Blog Archives
A Shadow’s Hidden Brilliance
One of the greatest aspects about film (beyond its ratios) is the fact that some movies showcase vivid colors and some movies showcase black and white and, despite this monumental difference in appearance, the quality of the story rarely ever suffers as a result.
Ladies and gentlemen, the latter will be explored in today’s blog post.
Like yesterday’s post, there certainly are scenes I would add and delete from YouTube user Now You See It’s montage of famous movie clips. Having said this, the video below is a pleasant reminder of the uniquely artistic quality that black and white films gave audiences during the early decades of the still burgeoning movie-making medium. The simplicity, the contrasts and the shadows, if shot correctly and if utilized correctly with clever storytelling, has the power to effortlessly shock, surprise and guide a movie and its engaged audience along a wonderful journey to a variety of discoveries.
I bet you’re thinking what I am:
What would these classic black and white films look like in 4K?
This Tuesday Will Never Lose Its Appetite
Here’s the skinny on “Fat Tuesday.”
Considering the American epicenter for Mardi Gras is New Orleans, LA (more specifically the French Quarter and Bourbon Street), it’s no surprise that this celebratory occasion is overshadowed by epic parades, bead throwing and a few, low-key parties.
I also hear there is mild consumption of alcoholic beverages during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
While there is certainly an appeal for this signature celebratory style in New Orleans, LA for certain age groups and individuals, we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we did not take the time to remind ourselves and appreciate the inspiration and motivation behind Mardi Gras and the day known as “Fat Tuesday.”
Bonus: You can read this blog post and watch this video while eating your King Cake, searching for the coveted miniature baby doll.
Continuing a tradition, I will once again give up the letter “Z” for Lent.
(FYI – My last name is Lentz).
Let’s Dance Like It’s 1984!
Don’t adjust your eyes, this is a real story from the city of Henryetta, Oklahoma.
“City leaders voted Tuesday to abolish an ordinance on dancing, the Tulsa World reported. The dance ordinance, with a penalty of $25, prohibited dance halls within 500 feet of a church or public school.”
–Associated Press, February 23, 2017
We all know and love Footloose, the 1984 B-movie that featured the premise of a small country town that had banned rock music and dancing. Again, that was the plot for a movie. A movie. To my surprise, and likely the surprise to any individual who discovered this news today, the ordinance in Henryetta, Oklahoma was a real thing…in the year 2017. Thankfully, the city’s leaders voted to rid their town of this nonsensical ordinance.
So, what now?
Perhaps a dance today, a Thursday, is necessary…maybe of the throwback variety?
If high school kids (and adults) of Henryetta, Oklahoma aren’t dancing to “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins tonight and this weekend, I think we’ll all cry a little.
People of Henryetta, you know what to do with those Sunday shoes.
Predictable? Yes. Unstoppable? Also Yes.
What is it the kids say these days? “Flashback Friday”?
For one very specific reason, I’m glad the kids do. Actually, I’m technically happy for five specific reasons. But those added four take a back seat to the aforementioned one on this Friday. And don’t worry, you’ll see why and how I arrived at that conclusion shortly.
If you survived that linguistic adventure, then congrats! In human speak, Bayern Munich hosted Arsenal for the first game of the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. Due to the very nature of the home-and-away game setup, the home side has the burden of scoring many goals while not conceding the always valuable away goal.
The bad news is that Bayern Munich did let one of those away goals slip past their goal line (even after an incredible penalty kick save by Manuel Neuer).
The good news is that Bayern Munich managed to score one…two…three…four…yes, five goals against Arsenal at their Fortress of Winning (a nickname I’m trying out) known as the Allianz Arena!
Ladies and gentlemen, the aforementioned one moment isolated for this “Flashback Friday”comes from two days ago. But trust me, it’s definitely worth the immediate flashback treatment.
(Watch the entire highlight to see the ball’s ridiculously awesome path to the back of the net)
Wait, I thought Arsenal’s nickname was “The Gunners”?
I say that because it looks like Arjen Robben’s left foot should be the one declared a sharpshooter with laser precision.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 