Month: October 2004

The Forgotten

Writer guy

I had high hopes for the new psychological thriller The Forgotten and in spirit the hopes proved correct.

The setup of this film is effective, even stunning. From the interplay of the narrative and sparse yet razor sharp dialog – to the performances, it works. In terms of execution of the script, the movie works. Julianne Moore, the star works. Visually, the Forgotten works. Plot wise, the movie needed a few more passes at the old word processor.

The concept is creative. A woman grieving the loss of her son discovers that everyone around her but her has forgotten the child ever existed. How and why do they forget? Those conflicts are the movie and they try to deliver. But the resolution is a major problem. It’s too convoluted, too implausible given the story up to that point.

If the ending were a beverage it would be burnt coffee laced with saccharin. Yes – its possible to drink such things, but why?

Verdict: Video or DVD rental. Matinee – but only if you must see Julianne Moore strip down to a bra and panties for two seconds on a forty foot screen.

Movie Riot

Writer guy

Tonight when the house lights dimmed in the movie theater, panic struck. No, it wasn’t a justifiable riot over the price of concessions. It was me and my old friend panic.

Many months have passed since a panic attack toyed with me. Or was it last week? Anyway, I had a moderate episode as the trailers started. A college student in a football jersey, his head shaped like an elf, plopped down next to me. That part was all right, but then he pulled socks onto his feet.

The thought of someone with an elf shaped head was creepy. But the thought of someone coming to the movies to put socks on their feet while sitting next to me was too much to bear.

So to Mr. College Student: Next time please wear proper foot gear to the cinema. Besides the obvious health risks and my discomfort level, socks work best when applied before leaving the home.

Volcanoes

Writer guy

There is just something about volcanoes that inspire all but the hardiest spirits to run home to momma. Hell, even dormant volcanoes frighten me. Lately it seems that volcano activity is increasing. Reports from Washington and Hawaii indicate substantial eruptions are possible. Clearly, as a citizen of New Jersey these developments are troubling.

While New Jersey can survive almost anything Mt. St. Helen offers up, that doesn’t mean I’m a tourist to the struggle. For starters, I have a small jar in my dresser with some ash from the last fiesta out that way. Second, thanks to the web cam setup, I see what those on the scene see. At least until the lava melts the cameras. And lastly, prospective volcano victims and I agree that being in the way of hot and steamy magma sucks.

So to all prospective volcano victims here’s a suggestion: move to New Jersey. We don’t have volcanoes but after a few weeks of living here, you will wish we did. That’s a promise.