First, a bit of sad news…
Last week I asked if anyone had heard from Roland Yeomans. I was informed he passed away last month. Roland lost everything in Katrina, relocated to another part of Louisianna, and became a rare blood courier. He lost his job earlier this year, which just devasted him. (He was in his early seventies.) He also had heart issues and went into a care center, which is where he passed away. Roland was a great writer, an IWSG anthology author, and a good friend. He was dedicated to writing and I invite those of you who never read one of his books to try one. You can find his books and audiobooks on Amazon. I think my favorite will always be The Legend of Victor Standish.
Movie Reviews
I’ve only been to the theater once this past month but I have multiple movie reviews for you.
Got out to the theater for this one and well worth the price of admission.
Released in 1994 and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Mia Sara, and Ron Silver, it’s actually a decent movie. Not A-class material but fun to watch.
However, despite its lack of awfulness, the guys came up with some of the best riffs ever for this film. Looking forward to seeing it again.
Not a lot of pre-movie slides, but there were some good ones:
A group of antiheroes band together after coming together in a death trap, going after the woman who sentenced them to die. Starring Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, and Julia Louise-Dreyfus.
This film was so much fun despite its dark material. Not a ton of surprises but you will enjoy the ride. Certainly one of the better Marvel films as of late.
And the father-daughter team of Harbour and Pugh was great to watch – definitely the best two characters.
Highly recommended!
Set on Martha’s Vineyard, this film has a group of friends going up against a monster preying on children.
It’s definitely a throwback to 80’s movies with an innocent nostalgic vibe.
The kids are likeable (not annoying) but they do make some dumb decisions. (Like kids do!)
Mel Gibson is the retired police investigator the main kid entices into helping solve the mystery. Both Gibson and the kid (Mason Thames) have incidents in their past that have left them damaged and this helps bring them together.
Probably its only issue is the lack of development in some of the characters, but some of this can be blamed on its short run time. (1:37!) It was still a fun movie though.
Recommended
Greenland
An idea that’s been explored before (most notably in Deep Impact) this movie keeps it on a personal level, following just the family.
The scenes of comet pieces striking the earth are well done and realistic. The acting is solid and the actors fill their roles well. (And Baccarin is still hot at forty-six!) Overall, the movie is top quality production.
Where it failed was the stupid decisions by the leads and a complete lack of urgency. Hello, there’s an extinction level event coming in less than two days! Yet they stop and stare, take time for showers, long chats, more bad decisions – as the clock continues to tick. I’ve never heard my wife scream ‘Move!’ so many times at a movie.
If you can jet past the slow stupidity, it’s worth a watch, but I can’t recommend it.
Movie News
The Labor Day weekend box office was a bit of a surprise. Weapons retook first place but coming in right behind it was the fiftieth anniversary release of Jaws. Considering every streaming service is showing Jaws right now, it’s amazing so many would shell out the big bucks to go see it in the theater.
Sony is releasing a 4K Blu-ray version of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, also for its fiftieth anniversary. The restoration is supposed to be amazing.
Twenty years after the first film, Christophe Gans is bringing us Return to Silent Hill. Coming out next January, there is now a creepy movie trailer to watch:
Have you seen any of the movies? If so, what did you think? Ever seen a RiffTrax movie? How many times have you seen Jaws in the past fifty years? And did you know Roland?
Have you seen any of the movies? If so, what did you think? Ever seen a RiffTrax movie? How many times have you seen Jaws in the past fifty years? And did you know Roland?
35 comments:
I was so sorry to hear the news about Roland. I really appreciate how you help keep us informed in the writing community.
Looks like at least a couple of good films! And the "I Know What You *Didn't* Do Last Summer" made me laugh.
Hi Alex - thanks for the sad news re Roland - he'd had a tough life ... but dealt with it with empathy for others. I remember his cat 'Midnight' ... the last years were extremely difficult for him. I've never seen Jaws?! I tend to see avant garde movies ... thanks for the updates and film reviews - cheers Hilary
I’m So sorry to hear about your friend, Roland. Many times, when people are sent to long term care, they are just devastated. He seemed to be a very active man so when losing their job and then being sent to long term care, he was done. I. So sorry to say that but he sounded like a very resilient person and so nice.
I haven’t seen any of these films and probably won’t but my hubby likes Van Damme so he might see this one.
Thanks for sharing the sad news about Roland. It sounds like he was really strong, going through all the challenges he's gone through over the years.
I always love your movie reviews. Our tastes are a tad different, but where they overlap--you're spot on. Today, I am thankful mostly for your announcement about Roland. I've been to his blog, seen his books over time, always viewed him as a bright flame. I didn't know about the personal issues. It says a lot that he kept those mostly silent.
I am so very sorry about Roland. I've been a long time reader of his book excerpts on WEP - his world building was awesome and absolutely gripping.
I am so sorry to hear about Roland. I remember his difficulties with the hurricane. I didn't know him well, but I saw him around. Thanks for letting us know.
Funny pre-movie slides!
I am very sorry to hear about Roland. Thank you for letting us know.
Oh Alex.
That's so heart and soul crushing. I'm sorry. I know you and Roland were close too. I had really felt for him when he'd mentioned all of his losses after Katrina, a broken engagement...and he was going through a surgical procedure. His kindness was incomparable. He kept sending me free ebooks and sweet messages. This is really the hardest part of being a longtime blogger - losing our loved ones in this space. I'm grateful to get the news, though, and from you.
Take good care and may Roland be resting very peacefully.
Sorry to hear about Roland.
I've seen Timecop. And the series that was based on it. Not a bad movie/show. But, I suppose you can riff on anything, really. It's been a while since I saw it, so I would imagine it didn't age all that well.
Hilary, I remember Midnight.
Jacqui, yes he did.
Nila, he had a way with words.
Robyn, he also sent e-cards often.
Liz, it really wasn't too bad.
I remember seeing his name on some blogs. It's always sad to learn that a blogger friend has traveled to the other side into the light. It is kind of you to update everyone and mention his books.
Sorry about the loss of your blog friend. You are very good with the updates for blog world.
Timecop was a hoot back in the day. Glad you enjoyed it again. Jaws is classic - I saw it at the Jersey Shore theater in Ocean City. Made for an interesting beach week then. Yikes! We're gonna need a bigger boat. (How can Hilary have never seen it? That's unAmerican....oh wait, she's across the pond. We'll forgive her). Have a good rest of your week.
I watched Greenland and liked it. lol
Sorry to hear about Roland.
Truedessa, Roland was a very gifted writer.
Joanne, no, she still should've seen it at some point!
Hey Alex,
Haven't seen any other these movies buuuuuut, I got a bee in my bonnet and am going to rewatch Once Upon A Time In Hollywood after finding this song on my feed... You keep me hangin' on, Vanilla Fudge, my new favourite song *grin*
Roland was a prolific and wonderful writer, and a kind and generous soul. He will be missed.
So sad to hear about Roland. I guess he would have been close to my age. Sad to hear about his woes and demise.
I've never seen a Riff Trax movie but ironically my wife and I just now finished watching Time Cop. I know I've seen it but my wife and I didn't remember much of any of it. We liked this film, but we are also fans of any Van Damme movie.
I think I've seen Jaws twice since it first came out. Can't say for sure. I liked that film, but can't call it a favorite.
Lee
That is heartbreaking to hear about Roland. We still chatted every now and then, and he always included me when he sent out his e-cards. Little things make a big difference.
I had put Monster Summer on to be watched list, but maybe I'll move it up for spooky month. I still love RiffTrax, and that's so cool you got to see them. The last movie I watched was the Minecraft movie. It was terrible! Not even Jack Black could save it.
That's so sad to hear about Roland. I never really connected with him, but on occasion I'd find myself on his blog due to IWSG.
My condolences about Roland. I'm beginning to feel like people all around me are passing. It's a heavy time for many.
Thunderbolts was a hoot though.
Jean-Claude Van Damme?
One of my fave US actors for sure
Greetings from Indonesia
Hey Alex. I'm sorry to hear that he passed away. That is sad. Sounds like he had a rough go there and was a good guy. That's sad. He will be missed.
I didn't know about the monster movie. I love the movie Monster Squad so I'll likely enjoy this one. Thanks for letting us know.
Thunderbolts I went to see and missed it. I'll have to catch it on streaming if it becomes available on where we stream. Or, rent it.
With regard to my post: This week (and next) it's all about baking, writing and photos (oh my!). I'll need to get another gig but for right now, it's all about writing, photography and bakes.
Wishing you and Mrs. Alex a Happy Fall 🎃🍂
I liked Greenland. Saw it on cable. Wouldn't spend money to see it in theaters, though.
Glad you discovered the answer, sorry to hear what it is though. I hate when our "online friends" pass and no one tells us. My friend Stan was gone for three months before I managed to reach his wife and find out. He only lived three hours away, I'd have gone to the funeral if I knew. Strange era we're in that we can feel close to people in a circle that our other circles of people have no contact with, and thus don't let others know when major news happens.
I volunteer to co-host in February.
I enjoyed Greenland. Not as much as Deep Impact, but still, fairly good.
I did know him. May his soul rest in peace. I didn't immediately recognize the name but the word 'blood courier' took me back to a comment on my blog from last year. I used to read his blogs. He was an amazing writer...wrote really enjoyable blogs. Thank you for sharing.
I've seen Thunderbolts and I liked it too. Excited about the MCU projects to come.
Sorry to hear about Roland.
I haven't seen any of these- except Jaws!
It is really sad to hear about Roland Yeomans passing; it sounds like he was an incredible person and writer, and I hope his books continue to find new readers. I've never seen a RiffTrax movie before, but you make Time Cop sound like a fun watch.
We lost a true gem.
Belated but heartfelt condolences for the loss of Roland. Very sad and never easy.
Oh, no. Sad news about Roland. Sorry to hear that.
I've watched Thunderbolts and I like it too.
Thank you for letting us know about Roland. Such sad news. He was a unique and kind person who wrote thought-provoking posts.
I saw Greenland years ago and agree with your review.
So sorry to hear about Roland. When one of our writing friends disappears off the blogosphere, it leaves a hollow spot in my heart.
Thank you for sharing the heart-breaking news of our dear friend and brother. In March of 1997 I had a life changing encounter when I first met Roland in his book store. Over the next 4 years we met twice a week in his bookstore. My disabled Son read a large volume of books, illustrated novels and rarities. Roland recommended authors and storylines, and he special ordered rare and limited copies, some were autographed through "Dynamic Forces" publishing and distribution.
We became instantly close as brothers do. We both professed divine providence had crossed our paths, while we grew inseparable. He bared his soul as only a brother does. Roland had not yet published a book at that time 1997-2001. But his head and mind were full of the stories that would come in the near future. He unselfishly shared his fascinating visions and storylines to come.
4 years later a couple of thousand Northrop Grumman employees including myself, were laid off due to the end of that aerospace program, located there in Lake Charles.
Roland rode his bicycle from his mother's house (which he inherited as her sole child and heir, after she passed) riding often in the torrential tropical downpours that besiege Lake Charles, with tropical thunderstorms, as he rode his bike without complaining, to his bookstore everyday faithfully without ever missing day of work .
I assured Roland had a lift or ride in my big roomy van to his work and back home after the workday. In Lake Charles it rains at least half the time. I couldn't bear the thought of seeing him out in the rain riding his bicycle so gallantly.
At that time He loved and lived for his 2 cats and his massively big Irish Wolfhound, Samson.
It broke my heart too become laid off, and I would move my family back to Southern California. Shortly thereafter a faulty piece of computer equipment which he had just purchased, caused a electrical short and fire. His house rapidly caught on fire as the computer was next to some drapes. Roland's cat woke him up as did his Wolfhound as the fire raged and his house was totally full of smoke. Had
his animals not of awoken Roland, he would have surely perished and not made it through that night. I believe he would have been overwhelmed by the smoke.
Roland's troubles really began that fateful evening. He now found himself with no place to live in his now condemned house, which was totaled. His two cats perished in the smoke and fire, including the one that had awoken him by laying on his chest and purring. His face was scarred and burned and he could not see very well with medical salve in his eyes, over the next couple of months. He could not see to go to work or even ride his bicycle. He found shelter in somebody's loft in the middle of summer with no air conditioning or even a fan. It broke my heart that now my family was 1500 miles away without a way of getting to Roland, with no way of contacting or helping him make it through that very hard time.
Roland was a lesson in motivation, persistence, extreme patience, love and devotion!
Roland's was a one-of-kind person. It's usually people like Roland that the term Craftsman is intended for. The world is less one more Craftsman, and the world grieves the loss of its finest. Roland you were the best of the best, my dear friend and brother!
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