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Schulzey's Blog
This is where I, Ryan Schulze, AKA "Schulzey", former full on technical producer of the Scott & BR Morning Show Extravaganza and now Sports (& whatever else) anchor, share what's on my mind.
If you listen to the show, you know I'll definitely have plenty of movie and play reviews here, but believe it or not, I've got sports, politics, and all sorts of other things I may venture into from time to time.
If you're looking for sound from the show other than the interviews that Miss Party With Marty posts on the website or anything else, shoot me an email at ryan@bcaradio.com.
THE DARK KNIGHT full reviewJuly 18, 2008, 10:21 amLet's FLESH out this Batman thing a little more. Avoiding spoilers as we go, of course. (I hate reviews that tell me more than I want to know) With THE DARK KNIGHT, Director Christoperh Nolan brings Batman into the light. This is the first Batman movie where the overall visual tone is not bleakness and night full of deep blacks. TDK is grounded in the reality of a very well lit Chicago (doubling as Gotham) and it has an interesting effect on the overall feel of the film. When you bring something into the light, you search for truth. That's what they are pursuing in this comic book incarnation...the pursuit of truth. Where is the truth in a man who operates outside the law to fight crime? Where is the truth in a man who is so disconnected from reality that he runs around painted up like a clown, robbing and killing, and doing all with a consistent laugh? Where is the truth in a man who seems to see both the right and wrong paths and needs a toss of a coin to aid his decision making? These truths are explored in full in THE DARK KNIGHT. Heath Ledger ventures deep into the Joker and provides one of the most psychopathic criminals we've seen in film. He certainly offers up some of the most disturbing scenes you'll see this year outside of a few horror films. Aaron Eckhart really creates a great amount of interest in his character as we are re-introduced to the two-faced politician Harvey Dent. With all the accolades Ledger will receive, rightfully so, I certainly hope Eckhart doesn't get overlooked. And Christian Bale shows even more as the duel minded playboy millionaire and winged avenger. It is really a strong cast working at their best and that's not even mentioning the excellent support provided by Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman (get this man a nomination for something please), and Maggie Gyllenhall. I just checked and Oldman has some nominations, but not enough to recognize his consistent talent on the screen. Really, compare his bad cop in THE PROFESSIONAL, to his bizarre bad guy in FIFTH ELEMENT, to his current police role as the one completely trustworthy guy in Gotham. This isn't, to me, the best of the Batman films. It's excellent and well worth a trip to the theater, but I'd still nominate BATMAN BEGINS over this and I might pick the original BATMAN from Tim Burton over it too. Maybe. That was great for the style and mood it set and just because it was the first of the new Dark Knight films. That being said, I'l be heading back to the movies this weekend for another "dance with the devil in the pale moonlight". No, Ledger's Joker does not utter the Nicholson line and in no way, ventures down the path anyone else has ever taken in playing The Joker. It's very sad we won't get to enjoy anymore of Ledger's work after next year's THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS.
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The Dark Knight Early ReviewJuly 15, 2008, 12:32 pmTHE DARK KNIGHT arrives on screens this Friday (or really midnight on Thursday) and we get our next to last glimpse of Heath Ledger's short career and we get a new Batman movie from the team that brought the excellent BATMAN BEGINS. I'll go deeper into things later this week, but suffice it to say, you will not be disappointed. If you want a Batman epic, you get it. If you want the Joker to be the psychopath you always thought he should be, you'll get that. If you want to see a number of actors surprise you with their range and the disturbing depth some characters can reach, you'll get that. Honestly, that to me is one thing that has stood out in these two films is the level of the acting. Christian Bale does a wonderful job. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are their usual brilliant selves, but it's the others that got me. Heath Ledger is hard to recognize as the psychopath arch enemy of Batman, but Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent is spot on too. Add in Gary Oldman who amazes me at the vastly different characters he plays to such perfection and you have a cast that dwarfs anything Joel Schumacher or even Tim Burton ever put on screen. (Okay, both Michael Keaton and Jim Carrey stand out as inhabiting their roles well in previous Dark Knight films). Also, Maggie Gyllenhall is a nice upgrade from Katie Holmes. Ledger sharing scenes with a Gyllenhall again is an interesting note. Tune in to this same blog on the same website to get more later including a little on the IMAX Batman experience...
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HELLBOY 2 and DARK KNIGHT teaseJuly 14, 2008, 11:04 amHELLBOY 2...Well, it's not bad and it's not great. It's a Summer event film that lives up to that name and is quite possibly the weirdest thing you've seen on screen in quite some time. Guillermo Del Toro has admitted to taking his success in Pan's Labyrinth and running up the weird factor. That does hold some intrigue and I do really enjoy Ron Perlman's performance as Hellboy, but overall the film just doesn't pull you in to really care about the characters. HELLBOY 2 was #1 at the box office this weekend, but there were three other films in the Top 5 at the box office that are worth (to me) seeing a second time in the theater. #1 would have to be WALL*E. Just a wonderful love story and adventure. #2 Will Smith's HANCOCK (despite some reviews it's lots of fun) #3 Angelina Jolie in WANTED. Not a great film. Check your brain at the door, but hang on for quite a ride in the theater. The director shows you visuals that you probably haven't seen on screen before. It'll still look good on DVD, but the full effect is probably best experienced in the theater. Not to say I'm better than anyone or make anyone jealous, but I gotta run off now to go see THE DARK KNIGHT. A review is coming soon...
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MEET DAVE (another Eddie Murphy Comedy)July 11, 2008, 6:18 amMy co-reviewer within these walls at XX 1090, Darryl Sykes spent a little time with the new Eddie Murphy comedy that opens today and shares his review with us now... Eddie Murphy still active and in the spotlight as he hits theatres this weekend in the sci-fi comedy Meet Dave. Eddie Murphy who is commonly referred to as “Captain” comes to Earth as a miniature life form controlling a space ship in the form of a human looking for a meteorite orb that is lost on earth. The Caption and his crew of miniature alien life forms have a tough time trying to make the ship adapt and run as if it were human while still learning the ways of human life. Dave Ming Chang is the name that the ship goes by after a funny exchange with Gina Morrison (Elizabeth Banks) while she apologizes to him for hitting him with her. While in the house he realizes that the orb is close by and befriends her son Josh (Austin Myers) while teaching him life lessons of courage and strength. The inner workings of the ship go through some major changes but eventually get back on target and save earth in the process. Decent acting, terrible plot, and a predictable storyline are the phrases that come to mind when this movie comes to mind. Not one of Eddie Murphy’s best films but entertaining enough to watch on a rainy night after it hits the video store. Now back to Schulzey's ramblings: Did I mention in a previous blog that WALL*E is a must see? Honestly, I think it was one of the most enjoyable PIXAR movies I've seen. Still staying with me a week later. Yes, it's probably a little slow for kids, but as a date movie, I really couldn't have asked for a whole lot more. A real gem of film that will make you smile and certainly worth seeing with your significant other. If you're single...stay away. A great friend of mine who's a die hard Pixar fan, couldn't wait to see it and was among the most disappointed. Didn't tug at his heart like all the couples in the theater. By the way, as I look to move on from XX, these reviews should continue in one incarnation or another. I may continue to contribute and Sykes is considering taking over as our resident entertainment type blogger.
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WANTED, HANCOCK, & WALL*E ReviewsJune 30, 2008, 11:45 amQuick movie reviews... Yes, I've been a little slow to post reviews recently, but that's honestly, because I haven't had a chance to see to many movies, but this weekend I changed that a bit. First, on Thursday, I checked out a screening of HANCOCK, the new Will Smith moving hitting theaters for the 4th of July weekend. Excellent entertainment! The concept of a troubled super-hero inhabited by Smith is certainly humorous, but this team put together a very engaging film experience. Not only is their comedy, but plenty of action that doesn't disappoint summer film fans, and a nice bit of drama that will help pull you into the characters a little more than you might expect. A truly enjoyable time at the movies. Though WALL*E will probably still dominate, this is one of Smith's best 4th of July efforts. Well worth your hard earned cash. Now, on to a treat for the pure action film fan out there. WANTED, starring Angelina Jolie kicks some serious ass. For a pure, uninterrupted, roller coaster ride, you can't do much better. The film is a constantly moving, adrenaline filled blood fest that certainly has more style than substance, but satisfied my desire for on screen action on Saturday night. I'd say leave the ladies home, but that depends on the women. My girl has no interest, but there were plenty of young women in the theater that were laughing right along with the mindless violence. Check your brain at the door and have fun! WALL*E, the PIXAR film is receiving rave reviews. I haven't seen it, but everything I've been told or ready is excellent. Perhaps one of the best of the PIXAR films. Downside only is that, as usual or PIXAR, the movie is not short. It's two hours long and without a whole lot of dialogue can be a somewhat tedious experience at times for the 3-5 year olds. Hope that helps. Don't know the next film I'm seeing at the theater since I just bought 12 Previously Viewed DVD's and will probably find myself entertaining at home for the next month or so.
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INDY 4 and More QUICK ReviewsMay 21, 2008, 1:14 pmQuick reviews for a couple films I've seen in the last week. #1 - INDIANA JONES 4 - Definitely worth the trip to the theater. It's not Raiders and it doesn't top the sheer fun of Last Crusade, but Crystal Skull's a worthwhile addition to the series, plus it sets up many more sequel possibilities with Shia Lebeouf taking on the lead role. Unfortunately, no trailer aired with the press screening, but again, I hear that the new Star Trek trailer will be attached. #2 - THE FOOT FIST WAY - Check out the trailer online. It's worth the 2 1/2 minutes you'll spend on youtube or wherever. Funny movie, with a real dark edge to it. I laughed out loud a number of times and felt extremely uncomfortable in others. Will Ferrell's a fan of the film and you can definitely see him making millions off the role, but in the hands of a lesser known actor, it rings more true and has a longer lasting effect. Glad I saw it, but it's most definitely not a date movie. Women will not like this film. Almost a guarantee.
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INDIANA JONES IV Early Review???May 15, 2008, 5:28 am I'll report back on here on Monday with a little mention of the film (I'm limited what I can write until the film's release), but the truth is that it won't matter. If the movie sucks (which it won't) we'll all still see it because it's INDY. You're talking Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas reunited to add another installment to one of the greatest series of all time. Plus, I'm hoping a full trailer for the new animated STAR WARS film will be attached and I have to say I'm interested in that. I've also read that a new STAR TREK trailer for this fall's 11th Trek film. Check back on Monday for a few details and I'll fill you in.
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Forgetting Sarah Marshall MOVIE ReviewApril 11, 2008, 12:56 pmDarryl "Sensitive" Sykes, co-host of the yet to be named Jack & Darryl show, checks out yet another movie for me. Honestly, he's seen more films in the last two months than I have as I prepare for my latest play, but that's another blog story for another blog time. So, in Mr. Darryl's words...FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL: The Review.  comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall keeps you falling out of your seat. I caught myself having to hold in some of the laughter on some parts of this movie so that I would not miss the next funny line. This movie is a mix of two films with the funny one liners of Superbad(2007) and the romantic comedy of Knocked Up(2007). In fact I would say that this film deserves its own category...Comedic Romance. (Can I make that up?????) There was so much comedy in this film that at times you forgot that there was romance. Peter Bretter (Jason Segal), a talented but lazy composer is dumped by his celebrity girlfriend Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). Dealing with the breakup is rough for Peter so after taking advice from a friend Peter sets off to Hawaii to clear his head and start the healing process. Little did he know that Sarah was there and actually staying in the same resort with her new boyfriend and British rock sensation Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). After numerous run-ins and awkward encounters with the couple he builds up the courage to move on and finds a new interest in the hotel clerk Rachel (Mila Kunis). Forgetting Sarah Marshall stays true to form with hilarious tasteless humor but with a decent storyline. The film gives you a little bit of everything from the uncomfortable feeling that you get from full frontal nudity in an R-rated film to feeling sorry for the dumped character and happy again when he finds a new love. Not a must see movie but definitely a movie that should be on your radar if you are looking to get out and find a few laughs.(Just don't take your 15 year old daughter!!!)
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Date NightApril 7, 2008, 11:18 amThis may seem like a shameless plug for a station sponsor, but sometimes you gotta tell the truth even if it appears less than honest. Saturday night is usually date night for my girl and I. We don't see eachother much and so when we do get free time (which mine is about to disappear with a new play opening in two weeks) we like to make the night special. So, this past Saturday, it was dinner, a movie, and then dessert downtown. How does one start off an excellent evening on the town? At Dussini's, of course. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. The food was excellent as usual. I was convinced to try the duck by our server Abby and was certainly thankful for her recommendation. The crab stuffed, grilled prawns were also wonderful and my girl loved her Lobster, Mac, and Cheese like always. The wine, a half bottle of something that I’m sure my girl would remember, was also very good and matched my cherry-port duck sauce very well. I even thoroughly enjoyed the bread service. The wafer is excellent with the olive spread and humus and well, you can’t go wrong with a hearty bread and real butter. I really do want to stress that Abby was perfect in every way. She was friendly and honest with her input on all the menu items we asked about. Gave excellent recommendations. Refilled our wine whenever she came by. Made sure our water was always topped off. And did all of this without interrupting our conversation or getting in the way at all. Then, when we engaged her in conversation about anything, she was friendly and helpful at every turn. She also offered to take away the bread much earlier than many might and I appreciated that so I didn’t keep munching. Gotta save room for the good stuff. The Sommelier (wine specialist for those of us who know nothing of wine) was also very good. A perfect selection that we both enjoyed. That can be tough as she likes fuller reds and I’m more a fruity red / white but not dry, fan. I think. Then again, as stated, I know next to nothing about wine. We don’t dine out that often, but generally choose to spend a little money when we do and we both felt that Saturday night our food and service was on par with some of the finest places we’ve eaten both in town and elsewhere. We spent $250 on dinner for four in La Jolla a couple weekends ago and although the food was excellent and the service was good, it didn’t even compare to our experience Saturday night. We will continue making Dussini’s a regular stop. There are very few places you can count on to be a perfect place for a Saturday night evening out with your lady OR a night out drinking, watching sports, and shooting pool with the guys. I’ve done both and I’m always happy with my choice. Everything we want in one classy place that’s reasonably priced. Dussini’s isn’t cheap, but it certainly never feels like you’re overpaying for anything. Okay, enough shameless love for my favorite dining establishment. The rest of the evening was great too. HORTON HEARS A WHO was cute and fun and really felt like it stayed true to Seuss' style (except for an odd Anime segment that lasted a minute or so). Dessert at Ghiradelli's was good, but I just walk in there to get the free chocolate they hand out at the door. The ice cream is simply a bonus. And yes, if you're wondering, I now need to go workout to burn off all the calories I took in on Saturday.
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PADRES Opening Day 2008April 1, 2008, 11:19 amIt's here. Finally. After what seemed like endless months of spring training games, the regular season arrived in fashion last night at Petco Park. Kind of arrived. We had all the pregame festivities, firefighting officials tossing out first pitches (eight to be exact), a four helicopter flyover, a good national anthem, the unfurling of the Holiday Bowl flag, and a great Padres win. However, we were missing one thing. How 'bout an actual NL West matchup. Really, there wasn't one all of opening day unless you count the Dodgers-Giants matchup up, but that's really still an exhibition game against a minor league team for LA. Honestly, can a team go 0-162? Poor Bochy. Nonetheless, it was a good day. Enjoyed the atmosphere immensely and can't wait to get to more games as soon as possible. Matter of fact, just walking amidst all the packed downtown bars on my way to the ballpark last night made me miss living downtown. There is an energy that just can't be replicated outside of downtown. Granted, it's not Chicago, New York, or even Dallas, but it is a nice bit of big city life for us here in America's Finest City. So, you saw the game, but you probably didn't really get a chance to experience the postgame lockerroom and press conferences. I only ventured into the clubhouse for a minute, but spent much of the postgame listening to Bud Black and Jake Peavy answer a few light-hearted questions. Nothing pointed or harsh on opening day after a good win. Interesting to me watching Buddy Black enter his first postgame pc, year two in San Diego. He, like Bochy, is a very even keeled guy (at least in public) and carries himself that way as he enters. With a relaxed smile on his face he takes his place behind the podium, surveys the crowd, and greets one of the new members of the local television media he doesn't know and then awaits the first question with a quiet confidence. Bud Black jokes about Peavy missing the bunt signal in the 4th inning, but is glad Jake missed it since that turned into an RBI single for the Cy Young Award winner. That wasn't enough though for the UT's Jay Posner who questioned the bunt call since Jake's such a good hitter. "Yes, Jake is a good hitter...for a pitcher," replied Black and went on to pester Posner about Giles' (who followed Peavy at the plate) lifetime average versus Peavy's. We all had a nice chuckle at poor Posner's expense. Light-hearted, relaxed, postgame for Buddy Black. I guess this is what's needed to survive the season. Jake was also a little lower energy than you might expect, although that's misleading because a calm Jake is still full of fire. He said he'd refrain from riding his current houseguest (the Astros losing pitcher Oswalt) about the couple RBI he got off him tonight, but would hold on to it for some September harrasment. All in all, a good day at the ballpark. And in the press box where I ate my fill of far too much food. No, it wasn't free, but it's certainly wasn't typical ballpark prices. This thing called a "credential" ain't really a bad thing at all. So...Opening Day 2008. All the fanfare. All the excitement. So glad baseball's back. What? How many more games? Oh yeah, I forgot. Remind me of my excitement the last week of the season when part of me is hoping that they don't make the playoffs so the 6 month season ends on time.
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Ryan's Random Ruminations for March 13thMarch 13, 2008, 7:12 amOkay, this is a very quick, very short thought. The new, upcoming, about to be sworn in, Governor of the great state of New York wants to give the old governor, Spitzer, a few days before he resigns due to his being involved in a high price hooker scandal. Why does he want to give him a few days you ask? #1 - To allow for a easy and seamless move from one governor to another. Sounds better than it probably can be. Easy? Abruptly ending your term amid a national scandal isn't exactly going to be seamless in any way. #2 - To allow Governor Spitzer an opportunity to deliver a proper goodbye to his staff. Well, nevermind the euphemisms and the fact that he's given his staff all it can take and more, let's just go with the obvious...the taxpayers have got to be worried. This is a man who can spend $4,000 an hour on a hooker and $80,000 alone on what he deems a part of life. What will this man bring to a "proper" goodbye to his entire staff? We're easily talking a 6 figure blowout of a party. Lap dances and various favors for everyone from The Emperor's Club. Really, shouldn't Spitzer just find his way to a door right now and deal with the growinig and unbridled wrath of his wife? Is she just waiting for him to disappear from the public eye to take her revenge?
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Ryan's Random Ruminations for March 6thMarch 6, 2008, 10:28 amIs blogging a sport?
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SEMI-PRO (with Will Ferrell) Movie ReviewFebruary 29, 2008, 11:00 amDarryl "Sensitive / Psycho" Sykes, my protege in film analysis and host of one of a "yet to be named" weekend show checked out SEMI-PRO a few weeks back...  Will Ferrell’s other classics Blades of Glory, Talladega Nights and Anchorman, Semi-Pro takes some of the same concepts and brings them to the hardwood. Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell), the owner/coach/power forward/ marketing guru of the ABA’s Flint Michigan Tropics learns of the decision to merger with the NBA. After a meeting, the owners decide that the top teams will merge while the other teams will dismantle. The fun in this movie is never hidden while in true semi professional sports team style there are numerous ridiculous promotions and marketing schemes that keep the fans interested in the team. The struggling Tropics with their one star Clarence “Coffee” Black (Andre Benjamin) and knowledge that their careers are coming to an end trade a washing machine for ex-NBA star and ageing vet Monix (Woody Harrelson). Monix brings confidence and life to the team as they turn the season around and make a push toward the top. This silly fun filled movie will have you laughing from the start to finish. Just like the rest of his films, you will not see them on Oscar day but if you are a member of the Will Ferrell cult following then Semi-Pro is a must see. | ||||||||||