Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Another Season, Another Reason To Despise Brett Favre

Oh, my, can you believe it? Brett Favre lied to everyone again when he said he was really retired for good this time. Personally, I'm shocked. My whole world is turned upside down. I don't even know...

Wait, scratch that, this is Brett Favre.

Of course he was going to sign with the Vikings this year. We've known that since right after the draft when he asked the Jets for his release and the Vikings didn't take a QB. We probably could have guessed it right after he "retired" again after last season.

Many Vikings fans are excited about this. They shouldn't be. Brett Favre is washed up. Brett Favre has been washed up for the last 6 years.

Let me once again remind everyone that before the Jets signed him last year, I was against it.

A quote:

In his prime, Brett Favre by himself wins you an extra two to four games in a season. Now? You're lucky to break even, given how many bad interceptions he throws (see: the NFC Championship game against the Giants last year.) Old QBs can get really old really fast. Does he even have one more good year in him? I'm not totally convinced.


That was before last year. Did he do anything during the Jets season to change that? Absolutely not.

He had one very good game against a good team - the Pats game. He had a couple good games against bad teams, in particular the Rams game.

He had one of the worst Decembers I've ever seen, including the Seattle game that I saw in person.

In the last four Decembers, he's been awful. 13 touchdowns, 31 interceptions over the last four Decembers.

He's old. He throws too many bad picks. He doesn't throw enough good TDs anymore to overcome them. He can't last a full year. He can't do well in the cold weather anymore.

So, first of all, he's not a particularly good QB anymore.

Second, all of that 'great leader' stuff is in the past, too. He's now seen exactly for what he is - a prima donna, a diva, someone who gets too much of the credit and not enough of the blame. A guy who gets special treatment from the coaches that no one else gets.

Jets players saw through him last year. Vikings players will see through it this year.

The national media won't. Not yet. They are still to in love with the Brett Favre of the past, the guy who 'just loves to play football' and all that nonsense.

I'm sure I'm not the only Jets fan that has this response:

I was never happy to see you come to the team. I was glad to see you retire after you fucked us the last half of the year. I am tired of your act, tired of the fawning media coverage, tired of people looking the other way while you throw bad pick after bad pick. I will be rooting for your embarrassment and failure in Minnesota, and hope both will be spectacular.

In closing, Brett Favre, the only balls you should get to play with are mine, with your tongue. May you only spend the money you earn from this contract on doctors.

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Vick Debate and the Deal or No Deal Paradox

I love 24, I love Jack Bauer I despise torture. Whether it is for a vital purpose or for sport, I detest torture. I owe my inability to watch any of the dog fighting footage in the wake of the Vick arrest to my disaffection for torture and suffering. Consequently, I could never justify the actions of Michael Vick, they were not sport, they were not entertainment, they were pure torture.

When Vick was arrested there was an outcry from the inner cities and the rural south that dogfighting was a widely practiced acceptable part of the culture. The Vick case was instantly polarizing as it brought to the fore issues of race and class and the justice system as applied to celebrities, topics too tantalizing for the media to allow to pass without comment and exploitation. This lead to “shocking” exposes by many news organizations, usually during sweeps, outlining the atrocities and horrors visited upon these animals. Vick became the symbol of the evils visited upon the defenseless animals and was soon swept up in a wave of protesters, police and prosecutors all the while serving as fodder for mindless talk radio callers who posited that people who hurt people don’t go to jail, why should someone who injures an animal? That wave carried him from the Tobacco Roads of Virginia through the United States District Court to the Federal Penn in Leavenworth.

Upon finishing his sentence in Kansas and coming home to Virginia the Vick debate has raged. It is uncontroverted that he deserves a second chance because as we all know; America is all about second chances and comebacks. Just don’t tell that to Pee Wee Herman. The interesting debate is not whether he deserves a chance to play but rather if you were a team would you sign him.

It essentially boils down to the Deal or No Deal paradox, is the risk worth the reward. Certainly when he is healthy and fit three time Pro Bowler Vick will be able to contribute on the field at a high level. His skills are undeniable and unique, an elusive running quarterback with a rocket arm who has been successful in the playoffs. Don’t forget, he went into Lambeau and beat the Pack in the playoffs. He may even be that piece that can put a team over the top. But will the accompanying side show drain too much from the team to outweigh the talent surge?

Franchises are businesses; the NFL runs a successful business model when compared to other sports which is largely dependent on central, national television contracts to drive revenue. Each team, however, relies on sponsorships and advertising to augment the television money. Since 9/11 and Katrina each team has learned the importance of weaving themselves within the fabric of the community and made a more significant push by performing outreach activities and partnering with local charities. Teams legitimately worried that signing Vick would both detract from the bottom line and fray the ties woven by their community efforts. Protestors surely would line up, sponsors may drop out and there is no adequate method of measuring the potential negative impact the signing may have.

Regardless of the potential for disaster if you are a team that is a move or so away from being in contention for the Super Bowl you have to pull the trigger on the deal, the risk of negative publicity is clearly trumped by the athletic rewards. The Eagles are a perfect landing spot for Vick and he is the perfect addition for them. They will provide structure, leadership and an opportunity to prove himself under the glare of bright, hot lights. He provides the Eagles with a dynamic athlete who they can use in a multitude of ways and who could be the difference in close games.

He makes sense for the Eagles and vice versa because they don’t need him. They will most likely have to play at least a quarter of the season without him and when he returns he will be used in targeted packages designed to maximize his abilities. Had he gone to a team like Minnesota or the 49ers, while he would have had the structural integrity from the organization, the pressure to play right away and battle for the starting quarterback job would not have imbued benefits to Vick or the team. Allow him to reacclimate without pressure and unleash him on the league in manageable doses. Meanwhile he will have time to begin to repair his standing in the community through credible, targeted actions.

Most of Vick’s dogs have gotten their second chance and been rescued either into new homes or at dog sanctuaries where they can live out the rest of their lives without revisiting the pain and horrors inflicted on them and their brethren. Micheal Vick now embarks on his second chance, he must take heed because there won’t be a third.

Monday, August 10, 2009

10 Definitive Movies of the 1970’s

To me this was the hardest decade to do, I feel the 70’s was the most outstanding decade when it came to quality movies.

Woodstock- Thank god someone decided to make a film about one of the seminal events of the century. This documentary takes you inside the event without any pretense or political commentary. Few documentaries can do that, especially about a politically motivated event and that is what makes it so brilliant.

MASH- Director Robert Altman’s irreverent look at war. Set during the Korean War, but made during the wildly unpopular Vietnam War this look at Army surgeons and how they used humor in order to deal with the war around them. A strong cast (Elliot Gould, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman, Donald Sutherland and Robert Duvall) help make this movie entertaining and it spawned the most award winning sitcom of all time which cant be understated.

The Godfather I & II- Widely regarded as the best movie(s) ever made, Francis Fords Coppola’s look at mob boss and his family. Once again the cast helps make this movie what it was, Marlon Brando in his virtuoso performance as Don Vito Corleone. The second Godfather is easily the greatest sequel in movie history. Only Robert DeNiro could pull off the young Vito Corleone and match the performance of Brando.

Dog Day Afternoon- During this decade of gritty dramatic films set in big cities, based on a true story Sidney Lumet’s tale of a bank robbery gone wrong is a masterpiece. I still think to this day it is Al Pacino’s best performance as the confused bi-sexual bank robber who needs money for his boyfriends sex change operation. John Cazale lends heart and warmth to the movie as Pacino’s inept partner.

Rocky- The true underdog story, and while this concept has been explored in many movies, especially sports movies none did so as well as Rocky. Written by Stallone himself after witnessing the Chuck Wepner/Muhammed Ali fight and directed by John G. Alvidsen the movie brings you into the world of a down on his luck boxer turned small time thug. His million to one shot becomes a chance for him to prove himself, that chance the resonates in all of us.

Star Wars- As for the story and some of the acting this movie doesn’t really stand up, especially compared to Empire, but for what it did for film making it has to be on any list. George Lucas completely remade cinema with the amount of work and detail he spent on set design, sound, special effects and merchandising; the last of which he was a complete visionary in when he negotiated to have the sole merchandising rights for the movie.

Halloween- One of the great original slasher films. It has everything: a diabolical madman, a scream queen, little kids being spooked and a maniac chasing the killer. Halloween still to this day scares the pants off of me and many others. The eerie music and that slow methodical pace that Michael Myers walks with make the movie so creepy.

Jaws- Mistakenly this turned into one of the scariest movies ever made. Many people still get spooked about swimming in the ocean because of this movie. Steven Spielberg had to use all his cinematic tricks to make you a believe a man eating shark was there, even though the mechanical shark on set barely worked. The trick of not showing the shark but using the music to represent him was brilliant. Combine that with a legendary performance from the great Robert Shaw and you have the invention of the summer blockbuster, a staple in the movie industry now.

Animal House- The classic comedy. One of the original movies from the people of National Lampoon it still stand today as the start of the gonzo typr comedies. The biggest comedic star of the decade along with a cast and crew that would all go on to become highly successful in television and movies including guys like Kevin Baco, Tim Matheson, Bruce McGill and John Landis.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest- In my opinion Jack Nicholson’s best performance, and that is saying something. I think this film really epitomizes the entire decade and the real gritty film making and story telling that made this the best decade for movies. The interaction between all the inmates and the Nicholson and Nurse Ratchet’s tension make this one of my favorite movies to watch over and over.

Other Considerations- Midnight Express, The Buddy Holly Story, Saturday Night Fever, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstien, Murder on the Orient Express, Save the Tiger, The Sting, Deliverance, Apocoplypse Now, Breaking Away, The Deer Hunter, Annie Hall, All the Presidents Men, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Taxi Driver, Nashville, Mean Streets, Chinatown, The Exorcist, American Graffiti, Last Tango in Paris, The French Connection, The Last picture Show, Five Easy Pieces, Dirty Harry, High Plains Drifter, Patton.


Wow, what a fucking decade

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

10 Defining Movies of the 1980’s

The Empire Strikes Back- The second of 6 installments of this franchise and still the best. Conceptualized by George Lucas but directed by veteran Irvin Kershner, Empire stands as the quintessential sci-fi movies of its generation. Much darker than the original and much better acted in as the movie provides more depth than the first Star Wars.

Raiders of the Lost Ark- Again a Lucas concept but directed by the more skillful eye of Steven Spielberg. A great action adventure with a throwback swashbuckling hero in Indiana Jones this movie brought to life the seriel comics of the 50’s. A movie that spawned four sequels its detail to history with its fictional search for the ark provides for the best action movie of the decade.

Raging Bull- Martin Scorsese took a sports movie and turned it into a work of art. His masterful skill to see things unlike any other director takes us through the up and down life journey of a self destructive boxer. He takes this unreeling character of Jake Lamotta and makes him almost sympathetic.

E.T.- Steven Spielberg’s summer blockbuster about a lonely alien who finds his spaceship crashed on earth. A series of unforgettable scenes and one unforgettable line make this a rewatchable classic. Seen mostly through the eyes of children was a brilliant move in direction for Spielberg.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior- Coming from the land down under, not particularly known for its outstanding filmmaking, this action/drama introduced Mel Gibson to mainstream audiences. A wonderfully shot and edited movie in the post apocalyptic Australia is an action movie with style and substance which makes it a classic.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?- Clearly the most revolutionary movie in terms of direction/art direction of its time. The seamlessness of real actors and cartoon characters make this a visually stunning movie, plus the story works on so many level. Robert Zemeckis did a wonderful job directing this comedy/adventure in the style only he can.

Do the Right Thing- I guess this would be the “indy” movie of this decade. Spike Lee brought us this tale of boiled over racism in a mixed community in Brooklyn. Written and directed by Lee with precision in highlighting the differences between the races but that our prejudices are all the same, and perhaps the best cast in an independent movie (Ossie Davis, Danny Aeillo, Samuel L. Jackson, Ruby Dee, Giancarlo Esposito, John Tuturro, Robin Harris, Rosie Perez, Martin Lawrence and Frank Vincent).

Roger & Me- Much like the “indy” series, one documentary defines a decade of movies. This first ever of this type of documentary by Moore I still believe is his most powerful. He does a great job of highlighting the corruption and greed that helped cripple the auto industry in Flint, his hometown. A definite in any film class on how to make powerful documentary subject.

Back to the Future- One of the most re-watchable movies of any decade. An unforgettable performance by Christopher Lloyd, a creative concept and the one of the 80’s biggest stars come together in this wonderfully written and directed comedy by Robert Zemeckis. It was the typical mid 80’s feel good movie.

Bull Durham- Still one of the best sports movies ever. A interesting concept written semi-autobiographically by Ron Shelton about his time as a minor leaguer. Tim Robbins and Kevin Costner have great chemistry and Susan Saradon is “the straw that stirs the drink”(thanks Reggie). A loveable and re-watchable classic.

Das Boot, Risky Business, This is Spinal Tap, The Color Purple, Stand By Me, Platoon, Broadcast News, Caddyshack, Say Anything, Born on the 4th of July, Field of Dreams, Chariots of Fire, The Big Chill, The Karate Kid, Rain Man.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

10 Defining Movies of the 1990’s

American History X- One of the most provocative movies of the decade and one of the most well acted in by Edward Norton. The use of black and white footage during the flashback scenes to accentuate the racism that is the movies main theme heightened the intensity. A movie of redemption that doesn’t end in the typical Hollywood fashion.

Boy’s Don’t Cry- Hilary Swanks performance in this low budget film resonated with audiences. This was a tough movie to make, even at a time where gay/lesbian/transgendered rights were beginning to be more accepted. This film broke down barriers which allowed for movies like Brokeback Mountain and Trans-America to be made.

Saving Private Ryan- The summer blockbuster brought to life World War II in a way no other film has been able to capture. Spielberg combined all his best filmmaking elements in this, his opus. This was also the height of Tom Hanks career capturing the everyman soldier (as only he could), while holding together this obtuse story of a squad sent to save one soldier and questioning the orders they receive.

The Shawshank Redemption- Perhaps the most rewatchable movie of all time. Don’t say you know the ending either; when the warden ripped away that poster it turned into maybe the best 15-20 minutes of a movie ever. At the end it is a tale of enduring friendship and that connected with audiences.

Pulp Fiction- Quentin Tarantino’s sorted tale of two gangsters and the intertwined lives of other unforgettable characters leads to plenty of violence, cursing and surprising comedy. Written with the same razor sharp wit as Reservoir Dogs, (which I am more partial too) Pulp Fiction has stood the test of time because of its great quotes and unique (at the time) music.

Philadelphia- Again at a time when AIDS seemed to be everywhere and we as a nation were fairly uneducated about it, the story of Andrew Beckett being fired for having the disease humanized for it everyone. Powerhouse performances by Hanks and Denzel Washington as well as Hanks memorable Oscar speech make this a definitive movie for any era.

Though I didn’t want to put numbers on these movies, I feel these last four are a notch above the other 6 in this decade.

Hoop Dreams- A moving tale of two young men who dreamed of stardom on the hardwood. Having all the advantages on the court with talent, off the court the lives of the families is what brings this documentary to life. It shows life in the inner city as never really portrayed on film, especially in a non fiction fashion.

Boyz in the Hood- What Hoop Dreams did in the non fiction realm, Boyz did in the dramatic realm. The story of gangs and violence in inner city Los Angeles spawned and entire genre of films, that correlated socially with the rise and popularity of rap music and the hip hop culture, not many movies can claim that.

Schindler’s List- The most open look at the Holocaust ever put on film. Spielberg throughout all the rules in filmmaking when tackling this enormously difficult topic. The images in this film are so visually and emotionally powerful. Also a trio or performances rarely seen by Ben Kingsley, Liam Neeson, and Ralph Fiennes.

Goodfellas- Ummmm…..there really isn’t much to be said here. Martin Scorsese continually tops himself, and with this film its no different. Classic lines, scenes, performances, and soundtrack make this the most definitive film of its era.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS- The Hunt for Red October, Silence of the Lambs, JFK, Unforgiven, The Fugitive, Forrest Gump, Braveheart, Apollo 13, Leaving La Vegas, The Usual Suspects, Boogie Nights, Titanic, When We Were Kings, Three Kings, Good Will Hunting, The Sixth Sense, The Insider, Clerks

Monday, August 3, 2009

10 Definitive Movies of the 00’s

Okay so after listening to a podcast the other day it got me thinking about the definitive movie of the decade. The two hosts debated back and forth about “Almost Famous” and “The Dark Knight.” While I don’t necessarily agree I can see the points they were making. Again the films must contain three main qualities; Excellence, Originality and the most important Rewatchability. I think when people mention great movies they don’t take into account true ability to rewatch something over and over (which is my problem with most of the seminal comedies of this decade, but that’s another debate).

Again I think the word definitive is slightly different than “best.” I am not sure how to define it, but I think there is a quality in a movie that makes it definitive and think most of that is the originality portion.

So here is the top 10, in no particular order:

GLADIATOR- The sweeping epic that opened the decade with a Russell Crowe roar. Everything about this movie was classic, a story only to be matched by the extraordinary sets and acting, combined with an action packed moving soundtrack. This movie redefined the blockbuster genre and has yet to be matched this decade.

O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?- The quintessential Coen brothers project. Taking the classic poem “The Odyssey” and turning it into a period piece is a source of originality never before broached, and done with terrific precision. The performances help bring this movie to life and make it a great comedy.

AMERICAN SPLENDOR- One of the most original film of all time, and clearly the best “indy” of the decade. The wonderous story of comic book writer Harvey Pekar this film weaves an intricate series of real life and fictionalized scenes with an ease that never confuses the story or the viewer.

KILL BILL- Just when Tarantino was getting stale he reinvented himself with this series. An ode to the martial arts movies of the 70’s genre with a twist of modern film making. Tarantino combined these elements through a terrific story make this one of the best and definitive movie of the 00’s.

HOTEL RWANDA- In a politically sensitive time this filmed dared to tell the story of a heroic Rwandan hotel manager who housed refugees during the height of the conflict in Rwanda. This gripping true story wraps its arms around the conflict and brings us inside the horrors of the war that most of the world ignored. A film that certainly opened the eyes of viewers as much as any in the decade

PAN’S LABYRINTH- Visionary directing by Guillermo Del Toro brings us inside fascist Spain through the eyes of a little girl. The girl escapes the realties into a strange fantasy land filled with fascinating characters. Easily the directors best work and a film where I discover new things every time I watch it

THE DEPARTED- Yes the plot and story was taken from a fine Japanese movie called “Infernal Affairs”, however Scorsese expanded on that story and used his masterful skill as a director to make this an unforgettable classic. A wonderful ensemble cast, a great story and the unforgettable eye of Scorsese landed him his first ever best directing Oscar (long overdue).

LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA- Clint Eastwood has become the most consistent director of the decade. Iwo Jima brought to life the Japanese struggle during the fight for the Pacific. Using series of letters written by Japanese soldiers to their families Eastwood turned this into a heartfelt tale of defeat and remorse unlike many war films.

THE DARK KNIGHT- This is the second film in the new incarnation of the caped crusader (I don’t understand this reinterpretation at all but) is a dark brooding masterpiece by Christopher Nolan. This summer blockbuster lived up to the hype mainly due to the performances of the vastly underrated Christian Bale and the final performance of the now late Heath Ledger.

WALL-E- During this time where animated movies have become the norm, Pixar the mainstay in this genre out did themselves with WALL-E. Not just a cartoonish movie this brings to life character and themes that could be in any science fiction movie which make it a viable movie for parents and children alike.


OTHER CONSIDERATIONS- Almost Famous, The Contender, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Black Hawk Down, Minority Report, Y Tu Mama Tambian, Frida, Lost in Translation, Million Dollar Baby, Brokeback Mountain, Munich, Murderball, Batman Begins, Juno, The Kite Runner, Frost/Nixon.

Check back all week; Tuesday the 90’s, Wednesday the 80’s, Thursday the 70’s and Friday the top 10 decades by a single actor of the same era 70’s-00’s,