Crazy Heart
I just saw "Crazy Heart". The movie is about a country singer who has fallen on some hard times, and uses his experiences to help his career, and his life. It's terrific, and features an unbelievable performance from Jeff Bridges. I recommend you see it.
Being about a country singer, the music is incredible. Listen to the songs here
One more thing. When credits come along at a movie, most people tend to get up out of their chairs, and make their way towards the exit. Not this movie. No one (and I mean no one) left when the credits came on. Everyone (and I mean everyone) waited until the end of the credits to leave. To me, that's the sign of a great movie. There are only four movies that I can remember where this happened: Crazy Heart, Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, and Gran Torino. Of course, these were all great movies.
The next time you go to the movies, see how many people stay until the end of the credits. You can tell if it's a good movie or not.
Thanks for returning to The Blog of Champions!
The Hurt Locker
I saw The Hurt Locker yesterday afternoon. If you see one movie all year, see this one.
The movie is set in Iraq, in the middle of the Iraq war, following three guys, whose job it is to disarm improvised explosive devices. Pretty tough stuff, right? Very tough. While not based on a true story, these guys exist. They disarm bombs for a living.
The movie is intense, gripping. It stays with you long after. It's still with me. It's a movie that makes you think: What's important? What do you really love? Trust me, I've been thinking.
I'm not giving away a lot on purpose. It's because I want you to see it.
Avatar and The Hurt Locker are supposed to be the front runners for an Oscar. I saw both. And I can tell you, without hesitation, that The Hurt Locker should win Best Picture. Avatar was great, but The Hurt Locker was one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's that good.
The Blind Side Is A Hit
Many long time readers know that I'm a huge fan of The Blind Side, by Michael Lewis. Actually, it's my favorite book of all time. It tells the true story of Michael Oher, who went from poverty to star football player. Now, it's a movie. I saw it this afternoon. All I can say it was terrific.
When a true story is adapted for film, a lot of important parts are left out, or changed. Not in this movie. It was completely accurate. Everything was right on. So, readers of the book will enjoy the authenticity.
I could go on. The movie is terrific. One of the best sports movies. You'll laugh. You'll cry. And then you'll rush to the book store to get the book. It's powerful, but at the same time, uplifting. So read the book. Then see the movie. You won't be sorry.
The Blind Side is Coming to a Theatre Near You
One of my favorite books ever is The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, by Michael Lewis. (And if you buy it from the link below, I get a percentage! And it doesn't increase the cost!) It tells the story of Michael Oher, who went from impoverished teen to recent NFL draft pick, and millionaire. The book was, for me, emotional, uplifting, and inspiring. It's a must read.
Buy it now!
Now, they are making it into amovie. It stars Sandra Bullock, as Oher's adoptive parent. Prediction: She will win an Oscar. The preview is below. Enjoy. It looks tremendous. And buy the book. For me, and because it's tremendous.
Some Thoughts And Musings
Haven't had a lot of time to post this week, so I figured I'd give some thoughts and musings on what's going on in sports:
-What a shot by LeBron James. Under pressure, needing a win, he got it done. Can we now say he's the best player in the game? He has the clutch shot. If he wins a title, he will most definitely be the best player on the planet.
-Good for the Magic for being able to come back in both of these games. You can't help that LeBron hit that shot. They should be very confident heading back to Orlando.
-Carmelo Anthony does not get the credit he deserves for being such a good player. He's taken this Denver team to new heights. A lot of people, myself included, were all Lakers all the time. I think that the Nuggets have a great chance of winning this series. They are playing outstanding defense, getting clutch baskets. You have to love the way they are playing.
-It's amazing how a point guard can change a team. With the Iverson-Billups swap, Denver has become a title contender, while Detroit went to fighting for the playoffs. When you have a steady point guard, you can go a long way. Mo Williams has had the same effect in Cleveland. To a lesser extent, Chris Duhon was that way in New York. Steady point guard play can make all the difference in the NBA.
-I'm shocked the Hurricanes are down 3-0. I really thought they could go all the way. Eric Staal is a monster, while Cam Ward is a hot goalie. But Sidney Crosby, and especially Evegeni Malkin have been spectacular. And sometimes you can't stop that.
-Chicago got a bad break with Havlat and Khabibulin out. They had some momentum after winning game 3.
-Yankees have an 'it' factor about them, winning so many games from behind. It speaks to their character.
-I just saw Milk this afternoon. Terrific movie. Sean Penn was outstanding and deserving of his Oscar.
-Have a great Memorial Day Weekend
Bruce’s Still Got It
Have had a chance to listen to the new Bruce Springsteen album, Working on a Dream, in it's entirety, and I have to say, it's great. Classic Bruce. Songs like 'Outlaw Pete', 'This Life', 'The Wrestler', 'Working on a Dream', and ' What Love Can Do' are sure to be instant classics. 'Outlaw Pete' is an eight minute masterpiece, combinig classic Bruce lyrics, with an awesome melody. The orchestra behind it doesn't hurt. 'The Wrestler', featured in the movie, is also classic Bruce. He does it again. I thought Magic was great. This might be better.
Speaking of wrestlers, finally saw The Wrestler. Mickey Rourke gives the performance of a lifetime. I know he didn't win the SAG award. But he has to win the Oscar. You can feel the emotion of Rourke's face, feel the pain in his voice. It's one of those performances where it seems to good to be true. But it was really that good. Just, incredible.
