All posts by Kev Brock

I'm a musician, singer/songwriter, blogger, writer, poet, bodybuilder, movie lover, music lover, video gamer, history/political buff, conservative/republican, etc. I like to do a lot of things.

Film Review: Gran Torino

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Hughes, Bee Vang

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

I have just seen the movie “Gran Torino” this afternoon and here is my review.

Plot/Synopsis: Clint Eastwood plays an old man named Walt Kowalski, who is a Korean War veteran whose wife just died. Walt is left alone except the only friend he has for now is his white dog. He is a grumpy old man who doesn’t like other people that is not white, knowing from his own experiences of the Korean War of his past.

Kowalski lives next door with a Korean family, he didn’t like them at first but a young boy who lives with that family Thao, who has a cousin that is in a gang is being bullied by his cousin’s gang. The gang tries to force Thao into stealing Kowalski’s classic car which is a Gran Torino which Kowalski never drives.

This is what made Kowalski tried to save Thao and his family ’cause they were being bullied and harassed. Later in the film, Walt Kowalski becomes friends with Thao and his family members which are all Korean people. Thao and his family are being hurt by these gang members in the town while Kowalski draws himself into saving their lives. Kowalski becomes a town hero for it because he is capable of fighting off gangs in the town when they are the most dangerous and violent people.

My thoughts on the movie? I thought it was real good. Nothing amazing or excellent, but it was a pretty intense film, mixed with comedy and suspense. It was an unpredictable story that kept you at the edge of your seat the entire time.

After 4 years of not being on screen as an actor, Clint Eastwood still has the acting skills. He was very good in this and he played the old man perfectly. I can completely understand why everyone would think this is a Dirty Harry movie when it isn’t, ’cause the movie is very Dirty Harry like. Very close, I would say!!!

“Gran Torino” was very enjoyable. It’s not one of his best movies, he’s made better movies in his past, but “Gran Torino” is definitely worth seeing in theater though. To be honest, I still find “Changeling” to be better than this.

It’s still great to see Clint back on the screen and not behind it again though. I hope he doesn’t give up the acting for good, I want him to give us one more Dirty Harry film!!! A film like this proves that he has the ability to bring Harry Calahan back. In “Gran Torino” the movie is very dark, pretty much a revenge story.

My top ten Clint Eastwood films whether he’s either acting/directing are here:

1. Mystic River

2. Changeling

3. True Crime

4. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

5. Escape from Alcatraz

6. Dirty Harry

7. Unforgiven

8. High Plains Drifter

9. Million Dollar Baby

10. Gran Torino

Score for “Gran Torino” = *** (3 stars as in good)

Kev

Film Review: Gran Torino

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Hughes, Bee Vang

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

I have just seen the movie “Gran Torino” this afternoon and here is my review.

Plot/Synopsis: Clint Eastwood plays an old man named Walt Kowalski, who is a Korean War veteran whose wife just died. Walt is left alone except the only friend he has for now is his white dog. He is a grumpy old man who doesn’t like other people that is not white, knowing from his own experiences of the Korean War of his past.

Kowalski lives next door with a Korean family, he didn’t like them at first but a young boy who lives with that family Thao, who has a cousin that is in a gang is being bullied by his cousin’s gang. The gang tries to force Thao into stealing Kowalski’s classic car which is a Gran Torino which Kowalski never drives.

This is what made Kowalski tried to save Thao and his family ’cause they were being bullied and harassed. Later in the film, Walt Kowalski becomes friends with Thao and his family members which are all Korean people. Thao and his family are being hurt by these gang members in the town while Kowalski draws himself into saving their lives. Kowalski becomes a town hero for it because he is capable of fighting off gangs in the town when they are the most dangerous and violent people.

My thoughts on the movie? I thought it was real good. Nothing amazing or excellent, but it was a pretty intense film, mixed with comedy and suspense. It was an unpredictable story that kept you at the edge of your seat the entire time.

After 4 years of not being on screen as an actor, Clint Eastwood still has the acting skills. He was very good in this and he played the old man perfectly. I can completely understand why everyone would think this is a Dirty Harry movie when it isn’t, ’cause the movie is very Dirty Harry like. Very close, I would say!!!

“Gran Torino” was very enjoyable. It’s not one of his best movies, he’s made better movies in his past, but “Gran Torino” is definitely worth seeing in theater though. To be honest, I still find “Changeling” to be better than this.

It’s still great to see Clint back on the screen and not behind it again though. I hope he doesn’t give up the acting for good, I want him to give us one more Dirty Harry film!!! A film like this proves that he has the ability to bring Harry Calahan back. In “Gran Torino” the movie is very dark, pretty much a revenge story.

My top ten Clint Eastwood films whether he’s either acting/directing are here:

1. Mystic River

2. Changeling

3. True Crime

4. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

5. Escape from Alcatraz

6. Dirty Harry

7. Unforgiven

8. High Plains Drifter

9. Million Dollar Baby

10. Gran Torino

Score for “Gran Torino” = *** (3 stars as in good)

Kev

Report: WWE Smackdown is coming to Glens Falls, N.Y. at the Civic Center!!!!!

Wow, I’m so surprised to see that the WWE is coming back to Glens Falls, N.Y. at the Civic Center and they haven’t performed shows there in a long time! Yes, WWE Smackdown is coming to Glens Falls Civic Center March 1st!!!! There you will see the biggest superstars in action everyone from Triple H, Edge, Jeff Hardy, and more.

I’m already talking to other people about going to this show with and I may order tickets myself this Saturday. Tickets are pretty good pricing too especially the ringside tickets which are $60.00. Not bad.

Keep in mind that this is the hometown of Hacksaw Jim Duggan who is still in contract in the WWE today, so we could see a surprise Jim Duggan appearance, and if we do, expect to hear a “VERY LOUD” crowd cheer especially with the show being in his hometown!!!!

Ticket info here:

http://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/eventdetail/?id=9073484

Kev

Getting close to beating “Dead Space”…

I’m very close to the end of the “Dead Space” video game. I’m in the middle of Chapter 11 now. Just need to finish this Chapter and once I beat Chapter 12, I beat the whole game.

One thing I found out about this game, is that the story and idea of the game was inspired by a 1972 Russian science fiction film titled, “Solyaris”, that was directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. The film was later remade a US version by Steven Soderberg, a US version titled “Solaris” that starred George Clooney. I bet you all didn’t know that “Dead Space” was based on that film. I thought that was a pretty cool insight and interesting.

The game gets way more harder at the end as there are lots more enemies to battle with very low ammunition. It’s getting to the part where it’s getting really hard but I’ll beat it this weekend hopefully.

Kev

RANT: In defense of Run DMC being inducted to the Hall of Fame…

I just wanted to take a few minutes to defend why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has chosen to induct Run DMC, an 80’s iconic rap/hip hop group. I realize that Run DMC and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are getting a lot of hate and bashing for this because simply you think they are not rock, they are a rap/hip hop group.

You may not think Run DMC songs are rock, but if you actually listen to their music, you would hear the rock influence in their music. They are strictly hip hop, yes, but a lot of their music are rock and roll influenced. They are the ones that started this whole rap and rock thing. It’s no secret, that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been inducting acts in all genres of rock music… everything from regular rock, blues rock, country rock, southern rock, metal, disco, pop/rock, and now they are starting to induct rap/rock artists. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame does not have to be “pure rock” only, because you must know that rock and roll is the roots to all genres of music. That’s why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been inducting artists/bands in every genre that’s rock influenced. If you can’t understand how this stuff works and why they do this, then I believe you have no business being a music fan in the first place. I think it’s idiotic, silly and lame…that people bash the Hall of Fame because they induct artists that aren’t strictly rock and roll only. The Hall of Fame have been inducting artists in various genres ever since the Hall of Fame started in 1986, starting off with inducting such artists as Chuck Berry, James Brown, The Everly Brothers, etc.

The Hall of Fame will not induct rap artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 2pac, Notorious BIG, etc. Simply because they are strictly gangster rap with no rock influence. Run DMC got the induction ’cause their songs are rock influenced. See the deal here?  Run DMC is the first rap group to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so I can understand why people would think it’s weird. Will the Hall of Fame, induct another rap group? Yes, absolutely. As long as a rap artist has rock influences in their music, they will be eligible. Lets take the Beastie Boys as an example, they are strictly a mix of both rap and rock. I can definitely see the Beastie Boys being inducted in the next couple of years ’cause their first single “Fight For Your Right to Party” was released in 1986, and they are getting close to 25 years. So the Beastie’s will probably end up being the next rap group to be inducted in the future.

You must understand the roots of rock music, how it influences other genres. This is how the Hall of Fame works and how to decide their artists. They don’t base it on their popularity and record sales or fanbase, it’s all about the artists legacy, love ’em or hate ’em. As far as Run DMC goes, I enjoyed their music, I wasn’t that big of a fan and never bought their records, but I understood their legacy and understood why these guys are part of rock n’ roll.

Kev

Dave Mustaine needs to induct Metallica into Hall of Fame!!!

While Dave Mustaine was in Metallica very briefly when the band first started in the early days, Dave won’t be part of the Metallica inductee since he never played on a Metallica album. Dave still should be part of the Metallica legacy by having Dave induct the band into the hall of fame. It really seems appropriate that Dave should be the one inducting Metallica.

Come on James and Lars, bury the hatchet and call a truce with Dave. Life is too short to hold long grudges and it would be cool to see Dave, James, and Lars become brothers again.

I doubt it would be Dave inducting Metallica but it would be a surprise if Metallica got him.

If not Dave Mustaine, then I can see Dave Grohl, Axl Rose, or Ozzy inducting the band.

Kev

RIP: Ricardo Montalban 1920 – 2008

Khhaaaannnn!!! Khaaannnnn!!! Yet, another Star Trek legend dies this year. Ricardo Montalban, a mexican actor mostly famous for playing the villain Khan in one episode of the original Star Trek series titled “Space Seed” and “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” film. He is also famous for playing the main villain in the comedy series, “The Naked Gun”. He died this morning at his home in L.A., California, he was 88. At this point, no one knows the cause of death.

The Associated Press reports:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g2qvwJqGvWhocLyY20dKS5R0gL_wD95N60080

Kev

BREAKING NEWS: Metallica, Jeff Beck, Run DMC and a few others to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!!

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2009 inductees has finally been announced! It is official that the Hall of Fame will induct Metallica this year. The Hall of Fame will also induct the rap group Run DMC and legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. Bobby Womack, and Little Anthony and the Imperials will also be inducted.

More on it here:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/25451685/metallica_rundmc_jeff_beck_lead_rock_and_roll_hall_of_fames_class_of_2009

I know what you all are thinking, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “Fuck Run DMC and fuck the Hall of fame, Run DMC is NOT rock”. Of course, Run DMC is rock, if they weren’t, then they wouldn’t have collaborated with Aerosmith for “Walk This Way”. This is the rap group that pioneered this new rap genre titled “Rap/Metal”, so they deserve this induction every step of the way!!!

If it wasn’t for them, then there would be no Beastie Boys, Kid Rock, no Limp Bizkit, and all them rap/metal bands that has been inspired by Run DMC!!! Think about it!!!

Kev

Report: Allllllllll Abooooarrrrddd BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! The Osbournes coming back to TV this Spring!!!

Yes, that’s right…Ozzy, Sharon, Kelly and Jack aka The Osbournes are returning to TV this Spring with a new variety show. The new variety show will be featuring comedy skits, impersonations, audience games, etc. The Osbournes already filmed their first episode and will air on FOX later this Spring. The name of the show is titled “The Osbournes: Reloaded”.

More on it here:

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/osbourne-family-returning-to-tv-this-spring-1003929861.story

When will they get through their thick heads that no one cares for the Osbournes? Ozzy was known for metal music, not as a TV celebrity star that he’s turning himself into which is making me sick. He’s no longer the Prince of Darkness that he once was. Turning his entire family into famous celebrities, makes me want to barf. This show is going fail, just like their first TV show failed which only lasted two seasons.

I still think John Mayer’s upcoming variety show will be a hit ’cause America cares about him and the ladies will be all over that show.

Kev

Report: Oscar award presenters will be kept secret until showtime…

You will never know who this year’s award presenters will be for the Oscars ’cause the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are keeping the presenters secret until showtime, Feb. 22nd. So for now all you can do is guess. Every year on the Oscars, they usually do announce award presenters before showtime but this year they are not.

The Associated Press reports:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gaCq3P-jXw-6Uky64GDTpGKpz2-gD95MTRDO0

Oh come on now, they just don’t want to give out any surprises that John Travolta will be there to present an award for some category. It’s obvious why they are doing this. Maybe Jennifer Hudson will be there to present an award too.

The rest of the award presenters will be pretty obvious: Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, George Clooney,  Johnny Depp, Leo Dicaprio, Jake Gyllenhaal, etc.

I’m sure will see some different surprises as well. I’d like to see Michelle Williams present an award for “Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role” so she can give the award to Heath but I doubt that will happen.

I think it will be cool if Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson presents an award for “Best Male Actor in a Leading Role” so he can give the award to Mickey Rourke for “The Wrestler”. That would be appropriate I think.

I think the obvious reason that they are keeping the presenters a secret, it’s all about surprising us with John Travolta being there. End of story.

Kev