Movie Review: “Pandorum”

   I am an ardent fan of the cinematic arts. Although I have certain genre preferences, I don’t let that stifle my curiosity and close myself to different flavors of entertainment. That said...I am a huge fan of science fiction, super hero and action movies! Please visit my other blog The Boxed Office for reviews, exclusively, on these types of movies.

The Cast: 

Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster and Cam Gigandet

   I’ve always enjoyed the performances of Dennis Quaid and have always found him to be a very capable actor...able to deliver well on most roles I have seen him in. He delivers well here as Lt. Payton, a man that can’t remember who he is...or why he’s in the situation he’s in. Ben Foster (Corporal Bower) is in the same boat (pun intended) and does an excellent job of convincing me that he’s in a seriously desperate situation...and every option isn’t a good one. Cam Gigandet hasn’t done much in his career to separate him from the Hollywood field of actors, but he does deliver a decent performance here as the shady Corporal Gallo...establishing himself as someone to keep an eye on throughout the film.

The Plot: 

   A few of the crew of the 60K passenger sleeper ship, Elysium, awake after a power surge to find themselves alone in the dark...with no recollection of who they are, or how they came to be where they are. As they explore their surroundings, they come across other people...but make the eerie discovery that they are not alone in their environment. There are others...very hostile, and seemingly not human...although they are humanoid. 

   As they venture deeper into the ship, they discover that even amongst the human remnants, there are those that have digressed into feeding of their own...but that’s not the worst of their problems. The ship has entered a critical overload phase that must be aborted...or everyone and every...thing, on the ship will die in a horrible explosion. 

   As they race against time...and against the odds as they must travel into the lair of their inhuman neighbors, more of their story begins to unfold and it seems that suffering from Pandorum ( a psychological condition brought on by extended deep space travel and hypersleep) is a very real condition and the heart of why they are in their current situation. They also discover that they are not who they think they are...and memories of the truth have thrust them all into a very fatal situation.

The Verdict: 

   This film starts off by putting you on edge and is very reluctant to release you from that situation. The problem of not knowing who you are, where you are or why you are there is compounded by the eerie surroundings and constant threat of being discovered by creatures for which you are simply a food source. The fact that much of the movie sets you up for jump-out-of-your-skin moments...plays out perfectly, especially when some of the discoveries made don’t achieve that effect...but instead deliver something much worse in the form of the “creep out.”

   All this is compounded by the fact that you are watching a genuine mystery film...and are being pulled along with nobody qualified to solve the mystery except through happenstance and tragedy. The dark and up close directing gives this film a very personal feel to it...no doubt to increase the uneasy feeling that is thrust upon you from the very beginning. 

   When the ball gets rolling with a good head of steam, it plows through everything resembling a boring film...and delivers great edgy action, with the added twist of using incredible misdirection to conceal the complete truth of who and what everyone and everything is. I would classify this as a science-fiction/ horror film..but it wouldn't be completely accurate if I didn’t add “mystery” to the description. It was certainly a brand of tea I favor...and served up three and a half, out of five, cinnamon sticks in my cup.

Health for Profit

   I think the title of this post says it all...but for those that don’t realize and understand the standard by which we all live under...the complete “industry” health has become, you need not remain ignorant as we are about to take a trip down a particularly unpleasant rabbit hole.

   I’d like to say that I remember the good old days, but they were good and gone by the time I showed up on the scene. I heard about a time when doctors cured and treated ailments because they took an oath to do so...not because it was profitable. I’m not saying doctors shouldn’t get paid...I think they should, and quite well. I just think medicine shouldn’t be an industry that sacrifices health for money. 

   Take cancer for example. Where is the profitability in offering a cure? Once cancer is gone, all the money and funding for research is gone as well. Millions will be out of a job from those that make the chemicals for chemo to those that answer the phone at the institute. The well will run dry and billions of dollars will be lost. Tell me, if YOU had the cure right now...would you give it away? Sell it? Suppress it to continue to profit from treatment? You might be repulsed to know that your personal views and those that fuel the industry are miles apart.

   This type of thinking isn’t new. It’s the mind of business. I don’t have a problem with business...but I think it’s sick when business is conducted at the expense of people's lives. I was watching an episode of “Shark Tank” recently and there was a man that invented a nasal screen. Without going into too much detail, let me just say it was an awesome invention, and he got a deal from one of the sharks. The most significant part of his presentation was when he was asked if he had approached the medical industry with his invention...and they made him an offer to buy it outright for the purpose of burying it. He said...on the show, that they responded that they wouldn’t back him for a long term partnership because they could make much more money in treating symptoms, than in preventing infection first.

   Imagine that. Preventive medicine takes a back seat to treatment...for money. This is the sick world we live in. It gets worse when the milestones set on healthy benchmarks are constantly moved to catch a larger portion of people, just to increase the profit margin. One year your not a diabetic...and the next year you are. The numbers haven’t changed, your health is the same...but the scale of what is considered diabetic has been moved, and with that move millions of healthy people are suddenly unhealthy...and need “treatment.” 

   I remember when heartburn was just a simple condition easily remedied by apple cider vinegar. Now it’s a “disease” called acid reflux...and you MUST have “Brand X” to remain healthy and free of it. See the good old days had us investigating what we eat, when we eat, and in what combinations to determine why we get heartburn. Now...it’s a disease. Yeah...right.

   I’m a staunch advocate for taking your health into your own hands. I’m not saying you should become a kitchen table doctor, but I’m saying everyone should take responsibility for their own health to seek and acquire knowledge that is in their best interest...instead of the interests of others that have no interest in you. It shouldn’t be about how much is made off your sickness...but how much is gained by your health.

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2011/07/im-no-expertbut.html

http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank

Total Fitness

   Fitness begins with the decision to become...and remain, fit. A “total” picture of fitness transcends just the physical application. The gym and cross-fit will only work the body...but what about the mind? What about the spirit? Certainly a taxing physical experience can put both to the test, but what avenue can be used to strengthen them? I’m of the belief that total fitness should not exclude these other aspects...and we should strive to make them just as strong as our bodies.

   I’ve written before about incorporating exercise into your daily routine and encourage everyone to find a way to work it out. Every little bit that can be done will contribute to a healthier and more durable you. With so many ailments striking so many of us these days, it just doesn’t make sense not to do something that might help combat the onslaught of disease. Even if it’s just taking a walk once a day for an hour...the health benefits are tremendous compared to sitting on the couch in front of the television instead. As I said earlier though...the physical is just a part of the total fitness picture, and there are seemingly endless resources for attaining whatever level of physical fitness you desire. Seek...and you shall find.

   How does one engage in mental fitness? I’m of the belief that the mind must be exercised like a muscle to become stronger. It must be challenged and vigorously engaged to sharpen itself. I think there are many ways to do this, but with all the individual preferences we all have, it’s ultimately up to you to decide where a mental challenge is. For many, puzzles designed to stimulate thought are an excellent place to begin...and continue. Chess has been known to stimulate the brain and there are many websites that have various types of mental problems to solve that will stimulate, and exercise, the mind.

   Feeding the mind new information and retaining that information all goes into building the mind into something stronger. Problem solving and being forced to seek alternate areas of reasoning contribute to a healthier and stronger mental capacity. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that certain foods contribute to better mental health. The bottom line is don’t neglect your mind in favor of your body since they both operate together.

   Now...writing about exercising the spirit is going to start a debate, no doubt. I’ll end the debate before it even gets started by saying that if you don’t believe you have a spirit or any spirituality about you, then your reading finished with the previous paragraph.

   Exercising the spirit is going to vary greatly depending upon what exactly you believe in. I can safely make a blanket statement here (something not normally accomplished in matters of religion or faith) and say that whatever belief you hold to your spirituality, that regular and profound exploration of that belief will give your spirit the workout I’m speaking of. 

   Total fitness...body, mind and spirit, in excellent health...and regularly engaged in exercise to remain that way. Are you “totally” fit...?

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2011/03/work-it-out.html

http://www.scientificpsychic.com/mind/mind1.html

http://playwithyourmind.com/

http://www.mindexercisepuzzles.com/

http://www.dirjournal.com/health-journal/top-10-brain-foods/

I Apologize...But I’m Not Sorry

   It may come as a shock to some to find out that apologizing and being sorry aren’t the same thing. Many people have had the childhood experience (probably mostly boys I’d wager) of having a difference in opinion about a subject with a classmate, and being forced to move on from it by shaking hands and apologizing to each other. I certainly can remember being made to apologize...when I wasn’t the least bit sorry about the incident. Even now as adults, there are some instances where apologies must be issued, either formal or otherwise, and the sentiment of being sorry isn’t really present with the offering.

   There is another component to apologizing, that shouldn’t really weigh in when one is truly repentant, but is often given importance in the making-up-and-moving-on dance...and that is the acceptance of the apology. Think about it...if you’re really sorry for something and offer an apology from that perspective, then it shouldn't matter if you’re apology is acknowledged. Just so what I’m saying is clear...a person that is sorry will seek to make amends, but will not hold the door of contention open should those amends be rebuked.

   A stark contrast to someone who apologizes, but levies a quick and directed expletive soon after, when that apology is not met with acceptance from the intent of closure. I’ve seen this often...and every time it’s evident that the apologizer was just seeking to get the other to move past the issue for their own benefit...and wasn’t really intent on any sort of amendment stemming from feelings of being truly apologetic for their part in the situation.

   It’s worth noting that not every situation gets resolved in a “happily ever after” way. I don’t think any situation really does since the reality of any situation is that we remain human, and victims to our nature. Sometimes, things have gone on so long or gone so far...or were just so bad, that even a sincere apology with the intent on making amends just doesn’t facilitate an amicable resolution. For example:

   I think in the sincerity of being sorry and wanting to make some sort of offering to balance the scales, that the punishment should fit the crime. I’m not saying that all situations where an apology might be appropriate are criminal...I’m just saying that “sorry” doesn't cut it when you wear your brother’s brand new sneakers on the sly, and destroy them in the process. Replacing the destroyed item speaks more to being truly repentant for the loss...than simply empty words to move past the incident.

   I read a poem once (after I wrote it of course) that I think is an appropriate summary of this discussion. I apologize in advance if you don’t like...but I’m not sorry I wrote it (“sorry,” I just couldn’t resist).

Sorry

You can't keep saying sorry, see something must be shown

You can't keep saying sorry and think that will atone

If your eldest child was murdered, slain within the street

And the perpetrator said "sorry"; do you think he should go free?

Two convicted killers in court on sentencing day

Looked in the eyes of the family of the victim they had slain

One convict with a smirk on his face and his head held low

Said to the family "I'm sorry," now can I get parole?

The other convict spoke, with words that rang out true

I'm deeply, deeply sorry for the pain that I caused you

With tears in his eyes, the convict continued to say

If giving my life eases your pain, then take my life away

Now of these two convicts, which has really shown

That he is truly sorry and ready to atone

Remorse is not a spoken word, but an action tried and true

To show you're really sorry, and seek forgiveness too

You can't keep saying sorry and think the pain will end

             You can't be truly sorry and not seek to make amends

Movie Review: "Soul Men"

   I am an ardent fan of the cinematic arts. Although I have certain genre preferences, I don’t let that stifle my curiosity and close myself to different flavors of entertainment. That said...I am a huge fan of science fiction, super hero and action movies! Please visit my other blog The Boxed Office for reviews, exclusively, on these types of movies.

The Cast: 

Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac and Sharon Leal

   Samuel L. Jackson has made 143 films (at the time of this post). Let that number sink in as you’ll find very few actors in the history of movies that have made more...and only one of them is still working. Jackson is one of those actors that always has a hint of himself, a familiarity if you will, with every role he plays. Having said that, he is an excellent talent that always works hard in every role he plays. Bernie Mac (RIP) was one of the funniest comedians to grace a stage and brought that talent to the big screen on many occasions. I’ve always maintained a theory that comedians excel in dramatic roles if they commit their all to the task (Will Smith, Robin Williams)...and Mac was no exception. Sharon Leal is best known (to me) for her roles in the “Why Did I Get Married” films, and she brings that talent to this film as well.

The Plot: 

   After the death of an R&B legend, his back-up singers are invited to sing at his memorial tribute. Enter Louis Hinds (Jackson) and Floyd Henderson (Mac), better known as “The Real Deal.” They haven’t seen each other in years, haven’t sang in even longer...and have nothing for disdain for each other, but both have fallen on hard times and could use the cash influx from a special appearance. 

   With five days to get from Los Angeles to New York, they must drive across the country without killing each other, and finding their vocal legs by performing small venues along the way. Along the way, they stop to see an old flame (of both of them) only to discover Cleo (Leal) instead...a daughter one of them never knew they had...and the other did! 

   As the trip progresses, they must learn to get along, and find acceptance of the past while seeking forgiveness to push forward. The soul searching and mayhem that becomes the staple of their trip just might spell the end of their dreams...or be the beginning of something big.

The Verdict: 

   I had very high hopes for this film, just on the strength of the acting talent that was in it. I like both Jackson and Mac and was anxious to see how they would balance the comedic approach Mac brings with the dramatic flare Jackson is known for. Unfortunately, the direction of the film never quite married these two together in a presentation that met my hopes.

   The film seemed like it couldn’t make up it’s mind to be a comedy or drama. The comedy never was funny enough, probably due to poor writing, while the drama came off as too heavy handed for the effort the film invested to be funny. It probably would have been much better if it simply abandoned the comedic aspect of it altogether...and tried to be a serious film about these two men reconciling. With that approach, some simple situational comedic injections would have gone over much better than the “forced funny” feel of the film.

   Essentially, this film had every right to be everything it could have been, had it been allowed to be what it should have been. Instead it was a film that was almost funny, but not quite serious...that just wasted the time and talent of two great entertainers. I came away from this viewing with my hopes dashed and a feeling that I was almost entertained, but instead couldn’t produce a sound accounting of the two hours lost in the attempt. This is probably why there was only one cinnamon stick, out of five, in my cold cup of tea.

Sticking Together...It’s a Female Thing.

   Maybe I’m just being paranoid...or maybe I’m really experiencing and observing things correctly, but it seems to me that no group of any kind exhibits the quality of togetherness and oneness than does a group of women...allied against a man.

   It would be simplistic, but not wholly inaccurate to say all females stick together. My observations have shown me the truth of this sentiment, although “all” is a subjective generalization since there are always exceptions to the rule. I’m sure, insofar as I believe what the opposite sex has shared with me, that in the company of themselves, they harbor some resentment or sour feeling for at least one other of their group for either real or imagined infractions of the “Girl Code”...but it’s nothing that will be divisive enough to have them side with a man, especially when he has incurred any sort of infraction.

   I know, I know...exception to every rule, and I’ve seen some of the shows that directly contradict what you’re reading (Basketball Wives, Bad Girls Club)...but I’ve also experienced exactly what you’re reading, without having committed any infraction other than being born male (an infraction in itself). It’s really weird...and even highlighting what’s going on, while it’s going on...doesn’t diffuse, what’s going on.

   Let me give an example so we’re all on the same page. A couple go to the store. The man gives the female cashier the money to pay for whatever is being bought. The female cashier hands the change back to the woman. If the man protests, he is verbally assaulted by his partner (truth be told, it could be his friend, cousin...the relation doesn’t matter), the cashier...and the woman in next in line! They will all be of one mind, on the same page...seeing the man the same way, as the villain.

   I’ve seen this. I’ve been a victim of this. It’s a true phenomenon. The circumstance doesn’t matter. If a man has a contradictory opinion or opposing personal view with a woman...every woman within earshot of this occurrence automatically sinc together, form a hive mind...and go on the offensive mentally, some even verbalizing their thoughts. The fact that the man is a complete stranger is of no consequence. The ethnicity of the women has no meaning. There are no cultures or colors...just the X and Y chromosome.

   I’ve even tried to use reason (what the heck was I thinking?) and point out the fact that total strangers were engaging in a conversation that was devoid of any relevant facts to be a productive one...and it didn’t matter. My facts were acknowledged as such and admittance of the behavior was embraced...and the male lambasting continued shortly thereafter. I could not help but to admire the “oneness” of it all. If not for the fact of being the subject of the ridicule, able to mount about as much defense as a baby seal at its own clubbing...I’d put some effort into achieving that low level buzz in my skull that must connect all women to each other.

   As observed, woman can...and will, go at each other with reckless abandon and unrestrained emotions. They will also drop all that like a stone when a man presents himself to be an alternate target (usually by just being a man). I realize this post must come off as biased, but I bet every woman reading it is thinking the same thing. I rest my case.

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2012/02/girl-code.html

http://www.vh1.com/shows/baseball_wives/series.jhtml

http://bad-girls-club.oxygen.com/   

The Secret Truth

   Truth...often thought of as immutable, is in reality, such a subjective thing. The truth for one, might not hold true for another. Now I know what you’re saying...”truth is truth, there’s nothing subjective about it”...well, true...but only when truth and fact are joined. See...the facts are true, but the truth isn’t always a fact (see 2B below). It’s one of life’s dirty little secrets...well, it’s not always dirty, but it’s true.

   To have an “honest” discussions about truth, and the secret thereof, we should first define what truth is...or more accurately, what the meaning of the word is.

1.) a archaic : fidelity, constancy

  b : sincerity in action, character, and utterance

2.) a (1) : the state of being the case : fact (2) : the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality (3) often capitalized : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality

   b : a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true <truths of thermodynamics>

   c : the body of true statements and propositions

3.) a : the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality

   So now that truth has been defined, it seems elementary to do the same for “secret”...but I endeavor to be accurate and present a clear picture to what is surely shaping up to be a murky subject.

1.)  a : kept from knowledge or view : hidden

      b : marked by the habit of discretion : closemouthed

      c : working with hidden aims or methods : undercover <a secret agent>

      d : not acknowledged : unavowed <a secret bride>

      e : conducted in secret <a secret trial>

2.) : remote from human frequentation or notice : secluded

3.) : revealed only to the initiated : esoteric

4.) : designed to elude observation or detection <a secret panel>

5.) : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security — compare confidential, top secret

   The world is full of secrets. Without going all “conspiracy theory” I think the logical mind can deduce that people conspire, in secret, from simple subjects...to profound incidents. When you think about it, there is no theory to conspiracy...it happens. The problem is when we try to determine the “truth” without enough information to formulate facts. Instead, we need to stick to the facts. Unfortunately some people confuse what they are told for what actually is. Here is a revealing nugget for you...somebody knows something you don’t. Who they are and what they know is the real source of debate.

   Getting back to the “The Secret Truth”...oh, you thought it was just the title for this post? No, no...it’s quite real. Not only is it real, but you are engaging in it at this very moment as you read this. Everyone has a secret(s) (pick a definition above) and that is the truth (pick a definition above). The Secret Truth...now revealed.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secret

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory

Obolvate Posterium Tuum

   It may be a fancy way to say it, but these words are serious words of wisdom that everyone should endeavor to follow. We all find ourselves in compromising situations at times...and it’s either prior to, or during these moments that we should have, or at least start to, obolvate posterium tuum.

   My Latin isn’t good at all...and honestly, I’m not the originator of the translation, so forgive me in advance if I have it wrong or if it’s a little off. I know someone reading this is an expert in Latin (Murphy’s Law and all) and will have a conniption at how I’ve butchered the mother of modern languages. However, instead of harping on how bad I am at speaking dead languages (I can hear it now...”Latin is NOT dead!”), let’s focus on the message that’s trying to be delivered.

   Life is just one situation after the next, with the experiences comprising of both good and bad, depending on the choice of perspective these situations are viewed from. Granted, if you’re seeing yourself as possibly being compromised by the circumstance you find yourself in, then the choice has already been decided...in my opinion. Depending on the variables that contribute to getting you where you are, when you don’t want to be there, it’s always a great habit to “cover your ass”...or as they might have said in Latin, “obolvate posterium tuum.”

   Planning ahead to make sure your backside is covered might not sound easy, but a large percentage of doing that is simply doing whatever it is you’re supposed to do...instead of cutting corners, taking shortcuts...or disregarding guidelines, which could open you up to an unpleasant situation that was totally avoidable. 

   Guidelines and procedures, either in the work place or as a matter of law of ordinance is a great example of what I’m talking about. Most work environments have standard operating procedures...or S.O.P’s. Every workplace has rules. When dealing with any aspect of your job, either internally or as a matter of customer service, following the established guidelines and rules act as a protective shield for your hiney. After all, if you do everything you are supposed to do, the fault or lapse in service isn’t yours, but instead within the guidelines laid out for you to follow. It’s when these established procedures are not followed, regardless of whatever good intent was the catalyst, that one can find themselves in the proverbial hot water...with their ass exposed.

   The liability just increases when you are a manager, supervisor, or in a position of authority. Not only are you responsible for your actions, but the actions of your subordinates, to some extent. As a supervisor now, I’ll never forget the wise words of my superior then. It was an interesting analogy...

“Cover your ass always. Think of this job as a boat, and when you don’t cover your ass, you put yourself in the water. I’m the one that has to throw you a life jacket and pull you back in...so keep me in the boat. If you drag me in the water with you, then I can’t help you because I’m trying to get my own life jacket, and get back in the boat. If we’re both in the water...one of us is going to drown, and it isn’t going to be me. So cover your ass...cause I’m covering mine.”

   Wise words (in any language) that have never left me...and now I share them with you... obolvate posterium tuum!

http://www.murphys-laws.com/

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2012/04/customer-service.html