My best friend, Matt, and I have been known to coin some phrases over the past 16 years. "James Belushi", "That's nice", and "I'm thinking…" are just a few that pop into my head right now. Most of these phrases were created due to some event that took place in our wanderings and travels, the phrase was used or said comically, then became part of our own personal joke repertoire. Well, someone has stolen one of our patented phrases and this isn't the first time it has happened. It wasn't "James Belushi" or "That's nice"…but one that holds a special place within my heart... "Shitball!"
The Origin: For you to understand where I am coming from, you have to understand where the phrase originated. Let me take you back. The year was 1996. The place was Six Flags of Great America near Chicago, Illinois. My best friend and I were up there on a spontaneous vacation…very spontaneous actually. One minute we were swimming in a pool near Woodlawn talking about finding something to do and the next minute we were on the road to Chicago. Anyway, we were riding an attraction that I can only describe as being similar to the Buccaneer ride at Six Flags in St. Louis, the boat that rocks back and forth. However, this was a space shuttle and instead of rocking back and forth, this thing rocked back and forth and then went ALL the way around.
Matt has an extreme fear of heights. It is amazing how many things that I have gotten him to do through the years even though he suffers from this phobia, but hey…that's what best friends do. This day was no different. I told him I wanted to ride this ride. He took one look at it and said, "Hell no!" But I got in line and he followed along. True friend until the end.
We got onto the ride and sat down. Similar set up as the Buccaneer. Several seats. Black bar that went across our laps. But there was one significant difference. Above us there was a huge cage. I remember Matt taking one look at the cage and asking me, "What do you think that thing is for?" Of course being the supportive friend that I always am replied, "To catch us in case we fall out."
The ride started. Simple at first. Rocking back and forth. Matt smiled at me. "This ain't nothing!" Then it soon became something. We rocked back and forth a few more times edging higher and higher until we came completely around and stopped entirely upside down. It was then that Matt's prior question was answered.
The night air filled with loud clinking sounds.
I remember glancing around to see what was going on. Matt grabbed my arm and pointed. Change. Quarters. Dimes. Nickels. Pennies. All of it was falling out of people's pockets and into the wire cage below us. I couldn't help but laugh. I remember stretching outward to try to grab some of the change. The lap bar holding us in moved a little and Matt slugged me in the arm. "Don't do that!" He yelled.
I pulled my arm back laughing as the ride continued its course the rest of the way around. As it came completely over, all of the change that had gathered in the cage below us began to fall upon us. I was pelted by quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies. Matt got nailed in the eye and cried out in pain.
"Oh shitball!"
Thus a new phrase was born. What it meant…I had no clue. But it was original, it was spontaneous, and most importantly…it made us laugh. And we used it many a time while in Chicago…of course laughing our asses off each and every time we said it.
Now…fast forward five years into the future. The year was 2001. The place was Kerasotes Theater in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Matt and I were there watching American Pie 2. There was a scene where Jason Biggs, Sean William Scott, and others are in this house and these girls come home. I think it was Sean William Scott's character that looks around afraid of being busted and lets out "Shitball!"
Matt and I looked at each other in that theater and literally died laughing. That was our phrase!!! Of course the scene was quite comical, but the rest of the patrons within the theater were trying to figure out why these two idiots in the back row were crying from laughter. After the film, Matt and I talked long and hard about the chances of one of OUR sayings turning up in some Hollywood flick. We both agreed that someone who had written the script must have been in Chicago that night we were there and had overheard our usage of the phrase. We also figured that they must owe us something for using one of our patented phrases…right?
Fast forward seven years into the future. The year 2008. I had just put my kids to bed and sat down to fold some of the mega piles of laundry that had accumulated in the basement. Not a lover of silence, I put in a movie, Drillbit Taylor, and sat down to get to work.
About ¾ of the way through the film, there was a scene where Owen Wilson is trying to prevent these kids at a high school from encountering these two bullies. He is talking to them via walkie talkie and when he sees them walking into the direct path of the bullies, he cries out "Oh shitballs!"
Again…same reaction. I laughed and laughed until I cried. My three kids all came in to see what was wrong with me. Our phrase again! What were the chances?
So how I figure it…Matt and I deserve some sort of income from these films for the usage of one of our classic lines of life. One million dollars? Two million dollars? Who knows, but how can one put a price on creativity of that level? Have we contacted anyone officially…not yet. Will we get any monetary compensation for our indirect creative input? Probably not. Oh well…
Oh Shitball!
I'm thinking...JM
Monday, June 28, 2010
Hollywood...Do We Really Need Seconds at the Horror Buffet Line?
It seems to have become Hollywood’s latest fad to remake films from the horror genre. We have just had two classic series remade courtesy of New Line Cinema, Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Now, I will admit neither film was too bad, but I am not a fan of this whole remake a classic train producers and directors have been riding lately. Here are the top five horror films that if remade I would take as a personal attack on the world of cinema.
Jaws-To me this is one of the scariest films of all time! My best friend still has problems getting in the water because of this film…even if it is his own mother’s swimming pool! Spielberg was a genius with his “less is more” philosophy in regards to the use of the shark and Robert Shaw’s performance and chilling monologue about the USS Indianapolis is cinematic history folks! Rumors have been circulating about redoing this classic with CGI…don’t do it! I repeat don’t do it! It won’t be safe to go back into the water…EVER!!!
The Exorcist-This is probably the first horror movie I ever saw…well, heard…my mother went and saw this while she was pregnant with me probably accounting for my corrupted and warped mind. To me, this is a classic tale of good versus evil. The soundtrack is phenomenal. Linda Blair as Reagan was exceptional. Of course CGI could improve aspects of the film, but if you watch the prequel to the series this backs up my case that CGI can’t necessarily pull off the atmosphere one needs for a successful horror film. To me, Blatty’s original tale is one that feeds off of atmosphere! I pray they never decide to remake this classic…it once was an excellent day for an exorcism…but that day has passed Hollywood! Leave it be!
A Nightmare on Elm Street-How can you touch this film? The whole originality of killing one in their dreams! One…two…Freddy’s coming for you! The finger knives! I understand the one liners and special effects are cheesy and as the series continues in number, the films aren’t even that scary..but Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger is an ICON! Okay…I know what you are thinking…they already REMADE this jackleg! I know that…and it PISSES me off! Jackie Earl Haley playing the part of one Fred Krueger in the remake…GIVE ME A BREAK! He did do a descent job…DESCENT! People! He was in Kelly Leak in the Bad News Bears films! Now how terrifying is he? Freddy is Robert Englund’s one claim to fame…Robert Englund is Freddy Krueger and Freddy Krueger is Robert Englund! As Krueger stated in part 4… “I am eternal!”…let’s not disgrace him with an further remakes and bring back Englund for ONE MORE NIGHTMARE!
Ghostbusters-Yes! I consider Ghostbusters a horror film! I mean come on! How many of you had the shit scared outta ya in that opening library scene? Lately there have been talks of either filming a third film or remaking the original. Come on! This is one of the greatest…not just in the horror genre…films of all time! The cast is what makes this film so unstoppable (Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Rick Moranis, Sigourney Weaver, Larry King…yes folks he was in there!) and the one liners…I can’t tell you how many times my friends and I will spout out a quote from this film if we can… “This chick is toast!” “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!” “What the hell ya doin’?” Pray to Gozer, Zuul, or whomever you worship that they DO NOT REMAKE THIS FILM!
Halloween-Yes. I know some of you are thinking right now…hey idiot! It was already remade! I know it was! And it was a travesty! In my opinion, Halloween is the GREATEST horror movie of ALL TIME! Little gore…maximum suspense…and that John Carpenter theme is timeless! This is one of the few films that still cause me to glance over my shoulder when viewing it. What was Rob Zombie thinking? I understand what he was trying to do, but why ruin a legendary film such as this? Reportedly only working with a $320,000 budget, the film has gone on to gross over $65 million! If there was no Halloween there would not have been any other of the slasher rip offs off the 80’s. This film should have NEVER been remade! When will this hell end?
Now I will admit, not all remakes have been bad. Here are a few that I consider to be superior to their predecessor:....
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre-Now I know I will probably piss some people off by saying this…the original Chainsaw really was not that good people. Yes it was different. New. Fresh. But really…was it good? No. The updated version was hip. The story was fast paced and gripping. And wow! R. Lee Ermey was phenomenal as Sheriff Hoyt! Some people will say I am not a true lover of horror for knocking Hooper’s original film. I am not knocking it people. I am just giving props where props are due. The 2003 version is much scarier than the original! The film opens with “The film which you are about to see is an account of the tragedy which befell a group of 5 youths.” It would be a tragedy if you did not expose yourself to the remake of this film.
The Amityville Horror-I never liked the original. Do I own the original on DVD…of course, but I own a number of bad horror films on DVD because I am a collector of the genre and this is a necessity. That being said…I also own the 2005 version as well and to me it is a superior film. Is it a great film? NO. But it is better. More suspense. More action. More thrills. And Ryan Reynolds. There is something about that guy. He is a very versatile actor…horror film then stupid hilarious comedy. He played the role of George Lutz to perfection and you could literally feel and become part of his slipping into madness. I also loved the roof scene involving the child…chilling stuff when you have your own children and are able to place them in similar situations. For God’s sake! Watch this film instead!
The Fly-An updating of the 1958 Vincent Price original, this film is both gripping and grotesque. My first dabbling in horror stories was based on the original fly movie…I had been exposed to it by my father when I was younger. I thought it was pretty lame, but the ending with the human head on the fly body was pretty cool. This is not your Vincent Price film ladies and gentlemen. Gore. Gore. Gore. Did I mention gore? Jeff Goldblum does a wonderful job as the lead character and the special effects are well done. This rendition of The Fly would make Vincent Price cry out “Help me! Help me!”
The Thing-A remake of the 1951 film The Thing From Another World, John Carpenter does what he does best…weaves a tale like no other and manages to scare the hell outta ya! The original is a classic, but by no means does it hold ground with Carpenter’s vision. Kurt Russell is awesome as the lead character and the whole film has a feeling of claustrophobic bliss. Carpenter’s creatures in the film are both frightening and downright gruesome..I mean who could ever forget the scene with the guys head stretching off, flipping upside down, sprouting spiderlike legs, and then crawling away? There are rumors that they are planning on remaking this again. Remaking a remake? There is also talk of doing a prequel…now that may have potential!
Dawn of the Dead-Now Romero is the master of the zombie movie, but I have never really been a true fan of his work. Yeah…it is good, but great? I know...I can already hear Romero fans calling for my "Brains!" In 2004 Dawn of the Dead was remade and not only was the film updated, but the concept of the zombie as well. Instead of the slow shuffling moaning zombies, we have kick ass agile and speedy ones making it all the more terrifying! I know, some of you will say slow, pacing zombies are more realistic…but we are talking about zombies here people. You can just throw realism out the window! What hit me the most while viewing this film is the opening scene. I do not want to give anything away, but this moment was enough to put it well above the original in my book!
So Hollywood, yes you have done us some favors by revamping some of these films, but really. Isn’t their enough material out there in which you can come up with something fresh and frightening? If you need some help give me a call. I have a bunch of ideas and would glad to help you out!
I’m thinking…JM
Jaws-To me this is one of the scariest films of all time! My best friend still has problems getting in the water because of this film…even if it is his own mother’s swimming pool! Spielberg was a genius with his “less is more” philosophy in regards to the use of the shark and Robert Shaw’s performance and chilling monologue about the USS Indianapolis is cinematic history folks! Rumors have been circulating about redoing this classic with CGI…don’t do it! I repeat don’t do it! It won’t be safe to go back into the water…EVER!!!
The Exorcist-This is probably the first horror movie I ever saw…well, heard…my mother went and saw this while she was pregnant with me probably accounting for my corrupted and warped mind. To me, this is a classic tale of good versus evil. The soundtrack is phenomenal. Linda Blair as Reagan was exceptional. Of course CGI could improve aspects of the film, but if you watch the prequel to the series this backs up my case that CGI can’t necessarily pull off the atmosphere one needs for a successful horror film. To me, Blatty’s original tale is one that feeds off of atmosphere! I pray they never decide to remake this classic…it once was an excellent day for an exorcism…but that day has passed Hollywood! Leave it be!
A Nightmare on Elm Street-How can you touch this film? The whole originality of killing one in their dreams! One…two…Freddy’s coming for you! The finger knives! I understand the one liners and special effects are cheesy and as the series continues in number, the films aren’t even that scary..but Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger is an ICON! Okay…I know what you are thinking…they already REMADE this jackleg! I know that…and it PISSES me off! Jackie Earl Haley playing the part of one Fred Krueger in the remake…GIVE ME A BREAK! He did do a descent job…DESCENT! People! He was in Kelly Leak in the Bad News Bears films! Now how terrifying is he? Freddy is Robert Englund’s one claim to fame…Robert Englund is Freddy Krueger and Freddy Krueger is Robert Englund! As Krueger stated in part 4… “I am eternal!”…let’s not disgrace him with an further remakes and bring back Englund for ONE MORE NIGHTMARE!
Ghostbusters-Yes! I consider Ghostbusters a horror film! I mean come on! How many of you had the shit scared outta ya in that opening library scene? Lately there have been talks of either filming a third film or remaking the original. Come on! This is one of the greatest…not just in the horror genre…films of all time! The cast is what makes this film so unstoppable (Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Rick Moranis, Sigourney Weaver, Larry King…yes folks he was in there!) and the one liners…I can’t tell you how many times my friends and I will spout out a quote from this film if we can… “This chick is toast!” “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!” “What the hell ya doin’?” Pray to Gozer, Zuul, or whomever you worship that they DO NOT REMAKE THIS FILM!
Halloween-Yes. I know some of you are thinking right now…hey idiot! It was already remade! I know it was! And it was a travesty! In my opinion, Halloween is the GREATEST horror movie of ALL TIME! Little gore…maximum suspense…and that John Carpenter theme is timeless! This is one of the few films that still cause me to glance over my shoulder when viewing it. What was Rob Zombie thinking? I understand what he was trying to do, but why ruin a legendary film such as this? Reportedly only working with a $320,000 budget, the film has gone on to gross over $65 million! If there was no Halloween there would not have been any other of the slasher rip offs off the 80’s. This film should have NEVER been remade! When will this hell end?
Now I will admit, not all remakes have been bad. Here are a few that I consider to be superior to their predecessor:....
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre-Now I know I will probably piss some people off by saying this…the original Chainsaw really was not that good people. Yes it was different. New. Fresh. But really…was it good? No. The updated version was hip. The story was fast paced and gripping. And wow! R. Lee Ermey was phenomenal as Sheriff Hoyt! Some people will say I am not a true lover of horror for knocking Hooper’s original film. I am not knocking it people. I am just giving props where props are due. The 2003 version is much scarier than the original! The film opens with “The film which you are about to see is an account of the tragedy which befell a group of 5 youths.” It would be a tragedy if you did not expose yourself to the remake of this film.
The Amityville Horror-I never liked the original. Do I own the original on DVD…of course, but I own a number of bad horror films on DVD because I am a collector of the genre and this is a necessity. That being said…I also own the 2005 version as well and to me it is a superior film. Is it a great film? NO. But it is better. More suspense. More action. More thrills. And Ryan Reynolds. There is something about that guy. He is a very versatile actor…horror film then stupid hilarious comedy. He played the role of George Lutz to perfection and you could literally feel and become part of his slipping into madness. I also loved the roof scene involving the child…chilling stuff when you have your own children and are able to place them in similar situations. For God’s sake! Watch this film instead!
The Fly-An updating of the 1958 Vincent Price original, this film is both gripping and grotesque. My first dabbling in horror stories was based on the original fly movie…I had been exposed to it by my father when I was younger. I thought it was pretty lame, but the ending with the human head on the fly body was pretty cool. This is not your Vincent Price film ladies and gentlemen. Gore. Gore. Gore. Did I mention gore? Jeff Goldblum does a wonderful job as the lead character and the special effects are well done. This rendition of The Fly would make Vincent Price cry out “Help me! Help me!”
The Thing-A remake of the 1951 film The Thing From Another World, John Carpenter does what he does best…weaves a tale like no other and manages to scare the hell outta ya! The original is a classic, but by no means does it hold ground with Carpenter’s vision. Kurt Russell is awesome as the lead character and the whole film has a feeling of claustrophobic bliss. Carpenter’s creatures in the film are both frightening and downright gruesome..I mean who could ever forget the scene with the guys head stretching off, flipping upside down, sprouting spiderlike legs, and then crawling away? There are rumors that they are planning on remaking this again. Remaking a remake? There is also talk of doing a prequel…now that may have potential!
Dawn of the Dead-Now Romero is the master of the zombie movie, but I have never really been a true fan of his work. Yeah…it is good, but great? I know...I can already hear Romero fans calling for my "Brains!" In 2004 Dawn of the Dead was remade and not only was the film updated, but the concept of the zombie as well. Instead of the slow shuffling moaning zombies, we have kick ass agile and speedy ones making it all the more terrifying! I know, some of you will say slow, pacing zombies are more realistic…but we are talking about zombies here people. You can just throw realism out the window! What hit me the most while viewing this film is the opening scene. I do not want to give anything away, but this moment was enough to put it well above the original in my book!
So Hollywood, yes you have done us some favors by revamping some of these films, but really. Isn’t their enough material out there in which you can come up with something fresh and frightening? If you need some help give me a call. I have a bunch of ideas and would glad to help you out!
I’m thinking…JM
Sunday, June 27, 2010
He Is Back! Superman Returns
One of my first memories of going to the movies was with my parents taking me to see Superman. I loved it. I loved everything about it. What 4 year old boy wouldn't want to fly, catch bullets, see through girls dresses? I was young, but I already liked the ladies. Superman II was fantastic as well. Then, like many other movie franchises, they started making movies for the sake of making movies. Anyone remember the Richard Pryor debacle in Superman III? Did anyone see Superman IV: Quest for Peace? I don't even think Chris seen that one.
Needless to say, I, like so many others were desperate for the return of the greatest superhero ever to put on a cape. I need Superman, Lois Lane needs Superman, the world needs Superman and he is definitely back. The new Superman Returns starring a relative unknown Brandon Routh (see Christopher Reeve, circa 1978) lives up to the lofty expectations of the original Superman: The Movie. It's almost kind of uncanny how well Routh conjures up images of the late Reeve. His look, manners, delivery. I like to think that Chris is smiling from the grave at the capable hands that this franchise is in.
For the most part the movie stays true to the original movie, although I'm still not sure what to think of Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. I probably expected too much. Spacey is an excellent actor, but trying to fill the shoes of Gene Hackman. Well, enough said. The scheme that Luthor devises in this latest installment seemed to have been written after being removed from the dart board with a small hole left after the dart was removed. It's not horrible, but it lacks depth and clarity. I was left a little confused slash disappointed, but it certainly doesn't detract from the overall greatness of this movie.
Spoiler Alert: It is revealed in this movie that Superman has a son. There is a great scene near the end with Superman talking to his unknowing son who is sleeping that is very reminiscent of all the scenes with Brando playing Jor-El. It was a nice added touch. The scenes were pieced together from stock footage not used for Superman and Superman II.
Kate Bosworth as Lois is good. It's not easy to replace the manic, half (maybe more)crazy Margot Kidder, but she does well. She's much easier on the eyes than Kidder and has more of a vulnerability to her. This may be due to my jaded adult view of Kidder, which taints my view, as in I don't see Bosworth biting your eye out after spending weeks in the wild living off the land, because she quit taking her meds!
The basic premise of the movie is Superman returns (imagine that) from a 5 year hiatus. Astronomers had discovered the remains of his destroyed home planet and he just has to leave and take a look see. There is a great scene, in which after crash landing back to earth in the backyard of his boyhood home farm, between him and his earth mother:Clark Kent - "The place was a graveyard...I'm all that is left."Martha Kent - "And even if you are the last, you're not alone."
That's basically the theme for the rest of the movie. Superman will never be alone. Even though he goes back to the Daily Planet to work, discovers Lois has a son (see Spoiler Alert above for more information), has won a Pulitizer prize for an article entitled "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman, and has a new beau. All this even before he discovers Lex is trying to start his own country, while killing billions of people. All in a days life for Clark Kent/Superman.
The movie is a quick 2 and half hours and is well worth the time. The director Bryan Singer has done the impossible, Superman is back and better than ever and he has dedicated this movie to the memory of Christopher and Dana Reeve. Today I felt like the boy I was 28 years ago. Much has changed between then and now. I grew up, Chris suffered a terrible injury (which ultimately ended his life), life changed dramatically for me much like Chris and yet for an afternoon I was 4 years old again. Not a care in the world, dreaming of flying, catching bullets and looking through girls clothes (I still like the ladies). I was sitting in my dad's lap eating popcorn and waiting for Superman to save the day. It's days like this I wonder why any of us have to grow up. Thanks for the memories Superman.
That's Nice. MH
Originally posted 04/01/2006 at http://jmhentertainment.blogspot.com/
Goodbye Rocky, It WAS Worth The Ride
Sylvester Stallone never meant for Rocky to be a Karate Kid like underdog story, although it certainly had elements of that. No, he always meant for it to be a love story. You know Rocky and Adrian. Funny thing though, millions and millions of fans from the U.S. and around the world fell in love with Robert "Rocky" Balboa, including me.
Rocky III was my introduction to the series. I was a young boy and remember my mother and father taking me to the third in this series of movies. Back then, a night at the movies was a VERY BIG deal. We weren't poor, but a night at the movies only happened once or twice a year, so I was a little more than excited. I still get goosebumps thinking about the first time I heard that Bill Conti score kick in as the title flew in from the left. Wow, I'm getting goosebumps now. I remember crying like a little baby when Mick died. Yes, I'm tearing up just a little now and I remember cheering like a school girl (along with nearly everyone else in the theater) when Rocky overcame all the odds and punished that mean 'ol Clubber Lang into the mat. "Rocky, Rocky, Rocky." Remember when people actually showed emotion at the theater?
After that, I just knew I had to see what I had been missing. What happened in the first two movies? How would I ever know? Well, I just happened to be in luck. Mom and dad had finally saved up enough money to purchase one of those "Video Cassette Recorders." There was this place in the city where you could go and rent movies that had recently been at the movie theater and you could actually watch them in the comfort of your own home. What a concept!I then had the opportunity to watch Rocky I and Rocky II. Wow! That's all I can say. As a kid, I loved the action, but I knew even then that these movies were not just about the action in the ring, but something much deeper. At the time I wasn't sure what it was, but I thought it had something to do with that word L O V E.
My interpretation of this character Stallone brought to life known as Rocky was that he was just a nobody, from no where, who just had this incredibly huge heart. A heart that just wanted someone to love it as much as it loved them. Rocky found that love in Adrian. A shy, quiet girl who was a complete 180 from the larger than life Balboa. Yet, she knew, much like I did, although, like me she wasn't sure in the beginning what it was. We all know now, don't we?
Last night I once again went to the movies and viewed the last in Rocky series titled Rocky Balboa. I will discuss the movie in detail in a later post, as this post is just about saying goodbye. Stallone was right, Rocky V just didn't seem like the end, although it certainly looked like and was billed as the last one. It just didn't sit well with me or the millions of other fans I spoke about earlier. As I left the theater last night, with JM, my absolute best friend in the world, I was just a little bit sad. Rocky Balboa met all my expectations. Almost too well, as this one felt like THE end. The end of Rocky (not literally) and the end of an era. I guess we're just getting older, much like Rock, but we still have heart. Isn't that what it's all about? Life that is. Don't you always think about the good old days and think "I got one more good...," whatever, fill in the blank, left in me. That's what Rocky Balboa is all about.
Sly, I want to say Thanks. Thanks for Rocky and thanks for not letting Rocky V be the end. Thanks for giving us that grew up with you one last hooray. Thanks for the memories, we will always love you and for the last time - "Goodbye." It WAS worth the ride.
One last thing to my pal JM - "Yo, we did it, we did it!"
That's Nice. MH
Originally posted December 22, 2006 at http://jmhentertainment.blogspot.com/
A Movie With Meaning...
I will come right now and say that I have never been one for watching those low budget independent flicks. I have viewed some, but mostly go out of my way to avoid such material. Call me uncultured, closed minded, or whatever you will, I like to know what I am getting for the hour and a half to two hours of my life I am giving up for a film. Needless to say, my wife asked to view a film entitled End of the Spear last night. I had heard a little about it and was intrigued by the plot and story line, yet never pursued the film. You guessed it...INDEPENDENT film. I decided to go ahead and give it a shot...
Based upon a true event, the film addresses the Saint family and their friends as they struggle to make contact with an elusive Waodani tribe, known for their violent history, and bring the word of God to them. After making contact by plane on several occasions, Nate Saint and five other men land their plane near the Waodani village and begin their witnessing process. This is where things go horribly wrong as all five men from the aircraft are brutally speared to death, leaving their loved ones behind.
Though this part of the story is intriguing in itself, the real story begins from here. The widowed wives of the slain missionaries, along with their children, return to the same Waodani village to pick up the job of their fallen loved ones. Thus the true tale begins as the wives and their children struggle to overcome their own grief and loss to help the Waodani people change their ways for a better life and future through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I admit, the film was a bit hard to follow at times. I am no lover of subtitles and there are a great deal of them within this film. Yet as the movie progressed, I found the reading of the subtitles to come naturally and I hardly had to work at them anymore. The subtitles play a key role in the development of the conflict, showing you the miscommunication between the Waodani and the original five missionaries that were killed.
The only actor you might be able to recognize is the great child actor Chad Allen from the old television show Our House. He plays the role of Nate Saint and later the grown up entity of his son Steve Saint. He narrates the film as well.
The film itself is truly inspirational. After viewing it I found myself asking out loud, "Would I be able to do that? Could I help out a group of people that killed my own father?" These people do and they do so unselfishly. Powerful stuff.
The climax comes nearly at the end of the film. You watch young Steve Saint live with the villagers, leave, and then come back as a full grown man. It is at this time that the truth about what happened to his father is revealed, and Steve comes face to face with one of the individuals who actually speared his father. This encounter is a truly a classic moment in cinema and was well worth watching an INDEPENDENT film to experience.
Though the film has not gotten a great deal of mainstream attention and probably won't, you should not pass this one up. Yeah, you probably can find other movies that may make you laugh, cry, and scare the hell out of you for your $2.50-$5.00 movie rental depending where you are when you read this, but I doubt any of these other films will touch you quite like this one. Nor will they make you think...think about yourself and what you are doing to make this world a better place.A great line comes from Chad Allen's character Steve in the climax of the movie when he states, "No one took my father's life...he gave it." What are WE giving?
I'm thinking...JM
Originally Posted 04/03/2006 at http://jmhentertainment.blogspot.com/
Based upon a true event, the film addresses the Saint family and their friends as they struggle to make contact with an elusive Waodani tribe, known for their violent history, and bring the word of God to them. After making contact by plane on several occasions, Nate Saint and five other men land their plane near the Waodani village and begin their witnessing process. This is where things go horribly wrong as all five men from the aircraft are brutally speared to death, leaving their loved ones behind.
Though this part of the story is intriguing in itself, the real story begins from here. The widowed wives of the slain missionaries, along with their children, return to the same Waodani village to pick up the job of their fallen loved ones. Thus the true tale begins as the wives and their children struggle to overcome their own grief and loss to help the Waodani people change their ways for a better life and future through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
I admit, the film was a bit hard to follow at times. I am no lover of subtitles and there are a great deal of them within this film. Yet as the movie progressed, I found the reading of the subtitles to come naturally and I hardly had to work at them anymore. The subtitles play a key role in the development of the conflict, showing you the miscommunication between the Waodani and the original five missionaries that were killed.
The only actor you might be able to recognize is the great child actor Chad Allen from the old television show Our House. He plays the role of Nate Saint and later the grown up entity of his son Steve Saint. He narrates the film as well.
The film itself is truly inspirational. After viewing it I found myself asking out loud, "Would I be able to do that? Could I help out a group of people that killed my own father?" These people do and they do so unselfishly. Powerful stuff.
The climax comes nearly at the end of the film. You watch young Steve Saint live with the villagers, leave, and then come back as a full grown man. It is at this time that the truth about what happened to his father is revealed, and Steve comes face to face with one of the individuals who actually speared his father. This encounter is a truly a classic moment in cinema and was well worth watching an INDEPENDENT film to experience.
Though the film has not gotten a great deal of mainstream attention and probably won't, you should not pass this one up. Yeah, you probably can find other movies that may make you laugh, cry, and scare the hell out of you for your $2.50-$5.00 movie rental depending where you are when you read this, but I doubt any of these other films will touch you quite like this one. Nor will they make you think...think about yourself and what you are doing to make this world a better place.A great line comes from Chad Allen's character Steve in the climax of the movie when he states, "No one took my father's life...he gave it." What are WE giving?
I'm thinking...JM
Originally Posted 04/03/2006 at http://jmhentertainment.blogspot.com/
You Are Here!
I would like to welcome everyone to the Random Rantings of JMH blog. It's often been said that I, along with my pal JM, tend to be opinionated. Well, that might be true. To that end we have decided to start this new blog to supplant our nearly defunct blog detailing the entertainment industry - JMHEntertainment, which can still be found here: http://jmhentertainment.blogspot.com/
While only time will tell if this blog becomes a success, it will give us a venue to spout off about anything we so desire. You may like some of them, hate some of them or you just don't care. As long as you are reading them, that's what counts. Besides, typing our views on everything from politics to the abomination known as Crocs has to be cheaper and healthier than taking blood pressure medicines. Enjoy reading and as always leave any feedback you feel necessary.
That's Nice, MH
While only time will tell if this blog becomes a success, it will give us a venue to spout off about anything we so desire. You may like some of them, hate some of them or you just don't care. As long as you are reading them, that's what counts. Besides, typing our views on everything from politics to the abomination known as Crocs has to be cheaper and healthier than taking blood pressure medicines. Enjoy reading and as always leave any feedback you feel necessary.
That's Nice, MH
Say What?
I know that I am easily amused, but after seeing this statement on a box of toilet seat covers, I was struck at that need for this statement. "Provided By The Management For Your Protection." Why does it need to say anything? They are available and I believe that most people know what they are for, but since someone felt the need to put this statement on the box, I believe it deserves a more in-depth evaluation. So let's take a look!
First - "Provided." As I said earlier, they are obviously provided or they wouldn't have been in the stall to begin with, so I find this verbiage is highly unnecessary. Like in Algebra 1, it's a "given."
Next - "By The Management" I'm happy that the management is concerned about my safety, but this raises some questions. Does this mean that the rest of the staff at the facility doesn't care about me? Do they not have my welfare in mind when they are at work? Is it just the management? Did the management personally place these toilet seat covers in the stall? If so, who was it so I can thank them. What would I have ever done without them?
Third - "For Your Protection." Protection from what? I'm not being a jack wagon here, I'm asking a fair question. Shouldn't they explain in this day and age what they are protecting someone from? Imagine this - some clown, drunk probably, sees this statement and decides to test it out, by placing this flimsy piece of paper and decides to wear it as a helmet just as he launches himself into the wall brain first. Can you imagine the lawsuit that would result from this incident? The scary part is the guy would probably win. His defense? It said for my protection!
Final question - What did this nonsense cost and is it worth it? Does anyone see this and say to them self, "wow, these people are really looking out for me. Next time I'm in the area, I will drive out of my way to use the facilities here." I seriously doubt it.
You know this statement had to start somewhere. There was one person among a group sitting at a large, probably very nice mahogany table, who mustered up all the courage he could and boldly stated "I have got the next great thing!" It was at this point they should have sent him back to his cubicle. Instead we have "Provided By The Management For Your Protection."
I know life shouldn't come to such asinine thinking, but since it has, it is JMH's duty to point them out.
That's Nice - MH
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