Beckham Brawl...what soccer needs

I took in "Resurrecting the Champ" the other evening, but judging by the morning papers, if I was looking for some fight action, I should have scoffed up a ticket for the Galaxy match!

A lot of excited ink splashed across the sports pages this week, as reporters gave a blow-by-blow account of a brawl Beckham beckoned his way on the turf in Thursday night's game...

When Chivas midfielder Jesse Marsch delivered a nasty kick to Beck's midriff, team players on both sides sprang into action like a pack of pit bulls - snapping and barking at each other.

With a multi-million-dollar body at stake, the message was loud and clear: "Hands of the merchandise!"

Apparently Kevin Harmse threw a punch at Chivas defense man Alex Zotinca, who did a pay-back with a head butt.

A, what?

Tempers flared and it looked like there would be a bloodbath. But, cooler heads prevailed.

Later, Marsch apologized to Beckham.

The incident revved up things a thousand-fold, sent writers' jockstraps throbbing, and fans into a frenzy.

Some sports writers were hinting that hiring the media darling may have been a stunt.

Ah, suddenly the bells rang off in my head.

I flashed back to my grandmother's house in Oshawa in the days of my youth.

While I played in my imaginary world on a lazy Saturday afternoon, she'd be riveted to the edge of her seat - grimacing, wringing the life out of a cushion - and occasionally uttering expletives - as she reacted to her favorite wrestlers, like Gorgeous George, on the idiot box.

If a brawny, beefy brute - not in the round - snuck up behind a wrestler to give him some unexpected due - she'd been in there like a dirty shirt, crying out warnings at the screen: "George. Look out, that son-of-a-gun's behind you".

Yes, she was emotionally involved, caught up in the mad antics of the athletes, lost in their world for the day - in spite of the fact Poppa chided her amusingly from the sidelines about the reality of it all.

"Kitty, it's all an act, for heaven's sake."

She'd waved him off, glued to the set, nonetheless.

The gripping, exciting theatrics she gravitated to were a welcome release after all the chores were done each week.

I suddenly realize that maybe that's what soccer needs - a bunch of brutish, brawling, bad boys - cutting up on the field, to get the fans into the stadiums.

Especially if the league wants to give games like Football - an exciting, tackle sport - a run for their money.

In view of the press Beckham and the soccer league mustered up this week - I have a itchy-achy feeling inside that's what the game needs to give it a jump-start.

In "Resurrecting the Champ", a sports writer opines, "you're only as good as the athlete you cover".

In this instant case, it should read:

Behave badly on the field and you'll get all the coverage you want!

And, in the process, rustle up a truckload of ticket sales, too.

Play ball, and may the last bloodiest man still standing, win!

Resurrecting the Champ...Hollywood-style red carpet premiere!

Limos crept up the street, the paparazzi jockeyed for position, and the red carpet was thrown down on the sidewalk.

Ah, a big splashy premier Hollywood-style!

With flashbulbs popping, I strode into the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences building in downtown Beverly Hills to take in "Resurrecting the Champ."

The sharp-suits at Yari & Phoenix know how to throw a bash!

The liquor flowed generously throughout the night courtesy of the house!

And, a swirl of the jaded Hollywood elite swarmed around the banquet tables to snap up the succulent chicken, a wide array of designer cheeses, tasty imported crackers, mouth-watering fruit, and the most fabulous! desserts sure to satisfy any discerning sweet tooth.

But as I slipped through the throngs of excited moviegoers, from the conversations I surreptitiously listened in on, there did not appear to be much talk about the "Champ".

The film - starring Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Hartnett, and Terri Hatcher - is apparently based on a true story which caused an initial buzz for the picture.

Why?

Hollywood is keen on down-and-out tales about underdogs who are resurrected, of course!

"Resurrecting The Champ" survived the fight, but there were a few bruises inflicted along the way.

When the tale first flickers up on the silver screen - the audience is introduced to a young journalist (Josh Hartnett) who is under a lot of pressure from his boss (Alan Alda) to deliver up quality news stories for the daily morning paper.

To add insult to injury his boss laments at one point,

"There's a lot of typing going on, but little writing."

Ouch!

Subsequently, Hartnett's character is anxious to get his hands on the "big ticket" - as he puts it - a dynamite story capable of lifting him up out of his professional slump.

Gee, do people still talk like that?

He stumbles on an idea for a feature story and slaves over the material until it is crafted to perfection and ready for publication.

But, shortly after the feature is published and acclaim comes his way, petty annoyances like facts and accuracy of reporting rear their ugly head.

At this juncture, it appears that "The Champ" is supposed to be a hard-hitting film about ethics in journalism and "doing the right thing".

But, the script is flawed and there are serious credibility problems to overcome, if that is the case.

One has to wonder, for instance, how did the naive young writer land the post at the Denver daily in the first place?

In spite of his obvious lack of ability, Hartnett's character manages to turn out a stellar piece of Pulitzer-Prize winning caliber.

But, we can't help but wonder how he to pulled it off given the facts.

To make matters worse, a sub-plot focusing on a failed marriage is introduced.

On screen, the audience doesn't get much of a peak into the relationship - not enough anyway - to determine what caused the coupling to go awry in the first place.

In fact, Hartnett's character makes so many mistakes (with his son and his boss) we seriously have to wonder, what makes him tick?

There's no clue emanating from the big budget screen endeavour overhead.

Hartnett delivers his lines well - and is a handsome appealing man - but at times I wanted to yell at the screen.

"Hello, is anyone home?"

At one point, the film - which takes a small foray into the mystery of the ironies of life - actually manifested one of its very own in the theater packed with enthusiastic film goers.

For example, about a quarter of the way into the movie, Hartnett's character suddenly appeared on screen with a big bruise on the side of his face.

What?

Everyone in the audience turned this way and that, whispering among themselves, trying to figure the phenomenon out.

The film ground to a halt. The lights went up.

After a few awkward moments, the Chump - um - Champ flickered on the screen again without explanation.

About a half-an-hour later - after a physical fight breaks out between Hartnett and another character onscreen - the clip with the bruised face popped up again on screen.

Ah, it all made sense now.

The reels were out of sequence!

And, there's the irony.

Just like the projectionist who needed to restart to set things right - Hartnett's character was now forced to retool to make good - as well.

Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of a homeless man is a stand-out in a long distinguished career.

But, Peter Coyote and Terri Hatcher nearly steal the show out from under him in precious cameo roles.

In fact, Terri Hatcher shows such great potential in this cougar-style role, there may not be any looking back.

She masterfully handled dialog quite well; but, similar material was better articulated in powerful films like Network, for instance.

One guest noted that there weren't enough fight scenes.

Yeah, in my estimation, "Resurrecting the Champ" lacked a lot of punch.

Essentially, it wrestled on the ropes.

No knockout, though.

Phil Spector...whodunit

Every amateur detective into murder mysteries has been paying attention to the Phil Spector case ongoing in Los Angeles...especially, now that the trial is winding down.

There are enough twists and turns to pique the curiosity of any sleuth.

As the story goes...one dark night Lana Clarkson, an aspiring actress (with some legitimate film credits) accompanied famed music producer, Phil Spector - who created the "Wall of Sound" - to his palatial Alhambra manse - and ended up dead.

The issues swirl around Ms. Clarkson's frame of mind, altered evidence, and the questionable conduct of a criminologist.

Mr. Spector alleges that the statuesque blond nabbed one of his pistols - for some inexplicable reason - and turned it on herself, committing suicide. End of story.

However, over the past few weeks, witnesses for the prosecution have sought to dispute these claims.

One expert argued that a woman would never commit suicide by shooting herself in the face.

A man may point a gun point blank at his head and pull the trigger, but they assert that a female would not disfigure herself in this way. A woman would be more inclined to put on her best dress, brush her hair, and lay down on the sofa or bed until the drugs and alcohol kicked in.

Then, there's the issue of her state-of-mind. Friends insist that she was in a positive upbeat mood, excited about new prospects - not a likely candidate for suicide.

Of course, that purse is pretty incriminating, too.

A criminologist, Dr. Lynne Herold, noted that it was sitting on her shoulder positioned backward - an awkward way for a woman to carry her bag. Had it been adjusted by someone?

Blood tests established there were mystifying smears of blood, too.

One stain on the foyer chair where Clarkson's body was found slumped suggested her head had been turned around. By who? Why?

One piece of evidence - or lack thereof - has caused quite an uproar.

One witness claimed to have witnessed Dr. Lee - famed evidence expert (who presided over the O.J. Simpson trial) - pick up and pocket a small scrap some believed was a part of a fingernail.

But, the evidence did not end up in the evidence packet submitted to the court.

The attorney who eye-balled the event, now refused to testify (on the grounds of attorney-client privilege) and came close to jail time for contempt of court.

Prosecutors surmise that the nail was blown off her finger when she put her hands to her face to defend against an attacker.

Mr. Spector's defense team has been headed up by attorney Bruce Cutler; the high-profile lawyer from New York who represented John Gotti in three cases in which the alleged mob figure "got off".

Gee, where's Hercule Poirot when you need him?

The Invasion...they're here!

Some days it's fun to knock off and take in some mindless entertainment.

The next movie in queue at the Grove was "The Invasion" so I snapped up a ticket and slipped into my plush chair as the credits started to roll.

From the offset the stylistic pace was able to draw a captive audience in.

Without hesitation, the suspenseful tale unfolded before our watchful eyes, as we sat on the edge of our seats.

A space shuttle mysteriously plummets from the heavens and crashes to the earth below.

Puzzled scientists stumble on a curious organism - other-worldly - in nature?

Perhaps, but they can't quite put their finger on it.

But wait - one Doctor manages to - and suddenly an odd transformation takes place that night as he falls into a deep sleep.

At this juncture, the audience is introduced to a well-manicured, professionally-coiffed woman, played convincingly by Nicole Kidman.

Ah, Kidman has come a long way since her first big movie entrance (she of freckled face and tangled hair) opposite Tom Cruise in the Days of Thunder.

Mindful that she's a mature actress now (thank God the frizzies are gone) she appears here in the role of a psychiatrist with a look that is decidedly right for the role of a busy working professional.

When a patient laments that her husband is not "himself", she prescribes some meds; obviously, the woman is having an episode, she thinks to herself.

But when she strides down the street later, and spies the odd behavior of pedestrians all around her, it is evident to her keen eye that something more ominous is afoot.

Daniel Craig's character, who is pining for a relationship with Kidman's, plays a down-to-earth masculine guy who comes to her assistance.

He's an uncomplicated supportive foil, but a bit on the boring side.

Just what the film needed, a touch of sanity somewhere.

If you're familiar with the film - The Body Snatchers - then you'll be wise to what's going down about a quarter of a way through the thriller.

But the truth of the matter is, there's nothing original in this script.

In fact, the body of another idea integral to the premise was also lifted from an earlier sci-fi pic of the fifties. Once you've pretty much fathomed that, just sit back and take in the ride.

Material like this, in the hands of a director other than Oliver Hirschbiegel, may have fallen victim to high melodrama.

But under Kidman's skin, is handled with aplomb.

When zombie-like characters lope down the streets after her, spewing a virus-like vomit in her wake, she manages to keep a straight face and walks a tightrope between suspense and belief.

It's the same old story, though.

Alien gets human, alien loses human, alien -

Plausible, no; but for ten bucks, what the heck.

Gee, what's this flaky piece of skin on my face?

XXX-rated Hotel TV Entertainment...pay-per-view! Room Service, please...

If you're like me, when you check into a Hotel, right off-the-bat you turn on the tap to ensure there is ample hot water to shower in.

Then, as you putter around the suite, you'll probably flick on the TV to make sure the reception is a-okay.

What happens if you encounter a couple of naked bimbos and muscular man-slaves making out on the small screen?

Well, you may want to ring up the front desk and complain to the Manager, at which point, he'll probably apologize profusely and advise you to avoid channels 23, 24, 31, 47, 52 - well - you get the picture!

Or, if you're in the Bible Belt, you might surreptitiously turn the sound down so the other guests don't hear the cries and moans onscreen, order up room service, and settle in for a little voyeuristic entertainment for the night.

Just remember to grab the remote and silence the sound in the event your wife calls you unexpectedly from Little Rock.

Actually, the growing problem of sleaze (x-rated content) on the roster at Hotels across the Nation has been been coming to a - um - head.

In fact, a Cincinnati-based conservative group, led by a self-confessed former sexaholic, took the issue Nationwide to fight the racy offerings at LodgeNet Entertainment Group.

LodgeNet is a major supplier - some would argue purveyor - of on-demand movies for TV and the Internet.

The Citizens for Community Values (CCV) pressured the publicly-traded company to stop promoting and selling xxx-rated product through the in-room pay-per-view service currently available at most Hotels in the U.S.

The angry protesters argued that the bulk of the material is hard-core and not suitable for the venue that it is outsourced in.

LodgeNet countered by noting that the Adult Film Genre (I use the term loosely) is only one category of content they offer up in a myriad of programming options.

In addition, they allege that they are not responsible for the most part because individual Hotels determine the selections.

Moreover, the broadcast systems allow guests to block access if they are offended by the content, they have firmly asserted for the record.

Law Enforcement may take action, sources have warned.

After a recent review of scheduled programming for South Dakota, the CCV announced they intended to pass on the questionable content to the U.S. Attorney's office of that State to determine if LodgeNet may be prosecuted for Violating Federal Obscenity Laws.

Essentially, LodgeNet scoffed at the proceedings on the grounds that the activities they are promoting are "legal".

A spokesman for the publicly-traded company noted:

"Courts have made it clear that the Government's ability to dictate taste in private Entertainment choices is extremely limited."

The Constitution, they theorize, supports individual choice over any government "coercion".

CCV has met with some success in stopping the programming in several Hotels in Ohio and Kentucky.

But, as of today, the xxx-rated content is mostly accessible across the Nation.

If the films scheduled for the hetero market offend you - or happen to be of a gay or bi-sexual nature which you're not in to - the Gideon Bible is available for your reading enjoyment.

It's usually tucked away discreetly in the top drawer of the night table.

Amen!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Before the Music Dies...Music documentary.

Thomas Carlyle (Wordsworth) said,

"Who is there that, in logical words, can express the effect music has on us? A kind of inarticulate unfathomable speech, which leads us to the edge of the infinite and lets us gaze into that."

With that in mind, in recent days I attended a screening of the entertaining film - "Before the Music Dies".
For music fans it is a must-see.

With the advent of "clear channel" and focus groups, Director Andrew Shapter gambled on taking his voyeuristic camera along the roads of America to interview key personalities in the music arena, and came up a winner.

In the words of producers Shapter and Joel Rasmussen:

"We sought to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive and whether corporations had the power to silence musical innovation."

The revealing interviews Shapter captured with his insightful lens clearly signal the answer is a resounding "no".

The opening shot captures a magnetic young Billy Preston all decked out in a canary yellow suit gyrating his way to pop icon status in the early days of his career.

In the old days record labels signed about twenty or thirty artists and dictated how their talent would be packaged and promoted, usually keeping a tight reign on their creativity.

"There was so much pressure to turn out a hit," one artist confessed.



Others complained that today the suits would cut a musician loose if they failed to deliver right out of the gate.

"It's all about money" appeared to be a repeated MANTRA in the engrossing film.

For this reason, many popular acts are signed on the basis of one CD so the movers and shakers can cut their losses and capitalize on a sudden hit.

One promoter lamented that few at the majors were in for the long haul anymore.

Bonnie Raitt fondly recalled an earlier era when it was a lot easier for talent to break in; in her case, playing the guitar figured well into her success.

"The way I look, it is doubtful I would have made it in the business today."

That was one of the focuses of the film.

Artists pointed out that with the X-Generation it was all about the "look", glossy images, and sizzlin' sex appeal.

Ah, the seductive nature of those MTV videos!

Industry-insiders noted that all the – um – talent had to do these days was show up.

Can’t sing?

Don’t worry. A sound mixer demonstrated how an off-key note could be sweetened in the recording studio until it hummed with perfect pitch.

The music giant "Clear Channel" was criticized for relying on focus groups (many wondered who these curious mysterious forecasters actually were, by the way) to determine slots and airplay.

Others observed that today it was harder for true artists with a heart to make it.

But many interviewed were enthusiastic about the new trends in music.

Independent radio stations in Seattle and Texas and elsewhere are now scouring the earth for alternative innovative new sounds, they alleged.

In fact, if Shapter's subjects are to be believed, hordes of the teaming masses appear to be turning away from the mainstream radio stations.

One female vocalist thought it was offensive how Radio Stations packaged a radio program for Nationwide airplay and then inserted a short - "Hello, New York" - into the mix to give the impression that the music was tailored to their locale.

A number of music enthusiasts - with eclectic tastes - talked excitedly about garage bands, too.

The acts were applauded for taking destiny into their own hands by shooting their own low-budget videos which they summarily edited and mixed on tracks on their home computers.

Then, given a glorious send-off to YouTube and other sites on the World Wide Web.

In fact, Andrew Shapter noted that one band he was familiar with did just that and are now reaping huge rewards playing to sold-out venues around the globe.

Shapter noted that the homogeneous corporate product that was spoon fed to consumers is now competing with independent music that adventurous fans online and at clubs around the country are discovering.
I loved the look of the film; slick and professional, but heartfelt too.

Shapter is a former fashion photographer and has a great eye which is reflected in his work.

The pacing of the well-produced doc is excellent and the sequences soundly and stylistically placed.
Engaging entertainment.

The historical references are solid, embolden, and ultimately lay a great foundation for the musical landscape that unfolds.

The journey is a worthwhile insightful one.

In sum, the film takes a fascinating energetic (and optimistic) gaze into the fascinating world of music while hinting at the myriad possibilities ahead.

Forest Whittaker narrates.

Impromptu performances by Eric Clapton (at the Viper Room) and Dave Mathews are a plus.

Info: www.beforethemusicdies.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

11th Hour...Leonardo DiCaprio laments about Global Warming & Environment!

Recently, I was invited to a sneak preview of the 11th Hour - a film about the enviroment - narrated by heart throb Leonardo DiCaprio.

For the most part, the 11th Hour focuses on Global warming.

According to Leonardo,

"Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity."

"We all have to do our part to raise awareness about global warming and the problems we as a people face in promoting a sustainable environmental future for our planet."

Written and directed by sisters - Leila Conners Petersen and Nadia Conners - it is a thought-provoking informative film.

Through the medium of celluloid, DiCaprio and leading scientists from around the Globe, are calling for restorative action through a reshaping of human activity.

To some, the voices heard here may sound a lot like an echo from those that spoke out in former Vice-President Al Gore's timely film: "An Inconvenient Truth".

In some respects - yes - it is.

But in this project there are some refreshing takes on some well-traveled territory which make the bill of fair more palpable this time around.

For instance, one writer known in the field on environmental issues, presents an intriguing argument about our natural resources.

For example, he contends that because the population was once basically stable, mankind was able to survive wholly on natural light.

Then, he argues that once man discovered how to tap into the resources of "ancient sun" - in the form of oil and fossil reserves - humans began to live on borrowed time.

"We are time thieves," one scientist chimed in.

Consequently, because of it, we have been exhausting our natural resources ever since.

When the producers show us what occurs when one grand old tree is cut down in its prime - the dramatic impact on the soil, the run-off water, and the overall negative impact on the environment - it becomes evident to everyone in the audience the need to hasten the preservation of rain forests, for example.

And yes, we should be planting trees!

Another wonderful idea put forth in the 11th Hour greatly impacted me as well.

One scientist noted that on earth existence amounts to two commodities: people and property.

Yes, only two concepts that matter today are: owners and the things that are bought and sold.

Nature, he points out, does not appear to have any rights at all.

The scientists proceed to make a very sound argument for implementing laws to protect the earth's resources and our natural habitat.

"The mission of the community should be to inspire action at every level: from individual action, up through our communities, to the State, National and International level. Aggressive action must be focused on shifting our civilization to a sustainable future."

But here, the tale turns sinister.

Yes, influential forces in Washington, D.C. - lobbyists for the all-powerful oil industry - have heavily unbalanced the landscape.

For example, one Government Official in charge of assessing the state of key environmental issues, is an attorney and formerly a lobbyist for the Oil Companies.

Scientists complain that when they submit their findings to Washington for action, he edits out the incriminating forecasts and facts to soften the impact.

Many of you will no doubt recall watching investigative reports on Dateline and Sixty Minutes about the shocking attempts at a cover-up which are expounded on more fully in the insightful 11th Hour.

I was particularly taken by a reminder from one scientist - that in nature, more-often-than-not - waste is not an end product as the human species would have it.

In nature, for example, what is waste to one life form is sustenance to another.

The scientific team assembled here argue that it's time mankind focused on these kinds of solutions in order to survive in the future.

The film is a bit talky, and preachy, and there's an awful lot of scientific info to digest; but, maybe that's the medicine the modern man needs spoon-fed to him so that he will sit up and take notice.

But, the 11th Hour is not all doom, and gloom, or just a downer.

The film proceeds to offer up suggestions and exciting alternatives for the future.

The number one priority appears to be to build sustainable buildings, for instance; after all, there is a need for the planning and development of structures with an eye towards solar power, recycling of waste, and harmonious compatibility with the environment.

At this juncture - when the producers show rooftop gardens and windmill energy and leading edge technology to recycle waste - the possibilities appear to be exciting, overwhelming, and downright encouraging!

The future may be an exciting new road to travel down, if we give it a chance.

At the Q & A afterward, reps from two major environmental action-groups fielded questions about ways in which consumers can help.

It all starts at home with each individual doing their part: recycling, installing solar panels on rooftops, using clean energy.