"Dunkirk" Review: "There's No Hiding From This, Son."

Christopher Nolan has become one of cinema's most dependable storytellers. My belief is that he is this generation's James Cameron -- a director who can't be pigeon-holed into a particular genre ... a filmmaker who creates ambitious pieces of cinema (sometimes a tad too much, as was the case with "Interstellar") that serve as gripping big-screen experiences. 

Nolan is "appointment movie going" at its best. 

"Dunkirk" arrives with a significant amount of early buzz. The film is an ambitious tale focusing on the disastrous and heroic events at the Battle of Dunkirk in World War II (this story zeroes in on the evacuation). 

Nolan chooses to craft the narrative using three different threads -- he tells the story of the participants on land, in the sea, and in the air. It is told subjectively and focus is very, very narrow. This isn't the sort of World War II film that shows generals and admirals in large rooms moving game pieces across table-sized maps. Nor is this a film that features much in the way of exposition. 

Nolan describes his structure for "Dunkirk" in this interview here:

Each storyline runs at a different pace, which removes the linear timeline for events. "Dunkirk" is meant to be taken in for its atmospherics, visuals, mood, and vibe. 

The land part of the story focuses on allied soldiers on the beaches at Dunkirk, waiting to be evacuated (the beach was a breakwater wall referred to as "the mole"). Most of this thread's narrative focuses on the lowest ranks as they try to survive being "sitting ducks" for German forces to pick off. There were some 400,000 troops waiting to flee the military conflict. 

The "sea" part of the story is centered around the civilian boat owners who were pulled into the efforts. The focus is on a single boat owned by a man named Dawson (Mark Rylance). 

The "air" part of the story focuses on a pair of Supermarine Spitfire pilots (one of them played by the enigmatic Tom Hardy) as they try to thwart Messerschmitt Me-109 fighters and Heinkel bombers. 

Nolan mixes the three threads up into a compelling cocktail. 

I alluded earlier to the fact that this movie is essentially about mood and vibe. There is little in the way of exposition or dialogue. The film uses action to build suspense and drive the story home. 

"Dunkirk" runs just under two hours -- short by today's blockbuster movie standards. As a result, the film never feels blogged down or bloated. In many respects, it leaves you wanting more. 

I built many model airplane kits as a kid, and the Spitfire was one of my favorites. The last time I saw the plane so prominently featured was in a British TV series I watched with my parents on PBS's "Masterpiece Theatre" back in the late 1980s -- called "Piece of Cake" -- that told the story of a group of Spitfire pilots in World War II.  

I don't know if CG was used for any of the aerial sequences in "Dunkirk" or not, but the dogfighting scenes feel authentic, and it is a treat to see the old birds in action on the big screen. 

There are also a couple of solid performances worth noting in "Dunkirk." 



Mark Rylance won an Oscar for his supporting performance in "Bridge of Spies." His calm demeanor serves these sorts of historic dramas well, and his subdued -- yet commanding -- performance as the owner of a small, private boat called into rescue service is solid (and might yield him more accolades during awards season). Likely the best performance in the movie.



Kenneth Branagh is also on hand as Commander Bolton. The character's scenes in the movie are confined to a dock along the shores at Dunkirk. There isn't a lot of material for Branagh to work with, but his performance gives context to the story.  

Also of note is Tom Hardy as Spitfire pilot Farrier. It's very possible that Hardy has less dialogue here than he had in 2015's "Mad Max: Fury Road." But his performance as stone-steady fighter pilot (whose Spitfire has a broken fuel gauge) is actually pretty compelling. 

Oh...and that kid from the band "One Direction" (Harry Styles) is decent as a British soldier trying to escape the beach. 

Also of note is Hans Zimmer's score for this movie. While he doesn't provide a memorable anthem for the film, his musical stylings serve to help drive the narrative forward and ratchet up the tension.

His "Supermarine" is an example of this:

Overall, "Dunkirk" is movie worth experiencing. It is a beautifully crafted World War II epic -- something that feels fresh, original, and its own unique thing. 

Nolan also deserves credit for creating an intense, driving film, but was able to do it without being exploitative with the on-screen carnage (something that can be overdone in this sort of genre film). 

Rated: PG-13, Runtime: 1 hr, 46 min

Take a look at my other recent movie review: It's "Spider-Guy!"  

It's "Spider-Guy!"

I must admit up front that I didn't have any particular expectations going into "Spider-Man: Homecoming" — the latest effort by Sony and Marvel Studios to reboot the Spider-Man franchise. 

Attitudes have changed on the crime-fighting arachnid since Tobey Maguire's first outing as Spider-Man in 2002. Moreover, there have been oodles of superhero movies the past 15 years -- including a not-so-beloved reboot of the character in 2012. 

Spider-Man ranks as one of the most visible and well known protagonists in the comic book realm, so it stood to reason that they'd give the character another shot. 

The first appearance of our "next-gen" Spidey came in 2016's "Captain America: Civil War." Brit actor Tom Holland's portrayal of Spider-Man was part of a brief "battle royale" of various Avengers at an airport, but seemed to be well received. He provided many of the scant laughs in that rather dreary third outing for Cap and Friends. 

There was a youthful, exuberant energy that hadn't been seen in the character before.

I must admit I was happy to see Sony and Disney come together and work to mesh Spider-Man into the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe -- having him on screen with Iron Man, Ant Man, Black Widow and the rest of the superhero crew that fans have become enamored with the past decade. 

"Spider-Man: Homecoming" arrives just in time to save the 2017 summer movie season. 

While the movie might not be the epitome of perfection, there is quite a bit to like this time around. 

Gone are the tried-and-true origins of how Peter Parker became Spider-Man. Those elements are relegated to a few brief mentions when Peter and his friend Ned are bantering back and forth. 

Instead, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" picks up with the character after "Captain America: Civil War." 

We see Peter Parker going through his daily life in high school (the Midtown School of Science and Technology). His "cover identity" for interacting with Tony Stark (Iron Man) is that he is part of a Stark Internship. 

Peter fights crime in and around his New York neighborhood, but longs for more after his heroics with the Avengers. Yet Stark (along with his business associate Happy Hogan) seem to be giving Peter the cold shoulder, and would prefer he remain "a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man." 

Parker quits his academic decathlon team -- and sets aside any sort of social life -- to focus on proving himself to his mentor. 

After a harrowing effort to thwart an attempt to rob an ATM (by criminals wearing plastic Avengers masks), Peter returns home to find his friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) waiting for him, holding a Lego Death Star the two had planned to work on. Ned is initially shocked, but soon elated to find out his friend is the masked superhero -- believing it can help their "street cred" at school. 

Ned peppers Peter with a number of questions about his secret identity. As the two are discussing the topic, they overhear a group of girls in gym class talking about their favorite superheroes. When they realize that their classmate Liz (an arm's-length crush for Peter) is enamored with Spider-Man, it results in Ned informing the class that Parker knows Spider-Man. 

The two are then invited to a party at Liz's home (which Peter is reluctant to attend). As they set in motion a plan reveal Spider-Man at the party, Peter observes an explosion in the distance. 

The explosion is the result of high-tech arms dealers (who happen to be the criminals behind the ATM robbery) showing off weapons to a ne'er do well named Aaron (an oddly cast Donald Glover). 

The arms dealers work for the film's main heavy, a man named Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton). Toomes was a salvage operator who was working on clean-up after the Battle of New York (featured in 2012's "Avengers"). His contract to salvage debris from the battle was cut short by the government, who turned operations over to the U.S. Department of Damage Control (operated by Tony Stark). 

Feeling slighted by the government (he mentions that he had to purchase new trucks for the clean-up job), and holding a grudge against Tony Stark, Toomes and his team develop some of the high-tech gadgets he was able to salvage into top-of-the-line black market wares. He has even developed a set of flying wings for himself to use on robbery jobs (Toomes is the character Vulture).

When Peter decides to investigate the explosion he observes from Liz's party, he meets Toomes' winged alter-ego for the first time. He nearly drowns in the confrontation, and is ultimately saved by Tony Stark (who had included monitors into the Spider-Man suit). 

On Peter's walk back to the party, he discovers a glowing, purple orb from Toomes's operation. 

Peter believes this might be his big chance to hunt down the criminals, and prove himself to Tony Stark. 

So he and Ned go rogue, hack the Spider-Man suit to remove the trackers (and disable the "training wheels" mode), and set forth on their own investigation -- which sets up the final two acts in "Spider-Man: Homecoming." 

While none of this is particularly new superhero territory, there is an energy and pacing that makes "Spider-Man: Homecoming" work. There is also a healthy dose of self-effacing humor in the film, something that is sorely lacking in many recent superhero outings. 

The film is light and fun. I wasn't sure how Tom Holland would be in the titular role, but he proves himself a likable sort, and has the chops to carry the film on his shoulders.

Michael Keaton does his best with relatively little screen time as the main villain. 

He has been a dependable actor throughout his career, and has the ability to pivot between light comedy material and dark dramatic fare. (One of my favorite film moments is his "chainsaw scene" in 1983's "Mr. Mom").

While Keaton's casting as Bruce Wayne in 1989's "Batman" caused quite a stir among fanboys at the time, his acting range added a subtlety and nuance to his portrayal of Batman -- and movie-goers have seen unconventional casting choices in superhero films ever since.

Some fans have grumbled that certain pillars of Peter Parker's origin story have been tossed aside (ex. the MJ character isn't named "Mary Jane"), but considering that this is the sixth "Spider-Man" movie in 15 years, they needed to take a fresh approach. 

It was nice to have Tony Stark/Iron Man along for the ride. Robert Downey Jr. is enjoyable in that role, especially when his has the opportunity to do some of his humorous riffs. 

There were also some corny "Captain America PSAs" shown at Peter's school during the movie, and they worked to great effect. 

There was also a twist in the movie that I didn't see coming.

I enjoyed "Spider-Man: Homecoming" more than anticipated. After a series of relatively dreary superhero outings recently (like 2016's "Doctor Strange"), it was nice to see something that had the tone and heft of pink bubblegum. 

I also liked "Wonder Woman" earlier this summer, but enjoyed this latest Spider-Man outing a tick more. I'll leave you to determine which superhero movie you preferred this summer, but both entries prove there is still vitality in the genre -- which is great news for fans. 

P.S. -- Be sure to stay through the entire end credits scroll. There is a fun "easter egg" at the end. 

Rated: PG-13, Runtime: 2 hrs, 13 min

Check out my previous post: "Omaha Live!" - Premiere Party, Season 6 Debut 

"Omaha Live!" - Premiere Party, Season 6 Debut

If you aren't acquainted with "Omaha Live!" -- Matt and Ben Tompkins's original sketch comedy series -- you should get to know it. 

"Omaha Live!" airs Saturday nights at midnight on WOWT in the Omaha viewing area (after "Saturday Night Live").

The show is irreverent and silly, and takes jabs at pop culture, politics, and the world around us. Matt incorporates his musical talents into the show as well (a skill on display in many of the show's most memorable segments). There is an "Omaha flavor" to much of the content, but many of the sketches are relatable beyond the metropolitan area. 

My wife Bridget and I won tickets to the season 6 premiere party at Aksarben Cinema on July 13. Attendees had the opportunity to mingle with the stars of the show and enjoy an early viewing of the first episode of the sixth season. 

We were also lucky enough to win one of these autographed "Omaha Live!" posters they had on hand for the premiere party (which is patterned after the "Star Wars" style "C" movie poster). 

I've been watching the show since the beginning, and have shared various segments via social media.

"Omaha Live!" has a YouTube channel so fans can enjoy full episodes and clips from the series at their leisure: https://www.youtube.com/user/livefromomahaTV  

One of our favorite segments was the "We Remember Omaha Song" featured in the show's first season, sung to Pitbull's song "Timber" (I believe it was part of the show's debut episode):

In addition to music videos, the brothers have included parodies of famous TV show intros on "Omaha Live!", such as this riff on "The A-Team":

Local politicians have appeared on the show. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has made multiple appearances, and proven herself to be a good sport with all the ribbing. 

While the show might not be for everyone, it is a testament to home-grown creativity and local talent in Omaha. "Omaha Live!" operates on a shoestring budget, and Matt and Ben have proven they can do a lot with a little. 

One of the attendees on July 13 said to me, "It's better than 'Saturday Night Live', and it's local."

(Note: I was going to link to the full episode we previewed on July 13, but the creators have yet to put it up on their channel. In the meantime, you can view clips from that show on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/livefromomahaTV)

And be sure to read my previous post: "I've Been Slimed" 

I've Been Slimed!

First of all, my niece Veronica (who is the resident slime expert in the family) told me that this blog entry might be behind the trend. But since most of my readers aren't trendy, I figured that it would be all right to do a post on it. 

There is an entire universe of homemade slime that has swept the Internet, and captured the heart and minds of the young set in the United States. 

Slime -- in its most basic form -- is a mixture Elmer's Glue-All (well, glue that contains something called PVA) and water-diluted Borax. You mix/knead the ingredients and the concoction starts forming into a solid. You can add more of the ingredients if needed. 

Veronica also likes to add shaving cream, lotion, and foaming soap to her mixtures. Many popular Instagram accounts add styrofoam beads (like the filling in bean bag chairs), and clay to make it soft and spreadable. 

There are also Instagram accounts where you can order slime. You want to be sure they are reputable slime vendors, so read their reviews. Veronica ordered this slime from this account:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTZ3r6Xg6Xv/?taken-by=raindropslime&hl=en

"Instagram is the right place for slime," says Veronica.

In addition to the items listed, you can add food coloring/paint to give it color, and powered pigments. You can also add glitter to give it sparkle. 

I touched a batch of homemade slime, and it felt like a gooey cross between bread dough and Silly Putty. When you knead slime, it snaps, crackles and pops. You can bend and stretch and create giant air bubbles. 

So, there you have it. Slime. 


Read my previous post: "He Said I'd 'Be Better Off Getting an 8-Track'" 

He Said I'd "Be Better Off Getting an 8-Track"

Yep, that's the 1960s-era antenna I found in my attic last summer…

I must have a message tatooed on my forehead that says, "come up and bother me."

Sometimes you just want to browse a store without a staff member bugging you. Know what I mean?

Bridge and I were at Sam's Club on the Fourth of July, picking up supplies for Robin Hill Pool (they had run out of cheese for the nachos, which is something akin to a pandemic at that place). 

While Bridget was at the cashier checking out, I decided to wander over to the electronics section and browse the televisions. 

A chatty staff member decided to come up and talk to me while I was looking around. He was in his twenties, and had a whole host of opinions on the state of television.

At one point during the conversation, he pointed at a Mohu TV antenna and said, "A customer came up to me the other day wondering about the antenna and I told them they'd be better off getting an 8-track. It's all streaming, man." 

While I enjoy my 4th Generation Apple TV unit, and enjoy streaming a variety of content on it, I also enjoy using over-the-air antennas on my TVs. I think it is a useful and critical component of "cord cutting."

Some of you read my previous post outlining how I hooked up a 1960s-era antenna I found in my attic to pull in all the local digital channels (the main channels offered in stunning, uncompressed HD). In addition, I use various "set top" antennas on other HDTVs in my home. 

I appreciate the ability to stream content via broadband internet. Love it. But the fact remains that there is a significant amount of content available for free, via antenna. 

For example, I was able to watch former UNO Hockey player Jake Guentzel hoist Lord Stanley's Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins on June 11 of this year via my antenna on WOWT (our local NBC affiliate) -- for free. Since I hooked up the decades-old antenna, everything has been rock solid (even during tornadic weather in our area). 

I don't have to worry about bandwidth, buffering, or data caps -- all factors to consider when streaming content on a monthly basis. 

One other point I'd like to make...

It isn't like using an antenna is some sort of ugly, makeshift method for watching TV in our home. 

Look at our lovely setup: 

Our video cabinet is neat and clean. Every item has its place. We have our 40-inch LED HDTV, an Apple TV (with an Apple wireless keyboard), and Panasonic Blu-ray player. 

The thing that bugs me is that consumers are walking into places like Sam's Club looking for salient advice when they purchase an electronic device. 

I've had good luck the past two years with my over-the-air antennas, and appreciate the opportunity to watch live events like the Super Bowl, the Oscars, the Stanley Cup playoffs and a whole host of news, sports and entertainment programming throughout the year. 

To suggest that using an antenna is something akin to using an 8-track tape deck is ridiculous. 

According to The Denver Post, TV antenna use is expected to grow by 9 percent this year. While the numbers might not be earth shattering, the long-tread technology is enjoying something of a renaissance. 

Furthermore, I was alive when 8-track tapes were a thing. We had one in our 1970-something Toyota Corona, and I have many memories of my parents playing The Carpenters as we tooled down the road (that fact should help my retro street cred). 

The next generation television transmission standard is called ATSC 3.0, and it is already being tested around the U.S. It will bring signals that are more robust (and can be received on your mobile phone), 4K UHD picture and immersive sound, and other interactive features for a richer viewing experience. Here is a primer video on ATSC 3.0 from the consortium that has developed the standard:

It'll be a few years before TV stations around the country make the conversion, but the new standards promise to bring an even better experience to those who use an over-the-air antenna to receive broadcast television (Samsung and LG are already building sets with ATSC 3.0 tuners for sale in South Korea, where ATSC 3.0 is getting set to launch for next year's Olympic games). 

None of it seems like "put out to pasture" technology to me.  

What do you think? Feel free to leave me a comment below!

And be sure to read my previous post: Inflatable Tube Creatures in Kearney 

Inflatable Tube Creatures in Kearney

My nieces Julia and Olivia attended the 2017 Digital Expressions Media Camp at the University of Nebraska at Kearney on June 11-16 -- a chance for the campers (high schoolers) to record audio/video, write, edit, act, interview, produce features, craft public service announcements, and have fun. The event is sponsored by Nebraska Broadcasters Association. 

This was Olivia's debut appearance at the camp, and it was Julia's second rodeo out in Kearney (having first attended Digital Expressions Media Camp in 2016). 

Arriving at the Camp: Bridget, Olivia, Julia and Veronica Sit By the Fountain at UNK.

Participants stay in the UNK campus dormitories during the week. 

In addition to working on various skills at the camp, returning participants were able to visit NTV (ABC affiliate KHGI) and see live TV in action, and take a trip to 107.7 "The Island" (radio station KSYZ). 

All attendees had the chance to attend a concert on opening night -- the "Concerts in the Park" series (sponsored by the Kearney Area Arts Council) featured The Talbott Brothers on June 11. 

Closing awards luncheon: Julia and Olivia -- Along With Camp 

Counselor Cy Cannon -- Sat at Our Table.

The camp culminated in a closing awards luncheon on Friday, June 16. Staff and attendees at the camp -- along with the campers' family members -- were treated a buffet meal and samples of the audio and video work done during the week. 

2017 Digital Expressions Media Camp - Final Group Picture.

2017 Final Camp Video:

2017 Short Film Compilation:

2017 News Story Compilation: 

2017 PSA Compilation:

2017 Radio News Compilation:

2017 Radio PSA Compilation

Check out my previous post: "Baby Driver" -- Car Chases, iPods, Blondes, and 1990s Cool