Burn Notice and B Movie Actors

Just another quick jaunt through my mind. So I've finally gotten into the show Burn Notice. It's taken me time though. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until recently.

Typically, I love a good B movie. They're campy, cheep, fun. And ultimately you see hungry up-and-comers that are really putting themselves on the line to make it or break it. Which leads to what caught my initial interest in the show, Bruce Campbell. I've been a huge fan of his for years. The initial ads for the show didn't win me over. Instead I was looking at it as a cheap, American knock-off of Mission Impossible. But with Bruce being cast, I felt it would only be right to give it a shot.

So I tried, failed. Tried again, and failed again. I just couldn't figure out what was throwing it. The dialogue was good, the filming was good, effects great, there's some good acting here. And it hit me, it's the acting of the main character. He's good with voices and accents, but ultimately he's just walking in, chin high, and delivering lines. I don't feel him. Not only that, but watching his movement kills me. He doesn't seem like a spy, or that he's even trying to play one. The most honest acting he does is when he's putting on a "please don't hit me" act for the bad guys. He just strikes me as a straight up sissy.

Now, I've watched all the way up through the end of season 4. It's steadily gotten better. The other actors are great, and the story has stayed true. I'm not seeing Michael Weston as much of an act now because Jeffrey Donovan has finally gotten comfortable (though not entirely connected) with the character. But it's evolving quicker and quicker, and I have hope to actually be pulled in completely fairly soon. I'm really liking it now. 

This is really why I don't care much for many well established actors. For instance Tom Cruise. Back in his early days he had emotion, and something tangible. Today, it doesn't matter if he's a spy, or Jerry Maguire, he plays it all the same. It makes him just another over paid actor, but once in a while, he breaks away from his norm and shows us he still has a little gas in the trunk. Such as when he portrayed Les Grossman.Then you have the likes of Nic Cage, who also has fallen in the rut of different characters generally being the same. What makes him different is when he tries to do something different, he comes across as freakin NUTS!

But when you get a B movie actor, you know it's truly for the love of film. That's probably why the Bruce Campbell's, Roddy Piper's, and Adrian Paul's keep their magic. They've seen glory, utter crap, risen again just to find they're standing knee deep in the sewer, and they keep coming back for more.

Hail to the B actor actor baby. And here's to Burn Notice getting better.

Life: Self Respect

Time for some of my views on self respect. No, you don't have to agree with it all as these are my opinions.

Unless you're Hugh Hefner, you have no business wearing your pajamas out of the house. Not even to Walmart. On the same note, you are a disgrace if you let your kids wear theirs to school.

If you don't have a job, then it's your job to get one. Nobody is going to just show up and give you one. Get your butt up, get cleaned up, and start submitting applications. If you don't work, and contribute your part to society, your opinion doesn't matter.

If you're in a bar, the only business you have on a phone is finding a sober ride home, or calling 911 in case of an emergency. Turn that thing off.

If you're having a conversation or dinner with someone, put down your cell phone and look them in the eye.

If your kid can't handle the responsibility of a cell phone, they sure as hell can't handle the responsibility of a car.

If your kid is sagging their pants, it's a reflection of you as a parent. Fix them.

Duck faces are about as cute as a bird crapping on your car. Smile, or put the camera away.

Don't take pictures of yourself in the bathroom. Nothing about you will change in the time it takes you to go to another room, or find someone else to take your picture.

Teach your kid what "no" means today. Otherwise you're setting them up for a lifetime of disappointment.

Brush your teeth.

Be yourself, not what the media says is the in thing.

If you don't vote, don't say anything. You're opinion is null and void until you start voting.

Learn chicken poop versus chicken salad.

If you're 20 or older, and still live at home....move. The only reasons you should still be living there is to save $$$ while you go to school, care for an old/sick parent, because you're mentally incompetent, or are going through a divorce and need a couple weeks to find a new place. Get out, and grow up!

Nobody is above flipping burgers.

If you can't afford rent or a mortgage, you can't afford cable. Turn it off.

If you're on food stamps and/or welfare, you do not need a smart phone. Turn off your iphone, android, blackberry, windows phone, etc.

Thoughts on my mind.

Had a moment tonight I was missing my brothers and sisters in arms back in the USMC. Specifically the ones I served with in Okinawa, Japan. And then this thought wandered into my mind.

The life of a drinky girl must be hard. They're kinda like that first slice of bread in the loaf. Everyone has touched them, but nobody really wants them. And those who say they love them, are usually not in their right mind.

Andy, I really hope you're puking over the thought of a banana right now.

Don't Listen to Critics

I've been hearing a number of people talking about going to see movies lately, or in other cases not going to see them because of critics reviews lately. Movie reviews, especially those done by critics, tend to get under my skin. It's for a number of reasons. Of the biggest issues I have with them is the fact that they always spoil some part of the movie. A critique on an advertisement is one thing, but it's rare for them to even mention the adverts. Oddly enough, a movie is getting ready to come out. We all know that critics tend to bash what end up being some of the best shows out there. And then they give praise to those that should have been left on the cutting room floor. But people still rush to them. Even news broadcast will bring up what's been said about a movie.

So you take a look at what the average critic has to say. Sure the lighting may be brought up, overbearing lens flares, over use of neon's, unusual angles. Sometimes even the music is mentioned. But how often to critics actually stop to recognize that it has to do with the scene that the director is trying to create? Rare. But they're happy to bash it. Especially if it's a new technique. But for a big name, they'll sit there in aw. (Keep in mind I'm not reviewing if a movie is good based on these examples) For example, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. They talked about how great the 3D was, and how it would blow you away. With exception of the plant growth during the end credits, this was NOT a movie worth seeing in 3D. Yet for Prometheus, they talked about how horrible it was. While the movie overall didn't benefit much from 3D as a whole, it was certainly better that Alice in Wonderland. The 3D effects of the holo-screens on the ship, and the landing sequence were gorgeous and truly benefited from the treatment. But in general, it was another in a long list of movies where 3D was just a gimmick. To date, I have seen more cartoons that have benefited from 3D than, live action movies.

Then you look at the high praise that they give to all the re-boots that Hollywood has been churning out lately. While some have been legitimately good shows, the praise is not needed. When you're looking at a re-boot, and a critic says that the "originality" of the movie is wonderful, my blood starts to boil. WHAT ORIGINALITY, IT'S A RE-BOOT? There's nothing new here. The premise hasn't changed. There's no new bad guys. And the outcome is still the same. What's worse is when they can spew that, and then start talking about how a re-boot of the same series is going to be something to look forward to. If you need an example, this is exactly what's happened with the Batman franchise. While Nolan was still working on Dark Knight Rises and said it would be the last in his trilogy, this morons were already drooling over what the next incarnation of the Bat will be. Are you guys seriously this dumb, or do you just play that roll on TV?

Then you have movies where the critic obviously has no idea what the source material is. For instance Punisher War Zone was panned as being too dark and violent. Have you never heard of this comic franchise? That's what he does! Then Aliens Vs Predator Requiem was trashed for being too violent, especially because children and babies were killed as part of the story line. So let me get this straight. It was alright to open a flame thrower up on a kid that an alien came out of in Aliens, but showing that humans are nothing to aliens in this venue is different and wrong. You're joking right?

Lets take a look at their views on realism too. You have to love how a movie is so realistic, with fabulous fight scenes. So then you're watching this flick and it's time for the action. John Cena is fighting some bad guy. A body slam here, a flying clothesline there, and for extra measure he then tackles the guy and they go through the wall. Where exactly is the realism again? Have you ever been in a fight, let alone seen one?

The fact that these hacks are actually paid for their opinion sickens me. While some of the opinions they give may be fact, if you pay enough attention to them over time, you'll see they are as fake as "reality" TV. How they can sit there, give praise, and "highly recommend" a movie that the general public quickly shoots down is proof of that.

Bottom line, critics are offering paid opinions that are garbage and aimed to get your interest one way or another. If they're not saying, "Go watch this," then they are saying, "Go watch this because I'm saying not to." So make it easy on yourself. Is it an genre you like? Does the advertisement seem interesting? Is the concept interesting? If the answer to 2 or more of these is yes, then go see it and make your own opinion. You're not a sheep, don't let yourself be herded like one.

Tattoo

Hey there kids! Tattoos. Some people love em, some hate em. Some get them, later regret them, and later try various procedures like laser removal to get rid of them (to varying degrees of success). Either way, it is a personal choice. And now here's my thoughts on them.

Tattoo's should always have some sort of meaning. Not a name of a boy/girl friend as they can come and go. In the people I've met these are the most commonly regretted, covered, or attempted to be removed. And they shouldn't be, "oh that's cool, I'll put that in my skin." Also later regretted by many. The hand or foot prints of your new born child, for instance, are something that have deep meaning for every parent. Music notes, sheet music, or an instrument for a musician or in memory of a loved one who played music. A common theme among military members, including this one, are military based tattoos. Branch, occupation specialty, quotes, motto's, meat tags, etc.

You see, for me, a tattoo is a visual representation of who you are, where you've been, and what matters to you. So when I come across someone wanting a tat, or sporting new ink, just because it looks cool, the first thing that comes to my mind is, "what an idiot". And this is something that many tattoo artists agree with. However, they also have to take the stance of #1) ink is their livelihood, so they can't very well turn someone away unless it's a matter of ethics or conscience, and #2) if it's something that someone really wants to put in their skin, it's on them.

So before you go and get some fresh ink, or even your FIRST, sleep on it for a while. Is it really what you want? How likely are you to regret it later? What does it mean to you? Is it something you would be okay with your own child seeing or getting one day?

The next thing that I'll go into is location. Location, location, location. Where should your ink be. Well it's a personal choice as well. But in general I would recommend keeping future employment opportunities in mind.  While tats are art, not everyone views them that way. In fact, some people down right loathe them and will disqualify you for that alone whether they'll say it out loud or not. So make sure that where you get them is easily concealable. Personally I think anywhere is okay as long as you can cover them when needed.  Places like hands, anywhere above the neckline, especially the face should be avoided. Even below short sleeves should be avoided if possible. Forearms can be easily covered for interviews, but you should keep in mind that it can get hot in the summer, and some employers will have you cover up regardless of time of year.

Tats are becoming more acceptable, but it's better safe than sorry in my book. But the bottom line is, do what's comfortable for you. It's your skin. Just do everything you can to ensure that you won't regret it later in life.

~Crypt Keeper Burt

Life dreams, journeys, opinions, and advice.

A lil bit on joining the military here. Before, during, and now years after I'm still asked, "why would you join the military?" My retort, why wouldn't you? I'm of the opinion that every able bodied person should serve at least one term. But that's just me.

For me it goes back a ways though. I come from a family where damn near every generation has had at least one person go into the military. It's not required, expected, pressured, or even really talked about. It just happens. So there may be some bias there. My personal journey started way before that though. When I was little, I'd line up all of my toys to face off against each other. I knew from a young age I wanted to be in the service, I just didn't know what branch, and I wanted to be a cop. By the time I was in high school, I can still recall many people telling me I was nuts, or trying to dictate which branch to go in because "it was safer." Safer? My opinion hasn't changed on this part. Screw safer, if you're looking for safety go lead a pack of girl scouts at a bake sale! It doesn't matter what branch you're looking at, "safer" shouldn't be a consideration.

Bottom line is regardless of the job you want or end up with, the military is there to look the Grim Reaper in the eye, smile, piss on his feet, and call him a pussy.

Then came the vast majority, but not all, of my teachers and the outspoken ass hats that never had the balls to serve telling me I'd never graduate let alone make it. Now, I'm the first to admit I was a jerk once I hit puberty. After some time bouncing between private and public schools, and moving around, I finally got in gear. I buckled down on my school work, got my grades up, and then applied to NMMI.

For those that don't know NMMI is an 4 year high school, and 2 year junior college with an Army commissioning program. Some refer to it as the West Point of the west. Oh man, I had so many people tell me I wouldn't make it a week there, it made me sick. Upon getting there, I learned that because of how different the curriculum was (private school credits don't carry over to other schools in my state), I'd graduate much later as well. 2 years late! Yes, I was 20 when I finally graduated. Not only did I make it through 2 years, I graduated, and to this day I'm still in touch with some of the best friends I'll ever make from there. It was while I was here I finally enlisted in the USMC.

Even after making it through NMMI, going back home was a nightmare. Not only had I proven the nay-sayers wrong, but they continued to say I'd never amount to anything and wouldn't make it through boot camp.

I can remember the flight out to San Diego still. A group of us flew from Albuquerque, NM together. Made it to the USO where we were told where to go to wait for our bus to MCRD. Finally a few white busses pulled up and were wer rushed in, and told to keep our mouths shut by what I viewed at the time as the worst recruiter in history. After a while, this same person would tell us to put our heads down and look at the floor as we continued on. Finally the bus came to a stop, another guy jumped on the bus and started yelling at us in a tongue that I can only describe as an alien dialect as we were rushed off the bus and onto some yellow footprints. The journey began, and I'd not only gain new life long friends, but a new family. And I will be able to claim the title of US Marine until the day I die.

So why join up? To serve. To be a part of something bigger than yourself. To be a part of a small, and unique culture or warriors. To know that your work made a difference somewhere. To accomplish what others can only dream of. To travel to places you'd otherwise never see. To meet new people. To develope special skills that others lack. To find character that others only dream about. And to know you'll never know what it's like to regret not stepping up to the plate and showing just how big your balls really are.

All these years later, I can look back with pride. I graduated from a top notch school. I became a Marine. And was a military policeman which allowed me to kill two birds with one stone. I proved all the nay-sayers wrong. I accomplished everything I wanted in my childhood  quickly. Now I set goals, and look for new achievements just for me. I don't care about the nay-sayers anymore because they're all wrong. I've become a parent. And recently added collge grad to my list of completions. So regardless of hurdles, I look forward to lifes journey and take my time in choosing what direction I want to go in it these days. You can do that once you've learned how to accomplish your goals and dreams.

So my advice to everyone is this. Figure out what your dream is, and go for it. Use the nay-sayers to fuel those desires. Even if you don't join the military (I'll admit it's not for everyone) don't wait. Once you know what you want, look at what you need to do to get there, and start taking the steps. Even though you may not be able to take them all at once, the ability to take those other steps will present themselves in due time. Just keep moving.