Sunday, August 7, 2016

A Message For All In These Trying Times.

You are more than a label. You are more than a gender, a race, a religion, a political affiliation, a bank account balance, a sexual preference, a job title and a career, a single person or a married person. You are more than a mother or a father. You simply are the one and only self that is you and whether or not you achieve great things in life is meaningless. You have more in common with all around you and even the smallest kindness can make a difference. Refuse to be labeled. Never let a label limit you from the unique thing you are.

Suicide Squad Theatrical Review

Suicide Squad is the third film to be released in the DC Extended Universe series of feature films. The events of the movie takes after Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, but before Justice League, which will be released next year. Like Man Of Steel and BVS before it, the film has proven to be somewhat controversial after a majority of film critics released unfavorable reviews that resulted in the film receiving a low score on Rotten Tomatoes. While I had some issues with Man Of Steel and the theatrical cut of BVS. I can state without hesitation that I liked the Ultimate Edition of Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice so much that I recommend all those interested in that film to check out the Ultimate Edition now that it is readily available on home video. In addition while I still think Superman: The Movie is one of the best comic book films ever made and launched what was then a modern era of Superhero films, I recognize that Man Of Steel was a new take on the mythos behind that character and while I might not like all of the creative choices made in both Man Of Steel and Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, I know family members and friends that liked them more than I did and certain things that worked in the past seem quaint by contemporary standards to such an effect that younger generations look upon the older films from the 1970s and 80s and find that these films are not relavent to them. That does not mean these films are antiquated or obsolete because I believe appreciation for them will grow among the young generations as they mature in the same way people born in my generation can appreciate cinema made before even our parents were born. So like the the previous comic con trailer for BVS and early trailers for Man Of Steel, Suicide Squad's comic con trailer does not live up to the feature film, but few films ever live up to their trailers. That is part of the reason why Honest Trailers by Screen Junkies is so popular.

I will state that there are some scenes where the editing choices either feel abrasive or simply odd. Scenes from the trailers are missing from the theatrical film, but there are a ton of well respected genre films that lacked scenes that appear in the trailer. It might be a little disceptive, but it happens. The casting for Suicide Squad is for the most part quite good with standout performances by Violla Davis and Margo Robbie. Will Smith's charisma softens up his portrayal of Deadshot a bit. I really have not seen Smith play a straight villain ever. The closest and arguably one of his best acting performances was in the big screen adaptation of Six Degree Of Seperation, but even in that film his character is more of a delusional hustler than a traditional villain. Even Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang fitted into the ensemble well and that is what one has to remember when watching a film like this. While not everyone will have as much screen time as one may like, this is called Suicide Squad and not Harley Quinn And The Suicide Squad. It is true that the Joker only has a small role in the film. In fact ten minutes of Joker scenes were cut from the theatrical cut and while I hope some of the original footage as well as scenes from the trailer and all the Joker scenes will find itself on to an Ultimate Edition of Suicide Squad on Blu-Ray Disc, I did find myself wanting to see more of Leto as the Joker, which I think in this case is a good thing because it gives a mystique to the character and sometimes less is more. Think about the first two Star Wars trilogies and who was the character in each that everyone remembers, had only a bit of screen time and people still won't let the villain die? Darth Maul and Boba Fett. I think for this film, Joker holds a similar position and I hope we will see more of Leto's Joker and Robbie's Harley Quinn in a future DCEU film, including a Batman solo picture. 

There was a scene where the characters are tempted by the villain with visions of what they really want, but probably can never have and while I understand the dramatic choice as to why Deadshot sees what he sees, I did not buy into that being something he wants more than anything else. The musical choices are very much hit and miss. I think they may have been trying to go for the type of style Quentin Tarantino has used successfully in the majority of his movies where he does not have an original score produced and instead uses in no chronological order various songs and music that emotionally charged a scene or helps to establish character and or mood, but Tarantino is what I call a Master Filmmaker and it is very hard to do what he does naturally just as effectively because Tarantino is just innately gifted with a definitive style and vision that can be copied, but rarely equalled. That noted, can anyone imagine how Suicide Squad might have turned out if Tarantino wrote and directed the film? Someone did and made a YouTube parody that I will place a link to beneath this review for your enjoyment.

Suicide Squad is not a perfect film, but I enjoyed it for what it was and if one goes to see it, they should approach it with an open mind and a bucket of popcorn. Suicide Squad is now playing at the time of this writing in theaters nationwide and abroad too.

(C) Copyright 2016 By Mark A. Rivera.
All Rights Reserved.

Quentin Tarantino's Suicide Squad Trailer:


Friday, August 5, 2016

Words of wisdom by George Carlin.

A wonderful Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.

We’ve done larger things, but not better things. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.

We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less.

We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

 It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent. Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak
and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

TNT Programming Alert Week of Aug. 21, 2016

The Last Ship

The Last Ship
"Scuttle” – Sunday, August 21, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) – TV-14-LV
 
Chandler finds himself faced with a difficult decision when a strange order comes in from the White House.
 
Directed by Mairzee Almas
Written by Ira Parker 
Based on the Novel by William Brinkley
Created by Hank Steinberg & Steven Kane
 

Murder in the First

Murder in the First
"Daddy Dearest" – Sunday, August 21, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) –  TV-14-DL
 
Terry and Hildy struggle to collect evidence against their new number one suspect. Terry attempts to repair his relationship with Hildy. The prosecution comes out swinging with an emotional witness who threatens Siletti’s chances at life on the outside.  
 
Directed by Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Written by Alison Cross
Created by Steven Bochco & Eric Lodal
 

Rizzoli & Isles

Rizzoli & Isles
"Stiffed" - Monday, August 22, at 9p.m. (ET/PT) - TV–14-DLV
 
A mortician’s body is discovered in one of his own funeral home’s caskets, leading our team into the world of embalming, interment, and ultimately, serial murder. Tommy Rizzoli (recurring guest star Colin Egglesfield) visits with his son TJ (guest star Cooper Fontaine), and considers returning to Boston for good. Jane’s loved ones react to her news. 
 
Directed by Jan Nash
Written by Katie Wech
Developed by Janet Tamaro
Based on the series of novels by Tess Gerritsen
 

Major Crimes

Major Crimes
"Family Law" – Monday, August 22, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) – TV-14-DLV
 
When a jogger takes a nasty fall down the steps of L.A.’s storied Greek Theatre, Major Crimes finds itself investigating a divorce attorney with a lot of angry clients, and Lt. Tao goes undercover in the world of college age hookers. Meanwhile, Buzz connects his partials to a complete print, and learns the identity of one suspect.
 
Directed by David Harp 
Written by Mike Berchem 
Created by James Duff
 

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SNOWDEN - Oliver Stone “Turn Off Your Phone” PSA

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Separated at the spaceship factory...

Maybe it is just me, but could the U-Wing from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story be the distant cousin of the Starfighter from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and the Eagle 5 from Spaceballs? I will let you all be the judge.

The U-Wing from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The Starfighter from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
The U-Wing from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The 
Eagle 5 from Spaceballs.
Who knows?

(C) Copyright 2016 By Mark A. Rivera.
All Rights Reserved.


Next Week On Syfy...

 
GHOST HUNTERS  “Ghost Guards” - 9/8c
An armory that’s been standing for over 100 years harbors a ghostly mystery. Recent female leadership is coinciding with increased paranormal activity. It’s believed that either outraged deceased members or the death of an employee could be the reason behind it!   
 
PARANORMAL WITNESS  “They Are Mine” – 10/9c 
When 3 young college students move into a rental property in a rundown neighborhood of Savannah, they’d heard the city was reputed to be the most haunted town in America, but they never expected to come face to face with the spirit of a demented crack fiend.  
 
KILLJOYS  “Heart-Shaped Box”  – 9/8c 
Tensions rise and the entire team is tested when Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen) captures and interrogates a lethal Level Six agent, while Johnny (Aaron Ashmore) secretly investigates Jelco's (Pascal Langdale) wall for Pawter (Sarah Power).
 
DARK MATTER  “She’s One of Them Now”  – 10/9c 
With the help of their handler, Tabor Calchek (David Hewlett), three crew members infiltrate a high-security facility via clone.
 
“SURF N’ TURF” Marathon of Water and Land Creatures 
Saturday Movies include LAKE PLACID– 5/4c, LAKE PLACID  2 – 7/6c, LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA – 9/8c, LAKE PLACID 3- 11/10c
 
BOURNE Double Feature
Sunday Movies include THE BOURNE IDENTITY – 6:30/5:30c,  THE BOURNE SUPREMACY – 9/8c