Movie Review: Easy Rider

I've never seen this movie and thought it was something I should watch.  I like older movies and this one is a classic by some standards.  I will warn you now there are spoilers in this review.  Yes I know the movie is from 1969 but not everyone has seen it.  Here are the particulars:

Stars:  Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper
1969 - Directed by Hopper
Written by Fonda, Hopper and Terry Southern
Third highest grossing movie of 1969
Easy Rider IMDB Link    Easy Rider Wikipedia Link

The movie is nothing more than the characters played by Fonda and Hopper, Wyatt and Billy respectively, selling some dope and taking a road trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.  Not too complicated.  Of course there are adventures along the way.  First up is a rancher who helps them out when Wyatt's motorcycle breaks down.  Here we get to see the main characters eat a meal with the rancher and his family.  Next up is a hippie who needs a ride to his commune.  Once there they socialize a little to include some skinny dipping. 

Back on the road they join a parade while driving through a small town.  This gets them put in jail where they meet lawyer George Hansen who is played by Jack Nicholson.  While he had been around for some time and this was a supporting role, this movie was considered by some as his breakout role.  Once getting out of jail, the three continue the trek together to New Orleans.  The locals and the police don't take a shine to the three when they stop for a meal in a small town in Louisiana.  They quickly leave town but are attacked in the middle of the night while camped.  George Hansen dies at this point and Wyatt and Billy continue on.

They make it to New Orleans and head to a local house of prostitution recommended to them by Hansen.  There they and two prostitutes take some acid given to them by hippie they took to the commune.  They are now at a local cemetery where the acid trip begins.  In true 60's style the filming style takes you along for the ride. 

Once done in New Orleans Wyatt and Billy head out for Florida.  While on the road two locals end up killing the pair for no good reason.  And the there the movie ends.

You may think I left out quite a bit of detail.  That is true but again this movie was pretty straight forward and I probably didn't get the finer details as to provide much better insight.  A road trip with plenty of marijuana and some adventure. That was it.  I did like the movie.  I was pretty naïve going in actually thinking it revolved around a motorcycle gang.  Wyatt is the very laid back hippie type while Billy is the always hyped up character.  The movie flows fairly well if not aimlessly.  The dialogue is also pretty shallow.  That said Easy Rider was critically acclaimed and boasted a pretty good soundtrack.   Best of all it gave us the classic "Captain America" bike Peter Fonda rode throughout the movie which is pretty sweet.  I know this all doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement but again I liked it.  If you at all like movies from the time, have an interest in the counterculture of the period or are just curious you have to pick this movie up. 

Mark Cuban Defends Alex Rodriguez

Mark Cuban "defended" Alex Rodriguez in an appearance on Jay Leno.  The story can be seen here.  First Mark Cuban has an axe to grind against Major League Baseball (MLB) because he has always thought MLB has kept him from owning a major league team.  That said I'm on board with the criticism. 

I'll be the first to tell you I have steroids/PED fatigue.  I'm so tired of hearing about it on the radio, on every sports show, and online.  I'm also not a fan of Alex Rodriguez.  Like many I just don't find him that likable though I can't really put my finger on why.  He has admitted to using steroids.  That automatically puts him into a category of players fans will dislike - unless you are Andy Pettite (and Jason Giambi to some extent) who seems to get a free pass on the issue.  Still none of these players will be talked about without PEDs coming up in the conversation and none will sniff entry into the baseball hall of fame.

To the punishment itself, a 211 game suspension.  As Cuban has said there is a process in place.  First time offenders get a 50 game ban.  Yes, Ryan Braun got 65 games but I think that was a bit self serving.  He was going to get a minimum 50 games, the Milwaukee Brewers were out of contention and he was dealing with a wrist injury.  It served him best to just take the 65 games and move on without a fight.  Probably the right decision for him.  A-Rod has admitted use in the past but it wasn't during a time when MLB could punish him under the labor agreement.  So is this sour grapes on the part of MLB?  Those famous unnamed sources say there is other evidence of A-Rod obstructing the investigation.  Would that be like Melky Cabrera creating his own website to throw off investigators?  He only got 50 games.  Hmmmm.  It also leaves the door open for some to argue the big, bad Yankees have influenced MLB while trying to keep Rodriguez from ever playing for them again. 

Without seeing the other evidence which is supposedly very damning it is hard to make a complete argument.  But for now I'm on the side of A-Rod.  Unless he went to some great extent to avoid being caught that involves other illegal activities, I think MLB may have bitten off more than it can handle.  I may be proven wrong but we'll know at some point.  MLB should have given A-Rod 50 games and called it a day thus saying not even the biggest in our sport are immune.  No he isn't the player he used to be but he is getting paid like he is.  Now the entire affair will be talked about to death for what most think will be another 3-4 months.  Does MLB really want to be dealing with this when everyone should be concentrating on the playoffs?  This is a fail for everyone.  No one will win with fans being the ultimate victim. 

Disney to Make New Star Wars Trilogy

 It has been a while since Disney announced they will produce a new Star Wars trilogy as well separate spin off films.  I'm a huge Star Wars geek who reads the books, some comic books, the official magazine and try to stay up on the "universe" as best I can so I have to say something.  "Universe"?  The new characters, worlds and other Star Wars creations that have come from the books, games, comics, and TV shows is called the Star Wars expanded universe.  I like to stay up on what is happening even if I don't get a chance to read and see it all.  I was eight when the first Star Wars movie came out so the original trilogy was huge for me growing up.  I can't tell you how many action figures I had, and still have. 

Bottom line is I'm excited.  I love the idea of more Star Wars.  The first six movies gave us great stories and characters.  I can only expect the same with the new movies.  Some are scared we'll get more movies along the lines of episodes I-III.  I am not scared for two reasons.  First I am among the few who don't cringe when episodes I-III are talked about.  Were they great?  No.  Were they horrible?  No.  They were somewhere in between.  Didn't mean we didn't get some great characters and finally got the back story of how we got to the most awesome opening scene of A New Hope.  The other is Disney should do a good job of ensuring fans and movie goers are satisfied. I've heard way too much grumpiness about how Disney won't be able to give Star Wars it's proper due.  I guess none of those folks saw The Avengers.  So I won't worry. 

What will the story be?  There is already a huge universe full of stories from which they can pull.  One rumor is they will do a trilogy based on the Legacy of the Force series in which Han and Leia's son Jacen goes to the dark side.  Details on the series can be found here.  Who knows.  It is out now that Han, Leia and Luke will be back in some capacity.  I think that is great.  They play a huge roll in the Legacy series as well as the expanded universe as a whole and I would think they would play small rolls as support characters of the overall plot.  I am not picky though.  There are so many different ways the writers can go it is crazy.  It may also be a completely new story arc that hasn't been touched before.  I think it will be hard to disappoint me no matter which way they go. 

There is an element out there leery of any new story and whether or not it will change what has already been created in the expanded universe.  Lucasfilm did an awesome job of keeping all the different Star Wars properties cohesive ensuring they didn't contradict each other.  This was a massive task and Star Wars fans are very protective of.  I quantify that.  There are rabid Star Wars fans who aren't familiar with the expanded universe.  They don't read the books, watch The Clone Wars TV series or otherwise pay attention to spin off properties.  Some are fanatical about one or the other.  There are new fans who are more familiar with episode I-III and the new properties.  Fans also vary in age from those my age (40's and 50's) and those who are were introduced to Star Wars through The Clone Wars, toys and other newer properties.  It is a very diverse fan base so all these different fans will have their different ideas of what a new Star Wars trilogy should be and not all of them will be happy.     

No matter what happens there will be drama among hardcore Star Wars fans.  It is something I wish didn't exist but it will be there.  Star Wars fans are passionate if nothing else.  I'm sure you have this with any property (see Harry Potter) that has a rabid fan base.  Again, I'm excited and will be excited no matter what happens.  Just to have the buzz about a new film and all the fun that will come from having another Star wars movie will be good enough for me as long as the move isn't a total bust.  Disney, don't let me down...

Product Review: McFarlane Sports Figures

The McFarlane sports figures are one of my favorite collectables.  Back in the day all we had were smaller starting lineup figures if you liked to collect figures of players.  These were standard body type figures like this Robin Yount Starting Lineup figure.  Not the smooshed body variety or bobble heads just good old action figures of sports folks.  Now we have McFarlane figures.  McFarlane started in the early 2000's producing sports figures and releases updates every year to include current players and legends.  The line covers the major sports to include the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB players as well as former college football players.  The McFarlane site can be found here.  It is actually www.spawn.com.  This is in reference to Todd McFarlane's comic book character Spawn whom he created and is maybe most famous for. 

The figures themselves have great detail and the poses are very good ranging from action shots to sideline and non-action poses.  There is a good variety of players and teams that are represented.  There are always players you wish they had but nobody is perfect.  Some players also get more love than others which again isn't a surprise.  This means you'll see multiple Peyton Manning and LeBron James figures.  Not a bad thing just part of the deal since they have to make money.  You can check out what has been produced for each sport by clicking on the league's logo on the front page of the website or by choosing the appropriate sport from the Toys drop down at the top of the page.  This will allow you to browse each wave of figures by year as well as see those upcoming. 

Each wave has the base figures and will normally have some figures that have different paint schemes.  Usually home and road jersey options or even the uniform of a player's former team.  There are also chase figures and figures that can only be purchased through memberships in the collectors club through the website.  Their store is here.  Most figures are still found easily through online retailers and auction websites.  Local retailers also stock them but it is hit and miss.  Toy-R-Us, Hastings and Target are your best bets though I still see them at some of the bigger Wal-Marts.  Some of the older more rare and/or more popular figures may come with a hefty price but the base figures can start at anywhere from $7 to $20 but again that is based on popularity and availability.  McFarlane also offers different licensed action figures such as Halo, Walking Dead, Assassin's Creed, as well as music artists. 

The figures themselves are great.  I am that sports guy who is a big fan of my teams and favorite players.  This gives me one more way to show my support.  I only wish I had more room to put them out.  Still I love the detail, poses and variety.  They are also durable but watch out for some of the smaller or thinner accessories like balls, bats, sticks and helmets.  I highly suggest these to anyone who is a big sports fan or knows one and might want to give one as a gift.   The figures are typically 6 inches but with accessories definitely can be bigger.  McFarlane also produces a 12" line on a much smaller scale.  There are also special edition figures that come out from time to time for an event such as the World Series or NBA Finals winners three packs.  Also customer figures can found or requested on the auction sites or with a quick search of the internet of "custom McFarlane figures" via Google or your favorite search engine.  Again don't hesitate to check them out. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons agree to 5 year $103 million dollar extension

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a 5 year $103 million dollar extension this week.  This is a great move by the Falcons.  Falcons fans, me included, have to be thrilled.  "Matty Ice" may already be the best quarterback in the franchise's history.  No disrespect to Steve Bartkowski who may be the most beloved Falcons quarterback in history (he's my favorite).  But Matt Ryan already has 56 wins in his five seasons compared to 55 wins for Bartkowski in 11 seasons.  Yes, Chris Chandler took the Falcons to the Super Bowl but his five seasons aren't enough to put him at the top and don't get me started on Michael Vick.  Chris Miller is the only other QB in the discussion but he probably at the bottom of the pack.  The next six seasons will cement Matt Ryan's legacy in the history of the Atlanta Falcons.

Matt Ryan has already won 56 games and has twice as many touchdown as interceptions (127-60) while racking up a career quarterback rating of 90.9.  He's completed less than 61% of his passes only once.  Sure he is only 1-4 in playoff games but the Falcons have been to the playoffs for four out of the last five years with the expectation being they'll continue to be there for the immediate future.  His performance puts him right there with the best there is in the game.  Don't beat him up for his playoff performances yet.  He is 27 and just entering his prime.

He is worth every penny.  This contract puts him right up there behind Aaron Roger and above Joe Flacco when it comes to dollars.  It doesn't mean he is the second best quarterback, because he isn't, but that is today's market.  There are not that many great quarterbacks and he is one of them and you aren't winning without one.  While defenses can still win games you need an excellent quarterback to score in today's pass happy era.  So while Ryan's price tag is not cheap it is the going rate and you couldn't let him walk after this season.  Waiting to extend him could have also meant the price might go up in a year.   

I love this move.  If you look at the bottom half of the league and the issues those teams have at quarterback you have to feel good that we (yeah I am one of those guys) are set at quarterback for years to come.  Hopefully Atlanta can continue to keep weapons around him and upgrade the defense.  The NFC has many good teams that will continue to challenge for the top of the conference each season but there is no reason to believe Atlanta won't be one of them for the next six seasons. 

Movie Review: Despicable Me 2

Was able to see Despicable Me 2 over the weekend with the family.  The youngest is 12 and the others range from 18 to 25.  Oh and me, the 44 year-old old fart.  We all enjoyed the movie and it is very funny.  They were able to keep a good balance between all the characters as they each are important to making this franchise funny - Gru, the girls and of course the minions ( who doesn't love the minions).  New to the mix was Lucy as a partner to Gru (you'll have to watch for the details).  She is good add to the mix.  As this is an animated movie I won't try to dissect it too much but some of my favorite parts were watching Gru struggle with Margo's "dating" a boy.  As a father of four girls I can so relate.  Bottom line is it was funny and very easy to watch.  I highly recommend it to everyone. 

Catching Up With the NBA Offseason

The last week has been very busy and the excitement of the Finals is carrying over for me as there has been a flurry of activity in the way of free agent signings and agreed to trades.  It has been a really exciting week and I want to talk about at least a few of the deals.

Dwight Howard signs with Houston Rockets:  It all begins and ends with Dwight Howard.  No big shock that he ends up in Houston.  I think this is the right move for him.  He is paired up with a scorer who can shoot from the outside in James Harden and is now in a town that doesn't eat it's own.  Will he win a championship?  I don't think so but with San Antonio possibly near the end of their run (2-3 years?) and Los Angeles on the down tick that leaves Oklahoma City as the team to beat.  And there is no reason to think this team can't beat the Thunder assuming Houston can put some good supporting pieces in place.  Rumors are Houston center Amer Asik wants to be traded and also that Jeremy Lin might be on the way out as well.  Hopefully they can bring back some valuable players.  Bottom line this is a good deal for all involved and I see no reason Houston can't compete in the near future. 

Josh Smith signs with Detroit Pistons:  This hurts Atlanta as they lose a scorer and dynamic player.  It only hurts because there isn't a ready replacement.  Al Horford is a natural power forward and might do even better if he can move back to the 4.  Not that the Hawks have a starting center ready to take over that spot (backup Zaza Pachulia bolted for Milwaukee).  Detroit gets that scorer/dynamic player but also get a guy who isn't a classic power forward and thinks he can hit shots from the outside.  And no he can't.  But I'm sure Detroit knows this and he will fit in fine in their system.  I was curious as to where he would go and hadn't heard any rumblings about the Pistons.  All good.  Should help setup Atlanta in the future as they have some extra cap room to improve moving forward.

Andre Iguodala signs with Golden State Warriors:  I love this move.  The Warriors already have a scorer in Stephan Curry and Iguodala will fit well in the front court with Bogut and Lee.  He won't be expected to score and will be able to concentrate on defense.  The Warriors also cleared out dead wood while getting valuable cap space in a trade with Utah.  I really like what they've done and they could easily be a top four team in the Western Conference soon. 

Al Jefferson signs with Charlotte Bobcats:  This team isn't going anywhere anytime soon but this gives them a legit center who can anchor the middle.  Again this isn't a conference changing move but I really thought it was a good move for Charlotte.  Jefferson for his part will be the man and should be able to rack up good numbers assuming there is anything resembling a team around him.

Jarrett Jack signs with Cleveland Cavaliers:  Another move that isn't going to be changing any futures of the league but I think he is a very good shooting guard and teaming with Kyrie Irving should be a big plus.

Andrew Bynum to ???:  The league is a weird contradiction.  It loves to run and gun while kicking to the guy at the three-point line.  Still everyone covets the big man especially come the playoffs when games tend to slow down.  So it should be no surprise that teams are looking at Bynum and even Greg Oden.  I think any deal Bynum, and Oden for that matter, gets will be one that protects the team and should give Bynum plenty of opportunity to excel.  I'll be curious how Bynum comes back and how he'll handle being in the spotlight again after rough year he had in Philly.