Movie review: “Eagle Eye”
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. 2 1/2 of 4 stars (plus a sincere plea for Shia LaBeouf to find another niche besides good-natured underachiever.)
‘Eagle Eye’ clearly lacks vision needed for memorable thriller
Between Shia LaBeouf’s now-standard likable loser role and D.J. Caruso’s bombastic direction, “Eagle Eye” feels so much like a Michael Bay production that I kept waiting for a cameo from Optimus Prime.
Bay’s films are sometimes entertaining, as with last year’s “Transformers,” but he specializes in slam-bam action movies with gaping plot holes, ridiculously implausible coincidences and characters suddenly endowed with superhuman skills.
All of these deficiencies are obvious in “Eagle Eye,” Caruso’s all-too-familiar cautionary thriller about humanity’s overdependence on computers.
LaBeouf stars as harmless slacker Jerry Shaw, who learns that his straight-laced twin, Ethan (LaBeouf again), has been killed in a traffic accident.
When Jerry returns from the funeral, he finds his bank account inexplicably $750,000 richer and his apartment packed with incriminating items, from guns to fake passports. He gets a cryptic cell phone call from a woman who warns that the FBI is coming to arrest him and orders him to follow her directions to escape.
But Jerry is arrested and interrogated by hard-nosed FBI Agent Thomas Morgan (Billy Bob Thornton). The mystery woman uses a variety of technological means to help Jerry make a far-fetched breakout.
The enigmatic voice connects Jerry with Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan), a single mom cooperating out of fear for her 8-year-old son’s life. The mystery woman forces Jerry and Rachel to carry out dangerous instructions that put them on the wrong side of the law.
The many technology-driven chases and escapes are exciting but laughably unbelievable. It soon becomes obvious where the movie is going, and the average filmgoer has seen this story before.
Cast members, which also include Rosario Dawson as an Air Force investigator and Michael Chiklis as secretary of state, put in solid performances, but their characters often make the kind of choices only seen in movies.
Despite some pointed commentary about infringement on rights in the name of national security, “Eagle Eye” only works as an occasionally fun, instantly forgettable popcorn flick.
- BAM
Concert review: Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift in Tulsa
TULSA – Gifted guitarist Joe Don Rooney of the wildly popular pop-country trio Rascal Flatts made a triumphant return to his home state Thursday night at the new BOK Center.
Rooney, who was raised in Picher, and his bandmates, singer Gary LeVox and bassist Jay DeMarcus, wowed more than 15,000 screaming fans with impressive showmanship, energy and musical prowess. The enthusiastic audience responded by eagerly cheering every hit, solo and wisecrack the band worked into its entertaining 90-minute set.
The effusive reception overwhelmed Rooney, who got choked up as he addressed the capacity crowd. His parents, siblings and many friends were present, prompting DeMarcus to joke “I think there’s about 12 of you in here tonight that aren’t related to him.”
Fighting back tears, Rooney told the crowd, “It’s good to be home. I’ve been all over this country but there’s no place like Oklahoma. Thank you for this gift that you’ve given myself, Jay and Gary.”
Rooney also thanked his parents for “letting me play guitar in my bedroom at 13 years old so loud I know you didn’t get any sleep,” before crooning and playing the thoughtful “I’m Movin’ On.” The acoustic interlude proved a low-key highlight, offering an effective counterpoint to the band’s boisterous rock and dazzling visual spectacle.
With the fans already fired up from supporting act Taylor Swift’s dynamic performance, Rascal Flatts’ set opened with a simulated meteor zipping toward the crowd, followed by a blast of fireworks and the trio’s slow descent on an elaborate metal framework. It seemed like the kind of entrance Oklahoma City’s Flaming Lips might make if the underground rockers ever tire of their UFO and giant hamster ball.
Whether you classify Rascal Flatts as country-pop, crossover country or contemporary country, the trio stages an arena rock show that just happens to incorporate a fiddle and mandolin. The band partied through their opener “Still Feels Good” and their cover of “Life Is a Highway,” while starbursts of color, silhouettes of dancing cowgirls and tidbits of their music videos flashed on giant screens behind the stage.
Best known for its heartfelt power-ballads, the group romanced the female-dominated audience with “Secret Smile,” “My Wish” and “Take Me There.” Their signature tight three-part harmonies elevated the uplifting crowd-pleasers “Stand,” “Every Day” and “Feels Like Today.” The crowd blissfully sang along with LeVox’s tenor twang on the hit “Bless the Broken Road.”
DeMarcus proved a capable bassist and even showed off some of his stand-up comic skills with his funny bit about women who dress in short skirts but get mad when men ogle them. But Rooney was the star of the show, tearing through guitar solos with agile fingers and facing off in a scorching showdown with consummate fiddler John “Chank” Jeansonne.
The band paid rollicking tribute to its supporters with “Here’s to You,” and then returned for a rousing encore, with balloons and confetti showering down as the back rocked through “Me and My Gang” and “Bob That Head.”
Rascal Flatts got plenty of momentum from their opening act’s spirited performance.
Dressed in cowboy boots and a short sparkly blue dress, Swift, who will be 19 in December, resembled many of her fans at the BOK Center. A rising star who will soon be headlining her own tours, Swift exhibited the energy of youth, strumming a crystal-adorned guitar, chatting with the crowd and tossing her long mane of blond hair as she sang in a strong but girlish voice.
She danced, skipped and jumped around the stage as she belted her peppy ballads “I’m Only Me When I’m with You,” “Love Story” and her breakout hit “Our Song.” But she was at her best when she unleashed her scathing breakup songs “Picture to Burn” and “Should’ve Said No.”
The latter featured the highlight of her too-short set: a sexy, over-the-top percussion showdown between Swift and fiddler Caitlin Evanson that had the pair pounding on metal trash cans with drum sticks.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Sept. 26
Today’s featured event:
Taste barbecue, wine and beers; participate in a horseshoe tournament and live auction; and hear live music from Camille Harp, Bryon White and Pinebox Serenade from 7 to 11 p.m. today the fourth annual “Hootenanny at the Harn.”
The event is a fundraiser at and for the historic Harn Homestead Museum, 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd.
It will feature food and beverages from Earl’s Rib Palace, POPS and Choc Beer.
For more information, call 235-4058 or go to www.harnhomestead.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
“Red vs. Blue”: “Just because we do something doesn’t mean it’s smart.”
It’s been a hectic week, so I just got around tonight to watching the latest episode of “Red vs. Blue: Reconstruction.”
In Chapter 15, Agent Washington and Church infiltrate the facility where the A.I. units are stored, leaving Caboose and the Reds to their own devices. There’s a scary thought.
The episode takes us one step closer to finally finding out what precisely went wrong with Washington’s A.I. The chapter is mostly plot, though it does have some funny moments.
You can check it out at www.roosterteeth.com.
-BAM
Gov. Henry promotes Alison Krauss-Robert Plant benefit show
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant (Associated Press photo)
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and first lady Kim Henry. (The Oklahoman Archives photo)
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and first lady Kim Henry are encouraging people to attend and support Friday night’s Alison Krauss and Robert Plant concert at the Zoo Amphitheatre. The show is a benefit for Hurricane Ike relief efforts.
The Zoo Amp released this letter from the Henrys about the show:
Dear Fellow Oklahomans:
Hurricane Ike has devastated the lives of thousands in the Greater Houston area. People have lost their homes, businesses and jobs. The situation is dire for many – but there is a way you can help make a real difference.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, two bona fide music legends, are coming to the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater for a Friday, Sept. 26, benefit concert in which all ticket proceeds will go to the Gulf Coast IKE Relief Fund. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. We commend Zoo concert promoter Howard Pollack and his team for bringing this exciting opportunity to Oklahoma City.
Oklahomans have always stepped up to the plate during periods of crisis, and we are confident this time will be no different. Scores of our state’s citizens, in fact, already have donated time, resources and money to Ike relief efforts. But the Robert Plant-Alison Krauss concert offers a rare and dynamic opportunity to see two giants of music and do so knowing that you are helping a worthwhile cause. The Greater Houston Community Foundation will administer this fund at no cost, so 100 percent of all donations will go to needy families.
If you cannot attend the concert but would like to make a donation, you can do so by visiting the Greater Houston Community Foundation website at www.ghcf.org and clicking on the link to donate now.
Thousands of our fellow Americans are in desperate need of help. We hope to see you at the show!
Sincerely,
Brad Henry
Governor
Kim Henry
First Lady
-BAM
Jason Meadows in new ad campaign
Oklahoma country singer Jason Meadows will be featured this fall in Chrysler’s new advertising campaign for the new Dodge Ram. The campaign will be directed by Tony Scott, who has helmed numerous action movies, including “Top Gun” and ”Enemy of the State.”
Chrysler’s approach for the campaign is to create reality show Webisodes based on challenges that highlight the pickup truck’s capabilities. The competition will include four rounds of driving challenges taken on by four teams representing Dodge’s primary driver demographics: military, firefighters, contractors and cowboys. Each team includes two competitors
Meadows, who grew up in Calera and broke out on the TV show “Nashville Star,” and Scott Davis, national sales director for Championship Bull Riding, will make up the Cowboys team.
One of Meadows’ signature songs is “100% Cowboy.” He grew up competing in rodeos and participating in FFA and Oklahoma Youth Rodeo Association.
His song, “Ride It Out,” was recently chosen as the official theme song for Championship Bull Riding. The song will be featured on CBR’s show on the RFD-TV cable station and at all their events for the rest of 2008 and 2009.
“I am so fired up to be a part of the Dodge Ram Challenge,” Meadows said in a news release.
He continues, “I can’t wait for everybody to see it. These trucks are 100 percent cowboy.”
You can watch video previews of the Dodge Ram competition, which looks pretty action-packed, at www.ramchallenge.com. To learn more about Meadows, go to www.jasonmeadows.com.
-BAM
-BAM
Carrie Underwood and Toby Keith on Country Weekly cover
Carrie Underwood (Associated Press photo)
Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, George Strait, Kenny Chesney and other country music stars talk about the real-life heroes who inspired them on the road to fame and fortune in the cover story for the Oct. 6 issue of Country Weekly, on sale now.
Underwood, who hails from Checotah, tells the magazine that her hero is her mom, Carole, who has always supported her aspirations.
“She’s just such a wonderful person,” Underwood says in the story, according to a news release. ”Her being supportive of me helped me the most!”
-BAM
BAM Column: Rascal Flatts’ Tulsa show helps Joe Don Rooney’s hometown
Members of the band Rascal Flatts, from left, Joe Don Rooney, Jay Demarcus and Gary LeVox arrive for the premiere of the new film “Righteous Kill” at the Ziegfeld Theater Sept. 10 in New York. (Associated Press photo)
From Thursday’s The Oklahoman.
Special note: This is the first issue of my new column, BAM, that will run in The Oklahoman and on NewsOK. My column will focus on country music and other entertainment news and commentary.
Rascal Flatts show aids Picher
Along with playing sold-out shows, racking up industry awards and notching hit singles, country music band Rascal Flatts has been honored this year for charitable giving.
In spring, the trio of singer Gary LeVox, bassist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney of Picher received the 2008 Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, followed with the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s “Shining Star Award.” The awards came shortly after the band reached out to Rooney’s hometown in its hour of need.
The hit-churning group, who has sold more than 17 million albums, takes the stage tonight at Tulsa’s BOK Center, but the proceeds from ticket sales already have gone to a good cause. Rascal Flatts made a donation to the Red Cross to aid relief efforts in the wake of the May 10 tornado that ravaged Picher.
“Rascal Flatts has a great reputation for helping nonprofit organizations, and the Red Cross is grateful to be a part of that,” said Nellie Kelly, spokeswoman of the Tulsa area chapter of the American Red Cross. “They understand how horrible disasters are and that they can strike at any time; whether you’re rich or poor, a disaster can affect any one of us.”
Tickets went on sale for the Tulsa concert in April. A spokesman for the band said the musicians decided to use the proceeds from the show to make the donation, the amount of which he asked not be disclosed, immediately after the disaster, when the community’s need was greatest.
Rooney also returned to Picher a few days after the tornado to volunteer with the Red Cross and survey the devastation to his hometown. The EF-4 twister resulted in seven deaths, at least 150 injuries and 114 homes destroyed. It was the deadliest to hit Oklahoma since the May 3, 1999, tornado that killed 44 people.
“When I spent time in Picher immediately after the tornado with the American Red Cross, it was important to me and to the guys that we do something right away to help these people. This town was and is still in my heart. … Our Tulsa show had gone on sale, and we were so thrilled with the fans buying tickets so quickly, we knew that was a way to have the community and Oklahoma help us donate funds to Picher,” Rooney said Wednesday in an e-mail.
During his visit, Rooney handed out water bottles, met with residents and “really cheered people up at a very difficult time,” Kelly said. She drove around the town with Rooney and his sister as they pointed out familiar landmarks turned to rubble.
“I could see the destruction myself, but what I didn’t have was the memories of how it used to be,” she said. “That was what was really touching to me was to see the memories that went along with the disaster and how it touched him so much.”
In a May 14 interview from Picher, Rooney told The Oklahoman that his childhood home was “basically demolished.”
“It looks like a war zone,” Rooney, 33, said at the time. “It’s under such horrible circumstances to be back home.”
His return tonight to his home state is guaranteed to be more fun. The band, which has been touring nearly nonstop this year, is known for putting on high-energy tours.
Special guests on the tour include songwriters Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley, who penned the Rascal Flatts’ hits “Take Me There,” “Fast Cars and Freedom” and “I Melt,” and up-and-coming star Taylor Swift, whose debut album spawned five top 10 singles and recently released her sophomore CD, “Fearless.”
IN CONCERT
Rascal Flatts
Special guests: Taylor Swift, Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley.
When: 8 tonight.
Where: BOK Center, 200 S Denver, Tulsa.
Tickets: About 400 new seats were released for sale Wednesday. Prices are $49.50 and $69.50.
Information: (866) 726-5287 or www.bokcenter.com.
-BAM
Zoo Amp Box Office open today for Krauss-Plant benefit concert
The Zoo Amphitheatre is trying to head off some of the anticipated problems with long lines at Friday’s big Alison Krauss-Robert Plant concert.
The Zoo Amp’s on-site box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today so that ticktholders can pick up their tickets in advance and not wait in one of the venue’s seemingly endless lines the day of the show.
Fans also can buy tickets to the show today at the box office.
Don’t forget, Friday’s show not only supports the duo’s awesome 2007 album “Raising Sand,” it also will be a benefit concert for our neighbors to the south who were hard-hit by Hurricane Ike.
For more information, go to www.zooamp.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Sept. 25
Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard in “Once.” The musical duo will play tonight at Tulsa’s Brady Theater.
Today’s featured event:
TULSA – Hear The Swell Season, the duo of former Frames frontman Glen Hansard and Czech pianist/songstress Marketa Irglova, at 7 p.m. today at the Brady Theater. The pair starred in last year’s great Irish indie film “Once,” and they will be performing their songs from the movie, including their Oscar-winning ballad “Falling Slowly.”
Bill Callahan, AKA Smog, will be the supporting act.
This is a show that’s definitely worth the drive from Oklahoma City to Tulsa. Hansard and Irglova are incredible lyricists, singers and musicians. To learn more about them, go to www.theswellseason.com.
For more information, go to www.bradytheater.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
