No Country for Old Men: I Can’t Get it Out of My Mind

About a month ago, I went with some girlfriends to see a movie. This would be only the second movie I would see in a theatre in 2007. On this day, the popular Campbell 16 Theatre was taking part in a canned good drive. Anyone who brought five canned goods was entitled to see any matinee free of charge. The other girls had already chosen the movie, No Country for Old Men. I didn’t know anything about this film except that it starred Tommy Lee Jones.

During the first five or ten minutes of the movie, I decided that it most definetly was NOT one that I would have chosen. It really seemed to be a “guy’s” movie, not the chick flick I was hoping to see. It was quite violent and somewhat depressing. I thought to myself, “this will be two hours that I will never be able to get back. Two hours totally wasted.”

Then something surprising happened. As the movie played on it started to grow on me. The suspense kept me on my toes and kept be interested. I became less disappointed that it wasn’t a chick flick, and more drawn into the storyline and the characters. I realized that this was top-notch acting, not just another violent, shoot-em-up action movie. The cast included the fabulous acting combination of Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and my new favorite, Javier Bardem. Bardem owned the role of the psychotic villain. In my opinion he deserves any and all awards for which he is nominated this year. Last night he won the Golden Globe for best supporting actor in a motion picture drama. He takes this role far beyond a that of a one-dimensional psychotic killer. What makes his performance even more remarkable, is that Javier Bardem is a popular actor from Spain, yet takes on the mannerisms and accent of midwestern American. He has the accent and the language down pat. I sincerely hope and believe that he will not only be nominated for the Academy Award, but will ultimately take the coveted trophy home.

Let’s not leave out the equally talented Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones. Brolin is excellent as the average joe torn between the love for money and doing what is right. He eventually chooses that latter, but it is a little too late. He has already gotten both himself and his wife in deep with Bardem’s disturbing character. Josh Brolin owns his role as well.

Tommy Lee Jones brings to this film, his usual knack of rising above a somewhat limited role. He provides both compelling drama and a much needed comic relief to this otherwise totally intense movie. Woody Harrelson also shares a bit of comic relief. Unfortunately his screen time is very short, but I don’t want to give away too much.

This movie was directed by the infamous Coen brothers who brought us the equally compelling Fargo and Raising Arizona, among others. It is based on the novel by Corman McCarthy. Quite frankly this movie was not one I would have initially chosen to see, but I would have missed out on a compelling and suspenseful story and killer acting talent. This movie stuck with me for weeks after I first saw it. I just can’t seem to get it out of my mind. Truthfully, I believe that has a lot to do with the ultimately convincing performance by Javier Bardem. Horror movies like Nightmare on Elm Street don’t really bother me once the movie is over. I know that they would never become reality. They could never really happen. This movie, however, COULD really happen.

If you haven’t seen No Country for Old Men, you really should consider watching it. While it may be a somewhat disturbing movie and at times, difficult to watch, the collaboration of all involved takes this film to a whole new level. It is well worth seeing.

Trailer for No Country for Old Men:

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1984 Arcade: Old-School Video Games for Grown-Ups

Earlier this week, I was fortunate enough to be on the guest list for a birthday party held at the 1984 Arcade in Springfield, Missouri. This party was celebrating several birthdays in the month of January. I was one of the older attendees, probably the only one who actually went to high school in the 1980’s. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really had pre-conceptions that the arcade would be small and kind of rundown. Boy was I wrong! This place rocks! It is very neat, clean, and nicely decorated – simple, yet colorful. They had three areas, with many games I remembered playing as a teen-ager back in the good-old 80’s. They had everything! They even had more than one of several of the more popular games. The cost to play was extremely reasonable at only $5. With the $5 cost, you had unlimited play. The only games that are extra are the pinball machines which run on a quarter. The 1984 Arcade was smoke and alcohol free. They also have a party room which is avaible for private functions. I became addicted to Asteroids, Pac-Man, and Centipede all over again! They had many more than those, including Guantlet, Donkey Kong, P.O.W, Moon Patrol and more! The service was great – friendly but unobtrusive. This arcade is more geared toward older teens and adults. I believe that those under 16 must be accompanied by and adult. Kids under 8 must have one-on-one adult supervision at all times. This place is awesome!

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Freaky Weather: 35 Tornadoes Rip Through Springfield and Southwest Missouri Area

Just one week after New Year’s Eve, the weather in Missouri took on a spring-like weather pattern. We set record-breaking highs at around 70 F over the weekend. With a cold front following behind this warm spell, we knew we were destined for some freaky and wild weather. While we usually get snow and ice in January, this time we got a lot of thunderstorms that quickly turned severe. By the time dawn broke on Tuesday, January 8th, we had been slammed by at least 35 twisters in the Springfield and southwest Missouri area. They did significant structural damage in some areas, left several without power, and scattered a trail of debris. Worst of all, there were 2 deaths in the area due to the tornadoes.

Honestly, the death toll could have been much worse, if it hadn’t been for the expertise of meteorologists at the local weather service and the local tv stations. I followed KY3 all night long, into the wee hours of the morning. I have a whole new respect for the weather forecasters/meteorologists here. Of course, they did have help from many sources, including amatuer radio operators, trained weather-spotters, and the general public. Missouri weather, by it’s nature, is difficult to predict. I have gotten frustrated in the past when the forecasts proved wrong. Now I realize just how vital their job is to the safety of area residents. These guys know Springfield and the surrounding area like the back of their hand. The stayed on top of the situation all night long, which could not have been an easy undertaking, considering the sheer number of tornadoes and storms that were in the area. I really do believe that they were critical in preparing the people in the area, keeping us informed, and, most of all, keeping us safe.

For more information on the tornadoes visit the Springfield New-Leader’s article.

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My Friends Just Got Signed to the New Transatlantic Records!

I am so excited that my friends’ band, One Star Story, was just signed to a new, up-and-coming record label. The name of the label is Transatlantic Records, and they are based in New York. One Star Story is mainly a powerpop/alternative/rock band and they write their own music. Check them out!

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