I read. I watch. I blog.

The Summer House

matarese — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:19:54 +0000

Writing was the last thing in my mind yesterday, thus explains the delay. It’s been a while since I have written something sound about a book. And I am eager to do so again. It’s been a hobby and I wish not to lose it.

This entry shall be quite a start, especially now that I am not as eager as I used to be when writing something about a recently read novel.

I must remind everyone that this entry is no review about the novel but purely personal reaction.

THE SUMMER HOUSE
by Rosemay Hoggard

I had the novel since June of last year but it was only two days ago when I bothered to read it. I was almost moved to regret because of the delay but still glad that I had it finally read.

The events in the story, like Prue, had me fooled. I was definitely agog how the writer would bring them redemption. I must’ve read less stories of such genre, for I was not able to think of the possibilities.

The twist and revelations in the story delighted me. I was also amused how each character had his own disposition. It was very personal. The story, set in Sweden, rekindled my desire to visit the country. It also gave me another reason to like Summer, especially if it’s in the northern hemisphere. I also want to stay in a sommerstuga.

When I finished reading the story, I felt a pang of loss. Reading “The End” meant parting with the characters. I even felt separated from a part of Sweden. This pang was one of the reasons I included The Summer House as one of my favourite novels. I have already finished reading the book yet it remains in me, almost hunting me but in a sweet reminiscing way.

Anatomy of a Murder

matarese — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:09:09 +0000

I love how vivid the case was presented. Even the dialogues in the court room were as clear as the sky. I was able to understand the importance of words spoken in a court room and the gravity they bring on both parties. I don’t only mean in this movie.

Paul Biegler, the country attorney of the defendant Lt. Frederick Manion, reminded me of Atty. Willy Beachum in the movie Fracture. I love that movie. Biegler was like a representative of unconventional lawyers. He was also very keen with details, be it with the statements or with the evidences presented.

The other character I like in the movie was Judge Weaver. I think he was comical without being silly. He, along with Paul Biegler, made the court room alive without the commotion brought about by the prosecutor.

It seemed like I have not thoroughly appreciated the entire movie. Thanks to Laura, Lt. Manion’s wife. She was so annoying. Yes, she was no annoying. I had to say that again because she was really annoying. I had aversion during the first hour of the movie because of her. My only consolation were the court room scenes and those that included Biegler’s sardonic secretary and alcoholic colleague, Parnell Emmett McCarthy.

Overall, I was able to exercise tolerance and patience. I also learned a lot.

Some useful links:
Anatomy of a Murder in Wikipedia.
Quotes that amused me.

Sherlock Holmes

matarese — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:42:34 +0000

I still haven’t read any Sir Conan Doyle book, albeit being a little obsessed of doing so in the past years, so my opinion is purely about the movie.

As it was an adaptation of an English character, set in the city of London, it was only rightful that the movie should have that English appeal. It wasn’t much of a problem. If there was any slip, which I believe there was, I did not notice. My mind was too occupied how to join Holmes’ voyage of wits while seeing the similarities he shared with House.

It was a very delightful film. I enjoyed it much better as I understood how his punches disarmed his opponents. I may be no medical doctor but my medical knowledge served me well as I sat in amusement inside the theatre.

As for the actors, I was more impressed with Jude Law but I shall speak no further about that.

It was refreshing, indeed, to see a Sherlock Holmes in a way that is unconventional and unfaithful to the time when Sir Conan Doyle penned the adventures of Holmes and troubles of Watson.

The movie reminded me a lot of things and one of them was the political system in our country. It is safer to limit the participants in this land as I am not familiar with those beyond our seas. I noticed that the elder members of the order lacked what a man should have. They, except for one, were fearful of a man because of his so-called power. Those elders lacked the skepticism of young people so it was easy for them to catch panic and fear. They were too selfish and were only concern of their survival that they immediately succumbed to a force they did not know nor disprove.

There was also something that bothered me. Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) wore pants twice, or so. Had it been a practice during the time of Sir Conan Doyle? I’d love to know.

Perhaps that’s all I could say about Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes.

If you are looking for any professional comment, look somewhere else. It has been a while since I’ve written a movie review. I was well entertained and that was enough for me. I shall not argue whether the characters have been faithful to Sir Conan Doyle’s.

Thou shalt not steal.

matarese — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:55:05 +0000

Posted: 03 July 2009 in Bleacher Report

-=-=-=-

Or thou shalt be tagged.

The first unsuccessful steal was on Thursday night game of the New York Yankees against the Seattle Mariners in the Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York City.

Yankee catcher Jorge Posada caught Franklin Gutierrez stealing second base. Gutierrez, who must’ve lost count of the balls and strikes, gave the Mariners their final out in the sixth inning as he was tagged by second baseman Robinson Cano.

The next Mariner who attempted to steal a base was Ryan Langerhans on Friday night game. He didn’t make the play as he was tagged by Derek Jeter and made the final out for the top of the second inning.

The Yankees’ shortstop and captain also made an attempt to steal second base during the third inning, but he was caught by Kenji Johjima and got tagged by second baseman Jose Lopez.

The Thursday night’s attempted steals revolved around the same people, which was amusing. The last ballplayer to attempt a steal was Kenji Johjima.

The Mariners’ catcher left Mark Teixeira’s base although Alfredo Aceves has not yet pitched to Ryan Langerhans. Johjima was then welcomed with a tag by no other than Derek Jeter.

Although the Mariners made the most attempts to steal bases during the Friday night game, the M’s were able to leave with 8-4 against the Yankees.

The Arcane Eighth Inning Decision of Joe Girardi

matarese — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:50:14 +0000

Posted: 01 July 2009 in Bleacher Report

-=-=-=-

Brian Bruney was sent to replace Phil Hughes in the eight inning on Tuesday night game against the Seattle Mariners. This had also caused the Yankees fans to send comments and criticism about the decision.

No one knows the real reason manager Joe Girardi did so. He may have given the media answers to their questions about the eight inning decision, but I doubt he gave them his real reason, which I understand. There are people who will give you something acceptable or reasonable, but it doesn’t mean it’s the real reason.

People can only guess. And my guess is Joe Girardi wants to give the Yankees’ pitchers the chance to throw balls. It’s good, actually, because the pitchers can check themselves if they’re doing well and if they can face hitters with good results for their team.

It sounds like a trial and error because it is a trial and error, in a way. It’s good if the pitcher is able to yield positive results. If he’s just average or (still) below average, then he’ll be able to work on his weakness. The problem with this is if the result is negative, like what happened during Brian Bruney’s pitching. He gave up an intentional walk and two runs.

The Mariners then tied with the Bronx Bombers, 5-5. Good thing pinch runner Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, and Melky Cabrera scored, respectively, in the bottom of the eight and the Yankees were back in the lead.

With the Sandman pitching in the ninth inning, the game was finally closed. The Yankees won against the Mariners, 8-5.

I don’t like to overrate people, especially those on my favorite team, so I hope this one about Mariano Rivera is not an exaggeration, but Saving Mo has once again come to the rescue.

Whatever mentality Joe Girardi has is not my primary concern. It’s his call, not mine nor anyone’s, for the Yankees. But as a fan, I hope he will always help the Bronx Bombers win their games.

I’m not a whiner, and I am keeping the faith. I think I should play Keep the Faith by Bon Jovi, or by Michael Jackson. I prefer Bon Jovi’s.