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A lawn

The movie, “The Lawnmower Man” was something that popped into my mind about a month ago. I just had this feeling, “You need to watch ‘The Lawnmower Man’ again.” So I purchased a used copy of the DVD. When discussing this film with other people, I generally have gotten a scoff-like or negative vibe. This leads me to believe that this movie is not for everyone. Because if you stick around for 28 minutes into the film, you are rewarded. My favorite part of the movie kicks in around 28 minutes. When I saw that scene, I was like, “OK, I’m listening.” The computer graphics are something that are often discussed, when that is just the carrot to get you to watch the film. If you want to see a film for the 3D animations, and if you appreciate older school polygon animations, then this might be interesting to you. But the best part of the film is how the concepts evolve and how they are presented.

In the special features, someone mentions how this movie is a “cautionary tale.” While I agree that this is true, The Lawnmower Man is a lot more than that.

The thing I like the most about this film, is that the characters just straight up say their pieces. There is zero fear on the part of the director in this movie. The vision is so clearly lined out that it feels more like a survival guide than a cautionary tale. I love that.

Jeff Fahey is the title character, “Jobe/The Lawnmower Man” and he does a phenomenal job. You may recognize him from the TV Show, “Lost.” He acts with such precision and heart that watching Jobe’s character arc is both entertaining and frightening.

Pierce Brosnan did such a great acting performance in this movie. The way he depicted how much his character actually cared, as well as his own ambitions was perfect. His character, Dr. Lawrence Angelo, seemed like he was proving something to himself. And most of his suffering that he was experiencing was because he wanted proof. He wanted to prove that he could actually do what he wanted to do. And when he finally achieved that goal with Jobe, it scared the living daylights out of him. And Brosnan nailed it on the head with that one.

-Tyler

Steve Simeone

Last night I had the tremendous pleasure of going to the Brea Improv. The comedian Steve Simeone did a set that had three excellent features, perfect timing, overall great jokes, and nostalgic reminiscence that brought me back to when I was 9 years old. Simeone has jokes that are funny and insightful at the same time, without being preachy. This is a tough line to walk and the skill implemented in doing so was commendable. I was seriously blown away when he mentioned the Russian dude from wrestling, that took me way back. Simeone discussed things that were truly funny now that I’m 30. So I’d recommend this comedian for someone who was in their mid-late 20’s or 30’s. The jokes were primarily geared for those ages. Although someone who just had their first beer might appreciate the ones about family beat-downs. Those are winners that transcend age brackets.

Steve Simeone mentioned elbow drops and wrestling in the set I was at. And part of that made me think about how, although my brother was much older than I was back then (and technically now as well) the rough-housing I did with my friends was a lot of fun. I remember when my friends who knew karate would always want to test their moves on me. And since I didn’t know how to kick very well, I didn’t have a very good time. But one day my brother gave me his worn out lime green Pump Reebok’s and I kicked my friend in the shins and he said that was cheating. I considered them to be the boots of justice.

And that’s the whole thing! After listening to Steve Simeone, my mind started to open up and think about memories that I hadn’t even touched on in years. It truly takes a masterful comedian to go to such a special place in one’s mind and let the imagination run wild, like we did when we were young.

Also the other comedian who was before Simeone, was Steve Trevino. His set was much shorter than Simeone’s but his was great as well. He told some jokes that were kind of mean but I thought they were great. Overall, the two comedians killed the audience and the whole place roared with laughter.

Another thing that I remember from last night, was that everyone was having such a great time, that a guy who was on a date laughed a lot with our group in a synchronized fashion. It was like the comradeship and friendship was bleeding over from table to table. That’s a huge bonus because it just makes the night that much more fun. Also it gives the club a safer and more relaxed feel that made enjoying each joke significantly easier.

I’m so glad that I got to go to the show with Jonathan Ferret Campos, and it’s been too long since we last got to hang out.

-Tyler