Peaceful Warrior

While Im usually not a big fan of inspiring sports movies, I do have one to reccomend. Its called "Peaceful Warrior" and is the story of a college gymnast with olympic aspirations. Its based on Dan Millman's novel 'Way of the Peaceful Warrior' which is a work of autobiographical fiction. Autobiographical fiction is similar to historical fiction, where a true story is embelished and dramatized. Most times the fictionalization will be the thoughts and motives of historical figures (Braveheart) or a tragic romance (Titanic). 'Peaceful Warrior' is slightly different. Thoughts and motives are known because the story is autobiographical and there is no real romantic subplot to drag down the story. Instead, Millman's fictionalization comes by way of the mentor character (played surprisingly well by Nick Nolte). This character, named Socrates, is given almost deity-like powers of strength, intuition and wisdom. While I do not know if this character is based on an actual person or just a device to explain Millman's internal struggle, and even though its fairly unoriginal and cliche', it works fairly well.

I was attracted to this movie mainly by the director. He is known mainly for the horror movie "Jeepers Creepers" and its sequal. I was curious to see how a suspense/horror director would handle a sports drama. After watching the film and being quite impressed, I found out that this director (Victor Salva) wrote and directed 'Powder'(1995), which I remember being a little odd but very good.

As much as I liked the film, it did have a few moments that weren't the best. I think the overall casting could have been better. While Scott Mecholwicz (of 'Eurotrip' fame) did a pretty good job as the lead, I think they could have found someone who better looked the part. Also Nick Nolte seemed to try too hard to be the wise father figure. He spouts off a few too many one line philosophies for my taste. There is also a Gollum/Smeagol moment that I could do without.

Overall it was a really good movie. Typical inspirational sports plot, but very interesting directorial choices. The cinematography during the practice and competition sequences is particularly exceptional. I definately reccomend this movie, even if you aren't a fan of the sports genre.

Rufus Wainwright, Nickel Creek & Fiona Apple

I spent the last two evening at the Mann Center in Philly seeing two exceptional concerts.



On Friday I saw Rufus Wainwright. He played his entire new album with some olde favorites here and there. As always, he put on an excellent show. Its been a while since I've seen him with a band. It was nice to hear the songs live with the full force of his arrangements, especially with the addition of a small horn section (saxes/flute, trumpet, french horn). For the second set, Rufus delighted the audience by donning his now trademark lederhosen. For his encore he changed outfits again, this time coming out in a bathrobe, which was shed after a few songs to reveal him in drag. And as cliche as it is, the only word that truly describes the night is "fabulous".



Yesterday I went and saw Nickel Creek and Fiona Apple. Im sure everyone has heard of Fiona Apple, but perhaps not Nickel Creek. This must change. They are incredible. A typical double billing would have each band doing a set and then maybe combining for a handful of songs at the end. This show was a bit different. Nickel Creek started out on their own for a little bit, but once Fiona came out they stuck around and played as her band. It was really great to see these very different artists working together. Fiona's songs lended very nicely to the bluegrass instrumentation. The only instruments played were fiddle, guitar, upright bass and mandolin. No drums, no electric guitars, no keyboards. It was excellent. Truly a unique concert experience.
(I also only paid $20 for my tickets and had better seats than my friends who paid full price, which is always a good thing)

Unaffordable Health Care Causes Murder

Because I have a sick sense of humor, I find this story hilarious:

From MSNBC.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man threw his seriously ill wife four stories to her death because he could no longer afford to pay for her medical care, prosecutors said in charging him with second-degree murder.
According to court documents filed Wednesday in Jackson County Circuit Court, Stanley Reimer walked his wife to the balcony of their apartment and kissed her before throwing her over.

The body of Criste Reimer, 47, was found Tuesday night outside the apartment building, near the upscale Country Club Plaza shopping district.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20297388/

This guy thought health care was expensive, wait until he gets the funeral bill. Hopefully this will be included in the special features of the 'Sicko' dvd.

'ello, 'ello, 'ello

Cheers from Buxton!

I'm having a great time in England. I arrived on Friday at 4:00pm (GBT), checked into a quaint bed and breakfats on the outskirts of town, and then had a nice dinner with the cast and crew. Afterwards i had tickets to see the professional G&S company's production of 'Patience'. What I saw was pretty good, but then my 13 hours of traveling and 10 hours of NYC the day before caught up with me. I slept through a majority of the first act and decided to imagine act two from the comfort of my bed. But before I slipped into my jet-lag coma, I of course had to watch 'Big Brother', the original British version that is. I suppose that no matter where I go, I will be obsessed with that show. Too bad its not shown on BBC America.

Saturday was mostly spent in costume fittings and rehearsal. My costume is crazy and includes a gigantic robe/cape thing that is made of velvet and comes all the way down to the floor. It probably weighs about 10 pounds. After rehearsal I headed to a little coffeshop/restaraunt for some sustinance. We spent a lot of time there sitting outside causeing trouble, but eventually moved onto the park and took over the toddler playground. Much swinging, climbing and spinning was done. After a walk around the town and park, and a stop into the pub, it was time to retire for the evening.

Today has been pretty crazy. We had the stage from 9-1 to set the lights, load in the set and wardrobe, and have a full cast costume parade. at 2:30 we begin our dress rehearsal. Mind you, this is the only time we get on the stage to run the show. We have 3 hours with the orchestra, not minute more. Done at 5:30, have a short time to grab something to eat, then the show begins at 7:30. After the show we have a little time to get cleaned up and back into street clothes, and then we perform a cabaret for the after show club. I'm singing "Being Alive" from 'Company'.

Tomorrow I have to leave Buxton about 6:30am to catch a train to the airport in Manchester, and then I'll be on my way back.

See everyone soon!

Cheers!

DW