Is Home Depot Running a Scam?

 

I think that, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to expect a certain lever of respect and customer service, especially when I’m spending my money at their establishment.  Which brings us to my 8-month nightmare that was, is and continues to be Home Depot.

 

In late December 2023 our washing machine stopped working.  Knowing we needed a new one, my wife and I went to the local Home Depot, a store we have frequented for almost 20 years.  Since we were replacing the washer we decided to buy a new dryer as well and picked out what we wanted.

We paid to have them delivered and installed and a delivery date of January 15th was set.  I was a little taken aback when the gentleman who set up our order told us that “98% of the delivery drivers don’t speak English so you might want to have a translator on your phone.”

 

The morning of the 15th we received a text that our items would be delivered between 12:00 and 4:00 pm.  However, around 2:30 my wife received a call saying that they wouldn’t be delivering that day.  I was naturally disappointed as I had taken the day off to be home.  The delivery was then set for Wednesday, January 17th.  Again, I took a day off work.  We received a text that our delivery window was between 7:00 and 11:00 am.  At approximately 10:45 m wife received a call telling her that the truck was running about a half hour late.  At 11:50 she received another call informing her that we would not be receiving our items that day.

 

Slightly upset, I called the store and, after talking to the manager – not a lot of help – was transferred to the appliance department where I was given the name and phone number of the person who owned the company that Home Depot contracts to do their deliveries and installations.  I called and left a message, and he called back.  I explained that I had now taken TWO days off and still had no washer and dryer.  He told me that it had been cold the night before and that none of his trucks had started.  I told him that we had gotten a call telling us the truck was on its way but running late.  He told me that was impossible because none of his trucks started.  Hmmmmmmm…

 

He told me that the trucks were being looked at and that they would resume deliveries the next day, Thursday.  I mentioned that I guess I would have to take another day off work but he told me, “no, I didn’t mean you.  We’ll be delivering to the people who wanted delivery on Thursday.”  I told him that I would like to have my items also delivered on Thursday, but he said he couldn’t because he didn’t have the appliances.  I asked how that was possible?  He was set to deliver them that day!  Hell, he was supposed to deliver them TWO DAYS AGO!!

Anyway, we set another delivery date of Saturday, January 2oth.  I texted him on Thursday and told him we had a family event to attend Saturday night – our granddaughter’s soccer game – and asked if we could get a morning delivery time.  I also called and left a message.  Saturday morning came and we didn’t hear anything from him.  Eventually, my wife called the store and was told that our appliances were scheduled for between 11:30 am and 430 pm.

 

As I had a critic meeting that afternoon, I wasn’t home when the delivery truck arrived.  Around 3:30 I called my wife and asked if we had a new washer and dryer.  She replied “no.”  She told me that the two delivery men had brought the appliances into the garage but didn’t have any tools.  They asked her if they could use ours.  THEY DIDN’T HAVE ANY TOOLS!!!???  One of them motioned towards our old washer hookups and told my wife that we had the “wrong” kind of faucet – not sure if those were the words he used but that was how she understood it. The guy who sold us these appliances was definitely right about the language barrier.  He said we would need a plumber to come install new ones.  He then told her that he had a friend nearby who was a plumber that could fix it and install it for her.  As I wasn’t home, and we were tired of the delays, she agreed to have the “friend/plumber” come do it. I was mildly upset when I heard this and hurried home.

 

I arrived home around 4:00.  The “friend/plumber” arrived right after me.  He went into the garage, looked at the washer and told me he needed to replace both faucets.  I thought he would have them with him, but he had to go buy them, coincidentally at Home Depot.  At 5:45 pm he left, after changing the faucets and installing both the washer and dryer.  We did not get to go to the soccer game.  He charged us $165.00, which included the cost of parts he purchased.  The original delivery men – the ones that apparently worked all day “installing” appliances without tools – took the old dryer with them (I paid for that service) but left the old washer (which I also paid in advance to have removed), which meant one of us would have to park outside as it now occupied one side of the garage. (After multiple phone calls to the store, the washer was finally picked up the following Friday).

 

 

On Monday I went to the store and spoke with the manager.  When he heard my issues were with the delivery and installation, he told me that there was nothing he could do because “they don’t work for us.”  I told him that HOME DEPOT had sent them to MY HOUSE with items I had purchased from HOME DEPOT, so they most certainly did work for him.  I tried to use the analogy that if Ensign Red Shirt does his job poorly, Captain Kirk has to answer for it.  He stared blankly at me.  He again told me there was nothing he could do but would talk to Sylvia, who handles appliances, and have her call me.  When I told him about the delivery men suggesting their plumber “friend” he told me that employees are not allowed to recommend third party contractors unless approved by Home Depot.  Hmmm, I thought you just told me they WEREN’T employees!  He also told me that it was my wife’s fault that she’d “hired” the friend/plumber, so he wasn’t able to refund the $165.00 I paid for the parts and labor.

 

The next day I called the store and spoke with the manager again.  He said he had spoken to Sylvia, who also said that “they don’t work for Home Depot,” and that there was nothing she could do.  I told him that I would like to speak with Sylvia myself and was informed that she “doesn’t talk to customers.”

 

I then called the 1-800 Customer Service number and spoke with a rep who stressed that they had no control over their contractors.  I then asked to talk to a supervisor, who was helpful and said she would call me back after investigating.  The next day, after not hearing back, I called again and got another supervisor and he seemed genuine concerned.  He assured me that he would pass my issue up the line and that the escalation department would call me back.  He also gave me the escalation department’s email address so I could share my issues with them.

 

Since February, I’ve called and been assured that the escalation department would call me back three separate times.  Four times if you count the generic reply I received from my email to the Home Depot escalation department.

 

The more I thought about it the more I became curious of the situation.  Was this a running scam, either devised by Home Depot or the owner of the delivery company.  How many other times had they shown up to deliver an appliance, found a woman alone and told her that, while they couldn’t do the job, they had a friend that could. Was this just a local problem or national?  And how in the hell were they doing installations with no tools?!?!

 

As my concern grew, I attempted to call Matt Carey, Executive Vice President for Customer Service at the Home Depot Corporate Headquarters.   I went into the phone tree, noted that I wanted to speak with him and heard “do you want to speak to Matt Carey?”  I said “yes” and heard “transferring to Matt Carey.”  However, instead of being connected to his office, the line kicked back to the original phone tree (“press 2 for employment, etc).  I repeated this process several times with no luck.  I sent him an email detailing everything above and expressing my concerns but never received a reply.

 

Realizing I had a story to tell I even reached out to Home Depot Media Department in the hope they could explain what was going on but, despite leaving messages, I never got a return call.  Their new slogan should be
How to Get Nothing Done!”

Film Review: “Boneyard”

 

  • BONEYARD
  • Starring:  Brian Van Holt, Curtis Jackson and Mel Gibson.
  • Directed by:  Asif Akbar
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  1 hr 40 mins
  • Lionsgate

 

New Mexico.  2009.  While out walking their dog, a citizen comes across what appear to be human bones.  Further investigation turns up no less then eleven bodies.  The place is a virtual boneyard.

 

I have been a champion of filmmaker Asif Akbar since I saw his 2012 documentary, “Top Priority: The Terror Within.”  He followed with such films as “Astro” and last year’s spy-thriller “MR-9: Do or Die,” films that I enjoyed immensely.  And just when I think I’ve got him pegged as an action director, he throws me a curveball with the psychological drama “Boneyard.”

 

After the above mentioned remains are discovered, it falls to Albuquerque detective Ortega (Van Holt) and his partner (Nora Zehetner) to investigate the grisly findings.  They are offered assistance from the FBI who send in the laid back, but to the point, Agent Petrovick (Gibson, in his best performance 2020’s “Fatmam”).  As the story backtracks via flashbacks we discover that both men are dealing with the demons of their past, making this case personal.  As the story progresses, we find ourselves trying to solve the crime with them.  It’s the once-disgraced detective Tate (Michael Sirow).  No, wait, it’s the quiet man who has a habit of trying to give young girls a lift (Weston Cage Coppola).  It’s…well, you get it.

 

 

The film is well cast, with Gibson and Van Holt leading the way.  Coppola (yes, he’s Nic’s son) is well cast as the quiet man of faith who may or may not be a killer.  And special mention for Mr. Sirow, who makes you care for what should be an unsympathetic character.

 

The script, co-written by Akbar and three others, is reverent when it needs to be, but not afraid to throw in some much appreciated humor now and then.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “Boneyard” ★★  

Theater Review: “Come From Away”

 

  • COME FROM AWAY
  • Starlight Theater – Kansas City, Missouri
  • August 6, 2024

 

In “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Blanche Dubois famously stated, “ I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”   Now imagine there are 7,000 Blanche’s in a small Newfoundland town and you have the Tony nominated musical “Come From Away.”

 

Gander.  A small town whose airport was once one of the world’s busiest.  However, with the invention of newer and longer distance planes, it’s usually pretty quiet on Tuesday afternoons.  But today, September 11, 2001, is not an ordinary Tuesday.  Following the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, the government has closed all airspace.  My current job at the time required me to drive directly past Kansas City International Airport and I remember thinking to myself how odd it was not to see, or hear, a plane taking off or landing overhead.  Over two dozen planes are diverted to Gander and, curing the course of the show, we meet the passengers and the townspeople on whose kindness they will depend.

 

Nominated for seven Tony awards, “Come From Away” is an uplifting story about the human spirit and the ability for strangers to come together.  We are introduced to several of the townspeople, including the Mayor, a worker at the local animal shelter and a news reporter on her first day on the job.  It’s business as usual until news comes of the day’s tragedy.  As if a switch has been flicked, problems that may have seemed major only hours earlier – school is about to start and the bus drivers are on strike – pale in comparison to how to feed, house and clothe 7,000 people.  The passengers are an eclectic mix – a British businessman, an experienced pilot and a gay couple, both oddly named Kevin, are among the stranded, doing their best to stay sane while basically unsure as to what has happened.  Once the word gets around, a lot of eyes are turned towards a passenger from the Middle East, and not sympathetically.  As the days begin to build up we learn their back stories and, for some, their futures.

 

I had the great fortune of catching this show on Broadway in September 2021, right after the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.  It was the time of COVID and it was eerie to stand in line, wearing a mask, waiting to show your vaccination card before you get go into the theater.  But the show was amazing, as is this production.

 

The cast is outstanding.  Many of the featured players portray more than one character, with only a slight change or clothing or location to help you differentiate them.  That there was never a false moment in the show, or a “hey, that’s the guy that played Bubba” moment is a true testament to the talents of the cast.

 

The book is very well written, with humor added when needed, never gratuitously.  Even in song the events of the day are treated respectfully.  The big difference between Broadway and this production is that there is no intermission.  Also, after the curtain call the audience was introduced to Kevin Tuerff, one of the real life “Kevins” featured in the show, who speaks to the audience and takes questions promoting his PayItForward 9.11 foundation.

 

Up against the juggernaut that was “Dear Evan Hansen,” the only Tony award “Come From Away” won was for it’s direction.  Almost a decade later, “Come From Away” continues to resonate with audiences while “Dear Evan Hansen” has gone the way of many similar shows that caught fire then slowly faded.  This is a show that not only entertains but informs.  Don’t miss it.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “Come From Away” ★★★

 

For more information on the PayItForward 9.11 foundation, click HERE

 

“Come From Away” continues at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City through Sunday, August 11th.  For tickets to this engagement or future shows please click HERE

Film Review: “Twisters”

 

  • TWISTERS
  • Starring:  Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell
  • Directed by:  Lee Issac Chung
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time:  2 hrs 2 mins
  • Universal/Warner Bros.

 

I always marvel when a bad storm hits here in the Midwest, both at the way the weather rapidly changes as well as at those that get in their cars and trucks and pursue it.  Usually it’s the low man on the local news weather team, shouting over the wind and rain hitting their trucks while the senior weather person keeps saying, “stay safe out there, Bob!”  Though there have been two major tornadoes within 100 miles of my house near Kansas City I am relieved that, while my neighbor recently lost a large section of his fence, and I once found my grill cover in my other neighbor’s yard, I have never experienced the level of disaster shown in the new film “Twisters.”

 

The film begins in a familiar way.  A group of storm chasers tracking a funnel cloud, hoping to gather scientific data.  However, they underestimate the strength of the storm and soon find themselves seeking cover from a true once in a lifetime storm.  One that changes forever the lives of those that survive it.

 

Full of amazing visual effects and a likeable cast, “Twisters” is more of a comment on today’s social media footprint then on the weather.  Kate (Edgar-Jones) has not forgotten the friends she lost five years earlier and now, instead of chasing storms, she tracks them for the National Weather Service.  She is brough back out into the field by Javi (Anthony Ramos), her one-time partner in both storms and romance.  Javi is now partnered with a mysterious company whose intentions may not be as honorable as presented.  They find themselves pitted against Tyler (Powell), a self-proclaimed “tornado wrangler” who sells t-shirts and has his own popular Youtube channel.  Will these two factions put aside their differences when it matters?  Maybe.

 

While it’s obvious that the cast is having a lot of fun, the drawback to this film is the script.  There are so many moments where an idea begins to show itself on screen, only to somehow be dismissed with the audience left wondering “whatever happened to….?”  Oh, and – SPOILER ALERT – there are now flying cows!  What could have been a Category F-5 of a film weakens to a slight breeze in the storytelling department.  Which is a shame because, as I said, the characters are likable.  You just wish they had an idea of what they’re doing.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Twisters” receives

Film Review: “Fly Me to the Moon”

 

  • FLY ME TO THE MOON
  • Starring:  Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum and Woody Harrelson
  • Directed by:  Greg Berlanti
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time 2 hr 12 mins
  • Apple +

 

July 20, 1969.  A day of some significant events.  “Lost” actor Josh Holloway was born.  The number one song in the USA was “In the Year 2525” by Zagar and Evans.  Oh, and the United States landed a man on the moon.  Right?

 

Kelly Jones (Johansson) is a marketing wiz who will stop at nothing to get the job done.  She attracts the attention of the mysterious Moe Berkus (Harrelson), who introduces himself as an emissary of the US government, most notably NASA.  The country is still reeling from the tragedy brought about by the fire that killed the Apollo 1 astronauts and funding is running low.  Per President Kennedy’s directive to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade, there is a lot riding on the upcoming Apollo 11 mission.  So much so that Kelly’s job is to make sure we “land” on the moon…no matter what.

 

A fun and nostalgic trip back in time, “Fly Me to the Moon” is a film that combines the right amount of comedy, drama and, yes, romance to create a very enjoyable two hours at the movies.

 

Johansson is well cast as Jones, a woman who understands that for her to succeed in the male dominated world of marketing you sometimes have to bend the rules.  As the mysterious Moe, Harrelson at his witty best.  The casting trio is completed by Tatum’s Cole Davis, the launch commander who is still haunted by the Apollo 1 tragedy.

 

As the space agency continues to prepare for the upcoming launch, Kelly and her staff are off in a far away hangar, where “the moon” has been built, complete with lunar module, and a cast of actors ready to “land” at a moment’s notice.  As fact and fiction continue to one-up each other, much is learned about the three principal characters.  It’s a fun film that is very much worth a watch.

 

Believe it or not, there are people who still don’t believe we went to the moon.  I had a friend who once confronted Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins at a convention and got into a shouting match with him, demanding to know how they survived the “radiation belt.”  It got so loud we were asked to leave.  There are even rumors that NASA hired director Stanley Kubrick, whose “2001: A Space Odyssey,” featured ground breaking visual effects.  This proposal is commented on in the film and it garnered some great laughs by those aware of the rumor.  And it was just a rumor.  Right?

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Fly Me to the Moon” receives ★★

Film Review: “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”

 

  • BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F.
  • Starring:  Eddie Murphy, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon
  • Directed by:  Mark Molloy
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  1 hr 56 mins
  • Netflix

 

Forty years ago an unnamed studio executive convinced Sylvester Stallone to drop out of one film and do “Cobra” instead.  The film in question was “Beerly Hills Cop,” and the character of Axel Foley solidified Eddie Murphy as a true movie star.  Four decades later, we once again find the Detroit cop back in Beverly Hills, this time working on a case that he can’t help but take personal.

 

Bolstered by a fine story and strong leading performances, “Axel F.” works as both a continuation of the original film series or as a stand-alone crime drama.  We meet Axel (Murphy) back in Detroit, where he is still pissing off the residents of the Motor City.  When he learns his estranged daughter Jane (Paige), an attorney, is representing a suspected cop killer he returns to California to protect her.

 

Seeing Murphy back on screen in his Detroit Lions jacket and Adidas shoes, it’s like no time has passed since the first film.  Murphy and I are the same age (63) and if we stood next to each other you’d think I was his grandfather.  I think returning to a character he knows so well served as a fountain of youth for the actor, who is constantly moving on screen.  His scenes with Paige are among the film’s best, as Murphy shows an emotional range that may surprise some.  It’s his best performance since his Oscar-nominated work in “Dreamgirls’ – an award, in my opinion, he should have won!

 

In between the action we get to catch up with old friends like Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinehold), Taggert (John Ashton) and Serge (Bronson Pinchot), who slip back into their characters as easily as an old pair of shoes.  Throw in a bearded, and unrecognizable, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a detective who has a past with Jane and Kevin Bacon as a no-nonsense cop and you have the makings of a well told story.

 

Not sure if Murphy will ever revisit Axel Foley again but if this film is any indication, it would be a most welcome return.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” receives ★★

Film Review: “Despicable Me 4”

 

  • DESPICABLE ME 4
  • Starring:  Steve Carell, Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig
  • Directed by:  Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage
  • Rated:  PG
  • Running time:  1 hr 35 mins
  • Universal

 

When the first “Despicable Me” film came out in July 2010, I loved it.  Not only was it funny, but it had heart.  It also had the best 3D I had ever seen with an animated film.  Since then, Gru, the Minions and company have had some amazing adventures.  That legacy carries on with “Despicable Me 4.”

 

We find Gru (Carell) enjoying his domestic life, spending his days with his wife, Lucy (Wiig), adopted daughters Agnes (Madison Skyy Polan), Margot (Miranda Cosgrove) and Edith (Dana Geier) and his infant son, Gru Jr., who, despite Gru’s many attempts, isn’t bonding with Dad as much as he’d like.  Enter a new villain and  tons of Minions and you have an adventure the entire family can enjoy.

 

Action packed, and very funny, “Despicable Me 4” benefits by the comfort the voice performers have with the characters.  They are strongly supported by Ferrell, as new nemesis Maxime, and Sophia Vergara as his femme fatale, Valentina.  A bonus is the creation of five Mega Minions, whose super powers are quite unusual.

 

With all of the mayhem taking place on screen, it’s nice to see that the storyline is equally devoted to Gru as he attempts to bond repeatedly with his son.  And when the family have to go into hiding from Maxime, the emotional vocal work of the cast pays off in spades.

 

Illumination Studios continues to equal, if not occasionally surpass, Pixar as the leader in animated films and “Despicable Me 4” is no exception.  Attention to detail is paramount, and the filmmakers manage to give each Minion it’s own personality, each one voiced by Pierre Coffin.  The screenplay, co-written by Mike White (“School of Rock,” “White Lotus” and Ken Daurio (“The Secret Life of Pets”) is both sharp and funny.  The film is well paced and will hold the attention of even the littlest audience member.

 On a scale of zero to five, “Despicable Me 4” receives ★★

Film Review: “Inside Out 2”

 

  • INSIDE OUT 2
  • Starring:  Any Poehler and Maya Hawke
  • Directed by:  Kelsea Mann
  • Rated:  PG
  • Running time:  1 hr 36 mins
  • Disney

 

Emotions.  Whether or not we want to admit it, they rule us.  And every time we think we finally have them under control a new one comes along to stir things up.

 

Meet Riley (Kensington Tallman).  Living happily with her parents and playing hockey, she spends all of her time with her best friends, Grace and Bree.  Things are going well and the girls have been selected to attend an off-season hockey camp to prepare for next season.  To top the day off, Riley has turned thirteen.  Quite a lot going on but under the supervision of Joy IPoehler), the transition appears to be going smoothly.  Now say hello to Anxiety.

 

Perfectly melding story and animation together, “Inside Out 2” is another feather in the cap that is Disney/Pixar.  Ever since “Toy Story” this company has turned out film after film that resonate with audiences all over the world.

 

If you’ve ever worried about anything in your life, you’ve dealt with anxiety.  Sometimes even the smallest thing makes you worry.  Here Riley is hit with a double shot of problems – Bree and Grace will be attending a different school next year so they will no longer be able to play hockey together combined with Riley’s desire to make the team no matter what.  Things get even more complicated when the team’s star player, Valentina (Lilimar), a player Riley admires, takes an interest in her making the team.  Suddenly rational decisions are thrown out the window as Anxiety muscles herself into taking control from Joy.

 

And while Anxiety plays a central role we still get humorous visits from earlier emotional favorites like Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust.  They must team up to protect Riley from Anxiety and their methods are rather fun.

 

The animation, as to be expected, is brilliantly rendered and the story smart and captivating.  While it doesn’t pack the emotional wallop of “IF,” it’s still a great film to take the fmily to.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Inside Out 2” receives ★★

Film Review: “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”

 

 

  • BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE
  • Starring:  Will Smith and Martin Lawrence
  • Directed by:  Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
  • Rated: R
  • Running time:  1 hr 55 mins
  • Columbia Pictures

 

Butch and Sundance.  Murtaugh and Riggs.  Carter and Lee.  Every era has a buddy team that transcend pop culture.  If I’m right, when you read the above names you immediately thought “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” as well as the “Lethal Weapon” and “Rush Hour” film series.  For the 21st Century I offer Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett.  You can just call them Bad Boys.

 

We find ourselves back in beautiful Miami – the photography here is post card worthy – and find detectives Lowery (Smith) and Burnett (Lawrence) attending the wedding of the granddaughter of their late boss, Captain Howard.  Things go from celebratory to chaos when it is announced that there is corruption in the Miami P.D. and that it was encouraged by Howard.  Sensing a set up, the two partners soon find themselves on the run as they not only try to clear Howard’s name but discover the real culprits.

 

Packed with both the over the top action and well timed comedic moments, “Bad Boys: Ride of Die” is a marvel of action film making.  Directors Arbi and Fallah have found a way to put the audience into the middle of the action, very similar to the work Dev Patel did with “Monkey Man.  I did catch a short “making of” piece about the film and the technology used today is stunning.  It’s almost like being in the middle of a live action episode of “Grand Theft Auto!”

 

Both Smith and Lawrence have grown into their roles and their comfort with each other is evident in every scene.  You sense the chemistry the two have forged after nearly three decades.  And hats off to both actors for only doing four films in that time frame.  Most film series’ (I’m looking at you “Fast and the Furious”)  just put out cookie cutter imitations of the past and, while they make money – my friend Carl Gottlieb once said that the only sequel that loses money is the last one – they don’t give the characters the room and time to grow on screen.  I also must mention that Eric Dane makes a very impressive screen villain.  The man is downright scary. 

 

The production values are top notch, helped out, as noted in my first paragraph, by some beautiful photography created by Cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert.  The film even gets a blessing from the series original director, Michael Bay, who makes a fun cameo appearance.

 

When you’re done doing what I’m doing – humming the “Bad Boys” song in your head – take a trip to the local cinema and say hello to Lowery and Burnett.  You won’t be disappointed.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” receives ★★

Film Review: “The Beach Boys”

 

  • THE BEACH BOYS
  • Starring:  Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine
  • Directed by:  Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time: 1 hr 51 mins
  • Disney

 The term genius is reserved for only the best of the best in a particular field.  In music that list includers Beethoven, Lennon and McCartney and a Southern California boy who wanted to be a baseball player, Brian Wilson.  Along with his brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine, Brian the Beach Boys created some of the greatest music ever recorded.  But the waves were not always smooth for the band.

 

Airing on Disney+, “The Beach Boys” is an in depth look into how a band that had to borrow money for it’s equipment from a member’s mother and endure a band name they hated achieved both the highs of fame and the lows of mental exhaustion.

 

Managed by the Wilson’s father, Maury, an aspiring musician himself, the group basically rode the popular wave of surfing music – which in the early 1960s was mostly instrumental -by capitalizing on the boy’s good lucks and Brian’s songwriting ability.  The band was riding high in the first half of the decade but when Brian decided to stop touring with the band and concentrate on the music, the band released some of their best work.  Not coincidentally, this was the same time period as the Beatles exploded onto the scene, causing Wilson and the team of Lennon and McCartney to create some of their greatest work, almost as in competition with each other.

 

But behind the scenes, things weren’t always as sunny.  Tired of Murray Wilson’s meddling, the band fired him as manager, allowing him to run their publishing company.  This same period  featured both highs (the classic albums “Pet Sounds” and “Smile”) and lows (Brian’s slowly crumbling mental state).  As the decade ended we learn that Dennis had been introduced to another aspiring musician, Charles Manson.  In 1968, the band released a song co-written by Dennis Wilson and Manson called “Cease to Exist” – later retitled “Never Learn Not to Love”) as a B-side to the singled “Bluebirds Over the Mountain.” It was Dennis who introduced Manson to record producer Terry Melcher, who had no interest in Manson’s songs.  It was to Melcher’s house that Manson dispatched his followers too on the night of August 9, 1969, unaware that Melcher no longer lived there but was renting the house to director Roman Polanski and his wife, Sharon Tate.

 

The film also chronicles how the band’s record company didn’t know how to market their greatest album, “Pet Sounds,” originally releasing it in England while launching a Greatest Hits album in the states.  It also details the difficulties the band had with Murray Wilson who, without talking to Brian Wilson, Mike Love and the others who wrote songs, sold the rights to the band’s catalog for $700,000, a steal when you consider that Bob Dylan recently sold his catalog for $200 million.

 

But despite the ups and downs, the music continues and it is the music that will endear us to the band for as long as we have music. 

 

On a scale of zero to five, I give “The Beach Boys’ ★★★

Film Review: “The Idea of You”

 

  • THE IDEA OF YOU
  • Starring:  Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine
  • Directed by:  Michael Showalter
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  1 hr 55 mins
  • Amazon Prime

 

Imagine you’re recently divorced and your ex, in an effort to secure your daughter’s affections, buys her tickets to not only see her favorite boy band from when she was a kid but also the chance to meet them.  Imagine that you have to go with her and meet the band.  Now imagine that, against all odds, you fall in love.  In a nutshell, this is the story of “The Idea of You.”

 

Romantic comedies are a dying breed, especially this time of year.  Most filmgoers are standing in line for action films and the occasional horror thriller.  Sandwiched in between these films this year is “The Idea of You,” a sweet comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  When Solene (Hathaway) meets Chase (Galitzine) it’s not cute.  It’s embarrassing, as she mistakes his VIP trailer for a public porta-potty.  Chase is quite happy that Solene has no interest in him, the majority of his life having been spent fighting off women who are intrigued by his celebrity.  And when others tell them their relationship is wrong, it only makes them hold on tighter.  Of course, like every love story, there are high points and low points and “The Idea of You” contains both.

 

Director Showalter, who also co-wrote the script, paces the film smoothly, avoiding most of the tropes you normally find in a film like this, raising it above the level of the Hallmark Channel movie of the week.  Both leads embrace their roles and give strong performances.  The film is also helped by some wonderful photography, courtesy of Director of Photography Jim Frohna.  He uses the screen like a canvas, filling it with bright colors and sights encountered in Chase’s travels.

 

Overall, when you’re in the mood for a little romance, “The Idea of You” isn’t a bad way to spend a couple hours in the dark.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “The Idea of You” receives ★1/2.

Film Review #2: “Unfrosted”

 

  • UNFROSTED
  • Starring:  Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan and Christian Slater
  • Directed by:  Jerry Seinfeld
  • Rated: PG 13
  • Running time: 1 hr 37 mins
  • Netflix

 

Ah, the 1960s.  What a great time it was to be a kid.  Breakfast was an important part of the day for kids because we all had our favorite cereals.  My favorite was Quisp, which was basically Cap’n Crunch without the danger of cutting the roof of your mouth.  Quisp had a partner named Quake but Quake soon faded into cereal obscurity.  Other cereal brands I used to eat which are sadly no longer with us include Crispy Critters (hawked by Linus the Lion), Ship Shake, which was basically a butterscotch flavored version of Cap’n Crunch that you put into a mug, filled it with milk, and drank (you had to drink it fast or you just ended up with a cup of soggy cereal), and OK’s, which were basically Kellogg’s version of Cheerios.  Also, for you younger people reading this, back in the 60s cereals that you know today as Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops and Golden Crisps used to have the word SUGAR at the beginning of their names.  To make parents think their kids were eating healthy, the removed the word from the box.  The word disappeared.  The sugar didn’t.  Apparently Jerry Seinfeld and I shared a similar childhood because his nostalgic film “Unfrosted” is a project I really enjoyed.

 

“Unfrosted” is a fictional and tongue in cheek film about the rivalry between Kelloggs (of Battle Creek, Michigan as the commercials used to tell me) and Post (surprisingly also based in Battle Creek, Michigan, which I learned is known as Cereal City).  The rivalry stems from both companies trying to jazz up the morning meal with something you could pop in the toaster.  Possibly a tart.  Hmmmm.

 

I true trip down memory lane for people of my generation, “Unfrosted” gives Seinfeld his first opportunity to work behind the camera and he paces the film beautifully.  Seinfeld and his two co-writers, Spike Feresen and Andy Robins, have given life to such popular icons as Snap, Crackle and Pop.  They also have fun with Thurl Ravenscroft, played deliciously by Hugh Grant, a serious actor who is best known for his voice (besides being the “voice” of Tony the Tiger, Ravenscroft appeared in many of the animated Disney shorts and features, beginning in 1950 and continuing through the late 1970s.

 

Even if you weren’t a kid in the 1960s I think you’ll find “Unfrosted” to be as good as a bowl of Quisp!

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Unfrosted” receives ★★

Film Review: “IF”

 

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  • IF
  • Starring:  Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming and Steve Carell
  • Directed by:  John Krasinski
  • Rated:  PG
  • Running time:  1 hr 44 mins
  • Paramount

 

I’m going to admit something here that you may find hard to believe.  Except for the few episodes of “The Office” I have not seen anything directed by John Krasinski.  WHAT?  YOU NEVER SAW “A QUIET PLACE???”  No.  I heard great things but never got around to seeing it.  However, I did see Krasinski’s latest effort from behind the camera and I highly recommend it.

 

Bea (Fleming) is a young girl with a lot on her mind.  Still mourning the passing of her mother she is sent to live with her grandmother (Fiona Shaw) while her father (played by writer/director Krasinski) is in the hospital undergoing tests.  Heartbroken and lonely she stumbles onto someone who shares her emotions.  Well, not exactly some “one.”

 

A rare family themed film that will actually appeal to the entire family, “IF” – which stands for “imaginary friend” is a tale that anyone who had an imagination as a child can enjoy.

 

While spying him out of the corner of her eye, Bea follows Blue (voiced by Carell), back to her apartment building and to an apartment on the top floor.  Intrigued she knocks and is introduced  to Cal (Reynolds), a man whose job is to reunite other IF’s with their now grown childhood friends who, for whatever reason, have forgotten them.

Armed with a script that is both funny and touching, the cast deliver strong performances.  Reynolds has always come off as a naturally friendly guy and he brings that quality to Cal.  Fleming is equally good.  Bea is a young girl with young girl feelings and she is allowed to explore and expose all of the emotions a child in her position can face.  As Blue, Carell adds another great animated vocal performance to his resume.  He is joined by an A-list cast of vocal talents including Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Keegan-Michael Key.

 

Overall, the film is a sweet story that will make you laugh and, happily, cry.  With the summer blockbuster season about to begin, “IF” is a true family film that I hope doesn’t get lost at the multiplex.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “IF” ★★

Remembering Susan Backlinie

 

Susan Backlinie getting into the harness that would pull her across the water in “Jaws”

Fifty years ago this month the film JAWS began filming on Martha’s Vineyard.  The first scene shot consisted of members of the cast finding the remains of a young girl who had gone for a midnight swim and been attacked by a shark.  The young woman’s name was Christine Watkins, and she was played by Susan Backlinie.  Ms. Backlinie passed away today (May 11th) at the age of 77.

 

A skilled swimmer, Susan easily found work as a “Mermaid” at the Weeki Wachie attraction in Florida in the mid-1960s.  I remember my grandparents taking me there but it was after Susan had moved on to become an animal trainer.  Her work, and beauty, was later profiled in the January 1973 issue of “Penthouse” magazine.

Susan performing as a “Mermid” at Weeki Wachee

 

Her first film role was as Chrissie Watkins, the first victim of the shark in JAWS.  Swimming naked in the Atlantic Ocean she is attacked and violently killed, her body thrashing across the water as her screams go unheard.  Clinging to a buoy as her life slowly flows out of her, she recites the Lord’s Prayer, to no avail.  The scene set the tone for the film and was not easily forgotten by filmgoers.

 

 

 

 

 Photo by Moviestore/REX Shutterstock (1597310a)  Used by permission.
Her work in JAWS got her noticed and soon she was working as a stuntwoman, appearing in such films as Grizzly, Day of the Animals, and Two-Minute Warning and on such television programs as “The Incredible Hulk” and, naturally, “The Fall Guy.”  She also recreated her midnight swim to comic effect when Steven Spielberg cast her as the Polar Bear swimmer who finds herself “attacked” by a submarine in 1941.    Filming the opening scene for “1941.”

I first met Susan at the 1st JAWSFest in 2005.She was very nice, answered questions and signed autographs for anyone that asked.  It wasn’t until the next JAWSFest, in 2012, that our paths would cross again.  My wife and I were in Menemsha visiting a small shop when I noticed both Susan and Jeff Kramer standing around outside.  I said hello and Kramer commented that they had been waiting for sometime for someone from the Fest to come pick them up and take them back to Edgartown.  However, they couldn’t get ahold of anyone.  We quickly volunteered to take them back to town but, as they both were quite hungry – they had been at the shop for several hours – we offered to take them to lunch.  Jeff recommended a small shack at the end of the harbor and we headed there.  I was shocked to see that it was situated right next to the (still) vacant lot where quint’s shack had been built.  If you stood in the lot and looked towards the water you got the same view seen through the shark jaws when the ORCA pulls out of the harbor in JAWS.  We had a great lunch as both Susan and Jeff told some amazing stories.  I would see her occasionally over the years, usually at fan conventions.  She was always friendly.  I last saw her the past October when she was a guest at ScareFest in Lexington, Kentucky.  We said “hello” and I presented her with a t-shirt highlighting our JAWS 50 group.  She loved it.  As we said our goodbyes, I noted that, among the items she was signing was a Star Wars movie poster.  I was curious and I asked her why.  Had she possibly been a Stormtrooper in the film?  No.  As I mentioned earlier, Susan was an animal trainer and had, among her animals, a bear cub.  Her cub’s growl was recorded and was used for the growls of Chewbacca the Wookie! 

 

Susan is survived by her husband of nearly three decades, Harvey Swindall. 

Film Review: “The Fall Guy”

 

  • THE FALL GUY
  • Starring:  Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt
  • Directed by:  David Leitch
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time:  2 hrs 6 mins
  • Universal

 

The 1980s were full of some fun and amazing television shows.  “The A-team,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Police Squad.”  Not only were these some of the most entertaining shows around, they also went on to find life as full length films.  This week another show makes the jump to the big screen.  Meet “The Fall Guy.”

 

It’s just another day on the set for Colt Seavers (Gosling).  As the stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), he’s up for everything.  Literally.  When he’s not jumping cars or running through fire, he’s crushing on cameraperson Jody (Blunt), who one day dreams of being a director.  As the day’s filming comes to an end Colt is asked to repeat a stunt.  No problem, right?

 

Directed by former stunt man Leitch, who also directed the frantic “Bullet Train,” “The Fall Guy” is almost a movie inside a movie.  Lured back into the business to help Jody, Colt finds himself beaten and battered both on screen and off as he does his best to keep both the film, and himself, alive.

 

When you go see a movie called “The Fall Guy” you expect to see action.  And director Leitch delivers it with both barrels.  Stuntmen have never gotten their due.  Early in the film someone remarks “can you even name a stuntman?”  Off the top of my head:  Yakima Canutt, Dar Robinson, Ted Grossman and Jean Coulter.  That’s four.  You may not know their names but you certainly know their work.  And the sadly nameless stuntmen in this film do their legacy justice.  This is a film that should advertise “we’ll sell you a seat but you’ll just need the edge!”

In between the action is a fun rekindled romance between Colt and Jody, as well as some humorous moments with a dizzy producer (Hannah Waddingham), who’s much craftier then she lets on.  The film is well cast with Gosling as likable as ever.  Blunt is excellent as the tough on the outside/soft on the inside Jody while Taylor-Johnson plays the vapid leading man well.

 

Action packed and full of fun, “The Fall Guy” joins “Hooper” and “The Stunt Man” as a film that highlights the unsung heroes of the cinema.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “The Fall Guy” receives ★★★★