Master storyteller Hayao Miyazaki follows-up his Academy Award winning animated film “Spirited Away” with a tale of wizards, witches, spells and mysterious walking castle.

The story concerns a timid hat-decorator Sofi (Emily Mortimer) who falls under an aging spell by the Witch of the Waste (Lauren Bacall). Sofi is forced to seek out an eccentric wizard named Howl (Christian Bale) whose magical wandering castle travels around the country. She can’t talk about her curse or who cursed her. Sofi becomes Howl’s new housecleaner in hopes of one day finding her freedom.

The intricate worlds, animals, machines, supporting players and magic that Miyazaki dreams up is always out of this world and a sight to behold. There are so many storylines in this film that you just never know where the film will go next.

My favorite characters in the whole film were the silent bouncing scarecrow Turnip-Head and of course Billy Crystal’s delightful fiery character Calcifer. Crystal is out of this world as this character and has so many clever moments.

I have to admit I did have some problems with some of the story and the film’s eventual conclusion. I never felt that Sofi’s age-transition was properly discussed or examined especially in the last half of the film. I also felt that her story arc suffered greatly from the over-whelming Howl storyline. The film’s conclusion feels way to Disney and didn’t wrap up some of the other characters storylines.

Miyazaki’s new epic fantasy is amazing, breathtaking and a sight to behold. Miyazaki has always had a gift for finding the most interesting and fantastical stories. This film will fit nicely into his body of work.

3.5 out of 5

So Says the Soothsayer.

.cousin reginald catches the thanksgiving turkey painted by norman rockwell.

.thanksgiving day, nov. 28, 1986 read by william s. burroughs directed by gus van sant.

.rayman raving rabbids bunnies very useful scientific facts : bunnies can’t cook turkey spot.

.the thanksgiving visitor written and narrated by truman capote starring geraldine page and michaeal kearney.adapted for sell-a-vision by eleanor perry with capote.directed by frank perry.

.joaquin phoenix thanksgiving peta ad reminds us holidays can be murder on turkeys.

.johnny cash sings thanksgiving prayer on dr. quinn, medicine woman.

.a charlie brown thanksgiving.though it’s the great pumpkin, charlie brown is my favourite.

.that idaho-born sweat potato sarah palin.may your wretched body return to the dirt quite soon.

.thanksgiving trailer directed by eli roth.

.jibjab presents thanksgiving cranberry slaughter.

.christina ricci as wednesday addams telling it like it is.burroughs would be proud.

“Can I say f*** in a temple?”

Susie made sure she signed each and every book (which I believe numbered well over 100)./Photos by Ava Gacser

Ladies and gentlemen, Susie Essman is in the building – a Jewish temple in bucolic East Brunswick, N.J., as a matter of fact.

“Now I’m here with all you lovely Jews,” she said last night with a smile.

The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star’s appearance included a Q&A and book signing to promote her recently released memoir, “What Would Susie Say? Bullsh*t Wisdom About Love, Life and Comedy,” at Temple B’nai Shalom. The event, coordinated by the Friends’ Health Connection, was $35 and included a copy of the book which Susie graciously signed at the end of the evening.

Naturally, much of the conversation – which was artfully moderated by Susie’s good friend, comedian/actor/former “Saturday Night Live” writer Alan Zweibel – revolved around Susie’s experiences playing her “Curb” alter ego, the wonderfully foul-mouthed Susie Greene.

She admitted that when hired by Larry David to do the show, she was reticent when “LD” (as Larry refers to himself) instructed her to curse out her co-star and “Curb” husband, Jeff Garlin, in an episode called “The Wire.”

“Rip Jeff a new a**hole,” she recalled was the only direction Larry gave her. And after a bit of cajoling, this was the result:

“He let the genie out of the bottle,” Susie said with a laugh.

She revealed that she and Larry have never had a discussion about who Susie Greene is, and that she was the one who came up with Susie’s crazy taste in clothes.

“Susie is a very simplistic character,” she explained. “You don’t cross her, and you definitely don’t cross her kid.”

She said she’s pretty good at holding it together during filming and doesn’t laugh, but that this week’s episode, “Officer Krupke,” sent her over the edge.

When Larry dropped his pants, “just seeing those spindly legs” was enough to crack her up.

Her favorite episode, though, is “The Doll.” She said that was the first time the “Spaghetti western music that’s become my theme song” (I love that music!) was used.

“I don’t know what’s funnier than (screaming), ‘Get me the f***ing head!’” she laughed.

Susie said that despite the fact that most of actors on the show go by their own names – Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Michael York, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Richards (you get the picture) – they’re not necessarily playing themselves.

“The only one who is who you think he is is Richard Lewis,” she said.

(Which is a pretty interesting statement, considering his actions in the funniest episode so far of this season, “Vehicular Fellatio.” Clip please:)

“People don’t understand that it’s not reality TV,” Susie added.

Alan agreed, saying that he was just out with Jeff Garlin this week, and people were coming up to Jeff and cursing at him for cheating on Susie – Susie Greene, that is.

Although Susie enjoys being on “Curb,” she said she would like the opportunity to explore different roles… like perhaps on “Mad Men.”

“It’s so beautifully written,” she gushed. “Those characters are so fully drawn.”

You hear that, Matthew Weiner?

One thing is for certain: When Larry originally contacted her about “Curb,” she had no idea it would turn out to be anywhere near as popular its become.

“I never planned to make a living telling people to go f*** themselves,” she said.

A bit about Alan

When Alan Zweibel first came out, I realized my friend Mary Ann and I (who I was again with last night) had seen him perform earlier this year in “Celebrity Autobiography” (also with Susie Essman!) in New York City. He read a hysterical passage from Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee’s memoir, “Tommyland.” Alan, it turns out, was one of the original writers for “Saturday Night Live” and was good friends with Gilda Radner, for whom he wrote her iconic character, Roseanne Roseannadanna. In fact, he’s written a book about that relationship, “Bunny, Bunny: Gilda Radner, A Sort of Romantic Comedy.” Just the little bit he recounted last night was enough to make me want to read the book (and thanks to Franklin Township Public Library, I soon will be!). Alan also talked about his life working in the biz (he’s good friends with Billy Crystal) and his own experiences with Larry David (he was a consultant on “Curb” for a couple of years).

“We all knew that someday the rest of the world will catch up with him,” Alan said, explaining that audiences didn’t seem to appreciate Larry’s sense of humor back in the days when he worked comedy clubs.

Susie agreed, recalling that she and her best friend, Joy Behar, used to hang out with Larry and listen to him complain about women and dating.

“It was all the George stories,” she said and confirmed that “The Phone Message” episode (clip above) was straight out of Larry’s life.

At the end of the evening, Alan hung around the lobby as Susie signed books. He also took the time out to talk with people, signed several of Susie’s books himself and was nice enough to pose for photos, like the one below with me.

And here’s another photo of Susie at the signing:

And How “The Lipstick Indicator” Affects Men!

Do you remember comedian Billy Crystal’s imitation of actor Fernando Lamas on Saturday Night Live in the ’80’s? One of his big catch phrases was, “It’s better to look good than to feel good.” And that’s what “The Lipstick Indicator” is all about. Guys, stay with us here – it does carry over to our gender.

What’s The Lipstick Indicator? No, it doesn’t have anything to do with pigs, pitbulls, or Palin. Believe it or not, it’s a sign of economic distress, as devised by Leonard Lauder, chairman of the Est�e Lauder cosmetics company shortly after the 9/11 attacks of 2001. Lauder noticed that lipstick sales spiked as the stock market dived downward in the days that followed. And he had the bright idea that when business goes bad, people start a stampede towards affordable luxuries – since buying big-ticket items is suddenly not an option.

Lauder’s theory was validated by a little more research – turns out, during the Great Depression in the 1930’s, the cosmetics industry actually boomed – with an annual increase of 25%. Not many other businesses could make that claim! With that track record in mind, Est�e Lauder and other lipstick companies are suddenly releasing new shades and new lines for sale, to maximize their advantage in the wake of this year’s “Wall Street Meltdown.”

The New York Times did an entire article on the dynamic this past May – and quoted Dr. April Benson, a Manhattan psychologist, on why women lap up the lipstick when money’s tight: “When women use lipstick in times of stress, they’re doing it to put forward an image that they are more alive and vibrant, and not as down in the mouth.” Yep. Better to look good than to feel good.

But what does that have to do with guys? Well, it turns out men aren’t as different from woman as they might like to think. Maybe they can’t afford that hot new sports car – or they have to pass on that boys-only Vegas weekend for now. But they too, look for affordable luxuries that can make them look good – it turns out, feel good as well.

That’s why many men are suddenly flocking to new barbershop franchises that brings back the classic barbershop services and atmosphere – and adds a few modern twists that make for an awesome, self-indulgent, yet affordable experience. By featuring authentic straight-razor shaves administered by expert, licensed barbers, modern grooming products, and other extras, including complimentary beverage service (even Beer!), these clubs turn the traditional shave and a haircut into a luxurious but affordable “time-out” from the stresses of today’s economic woes. That’s why these franchises are being bought up quickly as smart investors realize The Lipstick Indicator Theory really points to one of those rare opportunities not to be passed up.

Contrary to Billy Crystal’s catchphrase, you CAN look good and feel good – just ask any delighted Barber Club member. And don’t be afraid to admire that member’s outstanding new shave and haircut by using that other famous Billy Crystal catchphrase: “You look marvelous!”

Copyright (c) 2008 Kennedy’s All-American Club

When I was a young man, I swore I would not visit the Baseball Hall of Fame until Roger Maris was properly enshrined.

I retreated on the vow after making another vow. My oldest son, Mike, was a Johnny Bench fan. When Bench retired in 1983, Mike asked if he would make it to the Hall of Fame. I assured him that Bench would be voted in on the first ballot. Mike asked what year that would be. I said 1989. Mike asked if we could go to the induction ceremonies. I said sure. What kid remembers a promise like that five-plus years later?

Mike did. And we spent a marvelous weekend in Cooperstown watching Bench, Carl Yastrzemski, Red Schoendienst and Harry Caray inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The museum was fabulous, even crowded with induction-weekend fans. I didn’t spend much time in the hall itself. Maris wasn’t there and his absence cheapens the honor for those who are. If the selection process and the electors are obviously biased and skewed, how much can it mean to get in?

If that museum in Cooperstown were the Hall of Longevity or the Hall of High Batting Averages, then fine, leave Maris out. Those are the only two legitimate knocks against him. But it’s the Hall of Fame. And Maris is more famous than most of the players there.

First Maris broke the most famous record in baseball. Then he held it for 37 years, losing it only to players who clearly used performance-enhancing drugs. During that 37 years, you never had to explain what record Maris held. Whoever hit a lot of homers in April was on pace to pass Roger Maris and every baseball fan knew what that meant because Maris and his record were that famous. His record was so famous that when Billy Crystal made an HBO movie about that season, all he needed was the number and the unjust asterisk: 61*. Everyone knew who the movie was about. And for 37 years, all those guys who were on pace to pass Maris didn’t make it and his fame grew.

Maris set the record in 1961, an expansion year for baseball. So the Maris haters who wanted to diminish his record said he broke the record only because of watered-down pitching. But baseball expanded again in 1962 and ‘69 and ‘77 and no one came close to 61*. They even juiced the ball in 1987 and no one came close. Finally people started coming close in the ’90s when baseball expanded again. But of course, expansion had nothing to do with all the homers hit in the 1990s.

Roger Maris is not in the Hall of Fame because he didn’t suck up to baseball writers during his chase of Babe Ruth. Period. Commissioner Ford Frick hated him for breaking Ruth’s record and baseball writers hated him for not being their buddy and not being Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth. Every other excuse anyone gives for him not being in the Hall of Fame is fiction.

He was not a one-hit wonder. Maris was a Most Valuable Player the year before he broke Ruth’s record. He was a winner, playing in five World Series for the Yankees and two more for the Cardinals, winning three championships altogether. Injuries (and negligence by Yankee doctors trying to keep him in the lineup) cut short his career, so he didn’t rack up big career numbers. He was a Gold Glove outfielder. His batting average, .260, was low, but not too low for the Hall of Fame (four points higher than Harmon Killebrew, two points higher than Rabbit Maranville, two lower than Luis Aparacio, Gary Carter and Ozzie Smith, seven lower than Bench and Mike Schmidt.) 

Maris’ 275 career homers were not too few for a Hall of Fame slugger. Hack Wilson, who holds the single-season RBI record, hit only 244. And he’s in the Hall of Fame.

But statistics aren’t the reason Maris has to be in the Hall of Fame. It’s quite simply because it’s the Hall of Fame and Maris was one of baseball’s most famous players ever. Let’s go back to 1998, back when most fans were pretending that the surge in homers was genuine. Remember what a great year that was — Big Mac and Sammy chasing Roger Maris. The Hall of Fame gets hung up on lots of arbitrary magic lines — 300 wins, 3,000 hits, 500 homers. Cross those lines (pre-steroid era, at least) and you’re in the Hall of Fame. Maris didn’t cross any of those magic lines that dozens of players have crossed.

But here’s a line that only a few have crossed: If your ghost and your record dominate a magical baseball summer decades after you retired and years after you died, you are not one of a few dozen baseball immortals. You are one of a few. Only Ruth and Lou Gehrig did that. And Maris. DiMaggio will do it if anyone ever comes close. No other record or player is so special.

Without such players, the Hall of Fame lacks credibility.

Ever had that vein in your forehead swell as you look, in frustration, at the hundreds of titles at your local video store? Ever been filled with mass confusion or paranoia that your hard earned bucks may be spent on yet another title starring Michael Dudikoff or Shannen Doherty? Well this little article is here to save you from that extra strain.

Over the course of this week, we will uncover twenty titles you need to seek out at your local DVD store. 

I have suggested range in all sorts of categories and will appeal to a large assortment of movie fans. The unique things about all these films is that they are limited or non theatrical releases and were probably abandoned by some studio head who didn’t believe in the project. When viewing these twenty films remember there must have been a reason to be released just to video and that they aren’t Academy Award winning films. I personally enjoyed each and every one of them on some level or another. Write me and let me know if there is a classic direct to video flick you really enjoy.

The list is laid out something like this. The title, year it was made, genre, synopsis and finally my rating. I hope to do more of these lists as I uncover some of the treasures hidden at the local videostore.

20. 61* (2001-TV) (Drama)

Roger Maris (Barry Pepper) and Mickey Mantle (Thomas Jane) race to break Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record.

This Billy Crystal directed film is one of the most delightful and pleasant surprises to come to the silver screen about the sport of baseball. You can really tell that when they made this film the people behind it loved the game of baseball.

The attention to detail and historical accuracy is very rewarding as Crystal gets two incredible performances out of the film’s stars Pepper and Jane. HBO has done it again. (4 of 5)

19. Beast, The (1988) (Action-Drama)

During the war in Afghanistan a Soviet tank crew commanded by a tyrannical officer find themselves lost and in a struggle against a band of Mujahadeen guerrillas in the mountains.

This little “tank” film is an incredible look at the struggle between the Russians and the Afghans. The performances from lead actors Steven Bauer and Jason Patric are filled with passion and frustration as the director brings you deep inside what is going on their minds. Think “Das Boot” in the desert.

Special note: This movie is really hard to find! If you find it message me! (4 of 5)

18. Chase, The (1994) (Action-Comedy)

Jack Hammond (Charlie Sheen) is sentenced to life in prison, but manages to get away from the police as he takes a girl (Kristy Swanson) hostage and drives off in her car.

The girl happens to be the only daughter of one of the richest men in the state. A chaotic chase begins which is filled with comedy, stunts and excitement.

“The Chase” reminded me a lot of those old “Smokey and the Bandit” films with a modern twist. The chemistry between Sheen and Swanson is superb, as the script and director don’t sway away from comedic elements.

The comedy is the real gem in this piece. (4 of 5)

17. Cutting Edge (1992) (Comedy)

DB Sweeney stars as Doug Dorsey, a hockey player forced to retire after an injury.

His only way back onto the ice seems to be to assist Kate (Moira Kelley), a spoiled brat figure skater who is trying to fulfill her dream of winning Olympic gold.

If Doug plays his cards right he might just get the gold medal that eluded him in hockey.

“Cutting Edge” is quirky, hilarious and is a pure delight. The film proves when you have two leads that have magical chemistry then you have one hell of a movie. (3.5 of 5)

16 . Dark City (1998) (Sci-Fi)

John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) awakens alone in a strange hotel to find that he has lost his memory and is wanted for a series of bizarre murders.

While trying to piece together his past, he stumbles upon a seedy conspiracy controlled by a group of beings that possess the ability to put people to sleep and alter the city. Now Murdoch must find a way to stop them before they take control of his mind and destroy the very world he knows.

“Dark City” is one of those unique science-fiction films that are so very original you really have no idea what you are getting yourself into. It blends the power of “film noir” with conspiracy-oriented science fiction.

It is almost Kafka-like and really a sight to behold. Also “Dark City” director Alex Proyas (Crow) is one of those gifted visionaries that a lot of people don’t know about. Proyas could be the next Tim Burton if Hollywood would give him a chance. Can’t wait to see what he will do next.

If you can seek out the Blu-Ray version of this film, especially the director’s cut which gives more details on this captivating film.  (4 out of 5)

Halloween movie night, part 1 of 2

Data
Title: Monsters, Inc.
Year: 2001
Length: 92 minutes
Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman & Lee Unkrich
Writers: Andrew Stanton & Daniel Gerson, with Robert L. Baird, Rhett Reese & Jonathan Roberts, story by Pete Docter, Jill Culton, Jeff Pidgeon & Ralph Eggleston
Starring: John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn
Music: Randy Newman
Distinctions: Oscar for Best Song (“If I Didn’t Have You”); currently #242 on IMDb’s Top 250

My reaction
Synopsis: a human toddler sneaks through her closet into the monster world
How I saw it: in the theater, 2001; on video many times (have on DVD), most recently yesterday
Concept: Indifferent.
Story: Great.
Characters: Great.
Dialog: Great.
Pacing: Great.
Cinematography: Great.
Special effects/design: Great.
Acting: Good. Okay from the voices, great from the animators.
Music: Good.
Subjective Rating: 9/10 (One of my favorites). It’s remarkable how re-watchable this remains after all these years.
Objective Rating: 9/10 (Very good).

When you think of great funny men of our time, we all can agree on the same basic list.

Jerry Seinfeld. Chris Rock. Billy Crystal. Brian Williams.

Yes, the same Brian Williams who hosts the “NBC Nightly News.” Seriously, dude is really funny. I’ve seen him on “The Tonight Show” a few times, and then this past weekend he was on my favorite NPR show, Wait Wait, Don’t Tell me.”

Guy just has great comic timing, is smart and self-deprecating, and just comes off in a funny way. Here, take a listen for yourself.

***My own tennis update! I maintained my undefeated record in the Greater Volusia Tennis League Men’s 4.0 division Monday night. My partner Keith and I, who I’ve only played with a handful of times, totally destroyed our doubles foes, 6-2, 6-2. I’m now 5-0 in doubles on the season, thank you very much. Tennis players out there, you know when you’re in the zone and you expect every shot to go in, and you’re genuinely surprised when they don’t?

I was there Monday night. One other thing: The guys we played seemed nice, but even though we repeatedly praised their good shots, they never once said “nice shot” or anything when Keith or I hit a winner. That’s just poor court manners.

**OK, you may be asking yourself why there’s a picture of Arnold’s Whole Grain bread up there. I’ll tell you why. Not only is this stuff fantastic to eat, but my own accidental little experiment over the last few weeks has proven one more thing: This stuff does NOT go bad.

I accidentally bought a loaf of this delicious bread a day after thinking I was out, only to discover that I had a whole full loaf already in the fridge. Well, let me tell you, I figured it’d be a race against mold (bread’s arch-enemy, like The Joker is to Batman) with my bread. I figured there’s no way both loaves would survive.

But let me tell you my friends, it’s been more than three weeks and this bread is still going strong! I’m nearly finished with it and not one drop of green stuff anywhere.

Arnold Bread people, I bow to your fresh greatness.

**OK, two things in this week’s Sports Illustrated I’m compelled to share. One, Joe Posnanski’s excellent profile of Joe Paterno. I’m biased because I think Joe Pos is the greatest thing since, well, since Arnold 12 Grain Bread, but this truly is a great story about an old lion of a football coach.

The second thing, and this completely cracked me up: Remember the clip of that 9-year-old hockey kid in Boston who scored that crazy goal? Anyway, his name is Oliver Wahlstrom, and he was asked if he’ll honor the sudden autograph requests he’s getting.

“I don’t know. I’m still printing.”

Classic.

Finally, I realize that I’ve been doing this blog for three months and have yet to share one my all-time musical favorites with you. I’ve been roundly mocked for loving this man, but dammit, listen to this and tell me he’s not incredibly talented!

MAGIA, ESPADA Y FANTASÍA (IV)

Las cosas como son: la película ha envejecido lo suyo desde aquel lejano 1987 de su estreno. Pero quienes la vieron en su momento y se encontraban en la frontera entre la infancia y la adolescencia, o incluso en ésta, la recuerdan como parte de aquel periodo, como quizá el último cuento de hadas que se tragaron sin sentirse ridículos o estúpidos. Lamentablemente, hay que echar mano de memoria y de nostalgia para que esas sensaciones negativas no se recuperen súbitamente ante un visionado del mismo film a edad ya madura. Pero dejando la puerta abierta a los recuerdos es posible que el espectador pueda reencontrarse con aquél que fue un día y que era capaz no sólo de ver cosas como ésta, sino de disfrutarlas.

Rob Reiner, director discreto (es autor de eso llamado El presidente y Miss Wade) con algunos notables puntos a su favor (Cuenta conmigo, Cuando Harry encontró a Sally, Algunos hombres buenos y, sobre todo, Misery), se encumbró a finales de los ochenta gracias a esta amable fábula de aventuras de capa y espada en un mundo mágico conectado con la realidad a través de la lectura que un abuelo (Peter Falk) hace a su nieto enfermo (Fred Savage, aquel niño imbécil de la serie Aquellos maravillosos años), de una historia contenida en uno de sus libros favoritos, con el fin de ayudarle a sobrellevar la convalecencia y apartarlo de los incipientes videojuegos. Esa historia entre leída e inventada (según el anciano percibe de reojo el interés creciente o decreciente del chaval en lo que le cuenta) que el abuelo va relatando al muchacho nos traslada el legendario reino de Florin, en el que gobierna el malvado tirano príncipe Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) con ayuda del malévolo Vizzini (Wallace Shawn). Humperdinck, maloso que es, rapta a la bellísima Buttercup (tacita de mantequilla, interpretada por Robin Wright Penn mucho antes de ser Penn) para convertirla en su prometida, lo cual no gusta nada a la muchacha ni al campesino humilde del que estaba enamorada (Cary Elwes). Éste, con ayuda de un aventurero español, Íñigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) y de un gigante de manazas enormes (quien escribe siempre ha pensado las vueltas que podría dar la cabeza de cualquier mortal tras recibir un bofetón de semejante explanada llena de dedos) luchan contra los malos para rescatar a la joven y para que Íñigo logre vengar la muerte de su padre (“Hola. Mi nombre es Íñigo Montoya. Tu mataste a mi padre. Prepárate a morir.”).

Película de carácter indudablemente juvenil, destaca sobre la mayoría de los productos de su género por varias notas características que la diferencian favorablemente. En primer lugar, su estética colorista, dinámica, de hermosos paisajes, de escenografías de cartón piedra, de dirección artística al servicio de la fantasía con efectos especiales que van desde lo estimable (para 1987) a lo deliberadamente cutre, que hace que la cinta sea la traducción más acertada, incluso hasta la fecha, de los clásicos de dibujos animados de Disney al cine de carne y hueso. En segundo lugar, la música compuesta por Mark Knopfler, hoy en día un tanto anticuada por su producción demasiado ochentera, pero uno de los trabajos más recordados de su autor en solitario. En tercer lugar, la ironía: es una película que, como los buenos cuentos infantiles, consigue contar historias violentas y truculentas, sórdidos episodios de brujas y gigantes, de ogros y pérfidos y crueles príncipes, con un tono ligero, casual, en el que, en este caso, abunda el humor, tanto en la estrafalaria caracterización de algunos personajes, incluido el héroe, más bien atípico, como en la brillantez de ciertos diálogos, que pueden ofrecer a un tiempo frases lapidarias y gracietas de cierto mérito. A este respecto, conviene recordar que el guión es obra de William Goldman (autor igualmente de guiones como Harper, Dos hombres y un destino, El carnaval de las águilas, Todos los hombres del presidente, la propia Misery, Chaplin, Poder absoluto, El indomable Will Hunting o Corazones en Atlántida), y que adaptó su propia novela.

Pero sobre todo si destaca por algo esta película por encima de otras fábulas juveniles es por el amor al cine de aventuras que destila, a los tiempos de Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn o Gene Kelly, a clásicos como Robín de los bosques, El zorro, El capitán Blood, El corsario negro o El pirata. Tanto la construcciòn de la historia, en particular de algunas secuencias, como las coreografías de los duelos a espada remiten directamente a aquel tiempo dorado del cine de aventuras, desconocido por supuesto para quienes en los ochenta eran (éramos) unos críos de la edad de Fred Savage. A ese gusto por el cine clásico de aventuras que rememora hay que añadir la defensa que supone del libro como concepto, como puerta abierta a la fantasía, como vehículo de ocio que tantos y tan buenos ratos puede ofrecer. Esta película, junto con otras del mismo estilo (sobre todo La historia interminable, sobre el libro de Michael Ende), ha hecho mucho por el acercamiento de buena parte de los jóvenes de los ochenta al mundo de los libros en un tiempo en que las maquinitas de botoncitos made in Japan avecinaban lo que iba a venir en décadas posteriores.

Nostalgia a raudales, humor, duelos a espada, acrobacias, sorpresas, peligros, criaturas extraordinarias, buena música, alguna que otra interpretación curiosa y/o aceptable (Billy Crystal, sobre todo, pero también Christopher Guest, Peter Cook o Carol Kane), fantasía, emoción, gente feliz que come perdices y malos que pagan sus fechorías: una vuelta a la infancia, a la ingenuidad, a la magia de los cuentos leídos a la luz de la mesita de noche por una voz cálida que nunca olvidaremos.

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What?

Harry and Sally meet when she gives him a ride to New York after they both graduate from the University of Chicago. The film jumps through their lives as they both search for love, but fail, bumping into each other time and time again. Finally a close friendship blooms between them, and they both like having a friend of the opposite sex. But then they are confronted with the problem: “Can a man and a woman be friends, without sex getting in the way?

Where?

At home.

With?

The dog.

Why?

Quite a simple answer really, I’ve never seen it. Time and time again it’s mentioned in TV countdown shows, best scenes in comedy history articles, not to mention the numerous parodies, yet I’d managed to miss it until today…

Worth It?

In a word…No. It started off okay but became another rich person whining movie, the gags are few and far between and rarely hit, THAT scene isn’t really all that great (but then, it has been diluted by numerous parodies) and really, I didn’t sympathise or hope that Harry and Sally would get together. I didn’t even hope they’d die. I just didn’t give a shit!

Bad times.

4/10

I try to vary what I write about, but for some reason I keep going back to movies.  I don’t really know why that is – I truly don’t watch a lot of movies.  But in spite of that, I guess the ones that I do watch leave an impression – or I just latch onto a thought and let it marinade in my mind more than most.  Either way, those scenes often stick and drive many of the thoughts that I have.  So with a preface like that, here we go with another one…

Today we take a trip in the “Way Back Machine” to 1991 and the movie City Slickers starring Billy Crystal and Jack Palance.  Crystal plays Mitch Robbins, a middle aged man who has lost sight of himself and his purpose who goes on a cattle drive vacation with two buddies.  While on the trip, he meets Curly, a rugged old cowboy played by Palance.  Curly’s job it is to lead the drive and keep the people safe (or maybe it was to keep the cows safe from the people).  Either way, Mitch gains a great deal of life perspective from his brief interaction with Curly.  In particular, there is one conversation which I copied off of www.imdb.com that stands out (Note: I took the liberty of editing this.  My apologies to the purists but this is my blog).

Curly: Do you know what the secret of life is?
[holds up one finger]
Curly: This.
Mitch: Your finger?
Curly: One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don’t mean {a thing}.
Mitch: But, what is the “one thing?”
Curly: [smiles] That’s what *you* have to find out.

The secret of life is one thing.  This was of critical importance to Mitch, and I dare say that we can take a lesson from the wisdom within that statement.  How many of us run from thing to thing at breakneck speed without ever gaining a real handle on the things we’re doing?  It isn’t that we can’t do it all – but what’s the breaking point between doing it all and doing it well?  From time to time, we find ourselves put into these types of situations: overworked with more to do, not enough time to match all of our interests.  If you described these people’s lives in terms of a swimming pool, it would be a mile wide but only an inch deep.

So what does it take to bring depth to our lives – to give us a stronger focus, a clearer perspective, and a more purposeful direction?  Christ’s words in John 15:5 say it simply:  ”I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  So our one thing is Him – the one who created us, delivered us, and destined us for great things.  Now don’t confuse this to mean that life cannot bring other pursuits.  Just understand that for those pursuits to reach their maximum potential, to bring about the fullness of God’s intended blessings for us, we must align our thoughts, decisions, and actions with the will of God.  Or as Paul stated it in his letter to the Colossians,  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Consider the many things that create your life: your history, your job, your family and the obligations you have to them, the hobbies that help define you and give you balance, the man or woman you love – everything that contributes and completes you.  Now approach all of these things by moving your focus in meeting those needs into your relationship with God.  What’s the result?  Strength, focus, contentment, and depth manifested in the blessings of God alive in all that we do.

The secret of life is just one thing.  Stick with it and watch God do the rest.

A Mile in My Schu’s is featured on www.blogsurfer.us

Mid-life crisis’ have never been so fun. I can’t wait for mine, but instead of going to a ranch im going to Cancun and swim forever in the lake and maybe nobody will find me.

Three male friends, facing their 40th birthdays and experiencing midlife crises, decide they need time away from their “soft” city lives. They decide to vacation at a dude ranch, where they will be responsible for a two-week-long cattle drive through the Colorado hills.

This film is not the funniest thing you’ll ever see, but it does have a lot of heart that blends in with the comedy real well. The themes of age, love, and most of all friendships are all discussed and in a very tender but humorous way.

The trio of Crystal, Kirby, and Stern all do a good job of capturing the personalities of late 30 year olds who are trapped in their own worlds and dislike much in their life and do not want to fade away. But Jack Palance who plays the creepy and elderly cowboy Curly steals the show with his distinct toughness towards everyone on the trip and also gives some valuable life lessons that Crystal takes very dear to himself. Also director Ron Underwood keeps the movie at a steady pace so it dosent become too boring.

There wasn’t as much as comedy as I was expecting but the story is a great tale and has some important outlooks on life that all should follow.

8.5/10=Matinee!!!

Not having heard of The Princess Bride – book or film – until last year, suddenly it was everywhere. I don’t know where I’d been hiding to miss the film twenty years ago, but I did. William Goldman’s novel, well I don’t know. The book turned up on my doorstep last summer, and it looked good. I was going to read it. Then I wasn’t, since I had no time. And then something – I forget what – made me read it anyway.

After that I heard of the film from just about everyone. My impression was that it wasn’t just a marvellous film, but it was better than the book. Maybe I got it wrong. We finally watched the film the other day, and it was really funny and entertaining, and reasonably well done from the book. But, I don’t happen to feel that it beats the book in any way.

The book is fantastic, with lots of humour and background that is lost in the film. On the other hand, the film still has some of the very funny lines from the book, which could easily have been got rid of. Quite good too, that many of the actors are, or were, less well known. It’s more fun to have minor actors, plus brief appearances by some more famous names.

Billy Crystal as an old man was good. Mel Smith and Peter Cook each have a small part. Peter Falk was very Peter Falk-ish, and even I recognised Robin Wright Penn. However, for all that the pirates and crooks looked familiar, I haven’t seen them in anything else.

Nice swashbuckler with humour, but I recommend the novel.

In the book, One Great Insight is Worth A Thousand Good Ideas, Phil Dusenberry wrote about the time he cast Billy Crystal for a Diet Pepsi commercial.

The reason that he mentioned this spot was because he wanted to show that sometimes the parts that literally make the spot are candid – not written into the original script. Apparently, the second part where Billy calls the can his little twelve ounce, darling was done in between takes. They noticed him talking to the can and got lucky enough to catch it on film. It’s probably my favourite part of the spot and it makes me laugh – even with the Fernando reference. I mean, hellooooooo? How can you not love Billy Crystal?

Here’s a look at the spot.

Russell Peters talks stand-up, film and failing driver’s tests

By Lindsey Rivait, The Lance (University of Windsor)

Ontario native Russell Peters, now a resident of the state of Nevada, is not only celebrating 20 years in comedy – he’s also fighting with the DMV.

“I’ve been trying to get my Nevada driver’s licence today. And I fucking failed yesterday and today. But they ask you stupid questions that have nothing to do with driving,” explains Peters, who has been on the road, legally, for 23 years.

He elaborates. “One of them was, ‘You can change lanes in an intersection, true or false?’ I’m like, ‘No, you can’t change lanes in an intersection.’ It’s like, ‘True, you can.’ I’m like, ‘What?’ That’s ridiculous.”

His 20th anniversary tour is the largest comedy tour in Canadian history, with over 120,000 Canadians buying tickets. The show features a mix of some favourite bits and some all-new material. DJs and video screens will also be used.

Now on the second leg of his tour, Peters has already performed sold out shows in Halifax, Calgary, Montreal, and two each in Toronto and Vancouver. The Montreal show was part of the Just for Laughs festival, and was the largest indoor comedy show in the festival’s history.

He’s sold out arenas and theatres worldwide, from London to Sydney to Los Angeles. He was the first South Asian to sell out the Apollo Theatre and the first ever to sell out the Air Canada Centre in Toronto – twice.

All this and more has been accomplished on his sheer talent and charm alone. No sitcoms, films, reality TV shows, or paparazzi drama needed here.

While his comedy clips are famous staples on YouTube, enjoying well over 35 million views, Peters has had trouble with bootleg videos being posted online. He now views the Internet as a double-edged sword.

“It’s good when you’re coming up, it’s good for getting known. But for stand-up, when you’re writing new material all the time and you have to keep it fresh for your shows, it doesn’t benefit you at all if it gets on the Internet,” he says.

Peters began his comedic career when he was 19.

“It was one of those things where you just do it. I was a fan of comedy and figured I’d try,” he said.

To him, stand-up is not really a job – something we all wish we could say about our own work life – and the only downside he can think of isn’t really a downside at all, for him.

“And that’s just never really being able to stay in one place for longer than a few weeks. If that’s the worst problem you have, count your blessings,” he says.

Even after 20 years in the business, Peters has no plans for slowing down.

“I’m going to keep on going until I can’t think of anything anymore. I’m going to mine it until the well runs dry,” he said.

In the next year, Peters is doing two films, one with Norman Jewison and another with Billy Crystal. He’ll also continue touring extensively with his stand-up act.

“I don’t think you can ever count out a comedian. Eddie Murphy, he’s the only one that retired and never came back. Well, him and Steve Martin. They just moved on to acting and forgot all about stand-up,” said Peters.

But Peters is still all about his stand-up work. His DVDs, the last two of which (“Outsourced” and “Red, White, and Brown”) sold more than 250,000 copies each, usually take Peters two years to record and release.

While there are plans for more DVDs, Peters says he’ll take three years with the next one. The extra time will give him a chance to produce a sharper product for his fans.

“The last few have been okay, but if you look at the stuff I put out before that, it was a little bit more polished and that was because I had a lot more time to get it ready. That’s the way I’m going to approach this one,” he explains.

Beyond that, Peters doesn’t look too far ahead to the future.

“Who plans their future really?” he asks. “I’ve never been a planner. I would like to marry my girlfriend, hopefully. If she’ll have me. Hopefully she can tolerate my bullshit.”

Before he goes back to prepare for his third stint with Nevada’s DMV – hopefully this time with better luck – he leaves some advice for aspiring comedians, which has served him well in his own career.

“Do it because you want to make people laugh, don’t do it for any other reasons,” he says. “Don’t do it to get rich, don’t do it to get famous, do it because you like to make people happy.”

“Hosting the Oscars is much like making love to a woman. It’s something I only get to do when Billy Crystal is out of town.”

-Steve Martin

Day 19

Days to go: 346

Miles Walked: 22

Miles to go: 978

Twenty-two miles.  I’m not sure I’ve walked twenty-two miles total over the last half-decade.  So much is changing, and it is good!

In fact, today really was a good day – but as I was contemplating what I should write for today’s entry, I found myself fretting.  I longed to produce something that would really knock it out of the park in the spiritual or literary sense.  That only seemed fitting for such a good day.

Thankfully, I remembered that my purpose in writing this blog is to stay true to the experience of this journey with the Lord and record it within these posts.  While I may want to be inventive, this isn’t the place for it.  So I’ll give it to you plain and straight.

Today was just plain good.  By that, I don’t mean that there wasn’t temptation. In fact, the food addiction was in full force today.  I wanted to chew on just about anything, despite my lack of hunger.  But today was still good in the sense that I’m learning that Jesus is faithful and present in the midst of the temptation, and He is enough. He is more than enough. It was also good in the sense that I feel so awake, so alive, and more energetic than I have in a very, very long time.  I feel it in the way I move, in the way I go through my daily life, and most certainly as I walk.

As I finished the last leg of my walk today, my iPod was shuffling through my music collection and landed on a song I hadn’t heard in a long while.  I love the feel of this song, and the words are fantastic.  I found myself grooving to the music even as I walked, and when I got home I played it again, just so I could cut loose and give this song the proper dance it truly deserves.

And let me tell you, I was good. I was really, REALLY good. 

(Side note – as I was dancing, I found myself biting my bottom lip.  I remember Billy Crystal referring to this as “the white man’s overbite” in the movie “When Harry Met Sally”, and I don’t think he meant it as a complimentary term.  I don’t dance often, so in an attempt to avoid being a nerd I tried not to do it – but then I realized that I really DO dance much better when I bite my bottom lip. What does Billy Crystal know anyway?) 

Thankfully for all concerned, I don’t have a video of me dancing today – but I did want to share this song with you.  The only YouTube clip that would embed to this blog is from a television show that features music videos.  If you wait out the introduction, I promise the song will be worth it.  Also, if the video looks a little dated, it’s because this song was released 13 years ago on Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Signs of Life” album.  It just goes to show that great music withstands the test of time. 

I really liked this song 13 years ago, but this walk is making the words come alive for me in a way they never have before.

I feel a groove coming on, so I think I’ll cut a rug again.  If you feel like it, jump in!  And hey – dance like no one is watching. Billy Crystal certainly isn’t!

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was always fun to watch back in his days with the WWF. He has an undeniable charisma that has translated well to films and he seems to be trying to find a footing in kids fare with films such as “Escape to Witch Mountain” and “The Game Plan”. Now comes “The Tooth Fairy” from Fox, which also stars the irreplaceable Julie Andrews and Billy Crystal. So far so good.

Looking at the trailer, the final product looks like either a colossal disaster or something so ridiculously silly that it might actually work. Johnson plays a hockey player forced into working as a tooth fairy over his efforts to crush his kid’s dreams. In another scene, he tells a young fan to lower his expectations rather than practice. I’m not sure what’s motivating his character’s psychology to be so vehemently against a childlike sense of wonder, but I’m sure he’ll be cured in the end.

The film is directed by Michael Lembeck, who helmed the last couple of “Santa Clause” movies, and written by the screenwriting team of Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, who were nominated for an Oscar for “Splash” and have a score of pretty good comedy scripts to their credit. (Update: It looks like it’s a script that’s been put through the ringer by five writers altogether, including two of the men responsible for “Surviving Christmas”. Never a good sign.)

The question is whether or not kids will like it, I suppose, and at this point it’s hard to tell. The effects look pretty lacklustre, and Johnson sports what looks like a Value Village Halloween costume in the role. The sequence of Johnson dodging tennis balls looks painfully unfunny, though the memory dust bit is kind of humourous. Andrews is always great and Crystal is mostly reliable. Depending on how over the top Johnson goes, it could fall into “so bad it’s good” territory.

หลายๆ ท่านคงจะได้ยินเรื่องเล่าของตำนาน นางฟ้าเก็บฟัน เกี่ยวกับการเอาฟันที่หักหรือหลุดเก็บไว้ใต้หมอน เพื่อที่นางฟ้าคนงามจะมาตามเก็บไป คน ๆ นั้นจะโชคดีในตอนเด็ก ๆ ได้ จากความเชื่อสมัยเด็กๆ อันนี้ ได้ถูกนำมาสร้างเป็นภาพยนตร์แนวแฟนตาซีฮาระเบิด สุดหรรษา ค่าย 20th Century Fox ผลงานใหม่ของ “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson กับบทบาทของ เทวดาเก็บฟันจำเป็น ใน The Tooth Fairy!!

กับเรื่องราวของ Derek Thompson (“The Rock” Dwayne Johnson) ผู้เล่นฮ๊อคกี้มือหนึ่งที่มีสไตล์การเล่นไม่เหมือนใคร ด้วยลีลาเฉพาะตัวกับการกระแทกที่รุนแรงจนฟันคู่ต่อสู้หักทุกครั้ง จนเป็นที่กล่าวขานกันให้ทั่ว กับ ฉายา The Tooth Fairy เพราะการเล่นปะทะคู่ต่อสู้ที่หนักหน่วง รุนแรงจนฟันหักนี้ เป็นเหตุให้เขาต้องพบกับเรื่องมหัศจรรย์ เมื่อเขาได้พบกับการ์ดลึกลับใบหนึ่งที่บัญญัติให้เขาต้องถูกลงโทษจากสวรรค์!! โดยหัวหน้านางฟ้าเก็บฟัน Lily (Julie Andrews) ให้ทำหน้าที่เป็นเทวดาเก็บฟันขึ้นมาจริงๆ ในเวลา 7 วัน ที่ไม่อาจจหลีกเลี่ยงได้ แต่ก่อนที่เขาจะออกปฏิบัติการเก็บฟัน Thompson ต้องฝึกฝน และวิธีการต่าง ๆ ที่แสนจะทรหด แต่ก็ยากลำบากในช่วงเริ่มต้น เพราะเขายังไม่เคยชินกับหน้าที่ แต่สุดท้าย Thompson ก็สามารถค้นพบวิธีเก็บฟันอันสุดโต่งจากวิธีที่เทวดาหรือนางฟ้าคนอื่นไม่เคยทำมาก่อน เรื่องราวจะเป็นอย่างไรต้องติดตามชมเรื่องราวของ The Tooth Fairy เทวดาเก็บฟันจำเป็นจอมป่วนกันในโรงภาพยนตร์ 22 มกราคม 2010 ที่อเมริกาครับผม!!

The Tooth Fairy เป็นผลงานการกำกับของ Michael Lembeck จาก The Santa Clause 2-3 ได้ 2 มือเขียนบท Lowell Ganz และ Babaloo Mandel จาก การ์ตูนแอนิเมชั่น Robots นำแสดงโดย “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson,Ashley Judd,Julie Andrews,Billy Crystal,Chase Ellison,Brandon T. Jackson,Stephen Merchant

ภาพบางส่วนจากตัวอย่างภาพยนตร์

โปสเตอร์ภาพยนตร์

หลายๆ ท่านคงจะได้ยินเรื่องเล่าของตำนาน นางฟ้าเก็บฟัน เกี่ยวกับการเอาฟันที่หักหรือหลุดเก็บไว้ใต้หมอน เพื่อที่นางฟ้าคนงามจะมาตามเก็บไป คน ๆ นั้นจะโชคดีในตอนเด็ก ๆ ได้ จากความเชื่อสมัยเด็กๆ อันนี้ ได้ถูกนำมาสร้างเป็นภาพยนตร์แนวแฟนตาซีฮาระเบิด สุดหรรษา ค่าย 20th Century Fox ผลงานใหม่ของ “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson กับบทบาทของ เทวดาเก็บฟันจำเป็น ใน The Tooth Fairy!!

กับเรื่องราวของ Derek Thompson (“The Rock” Dwayne Johnson) ผู้เล่นฮ๊อคกี้มือหนึ่งที่มีสไตล์การเล่นไม่เหมือนใคร ด้วยลีลาเฉพาะตัวกับการกระแทกที่รุนแรงจนฟันคู่ต่อสู้หักทุกครั้ง จนเป็นที่กล่าวขานกันให้ทั่ว กับ ฉายา The Tooth Fairy เพราะการเล่นปะทะคู่ต่อสู้ที่หนักหน่วง รุนแรงจนฟันหักนี้ เป็นเหตุให้เขาต้องพบกับเรื่องมหัศจรรย์ เมื่อเขาได้พบกับการ์ดลึกลับใบหนึ่งที่บัญญัติให้เขาต้องถูกลงโทษจากสวรรค์!! โดยหัวหน้านางฟ้าเก็บฟัน Lily (Julie Andrews) ให้ทำหน้าที่เป็นเทวดาเก็บฟันขึ้นมาจริงๆ ในเวลา 7 วัน ที่ไม่อาจจหลีกเลี่ยงได้ แต่ก่อนที่เขาจะออกปฏิบัติการเก็บฟัน Thompson ต้องฝึกฝน และวิธีการต่าง ๆ ที่แสนจะทรหด แต่ก็ยากลำบากในช่วงเริ่มต้น เพราะเขายังไม่เคยชินกับหน้าที่ แต่สุดท้าย Thompson ก็สามารถค้นพบวิธีเก็บฟันอันสุดโต่งจากวิธีที่เทวดาหรือนางฟ้าคนอื่นไม่เคยทำมาก่อน เรื่องราวจะเป็นอย่างไรต้องติดตามชมเรื่องราวของ The Tooth Fairy เทวดาเก็บฟันจำเป็นจอมป่วนกันในโรงภาพยนตร์ 22 มกราคม 2010 ที่อเมริกาครับผม!!

The Tooth Fairy เป็นผลงานการกำกับของ Michael Lembeck จาก The Santa Clause 2-3 ได้ 2 มือเขียนบท Lowell Ganz และ Babaloo Mandel จาก การ์ตูนแอนิเมชั่น Robots นำแสดงโดย “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson,Ashley Judd,Julie Andrews,Billy Crystal,Chase Ellison,Brandon T. Jackson,Stephen Merchant

ภาพบางส่วนจากตัวอย่างภาพยนตร์

โปสเตอร์ภาพยนตร์

(Season 1, Episode 12)

I’ll give Leno credit for getting creative in the ways he’s starting to incorporate celebrities into bits and segments. It fills time for him and gives them their plug opportunities. Tonight, he trotted out three of The Real Housewives of Orange County for a “Battle of the Jaywalk All-Stars Challenge.” And … wow.

I don’t watch The Real Houswives of anywhere, but if this is the intellectual capacity of their “stars,” then I’m glad I don’t. I couldn’t tell if they were putting on an act or if they were being themselves. Either way, it was obnoxious and I wanted to reach through the screen and strangle each of them. The blondes were enforcing stereotypes left and right!

–>to continue reading, follow the link over to the full article on TV Squad