The Odyssey: Big Film, Big Hype, Big Deal

From Wikipedia:

The Odyssey is a 2026 epic action fantasy film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. An adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey, it stars an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway. In the film, Odysseus (Damon), the Greek king of Ithaca, undergoes a long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War and encounters mythical beings as he attempts to reunite with his wife Penelope (Hathaway). Filming took place on location from February to August 2025 in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Scotland, Iceland, Western Sahara, and Malta, as well as at the Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles. With an estimated budget of $250 million, it is among the most expensive films of Nolan's career, and the first feature film to be shot entirely on IMAX's 70 mm film cameras.

I took the bait (and my son) and went into the theater anticipating a cinematic marvel of epic proportions. Yes, the screen was huge. Yes, the sound shook the seats. Yes, the action was...actiony. But the attempts to put it all in the context of politics and religion were a waste of footage. Nobody cares whether Odysseus offended Poseidon or what was to become of Ithaca in his absence...get to the next monster mash!

Okay, that was a bit of an exaggeration on my part. I never actually experienced a moment of "man, this movie is long" at any time. The only hint of that was actually in the first 15 minutes or so, when I wasn't sure what was going on and couldn't really understand what the characters were saying.

About the R rating: I'm not really convinced it is justified other than a couple more F-bombs than are allowed in a PG-13 movie. (Side note: Each time the term was used, I was immediately taken out of my suspended disbelief and reminded that this was a modern movie. It just seemed anachronistic, like Jesus' disciples saying "Let's go, guys.") The fights are not particularly bloody and the only nudity was a look at a dead soldier's bare bottom. The strongest contender for Scene That Caused The R Rating is when a group of men was turned into pigs. That was certainly disturbing and gross.

Bottom line for me is 3.5 out of 5 stars. A good enough escape from reality, but three months from now, nobody's going to be talking about it.

Toy Story 5: We Have Found the Enemy and They Are Us

 

Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime.

IMDB

Bottom line first: This is another great addition to the Toy Story canon. (IMHO, better than TS4.) There were laughs, opportunities for tears, and plenty of action.

This is really Cowgirl Jessie's movie. She carries most of the plot on her small, hand-stitched shoulders. Having been abandoned by children because they outgrew their need for her and her ragdoll ways, she is especially zealous in her fight against electronic devices and "social" media and how they seem to make kids grow up too soon.

In fact, that "us vs them" mentality comes on really strong in the beginning, to the point of making me feel that Pixar was being too Afterschool Special about it. Turns out, that only made the eventual resolution (well...semi-resolution) sweeter.

And now, the morning after, I'm being struck by the irony of Pixar declaring war on tech. They are, after all, the prime instigators of computer technology taking over from hand-drawn animation. But then again, it basically all works out in the end.

While the majority of the classic Toy Story characters had very little to do in this installment, kudos go out to the addition of Conan O'Brien as the electronic toilet training toy, Smarty Pants. His frantic energy and sly humor are a perfect fit. Easter Egg hunt: Look for the scene where the animators get to include O'Brien's rooster-comb hair.

4 out of 5 stars.

Meanwhile, Back in 1985: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. IV

 

FUTURE BOY: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum
Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry

"Fox's nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the backlot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex's bravado, Marty's flair, and Fox's comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time  -  a slice of entertainment history that's never been told. Featuring new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, this book is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon."

I bought this book using a Target gift card I had been given. Sure, I could have purchased a supply of socks or underwear instead, but where's the joy in that? The Back to the Future trilogy was our first DVD purchase, and attending a 40th Anniversary screening with Curtis and Dustin was a highlight of 2025...how could I not own this book full of behind-the-scenes anecdotes? It's like a several-hour special feature in book form...just my cup of Tab.

First Line: The concept of the space-time continuum was first introduced by Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of gravity and the nature of the universe.

Page 56 / Line 5: I had a work visa, granted because producers were able to make the case that I was special and unique in America: old enough to work the long hours of an adult, but with a look that allowed me to play a much younger character.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: I worked harder on the "Johnny B. Goode" scene than any other portion of the movie.

Last Line: It's a reminder that some of the best parts of our future can come from the past. One more gift from the year 1985.

 

Well, When You Look at It THAT Way: Books I Read in 2026, Vol. I

 

STAR WARS FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: 40 Stories Celebrating 40 Years
Various Authors

On May 25, 1977, the world was introduced to Han, Luke, Leia, a pair of droids, a Wookie, an old wizard, a villain in black, and a galaxy full of possibilities. Forty years on, Star Wars remains an unparalleled cultural phenomenon, having inspired and influenced generations of fans and creators. Decades of rich storytelling were sparked by one film, in part because the Star Wars galaxy feels alive. Strange and wonderful characters fill the edges of the screen and make us wonder: What are their stories? This unique anthology celebrates that legacy, as more than 40 contributors lend their vision to this retelling of the original film. Each of the 40 short stories reimagines a moment from the film through the eyes of a supporting character.

I stumbled onto the sequel to this volume, based on The Empire Strikes Back, while browsing the library shelves and thoroughly enjoyed it. (Read about that by clicking here.) I vowed to back up and read this as well ... and well ... here I am.

This collection does a much better job than the first book I read (which is the second book in the series, blah blah blah...) of revealing the thoughts and off-screen activities of characters you actually remember seeing. It tells the tales of a member of Jabba the Hutt's house band, the stormtrooper whose mind was tricked by Obi-Wan ("These are not the droids you're looking for"), Greedo, and even the creature in the trash compactor that nearly drowns Luke. If you're a fan of the movie, I think you'll end up enjoying these short stories, too.

First Line: "What is it they've sent us?"

Page 56 / Line 5: She cast about until she found a long, heavy bar with a notch at the end.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: It is strange, still, to think of death as only the beginning of wisdom.

Last Line: Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of the stolen plan that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy.

Song Sung Blue: Proving There's More to Neil Diamond Than "Sweet Caroline" (And It's Not Even a Biography)

 

SONG SUNG BLUE: Inspired by a Legend. Bound by a Dream.
Starring Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson

"Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together."

When I first saw the poster for this, I thought it was a biopic, and I thought, "What a perfect choice for someone to play Neil Diamond!" Then, when I saw the trailer and realized it wasn't actually about Diamond but about, in the words of Kate Hudson's character, "Not a Neil Diamond impersonator, but a Neil Diamond interpreter," I was a little disappointed but still no less enthusiastic about the casting.

In terms of the overall effect of the movie, it is really "just" another love story with obstacles to overcome and troubles to live through until love conquers all, but the added spice of Neil Diamond's music and Jackman and Hudson's musical chops made it more fun than that description sounds. There were moments of pure joy and also times when my tears almost broke through.

And then, on top of that, add the fact that it's all based on fact.

Cool.

Weird Thing: I don't know if it was like this in the theaters, but watching this through Fandango at Home, there were times when the lip-syncing to the pre-recorded vocals was PDB: Pretty Dang Bad.

4 out of 5 stars

Roth Christmas Epistle 2025

The Year That Was

January  -  Curtis turned 38.  *  Debbie spoke at a church-wide Ladies’ Birthday Party for Valley Christian Church.

February  -  Thomas turned 11.  *. Debbie spent 3 1/2 days in San Luis Potosí, Mexico getting Casa de Ninos ready for its new house parents and children.  *  Dewey got to see Anawynn in “SpongeBob the Musical.”  *  We thoroughly enjoyed the movie, The Unbreakable Boy.  *  On the 23rd, Shonda turned 42 and Kelly Jo turned 36.

March  -  Ivy June turned 5.  *  Enjoyed a meal with nephew-in-law Raju during his overnight stop in the Twin Cities. (Raju is a flight attendant.)

April  -  Anawynn turned 12.  *  Debbie was interviewed (mostly about her book Blue Tassels) by national women's speakers advocate, Marnie Swedberg.  *  Dewey preached at Valley Christian Church on the 6th.  *  Debbie spoke to almost 200 ladies at Hosanna Church.

May  -  Curtis & Abbey said hello to Shepherd Arlo Roth, born 10:18 AM, May 23, 9lbs, 9 oz, 21.25 inches. We welcome Goober to the clan!  *  Dewey preached again at VCC on the 25th.

June  -  The first weekend had us attending The Well Conference for Christian Creatives in Hudsonville, MI. Debbie sang for the assembled masses and they each received a copy of her book, Drenched: Only Hope in the Storm.  *  The 9th was our 46th anniversary!

July  -  Crazy month. Debbie drove to Grand Rapids, MI, to attend Carol Kent's Speak Up Conference, but skipped the final day to be able to see her oldest niece for the first time in 35 years! She then drove down to Fort Wayne, IN, to meet that niece's husband and son and hang out with dear, dear friends from Markle until I flew in on Tuesday to attend Norwell High School Class of 1975's 50th Class Reunion on Saturday. A lot of laughs and too much food all week long.

August  -  Dewey turned 68.  *  Road trip to Wyoming and back that included the wedding of Debbie's great-niece, Shania, and ended up being one of our most fun, spontaneous vacations ever, e.g., a helicopter ride around Mount Rushmore, a day in Yellowstone, the Wyoming State Barbecue Championship & Bluegrass Festival.

September  -  LOTS of birthdays: Ezra Ann 4. Clarence "Clay" 2.  Angel 45. Debbie 67. Maverick 9.  *  Debbie spoke and sang to a group of about 70 ladies at an area-wide retreat in Texas.

October  -  A nice-but-too-short visit in Arkansas with Shonda and her family. Their new house is fairly amazing.  *  Enjoyed the 3rd year of greeting trick-or-treaters as SantaDewey.

November  -  The 1st was the official release date for Dewey's book, The Best of Truth Is.  *  Dewey had a good time with Dustin and Curtis at a 40th anniversary screening of Back to the Future.  *  Shonda was thankful for the end of the government shutdown so she could get back to work.  *  Thanksgiving found us at Curtis’ in-laws, and the following Sunday, Angel and Curtis brought their crews to our place for round two. #TrueConfession: Curtis and Shepherd represented their household solo, as the rest were under the weather.  *  On Black Friday, our only excursion was to the movie theater for Wicked: For Good.

December  -  Jesse turned 14.  *  Debbie celebrated 27 years of cancer-free living.  *  Thanks to Angel's in-laws, we experienced the Hosanna Christmas Concert for the first time. What an impressive display of talent and creativity!  *  The 30th, Debbie had (will have) surgery on her left shoulder to repair the rotator cuff.  *  The Most Wonderful Time of the Year was celebrated with 3/4 of the Rothchilds gathered with their families under our roof (SOME year, Shonda!), an event that makes whenEVER it happens one of the best days of the year for us.

Many warm wishes to you all. May the light that has come into the world (Jesus) illuminate your life and fill you with joy all year long!

"Wicked: For Good" Not Too Bad

 

Wicked: For Good (also known as Wicked: Part Two) is a 2025 American musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The sequel to Wicked (2024), it adapts the second act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman, which was loosely based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, a reimagining of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation. (Wikipedia)

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Beloved had enjoyed Wicked so much when she saw it with Angel and Kelly Jo, she said, "You've got to see this," and took me as she watched it a second time (a VERY rare occurrence for her to watch a movie she's already seen). Because of that, I bought tickets for us to see For Good as well.

Because it had been a year since I had seen the first part ... and had only seen it once ... we rented it through Fandango at Home and watched it the day before Thanksgiving. Well ... when I say that we watched it, I mean that I watched it while Beloved sat beside me on the couch, paying more attention to her phone and the laundry. Can't really blame her. If seeing the movie twice was a rarity, you can imagine her lack of interest in seeing it a third time.

Be that as it may, if you have NOT seen Part 1, don't bother watching Part 2. You would be absolutely and irrevocably lost.

For those fans who are wondering, yes, what you've heard about how most of the musical's best songs were in Part 1 is true. There are only a couple in Part 2 that I even recognized. The music in For Good seemed to be more integrated as part of the narrative ... less "we will now pause the story so we can do a song". Some will like that, others will not.

The other noticeable difference between the two films is that For Good gets down to the business of intertwining with the Oz story as we know it from the 1939 film. That made it a bit more satisfying for me (speaking as a former Scarecrow).

Should you see it? If you loved Wicked, Part One, do yourself the favor of seeing the story come to its conclusion. 3.5 out of 5 stars

Current Events Note: MAGAphiles won't necessarily appreciate the whole plotline about the Wizard's anti-animal campaigning...unless they fail to see how it parallels a current political figure's rhetoric about immigrants.

Marty: Low-Key Best Picture

 

Seventy years after it was made, I finally got around to watching 1956's Best Picture Oscar-winner, Marty. I had always avoided it because I figured that it had to be some kind of super-dramatic, earnest, issue-banging snoozefest. Ernest Borgnine even won a Best Actor Oscar for his performance.

I mean ... just look at that poster. Something serious is going on there, right?

But when you read the Wikipedia plot description, it seems to soften up a bit:

Marty Piletti is an Italian-American butcher who lives in The Bronx with his mother. Unmarried at 34, the good-natured but socially awkward Marty faces constant badgering from family and friends to settle down, as they point out that all his brothers and sisters are already married, most of them with children. Not averse to marriage but disheartened by his lack of prospects, Marty has reluctantly resigned himself to bachelorhood.

After being harassed by his mother into going to the Stardust Ballroom one Saturday night, Marty connects with Clara, a plain high school science teacher, who is weeping outside on the roof after being abandoned by her blind date....

The movie ends up being a simple, slice-of-life tale with an open-ended ending full of hope.

I can't believe it won the Best Picture Oscar, having gone up against Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing, Mister Roberts, and Picnic.

And look at the list of Best Actor nominees in addition to Mr. Borgnine!

• James Cagney
• James Dean
• Frank Sinatra
• Spencer Tracy

And yet, the man who would become a sitcom icon in McHale's Navy just 7 years later walked away with the trophy.

When you watch this little gem (and you should), look for Gomer Pyle, USMC's Sgt. Carter, The Dick Van Dyke Show's Jerry Helper, and the uncredited screen debut of Jerry Orbach (Law & Order and the voice of Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast).

Climactic quote:

You don't like her, my mother don't like her, she's a dog and I'm a fat, ugly man! Well, all I know is I had a good time last night! I'm gonna have a good time tonight! If we have enough good times together, I'm gonna get down on my knees and I'm gonna beg that girl to marry me! If we make a party on New Year's, I got a date for that party. You don't like her? That's too bad!

5 stars!

♫♪ He Rode a Blazing Saddle ♪♫ to Stardom: Books I Read in 2025, Vol. VI

 

ALL ABOUT ME! My Remarkable Life in Show Business
Mel Brooks

For anyone who loves American comedy, the long wait is over. Here are never-before-told, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and remembrances from a master storyteller, filmmaker, and creator of all things funny. [This book] offers fans insight into the inspiration behind the ideas for [Brooks'] outstanding collection of boundary-breaking work, and shares details about the many close friendships and collaborations he has had, including those with Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Gene Wilder, Alfred Hitchcock, and the great love of his life, Anne Bancroft.

Let's get one thing straight: Mel Brooks is an extremely talented man. I would never let my grandchildren watch any of his movies, but there's no doubt he knows what's funny and how to deliver laughs. He also knows how to tell the story of his life and career (with the emphasis on his career) with humor AND honesty. And in spite of the bald-faced narcissism of the title, Brooks gives credit and honor where it is due to the talented people he has worked with. This book is full of one interesting story after another. Two thumbs up.

First Line: The writing of this book serves as a kind of confession.

Page 56 / Line 5: Without thinking, I turn the wheel sharply to make the turn.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: If you don't have anyone in your life like Carl Reiner, stop reading this right now and go find someone!

Last Line: But who knows, maybe we'll meet again in another chapter called: The History of Mel Brooks, Part II.

Too Little Too Fast: Books I Read in 2025, Vol. V

 

NUMBER ONE IS WALKING: My Life in the Movies and Other Diversions
Steve Martin with drawings by Harry Bliss

[This book] is Steve Martin’s cinematic legacy  —  an illustrated memoir of his legendary acting career, with stories from his most popular films and artwork by New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss. Martin shares anecdotes from the sets of his beloved films  —  Father of the Bride, Roxanne, The Jerk, Three Amigos, and many more  —  bringing readers directly into his world. He shares charming tales of antics, moments of inspiration, and exploits with the likes of Paul McCartney, Diane Keaton, Robin Williams, and Chevy Chase. Martin details his forty years in the movie biz, as well as his stand-up comedy, banjo playing, writing, and cartooning, all with his unparalleled wit. With gorgeously illustrated cartoons and single-panel “diversions” in Steve and Harry’s signature style, Number One Is Walking is full of the everyday moments that make up a movie star’s life, capturing Steve Martin’s singular humor and acclaimed career in film.

This has been on my to-be-read list at the library for a year or two. When I was close to being done with Gay Girl, Good God, I had the library put Number One... on hold for me so I could pick it up when I returned the other. I took it off the reservation shelf, started leafing through it, and saw that there were plenty of drawings and not so much writing, so I immediately went to the biography section of the library and found what will be my next read (stay tuned). Good thing, too, because I finished THIS book in a little more than an hour. I certainly enjoyed it, but Martin needs to write a whole lot more about a whole lot more memories of his movie career.

First Line: By 1980, I viewed my stand-up comedy act  -  which I had been doing for about seventeen years  -  as a ballerina might view her evening's performance: "I know the steps; they're the same every night."

Page 56 / Line 5: Wow!

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: 

Last Line: Me three!

The Unbreakable Boy: You'll Laugh. You'll Cry. You'll Want to Be Like Him

 

THE UNBREAKABLE BOY
A Film by Jon Gunn

"A young boy is born with both a rare brittle-bone disease and autism. But what makes him truly unique is his joyous, funny, life-affirming worldview that transforms and unites everyone around him."

Beloved and I saw the trailer for this when we saw The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever and immediately said to each other, "Yep!"

And we are both very glad we did.

It begins with some voiceover narration by the autistic son, Austin, so you aren't wrong in thinking this is a story about a kid who was born behind the eight ball and how he becomes a great person. And it IS that. But it's also the story of a broken mom and an alcoholic dad and a younger brother who is amazingly well-adjusted. It's about optimism and empathy. It's about...well...it's about the best film I've seen in a while.

And oh yeah...it's a true story.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

I know I said "You'll Cry" in this post's title, but don't get me wrong. This is no sappy "tear-jerker" of a movie. The dampness of my eyes was more a result of joy than anything else.

When we left the theater, I turned my phone back on and immediately started researching Jacob Laval, the actor who portrayed Austin. No exaggeration, he was jaw-droppingly amazing. I seriously think a Best Actor Oscar nomination is in order.

So yes. Yes you should go see this as soon as possible.

Red One: "Let's Go Save Christmas!"

 

Having joined Amazon Prime for a week (for only $1.99) to get free shipping on our last-minute Christmas shopping, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I could watch the Christmas action-comedy Red One on Prime Video even though it's still in movie theaters.

J. K. Simmons is the buffest Santa you'll ever meet, but he spends most of this movie passed out as his special Santa power is stolen by a Christmas witch (who knew?) to be used to entrap all the people on the Naughty List in magical snow globes forever. And since Dwayne Johnson's chief of security mentions early on that, for the first time ever, the Naughty List has more names than the Nice List, there stands to be a decided decrease in the surplus population. [Bonus points for anyone reading this who recognizes that nod to Dickens' A Christmas Carol.]

The action is fun and sometimes fierce. The comedy is humorous enough to warrant smiles and a few giggles. But here's my question...why the foul language? Maybe it was going to be rated PG-13 anyway because of the violent action, but that doesn't mean they HAD to have Santa calling something bull$#!t, etc.

All in all, it hit the expected notes of redemption for Chris Evans' steals-candy-from-a-baby scalawag, the horrifying prospect of Christmas being cancelled, and a disenchanted elf returning to the fold.

It's a holiday-themed trifle that will stick with me as long as the candy cane I ate while watching it.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Accidentally Seen and Positively Enjoyed

 

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Director: Dallas Jenkins (of The Chosen fame)

Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town's yearly Christmas performance.

*  *  *

Beloved and I saw this yesterday and are both giving two enthusiastic thumbs up.

I have to admit that it started off feeling a little like a made-for-television, Hallmark blah-blah-blah because of the heavy dose of narration (provided by Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham). But then the humor started kicking in and it became more fun and engaging.

Little did I know that by the time it ended, we would both be wiping tears from our faces. And I don't want to say anything more about it except that y'all should go see it.

Behind-the-Scenes Footage: We had gone to the theater with tickets in hand for the Tom Hanks/Robin Wright film, Here, but there was a technical issue with the projector and it couldn't be shown. The managerial apology not only included passes for a movie of our choosing in the future and free popcorn and a soda, but we were allowed to trot on over to another movie in the multiplex...which is how we ended up seeing this gem yesterday instead. Great deal!

Previously Untold Stories and Positively Unpronounceable Names: Books I Read in 2024, Vol. XXII

 

STAR WARS FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: The Empire Strikes Back
Various Authors

In honor of the fortieth anniversary of the release of The Empire Strikes Back, forty storytellers recreate an iconic scene through the eyes of its supporting characters, from heroes and villains to droids and creatures. [This book] features contributions by bestselling authors and trendsetting artists: Austin Walker explores the unlikely partnership of bounty hunters Dengar and IG-88 as they pursue Han Solo. Hank Green chronicles the life of a naturalist caring for tauntauns on the frozen world of Hoth. Tracy Deonn delves into the dark heart of the Dagobah cave where Luke confronts a terrifying vision. Martha Wells reveals the world of the Ugnaught clans who dwell in the depths of Cloud City. Mark Oshiro recounts the wampa's tragic tale of loss and survival. Seth Dickinson interrogates the cost of serving a ruthless empire aboard the bridge of a doomed Imperial starship. Plus more hilarious, heartbreaking, and astonishing tales.

I was hooked from the first story. (The tale of one of the humanoids sifting through the visual data from the thousands of viper droids the Empire sent throughout the galaxy in search of rebels. You know...those floating probe thingies that found Han and Luke on the ice planet Hoth?) Some were better at incorporating dialog and scenes from the film into their own protagonist's POV than others, but each one offered insight into previously unexplored feelings, motivations, and connections. And yes, I have placed the other short story collections based on A New Hope and Return of the Jedi on my "to be read" list! Point of interest: in one of the stories, a bounty hunter identifies Chewbacca as the pilot of the Millenium Falcon and Han Solo as "his smart-mouthed sidekick." Point of frustration: The standard Star Wars practice of spelling names in ways that make it impossible to know how to pronounce them is rampant and earuhteighting (e.g., Seitaron, Tian Karmiya, Kashyyyk, etc.).

First Line: Pick any of the last ten transmissions you've looked at.

Page 56 / Line 5: She's been captured, corralled, tamed.

A Good Line from Somewhere in the Middle: In any given situation, he knew, there were men who believed they were in charge, and there were men who truly were.

Last Line: The evil lord Darth Vader, obsessed with finding young Skywalker, has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space....

Behind the Scenes & Behind the Mic: Books I "Read" in 2024, Vol. V

 

AS YOU WISH: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
Cary Elwes with Joe Layden

Reading Cary's book has brought back wonderful memories. He has so beautifully recounted what was for me, and I'm sure for all of us, one of the truly great creative experiences of our lives. He takes us, as only he can, through a Man in Black's eye view of the world of the R.O.U.S., the Shrieking Eels, and the Cliffs of Insanity. And he does it with style and grace. So curl up in a comfy spot and have fun storming the castle.  -Rob Reiner (from the Foreword)

Thanks to Spotify, I got to listen to Elwes read the book...along with Rob Reiner and others reading sections they had contributed to the text. It was nice hearing the sincerity in their voices (I know, I know...they're actors, but still...) as they talked fondly of the time spent filming the movie and the camaraderie the cast members felt for each other. It's exactly what you'd hope would be true about one of your favorite films. There are plenty of behind-the-scenes revelations and I highly recommend this book to any fan of The Princess Bride. Bonus Revelation: Cary Elwes is an amazing vocal mimic as he quotes several people.

First Line: Standing onstage at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, surrounded by cast members and some of the crew, many of whom I've not seen in years, I feel an almost overwhelming sense of gratitude and nostalgia.

Page 56 / Line 5 (Yes, I actually found a copy of the book in the library so I could be accurate with this): It wasn't just that he wanted the film to be successful; I think he was actually fearful it might fail.

Last Line: Nothing has made me more proud than my relationship to it.

Movies I Watched at Home While Beloved Was in Mexico

 

A semi-perfect storm for movie-watching recently took place. Beloved was on a mission trip in Mexico and the Roth household was on the tail end of Amazon Prime membership trialing. Put those two things together and it means I was able to watch any movie I darn well pleased.

Behold:

Tom Hanks: The Nomad
This 2023 documentary didn't reveal any shocking revelations or throw light on any dark secrets, but it was a pleasant stroll through the life and career of Hollywood's latest "Everyman." It's no secret that I like Hanks...otherwise, why would I have watched this, right? One facet of his career the moviemakers failed to highlight was how he is practically the perfect talk show guest. He knows how to tell a story and how to sell a story. 5 stars for Mr. Hanks, but 3 stars for this movie.

Memory
Liam Neeson and Guy Pearce star in the story of a professional hitman (Neesan) trying to get out of the business as he slips into dementia. Our empathy for a ruthless killer is made possible because he refuses to hurt children...and the whole losing his short-term memory thing, of course. Some good action scenes, but I think I must have dozed off from time to time. I don't really remember how it ended. 3.5 stars

Wait for Your Laugh
People my age know Rose Marie for her role as comedy writer Sally Rogers on The Dick Van Dyke Show. People slightly younger may remember her for her 14 years on Hollywood Squares. For a few years before her death in 2017, she gathered 83 thousand followers on Twitter. What I didn't realize was her national stardom as a little girl with a big voice: Baby Rose Marie had her own national radio show and recorded several hits before she turned 10! She died at the age of 94, just weeks after the release of this documentary. 5 stars

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn
The way IMDB describes it makes it sound like a sappy tear-jerker: "A perpetually angry man is informed he has 90 minutes to live and promptly sets out to reconcile with his family and friends in the short time he has left." But with Robin Williams as the star, it couldn't help but be funny...but not in a roll on the floor, silly kind of way. Two things: 1) Peter Dinklage co-starred as Williams' brother and absolutely NOTHING in the movie even acknowledged his small stature. He was just the brother of the protagonist. I liked that. 2) Knowing that Robin Williams ended his own life, it was pretty rough watching the scene where Robin's character attempts suicide by jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge. I wish he could have listened to his own narration: "It occurred to Henry that life didn't have to be a burden, that life is short and fragile and unique. And each hour, each minute, each second could have something to offer. Something beautiful and astounding." This movie was released in 2014, the same year Robin Williams killed himself. 4 stars

Safe House
When I saw "Starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds," I was in. And I was not disappointed. When a CIA safe house is compromised, house-sitter Reynolds needs to transport rogue agent Washington to a different location. As expected, because it involved the CIA, not everyone was who they appeared to be and Reynolds winds up not knowing who to trust. Lots of gritty, realistic fighting and fleeing. Also, it made me want to watch 16 Blocks, with Bruce Willis, again. 4 stars

Cry Macho
Was going to pass this one by, but then I saw that it was a Clint Eastwood film. Strip away the particular names, locations, occupations, etc., and it was a fairly standard old-guy-is-stuck-taking-care-of-a-younger-person-and-becomes-a-better-person-themselves tale. But at this time of his life, Clint Eastwood is the perfect crusty old guy in the need of a purpose. 3 stars

Hot Pursuit
I was in the need for some easy laughs and then along came Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara as a first-time-back-in-action-after-a-stupid-mistake cop and the Columbian-drug-cartel-trophy-wife she needs to protect. There are some twists and turns in the plot, but this is mainly about juxtaposing these two opposites. A lot of physical, slapstick humor at Witherspoon's expense, which surprised me. 3 stars

Ambulance
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, but the real attraction was that Michael Bay directed it. For a bank heist gone bad, resulting in a shot cop and the commandeering of the ambulance that came to save him, the body count is relatively low, but man oh man, I can't imagine the budget for all the wrecked cars and other vehicles. Mostly mindless mayhem, with a smidgen of everybody's-got-a-soft-spot-for-kids. 3 stars

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (The Title's Not the Only Thing that Just Won't Quit)

 

There's a small part of me that doesn't want to like any Tom Cruise movie. I mean, his insistence on having his way and the whole I-train-four-hours-a-day-to-do-my-stunts and that stupid center front tooth...

And yet, it all comes together to create a breathtaking joyride of thrills and laughs and tension.

Pretty much in that order, too.

THRILL to the excitement of vehicle chases so involving you'll forget to breathe, fights so intense you'll be bruised, and daring near-disasters so heart-stopping you'll need to check yourself for a pulse.

LAUGH as Ethan Hunt's sidekicks express exasperation, Ethan and the obligatory female try to outrun EVERYBODY ("Is there anyone who ISN'T chasing us?") in a tiny yellow Fiat, and the literal cliffhangers get increasingly impossible to believe.

TENSION...uh...tension isn't a verb, but the director does a pretty good job of making the stakes high and the anticipation of failure riveting.

Oh yeah, there's an actual plot, too, about how a powerful artificial intelligence program has pulled an Ethan Hunt and gone rogue, becoming self-aware, self-protective, and all-knowing. That part is kind of like TV's Person of Interest on steroids. Very strong steroids.

Right now, I'm dreading having to wait until next year for Part Two, but I know that real life will insist on being dealt with and that by the time it hits the theaters, I will have settled down and realized that this wasn't an Important Film by any means and I'll think, "Do I really want to see a Tom Cruise movie?"

Indy 5: A Review and a Ranking

 

Much has been said about the use of A.I. in de-aging a decidedly aged Harrison Ford for some flashback scenes in the 5th (and final, according to Ford) Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. My two cents' worth: It was well-executed (even though there was just a bit of a noticeable "there's something not quite right here" about it) and perfectly served the story...in other words, it wasn't just a gimmick to put butts in the seats.

Now...with that out of the way, let me express my opinion that this is a good-if-not-great movie. It had plenty of beats that were reminiscent of earlier films in the series...some were even quotes. (When you see it, I dare you not to think of a particular blond Nazi saying, "Go between zem? Are you crazy?")

I had read part of somebody's review before going to see it. They said that they thought Dial of Destiny was slow and way too long. I say everybody has a right to be wrong. I found this Indy installment to be well-paced with plenty of action and just the right amount of times to catch your breath and get reminded what it was all about.

It was fun catching all the Easter-egg-type visuals that related to Dr. Jones' life as an adventurer before growing old in academia. It was also fun seeing him deny the effect of all those years and still mix it up with his bone-crunching punches and daring jumps to safety.

So, Dewey, where do you rate this one compared to the other four?

In terms of my personal fondness for each Indiana Jones movie, here's the low-down:

1.  Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The father/son relationship between Ford and Connery make this especially satisfying, but the real reason this tops my list is how the plot forces Indy to ponder his spirituality. "My soul is prepared, Dr. Jones! How is yours?"

2.  Raiders of the Lost Ark: Everyone's introduction to our favorite archeologist. And all the stunts were real. No phony-baloney CGI. "Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?"

3.  Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: What a satisfying closing chapter of a great adventure story. I loved the final image of Indy's hat being hung out to dry and then...well, you should see it for yourself. "I don't believe in magic. But a few times in my life, I've seen things. Things I can't explain."

4.  Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: Very dark, but you gotta love Short Round. "I'm very little! You cheat very big!"

5.  Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: Only included on this list because it IS an Indiana Jones movie after all. Otherwise, the CGI ants and monkeys can all go take a hike. I remember leaving the theater saying "Steven Spielberg could make a movie like that in his sleep. In fact, I think he did."

Elemental: A Lot of Flash for Such a Basic Premise

 

Beloved and I took SweetCheeks to the movies last weekend and saw Pixar's latest, Elemental.

As with all things Pixar, there were times when the film was visually stunning, but the studio's commitment to the primacy of storytelling seems to have wilted, if not died altogether.

I can't count the number of movies and television shows where the main conflict was a child that didn't want to follow in its parent's footsteps.

And make no doubt about it, underneath the clever personifications of earth, wind, water, and fire, the backbone of this movie is a child that doesn't want to take over the family business but also doesn't want to break her father's heart. Originality rating: 1 star.

Don't misunderstand, I DID enjoy Elemental for its cleverness and eye-popping action, but ...emotionally, it mostly fell flat. (SPOILER ALERT: Does anybody actually think the main character's love interest is going to stay dead?)

Another disappointment was the forget-all-laws-of-physics "resolution" to a bit of tension that ran all the way through the movie: How can a fire-person be romantic with a water-person? (SPOILER ALERT: The movie-makers' solution was to just let them go ahead and touch and pretend that fire and water can coexist.)

ALL THAT SAID...I suppose one shouldn't expect an animated movie like this to make a whole lot of sense or be logically consistent. So sure...get a bucket of popcorn and enjoy the ride.

Jesus Revolution: The Movie, Not the Revival

 

Beloved and I went to see the movie, Jesus Revolution, because it is set at the beginning of the Jesus Movement in Southern California. My teen years in Northeastern Indiana were greatly influenced by the music birthed in that place at that time.

And the truth is, the whole world was influenced by these hippies, high school and college students, and yes, even some white-haired tie-wearers who dove into the truth that Jesus loved them.

The movie seems to be based on Greg Laurie's memoir and focuses on his conversion and romantic love story, rather than attempting to be a dramatic documentary of the Jesus Freaks.

I tried really hard to not be disappointed by that. It was a valid choice to tell the story through Greg's eyes. But I never really felt all that connected to him as a character.

That's not to say I didn't like the movie. I did! I mean, it has the character being played by the actor who is Jesus in The Chosen, jokingly saying that people say he looks like Jesus. That was a pretty funny in-joke. And then he clearly and heartwarmingly lays out the gospel and extends a call to all who are anxious or feel outcast or are looking for peace and love.

Well done.

It was, as far as I could tell, historically accurate and honest. Nobody came off as a too-good-to-be-true perfect example of faith, including Greg Laurie. That's an accomplishment for a "Christian movie"!

The timing of this movie's release and the Asbury Revival and the division in our country is interesting to me. It would neither bother me nor surprise me if something far bigger than box office receipts happened soon and very soon.