Friday, February 25, 2022
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Dog Review
When I saw the trailer for Dog not too long ago, it seemed like it would have been a light hearted film with some serious moments. The story at face value seems like something I'd see in other movies and shows. What I saw was more of a serious film with a couple of lighter moments. It's not a great film, but I wouldn't call it anywhere bad.
Channing Tatum co-directed the film and plays Briggs, an army guy who has been on duty a number of times. He's had health problems, and he still wants to continue his service. That chance could happen if accomplishes a task. One of the members of his unit is dead and he has to take their unit's dog to the funeral. Unfortunately, the dog, Lulu, has issues itself and is rough. Cue a road trip where both Briggs and Lulu struggle with being in the real world to get to the funeral and the bond that can happen.
I think we take for granted or ignore the mental problems associated with military vets and military canines. That's kind of what I see with Dog. While there are no battle scenes, you notice scars on Briggs in some scenes and Lulu showing the same kind of aggression as if they were still in a war zone. How people act around them, thumbing their nose at them. That's the main takeaway I have with the film.
The lighting and cinematography is done well. Thomas Newman's score goes for the heart of that feeling that nothing can go right until it comes at the right moment. It has a few sappy songs to piece together some of the tender moments. Maybe it's just me, but the movie didn't resonate with me as much as I would have thought. I've been around dogs my whole life and I didn't get the same vibe like I did with the trailer. Still, I think there's a good message and also the strong bond between a human and their dog. It may not have resonated with me, but it might for you. I would still give it a chance in the theater. Bump it up a point or two if you think it's better. A lot of military people should watch it as should the biggest dog lovers. This could make the toughest war veteran cry.
Score: 6 out of 10
Friday, February 18, 2022
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Super Bowl 56 Thoughts
I wanted to have a clear thought 48 hours later and put out what I think about Super Bowl 56. Compared to the last few years, it was one of the better Super Bowls. Not great, but it wasn't bad either. The Los Angeles Rams get their second title, which was their first since 1999. With their loss, the Cincinnati Bengals have been to three and lost all of them.
The Rams made the plays that mattered down the stretch. Who else but Cooper Kupp to get the game winner. He also was the MVP for his eight catch, 92 yard and two touchdown performance. Matthew Stafford was a little shaky, though he came up at a clutch moment to connect with his receiver. Their only big problem on offense was the abysmal run game along with Stafford's two interceptions. The defense struggled early, but got going in the second half, overwhelming Cincy's Joe Burrow. A little change in game plan goes a long way.
As for Cincinnati, they hung in there. A lot will question the penalties on that final defensive drive. You can't hold. Simple as that. In the end, they couldn't stop anything in regards to the passing game. Offensively, they ran it better and Joe Burrow was clean for the most part. That final offensive drive, I question why they didn't give the ball to Joe Mixon on third and 1. Burrow's offensive line struggled late in the game, which ultimately decided it. Give credit as I said for hanging in there.
The Bengals will be relevant throughout the decade, as will the Rams. I have a feeling they'll see another Super Bowl soon, though not against each other. One or two small improvements and Cincy could bring a title to Ohio. Health and who leaves and retires will determine how Los Angeles fares if they can't defend their title. Until then, let's keep eye on who makes the big moves during the offseason.
Friday, February 11, 2022
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Jackass Forever Review
I've been a fan of the Jackass franchise for well over 15 years and have found the films to be improved with each release. With Forever, I was a little skeptic. After all, the last major film with all of them together was in 2010. Things have changed since. Some small controversy. Getting a chance to see it in theaters, this was a fun film and amazing to see people do stupid things.
Johnny Knoxville and company go for the throat on many things. A lot of it is animal stunts, running into things, human props. It gets its R rating for a reason. Definitely a lot of skin being shown, which they have done before but never to this extent. The new group of people they have work well with the old school. Plenty of guests are in the fun. Even seeing director Jeff Tremaine get put through a couple of the stunts. This first half is pure gut busting laughter. It does tone down a little bit in the second half, but still rather gnarly all things considered.
This is one comedy that will have you laughing pretty hard. Some of the stunts, as always, are a little hard to watch. The graphic nudity might be kind of a turn off due to how frequent it is. Give Jackass Forever a watch. It's about on par with the third film.
Score: 8 out of 10
Monday, February 7, 2022
Super Bowl 56 Prep Thoughts
On paper, this should be a good matchup. Super Bowl 56 should be able to have a close matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams. Cincy hasn't been to a Super Bowl since 1988 and never won it in their only two appearances prior to this year. Los Angeles was in it last in 2018 and have only won it once in 1999 out of a total of four appearances.
Cincinnati needs to get the ground game going. Joe Mixon needs to play lights out phenomenal football. The Ram defense will have a field day going after Joe Burrow. They have plenty of choices to throw to. JaMarr Chase will have to make good use of his opportunities. LA's secondary will also have to keep eye on the tight ends and if Mixon busts for a big one. Defensively, it's about stopping Matthew Stafford. Creating enough pressure to make him the Stafford of old and watching who is a potential receiver.
Which brings me to the LA side on offense. Cam Akers and Sony Michel need to step it up. I believe Cooper Kupp will have a huge game as will Odell Beckham. Stafford has to get comfortable. Expect big plays also from the tight end and receiver Van Jefferson. While I would say the defense should keep close on what Mixon does, the goal should be to rattle Burrow. I'd also would try rattle the rookie kicker Evan McPherson. I got a feeling with how the playoffs have been all month, a kick is going to determine the outcome in a huge way.
My prediction is 32 to 27 Los Angeles. This could go either way though. Cincinnati has been playing the underdog role greatly. It should be a more exciting matchup compared to the last three Super Bowls.
Friday, February 4, 2022
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Geeks and Jocks: Episode 100
New episode. Made it to 100 in just over three years.
https://anchor.fm/ryan-sullivan1gaj/episodes/Episode-100-The-100th-e1dq00d
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