While waiting for the new local sports talk station to arrive...

I was able to see a couple of movies recently. The first was "Captain America". This was even better than I expected and I'm not even sure what I expected, but this one was extremely well done. As far as the Marvel characters go, easily the best one since the original "Iron Man".

When I was in college, we came up with a comedy bit that superheroes had to register with the authorities. After following the likes of Superman and Spiderman, Cappy walks in and starts answering the questions. When it came to superpowers, he had to admit, "Well, all I have is this shield." Of course, everyone starts making fun of him.

And that, my friends, might be why this one is so special. It's because of that lack of a superpower, that the character has to be more human. That's why this is a throwback to the old war movies, where we shoot at Nazis, there's a guy from Brooklyn, we win the girl, and the world is a better place. I didn't think you could pull that off in 2011, but they did.

Kudos to whoever cast this picture. Chris Evans as Captain America, Haley Atwell and Tommy Lee Jones are spot-on. Dominic Cooper was outstanding as Iron-Man's father, Howard Stark. Hugo Weaving was the perfect Nazi villain. Only Stanley Tucci was a bit over-the-top as a good German scientist who developed the super-soldier serum, originally given to Weaving, turned bad, and now Evans, for the good.

Of course, Nick Fury shows up at the end (this time, pre-credits), as we prepare for next year's "The Avengers". Starting to film around here very soon. But I'd put "Captain America: The First Avenger" on the must-see of the summer list.

Next up was "Cowboys and Aliens". Much like "Snakes On A Plane", this is what you get. Sort of a weird combination of an old-timey Western transposed on a "Close Encounters"-type movie. Or maybe even a "Jeepers Creepers"-type as some of the townsfolk got snatched up by the flying aliens.

Not really sure what to make of this. I sort of liked the opening acts where Daniel Craig didn't know who he was or where he was, but he was definitely a badass. So, he has to mosey into town as the stranger. Causes a bit of a row, but then the sheriff, Keith Carradine, recognizes him from a wanted poster, and indeed, Craig is a badass.

Harrison Ford then shows up, because his son, Paul Dano, had a run in with Craig. And because he was the local rich rancher, he had to go to town and try to spring Dano. Olivia Wilde is around, I guess, because she looks hot.

Then the aliens show up and start scooping up some locals. For the most part, these are the red-shirted "Star Trek" types, except for Dano and Kenny Powers Mexican girlfriend. So, a posse is formed to find out where the aliens took them.

Then the story weakens because of that old plot drag, "This is where things need to be explained". I should probably mention I thought the aliens looked and acted kinda lame. We travel from God knows where to steal gold (WTF?) and we get attacked and can be killed by a spear? Huh?

So, the last half of the movie is where we learn:

Daniel Craig is a badass, but just may settle down.

Olivia Wilde is pretty beyond belief, and she's got a secret.

Harrison Ford is a crusty old coot with a tender side, but doesn't know Indian talk. Lemme tell ya, John Wayne always knew "Comanch" in his movies.

God can't save all preachers.

Sam Rockwell learns how to use a gun.

I don't know what it all means, but a decent start was sorta derailed halfway through. Trust me, you'll have more questions than answers after watching this one. Maybe it would be better as "Cowboys and Crusty Old Coots", or "Let's Stare At Olivia Wilde For 118 Minutes".

Meal of Links

Your Top 50 Politicos. Oddly enough, from Politico.

John Boehner actually said this on the floor of the House this evening: "A lot of people in this town can never say yes."

"Hell No, You Can't"



Billy Hunter is the head of the NBA Players Association, currently locked out by the owners. His life story reads like something from "Zelig".

Guess what? Matt Pinfield returns to MTV as host of "120 Minutes", starting tomorrow. And VH-1 salutes MTV's 30th anniversary, also tomorrow.

All about "Zodiac". One of Fincher's finest. Still have not seen the "Dragon Tattoo" trailer in the theater. Did see trailers for "Moneyball", "Contagion", "Battleship" which looked shitty for 5/12, "The Amazing Spider-Man" again for 7/12.

10 Popular Shows from the '90s that were terrible. I successfully avoided them all.

New GDP figures are out. Uh-oh.

Exercise Yard

U.S. Soccer finally did the right thing and hired Jurgen Klinsmann as men's national coach. Klinsmann has played in the World Cup many times, coached a WC semifinalist, and lived in the States for many years. Outstanding credentials. Truly a thinking man's coach who desires an attacking style of play. This is the man most fans have wanted as national coach for years.

Bob Bradley spent his time as U.S. coach rather well. But it is so difficult to have the same man in charge for multiple runs at qualifying and playing for a World Cup that a move had to be made. This year's Gold Cup Final showed it was the end of the line for Bradley.

This move is a no-brainer. But Klinsmann has to find someone, anyone, who can put the ball in the net consistently. It's a problem that has haunted the U.S. in international play forever. Right now, at age 46, Klinsmann might be the team's best striker. If he doesn't find that guy, today's holiday may not be as fondly remembered in 2014.

BTW, we are only 8 days til the Community Shield. The EPL has less of an off-season than NASCAR.

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26 Across: Rowan Atkinson character (6 letters) Answer: Mr. Bean