Good Night, and Good Luck

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

In 1954, TV newscaster Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) makes a risky decision to confront Communist-hunting Senator Joseph R. McCarthy on the air, especially having already been suspected of Communist activity himself. However, instead of backfiring, the confrontation is a contributing factor to McCarthy's eventual downfall.

Director George Clooney uses black and white cinematography and 50's makeup, hairstyles, and attire, along with real archival footage of McCarthy to keep the viewer's attention all the way through. Clooney, who also stars in the film, delivers a vivid (if curiously agoraphobic) portrayal of the time and place, even though the '50s appear depressing at times. The ending is a bit unsatisfying, but when you consider that this is based on a true story, you'll cut it some slack.

Strathairn leads an all-star cast as Murrow, with a mastered grim tone that's music to our ears. Clooney is equally good as Murrow's assistant, and Frank Langella is towering as the president of CBS.

The film may not be for all tastes--people who could care less about what happened fifty years ago will likely fall asleep. On the other hand, for history buffs, or for people who remember that time period, it is a vivid recreation of a time when fear gripped the nation. As Edward R. Murrow would say, "Good night, and good luck."

Super Bowl 44 (James)

Since Sam doesn't do sports, I thought I'd share a few thoughts about last night's game. I know just enough about sports to form an educated prediction about a big event, and going into last night my opinion was that the Saints simply would not be able to stop Indianapolis from scoring. New Orleans' defense was risky and aggresive and dependent on the big play, which worked beautifully against Favre and the Vikings but the Colts are a different story. Peyton would be the difference.

In one sense, my theory proved true...the Colts moved the ball easily the entire game. What I didn't anticipate was that Sean Payton would create such a brilliant game plan to limit the amount of times the Colts would HAVE the ball. I think Payton agreed with my theory...his defense would not be able to stop the Colts. That's why he made sure Drew Brees threw short passes in the middle of the field the entire game...keep the clock running. That's why the Saints went for it on 4th down late in the first half...don't give the ball back to Manning. And that's why they risked the onside kick to start the 2nd half...they couldn't afford to go down 17 - 6 right out of the gate.

In the end, Payton's strategy paid off. They wore down the Colts, and Harper's interception return for a touchdown was the one big play they needed. Despite amassing over 400 yards in total offense and outgaining the Saints by 100 yards, the Colts only scored 17 points. The Saints played a flawless game...few penalties, no turnovers and three long field goals backed up the daring plan Payton crafted for his team.

John Wooden once defined competitive greatness as "being at your best when your best is needed." For Super Bowl 44 it was a coach who was at his best in the biggest moment. Somehow I knew Payton would be the difference.

Finding Neverland (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 8 out of 10

In early 20th century London, eccentric Scottish writer/playwright James M. Barrie (Johnny Depp) is drawn to a widowed mother (Kate Winslet) of three boys, and begins to attach to them, despite disapproval from the boys' controlling grandmother (Julie Christie). Overtime, the family becomes Barrie's inspiration for "Peter Pan."

The film is based on a true story, but it differs from most films of its kind. For one, it never drags. Many films of its kind go on too long, and start to get boring, but "Finding Neverland" runs at perfect length, and is still able to reach the emotional heights it should, accompanied by a dazzling, Oscar-winning score and great costume design and set decoration.

Another interesting thing about the film is that it literally shows what is happening inside Barrie's imagination. Many thought it would take a genius to make that work, but the director proves us wrong. Perhaps because he shows Barrie's world versus the real world that the film always seems believable.

But the big highlight is the performances. Depp steals the show in an Oscar-nominated performance as the eccentric Barrie, with a pitch perfect Scottish accent, and Winslet is emotional as the boys' grieving mother. Dustin Hoffman is also effective as Barrie's producer, as is Julie Christie as the boys' controlling grandmother.

If you're tired of the recession, take a break and fly to Neverland. You won't be disappointed.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 2 out of 10

Let's take a look at the forecast, shall we? "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," 0% chance satisfaction.

During a weekend with my grandparents, I went and saw "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" with them and my brothers, and that might very well be the worst movie I've ever seen. It's 81 minutes of people overeating, food falling from the sky, and a man in a diaper. And for about a third of those 81 minutes, I found myself in the hallway looking at movie posters.

The story centers around Flint Lockwood, an inventor who's basically the town screw-up on a small remote island with a food shortage. Then he invents a machine that turns precipitation into food and becomes a hero, but soon the town begins to get way more than they bargained for!

"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" sounded ideal. And I have to admit--it was pretty funny, funny enough that I found myself laughing out loud at times (particularly when the jaywalker gets arrested). But after food starts falling from the sky it goes way over the top, and the negatives far outweigh the positives.

Probably the worst part is where the mayor, who eats himself to 400 pounds or so, swallows an overgrown hot dog whole. Also, you know where the film is going, and the romance between Flint Lockwood and a newspaper reporter is so routine. And, like many films of its kind these days, there's crude humor, complete with swearing and a one guy shown in a diaper for the majority of the film. The previews were more entertaining than this.

The film got positive reviews for addressing obesity, but that seems to be the problem with it. An animated kids' movie is the last movie to address that topic in, no matter how crude it already is. Do NOT add "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" to your 5-day outlook.

The Blind Side (Sam)

SAM'S RANKING: 9 out of 10

Since a few of you have requested, here is my review of "The Blind Side."

Set in Memphis, Tennessee, it centers around Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), a feisty Southern socialite. Leigh Ann befriends, and eventually adopts, a quiet, basically homeless African-American gentle giant named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). She helps him catch up in school, and his size gets him on the football team, laying out a bright future.

I was surprised at how funny this film was. Leigh Anne's younger son SJ is absolutely hilarious. And some of Leigh Anne's ways of dealing with racists are a bit funny.

The big highlight is Bullock's performance, which was rightfully praised by several critics and is definitely Oscar-worthy. But Aaron also has a couple of good moments, such as his confrontation with Leigh Anne after a meeting with an investigator, which was quite riveting and really hit home.

The film also explores the difference between Leigh Anne's sunshine life and Michael's dark past. The portrayal of the impoverished neighborhood where Michael grew up was eye opening. One of the best scenes was when Michael uses his arm to stop the airbag from hitting SJ when he rams his truck into the back of a semi.

Whether you're a sports fan or not, everybody needs to see this movie!!!

The Big Bang Theory (Sam)

SAM'S REVIEW: 9 out of 10
This brilliant sitcom centers around Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), two science professors, both physics PhD types. Across the hall lives Penny (Kaley Cuoco), a waitress who eventually begins to have feelings for straight man Leonard but doesn't get along with Sheldon, who has no empathy. Leonard and Sheldon also have two equally geeky friends--Howard, a "ladies' man" (or so he thinks) who doesn't have a PhD and lives with his mother, and Raj, a Hindu who is shy around women. Every episode has multiple events or comments that make you laugh out loud.

FAVORITE CHARACTER: Sheldon

Sheldon is overtly technical and looks at the logical way of things, which makes him come across as having no conscious. In the first season, he doesn't understand sarcasm, but now he is beginning to. His social misfires are classic, and episodes focusing on his misunderstandings with Penny are among the funniest. Actor Parsons completely disappears into character.

There has been some speculation that the writers are implying that Sheldon has Asperger's syndrome, but creator Chuck Lorre says that's not the case.

CHARACTER I RELATE TO THE MOST: Leonard

Leonard is the straight man on the show, and I have a lot in common with him. Leonard is very smart and has photographic memory. He is also embarrassed by some of his nerdy interests. I also have some traits of Sheldon and Raj, but I don't compare to Howard at all.

Overall, the sitcom is very entertaining. Not for all ages, but I would encourage you to start watching it. It is on Thursdays at 8/7 central on CBS.

2009 (Sam)

RANKING: 8 out of 10

In 2009, there were a lot of surprises, some good and some bad. But I have to say, my eighth grade year might have been the best year of my life. Here are five big 2009 events:

1) OBAMA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT - Our first African-American president. Maybe I'm a McCain person. Maybe he's not a good president so far. But no matter if he serves one term or two, his election is definitely a history-maker. It's also the first inauguration I've ever watched.

2) MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON - In January, a Boeing 707 airplane collided with a flock of birds and malfunctioned shortly after taking off from La Guardia airport. The pilot, Chesley "Sulley" Sullenberger, successfully landed the plane in the Hudson River, and was hailed as a hero. It was the top story in the news for days.

3) KRIS ALLEN WINS "AMERICAN IDOL" - I'm a fan of Kris Allen, and his surprising victory over the favorite from the beginning, glam-rocker Adam Lambert, was considered an upset (I was a bit surprised myself). Some fans refused to accept it. Why can't people just face the facts when they don't get their way? I mean, my season 7 favorite David Archuleta lost, and I'm fine.

4) MICHAEL JACKSON DIES - The death of Michael Jackson may have been the biggest since Princess Diana. He started out as a child prodigy, and then became an '80s megastar. But the controversy surrounding his personal life often made people forget that, and by the time of his death, he was one of the most mocked celebrities in America. But when he died, everyone forgot the negatives and remembered the positives: Michael Jackson, the moonwalking King of Pop.

5) WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING COMPLETED - The Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, was built throughout 2009 and just completed after New Year. It is located in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, and is equal to the height of almost two Empire State Buildings. My brother Luke is a big fan!

It was also a great year in film, as "The Blind Side," "Avatar," "Up," and "Up in the Air," dominated the box office. Though the second half of the year was downgraded when I entered high school, overall it was a good year.