There was a guy in Philadelphia who got so annoyed with people taking during a movie that he took a shot at them.  No, he didn’t shoot a glaring look at them, he shot at them.  I admit I hate when people talking during movies.  In fact, I can’t stand it.  The movie theatre is not your living room, but I haven’t reached the point of trying to shoot someone.

Here’s a little more of the story from the Associated Press:

James Joseph Cialella, 29, of Philadelphia, told the man’s family to be quiet, then threw popcorn at the man’s son, police said. The victim told police that Cialella was walking toward his family when he stood up and was shot.

Detectives called to the United Artists Riverview Stadium theater in South Philadelphia found Cialella carrying the weapon, a .380-caliber handgun, in his waistband, police said.

Cialella faces six charges that include attempted murder and aggravated assault. He remained in custody Saturday.

Lt. Frank Vanore called the incident “scary that it gets to that level of violence from being too noisy during a movie.”

Vanore said the 31-year-old victim from suburban Yeadon was hospitalized in stable condition after the shooting. 

Police could not confirm what movie was playing in the theater, but The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that it was “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

I can’t imagine what that exchange must have been like.  Did the guy tell them to shut up a couple of times first?  It also seems like shooting someone would be a little more disruptive to the rest of the audience then a little whispering.  Couldn’t they have just made peace over some popcorn and Snowcaps?

Apparently, there are some people upset that President-Elect Barack Obama was on a beach in Hawaii with no shirt on!  Oh the humanity!  Children, avert your eyes.  Here’s the picture:

Some are concerned that it’s not very becoming for the next leader of the free world to show some skin.  Are you @#$% kidding?!

First of all, Obama is buff.  If he had a big beer belly hanging down, maybe it would be a problem. Maybe.

Secondly, what should he be wearing?  Would a skin tight t-shirt that says “Hang Loose Hawaii” be better?

Was it better when we had video of Bush clearly shrubs on his ranch in Texas?  Is that Presidental?

How about  video of Bubba (Clinton) going for a jog?

How about Nixon bowling in the White House?

Eisenhower used to play golf on the front lawn of the White House.  Is that more Presidental or did that make Ike seem like he was not in touch with the common man?

If Obama was playing beach volleyball in Hawaii and spiking the ball into Sasha and Malia’s faces, that would be bad.  However, a man who’s young and healthy is on vacation and not wearing a shirt. 

Check out his suit.  At least it wasn’t a Speedo.  Actually, I think he could pull of a Speedo.

Bolt

Rated: PG

Running Time: 1 hour 36 minutes

2.75 stars out of 4

Always a sucker for cartoons and talking dogs, I liked this movie a lot.  Bolt is the story of a dog who works  in telelvision, but doesn’t know it.  He thinks he has superpowers and is really saving his “owner” each and every day.

Bolt accidentally escapes from the television set and is out in the real world trying to save his owner.  John Travolta is the voice of Bolt and Miley Cyrus plays the roll of his master.  If you ever watch Larry David’s show “Curb Your Enthusiam” you’ll recoginze  the voice of the cat Bolt meets out in the real world.  She’s played by the wife of Larry David’s agent in the HBO television show.  Sussie Essman does a great job, but would sound even better if she was allowed to swear.  Of course, she doesn’t because this is a movie for kids.

There are not a lot of pop culture references or jokes for adults, but this is a breezy piece of animation good for the little ones.

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Before there was Secret Santa, there was the grade school gift exchange. The spending limit? 50 cents.

Schools probably don’t do the gift exchange any more..but back in the 60’s and 70’s, Christmas at school was full of lots of candy, cookies, a fair dose of religion (yes at a public school), and the Gift Exchange.

Most popular gifts: the Lifesavers Holiday Book (rolls of Lifesavers candy in a book shaped box), candy cane shaped cylinder full of candy, like gumballs or M & M’s, pee wee footballs, yo-yo’s, paddle balls, jump ropes, Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars.

In first grade, I remember I got the name of Timmy, a cute boy who I purchased a pee wee football for. Another little boy, named Jimmy, who had a crush on me traded to get my name. He gave me a necklace and a Ring Toss game.  (He apparently had no regard for the 50-cent limit..unless of course he stole the stuff, which is a distinct possibility.)

When I was in 4th grade I was in a mixed class of 4th and 5th graders. One of the 5th grade girls had my name, and she got me a Christmas ornament  which was a little red bird with a clip instead of feet so you could clip it to the Christmas tree branch. I thought it was the dumbest gift ever because it had no play value and you couldn’t even eat it! But you know, I still have it!  And in the years when I get around to putting up a Christmas tree, it’s usually one of the first ones to go up.

So thank you Karen, or Jean, or Joan…or other un-named 5th grader from Miss Hooks’ class for a gift that is close to my heart..in a box..in the basement.

The movie Elf with Will Ferrell is one of my new holiday favorites.  Of course, someone had to step in and create an alternate trailer.  Enjoy…

Did you hear what moment President Bush said made him the most anxious during his eight years as President?!  The interview is in People magazine.  I know, People magazine is basically a rag, but I do also subscribe to The New Yorker so I feel the two balance each other out.

Anyway, back to the quote.  Bush was asked which moments from the last eight years do you revisit most often?  Here was his answer:

I definitely think about the families I’ve met of the fallen soldiers–about the compassion, love and determination of the families, to make sure that the Commander-inChief hears their stories and know their pride.

That part is okay, but here’s what he said next:

I think about throwing out that pitch at the World Series on [Oct. 30] 2001.  My heart was racing when I got to the mound.  Didn’t want to bounce it. Didn’t want to let the fans down.  My heart was pumping so hard, I wasn’t sure if I could  lift my arm.  I never felt that anxious any other time during my presidency, curiously enough.

So this was his most anxious moment:

Not this:

Or perhaps these Hurricane Katrina victims:

Maybe this?

Come on, not even this?!

Goodbye, George.  What a glorious eight years.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 1hour 43 minutes

2.5 stars out of 4

It’s got all the bells and whistles of sci-fi movies these days.  There are some cool special effects and some loop holes in the story.  This is a remake of a classic from the 1950’s, which I have never seen but I think the message is the same.  Humans should take better care of the earth.

Keanu Reeves plays an alien who comes to planet earth to take care of business.  Jennifer Connelly is a scientist who makes a connection with Reeves and does her best to save us all.  I wasn’t bored in this movie, but I wasn’t blown away either.  I really didn’t feel like I was on the edge of my seat wondering if we were all doomed.  Maybe it’s because I’m so used to special effects or maybe because the movie wasn’t that special.

There’s plenty to see during the holidays, but if you want some good special effects which are made even better on the IMAX go check this one out.

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