5-20-20

  April 29,2020, Today is when this entry starts. Yesterday I didn't see any increase in my bank account when I got my notice so I wasn't sure what I had done wrong with unemployment. This isn't the first time I've had an issue. Initially I was knocked off the site and then when I went back in a few days later the information had gone through so I was already set up. The day they told me I needed to request a check as instructed on the letter I had received, I couldn't do it on the phone and then I went online, but it looks as if everything I did on the phone did go through. So I just had to use my own advice and be patient. A few hours later when I went online to pay a bill I noticed that there was an increase in my account so I was relieved.

I was thinking about some of the younger people that I know and what they could do to benefit during this time if possible. There are some that the $1200.00 may not have to be used to pay rent or bills. What they could do is take some of that money and invest it. They could get a 3 month or a 6 month CD. That way they know at the end of that time they will have access to the money of they were to need it. I would suggest looking at a credit union as they have better rates. If you want to try the stock market you can, but you really want to do research and remember it's a different type of investment. It's not insured and you could lose everything. Your CD is insured so as long as you leave the money in for the amount of time necessary you have no penalties to worry about. There is also a certain amount of time that you can cash in the CD or you can just have the interest moved to another account or take it out and use it. If you don't need the money let it roll into another 3 month or 6 month time which is usually done automatically.

I was talking to a cousin about my house in NOLA. It is scheduled to go up for auction next month. I've been toying with the idea of all the things I really wanted to do and what I would like to do now. There are just so many variables to consider at this time. I need to make some calls and to see what my options are at this time.

May 1, 2020 - I wanted to call regarding the house in NOLA first thing, but I let things get away from me. I called around 10:00 AM and I decided I would just let them call me back. The recordings haven't been updated. The wait time was supposed to be under two minutes, but after an hour no one called. I did some other things around the house to pass the time. At 4:45 PM I decided to call back. This time I was going to hold on. I've always believed the best days to conduct business are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday as early as possible since most people are coming back to work and they've probably had a good weekend. Of course it is up to me not to upset them or ruin their day if I am the first call of the day.
Wednesday is hump day and most people are thinking about the weekend. Early morning or after lunch are good times to call. Since this is Friday I figured my chances would be good. I just had a few simple questions and I knew the person on the other end would be getting ready to go home.
It turns out because of the virus, the auction date has been pushed back until June. She gave me the total of what is due and an email address as she suggested it would be better since they were short staffed.
I'm still not sure if I can raise the funds, but it would be in my best interest to try.

May 3, 2020 - I woke around 7:30 AM and got myself together since I wanted to go to the store again. I had a big list, but I was only going to get what I could find. I didn't want to spend too much time in the store. The parking lot looked as if there were more cars than last Sunday. I put on my mask and had my bags and went into the store. I was a bit anxious, but I wasn't sure why. The baskets were being sanitized, but they were still together. Last Sunday they were all separated so you didn't have to touch more than one basket. I didn't have to touch more than one, but I don't know who was there before me. I wanted to get some cloth gloves, but I haven't done that yet. I figure I would just use hand sanitizer when I got back into my vehicle. I was able to get everything I needed and I treated myself to a few things. I knew prices would be going up, but I was surprised to see that Camelia red beans were almost $5.00 a pound. There are some things I can go generic on, but there is something about Cameilia beans... perhaps its a New Orleans thing or the fact that it reminds me of home. When I first arrived in Austin, the search was on to find Blue Runner red beans in the can. Eventually I was able to find them, but now they are scarce and I have to cook fresh beans because there are no substitutes.
There weren't a lot of people in the store, but I was still trying to move as fast as possible. There were people still going the wrong way in an aisle. No one is wiping down the handles of the freezers. I also didn't see anyone wiping down the check out area. Maybe I missed it, I'm not sure.
I now have to contact the unemployment office today is supposed to be the day to call in. I called, but it turns out my day is Wednesday. I hope I didn't miss a week. I was sure when I went online it said May 3, or perhaps it was the week of May 3.

May 5, 2020- I went to the library to use the wi fi, but it was getting really hot and it wasn't even noon. Luckily it doesn't take long to check email. I made a quick post on Facebook and came home. When I got home it was getting cloudy and then it started to cool off. If I had known that I could have waited a few minutes. Still, it makes me reallize it is in my best interest to get the internet for the house. I'll figure some way to pay for it.

I posted on Facebook, (The Best investment a person can make is in themself) I either heard this or read this somewhere when I was younger and it has always stuck with me. Another phrase that has stayed with me is (It takes money to make money). So those are the decisions I will be making in the next couple of weeks.

This morning its nice and cool. I made my call to unemployment. It's every other week that I am to call in. So now I feel relieved that I didn't mess that up. I want to work on some art projects and just keep myself busy.


I had done a podcast a few years ago. I am not sure it if is still available or not. Check out podbean, itunes and stitcher it's call Films Versus Movies. Check it out and follow me(Dlonzo on Twitter) or Tony (TDoug on Twitter) You can also listen to the podcast on Youtube. I am thinking of just going at it solo once I get things set up.

here are the links for the podcasts - https://tdoug.podbean.com/

           https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/tony-douglas-presents-take-five

 https://itunes.apple.com/om/podcast/tdoug-podcast-network/id804851372?mt=2


Copy and past the links if you are interested in my other blogs and interests.

www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
www.ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com
www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com
http://psychedmaster.org

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Do return to see where the journey leads.

Movies and SXSW 2019

I never know if I will get to see any movies during SXSW. It's all based on my schedule and whether I feel like leaving the house if I don't have to work. There were some exceptions, but I was also watching movies that I had gotten from the library.

Captain Phillips - Tom Hanks stars in this true story of a Haitian Pirates taking over a ship. It's intense and very powerful. Great cinematography, made me think of Das Boot a little as some of the film is shot below deck in close quarters.

Her Smell - Elizabeth Moss of Mad Men and The Hand Maid's Tale stars as a singer battling a drug problem. Her Smell is the name of the club where they perform, but it also has a lot to do with why she tries to turn her life around because of her daughter. That was my take away from the movie. There are some unique cinematography techniques that seem to be creating a new trend as far as flash back scenes. The screen gets smaller as if we are watching 8 mm footage for the flashbacks and goes back to full screen for the present scenes.

Boyz in the Wood - This was my absolute favorite. I was just going on a hunch and what I had read on imdb for those of you not familiar, that is the Independent Movie Data Base. Luckily there was a synopsis and it seemed very interesting. The film is set in the Irish hills as four kids who are sort of the misfits are brought to learn about skills of working as a team. The audience has no idea what type of thrill ride they are about to embark on. It is funny, suspenseful, trippy with a great original hip hop sound track. There are some cool visual effects and the scenery in the hills is breath taking. I highly recommend seeing this film if you can.

Extra Ordinary - Another movie set in Ireland that features Will Forte of Last Man on Earth. The movie uses the same technique as Her Smell when we see the flashbacks. It's a comedy about death, witch craft, good and evil. There are many surprises to keep one guessing and laughing. I was also lucky that this was on imdb as well since this was a Buzz Screening which didn't give a title.

Citizen Kane - This is considered a classic. By some it is considered one of the best films ever made. The first time I saw the film I wasn't that impressed. Although now I'm older, I feel its an interesting body of work, but some of it seems dated. The make up isn't the best in some areas. The cinematography is still great. The writing is excellent as well as some good acting for a lot of first timers. It's definitely worth a look for anyone interested in the art of film making.

Jezebel - This movie is based on a true story. You get the impression that you are peeking into someone's life. The story follows two sisters who live in an apartment with a brother and the older sister's boyfriend and daughter. The older sister makes her living via phone sex. Her mother is in the hospital and she passes away leaving everyone to have to seek employment. The younger sister is introduced to the world of Internet sex. Once she is making money she is asked to move out of the small apartment. She seems to enjoy what she is doing especially when she meets a client that is helping her become very popular on the Internet Site. She deals with a few issues that don't become that important. She learns to adjust even though there are some other opportunities that pop up. She manages to get a raise and possibly meet the guy that has really become her meal ticket. Of course we never know how the date goes or if it even happens as the movie ends once she gets dressed.

Thanks for stopping by; keep and open mind and do come back again.

A Year With Frog and Toad

(The cast of the fun and vibrant musical A Year With Frog and Toad. BR - Chase Brewer, Nicholas Kier, FR - Kelley Elizabeth Henry, Josh Wechsler and Megan Richards Wright)

Perhaps at some point as a kid in school maybe I had heard of these characters like Peter Rabbit, but that was so long ago. This musical now playing at ZACH’s Kleberg Theatre deals with stories from the series of books.
The musical numbers are delightful and fun. The costumes are very colorful and interesting. Set design was awesome. Every production at ZACH whether on the big stage or the smaller intimate stages leaves you wanting more.

Although the performances are directed toward children, the grownups will certainly enjoy the show. It’s very entertaining.

The show is directed by Nat Miller, the music performed by Allen Robertson. The choreography is by Jennifer Mahlstead and The great scenic design is by Aaron Bell.
The innovative costumes are by Christina Montgomery and Props by Scott Groh.

The cast includes Chase Brewer as Toad, and Nicholas Kier as Frog.
The ensemble includes Josh Wexler, Kelly Petlin, Megan Richards Wright, Clint Harris and Kelley Elizabeth Henry.

This is the last week for Frog and Toad so check out ZACH.org for information on this performance and future performances. I highly recommend this one as a family outing.





Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So, so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


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Happy Mardi Gras

There have been many movies made in New Orleans and the majority of them have to have a scene about Mardi Gras or Voodoo. Its as if all that happens in New Orleans is Mardi Gras. The event takes place once a year just like other places in the world. Granted, the celebration goes on for a couple of weeks. There is a scene of Mardi Gras in Candy Man, Farewell to the Flesh. There is the film Murder at the Mardi Gras. The Killer Bees and Tight Rope starring Clint Eastwood. The films are okay; the city does look good on film. In recent years films have gotten better. But Mardi Gras is not an easy thing to capture and tell a story about unless its part of a documentary.

St. Augustine High School marching band. Also known as the marching 100's signifying the number of members in the band. One of the best bands in the city. It's also an all male catholic school for young black men. This short clip was shot in 2008 during the Krewe of Zulu on Mardi Gras day.

2 Days In Paris

A friend that I met at SIFF many years ago, sent me some films from his collection that he decided he would no longer watch. It’s no secret that I love movies. I have an extensive collection. I use to watch 3 to 4 movies a day depending on my schedule. The collection has grown as others began contributing and video stores going out of business.

Now back to the feature. 2 Days In Paris stars Julie Delpi and Adam Goldberg. The film is in English and in French and it is one of the funniest films I’ve ever seen in a long time.
Since I’ve never been to Paris (which is on my list) I can’t say if French people actually behave in this manner., but its hilarious. The film follows a couple for 2 Days in Paris as the audience devolves deep into their relationship. We, the audience become the voyeurs as we discover right along with the characters about their dysfunctional relationship.

At times your wondering if the female characters is mentally unstable. We go back into her past throughout the film so that we get an understanding of how personality evolved.
Being an artist that takes pictures, I can understand the frustration when someone else takes on that role.
The film will make people dissect their own relationships. Everyone has their opinion as to what constitutes as an affair or sex. Check out 2 Days in Paris and start the conversation.




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Coming up: Shutter Island, I Love You Phillip Morris, Kansas, The Blob, Seven,


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Happy Birthday Austin Chronicle

Master Pancake Obsessed

The Austin Chronicle, a publication similar to that of the Gambit, celebrated it’s 31st birthday yesterday. The party if you could call it that was held at the historic Austin Paramount Theatre. You can tell the place is old. I heard people talking about the seats and walking up the stairs. As people live longer we keep getting taller and taller.

I didn’t know what to expect. See, I was only going because there was a free showing of the film Obsessed, which starred Ali Larter and Beyonce’ Knowles. I never saw the film in the theater because it was Beyonce’ and it looked like a bad version of Fatal Attraction. This was my chance to check it out. What I found out was that Master Pancake, a parody troupe, would be performing. I had no idea what this meant. At first I was thinking (Rocky Horror Picture Show) where performers act out what is going on at the same time on the stage. In any event I wanted to check it out. I had never been to the Paramount and it was a chance to experience something new and the possibility of networking.

I was concerned about parking because Austin recently changed free parking at the meters. There isn’t a lot of free parking as it is in Austin. You would think they would give people a break. I was in luck as it turns out, Monday through Wednesday parking is still free after 6 P.M. That worked out in my favor and this means I could go out on Tuesdays like I used to do in NOLA and have a drink when I have the funds.

When I got to the theater there was a nice crowd. The lobby was small and I figure since I didn’t have to pay for a ticket, I’d buy some popcorn. The theater could probably seat about a thousand people. There was the first floor and balcony and upper level, box seats and the nose bleed section. I sat in the second balcony. There was no rails to hold on to so I’m glad I didn’t have an alcoholic beverage. The seats were very small and very close together. Every time the couple in front of me moved they were touching me. There was no obstruction of my view.

The show began a little after 7 P.M. with the Publisher, Nick Barbaro and the Editor, Louis Black. The talked a little about the Chronicle and introduced Master Pancake. Three guys came on stage, a tall thin guy with a shaved head, a shorter guy with a full head of dark hair and a blonde guy that was slim in stature. I was glad that I was not the only person seeing them perform for the first time or that I wasn’t the only person that hadn’t seen the movie. They continually informed everyone of how bad they thought the movie was.

I like movies, and I’ve seen my share of movies that weren’t the best, but there’s something that makes it entertaining. Sometimes it’s the star in the film or the location. The fact that someone creates this art and gets it out is an accomplishment. I know many times and film looks good on paper, but an editor can chop it up really bad. Sometimes the director doesn’t direct the actors very well. There are a lot of components that have to come together.

Master Pancakes opening was about 10 minutes. There were some jokes about Beyonce’ sharing her birthday with the Chronicle and whether or not she could actually act. (The Jury is still out on that.) She’s finally becoming a singer. Some of Master Pancake language was vulgar. There were some hits and misses, but that’s the world of comedy. Some people get the joke, some are embarrassed by it and sometimes the joke just flies overhead into the rafters.

So it was time for the movie to begin and I realized it was going to be like Mystery 2000, I believe that was the name of the show in which an astronaut and his alien would watch movies and talk during certain scenes to make it funny. That is what Master Pancake did with Obsessed. Now I will have to try to see this film just to see what was changed and how it flows without the comedy.
There was one catch phrase that was voted on by the audience to be used whenever the male lead rubbed his head, which he does a lot in this film. (I won’t repeat the phrase.)
Master Pancake was very entertaining and I’m glad I got to experience it. I’d be interested in seeing what else they do, but it might be hard to top what they did with this film. It was almost non stop laughter. Every joke during the film was on point. There were one or two jokes that a few people didn’t really like, but I thought they were all funny. Some were dated, but a lot of things were current so the younger set could share in the fun.

I could tell some of the film had been edited. There was an intermission and Master Pancake took the stage to do a recap of the film thus far and they even included a dance number to Beyonce’s song. (I’m not sure of the title, but it’s one for the single ladies, if you like it then you should have put a ring on it.) Anyway, it was hilarious. Then the last 20 or 30 minutes of the film played and the fight scene was sped up to the music of Benny Hill and then we saw the final fight and the film ended.

That was my first Keeping Austin Weird experience. Next time I’ll have to hang around to mingle, but I always have to get my feet wet. It’s rare that I go anywhere alone for the first time, but I have to do what I have to do. Next time maybe I’ll invite someone along or get a group together.

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Tyler Perry

I watched Tyler Perry’s the family that Preys a few nights ago. I’ve seen this film a few times now. I really love the story and the cast is phenomenal. When I saw that he had Katy Bates and Alfre Woodard I knew it was going to be a great film. Each time I watch it I see something different. I get to pay attention to the details. The dialogue, the costumes and set design and location. There are a few scenes that were filmed in New Orleans. I was not a fan of Tyler Perry’s Madea movies, but I’ve come to enjoy his other films. I have respect for him as he has achieved a lot despite all that he has been through.

It’s funny how some people fly under the radar and then when they make it big you find out where they are from. Since Katrina Tyler talks a lot about being from New Orleans. I don’t recall he if ever went to NOCCA like Wendell Pierce. I’ve never even heard of him producing anything in NOLA, but he is giving back and helping put people to work.

When you make films or videos you want to be an artist, but skin color seems to work its way into the politics of art. You have to be a black or African - American film maker. Then you have to get flack from both sides. Either your film is too black or it’s not black enough.

I remember when I was starting out as a model and I go to an agency and they’d say they already had a black model. Were they kidding me? One black model wasn’t enough and I knew whomever they had didn’t look like me.

I’m sure Tyler Perry has had his share of obstacles with in the Hollywood political system and so he decided to create his own studios so he wouldn’t have to deal with it as much.

Why did I get Married and it’s sequel I thought were good films. His take on For Colored Girls was well done. I’ve not seen Good Deeds and I would like to see his soon to be released film where he plays a spy.
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Thank God It's Friday

There are some people that choose to call films that they don't think they should enjoy guilty pleasures. I am not one of them. I love all films. The fact that a person can put something together is quite an achievement and if they succeed in telling a great story that's even better.

There are certain things that are hard to capture on film. Thank God It's Friday attempts to capture what happens in a night at a Disco in California called the Jungle. An up and coming Diva flirts and lies her way into the DJ booth to get her song played. The club owner places a bet to sleep with a first time patron to the Jungle and the DJ's career is on the line as he prepares to go live with the Commodores performing, but their instruments haven't arrived. Love is lost, and found and dreams are shattered and some come true.
The clothing will make you laugh and for those of you who remember the 70's you'll ask yourself why did I ever wear that? What was I thinking?

It's an interesting film and if you don't like it, you'll love the music just the same. The soundtrack includes many songs by Donna Summer including the 1978 Oscar winning song "The Last Dance" and songs by other singers including The Commodores, Patti Brooks, Diana Ross and Paul Jabara. The films Theme song Thank God It's Friday, by Love and Kisses sets the pace for a musical experience.

The film introduced some up and coming stars, Jeff Goldblum, Debra Winger, the Late Raymond Anthony Vitte who plays DJ Bobby Speed. (He passed away at the age of 33.) Singer Paul Jabara also has a part in the film and his song trapped in a stair way plays in the background. There were a number of comedic talents in the film as well as great dancers.

Coming up:  Another letter to the Levee Board, Selling Stuff, It’s all about Survival, What if we’ve seen each other for the last time,  Behind the Photograph (Models) (Go to http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com)

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Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Help revisted

With all of the talk about The Help and the Oscar nominations, I decided to watch the film again. Sometimes I’ll watch a movie and I just won’t be all that into it. Perhaps it had to do with all the hype. Maybe it was my mind set about it being a film about maids. I don’t see where it is a classic film, but it was good. The cast is remarkable. Sissy Spacek is great. I definitely feel Octavia Spencer’s nomination is warranted. I feel the Oscars may go to Viola Davis for best actress and Octavia Spencer for best supporting actress, but since I’ve not seen the other actresses that they are up against I can’t be sure.
Seeing the movie a second time made me see it differently. It was a very interesting film. I really enjoyed it and I do recommend it. There are two actresses from New Orleans that also appear in the film.

I’ll be watching the Oscars to see what wins and what doesn’t. I was disappointed that Leonardo DiCaprio was not nominated for J. Edgar. I’m happy that Billy Crystal is back so it should be an interesting show.

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D's Wonderful World of Cinema

Star Maps - This film stars a young unknown actor by the name of Douglas Spain. Since this film Douglas Spain has appeared in several films including But I’m a Cheerleader and an episode of Criminal Minds or one of those CSI shows.

Douglas Spain plays an aspiring actor that sells his body on the side for his father. The front of the prostitution ring is selling maps to the stars homes in Los Angeles. It’s rather quirky with an array of interesting characters.

I’ve been trying to watch films in my collection that I’ve recently been able to have transferred to DVD. I love film so it doesn’t matter if it’s the best quality as long as the picture is as clear as possible and you can understand or read the subtitles.

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Songs in the Key of Life - In my opinion this is Stevie Wonder’s best album. This album had a story that everyone could relate to and learn from. I learned a lot about black history. We all know how rare it is that we buy an album or CD and only listen to a few of the songs. Now with the Internet and iTunes you can download just the songs you want and forget the rest. There have been many great songs that never get air play. The promoters decide which song is going to make people run out and buy the album. A lot of times singers are forced to rush projects if they are on a roll so that their fans don’t go elsewhere. They should know by now that fans don’t desert who they like unless what they are producing is crap.

Songs in the Key of Life is a documentary on the process Stevie Wonder when through to put the magnificent album together. The deal he made with Motown which was one of the largest at the time for $13 million. The special equipment created with Stevie Wonder in mind and his work ethic. Because Stevie Wonder is blind, he doesn’t seem to get sleep depravation and works at the weirdest hours.

Meet the people that were a part of the project. The producers and musicians all talk about their experience working with Stevie Wonder, including Berry Gordy, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, his wife, daughter Aisha and many others.
If you life documentaries and you love music, this is one that you should catch if you haven’t seen it already. You might find a rare copy some where or you can start a campaign to get PBS to run it. I think that is where is was originally run. Luckily a friend had a copy in his collection so I was able to see it many years later. My copy was on VHS and I recently had it transferred to DVD. You have to love technology.

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Classics

I recently watched two classic films, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Hustler. I had never seen either of these films all the way through. I had seen bits and pieces and was familiar with both films, but I was never a big fan of Elizabeth Taylor and a movie about pool… I was still a baby when The Hustler was released and just a kid when Who’s Afraid of Viginia Woolf? was made. It was a very controversial film for its time. Both movies were filmed in black and white.

Who’s Afraid of Viriginia Woolf? Stars Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sandy Dennis and George Segal. I love the dialogue in this film. Although I had figured out the underlying story which still makes you keep guessing. There’s lots of drinking and a lot of sexual innuendo from all of the characters.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I decided to purchase the film. I wanted to see it since there were so many raves on it after Elizabeth Taylor’s death. I had seen a few of her films because she stars with some actors I liked and I had begun collecting their films. She is exceptional in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and I liked her in A Place in the Sun.
Next on my list would be to see Cleopatra. I’m sure I saw it when I was a kid, but I need to see these films as an adult to get a better appreciation for them. I know the story behind Cleopatra as far as movies go, but I’d like to watch it.

I’m not sure when I became a fan of Paul Newman, but I remember one of the first films I had seen was Cool Hand Luke. I can’t say how many times I had seen it when I was growing up. Once I added it to my collection as an adult I started researching other films he had done and that’s when I had to see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The collection began to grow, but The Hustler was never on the list.

Recently I found it at a price that I thought was reasonable and now I have it to watch whenever I like. I love movies and watch them often. The Hustler is an interesting film. Even though it centers around pool, it’s about hustling in general. People hustling people to make money through cons and sex. Whatever it takes to survive. A hustler is like a person that lives from paycheck to paycheck except they can go a period of time when there are no funds coming in.

If you love film as much as I do you’ll enjoy both of these films. It’s great story telling and the cinematography is great. I am a visual person and that along with great editing is what makes a film.



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Coming up: Filming in New Orleans, The Social Network, The Trial, The Fighter




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Tom Hanks Double Feature

I have to be in a certain mood to watch certain movies. There are films that I watch at least once a year and then there are those that I watch every three, four or longer before I see them again. I had been wanting to watch Cast Away, but its such a long film and all I remembered was Tom Hanks being on a deserted island talking to a soccer ball. The only reason I went to see the film was because it was Tom Hanks. I don’t think I would have seen this film if it had been any other actor.

Tom Hanks was on a role and he commands the screen when he does the right film. There were a few comedic roles that I didn’t care to see, but it really didn’t have to do with him. It had more to do with his co star. I was never a big fan of Shelly Long or Meg Ryan. I did however like Bachelor Party, Big, and Forest Gump, but that was mostly Tom Hanks.
There are certain comedies I like and some I don’t. I was also never a big fan of war films.
Watching Cast Away made me think of what I would do. It also reminded me how life sends us a curve ball and some people are forced to make decisions they wouldn’t normally make on their own. It’s important to go with ones heart. If you believe in something make it your cause no matter what anyone else says. I enjoy films that make me think. Of course there are times we want to watch a film to escape our own mundane lives.

The second feature was The Green Mile. Normally, I would stay away from a film based on a Stephen King novel or short story. I was not impressed with Cujo or Pet Cemetery. When the Langoliers made it to television I was disappointed, but the Stand changed my mind on adaptations of his work. I had listen to parts of The Green Mile on cassette when my sister-in-law was listening to it. I wanted to see how it would play out on the big screen and I must say it was done quite well. The cast was excellent. Tom Hanks, David Morse, James Cromwell, Sam Rockwell, Michael Duncan, Bonnie Hunt and Patricia Clarkson to name a few. For me when you wait a long time to watch a film it adds to the excitement of trying to remember what’s going to happen. Remembering the first time you saw the film and whether you shared the experience with someone or if you went alone.

For many years I preferred to go to the movies alone because I liked watching movies and sometimes no one wanted to see what I was interested in viewing. Back then films weren’t coming out on VHS after one week at the movie theater. I made a wise investment in my movie collection. I love movies so its not important that I have Blu- Ray or DVD. Of course if I could afford it I’d probably get it, but I can’t. I still watch VHS tapes from time to time because the film may not be available on DVD or the price is just too high for a film that I can still watch on VHS.

Tom Hanks has given a plethora of films and incredible performances. Cast Away and The Green Mile are excellent, but his body of work shows a broader range and that he isn’t afraid to take on a role that he knows he can breathe life into.

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4th of July movie fest weekend

Last night I watched Shadow Hours a film which starred Balthazar Getty, Peter Weller , Peter Greene, Brad Dourif and Rebecca Gayheart. It’s about the seedy side of life and desperation to make changes and conquer boredom.

Tonight I will watch Natural Born Killers. It has been a long time since I’ve seen this film with Woody Harrelson, Juliet Lewis and Robert Downey, Jr.

Over the weekend I will do an Airport marathon. Beginning with Airport starring Dean Martin and then Airport ‘75 with Karen Black. Ending with Airport ‘77 and The Concorde ‘79.

I realize there is nothing patriotic about these films, but the selection was made based upon my mood. I'll probably watch Platoon, Casualties of War and Full Metal Jacket in a few weeks. I might even throw in Independence Day.

Hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July. Send out good Karma to our soldiers fighting the battle.

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