Recreation: A day at the ball park

"What a great day for a ball game!" That was the common sentiment among our foursome who went to the Sunday afternoon Pawsox game. Everyone else apparently had the same idea because the stands were quite full. We got our green-seat tickets from my wife's friend's father's friend.

We were just to the right of home plate which put us outside the protection of the backstop net. This plus the action put forth by the Pawsox meant that we would pay attention to the entire game.

For our attention we were rewarded with the first couple home runs of the season as well as stolen bases and a 9-4 win for the Sox.

If you're looking for a nice afternoon or evening, you cant go wrong with a ball game. It's a great family outing or a fun time out with friends. Prices are quite reasonable at $6 for adults, $4 for kids and seniors, and $9 for reserved box seats.

It looks like this is starting off to be a good season for the Pawsox so why not go and enjoy it. (Check out www.pawsox.com)

Movie Review: Sin City

Frank Miller's "Sin City" gets better with each passing day since I saw it. Fans of Robert Rodrigues' unique style of visual storytelling will not be disappointed. Those who have seen his other works (Desperado, Once Upon A Time Down In Mexico, Spy Kids, etc.) will instantly recognize his form and format. Those that haven't seen them or don't recall them will be equally impressed.

This movie, based on the comic book of the same name, is black-and-white with splashes of color that really make things pop. Compound that with surreal gun fire effects and scantily clad women and you've got a sure winner.

The story to this movie is more accurately described as three stories (five if you count the opening and closing bits). The stories are well formed with sometimes heavy dialog. If you enjoy 30s/40s gangster stories, you will probably really enjoy them. Each part is loosely tied back to the rest of the movie visually, which is what this movie is really all about.

The cinematography and visual effects for this movie were excellent. In fact, I would have to say that, by far, this was the best visual movie I have ever seen. One could almost turn the sound off and still know what was going on. (When I get the DVD, I plan to try that.)

I can't quite figure out what it is about this movie that makes me like it as much as I do. When I left the movie, my initial thought was that it was good, and certainly worth the money. After letting the movie sit in my mind for a while, I can't seem to think that it was anything less than spectacular.

The movie possesses an all-star cast of Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Clive Owen and many others. Rosario Dawson was especially good. In a surprise to me (I hate Gillmore Girls), I really liked Alexis Bledel. Its not that she is a good actress (she really isn't). Its not that she is so attractive (Ok, she is cute, but nothing special). What really did it for me was the effect that they used on her bluer-than-blue eyes.

When it really comes down to it, that is what this movie is all about… the visual effects. I can see this movie being a likely candidate for best director and best cinematography in the various film awards.

Overall, this was a great movie. I can't wait for the DVD.