Creepy Isn't It? - The Woodsman - Airo's DVD Pick of The Week

For the first of my weekly attempts at keeping you at home and away from the overpriced theatres, I'll attempt to spotlight a worthwhile DVD to rent or purchase. Personally, I'm a Netflixer.

What is Kevin Bacon doing with that kickball in his hands?

From the poster, The Woodsman may appear to be the latest horror film with a star-studded cast. The basic plotline of a criminal trying to return to normalcy after getting out of prison. The Woodsman's twist is Kevin Bacon playing a simultaneously disturbed and sympathetic serial pedophile. This film is definitely meant as light, family fare.

Kevin Bacon takes on a role like he never has before as Walter. He delves into this role of a truly tortured soul colliding with his inner demons. Mos Def plays the lurking cop who is keeping his eyes on Bacon. Def is by far the best rapper/ actor around, which has been continually proven with his roles in Buffalo Soldiers (a comedy about Army Drug Dealers during Gulf War that was supposed to be released on Sept. 11, 2001) as well as the highly underappreciated Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy. He has the range to go from funny to creepy without flinching, and his albums aren't too shabby either. Gotta love Black Star.

I don't want to reveal much more of the plot, but suffice to say this film just doesn't fuck around. It's tightly packed with moments of squeamish intensity and anguish by rookie writer-director Nicole Kassell. It's nice to see some actors go out on a limb and try something thought-provoking, realistic with an onslaught of intensity. Kyra Sedgewick (Bacon's wife)plays the sympathetic but hardnosed love interest. The Woodsman is full of revelations like Bacon and Sedgwick who combine for about 5 good performances (none of which are Sedgewick's.) The Woodsman is a lost gem for those unflinchables out there, waiting on the shelves of local video stores for people who have a true appreciation for film as an art form.

Independence

The Beginning...

July 4 has just ended. I have just decided to start up a bloc. Everyone else is doing it so why can't I? Even better than the rest. I know I'm late in the game but I have things to say that someone will probably read.

After attending my second fireworks in 4 nights, I had a nice feeling in my head, one of a large communal niceness. It's almost a once a year occurrence. Families sit around with other families between other families. It's quite nice. But truly what are they to watch?

Fireworks are overpriced colored explosions. It's something basically frowned upon the rest of the year outside sporting events. On the day of America's birth, the colors mostly resemble the colors of the flag. But I noticed to other colors that were also primarily used, fit within the true American ideal. Not a communal gathering of family in lounging clothes, but the true colors of America. Green and Gold. The colors of money. Black also fits in there (oil) but black fireworks would not be too visually exciting while being set off in the dark sky.


The weather couldn't have been better. People were buzzing. It's amazing what a day off can do to people. But tomorrow these people will return to their green, gold and black jobs. They will attempt to achieve happiness for those families through money who are happy just sitting around watching a town sponsored exploding show. What does this say about the public?

Money is important, a shunned necessity. Everyone can attempt to be compassionate to a point but on this Independence day we should all take a look at what we a reworking for and what we have. Not on Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrating the original takeover of America from its natives, but Independence day, when Since we wee already here we might as well separate ourselves from the others. We united, not for greed or money but country. It's a day of fighting off colonialism in this time that our president is promoting it. The green and the gold are the motives for what is happening in our world and of course the black but it would be nice if for more than one day a year, we could bask in the lives we have here under the red white in blue.

Note to the committee in charge of the Fireworks in Paramus, NJ: Unbelievable show and a great atmosphere but cut out the Bon Jovi live and Billy Joel music blaring over the loud speakers as if we were sitting in a bad 1980's video.

Sports...

Yesterday was a great day. Derek Jeter was left off the All-Star team. For once New York bias, and overhyped winners were quashed. The Yankees are currently being what they are, an average team. He can still make it in this stupid online vote for the last roster spot against more deserving players like Hideki Matsui, Torri Hunter, and Carl Crawford. Hopefully, the better players will prevail and Jeter can work on his tightrope falling over the plate act at home while watching A-Rod and Mariano play as real All-Stars.

Today, of course, the Yankees had to kill my glee with a huge offensive explosion off the very talented B.J. Ryan, closer of the Baltimore Orioles. Roid-head $20 million dollar DH Jason Giambi had two homeruns. No one really wants to see this guy heat up and I don't think he will. This was just a blip on the radar.

More importantly, I have a message for you Mark Sweeney. You are a journeyman utility player. When the best player on your team is up with one out and your on third base in a tied ballgame against an excellent pitcher like Roy Oswalt, you CAN NOT get picked off. While are you even leading, get ready to tag. Please be a utility and a negative. I appreciate your attempt to make sure you score but if you get picked off again, I will have a seizure. The Padres can't afford mistakes. This is our year. Maybe, but let's make the playoffs at least, and G-d curse the Yankees forever and ever. Shall they never make the playoffs as long as Derek Jeter lives.