"Tape" Review

Richard Linklater is a unique and underappreciated filmmaker who has produced some of the most distinctive films I’ve seen.  Dazed and Confused is an all-time favorite that is possibly the most re-watchable movie ever made.  The Before Sunrise trilogy weaves a dialogue-fueled tale unlike anything I have seen.  Boyhood, his latest effort, is a film for ages.  And Tape (2001), which I recently viewed for the first time, is a remarkable story-telling achievement.

Tape is a low-budget drama that takes place solely in a hotel room.  The film features only three characters on screen, one which doesn’t appear until the end.  Starring two future stars in Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, we are treated to complex characters that have been hardened by the harsh realities of their lives.

Ethan Hawke flexes his acting chops as 28 year-old drug dealer Vince, who needs to be in control of everything.  Reuniting with his high school pal/friend Jon, played by Robert Sean Leonard, the duo bickers about their current situations before revisiting a dark event from the past.  What Jon believed to be a joyful reunion turns to a potentially life-altering evening.

The narrative hits a breaking point when a third person arrives to the room, threatening both of the mens’ livelihoods.  Tape is a tale of morality, forgiveness, and friendship.  It touches on the fact that our motives are not always what we believe they are.

Dialogue and pacing are the film’s biggest strengths. Once the two main characters have been introduced, there is never a dull moment.  Linklater methodically builds tension through well-crafted conversations and continuous conflict.  His ability to transform three characters conversing in a hotel room into a gripping drama speaks volumes of the man’s ability.

My complaints about the movie are mostly visual-based.  The camera work is distracting at times, and the lighting is far from perfect.  But what do you expect from a film with a $100,000 budget?

Tape is very different from Linklater’s other work.  The tone is dark, and the story is heavy.  But if you appreciate good dialogue, great characters, and relentless tension, Tape is a worthwhile watch.

                       3/4 Stars

Cactus League aka MLB's Baseball Heaven

What would a baseball heaven be like?  For starters the sun would always be shining.  There would never be rainouts, and the temperature would stay at a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit.  Young prospects, current superstars, and Hall of Famers would all gather on one field.  A place like this exists in central Arizona.  It is Major League Baseball’s Cactus League, where 15 MLB teams hold their annual Spring Training.

The Cactus League ballparks are home to minor league clubs during the regular season.  Rather than holding 50,000 fans, these venues hold only 10,000 and do not have a bad seat in the house.  The smaller capacity makes the ballparks much more intimate than major league stadiums.  Close in proximity, it takes no longer than one hour to travel from any one park to another.

Entry to Spring Training practice is free, and many complexes house multiple teams.  Visit Camelback Ranch in Glendale, and it is a one-minute walk from watching the Dodger’s Yaseil Puig crush pitches over the fence to witnessing professional hitters wave at Chris Sale’s filthy slider.  Practices are often much less crowded than games and truly reflect the rustic nature of America’s pastime.

Many of baseball’s top prospects spend time in the Cactus League. They can be seen displaying their skills on the practice field and playing in exhibition games against major league competition.  It is a treat see how these future stars measure up to established big leaguers.

A relaxed Spring Training atmosphere makes the Cactus League an ideal location for collecting signatures. Both players and managers are more likely to sign during Spring Training than throughout the regular season.  Each year thousands of autograph seekers flock to the Arizona for signatures. Some are hoping to resell items for a profit, others collect memorabilia as a hobby , and a select few are simply children who want to meet their heroes.  Dedicated autograph hounds can gather dozens of autographs in just a few days.

Spring Training is a spectacle that brings together thousands of like-minded people who all share in common a love for baseball.  The majority of fans around the Cactus League are extremely knowledgable and can hold their own in any baseball conversation.  Visit multiple complexes, and you will surely see some familiar faces.

The collection of baseball legends around the Cactus League is second to none.  Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Tommy Lasorda, and Wille McCovey are just some of the baseball heroes who stop by Arizona.  An exuberant 78 year-old Koufax hopping around Camelback Ranch is truly a sight to behold. And at nearly 80 years old, Sandy is tough as ever:

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/24451097/sandy-koufax-hit-in-head-by-line-drive-during-batting-practice-at-dodgers-camp

The arrival of pitchers and catchers has long been a gateway from the end of winter to the beginning of spring.  It is and always will be a symbol of rebirth and optimism.  No matter how difficult the past season was, there is hope for the future. For all these reasons, visiting the Cactus League makes for an incredible experience that even the most casual baseball fan would enjoy.

Remembering Harold Ramis

The comedy world lost a legend last week when Harold Ramis passed away at the age of 69.  Ramis was never an A-list celebrity, but that did not stop him from leaving his footprint as one of the most innovative comedians of all-time.  He was a pioneer who shaped comedy into what it is today.  Without Ramis, Bill Murray would not be the same cult hero.  The following are what I believe to be the quintessential movies of Ramis’s career.

Animal House

One cannot talk about Ramis’s legacy without mentioning Animal House.  The 1978 comedy classic was like nothing the world had seen before.  Now over 35 years old, Animal House is still beloved by college campuses everywhere.  Ramis co-wrote the film's screenplay with Douglas Kenny and Chris Miller.  Well ahead of its time, Animal House will forever rank in the highest echelon of comedy films.

Caddyshack

Ramis wrote the screenplay and made his directorial debut for 1980’s Caddyshack; turning a gentleman’s game into a zany and hilarious farce.  No other film features four comedic performances as great as the ones in Caddyshack.  Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Ted Knight combine to make every second a highlight.  Murray’s mission to rid the golf course of a pesky gopher is as unforgettable as Dangerfield’s eccentric millionaire persona.

National Lampoon’s Vacation

Ramis paired up with Chevy Chase again in 1983, using John Hughes’s screenplay to create National Lampoon’s Vacation.  A comedic portrait of the American family, there's something everyone can relate to in Vacation.  Chase is perfect casting for Clark Griswold, a wholesome father and loving husband who will do anything in his power to get his family to Wally World.  The film led to a number of sequels while solidifying Clark Griswold as the prototypical family man.

Ghostbusters

Grossing nearly $300 million worldwide, 1984’s Ghostbusters paved the way for modern comedy blockbusters.  Ramis co-wrote wrote and had a starring role in the film.  With an all-time great theme song and an outstanding lead performance from Bill Murray, Ghostbusters capitalized on its popularity with clothing, video games, and a sequel.  The production of a Ghostbusters 3 has been rumored for years, but looks less and less likely.

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day’s high-concept story has been universally praised since the film hit was released in 1993.  Ramis co-wrote the screenplay and directed the film.  Bill Murray knocks it out of the park as weatherman Phil Connors, who experiences the same day over and over.  The premise is a perfect match for Bill Murray's dry and cynical sense of humor.  Ramis’s most thought-provoking effort, the film spurs moviegoers to examine their own lives and how they spend their days. 

Honorable Mentions: Meatballs (1979), Stripes (1981), Back To School (1984), Analyze This (1999), and this scene from Orange County (2002)

Storylines To Follow During The 2014 MLB Season (Other than Jeter)

1) Mike Trout

Trout has been the best player in baseball during his first two seasons in the Majors.  His speed and defense give him the nod over slugger Miguel Cabrera.  Trout’s 20 year-old season, which was his rookie year, ranks among the best seasons by a 20 year old in the history of MLB.  His sophomore campaign brought a similar dominance.  As Trout’s strike recognition skills improved, he became an even more dangerous hitter.  So what will his third year bring?  Would a 40 homer/40 stolen base season along with a slash line of .330/.450/.650 be that surprising?  Trout’s greatness is already historical, and he is still young enough to play another 15 years.  We are witnessing a legend in the making.

2) Colorado Rockies Pitching Prospects 

Jonathan Gray

The Colorado Rockies may finally have a couple of top-shelf starting pitchers.  Eddie Butler and Jonathan Gray are on the fast track to the Majors, and their arrivals could turn the Rockies into contenders.  Gray was drafted out of college and showed an elite K/BB ratio during his brief minor league stint in 2013.  Butler, pitching for A and AA last year, boasted a 1.80 ERA along with strong strikeout numbers.  This one-two punch has a chance to stabilize the Colorado’s terminally inconsistent rotation.

3) Masahiro Tanaka

There are lofty expectations on Japanese import Masahiro Tanaka, who is about to embark on his first MLB season.  The $155 million dollar man is supposed to anchor the Yankees rotation for at least the next 7 years.  The pressure of pitching in New York will not help his cause.  Regardless of expectations, Tanaka’s performance will be among the most important factors in determining how far the Yankees advance in 2014.  With an aged roster that includes outfielders Ichiro Suzuki, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Beltran, along 2014 being Jeter’s final season, all signs point to the Yankees being all-in for a championship.  Tanaka will need to play up to his contract for New York to have a chance in October.

4) Chicago Cubs Infield Prospects

It has been awhile since the Chicago Cubs have been relevant.  Javier Baez and Kris Bryant hope to change that.  Baez, a SS whose bat speed draws comparisons to Gary Sheffield, is Baseball America’s 6^th ranked prospect.  Baez’s raw power is off the charts, and he would hit at least 20 homeruns in the majors this year.  However, he needs to improve his plate discipline.  Baez does not walk much and has a penchant for striking out.

Bryant, a 3B who was last year’s #2 overall draft pick and 2013 Arizona Fall League MVP, is a far more seasoned player.  Playing three years of college ball at the University of San Diego, Bryant is a should see the majors before the All-Star break.  At 6’5, Bryant has immense power and will take advantage of the friendly Wrigley Field confines.

5) St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Loiuis Cardinals Organization is doing something right.  Two pennants in the last three years, including a world championship, is nothing to sneeze at.  The Cardinals front office is the best in baseball at scouting and developing talent.  A homegrown pitching rotation consisting of Wainwright, Wacha, Miller, and Lynn can be devastating in a playoff series.  Allen Craig has filled the void left by Pujols, and Matt Adams is a star in the making.  Matt Carpenter is an elite leadoff hitter who boasts patience and a knack for finding the gaps.  Trading David Freese  to free up a space for 2B Kolten Wong (Carpenter will play 3B) puts pressure on the young Hawaii native.  His play will be something to monitor, but it will not make or break the team’s season.  Top outfield prospect Oscar Taveras is waiting in the wings and could be a difference maker down the stretch.  If I was a betting man, I would take the Cardinals to win this year’s World Series.

Spafford Review

Spafford, a jam-band founded in Prescott, Arizona, has the all the ingredients to make it big.  Consisting of lead guitarist and singer Brian Moss, drummer Nick Tkachyk, bassist Jordan Fairless, and keyboardist Andrew “Red” Johnson, Spafford boasts talent, precision, and a willingness to push the envelope. 

Influenced by bands like Phish and The Disco Biscuits, Spafford harnesses its collective prowess by indulging in several unique jam segments per show.  Their jams cover many genres, including funk, space, psychedelic, and rock.  Most jams culminate in an epic crescendo in the form of a merciless guitar peak.

Spafford’s live catalogue includes original songs as well as a variety of covers.  Recognizable cover tunes such as  Down Under, Stuck In The Middle With You, Midnight Rider, and Send Me On My Way are sprinkled throughout shows .  As a nod to their Jam-Band forefathers The Grateful Dead and Phish, Spafford will also bust out songs like Dark Star, Eyes of The World, Slave To The Traffic, and Harry Hood.

The band’s original songs are catchy and full of energy.  Electric Taco brings the funk, Galisteo Way rocks the house, and Beautiful Day is a show-stopping ballad that has heartfelt lyrics and a strong vocal performance.

Tastefully incorporating electric elements, Spafford utilizes moden technology without using it as a crutch.  Synthesizers layer select jams, creating an atmospheric soundscape fraught with psychedelia.

While many jam bands are notorious for poor vocals, Spafford boasts multiple members capable of carrying a tune.  Brian Moss handles the lead on most songs, and Johnson delivers a touching performance on Beautiful Day.

The most appealing part of a Spafford show is the band’s exuberance.  The four guys on stage are having as good of a time as anyone in the audience.  When they sync up to create an especially memorable passage of music, one can see the giddiness in the band members’ reactions.

The intimate setting of smaller venues such as Tempe’s Sail Inn only adds to the mystique of a Spafford show.  But with each concert, Spafford inches closer to playing larger and more far-off venues.  According to my ears, it is only a matter of time before they are touring the country.

High quality recordings of Spafford's live performances are available free of charge at:
https://archive.org/details/Spafford

2/16/14 Sunset

Everyday the sun rises and sets.  And everyday the sequence has the potenital to produce awe-inspiring visuals.  The colors emitted by the sun and reflected through the clouds are among the most breathtaking sights visible to the human eye.  Yesterday’s sunset was one to remember.  Here is its evolution, as captured by an iPhone 4:

    Thick clouds populated the sky throughout the day, and the evening hours saw more of the same.

       The sun peaks out from under a dark, massive cloud.  Only a couple minutes until sunset.

 The sun has set, and the vibrant colors have begun to flourish.

                         
                                The once-obstructive cloud is now a canvas for the sun's rays.

"A Serious Man" Review

The Coen Brothers’ "A Serious Man" is a dark, cynical, and comedic take on one man’s spiritual crisis.  It is perhaps the Coen’s most personal and thought provoking work.  The film is a contemplation on the role of religion in a conservative Jew’s life.  Other themes explored are relationships, adultery, and morality.  “A Serious Man” poses many questions and provides few answers. 

The premise centers on the battle of Larry Gopnik, played by Michael Stuhlberg, vs. fate. Larry's life is spiraling out of control, and he will do anything to fix it.  His job at his risk, his family is breaking down, and his health is in question. Larry struggles through life-changing hardships, attempting to sail stormy seas by a vessel of religious faith. Stuhlbarg’s performance as  a victim of the universe reeks of desperation, just as it should.

Larry's Neighborhood

The setting is the midwestern Suburban Hell of the 1960s.  Larry lives with his spiteful wife and his two ungrateful children within the confines of a     generic, boring neighborhood.  The unraveling that ensues is enough to question the family man ethos.

Aaron, Larry's only son, receives the second-most screen time of the film.  He battles typical problems of a 13 year-old such as studying for his Bar Mitzvah, dodging the drug-dealer he is indebted to, and trying to get his father to fix the poor television reception.  Aaron and his friends provide comedic relief through some of the funniest dialogue in the movie.

 The Coens are masters of capturing different time eras, and "A Serious Man"is their take on the '60s.  The soundtrack includes '60 classics "Somebody To Love" by Jefferson Airplane and "Machine Gun" by Jimi Hendrix.

The set-designs costumes, lighting, and unique camera shots help make the film a knock-out visually.  There is a visual darkness to the film that aids in the storytelling.

Sy Abelman greets Larry

Sy Abelman, played to perfection by Fred Melamed, steals every scene he appears in.  Sy is Larry’s worst nightmare.  He is a devout Jew, secure in his faith, and is also in a relationship with Larry’s wife, Judith.  Sy's emotions jump off the screen.  He is unrestrained and never phased in the slightest.  Sy is a vintage Coen Brothers character who will not soon be forgotten.  

There is a focus on Judaism and its culture throughout the film.   When Larry voices his issues to close friends and family, their responses are invariably, "Did you talk to the Rabbi?"  Other than providing the Coens with an opportunity to indulge in ambitious camera shots, the Jewish motif will appeal to anyone who has ever practiced a religion.  The theme is more about the concept of religion than it is about the religion of Judaism.



Thought provoking films can be highly rewarding.  They are the most ambitious endeavors and possess the most potential for greatness.  A Serious Man is a thought provoking film that explores the meaning of life, God, and religion.  Pair that with the film’s penchant for gorgeous shots, witty dialogue, and an outstanding soundtrack, and that is a recipe for an elite film.  The plot will not appeal to everyone.  There is no steadfast beginning and end to the story.  The film's themes loom larger because of the plot's uncertainty.  

3.5 / 4 Stars

Derek Jeter's Retirement Announcement

I have zero memories of a Yankee team without Derek Jeter.  Over an 18 year span, Captain Clutch has been promoted from my favorite shortstop to my favorite Yankee to my favorite athlete of all time.  His departure from baseball leaves a hole that will never be filled.

Never again will an iconic Yankee throw his batting gloves to my 10 year-old self.  Excitement over defensive plays deep in hole, into the stands, and around home plate cannot be re-captured.  Passion for an Elementary School book report on Derek Jeter: The Life You Imagine is a distant memory.  The exuberance of an 11 year old watching his hero hit a walk-off homerun in the World Series is a thing of the past.

Last year, with the Yankees in the midst of a 9 game homerless streak, Derek Jeter returned from an extended stint on the disabled list.  His road back to the playing field was full of detours, but he was finally in the lineup.  He hit the first pitch he saw over the right field wall, breaking the homerless drought, and igniting the Yankees offense.

Derek Jeter will always be polarizing to stat-heads and intangible enthusiasts.  The sabermetric people will argue that Jeter’s defense is at best below average.  They will also say that Jeter does not hit for enough power to be a cream of the crop type player.  Traditionalists will praise Jeter for his leadership in the club house, clutch hits, and ability to make unforgettable plays such as "The Flip:"

Jeter’s legacy lays between the two extremes.  Any Yankee fan will tell you that Jeter made the plays he was supposed to make.  And although any teammate would want him at the plate in a clutch situation, Jeter didn’t always come through when the game was on the line.

The Mount Rushmore of quintessential Yankees includes Ruth, Dimaggio, Mantle, and Jeter.  Each Yankee played a long Hall-Of-Fame caliber career, won numerous championships, and captured iconic status as “The Yankee” of his time.  It takes exceptional play on the field as well as a charismatic personality off the field to join such a special group.

During an era when everything is public and athletes are held to a higher standard than ever before, Jeter has set the bar for how an athlete should carry himself.  Other than a small rift between Steinbrenner and Jeter during the 2000 season, Jeter has kept himself clean of controversy.  He has lived in New York City for nearly 20 years and has maintained a sterling reputation.

The steroid era puts a shadow over most players, but Jeter is one who most presume is innocent.  He is a ripple of light among waves of darkness.  Throughout MLB court hearings and government investigations, Jeter was the poster child for everything that was still right about baseball.

Critics will say that Jeter announced his retirement for attention.  Why announce it before the season?  He just wants ESPN to fawn over him for 162 games, right?  Or maybe he did it for the fans.  He did it for the fans who might want to see Jeter for one last time, or maybe even for the first time ever.  This announcement puts everyone on notice:  The most important baseball player of the last 50 years is retiring, so get your tickets now.