A Trip to the Golden Age: A Review of the Maltese Falcon

Recently my mom said, “James, you have an eclectic taste in music.” Admittedly, I like a wide variety of music from country to 80’s pop and rock to Disney soundtracks to angry female pop stars (i.e. Alanis Morissette and Pink) and all sorts of other genres in between. But at the very top of my list is “The Chairman of the Board” himself, Frank Sinatra. I love Old Blue Eyes and the rest of the Rat Pack, not only their music, but their movies and their style. This past Christmas, my sister (shoutout to Julie) gave me a book called “The Way You Wear Your Hat.” It was a book about Sinatra’s “art of living.” Needless to say, I finished it before our New Year’s Day bowl game. The book discusses how Sinatra idolized prominent Hollywood actor and icon, Humphrey Bogart. Intrigued, I decided to add some Bogart films to my Netflix queue, and before I knew it The Maltese Falcon was in my mailbox.

The Maltese Falcon is a classic black and white detective film. It follows private detective Sam Spade (Bogart) as he becomes entangled in a web of greed for a jewel encrusted bird statue. The plot is confusing at times as Sam (and the viewer) tries to sift through the lies and alibis from the various players. I really enjoyed watching a film from the Golden Age of Hollywood and loved diving into the culture and style of the 1940s.

Bogart eloquently portrays a strong-willed, fast-talking PI. At times, I found his dialogue almost cryptic as the fast talking mixed with the mystery of the case, lies from the supporting cast, and the cant of the 1940s. The main broad (in the 40s this didn’t have the negative connotation that it does now so I can use it, what a great word) is typical to her gender in that I had not idea what was going on with her ever. Her emotions and disposition changed more often than Ricky Henderson changed pro teams.

The mystery plot and classic style make for a fun watch even though I wasn’t always in step with the storyline. This detective classic filled with henchmen, murders, and an affair is a one you should watch if you have an affinity for the 40s. Its major downfall is a somewhat unsatisfying resolution, but it’s still a movie that Bogart and even Sinatra fans alike should check out. It could be “the start of a beautiful friendship.”

-Nuss



3 out of 5 stars

Hope you enjoyed the review. Please comment below our shoot us an e-mail with your thoughts at clawandnussreviews@gmail.com. Also, follow us on twitter @CLAWtomicBAUM and as always tell your friends about us.

The first ever joint review! (As requested by Pete Hewitt): Avatar

So here is part two of our first ever joint review. If you didn't get a chance, check out Joey's post from yesterday. Happy Earth Day, hope you enjoy our review!


When I first saw the trailer for Avatar, I was intrigued if nothing else. It reminded me of the first time that I saw a trailer for Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto (and they were actually more similar than I then realized). Although it fascinated me on some levels, it was not enough to make my “must-see list.” I had already seen a 3D movie (Toy Story 1&2 Double Feature was amazing and I can’t wait for 3 to come out in June), and I assumed that some of the novelty of the new style would wear off with my second three-dimensional experience. So, even though I very much enjoy and prefer to see movies on their opening weekend, I did not see Avatar its first, second, or even third weekend in theaters.

Soon after the hype surrounded me. Facebook status updates ranged from “this changed my life” to “I’m seeing Avatar for the 4th time (in three weeks) tomorrow.” My friends’ recommendations varied anywhere from “awesome” to “you’ll hate it.” I decided that I owed it to myself as a fan of film and amateur movie critic (soon to be professional) to check it out. I had seen Jurassic Park and imagined that James Cameron would again attempt to create an environment that evoked a sense of wonder, and I had been warned that some thought the film had a somewhat liberal agenda, but other than that I did not know what to expect. And I like it that way, free to form my own opinions.

Avatar is truly a testament to human creativity and imagination. The way that Cameron created not only a new setting, but a new culture and very world, was in many ways like the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings franchises (some of my all-time favorites). The spectacle and cinematography are phenomenal. The viewer is immersed into another time and place. The attention to details and creative ingenuity are so convincing that I found myself forgetting that what I was watching was largely computer generated and not live-action. Everything from the creatures that roamed the jungles to the very scientific laws that govern life were constructed anew. And it was fascinating.

That being said, in many ways I am throwback. I believe that at the essence of film and movie making is the art of storytelling. It is at the very core of what movies should be about. Unfortunately, this story has been told ten times over. Without the basic premise of Avatars, the Pocahontas story is not a whole lot different. The writer was determined to make humans look like inconsiderate pigs and the knocks on capitalism were overt and unhindered. One of the best examples of that is the unreasonably over-the-top character of Colonel Miles Quaritch (see scene where he punches Sully after opening the simulator). The mineral they are trying to ‘obtain’ is called ‘unobtainium’ for crying out loud. Furthermore, there were clearly measures taken to insure that the indigenous people resembled Native Americans, explaining both why parts originally reminded me of Apocalypto and why some are placing it in the genre of sci-fi western.

While I have stated my grievances with the plot, all-in-all, it is a good movie. Avatar is engaging in a way that few movies are, but still leaves something to be desired. If the hype generates the sequels and possibly trilogy that rumors speculate about, I will definitely go to see them (and this time I won’t wait until week four). Hopefully with another shot, they will get the fundamental story aspect right.

4 stars out of 5


Hey guys, let us know what you think. If you think our blog is lame, tell us. If you actually enjoy reading it, tell us that too. You can comment below or shoot us an email at clawandnussreviews@gmail.com Let us know what you think or if there is a movie you are just dying to hear our opinion on. And don't forget to tell all your friends to check us out.

Thanks and check back soon for a review of a Humprhey Bogart Classic.

-Nuss

AvatarRIFIC

                What’s up y’all? A while back, one of our good friends Pete Hewitt (Hi, Pete) asked for Nuss and I to do a Review of an unknown, underground flick called Avatar. After searching high and low to find a theatre that was screening this prequel to the Blue Man Group, I was finally able to find a theatre to screen this film (You’ll have to ask James how he came across it, but I am sure he had to pirate it). In honor of this movie’s  upcoming DVD release we have decided to give our reviews on Avatar.

                All jokes aside from the paragraph above, it is hard not to say you loved a movie that was far and away the highest grossing film of all time. If you have yet to see this movie, you are depriving your eyes of seeing something phenomenal. In the words of one of my good friends, this movie arouses your eyes (ok, so what he said was a little more graphic. Follow this guy on twitter to find out what the saying really is. I’m sure he will be happy to tell you).

Avatar is a ground breaking film that visually captures it audience and then some. The scene where Sully first gets in the Avatar body (that’s what she said) is when my jaw dropped. I would like to note that I  say my jaw dropped because I saw it in IMAX 3D (If you chose to see this movie on a regular movie screen, be sure to pick Avatar up on VHS tomorrow and not Blu-Ray). I actually got a little buzz seeing Sully in this scene, I felt like I was him. Like I hadn’t been able to walk in years, and suddenly I could outrun Usain Bolt and put Lebron James on a poster. If there is ever a way to get a high from watching a movie, then this movie comes close.

It is really hard for me to actually talk about the plot of the movie because:

A.)   I saw it months ago

B.)    I blacked out from having my eyes penetrated by flying bird thingies, plants, and other weird creatures

But, I will do my best to provide you with a little insight to what my thoughts are.

The Avatar is a superior species to the human race. Needless to say, they would dominate the Purple Parrots in a head-to-head Legends of the Hidden Temple (What now, Omec?). While on the subject of the Avatars one must wonder WHY James Cameron chose to spend 500 Million dollars to make this movie. I mean, I get it, but doesn’t he know there was a way to cut cost efficiently in these troubling times in our economy.  He could have looked to real life people to cast as the role of Avatars by plugging NBA players into those roles. Some names that pop into my head are:

1.)    Demar Derozan: Rookie for the Toronto Raptors

2.)    Chris Bosh: All-Star in our hearts and for the Raptors

3.)    Marquis Daniels: Former Pacer (Traded away most likely based on race)

If that is not enough, heck, even a little make-up could have done the trick on people who don’t have the natural Avatar beauty. Take a look at this website to see what just a little computer editing can do to some of your favorite Hollywood stars….

Everyone’s little gripe about this movie (I guess you have to point out a negative in everything) is that the storyline is predictable and it has already been done (via Pocahontas, Ferngully, Dances with Wolves, Teen Wolf Too, etc.). My argument is what hasn’t been done? That’s like saying you don’t like the iPad because we already have laptops. Or what would the world be like today if we said ha, why would I want to carry a phone around in my pocket all the time when I have one at the house? It’s True, Martin Lawrence getting fired from being a Pro coach and being forced to coach a middle school team in the movie Rebound was a new storyline, but that doesn’t mean it was better than Avatar (it’s a close call, you be the judge). The fact of the matter is anymore, from a storyline standpoint, it’s been done. So Cameron went outside the plot to create something new and he achieved that (Look at his track record and it’s safe to say the man knows what he is doing). He took something that has already been done and made it better.

My one minor gripe with this movie is the awkward sex scene between two Avatars. I found myself asking questions in my head that I didn’t want answers too… I hope on the DVD release that there will not be an unrated sex scene because I fear my questions will be answered (I can see my nightmares already).

Another future gripe could be will Avatar be as good in the privacy of our own homes? A lot of the excitement of this movie came from seeing the film in IMAX 3D. People were yelling OHHHHH DAMN during the ‘in your face’ battle scenes (This literally happened during my viewing of the film). I just worry I will be a little let down when I watch it the second time because I fell in love with the visual effects more so than the storyline (like most people).

In closing, I enjoyed myself. I almost got high off the visuals of watching a movie that wasn’t Cheech and Chong or Half Baked.  I am excited to see what Cameron has to offer me next.

4.5/5 Claws

We hope you enjoyed our reviews. And always remember, if you didn’t enjoy it, unlike Ben Roethlesberger’s victims, your voice matters to us (It’s called consent Benny). So hit us with some feedback @ clawandnussreviews@gmail.com and we will be sure not to ‘hit’ you back a la Chris Brown. Follow us on twitter @CLAWtomicBAUM and as always tell your friends about us.

And I’m out,

-#0 The Claw

Political Science 320 The American Presidency…. and Air Force One

As a PoliSci major, I am taking the last class that I need in order to complete my major, The American Presidency.  Up until this point, most of what I know about the President has come from my own personal analysis of David Palmer’s actions of Fox’s soon to be finished series 24.  So last night when I turned on Air Force One, it was in no way for entertainment.  Rather, I deemed it my homework for the night.  I would learn about the president from watching Harrison Ford in action rather than reading my textbook.

Needless to say I learned almost nothing.  I took some notes on things I may want to do before I run for President (win a Medal of Honor, learn to disarm terrorists with my bare hands, etc.), but more seriously the film did address some relevant political questions such as the differentiation between the President and the presidency as well as the invocation of the 25^th Amendment.  Other than that it was much more of an action film than a political thriller.  Listening to Nelly’s same named hit single for two hours would have been nearly as beneficial to my grades.

President James Marshall (Ford) is what I think Die Hard’s John McClane would vote for in a Presidential election.  He speaks his mind, is a man’s man, and has no tolerance for heavy-accented terrorists.  However, the many aspects of the film are even more farfetched than Die Hard (I know, hard to believe).  I would love for Mythbusters to tear this one apart.

Ford, overall, does a good job.  As do Gary Oldman and Glenn Close.  However, the First Lady, Wendy Crewson (the mom from The Santa Clause) is awful.  She’s worse than Willie Mays Hayes as Black Hammer (if you have no idea what I’m talking about revisit my Top 5 Baseball Movies).  Not once was I convinced of her fake emotions in the high stress situation.  Apparently it’s much harder to be the President’s wife than being Old St. Nick’s ex-wife.  Who knew?

Overall the plot in the movie was adequate and some of the action was a fun ride.  If nothing else, the Russian terrorists reminded me why I’m rooting against the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Unfortunately, I don’t think it will help me for next week’s midterm.  Back to Article II of the Constitution….


3 stars out of 5

-Nuss

Blind Sided by the Blind Side

I know, I know…. It’s been a while. But, I’m baaaaaack! I have been a busy kid lately spending a lot of my free time playing Call of Duty (gamer tag: jclawson0) or looking for a job (Can I get a “what what” from my soon to be graduates in the same boat as me) and it has prohibited me from being motivated to write entries. I apologize for my absence and assure you (kind of) that it won’t happen again.

I recently watched the movie the Blind Side (OMG, that movie was like so six months ago! I know I need to get with the times. I also still have a MySpace so sue me). While watching this movie it brought back memories of my years playing football. A big shout out to my fellow 6th grade Jr. Trojans Trent, Denny, Nuss, and everyone else I forgot to mention. Basically you could call us the Cowboys from Little Giants. I got roped into playing on this team with the ‘select few’ and I don’t know why because I was garbage. I managed to rarely play all season, but somehow the highlight of my season was I led the team in interceptions (PUT ME IN COACH!).

Middle school football is kind of a blur in my head seeing as my 7th grade season was brought to a brutal halt after a promotion to the “A” team. Just as I was getting ready to leave my mark and make a name for myself I got raped (not literally… I didn’t go to school here) in a tackling drill that left me rolling around on the ground like a girl (thanks coach, I wasn’t faking it!) with a shattered collarbone.

My freshman year of high school I had the opportunity to be part of quite possibly the worst sports team in my schools history (We went 0-10 and I don’t think we scored more than 10 touchdowns all year. I must say it was truly an honor to be a part of history at a school with such a rich tradition as CG). I was never a good football player and I recognized that. However, I would always find a way to light someone up and look better than I actually was. Me ‘Blind Siding’ someone would usually occur during a punt return. Before the opposing team punted the ball (Keep in mind this probably occurred 4 times all year. We were 0-10 so teams were too busy dancing in the end zone to punt,) I would always pick out the smallest kid. You see, to say that I was weak wouldn’t do me justice. Therefore, I would always pick battles I knew I would win and going after the kid that weighed 88 pounds and looked like this helped ensure that. This was always an enjoyable moment for me especially amidst a 56-0 blowout.

But I digress, and now back to the movie….

Before I give a brief review here are a couple of my initial reactions:

1.)    When did Sandra Bullock become hott? I mean I have never thought she was ugly by any means, but dang I hope my wife is a MILF when she’s 45.

2.)    Country singers can’t be casted as former SEC Basketball stars. I thought that was rule #1 in the film industry.

3.)  The role of Michael Orr did not require a lot of acting or speaking so why not cast this guy?

4.)  Do all high school football coaches down south no nothing about football? Or was it just that character?

I feel that this movie was successful at what it was trying to get across: A ’feel good’ story showing that people can come from nothing and have success. There was much less actual football playing than I had anticipated, but I was still pleased by the overall story. I enjoyed how they got all of the SEC coaches to participate in this film because it gives many viewers who know nothing about the recruiting process more of an inside look to how intense it can be. Believe me, as a senior in high school it was quite the experience for me to have Roy Williams, Bill Self, and Coach K over for dinner all in the same week. I had to decline all of their offers however because my little brother couldn’t get any sweet deals from them (movie reference).The movie however is fairly predictable (Especially if you read the book, ha ha.. I am hilarioussssss). However, even having not read the book, I was still able to control the plot of the movie accurately in my head.

I was not a fan of the opening seen that introduced ‘Big Mike’ for a couple of reasons and here is why:

      1.)   If you are going to showcase a characters athleticism by having him put on a dunk fest like he is Shawn Kemp on NBA Jam, try to make it look a little more realistic. This part was just cheesy and coming from an avid fan of dunking (another topic for another day.. but I got hops..) and ticked me off.

      2.) The relationship between Michael and the little kid he was shooting around with was hardly described. Did they both get into the school? We’re they still friends? Are they not friends according to Facebook (Thanks South Park)? Did Michael sleep with his mom so they aren’t on talking terms? Do they still play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare online together? All of these questions were left unanswered for me.. I just spent much of the movie trying to figure out where that kid went. I was eventually able to make the connection that he dropped out and started running with the bad crowd in the wrong neighborhood. I also realized the underlying message then was probably if you get an opportunity to get out of town and do something great you can take it and run with it, like Orr did, or not, like that other guy and eventually get yourself killed. Which was a good message don’t get me wrong, but my head hurts now from doing all of that thinking and that is not any reason for me to watch a movie. In a nutshell, I would of liked to have seen a little more character/relationship development.

All in all it was a pretty good ‘movie’, and a subpar sports movie. However, The Blind Side did a great job of luring girls into watching a sports movie. In all honesty, I think it might be a movie that is more targeted towards females due to my reaction and response to this movie. Guys started out excited to watch a sports movie with their sugar momma and left a little let down from a sports stand point. Whereas, the chicks were mad that they couldn’t watch The Notebook again because it wasn’t their night to pick the movie, but in the end they loved this movie because they got to be emotional and shed a tear or two over a truly heartwarming story.

Overall, I give it 2.5/5 Claws

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And I’m out,

-0 The Claw