About Me

My photo
This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Stick It

Mets: They are playing as if each game is like pulling teeth while the Phillies lost once in about two weeks (against the Mets). The Mets managed to eke out a win after being comfortably ahead late (even with the Brewers given a fake home run -- hit wall) on Saturday, but Pedro's mistake a game this time was a three run homer ... add in some other stuff, even with the Brewers' missing ending it in regulation by a hair ... and they lost. Lead down to 1. Cards/Yanks next. Charming.


Haley Graham: [in response to Vickerman's gold-medal promises to several parents] You've got a lot of girls going to the Olympics. I wonder what country they're competing for. The state of delusion?

Stick It concerns a female teen delinquent being sent to a gymnastics academy after a stunt she did with her two friends (lovable nincompoops) resulted in some major property damage. It seems our smart talking (these sorts, including somewhat low rent team leader Jeff Bridges, have 'tude) heroine made waves by dropping out of the Olympics at the last minute, hurting her team in the process. The sport, where have we heard this from teens before, is sooo arbitrary anyway ... she also has the usual teen angst issues (and loser parents, though they seem to have some money). But, it's a way for her to get retribution ... and darn if she begins to care again and even grow up some.

The movie has a bit of a music video feel to it, including the quick camera shots and such, and rapid pace. [There are some real gym stars here btw.] And, does it well -- fun movie, not just for the teen girl demo. Witty dialogue, characters that you care about and having some flavor, and a feel good story (and "wow" moves) adds to pleasant movie that seems to be a bit loss in the shuffle (including advertising and promotion). Characters that feel real -- including those two best buds of the heroine who have her back -- is not always an easy thing to find. Like the bitchy character on her team who deep down has another side.

Predictable and all, but it plays out well. [Lost a little steam near the end, but the message sent by the climax competition was on point ... just a bit forced.] And, serious drama and lit is predictable too. They just have different names for it ... like motifs etc. Nice little film, one of many sports movies out in early '06.

And Also: How many people are just sooo hoping Rove really will be indicted today? And, what is with this plan to use National Guard troops for border patrols? Yes, this is sorta a more appropriate use of them than oversea adventures, but can you say "symbolic move?" [Google News per Time: "the aura of a renewed White House about." Oh please.]