My thoughts on Titanic

Titanic – I Finally Saw It!

 

Last Friday night I finally saw the epic money maker Titanic.  The story as to why it took so long is not an interesting one, but I will share it anyway.  When Titanic first came out I just didn’t have the opportunity.  I was not going to a lot of movies then (dry spell for me) and nothing really screamed “Go see this!”  When I finally decided to go there was a load of traffic heading into Burbank (cause it was any day of the week and any time) and we missed the showing.  I had no interest in hanging around Burbank on a Sunday for another 3 hours, so we turned around and went home.  And had a much better time (not going to even attempt a going down on the Titanic comment – just not worthy of it).  I find out on Monday that it was the weekend that Titanic beat out Star Wars for top grossing film.  I’m glad I wasn’t part of that!!  A while later it comes out on video (remember video?) and I actually waited to get it previously viewed I thought I might be helping to lower the grosses.  The video (double video) sat on my shelf, untouched.

So this friend of mine form High School and I get in a chat about Star Wars (about 8 years ago around the time of my 30^th reunion).  Ends up she and the girl I had a massive crush on in first grade saw Star Wars after we graduated (as had I) and loved it.  Of course I hadn’t seen either since before graduation.  How things could have changed.  Anyway this friend ends up being a real Titanic lover as well and was devastated that I hadn’t seen it   She’s been bugging me ever since to see it and even sent me some Star Wars and Titanic stuff she had sitting around her house (How sweet, really).  Finally, I get back from Legoland to this great box of books (Titanic and King of Prussia) and I just said, “It’s time!”  So I ordered the Blu Ray from Amazon and alerted the kids.  George was fine, Victoria afraid it would be sad.  She isn’t big on sad movies.  I assured her that she would enjoy it as my friend (“Is it a girl?  Why are you talking to a girl?”) said she would really like it.  And that this friend had two daughters who had seen it a bunch of times.

 

No, seriously, I’m going to talk about the movie shortly.

 

Victoria said fine.  George was looking forward to it.  Friday Night Movie night was upon us.  We got ourselves a pizza (Salami and onions) and sat down to enjoy the movie.

 

I did enjoy it. I didn’t think it was a great film but found it entertaining.  I felt it was a bit long in the tooth and that the preamble went on for far too long.  Also, the post collision stuff was a bit much.  But I liked it.  I was left with an odd feeling though.  I felt like it was a self serving movie for Cameron.  I t had a distinct feel of “Look what I made!”  Hard to describe beyond that.  I had a similar feeling after seeing Avaturd (that’s what I call it at least).

 

As the ship pulled out of the harbor (had it already been 3 hours?), George commented that the special effects reminded him of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Very glossy.  I found it interesting that he was able to recognize that scene as special effects on top of his comparison.

 

Victoria loved it.  She was apprehensive for the beginning, convinced it was going to be sad but after the first few hours passed, she was giddy and smiling and declaring it one of her favorite movies.  Then the ship hit the ice.  We paused the film as it seemed like a good time and she needed to call her Mom.  She was a bit taken aback that there was over an hour left to go.  She even made the comment on her Mom’s voicemail.

 

As that hour unfolded she got more and more upset.  Not angry, mad.  She was terribly upset about how the people on the lower decks were locked off and the life boats leaving half full.  Even at the end of the flashback, as Kate Winslett (who looked surprisingly like Scully from the X Files throughout the film) was being rescued.  No tears, just anger.  After the ending that I swear Lost stole for their Finale, she declared she hated the movie and never wanted to see it again.  I tried to tell her how it was a happy ending in a way but she wouldn’t hear about it.  I’m happy to report, no bad dreams that night or since.  I don’t think we will be seeing it again.

 

George didn’t like all the mushy stuff and commented again on the effects. 

 

I loved the score.  I thought the casting was great (loved Kathy Bates and Billy Zane especially).  I wasn’t bothered by the glossy and kind of obvious effects.  I felt the story dragged at parts.  My favorite scene had to be the dinner when Jack shows up in the tux (Billy Zane is such a dick!).  Pardon the pun but I felt the post crash went a tad overboard.  Went on just a little too long.  And I did almost yell, “Just blow the damned whistle!” near the end.  And yes, I am me; I did like the sketching scene.  I happen to find Kate Winslett quite attractive and I like her body type (female – had to throw that in).

 

I initially thought I can’t imagine seeing it again, but I can, and I will, sometime.

 

Funny moment.  My friend had mentioned that Victoria wouldn’t understand the car scene.  So the scene happens, the windows steam, the hands go up, and we cut to the interior with the two of them naked and sweaty.  Victoria turns to me and asks why they’re sweaty.  Before I need to reply she responds to herself, “Oh, cause they were running through that really hot part in the ship before.” 

Random Musings

[This is what GGG's are all about.  Never meant to offend, though.]

I was at Legoland with the kids last week.  Had a great time.  In the water park, each attraction had a sign indicating the time they would shut down, usually for 10 minutes every couple of hours.  I couldn't imagine why until I noticed the patronage.  Lot of men that were pretty, well, furry.  Guess they needed the time to clean out the hair filters.

A woman I work with is pregnant.  She's also a USC alum.  Thought it quit ironic yesterday when she was wearing her Trojan's Tee Shirt.

Word of advice to my female friends on dating sites (yep, still on that).  I understand that there are a lot of men who send, how do I put this, uhm, "dick pics" in early communications.  I'm told in many cases it seems a bit counterproductive for them.  Anyway, I suggest if a guy sends you one you should reply with a "Thank You, here's mine" and send one back to him. 

Finally, I heard today that the FDA approved a new Viagra type product for women, the pink pill.  Something that presumably gets women in the mood.

Oddly, I've been carrying my version of female Viagra in my pocket for years.  {Page Down}

























Until the next time . . .

On Line Dating

On Line Dating

 

I have given this phenomenon of online dating a shot over the past couple of weeks and have had some really interesting experiences.  Before I start turning “Gregg” on it I will say that I have had some positive experience.  I met a very nice woman that I have seen a couple of times.  We have really hit it off.  I have chatted with a couple of other very pleasant women as well.  Given my goal initially was to find companionship (not THAT kind of companionship); I think it has been quite a success.  But what you go through to get there.  OMG (Oy Mein Gevalt – whatever that might translate to).

 

Day one I get a few people interested in me.  Oddly they are between the ages of 22 and 35.  Well, heck, I’m a good looking guy with loads of personality so, why not??  Well, the real question is why, now isn’t it?

 

Let’s take the first girl, her profile picture showed her as a 30 year old African American woman living in Texas.   I found her attractive and “liked” her (or clicked the check, or filled in the heart, whatever).  Within 2 hours I heard back from her.  Let’s not spend the time on the site, she tells me.  Here’s my number, text me.  So, I text her (I’m brand new at this, remember).  We have some conversations.  I’m more of the “hi”  “how’s it going” kind of texter.  She’s a bit more vocal.  I find out that she’s 22 and lives in Columbus Ohio and that she found me very attractive.  I go back to the site and her profile is missing.  Maybe I was thinking of another African American, 30 year old.  She sends me some pictures of herself.  Very cute.  Don’t worry, always clothed.  And oddly, always posed.  Different outfits.  But yes, all the same girl.  We continue to chat.  She continues to send pictures.  Starts calling me hun and babe and asking why I haven’t texted her yet by 10 AM.  She works in fashion.  She lives with her Uncle (parents died many years before).

 

Meanwhile there’s this 25 year old.  Finds me attractive.  She originally lived in New York (as indicated in her profile) but had to move to Nigeria after her father passed away a month ago.  Mom died when she was very young.  She now lives with her uncle.  She is a receptionist at a company that does fashion stuff.  A few pictures are sent (this time through Yahoo Messenger).  She’s kinda cute.  A bit on the busty side (I’m good with that).

 

Then I meet Crystal.  She lives and works out here.  36, blonde, seems somewhat down to earth.  Very pretty but in a girl next door kinda way, not a model type.  I like her.  We chat back and forth.  She’s very open about things.  We discuss meeting and just before the day we were discussing getting together comes she has to go out of town for business.  Did I mention her business?  Yep, Fashion.  Before the business trip occurs, she needs to go visit her mother who is in Georgia, taken ill, and in the hospital.  I wish her well on her voyage.

 

BTW – Columbus Ohio’s name is Sandra Hoover.  Nigeria, Sandra Scott.  Off to see her mom, Crystal Scott.  The coincidences surrounding this amazes me.

 

Hoover has really taken a liking to me.  She wants to know when we will meet.  I address the issue of our respective geographies but she still wants to see me.

S Scott is enjoying my company and likes me as well.  Wait, that’s not right, after a week she professed her love for me.  And her birthday’s coming up.

Crystal is off to see her Mom and I don’t hear from her.

 

Hoover thinks my concerns about her visiting is that my kids live with me.  She’ll come visit and spend the night in a hotel where I can meet up with her.  Maybe I could send her half the airfare so she can come see me . . .

S Scott doesn’t want anything for her birthday but she would just like to go shopping.  Boy that would be so nice of me to send her . . .

Crystal’s back.  Not physically, she’s still with ailing Mom in Georgia and just needs $250 for her mom’s hospital bills . . .

“I’m sorry, “I say.  “But I just don’t have the money to help.  Wish I could.”

 

Haven’t heard from any of them again.

 

In the meantime I did hear from one other.  Before I got her name I stopped chatting with her.  Seems she works in fashion!!

How Has Everyone Missed This About The Minions?

[Disclaimer – The comments below do not necessarily reflect the true opinions of the author.  Anyone who knows him is aware he does tend toward the politically incorrect -- GGG]

 

The Minions

 

This is not a review of the movie.  This is an observation and a concern.  I am wondering really when the outcry of racism is going to occur.  Been thinking this for awhile as I see the commercials.  I mean, come on.  They are short.  They are Yellow.  The talk in a hard to understand language.  They wear glasses with really thick lenses.  They work for the bad guys.  Why don’t they just hang a camera around their necks?  Why isn’t this more obvious to more people.  It’s an outrage.

 

There’s even one wearing a bowler hat.  I kept expecting him to toss it at a statue.

 

That’s all I’m saying.  Draw your own conclusions.

Get to know Gregg -- Hey that's me!!

So this survey at work included an "Ask Gregg Stickeler" question.  Here's what they asked and what I answered.

 

BTW -- there was a picture of me looking up above the survey question.

 

 

 

 

 

We asked Gregg Stickeler, Sr. Vice President of Client Services, and he answered. If you would like the NSFW answers, please see Gregg.

 

1. Your always in a good mood. Whats the secret to your happiness? I live by  important quotes.  Yoda – “Do or do not, there is no try.” And Alfred E Newman – “What, me worry?”  and John Winger – “It’s a little cute”  And really, I just like being around.
2. why do you look so Orange in this Picture? Testing out a new make-up.  Thinking Oompa Loompa for Halloween (don’t tell anyone)
3.  What is important to you in your life right now? Everything and finding a date
4. What your favorite thing about being a Dad? My Kids
5. What's up Mr. G.  New York, New Jersey, New England – oh, sorry, that’s what’s new.  The sky.  7.  Time
6. If you had to choose between your Star Wars or Star Trek memorabilia, which would you keep? Sophie’s Choice, huh?  I think it would have to be my Star Wars stuff
7. what are you looking at? New York, New Jersey, . . . no, I mean Up!
8.  What's on the calendar for the next Geekend? It’s a slow one this week Son of Flubber, Free Comics, watching the Supergirl pilot (again).  Saturday night is wide open – just sayin’!!
9. To what do you owe your success? Natural charm and a well honed shovel
10. What are you looking at (in this picture)? Blue, I think we should paint it blue
11. Who is your least favorite main Star Wars character, and why? It’s between Chief Chirpa and Sy Snootles but I think I have to go with  Sy Snootles.  I liked her at first but she’s really just a tease and not very nice to people who try to be nice to her.  But can’t deny her those gorgeous lips.  (and you thought I was going to say Jar Jar)
12. Are you going to enjoy your new neighbor? Uhm, yes.  I enjoyed all my neighbors (with Fava Beans and a nice Chianti)
13. Did you have nice memorial weekend?  Very nice.  Friend from back east came to visit.  Renamed it Miramorial weekend in her honor.  Saw a play called Entropy Friday night (which we all thoroughly enjoyed), dinner at Umami Burger (I had the Ahi Tuna to be good).  Saturday featured the Absent Minded Professor and free comic books.  After dropping the kids off we went for a walk at rattlesnake park and then  to Kravings and saw dancers (and ate and drank).  Sunday we had breakfast at Bea Bea’s followed by Warner Brothers Studio tour.  Got the kids, had pork loin (cooked in Root bear and smothered with BBQ sauce) and corn on the cob for dinner with the kids.  Played Hollywood Game Night (home Edition) which I kicked major Booty on).  Monday we went to the Science Center to see the IMAX pic Jerusalem 3D followed by the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Space Shuttle.  Tried to find Wayne Manor but there’s an 8 foot wall in front of the property.  Saw the fork in the road in Pasadena, Doc Brown’s house and Michael Myers house.  Pizza Rev for dinner.  Played Clue Jr (I won – Mrs. Peacock at 3:00 with a cola). Pretty standard 3 day weekend stuff.  Hey –[- You asked.
14. If a client wants to poll how many angels could dance on the head of a pin, how big a sample do we need to pull?  It would have to  be a really small sample for them to fit on that pin.
15. Where do you stand on "grey jedi”? Just below the chin (right around the neck area)
16. aside from star wars, what is your favorite movie? Oddly Star Wars is not my favorite movie as I  have a few I would put in that category (all depends on mood, time of day, where I am).  Top list would include – Carrie (the good one by Brian DePalma), 2001, Phantom of the Paradise, Star Trek II (wrath of Kahn)
17. So what are your kids current favorite TV series? Do you share the same favorites? And Why?  We are currently watching Glee and Friends.  A lot.  Without me George watches Psyched and Adventure Time.  Victoria watches Girl Meets World (I sometimes watch with her) and Full House.  When we aren’t watching Friends (which I swear is nonstop, we’ve gone through 6 seasons in a month) we love and I mean totally love the Flash.  Once Upon a Time, Modern Family, the Goldberg’s (all three have fallen behind because of friends)  And Jeopardy.  Due to the schedule I have to record that and we are usually a day or two behind.  I was thrilled last week when my Kids correctly answered “Who are the Ruttles?” before I did.
18. Have you ever thought about dying your hair to match your eyebrows? Could make you look 15 years younger.  Little known fact, my hair is the color of my eyebrows.  I actually spend quite a pretty penny to frost the hair and beard.
19. How many times have you been around the world? Almost once.  I’ve been from Philly to Germany and from LA to India (and to Australia) so I am missing Austria to Pakistan (one of these days though, one of these days!)
20. When's the next haircut? DK  I have this tendency to let it get a bit too long  I like living on the edge that way.  And yes CRR, I will have the eyebrows trimmed!
21. What's with the Black chicks? Though most commonly hatched white or yellow, there are many different colors of baby chickens (or as referenced here, chicks).  The most common variety of black feathered baby chickens are  the offspring of the Australorp an Australian breed of Orpingtons imported from the UK.
22. What advice would you give someone just starting in market research?   It’ll only take a few minutes and you will find it interesting.  Oh wait, that’s for someone starting a market research survey.   Do everything there is to do.  Get on the phones, monitor, look over data and tabs.  Ask a lot of questions of everyone you encounter while you are learning.  
23. I love Star Trek but my partner Loves Star Wars Prequels, whats the best way to break it off? Watch Episode I together and insist on repeating all of Jar Jar’s lines with Chekov’s accent.
24. Was being president of the Battery Club in high school as glamorous as they say? Battery Club President was the pinnacle of my Jr and Sr. High School years.  I was well known and recognized and referred to respectfully as Bunny.  The funniest was when they would ask me AC or DC.  On top of that, there is a full page dedicated to me and the club in my senior yearbook titled, You’ll Get A Real Charge From These Nerds”  My parents were so proud.
25. How large has Myra's hat collection gotten?  She has over 100 hats in the collection and actually needed to expand into a second room annex.  I still have more mugs.
26. Which client are you anxiously awaiting to go bankrupt? One of the ones who has already paid us.
27. Is it true that one of George Lucas' new character's is named Grrrregg Malventris? Yes, well, seriously no.  well actually I have nary a clue on this one
28. what is the flight speed of a swallow   European Swallow, unladen, 24 miles per hour (fun fact – they only actually beat their wings 18 times per second).  What’s with all the bird questions? I’m a Doctor not an ornithologist! 
29. What is the difference between Star Wars and Star Trek?  The last name
30. Cake or Pie?    Cake – unless it’s Banana or Coconut cream, then pie.  Unless it’s German Chocolate or Ice Cream, then it’s cake.    

Age of Ultron review

The Avengers:  Age of Ultron

 

Let’s get this out of the way first, I really liked this movie!!!

 

Growing up I was a DC comic fan.  The only Marvel titles I read on a regular basis were Spiderman and Iron Man and that was mostly when I was done reading my DC titles for the month and I needed something until the next month’s issues came out.  This was the 70’s and early 80’s before there were so many titles available.  So most of what I have learned about the Marvel characters has been from the movies.  And all in all, Marvel does an excellent job of transferring their characters to movies.  DC, on the other hand, seems to have trouble with the comic to movie translations but does a great job with translating to TV.  Go figure.

 

What drew me to the first Avengers movie were the characters developed in the films (especially Iron Man and Captain America) and honestly, the fact that it was a comic book movie (I’m a sucker for that kind of thing).  What drew me to this was how much I enjoyed the team developed in the first film.  I liked the way they came together, the way they worked as a team (and didn’t early on) and the spirit.  Oh and the fact that it was a comic book movie, that was another big draw for me.  And it didn’t disappoint.

 

The opening sequence is quite the comic book.  We jump right into a battle, everyone is there doing what they do best, the rather obvious CG gives it the comic book feel and the camaraderie is apparent.  One reason I like the Iron Man movies was the sarcasm of Tony Stark.  Well they capitalize on that with this movie but they allow the rest of the characters to kick in with their own clever banter as well.  It really shows the growth of the group and the comfort of the team as a unit.

 

As always, I won’t go into too many details.  Suffice to say, I sat through the first 45 minutes thinking this is really good but I think I liked the first one better.  Then suddenly, I just didn’t care about the first one, or how much I was enjoying myself because the movie took off and didn’t stop until almost the end.  Lots of action, some might even say t is over the top.  I just enjoyed riding the roller coaster.  I was happy to be invited into that world again and in the end didn’t want to leave.

 

Couple things of note, there is a party scene in this movie that is just wonderful.  Great dialogue, great interaction.  And, to be honest, Ultron has quite the nice butt.  See the movie, tell me I’m wrong.

 

Definitely a film to see IF you like the super hero, comic book genre.  And if you do, a must see on the big screen with an audience.

 

Sadly, I must report, there was no shwarma.

Why I don't reread my blogs before posting them.

Because I'm lazy!

Geekend -- Day 3 -- 2001

Geekend Day 3 2001

 

Sunday starts with getting George to his Mom’s for a few hours and me spending time with my friend.  It was a good start to what seemed to be a great day.

 

I picked the kids up at 3 and headed back to Hollywood, this time to the Cinerama dome. 

Quickly, for those who are unfamiliar with Cinerama, perhaps this excerpt from Wikipedia may help (perhaps not).

 

Cinerama is a widescreen process that originally projected images simultaneously from three synchronized 35 mm projectors onto a huge, deeply curved screen, subtending 146° of arc.^{[clarification needed]} The trademarked process was marketed by the Cinerama corporation. It was the first of a number of novel processes introduced during the 1950s, when the movie industry was reacting to competition from television. Cinerama was presented to the public as a theatrical event, with reserved seating and printed programs, and audience members often dressed in their best attire for the evening.

The Cinerama projection screen, rather than being a continuous surface like most screens, is made of hundreds of individual vertical strips of standard perforated screen material, each about ⁷⁄₈ inch (~22 mm) wide, with each strip angled to face the audience, so as to prevent light scattered from one end of the deeply curved screen from reflecting across the screen and washing out the image on the opposite end.^[1] The display is accompanied by a high-quality, seven-track discrete, directional, surround-sound system.

The original system involved shooting with three synchronized cameras sharing a single shutter. This process was later abandoned in favor of a system using a single camera and 70mm prints. The latter system lost the 146° field of view of the original three-strip system and the resolution was markedly lower. Three-strip Cinerama did not use anamorphic lenses, although two of the systems used to produce the 70mm prints (Ultra Panavision 70 and Super Technirama 70) did employ anamorphics. Later, 35mm anamorphic reduction prints were produced for exhibition in theatres with anamorphic CinemaScope-compatible projection lenses.

Back to me and the kids.  So we get there about an hour early, I figured we’d grab something to eat but ultimately decided a hot dog and popcorn (and maybe candy at the intermission) would suffice.  The kids and I found a place to sit and while they started into their drinks I noticed two very familiar looking people.  I was pretty sure it was Denise and Michael Okuda, two FB friends of mine (who I never met).  Michael is a graphic designer who has worked on just about everything Star Trek for years as well as other movies and TV shows.  There has been some back and forth between Denise and me, but mostly my enjoying their posts about movies, NASA, Star Trek, etc.  So I tell the kids that I recognize those people and maybe I should say Hi.  This, by the way, is well out of my comfort zone.  I am not big on talking to people I don’t know (when I’m out of my element, talking with folks I do know is a challenge), but how often would such a chance occur.  The kids were 'like cool', so I Ieft them to their own devices (well George had his iPod) and went over.

 

I’m not going to give the full transcript of the conversation here.  Suffice it to say, she knew I looked familiar and immediately recognized my name.  We spoke about 2001 and Phantom of the Paradise (I discovered that one of my all time favorites was one of theirs as well).  They happened to be at the big screen viewing of that movie where Paul Williams and Jessica Harper appeared.  I mentioned how I found out about it the day after.  Bummed.  She mentioned 1776 as a favorite and seeing a screening with William Daniels.  I came close to but did not tell her I hadn’t seen the movie but grew up outside of Philadelphia.  They had been at the previous week’s screening of Star Trek 2 and 3 at the Aero in Santa Monica (which I definitely would have been at had I not discovered it was showing an hour before it started, but at the same time found out about the evenings 2001 presentation).  We talked about how George had seen it but not Victoria (2001).  We discussed the Star Trek VI Teaser that they had recently posted and how it brought back fond memories for me as I saw it at a Star Trek marathon back in 1992 (in case I didn’t say it enough back then, thanks Sue for getting me there).  He talked about how that was originally designed for video and I said how it just moved me when I saw it.  I told them about the Flash evening and it ends up that he worked on the pilot of the old Flash.  He said he got a few Star Trek nods into it.  Next time I watch I will need to look for the desk of Captain Pike.  He then said what, to me, was the coolest quote of the chat, possibly the whole weekend.  Regarding working on the Flash:

“Well I was between Star Treks and she wanted a new couch.”

How utterly cool to be able to use the phrase (so nonchalantly) “Well I was between Star Treks” 

I have to say, they were really such nice people and I could have stood there and talked to them a lot longer.  It was really nice to have a discussion with people of similar interests.  But I knew they were catching up with some friends and I had basically abandoned my kids for 10 minutes.  We said our goodbyes, I went to get the kids, and I kicked myself for not asking if I could take a picture with them.

 

We got our food and headed to the theatre and waited for the 5:00 presentation of 2001 in 70 MM Cinerama to begin.  We continued to wait as the theatre packed itself.  We continued to wait as 5:00 passed.  And then 5:15.  And then 5:30.  Finally at 5:45 someone came out an announced that the screening was canceled due to labor disputes with the projectionist.  A mass sigh of disappointment covered the crowd as we left the theatre.  The first thing the kids wanted to do was go home and watch it but alas it was too late.  There was mention that it might be postponed to the following weekend but I didn’t count on that.

 

I have to give it to the theatre though.  The reimbursed the tickets, gave us comps, and reimbursed the concessions (even though we had nothing left).

Even with this, I have to say Geekend was a success.  I had a great time with the kids, saw some really cool stuff, and met some really nice people.  And it really warmed me when the kids seemed genuinely more disappointed in not seeing the movie than I was.  As we made plans for the following weekend to go to see a screening of cartoons (and all you can eat cereal) at the same theatre George and I saw The Flash at, George told me not to get the tickets yet.  He wanted to wait to see when the rescheduling for 2001 would be because he’d rather do that.  Victoria was in complete agreement with him.    Getting misty just thinking about it.  Yep, it was quite a successful Geekend!

Geekend Day 2 The Flash

Geekend – Day 2 – The Flash

 

Day two started out quietly at home.  Breakfast was egg sandwiches with Muenster Cheese and Turkey Bacon.  Lunch, Turkey Tacos.  George had been bugging me about seeing Halloween III (Season of the Witch).  This was really the only one I felt comfortable with him seeing at the tender age of 12.  I coincidentally was up to number 3 in my rewatching so it came at the right time.  Victoria, who had no interest in any of these kinds of movies, told us to go ahead and watch it and she’d watch something else in her room.  It’s not a horrible film but it isn’t that great either.  I am probably going to be reviewing the entire series under separate cover so I will stop there.  We ended up meeting the kids’ mom by her office to drop Victoria off before George and I headed into Hollywood (I have to admit there were a few moments of sensory memory as the only other time I had been to that office was the night of The Event – see The Widowmaker).

 

When the Flash premiered all those years ago I was a bit skeptical.  Flash was my third favorite DC comic (after Batman and Superman).  Loved the stories, loved the villains, hated the outcome of the Crisis on Infinite Universes.  So I was very interested in how this would play out (I couldn’t wait to see the costume condense into that ring).  Well, other than the ring, I was pleasantly surprised.  The casting was great.  John Wesley Shipp carried the character and the show with the right mix of hero and humor.  Really like the supporting cast and just the whole look.  They managed to make a comic book look real, yet still maintain the sense of a comic book.  And, the special effects were truly amazing.  Like in 1978 when I believed a man could fly, I believed he was the fastest man alive.  Also really enjoyed the villains and was pleasantly surprised by Mark Hamill’s performance as the Trickster.  Along the way they added Joyce Hyser in a couple of episodes who I had been in love with since Just One of the Guys.  Didn’t hurt at all.  And then as fast as he came on the scene, Flash disappeared. You can imagine how happy I was when it the show came out on DVD.  Still held up to my memories.  Then the new Flash came out.  What a great show!! And there’s my “old pal” John Wesley Shipp.  Initially it seemed like just a bit of stunt casting but no.  He is the perfect man to play Barry’s dad.  And then I read on Face Book that there will be a 25 year celebration.  I had to go.  I checked with George (who I thought wouldn’t be too excited as he had never seen the original Flash).  He jumped at the chance.

 

The evening did not disappoint.  First, while on line waiting to get in Mr. Shipp passed us and said Hi to the group waiting to see him.  My inner geek started to show itself.  We saw two episodes, both with the Trickster, both with Ms. Hyser.  Wonderful memories started surfacing.  Then the panel came out.  Mr. Shipp, Ms. Hyser (still hot, gotta say), producers, creators, other actors, production guys, and yes, even Mark Hamill (I knew he’d be there, but still . . .The inner geek was out and grinning and laughing and clapping and having such a great time. 

 

A brief moment on Mark Hamill.  Before Star Wars came out he was dong a lot of talk shows.  Everyone he talked about how much he loved fantasy and science fiction and how he watched King Kong every day for a week when it was on a local station.  Ho Hum, enough already.  Whatever (Jealous, much?)  I thought he was a good Luke Skywalker.  Never gushed over him.  When I saw him as the Trickster and heard him voicing the Joker, I finally gave him (in my mind) the credit he probably deserved all along.  I actually appreciated watching the growth of the character he played in the Star Wars films.  And major kudos to his appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.  In 2005 I was able to go to the LA premiere of Revenge of the Sith and when he walked past me in the lobby, yep, inner Geek came out.  I mean, c’mon, I was just feet away from Luke Skywalker!!

 

The festivities in Hollywood ended and George and I went home.  Talking most of the way about our experience and how cool it was to see all of those people and hear those great stories.  What a great middle day of the Geekend.

 

Geekend Day One -- Spameless!

“Geek”end – Day 1 Spameless

 

The weekend of April 24 through 26 was dubbed Geekend in the Stickeler household as we had a weekend full of, well, potentially geek stuff to do.  The plan for Friday Night was Spamelot (a musical loosely based on Monty Python’s Holy Grail).  I had seen two professional productions of this and one Little Theatre production (the latter with George) previously.  I was a bit underwhelmed to the performance George and I attended so I had been wanting him to see it again and also take Victoria, as she knew the music but not the show.  Saturday Night was the Flash 25 year Celebration.  A viewing of two episodes and a panel discussion with the star, John Wesley Shipp, as well as a number of actors, actresses, and production folks, most notably (for me) Mark Hamill who portrayed the Trickster.  The weekend was to culminate in a viewing of 2001: A Space Odyssey, seen at the Cineramadome in Hollywood.  Presented in the original 70 mm, Cinerama format.  I’ve seen this movie over 30 times (only once in Cinerama), George has seen it twice (once on Blu Ray and once on the big screen).  I had been wanting Victoria to see it and the opportunity arose on the 26^th.  Weekends don’t get much better than this.

 

Spamelot is an exceptionally funny show.  It mixes the brilliance of Monty Python dialogue with great music (some already in the Monty Python Library and some original for the show).  Presented properly, the dialogue is quick and doesn’t bother explaining the jokes.  That’s why it works.  Presented poorly, the dialogue is slow, the accents are inconsistent, and there are delays waiting for laughs that just don’t always show up.  This presentation was, in my humble opinion, presented poorly.  The first thing I believe the cast of a show like this needs is to “get it.”  They need to be in on the joke.  I didn’t get that sense form this group of actors.  And I don’t think they were necessarily bad actors, just not right for this script.  This with the exception of the actress playing the Lady of the Lake.  She was funny and had a great singing voice (the only role in this play where I think that is really necessary – her range helps the humor).  She was able to hold her own with a group of weak performances without overshadowing.  And honestly, she was awfully cute.

 

The biggest disappointment to me, however wasn’t the performances (or lack thereof) but the rewriting of one of my favorite songs.  There is a point on the play where it is necessary for Arthur and his band of knights to put on a Broadway play.  The problem is twofold.  One, Broadway is more than 1000 years in the future and two, as the song says, “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway if You Don’t Have Any Jews!”  The songs speak of all the things you can try but that you really need the Jews for success.  At one point the melody goes into a take on Hava Nagillah and further in there is a reenactment of the bottle dance from Fiddler on the Roof.  It is a great musical number.  It’s big and over dramatic and funny.  That’s the key, it’s funny.  Well someone at this theatre must have been offended or feared offending so they changed the song to “You Won’t Succeed on Broadway if You Don’t Have any Stars.”  What the Hell???  First off, that’s pretty self explanatory and second, What the Hell?  They did an okay job at rewording it but still . . .   I’ll be honest, I do not find that song offensive.  I find it pretty funny and, in a way, respectful.  But that’s just me.

 

But on the positive side the kids enjoyed themselves and it gave us a chance to do something together.  And it made day two all the more anticipated.

The New Star Wars Trailer

The New Star Wars Trailer

 

 

Most asked question this weekend?  Did you see the new Star Wars trailer?  Well yeah!!

 

Initial reaction, loved it!!  Looks great.  Has a real Star Wars sense to it.  I love the dialogue from Luke and the way it mirrors his lines from Jedi.  I like the look of (is it) Tattooine and the crashed Star Destroyer.  I like seeing Darth Vader, R2D2, Luke’s light saber, the T.I.E. Fighters and X Wings and all the other pieces that bring me back to the Galaxy, long ago and oh so far away.  And then to end it with Han and Chewie.  WOW!

 

I’m an old world Star Wars fan.  I don’t need to know every name and place and actor and character.  I don’t need more than something that whet’s my Star Wars appetite, so I won’t focus on the minutiae.  There are a couple of things that I did notice that I thought I’d mention.

 

Luke speaks of his family having the force.  I thought it quite interesting that he says, “My father has it.”  Yes, has, not had.  What exactly does he mean by that?  Is it just that Anakin is still part of the living force, or is there something we will be learning?  And who is he talking to?  I’m thinking his niece or nephew.  I’m guessing as he becomes the Obi Wan of the new trilogy and that he has no kids. But he talks about his family as if he is talking to his family.

 

I loved seeing Han and Chewie.  I loved the way they mimicked the publicity still from the original film.  But after numerous viewings I got to thinking about what he is wearing.  He’s older, obviously, and the old pirate outfit just doesn’t seem to fit (literally, it seemed a bit big on him).  I can only imagine the Solo kids being pretty embarrassed about it.  “Dad!! You aren’t going out in that old thing again, are you??”

 

And then my mind wandered on to Chewbacca.  I am assuming at some point before this trilogy he became Uncle Chewie in the Solo household.  And he spent a lot of time with the kids, probably even babysitting.   Now in the politically incorrect 70’s and early 80’s (how I long for those days), no one would give it a second thought.  But now, in the hypersensitivity of the 21^st century, don’t you think people are going to have a problem with Chewie hanging around these kids with no clothes on?  With his junk just out there? 

 

Seriously, in 1977 every bad guy was British and no one said a word.  In 1999 Watto came off with a bit of a New York accent and there was hate speak about him being a stereotypical cheap Jew.  Remember how the Neimodians were supposed to be an insult to Asians and don’t get me started on all the crap about Jar Jar BInks.  And we were nowhere near as sensitive then as we are today.  C’mon, we live n a world where Dr. McCoy (yes I can cross franchises) is viewed as a racist by some because of the way he talked to Spock (pointy eared, green blooded, goblin, etc.)  I can’t believe we are going to let a 7 foot naked male around the kids without any backlash.  And what about Wookiescaping?  Not even going to go there.

 

Of course, I don’t give a shit about all the PC stuff but, as I said, my mind wandered.

 

Gotta tell you, I am looking forward to December and seeing a new entry into what is possibly my favorite film franchise.

 

Yep, gotta say it.  Something that was only said twice in the original.

 

May the Force Be With You!!