Today, I watched The Wrestler for the first time since it came out nearly 11 years ago. It is still a fantastic movie. It’s very much the pro wrestling version of Rocky Balboa, an equally fabulous piece of cinema that is gritty, authentic, and overflowing with emotion.
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It was reported today that Sir Sean Connery died at the age of 90. He will forever be remembered as the original James Bond, playing a pivotal role in launching the pop culture phenomenon that is still going strong today. As a lifelong Bond fan, I’m thankful for his immeasurable contributions to the series. Moreover, I appreciate Sean Connery for the countless roles he played outside of 007. He wasn’t a one-trick pony. Rather, this skilled Scottish actor was a chameleon who could embody a wide range of characters that swept us away with wonderful stories for nearly 60 years.
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Courtesy of Arden Theatre Company.
Anthony Heald is a wonderful actor who is currently starring in Gypsy at The Arden Theatre through June 25. He was kind enough to take the time to speak with me about his impressive and diverse career, as well as his first foray into Philadelphia theater.
This Wednesday, August 31, TRI, an award-winning indie film, is screening at the Trocadero theatre in Philadelphia. I just finished watching this movie, and I enjoyed it. The film, which recently walked away with the top prize at the Northern Virginia International Film & Music Festival, features local talent Jensen Jacobs and Kelly Spitko in starring roles. However, I’d argue that the two most compelling actors were played by Shawn Pelofsky and Kenneth Simmons. Their supporting roles provided TRI with additional layers of emotional depth that were believable and moving.
Last Saturday I decided to do the Rocky Run for the first time, mainly because of the cool-looking medals everyone received for completing the 10k run/walk, which you can see in the image below. It’s also worth noting that the money raised by this sold-out event benefited the Special Olympics. Read more…
Meeting Tobin Bell at Monster-Mania 30.
Last Saturday I attended Monster-Mania. This biannual event features notable actors and actresses from the horror, action, comedy, and science fiction genres, as well as professional wrestlers. For the thousands that attend, this is an opportunity to meet their idols, get autographs, participate in photo-ops, watch Q&A panels, browse through aisles of cool merchandise, and enjoy hours upon hours of movies.
Today my girlfriend and I went to go see The Divorcees Club at Penn’s Landing Playhouse. This production marks the U.S. premier of the incredibly successful French comedy Le Clan des Divorcees, which has been seen by over three million people since it debuted 10 years ago.
My girlfriend and I went to see a new play at the Penn’s Landing Playhouse called Dear Mom. This is the second show that I’ve seen at this theater – the first was You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! – and it was terrific. Dear Mom tells the story of a mother and daughter whose relationship is a mixture of love, bitterness and disappointment. There’s plenty of humor along the way and I shed more than one tear during the play’s more serious moments.
What It’s About
This movie is about the life and career of Steve Jobs.
What I Like
What impressed me most about this film is Ashton Kutcher; he was excellent in his role and I have newfound respect for his dramatic acting capabilities.
I also enjoyed this movie’s soundtrack – it was awesome. Any time a film features music by REO Speedwagon, Cat Stevens and Toad The Wet Sprocket, it’s going to bring a smile to my face.
What I Don’t Like
I wish the film included the last few years of Jobs’ career. The closest we get to that is a scene where Jobs unveils the iPod to Apple employees for the first time. It’s a cool moment, but what about the launch of the iPhone and the iPad? And what about his health struggles at the end of his life? To me, this was a missed opportunity.
Bottom Line
Despite its minor shortcomings, Jobs is a highly entertaining film that almost anyone will enjoy. If you come into it with an open mind about the subject matter and the lead actor, you’ll feel satisfied by the time the final credits role. I highly recommend it.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, the sequel to the 2004 comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, opened this weekend following what I consider to be one of the most creative advertising campaigns ever for a feature film. The question is, does this sequel live up to the hype? Read on my curious friend.
Unlike the first film, which was set in the 1970s, Anchorman 2 takes place in the 1980s – my favorite decade! Despite the questionable fashion choices in this decade of decadence, the music, movies and TV shows were awesome. Speaking of which, Anchorman 2 has a killer soundtrack. You’ll find everything from John Waite’s “Change” to Neil Diamond’s “Shilo” to “Every 1’s a Winner” by Hot Chocolate. And the obligatory Kenny Loggins’ track is on here too – the terrific “This Is It” featuring backing vocals by Michael McDonald. It’s a feast for the ears that compliments the movie’s visuals perfectly.
While the classic one-liners from Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy are a tough act to follow, Anchorman 2 does its best to deliver the goods. As a fan of the first film and Will Ferrell, I’m glad to report that the majority of this movie delivers the goods. However, it does drag on longer than it should and it felt as though the plot lacked focus toward the end.
The bottom line is this – if you didn’t see the first movie or don’t like Will Ferrell’s brand of humor, don’t bother seeing Anchorman 2. On the other hand, if you love the first film and can’t get enough of Will Ferrell, give this one a shot. It’s not as good as the first, but it features excellent music, solid performances across the board, countless cameos by Hollywood A-listers, and, most importantly, gut-wrenchingly funny moments.
