I have scratched together a living, in one way or another, as a writer for more than 60 years now. I was a free-lance writer during the early stages of the Vietnam War. I was the Southwest Division Overnight News Editor for United Press International back when UPI was a legitimate news gathering organization. Following that, I went to the Dallas Morning News where I became the first person to write about rock 'n' roll on a daily basis for a Texas metropolitan newspaper. I later became the News' entertainment editor. Following some stints with a couple of prominent PR firms, I had the extraordinary good fortune to team with two communications legends, Ken Fairchild and Lisa LeMaster, as part of one kick-ass media consulting/crisis communications team. That was followed by stints as a department head with the City of Dallas (and its public information officer); the Dallas Northeast Chamber of Commerce where I had the good fortune to meet and work alongside some of this city's business and political titans; and editorial director for QuestCorp Media until that company went out of business. Now officially retired, concentrating on this blog.
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues *** Directed by Adam McKay. With the 70s behind him, San Diego’s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to take New York’s first 24-hour news channel by storm. The buffoonery goes epic in this sillier than silly sequel, a broad, down and dirty comedy overfilled with funny people trying to one-up one another on the set in the classic "best line wins" school of comic improvisation. With Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, Dylan Baker, James Marsden, Greg Kinnear, Kristen Wiig, Fred Willard, Harrison Ford.
At Middleton *** Directed by Adam Rogers. Two parents (Andy Garcia, Vera Farmiga) fall in love over the course of a single day while playing hooky from their children’s college tour. This is an almost completely inauthentic little romance that is so genuinely pleasant you’ll enjoy it anyway. Farmiga and Garcia have a chemistry that’s unassuming and sneaky, and the pleasure they get from each other’s company ultimately proves infectious.
The Pirate Fairy **½ Directed by Peggy Holmes. When a misunderstood dust-keeper fairy named Zarina steals Pixie Hollow’s all-important Blue Pixie Dust, and flies away to join forces with the pirates of Skull Rock, Tinker Bell and her fairy friends must return it to its rightful place. Holmes’ glittery romp offers plenty of pretty spectacles, but true flights of fancy are far too rare.
47 Ronin * Directed by Carl Rinsch. A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun. This botched vision accepts the warrior’s nobility at face value and sees the story merely as a springboard for high-flying action and CGI special effects. With Keanu Reeves.
The Bag Man * Directed by David Grovic. A criminal (John Cusack) bides his time at a seedy motel, waiting for his boss (Robert DeNiro) after killing several men and making away with a mystery bag. This blathery, misogynist indie from first-time director Grovic — which seems to be aiming for "Pulp Fiction" territory with its blend of crime, banter and the mysterious contents of a bag — falls far short, rife as it is with noir and gender clichés.
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