3 Days to Kill

Don't even get me started on why you have to see this - ok too late. 1) It is directed by McG! The same guy that did Chuck and Supernatural. (Love him!) 2) It was written by Luc Besson! The guy that brought you Leon, The Fifth Element, Transporter trilogy, Nikita (in French, Canadian, and American). 3) Costner (Bull Durham) was in it and he is hot! I don't care how old he is; he gets sexy the older he gets. 4) It's an action film. 5) There is comedy to it. 6) It's rated PG13, so it's not gross or vulgar to be gross and vulgar. Nielsen (Gladiator) has a small part as his wife. Steinfeld (True Grit) is the daughter. It is filmed in Paris. All in all, I say: SEE IT
Wait...I forgot about the plot. A CIA hitman is retired because he is dying. They offer him an expensive drug that will prolong his life so he can spend time with his daughter, but in exchange he has to kill the infamous Wolf - yes the one they mention all the time in these CIA hitman films.

Love Affair

IMDb writes, "French playboy Michel Marnet and American Terry McKay fall in love aboard ship. They arrange to reunite 6 months later, after Michel has had a chance to earn a decent living." They want him to prove he can support himself. Something happens on the way to meeting each other. Will they be able to find each other. This one was filmed in the 30s and I could have sworn it was in black and white. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

In 1957, this remake became a classic. Grant (Bringing Up Baby) was charming, funny, and sexy. Kerr (The King and I) was perfect as the music teacher. They had chemistry and spoke volumes with their facial expressions. Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories. A line from the movie - you're heart is breaking wondering if they get together. All in all, I say: SEE IT

Beatty (Reds) directed and acted in this as the playboy. Bening (The Siege) was gorgeous. They writing was even more witty than An Affair to Remember - and I didn't think that would be possible. It was really well done, but not as good as Grant's. All in all, I say: SEE IT - but last

Lego Movie

One of only...two maybe... films with Ferrell (Elf) that I like. He plays two parts in this and does a not so obnoxious job. Arnett (Arrested Development) does the voice for Batman. Banks (Hunger Games) is the voice of the female lead. Freeman (Glory), Franco (21 Jump Street), Hill (21 Jump Street), Key (Key & Peele), Johnson (21 Jump Street), Neeson (Taken), Pratt (Parks & Recreation), Smulders (How I Met Your Mother), Tatum (21 Jump Street), and Williams (Star Wars) all have speaking parts. There is humor to keep adults interested too - there is a scene that makes fun of talking to Siri on your IPhone that had me in tears. I laughed out loud many, many times. The 10 and 8 year old nephew and niece loved it too. All in all, I say: SEE IT - don't need to pay to see it in 3D and you can wait to rent.

Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq

Gandolfini (The Sopranos) interview ten people back from the second war in Iraq who have returned in less than perfect condition. The veterans discuss their Alive Days, what happened on those days, and how they are coping. It is heart wrenching, but surprisingly hopeful. It will bring you to tears, and many of the photos are disturbing. The hardest parts to watch are segments of the actual footage of each persons Alive Day - they were filmed by the terrorists, so you can hear them saying a prayer when the blasts go off - horrifying. All in all, I say: SEE IT especially if you are for war in general.

Always A Bridesmaid

An HBO documentary on marriage from the point of view of a single videographer in New York. She is desperate to be married, but she's in a relationship with a younger man who is not ready. The scenes where she is pressuring him and basically whining are painful to watch. The scenes where she is interviewing older women who never married or married late in life and good. If you do watch this, I am the next to last old lady she interviews. There is a TED ed video on the history of marriage that would complement this film as well. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - unless you are a single lady.

Sport in America: Our Defining Stories

Which event in sport stuck with you even to this day? What sport event will you share with your kids? HBO Sports created this documentary that examines how sports touch our lives. Through interviews and footage the viewer is shown how sports - although doesn't end war or poverty - let's us forget ourselves for a moment in time. Even if you are a man's man you will cry when you watch this. It will bring back memories. It will touch your heart and soul. Even if you don't really like sports some of these stories will make you weep. They span from your grandparents generation to yours. All in all, I say: SEE IT - SEE IT now on HBO.

Prodigy

Amazon describes the plot as, "June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.
It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?" This is the sequel to Legend. As always seems to happen in this futuristic books the boy doesn't believe or trust the girl and things go wrong. The Colonies are not what people think they are, and the Patriots are not who people think they are either. Nothing is as it seems - and almost no one is who they appear to be either. This is sad and intriguing - it's a tear jerker. All in all, I say: READ IT - I read it in a day I was so into it.

Walking Dead Monopoly

Instead of houses and hotels there are walls and guard towers. The playing pieces are Carl's Hat, the RV, the Katana, a bucket with zombie parts in it, a telephone, and  bat covered with barbed wire. The property are from the graphic novels - the locations they go to in the books. Instead of money players get supplies like: seeds, first aid, boxes of food, fuel, knives, firearms, and cartridges. Instead of railroads there are types of transportation they use in the books. There are scavenge cards and supply chest cards to play. You can still go to jail and you still pass go - instead of money you get supplies. Last one left not bankrupt wins. All in all, I say: PLAY IT - I own it, so come over and play sometime - bring snacks.

Walking Dead TV Board Game

Amazon describes the product as, "In The Walking Dead Board game, only the strong survive. The weak turn into walkers, and then turn against their former friends. Fight your way through zombie-infested Atlanta with your fellow survivors. Grab some weapons to clear a path. Visit destinations like the department store, old folk’s home, and the CDC. Find the tools you’ll need to live another day. Take on the role of Rick, Andrea, or one of the other hapless survivors and scrounge for sweet weapons like a Shotgun or Crossbow. Keep your eyes open for new allies, but watch your back. When supplies start running low, it’s every man for himself. If you can make it back to camp with enough gear to defend yourself and those you still care for, you win." It is all up to the dice - there is not really any strategy to it - it's all the luck of the die. All in all, I say: TRY IT, but don't buy it

Legend

Amazon describes the plot as, "What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets."

It's well written - each chapter is either Day or June - they take turns telling the story. It clever and well researched. I have just gotten the sequel and can't wait to see what happens. All in all, I say: READ IT

Vampire Academy

Deutch (Ringer), Byrne (In Treatment), Hyland (Modern Family), Gayle (Blue Bloods), Foy (Season of the Witch), Richardson (Event Horizon), and Monaghan (Shameless) appear in this film based on the series of young adult novels. I haven't read the books - let me put that out there. I really like the film. The plot was quick to get going, the special effects weren't cheesy, the martial arts were good, and the cast chemistry was perfect. All in all, I say: SEE IT

RoboCop Series

This action film was released in 87 starring Weller (Screamers). He was an action hero of shorts at the time. He plays a cop who is injured in a future crime ridden Detroit. The company that owns him makes him into a cyborg of sorts. They take all his memories and tell his family that he died. His memories start to come back to him, and by the end of the movie he has solved his murder and become united with his family. HIs partner in this is a women (Allen from Carrie). All in all, I say: SEE IT - but remember this was futuristic for the 80s. I loved this movie when it came out.



Kinnaman (The Killing) is a cop who is attempting to capture a dangerous criminal in Detroit. Oldman (The Professional) is a doctor who has been asked to combine organic material with robotic material. Keaton (Toy Story 3) is the head of a corporation that is using the doctor's research to get America to buy his robots and make money. Cornish (Sucker Punch) is the cop's wife. Haley (Watchmen) is a military man in charge of the robots once they are completed and street ready. Williams (The Wire) is the cop's partner. Ehle (Pride & Prejudice) is part of the corporation. Baruchel (Million Dollar Baby) adds some comedy to this dramatic film. Jean-Baptiste (The Cell) is the chief of police. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) is a tv media mogul. Garcia (Dexter) is a doctor, too. It is a decent remake and it is more human than the original. The plot is slightly different - the cop keeps his memories in this. All in all, I say: RENT IT when it comes out.

Released in 1990 - this sequel Weller is still working as a cop. A new company has tried to make more robots to help end crime in the city, but creates an almost indestructible creature. A new drug is introduced into the population causing deaths, and Robocop has over a more powerful opponent. All in all, I say: SKIP IT unless you plan on seeing all three and the remake in which case I say: SEE IT

 This was released 3 years after the sequel. Weller did not participate in this - I think it went straight to video in Georgia, but I can't remember. Allen appears in this. Robocop turns on some developers that have bribed government officials want to move a bunch of citizens off their land. If I remember correctly. This should not have been made. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Bling Ring

Watson (Harry Potter series) is one of many young adults who spends their time doing drugs and drinking at local clubs to show others how hip the clubs are. They are bored and unsupervised, so one girl is able to convince the group to rob the houses of celebrities that are out of town. Coppola (Lost in Translation) directs. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Alpha House

Goodman (Monuments Men), Johnson (Director of SWAT), Consuelos (1-800 Missing), and Malloy (Hitch) are Senators. They share a house near the capital while some of their spouses work on their campaigns back home. It is well written, well acted, and excellently directed. It is witty and only half an hour. All in all, I say: SEE IT - all of season one is free if you are an Amazon Prime member on their instant video.

I Can Be President: A Kid's-Eye View

An HBO documentary that allows children to talk about why they can be a President and what they would accomplish as President. They tell their stories about what motivated them to become President one day. It's quick and cute. All in all, I say: SEE IT

The Fence (La Barda)

HBO documentary about George W Bush's fence between the US and Mexico. Find out if the billions we spent and the other laws we ignored to build made it successful? It shines a light on the politics behind immigration. Eye opening and a quick watch. All in all, I say: SEE IT - and tell others to see it.

Questioning Darwin

An HBO documentary that examines how Darwin handled religion. It focuses mainly on the main opponents to Darwin - today's creationists. Through the use of experts and Darwin's correspondence the director shows Darwin as a religious scientist something the modern day Creationist have no use or understanding for. This is interesting whether you are religious or not. It is fascinating how many devoutly religious people misunderstand and misinterpret Darwin's personal beliefs and scientific reasoning. All in all, I say: SEE IT

About Face: Supermodels Then and Now

An HBO documentary about supermodels from their mouths. There are several themes like aging, beauty, self-esteem, drugs, and weight. There was mostly then and not any now that I could tell. I am not interested in fashion, but I did find their beliefs on aging and beauty interesting. All in all, I say: SEE IT - if your a woman, on HBOGo

Casting By

HBO documentary about casting directors. I focuses on two people that changed the way casting was done; two people who have been responsible for casting dozens of award winners. I didn't realize how much the director depended on them, and how much power they have - well had. It's also a look at how women have been able to get into casting and become power players in the industry. Eye opening, especially if you love movies. All in all, I say: SEE IT on HBOGo

Austinland

Russell (The Americans) is obsessed with Austin's books and Mr. Darcy in particular. After a lot of failed relationships she spends all her savings on a trip to the UK to a place that allows people to become submersed in Austin's time period. The actors (McKenzie from Flight of the Concords and Feild from Captain America) are paid to simulate a romance from Austin's novels. Russell can't tell truth from fiction. Will she meet her Mr. Darcy? It is horrible editing, the screenplay leaves a lot to be desired. It had potential, but falls flat. All in all, I say: SKIP IT
Feild is with Neve Campbell, but my oh my he has his good qualities.

Escape Plan

Not a unique plot - I've seen it in several straight to video B movies before. An illegal prison has been built and the good guy has to escape. They tried to make the plot sophisticated though - it turns out the good guy escapes from prisons for a living. The last job he takes is going to be permanent if the bad guys have a say. It turns out the last job was orchestrated as a way to get the good guy to help a rich guy escape - it's a rescue without the good guy knowing it. Stallone and Schwarzenegger (both in Expendables 3) appear as the convicts that need to escape. Ryan (Gone Baby Gone) and 50 Cent work for Stallone. D'Onofrio (Law & Order: CI), Caviezel (Person of Interest), and Jones (Snatch) are the bad guys. Neill (Alcatraz) makes an appearance as a doctor. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

The Presence

Sorvino (Mimic) is a writer who needs to get away from the world for a while, so she goes to her family cabin to get away from things. Decades ago a criminal drown in the lake outside her family home and his ghost (West from Nikita) has been trapped in the cabin; he has fallen in love with her. Two others join her at the cabin: her boyfriend who wants to marry her (Kirk from Weeds), a demon who wants to take her soul (Curran from Defiance), and her guardian angel. It is a battle for her soul. Watson (NCIS) makes an appearance as a local that deliver supplies. All in all, I say: SKIP IT unless you like psychological, religious dramas.

The Monuments Men

If you love art and culture some scenes in this will be hard to bear. It is based on the true story of a group of artist who enter WWII toward the last push in order to save the art Hitler had collected. Clooney (Ocean's Eleven & Fantastic Mr. Fox) directed, wrote, and acted in this. Damon (Ocean's Eleven), Murray (Fantastic Mr. Fox & The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou & Moonrise Kingdom), Goodman (The Artist), Blanchett (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou), Dujarden (The Artist), Bonneville (Notting Hill), and Balaban (Moonrise Kingdom) also star. It was clever, funny, true, and touching. All in all, I say: SEE IT - the cars in this are too die for!

Enlightened

Laura Dern (Wild At Heart) had a miscarriage, divorced her cheating husband (Luke Wilson from The Royal Tenenbaums), was an addict, and slept with her boss before having a nervous break down. She goes away and finds enlightenment. Returning to work proves difficult because she works for a corrupt corporation. I watched both seasons on HBOGo. At first she was extremely annoying, but the second season had her making some better decisions. All in all, I say: SEE IT - they are short half hour shows and Wilson does a good job.

Remember Sunday

An up and coming cosmologists (Levi from Chuck) has an aneurism which causes permanent damage. Every time he goes to sleep he forgets all his short terms memories.  He falls in love with a florist (Bledel from Gilmore Girls), but she isn't sure she can spend forever with someone who will wake up everyday and not know her. It is witty, sad, and romantic. All in all, I say: SEE IT - way to go Hallmark.

My Tennessee

One Perfect Rose and Parady

Sailing the Tennessee River on the Tequila Sunrise

Smiles and a silver trim

We seldom realize the life we will have.

This is what I see.

Dad, I want to ask.

Papaw in his recliner

Fish

Football

Smiles and a silver trim

Mamaw in in her kitchen

Potato Salad

Pewter

Smiles and a silver trim

House in a wood

Hide ‘n’ Seek

Hounds

Smiles and a silver trim

You in your home

Grandchild

Golf

Smiles and a silver trim

Did you realize it back then?

 

 

HS

An Equestrian

Memories of Mom

Memories of Mom

We know paths were presented to you.

We doubt you hesitated for a second about what to do.

Home is where you wanted to be you thought of Beth and me.

You worked long and hard to succeed

Because of you our family could proceed

We created memories with loved ones: some here and some gone

In our hearts we will always have a song

Sure, there will be rocky times

Life isn’t always so perfect like a poem that rhymes

We can’t always see the future and how happy we can be

Don’t you worry; long from now we’ll have a ton of wonderful memories

Memories of mom

Because of you, I am me.

The beauty in you has been passed on to me.

~

Wonders of the world that you got to see,

That adventurous spirit will always inspire me.

~

Because the best parts of you, have been passed on to me.

~

Strong woman with a depth of compassion and love that could fill a sea,

I will strive to be as kind, as open, and as happy.

~

Because the humanity in you, has been passed on to me.

~

Grandmother with an impressionable mind at your knee,

My young eyes were always looking up into yours with glee.

~

Because the joy and lust for life in you, has been passed on to me.

~

You won’t have to wait long to see,

I have become what you always imagined I would be.

~

Because of you, I am me.

 

 

HS

‘07

Remember & Repeat

Painesville, Ohio

Basement Bowling Alley

Italian Restaurant – Spaghetti

Remember and Repeat

Apsley, Ontario, Canada

Art Gallery           

Butterscotch Ice Cream

Remember and Repeat

Knoxville, Tennessee

Concord Marina

Watermelon

Remember and Repeat

Mentor, Ohio

Beach

Corn on the Cob

Remember and Repeat

Wherever

We are

We go

We end up

We created memories

            Memories worth remembering and repeating…

quiet witness

quiet witness

On Long Lake in Ontario, Canada I was built.

Painted white and perfectly situated, I was called Stony Lonesome.

I have been a quiet witness to laughter, tall-tales, card games, hummingbirds feeding, and creatures frolicking.

I may be missing my original rusted green pump.

I may be missing a pair of birch - or two.

I may be missing gas lamps and more than a couple of weather worn docks.

I still have a warm stove during chilly mornings.

I still hold the smell of bug spray, pines, and bacon.

I still have a screened in porch perfect for listening to loons and whippoorwills.

I still sit near a cool, clear lake where beavers build their dams.

On Long Lake between Apsley and Lakefield, Ontario, Canada I was built.

Repainted white and perfectly situated, I am called Stony Lonesome.

I will continue to be a quiet witness to laughter, tall-tales, card games, hummingbirds feeding, and creatures frolicking.

 

H.Stevens

Carrie

 

Released in 1976 it was terrifying at the time. Spacek (The Help) played Carrie a girl raised by a very religious mother who is tortured by her classmates. Laurie (The Faculty) played Carrie's mother. Irving (Zero Hour) was the popular girl whose friends bullied Carrie. Some may have forgotten that Travolta (Staying Alive) played the boy that took Carrie to prom. The plot is a little off from the book, but the remake makes up for it. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you like Stephen King books and if you are going to see the remake - otherwise - SKIP IT

The remake is more complete than the original. Carrie (Moretz from Kick-Ass) is thrust into high school without knowing much about the real world. She is tortured by one of her classmates in particular. One of the popular girls who feels bad for her arranges for a boy to take Carrie to prom. The expelled torturer ruins the day and turns Carrie into a killer. Carrie has special powers in this remake, too. Carrie's mother (Moore from Children of Men) is a much more complex character in this film than the original - we see more into her choices. Greer (13 Going on 30) stars as a teacher - I thought this the most odd choice. All in all, I say: SEE IT if you liked the original - SKIP IT if you don't like Stephen King.

A Single Shot

Rockwell (Moon) is in the process of getting a divorce. Reilly (Flight) is his soon to be ex. She wants out because she doesn't want to live in the middle of nowhere and always be broke. Rockwell's character hasn't been able to keep a job since his family lost their farm. He hunts illegally for meat. One day he is out hunting and accidently shoots a young girl. Turns out she is shacked up in the nearby woods guarding some money that belongs to her father - a criminal (Isaacs from Harry Potter). Also in the film are: Macy (Fargo), Levine (Silence of the Lambs), Anderson (Control) and Wright (Source Code). All in all, I say: SEE IT - I got it on Netflix - the ending is poetic. Oh, it is a slow character study kind of film.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Yes folks, this is what happens when I have HBOGo on my phone, and I can't sleep. It's about magicians and it makes fun of guys like Chris Angel - I think that's his name. You know the type - they lock themselves in boxes for a week - how is that magic?! All in all, I say: SKIP IT - pretty bad, but here's is the burning question: when exactly did 50 something Carrey start to look like this....