Across the Universe, A Mega Review

Is it even debatable that The Beatles have directly and indirectly affected the landscape of popular (western) music? Personally, I grew up in a house where the singer-songwriters of the 60s and 70s were always playing, but I also grew up with a healthy respect for The Beatles and their music.

It was a little bit of everything, really...from the youthful happiness of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to the hardened angst of "Happiness is a Warm Gun"...to most everything in between.

Well, a generation that may not have a direct understanding of The Beatles' effect on our society get to see it in this stylized musical, Across the Universe. Set in Liverpool, New Jersey, and New York, the music of The Beatles provides the backdrop for a story of friendship, love, loss, war, art, and the Sixties.

At the center of this amiable, colorful story are Jude (Jim Sturgess), a Liverpudlian laborer turned artist, and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), an upper-class American girl turned radical activist, living in a love story wrapped in music. From the very beginning, the music of The Beatles augments their story, introducing new characters, developing the plot, and providing a meaningful look into the heart of what might otherwise be a fairly banal story.

Let's face it, we've seen it before. Disenchanted worker leaves for far-away land to find his father and himself. Boy meets guy. Guys become pals. Guy's sister meets boy. Boy and Girl fall in love in a somewhat roundabout way. During and following, they meet a varied group of artist friends...and then misunderstandings send things straight to Hell. And of course, misunderstandings are set aside, and Love Conquers All.

Sound formulaic enough? On one level, it is. Enter the music that changed popular music, and you now have a story that resonates.

For me, a quality that can transform a good story into a great one, besides innovation, is a stellar ensemble cast. Across the Universe delivers. The supporting cast shines with standout performances by Dana Fuchs and Martin Luther (no, not that one!) as the Janis Joplin/Jimi Hendrix-esque singer/guitarist who weave in and out of the story, singing fantastic Beatles tunes while creating several memorable moments. Even the cameos are magnificent! Funnyman Eddie Izzard turns in a trippy verson of "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite," and Joe Cocker, that legendary rock crooner with the sandpaper sound plays multiple New York street creatures during a memorable "Come Together" sequence.

But, of course, a great ensemble can only account for so much if the center of the cast is lacking. Fortunately, in this case, we need not worry. Jim Sturgess turns in a shockingly fine performance as Jude--I really had no idea how well this fellow could sing, and he really doesn't disappoint at any point of this movie. Evan Rachel Wood also turns in a strong performance, although her main charm lies in her "everygirl" appeal. She has a beautiful voice as well, but in contrast with Dana Fuchs soulful growl, it lacks a little body to it that would be fantastic. Don't get me wrong--it's appropriate and it really is very nice. The core ensemble is rounded out by Max (Joe Anderson), the preppy bad boy turned bohemian turned soldier turned Vietnam vet. He has another solid voice. Perhaps not quite as memorable as Sturgess (hey, a little something is lost without that British dialect in the Beatles' tunes) but nevertheless, quite skillful. His is a charming performance, but he breaks out into "memorable" with his rendering of the classic hit "Hey Jude."

Well, that was a mouthful. So, friends, it's pretty obvious that I want you to go out and see this movie. As a matter of fact, I want to know what you think of it! Today I was quite into the performances and have neglected to mention Julie Taymor's fantastic directing and choreography...but now I just did, so no worries! It really is a visually beautiful film, but to be honest, the music is what I'm all about.

So, Beatlemaniacs, turn it on and be transported...and non-Beatlemaniacs...I'm very sorry, but if this story resonates in you like it did in me, you won't be a non-Beatlemaniac for long!

The Best of the Status of Ben Dawkins

Here it is folks, a greatest hits post! For the past year or so, the status update has been one of my favorite outlets for my bizarre musings. As this blog is dedicated to just that, I thought I would post some of my favorites from days, weeks, and months past. Here are the criteria...I liked it, others liked it...and/or it sparked a lengthy discussion of some sort.

Here goes (starting from the most recent):

Ben Dawkins is doing what he does every Friday night: ridin' around in the Mirthmobile, singing "Bohemian Rhapsody." Party on!

Ben Dawkins was just shut down by a bunch of Teamsters. They didn't say why.

Do sumo wrestlers get to write off ice cream as a business expense?

"The greatest thing about Facebook is that you can quote someone and totally make up the source." --Franklin D. Roosevelt

Remember when Tom Cruise was scary because he was a vampire and not because he was Tom Cruise?

As a 10-year-old, Ben Dawkins learned an important lesson when he saw Back to the Future part 3 before seeing the other two films. Lesson 1: Start getting used to confusion. Lesson 2: Try to get info in the order which it was meant to be received. Lesson 3: Pie tins make great frisbees.

Seen *carved* into a restroom stall today..."Don't carve your initials into things that do not belong to you."

So, I saw a snuggie ad recently and wondered, "How long was it before the snuggie-clad family at the sporting event got beaten up by drunken hooligans?" I'm thinking...not very long.

(in Jerry Seinfeld voice) : "What's the deal with guys in capri pants?"

When I feel depressed by the state of the world, I give myself a boost by putting on my nicest suit, heading into a heavily populated area, and asking perfect strangers to do preposterous things for a Klondike bar.

Too much Ha Ha, pretty soon Boo Hoo!

In the first hour of the last day of his Twenty-Sixth year, a toilet tank exploded in Ben Dawkins's face. A fitting adieu for a pretty rough year.

Ben Dawkins?!?!?!?!!!!! The same Ben Dawkins who saved the world from the alien pirate ninja invasion?!?!?!!!

Ben Dawkins is teaching small children why pattycake is an elitist, elitist game designed to keep the working class in line. Faster, plebe! Make the cake faster! Sowing dissention, as per usual.

Ben Dawkins is going swimming in a wetsuit made out of the ShamWow. Don't dive in after me or you could get seriously injured in the empty pool. The ShamWow...You'll say "Wow" every time!

On this solemn occasion it is important to take a moment of silence, for the Beastie Boys fought, and perhaps died, for your right to party.

(I recently saw this on a customizable pet shop sign--on 3 separate lines--no spaces) Live Bait Pomeranians

"Give me ambiguity, or give me something else."

Ever notice no one ever calls to tell someone the good things he did last night while he was drunk? "Hey Ben, you got ripped last night and painted the orphanage!"

Ben Dawkins thinks it's amusing that Paul Newman could make salad dressing look cool. I don't think any of the current A-listers could do that. Would you buy "Matt Damon's Own" salad dressing? No. You'd steal his lunch money.

Ben Dawkins appreciates your right to ironic and somewhat hollow assembly, but please, don't waste tea.

Ben Dawkins is [this comment has been removed due to legal action by the Church of Scientology]

Ben Dawkins is brought to you by the letters W, T, and F.

Ben Dawkins wonders, "Wouldn't they be Thirtysomething Mutant Ninja Turtles by now?" That would bring a whole new element to the movies...

Ben Dawkins doesn't roll on Shabbas.

Ben Dawkins believes whenever you hear the words "We specialize in customer service!"--be prepared for some major league BS.

Ben Dawkins spelled out his last name to the valet at the Hyatt...the claim ticket read "Dawlginks." Hmmm....

Ben Dawkins is vexed, riled, irked, ticked, honked, and pissed.

Ben Dawkins wonders about the Peanuts gang...How (with the exception of school) did a group of six-year-olds go for so long with absolutely NO adult supervision?


And now, for the no. 1 track--Ben's flip response to the "25 random facts" meme:

1. Ben Dawkins can slam a revolving door.
2. Ben Dawkins counted to infinity...twice...yesterday.
3. Ben Dawkins can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
4. Ben Dawkins knows the final digit of pi.
5. Ben Dawkins doesn't wear a watch. HE decides what time it is.
6. Ben Dawkins can win a game of connect four in three moves.
7. If you spell Ben Dawkins in Scrabble, you win. Forever.
7. When Ben Dawkins falls in water, Ben Dawkins doesn't get wet. Water gets Ben Dawkins.
8. Ben Dawkins is allowed to use the number 7 twice in lists. Try and stop him.
9. When taking the SAT, if you enter "Ben Dawkins" for every answer, you will get an 8000. If you do this for the GRE, you are awarded an instant phD in Awesome.
10. Ben Dawkins once ordered a Big Mac at Burger King...and got one.
11. It takes Ben Dawkins 20 minutes to watch 60 minutes.
12. Thousands of years ago Ben Dawkins came across a bear. It was so terrified that it fled north into the arctic. It was also so terrified that all of its decendents now have white hair.
13. Simply by pulling on both ends, Ben Dawkins can stretch diamonds back into coal.
14. Ben Dawkins did in fact, build Rome in a day.
15. Ben Dawkins is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
16. Ben Dawkins once went skydiving, but promised never to do it again. One Grand Canyon is enough.
17. Ben Dawkins can win at solitaire with only 18 cards.
18. When Ben Dawkins does division, there are no remainders.
19. To be or not to be? That is the question. The answer? Ben Dawkins.
20. The First rule of Ben Dawkins is: you do not talk about Ben Dawkins.
21. Ben Dawkins rinses his contact lenses in Tabasco sauce.
22. Godzilla is a Japanese rendition of Ben Dawkins' first visit to Tokyo.
23. Ben Dawkins once participated in the running of the bulls. He walked.
24. Only Ben Dawkins can prevent forest fires.
25. When Chuck Norris goes to sleep at night, he checks under his bed for Ben Dawkins.

Political Pet Peeve

Editor's Note: I am not going to make this a political rant of raw, epic anger. I promise. There is an issue that I feel very strongly about right now, and I thought I'd take a moment to address it. Please don't set fire to my house.

So, friends, it is a politically hot time right now. If we're being honest, it's been a politically hot time for about 8 years exactly (once this Friday rolls around). One thing that has gotten scary about the political landscape is the increasingly personal nature of the rhetoric--with both sides of the aisle demonizing one another and giving the general perspective to the American people that these differences are going to pull us apart.

I think this unnecessary drama needs to stop. Pronto.

America is filled with many people of differing backgrounds and opinions, and that is what I love about this country. We don't have to agree--in fact, it's great that we don't. Personally, I love it when an intelligent person disagrees with me. If we meet on a polite debating ground, we both come away having learned something. Even with differing perspectives, there are precious acres of common ground we must find together.

The politics of invective must end. I'm sorry, but I can not respect the views of those who have no apparent respect for others thoughts or their right to think them. That is not democracy. I'm actually in favor of partisan politics--political parties are good! A multiple-party system makes sure that the minority's opinion is always heard. And as a lifelong holder of minority opinions, I appreciate that.

However, there has to be a firm base-line of respect. There has to be.

So, my political pet peeve:

I don't care what your opinion of President Obama is. I really don't. He is our president, and we as Americans should respect the highest elected office a person can attain in this country. If you disagree with his policies or viewpoint, that is your undisputed right. But, please show respect for the office. Don't refer to him as Obama--it is disrespectful. Don't refer to him as "that man"...that is disrespectful and ridiculous. To be quite honest, I disagreed with most of President Bush's positions, and I was outright enraged by some of his actions. But, I referred to him as President Bush because I think the debate platform should have some class...especially in today's climate. I respect the office, and frankly, any person who attains this great office deserves my respect. It's a tremendous accomplishment, one worthy of respect.

Are you worried about what messages your children are being given at school and in the media? Fine...there's plenty out there to worry about. However, a child that is raised in a house where respect is a valued attribute learns to respect others. That is an important step in making our future better for those who are to follow.

And just to set the record straight, I am not a Communist, despite what some of you have said to my face. Ridiculous. I am an American, a Democrat, and a patriot. I love this country that allows me to reach the greatest of my potential, and I will defend her dignity against those who say she is dying. The debate may be full of invective, but God willing, our union will remain strong.

God bless you, and God Bless America.

Babies = Vegetables?

Okay, here's a little weird factoid that I felt the pressing need to share:

Like I've mentioned in an earlier post, a few of my friends are expecting little bundles of life in short order. Well, because of this, I have become much more acquainted with the modern prenatal process than I was before--ultrasounds, midwives, doulas, What to Expect when You're Expecting, the kabillion types of nausea expectant mothers deal with, and so on and so on.

Well, this post deals with one of the stranger ones, and my response.

Apparently, doctors describe the size of developing babies based on different beans and eventually vegetables to give a proper reference point to the expectant parents.

Now, people have mentioned it to me with great excitement..."the baby is the size of a kidney bean!" And, surprisingly (to me, and probably only me because I seem to be one of the few people who asks questions like these), there are no mentions of how surreal it is that OB-GYNs are using vegetation to describe human beings.

And now for my idea...drumroll please...

I think one odd-enough couple expecting a baby should take a series of "baby's first pictures" with the different beans and vegetables that the doctors are using to describe the relative size of the baby.

Think about it! In this age of instant photography, it would be a real piece of postmodern art! Dress up the little veggie, and stage posed pictures with big happy smiles...It would be damn funny!

Of course, every couple I've presented this idea to has looked at me like I was some sort of lunatic. No one seems to want to take baby pictures with a bunch of vegetables. Now, come on, imagine some sullen 16 or 17 year old coming across a little photo album entitled "Baby's First Pictures" and sees a bunch of pictures of the parents he thinks are chronically unhip smiling joyfully with a bunch of vegetables.

I like imagining things like that.

So, since people seem to think this idea is a little too wacky for them, I'm just going to have to wait until it's my turn to wait for a child to "hatch." Mark my words, (if I can convince the future mother of my children this is a good idea) there will be vegetable baby pictures.

And you won't be at all surprised that my grin will be quite genuine!

Much Maligned Movie Mega Review: The Postman

(Acknowledgements: Here's a little shout-out to Greg Smith, whose Mighty Mini Movie Reviews gave me the idea to take aim at an epic treatment of one of my favorites. I've linked to his blog, Shrink Rapping on the left side of your screen. Go visit him!)

In the year of our Lord 1997, a terrible cinematic travesty was perpetrated…In that blockbuster summer, one of the most terrible trailers of all time was played before every major release. The trailer presented a film that seemed to be an homage to the bravery of postal carriers. Only in passing was the actual point of the movie presented in its trailer. In fact, it was as if only the cheesiest of this movies lines were presented in its trailer. The only way this film could have been presented as less interesting to the American public would have been if the trailer had expounded on the rugged bravery of dental technicians and the value of clean teeth as a stand against tyranny. The Hygienist.

The result: No one came. Total box office: 17 Million. Production Budget: 80 Million. Conclusion: OUCH

Before returning to The Postman, let me first take a moment to expound on the importance of trailers. From 45 second teasers to 3 minute miniature stories, the trailer HAS to bring you in. Nowadays, most movies cost far too much to risk driving people away. In fact, a mediocre to bad movie can have box office success thanks to a solid trailer. Remember Unbreakable? Easily one of the most incredible trailers that I have seen. In fact, M. Night Shyamalan is a trailer artist—and in this case, the movie he made was not so great. Of course, following The Sixth Sense, he was really going to have to make a statement. Instead, he fell into the infamous sophomore slump, and since we still go see his movies, has obviously overcome his grief. Another great trailer, Cloverfield. This was simplicity itself. I didn’t like the movie much…but I went. Finally, to bring the story up to date, the best trailer I’ve seen so far was for District 9. Youtube it…absolutely fantastic. Of course, I went. Now, some people didn’t like this movie, but I absolutely loved it. And if it weren’t for the trailer, I might never have seen it. The fact of the matter is, I’m a home theatre viewer. I love my movie collection. In fact, it is a rare occurrence that I actually go to the theatres. Why? Because I’ve become a bit of a bargain shopper when it comes to DVDs…nowadays you need a financial aid application to go to the movie theatre. Why not wait 4 months for the DVD to come out and enjoy it in my own home rather than risk sitting behind TALL GUY (again), trying to look around his girlfriend’s gigantic feathered hair so I can see what Optimus Prime is doing.

Okay…first rant over, back to The Postman:

In the not-so-distant year 2013, America has been destroyed by war, plague, and tyranny. What was one the United States has now been replaced by a feudal state of individual towns ravaged by a marauding army known as the Holnists.

We are introduced to a drifter (Costner), who avoids contact with civilization except to perform Shakespeare for food. Enter the Holnist army, led by Gen. Bethlehem (Will Patton), who order that 3 conscripts of “suitable ethnic foundation” be presented to join the army. The drifter is forced to join, and is introduced first-hand to the fascist system of the Holnist army.
Following a sequence showing the indoctrination of the new conscripts, the drifter escapes the Holnists. Starved, cold, and desperate, he finds shelter in an abandoned postal truck. Reading through the dead postman’s mail, he gets the idea to dress up as a postman as a way to hustle food.

When he arrives at the town of Pineview, Oregon, the Postman’s scheme yields unexpected fruit: Hope. The belief that there is still a United States and that the people they love are still alive, the citizens of Pineview stand up to Bethlehem, with disastrous results which wound the Postman and he is cared for by his love interest Abby (Olivia Williams), who sought the Postman as a “surrogate” for her husband, who illness made impotent. Their escape and the Postman’s healing time carries them through the winter.

By the time they return, everything has changed in Oregon. The Postman’s overzealous convert Ford Lincoln Mercury (Larenz Tate), has built the “Postal Service of the Restored United States” into a paramilitary organization who delivers the mail and defies the Holnists. With the Postman returned, Bethlehem declares war. The Postman must now rally the individual towns under one banner to fight for the most basic ideals of freedom in a time that has forgotten them.
Interesting, yes?

Well, I’ve left quite a bit out so that you can make plenty of judgments for yourself, but here’s my take on The Postman:

Given, this movie is at times, quite cheesy. But, let’s face it, American public, our whole entertainment industry is build on a massive block of cheese. I think it’s altogether possible that the American public has gotten a little too jaded for its own good.

First of all, after Waterworld, cinema critics were out for Kevin Costner’s blood. He could’ve made Citizen Kane and they would’ve given it the treatment pigeons give to statues. I’ll admit, his cinematic offerings are more than a little bit egotistical. But, once again, we’re living in a culture that celebrates egotism. Perhaps Mr. Costner was a little more up front about it than most. The reluctant hero story is not a new one, and in reality, this isn’t a particularly new way to tell this story.

The bottom line is this, America. The Postman is an entertaining evening at the movies. Yes, it’s 3 hours long. Yes, it’s a little pedantic at times, but it’s a worthwhile story with worthwhile sentiments… especially since we seem to be having major problems finding common ground as Americans these days.

A post-apocalyptic story is a difficult one to tell, and this one is fairly successful. Yes, 2013 is right around the corner, and we haven’t had the major war that this story forecasts. Let’s face it, I was 2 years old in 1984, and the fabric of freedom didn’t rip to shreds then, either. No, it’s not particularly believable, but since when have we become so jaded that we couldn’t enjoy a fun story.

Beyond the epic scope and the even-more epic historic failing of this movie, The Postman gives us many charming moments that are worth mentioning. The subtle hints that even the Holnists are tired of all the fighting…so tired, in fact, that the only entertainment they want in their camp is to watch an old reel of The Sound of Music over and over again. Kevin Costner gives us the hero portrayal we came to expect from him in Dances with Wolves, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Waterworld. It may be cliché, but it’s a solid job. Will Patton’s performance as the histrionic despot Bethlehem is laudable as well. Larenz Tate turns in a stand-out performance as an actor that unfortunately hasn’t been given his due at this point.

So, what’s the point? This is NOT the worst movie ever made, as it has been called. It’s not that bad at all. In fact, it’s quite entertaining. I’m one of the few who saw this movie in the theatre…I enjoyed it then, and I enjoy it now. It has been in my massive DVD collection for about 5 years, and I’ve watched it several times and shown it to several friends who all enjoyed it themselves. And although this review is in many ways incomplete...I'm just going to say this. Watch it, and make up your own mind. It may not be your cup of tea, but at least you'll be plugged into the process, unlike the millions of viewers who were swayed by a dozen film critics and without having seen this movie call it "the worst ever made."

The point is this…there’s nothing wrong with cheese. Once hope is drained from our cinema, it won’t be worth a penny, much less the millions of dollars it seems are “necessary” to make movies these days. We are surrounded by torture movies and remakes of movies that didn’t need to be remade at all. I know I'm not the only one who is frustrated by this.

I love the movies, dear readers. And I don’t think movies have to make some sweeping social change to be memorable. Besides...haven't you ever watched a bad movie simply because it's failings were entertaining in and of themselves? All I’m asking is: Entertain Me! Tell me a story; take me out of the world for a while. And while I’m waiting for new movies to meet this challenge, I’ll watch the many, many movies that already have. And critics aren’t going to tell me what to watch and what is good.

I can think for myself, and so can anyone else who is willing.

Cheers and enjoy, friends. Let’s go to the movies.