Gran(d) Torino...

We often describe a trip to the theater by saying "we saw a movie". This afternoon I "saw a movie". And yet, the term "saw", the act of visual sight, falls far short. I not only saw a matinee showing of Clint Eastwood's newest film, Gran Torino, but the experience, the seeing, was only the beginning. All of my senses became involved and captivated along the way. If ever a movie ticket was underpriced, and deserving of the overpriced popcorn, candy and soda, it is this movie, in which legend Eastwood both stars and directs.

Prior to it's release, I was teased by the trailer (it's job), which showed Eastwood, old but as tough as Dirty Harry. I have long been a action movie junkie, having seen and enjoyed many of the movies this well decorated actor has made. Based on the limited peek the trailer fed me and the rating of R, I went expecting to feed and satisfy my hunger for action. I left the table filled. What surprised me was the unexpected dessert, the many deep streams that ran through the movie converging in the end. I am not about to spoil the movie for those who have not yet seen it, so I cannot, at this point articulate the various plot details. What I can say here and now is that very few movies have left me in such a thoughtful state. This was much more than entertainment. This was an education in life. This was a spiritual movie, not in the evangelical, Focus on the Family approved sense, but in a deeper, thematic, practical way. The canvas on which this movie is painted is made of violence, hatred, racism and foul language. But upon that canvas, right in front of your eyes, is painted a masterpiece of friendship, family, generosity, forgiveness, sacrifice and love ~ real life and real death.

When the credits rolled, the entire audience remained seated in silence for several minutes. Not to witness some outtakes, but to digest the experience, at least enough to be able to make the walk through the lobby and to their cars. I open and close my post with a small correction to the title of the movie. A "d" is all I will add. Gran Torino is Grand Torino! Enjoy!

Why the New Whopper is Angry...

Have you seen the new Burger King ad? Their flagship sandwich, the Whopper, apparently has an anger problem, if you believe the ad. A few days ago, I set out on a mission of errand running right about lunchtime. Somewhere between errand two and three, the King's ad did its job jogging my memory and setting my car in motion toward the drive up window. I was both hungry and expectant at the moment the rage filled burger was passed through my car window. I ordered no fries or other side, not even a drink. I already had my ever present bottle of water by my side for this spicy journey.

Not to be distracted by driving and wanting to use both hands, I pulled into a nearly empty parking lot nearby to unwrap this newcomer to the world of burgers, a world in which I am well versed. As I unwrapped the burger a pleasant smell filled the car. Not having eaten a Whopper of any temperament for quite some time, I was first taken by the size of the bun. It was the size of a man's head! Once I began eating in earnest, I took note that the meat part of the sandwich, while having a large circumference, almost matching the head sized circumference of the bun, was nearly see through. It certainly did not give me a Whopper feeling. This disappointment was short lived and overshadowed by the fact that the whopper was not nearly as angry (spicy) as advertised. It seemed that the one I was holding had been to anger management class and done quite well.

I think the reason the Whopper is angry is because it has seen the ad and realizes it falls short of it's reputation! As far as burgers go, it is middle of the pack on it's best day. The ad proves far spicier than the sandwich!