After seeing the movie Southpaw last weekend the first word that came to my mind was WOW! Since then I have read several reviews and again feel the need to say WOW! This time, not in a good way though. While this doesn't completely surprise me - I tend to disagree with the critics - I am saddened that I haven't seen more favorable reviews. In case you're interested, here's my thoughts on the movie.
Southpaw(2015)
Rated R / 2 hrs. 4 min.
Action / Drama / Sport
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Skylan Brooks, Naomie Harris, Victor Ortiz, Beau Knapp, Miguel Gomez, Dominic Colon, Jose Caraballo, Malcolm M. Mays, ....
Director: Antoine Fuque
Writter: Kurt Sutter
IMDB description: Boxer Billy Hope turns to trainer Tick Willis to help him get his life back on track after losing his wife in a tragic accident and his daughter to child protection services.
That description, while accurate, really doesn't do this movie justice. I felt such a range of emotions while watching it. I knew I would like it. I like action movies. I like drama movies. I like sports movies. Win Win... I don't realy care for sports in real life but I love movies about sports. It's the first film written by Kurt Sutter...I loved his story telling with Sons of Anarchy so I was certain I would love his story telling with this movie.
Some of the reviews I read said that it was just a knockoff of all the other boxing movies that had been made (i.e. Rocky, Raging Bull, etc...). I agree and disagree. Someone once told me that there is not a story out there that hasn't already been told. This movie is no exception. It's the typical rags to riches to rags story with a happy ending....but the ride it takes you on in the process is great.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Billy Hope....and gives an Oscar worthy performance. I love Jake Gyllenhaal and have seen pretty much everything he's been in. He is a very versatile actor and has proven once again that he can evoke strong emotions from the audience. The physical transformation he went through to play this role is amazing. I read that he did 1000 sit-ups a day, 100 dips, 100 pull-ups, and a lot of cardio to get into this shape!!!
There's nothing about the way he carries his self in this film that would make you doubt that he is a boxer. And the emotion that he displays makes you feel everything right along with him. When his wife dies (no, that's not a spoiler, it's in the trailer) it's impossible to not feel the pain while watching his reactions. When he is winning you feel exhilirated. When he is losing you feel defeated too.
Rachel McAdams plays Mareen Hope - Billy's wife who he's known since they were orphans. Loved her in this!!!
Forest Whitaker plays Tick Willis...and also gives an Oscar worthy performance. As a trainer with his own demons to fight he proves to be just what Billy Hope needs to get him back on track. And finally, a movie shows someone working with kids that shows them how to be disciplined and respectful!
And I can't not mention Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. He was great. You know his character is just going to do what's best for his business (promoter) but you still can't help but to like him.
The movie is a sports movie but it's main theme is redemption. The redemption of a champion who lost and found his way back. The redemption of a father who lost his child and worked through his own demons to get her back. The redemption of a husband who lost his wife and found a way to keep living without her.
As for the title....Southpaw is a term (in boxing) that basically means when a right handed boxer uses his left fist to deliver a blow - usually the destructive blow because it's unexpected. I'm sure you can guess since this is the title of the movie that this is exactly what happens in this movie. While that means the ending is predictable it does not make it any less exciting to watch. Even though I was humming the Rocky tune in my head with each punch... Even though I knew that Billy Hope would be beat down and would still manage to to get back up... I loved this movie. For all those critics that likes this movie "high five" to you. And for all those critics out there that didn't....here's my virtual southpaw.
This video was taken on Tail of the Dragon...it's only a partial video (10 minutes). Anyone that's ever been on this road knows that this video doesn't do it justice. Crazy curves / switchbacks. Fun times!
Today my social networking feeds have been full of posts relating to Memorial Day. Many have been reverant and thought provoking. While the posts have been great to see many of them have referenced the wrong holiday. It seems that many feel that the appropriate sentiment for Memorial Day is to honor and thank ALL veterans, living and deceased. This is not correct. I feel it is extremely important to honor and thank all veterans every day...but Memorial day is a day to honor the fallen. It's a day to remember those who have died in service of the USA.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3pm local time.
I always find the history of holiday's interesting.
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.
Local Observances Claim To Be First Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well.
Today, cities in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Both Macon and Columbus, Ga., claim the title, as well as Richmond, Va. The village of Boalsburg, Pa., claims it began there two years earlier. A stone in a Carbondale, Ill., cemetery carries the statement that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there on April 29, 1866. Carbondale was the wartime home of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried.
Official Birthplace Declared In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.
It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.
Some States Have Confederate Observances Many Southern states also have their own days for honoring the Confederate dead. Mississippi celebrates Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of April, Alabama on the fourth Monday of April, and Georgia on April 26. North and South Carolina observe it on May 10, Louisiana on June 3 and Tennessee calls that date Confederate Decoration Day. Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Day January 19 and Virginia calls the last Monday in May Confederate Memorial Day.
Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.
The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”
To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”
***
So how did you spend your Memorial Day?
I will admit that I thoroughly enjoyed having a day off from work today. I know that many spent the day with family or friends, having cook-outs or beach days, or just catching up on chores that have piled up. My day was spent with family (the hubby and my pup) while trying to take care of projects that I've been ignoring. While we didn't have a formal celebration of any sort I did spend time thinking about why I was able to be off from work today. I hope that each of you found time in your day to also remeber those that gave their lives for us; those brave souls that paid the unltimate price so that we could enjoy so many freedoms.
It goes without saying that I love movies. Ron and I recently saw The Age of Adaline while in Mobile, AL. And should I even mention that it was two romance movies in a row (what is happening to me???)! Of course this isn't the typical romance and was a very intriguing storyline.
The Age of Adaline
Rated PG-13 / 110 mins / Drama, Romance
Stars: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Kathy Baker, Ellen Burstyn...
Director: Lee Toland Krieger
Release date: April 24, 2015
Here's the synopsis according to The Age of Adaline official page: After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) reignites her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever.
You know I don't like to give away any spoilers so I'm not going to go into any more detail about the movie. But I will tell you what you will be thinking about during AND after seeing this movie (if you're like me that is). This movie really makes you think about what it would be like to remain at a certain age forever. I'm not sure why the age of 29 was chosen for Adaline but I have a few thoughts of my own why it's a magical age....an age most people don't want to leave behind. I can remember clearly when I was 29 - especially the days leading up to my 30th birthday. It's the only birthday I actually dreaded. Leaving my 20's seemed like a HUGE step to me. While being in my 20's wasn't exactly like being a kid...it didn't completely seem like being an adult either (despite my adult responsibilities). There I was about to enter my 30's head-on! Lucky for me I have a great husband and great friends that helped make the transition with an amazing surprise party that included my favorite male stripper. Yes, I said my favorite male stripper - I'll get into that more in another blog. And I guess I really should call him a male exotic dancer right?
What are your thoughts on the transition from your 20s to 30s? If you could pick an age to stay at forever what would it be? I've given this a lot of thought...probably more thought than is normal considering my fascination with all things supernatural...and I still haven't come up with the magic age for me.
Go check this movie out (if you haven't already) and let me know your thoughts. I thought it was a really good movie that was well acted and thought provoking.
There's just nothing like good ole comfort food! You know the kind I'm talking about...floured and fried and loaded with calories.
I have always loved cube steak. My Mama used to make the floured and fried kind and it was yummy in my tummy. She called it "chicken fried" which still really doesn't make sense to me since there is no "chicken" in it...LOL. I don't fry foods often so this is one of the things I miss. Craving the kind my Mama used to make set me on the mission of finding an alternative recipe that might still taste close to hers but wasn't fried.
I found a couple of recipes but they weren't exactly what I was looking for, so I changed the ones I found up a little and came up with this. It was yummy if I do say so myself. Don't be fooled by the picture - you really can't make cube steak pretty! :)
Ranch "Chicken Fried" Cube Steaks Ingredients:
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup Panko Italian Style Bread Crumbs (I used Progresso)
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup ranch dressing
4 cube steaks
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
Heat oven to 425°F
Spray 13x9 inch pan with the cooking spray
In a shallow dish mix Bisquick, Panko, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
Pour ranch dressing in another shallow dish.
Coat cube steaks with ranch dressing, the coat cube steaks with Bisquick mixture, pressing in so coating sticks to cube steaks.
Place in 13x9 inch pan.
Drizzle with butter.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes (or until steaks are done to your liking)
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice smothered with white pepper gravy and another side of your choice and you have a great meal! I chose broccoli - figured I would be healthy with at least one of the foods. =)
Potatoes just might be my favorite food. There are lots of ways to prepare them and thousands of recipes out there. My favorite way to eat a potato is definitely one of the unhealthiest ways - FRIED! :) I have always loved fried potatoes...especially when they are fresh cut (not frozen). I've loved them since I was a little girl. Loved them so much that when I was in elementary school one of my Granny's would get up and make them for me for breakfast before she would go to work - and she cut them country style (round).
Baked potatoes are awesome too - that was something I always loved to get at my other Granny's when she first learned how to "bake" them in the microwave. :) Nothing like a "baked" potato loaded with butter and salt...doesn't matter if it's baked in the microwave, oven or grill.
Last night I made a new recipe with potatoes. They were baked...with lots of cheesy creamy goodness...so I'm sure lots of calories. And should I even mention that they have BACON in them?? I used Yukon Gold Potatoes in this recipe but any type would work. Here's the recipe so you can try it too.
Cheesy Creamy Ranch Potatoes Ingredients:
6 large potatoes, cut into cubes
1 cup ranch salad dressing
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Directions:
Place potatoes in a large pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain well.
Preheat oven to 350°F
Combine salad dressing, sour cream, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, bacon, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bow.
Add potatoes to mixture and stir until potatoes are coated well.
This past weekend I re-visited a page from my book of past experiences and did a little rodeo-ing. Ok, so maybe I didn't actually do any rodeo-ing...but I did go watch some great bullriding in my hometown (Bonifay, FL) with the hubby. And as an added bonus my bff since 3rd grade and her daughter joined us. Aren't we quite the crew? :)
I don't care much for many sports anymore, but bull riding has always been one of my favorites. I'm sure part of the reason is that I grew up in Bonifay where one of the biggest events of the year was the annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo held each year during the first weekend of October. The Bonifay Kiwanis hosts the event as a fundraiser and since it's part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association (PRCA - Home Page) cowboys come from all over to participate in hopes of earning prize money and points toward a national championship.
For a peek at the history of the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo check out this link: Bonifay Rodeo History
For a variety of reasons (enough to fill up many blog posts) I haven't been to the Rodeo in YEARS...but my love for the sport of bull riding has remained a part of me. Bull riding was always my favorite portion of the rodeo. I'm sure it was a favorite for many since it was strategically placed as the last portion of the Rodeo, meaning that attendees would stay for the entire event so they could watch the bull riding.
Shortly after watching the movie The Longest Ride I saw an ad for the 2015 PBR Spring Bull Jam in Bonifay (nice timing huh?). The hubby and I decided to go check it out. Thankfully, we were not disappointed!
The participants of this event are part of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Touring Pro Division which is a minor-league tour of the PBR (and yes, there was even a connection to the movie The Longest Ride...more on that later in this post). The tour offers up-and-coming bull riders (and riders not competing on the elite Built Ford Tough Series) the opportonuty to compete in PBR-sanctioned events while earning money and points to qualify them for the BFTS and the World Finals. You can find all kinds of information about the PBR, including their schedule, by following this link: http://www.pbr.com/
Watching the cowboy's compete is exciting! It's amazing how tense 8 seconds can be watching from the stands. I can only imagine how much adrenaline is flowing through each of the riders as they take a ride of their life. I've seen many riders get hurt (including at this recent event - he was able to walk out), yet they continue to get right back in the saddle at the first opportunity. Talk about determination and dedication. A lot can be said about that kind of resilence!
The way the scores are is interesting to me too...so much goes into it. It's not just IF they can stay on the bull for 8 seconds, but the quality of the ride and the bull that matters too. A qualified ride is 8 seconds. The clock starts when the bull's shoulder or flank breaks the plane of the gate and ends when the rider's hand comes out of the rope, the rider touches the ground, or the rider's free arm touches the bull. Judges look for a rider to control the bull. A successful ride earns a score of 0-100 points. There are occasions that a re-ride takes place. This happens if the bull's performance is sub-par or if a foul occurs during the ride
The bull is also scored. His score is based on his degree of difficulty (the better the bull the better the bull score). When judging the bull the judges look for drop in the front end, kick in the back, spin, and direction changes. A bull receives a score even if the rider is bucked off.
The score of the rider and the bull is combined together with some magic formula to give the final ride score somewhere between 0-100. And let's not forget that the rider is under pressure even before the ride itself when they face the chute clock. They only have 60 seconds from the time they begin to pull their rope until they nod their head to begin the ride. If the chute clock reaches 60 seconds before the rider nods his head the judge may disqualify either the rider or the bull. If the bull is disqualified the rider will get a re-ride bull. If the rider is disqualified he's done for that round and no score is given.
Scoring gets even more difficult when an event is held over more than one day. Plus the scores are averaged in to all the other events. Way too complicated for me...LOL. Just go check out more info on it here: Scoring and Judging
Here's the standings after the Bonifay Bull Jam:
Let me take a minute to clarify something. Many people think that the reason the bull bucks is because he is being harmed. One particular story I have been told all my life is that the bull (as well as bucking broncos) buck because they have a strap tied around their genitals. Now I can't say with 100% certainity that this is not true (it's not something I plan to check personally)...but I can say that from all the research I've done this is not what makes them buck. According to the PBR: The bull's bucking has absolutely nothing to do with irritation to the genitals. The success of bucking bull breeding programs has proven that genetics are the main factor in determining a bull's desire and ability to buck. The bulls will kick their hind legs out at the height of their bucking action in an effort to dislodge the flank rope which encircles their body around bull's flank, in front of their hips. The flank strap never comes in contact with the bull's genitals. (PBR: Animal Welfare)
The PBR uses over 70 different stock contractors across the US, each of them owning 20-200 bulls. While the bulls travel to events the PBR frequently uses local bulls from their stock contractors located close to the event. The bulls have to be in top-notch shape to perform. A huge shout out to the stock contractors who keep the bulls in prime condition.
And now for what the rider wears. I will be the first person to tell you that on the right body there aren't many things better than a pair of well fitting Wranglers. Top the look off with a nice hat (I would suggest Stetson) and a pair of boots and you have a winner for sure. Lately, a lot of riders have started wearing helmets and other safety equipment. While I prefer the look of the regular cowboy attire, I can certainly understand the need for the safety equipment. Bull riding is a dangerous sport!! I read somewhere that riders get injured or die at a higher rate than athletes in any other sport. Currently there are no requirements so wearing the safety equipment is optional and the decision is entirely up to the rider. I am a firm believer in safety so I completely support the riders wearing the safety equipment. Just one request...as soon as that ride is over, take off that extra stuff so we can see that cowboy form. :)
I took a whole bunch of pictures but they didn't turn out so great. It turns out that it's just not that easy to get great shots of bucking bulls from bleachers that are shaking (from people clapping and stomping their feet). Towards the end of the event I did manage to shoot a few videos also.
Here are a few highlights from the event:
Waiting for it to start... (and check out the hair on that guy behind us!)
They started out with a little pyro. Since I wasn't overhead I couldn't get a great shot of this but it said PBR in fire.
This guy cracked me up!! If you've seen the movie The Longest Ride then you've seen him in action too. He's Professional Rodeo and Bull Rider Entertainer Matt Merritt. He did a FANTASTIC job keeping the crowd entertained in the down time...as well as a little bull wrangling!!!
Notice his shirt says Ridin' Dirty....like it? You can get your very own Ridin' Dirty stuff here (also seen in the movie The Longest Ride): Ridin' Dirty Clothing Check out the movie clip when you're on the Ridin' Dirty page for a glimpse of Matt Merritt in action.
Check out my video of Matt in action here:
And here are some videos of a few of the rides:
I have often wondered why you don't see many women in the sport of bull riding. I honestly don't think I have every seen any perform live. I'm not sure why this is but if you do a little research you will find that that there are some out there. Check 'em out and show 'em some support!
From my research it appears that Maggie Parker is the only female bull rider in the US: PRCA - Maggie Parker - if anybody knows of others let me know.
A few other related things you might find interesting...
Did you celebrate the "fifth of May" today? I did. Why you ask? Well...just because...LOL.
The "fifth of May" is a holiday observed to commemorate the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The holiday is sometimes confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16.
I have to admit that I (like many others) associate this holiday with Mexican food and Tequila. I mean, really? How you go wrong with that combination? To the best of my knowledge I do not have any Mexican (or French) in my heritage...but that doesn't mean I can't celebrate Cinco de Mayo does it?
In an effort to be as authentic as possible tonight we had dinner fitting for the occasion...Mexican food and Tequila. I made Mexican stuffed shells and a Cheesy Enchilada Rice dish...accompanied by a frosty mango margarita. It was quite yummy!
In case you're interested...here are the recipes:
Mexican Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 small can of refried beans
12-15 jumbo pasta shells
1 cup salsa
1 cup enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cheese
2 green onions, chopped
Sour Cream (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
In a frying pan cook ground beef. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add can of refried beans and simmer until beans are blended in with the beef mixture. Set aside.
While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to the directions; drain.
Pour salsa on bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with the meat mixture. Place shells in 9x13 dish open side up. Cover shells with enchilada sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes remove foil, sprinkle shells with cheese, and return to oven until cheese is melted.
Top with green onions and sour cream.
Cheesy Enchilada Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups Instant Rice
1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinced
3/4 cup enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded cheese
1 green onion
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Prepare rice according to package instructions.
Mix rice, corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, and 1/2 cup cheese together in an oven safe dish.
Bake for 15 minutes. Top with remaining cheese. Garnish with green onions.
Tonight one of my favorite shows on television comes to an end as Justified ends it's 6 season run and rides off into the sunset. Not every season has been fantastic (which is normal for any show) but I have always been entertained while watching and will miss it. Follow this link for the Series Final Teaser.
Justified tells the story of Raylan Givens (played by Timothy Olyphant), a Deputy US Marshal. The character of Raylan was originally created by the late novelist Elmore Leonard and only appeared in three of his works: Two novels - Pronto (1993) and Riding the Rap (1995), and one novella - Fire in the Hole (which Justified is based on) which was included in the story collection, When the Women Come Out to Dance (2002). If you haven't had a chance to read these I would encourage you to make the time. Elmore Leonard was a fantastic writer. After you read the stories with Raylan in them check out his other work. You can find a complete list of Leonard's work here: Elmore Leonard complete works. Kudos to the show creator Graham Yost and his team of writers for always writing stories that embody Elmore Leonard and bring his characters to life.
The show began in 2010 with Raylan in Miami, FL. After he shot a criminal (a result of his quick draw - see it here: The Beginning / Quick Draw clip) he is sent back to his rural, coal-mining, hometown of Harlan, KY to work where he is assigned a case on his childhood friend Boyd Crowder (played by Walton Goggins). Check out the first introduction of Boyd here: Introduction of Boyd Crowder
The relationship between Raylan and Boyd has always been where the true entertainment of Justified lies. While Raylan has chosen the path of law enforcement, Boyd has become a career criminal, a criminal mastermind at that. These two may be on opposite sides of the law, but they are the same in many ways. They share a history of being friends and all the baggage that comes from being from Harlan.
I can not think of two other actors better suited to play Raylan and Boyd than Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins. These two are fantastic as these characters. They were believable and likable - despite their crazy shenanigans. You can't help but hope their journey continues with each episode. While the goal has always been for Raylan to get his man (Boyd), it's hard not to enjoy the game of cat and mouse these two play. I'm not sure if it would have been as entertaining with other actors in these roles and look forward to seeing both of them in their future endeavors.
Check out Timothy Olyphant's work here: Timothy Olyphant - IMDB
He has many credits to his name but some of my favorites are:
Scream 2 (1997) (Yep, he was in the Scream franchise!)
He also has many credits - here are some of my favorites:
In the Heat of the Night (TV series) (1989-1992)
Murder She Wrote: The Last Free Man (TV movie) (2001)
The Shield (TV series) 2002-2008
Straw Dogs (2011)
Sons of Anarchy (TV series) (2013-2014) (He was AWESOME as Venus!)
Justified also had a great cast of supporting characters throughout the years. Don't worry, I'm not going to list all of them...just a few of my favorites.
Nick Searcy as Raylan's boss Art Mullen cracked me up in almost every episode. Can you imagine being Raylan's boss?? And I can't not mention Jacob Pitts as Deputy Tim Gutterson, and Erica Tazel as Deputy Rachel Brooks. These characters have pretty much been by Raylan's side from the beginning...and never had a problem telling Raylan exactly how the felt.
I have mixed feelings about Natalie Zea who played Winona Hawkins - Raylan's baby Mama. I love her as an actress, but while I really wanted to root for her and Raylan, I just couldn't. The real life part of me loves them together and is happy at the thought of them having their "happily ever after". But the TV lover in me wanted strife and discomfort between them, if not no relationship at all. Raylan is a better law man when he is unhappy and looking for happiness.
Joelle Carter was amazing as Ava Crowder. She has almost always played the devoted supporter / lover of Boyd but lately has been leaning a little more towards Raylan. There have been a lot of underlying tones with these three, and no matter how it plays out in the series finale, I'm sure it will be entertaining.
Jere Burns is fantastic as Wynn Duffy - but crazy as a loon. Neal McDonough played the devilish Robert Quarles. Both of these characters blended in perfectly in the Justified world. Here's a clip that highlights both of them with Raylan: Wynn Duffy and Robert Quarles
One of my favorite actors, Jim Beaver, spent 14 episodes as Sheriff Shelby Parlow, and made me hate his character in the process. Raymond J. Barry played Raylan's father Arlo Givens (such a lovable fellow - HA!). Damon Herriman played Dewey Crowe and Jeremy Davies played Dickie Bennett. Patton Oswalt played Constable Bob Sweeney (and was hilarious!). One of the most entertaining characters is Kaitlyn Dever as Loretta McCready, young and smart as a whip (as my Papa would have said). Watching her grow up on this show has been incredible. And the baddie of the current season has been none other than Sam Elliot as Avery Markham (who I really like better WITH a mustache).
Outside of Raylan and Boyd my favorite Justified character was Mags Bennett played by the fantastic Margo Martindale. This character was both entertaining and scary! I loved her talks with Raylan and found her love of apple pie moonshine hysterical. Check out this clip of when we first meet Mags.
We may say goodbye to new episodes of Justified tonight but I will continue to embrace these characters when watching them again (I have a tendency to do that with shows I really like). I will miss that silver-tongued chameleon Boyd and my favorite modern day gunslinger Raylan.
And finally, one more clip to remind you of Raylan's motto:
"You make me pull, I put you down.": A Tribute To Raylan
Time for my thoughts on another movie. :) The Longest Ride (2015)
Rated PG-13 / 139 mins / Drama, Romance
Released April 10, 2015
Stars: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Alan Alda, Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin...
Director: George Tillman, Jr.
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks
"Two Couples. Two love Stories. One Epic Tale."
I went to see The Longest Ride this past weekend with my hubby at our favorite theater, The Grand at Pier Park. The movie is based on a novel by the same name written by Nicholas Sparks. Many people know Sparks' work as he has written numerous novels (i.e. The Notebook, Dear John, The Best of Me, Safe Haven.....).
Nicholas Sparks is a fantastic writer! He has a way of being predictable but still interesting. In his books you can pretty much bet that there will be love and loss, there is usually someone expressing their love in writing (such as through letters), there is some connection to war, and almost always someone dies. One thing is for certain - you will need your tissues because there are bound to be tears at some point. I am always impressed with how Nicholas Sparks manages to be so predictable but still every story is somehow different. A sign of a great author....make sure the reader knows what they are going to get but shake things up.
Take some time and read some of his many novels. You can find information about them here: Nicholas Sparks Official Page
If you are already familiar with his novels you know what to expect from a movie based on of them. Sometimes novels don't translate to the screen as well as they did on the page...especially romance. Everybody has different images in their head while reading...and Hollywood doesn't always make the right choices when casting. But this movie didn't disappoint.
**Some spoilers ahead**
The Longest Ride follows the story of Luke Collins (played by Scott Eastwood) and Sophia Danko (played by Britt Robertson) as a couple of star-crossed lovers whose lives intertwine with Ira Levinson (played by Alan Alda). Luke is a former champion bull rider looking to make a comeback after recovering from a traumatic injury in hopes of earning enough money to save the family ranch for his mother (played by Lolita Davidovich). Sophia is a Wake Forest University art student about to graduate and begin her career in the NYC art world. Sophia is dragged by her friends to a local rodeo where she sees Luke for the first time. She later meets him at a party and a relationship begins.
After a date late one evening, they meet Ira when they rescue him (and his box of letters), after he wrecks his vehicle in a thunderstorm. Sophia (and later Luke) begin spending time with Ira while he recovers in the hospital and later at his home. During the visits Ira shares stories of his wife Ruth (played by Oona Chaplin), and the love they shared while Sophia reads the letters in the box to Ira. The letters are love letters from Ira to his wife, who also happened to love art.
The movie shows Ira and Ruth's love story through flashbacks played out beautifully by Jack Huston and Oona Chaplin. The resounding theme of the movie comes in advice from Ira to Sophia - "Love requires sacrifice." All relationships face challenges, but with sacrifice (and hard work) these challenges will result in infinite rewards. You already know this is a romance so you know there are rewards. And while the movie is still predictable it is well worth watching and taking the ride with both of these couples.
I have to mention Alan Alda. He was fantastic in this movie. I don't think I ever seen him play a role quite like this. He's always the funny guy or the man in charge (at least in appearance). In this movie he was a feeble old man...and he played it beautifully.
You can see his complete acting list here: Alan Alda - IMDB
Jack Huston plays the younger version of Alan Alda's charachter and is fantastic to watch. He is very easy on the eyes and a brillian actor.
You can see his complete acting list here: Jack Huston - IMDB
Oona Chaplin, who plays Ruth, is also great to watch. She has a captivating beauty that's not the classic mold. I'm sure many are already familiar with her from her work on Game of Thrones.
You can see her complete acting list here: Oona Chaplin - IMDB
I was a little concerned about Britt Robertson playing the female lead against Scott Eastwood before seeing the movie. I really like her as an actree bu she seems so young to me. Well, since she was born in 1990 she is still young. But Scott Eastwood is only 4 years older than her so the age span isn't really an issue. And she did a great job in this role. And the two of them together made a great couple.
You can see her complete acting list here: Britt Robertson - IMDB
And then there is Scott Eastwood....Yep, he's the son of Clint Eastwood...and looks so much like him. I mean...really, really like him. He was born Scott Clinton Reeves (his mother's maiden name) and made his film debut in Flags of Our Fathers (2006), directed by Clint Eastwood. I read in an article that he continued using the Reeves name when he began his acting career because he didn't want to get jobs just because of who he was. That's commendable...but there is NO way you can look at this boy and his handsome face and not know who is father is. I've seen him in some other stuff, including some of my favorite TV shows (Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.) but he really shows his stuff in this movie (and I'm not ONLY referring to the nice butt shot). He does a great job acting in this role and I can't wait to see more of him on screen.
You can see his complete acting list here: Scott Eastwood - IMDB
Anyone that knows me knows of my fascination with Vin Diesel
and cars. This makes the Fast & Furious franchise a winning combination for me. I’ve been hooked since seeing the first installment in 2001. Ron and I enjoyed it so much we saw the first
one twice in theaters the same weekend! And
we’ve made it a point to see each installment on opening weekend – seeing many
of them on the first showing at our local theaters. Yes, this means that we’ve even been to a
midnight showing. Lucky for us the
theaters are now showing the early screenings a little bit earlier. And I can't even count the number of times I've watched the films at home. One of my favorite rituals is to re-watch all of the previous films immediately before the new release. I never get tired of watching them.
On opening night Ron and I (with several friends) saw Furious 7 in
IMAX at Pier Park Grand on Panama City Beach. It was a great
night spent with some great friends watching an awesome movie. While we see a lot of movies (typically one
every weekend) we don’t usually go with other people. This outing was special though. We were with friends that we’ve made through
the car scene. Like-minded people! We don't typically see films in IMAX either...the few we have haven't really lived up to being worthy of the extra bucks you have to pay. This one is an exception though. It was fantastic in IMAX!!
I know there are a few people that haven't seen the films (but for the life of me I don't know why not...LOL). For those few people (and anyone that just wants a refresher), here’s a short
recap of the previous movies (courtesy of their IMDB descriptions).... (you can skip down past this section if you are already as familiar with them as I am).
***Spoilers Ahead...Only on previous films / NO spoilers about Furious 7***
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Rated PG-13 / Worldwide Box Office: $207.3 million
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster........
Directed by Rob Cohen
This was the first installment of the franchise and was inspired by an article entitled Racer X written by Kenneth Li in May 1998. Read it here: Racer X
Los Angeles police officer Brian O'Connor must decide where his loyalties really lie when he becomes enamored with the street racing world he has been sent undercover to destroy.
There is also a 1955 film by the same name but there is no connection between the two. You can watch the 1955 film here: The Fast and the Furious 1955 film
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Rated PG-13 / Worldwide Box Office: $236.4 million
Stars: Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Cole Hauser...
Directed by John Singleton
Brian O'Conner and childhood friend Roman Pearce are re-united by the FBI to bring down a Miami drug exporter in exchange for clear records.
This film was the third film released but had little to do with the first two. When the franchise picked up speed again it became obvious that they would get back to this storyline...which they did in Furious 7. This is why I suggest watching it after Fast & Furious 6.
Fast & Furious (2009)
Rated PG-13 / Worldwide Box Office: $363.2 million
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster...
Directed by Justin Lin
Brian O'Conner, now working for the FBI in LA, teams up with Dominic Toretto to bring down a heroin importer by infiltrating his operation.
Vin diesel and Paul Walker together again - enough said.
Fast Five ( 2011)
Rated PG-13 / Worldwide Box Office: $626.1 million
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson...
Directed by Justin Lin
Dominic Toretto and his crew of street racers plan a massive heist to buy their freedom while in the sights of a powerful Brazilian drug lord and a dangerous federal agent.
Rated PG-13 / Worldwide Box Office: $788.7 million
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson...
Directed by Justin Lin
Hobbs has Dominic and Brian reassemble their crew to take down a team of mercenaries: Dominic unexpectedly gets convoluted also facing his presumed deceased girlfriend, Letty.
If you're like me you can't get enough of the scenes from these movies or the extras. You can find MANY videos from the entire franchise on their YouTube page here: Fast & Furious YouTube Channel. And if you want even more information check out this page: Fast and Furious wikia
In my opinion this just might be the best action film franchise ever. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you. The films appeal to a global audience with their racially diverse cast. The storytelling is complex and thought provoking while at the same time offering up soap opera worthy twists. There are elaborate stunts, car chases, car racing, and action packed fight sequences. When watching the films you will experience humor and joy and escapism. Don't get me wrong....there are definitely things in these films that are unrealistic...but isn't that one of the reasons that we go to the movies?
These films show the value of friendship. The friendship with the entire group is awesome...but the friendship between Dom (Vin Diesel) and Brian (Paul Walker) is spectacular. It's even obvious in 2 Fast 2 Furious and Vin isn't even in that one.
The films have romance...and does it right. The films are action films and if the romance was done wrong it would come off as campy. But these films have all shown just the right amount of romance to keep you rooting for the characters' love story. I would venture to say that romance is exactly why Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) returned to the series after being killed off. Dom and Letty are the perfect couple because they aren't perfect.
I do love Vin and have seen almost everything he has been in. I haven't seen The Iron Giant (which he voiced) but I have seen everything else. I'm pretty sure I've seen almost everything Paul Walker has been in also. And I do love cars! There is certainly not a shortage of awesome cars to gawk at in these films (and cry over when they are wrecked). I should note that while I love the racing in these films I do not support street racing. I can only hope that the people that see these films keep in mind that the stuff you see on screen is choreographed. Please do not try this stuff!!! And obviously I don't support all the criminal acts committed in these films. But anyone that thinks that's all these films are about should look a little harder for the real story. The real story in all of these films is FAMILY, not just your family by blood, but your family by choice! This group has bonded together and are a family. They are loyal to each other to a fault. They stand by each other and support each other. They defend each other. They love each other. The cast did a great interview on the Today show where they talk about that family dynamic - on screen and off.. Watch it here: Today Show Cast Interview
Furious 7, is an action packed thrill ride. With an already great cast there are additional characters introduced, including Jason Statham as a villain no less! Finally, the Tokyo Drift story line has been successfully woven into the franchise. You get exactly what you expect in this film and so much more. I was so excited for the next installment, but at the same time extremely sad. With the loss of Paul Walker last year the franchise was on shaky ground. A member of the family was now gone - and his death happened while the film was still in production. While the circumstances had nothing to do with the film the fact that he was killed in a car crash really hit home. It was unknown for a while if they would even finish the film....but thankfully they did. My understanding is that about 85% of the movie had been shot when Paul died. His brothers stepped in and finished for him (with the assistance of CGI magic). I'm not going to put any spoilers here on how this situation is handled in the movie - you really need to see it for yourself. But I will say that it is some of the best moments I have seen on film. I don't know if there will be more installments in the franchise (but I think, and hope, there will be). I don't know how they will move forward without Paul (but I think they can). But I do know one thing for sure....this film was finished for him.
I'm sure I will watch all of the films many more times and will continue to love them. I'm also sure that I will forever see them a little differently....
