Greetings,
If you've come for a Top Ten Law and Order episode list, good for you. However, I've made some changes. I originally made this list at the end of 2010, right when the show ended and before I got my massive complete series DVD collection. So, in lieu of a Top Ten, I've done a Top One Hundred. Yes, you can do that with a show that lasted twenty years. If you have read THIS list before, first, thank you for returning, and second, I've made changes to my Top Ten episodes. That can happen when, the first time, you're throwing a list together quickly, trying to narrow it down to only and still also being slightly distraught over the cancellation. However, those episodes did still make the Top One Hundred. So, thanks again, for visiting, and now go ahead and search for more Law and Order goodness.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
For Dennis
Greetings,
Two things make me sad today. First, it's the anniversary of the death of Dennis Wilson. Second, I'm sure there are many people who do not even know who Dennis Wilson is. The easy answer is to say that he was the drummer for the Beach Boys, which is no small thing, but he was so much more than that.
When people think of the Beach Boys, hopefully, the first thing they think of is the wonderful music they created. Then, of course, they remember the problems that Brian Wilson encountered while trying to keep up with the label of genius with which everyone branded him. I sympathize. He was a genius and it must have been difficult to not disappoint everyone by falling short of that title.
But imagine being a genius and not having anyone know. Well, I think that was what happened with Dennis.
Don't get me wrong. I'm certain that his family and those closest to him knew exactly the amazing things of which he was more than capable. It was the public at large that I don't think ever realized what a gift he truly was and still is. All one has to do is listen to his masterpiece album Pacific Ocean Blue to know what we lost.
That album is full of proof positive that Dennis was as blessed, if not more so, than anyone we label as a legend. Each song, each note, each word is drenched with everything that made him what he was, and he was no doubt extremely proud of this piece of art. Anyone who considers themselves an admirer should be proud of him as well. And anyone who listens to this and feels nothing must have only the coldest parts of that Pacific Ocean coursing through their veins.
Without a doubt, Dennis Wilson is one of the most underrated artists of all time. It's fine to remember and honor him today, but I choose to do so each time I get lost in the beautiful music he gave us. It was as much of a treasure as he will always be.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Two things make me sad today. First, it's the anniversary of the death of Dennis Wilson. Second, I'm sure there are many people who do not even know who Dennis Wilson is. The easy answer is to say that he was the drummer for the Beach Boys, which is no small thing, but he was so much more than that.
When people think of the Beach Boys, hopefully, the first thing they think of is the wonderful music they created. Then, of course, they remember the problems that Brian Wilson encountered while trying to keep up with the label of genius with which everyone branded him. I sympathize. He was a genius and it must have been difficult to not disappoint everyone by falling short of that title.
But imagine being a genius and not having anyone know. Well, I think that was what happened with Dennis.
Don't get me wrong. I'm certain that his family and those closest to him knew exactly the amazing things of which he was more than capable. It was the public at large that I don't think ever realized what a gift he truly was and still is. All one has to do is listen to his masterpiece album Pacific Ocean Blue to know what we lost.
That album is full of proof positive that Dennis was as blessed, if not more so, than anyone we label as a legend. Each song, each note, each word is drenched with everything that made him what he was, and he was no doubt extremely proud of this piece of art. Anyone who considers themselves an admirer should be proud of him as well. And anyone who listens to this and feels nothing must have only the coldest parts of that Pacific Ocean coursing through their veins.
Without a doubt, Dennis Wilson is one of the most underrated artists of all time. It's fine to remember and honor him today, but I choose to do so each time I get lost in the beautiful music he gave us. It was as much of a treasure as he will always be.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
For John
Greetings,
Anyone who has been taught well in their lives knows exactly why today is significant. Thirty years ago today John Lennon died. I could say we lost him, but that would be impossible. He made sure we never would lose him.
Now I could do what everyone else will do today and go on and on about how wonderful he was. I guess he was, as an artist. I could say how he was my hero and how his music saved my life. Unfortunately, that's not really true. Besides, he would absolutely hate that!
Anyone who knows anything about John Lennon knows that he wasn't afraid to mess with people, even his fans. And had you gushed over him to his face, if given such a great chance, he would have made you feel like you were insane for thinking such things. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure he appreciated everyone who loved his music, but I don't think he wanted to be anyone's hero or anyone's savior. That's one of the many reasons why I never nailed him to any cross like a lot of people have done; because he didn't want to be there. He can be a cultural icon, even a genius, but the guy was no saint.
I've always wondered, if I had been given the opportunity to meet him, would he have liked me? Call me arrogant, but I think he would have. Why? Probably, because I wouldn't be afraid to call him a jerk to his face. Sure, I would have told him that I really liked his music and I hoped he would never stop making it, but I would also have told him that sometimes he could be a screw-up, and he's got to watch that. He might have been shocked that someone would have the guts to do that, but I think he would have appreciated that truth more than anything. And, of course,I would have thrown in the fact that, when he tried hard enough, he could probably be a decent gentleman.
All I'm saying is this: he was not perfect. People want to act like he was, which proves that they are merely fans, not admirers or students or true followers. He knew he wasn't perfect, and I think it hurt him when people thought he was. If we could love him while knowing about his flaws instead of denying them, that would be what he wanted.
The truth is, John Lennon was, in fact, the one who pushed me to realize what my true calling in life is, and he has continued to inspire me for many years. And even though I never knew him, I still miss him. So, it is accurate to say that God will use anything or anyone to help us find our path. Mysterious ways, indeed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Anyone who has been taught well in their lives knows exactly why today is significant. Thirty years ago today John Lennon died. I could say we lost him, but that would be impossible. He made sure we never would lose him.
Now I could do what everyone else will do today and go on and on about how wonderful he was. I guess he was, as an artist. I could say how he was my hero and how his music saved my life. Unfortunately, that's not really true. Besides, he would absolutely hate that!
Anyone who knows anything about John Lennon knows that he wasn't afraid to mess with people, even his fans. And had you gushed over him to his face, if given such a great chance, he would have made you feel like you were insane for thinking such things. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure he appreciated everyone who loved his music, but I don't think he wanted to be anyone's hero or anyone's savior. That's one of the many reasons why I never nailed him to any cross like a lot of people have done; because he didn't want to be there. He can be a cultural icon, even a genius, but the guy was no saint.
I've always wondered, if I had been given the opportunity to meet him, would he have liked me? Call me arrogant, but I think he would have. Why? Probably, because I wouldn't be afraid to call him a jerk to his face. Sure, I would have told him that I really liked his music and I hoped he would never stop making it, but I would also have told him that sometimes he could be a screw-up, and he's got to watch that. He might have been shocked that someone would have the guts to do that, but I think he would have appreciated that truth more than anything. And, of course,I would have thrown in the fact that, when he tried hard enough, he could probably be a decent gentleman.
All I'm saying is this: he was not perfect. People want to act like he was, which proves that they are merely fans, not admirers or students or true followers. He knew he wasn't perfect, and I think it hurt him when people thought he was. If we could love him while knowing about his flaws instead of denying them, that would be what he wanted.
The truth is, John Lennon was, in fact, the one who pushed me to realize what my true calling in life is, and he has continued to inspire me for many years. And even though I never knew him, I still miss him. So, it is accurate to say that God will use anything or anyone to help us find our path. Mysterious ways, indeed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Bridges of Madison County - Movie Review
Greetings,
Isn't it amazing how people can make something so good and so . . . not so good all at the same time? I thought of this the other night as I watched The Bridges of Madison County.
First off, let me give you some important information about myself. I love Clint Eastwood. I mean, I loooove, like I love him more than anyone my age should. He's an incredible movie maker, storyteller, story finder, but I don't really have to tell anyone these things, do I? I'm sure enough people know how great he is since he has had a career that has spanned, oh, I don't know, a thousand years or so.
However, in all those years, one can never be on a mountaintop with everything they attempt to do. The valleys must be visited. This particular movie, I feel, is a combination of both.
As far as flat-out movie making skills go, this is a brilliant piece of work. Great acting and directing from the Clint and Meryl Streep. Here, she reminds us why she has been dubbed the queen of all accents. Or do only I call her that? There is so much attention paid to detail, and it was beautifully shot. So, technically, great movie. Now, let's move on to the subject matter.
This has always been considered a great, romantic love story. I could agree with that if not for one little glitch. ADULTERY IS ALWAYS BAD!!! I mean, God put it in the top ten! It's bad. While I can never excuse such behavior, I could understand why a woman may fall into such an act. If, let's say, her husband is a drunk who beats her and the kids and runs around with the pros, if you know what I mean, I could sympathize . . . a little. Still, not excusing it, though. That's not the case in this movie. Her husband is not a bad guy at all. His only crime is not being as awesome as Clint Eastwood. Or as hot. Yeah, I said it. Clint Eastwood was 65 or something when he made this movie and he was still hot. So . . . take that. And if being inadequate in these areas compared to him is a crime for any man, well, does the phrase "not enough prisons on the planet" mean anything!
And let's discuss the most unbelievable aspect of the whole "Bridges" phenomenon. As you may know, this was first a book, written by a man. That's not the unbelievable part, by the way. It was a book embraced by many, many women, I think, mostly, middle-aged housewives. They seemed to be swept away by the story of a (duh!) middle-aged housewife being romanced by a handsome stranger, giving her a break from her ho-hum life. Gotcha! But, hey, here's an idea. Let's switch it up a bit.
Let's have it be a husband who stays home alone while the wife and two kids go off to the cow show, or whatever it was. Then, who should come up the driveway in a pick-up truck, but some Angelina looking broad (type-casting) with a camera asking for directions to a bridge. And then, oops!, they trip and fall into bed. Holy double standard, Batman! I have a feeling that quite a few housewives in this country would want to beat the crap out of that "hussy". Maybe even the sames ones who loved this book and movie so much.
Finally, let me bring up the most disturbing aspect of this film. What kind of mother leaves journals filled with the torrid details of her affair to her children?! Grown children, but still. No one wants to think about their parents having sex. Not with each other, nor with some stranger. I would have been like, "Thanks for the secret recipe to your award-winning apple fritters, Mom, but I could have done without your illicit, romance novel diaries!" It proves, yet again, that parents need to be parents to their children, not friends.
Wow. This turned out to be less of a review and more of an indictment of what I and a few others consider bad behavior. My apologies.
Anyway, remember, the best love stories are also the purest. In my opinion. But, hey, the cinematography was great. I know I may have gone a bit off topic here, but I just couldn't help myself. When it comes to movies, sometimes subject matter . . . matters, okay? However, if I am speaking strictly about the skill of film making, this movie is very well done. And if you want to learn how to be a skilled film maker, I say watch it. Actually, watch all of Clint Eastwood's movies should that be your life's goal. And I hope this last statement of acclamation leads to him one day forgiving me for this review.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Isn't it amazing how people can make something so good and so . . . not so good all at the same time? I thought of this the other night as I watched The Bridges of Madison County.
First off, let me give you some important information about myself. I love Clint Eastwood. I mean, I loooove, like I love him more than anyone my age should. He's an incredible movie maker, storyteller, story finder, but I don't really have to tell anyone these things, do I? I'm sure enough people know how great he is since he has had a career that has spanned, oh, I don't know, a thousand years or so.
However, in all those years, one can never be on a mountaintop with everything they attempt to do. The valleys must be visited. This particular movie, I feel, is a combination of both.
As far as flat-out movie making skills go, this is a brilliant piece of work. Great acting and directing from the Clint and Meryl Streep. Here, she reminds us why she has been dubbed the queen of all accents. Or do only I call her that? There is so much attention paid to detail, and it was beautifully shot. So, technically, great movie. Now, let's move on to the subject matter.
This has always been considered a great, romantic love story. I could agree with that if not for one little glitch. ADULTERY IS ALWAYS BAD!!! I mean, God put it in the top ten! It's bad. While I can never excuse such behavior, I could understand why a woman may fall into such an act. If, let's say, her husband is a drunk who beats her and the kids and runs around with the pros, if you know what I mean, I could sympathize . . . a little. Still, not excusing it, though. That's not the case in this movie. Her husband is not a bad guy at all. His only crime is not being as awesome as Clint Eastwood. Or as hot. Yeah, I said it. Clint Eastwood was 65 or something when he made this movie and he was still hot. So . . . take that. And if being inadequate in these areas compared to him is a crime for any man, well, does the phrase "not enough prisons on the planet" mean anything!
And let's discuss the most unbelievable aspect of the whole "Bridges" phenomenon. As you may know, this was first a book, written by a man. That's not the unbelievable part, by the way. It was a book embraced by many, many women, I think, mostly, middle-aged housewives. They seemed to be swept away by the story of a (duh!) middle-aged housewife being romanced by a handsome stranger, giving her a break from her ho-hum life. Gotcha! But, hey, here's an idea. Let's switch it up a bit.
Let's have it be a husband who stays home alone while the wife and two kids go off to the cow show, or whatever it was. Then, who should come up the driveway in a pick-up truck, but some Angelina looking broad (type-casting) with a camera asking for directions to a bridge. And then, oops!, they trip and fall into bed. Holy double standard, Batman! I have a feeling that quite a few housewives in this country would want to beat the crap out of that "hussy". Maybe even the sames ones who loved this book and movie so much.
Finally, let me bring up the most disturbing aspect of this film. What kind of mother leaves journals filled with the torrid details of her affair to her children?! Grown children, but still. No one wants to think about their parents having sex. Not with each other, nor with some stranger. I would have been like, "Thanks for the secret recipe to your award-winning apple fritters, Mom, but I could have done without your illicit, romance novel diaries!" It proves, yet again, that parents need to be parents to their children, not friends.
Wow. This turned out to be less of a review and more of an indictment of what I and a few others consider bad behavior. My apologies.
Anyway, remember, the best love stories are also the purest. In my opinion. But, hey, the cinematography was great. I know I may have gone a bit off topic here, but I just couldn't help myself. When it comes to movies, sometimes subject matter . . . matters, okay? However, if I am speaking strictly about the skill of film making, this movie is very well done. And if you want to learn how to be a skilled film maker, I say watch it. Actually, watch all of Clint Eastwood's movies should that be your life's goal. And I hope this last statement of acclamation leads to him one day forgiving me for this review.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, October 1, 2010
Top Ten Bee Gees Albums
Greetings,
The Bee Gees happen to be one of my favorite groups of all time, though I know a stigma tends to be attached to them. As if I care. So, I have decided to do one of my Top Ten lists for you. Specifically, my Top Ten favorite Bee Gees albums. I know what some of you must be thinking and, to answer your question, yes, they did things other than Saturday Night Fever. Let me enlighten you all.
Before I officially begin, may I give honorable mention to Their Greatest Hits record from 2001. It might as well have been a new album since, in addition to their classics, they remade many of the songs they wrote for other artists. Amazing. Now let's get down to business.
#10. Odessa - This is one that is probably the most unknown to non-fans on this list. The music was pretty good, but I mostly like it because I like drama. The songs "Lamplight" and "First of May" remind us of the rivalry that erupted between Robin and Barry. Yes, they had a major falling out. What was all that drama about? What wasn't it about? Ego, women, money. All the usual stuff that makes groups fall apart. At least, they didn't stay apart. And by the way, I think "Lamplight" was a much better song than "First of May", so I guess . . . Team Robin?
#9. Children of the World - Here's where the disco thing began to creep in. I mean, they did have a song on here that included the word "Boogie". Nuff said. Plus, "You Should Be Dancing" was originally on this album. Hard to believe it wasn't written just for Saturday Night Fever. And don't even get me started on the song "Love So Right". It's so good I can't even get into it right now.
#8. Spirits Having Flown - This is what I call the last hurrah (so original!) This was the last successful album before everyone decided that, whether or not the Bee Gees actually sucked, they sucked. But with a song like "Too Much Heaven" on it, who cares what the fools of the world think. I am, however, still trying to figure out what "Love You Inside Out" means exactly. I have theories. And none of them are appropriate.
#7. Bee Gees 1st - There is always something special about the first album of a legendary group. No exception here. Even if it is actually their THIRD studio album. Must you toy with us, boys. Technically, though, it is the first of their albums to be released internationally, so, whatever. And we've got fantastic songs like "To Love Somebody", "Holiday", "New York Mining Disaster 1941", and one of my personal favorites, "In My Own Time". What else do we need?
#6. One - This was the first album they released after their younger brother Andy passed away. This is no more poignant than on the song "Wish You Were Here". It's a tearjerker. This album has some really strong songs, like "Bodyguard", "Ordinary Lives" and the title track. Also, on the edition I own, it also contains the song "You Win Again", which is another of my favorites. Still, aside from the technical aspect of the music, thinking of the emotions behind it has to make everyone give them a lot of credit. It is definitely one of the high points in their career.
#5. Idea - I include this one because it includes my favorite song "I Started a Joke". Not only my favorite Bee Gees' song, but my favorite song period. That one song is reason enough for me to put in on this list. Not the only reason, of course. I mean, I'm seriously digging that title track.
#4. This Is Where I Came In - As wonderful as this album is, it is now also bittersweet. This is the last album with Maurice, which ultimately makes it the last Bee Gees album ever. So, listen, enjoy, cry, but most of all, remember. I could go on and on about a lot of the songs here, like "Deja Vu", "Embrace", "Sacred Trust", but the one that really stands out is "Man In the Middle", which was sung by Maurice and has a title that describes what he has always been perfectly. Even he said so.
#3. Main Course - This is the album that changed everything. It was the first time we got the falsetto, which, of course, became their signature. Thanks, Arif Mardin. And I suppose thanks to Eric Clapton, too, since, rumor has it, he told them to do some work in Miami. They did, because if Eric Clapton tells you to do something you do it. Apparently. Anyway, the songs are memorable and wonderful and some of the best ever composed. I mean, come on. You get "Jive Talkin'", "Nights on Broadway", and another one of my favorites, "Country Lanes". It's fantastic.
#2. Size Isn't Everything - Often referred to as their strongest post-Saturday Night Fever work, this collection is beyond amazing. The vocals, the melodies, it all comes together so beautifully. Songs like "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Above and Beyond", and "Heart Like Mine" are my personal best on this album. But, as a whole, it's near perfect. I am literally stunned that this one is not considered as legendary as the Bee Gees themselves.
#1. Still Waters - This one is special to me. This is the one that hooked me in to this group and never let me go. The fact that it came out in 1997, though, proves that I was a late bloomer when it came to these guys. We all make mistakes. I don't even need to mention any particular songs here, because I love every single one of them. Some more than others, obviously, but everything here is stellar. There's no other way around it. This is my number one.
So there it is, kids, my list. Look it over, find the music, love the music. You won't regret it.
Love and Full Moons,
Becky the Writer
The Bee Gees happen to be one of my favorite groups of all time, though I know a stigma tends to be attached to them. As if I care. So, I have decided to do one of my Top Ten lists for you. Specifically, my Top Ten favorite Bee Gees albums. I know what some of you must be thinking and, to answer your question, yes, they did things other than Saturday Night Fever. Let me enlighten you all.
Before I officially begin, may I give honorable mention to Their Greatest Hits record from 2001. It might as well have been a new album since, in addition to their classics, they remade many of the songs they wrote for other artists. Amazing. Now let's get down to business.
#10. Odessa - This is one that is probably the most unknown to non-fans on this list. The music was pretty good, but I mostly like it because I like drama. The songs "Lamplight" and "First of May" remind us of the rivalry that erupted between Robin and Barry. Yes, they had a major falling out. What was all that drama about? What wasn't it about? Ego, women, money. All the usual stuff that makes groups fall apart. At least, they didn't stay apart. And by the way, I think "Lamplight" was a much better song than "First of May", so I guess . . . Team Robin?
#9. Children of the World - Here's where the disco thing began to creep in. I mean, they did have a song on here that included the word "Boogie". Nuff said. Plus, "You Should Be Dancing" was originally on this album. Hard to believe it wasn't written just for Saturday Night Fever. And don't even get me started on the song "Love So Right". It's so good I can't even get into it right now.
#8. Spirits Having Flown - This is what I call the last hurrah (so original!) This was the last successful album before everyone decided that, whether or not the Bee Gees actually sucked, they sucked. But with a song like "Too Much Heaven" on it, who cares what the fools of the world think. I am, however, still trying to figure out what "Love You Inside Out" means exactly. I have theories. And none of them are appropriate.
#7. Bee Gees 1st - There is always something special about the first album of a legendary group. No exception here. Even if it is actually their THIRD studio album. Must you toy with us, boys. Technically, though, it is the first of their albums to be released internationally, so, whatever. And we've got fantastic songs like "To Love Somebody", "Holiday", "New York Mining Disaster 1941", and one of my personal favorites, "In My Own Time". What else do we need?
#6. One - This was the first album they released after their younger brother Andy passed away. This is no more poignant than on the song "Wish You Were Here". It's a tearjerker. This album has some really strong songs, like "Bodyguard", "Ordinary Lives" and the title track. Also, on the edition I own, it also contains the song "You Win Again", which is another of my favorites. Still, aside from the technical aspect of the music, thinking of the emotions behind it has to make everyone give them a lot of credit. It is definitely one of the high points in their career.
#5. Idea - I include this one because it includes my favorite song "I Started a Joke". Not only my favorite Bee Gees' song, but my favorite song period. That one song is reason enough for me to put in on this list. Not the only reason, of course. I mean, I'm seriously digging that title track.
#4. This Is Where I Came In - As wonderful as this album is, it is now also bittersweet. This is the last album with Maurice, which ultimately makes it the last Bee Gees album ever. So, listen, enjoy, cry, but most of all, remember. I could go on and on about a lot of the songs here, like "Deja Vu", "Embrace", "Sacred Trust", but the one that really stands out is "Man In the Middle", which was sung by Maurice and has a title that describes what he has always been perfectly. Even he said so.
#3. Main Course - This is the album that changed everything. It was the first time we got the falsetto, which, of course, became their signature. Thanks, Arif Mardin. And I suppose thanks to Eric Clapton, too, since, rumor has it, he told them to do some work in Miami. They did, because if Eric Clapton tells you to do something you do it. Apparently. Anyway, the songs are memorable and wonderful and some of the best ever composed. I mean, come on. You get "Jive Talkin'", "Nights on Broadway", and another one of my favorites, "Country Lanes". It's fantastic.
#2. Size Isn't Everything - Often referred to as their strongest post-Saturday Night Fever work, this collection is beyond amazing. The vocals, the melodies, it all comes together so beautifully. Songs like "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Above and Beyond", and "Heart Like Mine" are my personal best on this album. But, as a whole, it's near perfect. I am literally stunned that this one is not considered as legendary as the Bee Gees themselves.
#1. Still Waters - This one is special to me. This is the one that hooked me in to this group and never let me go. The fact that it came out in 1997, though, proves that I was a late bloomer when it came to these guys. We all make mistakes. I don't even need to mention any particular songs here, because I love every single one of them. Some more than others, obviously, but everything here is stellar. There's no other way around it. This is my number one.
So there it is, kids, my list. Look it over, find the music, love the music. You won't regret it.
Love and Full Moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Whole Wide World - Movie Review
Greetings,
There are quite a few actors who I enjoy. But a chosen few can be called my favorites. One of them is.Vincent D'Onofrio. And he also happens to be one of my favorite people in reality. Considering all of that, it seemed only right to review of one of his movies, the best one of them in my opinion. It's called The Whole Wide World.
Yes, I know. Most people have never even heard of it, much less seen it. That is very sad, because it's amazing. But now that I think of it, many amazing movies have been unseen by the masses. We'll get to as many of those as possible, eventually. Moving on.
This movie is about a writer named Robert Howard, the author behind the Conan the Barbarian and so on stories. Of course, it does explore his writing, and it is does so in a very fascinating way. The main plot, though, concerns his relationship with a young woman named Novalyne Price, a teacher and aspiring writer who fits into the norm of society but is intrigued by the "out of the box" thinking of this pulp writer. D'Onofrio plays Howard, while Price is portrayed by Renee Zelwegger in one of her first roles. I believe this movie was made just before she got super famous with Jerry Maguire. Hmm? From Vincent D'Onofrio to Tom Cruise? Hope she had a parachute. Look, I'm not saying that one is a higher caliber of actor than the other, though I do believe that; I'm saying that one is much taller than the other. That's the joke. I'm not good at this, am I? Let's press on.
Now, despite the fact that this man wrote the Conan stories, this film is nothing like the movies that spawned from them. This is a gentle, subtle, beautiful piece of art filled with some of the best performances I have ever seen from any of the actors here. That includes our two amazing leads, but also the late, great Harve Presnell, another actor that many of the young folks probably don't know about, but they should. And may I mention Ann Wedgeworth who played Robert's ailing mother. She was heartbreaking and brilliant, which may be my favorite acting combination
If you choose to watch this movie, you will find many great moments. However, if I must choose a favorite scene, few things are more enjoyable than seeing a little, tiny Renee in a shouting match with Vinnie D and having her be the one with whom you don't want to mess. I guess tough things can come in small packages. But besides that, there are many quiet and emotional parts where we see deeply into this complex, powerful and very real relationship. Even when they argue or take some cheap shots at each other, you can still feel the love.
The most incredible thing about this film is Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of Robert Howard, and not only because he is pretty much always a wonderful actor. I have seen him play other real people, Abbie Hoffman for one, but that is, in a way, easy. Or easier. Let me explain. Most of us know that man, his mannerisms, how he talked. D'Onofrio managed to grab the essence of who he was and become Abbie Hoffman. Robert Howard, on the other hand? Who knows what he sounded like or acted like? I personally have never seen any old film of him talking or anything. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. All I know of him is that he existed, and I'm thinking some people don't even know that much. And yet, when I saw the performance, I thought, 'Wow, he really reminds me of that guy' What?! I didn't know what Robert Howard was like, but it goes beyond what you can see or even what you know. You watch him act as this real life man and you can feel inside of yourself that he did capture him. It's undeniable and truly an amazing experience.
So, go on ahead and watch The Whole Wide World. I know that sounds like a command, but it is merely a suggestion. A good suggestion. If you want to see great actors at their very best, you will not be disappointed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
There are quite a few actors who I enjoy. But a chosen few can be called my favorites. One of them is.Vincent D'Onofrio. And he also happens to be one of my favorite people in reality. Considering all of that, it seemed only right to review of one of his movies, the best one of them in my opinion. It's called The Whole Wide World.
Yes, I know. Most people have never even heard of it, much less seen it. That is very sad, because it's amazing. But now that I think of it, many amazing movies have been unseen by the masses. We'll get to as many of those as possible, eventually. Moving on.
This movie is about a writer named Robert Howard, the author behind the Conan the Barbarian and so on stories. Of course, it does explore his writing, and it is does so in a very fascinating way. The main plot, though, concerns his relationship with a young woman named Novalyne Price, a teacher and aspiring writer who fits into the norm of society but is intrigued by the "out of the box" thinking of this pulp writer. D'Onofrio plays Howard, while Price is portrayed by Renee Zelwegger in one of her first roles. I believe this movie was made just before she got super famous with Jerry Maguire. Hmm? From Vincent D'Onofrio to Tom Cruise? Hope she had a parachute. Look, I'm not saying that one is a higher caliber of actor than the other, though I do believe that; I'm saying that one is much taller than the other. That's the joke. I'm not good at this, am I? Let's press on.
Now, despite the fact that this man wrote the Conan stories, this film is nothing like the movies that spawned from them. This is a gentle, subtle, beautiful piece of art filled with some of the best performances I have ever seen from any of the actors here. That includes our two amazing leads, but also the late, great Harve Presnell, another actor that many of the young folks probably don't know about, but they should. And may I mention Ann Wedgeworth who played Robert's ailing mother. She was heartbreaking and brilliant, which may be my favorite acting combination
If you choose to watch this movie, you will find many great moments. However, if I must choose a favorite scene, few things are more enjoyable than seeing a little, tiny Renee in a shouting match with Vinnie D and having her be the one with whom you don't want to mess. I guess tough things can come in small packages. But besides that, there are many quiet and emotional parts where we see deeply into this complex, powerful and very real relationship. Even when they argue or take some cheap shots at each other, you can still feel the love.
The most incredible thing about this film is Vincent D'Onofrio's portrayal of Robert Howard, and not only because he is pretty much always a wonderful actor. I have seen him play other real people, Abbie Hoffman for one, but that is, in a way, easy. Or easier. Let me explain. Most of us know that man, his mannerisms, how he talked. D'Onofrio managed to grab the essence of who he was and become Abbie Hoffman. Robert Howard, on the other hand? Who knows what he sounded like or acted like? I personally have never seen any old film of him talking or anything. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. All I know of him is that he existed, and I'm thinking some people don't even know that much. And yet, when I saw the performance, I thought, 'Wow, he really reminds me of that guy' What?! I didn't know what Robert Howard was like, but it goes beyond what you can see or even what you know. You watch him act as this real life man and you can feel inside of yourself that he did capture him. It's undeniable and truly an amazing experience.
So, go on ahead and watch The Whole Wide World. I know that sounds like a command, but it is merely a suggestion. A good suggestion. If you want to see great actors at their very best, you will not be disappointed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Welcome!
Greetings,
Hello! And welcome to my world!
I thought I would do a little post just to say something about myself as an introduction. So here we go.
I'm an artist, a writer, specifically, and every pure, real artist holds the truth as a priceless treasure above all else. Every lie is just another flaw put into that diamond, until it reverts back to coal. Then, you have to start all over again, if you even can. That seems like a good enough reason for me. Plus, I don't think God likes it all that much, and on His bad side is one place I never want to be.
Now, you may be wondering exactly what this blog will about. Well, ground-breakingly enough, it will be about what I think, what I believe and whatever opinions I am permitted to have. And I have an opinion on everything from people to places to entertainment to life in general. But I will mostly be focused on entertainment. So, expect a lot of talk about that and a lot of reviews of movies, music, books and whatnot. In fact, that's most likely where I'll start.
In closing for this first and very short post, I hope you all enjoy what I have to write on here. I don't know how often I will do this or when I'll even really start, as we never know what life may throw at us, getting in the way of our plans. But this blog exists now and eventually things will officially begin.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Hello! And welcome to my world!
I thought I would do a little post just to say something about myself as an introduction. So here we go.
I'm an artist, a writer, specifically, and every pure, real artist holds the truth as a priceless treasure above all else. Every lie is just another flaw put into that diamond, until it reverts back to coal. Then, you have to start all over again, if you even can. That seems like a good enough reason for me. Plus, I don't think God likes it all that much, and on His bad side is one place I never want to be.
Now, you may be wondering exactly what this blog will about. Well, ground-breakingly enough, it will be about what I think, what I believe and whatever opinions I am permitted to have. And I have an opinion on everything from people to places to entertainment to life in general. But I will mostly be focused on entertainment. So, expect a lot of talk about that and a lot of reviews of movies, music, books and whatnot. In fact, that's most likely where I'll start.
In closing for this first and very short post, I hope you all enjoy what I have to write on here. I don't know how often I will do this or when I'll even really start, as we never know what life may throw at us, getting in the way of our plans. But this blog exists now and eventually things will officially begin.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
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