March 2005 Archives

**/****
Dir: F. Gary Gray
2005 Color English 118 Min
Rated PG-13 for violence, sensuality, and language including sexual references

I really wanted to see this movie when I heard it was coming out. I loved Get Shorty, and was hoping for more of the same. The problem with this movie is that it never comes close to the hipness and sharpness of the original. Everything just comes out lame. John Travolta just looks uncomfortable reprising the role of Chili Palmer, the shylock turned movie producer who now wants into the music business.

Also whatever chemistry Uma and John had from Pulp Fiction is gone. Maybe both of them just really didn't want to be there. At least some of the supporting characters looked like they were having fun. Vince Vaughn's wannabe black producer shtick is soo 10 years ago. At least the Rock brought some comic relief as the wannabe actor and singer who is forced to drive Vince Vaughn around.

I sure wish Barry Sonnenfeld had directed this movie, I think it possibly would have retained the feel of the original.

In my planning for my trip to Boston, I really wanted to fly on JetBlue. I had heard about how nice their planes are as well as the wonderful entertainment selections with DirectTV. I also wanted to experience the convenience of flying in and out of Long Beach vs. LAX. Turns out tho, the cheap $$99 each way fares are hard to come by. American also flys out of Long Beach (just have to connect in Chicago or Dallas) and actually the fares are comparable. I also checked American out of LAX to Boston and found that it was only 10 dollars difference in price.

So it came down to convenience and price vs. Frequent Flyer miles. I actually chose the miles (and the non-stop to Boston) since I really want to get that free ticket to Australia and this trip will put me 3000 miles closer. One thing that does suck is the lack of meal service (unless you want to pay, and really, who would pay for sucky airline food??) and the fact that I have to fly 5+ hours on a 737-800. Oy, I remember flying to Orlando a few years back on that plane. It is a bit cramped compared to the 777 or 757 that I am used to on the international routes.

I am glad to have a nice long weekend away from LA and work and to spend quality time with a good friend on the East Coast in a new state. I hope I can convince Nathan to go to Rhode Island so I can pass 25 states!

Today was the grand opening of the new Buzz ride that I have been working on for 4 months. It is such a nice feeling to be able to be part of something special like this. I went into the park for the opening ceremony and saw most of the people I worked with on the project and then saw the suitably cheesy opening ceremony. The had a parade of "Little Green Men" consisting of a bunch of elementary school kids from Green elementary in Lynwood, CA. They followed Buzz from the castle down Main Street and then to the front of the ride where they promptly blew up the front door. Good fun!

Personally, since the ride has open to the public for the soft openings, it has been quite the adjustment. I think I tend to forget the reason why I like working at Disneyland and it is to meet and talk to people from around the world. From the dorky Annual passholder who is happy he just topped out at 1.2 million points or the couple with a wheelchair who I helped out at the exit to email their photos at the end of the night.

I also am getting into the groove with my lead skills. I have managed to rub a few people the wrong way (its not personal I promise!) and others I have found to be people of the caliber I sorely have been missing from my life for the past few years. So it’s a mixed bag. I can only do better as I learn the ins and outs of the crew and hopefully there are great things to come.

In travel news, I just got my plane tickets to see Nathan in Boston come April. I'm excited on many levels. First, A real chance to hang out with Nathan for more than a few hours at a time (actually probably the longest contiguous time hanging out together will we survive?), and second, a chance to visit a new city and a new state! Think of all those cool Gorn shots in Salem, Plymouth and Boston!

Well my four month so vacat..er..test and adjust assignment is over, and I am now focusing on the opening of our new attraction here at the park. It is always exciting to be in on the ground floor of something, and when it is very popular and has a huge impact on guests, well it is what I live for at the park.

We have had a few bumps along the way, but I think all new attractions do at some point. You can't expect everything to go 100% smoothly on the first day. OK you can hope, but just don't expect it.

I am happy now I am going to be working some more evening shifts. It will be nice to stay up late and sleep in till 11. Ahh, the good life. I will also be getting to go back to Dad's work on Fridays - so some semblance of normalcy will prevail again.

I am also looking forward to working on the ol' Club Josh again. It has been months since I have done anything. I noticed Yahoo celebrated their 10th Anniversary last week. Sheesh, Club Josh turns 10 in June. I coulda been a multi-billion dollar corporation (actually at one point I did interview with them) - then again, it wouldn't be so much fun either I suspect.