Bläeckfisk is the Swedish translation for the word octopus. I am not Swedish, but I do own a lot of furniture from Sweden and I like octopuses while admiring their multi-tasking ability. I would like to travel to Sweden at some point, plus I think it is a pretty cool looking word. Anyhow, speaking of words, I guess you could say that is why we are here. Words are the foundation for way we try to wrap our thoughts around everything in the galaxy. The tendrils that lead to emotions and curiosity. I am not here to solve the mysteries of the universe, just to discuss words in general. Specifically words written by other people and have been printed off and slapped between two slices of thin card stock. Many of these sandwiches go on to bigger and better things, some bigger and better than others. So, I guess we will be talking about those as well. If you share an interest in words or enjoi seeing what they can look like in action....välkommen! (Swedish for welcome.)

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

F37: Fury-Directed by David Ayer

"Ideals are peaceful, but history is violent."

 History is without a doubt violent, as is this movie. But, boy was it awesome. I highly recommend seeing this new release starring the Pittster as a war hardened sergeant during WWII. For all the movies that have come out on the subject, it is really amazing how every year it seems, there is a new take or new glimpse into those dark years on the planet Earth. This movie packs a wallop as any good war movie should, with plenty explosions and mud and guns and grenades and body parts flying across the screen. It does do something different though that we have not seen, it profiles one of the most important tools that was used during the effort: The Sherman Tank. 

WarDaddy (Pitt) is the commander of a group of misfits fighting hard to end the war. They have crossed over into Germany territory only to have one of their mainstays torn to shreds. His replacement comes in the form of an fresh out-of-training greenhorn, played expertly by Logan Lerman. The plot is pretty straightforward from there, with WarDaddy taking the new gunner under his wing and doing everything he can to toughen him up for survival's sake. This movie reminded me of a favorite book of mine All Quiet on the Western Front, which was written in 1929. It follows the path of a group of youthful soldiers, not unlike our tank pals from Fury and how they would actually prefer to stay together in harms way on the front line versus return home and go their separate ways. If anything, this film reminds us of the incredibly thick, elastic relationships soldiers share and how, despite the abhorrent nature of circumstances surrounding them, they would make any sacrifice asked of them. 

See this movie. The shear scope of what you watch will blow you away. Brad Pitt's role teeter's on improbable, but the rest of the cast is marvelous. The tank on tank action scene is epic and I wouldn't be shocked to see Fury bag several awards. MACHINE!

Friday, November 7, 2014

F36: St. Vincent-Directed by Theodore Melfi

"And you, my good sir can go f$#% yourself!"

I loved this new Bill Murray flick. Dark comedies are hard to find these days, but when you see a good one, they are definitely worth noting. Finding humor in tragedy is tough to do, but nobody does is better than Mr. Murray. Like a gobstopper, his character in this new release is ever changing. Is he a drunk? A down and out gamble-holic? A fatally loyal husband? A well respected war hero? The pieces of who Vincent truly is slowly shift into focus as his relationship with a new young neighbor begins to unfold.

12 year old Oliver and his mother, Maggie (played by Melissa McCarthy), have just moved to Brooklyn. They are fleeing from the toxic relationship with Maggie's ex husband and looking for a fresh start. Oliver one day gets locked out of his house and is forced to ask Vin for help. The two start to form and unlikely bond, with Vincent leading Oliver around town. Our dynamic duo hit the race track, the bar scene and the nursing hospital where Vincent's wife is living. Vincent teaches young Oliver how to throw a punch and the worst curse words imaginable. He is far from a perfect role model, but at his core, Vin teaches Oliver the true meaning of compassion for others. I strongly suggest going to see this movie, it is much more than advertised. If anything go see it to pay homage to one of our greatest actors, Bill Murray. He is in his element with this role and truly shines with the help of a fantastic soundtrack. You will laugh, maybe cry but ultimately marvel at the talent of Mr. Bill Murray.