Movie Review: The Fighter

The Fighter: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, & Mickey O'Keefe

The Fighter, is a drama about boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime.

The movie was very dramatic and kept moving throughout.  You get pulled into the lives of the people.  Even though you may not be able to relate to them (and at times I think I could), you still feel like you can see the situation.  Excellent acting and role play by all of the main actors.  Definitely oscar worthy roles.  I would recommend it be seen, although it doesn't need to be seen on the big screen to follow everything, it is worth the price.  Be prepared for reference to drugs, drug use, and language.

Movie Review: The Lucky Ones

The Lucky Ones: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Michael Pena, & Tim Robbins.

The story revolves around three soldiers -- Colee, TK and Cheever -- who return from the Iraq War after suffering injuries and learn that life has moved on without them. They end up on an unexpected road trip across the U.S., with Colee on a mission to bring her boyfriend's guitar back to his family because he saved her life, TK seeking confidence to face his wife after a shrapnel injury that threatens his sexual function and middle-aged Cheever planning to hit the casinos in a desperate effort to pay for his son's college tuition

The movie was mostly dramatic, with hints of comedy and warmth.  The acting is well done by all of the main stars.  It was a bit slow in parts and seemed to focus on a dramatic storyline, but was enjoyable and is recommended for rental.  It has strong language and some adult situations.

2010 Elections

The 2010 elections brought about a lot of change.  Not surprisingly, the pendulum has swung to the right.  Even in Washington State, it has moved slightly more conservative.

Elections - picks and results:
WA Senator: Patty Murray vs. Dino Rossi.  Choice: Patty Murray / Winner: Patty Murray (52%)
Congress: Dave Reichart vs. Suzanne Del Bene.  Choice: Dave Reichart / Winner: Dave Reichart (52%)
WA State - District 41:
Senate: Randy Gordon vs. Steve Litzow. Choice: Steve Litzow / Winner: Steve Litzow (50%)
Congress: Marcie Maxwell vs. Peter Dunbar.  Choice: Marcie Maxwell / Winner: Marcie Maxwell (54%)
Congress: Judy Clibborn vs. Stephen Strader.  Choice: Judy Clibborn / Winner: Judy Clibborn (60%)

Movie Review: Unstoppable

Unstoppable: 4 out of 5 stars.  
Starring: Denzel Washington, Christ Pine, Rosario Dawson
Unstoppable is a drama about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. Pits an engineer and his conductor in a race against time. They're chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town

Although the plot isn't great, the story moves along. Like any good action flick, it keeps moving and that keeps you involved. Its adds enough drama to the action that it becomes believable. Luckily, the main actors are good and they help carry the movie.  It is worth the $10 to see it on the big screen.

Movie Review: Little Fockers

Little Fockers: 1 1/2 Stars out of 5
Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand, Blythe Danner, Terri Polo, Owen Wilson.  
It has taken 10 years, two little Fockers with wife Pam (Polo) and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get "in" with his tightly wound father-in-law, Jack. After the cash-strapped dad takes a job moonlighting for a drug company, however, Jack's suspicions about his favorite male nurse come roaring back. When Greg and Pam's entire clan-including Pam's lovelorn ex, Kevin (Owen Wilson)-descends for the twins' birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack that he's fully capable as the man of the house. But with all the misunderstandings, spying and covert missions, will Greg pass Jack's final test and become the family's next patriarch...or will the circle of trust be broken for good?

I went with Veronica Roberts to go see this at Jordan Landing. If it wouldn't have been for the great company and the fact that you can eat in the theater, I would have given this a worse rating.

The first movie, Meet the Parents, was great (4 out of 5 stars).  It was awkward, funny, and quirky and everything played well, together.  The second movie, Meet the Fockers, was very similar but it included new people (Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman).  That made it worthy of 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.  The jokes were mostly recycled and there was very little new.

Little Fockers, the third in the series, brought no new material.  In fact, it played on the same old biases and jokes from the first two movies.  After two times, they just aren't very funny any more.  It also brought a more crude aspect into the scene.  In short, it isn't worth $10, or $5, or $2.

Save your money and see something new.  

2011 .. The best year ever! (so far) ...

Happy New Year! 2010 was a great year and I am sad to see it go. But, I am eagerly ready for 2011. I don't know what it holds, but I know that it will be good. The reason why I know is because I'll make it great. I have decided that I will be better and do a good job with my priorities and goals. I'll smile more often and I'll focus on doing more things for others.


That is the small stuff. The big stuff will be more focused, too. Spend more time on myself. Work out more and eat better. Save and invest more money. Spend more time with family and friends.


And ... Here is for 2011!!!