Circle Of Friends Reviews

Movie Review: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

2008-11-06T12:01:00.003-05:00

When I first read about Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, it went on my must-see list, and then was promptly forgotten about. I fear this may have happened around the country, and I am here to tell you to run out right now and see it before it disappears.

The movie is a night in the life of boy-meets-girl. They have such a cute "meet cute", you're already starting to swoon. And if at first some of the characters seem more college age than the high school seniors they are, don't worry. Nick and Norah's charming awkwardness will soon remind you of yourself, maybe a bit too much.

The night unfolds with the search for a band, two ex's (one for each Nick and Norah), Nick's gay bandmates who play matchmakers, and the city of New York. And music, so much music. Unlike many films obstinately about music, in this film the music is like it is in real life. It's background, forefront, a passion, an aside, a way to connect, a reason not to. It's all those things and it works so well that it becomes organic to the story and not an overwhelming plug for a band or a music video for a song.

As for the central romance, I truly think this movie is right up there with the sacred cow, Say Anything. Micheal Cera is just as dork-adorable, and unlike Ione Skye, Kat Dennings is beautiful but relatable. She's a pitch perfect anygirl, going from average to soft to sharp to stunning.

The supporting characters are very well done, especially Ari Graynor as Norah's best friend. Her performance as a drunk girl is spot-on, if cringe worthy. Nick's two best friends and the guy they pick up are hilarious and lovely, and the movie is filled with great lines.

I'm so charmed by this movie, not only am I buying it the day it comes out, I'm also offering to take anyone in the tri-state area with me to see it. You must see it now. You will not regret.

Movie Review: The Incredible Hulk

2008-06-19T21:38:00.004-05:00

I was very resist to see this movie for no real reason other than I just didn't feel like seeing the movie. Loki and I had come from a two movie weekend with one almost not living up to the hype and the other no bringing to fruition the creepiness of the director's previous movies.

I did not see Ang Lee's version of the Hulk. Nor did I really want to. Being a Marvel girl myself (as opposed to say a DC girl) I wasn't thrilled with them making the Hulk and I'm not sure why. Edward Norton? Really?

Well, yes. Edward Norton. Good choice. Tim Roth as the Abomination? Another excellent choice. Liv Tyler? So so. She didn't take away from it, but didn't add (at least for me) anything. I was leery of CGI effects that it would take to make the Hulk and the Abomination, but it worked.

Keep in mind, The Hulk does not have the playful nature that Iron Man does. It's a lot more serious...which isn't saying that it's not fun. Just keep it in mind. For fan boys (and girls) there are lots of in-jokes to chuckle at. Oh, and Stan Lee has a bigger cameo in it! At least ten seconds! I don't know why I keep using exclamation points!

I'm not as familiar with the mythology of the Hulk, so I don't know who the future villain (The Leader) is. Though Loki did fill me in after the movie. He also did mention that the Rouges Gallery isn't as impressive as say Spider-Man's or the X-Men's Rouges Gallery.

The story? Oh, yes. The story.

Bruce Banner (the Hulk when not in Hulk form) is trying to find a cure to the gamma radiation. General Ross is bent on finding him and bringing him back to the US. In the process he recruits Emil Blonsky, a Russian born, England raised soldier. He sees the Hulk and the power that he has and become obsessed with having that same power. Lots of action, lots of angst (Bruce versus himself, father versus daughter, Hulk versus the world), lots of potential to make a franchise.

I give a four out of five.

Movie Review: Iron Man

2008-05-08T10:33:00.002-05:00

Who better to play an egotistical, alcoholic playboy than Robert Downey, Jr? Okay, maybe Charlie Sheen, but Downey excelled at playing Tony Stark, billionaire/inventor/playboy/genius, with both the arrogance and the vulnerability required to make this story really engrossing.

For non-Fanboys, Tony Stark owns a weapons company and he himself is a robotics expert who personally invents many of the devices. He drinks, he philanders, he gambles, he skips meetings and events, he tinkers with his high tech "toys" while leaving all the real work to his faithful assistant Pepper (Gwenyth Paltrow). On a trip to Afgahnistan (modified from the original comic's Vietnam), Stark is captured by cave-dwelling rebels led by an evil warlord. Seeing that they have managed to get his weapons, Stark creates his Iron Man suit and sets out to defend the world from the weapons which have fallen into the wrong hands.

Not just a movie for comic book guys, it's filled with action, comedy and very light romance (very, very light). I thought the foreshadowing of the "true" bad guy made it a little too obvious, so there is no big shock when his deeds are revealed. I missed one obvious clue, so had a bit of a "duh" moment, but that's just me. Overall, great casting, great effects, good story, good humor. And of course, a hilarious and brief cameo by Stan the Man, himself.

Five out of five stars and stick around through the credits, especially if you know Fury :D

Book Review: Black Ships

2008-03-04T22:38:00.002-05:00

Paperback Writer here...again. :) Yes, I'm just ripping through many books. But it's in my nature okay? Okay.

So, I belong to this website called Library Thing where I can list all the books I have in my library...kind of like Good Reads. (I'm Ceecee on one and Paperback Writer on the other. If you feel like joining me, let me know.

Anyway, one of the very cool features of Library Thing is the opportunity to get advanced copies of books. And finally, finally, I got my hands on a book. I don't remember requesting this book, but what the hey. A free book is a free book. And I'm keeping my end of the bargain up by actually reviewing it.

So, on to the book. The book is Black Ships by Jo Graham. It's a take on the Aeneid told from the viewpoints of an oracle named Gull. She is the daughter of a slave taken from Troy who can see - accurately - the future. One day, she sees nine black ships and knows that she will joining them and thus altering her life forever. It is their journey from Greece to Italy with detours in Egypt.

I throughly enjoyed this book and I hope it does well. I actually hope that Jo Graham will write more books like this...but then again, this is coming from the self-professed mythology junkie. :)

Five out of five stars.

Book Review: The Thirteenth Tale

2008-03-04T22:19:00.002-05:00

Paperback Writer here again with another book review. And I promise, I'm going to write a real review, not just these half reviews, I've been doing. Deal? Deal.

Anyway, last Thursday while Loki was performing I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite activities: namely wander around a bookstore in search of something new to read. I had several books in my hand when I came upon The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Now, I've seen this particular book time and time again, but the cover just did nothing for me. This time though, I decided to actually the blurb on the back.

It still didn't entice me to actually pick it and carry it around with me while I wandered the store, but I did take a picture of it on my cellphone. It's my favorite way of remembering books that I might want to read at a later time...just not right now. But after picking a few chick lit books, I decided I wanted something more weighty. And I wasn't in the mood for chick lit. (Though, really, am I ever? There's nothing wrong with chick lit, but I'm just not a chick lit type of girl.)

I thought about The Thirteenth Tale downstairs and decided to swap the books for that one downstairs. But I wanted to make sure that this book was a book that I was going to read. I read the first page, not bad. I decided to keep going. And that's when I ran into these lines:

"...I never read without making sure I am in a secure position...I was so seduced by the descriptions of underwater life that I unconsciously relaxed my muscles. Instead of being held buoyant by the water that so vividly surrounded me in my mind, I plummeted to the ground and knocked myself out. I can still feel the scar under my fringe now. Reading can be dangerous..."

Tell me, how does a bibliophile not resist a book that tells you that reading can be dangerous? That was Thursday night, I finished the book last night before I went to bed. A rather rare thing for me, which suggests that I gave up some things that I said I was going to do in favor for finishing the book.

That being said, Paperback Writer, what is the book about? It's about a reclusive writer who knows that she is approaching the end of her days and has decided to tell her life story. Her true life story. She chooses a quiet, bookish woman to write it. And in the process the reader comes to understand that the writer and the biographer have a lot more in common than they think. It is very gothic in nature - something I never really identified with or against - and it's just well written. A lot of mystery, ghosts, secrets and family.

I highly recommend this book. In fact, if you want, I can loan you my copy. Just as long as you give it back to me.

Five out of five stars.

Book Review: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians

2008-01-21T21:54:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here...again. :)

I just finished Brandon Sanderson's book Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians. And I have to say, I haven't enjoyed a book like this since....Harry Potter. Okay, okay, is that really saying a lot? Well, perhaps. :)

Anyway, like Harry Potter, Alcatraz Smedry (yes, Alcatraz Smedry) is an orphan...an orphan who seems to possess special skills. His Talent is breaking things. No, seriously. That's his talent. And on his 13th birthday he receives a special package from his long absent father. The present? Sand.

Wait! Don't go. I'm not that crazy.

Really. :)

Just go with it, okay?

Obviously, this book is geared toward the younger set. But I throughly enjoyed it as well. And perhaps, that's because I'm really a big kid at heart. Throughout the entire book, Alcatraz consistently breaks the "fourth wall" by talking to his readers and reminding them that he "is not a nice person." He repeats this many times leading one to believe that maybe he is a nice person.

At the root of the story is Alcatraz trying to retrieve his inheritance from librarians, which goes without saying that all librarians are evil in this book. They want to take over all the world (Free Kingdoms and Hushlands respectively). With what? The help of Alcatraz's special sand.

Oh, go on. You know you're intrigued.

The only fault that I have with this book? That I finished it within a day. It's only 300 pages. ;)

Anyway, this obviously is going to have a sequel...perhaps more than one. But, we'll see where it goes. I've a pretty credible source telling me that Sanderson has been tapped to write the last Robert Jordan Wheel of Time book.

Nine out of ten stars.

Movie Review: Cloverfield

2008-01-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Loki and I went to see Cloverfield this weekend. It took me this long to try and put down a review...

And I think it might be difficult for me to write a proper review without giving away some of the details.

But I'll try.

First, don't go in with any expectations. You'll probably have a better time that way.

Second, if you get motion sickness this movie is not for you. Seriously.

Third, this isn't a Hollywood movie. Meaning?

Well...

(Don't say I didn't warn you)

It doesn't have an "ending" per se. Oh, it ends all right. Abruptly. And not prettily for anyone. The ending is not satisfying at all. And yes, there were a couple of boos from the audience (which was sold out, by the way), but there was still an even greater number that was blown away by it. Loki included. He said that he hasn't been that scared by a movie in a long time. In fact, after we got home, the both of us didn't get to bed until very early the next morning. Loki was just hopped up on adrenaline and I was up filling in all the details that weren't explained in the movie.

Now, keep in mind that despite the abrupt ending and the very shaky camera work (it's all filmed from the viewpoint of one camera...a hand held camera) that this isn't really a movie about monsters (though it is really terrifying when you see the monsters) it's more a movie about how people react in survival situations. Loki tells me that it is much like how Night of the Living Dead is about survival against zombies.

I can see what he means.

He tells me that there are a lot of mixed opinions regarding this movie: how it is an allegory about 9-11; that it plays on their fears about it; that it's not a movie for people over 30. I don't know. I guess it could be an allegory about 9-11. But I didn't see it that way. Would I go back and see it? No. But that doesn't mean that I didn't dislike the movie.

*sigh*

I guess I'm about as mixed up as all those other reviews floating around on Rotten Tomatoes.

:)

Anyway, things to remember when going in: hand held camera work, people that you don't know who star in a movie, very stressful and the most important thing to remember? Have no expectations. Keep an open mind.

And that's all I'm going to say about it.

Eight out of ten stars.

Movie Review: I am Legend

2007-12-16T20:55:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Today, Loki and I went to see I am Legend with Jami's favorite actor, Will Smith, based on the original book by Richard Matheson. I enjoyed the movie (even though I spent 2/3 of it watching it through my fingers) and it sticks to the basic plot of the original novel.

Now, now, now. If you read the book, you know that this isn't entirely true, okay? The book was written in the 50's, so naturally, the movie has been updated, okay?

A virus has been created that supposedly cures a tragic disease...but what happens is that these people who have been saved...begin to mutate. If you've seen the trailers then you know what these creatures resemble. If not, then...use your imagination.

Anyway, which is where we pick up with Robert Neville (Smith), a military medical doctor trying to find a cure. He spends most of the movie with his trusty dog, Sam. And of course, things start to go wrong. Very, very wrong. The cuts between the year 2009, the year where this miracle drug has been discovered to Neville's current year, 2012. The world is a wasteland with abandoned cars, crops growing in Central Park and lions roaming Times Square.

Last 1/3 of the movie though, is where it deviates from the book. I won't go into too much detail, it sort of feels...forced. It's a good movie, but I would've liked to see how people began their transformation.

I'll give it a three out of four stars.

PS - Animals die...and I didn't like it. It made me very sad. Just saying.

Book Review: The Shepherd, The Angel and Walter the Miracle Christmas Dog

2007-11-29T22:43:00.000-05:00

This Christmas novel by former columnist Dave Barry took me less than an hour to read. It's a cute and fun quick read with no major surprises or twists. I chuckled a few times while I read it and even thought it might be a good one to read aloud to older children.

Seemingly semi-autobiographical, the story is set around a small-town Christmas pageant in the 60s. Doug, the main character, is a 13-year-old boy with a bratty brother, a normal sister and huge crush on a 13-year-old girl who is nice to him. Forced to be a shepherd in the church pageant along with his two buddies, Doug is part of some semi-improbable ups-and-downs.

If you generally appreciate Barry's sense of humor, you'll enjoy this.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Book Review: The Stupidest Angel: a Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror

2007-11-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

I recently reviewed You Suck: A Love Story, by author Christopher Moore. Enjoying it as I did (see review here), I picked up The Stupidest Angel on my next trip to the library.

I'd have to say, of all the fictional Christmas-themed books I've read, this is my new all-time favorite. The book starts off slowly, almost seeming like it's going to be a chic-lit romance, but picks up quickly once the killing starts. It's not at all scary, unless you are afraid of fruit bats who wear sunglasses.

The story also includes a schizophrenic off her meds, a high sheriff, the titular supernatural character and some dead people. I can't tell you any more without giving away one of the many fun twists and turns in this story.

If you want Christmassy, but not schmaltzy go to the library and check out this fantastic book. I loved it enough that I insisted the Husband read it before I take it back.

5 stars out of 5 for a fun tale of murder and its consequences for the holidays.

Movie Reviews: Santa Baby, the Santa Clause 3: the Escape Clause

2007-11-23T11:24:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, when studios churn out the "feel good" Santa-themed schlock in the hopes of plucking your heart-strings to get to your cash. Sadly, I've noticed that they almost always have a theme of: Santa can't/won't do his job this year and someone inexperienced or with a "better" idea or whatever is taking over with (theoretically) hilarious results. Not that I'm cynical.

Santa Baby stars Jenny McCarthy as Mary, a workaholic marketing executive who is called back to her small-town home ("Polaris") when her father, Santa (George Wendt), suffers a non-fatal heart attack. Mary is certain that she can improve the whole Christmas process, automating the toy building and letter processing, etc. With her equally cold, workaholic boyfriend back in the big city, Mary rekindles her romance with a high school sweetheart who never left the small town. The elves provide most of the comedy, played as sort of well-meaning idiot-children who bumble through tasks. Cute and predictable, you can watch this with your kids, grandma, whoever. It's not so cutesy or over-sweet that you'll gag, not so boring that you'll turn it off. I don't think I'd buy it, even on sale, but if it's on TV, I might watch.

The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause is the third installment of Tim Allen's Santa Clause movies. To be honest, I thought the first one was cute and the second was obnoxious, so I didn't have high hopes for this one. In this movie, Santa grows overwhelmed with family responsibilities and preparing for Christmas, as Jack Frost (Martin Short) sabotages all his endeavours because Frost desires to be a more important mythical figure. In a "Wonderful Life" way, Santa/Scott sees how miserable everyone would be if he'd never become Santa. With appearances by Aisha Tyler, Spencer and Abigail Breslin, Michael Dorn, Alan Arkin, Ann-Margaret, Kevin Pollack and Peter Boyle, the movie is watchable and enjoyable, if predictable. Better than the last movie, but not an instant holiday classic.

Both movies, 2 stars out of 5. I'd say, rent the Muppets Christmas Carol instead.

Stage Review: Avenue Q

2007-11-23T11:06:00.000-05:00

Avenue Q, a sort of grittier, dirtier Sesame Street (in no way related), tells the tale of the residents of a low-income neighborhood. The puppets are operated by actors who are in full view, on stage, singing and dancing with no attempt at being hidden. Knowing that going in, I worried that I would find this distracting. Note, this is not a show for children.

From the opening number, in which the male puppet lead asks what he's supposed to do with his newly-earned BA in English, the show drew me in. The puppet-operating actors sort of blend into their puppets, even the ones who voice several characters at the same time.

The music is catchy, the lyrics had the audience howling in laughter and humor maintained the right blend of anti-PC, bawdiness, and even truth to make the show great. Musical numbers include the funny, and probably more honest than people want to admit "Everybody's A Little Bit Racist", the filthily hilarious "My Girlfriend in Canada", the silly "The Internet is for Porn" and "It Sucks to be Me" and the surprisingly smart "There's a Fine, Fine Line" (which I wish more women would take to heart).

The show includes video screens which are lowered into view for hilarious definitions (educational TV style), the incredibly funny and cute Bad Idea Bears and on-stage, full-nekkid puppet sex. I tried to warn you, not for kids.

The only thing I did find distracting was some of the people switching puppets, which is clever, but almost purposely "look how clever we are".

I give it a 4.5 stars out of 5, in the hopes that they will make it even better and come back.

Book Review: You Suck, A Love Story

2007-10-30T12:36:00.000-05:00

I picked up this book by Christopher Moore solely based on the title. You have to check that out. I skimmed the back cover (I've been suspicious of them since one gave away a major plot twist), and did my favorite new author test, read the first page. The book starts with "You bitch, you killed me! You suck!" which is the totally understandable reaction of Tommy, a 19-year-old dorky small town guy who after moving to San Fransisco and meeting and falling for a vampire girl awakes to find that she's turned him into one of the undead as well. By the end of the first page, I was hooked.

I chuckled all through this clever, entertaining not-at-all scary novel about these two inexperienced vampires as they attempt both the mundane (apartment hunting, keeping in touch with parents) and the supernatural (finding food sources, learning the limits of their powers, etc.) Along the way, they acquire a naive 16-year-old Goth girl "minion" adding her point of view to the narrative, and interact with a blue hooker, a homeless man with a huge cat, Tommy's former friends who are now vampire hunters and two homicide cops and more.

The story unfolds so beautifully that I don't want to give anything away, but I do want to mention that this book has possibly the best ending to any vampire book ever.

4 1/2 stars of out 5, just because I wish it had been a little longer, even though it didn't need to be.

The Heartbreak Kid

2007-10-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Here's my warning; if you hate Ben Stiller, you will hate this movie. Do not go. Do not even bother to read this review.

Still with me? Right, then.

Ben Stiller is a 40 year old bachelor who's never been able to pull the trigger on any of his romances, including a 5 year engagement. On his way home from his ex-fiance's wedding, he meets a beautiful younger woman. She later tracks him down at the store he owns and their romance blossoms, in a funny way. She's going to be moved to Rotterdam for work because she's single, and after debate he decides they should get married. So they do. And it all goes downhill from there.

Jerry Stiller, Ben's real-life dad, plays his father in the movie , and Rob Corddry plays his best friend. They are both hilarious. The movie is filled with laugh-out-loud scenes, and quieter scenes that also make you laugh uproariously. It's really very, very funny. And of course uncomfortable, because Stiller is known for his movies where the guy acts like a complete idiot, complicating a difficult situation even more so.

There is a love interest, of course, and in the beginning I was rooting for Stiller's boy-man Eddie. But by the end, I just wanted to smack him, although I doubt that would do any good, as he gets his share of beatings and they deter him none.

There was a bit of press about the rating of this movie, and the much-heralded return of the adult comedy. I have to say the film earned it's R rating, and it's most definitely a movie for grown-ups. I wouldn't take even an older teenager to this movie. And if you're looking for a moral, you won't find it here.

In short, a hilarious yet uncomfortable movie with no neat, tidy ending.

Movie Review: Shoot 'Em Up

2007-09-08T19:15:00.001-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Today, Loki and I saw Shoot 'Em Up. And let me tell you this movie was completely and utterly implausible. But that didn't stop us from enjoying the movie thoroughly. Remember to turn your brain off before the movie starts.

Anyway, this movie is about a man, Smith played by Clive Owen, (you never get to know his real name) who is protecting a newborn baby after his mother gets shot by the bad guys. Why? Don't worry about the why people. That's just tacked on! Enjoy the guns blazing, the innovative ways Smith gets out of a jam and the carrots.

Yes, I said the carrots.

It seems our man Smith loves to eat carrots. He even grows them. In his old, rundown place. The villain, played by Paul Giamatti calls him Bugs Bunny. And I don't blame him. The first scene sees Smith eating a full carrot...dipped in coffee. A pregnant woman comes by followed by a car filled with assassins. The first assassin passes Smith, gives him the once over and then keeps following the woman.

To which, Smith, responds with "Fuck...." and goes to dispatch the killer.

It's a scant one hour and 20 minutes. But it goes by quickly.

And no. This is so not for kids under 12.

Four out of five stars.

And yes, I think I've developed a deep crush on Clive Owen. ;)

Book Review: Twilight

2007-08-29T21:51:00.000-05:00

Read this fantastic book by Stephenie Meyer right now. I am told that the target audience, or biggest audience or something like that is young adult women, but I really enjoyed this, start to finish. It's the first book in a trilogy, which is good for fast readers like me who tend to out-read authors we like.

But about the book - Isabella, or Bella, as she prefers to be called, is the new girl in her high school in a small town in Washington. Moving to the colder climate from Arizona to live with a father she is estranged from in a town where everyone has known everyone else from birth, Bella is dreading the whole scene. Her first day of school she makes a few new friends, but also becomes fascinated with a boy, Edward, another "outsider" who only seems to talk to his own family and who seems to take an instant, intense dislike of her.

Edward and his family have a dark secret, which I won't give away, even though it's the first sentence on the back of the book. Forgot the legends you know about fantastical creatures, as you learn about Edward and his strange, close-knit family. By the time Bella uncovers his entire secret, she has fallen too much in love with him to leave him over it.

I think the best part of this novel, to me, was that every time I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong. It's a good story, and not at all scary, though it might seem to be going down the "horror story" path.

How good is this series? After reading the first one, I ordered the second one from the library, and when I found out it had 15 holds ahead of me, I checked the third - I'm 118th on the list for that one.

I'd give this book 5 out of 5 stars, for both the book itself and the potential for it being a great epic.

UPDATE: I just finished the other two books and I give the entire triology 5 out of 5.

Movie Review: Kickin' It Old Skool

2007-08-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

1986 - Justin, a 10-year-old, takes a bad fall in a break-dancing contest and winds up in a coma.

2006 - Justin, now an atrophied 30-year-old played by Jamie Kennedy, wakes up in the hospital to the surprise of all involved.

As a child in an adult's body and an unfamiliar time, Justin does fairly well. He manages to round up his old group of friends, now all grown up and disillusioned. His grade school crush shows up, engaged to his old rival. To win her back and save his parents house, Justin and his "Funky Fresh Boys" must win a dance contest TV show.

Yes, it's about as good as it's sounds. There are a few laughs, and plenty of "weren't the 80s a funny time?" jokes. We didn't turn it off, but we didn't pause it when we needed to get a snack, either.

2 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Blades of Glory

2007-08-26T17:51:00.000-05:00

What can I say about a movie in which Will Ferrell and Jon Heder play former competitive figure skaters banned from Men's skating who team up to skate as a couple? You won't be surprised by any of the jokes, they are amusing in the standard Will Ferrell way. It's a funny movie, but not at the level of Ron Burgundy or even Kicking and Screaming.

Ferrell plays the "maverick" skater, a (supposedly) sexy, partying guy. Heder is the prissy "classical" skater, and they've been bitter rivals for years. After a fist fight breaks out at the Winter Games medal ceremony, both are banned from skating. Eventually, they end up finding out they are eligible to compete, just not singly. Craig T. Nelson plays the coach who brings them together. Real life spouses Will Arnett and Amy Poehler hilariously play a brother-sister pair skating team opposing them.

There are the out of shape jokes, the awkward "gay" things, the training montage. The outrageous costumes steal the show, almost another character unto themselves. The DVD has some fun extras, including a look at the stars learning to skate, and how some of the more complicated moves were pulled off. If you're a Will Ferrell fan, you'll enjoy this movie, but don't run out and get it RIGHT NOW. It's a good one for a night you don't feel like thinking too hard.

3 1/2 stars out of 5.

Book Review: I Love You, Beth Cooper

2007-08-25T22:49:00.000-05:00

I Love You, Beth Cooper had me from "Hello", or at least from the title. Written by Larry Doyle (a Simpsons writer, as you know if you're a big geek like me), this book basically covers the graduation night of another big geek, the valedictorian-debate-club geek who makes the titular proclamation in his commencement speech. Beth Cooper, the object of his affection is, of course, a popular cheerleader type. The remark kicks of a series of events which grows ever more hilarious and outrageous. I laughed out loud several times while reading this and actually read it again immediately after finishing it.

Some reviews I've read suggest that the book is "too unrealistic" and that the characters make seemingly inexplicable choices. My response to the latter is that the characters are teenagers and if you can always predict what a teen will do, you are one up on me. As to the former complaint, was "Ferris Bueller" realistic? 16 Candles? Weird Science?? Of course not, but these coming of age movies make us laugh because they are a combination of our high school memories mixed with our adolescent fantasies. If you liked those movies, I'd bet you'll enjoy this book.

5 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: The Ultimate Gift

2007-08-21T21:18:00.000-05:00

If I had to sum up this movie in one word, that word would be "predictable". Nothing that happens in this film is going to catch you by surprise if you're over age 10. It's not a bad movie, and there are a few chuckles in it, but if you want something new, this isn't it.

The Ultimate Gift has the feel of a made-for-the-Hallmark-Channel movie, but without Valerie Bertinelli. The premise: a rich guy dies and leaves his horrible, spoiled adult children nothing of value, but to his even-worse grandson, he promises the "Ultimate Gift" if he just follows a set of instructions. For each step he completes he'll get a gift, and if he makes it through them all, he gets the big one.

As you'd expect, the spoiled rich kid learns a series of lessons, and along the way meets a poor single mother with a sick child (Abigail Breslin, adorable in a sarcastic, too-wise-for-her-years way) who befriend and help him learn what's really important. It's a movie you might want to watch with your younger kids and talk about the important things the guy learned, but probably not for yourself.

The DVD also includes a pitch for the book that goes with the movie and a bunch of other "life-changing" materials, in an almost infomercial way. You know, in case you need some more schmaltz.

1.5 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Perfect Stranger

2007-08-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

I like a good mystery and I like suspense, not gore or violence, but the edge-of-your seat kind of tensions that makes you jump when the music swells, even if nothing actually happened. This is not that kind of movie, though that's what I was hoping for.

Halle Berry, of whom I've never been a huge fan, plays a newspaper reporter out to bring down the rich and powerful by uncovering their scandals. When her latest muck-raking effort is sabotaged, she quits the paper, but becomes drawn into what might be an even bigger cover-up. Her partner/friend from the paper (Giovanni Ribisi), continues to help her on the sly as she pursues the head of a large advertising agency (Bruce Willis) who may have killed her childhood friend.

Probably the best thing I can say for this is that I didn't (quite) figure out the ending. Berry's acting is so-so, Ribisi is good playing pretty much the same guy he usually does and Bruce Willis is Bruce Willis. There's no real suspense, not much action, and the story moves at a fairly slow pace. Not slow like nicely spaced out, but more like revelation, kill some time, hint-hint, kill some time, Isn't This Creepy?, kill some time.

I got bored enough in parts to play solitaire on my phone while I watched, but it wasn't bad enough to turn off. I'd say, watch it for free if you have a chance, but I don't think I'd even recommend renting it.

2 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: The Simpsons

2007-08-12T22:19:00.003-05:00

Please understand, this review being written by me - Jami, comes from someone who had loved the Simpsons since they aired as shorts during the Tracey Ullman Show. I know Millhouse's parent's first names. I know what the dowry agreement for Manjula and Apu's betrothal was. I know the episode titles. I am a Simpsons Geek and have no shame.

I loved the movie. I went in both excited and a little apprehensive, since other eagerly anticipated movies have let me down (I'm talking to you, Phantom Menace).

THE GOOD:
The movie plays like a lengthened Simpsons episode, with slightly worse language and brief full-frontal male nudity. That is not a joke. The reason the Simpsons has remained one of the funniest shows on TV is the perfect mix of low-brow, slapstick silliness and the more obscure or literary humor, and the movie echos that well.

THE BAD:
Even though all the minor players are visible and may have a line or two, most don't say a think and none are really a big part of the story.

I don't want to give away anything, so my basic point is this - however you feel about the Simpsons on your TV, I'd bet that's how you'll feel about the movie.

Thank you, Come Again!

5 stars out of 5

Movie Review: Fracture

2007-08-12T22:02:00.000-05:00

A murder mystery where you see the crime in the first few minutes of the movie? That's exactly what this movie is. Ted Crawford (Anthony Hopkins with a charming brogue) murders his philandering wife early in this picture. The intrigue begins after ADA Willy Beachum (Ryan Gosling) who can't wait to get out of prosecuting and into the world of corporate law catches the seemingly open-and-shut case. He confessed, the cops have his gun, the security cameras show that no one else came or went from the house - so why does Crawford plead not guilty?

Not a psychological thriller, not really a whodunit, definitely not a comedy or romance, I'm not sure what to call this movie, but it certainly drew me in and kept my attention. The major question bugged me throughout and I didn't figure it out before the reveal. All the actors perform at top level, and even though it felt a little tacked on, Beachum's romance added some interest and a tiny piece of insight into the character.

The best part of this movie is that it was different from pretty much anything else I've seen. I recommend it strongly.

4 out of 5 stars

Movie Review: Wild Hogs

2007-08-12T19:40:00.000-05:00

Start this movie without great expectations and you'll be fine. The basic story is: four middle-aged guys (the suburban dad, the hen-pecked guy, the computer nerd and the newly-divorced one) who meet once a week to ride their motorcycles decide to take a cross-country trip. Hilarity ensues. Okay, well, not hilarity, but a few minor surprises and some funny moments.

Stealing the scenes he's in is the formidable John C. McGinley. You may recognize him if you are a fan of Scrubs, where he plays Dr. Cox. Though he's not in more than a total of about 10 minutes, I definitely laughed hardest when he was on-screen.

There's nothing all that exciting or new, but if you want a light comedy that won't challenge you - this is it.

2 1/2 stars out of 5.

Book Review: The War Against Miss Winter

2007-08-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

So, I promised my friend, Kathryn Miller Haines that I would review her book, The War Against Miss Winter. Unfortunately, during the time her book came out I was just finishing up the Dark Tower series by Stephen King and then there was this whole Harry Potter thing going on (anyone else know about it?) and before I knew it, two months had gone by and still no review from me regarding her book.

Well, let me try to rectify that situation now, shall we?

I picked up the book one night, intending to read the first chapter before I went to bed. The next thing I knew it was two hours later and I had read five chapters. The plot, characters and dialogue pulled me in.

*sigh*

Wait, PW, what the heck is it all about?

Well, it's about Rosie Winter, an actress in World War II New York City, trying to make ends meet. Her boyfriend has just left for the Navy and she hasn't heard from him in six months. She hasn't landed a job in a while and the apartment she's staying in is about to kick her out.

And then her boss - she works in a detective agency as his secretary - winds up dead.

I'm no authority figure regarding 40's culture in NYC, but it seems pretty authentic to me and did I mention that the dialogue crackled?

Yeah, it did.

And besides this hack writer, she's recieved some pretty high praise from other sources...more reputable than I am. ;)

Go on. Go read her book. It would make her happy and in turn would make me happy.

Movie Review: I Think I Love My Wife

2007-08-07T22:45:00.000-05:00

I saw this movie (out on DVD today) for three reasons: Chris Rock, Steve Buscemi and Gina Torres. Chris Rock is hilarious, and since he directed and co-wrote the movie, I had high hopes. Steve Buscemi has a talent for picking interesting stuff, plus something about him just makes me happy. Gina Torres is gorgeous and part of me hopes that if I continue to watch things with her in it I will spontaneous start to look like her. I didn't really have any expectations going in, though I recalled it didn't do well at the box office.

The movie boils down to this: Rock plays a married man, in the boring rut of his day-to-day existence and shut out from sex by his wife engages in what we'd probably have to call an "emotional affair" with an attractive woman he knew before. Some not-so-subtle racial content is mixed in, and honestly, felt to me like Rock felt he had to make some sort of comment about race more than it felt like a necessary part of the story. The story becomes how we live out the choices that we make, and that we are as much responsible for our happiness as anyone else is.

I loved the bizarre nature of Rock's character's affair, which teaches that different doesn't always mean better. I appreciated that the movie didn't make either spouse the "bad guy", instead exploring how complex marriages can be. I was totally weirded out by the ending, and that's all I'll say about that.

This isn't one I plan to buy, but I didn't feel that it wasted my time, either. I think it's a decent cautionary tale to married couples about getting caught up in "life" so much that you forget to live.

I'd have to give it 2 1/2 stars out of 5 - it would have been three without the odd ending.

Movie Review: Superbad

2007-08-02T22:06:00.000-05:00

What can I say about this movie except it is so very, very wrong and you will laugh until you hurt?

Brought to you by the fine folks who created 40-Year-Old Virgin, Superbad is a sort of throw back to the 80's teen sex movies, but with less nudity, an actual plot and some serious heart. The language is as blue as you can imagine and much of the story involves nerdy high school seniors discussing sex in rather crass ways. The boys get a once-in-a-high-school career opportunity to be the heroes at a party full of cool kids by bringing the booze to the party of the class hottie.

Twists of fate set two of the boys on the run in a desperate attempt to find alcohol and get to the party while the third goes on an insane adventure with a couple of rogue cops.

We saw this will fellow reviewer PW, and I hope she'll add her two cents to this as well. I felt it made Apatow's previous films look like practice.

FIVE STARS out of five!

Movie Review: Transformers

2007-07-02T22:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight was opening night of the new Transformers movie, and I was there. As I explained on my blog, I didn't have any background or expectations walking into the movie. I was a blank slate, fueled only by my love of the summer blockbuster. And, in honesty, my love for Josh Duhamel.

In case you, like me, were otherwise engaged in the 1980's, a brief background. The Transformers was a widely popular cartoon series about the struggle between two factions of an advanced alien race, one good, and one bad. The good ones protected humans and human life, and the bad ones killed everything and everyone. The good ones were lead by Optimus Prime and the bad ones by Megatron. And that's all I got, folks, so I hope I got it right.

I'm sure the movie differs from the cartoon series, but I can't comment on that. What I can tell you is how the movie works as a stand-alone vehicle, and the answer is, quite well.

The first action sequence is as good a military action sequence as I've seen in a long time. It doesn't have the visual impact of fellow new release Live Free and Die Hard, but it is engaging and exciting and both tense and fun to watch.

The storyline unfolds perfectly for the uninitiated, without too obvious a visit from everyone's friend, the Exposition Fairy. The main human character, played by Shia LeBeouf, is funny and modern and not too earnest as to be unbelievable. The other supporting characters play out well, stereotypes but likable enough that you root for them even as you know they will survive.

The typical positive message of every alien attack movie released near American Independence Day is solidly represented. The heroes of this movie are undoubtedly the good aliens and GM trucks and cars, but also, without a doubt, the United States Air Force. It's so upbeat a portrayal and the characters are so oozing courage and resilience that it could have been a paid recruitment spot. In fact, my cynical little heart is torn between believing this to be the case, or throwing my girlish screams behind what's sure to be the current hot military force. Forget the ARMY branded girlie tee's, I need to get some USAF shirts, pronto.

In all seriousness, the movie is a solid, fun summer blockbuster. Go with your geek buddies and bring along the clueless girl-friends, too. You'll all enjoy it, and the clueless, like me, will even get to laugh a bit at the silly earnestness of Optimus Prime and Megatron, as they vow to battle to the death. But remember, when you leave the theater, keep the ladies away from any airmen on leave.

I give this movie a solid 4 out of 5 stars, for one of this summer's fun blockbusters, and the cleanest action movie I've seen in years.

Happy Independence Day!

Movie Review: Snakes on a Plane

2007-01-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

Whoo - did I have a great time with this one! The plot for this one - stay with me now - there is this plane and on the plane - there are snakes. Many, many really angry, venomous snakes. Still with me? Good. Oh sure, there's about 5 minutes of set up at the beginning (so you know WHY the snakes are on the plane) and an occasional cut to the people on the ground hearing about the snakes on the plane, but really, it's all about the snakes. It's the best example of a popcorn action movie I can find for you - it's got a few good "AHH!" moments, some very mild humor and every single action-danger movie cliche you could possibly want. It's not a good movie in the sense that there is a plot, any believablity or characters that are well-developed and you care about. The snakes' victims don't slide gently in to that good night, they foam, bloat, bleed and ooze in horrific fashion. There is nudity for absolutely no reason than to have some nudity.

If you want art, surprise-twist endings, touching moments, or outstanding performances, go elsewhere. If you want to sit down with a giant bowl of popcorn and giggle at the complete and utter silliness of people and plane parts being eating by snakes (sometimes even from the snake's point of view!!) then get this one.

For sheer ridiculous entertainment value - 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Love is a Mix Tape

2007-01-26T23:00:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time by Rob Sheffield is a slim autobiography (?) about Sheffield's short marriage to Renee, a "hell-raising Appalachian punk-rock girl." Short only because one day in May, Renee died of a pulmonary embolism.

The book chronicles their time together one mix tape at a time. Through it, the reader (hopefully) understands the crushing saddness of losing someone you are supposed to live the rest of your life with. I especially liked the listing of songs at the beginning of each chapter.

I cannot begin to fathom a loss of this magnitude. It hurts to think about it actually.

I've been interested in the mixes people make for each other. What songs would you put on a tape for doing the dishes? For falling asleep to? For napping? What songs would you play to remind you of someone long gone?

I loved this book and of course reading it hurt. Badly. I wanted to find Rob and give him a big hug. Though, I'm pretty damn sure he would appreciate a random girl coming up to him and hugging him. (He might though, but not for the reasons I would be hugging him.)

So, I recommend reading it. And then after you read it, make a mixtape. Tell your significant other how much you love them.

I'm off to go hug Loki.

Movie Review: How to Eat Fried Worms

2006-12-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

I read this book as a kid, and sort of vague remembered it. Basically I remembered liking it. Billy, a new kid with a weak stomach, stands up to the school bully, leading to a bet that he can eat 10 worms in one day. Halle Kate Eisenberg (the former "Pepsi Girl" is a too-tall misfit girl who befriends him. Of course, he has the obligatory obnoxious younger brother and the parents who just don't quite understand (though they mean well).

There is a definitely gross-out factor in this one, aimed at pre-adolescent boys, and if you've got a strong gag reflex, you might need to look away a few times. Subplots briefly touch on why the bully is mean and that adults face bullies, too. The message isn't deep and the jokes are cute and funny. I actually enjoyed the movie, and wouldn't mind if it's one of the ones Eddie will eventually want to do over and over. Many kids' movies seem aimed more at girls, what with all the princesses and cutesy-ness, but this is definitely one for boys.

It's not high theatre, but it'll give you a few giggles.

Three out of five stars

Movie Review: Superman Returns

2006-11-25T21:58:00.000-05:00

Superman returns after five years in space to find Lois engaged and with a child, with a Pulitzer for her article about how the world no longer needs him. Lex Luther has gone free, but the Daily Planet is still the same busy place. That's all you need to know about this movie. That, and while it's a decent action film, it makes very little sense.

Now, I could tell you, from the wife-of-a-fan-boy perspective, all the things that are wrong with it, but assuming you're a nice normal person, I'll just say that the plot is a little confusing, the characters frequently make inexplicable decisions or statements, and there were a few places where I just said "What??"

Brandon Routh makes a fine Superman as well as Clark Kent, not an easy thing to pull off (look at all the Batman/Bruce Waynes), and Kate Bosworth is decent, and Bryan Singer admirably helms a good popcorn flick. Superman's costume is updated to be cooler, but without losing the look we all expect. Kevin Spacey is an excellent Lex. Parker Posey is great, but for some reason dresses right out of a 40's private eye movie.

I enjoyed this movie, though I sure don't plan to run out and buy a copy.

2 1/2 stars out of 5.

Movie Review: Mrs. Henderson Presents

2006-11-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

Let me start by saying that for a movie recommended by my parents, this film had a shocking amount of nakedness! There were ho-has and wa-hoos all over the place . . . .

Set in pre-WWII England, Mrs. Henderson Presents is based on a true story of the recently widowed Mrs. Henderson (Judy Dench) who decides, almost on a whim, to buy, renovate and run a burlesque-type theatre. Bob Hoskins plays the surly man she hires to run the theatre once she realizes she knows nothing about such thing.

The acting is superb; the story funny and serious. I didn't know what to expect (certainly not all the nudity!!) but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I don't want to say more because the beauty of this film is how it all unfolds as classes mix and the world changes, just a little, thanks to the theatre.

I give this movie 4 1/2 out of 5 stars, and recommend it very strongly.

Book Review: The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

2006-10-27T12:09:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

I saw this book while browsing through the shelves of Joseph-Beth Books over at the South Side Works. I didn't pick it up because one, it's in hard back and two, I can just pick it up from the library. I'm thinking about going back and getting it to add to the library at Douglas Manor.

I mean, come on. Look at the cover of the book! Isn't that neat? I should be so luck as to figure out how to do something like that without Photoshop.

Anway, the book starts off with a quote from James Loewen from Lies My Teacher Told Me, which goes:

Many African societies divide humans into three categories: those still alive on the earth, the sasha, and the zamani. The recently departed whose time on earth overlapped with people still here are the sasha, the living-dead. They are not wholly dead, for they still live in the memories of the living, who can call them to min, create their likeness in art, and bring them to life in anecdote. When the last person to know an ancestor dies, that ancestor leaves the sasha for the zamani, the dead. As generalized ancestors, the zamani are not forgotten but revered. Many...can be recalled by name. But they are not living-dead. There is a difference.

Beautiful quote, I think.

Anyway, the book is actually about the city of the dead and about a stranded woman named Laura Byrd. The two only seem separate from each other functioning independent, until an unnamed virus is released into the living world and annihilates almost everyone in the world. The dead then end up in the city while Laura, stuck in a living limbo, tries desperately to survive.

The book is set in the present day and alludes to several current events. Laura is a scientist for Coca-Cola sent to Antartica to study the icecaps. When the virus is released, she and her two fellow scientists are relatively safe, until they cannot make contact with the outside world.

In the city of the dead, which remains unnamed and is just called "The City," has one lone newspaper run by a man named Luka. He eventually meets a blind man and a woman named Minny. Together they try to solve the mystery of the city and more importantly of the "heartbeat."

The book deals with questions of what happens in the afterlife? Is there an afterlife? It also deals with the issue of not to take your life or loved ones for granted because everything can change very dramatically.

So, go ahead. Pick it up. It's an easy read; barely 250 pages.

Movie Review: American Dreamz

2006-10-17T15:41:00.000-05:00

I didn't really expect to like this movie much. Hugh Grant is okay, but I'm not really into him. Don't care about Mandy Moore. Don't watch American Idols. However, this clever send-up of AI with it's funny, twisty subplots entertained me and even got a few out-loud laughs.

Hugh Grant does a fine job as "Tweedy", an egomaniacal producer/host/judge with more than a hint of Simon Cowell. Mandy Moore plays the smalltown girl who wants to make it big no matter what, and does it in a way more charming than you'd expect. Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans will recognize Adam Busch in a secondary role, but at least he gets to sing. I'd have to say the best acting in the movie is done by Dennis Quaid, as the confused and broken-down President of the US.

The story is much better than just a fictionalized version of our popular game show (yes, AI is a game show, NOT reality TV, but that's a discussion for another day). There are a few deeper moments, which might even lead you to ask some important questions.

I enjoyed this one and we will probably get it on sale previously viewed, when it's cheap enough. I don't need to run out and buy it, but I definitely will watch it again.

The DVD has a ton of extras, most of which I found boring.

Three and a half out of Five Stars.

Book Review: The Stand by Stephen King

2006-10-14T14:16:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

So, I feel like I'm the only person who has never read Stephen King's The Stand and when Loki found out that I was reading it, he got very excited and told me that he was jealous that I was reading The Stand for the first time.

I shrugged and grinned at him, not knowing what I was in for.

I already knew the basic premise of the novel from reading his On Writing; good vs evil in the aftermath of a devestating "superflu." But I did not know that a.) it clocks in at nearly 1200 pages and b.)that it would be so f'ing good. I am so jealous that I did not write this book.

Seriously.

And yes, it is comprised of multiple characters and even divided up into three books, but I cared about each and every character. I wanted to know who would live and who would die. So much so that I forced myself not to skip to the end to see who did die and if they actually defeat King's uber-villian, Randall Flagg.

I know that they just made a mini-series out of this book (and when I say "just made" I really mean in the past fifteen years. Hey, that's recent enough for me! Loki and I will have to rent it just to see if it is anything like the book.

Okay, so anyway, a big bad supervirus kills 99.99 percent of the Earth's population. The good guys are drawn to Mother Abigail in Nebraska while the bad guys are drawn to Randall Flagg in (wait for it) Las Vegas. People die (which ones? I won't tell), alliance are made and broken, communities are set up and then there is the final showdown where the hand of god comes down to...read the book. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

It's easy to read (not in it has a lot of easy words) but it's easy to fall into and I can tell you that reading 400 pages in a weekend won't phase you.

So, go on. Go get it - I recommend it in paperback and getting the complete and uncut edition.

Book Review: Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

2006-10-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

The latest by Fannie Flagg, Can't Wait to Get to Heaven returns to Elmwood Springs (featured in Standing in the Rainbow and Welcome to the World, Baby Girl). I love Flagg's style of writing, her warm, southern-y, gossiping stories. While I still say that none of her other books can compare to Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, I think this one may be the closest. BTW - I've bought about 4 copies of that one, since anytime I lend it to someone, it never comes back. If you haven't read it, go get it now.

This novel, set in the present day, contains a bit more fantasy than any of the previous novels. One character's death sets off a chain of reaction which changes the lives of many people in interesting and amusing ways. Written from the view points of several of the characters (including the cat), the story feels rich and full.

Flagg's writing always grasps higher, reaching and hoping, as it draws you in. In this novel especially, you bring away a sense of hope and of the joy of just living your life. Not that her characters never experience tragedy or heartache, but when they do, they survive and grow. The people in Elmwood Springs "feel" real, and that makes the reading more like visiting an old friend.

I especially enjoyed how this book concluded, with all the stories intertwining and people finding a way, big or small, to honor the deceased by improving their own lives.

Movie Review: The Lake House

2006-09-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

I considered not reviewing this, so you wouldn't know I'd watched this unpopular chick-flick, but the Husband brought it home for free, so I gave it a whirl. I expected to hate it, but didn't totally hate it.

A woman living in a lake house in 2006 begins corresponding with a man living in the same house in 2004 via a magic mailbox. Yup. That's the basic plot. They go through the basic "prove you're not making this up" stuff then become pen pals and fall in love. It's kind of cute, somewhat predictable and with a schmaltzy ending that if you think about it for more than a few seconds, you'll immediately realize makes no sense.

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves both seem comfortable almost to the point of boredom in roles so flat that I have already forgotten their names. They both have the predictable previous heartbreak/tragedy in their lives, etc.

I don't recommend this one, unless your only other option is Titanic, which is both longer and dumber . . .

1 out of 5 stars.

Stage Review: Spamalot

2006-09-25T07:36:00.000-05:00

Definitely do not see this musical if you don't like Monty Python. You might think that goes without saying, but while in the ladies' room at intermission, I heard one person say "It's a little raunchy" and another say "I don't get it".

That being said, I don't think you really need to have the movie memorized to enjoy this musical, but you do have to have an appreciation of the style of humor unique to Monty Python. In the musical, let's say loosely, based on the movie "Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail". I appreciated that the musical was different enough from the movie that it didn't feel like watching my nerdy high school friends act out the movie, but that it also had all the scenes/famous lines you'd expect, as well as borrowing from a few other Python productions.

King Arthur, assisted by faithful Patsy, sets off on a quest to gather a band of knights, then find the Holy Grail. Along the way they encounter rude French soldiers, the Lady of the Lake, the Knights Who Say Ni and more. Progressing with a cheeky wink to the audience, they have shocking lavish musical numbers (including the show stopping "Find Your Grail") and without a doubt, the sparkliest costumes ever in one musical, and I saw Dreamgirls.

The musical has a far more fun and satisfying ending than the movie. I enjoyed it thoroughly, especially once it deviated from the movie. Even the program had several "joke" pages.

I don't plan to get the soundtrack to Spamalot, but I'd see it again if it came back.

4 out of 5 stars.

Movie Review: Little Miss Sunshine

2006-09-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Little Miss Sunshine is not your typical road movie. It's not your typical family bonding movie. And it's not your typical little girl pagent movie. It's a little bit of all three and a whole lot more.

At the very beginning of the movie you meet the people who form the Hoover family - Olive, the seven year old obsessed with pagents; Richard, Olive's father and self help guru; Sheryl, Olive's mother; Frank, Sheryl's brother and recent suicide attemptee (my second favorite character - just because he's Steve Carell); Dwayne, Olive's half brother (and my favorite character in the movie); and the grandfather, who happens to be a recent cocaine useer.

Most of the movie takes place in the Hoover's yellow VW van on the way from Arizona to California for the Little Miss Sunshine Pagent in Redondo Beach, California. We see the family dynamics and dysfunctions on this 800 mile road trip. From Dwayne's vow of silence (He wants to fly jets and has vowed not to speak until he gets into flight school) to Frank's downward spiral as the nation's number one Proust scholar (and if you know who Proust is, then it is very funny that there would even be a number #1 Proust scholar) to his love for a male grad student to his suicide attempt to Richard's eventual unraveling book deal to the grandfather telling Dwayne to sleep with a lot of girls.

The last 15 minutes of the movie is what happens when the Hoover family finally gets to the Little Miss Sunshine pagent. You are rooting for Olive to win, but at the back of your mind you know something, something will go wrong.

And it does. :)

Go see this movie before it leave theatres.

Elisabeth wrote a better summary/review on her website, by the way.

Movie Review: Stick It!

2006-09-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

The Husband brought this teen-angsty movie by the makers of Bring It On. We both enjoyed that movie (okay, him more than me, but it's not bad) and Stick It is in the same vein, but different enough to not feel like a retread.

Missy is a former world-class gymnast - hated in the world of gymnastics for her mysterious walkout at the World Finals. After her famous desertion, she retired and turned to a life of juvenile delinquency. As punishment for her latest crime, she is sent to a private gymnastics academy and has to deal with her feelings about the sport, teammate/competitors who hate her, a coach with a reputation for allowing risky stunts that cause injuries, etc.

The movie is surprisingly less cliche-filled than you would expect. Oh, there are the standard Parents Who Don't Understand, the Tough but Loving Coach, the Popular, Dumb, Mean Girl. There are enough clever retorts and insults to amuse you, and the plot isn't so predictable that you'll be bored.

Teens will love this movie, I'm sure, as the girls stand up to various authority figures and take control of their own destinies. There's some cussing, but no nudity or violence.

3 of 5 stars

Book Review: Worth More Dead: And Other True Cases

2006-09-08T09:21:00.000-05:00

This is Volume 10 in Ann Rule's Case Files. Rule is my favorite writer in the True Crime genre, and the only one I read regularly. A former police officer herself, Rule not only has an understanding of procedures and the like, she also is better able to get cooperation, interviews and information from authorities.

Rule has a natural way with unfolding the tragic and sometimes unbelievable stories. Clearly well-researched, her books always contain background on both the victim and the perpetrator, sometimes a generation or more back into their families. She also frequently includes detailed histories of the police or DAs involved. While this can be a bit much, in this book, Rule steers away from this trend, mostly because the initial story is so complex and bizarre.

Like the other Case Files books, this contains a "main" story followed by several short-story length cases. The main story in this volume is the story of an arrogant man who killed people in his life who became inconvenient. It's an odd and engrossing story, and another warning to people not to be purposely blind when it comes to love.

Unlike her other Case File books, this volume's shorter cases don't seem to follow any theme or common thread, but as always are interesting and well-written.

As always, Rule includes pictures of the people and places involved. There seemed to be less pictures than usual, though that doesn't detract from the storytelling.

4 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Ladder Of Years

2006-09-07T10:34:00.000-05:00

This Anne Tyler book was recommended to me (sort of) by EDW. It's a story similar to an idea I had for a story years ago. Delia, the heroine of the book, is a wife and mom who works in her husband's office in their home and is starting to feel lost in her own life. Her kids depend on her to do things for them, but also are old enough that they don't "need" her anymore. Her husband doesn't even seem to really see or hear her.

One day, after a frustrating argument, Delia gets up and stalks off - and basically just keeps going until she unintentionally finds herself in a new town, and sort of starts her life all over. She finds a place to live, buys a few clothes, seeming to think that both her family will come and retrieve her AND that she is here forever.

It's very easy to slip into Delia's shoes and I think we've all had moments where we've considered chucking it all moving to a new place and reinventing ourselves. Delia does it almost accidentally, but in a believable and charming way. The story really "flows", and I found it enjoyable. In fact, I really loved it, right up to the ending, which I am not sure I "got". I reread the last several pages at least 4 times trying to figure out what I'd missed. The ending also hit rather abruptly, as though Tyler simply ran out of pages and said "Oh, okay, then this is the end."

4 out of 5 stars

Book Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

2006-09-06T16:37:00.000-05:00

I picked this book up at the library on a whim purely because of the title. Honestly, you see that (as well as the upside-down dog) on the cover - how can you pass that up? Lucky me, it was an excellent choice.

The book is written (by Mark Haddon) from the perspective of Christopher, a 15-year-old boy with autism who lives in England. Not being any kind of expert on the subject, I can't speak to how well it portrays the actual thought patterns of someone with this condition, but I did find it totally engrossing. From numbering his chapters with only prime numbers to refusing to touch things that are yellow, Christopher's actions and thoughts are clear and logical, when seen from his point of view.

Accused of a crime he did not commit, guileless Christopher decides to solve the mystery himself, despite his obvious difficulties. The combination of his interpretation of events and our understanding of what "really" is going on makes the story at times beautiful, at times heart-wrenching.

I read this entire book in one day, something totally unheard of since I've become a mommy, but I found it almost impossible to tear myself away.

5 out of 5 stars!

Movie Review: Beerfest

2006-09-05T10:55:00.000-05:00

This movie is for people who have laughed until they cried at something while still saying "Oh, that's soooo wrong!!" This movie is NOT for people who are offended by, well, anything. I loved it.

Written and starring Broken Lizard (a comedy troupe), Beerfest is the story of two brothers who put together an American team for the titular annual international beer games and drinking competition. There's some intrigue about a stolen beer recipe, some turmoil within the team, but if you are looking for high drama and thoughtful insights, you won't find them here. The story is really rather fun, if simple and there are a few minor twists and turns.

Props go to Jay Chandrasekhar who directs and to Steve Lemme, who seems to be the most versatile actor in the group (though all are good). The always spectacular Cloris Leachman does an excellent turn as Great Gam-Gam, taking me back to her Mel Brooks' movie days.

If you haven't seen the other Broken Lizard movies SuperTroopers, Club Dread and Puddle Cruisers (which was a direct to video) and you like this kind of clever-but-wrong humor, they are worth checking out.

Beerfest gets 4 out of 5 Stars.

TV Review: 'Justice'

2006-09-01T00:14:00.000-05:00

This slickly produced courtroom drama is brought to us by famed producer Jerry Bruckheimer. It features Victor Garber (of 'Alias' and 'Titanic') and Kerr Smith (formerly of 'Dawson's Creek') as attorneys who represent the rich and famous (think OJ's Dream Team). The pilot episode revolves around a man who is accused of killing his wife. The law firm of TNT&G (which includes Garber and Kerr's characters as well as two other attorneys) take the case to defend the husband. The show takes you into every area: discovery, reenactment, press manipulation, jury selection.

At first, I was put off by the slickness of it. It all seemed a little staged. But as the show progressed, I found myself believing the story more and getting into the characters. I do have a problem with the similarities to 'House'. The lead attorney is brilliant, but a jerk. He has three younger attorneys working for him. But ultimately, I found it worthwhile enough to watch a second episode next week.

Rating: 3.5 out of a possible 5.

There is a neat trick the show uses. At the end of the episode, you see how the actual crime (or non-crime) occured. I'm not telling you anything about this episode. But don't miss the last five minutes.

Book Review: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

2006-08-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Last Wednesday, I headed down to the Carnegie Library to browse through the new releases there. Among the three books I picked up was Joan Didion's latest book, "The Year of Magical Thinking."

Oh, my god. I had forgotten how great a writer she is. This book will rip you apart and if you have ever lost someone near and dear to you, this book will speak volumes to you.

The premise: within the span of several weeks, her only child goes into a coma and her husband dies of a massive coronary. The book follows her from the time of his death to a year after the fact. She ponders what she could have done differently to save her husband's life and to reverse the fate that befalls her daughter.

Loki asked me why I was still reading the book if it was so sad. I replied because it's so good. It makes you think about life and the little things that eventually become big things. It also forces you to cherish the people around your life and to not take things for granted.

So, go ahead and read this book, but be prepared to be pinned to the wall by her writing.

I give this a five out of five stars.

PS

I promise to review a livlier and happier book. I promise. Truly. I don't really read or listen to all the depressing books and music. ;)

Movie Reviews: Accepted, Akeelah and the Bee, Friends with Money

2006-08-27T20:29:00.000-05:00

Busy weekend movie-wise! I thought I'd review all three of these at once. I also saw Talladega Nights, but instead of reviewing, I'm just going to basically nod and agree with PW's Review.

Accepted
Justin Long (Dodgeball, Galaxy Quest) plays Bartleby Gaines, a semi-slacker teen who learns he's been rejected from all the colleges he applied to. In an effort to fool his disappointed parents, he enlists the help of a few friends and creates a website and an acceptance letter from a fake university. Word gets out about a college accepting anyone, and suddenly Bartleby (or "B" to his friends) finds himself running a school for people others would consider losers.

I expected Accepted to be so-so, it was the second half of the double-feature we saw at the Drive-in, but I was pleasantly surprised at the bright and fun story. The comedy is broad, and takes potshots at "normal" people/colleges in the "Loser Finally Wins" style seen in movies like Animal House.

Rated PG-13 for good reason, especially language (the initials of the college spell a cuss word which is used pretty much constantly). There's some suggestive situations, but no actual nudity. I'd take older teens to it, if you don't worry about them dropping out of college to pursue non-traditional dreams.

4 out of 5 stars

Akeelah and the Bee
Riding on the coattails of Spellbound, this movie attempts to make spelling bees cool. It held my interest and was very well acted by relative newcomer Keke Palmer, as well as Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett and Curtis Armstrong. However, it was fairly predictable and unrealistic. I would say that if you cross Sister Act 2 with Spellbound and a pinch of pretty much any of the teacher-in-a-poor-school-trying-to-make-a-difference movie, you've got the basic idea. I felt as though additional "heart-wrenching" storylines were added for tearjerk value without adding to the plot, but overall it was a nice family-friendly movie. It may encourage younger kids to participate in spelling bees, or to read or play Scrabble -all good things.

2 and 1/2 out of 5 stars

Friends With Money
A chick-flick with the message that everyone has their own troubles, this movie features four female friends who are in different economic classes and marriage states. The main character is Olivia, played by Jennifer Aniston; the only one of the group who isn't married and is in financial hardships. After quitting her teaching job, she's been working as a housekeeper, while the other women all have housekeepers. A sort of wandering, aimless picture, we see glimpses of the women's life as they go about everyday activities, struggling with their problems and helping each other.

The movie felt like it wanted to go in several different directions, but never managed to get moving in any of them. Not a tear-jerker, not funny enough to be a comedy, not deep enough to be a drama, I had a hard time paying attention to the whole movie. I didn't hate it, didn't turn it off, but never really got into it.

2 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper

2006-08-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here...again. :)

Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper is not a happy book. It's a book about tragedy; his own and other's. At the age of ten, his father died of a heart attack; ten years later, his older brother, Carter commits suicide. So, Anderson Cooper really knows tragedy.

It chronicles his life as a fresh reporter chasing the big stories around the world (from Sarajevo to Sri Lanka to the war in Iraq to Hurricane Katrina) the reader has a chance to revisit these places through his gray, grimy glasses. He's seen and experienced it all. But it still does not help dull his pain or the pain of others.

In such a short book (it's only 207 pages) it reminds people that tragedy can happen at anytime and anywhere. He is constantly haunted by the deaths of his father and brother and says that it shaped him immensely.

Four out of five stars.

Here's what Wikipedia has to say about him. And here is his information page on CNN and a link to his blog.

Album Review: Trouble (Ray LaMontagne)

2006-08-23T11:06:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

I've discussed my bright, shining love for Ray LaMontagne on my blog, but I haven't actually reviewed his album. Well, now I will.

Trouble is Ray's debut album. It was actually released in 2004, but is only now gaining the attention that it truly deserves. He's not commercially played and it would seem silly for conventional radio to play him. He's not that sort of singer/songwriter. But what he really is, is a bluesy, folksy singer with a wonderful voice (all gritty, sandpapery and full of emotion) and a tremendous gift for song writing.

Together the effect is absolutely devestating. As one reviewer said (and unfortunately, I have no idea where I got this from) his voice will pin you to the wall. It's raw, it's emotional and packs a punch that Evander Holyfield would be proud of.

And if you're not already on the floor crying your eyes out from his voice alone, then you're probably done for when you actually sit down and listen to his lyrics. It's just that good. Well, at least to this little humble review it is.

Just from "Trouble" alone I hooked Loki and his best friend into Ray fans. And they aren't very prone to things like that anyway.

Coincidentally, next Tuesday, August 29 is the release date for Ray's new album "Till the Sun Turns Black."

Isn't it obvious what rating I'm going to give this album?

Five stars out of five.

Here's what Wikipedia says about him.

Movie Review: Just My Luck

2006-08-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

I didn't expect to like this movie much. A romantic comedy (more comedy than romance, really) with Lindsay Lohan with an unbelievable premise - she's super lucky until she accidentally "loses" her luck to an unlucky shmoe by kissing him) - it didn't sound too promising, but Lohan's been good in Mean Girls and Freaky Friday, and once I heard Missi Pyle was in it - I was sold.

Yes, it's totally unbelievable/unrealistic, but that's not always a downside with me. I like a good story and some good slapstick and this had both. Lohan, as Ashley Albright (get it? All Bright?) is the luckiest woman in the world, rain stops when she walks outside, she finds fantastic clothes at unbelievable prices, she always wins scratch-off lottery tickets. However, she credits her good fortune to her positive attitude. Meanwhile, struggling for the smallest break, Jake Hardin is a perpetual loser who prepares for the worst, because it's coming. They meet at a masquerade ball and kiss, and within minutes, they've traded luck. Ashley ends up homeless, jobless, starving and humiliated - Jake ends up in a free penthouse apartment. She's searching for the masked man to steal her luck back, and ends up meeting Jake without recognizing him.

Misunderstandings and pratfalls follow, your typical bad-luck scenarios while Ashley learns to both appreciate what she has, and learns the value of her luck.

Cute, funny, seriously predictable in places, I enjoyed this as a good diversion for a few hours. Teens will enjoy it and there's nothing objectionable for them. Younger kids might like the slapstick, but might be a little bored in other places. Put it on your NetFlix list or head down to Family Video to rent it.

4 out of 5 stars, even though it did involve more animal poop than I like to see in a movie.

Movie Review: Poseidon

2006-08-22T10:58:00.000-05:00

Like any good disaster flick, Poseidon is full of desperate people taking crazy chances, bonding with strangers and fleeing dangers aplenty. The effects in Poseidon are excellent, most notably the giant "rogue wave" early in the movie which (and really, this shouldn't be considered a spoiler by now) flips the cruise ship upside-down. You can easily imagine the work required to build a set that flips over.

It's been years since I saw the original, which I remember watching in front of a TV with knobs on it and you had to wait for a commercial break to go to the bathroom! But it was one of those hypnotic movies chock-ful of notable names. This one isn't much different in that regard, Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss, Andre Braugher, Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas, Kevin Dillon and Emmy Rossum all ride the ill-fated ship and we get (very) brief glimpses of their pre-disaster lives. The characters are somewhat stereotyped and predictable (young couple in love, scoundrel with a good heart, single mom with cute kid).

As exciting and interesting as some of the near-misses are (and uh, not misses?), it does get a bit repetitive. "Ho hum, another fireball, another rapidly approaching wall of water". There are your basic themes of self-sacrifice and trusting strangers with your life.

It's worth watching once, though, I'd say you can wait until it's on HBO. It's a good movie you don't need to think much about, and there is plenty of action. My one-year-old found some of the random disasters hilarious, so if you enjoy hand-clapping and a good three word book (Cat. Dog. Cow), this might be the movie for you.

Three out of five stars, which I what I seem to give most movies, sorry.

Movie Review: Barnyard

2006-08-12T21:47:00.000-05:00

Based on just the trailer with the cows "boy tipping", I was looking forward to see this. Post Gazette columnist Samantha Bennett's concern over udders on males not withstanding, it looked like a funny, silly movie, always good for the Drive In, which is where I saw it. (Come on, Samantha, it's an animated movie with cows that play guitar, the udders are the least of the unreality . ..)

The basic story is about Otis, the son of head cow Ben, as he comes of age and takes his rightful place guarding the farm. Otis is a party animal, and even though he's a good guy, he's not interested in growing up.

There are plenty of gags in this, including cows stealing cars, a contortionist mouse and an unidentifiable critter who loves to dance. I was more surprised by the scariness and even some death in this movie. I'd certainly recommend seeing this before taking children under 8 or sensitive children a little older.

The movie wasn't hilarious, but had funny moments. It was predictable, but still enjoyable, and it features a rather impressive voice cast: Kevin James, Courteney Cox, Sam Elliot, Danny Glover, Wanda Sykes, Andie MacDowell and the always fantastic Maurice LaMarche (you geeks know who I mean). I wasn't disappointed, but I wasn't over-impressed, either.

I don't plan on buying this as soon as it's out, but I might get it in a few years when it's on the 3 for $15 shelf.

Three out of Five Stars

Movie Review: Clerks 2

2006-08-10T15:10:00.000-05:00

I'm partial to Kevin Smith's work, for various reasons discussed on my blog. So I walked into "Clerks 2" expecting to like it, but slightly hesitant because of the brand of humor Smith is known for. When every preview is for movies worse than "Beer Fest", I get a little alarmed.

If you are looking for a crude I-can't-believe-they're-saying-that film, you'll get what you came for in "Clerks 2". However, that's not what sticks with me. What sticks with me in this movie is the last 15 minutes, which are all about friendship, love, and finding your place in this world. Smith may have set out to make a funny movie, and he succeeded, but he also made a true coming of age story.

The film picks up ten years after the original "Clerks" ended. Dante and Randall are still working at the Quick Stop, and come to work one day only to discover that the place is on fire. Fast forward a few years, and they are ensconced at Mooby's, the fictional fast food chain in several other of Smith's movies. Dante is engaged and preparing to leave NJ for a better life in Florida.

There are complications, as there always are. True love takes many forms in the movie, be it man and woman, strictly platonic hetero friend and friend, or man and beast. Riddled with the usual monologues on sex and Star Wars, and featuring Jay and Silent Bob, with cameos from some familiar faces, "Clerks 2" is everything you expect from a Kevin Smith movie. It's the perfect, fitting ending to the NJ stories he's told in almost all of his previous movies. Profane and profound, with a snappy dance sequence thrown in for fun, this is a movie you should go see with your best friend.

Movie Review: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

2006-08-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Loki and I went to see Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby on Friday night. It was a fun movie, the kind of movie that you don't have to put a lot of brain cells into, which was the type of movie that we wanted to see that night anyway.

However, I will say if you saw 40 Year Old Virgin or Anchorman they were clearly the better movies. Oh, don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, not the kind of movie though, that I'd see again.

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly (who plays his best friend) were funny. I should say that everyone in the movie was funny, particularly Sasha Baron Cohen (that's Ali G to most people) who plays Jean Girard, a French Formula One driver who has come to America to beat Ricky Bobby. Adam McKay, the director, loves to use the same actors in his movies so expect to see a few familiar faces as the supporting characters. I'm surprised Loki didn't smack me for pointing out all the characters that were in Anchorman and the 40 Year Old Virgin.

Ricky Bobby is NASCAR's top racer but during one race he suffers a horrible accident at the hands of Jean Girard and all things go downhill from there. It is his redemption and how he learns to control his fear and drive fast again. His comeback race is at (wait for it) the Talladega Racetrack.

Anyway, I'm not going to go into too much detail about this movie - that would be too telling. Would I recommend it as a full price movie? No. But I would recommend it as a matinee movie or a cheap movie date. So, I'll give it three stars out of five.

Movie Review: Scoop

2006-08-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

Scoop is a Woody Allen movie for people who don't like Woody Allen.

Oh, it's got all the talky bits he's famous for. The dialogue is more like a play than a movie, and barbs and banter are quick and overlapping. The film quality is there, too - no glossy Hollywood sheen for Mr. Allen. The movie stars Woody himself, Scarlett Johansson, and Hugh Jackman, with Ian McShane. Ms. Johansson plays an American college student and would-be-reporter visiting posh London friends, and Allen is an American magician who has brought his show there. Johansson's lovely beauty is almost obscured, as she manages to look completely normal and sometimes even frumpy. Her speech and delivery mirror Allen's so much, it's as if her character is a younger version of his, which comes in handy when they pretend to be father and daughter.

Jackman is the wealthy son of a British lord, and the suspect they are secretly investigating, on a tip from a dead reporter (McShane) hoping for one last scoop. The situations they put themselves in are frequently hilarious, and the tension of whether they will get caught is always present. You're kept laughing throughout the entire film, even up to the end, which is both expected and unexpected.

While rated PG-13, it's still a movie for adults. There is no nudity, and if you've come for Jackman's magnificent chest, you'd be better off renting "Someone Like You". A few things shocked my friend and I - Johansson hopes into bed right away with a man she's come to interview, and while you don't see it, it is discussed. We, two grown adults, kept looking at each other, taken aback by this behavior, which seemed unnecessary for plot development. I wouldn't take a teen to see this movie, in any event.

If you are a big fan of Allen and his movies, you may be disappointed. I thought it was a fun farcical mystery, and I laughed the entire time. There are some great lines, and if you find Woody Allen tedious or annoying, as my friend does, you'll find him charming and funny in this film.

Is it going to change your life? No. Will it be one of your favorite movies of all time? Possibly. Is it worth seeing? Absolutely.

TV Review: Who Wants To Be a Superhero?

2006-07-29T16:03:00.000-05:00

Stan Lee, the king/father/godfather of comic books hosts the new SciFi channel series "Who Wants To Be a Superhero?" In which, uh, ordinary people compete and live together to win the chance to be immortalized in a comic book. The competitors came up with their own superhero identities and original costumes, and in what I think is the show's first huge mistake, the auditions were not really shown. Anyone who watches shows like American Idol or American Inventor knows that the bizarre people at the beginning are the best part. The characters had to have a costume, powers, a weakness and a catch-phrase, and you just know there were some people that were hilarious.

The Superhero candidates are tested for things like courage and integrity, instead of strength, etc. The first test appeared to be a race, with each hero-wannabe having to change from secret identity into hero and race to an assigned area - the twist was a small girl "lost" and crying near the finish line. The real test was would these "heroes" stop and help the child. Some did, some didn't. The ones who didn't got called on the carpet at the end.

It's an interesting show that could still go bad or get good. I'd say if you're a comic book fan, you might enjoy it. We're going to check out the next couple episodes, mostly because, you know - it's Stan Lee.

Music Review: Taking The Long Way - The Dixie Chicks

2006-07-27T23:47:00.000-05:00

The Dixie Chicks latest album comes three years after the controversy that nearly destroyed the band. Natalie Maines words shattered the success of the Chicks. Radio stopped playing them, consumers destroyed their albums and lunatics made death threats. Now in 2006, the Chicks are not backing down. 'Taking The Long Way' is a solid collection of good songs. While not as fun as 'Fly', it is very listenable and will have you humming tracks in no time.

The album opens with the folksy 'The Long Way Around'. It's very much a 'story so far' song that establishes the Dixie Chick tone for the album. The harmonies are strong and it's ready-made for radio. Following that is 'Easy Silence', a track that mourns the loss of society's innocence and celebrates the comfort provided by someone (possible a husband, loved one, god). Next up is 'Not Ready To Make Nice'. Ballsy beyond measure, this track is the Chicks response to their critics. Musically, the song is a roller coaster as it slowly builds to the power chorus and plummets back to the sternly delivered verses.

"I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don't mind sayin'
It's a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Sayin' that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over."

'Everybody Knows' is the next track and it's very typical of a Dixie Chicks song: thoughtful lyrics and a good beat. Very much a country music song. On a side note, this song utilizes a country music trick I hate: a male backing vocal on a female lead. Shania Twain has done it and I, personally, find it hard to take. But that's just me. 'Bitter End' has a distinct Irish drinking song sound with that country twang added. It's a fine track, but doesn't stand out for me. 'Lullaby' is very aptly named. Delivered with simple accompaniment and vocal harmonies, it's very mellow. (Word of warning: do not listen to this track while sleepy and driving...I'm fine, but it was a close one.)

'Lubbock Or Leave It' is a re-hash of 'Sin Wagon' and my only real criticism of the album. It just wasn't my cup of tea. 'Silent House', 'Favorite Year' and 'Voice Inside My Head' are solid tracks and reminiscent of past Dixie Chicks albums. 'I Like It' is more of a rock track and less deep lyrically than earlier tracks on the album. 'Baby Hold on' showcases some great harmony work by the Chicks. It's more of a ballad. 'So Hard' is has a honky-tonk feel and rolls along nicely. 'I Hope' closes out the album and it's a bluesy number, but with a message. It's a hope for a better world, less misery, less pain. Right there with ya, Chicks.

My rating: 4 out of a possible 5.

TV Review: Psych

2006-07-25T09:28:00.000-05:00

Poking fun at the current trend of shows about psychic detectives, USA network's new series Psych is fun and clever. Shawn Spencer (played by James Roday) was trained by his overbearing detective father (Corbin Bernsen) to notice and process all the little details, so he too could be a detective. Instead, he turned out to be a goof-off and after having a series of brief or dead-end jobs, was turned down by the police. In the pilot, he calls in a tip to solve a robbery after seeing a report on the news, and when the police decide the only way he could have known who did it is by being an accomplice, he instead convinces (some of) them that he's psychic.

Dragging his best friend, Gus, a pharmaceutical salesman with a nerdish streak, along with him, he begins to be assigned (and occasionally commandeers) investigations. The police chief especially isn't convinced of his "powers" but after he starts solving cases, assigns him more. He and Gus open their own investigations firm, which he cheekily names "Psych" - a ploy which opens up the series nicely to cover more than just police cases.

The conflict in the episodes have been provided by the standard incompetent grouchy cop who hates him and his own father who worries that he is going to be embarrassed by his son and that faking the psychic moments is mocking real police work.

The dialogue is fun and clever, and the relationship between Shawn and Gus is closer to partners than hero and sidekick, as Gus often provides the actual knowledge to help solve the crimes, while Shawn puts that together with the clues he can see. When Shawn spots something significant, the camera zooms in on it and it's highlighted, though not always explained immediately, allowing the viewer some time to make up his own guess.

If you can catch the pilot and the first few episodes as reruns, you should, and if not, you can still jump in now and easily catch on. This is a good series with a lot of room to grow.

Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest

2006-07-24T10:49:00.000-05:00

I had high hopes for this movie, since I love the first one, and of course, Johnny Depp. Mmmm, Johnny Depp . .. but I digress. I also tried to keep in mind that this is a sequel, which almost always means not as good.

Dead Man's Chest had many of the elements of the original - Johnny Depp's bizarre half-gay swaggering charming rouge, creepy bad guys, romance, action and some comedy. It doesn't live up to the first in silly comedy, though there were some funny moments. In this episode, Captain Jack is being pursued my more undead pirates out to end his life, this time it's the legendary Davey Jones (not the one from the Monkees) and his semi-immortal ick-i-fied crew. Elizabeth and Will from the first movie miss their wedding due to being arrested for helping Jack escape; only a deal made with a corrupt lord will offer any hope, and Will sets off in search of Jack to find the item required. Of course, there are lots of sword-fights, ship battles, mythical creatures, betrayals, twists and turns.

My brother and his wife felt that they missed some of the plot due to having not seen the first one in a long time. My husband felt it wasn't as funny as the first (I agree) and that some of suspense is ruined by the fact that they've already announced the third.

I'd recommend seeing it, though you might want to wait for the dollar theatre, or even DVD if you have a good set-up at home. I don't want to give away the ending, but the last minute makes me already excited for the next one. It ties the whole thing together and, IMO, was the absolute best ending they could have had.

3 1/2 stars out of 5

Movie Review: Wordplay

2006-07-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here again. And as I promised I would actually write a review that isn't going to be related to food. Though, I will tell you, it's hard!! :)

Loki and I saw the movie Wordplay a few weeks back at the Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill. I knew it was going to be a documentary about crossword puzzles, but I didn't know that it was going to be about the New York Times Daily Crossword puzzle.

You see, there are crossword puzzles and then there's the New York Times Daily Crossword Puzzle. I can do one, but not the other. Oh, sure I can do it the New York Times one...it just takes me several years. :)

It chronicles Will Shortz, editor of the NYT Crossword Puzzle as he picks and chooses the daily puzzle. I never knew that picking a puzzle could be such hard work! And never mind about picking it, but constructing a puzzle? I applaud you crossword puzzle makers!

Also included in the documentary are famous fans of the NYT Crossword Puzzle, from Jon Stewart (funny as ever) to the Indigo Girls to former President Bill Clinton. And you know what? Every single person puts me to shame about solving crossword puzzles. Three minutes to solve that sucker? Amazing. I feel like a neaderthal!

Anyway, I greatly enjoyed this documentary. Who knew that you could bring warmth, humor and suspense to a documentary about crossword puzzles?

Now, if they'll only do a documentary about the Rubik's Cube...

(To see what others have to say, go here.)

Restaurant Review: City Grille

2006-07-20T07:44:00.000-05:00

Paperback Writer here.

Jami invited me and I accepted. I asked her if I could contribute restaurant reviews. She said that was fine. But the more I thought about it, the more it would be Pittsburgh local restaurants. So, please forgive me. I'll actually write a review that's not food related at a later date.

And yes, if you've been paying attention to me, then you will know that my husband Loki and I used to have a strictly food reviewed based blog called Pittsburgh Foodies. Unfortunately, due to our time constraints and me working on my own blog I decided to take it down.

Ahem. Shall I do this food review now? Yes, I believe I shall.

Atmosphere Like most places in South Side, this one is predominated by a bar. Which isn't a bad thing, but since I wasn't drinking that night I really didn't pay attention to it. Also, since the bar takes up half the place you'd think there would be more smokers in there - not so. Interestingly enough, we were almost the only patrons in there.

There's no theme to the restaurant. It's just a clean, quiet place with lots of brick and not a lot of seating. There were televisions on, but they did not dominate the sound of the room.

Actually, my friends and I dominated the sound of the room. :) I surprised that they didn't kick us out with how loud we were.

Food Your basic menu here. Appetizers, salads, entrees, and burgers. Loki got the "Ultimate Burger," which was a burger topped with Brie. Yes, I said Brie. Two nice pieces of Brie, I might add, nicely melted on top of a perfect medium burger. There were fries to it, but the piece I swiped I wasn't impressed by. Too soggy. Anyway, his burger was cooked over wood so it had that nice smoky flavor; and topped off with brie? Excellent! (I've had it, so I know what I'm talking about!)

I ordered the vegetable ravioli with marinara sauce. I liked it, but really nothing stood out about it, unfortunately. Hellcat, Chowderhead's wife ordered the same ravioli but with pesto sauce. I heard no complaints from her.

Chowderhead, himself, ordered the New Zealand Rack of Lamb. They looked goooood. They sat atop of mashed potatoes and came with an order of the vegetable of the day - in this case, it was green beans. He finished his meal, so I'm guessing that he enjoyed his food as well.

I didn't catch whatMichelle ordered, but it looked good as well. And since she also finished her entree, I'm guessing she liked it.

Oh, I should add the entrees came with a mixed green salad and nice crusty rolls. You can't beat a nice crusty roll.

Service The first time Loki and I were there our waitress was very much on top of her game. Promptly brining us water and whatever we needed. This time around...not so good. I mean, our waitress was nice and all and she brought us our food, but for the life of us we could not hear what she was saying. We all strained to her what the specials were but we did not catch it.

Desserts We were full and it was late - we arrived there at 8:00pm. So, we opted not to get any type of dessert. I don't know if they actually do serve dessert. But this restaurant was in the South Side. If we desperately wanted to have dessert all we had to was walk out and find a place that did serve dessert.

Price The prices were about average. Nothing that made us say, hey, that's a good deal or that's way too expensive. For our dinner (Loki and myself) we spent about $25.00, including tip. Not too bad, really.

Misc Here's what others had to say about the City Grill.

The City Grill is located on 2019 East Carson Street in Pittsburgh. It's next to the 1889 Cafe (another restaurant, that I'm sure I'll be reviewing) and a stone's throw away from the Tiki Lounge. The phone number is (412) 431-1770.

Oh! One more unusual thing. I'm not sure if they are still doing this, call ahead to make sure. But on Thursday nights they have a scaled down version of their menu with no prices. At the end of the meal you pay what you think the meal deserves. A quirky idea that I'm not sure really took off.

But wait, what rating am I going to give this? I'll give it a four out of five stars. The things that were wrong with it could have been attributed to being an off night (waitress, my not so stunning pasta).

So, go give it try.

Movie Review: She's the Man

2006-07-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

Remember Just One of the Guys from the 80s? Same basic idea. Viola (play by Amanda Bynes) is distressed when her school cancels the girls' soccer team and won't let the girls try out for the boys' team. A bit unrealistic in this over-PC, lawsuit-happy society, but let's go with that. To prove she's as good at soccer as any boy, especially her suddenly chauvinistic boyfriend, Vi decides to take her twin brother's spot at a private school, join the soccer team and show them all. Oh, and of course, the new school is a boarding school, so she'll have to live (and shower with, and room with) the boys. Of course, this leads to awkward situations, especially when she develops a crush on her roommate and a girl starts crushing on her . . .

Bynes is somewhat passable-looking as a boy. They give her a wig instead of cutting her hair, so that she can still be a girl when she needs to. Her first attempt at talking like a boy are decent, but as the movie goes, it develops into this bizarre accent, a mix of Brooklyn and deep south, almost, that makes no sense and became grating and distracting to me.

Distracting to my husband were the many flaws in the soccer game - the makers of this movie aren't soccer players/fans and it shows to those who are.

The whole movie pushes past the standard suspension of disbelief. It has some funny moments, and Bynes handles the slapstick like a champ. As with many movies these days, the "teens" are actors in their mid-20s and look it (no one in MY high school looked like Duke!!). I'd say, watch this one if it's on TV and you've got nothing else to do, but it isn't worth renting.

Book Review: Key to Havoc, by Piers Anthony

2006-07-18T10:48:00.000-05:00

Let me start out by saying, for those that don't know, that Piers Anthony has long been one of my favorites. I've read the Incarnations of Immortality series so many times my copies are coverless and falling apart. I've read every Xanth book, and that's not a short list.

This book begins a new series, one set 1000 years after humans have colonized another planet. They've lost most of their technology, it seems, but the planet has inherent magic that infests the people on it.

I really enjoyed this book, with this caveat - this book is full of sex. Some of it so graphic and disturbing that at one point I set down the book and spent a day deciding if I wanted to read any further. The problem is, Mr. Anthony spins a fantastic tale, as usual, but, as has been the case with his last several non-Xanth novels, sex is not only a part of the story, it almost becomes a character. I did decide to read on; I had to know what happened to the characters, and I am glad I did. Future revelations made the horrific sexual torture scene seem less so, though I still don't think it needed to be so explicit. For example, would it be enough to say "They raped her" or do you think there is value in describing the exact method used? I think the author went too far in several scenes, but that might just be my opinion.

I recommend this book, though, to those who enjoy the fantasy/murder mystery genres (though the mystery is only partially solved, the sequel is out and I will be reading it as soon as I get it). I also recommend skimming much of the detailed sex scenes as they don't add much to the plot and seem to be there solely for the purpose of being shocking or arousing.

Welcome to Circle of Friends Review

2006-07-18T10:12:00.001-05:00

Hi Folks,

Here's my idea, inspired partially by the Movie Guys. . . .

When I read a book, or watch a movie, TV show, or whatever, I often want to share my thoughts on it. I don't want to bore my friends and family, and sometimes, I just plain forget.

We're all friends here, or friends of friends here, so let's just tell each other about what we're hearing, seeing and doing. A few ground rules, to keep it useful -

1. If you're reviewing something, take the time to actually review it - not "This movie sucked" or "this album is awesome". You might be right, but you gotta back that up.

2. Don't review every book, movie or whatever that you've seen in your lifetime. Let's try to keep it fairly recent. It doesn't have to be new, just new to you.

3. Disagreeing is okay, personal attacks are not.

4. Title the review in the format - "Thing review: Title of Thing", as in "Book Review: To Kill A Mockingbird" or "Event Review: Ozzfest"

Okay, so that's it. To become one of contributors, send me an email at jami_conn2001@yahoo.com and put "REVIEWER" in the subject OR just send the review there, and I'll post it with your chosen non de plume.