? Gimmie a break. Besides, the oldest decided en route that she was too old for egg hunts. And the youngest was satisfied with her booty. So, mission accomplished as far as I'm concerned.
After the Easter Egg Hunt we had a gathering at a friend's for some good times and an Easter... turkey? Sure, why not. It was very tasty. So much so that the youngest devoured a turkey leg the size of her head. And yes, she did finish it.
While somewhat displeasing on this holiday weekend, we also had softball practice. Daughter #1 was happy to receive her team hoodie. Mostly because it got chilly. Did I mention she hit me in the head with a softball? By accident she says, but I'm not buying it. It happened WAY too soon after I criticized her technique.
After softball we went back to our friend's where the celebrations continued until about midnight. Oh, and all of that was just Saturday.
Sunday was pretty traditional. Mass in the morning. Family meal in the afternoon. Laundry in the evening. Topped off with some Marley and Me. The girls were dying to see that movie and we missed it in the theater. Pretty sad stuff, but does it top the Turner and Hooch of my youth? Tough to say. Probably it does in some ways. But Hooch didn't live a full life. I think maybe that gets more tears. Though I must say, Marley gets points for having scenes in Philadelphia.
That's it for me. I'm exhausted. Happy Easter.
Labels: holiday, movies, opinion, review, softball, zoo
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Cruz-in to Witch Mountain
The girls and I attended a private dinner/function which included a nice set by Edgar Cruz. Afterward I took them to see Race to Witch Mountain, which was pretty entertaining, and highly recommended for tween parents everywhere.
Labels: movies, opinion, review
Friday, May 02, 2008
I AM Iron Man
No, I'M not Iron Man. That's a quote from the movie.
If you're a movie-goer and there's one flick you're going to see this month, you're definitely going to have a hard time picking given some of the titles getting a jump on Summer, BUT I can tell you your choice will not be unwise should you go with Iron Man. Sure, it's a superhero movie and so no masterpiece of American culture. But it's a kick butt superhero movie if ever there was one, so you'll not be disappointed. Yes, it's up there with Spiderman 2, Batman Begins, Superman Returns, etc.
Probably the nicest thing about this movie is the fact that they spent SO much time on character development. Well, with the Tony Stark character anyway. At least the first hour of the two-hour plus movie was strictly character development. Of the remaining hour, probably half that was "becoming Iron Man", which builds on the initial character development, followed by the last half hour which is pretty much the big battle scene between hero and villain.
There was plenty of good humor, and I was very pleased with Robert Downey, Jr's interpretation of Tony Stark, which I was nervous about to be quite honest. He pulled it off nicely and I hope he keeps himself together to do so again for the obvious sequels and spin-offs that will occur in the coming years.
Spin-off you say? Well, if you weren't fortunate enough to get a potty break before the movie was over (the projector broke with ten minutes left during my screening... sure it was sucky, but I got to relieve myself and enjoy the final minutes of the film with a clear head... ahem, and bladder), and you rushed out of the theater upon the first hint of a credit, then you missed out. There's a VERY enticing closing scene AFTER all the credits roll. If you missed it, you either need to pay up to go see Iron Man again (which wouldn't be a bad thing, by the way), OR you should sneak into a theater showing Iron Man when people start leaving (at the credits) just to catch the closing scene. It's not like you hadn't technically already paid to see that scene previously.
Anyway, thumbs up from me. Go see it in the theater. Go buy the DVD for your library when it becomes available. Eagerly await the sequels. You know you want to.
(I'd add go buy the soundtrack but it's mostly classic heavy metal songs [duh] you SHOULD already have in your music collection anyway)
If you're a movie-goer and there's one flick you're going to see this month, you're definitely going to have a hard time picking given some of the titles getting a jump on Summer, BUT I can tell you your choice will not be unwise should you go with Iron Man. Sure, it's a superhero movie and so no masterpiece of American culture. But it's a kick butt superhero movie if ever there was one, so you'll not be disappointed. Yes, it's up there with Spiderman 2, Batman Begins, Superman Returns, etc.
Probably the nicest thing about this movie is the fact that they spent SO much time on character development. Well, with the Tony Stark character anyway. At least the first hour of the two-hour plus movie was strictly character development. Of the remaining hour, probably half that was "becoming Iron Man", which builds on the initial character development, followed by the last half hour which is pretty much the big battle scene between hero and villain.
There was plenty of good humor, and I was very pleased with Robert Downey, Jr's interpretation of Tony Stark, which I was nervous about to be quite honest. He pulled it off nicely and I hope he keeps himself together to do so again for the obvious sequels and spin-offs that will occur in the coming years.
Spin-off you say? Well, if you weren't fortunate enough to get a potty break before the movie was over (the projector broke with ten minutes left during my screening... sure it was sucky, but I got to relieve myself and enjoy the final minutes of the film with a clear head... ahem, and bladder), and you rushed out of the theater upon the first hint of a credit, then you missed out. There's a VERY enticing closing scene AFTER all the credits roll. If you missed it, you either need to pay up to go see Iron Man again (which wouldn't be a bad thing, by the way), OR you should sneak into a theater showing Iron Man when people start leaving (at the credits) just to catch the closing scene. It's not like you hadn't technically already paid to see that scene previously.
Anyway, thumbs up from me. Go see it in the theater. Go buy the DVD for your library when it becomes available. Eagerly await the sequels. You know you want to.
(I'd add go buy the soundtrack but it's mostly classic heavy metal songs [duh] you SHOULD already have in your music collection anyway)
Labels: movies, opinion, review
Saturday, April 05, 2008
21 (and invincible)
Saw the movie "21" Friday night. Quite entertaining. A bit predictable, but entertaining. Not sure it was worth bursting my bladder and kidneys, but it's worth viewing if you're on the fence about it. If my dismal review is not enough for you, I have two words for you... Kate Bosworth.
Have fun. :)
Have fun. :)
Labels: movies, opinion, review
Friday, March 02, 2007
Taking Back Thursday
While work was hell today due to new-contract-extension-madness that's not worth getting into, it was a great Thursday in all other regards. Good fun at lunchtime bowling Thursday (119, 157) was followed by a cool concert Thursday night.
Doors were supposed to open at the venue at 6pm, so we were surprised to find a line at the door when we got there around seven, when the first opening band was due to be on stage. Turns out Al Gore was at the same venue (University of Oklahoma's Lloyd Noble Center) at 4pm, and it took a long time for that crowd to clear out. Fortunately, that seemed to only have delayed things by about thirty minutes.
The first opening band, Armor for Sleep was FANTASTIC. I have their first album, which I have come to enjoy, but they were surprisingly good live. I'd say better live than in studio. MUCH more energetic. The fact that they played a short set was the only real disappointment. We'll never know if the set length was impacted by the delay of the venue's availability or not (thanks A LOT Mr. Gore).
The second opening band, UnderOATH, was decent, and put on a VERY high-energy and entertaining show, but as I had not heard them before, I have nothing with which to compare. I will say that the crowd was definitely much more into UnderOATH than Armor. The entire place came to life when they hit the stage, and everyone seemed to know who they were, in contrast to Armor (during AfS's performance, I heard several people say things like "who are these guys").
The main event, Taking Back Sunday, got off to a rough start. Not sure how long they've been on tour, but the lead singer clearly had some voice issues, which took a few numbers to get smoothed out. I'm a HUGE TBS fan, so I loved the show, but I was a little worried at the onset. Things did improve, and if the below photo is any indication, the crowd was very into it. In fact, we witnessed several folks get past security and make it on stage only to be dragged away. Overall, they put on an entertaining show, but I will say that in contrast to AfS, their live show was not quite as good as their studio performance. Of course, I'd go see them again in heartbeat, so don't let that statement take anything away from the entire concert being a good show to see.
In closing, I'd like to send out a special thanks to my friends angry Vicki and astonished Vicki for joining me on short notice. It was a good time. And while it was a pretty young crowd, I was pleased to see folks much older than myself at the show, so I didn't feel entirely like a old fuddy-duddy.
Doors were supposed to open at the venue at 6pm, so we were surprised to find a line at the door when we got there around seven, when the first opening band was due to be on stage. Turns out Al Gore was at the same venue (University of Oklahoma's Lloyd Noble Center) at 4pm, and it took a long time for that crowd to clear out. Fortunately, that seemed to only have delayed things by about thirty minutes.
The first opening band, Armor for Sleep was FANTASTIC. I have their first album, which I have come to enjoy, but they were surprisingly good live. I'd say better live than in studio. MUCH more energetic. The fact that they played a short set was the only real disappointment. We'll never know if the set length was impacted by the delay of the venue's availability or not (thanks A LOT Mr. Gore).
The second opening band, UnderOATH, was decent, and put on a VERY high-energy and entertaining show, but as I had not heard them before, I have nothing with which to compare. I will say that the crowd was definitely much more into UnderOATH than Armor. The entire place came to life when they hit the stage, and everyone seemed to know who they were, in contrast to Armor (during AfS's performance, I heard several people say things like "who are these guys").
The main event, Taking Back Sunday, got off to a rough start. Not sure how long they've been on tour, but the lead singer clearly had some voice issues, which took a few numbers to get smoothed out. I'm a HUGE TBS fan, so I loved the show, but I was a little worried at the onset. Things did improve, and if the below photo is any indication, the crowd was very into it. In fact, we witnessed several folks get past security and make it on stage only to be dragged away. Overall, they put on an entertaining show, but I will say that in contrast to AfS, their live show was not quite as good as their studio performance. Of course, I'd go see them again in heartbeat, so don't let that statement take anything away from the entire concert being a good show to see.
In closing, I'd like to send out a special thanks to my friends angry Vicki and astonished Vicki for joining me on short notice. It was a good time. And while it was a pretty young crowd, I was pleased to see folks much older than myself at the show, so I didn't feel entirely like a old fuddy-duddy.
Labels: concert, music, opinion, review, Tinker AFB, work
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