Author: Writer guy

The Sentinel

Writer guy

The Sentinel typifies the disease that Hollywood has lately, in that audiences — the very people the studios believed could never tire of half-baked, thrice recycled ideas — expect a movie to suck and avoid it. Or at least they do until reviewing the Internet rumors. When news of poor ticket sales hits the mainstream, even more potential viewers make the wait for DVD rental or catch it on an airplane without renting the headphones decision.

This cycle makes for carnage at the box office, and it’s a real shame, because the Sentinel is actually a decent movie. My preconceptions proved well placed. Expecting nothing, I got entertainment.

The story focuses on a Secret Service agent at odds with his environment. In the twilight of his career, he finds himself enmeshed in a conspiracy to kill the President. For added tension, he’s also servicing the First Lady. Secretly. Michael Douglas does well here — even for an old guy. And boy, face lift or not, the heir to Kirk is showing his age. No matter, though. Overall, this is a competent thriller.

What works:
1) If you like the TV show 24 or Tom Clancy movies, this story is for you.
2) Pacing – action never stops.
3) Concept – we have seen tales of betrayal at this level before, but this more than an Air Force one rehashed; it feels fresh.
4) Ending – reasonable and acceptable given the characters and story arc.

What needs improvement:
1) A few moments of MTV styled shots and production values I could do without, but otherwise the film works.

Accreditation

Writer guy

The dual teams evaluating the school present an oral report in a few minutes; they make their official findings available to us in a few weeks.

Having lived through this process, it’s not that the task or assignments are insurmountable, though there are definite challenges. No, the discomfort comes from the constant scrutiny, which puts the staff — normally very relaxed individuals — on edge. Everyone is a professional here though, and I await the presentation with great interest.

And of the return to a normal schedule, I shall celebrate most of all.

Crossed wires

Writer guy

If the rumors about Opie and Anthony’s return to commercial radio are true, then the bad boys of radio have come full circle. From outcasts — CBS banned them a little over a year ago — to conquering heroes, I read this as another sign of weakness in the subscriber based radio markets. If XM and Sirius are doing well, why license out sanitized versions of O&A to a willing bidder, unless the need for cash is so great that where it comes from is less important than what it says to the market place. Because when you’re drowning, no point worrying about sharks tearing off your swim trunks.

I’m a big O&A fan, loved their show when it was on commercial radio, and did not follow them to XM. But if they air again on FCC regulated radio, I’ll surely listen without signing up for the pay service. In fact, a “clean” version of O&A is a major disincentive to subscribing, as what was once free and available, is so once again.

Good for O&A. Hopefully they get two paydays from this — so far — rumored arrangment.

Another one down

Writer guy

The manuscript is on its way to New York. Join me in a brief good vibe transmission. And release that thought, and let go of outcome. Ahhhh. Much better. With any luck this is the last mention of the situation for the next few weeks.

Sorry the entries are short lately, but between the last minute preparations and the accreditation board meetings at school this week, I’m wiped by blogging time. Life gets normal again next week.