Losing Something, Movie Review

When I lose my glasses or cell phone that is a loss that makes me instantly mad or upset ,to say the least.  Then when I lose something of more value or importance to me, that causes a sinking, empty feeling that lingers on for some time.  It has been two weeks since Mr. Buffman, our 14 year old Boston Terrier died in his sleep, and I am finding that I still miss him a lot.  When he played with the other dogs the little shorty Bob use to bite on the Buffman’s back legs to aggravate him.  He would be patient at first then would finally take charge and let Bob have it with a few snips and a deep growl. Now I am noticing that Squeaky, Marley and Bob are really missing him and for at least a week they only ate half of what they usually eat.  While I am not putting as much food out for them they are at least eating like normal now.  The other thing I have noticed is far less poop in the back yard since the poop pickup patrol comes on my watch.  I have always thought that when one of these four died the easy thing to do would be to go out and buy another one, but now I know while I can do that it would not really replace the Buffman.  It would just be another dog with its’ own personality and attitude.  Possibly the same is true of lost loves or friendships, you just don’t go running out finding the same thing you have experienced overnight  Or the same is true of losing long time close friends or relatives.  I have lost a couple of my best friends over the past few years and it was very hard to realize, on the other hand I have lost some friends from my early years and the loss does not seem that drastic.  Within the last two weeks I have lost two of my old friends from my church and hand ball days, and since I had not seen them recently the loss didn’t seem as drastic, so as the world turns!!  Now to get out there and see all my old friends hopefully not to say goodbye but to say, hello how are you today!!

Movie Review:  

“Birdman”(or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance”, *****,  While this is a true five star movie it is also one different type of movie.  The acting is outstanding because that is what it is all about, “actors” and what they do.  It shows their outstanding abilities but also their weaknesses and insecurities.  It is presented like a stage play and then goes from their.  Do not expect a typical movie but be prepared to see behind the lines of what it takes to piece together high strung, insecure, successful, unsuccessful, paranoid, talented people of the arts!!  Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and brief violence. 

EA, SH......!

greerman

Dog Duties II, Movie Reviews

As I watch my dogs sleep endless hours I have decided to do something about it and put them to better use.  It is really not their fault that they have fallen into this thankless time spent on their blankets, chair, couch or back yard.  After all that is what dogs do! But I decided it is time for them to start earning their keep around here and I think I have figured out a plan.  They will start functioning in a useful way by each having chores or duties around the house based on their strengths and seemingly natural abilities.  Since the Buffman is the oldest(12) and has this natural look of authority, his duty will be to watch guard over the household and the other dogs.  He has a way about him with his hard looks, gray hair in his eye brows, and loud bark that says, “hey dudes I am in charge here!”  Then there is Squeaky(9) who is designated as the Diva of the neighborhood and must remain on the higher throne by sleeping in the chair, as opposed to the floor blanket in their room.  She has such a look of arrogance and “I am really not a dog at all but the princess of the neighborhood” that she demands special handling by all concerned.  Marley(3) also demands special attention since she hails from California and has that far West girl attitude.  She waggles her stub tail a lot and likes to lick on the other dogs.  She is also very bossy so is designated as the “pit boss” of this motley crew.  Then there is Bob(2) who is a toy Boston and is only 8 inches tall, and he has a very different personality from the other three.  He came to us through the animal rescue program so his humble background makes him very self sufficient and easy to please.  His job is to teach the other dogs how to be appreciative of what they have and too keep out of his bowls and special treats.  Now as I look around me I see all four of them resting up to carry out their end of the bargain, and was that a snore I heard??  Yep, they will be ready to go again in about four hours I am sure!  A dogs life is not all that bad!!

NOTE:  The above was originally written on January 23, 2013; however, I have decided to post it again two years later, since the Buffman went to that big dog heaven in the skies on December 30, 2014.  He was 14 years old and had been going downhill for about 6 months.  When I tucked him in that night I felt it would be his last, since he had really had a bad day.  He went peacefully during his sleep and we all miss him very much!!

Movie Reviews:

“Inherent Vice”, *,  In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry “Doc” Sportello(Joaquin Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.  This description came from the movie section of the newspaper and really didn’t tell it all.  It was a terrible movie wasting a lot of money in my opinion.  But I will say it increased the drug trade economy, since more pot was smoked in that movie than any I have ever seen.  While Phoenix is really a good actor he just went way too far out on this one.  Go at your own risk.  Rated X for drug use throughout, sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some violence. 

“Taken 3”, ****, An excellent sequel and even hinted at a 4 to come.  Ex-government operative Bryan Mills(Llam Neeson) is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed.  As he is tracked and pursued, he brings out his particular set of skills to find the true killer and clear his name.  He also saves his daughter for the second time.  This is a great action movie and as Neeson plays this part so good I wonder when he will finally reach the age where he will not be able to knock the bad guys off with his fists and strength.  But, it is real looking and great scenes!!  Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for brief strong language.

“Big Eyes”, ****, A true story(these are really getting popular now) about the awakening of the painter Margaret Keane(played by Amy Adams), her phenomenal success in the 1950’s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960”s. This was a very good movie and enjoyable to watch. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language. 

EA, SH.....!

greerman