We are two games into the new season of home team roller derby. The Dorothys are so far undefeated and The Knock-Outs are still looking for a win. I think the Knock-Outs might actually pull off a miracle in the next game (February 18th, Memorial Hall). They play The Susans who just blew out The Vixens. It makes for a more exciting game if you have the team who hasn't won a game in over a season going up against a team that just broke the number one teams win record.
I just published my story on the game so all of this is still fresh on my mind. I'm still digging the fact that I'm now a self contained unit when it comes to The Wheel Press (kcrollerwarriors.com). I'm still trying to find content for the fb page but, I'm sure that'll pick up as we get deeper into the season.
Breaking news for those of you who were fans of Notes Of A Drunk Whisperer, I'm looking into starting a new project so stay tuned to my fb page for news on that. If you don't see anything in a few weeks, you'll know that the idea went nowhere.
In other writing news, my novelization managed to inch along a little bit this past month. I know it's not much but considering that it had stopped dead for a bit, this is big news. My other script is still in the stopped dead pile for the moment. I feel the inspiration and write down a couple of lines and then the inspiration leaves again. There's an idea for a serial that keeps nagging at me so I keep making notes. I'd like to get one of these things completed before jumping into a new project. Why are there only 24 hours in a day?
It feels like there was something else I was going to tell you, but I can't think now of what that is. I guess it's time to tell you all about the books, movies and t.v. shows I've been watching. Not that I think you folks actually care, Sometimes I run across good stuff and want to share it or warn you away from it.
The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens- This is one of the first books Mr. Dickens wrote. It definitely shows his journalism background as it is a story that centers around a man who started a journalistic society. The book is intended to be the collective narrative of said society. I enjoyed it and do recommend it, and on a personal note, I'll say to my fellow Dickens fans, I didn't enjoy it as much as Great Expectations but I do like it better than A Tale Of Two Cities.
Groucho And Me by Groucho Marx- I have been a fan of Groucho's since at least when I was in first grade. I'm surprised it's taken me this long to read his autobiography but now it's off my bucket list. If you get the chance, you should read it. He talks all about his early years in show business and how he and his brothers rose from Vaudeville to Broadway to the movies. If you're into show business stories you'll dig it.
Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger- Whether you like the guy or not, this is an incredible story. Here's the story of an Austrian farm boy who got into bodybuilding, became a multiple title holding champion in the sport, came to America, became a leading man in movies while amassing a fortune in real estate investments, going to school to learn English and get a business degree and eventually became a governor. Did I leave anything out? Probably. You'll just have to read the book to fill in the gaps. If you enjoyed Arnold: The Education of A Bodybuilder, you'll love this one. It's more informative and motivational and inspirational than the nuts and bolts and how-to that Arnold was. Definitely seek this one out. Bonus story-there's a really good interview with him in Cigar Aficionado this month. Check it out if you're interested.
Boss Nigger- Written, produced
by and starring Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, this movie was made in 1975 in
the heyday of the Blaxploitation period. A bounty hunter (Williamson) and his
partner (D’Urville Martin) become the local law enforcement of a small town as
they await the arrival of a man they’re hunting (William Smith). It plays very
much in the Spaghetti Western genre with Williams playing the anti-hero. It’s
more than just a counter culture movie or a Black film, it really took the
Western genre and broke with a lot of the traditions that are so common. It’s
worth a look if you get the chance. You’ll probably find it under it’s more
politically correct title, Boss or The Black Bounty Hunter. There’s a bit on
the dvd where Williams explains the title and how he used it for marquee value,
much like the Nigger Charlie movies he’d made a couple of years before. There
are a couple of interviews on there as well that are interesting.
Captain America: Civil War- There were only
two movies I saw more than once theatrically last year and this was one of
them. I’ve really enjoyed what Marvel Studios has done with Captain America and
look forward to another movie if they keep telling me a good story.
There is so much
going on in this movie that you almost have to see it twice. They introduce The
Black Panther and Spider-Man, they bring back General Ross, there’s dissension
within The Avengers, and they bring in Baron Zemo (sans fur collar and purple
mask). If you’ve enjoyed the Marvel films so far then definitely check this
out. If you just want to watch the three Captain America films, that’s cool
too. The movies are a lot like the comic books, they make the most sense if you
watch all of them but if you only follow one character, you can still play
along at home.
Don't Play Us Cheap- Melvin Van Peebles originally wrote this for the stage but when he started shopping it around for investors, he discovered that people were having two different visions of the story. One group was on board with the idea of a Broadway musical, the other group thought he was making a movie. In need of funding, he agreed with both groups and came up with a great marketing plan. He built the sets and rehearsed it as a Broadway musical and then shot it as a movie just before opening. It went over big for a few months. When things were starting to cool down, he released the movie and rejuvenated the Broadway box office with new interest. The story deals with devil bats that were sent to Earth to spread misery and despair. The first thing they encounter is a party in Harlem. It's fun and worth a look if you're a Van Peebles fan.
How To Eat Your Watermelon In White Company (and enjoy it)- This is a documentary on the life of Melvin Van Peebles. You'll notice a theme running through my movie watching habits this month. It seems like every time I go to the library, they have a new film of his on display. This guy has an amazing tale to tell. One of the stories I found most interesting (and able to relate to this section) was how he got into film making. He went to Hollywood but couldn't get work because he's Black. So, he went to France and started writing. While there, he discovered a clause in French law that says that a French writer can get a directors card to direct an adaptation of his own work. He went on to publish five books in French, which made him a French writer, so he got his card and made Story Of A Three Day Pass which was one of his books. When the festivals started buzzing about the film, Hollywood took notice and invited him out. He went on to make Watermelon Man for Columbia. Check it out, it's amazing.
In A Valley Of Violence- I'm not going to say too much about this movie because, admittedly, the plot line is not too deep and I want you to have the same opportunity I did to be entertained. It stars Ethan Hawke as a drifter and John Travolta as a Marshal in a small border town. It's worth a look.
Mean Johnny Barrows- Fred Williamson produced, directed and starred in this 1976 two- fisted action movie. It's a great example of independent film making. He managed to get Roddy McDowell because they had the same agent. He got Stuart Whitman, R.G. Armstrong because they were friends and he got Elliott Gould because they met on M*A*S*H and he used to play football with Mike Henry. It can be all about who you know. The assassin in the movie is his martial arts instructor who was also his fight choreographer. You just have to take their showdown with a grain of salt. Check it out if you're a fan.
My Favorite Year- I will unabashedly recommend this movie to anybody who likes comedy. It stars the great Peter O'Toole as a matinee idol who is due to appear on a t.v. show where Mark Linn-Baker is the junior writer. Because of his reputation as a drunkard and womanizer, O'Toole is put under the care of Linn-Baker to make sure he gets to the show on time. This was a first time directing effort from Richard Benjamin as well as Linn-Bakers first film role. See this now!
Operation Petticoat- Blake Edwards directs Carey Grant and Tony Curtis, hilarity ensues. Make time for this if you haven't seen it in a while.
The Professionals- Before The Expendables there were The Professionals. Mexican bandit Jack Palance took Claudia Cardinale from railroad baron Ralph Belamy. To get her back, he's hired Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan and Woody Strode. There's only one man tough enough to lead this bunch on a mission like this-Lee Marvin. If you liked The Wild Bunch then you'll love The Professionals. See it today!
Pumping Iron- After reading Schwarzenegger's autobiography, I decided to go back and revisit this docu-drama after hearing about all the behind the scenes goings on. I've always enjoyed it and knowing what I know now makes me enjoy it a little more. Check it out after you read the book and you'll see what I mean.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story- I am first generation Star Wars fan. The very first movie came out when I was in third grade and, of course, I went ape-shit crazy over it. The next two came out and I was there multiple times. In 1998, when the Special Editions came out, I was curious but optimistic that those movies could be improved. A New Hope got bogged down with new footage. The Empire Strikes Back did actually get improved with the picture enhancements, so I can't say it was a total waste. Return Of The Jedi was altered in an attempt to set up the next three movies, which should have tipped me off to the rocky road that lie ahead. The following year, I saw Episode I and my inner third grader felt betrayed and let down. I sat through the next two movies more out of a sense of obligation to complete the story than anything else. At the end of Episode III I felt like I had just completed a journey when I should have felt like running home and watching Episode IV to see what happens next. My lightsaber had long been hung up and collecting dust by the time Episode VII came out. I had no desire to see it at all. The only reason I finally did see it was because my mom suggested it. I don't get a chance to see movies with mom much and the fact that we saw the very first one together seemed kind of fitting. It was what it was but the best part was when we looked at each other after it was over and said we never have to do this again.
That was the mentality I had when I heard about Rogue One being made. Now that the mouse is in charge, I realize that we're going to have a new Star Wars movie every other year until the end of days. Just like The Fast And Furious and Star Trek movies.
I was on the phone with my friend and business partner catching up on things since the holiday break and he kept going on about Rogue One. He's one of the last hold outs I know that still likes these movies. I told him my views and said I had no interest in the movie. He told me something that I will tell you, in case you're still on the fence. He said that this was the movie you wished Episode III would have been, this is the one we deserved. Knowing this would come up in future conversations and being a little intrigued, I finally broke down and saw a matinee. I'm glad I did. He was right, it's what I wished Episode III would have been. I actually felt like going home and watching Episode IV to see what happens next. I'm still done with the franchise and I have no desire to see any further installments but this was the movie that finally made my inner third grader happy. I'm recommending it if you're interested.
Sing Street- I've enjoyed John Carney's other films, Once and Begin Again, but this feels like the one he's been building up to. Set in Ireland in the mid 1980's, it tells the story of a high schooler who meets a girl and invites her to be in his band's music video. She agrees and he's walking on air that he's going to get to hang out with this object of affection. Now all he has to do is form a band and write a song so they can make a video. No problem, right? Maybe it's because I went to high school in the '80's or have contemplated doing foolish things like that, but I enjoyed the hell out of this movie and definitely recommend it.
Story Of A Three Day Pass- Written and directed by Melvin Van Peebles (I told you I'd talk about him again) and based off a book he wrote, this tells the story of a young Black soldier serving overseas and on the verge of a promotion. As a reward, his C.O. gives him a three day pass and he goes into town and has a series of adventures and meets a woman. It's reminiscent of the French New Wave films that were coming out in the early to mid 1960's, although that was not it's intent. Van Peebles was just telling a story that he wanted to see and wanted to make a movie. Check it out!
Wrong Is Right- A political satire in the vein of Dr. Strangelove: or how I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb and Wag The Dog. Written and directed by Richard Brooks (see also The Professionals) and starring Sean Connery along with an all-star cast, this tells the story of a broadcast journalist who gets caught up in a story about a government cover up concerning two missing suitcase nukes. It's worth a look.
Finally, for all of my t.v. watching friends out there, I recently rediscovered a couple of nuggets from days gone by-
All In The Family- I started season 1 last month and I think I forgot to tell you about it. Any way, the writing in the first season is incredible. The second season feels like the writers were reading a few notes from the network but still trying to make a quality show. The third season was where Norman Lear left to focus on the spin-off, Maude, and the production value was a little lacking, not bad, just not where it was. Season 4 saw the show still in it's stride, still dealing with the issues of the day but Archie Bunker just seems to be the butt of every joke. It's a little disappointing after being so cutting edge in the first season to now just being a buffoon. The seasons are short and the laughs are plentiful and solid so it's hard to criticize too harshly. If you get the chance, check it out.
Good Night And Good Luck: The Edward R. Murrow Television Collection- Broken up into four parts and hosted by Charles Kuralt, Mike Wallace, Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. One disc deals with just his biography, another is the best of See It Now, one of the original news magazine programs, another is about his struggle against Sen. McCarthy and the final one is his broadcast of Harvest Of Shame about the migrant workers in the south. If you're a fan of journalism or just Murrow, check this out, it's amazing.
Well, I thing that's about it for this month. I just got a notice about a rent increase slipped under my door yesterday so the next time you hear from me it may be from a new address. I keep having to remind myself that I have other obligations and can't just sell everything and roam the country like Jack Reacher or Christopher McCandless. Not until after November at least and maybe not even then. The search for decent housing begins. See you next month.
In A Valley Of Violence- I'm not going to say too much about this movie because, admittedly, the plot line is not too deep and I want you to have the same opportunity I did to be entertained. It stars Ethan Hawke as a drifter and John Travolta as a Marshal in a small border town. It's worth a look.
Mean Johnny Barrows- Fred Williamson produced, directed and starred in this 1976 two- fisted action movie. It's a great example of independent film making. He managed to get Roddy McDowell because they had the same agent. He got Stuart Whitman, R.G. Armstrong because they were friends and he got Elliott Gould because they met on M*A*S*H and he used to play football with Mike Henry. It can be all about who you know. The assassin in the movie is his martial arts instructor who was also his fight choreographer. You just have to take their showdown with a grain of salt. Check it out if you're a fan.
My Favorite Year- I will unabashedly recommend this movie to anybody who likes comedy. It stars the great Peter O'Toole as a matinee idol who is due to appear on a t.v. show where Mark Linn-Baker is the junior writer. Because of his reputation as a drunkard and womanizer, O'Toole is put under the care of Linn-Baker to make sure he gets to the show on time. This was a first time directing effort from Richard Benjamin as well as Linn-Bakers first film role. See this now!
Operation Petticoat- Blake Edwards directs Carey Grant and Tony Curtis, hilarity ensues. Make time for this if you haven't seen it in a while.
The Professionals- Before The Expendables there were The Professionals. Mexican bandit Jack Palance took Claudia Cardinale from railroad baron Ralph Belamy. To get her back, he's hired Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan and Woody Strode. There's only one man tough enough to lead this bunch on a mission like this-Lee Marvin. If you liked The Wild Bunch then you'll love The Professionals. See it today!
Pumping Iron- After reading Schwarzenegger's autobiography, I decided to go back and revisit this docu-drama after hearing about all the behind the scenes goings on. I've always enjoyed it and knowing what I know now makes me enjoy it a little more. Check it out after you read the book and you'll see what I mean.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story- I am first generation Star Wars fan. The very first movie came out when I was in third grade and, of course, I went ape-shit crazy over it. The next two came out and I was there multiple times. In 1998, when the Special Editions came out, I was curious but optimistic that those movies could be improved. A New Hope got bogged down with new footage. The Empire Strikes Back did actually get improved with the picture enhancements, so I can't say it was a total waste. Return Of The Jedi was altered in an attempt to set up the next three movies, which should have tipped me off to the rocky road that lie ahead. The following year, I saw Episode I and my inner third grader felt betrayed and let down. I sat through the next two movies more out of a sense of obligation to complete the story than anything else. At the end of Episode III I felt like I had just completed a journey when I should have felt like running home and watching Episode IV to see what happens next. My lightsaber had long been hung up and collecting dust by the time Episode VII came out. I had no desire to see it at all. The only reason I finally did see it was because my mom suggested it. I don't get a chance to see movies with mom much and the fact that we saw the very first one together seemed kind of fitting. It was what it was but the best part was when we looked at each other after it was over and said we never have to do this again.
That was the mentality I had when I heard about Rogue One being made. Now that the mouse is in charge, I realize that we're going to have a new Star Wars movie every other year until the end of days. Just like The Fast And Furious and Star Trek movies.
I was on the phone with my friend and business partner catching up on things since the holiday break and he kept going on about Rogue One. He's one of the last hold outs I know that still likes these movies. I told him my views and said I had no interest in the movie. He told me something that I will tell you, in case you're still on the fence. He said that this was the movie you wished Episode III would have been, this is the one we deserved. Knowing this would come up in future conversations and being a little intrigued, I finally broke down and saw a matinee. I'm glad I did. He was right, it's what I wished Episode III would have been. I actually felt like going home and watching Episode IV to see what happens next. I'm still done with the franchise and I have no desire to see any further installments but this was the movie that finally made my inner third grader happy. I'm recommending it if you're interested.
Sing Street- I've enjoyed John Carney's other films, Once and Begin Again, but this feels like the one he's been building up to. Set in Ireland in the mid 1980's, it tells the story of a high schooler who meets a girl and invites her to be in his band's music video. She agrees and he's walking on air that he's going to get to hang out with this object of affection. Now all he has to do is form a band and write a song so they can make a video. No problem, right? Maybe it's because I went to high school in the '80's or have contemplated doing foolish things like that, but I enjoyed the hell out of this movie and definitely recommend it.
Story Of A Three Day Pass- Written and directed by Melvin Van Peebles (I told you I'd talk about him again) and based off a book he wrote, this tells the story of a young Black soldier serving overseas and on the verge of a promotion. As a reward, his C.O. gives him a three day pass and he goes into town and has a series of adventures and meets a woman. It's reminiscent of the French New Wave films that were coming out in the early to mid 1960's, although that was not it's intent. Van Peebles was just telling a story that he wanted to see and wanted to make a movie. Check it out!
Wrong Is Right- A political satire in the vein of Dr. Strangelove: or how I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb and Wag The Dog. Written and directed by Richard Brooks (see also The Professionals) and starring Sean Connery along with an all-star cast, this tells the story of a broadcast journalist who gets caught up in a story about a government cover up concerning two missing suitcase nukes. It's worth a look.
Finally, for all of my t.v. watching friends out there, I recently rediscovered a couple of nuggets from days gone by-
All In The Family- I started season 1 last month and I think I forgot to tell you about it. Any way, the writing in the first season is incredible. The second season feels like the writers were reading a few notes from the network but still trying to make a quality show. The third season was where Norman Lear left to focus on the spin-off, Maude, and the production value was a little lacking, not bad, just not where it was. Season 4 saw the show still in it's stride, still dealing with the issues of the day but Archie Bunker just seems to be the butt of every joke. It's a little disappointing after being so cutting edge in the first season to now just being a buffoon. The seasons are short and the laughs are plentiful and solid so it's hard to criticize too harshly. If you get the chance, check it out.
Good Night And Good Luck: The Edward R. Murrow Television Collection- Broken up into four parts and hosted by Charles Kuralt, Mike Wallace, Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. One disc deals with just his biography, another is the best of See It Now, one of the original news magazine programs, another is about his struggle against Sen. McCarthy and the final one is his broadcast of Harvest Of Shame about the migrant workers in the south. If you're a fan of journalism or just Murrow, check this out, it's amazing.
Well, I thing that's about it for this month. I just got a notice about a rent increase slipped under my door yesterday so the next time you hear from me it may be from a new address. I keep having to remind myself that I have other obligations and can't just sell everything and roam the country like Jack Reacher or Christopher McCandless. Not until after November at least and maybe not even then. The search for decent housing begins. See you next month.
