Lohan gives a ‘1-2 punch’ in new Rodriguez picture. 2010/09/14

2010/09/14

Lohan gives a ‘1-2 punch’ in new Rodriguez picture.

In its opening weekend, “Machete” finished second to “The American”
despite a cast filled with A-list names. Originally predicted to premier in the top
spot and gain audiences attention there has been a steady drop in sales
following of trend of unsatisfied viewers and a lack of repeat ticket sales.
“Machete” fails to capture the charm of 70’s era exploitation cinema that it
shamelessly apes; instead the film is merely an unsuccessful recreation that
uses certain formal and narrative elements of the genre. Loud engines, outlaws,
and loose women along with gratuitous violence and sex are key markers that
have been used quite successfully in Rodriguez’s previous films, such as “Planet
Terror” and “From Dusk Till Dawn”. In this most recent production, The directorial
team of Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis (“Planet Terror”) attempts to create a film
reminiscent of a time when underdeveloped scripts, shoestring budgets, amateur
actors and no regard for formal aesthetics came second to the visceral
experience of late night drive-in movie culture. Exploitation Cinema was truly an
original form while “Machete” is at best a poorly crafted memento. Everything
from the locations, set and sound design are too polished. As far as casting, their
performances are not over the top insomuch as their talents are under utilized.
Linday Lohan, however, is a saving grace for a film that overall feels
lacking and contrived. Playing the carefully crafted character of April, the
daughter of corrupt right wing senator Mclaughlin (De Niro), Lohan gives a
nuanced performance that mirrors her personal history, specifically focusing on
her most recent tabloid debauches. This seeming effortless tour de force shouts
a reaffirming cheer in the vain of Lindsanity. For those shocked that Lindsay is
not dead we can hope that this will be the final nail her career-coffin.

-John Stock

Titus Andronicus 2011/4/26

2011/04/26

The Brundage Park Playhouse presents William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus;
A classic story of revenge popularized by the 1999 movie starring Anthony Hopkins. It is
widely known as ‘The Bard’s’ bloodiest work. Complete with special effects and blood
galore this adaptation does not fall short of expectation, however the venue is as small as
the sound, costume, and set design budget combined. The Brundage Park Players make
up for the program’s shortcomings with breakout performances all around. Most
memorable are Titus’ daughter Lavinia and the twin Goth sons of Tamora. Actor Joseph
Guadara steals the show as Saturninus, bringing a vicious energy and lavish style to the
table. For only ten dollars this play is sure to please. Be warned: This performance uses
blank firing pistols and graphic effects, discretion is advised.

-John Stock

Right Side Tinton

Ft. Wayne Cyclocross

Black Hills No Snow Report

It's been about two weeks since the last 18 inch snow storm hit the Black Hills. The weather has been so warm lately that Left Side Tinton trail is completely dry as far up as Aspen Hills, so let's spend this next week pouring out some of our Crow Peak beer in memory of Winter 2012-13. It's been real, Winter. Do us a favor next season any try to dump while Terry's is still running lifts. 'Till next year!

Killian's Rail Jam (Inaugural)

The best way to dress for winter road cycling.

 

Terry Peak Glades

 

18" on the Acura.

 

Cheers Up.

A couple years ago Patt Kidd used my tape deck and computer to upload these clips. He bought the tape deck from me and still owes me 50 bucks. Anyway, I cut this 20 second edit together. If you send me your footage, I will cut it.

Cheers Up.

Is this thing still on?

I have been busy lately: Hit my head on the ground pretty hard, got a new job in a dead letter office, relocated across the country nearly on a whim (or rather the misconception that this is part of the American Dream); I am ignoring the fabric of my conciseness living on some sort of stagnant perch between both coasts.

Yesterday I decided I don't want to live in a place where you can't buy seltzer at the gas station. This is the same place where Italian soda's ingredients are Sprite and syrup, where the iced coffee is made by pouring standard brewed hot House blend over ice, and the three coffee shops in town order their pastries from the Safeway (and they don't serve croissants). Salads are 75 percent meat and creamy dressing.

 I have been spoiled rotten by the accoutrements of the third wave and no amount of fresh air, or wildlife, or pro-life christian conservatism can provide the comfort I get from a carefully made pour over and a print copy of the Sunday New York Times.

 

(This cup is completely empty)

Cheers Up!