Mary Louise Eklund

Blog

  • Two Wolvies To Call My Own

    Two Wolvies To Call My Own

    I have to run to work – working late tonight. Yet I wanted to share what came in the mail yesterday! Original art work especially for me by Vanessa Catnose!  We chat occasionally on over on G+  and she graciously offered to do original sketches for me of Wolverine!   Then she mailed them to me.  They are going to be custom framed and will hang in my office!

    Here he his at work doing what he does best!

    wolverine

    Then in his down time making dinner, I have to say this is my favorite. Just watch out for ashes in the fruit salad.

    logan in kitchen

    Thanks Van! Until next time!

  • Winter Storms – It’s What We Do In Wisconsin

    Winter Storms – It’s What We Do In Wisconsin

    If you know me – you know I hate snow. I despise it. I’ve lived in Upstate New York, Connecticut, Michigan, and now Wisconsin. Each time my hatred so snow has grown. I’ve been here going on 9 years – it went from being pretty if I was inside and warm to keep the blinds closed I don’t want to see the damn stuff. A friend here asked me when I was going to develop at least an appreciation for snow, I said “when it’s warm and dry.” “That’s sand.” she said. “Exactly, ” I replied, “I’d rather be a the beach.” If the truth be known I don’t like sand either. Having lived where it is sand – trust me sand gets into everyTHING best to have tile floors and throw rugs that can be shaken out. However having spent half my life where it snows and half my life where it doesn’t – I prefer doesn’t and will take sand over snow any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

    Yet I’ve got at least another decade in Snowberia… so I thought I’d share what it looks like to live where we are getting regular snow storms of multiple inches at least weekly. Heck we deal with them then the East Coast whines and names the damn things.

    For the benefits of my friends who have never lived through real winters (yes Tennesseans this includes you)  here’s what every day looks like.

    Here’s what it looks like at home in the winter –

    DSC_5646
    Our street after clearing…
    Wisconsin Winter
    View from my office
    Wisconsin Winter
    Our porch in winter
    Wisconsin Winter
    Porch Windows

    Then this year I added the joy of driving to work in winter –

    Wisconsin Winter
    I get to clean off my car. The windshield wipers are left up so they don’t freeze to the windshield. You see when you drive the car and it gets warm inside and the motor the snow turns to water then park – zoom ice again as it cools.
    Wisconsin Winter
    Some would call that pretty trees I’d say they will break under the weight. Also the piles on the sides are getting heavy they ice and make concrete bumpers should you be hit into one. I know I got hit one winter and spun into a snow bank – more damage from the bank than the Cadillac Esclade that hit me. Oh and as the winter wears on with weekly storms the piles become harder to see around. They contain road salt killing pretty trees and stuff under them.
    Wisconsin Winter
    These are the neighborhood roads. To conserve salt after the onslaught of storms the secondary roads are just salted at intersections now and sanded else where. They become a sandy sludge. Oh if the snow banks get too hight then front loaders and dump trucks have to come after the snowplows and salt/sand truck to load the snow into the dump truck and haul it away to keep roads clear.
    Wisconsin Winter
    Main roads (4 lane or more) get fully salted. Oh and here you can see the melt on the windshield… I didn’t introduce you to road salt film on the windshield as I was was driving but it happens and hopefully your windshield spray hasn’t frozen over so you can clear it. It can get so bad that it’s a white if you don’t have spray… I’ve had to stop fill up the resovior on trips. Also have had to stop, raise the hood, reach under the insulation find the tube to the spray head and squeeze the tube to break up the ice in it to get the spray going. Yeah this is so much fun – one person shouldn’t have it all…

    Oh there’s posts coming up of Mike’s snow shoveling. Yeah that’s another joy. I’d rather have to mow three times a week like in Charleston than ever see anyone shovel or blow snow again… Until next time –

  • Comic Comments – AvX Concludes

    Comic Comments – AvX Concludes

    WXM 18 Cover

    I’m grouping Issue 18 & 19 of Wolverine and the X-Men together for two major reasons 1) I’m very behind on my Comic Comments and 2) both deal with post AvXinterruptus.  I’ll give the writers credit this time they did say school focused no roaming off with the Jr. Hellfire Club (though they make an appearance), no roaming off with one student or faculty member (though various ones move in and out of the spotlight).  Humor is used well in Issue 19 to ease the serious losses in 18.  In these two issues I’d say Marvel has shown it can master the ensemble cast – have them going different directions, cover them and not tell a disjointed story!  CUDOS!  Yes when one story gets hot focus will have to draw only onto that story & characters with a few ‘meanwhile back at the ranch…’ panels.  I enjoyed both issues and think this is how I wanted to see AvX in this title – from the school’s point of view.

    The ever present US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

    Issue 18 entitled Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow credits – Jason Aaron, writer – Jorge Molina, Penciler – Norman Lee, Inker – Morry Hollowell & Rachel Rosenberg, Colorists – Chris Eliopoulos, Letterer – Ed McGuinness & Morry Hollowell, Cover Artists – Jordan D. White, Assistant Editor – Daniel Ketchum, Associate Editor – Nick Lowe, Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief – Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

    Issue 19 entitled More Pencils, More Books, More Teachers’ Dirty Looks credits – Jason Aaron, Writer – Nick Bradshaw, Penciler – Walden Wong, Inker – Laura Martin, Colorist – Chris Eliopoulos, Letterer – Nick Bradhaw & Gurur EFX, Cover Artists – Jordan D. White, Assistant Editor – Daniel Ketchum, Associate Editor – Nick Lowe, Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief, Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

    AvX has been over enough I don’t feel it is a spoiler to say – Phoenix is destroyed erasing M-Day (so why did we go through that just to undo all of it!)  and making many new mutants. Charles Xavier is dead (AGAIN!  I think this is about the 10th death maybe the 9th still lags behind Jean Grey’s 14 – 20 deaths).  Oh and Scott Summer killed Xavier this time and is in jail for it (at least for now).

    WXM 19 Cov

    Issue 18 shows how the school views all these big universe.  While this is going on Idie, Quentin,  and Broo all have their own important events happen.  Staff wise Husk is feeling the strain of her powers fracturing and being a teacher.  We see more of her relationship with Toad as she makes a big life change.

    Issue 19 deals with the aftermath – Broo’s injured and Henry is doing all he can to save the boy.  Kitty is stressed with Husk gone and more mutants popping up and enrolling daily she needs to expand the staff.  Logan is out to find Broo’s attacker.  We also see the next arc setting up with Frankenstein’s Circus rolling into town…

    I love how the financial issues of the school were solved with Warren gaining control of his company and Xavier leaving his estate.  Yet I’d enjoy it more if a constant stressor on Logan was paying the bills.   I think that would relate to the real world’s economy and give interesting story lines for the school.  Can you imagine a bake sale in town with the Jean Grey Students? Or in his solo title Logan taking various jobs for pay to support his school?  Oh the comic interludes, moral questions, serious situations, and interesting issues that could be raised and dealt with – but no money is no longer a worry.  Phooey heck even Krakota could make diamonds if need be… pfft too easy.

    The handling of the title as an ensemble TV show is improving.  Think of any show you followed that had an ensemble cast – there’s the lead characters (here Logan, Quentin, Bobby, Kitty, Hank) and the major characters (Idie, Broo, Husk, Toad) and the supporting regulars (Chamber, Gambit, Doop, Glob…)  Rarely do you have a show (or issue in this case) where the lead character’s story isn’t addressed or moved forward.  Next if the lead characters are in the valley between stories you catch us up then shine the light on the major characters to move their story forward more significantly.  Finally the regulars take stage if there is time if not they support the other story lines.  Think of Hillstreet Blues one of the best written longest running ensemble shows – that’s how it’s done.  I applaud these issues for mastering it so well!  We get the conclusion of the major multi-title event but not without losing the title’s focus of the school.  We see the issues faced after the event but again through the school’s perspective.  Yet while doing this we’re developing the major character story lines since the lead characters are winding up their major story arc.  Cudos!

    I can’t not mention my ache for Broo and hope that they do bring him back.  I think he’s a good student for Henry to mentor for many reasons.  They are so similar.  Besides I love Broo and don’t want to lose him.  Next I have to mention Kitty’s interviewing of various Marvel characters for position as teacher at Jean Grey… hilarious and the one REAL teacher’s reactions OMG!  I got a case of the giggles.  Great comic relief and excellent way to intro the new lead character!

    Finally – the budding student romance has been hinted at in the flashes into the future finally gets a small start here.  I enjoy seeing Quentin’s insecurities at the first school dance.  For all his bluster and talent he’s still just a scared kid inside.  So good, so good… I see Quentin and Idie being that generations Jean & Scott with Broo being that generation’s Logan carrying a torch for Idie.  The more things change the more they stay the same.

    As for the art – OMG they got it right!  After such a hideous start to this title with tiny footed Kitty and gotta poop tie Logan with such confusing panels that the story was overwhelmed Marvel has found its footing with solid art that has style but supports the story!   I actually recognize the characters.  Their proportions don’t throw me out thinking they look like toddler toys with the oversized feet for easy play.  Here they have comic features when needed – see the cover of 18 for the students looking almost Archie-like to Scott being rendered dramatically with hyper-realism.  I think that juxtaposition sums up the story of the school trying to put on the happy face of normalcy with a dance as the final battle rages.   Then the cover of 19 returns to the ensemble cover we’ve seen in other issues.

    I  give credit to Marvel for having rescued this title from the roller coaster of good school centric issues to WTF where’s the school issues!  They pulled it together for these two issues and the following arc.  **STANDING OVATION**    This is why I get this title!

    You know what is next…. interior scans

    These might be spoilery for some…

    So if you are worried…

    Stop scrolling right NOW

    If not then here’s the first page…

     

     

    WXM18 Xavier last wish

    Here we see Xavier extort the promise from Logan to protect the next generation. While that is going on we see the dynamic of the next generation start to take shape. I thought the set up here was very effective
     

    WXM18 wounds have healed Doop

    Okay this amused me on many levels – first the Bamfs at the buffet of the dance! So cute I can’t wait until we get the issue or arc that explains how they aren’t grimlins. Next I used my trusty Doop Translator I determined he says “You know my wounds have healed from last time.” I still can’t wrap my head around those two being friend with benefits. I think I really don’t want to go there.

    WXM19 -interviews 2

    Deadpool you crack me up! Oh Spidy I think it’s worthy of getting a picture of him actually doing it for his English Lit class. Good summary of how Kitty’s interview process is going be sure to check out the real teacher in the issue!

    WXM19 Henry works to save Broo

    Remember Broo helped Tony solve the Phoenix problem and became a friend of Tony Stark’s. I find it touching Henry consults the brains of Marvel Universe in an attempt to help Broo.

    WXM19 Headmaster sniffs in public

    I don’t know if it’s good that the headmaster dons stripper spandex and goes about sniffing floors in town… I know it is for a good cause but really if you are trying to build good relations with the community does this work? I won’t go on my rant against the return of the blue and yellow spandex uniform. Honestly I liked the black one best be it the turtleneck with shoulder holster, leathers with a shirt please, or my fav the western look with cowboy hat.

    Any way that’s it until next time!

  • Oh, Joy The Comic Box Is HERE!

    Oh, Joy The Comic Box Is HERE!

    Hello! I didn’t get ahead in posts as I intended to do. Instead I spent a quiet weekend on the couch away from computers. Mike slaved on computers for taxes and his paper. So I think I got the better end to the deal! However now I’m short a post and must be off to work. So I give you photos of Mr. Blue enjoying the box in which my monthly delivery of comics came this weekend. My highlight is the books. His highlight is the box! He swears he belongs to the box of the month club and new one is delivered to his home monthly. I just let him think that.

    It’s a progression in box trial. From the trial sit to first nap…

    DSC_5655
    Oh Joy a new box to try! I think this one has been filled with smells!
    Blue enjoying the monthly comic box
    Yes, yes this is a good box. Worthy of inclusion in the club.
    Blue enjoying the monthly comic box
    Hmmm I think last month’s box was roomier but less interesting in smells… which do I prefer?
    Blue enjoying the monthly comic box
    I’m thinking this is prime for napping, where last month’s box was prime for leaping at passing feet.
    Blue enjoying the monthly comic box
    Yes, yes napping box it is – the interesting smells mask the odeur du chien nearby. Night ZzZzZzzzzzz

    Until Next Time!

  • Here Enjoy a Picture

    Here Enjoy a Picture

    Sorry bad health day yesterday. I am better today thank you doctors. I am moving slow and will take it easy this weekend. However, my stockpile of posts fails me but have a nice photo of mine instead. I’ll be back on regular schedule Monday with posts M-F.

    So here’s a turtle sunning itself in Silver Springs Florida.

    BIG Turtle

    Ahh doesn’t s/he look happy? Sometimes we have to slow down and enjoy ourselves. Turtles are built that way, sometimes humans have to be reminded.

  • Book Comments – Anatomist’s Apprentice

    Book Comments – Anatomist’s Apprentice

    the-anatomists-apprentice-2
    The cover image is the property of its owners I reproduce it here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique.

    I’m always looking for a good book series. I enjoy watching characters develop. I guess that’s why I still enjoy comic books. I keep my ears open for new series to try. Generally, speaking the first book of a series that’s intended to be a series is one of the weaker books because it sets up the world, the characters, plot lines to carry for many books, and an episodic plot. That’s a lot to get done in about 300 pages. So if a series can grab me in the first one I figure it’s a keeper.

    The Anatomist’s Apprentice by Tessa Harris is the first book of the Dr. Thomas Silkstone mysteries. It’s set in England during King George III’s reign, during our Revolution here in the states. Anatomy was a newish science and our hero Dr. Silkstone is burgeoning into forensic science. He’s treading new territory about the time Vidocq, the father of modern forensic thought, was being born. He attempts to determine not just the cause of death but the method of murder or should I say murders. The initial one leads to a few more all needing to be solved.

    There are enough twists, red herrings, and dead ends to keep the reader guessing. The story has a great pace to build interest without being rushed or lagging. I have to say I enjoyed it very much and will be reading the second book The Dead Shall Not Rest.

    Even though I enjoyed the book there were a few issues with the book that threw me out of the story as a reader. The first was remembering it was set in the Georgian era not the Victorian era. For me take away a few references to tricron hats, powdered wigs, Colonies in revolt, and men in stockings and the setting was perfectly Victorian. Actually it seemed more so than Georgian, from medical school operations, to newspapers frequency, to conversational phrasing, to servants mannerisms and so on. The feel was off so I gave up ignored the few dropped hints that it was the 1700s and imagined it in the 1800s.

    The second issue was head hopping. You see in a scene you can only be in one person’s head. If you keep hopping about from inner thoughts to inner thoughts it gets confusing. The few times in one scene where we jump from his head to her head and back I was totally out of the scene and confused. Inside one head per scene please!

    The third was events seemed to be known before they were known. I can’t think of specific examples but I do remember at least twice thinking “Hmm, we know that? How did I miss that?” Then shortly after that we do come to know it. As I writer I recognize this as forgetting to clean up moving a scene. It happens and a good editor will kick it back to you to fix.

    Finally the fourth and to me the biggest one – don’t play your hero of the series to be stupid. There’s a scene where he explains how a unique poison works. Then right after that the very person who gave him the sample – has the systems of the poison but dammit he doesn’t notice. It takes too long for him to put it together when as a reader I was shouting it at him. YOU JUST DESCRIBED THIS HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE IT?!?

    Honestly I put the others on the editor’s shoulders. A great editor takes a story and helps the writer make it the best it can be. Unless there’s a reason to have it in the 1700s a few snips and it’s fitting the feel. Head hopping is something editors are always harping upon and looking for changes in the point of view (POV). Writers tend to do it when creating because we are trying to account for everyone and their motivations so their movements hold true. Decent editors get it out very quickly. I’ve already addressed the rewrite remnants of what is known when. So I think it’s a good strong story with weak editing.

    Those are mostly small things, some are just writer hang-ups. Still if it’s stuff that will bug you be warned it’s there but the story is strong enough to get through it. If you don’t notice these things or they don’t bother you, then you’re in for a fun read.

    Until next time!

  • Projects – Jewelry To Call My Own

    Projects – Jewelry To Call My Own

    My display at a craft fair.
    My display at a craft fair.

    Sorry about yesterday but blizzard and house stuff caught me and wouldn’t let me go. I looked up and it was 10PM so no post. **hangs head in shame** I am so sorry.

    However what I was doing for myself led to this post! As you know I make bead jewelry and sell it. Didn’t so much last year with tumor, surgery and all. But that didn’t stop me from making it. Any way, I’ve robbed my stash a bit to make outfits for work. I mean how cool is it to have matching jewelry? Professional and cool then someone says “Phh that’s lovely.” and I can say- “why thank-you I made it.” Then I feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

    I have explained that I like organization. I like having meals planned for at least a week at a time. I like knowing my work schedule at least a month at a time. I like being able to find stuff easily. I like knowing what I have and where it is… I like organization.

    Well chronic health issues, having a slob of a teenage boy (don’t all of them come with that feature?) and generally no energy over the last few years. Things haven’t been as organized as I like. Seems when I didn’t work outside the home there was always tomorrow… the Scarlett O’Hare approach to organization.

    I found myself scrambling in the morning for jewelry to go with what I was wearing. I’d find the right necklace but dang couldn’t find earrings or vice versa. Which is really sad for a woman who has literally 100s of each if you count her craft stock. I’d gotten so many necklaces that my jewelry armoire made them a tangled mess. Over the last month or so I’ve been pondering how to address the two problems. I came up with the same method I store my stock – zip lock bags.

    One thing I have a lot of are various sizes of zip lock bags. I use them to store beads, chain, finding, finished product, etc. So I decided that I’d bag the necklace in a necklace bag, earrings (sometimes two pair because I have double pierced ears) in an earring bag then put those with the bracelet if there is one in a set bag. I could then just grab the set match a ring and watch off to work I go.

    Great but I discovered that – well I’d been raiding my stock stash rather inconsistently. Some I’d not worn. Those went right back to stock. Some I didn’t get earrings with which for me that’s a must. I don’t always wear bracelets but I do always wear earrings. Then there were pieces that needed little repairs that had gotten shoved to the back of here or there.

    Which brings me to my new project – aside from this blog, genealogy, doing bead inventory, scanning old pictures, my novel, losing weight, increasing exercise, my reading list, crochet, and solving all the world problems to create harmony among all the creatures of the planet – completing the pieces that aren’t a set and repairing those that need repair. I mean really I might be a sow’s ear and never be a silk purse dang it I can be the best put together sow’s ear you’ve ever seen. Heck you might not want a silk purse woman after seeing that!

    I intend to do some before/after crafty posts on this project. Stay tuned to see what I’m doing for myself! It’ll make mornings easier, my jewelry armoire more organized, my look more put together, and be good advertising for my merchandise. It’s a win, win! So stay tuned – until next time!

  • Movie Comments – An Action Movie For Deadpool Fans

    Movie Comments – An Action Movie For Deadpool Fans

    lockout-movie-poster
    The required US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique

    You know I like action movies. I want something to entertain me as I find most plots don’t keep me guessing but the action is where I get my thrills. Also you know I love wisecrackin’ Deadpool. Well in this movie I got them both! Action and a wise crackin’ reluctant hero. Not to mention a female lead that wasn’t the screaming damsel in distress. All in all good fun.

    Sure there’s a lot to be desired in the plot. You see there’s a prison of the world worst criminals in orbit. Yep in space orbit around the earth. There they are put into hibernation. Why it requires the expense of putting them in orbit, moving the staff back and forth from earth to the platform and all I dunno. Harder to escape I’d guess but still the cost must be exorbitant per prisoner.

    Then there’s this nonsense that they’d let the President’s daughter not only go to a prison like that but wake up and talk to one of the most psychotic prisoners of the bunch. Yeah like the Secret Service would agree to that. BUT they did and you can guess what goes wrong. Yep and our wonderfully quipping reluctant hero has to go in and save her. Only thing is this woman can save herself, she’s one tough cookie. True with trained help she does much better but she wasn’t some crying wilting flower either.

    I’d put this movie down as a popcorn watcher that was kinda fun but not great if it wasn’t for the character Snow. He was awesome, no awesomesauce! He cracked the funny one liner I adored in the craptastic 80s action flicks and that make Deadpool the nutty merc with a mouth that’s dear to my soul. His character alone pumped this up to a B movie from a D. Just because he could make this girl laugh. Really guys don’t wasn’t money on covering your grey, learn to make a girl laugh that’ll bring them in more than dyed hair.

    There is nothing to this movie beyond action and quips. The insane inmate character is over played. The inmate rebellion leader has no where to go but down in firey debris as they crash into the atmosphere or starve to death in orbit so naturally he wakes ALL the prisoners. For some reason the prisoners are identifiable by bad Scottish accents. Not much to recommend this beyond the joy of silly word play and some good ole fighting. Oh and Guy Pierce isn’t hard on the eyes…

    Until next time!

  • Comic Comments – Masks

    Comic Comments – Masks

    Masks Cov

    This is a comic I didn’t buy. I got it free with my monthly purchase over X amount. I didn’t choose it, it was just the freebie included. Generally I’m not impressed by these freebies but this one impressed me. I love the art. The interior art isn’t the typical comic style but rather painted all by one artist, Alex Ross. The story introduces classic old time radio heroes into the comic book format. The Shadow, Green Hornet, Kato, Spider, Zorro just to name the core few. It’s set in the 1930s style and has that old Phantom comic feel to it (not that Phantom is in it that I could tell). It is a very well done comic. Visually stunning but… hang on let’s get the technicalities out of the way…

    The ever present US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

    The credits: Chris Roberson, Writer – Alex Ross, Painter – Simon Bowland, Letterer – Main covers by Alex Ross, Jae Lee (the cover I got & pictured here), Francesco Francavilla, and Ardian Syaf.

    The but I have about this comic is many fold. 1) I have only the funds for so many comics per month. If I had unlimited this would be on the pull list for sure but I don’t. 2) I’m not so much into that era and style of superhero. It’s old movie style, with some campy 1930s stuff thrown into the mix. Just not my thing for a full title. I enjoy visiting it for a limited title but on long term it’s not me. 3) I never really liked those heroes. I’m more of a modern day gal for my superheroes. I like the reluctant hero, the hero that struggles, the one that isn’t perfect, the one that’s not into show and flare. I like ’em a bit insane too. I never got the touch of angsty darkness I want from what I’ve read about these heroes.

    Still I can’t deny this comic is very well done. The story is classic. The heroes find one another and align together as evil come into legitimate power. They unite to right the wrongs and expose the corruption of the current ruling Freedom party which is anything but increasing freedom. Some heroes are seen in action, others are just introduced. It’s a good strong start to a series. The story is set. The main players introduced or at least glimpsed. The tone and feel of the comic is defined. It’s got it all together. Definitely if you are into this era of comics it’s a must!

    I’ve raved on the art. I’ll say it’s lovely and expertly done. Just what Alex Ross has built a solid reputation doing. It’s not so avant guard in stunning style it takes away from the story. Instead the rich art with styles from the era so lushly shown it give an old movie feel to it. There’s a richness that one often gets watching old Hollywood spruce up reality even for the old gangster movies. Ross captures it deliciously. You have to scroll down and see what I mean.

    In the end I have to say this is again another small print comic that brings it all to the table. Characters, art, story come together in an excellently executed package, nothing was short changed. The only problem is it’s not for me. I appreciate all of that but when push comes to shove I’ll have to pass.

    SCANS to Show off the interior

     

     

     

    Warning some may say these are spoilery

     

     

    I think they are lovely

     

     

    You want it keep scrolling

     

     

    and here they are:

     

    Masks dinner

     

    Here I swear it’s Bogie and Bacall not a bad duo to use, the dinner scene gave me the old movies feel but honestly Logan fills out a white dinner jacket much better than the Shadow, IMHO.

     

    Masks Court scene

     

    Here Zorro is on trial for being a Mexican without a job.  Being a 1930s inspired setting YOU know there had to be a court room scene!

     

    Masks heroes in action

    and here’s the heroes in action when they first meet Spidy’s grandpa the Spider!

    Until next time!

  • Movie Comments – Act Of Valor

    Movie Comments – Act Of Valor

    The required US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique
    The required US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique

    I always have a hard time answering the question “What’s your favorite movie?” I mean really can you compare a comedy to a historic drama to a noir to a novel adaption of a genre work? No because what is a good point in one might be a weak point in another. If I think say Elizabeth I’s coronation was hysterical in a historic drama it has failed but in a comedy it has succeeded. So my answer is “Depends on the type of movie.” This one wouldn’t my top list of any genre but it is good for what it is.

    I know I’m a huge fan of story but sometimes I go to a movie for the visual – the special effect and/or the action. That’s where Act of Valor falls. The plot is there but it’s thin and developed to tie together various types of action in various types of terrain and conditions. The acting is stiff and not even high quality by high school standards. Yet it was awesome for what it is – a movie of real Seal teams showing the cool stuff they can do.

    Yep that’s what it is. A big ooohhh-rahhh action movie of here’s how we do a jungle attack. Here’s how we do a city extraction. Here’s how we’d attack a compound (uh any fairly recent events come to mind?). It’s shouting, explosions, shooting, verification procedures that who you got is who you were sent to get. You know those questions in your file about obscure facts from your life that only you’d know – that’s what they are for. The rescue team gets the answers and uses them to verify you are you.

    I found the movie fun. The poignant moment of a funeral was hard because the uniforms are ones I know too well. The SEAL team is Navy after all. Still I had the bonus of having someone who had real world experience working with teams like this. No Mike was never on these teams but yes he did have a senior officer position in many exercises and during the year plus he was activated. So he can explain some of the great nuances like the questions asked the hostage they freed (M’mam I hate to make you answer but what was your dog’s name when you were in first grade?) It’s quick and over and if you caught it you might think – what the heck was he asking her that right then? Shouldn’t they be hauling ass outta there? I think Mike’s commentary made it better and made me appreciate the slower scenes of tactical planning and information sharing.

    Don’t come to this movie for a story. Don’t come to this movie for award winning acting. Come to this movie to see what our forces can do. Come to this movie to appreciate what these family give so that our forces can answer the call. Come to this movie to see what planning goes into taking action. And by all means come to this movie to see action, tonnes of it, in spades. If those things don’t appeal to you – then this movie isn’t for you.

    Until next time!