Thoughts on 7/31/18:





Posted to Lindsay Ellis You Tube video "The Time Disney Remade Beauty and the Beast" published 07/31/18:

I did not hate the live action version of Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast, these films were just unnecessary duplicates. I liked The Jungle Book quite a lot, maybe due to the fact I was not fond of its animated predecessor. As for Maleficent, the dialogue was cheesy, but I appreciated its alt version of the Sleeping Beauty story. Hard to say what future live action versions, such as Aladdin, Dumbo and The Lion King will bring. I just hope that the films contain well-written dialogue, incisive editing and beautiful cinematography. That being the case yes I will pay money to re-see a product already out there because sometimes I just want to be entertained  not challenged (less calories than ice cream).

Thoughts on 7/30/2018



Comment posted to Philip DeFranco You Tube video published 07/30/18:

While on a personal level yes, I would like to see James Gunn rehired. It is much more depressing (and relevant to our future) regarding how many people do not see how giving Twitter/social media trolls power will ultimately sink us all. Regarding the Logan Paul/KSI "fight", I would be much more interested in seeing both take a MENSA test with real-time results and reactions. Maybe loser has to attend a course in Ethics and The Media at a local college? Sacha Baron Cohen can be crude, rude and a pain, but I love having him in this world exposing (ironically) posers.

Thoughts on 07/27/18


Posted to Joe Rogan You Tube video #1147 with Dr. Debra Soh published 07/26/2018

So gender is a fluid changing process fine, but ideas/opinions are sunk into concrete with no hope or chance of any changes. Well, now I am depressed.

James Gunn fired

I do not agree with Disney corporate's decision to fire James Gunn, but I do agree they had the right to make that decision. Disney knew about these tweets years ago. James Gunn apologized for these tweets years ago. This termination seems more about Disney appeasing stockholders and attorneys than any indignation concerning the content of these tweets. I do feel James Gunn does have some responsibility as these tweets (and they are BAD) were made by a 40+ year old not a 20 year old You Tuber trying to get more subscribers. Yet somehow this firing seems more reflexive than thoughtful. James Gunn has evolved to realize how horrific his comments were. However is Disney capable of the same evolution, both privately and publicly? Check social media history, many of us have evolved to sentience, we did not begin that way.

The biggest loser in this firing is Disney. In protecting their IP, they have allowed our collective goodwill towards Disney to be attacked, diminished and maybe abandoned. Of course it could be argued that we, the viewing public will be the greatest loser. As mediocre, unimaginative and bland movies written and directed by mediocre, unimaginative and bland individuals will not make a trip to the theater worth it for anyone.

I go from irritated to angry and finally to sad to see how we just seem to be unable to learn from history. Witch-hunts never turn out well, obviously not for the victims however, certainly not for the instigators and the rest of us just standing around watching it unfold.   For huge amount of irony AND enlightenment read this history:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-ten-men-who-refused-839762

Moviebob published on YouTube 07/25/18 -- "In Bob We Trust - SHOULD DISNEY REHIRE JAMES GUNN?"
My comment:
Thank you Moviebob. This was a literate, comprehensive and quite fair description of this situation. Although admittedly I am a fan of GotG series generally and James Gunn specifically that is not the true issue. This action which de-evolved Disney to the ironic status of a puppet, is a preliminary symptom of a potentially much more serious illness. Consider James Gunn the canary in the coal mine (google it, this is an apt analogy). Check out the Salem Witch Trials, The Spanish Inquisition, postWW1 Germany with its rampant nationalism along with intolerance for citizens not of 100% Aryan descent and of course The Army--McCarthy Hearings. While it may seem melodramatic to reference those humungous wrong turns into crazy-town, they all started as small movements/issues.  Someone did not watch, someone did not understand and a lot of someones suffered.

Thoughts on 07/16/18







Comment posted to Philip DeFranco video published on You Tube 07/16/2018

Sacha b Sacha, as for everyone else  on that Showtime series, I am guessing probably a mix of CGI, ego and being socially tone-deaf.  Elon Musk: All I know is that Twitter has an effect on literally everyone (including actors, politicians and billionaire inventors) drastically lowering IQ points.  Trump is predictable in almost anything he does. It will be that way until 2020 or 2024 or until the planet implodes.

Thoughts on 07/12/2018




My comment posted to: Funhaus channel on You Tube  published 07/12/18--LAWRENCE FELL OFF A ROOF - Dude Soup Podcast #182

Even if not originated by Dude Soup, I like the term, "Netiquette". This is a concept and skill that should have been taught the day after Robert E. Kahn and Vint Cerf  (hey that is who the internet says) invented the internet. If nothing else, everyone should get the concept that contrary to that aged expression "Sticks and stones can break my bones (Lawrence remember this), but words can never hurt me." Not only can words hurt you, virtually they exist FOREVER on said internet.

Potential Projects for Dwayne Johnson


My post on Double Toasted video published on You Tube 07/12/2018

My choice for potential Dwayne Johnson projects:  (remakes, yeah I know but if done well..., of ) Outland (1981) as Marshall O'Niel and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003) as Allan Quatermain, however take more plot and character details from the Alan Moore graphic novel series than the 2003 version failed to do successfully. 

As for the action/thriller, Skyscraper (2018) even with The Rock it looks too derivative. I will check it out when this movie is on a streaming service.


Every review that I find on this movie seems to be burying the lead (conspiracy theory). Based on that jump, with that leg, can anyone say "Bionic Man -- THE REBOOT "?   Apologies to all for my very weak, even if funny,  pun.

Ant-man and the Wasp (2018)







While I do think that Scott/Ant-Man sacrificed one or two IQ points for the tone of the film, I still liked this movie. I agree that Janet Van Dyne, Dr. Foster and even Ava/Ghost seemed to not have enough screen time. Perhaps I will have to buy the blu-ray for that data.


I liked this film a lot. Palate cleanser or not, Ant-man and the Wasp was fun (with or without popcorn). Actually what I found most funny in the "truck as skateboard" scene was the lack of any interest by the hipsters/patrons at a local coffee shop in what was going on just outside the window.  Definitely stay for the first stinger occurring as the closing credits begin. As for the 2nd stinger, you do not have to stay. Actually in the first few seconds of the 2nd stinger, there is a quick image of a device which emphasizes the event seen in the FIRST stinger.


This movie was fun. I am glad that it was mostly free from world-wide apocalyptic events. My only negative is that I wanted more explanation on how Janet Van Dyne survived for all that time (and got a very comic con ready outfit) in the Quantum Realm.







SPOILERS:

The end of credit scene, while mostly in the trailer, did add to story a bit: (1) notification on TV showed continuity with the previous extra scene at beginning of the closing credits and (2) obviously the musical ant still lives.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

watched on Netflix 07/08/2018



This documentary shines in its intelligent presentation of a luminous person. I knew little of Hedy Lamarr beyond knowing some of  Hedy Lamarr's movies along with a brief bit of personal knowledge concerning her association with an invention used by the military. I knew little of this person. I incorrectly assumed the title of this documentary was strictly on concerning Hedy Lamarr's status as a movie star of mid-20th century. Bombshell details the life of a woman whose intellect did not permit her to suffer fools or their foolishness, whose "hobby" was staying home inventing things and was the most beautiful woman of her time. While this documentary has the usually amount of "talking heads" none over stayed his or her welcome. This documentary contains portions of World War 2 period history, the early movie industry in the U.S. along with actual technical data from Lamarr's part in an innovative concept called, Frequency Hopping. The director moves the scenes along quickly, but not rushed way. The soundtrack emphasizes not overpowering the story. More than just a life, this documentary details a large portion of history that should have much more awareness. After viewing Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story,  I may the full meaning of the title. Frequency Hopping has exploded into all of our lives changing them forever.

A Very English Scandal

a limited mini-series of 3 episodes

watched on  Amazon Prime 07/07/2018



This is an amazing story. The 3 episodes of this mini series details the events leading up to and including the trial of former MP and Liberal Party Leader, Jeremy Thorpe and his companions in a murder conspiracy regarding Mr. Thorpe's (alleged) male lover, Norman Scott. The outcome could have only happened within its time period, just before homosexuality was decriminalized in the UK. Hugh Grant (as Jeremy Thorpe) was a revelation. I have enjoyed seeing him in comedies, but never realized the full extent of his talent. Ben Whishaw (as Norman Scott) was alternately infuriating, clever and sad. His performance was also expertly done. There were no bad performances in this film. While I did find that A Very English Scandal had a slow beginning,  due to quickly accelerating circus of dumbness, utter arrogance and unbelievable incompetence of the major characters involved I think the director made the right choice. Had it begun crazy, the later scenes would have been not as dramatic. The date/location tags added to the screen were helpful and in no way took me out of the story. The actors were uniformly believable while bringing unbelievable (yet true) characters to life. Do not leave before this series concludes. There are some final notes that give the fate of most of the real life participants.  The almost fantastical irony comes with the last character. That brief description, sums up this wild occurrence with a concise statement proving British irony has no equal.

Violet  Evergarden

anime - on Netflix - 13 episodes (viewed 07/07/18)


This is a lushly animated film, in the sense of its art, vibrancy of color and even to the physical movements of the characters. This anime is for adults or older teens. The plot concerns a nation divided by war, trying to commit to peace. Violet Evergarden is an Auto Memory Doll. A Doll is a ghostwriter who writes letters for clients seemingly unable to express themselves. Violet's previous occupation during wartime was something akin to a Special Forces operative. Both her abilities and her physicality made her almost a super-soldier. The soundtrack is a little manipulative in pulling emotions out, to me a negative quality. However the format of having different stories for each episode elevates this anime with its writing.  Do not be put off by the first episode. It begins as most anime do, with a very young character, very attractive with unusual abilities. While this anime is violent, the violence is not gratuitous. The violence has effects seen on the bodies of individuals but also on the quality of life concerning locals who live near or within the violence.  In an almost stealth way, the viewer is moved towards concept of the futility and illogic of war and conflict.  Many of the characters have a definitive arc. The last 10 minutes does unfortunately fall into typical anime trap of being a bit silly, sappy and  presenting an ending that may diminish the drama of the rest of the series. However, Violet Evergarden is an anime that is worth the time investment of its 13 episodes.

Greenfingers (2000)

R    1 hr 31 min

Watched on Amazon Prime 06/06/18

I kept passing by this movie on my queue multiple times. While this film starts slowly, the story held my attention. I enjoyed this movie more for the interaction of the prisoners than the romantic subplot. Greenfingers seems almost like an alternate universe where certain prisoners with serious crimes in their past are sent to a prison which encourages change for the better rather than reinforcing the brutality of their pasts. This movie is based on a true story of celebrated inmate gardeners, I suspect that the love angle inserted in this story is fabricated as it appears to be the weakest portion. However the arc of the prisoners and their characters are much more interesting. Either by luck or design the prison and its inmates are the major portion of this movie. The cinematography is beautiful. How could it not be with English gardens being almost a main character.  The standout human actors are Clive Owen (as prisoner, Colin Briggs) and Helen Mirren (as an expert as familiar with PR as she is with gardening, Georgina Woodhouse). Supporting players David Kelly (prisoner, Fergus Wilks), Warren Clarke (as Governor (aka head of Edgefield Prison) Hodge, Adam Fogerty (as prisoner, Raw) and Paterson Joseph (as prisoner, Jimmy) hold their own against the professionalism and talent of Owen and Mirren. The ending is uplifting, yet not too obviously clichéd. 

A Picture of You (2013)
1 hr 23 min


I was going through Amazon Prime looking for a movie to take my mind off "things" and came across this film.

This movie is a hidden gem. While seemingly contradictory, this is a funny film about a death. However, there is nothing morbid or depressing about this story. It has intelligent conversation and even an action scene done in a very believable way. The actors were expert in portraying quirky, interesting characters that I would actually want to meet in reality.  The 4 main characters (Jo Mai as Jen, Andrew Pang as Kyle, Teyonah Parris as Mika and Lucas Dixon as Doug) made me forget they were acting,  The standout was Andrew Pang who portrayed anger, bemusement and even being in an altered state, all equally well. As Andrew Pang's ancestry is Korean and Jo Mai is of  Chinese descent, I was taken out of the film (mother was of Chinese descent). It was only for the first few minutes and that is on me. We never were introduced to the identity of the father, so who knows? The movie starts slowly, as the 2 main characters estranged siblings Jen and Kyle, come to learn an interesting aspect of their late mother's life. I laughed many times. The cinematography was beautiful with many non-CGI'd outdoor scenes. A few of the scene transitions were a bit abrupt, as though there was some cut lines of dialogue. However every individual scene of this film was so good,  that those editorial decisions never bothered me for long. The soundtrack was at times subtle and at times on the nose, but was never out of place. This movie has character arcs, humor, adventure and a satisfying conclusion. Plus due to this film, I have learned to appreciate a very old, previous very ordinary children's song in an entirely new light.

Sorry To Bother You (2018)

Only viewed trailer



This review has persuaded me to see this movie in a theater. It looks very funny and I need more of that in my life. I love that this movie uses practical effects, although that was probably a budget decision. It is obvious that this is an alt-reality as robo-callers aren't nearly as relatable, personable or...breathing.

The First Purge (2018)

Only viewed trailer



The First Purge seems well-directed and written. Also is oddly (for a sequel/prequel) coherent in explaining previous Purge movie details. It is just a personal thing, but I like my satire less homicidal and more verbal.

Thoughts on 07/03/2018





Comment posted to Joe Rogan Show published 07/02/18 on You Tube #1139 with Jordan Peterson:

I always felt highlighting or haranguing individual biases was a waste of time. We need to acquire more intelligent discourse and listening techniques along with a very healthy dose of basic empathy.

Thoughts on July 1 2018







Comment posted to You Tube video "Collider MailBag" published 07/01/2018


So curious about what might have been with the Lord and Miller version. That being said canon giveth and canon taketh away. Icons, whether Han Solo or Harrison Ford come with many if "this" then "that" loops. Unless we can find some MIB with "flashy-thingys" we have to either forgive or forget and move on. One thing that unites all Star Wars' fans is that we all want more Star Wars.

BTW love this duo on MailBag, it is fun to see debates that do not end with court cases or someone being removed from their situation.