Movie : Blackboard Jungle (1955)

Made in the 50's, it's a disturbing prediction of what schools could become. Unfortunately schools have become even worse. This movie obviously influenced others to follow : The Principal (1987), Stand and Deliver (1988), Lean on Me (1989).

Vic Morrow's acting is great in this movie, a must see. Sidney Poitier does a good job, but really has a minor role. Glenn Ford is inspirational as he portrays a teacher who loves his job but feels like he's powerless, and at the same time, keeps trying. Jamie Farr (as Jameel Farah) playing Santini is unrecognizable as the person who would later play Klinger on "M*A*S*H" (1972) (TV).

The school system is shown in a truthful light, some teachers have given up, why teach if the students don't care and don't think they need to go. It's disturbing that teaching has become an effort in memorization. It trains children to remember facts and figures, recite things that they've been taught, without solving problems and thinking for themselves. It leads children into following rules and behaving properly. It gets them ready for and accept entering the workforce. It doesn't encourage teachers to achieve more, it rewards teachers whose students have memorized the most information, and punishes those who inspire and encourage free thought.

7 ½ out of 10

www.imdb.com

Movie : Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco (1996) (V)

Sigh. This kind of movie is depressing, to think that money and energy is put toward this direct to video offering. Of course it will still make money, and that is why they do it, but you can't help but hope that they would be more creative. That being said, I've racked my brain trying to think of a way to have made a better movie, and I can't. I don't think there is anywhere you could have gone to make this a worthwhile artist effort.

This is David R. Ellis's directorial debut after much experience as a second unit director. I can't say anything bad about his decision to take it, because most of us would do far worse for our big break. It wasn't a great first effort, but again, what could he have possibly done. The script offered him nothing.

The original Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) was fairly entertaining and really should have been the last in the series. Many films, like Home Alone (1990) take a tired premise and stretch it until it breaks (4 in this case). The Air Bud (1997) franchise has extended itself to an upcoming 8th movie, all but 2 straight to video. On the positive side, these movies give directors a much needed credit, and employment to everyone involved, but are depressingly devoid of any artistic merit.

David R. Ellis went on to direct Final Destination 2 (2003), Cellular (2004), Snakes on a Plane (2006), and soon, Final Destination 4 (2009). Each movie has it's positive and negative reviews, so you can't say he's a horrible director. Don't we all have that one show we've woken up to see the next morning and regretted.

It's not that it's a horrible movie, It has entertaining moments, but ultimately isn't very memorable.

There must be some way to improve on these types of movies and elevate them from mere money making endeavours, but would you want to waste your time?

4 out of 10

www.imdb.com

Movie : Lilo & Stitch (2002)

I hadn't seen Lilo & Stitch since it came out, but I loved it then and still do. From the designs of the characters to the the backgrounds, everything about it looks great. The honesty of the characters makes it fantastic too, life isn't always perfect, not everyone is a princess. Lots of laughs throughout and some intense action scenes.

A lot of the negative reviews I've read of the movie are based on the bad behaviour of the characters, and how this is not a positive role model for kids. Hmm, ya. They aren't positive role models, they are shown as such. Every bad behaviour or situation is shown as something you shouldn't do. There are consequences for your actions. If you don't like what the characters are doing, explain to your children why it is bad and why it shouldn't be done, which I think the movie does.

I loved how the family wasn't a typical perfect family. How they had problems and issues to deal with. Not that all Disney movies need to be realistic, but it's great to see some are.

I'm surprised that I haven't heard much from the director, Chris Sanders. He wrote a great story, and his designs are incredible. I had thought he'd be doing a lot more. I guess he's been doing voice work on the TV series, but I had hoped to see more show ideas. He's written the story for Bolt (2008), and will be directing Crood Awakening (2011), which is co-written by John Cleese. I haven't heard much about the latter, but I expect something good. It's interesting to see he was pulled off of (or left) Bolt, then called American Dog, and moved to Dreamworks. John Lasseter, the CCO of Disney didn't think Sanders would be able to take the movie in the direction it needed to go. Hard to imagine the creator of Lilo & Stitch wouldn't know what he's doing. After the success of Kung Fu Panda (2008), the addition of Sanders will only make them better.

This is my family. I found it, all on my own. Is little, and broken, but still good. Yeah, still good. - Stitch

8 ½ out of 10

www.imdb.com

Quote : Candle

Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness

- Rev. Seizan Kawakami

Guitarist : Jeff Healey

March 25, 1966 – March 2, 2008

Losing his eye sight early in life, the Canadian guitar player gained popularity from his soulful and expressive music and vocals. Developing a lap-top style of playing, he was able to use his left hand easily as a slide and hit unique chords impossible for others to do. He took the stage with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan, B. B. King, and Eric Clapton.

Well known to the public by his appearance as Cody, in the Patrick Swayze movie Road House (1989).

In later years he turned to playing jazz music, of which he had been a life long fan, and ran a popular jazz radio program. At the club he owned (Jeff Healey's Roadhouse), he would play live weekly, one night the blues, another jazz, with his own band and with guest musicians.

He died on March 2, 2008 after the cancer that took his sight returned.

Choice Cuts : I Think I Love You Too Much , While My Guitar Gently Weeps , See the Light , Hell to Pay.

Movie : The Bank Job (2008)

Great movie. I'm not sure if all the facts are true, but it doesn't really matter, the film is very well done. Greatly suspenseful and engrossing. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and wondering if this could actually happen.

Jason Statham is becoming one of my favorite actors. He was awesome in Crank (2006) and is fantastic here, as are all the characters.

I'd love to find out more about this story, and discover how much of it is true.

8 out of 10

IMDB (The Bank Job)

Movie : Hellboy (2004)

I'm not going to say anything bad about this movie...well, ok, I am. But it's not really that big of a complaint.

I think it's a great movie, and I'm definitely going to buy it, but a lot of info seemed to be skipped or hinted at. I assume this was due to the filmmakers thinking people would know more about it from the comics. I haven't read the comics yet, and I find it irritating when you have had to read the book or have seen the previous movie for it to make sense. I guess it's difficult for directors and writers to look at a movie from the point of someone who doesn't have that inside information. After years at work on a movie, certain sequences must seem obvious to them, and more explanation isn't needed.

I really like the characters and thought the cast did a great job. The f/x was really well done, and Hellboy's makeup was completely believable. Some of the sequences seem unnecessary and forced, but others, like Hellboy's rooftop heart to heart with the kid were a great touch, but a little awkward.

This is one movie that would have been enhanced by being longer and taking the time to get into the explanations of characters and events. I'm going to read the comics now to get the back story that I think is needed to really enjoy this movie.

7 1/2 out of 10

www.imdb.com

Boxing : Pacquiao vs. Diaz June 28 2008

Pacquiao took Diaz apart. Diaz was defending his title for the second time and his first match with Pacquiao. Pacquiao cut Diaz across the nose and then above the eye, possibly from a collision of their heads. Pacquiao continued to punish Diaz with punches until the 9th round when a left jab put Daiz on the canvas.

Gaining weight for the fight, Pacquiao looked even more powerful and had lost none of his speed.

MMA : UFC 83 - Serra vs St-Pierre 2

A great edition of the UFC tournament. The first in Canada. One of the highlights being Mac Danzig's win over Mark Bocek. I loved how the Canadian fans cheered for the American, Danzig, showing their appreciation of a great fight.

It's great to see Michael Bisping doing well and winning over fans. I hope to see great things from him.

Nate Quarry scored a dominant win over Kaliv Starnes. Starnes exhibited an embarrassing running effort. And even worse, mocking of the crowd. You have to show maturity, even in defeat. His ridiculous effort resulted in his dismissal from the UFC. Even after, he continued blaming others. Quarry's Rocky quote was priceless.

One of my favorites, Rich Franklin beat Travis Lutter. Lutter as well was released by the UFC because of a weak performance. I didn't think he did that badly, Franklin is just a better fighter.

The title fight was an incredible battle. Matt Serra vs.Georges St. Pierre. The outcome at no time was obvious. With Serra defending his welterweight belt, St. Pierre was eager to redeem himself from their previous fight. I didn't know St. Pierre had such a good ground game. With his win, G.S.P. is well on his way to dominating the sport.

In an additional pre-card match, Jonathan Goulet vs. Kuniyoshi Hironaka gave a great show. I'm really impressed by Goulet, can't wait to see more of him.

Top 5 : Greatest Boxers

I'm really hating limiting myself to 5 picks. Again this was a difficult decision. And while I have great respect for the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Rocky Marciano, Archie Moore, Jack Dempsey... it's a short list, these are the better fighters.

I may be biased with modern boxers because I've seen them, unlike boxers who only have a printed record. A boxer isn't the best just because no one else knows about him and you think he's under-rated. Because you are Mexican, white, black, Italian or striped, doesn't make a boxer of the same color the best. I'd love to put George Chuvalo on the list; a strong brawler, never took a step back, but, he's just not the best. Ultimately it comes down to who you think is the best, the lists are varied.

Rocky Marciano did beat Joe Louis, but it was during Louis's return and he just wasn't the same fighter. Sugar Ray Leonard should be on the list, but there's only 5 spots. George Foreman, being as strong as any boxer, doesn't have the skill of the Top 5 boxers. The Top 5 boxers have all been called the best, number one, and the greatest at one time.


Joe Louis : (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981)

Known as “The Brown Bomber”. Held the heavyweight title for 11 years, defending it 25 times.

Total fights: 72, Wins: 69, Wins by KO: 55, Losses: 3, Draws: 0, No contests: 0.

He knocked out the 6'6' 265 pound Primo Carnera, in six rounds. Louis knocked out Max Baer in four rounds. Before losing to Louis, Baer had been knocked down only once.

One of the most important fights in his life was against Nazi poster boy, Max Schmeling, and created a life long friendship, as seen in Joe and Max (2002) (TV). Even losing to Schmeling, he was awarded a title shot when talks broke down with Schmeling's camp.

Louis beat the “Cinderella Man” James J. Braddock by KO in the 8th to win the heavyweight championship of the world.

The rematch between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling is one of the most famous boxing matches of all time. Considered a national hero by the Nazi party, Schmeling had the weight of Germany on him. The fight lasted two minutes and four seconds. Schmeling was knocked down three times, and only managed to throw two punches in the entire bout. On the third knockdown, Schmeling's trainer threw in the towel. Schmeling never joined with the Nazi party, and his resistance made him a hero in post-war.

Joe served in the Army from 1942 to 1945, he donated over $100,000 awarded to him from fights to the Army and Navy Emergency Relief Funds to show his support for the U.S. war effort. However, this income was fully taxed by the IRS, and this left him with serious tax debts. Schmeling offered financial assistance to Louis during this period.


Sugar Ray Robinson : (May 3, 1921 – April 12, 1989)

Total fights: 202, Wins: 175, Wins by KO: 108, Losses: 19, Draws: 6, No contests: 2.

Held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951, and won the world middleweight title. He retired in 1952, only to come back two and a half years later and regain the middleweight title in 1955.

A bigger than life persona, he was the originator of the “entourage” life. A secretary, barber, masseur, voice coach, trainers, beautiful women, a dwarf mascot, all travelled with him.


Muhammed Ali : (born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942)

Total fights: 61, Wins: 56, Wins by KO: 37. Losses: 5, Draws: 0, No contests: 0.

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" was his style; power combined with sharp speed. Instead of defending his face, he relied on foot speed and quickness to avoid punches .

Won the Light Heavyweight gold medal in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Won the heavyweight title from Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964, as Cassius Clay and then converted to Islam afterwards and took the name Muhammed Ali.

His match with Chuck Wepner was the inspiration for Rocky.



Mike Tyson : (June 30, 1966) the youngest to win and lose a world heavyweight title.

Total fights: 58, Wins 50, Wins by KO: 44, Losses: 6, Draws: 0, No contests: 2.

Won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout, 12 in the first round.

On November 22, 1986, Tyson was given his first title fight against Trevor Berbick. Tyson won the title by second round TKO, and at the age of 20 years and 4 months became the youngest heavyweight champion in history.

He became the first heavyweight to own all three major belts, WBA, WBC, and IBF, at the same time.

He faced Larry Holmes on January 22, 1988, and defeated the legendary former champion by fourth round knockout. This was the only knockout loss Holmes suffered in 75 professional bouts.

On June 27, 1988, Tyson faced Michael Spinks. considered to be the "legitimate" heavyweight champion. Tyson knocked out Spinks in 91 seconds of the first round.

Personal dislike of the man aside, If not for all the controversy and personal issues, Tyson, in his prime, might have gone on to become the greatest fighter of all.


Roy Jones Jr. : (January 16, 1969)

Total fights: 56, Wins: 52, Wins by KO: 38, Losses: 4, Draws: 0, No contests: 0.

My favorite boxer. Held the title in middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Also held the WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, NABF, WBF, and IBA light heavyweight championships at the same time.

Jones represented the United States at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games where he won the silver medal. Jones dominated his opponents, never losing a single round on route to the final. He lost a 3-2 decision in the final to South Korean fighter Park Si-Hun, landing 86 punches to Park's 32. One judge shortly thereafter admitted the decision was a mistake, and all three judges voting against Jones were eventually suspended. An official IOC investigation concluding in 1997 found that 3 of the judges were wined and dined by Korean officials, but the IOC still officially stands by the decision.

In 1997, Jones suffered his first professional loss via disqualification. Jones was ahead of Montell Griffin on the scorecards. He dropped Griffin to the canvas early in round nine, but then hit him twice more. He was disqualified and lost his title. During the rematch, Jones knocked Griffin down within the first 20 seconds, and then ending the fight by knocking Griffin down again two minutes in.

Most info pilfered from www.wikipedia.org.