Monthly Archives: December 2016
Christopher Nolan’s Epic (Cinematic) War Takes Shape
The first full trailer for THE movie of this summer has arrived…
In a word: Dunkirk.
Director and screenwriter Christopher Nolan and BFF soundtrack composer Hans Zimmer appear ready to deliver yet another cinematic epic. The ticking clock at the beginning of the trailer and the ominous heartbeat at the end of the trailer signals an unrelentingly gritty war movie with just the slightest bit of hope barely visible in a living hell that will require the ultimate sacrifice, courage and cleverness to merely survive through the greatest obstacles of the body and the mind.
Welcome to Christopher Nolan’s first war movie: Stunning visuals rooted in realism, practical effects galore, brilliant writing with twists-and-turns and a supreme cast with the underrated wild card (cough cough Harry Styles). And being a film by Mr. Nolan, rest assured that there will a mind-bending aspect attached. How or what will it be?
As the cinema fan Christopher Nolan himself would say, “That’s why we go to the movies…to experience a film that connects with us on a deeply curious and enlightening level.”
And experience Dunkirk I will.
I Still Have Chills
A soccer match not to be forgotten.
Last Tuesday, my parents and I were in attendance for the bone-chilling Champions League game between two of the best soccer teams in the world: Hosts Bayern Munich and visitors Atlético Madrid. Despite the fact that the latter had clinched the first spot in the group before kickoff (the former secured the second spot), there was a lot on the line.
- Bayern Munich needed to prove it could defeat Atlético Madrid after suffering multiple losses recently.
- Manager Carlo Ancelotti had to assure the Munich faithful that his brand of
soccerfootball could show promise for winning a Champions League trophy, which will more than likely have to go through Atlético Madrid at some point next spring.
With the temperature in the mid-20s accompanied by a fog that created a cloud inside the confines of the massively impressive Allianz Arena, the game conditions forced the visitors to bundle up and huddle up in a circle for most of their warm-ups and the hosts going about their business as usual.
Pride in club and pride in the future of this season was on the line.
(Click Play, then “Click this video on YouTube” and then please return to this blog)
Bayern Munich 1-0 Atlético Madrid!
Seeing my favorite team (Bayern Munich) and favorite player (Arjen Robben) in-person and in their home stadium was a thrill of a lifetime. From Robben’s unique and separate warm-up routine to his 83 minutes of brilliant play on the pitch, witnessing one of the greatest soccer players in the world and of his generation was truly epic. And even as the bone-chilling weather was piercing through every layer of my clothes, I’ve never been so happy to be as freezing cold as I was for the hours before, during and after this game.
Bayern Munich’s motto is “Mia San Mia,” which translates to “We are who we are.”
Having now been to a Bayern Munich game at the Allianz Arena, I have a deeper understanding of just what “Mia San Mia” means.
P.S. Thanks Mom and Dad for the unforgettable experience and the amazing seats!
Happy Monday!
Christmas is only a couple weeks away.
At this point of the year, specifically the holiday season, we reflect on the past several months and the past several years. With Thanksgiving (and those familial conversations) behind us in the rear view mirror, the next challenge for many is ensuring that everything is ready for Christmas.
Most importantly, picking out the perfect Christmas tree.
This movie is all part of the Christmas experience.
Have a Great Week!
RIP John Glenn
To say that John Glenn was a pioneer would be a massive understatement.
Famed astronaut, aviator and former Ohio Senator John Glenn has died at the towering age of 95. Living a full life by taking big risks by venturing into outer space resulted in a big legacy that will not be soon forgotten. Mr. Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth, as well as being one of the first people in space (#5).
He will be missed and celebrated as an American space-race icon.
Plus, we all remember his hilarious cameo on Frasier.
A great man, on Earth and in space.
RIP John Glenn.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 