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Fireplace for your Home (2008)
Nice and steady... peaceful (Contains spoilers)
After seeing the original production of A Fireplace at my aunt's house, I was looking forward to the screen production. The director doesn't disappoint. This is a nice, smooth fire that will bring you back to your days of youth, when someone would click the switch and viola, you have a nice fire going.
There are a couple faults that I have with the movie. One is is that the screenwriter took some liberties with the original plot that veers from the stage production. The biggest fault I find is that the story jumps right into the action without showing the lead character's earlier life that explains how he landed in the present situation. This makes the character seem a bit one dimensional. That said, it is still an enjoyable movie that can put your mind at ease after all is said and done.
Fireplace for Your Home: Crackling Fireplace (2011)
Sequel is much better than the first one.
I really enjoyed this sequel much better than the original Gas Fireplace for Your Home (2008). The director took a big risk by replacing the convenience of a gas fireplace with real wood and it pays off splendidly. Despite what Hank Hill might say, the pure crackling sounds are a joy to hear. The same way the crack of a ball off a wooden bat is a pure sound compared to the ping of an aluminum bat. This is a must-see for fireplace purists and should convert people sitting on the fence.
Viewers who missed the first installment of this series need not worry. After a few minutes, you'll quickly come to know the main characters and they will seem like long lost buddies. CFFYH is a stand alone entry but does add another dimension to the lead characters and I am certainly looking forward to further installments to see where they take it.
Emperor of the North Pole (1973)
Hobos vs Conductor
I saw this at the famous Genesee in Waukegan, IL when I was a wee lad and its had a mystical allure ever since. Maybe because as a wee lad, a movie about hobos riding the rails is an off-kilter idea. It kind of stuck with me and I've always wanted to see it again but never got around to it. Then lo and behold it was on AMC or TMC a few weekends ago. No boy was all extra happy was he. However, this time it was a bit of a let down.
The story follows two hobos, A-No 1 (Marvin) and a rookie (Carradine) who are trying to ride a mean conductor's (Borginine) train to Portland. The conductor, named Shack, is renowned among rail riding hobos as the meanest SOB there is and has no qualms about murdering the freeloader if he has to. He uses various weapons to keep the hobos off his train, some of which are quite ingenious, like tying a window weight to a rope and feed it under the car to bounce off the ties and pummel a man who is riding under a box car. Plot wise, there isn't much to the movie. Just the three guys playing cat and mouse on the train and meeting all sorts of hobo folk along the way. What makes this movie worth checking out is seeing Borginine busting a blue vein when he gets ticked off. He turns from an old grump to a ornery old cuss bent on destruction. Gotta love it.
One thing that struck me, and I'm not sure what it is about movies made in the 70s and set in the 30s, but the 1930s catch phrases sound very awkward coming out of the actors mouths. This is also the case if you listen to some of the dialogue in The Sting. Anyway, taken as a whole, this one is mildly entertaining with a few worthwhile scenes but nothing to rave about.
Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story (2011)
A labor of love went into this great, inspiring story.
Rise and Shine is a low budget documentary and it shows at times. However, don't let this detract you from the story. Its truly not only an inspiring story, but its one of the greatest underdog stories you'll ever hear. Jay's story is told with humor and humility. He's sure of himself, but not full of himself. He also has some funny stories about how sad his situation was along the way, but instead of feeling pity, you just laugh along with him.
The best part of the documentary is when the playoff match between Watford and Leeds is highlighted. This shows the potential the filmmakers have if they choose to pursue a career in this field. I won't go into the match details, but the way they dissect what happens is brilliant film making. It will truly stir you.
For all the great things this movie has, it is not perfect. I have a few issues with it. One is the corny country music they used when showing scenes of the town of Green Bay. The town is more middle America than rural America. Some of the interviews you can hear wind blowing through the mic. And the end credits look like a home made video. Minor complaints, really.
We have to give credit to the two guys who made this movie. Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija put their hearts into this movie. They were also funded by 2000 soccer fans on a grass roots level.
Overall, it is worth renting/viewing if you can find it. Americans may have a hard time grasping the magnitude of Jay's journey, but what a journey it is. As a soccer fan, sports fan, and 'underdog' fan, you should enjoy the story. For soccer fans, its highly recommended.
Disclosure - I'm a soccer fan and helped fund the movie through the producer's grass roots fund raising efforts.