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| PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE. This explains everything. |
| THE CATALYST AGAIN. This is the 2010 trailer for Michele Benson’s Catalyst film. Greg Kihn and lots of stars who performed there are featured. What ever happened to the vibes from the old place?? |
| RANDALL KANE ON ART. Michele Benson created and posted a film about the good old Catalyst. Check out this excerpt..
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DATELINE September 1st, 2014
PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE. That was the topic at the last Community Water Coalition last week. Matter of fact, that’s the largest question circulating around the entire “water versus growth” or “growth versus water” groups in the city and the county. Do we blindly welcome hotels, UCSC growth, and any other water users to move here before we even ensure we have enough water for ourselves? As Gary Patton, attorney for CWC put it, “In short, the City needs to amend the General Plan to make future growth dependent on available water, as opposed to doing the opposite and making water accommodate future growth”. Patton continued“Growth” is not “inevitable,” and whatever current plans may say, the amount of future growth that will be sustained by any community is going to be based on what that community decides to allow. Current plans can always change. In 1978, the current growth plans in Santa Cruz County forecast future growth that would have resulted in a County population of 500,000 in the year 2000. But the community changed those plans, and the County’s population in the 2000 census was about 250,000. Decisions by the community cut the planned for growth in half”.
Ask those City Council candidates about their votes on growth, ask them about how they would have voted on de-sal. See if you can get any real answer at all, and not just some political monologue.
PATTON’S PROGRAM. Gary gives details on EIR’s and how e need to pay attention to them. Monterey has a huge (3000 acres) development in their future, and the EIR is available. The Marina Coast Strategic Plan deals with the future of Fort Ord. Then he talks about Toadal Fitness and their plans to move into 2931 Mission Street.Thursday (9/4) there’s a Counth Transportation Commission meeting about the Passenger Rail Study, and an intra-county rail service. Read the complete scripts of the above at Gary Patton’s KUSP Land Use site http://blogs.kusp.org/landuse . Gary is a former Santa Cruz County Supervisor (20 years) and an attorney who represents indivuduals and community groups on land use and environmenatl issues. The opions expressed are Mr. Patton’s \. Gary has his own website, Two Worlds/365” – www.gapatton.net
CLASSICAL DeCINZO. The who’s who of our street scene…see below.
EAGAN’S DEEP COVER. Hamas and Israel….maybe, just maybe??? Scroll down.
LISA JENSEN LINKS. Didn’t hear anything from Lisa Jensen this week but I’ll be she’s reviewing FRANK the wild and creative film about the guy who wears a huge fake head and fronts a punk band. I’ll also bet she liked it. Then she talks about her recent podcast too. Go to her page and find out. Lisa Jensen Online Express (http://ljo-express.blogspot.com). Lisa has been writing film reviews and columns for Good Times since 1975.
THAT IS THE QUESTION
(IN ORDER OF PERFECTION)
LIFE OF CRIME. The movie is truly based on Elmore Leonard’s book “The Switch” and
Jennifer Anniston along with Tim Robbins do absolutely great jobs of acting. Tim Robbins plays Anniston’s terrible husband in the most nasty role of his career. It’s a kidnap film, with many laughs, but mostly serious times. You’ll lose the plot a few times and wonder just what’s happening and wish it was as good as 3:10 to Yuma, Get Shorty, Hombre, or Mr. Majestyk. It lacks a good director’s touch. Go warned.
THE NOVEMBER MAN. Pierce Brosnan is the “James Bond” retired CIA agent, and it’s the very old “Last Assignment” agent back in the game type film. Lots of Russians, some Germans, tons of sneaky types and I’m betting no-one has been able to figure out the plot yet. It is fun to look at.
AS ABOVE SO BELOW. This film got three points less on Rotten Tomatoes than November Man’s 36. Young adults go beneath the streets of Paris into the catacombs to find the meaning of life…or something like that. It looks like the sequesl to Blair Witch with hand held camera stuff all the way through. Creepy, weird, crawly, but pretty dumb….don’t waste your money.
STILL PLAYING AT A THEATRE NEAR US
(IN ORDER OF PERFECTION)
THE CALVARY. Brendan Gleeson is the Roman Catholic priest in a small town in Ireland. The acting is perfect, the photography makes you want to visit Ireland next week. The tension, ethics, morals, God, and murder all combine to make this an award winner. Gleeson should be handed this years Oscar now. Better go tonight before it becomes another six day wonder and leaves town.
LUCY. Scarlett Johansson struts, slinks and shoots her way to the top in this science fiction thriller. Morgan Freeman loses a few acting points as he pretends he’s some kind of a professor. Amazingly, Lucy topped Hercules in box office money on opening weekend. That definitely proves something. Honestly, it’s a fun story and you’ll stay attached to the screen all the way through. The story is ridiculous, the plot has huge mistakes, there’s not one ounce of logic to it, it’s just fun to watch.
A MOST WANTED MAN. This is almost Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last film. It got a 90 on Rotten Tomatoes. Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe and Robin Wright play various roles as secret agents from The USA, Germany, Islamic territories, Russia and elsewhere. It’s a slow moving and very confusing story from John le Carre’s book. I couldn’t follow the connections and lost interest after the first 20 minutes.
WHAT IF. Daniel Radcliffe is rapidly proving he’s more of an actor than the Hobbits role allowed. Zoe Kazan and Adam Driver add a tremendous amount of skill to this film. It’s cute, feel-good , not brilliant, but it’ll keep you involved throughout. Daniel and Zoe do have a great magnetism between them.
100 FOOT JOURNEY.A more memorable title would be “Slumdog Chef“, or “The Grand Budapest Restaurant” or “Monsoon Wedding Eats Out“. Even Helen Mirren doesn’t save this latest in the “aren’t East Indians cute and funny” type film. It’s degrading to all concerned. But I must confess, I went home and made my first omlette in months.
IF I STAY. If you liked The Fault in Our Stars (and I did) you might like If I Stay. A young cellist is almost killed in a car crash and she has to decide if she wants to come back to this life. Yes, it’s a weeper, feel depressed, after-life kind of film. Joshua Leonard who plays the girls’ once hip father is the son of Bob and Joann Leonard of Watsonville. Joshua was also in the original Blair Witch Project…and has scarier stories about the off screen Blair Witch happenings than we saw onscreen. Go only if you enjoy those flowing tears.
MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT. There was a sizable audience at the Nick’s very first Santa Cruz screening of Woody’s latest saga. Ah ha I thought, even with the really terrible reviews of M.I.M. we all still like Woody’s worst films better than most of the rest. I was wrong. This is one of the worst W. Allen films I’ve seen. Colin Firth as sort of a Harry Houdini anti-psychic magician is bitter, mean, and completely unforgivable all the way through the film. Emma Stone is no match for Mia Farrow, Scarlett Johannesen, Diane Keaton, Cate Blanchett, or any of the brilliant feminine attractions Woody has directed in the past. Probably his 2015 film will be better…it has to be.
SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR. Most importantly The Sin City Movies aren’t like regular films. They are half drawn/graphic novel/ black and white, comic book, pulp fiction style movies. Mickey Rourke, Josh Brolin, and Jessica Alba are in it, but you might have a tough time recognizing them. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has the best short story role. I never could find Jeremy Piven in it. But Bruce Willis, Stacy Keech, and Ray Liotta all do well. Just go warned…it’s violent, beyond bloody, and uniquely styled.
BOYHOOD. This film made some sort of cinema history because the director took 12 years to film the same cast in the same roles as they aged. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 99 but I think the acting is so terrible it shouldn’t have been made…or released. Any sensitivity, reality, sincerity, or emotions are spoiled by the amateurish acting. Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke play the parents, and they aren’t very good either. Wait and rent it.
THE GIVER. This is one of those teen-age book series made into a big time film. The teenagers in the audience loved this sci-fi “1984” future world attempt. Jeff Bridges does an excellent job with his gruffy codger professor role, but Meryl Streep loses points and credability for suffering through this way overwritten, poorly filmed pointless simplistic plot. Don’t even rent it.
I REFUSE TO SEE
(AND YOU SHOULD TOO!!)
WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL. Remember James Caviezel ??? He played christ in “The Passion of The Christ“. From what I gathered, he plays the same christ-type football coach in this Hallmark Greeting Card saga. We’ve seen it before. Way too many times. And I’ve been reading that half the stories in the film aren’t true.
EXPENDABLES 3 . What some movie stars won’t do for several million dollars. You take
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren , Mel Gibson, Slyvester Stallone, Jet Li, Antonio Banderas, Kelsey Grammer, Wesley Snipes, Jason Stratham and even Harrison Ford…what kind of a movie can that cast produce??? If you do go, let me know if there’s any reason anybody else should go.
LET’S BE COPS. This numb nutz movie earned a 10 on Rotten Tomatoes. Damon Wayans, Jr and Jake Johnson are in it and so is Andy Garcia (for some reason, like $$$). Don’t encourage these people to make more movies…don’t go. Read any critic’s review first…they all agree.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. I must confess and proclaim I did not see this movie. Any film that has a talking raccoon named “Rocket” as a major character is more than I could stand. Your guess on this movie is every bit as good as mine. Actually if anyone sees this film and likes it, let me know. Especially if you can think of a reason for anyone else to see it.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES IN 3 D. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a miserable 19. I’m giving it a complete pass…and could use a nap much more.
STEP UP ALL IN. One of the innumerable mutant versions of the original Step Up film that starred Channing Tatum. Just look at the trailer online…you’ll agree I’m, sure.
| UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE RADIO PROGRAM KZSC 88.1 FM or live online at www.KZSC.ORG TUESDAYS 7-8 P.M. |
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE. Each and every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. I host Universal Grapevine on KZSC 88.1 fm. or on your computer, (live only or sometimes old programs are archived… (See next paragraph) and go to WWW.KZSC.ORG. . Sept. 2 we have Julie James and Susan Myer Silton from The Jewel Theatre Company talking about G.B. Shaw’s play “Saint Joan” opening 9/04. Then therapist Alexandra Kennedy talks about her new book “Honoring Grief“. Melanie Sobel from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter guests on Sept. 9 talking about their programs and plans. She’s followed by attorney Bill Parkin discussing many land use issues in our county.Rose Sellery and Tina Brown discuss this years Fashion Art Show then Shelley Phillips describes The Community Music School programs on September 16. Debbie Diersch and Jonathan Pilch from the Wetlands Foundation relate new wetlands ideas and Scott Roseman owner of New Leaf Community Markets is on the second half hour on Sept. 23. Susan Lysik talks about her photo exhibit Toy Cameras Old and New on Sept. 30. Do remember, any and all suggestions for future programs are more than welcome so tune in, and keep listening. Email me always at bratton@cruzio.com
UNIVERSAL GRAPEVINE ARCHIVES. In case you missed some of the great people I’ve interviewed in the last 5 years here’s a chronological list of just this year’s podcasts. Click herehttp://kzsc.org/blog/tag/universal-grapevine then tap on “listen here” to hear any or all of them… all over again. The update includes Nikki Silva, Michael Warren, Tom Noddy, Anita Monga, Mark Wainer, Judy Johnson-Darrow, Wendy Mayer-Lochtefeld, Rachel Goodman, George Newell, Tubten Pende, Gina Marie Hayes, Rebecca Ronay-Hazleton, Miriam Ellis, Deb Mc Arthur, The Great Morgani on Street performing, and Paul Whitworth on Krapps Last Tape. Jodi McGraw on Sandhills, Bruce Daniels on area water problems. Mike Pappas on the Olive Connection, Sandy Lydon on County History. Paul Johnston on political organizing, Rick Longinotti on De-Sal. Dan Haifley on Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Dan Harder on Santa Cruz City Museum. Sara Wilbourne on Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Brian Spencer on SEE Theatre Co. Paula Kenyon and Karen Massaro on MAH and Big Creek Pottery. Carolyn Burke on Edith Piaf. Peggy Dolgenos on Cruzio. Julie James on Jewel Theatre Company. Then there’s Pat Matejcek on environment, Nancy Abrams and Joel Primack on the Universe plus Nina Simon from MAH, Rob Slawinski, Gary Bascou, Judge Paul Burdick, John Brown Childs, Ellen Kimmel, Don Williams, Kinan Valdez, Ellen Murtha, John Leopold, Karen Kefauver, Chip Lord, Judy Bouley, Rob Sean Wilson, Ann Simonton, Lori Rivera, Sayaka Yabuki, Chris Kinney, Celia and Peter Scott, Chris Krohn, David Swanger, Chelsea Juarez…and that’s just since January 2011. Hear them all!!!
QUOTES. “Only the hand that erases can write the true thing”, Meister Eckhart. “Light is my obsession. I feel it as an elemental source of power, like a cosmic coal…Movies are made of light”, Dennis Hopper. “You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here”, Desiderata, 1693.
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Snail Mail: Bratton Online
82 Blackburn Street, Suite 216
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Direct email: Bratton@Cruzio.com
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BEST OF VINTAGE STEVEN DeCINZO.
Deep Cover by Tim Eagan.
