The Tommyknocker's by Stephen King

The Tommyknockers, by Stephen King, was released in 1987 and is a thick tome that keeps you enthralled throughout the whole novel.  It follows Bobbi, a western genre novel writer, who trips upon a metallic object in the woods that she inherited.  As Bobbi uncovers more of this mysterious object, the reader is directed to meet Gard, Bobbi's alcoholic former lover and poet.  Gard travels a long and dark road to help Bobbi and they start to discover the truth about what was hidden in the ground.  Sinister things start to occur as more is revealed and changes take place to the little town of Haven where Bobbi lives.

Stephen King is the master of character development; he draws the reader into his stories whether they like it or not.  His characters are fully formed in this book, but I have to admit that I wasn't all that empathetic with them.  I feel like I should have cared about them more in this book and I would have enjoyed the book more for it.  As it was, I was rooting for the good guy in the end, but didn't really care what happened to most of the characters.  Given that statement, I think that an emotional separation from these characters was fitting for this book.  In essence, I, as the reader, was mirroring Gard's relationship with Bobbi by the end of the book.  An emotional detachment from a person he's attempting to help.  The Tommyknockers is about evolution and regression at the same time and maybe the reader shouldn't be empathetic to a character that becomes something new.

The Tommyknockers is a product of its time with a heavy hand on the topic of nuclear power and what Gard refers to as the "dallas police".  I liked this book, but I won't read it 10 times like It.

84 Charing Cross Road (1987)

84 Charing Cross Road is based on a play/book written by Helen Hanff about her correspondence with Frank Doel, chief buyer of Marks & Co, antiquarian booksellers which was located at 84 Charing Cross Road.  Helen write to Marks & co. to purchase old, classical books that she was unable to purchase in New York and maintained this contact with Frank and other members of the book selling staff.  This correspondence evolved into friendship as she exchanged gifts and real discussions about a variety of topics.

I enjoyed this quiet and unassuming movie.  However, it was hard for me to stop comparing it to The Shadowlands as both star Anthony Hopkins as a quiet English man who enjoys literature.  This comparison did tinge my views of the film.

Anne Bancroft stars as Helen and Hopkins stars as Frank.  The movie plays with perceptions of American versus English interactions and stereotypes.  Frank is a reserved man to Helen's very vocal woman, but the viewer sees a real connection made.  Hopkins excels at subtle acting and it's amazing to see how he can make such a quiet character so empathetic to the viewer.

This film is not groundbreaking, but enjoyable in a subdued and thoughtful manner.

Sex and the Single Girl (1964)

Sex and the Single Girl is a fictionalized version of the novel with the same name and follows the the author, Helen Gurley Brown played by Natalie Wood, after she has published the novel and is enticed by a tabloid magazine executive, played by Tony Curtis.

This is a typical 1960's movie that attempts to shock you with sex and craziness.  I was mildly amused by the plot until about halfway through and then I was just bored.  A long and drawn out car chase occurs near the end of the movie and it turned the movie into pure silly dribble.  I enjoyed looking at a few of the sets, decor, and wardrobe as there were some inspiring pieces, but I don't think it's worth watching the movie just to see that.

I watched this movie on TCM and Ben Mankiewicz's introduction to the movie was funnier and more entertaining than the movie itself.

Ponyo (2008)

This 2008 movie by Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle) was directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki and is loosely based on The Little Mermaid.  The story follows a little fish-girl, Ponyo, that runs away from her father and wants to turn into a human and be with a little 5-year old boy, Sōsuke, that she meets.  The story ensues as Ponyo attempts to become human and threatens the environmental balance of the world.

I had high expectations for this movie as I fell in love with Spirited Away and Miyazaki did not disappoint me.  I have never seen 2d animation that can compare to the quality in Miyazaki's movies.  Ponyo takes it to a completely new level with the style and scope of animation.  The detail of the water, colors, and fish is artistic and majestic to say the least.  Animation aside, the story and plot of this movie keep you enthralled and excited to see waht happens next.  I think it's a good recommendation for an animated movie that draws you into the the plot and characters so much that you forget it's animated.  Ponyo and he friend seem so alive that it was easy to become immersed in the story.

The only portion to disappoint me in this movie was the last song during the ending credits.  I thought the music throughout the story was lilting and pretty like what I was watching and then this last "theme" song comes on at the end of the credits like a childish and obnoxious TV show.

That being said, I loved this movie and highly suggest you see it.

Plethura of Movie Reviews

Year One

Jack Black and Michael Cera are somehow prehistoric men that get kicked out of their tribe and are forced to make there way into the world.  Time moves quickly in this story as they meet Cain and Abel and end up in Sodom.
I found this movie to be mildly amusing.  Do not expect the plot to blow you away with it's intelligence; it's more of a plot that lets the jokes lead the story along.  Think the Bible meet Jack Black.


District 9

Aliens are forced to live in a ghetto in South Africa, but are about to be moved to even more cramped conditions by a government agency.
This movie was nothing like I expected.  It was a sci-fi documentary style with plenty of action.  It really treated the aliens like thinking beings and kept me wanting more movie when it was done.  I thought it was a great ensemble of action, sci-fi, and drama that we don't normally see in alien movies.


The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard

A group of traveling car salesman are hired by a car dealership to turn the business around.  The group is led by Don Ready (Jeremy Piven) as he deals with his crazy lifestyle and past.
A friend of mine called this movie the worst movie he has ever laughed at.  Most of the characters say crazy things that make no sense to the plot, but they are so funny that you don't care.  It has been a long time since I have seen a plot this bad and ridiculous, but I have to recommend that you see this late at night with a couple of beer, just so you can laugh your butt off.


Julie and Julia

The movie follows two women:
Julie isn't happy with her career and she starts to blog about cooking every recipe from Julia Child's cookbook.
Julia Child is in Paris with her husband, bored, and decides to learn how to cook french food at Le Cordon Bleu.
A cute movie that does an excellent job with the Julia Child sequences.  I think it would have been a better movie to limit the Julie sequences, however.  Meryl Streep is completely convincing as Julia Child, but I found Amy Adams to be a little boring as Julie.

Paranormal Activity

 I really enjoyed this movie.  It has a great "realism" to it and does really well maintaining the suspense with subtle plot twists.  The action takes place on a single camera that is alternately hand held or placed on a tripod/furniture. 

The handheld movement did get to my husband after a while and I caught him closing his eyes to ward off the quesiness.  I was closing my eyes from fright and grabbing his arm the whole time.  It's a  great production that looks completely real, keeps it simply, and stays with you for a few days.  Sleep with the lights on!

I'll be posting to this blog in a regular basis with short reviews and comments about new-ish movies.  Feel free to comment and make suggestions.

Superbad- Worth Every Penny

This will be a brief and to-the-point review of "Superbad" as it was too awesome for words. It's not a family film and the language is very graphic and dead on for high school boys. In spite of the cringing points in the movie where you are too embarrassed for the actors to even look at the screen, I could not stop laughing. Most of the movie was eerily dead on to high school life and relationships. I can't help comparing this movie to the superficial and tasteless "American Pie" as "Superbad" got everything right and "Pie" didn't get anything right.

I left the theater feeling as if I got something worthwhile out of the movie and I can't stop laughing at some of the crazy lines. Boop Boop.

Eragon- Theatrically Crap-tastic

As you all know, I am an avid reader. I particularly enjoy Science Fiction and Fantasy books, although I take my dragons and unicorns in moderation. I did read "Eragon" a fictional Fantasy book by 15 year old Christopher Paolini. Enjoyed the book immensely and would recommend this work to any interested in that sort of thing.
The movie fell way below my expectations. I left the theatre and ranted at Nathan or a half an hour because of the swill I had just seen. With actors of such caliber as John Malchovich and Jeremy Irons I expected performances and character interaction that would do the book credit. I was disappointed as I watched relationships that showed no warmth, understanding, or meaning. The great care taken in the book to make each character real and pop from the pages was missing from the movie. Whole scenes were drastically changed detrimentally and three-quarters of the book (vital portions that furthered understanding and significance) where left out completely. Imagine viewing the "Star Wars" pre-logy without the "Luke, I am your Father" scene and you will begin to understand my thoughts about this movie. I recommend that you don't see this movie for entertainment or any purpose and all copies should probably be taken out onto the street and shot like dogs.

Akeelah and the Bee

If you like Spelling Bees, you will like this movie. Although "Akeelah and the Bee" is a little cheesy, it stays just enough unpredictable to keep you interested and rooting for Akeelah. I watched this film on a 15 hour car ride home from Florida and I did thoroughly enjoy the viewing experience. I have to admit that some of the scenes were moving and I may have teared up a little. Emotional confessions aside, it is a film worthy of all the critics praise this year and those kids can spell.

The Upside of Anger

"The Upside of Anger" showcases Kevin Costner in yet another baseball role, but this time he is a retired baseball player that likes the drink a little too much. I loved this movie. It came out a while ago and I remember that it got very little marketing, but this is a great film. It is about a family's struggles after their husband/father leaves them. Joan Allen plays the wife/mother who, having once been a very happy person, is now VERY angry. The movie focuses on her interactions with her four beautiful daughters and their family friend. This movie mad me laugh, sad, and happy all rolled into one and I love that! It's a very realistic portrayal of life without the hideously dark and artistic portrayal that I get so sick of.

The Pursuit of Happyness

"The Pursuit of Happyness" is a decent film with an excellent cast. I did enjoy the film, but felt that it was a little long at a run time of 117 min. The story was touching, but it was really predictable. Without a doubt, the acting was superb and believable with Will Smith playing a man struggling to create a real life for his son. Ever since I saw "Six Degrees of Separation" I knew that Will Smith was an incredible actor and this piece is another example of his ability. While I did enjoy this movie, I will have to recommend it for DVD rental. There's really no need to see it in the theater and I may have liked it more if I had been in the comfort of my own home.

Stranger than Fiction

"Stranger than Fiction" is a funny film following a boring and regimented man who works for the IRS. As he performs his daily menial tasks he begins hearing narration of his own life. The film progresses as he attempts to determine who is doing the narration and begins to examine his own life at the same time. Working as an IRS auditor has few perks and some funny scenes ensue as he attempts to perform a job that he begins to realize has very little appeal to him. Will Ferrell's interactions with his fellow castmates is right on and all of the performances are believable and revealing. It's amazing to see the correlation between film and writing and the depth of study into literature and writers is excellent. This film shows an appealing humanity and smart humor that everyone will enjoy.

Casino Royale

I have to admit that I have seen every James Bond movie. I used to watch the marathons on TBS during summer vacation when I was in elementary school. (Marathons also watched include...Elvis musicals and Frankie Avalon beach movies.) Casino Royale has changed the texture of the Bond genre. Gone are the tired cliches of the classic James bond movies, we now get to see a little bit into the mind of James Bond (He has a mind?) and begin to understand his motivations. I have to applaud the film makers in picking this particular book as a platform for the new James Bond, Daniel Craig, it allows Bond to start over in film and in person.

I have read the book, and while the film is different, I didn't like it any less. Daniel Craig brings a realness to James Bond that hasn't been seen for a long time. It was great to see all of the cheesiness removed and a physically fit and young guy play the lead! I highly recommend this film to all Bond and non-Bond fans.

Marty (1955)

Marty is a refreshingly real movie about a middle aged bachelor-butcher, Ernest Borgnine, who has gone through life being mistreated by indifferent women. He lives with a mother who has married off the rest of her offspring and harasses the low self-esteemed Marty about his single status. "Marty" follows the bachelor life of this butcher as he tries to make everyone else around him happy until he meets a "dog" of a woman that is his female equivalent."Marty" reminded me of the current wave of independent films that follow realistic characters around in there depressing lives. Except, this film is truer to life in that it has real ups and downs. Life isn't really as those independent films portray with no hope and full of malignant people and depressing circumstances. Many people lead happy lives with hardships and trials similar to Marty; there is hope and happiness out there amidst the hard times.

The Benchwarmers- The worst movie I have seen this year

I had low expectations for "The Benchwarmers" and was not surprised when those expectations were met. I knew that I wasn't going to be watching a movie with much of a plot, but this movie had a plot that made absolutely no sense and seemed to be very forced.
I absolutely loved Rob Schneider in other Adam Sandler movies because he was superb at playing the completely whacking, and yet wholly realized, friend of the protagonist. In "The Benchwarmers" he plays the protagonist, a normal guy with very little depth, and it felt like he was acting as if he was normal when his wild side really wanted to come out. Rob, let that dirty Hawaiian out. The acting in this movie was horrible by every actor and the past roles of these actors in no way redeem them from their stunted performances in this movie. Jen Heder, David Spade, and Jon Lovitz all play caricatures of themselves. Each line had a forced delivery and the dialogue had no natural rhythm.
Do not go see this movie for the few laughs it had, it's not worth the agony of sitting through the whole movie.

Talladega Nights

"Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" exceeded my expectations by having some really funny moments and enough of a plot to keep me interested. The story follows Ricky Bobby as he becomes the best race car driver only to come up against a new (better) driver and then goes through a series of problems trying to beat this French nemesis on the track. The cast for this movie was excellent and Will Ferrell gave an excellent performance playing a man with two first names. I could not stop laughing when he started running around the track with only his underwear on.
As a side note, Nathan and I watched this movie in a teenager filled theater with kids that have no understanding of anything that has occurred before they were born. A few jokes in this movie revolved around “Highlander” movie and not only 3 people in the theater laughed: Nathan, me, and some other old dude. The girl next to me asked, “What’s the highlander?” It saddens me that none of these kiddies have seen that classic Sean Connery film complete with swords and guys with kilts.
I do not think I would see this movie again, however, because I could do without the racing sequences as that's not really my cup of tea. Go see this movie if you like to laugh at Will Ferrell in his underwear.

The Family Stone

I resisted seeing "The Family Stone" for a long time even though it received good reviews from professional critics and friends had told me that they liked it. Well, I finally rented and watched it. I was prepared to be really annoyed by some of the actors and actresses, but they all surprised me by playing their roles so well that I was drawn into the movie and watched the characters and not the actors.
It was a lot more thought provoking and fresh than the ads ever insinuated. While some of the plot lines where predictable, the humor and portrayal was new enough to make it a really good movie. It was a great mix of humor, drama, and romance and I highly recommend this to males and females alike.
PS: Luke Wilson was hilarious.

The Lake House

I was tempted to walk out of the movie theater after watching Keanu Reeves "act" after the first few minutes of this movie. I even whispered that it seemed as if he was a high school student performing in his first play.
Keanu plays an architect and, in the beginning of the movie, is busy walking around a job site telling the contractor which part of the foundation to pour next and how to shuffle workers around to get the job moving faster. Right, like an architect on condominium projects has that much control over the construction process. I couldn't believe how incongruent the writer's and director's view of architecture was with reality. It only takes about 5 minutes to research how architects really work and all you have to do is, at the very least, step into an architect’s office. There were lots of drafting boards shown, but no computers in the offices shown.
Hollywood's take on architectural theory made me want to vomit. The movie would have been a lot better without the pretentious and incorrect architectural sub-plot. This movie couldn't make up its mind as to whether it wanted to be a chick-flick or a deep-meaning melo-drama.

Cell: A Novel

I was not sure if I wanted to read Stephen King's latest novel, "Cell", because, let's face it, I judged a book by its cover. I saw the bloody cell phone and assumed that this book was about some stalker with a cell phone. I don't know why I jumped to that conclusion, but the whole cover really turned me off of reading the novel. I managed to pick up the book after ready a tiny article stating that it was more of an apocalyptic scenario and I love those!
I liked this book, but I did not love it. I found the characters to be surprisingly 2-dimensional. One thing I love about Stephen King’s writing is the depth of his characters and how you feel as if you really know everything about every insignificant person. I love that omniscient viewpoint, but it's missing from this novel. The characters remain characters and never become real.
I did enjoy the plot of this novel as it was inventive and managed to keep me entertained even if this was a caricature of a Stephen King novel. I miss the old Stephen King.

Aeron Chair- A La Mode

“Combining distinctive looks with pioneering ergonomics, Aeron performs like no other chair. It adapts naturally and adjusts precisely to fit people of all sizes and postures doing all kinds of activities, all day long. The imaginative design of both the work and side chairs gives superior comfort, body support, and style that are widely copied but never matched.”
-Herman Miller Website


I find it interesting that this “ergonomically perfect” chair has very traditional looking cushion on it. This chair was given to our division manager by a local furniture representative and has, obviously, not met his needs. Subsequently, this jarringly different cushion was placed on a very contemporary chair.

I gave this marriage of chair and cushion two Leos, because I have to laugh every time I walk by it. Don’t get me wrong, I doubt the chair is performing incorrectly; it probably needs to be adjusted to fit my division manager, but why bother when you can use a cushion that doesn’t remotely blend with its aesthetics?