McMaster & James.
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Pop duo McMaster & James is best known for its hit singles "Thank You," and "I Understand", from its self-titled debut album. But Luke McMaster and Rob James have more on their minds than music.
Some times the two musicians actually get a break from performing and manage to read a book or catch a movie!
Below is Luke's review of a book he just read, and Rob's review of a movie he saw recently.
Review of "Battlefield Earth" by L. Ron Hubbard
-- Luke McMaster
There is a saying: "The best part was when it ended." The problem with "Battlefield Earth", is that it never ends.
This sci-fi thriller by the creator of "Battlestar Galactica" is nothing short of excruciating. It starts out with an interesting premise: Humans have been virtually wiped out by a superior race called psychlos who need our world to mine for minerals that their world is running out of.
True to their name, these aliens are psychopaths. Standing eight feet tall and possessing no compassion whatsoever, these evil giants could have made great villains -- if the story had been better.
One of the few surviving humans, Johnny Goodboy, is the hero, and ends up trying to rally the surviving humans and win back freedom. Pretty standard sci-fi thriller fare. Unfortunately, Ron Hubbard completely misses the boat.
The frustrating part is that it does start out so good that you get sucked in and keep hoping it will recapture that magic when it starts to falter. NEVER HAPPENS. I burnt my copy.
After the first few chapters, it seems like the author forgot what the story was about. I'm not sure if this book was a vehicle for the author to express some of his Scientology beliefs, but man, find another vehicle -- 'cause this book makes you want to drive the vehicle off a cliff and into the ocean.
This is the most long-winded book ever written. I really tried to stay with it. I did. My only redemption lies in the fact that I can warn others --find another read, for the love of god!
(I'm too terrified to see the movie, but I've heard that it isn't any better.)
Review of "Meet The Parents"
-- Rob James
Today, we'll be taking a journey into the realm of comic genius. We won't go very far into that realm, but a visit we will make none the less. The film on the chopping block this time is a nice little romantic comedy aptly named "Meet the Parents".
This film stars living legend Robert DeNiro and lightly seasoned funnyman Ben Stiller. As per his work in other recent box offices, such as "There's Something About Mary," Mr. Stiller once again delivers a fantastic performance.
Mr. DeNiro does not fall short in this one as he did in "Analyze This". His performance is both convincing and refreshing, bringing his share of laughs throughout the film.
The basic story line is simple enough: poor unsuspecting male ensnared in the trappings of tradition. In other words, Gaylord Fokker (yes, that is his name) is going to ask his girlfriend to marry him.
While executing his fiendish plan to involve the innocent children at the day-care where she works, her phone rings. It happens to be her sister, who has just been proposed to. However, according to the phone call, it is best advised in her family to get the approval of the father for the marriage before the proposal.
OOPS! ABORT! ABORT! Now he's forced to (see movie for details) "Meet the Parents".
Now come the funny parts.
I must say that I quite enjoyed this particular film. I found the jokes, although somewhat predictable, absolutely hilarious. I also came to appreciate the satirical approach to the traditions associated with weddings and proposals, despite being somewhat of a traditionalist myself.
Overall this movie earns my respect, endorsement, and my rating of four stars because I know that after reading this review, four out of five of you will go see it, or rent it to see if you can make any sense out of what I was saying, therefore making the people who made this movie a lot of money. I hope they agree to give me a cut.
