monday, september 17:
Open Brackets is always a good source of quotes and well-written and insightful commentary. Saturday's quote is especially poignant: I am ashes where once I was fire. - Byron.
posted by Kevin Lawver @ 12:20:15 PM PST | link

Escapism

Yessir, it's that time again. It's the weekend movie review! This weekend was a mixed bag of attempted escapism. And, heaven forbid, Jen and I got to go OUT to the movies. Our adventure at the empty theater will be recounted below. My theory this weekend was to rent three flicks - classic, serious, and stupid as hell. I exceeded my expectations in all three areas. But, we'll start with what we see in the theater:

• Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back: This is the perfect movie to see if you want to sit in a dark, empty theater and escape your thoughts. This movie doesn't go deep, and that's what I liked about it. Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith are getting a little old to play losers, but their dialogue is still filthy and funny. Will Farrell was great as the Wildlife Marshall, and keeping up with the in-jokes and cameos was fun. Not a great movie, but worth a rental when it comes out (I don't expect it to be in the theaters much longer).
• Blow (the serious one): This was a decent flick. It was missing something, but it was still interesting to see how George Jung got started in the business and slipped deeper and deeper into that world. If you don't know, Blow is based on the life of George Jung who's currently serving 60 years in federal prison for drug trafficing. At one point, he was the biggest importer of cocaine in the country, and dealt directly with Pablo Escobar. I think they spent too much on the exposition, and not enough on the second and third act. The first act took almost an hour to set up relationships, which are then discarded. We never see most of those people again in the film. I almost wish this was a mini-series so they could cover the ground more thoroughly. It's a great story that wasn't executed as well as it could have been.
• The Ladies Man (the stupid): I wasn't expecting anything from this movie. I like the sketch on SNL, so I figured why not? This one definitely filled the stupid slot in my plan. But, I dug it! Yeah, it shocked me too... This movie has some funny lines, Will Farrell (as the closeted wrestling bad guy... worth the rental), and Billy Dee! If you're in the mood for stupid funny, check it out.
• Jerry Seinfeld: I'm Telling You for the Last Time (the classic): Jen calls this the perfect sick dvd. She was right. It's comfortable, funny and well, it's Jerry! This is all his classic material in a nice 80 minute package. If you didn't see it on HBO, rent it. You won't be sorry.

friday, september 14:
"You must be the change you'd like to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi via Firda
posted by Kevin Lawver @ 3:48:28 PM PST | link

Breaking my own rule, Reid over @ PhotoDude wrote a lengthy post that pretty much sums up my thoughts. Well done, indeed.

I would hope that everyone who can goes to their place of worship today. If that's Starbucks, a Synagogue, a Mosque or Chucky Cheese, it doesn't matter. Me? I'll be listening to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints memorial broadcast at noon EST. You're welcome to come along. It will be uplifting and universal.

In LawverNews, the speech therapist showed up as I was leaving for work this morning. Maybe now we'll know why Max isn't talking... I'm sure he has a lot to say.
posted by Kevin Lawver @ 8:46:01 AM PST | link