BIRDS OF PREY

I finally got to see this with LuLu the same day I saw IJ.

I'm kinda at a loss in how to review this. I don't think it was a triumph for the DCU, but it wasn't bad.

I just . . .I just have mixed feelings about it. Let's start with the negatives and end on good notes.

1. The Deadpool "break the 4th wall" schtick and the absurd piling on of obscenity and torture at the start felt like a desperate attempt to earn an R rating and be "cool ."

2. The titular "team" is about as weak and dull a collection of B level antiheroes as you could possibly assemble. 

3. Empowerment be damned: not a single male in the film was a decent human. LITERALLY not one. They were all either abusive, lazy, crooked, or predatory. 

4. Last but not least, Harley Quinn just isn't a strong enough character to warrant 2 hours of screentime devoted to her.

Whew. Ok, the good:

1. Robbie is a hell of an actress and raised the level of this film just by her presence.

2. Some of the action scenes were downright fantastic. 

3. Ewan McGregor 

4. Despite it's flaws, it was entertaining. 

Overall, I'd rank it a middling superhero movie but worth a watch.

250 Years Ago Today

A quarter of a millenia ago today, British troops faced down an unruly mob of colonials who were angry at Parlimentary abuses. Without question, the soldiers were well disciplined in the face of an aggressive and increasingly bold crowd.

Alas, without orders to do so, the troops opened fire, some of the crowd died, and the somewhat exaggerated title of "The Boston Massacre " was born.

Most people, with good reason, recall rge event as a prelude to revolution.  I prefer to describe it as a triumph of the rule of law. 

Despite the provocations of the crowd, the government consented to put eight of the soldiers on trial for the incident. In turn, despite intense public pressure for convictions, lawyers - among them future Revolutionary and President John Adams - secured six acquittals from the jury. Two men were convicted, but their sentences greatly reduced.

Law - not passion - prevailed. 

IMPRACTICAL JOKERS THE MOVIE

As big fans of Impractical Jokers, Lisa and I were excited to take Smiley and Junie to see their movie Tuesday. 

(YaYa was at college, LuLu taking her ACT's)

The verdict? I had a blast with the family, but I'm glad I only paid $5 a seat, because the film isn't worth a full price admission. 

Parts of it were funny, to be sure. During Q's punishment I had tears and snot bubbles from laughing so hard, I kid you not.  But whenever they stuck to the horribly thin script, it all went kaput. Having seen them twice in person, I could've told you that they just can't act - except perhaps,  oddly, the once painfully shy Q - and relying on them to do so was silly.

They would have been better served by going the "Jackass" route and making their movie one long extended episode, and sticking with the tried and true.

If you are a fan of the show, you should go see the movie. Just be sure to do it on a discount day.

I Remember

I picked up this cup  -- part of a Campbell's soup set - for my sister Katie's birthday. It is an iconic memory of my childhood. 

A Political Post

I took a 36 question quiz found at www.idrlabs.com. Here are the results.

My only objection is that quip that I "see a role for the state in matters of .  .  . culture." Huh? I don't have a reflexive objection to money directed to the arts, but that's a pretty thin reason to say I want the government involved in matters of "culture."

LuLu takes the ACT

LuLu took the ACT today. Lots of preparation went into it, proud of her. College will be here quick. Bracing myself - Lisa

#THIS

Huckleberry at 4 months old

Some days are harder then others, I’m not gonna lie, but berry boi is doing well and growing FAST! Walks way better on a leash now. Not nearly as scared.

Loves eating the cat food instead of his own and still too many accidents resulting in us crating him at night (seems to be able to hold it when it’s HIS floor he’s pooping/peeing on. Lol).

Definitely a big chewer and already spoiled enough to have treats he’ll reject....ah, kids! - Lisa

 Fatal Pedestrian hit and run on Chase.

Please be careful, these drivers out here are ridiculous! - Lisa

ISO

Our trusted mechanic with 31 years of professional experience is looking for freelance work while searching for new employment. He’s mobile and can come to you or you can drop off.

At present he cannot lift-out engines or transmissions. His prices are reasonable, work high quality and we can personally vouch for him. Opportunities for long term south side employment are appreciated too. Direct contact, Roy [redacted] - Lisa

 None of us are making it out alive regardless. - Lisa

New vase...Now I just need flowers - Lisa

 

I obviously got the common “take-always” from watching the “Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.” But does anyone else go away with the name Arturo Martinez forever stained on their brain? Let me get that dude right there on MY team! - Lisa

The Huck at 4 months old

From Lisa:

 "Huckleberry at 4 months old 🥰Some days are harder then others, I’m not gonna lie, but berry boi is doing well and growing FAST! Walks way better on a leash now. Not nearly as scared. 

Loves eating the cat food instead of his own and still too many accidents resulting in us crating him at night (seems to be able to hold it when it’s HIS floor he’s pooping/peeing on. Lol). 

Definitely a big chewer and already spoiled enough to have treats he’ll reject....ah, kids! 🙄"

The Coronavirus and Irrational Fear

A single death, if it is avoidable, is a tragedy to those who know and love the deceased.  But that personal tragedy does not create a crisis on an international scale.

I'm aware that coronavirus has killed more than one person globally (the first and to date sole American casualty was announced today.)  

But in this century alone the MSM has jumped on numerous outbreaks and proclaimed that the sky is falling. It's their hobby.

AIDS was/is an epidemic sadly wothy of the fear it generated. A glorified flu like Corona virus? No. It is CERTAINLY not worth crashing the economy.

Note: I know it is not a literal version of the flu.

 YaYa is going overseas soon, so I *DO* worry she will be quarantined or fall ill, but it's a concern I would have in most scenarios. 

Respect the danger the virus represents and then act with prudence. But don't fall prey to paranoia 

The Benefits of Fathering A Theatre Education Student

 

Mr. Rogers

I love this man! I always have from as far back as I remember. I'd throw a total fit when my brothers would want to change the channel. They eventually gave up trying. He never came off as corny to me like he did to some, because to me he always came off 100% genuine. All I can do is hope the [upcoming biographical] movie does justice to the man. - Lisa

Clive Cussler

Aww, dangit. Adventure novelist Clive Cussler has passed away. RIP

 Round two... tried command strips this time. - Lisa

 Countdown to destruction 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ... I have always loved pillows but omg lol - Lisa

The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson

THE MURDER OF NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON spins an alternate tale of her death, pinning it on convicted serial killer Glen Edward Rogers, who in fact has (falsely?) confessed to the crime.

It's a B movie start to finish, and you don't know who to feel worse for, Brown or poor Mena Suvari, who has fallen to Nic Cage level roles.

As a long time student of the murders I'm still happy I rented it from Redbox, but I'm not sure you'll feel the same. Rent it at your sole discretion. 

Ouch

Huckleberry got loose and headed straight for our busy street. During the pursuit I slipped on mud and went crashing down on my bad hip, then somehow also managed to skin the opposite knee - the first time I've done that in probably 35 years - and bang up my arm. Everything hurts like hell. Its gonna be a long night.

Ouch

Huckleberry got loose and headed straight for our busy street. During the pursuit I slipped on mud and went crashing down on my bad hip, then somehow also managed to skin the opposite knee - the first time I've done that in probably 35 years - and bang up my arm. Everything hurts like hell. Its gonna be a long night.