When I was heavily competing in Martial Arts tournaments I noticed a troubling thing...women's competition being shoved, pushed and man-handled out of the way for the men to compete. Most men judging these tournaments were Black Belts and were waiting themselves to compete. Black Belt men's competition is what everyone wanted to see. Notice I said "men's." True, women Black Belts did judge as well and had to leave their posts to compete. Then there was the problem of getting enough Black Belt men to judge us - our peers. They did so, begrudgingly. While watching us, their eyes were always sliding over to the other rings to watch their own students. By the time I was done competing, 15 years later, it was a little better. At least all women of all ranks weren't lumped together as they had been the past.
Then we come to the Olympics. I did expect more. The brutal facts appear to be that the viewing public doesn't want to see women's basketball, beach volleyball or swimming in prime time. That's PRIME time. If they do, they should say so. Sure, there were a few re-viewings of the women winning beach volleyball BUT the men's finals were actually being played in US prime time.
When did you find out the women won the gold in basketball? Did you know that? I saw it as a foot note in my sports section (the worst sports section I have ever seen). Did you know a woman won the gold in Judo? How about sailing? Fencing? These are all United States women! Yes, Yes, the women's gymnastics is on prime time. But isn't that a "girl's" sport? I hate to put it that way but men don't mind seeing girls in leotards...in prime time. Long live Title IX!
Do guys want to see a woman all sweaty and doing Judo? Maybe not. But I think it is something our girls and young women need to see - in prime time.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Get Over It!
Okay, this is for you: You, who still have election bumper stickers from 2004 on your car...IT'S OVER!
If your guy lost - get over it! If your guy won - stop gloating!
That goes for the rest of you with "save the whales," "world peace," "pro-life/choice," "free china," "girl power," "amnesty international," "support the troops," etc.
PLEASE stop clinging to your outdated idealistic sentimental ways! It's the 21st century!
How about, "support better pre-natal care," "vaccinate your children," "stay married," "stop being selfish and donate blood," or "start thinking." I'm not that clever but I tried.
And for God's sake, take those stupid fish off your car! If you really are a Christian - you would certainly drive that way.
If your guy lost - get over it! If your guy won - stop gloating!
That goes for the rest of you with "save the whales," "world peace," "pro-life/choice," "free china," "girl power," "amnesty international," "support the troops," etc.
PLEASE stop clinging to your outdated idealistic sentimental ways! It's the 21st century!
How about, "support better pre-natal care," "vaccinate your children," "stay married," "stop being selfish and donate blood," or "start thinking." I'm not that clever but I tried.
And for God's sake, take those stupid fish off your car! If you really are a Christian - you would certainly drive that way.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Mamma Mia!
GUEST REVIEWER! The Super Mommy is back!!!
If you loved Abba, then you’ll adore Mamma Mia! If you’re saying “Who’s Abba?” it’s time to discover the musically multi-layered, lyrically enlightened talents of one of the ‘70s most revered – or reviled – pop groups, and this movie is just the vehicle for your voyage of discovery!
The movie version of the hit Broadway musical boasts an all-star cast, including the too-talented-to-be-totally-human Meryl Streep, and a trio of yummilicious guys - Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. Streep portrays Donna Sheridan, an aging former flower child who runs a run-down hotel on a tiny Greek isle. Bubbly, buxom and seemingly carefree on the surface – Donna hides a sexy secret. Twenty years ago, after then-boyfriend Sam (Brosnan) broke her heart by returning to England to marry someone else, she slept with two other guys within days of his departure from their Greek hideaway. Donna doesn’t know who sired her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfreid) – Sam, Bill (Skarsgard) or Harry (Firth).
What’s more, she’s never told Sophie anything about her dad. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie dreams of walking down the aisle on her father’s arm. When she discovers Donna’s diary from 20 years ago, she takes matters into her own hands and secretly invites her three potential fathers to attend her wedding. When all three show up, hilarity, some heartbreak and, of course, outrageously great music ensue.
Usually, if I love a song I really only love it from the original artist. I’m not a “cover” gal. But writer Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd brilliantly work Abba’s greatest hits into the story. The performers – including a true “Greek chorus” - infuse each number with a rich breadth of emotion based on the context of the story.
All your favorite Abba hits are here – from “Does Your Mother Know (That You’re Out)” and “Dancing Queen” to “I Have a Dream” and “Money, Money, Money.” Standout moments include a funny and tender rendering of “Chiquitita” by Christine Baranski and Julie Waters, Streep’s deeply poignant delivery of “Slipping Through My Fingers” as she helps Sophie get dressed for her wedding and a high-energy performance of “Does Your Mother Know” by Baranski and ensemble.
The runaway moment of the movie, however, has to be when Streep belts out “The Winner Takes it All” in response to Sam’s overtures of reconciliation. She literally sent chills down my spine. Rumor has it that Streep recorded the number in Stockholm and nailed it in a single take.
Mamma Mia! is a feel-good movie that delivers big-time on fun, over-the-top great performances and music that will make you want to dance down the theater aisle. I’ll be buying the soundtrack for sure – even though Brosnan (for whom I have harbored a deep and abiding lust for 20 years) can’t sing his way out of a paper bag.
Totally Abba junkie alert: Keep your eyes peeled for cameos by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus – the writing half of the original Swedish quartet.
Highly recommended!
MMMM (out of 5 Ms)
If you loved Abba, then you’ll adore Mamma Mia! If you’re saying “Who’s Abba?” it’s time to discover the musically multi-layered, lyrically enlightened talents of one of the ‘70s most revered – or reviled – pop groups, and this movie is just the vehicle for your voyage of discovery!
The movie version of the hit Broadway musical boasts an all-star cast, including the too-talented-to-be-totally-human Meryl Streep, and a trio of yummilicious guys - Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. Streep portrays Donna Sheridan, an aging former flower child who runs a run-down hotel on a tiny Greek isle. Bubbly, buxom and seemingly carefree on the surface – Donna hides a sexy secret. Twenty years ago, after then-boyfriend Sam (Brosnan) broke her heart by returning to England to marry someone else, she slept with two other guys within days of his departure from their Greek hideaway. Donna doesn’t know who sired her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfreid) – Sam, Bill (Skarsgard) or Harry (Firth).
What’s more, she’s never told Sophie anything about her dad. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie dreams of walking down the aisle on her father’s arm. When she discovers Donna’s diary from 20 years ago, she takes matters into her own hands and secretly invites her three potential fathers to attend her wedding. When all three show up, hilarity, some heartbreak and, of course, outrageously great music ensue.
Usually, if I love a song I really only love it from the original artist. I’m not a “cover” gal. But writer Catherine Johnson and director Phyllida Lloyd brilliantly work Abba’s greatest hits into the story. The performers – including a true “Greek chorus” - infuse each number with a rich breadth of emotion based on the context of the story.
All your favorite Abba hits are here – from “Does Your Mother Know (That You’re Out)” and “Dancing Queen” to “I Have a Dream” and “Money, Money, Money.” Standout moments include a funny and tender rendering of “Chiquitita” by Christine Baranski and Julie Waters, Streep’s deeply poignant delivery of “Slipping Through My Fingers” as she helps Sophie get dressed for her wedding and a high-energy performance of “Does Your Mother Know” by Baranski and ensemble.
The runaway moment of the movie, however, has to be when Streep belts out “The Winner Takes it All” in response to Sam’s overtures of reconciliation. She literally sent chills down my spine. Rumor has it that Streep recorded the number in Stockholm and nailed it in a single take.
Mamma Mia! is a feel-good movie that delivers big-time on fun, over-the-top great performances and music that will make you want to dance down the theater aisle. I’ll be buying the soundtrack for sure – even though Brosnan (for whom I have harbored a deep and abiding lust for 20 years) can’t sing his way out of a paper bag.
Totally Abba junkie alert: Keep your eyes peeled for cameos by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus – the writing half of the original Swedish quartet.
Highly recommended!
MMMM (out of 5 Ms)
The movie mommy thanks The Super Mommy
for helping keep up with movie reviews!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
I Want My Mummy!
The Mummy: Tomb of The Dragon Emperor (The Mummy 3): Any fan of The Mummy series will enjoy this movie! I am such a fan! The first Mummy movie was not expected to be such a huge hit, even the actors thought it was a risky project. Instead it catapulted careers and spawned two more installments and a spin-off. My favorite of the series is still The Mummy from 1999. If you have not seen it yet, then see that before seeing this one.
The Mummy 3 is full of action and fun - just as you would expect from the series. Jet Li plays the title character and it shows a great deal of history of his character. It is so interesting that you really want to see a movie about his character! It showed him conquering China and building the Great Wall but he wanted to conquer death as well. Also, introduced in this segment is a sorceress played by Michele Yoeh, you also want to see more of her. The movie focuses on the discovery of the Emperor and his army appearing as statues buried deep underground (like the famous Chinese terracotta army that was found in 1974). Our heroes and their son get involved with the unfortunate reviving of the Emperor and the fact that his army will be invincible if it leaves the Great Wall of China. Brendan Frasier leads the O'Connell clan with his usual wit and charm. His wife, Evelyn, is not played in the this movie by the lovely and talented Rachel Weisz. Instead she is replaced by Maria Bello who doesn't appear to have had any significant movie roles. She lacks the chemistry with Frasier that he had with Weisz. We do find out in the beginning of the movie that that is the problem that Rick and Evelyn have. They are bored. This movie picks up in 1946, after the war, when they had apparently been spies for the British government. They miss the excitement they used to share and jump at an opportunity to go to China on a mission for their government. There they run into their son, Alex (who looks to old to be their son), who just so happened to be in China because he quit school to dig up this Emperor. Well, the Emperor has his 1946 henchmen who want to raise the Emperor from the dead and give glory back to China.
There are lots of intertwining plots and characters and you can tell a lot must have been left on the cutting room floor. And even though I loved this movie - I feel more could have been cut. More Jet Li, less Rick and Evy family drama. Jet Li and Michele Yoeh are great. Li doesn't speak any English in the movie (neither did Imoteph) but Yoeh does by the end (she turns out to get some satisfying screen time). There is also some classic Chinese butt whopin'. And as I said, I would have loved to have seen an entire movie about the Dragon Emperor...but maybe that will be another spin-off.
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
The Mummy 3 is full of action and fun - just as you would expect from the series. Jet Li plays the title character and it shows a great deal of history of his character. It is so interesting that you really want to see a movie about his character! It showed him conquering China and building the Great Wall but he wanted to conquer death as well. Also, introduced in this segment is a sorceress played by Michele Yoeh, you also want to see more of her. The movie focuses on the discovery of the Emperor and his army appearing as statues buried deep underground (like the famous Chinese terracotta army that was found in 1974). Our heroes and their son get involved with the unfortunate reviving of the Emperor and the fact that his army will be invincible if it leaves the Great Wall of China. Brendan Frasier leads the O'Connell clan with his usual wit and charm. His wife, Evelyn, is not played in the this movie by the lovely and talented Rachel Weisz. Instead she is replaced by Maria Bello who doesn't appear to have had any significant movie roles. She lacks the chemistry with Frasier that he had with Weisz. We do find out in the beginning of the movie that that is the problem that Rick and Evelyn have. They are bored. This movie picks up in 1946, after the war, when they had apparently been spies for the British government. They miss the excitement they used to share and jump at an opportunity to go to China on a mission for their government. There they run into their son, Alex (who looks to old to be their son), who just so happened to be in China because he quit school to dig up this Emperor. Well, the Emperor has his 1946 henchmen who want to raise the Emperor from the dead and give glory back to China.
There are lots of intertwining plots and characters and you can tell a lot must have been left on the cutting room floor. And even though I loved this movie - I feel more could have been cut. More Jet Li, less Rick and Evy family drama. Jet Li and Michele Yoeh are great. Li doesn't speak any English in the movie (neither did Imoteph) but Yoeh does by the end (she turns out to get some satisfying screen time). There is also some classic Chinese butt whopin'. And as I said, I would have loved to have seen an entire movie about the Dragon Emperor...but maybe that will be another spin-off.
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Vacation Mommy
The movie mommy has hit the road with the family for a summer vacation! We have only taken one long vacation with the kids before this and that was trying (March 2008) but the kids are older and better trained - or maybe we are.
We always take little weekenders but this was THE big trip. The kind of travelling tradition we will always have. Overall it has been a good trip. We had the trip to the ER but other than that, uneventful. We travelled about 7 hours the first day and arrived at my Dad's. The kids loved the beach and their uncle whom they now call "Dude." We went to the boardwalk until well after dark and the children loved the boardwalk rides. Even my son who never liked a ride that moved - a big breakthrough for him. After a weekend at "the shore" we headed to the Adirondack mountains and our family lakeside cabin or camp, as they call them up here. The kids are having a blast. They have been boating, on a train ride and today we took a ride on a paddle boat - something I first did as a baby (same boat). My son has been swimming off our dock with glee. His smile is wide and he is proud of himself - another breakthrough event for him.
This vacation has been good for our family. Our short trips have prepared us for this long one. We know what we need and don't need. The kids are at an age where they can really enjoy family activities with us.
These are just some ramblings I decided to write...in between my crushing amount of online work I have to do for school.
We head in the direction of home on in a couple days - and we are exhausted. A good vacation should always need you ready for another one!
We always take little weekenders but this was THE big trip. The kind of travelling tradition we will always have. Overall it has been a good trip. We had the trip to the ER but other than that, uneventful. We travelled about 7 hours the first day and arrived at my Dad's. The kids loved the beach and their uncle whom they now call "Dude." We went to the boardwalk until well after dark and the children loved the boardwalk rides. Even my son who never liked a ride that moved - a big breakthrough for him. After a weekend at "the shore" we headed to the Adirondack mountains and our family lakeside cabin or camp, as they call them up here. The kids are having a blast. They have been boating, on a train ride and today we took a ride on a paddle boat - something I first did as a baby (same boat). My son has been swimming off our dock with glee. His smile is wide and he is proud of himself - another breakthrough event for him.
This vacation has been good for our family. Our short trips have prepared us for this long one. We know what we need and don't need. The kids are at an age where they can really enjoy family activities with us.
These are just some ramblings I decided to write...in between my crushing amount of online work I have to do for school.
We head in the direction of home on in a couple days - and we are exhausted. A good vacation should always need you ready for another one!
Friday, July 11, 2008
New Reviews!
The following reviews are by the Super Mommy, special guest reviewer!
Wall*E
The Movie Mommy can attest to the fact that the Super Mommy is almost always able to find something to complain about. So imagine how shocked she was when I told her I couldn’t find a single thing to criticize about Wall*E, Pixar’s latest animated offering. From start to finish, the movie is just a gem – arguably the best the studio has put out in a string of excellent movies.
Wall*E predicts a distant future that we can easily imagine evolving out of Earth’s current environmental and social issues. Humans have literally trashed the planet and abandoned the debris-choked world for life on a luxurious starliner created by a Big Brother-style corporation. Before splitting for the stars, however, people left behind an army of robots to clean things up and prepare the Earth for eventual repopulation. Several hundred years later, all the robots have broken down. The only one left is Wall*E, an adorable little ‘bot who bears a striking resemblance to the main character in Short Circuit. Somehow, Wall*E has developed a personality and now spends his days compacting trash, playing with the only living thing left on the planet – a roach – watching a videotape of “Hello Dolly” and pining for companionship.
When another robot – this one a sleek, flying, laser-blasting Princes Leia-like character – arrives on Earth, Wall*E sees a chance to end his yearning and make a friend. Wall*E and Eve do become friends, and their bond takes the little robot on an adventure from the trash-choked cities of Earth all the way to the distant starliner that bears the last remnants of the human race. Inactivity and freedom from Earth’s gravity have turned humans into a race of sluggish, fat, sedentary creatures that seem like they would be ill-prepared for the challenge of repopulating their home world.
You could say Wall*E is a cautionary tale of the future our world faces if humans don’t clean up their act. You could interpret the film as a profound statement on the transcendent power of a simple touch. You could even view it as a story of redemption on a truly grand scale. But more than anything else, Wall*E is just good, clean fun – with a message. Kids will enjoy the animation, cuteness and slapstick moments. Adults will feel uplifted by the movie’s more grown-up themes.
Don’t wait for this to come out on DVD. Go see it in the theater. The sound effects are awesome (the first 30 minutes are dialogue-free yet brilliantly communicate the characters and situations), the animation is top-notch and the characters will win your heart.
MMMMM (out of 5)
The Walker
Almost every time I see Woody Harrelson in a movie I think to myself he was a sorry replacement for Coach and he hasn’t gotten much better with experience. But I have to give credit where credit is due; Harrelson shines in this psychological thriller set in the dirty social underbelly of Washington, D.C. Harrelson portrays Carter Page III, the son of a well-respected and long dead politician who never quite manages to live up to his father’s legacy. In his own way, “Car” is as much a mover and shaker as his father was. Carter is a “walker,” a socially adroit gay man who “walks” the wealthy, beautiful wives of Washington, D.C. politicians from fund-raiser to dinner to canasta game. When one of his canasta partners (Kristin Scott Thomas as a singularly self-centered wife of a powerful senator) finds her secret lover brutally murdered Carter’s loyalty is tested. He covers for his friend and is drawn into an ever-twisting plot that points an accusing finger all the way to Capitol Hill.
Harrelson is brilliant as the deeply insecure yet outwardly polished Carter. A stellar supporting cast includes Lilly Tomlin as the passive-aggressive, manipulative wife of a behind-the-scenes power broker adroitly played by Ned Beatty (who seems to be channeling Karl Rove). Wilhem DaFoe is the well-intentioned and powerful senator who seems oblivious to the indiscretions of his wife (Thomas). And Lauren Bacall steals every scene she’s in as the grand dame of Washington socialites – and perhaps the only true friend Carter has in the city.
The story is complex and compelling and Harrelson is a lot of fun to watch. Highly recommended for an evening of adult DVD-watching.
MMM (out of 5)
The above reviews were by the Super Mommy! Many thanks from the movie mommy and her readers.
Wall*E
The Movie Mommy can attest to the fact that the Super Mommy is almost always able to find something to complain about. So imagine how shocked she was when I told her I couldn’t find a single thing to criticize about Wall*E, Pixar’s latest animated offering. From start to finish, the movie is just a gem – arguably the best the studio has put out in a string of excellent movies.
Wall*E predicts a distant future that we can easily imagine evolving out of Earth’s current environmental and social issues. Humans have literally trashed the planet and abandoned the debris-choked world for life on a luxurious starliner created by a Big Brother-style corporation. Before splitting for the stars, however, people left behind an army of robots to clean things up and prepare the Earth for eventual repopulation. Several hundred years later, all the robots have broken down. The only one left is Wall*E, an adorable little ‘bot who bears a striking resemblance to the main character in Short Circuit. Somehow, Wall*E has developed a personality and now spends his days compacting trash, playing with the only living thing left on the planet – a roach – watching a videotape of “Hello Dolly” and pining for companionship.
When another robot – this one a sleek, flying, laser-blasting Princes Leia-like character – arrives on Earth, Wall*E sees a chance to end his yearning and make a friend. Wall*E and Eve do become friends, and their bond takes the little robot on an adventure from the trash-choked cities of Earth all the way to the distant starliner that bears the last remnants of the human race. Inactivity and freedom from Earth’s gravity have turned humans into a race of sluggish, fat, sedentary creatures that seem like they would be ill-prepared for the challenge of repopulating their home world.
You could say Wall*E is a cautionary tale of the future our world faces if humans don’t clean up their act. You could interpret the film as a profound statement on the transcendent power of a simple touch. You could even view it as a story of redemption on a truly grand scale. But more than anything else, Wall*E is just good, clean fun – with a message. Kids will enjoy the animation, cuteness and slapstick moments. Adults will feel uplifted by the movie’s more grown-up themes.
Don’t wait for this to come out on DVD. Go see it in the theater. The sound effects are awesome (the first 30 minutes are dialogue-free yet brilliantly communicate the characters and situations), the animation is top-notch and the characters will win your heart.
MMMMM (out of 5)
The Walker
Almost every time I see Woody Harrelson in a movie I think to myself he was a sorry replacement for Coach and he hasn’t gotten much better with experience. But I have to give credit where credit is due; Harrelson shines in this psychological thriller set in the dirty social underbelly of Washington, D.C. Harrelson portrays Carter Page III, the son of a well-respected and long dead politician who never quite manages to live up to his father’s legacy. In his own way, “Car” is as much a mover and shaker as his father was. Carter is a “walker,” a socially adroit gay man who “walks” the wealthy, beautiful wives of Washington, D.C. politicians from fund-raiser to dinner to canasta game. When one of his canasta partners (Kristin Scott Thomas as a singularly self-centered wife of a powerful senator) finds her secret lover brutally murdered Carter’s loyalty is tested. He covers for his friend and is drawn into an ever-twisting plot that points an accusing finger all the way to Capitol Hill.
Harrelson is brilliant as the deeply insecure yet outwardly polished Carter. A stellar supporting cast includes Lilly Tomlin as the passive-aggressive, manipulative wife of a behind-the-scenes power broker adroitly played by Ned Beatty (who seems to be channeling Karl Rove). Wilhem DaFoe is the well-intentioned and powerful senator who seems oblivious to the indiscretions of his wife (Thomas). And Lauren Bacall steals every scene she’s in as the grand dame of Washington socialites – and perhaps the only true friend Carter has in the city.
The story is complex and compelling and Harrelson is a lot of fun to watch. Highly recommended for an evening of adult DVD-watching.
MMM (out of 5)
The above reviews were by the Super Mommy! Many thanks from the movie mommy and her readers.
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Student Mommy
The movie mommy has been silent of late because of school. I am now in the process of getting my Master's Degree and it is all consuming. I work full time, mommy full time and wife full time. Even though I am only taking 2 online classes...it is ALOT more work than I expected. 26 hours of video lectures, 5 book reports and 4 textbooks of reading. There are also discussion panels and group projects. ALL in 8 weeks! Like I said, more than I expected.
Basically, I am not going to see another movie until my classes are over in August. Next semester I plan on just one class and I am hoping that will free me up a bit to continue my movie watching.
I will be squeezing in The Closer, which begins it's new season this month but that will probably be it. I don't know what I would do if this was during the regular TV season...TiVo?
I am just letting everyone know that I will be doing some posts but not about any new movies. I have a guest reviewer, The Super Mommy, that will doing most of the reviews. She sees a new movie a week and is a regular renter of the latest releases. So, be expecting some good stuff on here.
Back to the studies!
Basically, I am not going to see another movie until my classes are over in August. Next semester I plan on just one class and I am hoping that will free me up a bit to continue my movie watching.
I will be squeezing in The Closer, which begins it's new season this month but that will probably be it. I don't know what I would do if this was during the regular TV season...TiVo?
I am just letting everyone know that I will be doing some posts but not about any new movies. I have a guest reviewer, The Super Mommy, that will doing most of the reviews. She sees a new movie a week and is a regular renter of the latest releases. So, be expecting some good stuff on here.
Back to the studies!
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