Movies from every state day 49.5 - Limbo

We're awaiting the prodigal son's return to Toutle for the visit to state 50, Alaska!!
To give you an idea of what to expect, we'll start our movie marathon with:
John Wayne and "North to Alaska". Additional updates of the movies we'll see and the date of the event will be forthcoming. Well, actually the date is dependent on Adam's arrival and as parents, we have no idea, but we do have control over the list of films, maybe!

Movies from every state day 49- Arkansas

Arkansas is known as "The Natural State" for it's natural beauty, clear lakes and streams along with an abundance of natural wildlife. Another state I haven't been to, so I'll take their word for it. We should see a good sampling of AR tonight since we're visiting Clarendon, Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith and Lamar Porter Baseball Field in Little Rock.

We know nothing about this one "A Soldiers Story". It's timing is near the end of WW11 at a Black Army base where there is a murder of a Sargent. A black Army attorney is sent to investigate. The segrigation and hatred at this time in history still amazes me. I was actually stationed in Alabama in 1971 and the signs were still, literally, in the South then. Most had been painted over or removed, but you could see the outline of "Colored Entrance" or "Whites Only" in many places. Two different drinking fountains that were once race separated. 

Before and during WW11 there were very few "Colored" officers and none in the South until a Black Captain shows up from Washington DC to investigate the killing. It's eye opening to see how he is treated by "White" officers. The show is of a troubling time, but the humor and the acting make it a pretty darn good one. Denzel Washington is in it and in 1984 he's way down the list of actors. 

Well, That's #49. One to go. We've saved the best for last. A movie marathon celebrating our favorite state 'The Last Frontier" ALASKA!!! Adam will be home for Thanksgiving next week and we're going to save #50 for then. You'll see many parts of the biggest dang state in the union and actors like John Wayne, Sandra Bullock, Cuba Gooding Jr,. There will also be a story about real Alaskans and friends who survived everything by doing anything they need to do.

 

Movies from every state day 48- North Dakota

I know, I know, it's been awhile. We finally found two movies that cover states we had to pass over. Our collection did cover 48 states with no problem, but Arkansas and North Dakota were giving us a hard time. I'll admit we had to shop for these two. Thank goodness for Amazon.com and a huge list of  movies. Better yet is the fact that the two I chose must not have been highly sought after, because their prices were slashed. Tonight we are in North Dakota, because #4 child (Rob) is there too. North Dakota, known as the "Peace Garden State" because of the International Peace Garden that straddles the international boundary between ND and Manitoba Canada. Flickertail State, because of the way the Richardson ground squirrels flicks it's tail or " The Roughrider State" because of the ND Cowboys who joined Teddy and his First US Volunteer Calvary.
We'll visit Medora, Fryburg and Beach ND. A Medora local (Sheila Schafer) has one line and plays "Lady at Diner". Her husband, Harold, also had one line as an extra in "How the West Was Won" with Henry Fonda who happens to be the father of one of the stars in tonight's show, Peter Fonda along with Kris Kristofferson, Keith Carradine and Joe Mazzello all round out the cast of "The Wooly Boys"a story of an older ND rancher, his cronies, his young "Big City" grandson and the adventures they have when Stoney (Peter Fonda) goes to Minneapolis for medical treatment he doesn't realize has been set up for him. He ends up schooling his pampered grandson about life in general and his roots. The reviews I've read said "Funny, Sad, Heartwarming all make this a Winner". With a few big names you'd yhink the acting would be a little better. Must be why it did less than $500,000 at the box office. I might be a little too harsh, it is watchable, a good idea for a film, and it was filmed in North Dakota. Thank goodness for Dakota the one bright spot among the characters played by Guapo a big, black, beautiful horse who can actually act.

Movies from every state day 47- Hawaii

In order of Statehood, "The Aloha State", Hawaii is the last and it's out in the middle of no where in the Pacific Ocean too. It consists of a group of mountains that stick out of the ocean. Gee, 1959 aren't we overdue for another state. Maybe Puerto Rico should make the move from unincorporated territory.
Even though our son was announced as Adam Sandler at several of his out of town basketball games, Adam , the Sandler one, has not been my favorite actor. In this show he actually works pretty well with Drew Barrymore. Whoever came up with the idea of "50 First Dates" had a great idea. It's a little to corny at times, OK most of the time, but the idea was great. Hawaii, what a great place, where Aloha is used as Hello or Goodbye, just in case you can't remember which way you're going. If you haven't seen it yet, quit reading now........... Because they end up in my favorite state, Alaska at the other end of the Pacific.

Movies from every state day 46- California

"The Golden State" has been the official nickname of California since 1968, but the third biggest and by far the most populated state first became known as golden during the 1848 rush for nuggets and I'm not talkin' McNuggets. The title "Golden" also results from the fields of golden poppies seen throughout the state each spring.
For tonight we are not only going to California. We are not only going to watch the best of a trilogy.
We are going to 12417 E. Philadelphia St. Whittier, Ca. Home of Richard Nixon's and Marty McFly's high school, Whittier High and Hill Valley High respectively. Just so happens my sister Sue and her family reside there too, in the city not the school. "Back to the Future" may have had II and III, but nothing beats the original for me. Not only did Doc build a time machine out of a Delorean, but Karrie "drove" the front half of it used it filming when we visited Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park. I love when the Pinheads audition for the "Battle of the Bands" playing "The Power of Love" for the judges, one of them being none other than Huey Lewis, who proclaims them as being "Just to darn loud!". Never again will 88 miles per hour be the same since we've now seen "Serious Shit" happen at it. As one who worked at a "Full Service" gas station in the late 60's, when gas was .25 a gal , I like the four attendants at the Texico. I think it might be some what safe now to say, I my have used the wheels of my dear sister's roller skates to make my first skate board. It probably wasn't me if it's still an issue. The look on Marty's face when he runs into his dad, in the past, is priceless. Then he finds out his dad is a Peeping Tom. One bit of trivia: Time travel, in the movie,  occurs on Oct. 26, 1985, but the film actually premiered on July 5, 1985, so that audiences were actually seeing the "Future".
Have fun watching this and just to be safe, keep it at 87mph or less.

Movies from every state day 45- Washington

Washington "The Evergreen State" The west side may get quite a bit of rain, but heck, that's why it's ever green. In 1889 it became the 42nd state and it is the only state named after a president.
We have four options in our collection for this state, we just don't have any choice! It has to be
"Sleepless in Seattle". Among other places we get to visit Alki Beach and my personal favorite, Pike Place Market where they toss fish and have tons of fantastic flowers, people from every walk of life from ever corner of the world. The areas around Seattle that have house boat neighborhoods are fun to walk around too. This is a movie that we'll watch many more times. It stars Ross Malinger as Jonah. He's backed up by somewhat known Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Rosie O'Donnell is even good in this one. I can relate with the scene of celebrating New Years when the ball drops in New York. I rarely make it to midnight. He pulls out his rolodex to call a possible date as the background music is "Back in the Saddle Again". Poor guy doesn't have a chance after his son calls the late night shrink talk show. My spell check doesn't even recognize Rolodex in this day of black berries, pda's and smart phones who even has one. Oh wait, I have on on my desk, but then again I don't have any of the others. Sleepless doesn't seem that old to me, but wired phones, green computer screen print, no gps navigation, and actual mail and they're even Google-less.
Since all the women in this are all crying over "An Affair to Remember".
I guess I better watch it too. I'm a sucker for good old fashion happy endings!

Movies from every state day 44- Oregon

We have a pretty good selection to pick from to represent Oregon "The Beaver State" to celebrate nature's engineers for their dam building skills that are important to water flow and erosion control. I just love watching the little buggers around work as the state DOT guys try to remove the dams and the next morning sticks and mud back as they start a new one. In a few weeks there are several acres of wet land habitat and they are left alone for few months only to start the battle again. Just for our niece Stephanie we had planed to watch a favorite of ours "The Goonies", but we couldn't wait and watched it last week. So, we like the Columbia River Gorge and Beacon Rock, which Karrie has climbed. Those two are both in our next movie and lead to "Maverick". I really like this one, and not just because of James Gardner, Mel Gibson or Jodie Foster. Well, yes I guess it is. The humor, the scenery, the river and river boats are just dandy too!

Movies from every state day 43- Wyoming

Alphabetically the last state, but it's better know as " The Equality State". It seems this state had some very forward thinkers and in 1869 Gov. Campbell signed the Suffrage Act into law extending the right to vote to women for the first time in the US. Wyoming was also the first state to have women on juries, first female court bailiff, Justice of the Peace and Governor. Wyoming is also known as "The Cowboy State", but the equality thing is a pretty tough act to follow. Awhile after they got the vote the women and men of Wyoming got to be acquainted with a couple of good lookin' guys (at least in the movies) that hung out in the Big Horn Mountains of Johnson County in Northern Wyoming at Hole in the Wall. I believe we've watched "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" a few times, since it seems Karrie can recite all the lines. The number of awards and the number of times it's listed in Top 100 of all time categories is amazing. Paul Newman started and ran "The Hole in the Wall Gang" camp for seriously ill children and Redford among other things started the Sundance Film Festival. On the charts of 100 years-100 songs #23 goes to "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head. If you haven't seen this one, what planet are you from. If you have you'll recognize a few famous quotes like "Well that outa do it" followed by "Think you used enough dynamite Butch" or "Who are these guys"or "Banks don't move" You've got to watch it or watch it again Redford and Newman along with Katharine Ross make this a great classic from back in the day. 1969 to be exact.

Movies from every state day 42 - Nevada

The Silver State, for it's large silver mine industries or the Sagebrush State which makes sense too. Take your pick, they both work for me. We have several good movies for Nevada. All the "Oceans", Vegas Vacation, Sister Act(s), What Happens in Vegas, Pay it Forward, Miss Congeniality,
Top Gun ........., but we (I) choose to watch an example of dang good entertainment. Lots of noise and well known actors, nice cars and trucks and we get to visit the Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. We get to be witness as a young mans dreams come true. When his first car picks him. A classic yellow w/black racing stripes camaro. Little does he know that it's going to transform  his life.  It just so happens the car helps save the world and his non-existent love life. The car even picks the right music to motivate him. The girl thinks he's the strangest boy she's ever met, but she had the guts to get into the car. She does wonder why "If it's suppose to be this super advanced robot why does it turn into this piece of s--t car". Being the very sensitive robot it runs off only to come back as a brand new Bubblebee camaro and brings his friends along too. Family history links Sam to the "Transformers" (tonight's movie) and the car brings it all together. Bad "Mojo" the families bejeweled, leg in a cast, chihuahua just about ruins everything by leaking lubricants on the Autobots. Witwicky, Sam Witwicky holds the key to earths survival. The end of earth might be near, but the humor is really good too.
Computer animation has really come a long ways to bring 1980 toys to the big screen.
Long live Optimus Prime !!

Movies from every state Day 41- Idaho

I always thought Idaho was the Famous Potato. It's actually the "Gem State" and even better yet it's because the 1863 Congress designated the Idaho Territory thinking it was a Shoshone word meaning Gem of the Mountain ( It's not ). What better movie to celebrate this inept'ness than, I can't believe I'm even saying this,  Napoleon Dynamite. This is not the Dumbest movie I've every watched, but it's really, really close. This movie was entirely filmed in Idaho and the State actually created a "Day". The movie and the town of Preston have cult followings. It's no wonder this show was made for $400,000, although that even seems steep, what is amazing is that within the first year it grossed $45,000,000. I've got to be honest, I just don't know what to say. Napoleon's secret weapon dance moves, Pedro's hair, Uncle Rico and the Bust Must +,
Notable lines like "I caught you a delicious bass", "Do you want to play me", "I see you're drinking 1%. Is that 'cause you think you're fat? 'Cause you're not. You could be drinking whole if you wanted to", "Well, you have a sweet bike. And you're really good at hooking up with chicks. Plus you're like the only guy at school who has a mustache" There are many more memorable quotes from this blockbuster, but I just don't have it in me to pretend this was worth watching. Since we are only using our own video library to travel the USA, the only other choice we had was to skip Idaho. Too late now!
Damn, Now I can't get JJ, Good Times, 1970s, "Dyno-MITE!" out of my head!!

Movies from every state Day 40- Kansas

Day 40!
40 down 10 to go.
Kansas. I guess it's officially called "The Sunflower State" as a reminder of the wild flowers that grow across the state. "Midway State" because the geographic center of the country is located in Kansas, would be my choice.
Two brothers, one a college free spirit the other a doctor and both bikers, fight through a tough family history along with a genetic decease. One of them is very sick, but which one? This film is shot in several states, but tonight we're going to a restaurant in McPherson, KS and to watch a parade in Lindsborg. When the brothers go riding with Eddie for wind sprints, the younger brother gets schooled. Interesting training technique, with motivation. The training and work required to bike with the big boys is incredible. I can hardly breath just watching the "Stress Test" on the treadmill. I like the training center managers son as he tries to convince his dad he's not into sweat and if has to choose a sport, it's bowling. The movie moves to the Colorado Rockies for The Hell of the West, wait till you see these crazy people race the Rockies on bicycles! American Flyers is another that shows, to reach a goal you've got to be willing to put everything into it. We have our own race here it Toutle Country called " Tour de Blast" The riders leave Toutle at 600ft elevation and in 42 miles, climb to 3800 ft, down to 2500 and up to 4300 ft at Johnston Ridge Observatory and Mount Saint Helens. Then they get to turn around and do it all over again on the return trip.
I was busted by Jen Whicker. The movie is "American Flyer".

Movies from every state Day 39- Mississippi

Well, I thought our collection had been stumped on "The Magnolia State", but we finally stumbled on one forgotten and misfiled . The official nickname for Mississippi is the Magnolia state because of the flowers and trees. I don't know it just seems unimaginative to me.  Since it's my Blog it's my choice and I'm going for one of the unofficial nicknames. I'm going for the " Mud-Cat State " for the large cat fish that wander in the swamps and rivers.
Matthew McConaughey has really nailed a bunch of great parts and he does again as a struggling southern lawyer in "A Time to Kill". Toss in Samuel L. Jackson, Sandra Bullock, Kevin Spacey, along with Donald and Kiefer Sutherland and you get one hell of a cast. This one is tough to watch at times for a couple of reasons. The topic and the knowledge that there are still people who feel this way. It wasn't just hard to watch, but to write about too. Knowing that there are those that hate this much and not just about black and white or color at all. Some hate for gender, religion, nationality others just hate. The South doesn't and never did hold the monopoly on prejudice.
There will always be one absolute truth, that being, I'll never be able to spell any state faster without thinking about it than.
Mi ss i ss i pp i.

Movies from every state Day 38- Utah

When Brigham Young and his followers got to the Great Salt Lake Basin he and his Elders drafted a petition to create "The Territory of  Deseret " from the Book of Mormon, meaning Honeybee. They were very ambitious, for it was to encompass most of present day Utah, Nevada and large parts of California, Arizona along with some of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon. It was never recognized by the US. The current state of Utah was admitted to the Union in 1896 and became "The Beehive State" to honor the industrious and for the virtues of thrift and perseverance.
Can you guess this movie? No skipping to the bottom!
It was filmed in part at Arches National Park and Moab, Utah, however filming was also done in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, England, Italy, Spain, Germany and Jordan.
It's budget was $48,000,000 and has so far grossed over $500,000,000.
Guess yet?
It had two pretty good actors in it and one was named Junior. The other one was named Dad.
They travel all over the place saving things that belong in a museum and to save the world from the Holy Grail. It's full of a lots of great action, before action got so unbelievably computer generated, and timely humor. Never underestimate the power of the umbrella.
These two actors really worked well with each other.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with Harrison Ford and Sean Connery is my favorite of the series.
I also am not fond of snakes or rats, so other than a few million dollars and world wide recognition, I'm a lot like these two guys.

Movies from every state Day 37- Arizona

Arizona is a pretty prolific state movie wise and we have 9 of them. We're kind of in a silly mood, so our choice tonight fits right in. Arizona's most famous nickname comes from that big long hole in the ground and is the reason behind "The Grand Canyon State". "Copper State" is also recognized as an option. In tonight's film we'll see part of the Coronado National Forest and Old Tucson.
We'll meet three naively brave, out of work actors.
Lucky Day (Steve Martin) Dusty Bottom (Chevy Chase) Ned Nederlander (Martin Short) are " The Three Amigos". They think they are being hired to put on their famous show only to find out the bad guys are real and have real bullets. Silly, yes, but they do end up finding their courage and help a small town triumph over evil. I'm not sure who came up with the idea for this one, but they most definitely were on some kind of medication. I just notice it was directed by John Landis, who also did Animal House. That explains it.

Movies from every state day 36- Oklahoma

OMG, I was having trouble with this state, how did I miss this movie. We've watched it several times and it's a good one. My memory is coming to me later rather than sooner. What a coincidence, we're in "The Sooner State" tonight. OK was nicknamed for cheaters. Yes, it was! In 1889, the Indian Territory was open to settlers. Thousands of people lined up on the border and, when the signal was given, they raced into the territory to claim their land. Some people went in early to claim theirs. They became known as Sooners.
We get to visit a phone booth in Cogar, a Big 8 Motel in El Reno and shots in Guthrie, Hilton and Oklahoma City all of which are located in Oklahoma. Tom Cruise definitely, definitely, definitely gets the roses, well he also gets the 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible with a Straight Fireball 8 and an unknown brother that can really count spilled tooth pics and more importantly for his brother Charlie Babbit he can really, really count cards. Raymond better get Charlie to buy up all the underwear at KMart while there are still a few stores open. The Rain Man is an amazing story of a totally selfish guy who ends up learning how to be a decent human being. Tom Cruise plays his part well, but I can't imagine how Dustin Hoffman was able to play his part as an Autistic Savant.

Movies from every state day 35- Colorado

Since we are only using movies that we own we are experiencing a little difficulty with a few states, but we're working on the ones we have for now. Some states we have more than one choice and if that's the case, as it is tonight, we're taking turns picking. Tonight we visit several sites in Colorado " The Centennial State" so named because ( guess now ) give up? Because it became a state in 1876, 100 years after the signing of our nations Declaration of Independence. I'm overdue a dose of the Duke. We're watching the 1969 version of True Grit. I do like the Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon in the remake, but it's hard to beat John Wayne. The two young girls that play Mattie Ross in each movie do a great job. It's a tough call, but I might like the actress that does the second one better. I'll have to watch it again.
In 1968/9 they filmed at several spots in CO including Buckskin Joe Frontier Town and Railway. Owl Creek Pass and Castle Rock to name a few. It would be entertaining and well worth your while to watch both versions, if you haven't already done so and they are as much fun the second time around.

Movies from every state day 34- New Mexico

 New Mexico " The Land of Enchantment". The nickname is to celebrate the beauty and it's rich history of the state. It was placed on license plates in 1941, but wasn't adopted as the official name until 1999. It's a good name, however "The Cactus State" was good one too and I'd personally vote for " The Hot Air Balloon State", if they'd be willing to change it, for their huge annual Balloon festival. We get to visit many locations in New Mexico, even though they say during the movie that they are in Texas. Don't believe it, they filmed at White Sands, Espanola, Dunkin' Donuts in Santa Fe and at State Penitentiary all located in New Mexico. This is another in our collection that embraces the idea of not giving up on your dreams. Not even if "The Man" is trying to squash them. I wish the youth of today could experience the World holding it's breath waiting for one man to be the first to step onto the surface of our moon. I believe that is the last time the entire world dreamed as one.  It was truly an amazing time in history. My Sister just commented and wants to know what the movie is. I'm either getting sloppy or it was a test to see if anyone actually is paying attention. It was none other than Billy Bob in "The Astronaut Farmer".

Movies from every state day 33- Texas

Since our family came from 27 years in Alaska, I don't mind visiting the second largest state tonight. "The Lone Star State" Is this place really our 28th state? Many believe the origins of the "Lone Star" was from Mexico trying to uphold it's rights to the Lone state of Mexico under the constitution of 1824. Others believe the star represents the wish of many Texans to achieve statehood with the United States. It's part of us now, and that's a good thing. In 1839 the design of the golden star on a blue background was introduced to symbolize the republic and the " Lone Star State" and has ever since.  Tonight we all get reminded not to give up our dreams. "The Rookie" takes us to Big Lake, Texas and a high school coach that talks to his team about achieving their dreams only to have them make a deal with him. They win games and he tries out for the "Bigs". They do and he does! This small town was founded on the dreams of two nuns who take a chance and bless the site with rose petals and prayers to Santa Rita. It looks like praying to "Saint Rita the Patron Saint of Desperate Causes" still works. If you like Dennis Quaid, baseball, long shots, Texas or big dreams, you'll like this one. It's based on a true story too! It's even rated G, but watch out Dennis does say Damn once. Never too late to chase those dreams, but don't forget Saint Rita and the yellow roses!

Movies from every state day 32- Nebraska

 We are experiencing a great test of our film library while trying to cross the heartland of America. Not many movies were either shot in or possessed by us that covers a few states we're trying to visit. Don't worry, we will eventually prevail. We are lucky that a fine, if not small portion of our film tonight was shot in Scottsbluff, NE. 
The 1945 Legislature made official " The Cornhusker State " nickname. Unlike may University athletic teams who got their name from the State, Nebraska got it's from the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers who received the name in 1900 from Charles "Cy" Sherman a sportswriter.  I like " Elizabethtown" for several reasons. It could have satisfied the requirments for several states, it's got a good, no really good, soundtrack, shows small town in all it's glory and horror. It's basically about a young shoe designer that kind of goofs to the tune of slightly less than a Billion Dollar loss to his now former employer. As he's about to do himself in, he finds out his father died and he's thrown into family, town and past that he'd just as soon avoid. With his mother and sister on one side of the country and him with  the extra extended fathers side of the family. On the way he meets a flight attendant and they have kind of a weird bond that develops in a weird way, during a weird road trip she sends him on. It ends in a most logical way after a lot of fun, sorrow, confusion and more fun.

Movies from every state day 31- Missouri

Tonight's feature takes us Down Under. No I'm not talking about Australia, we're in the USA remember?
I'm talking about the largest underground lake in the world. It just so happens to be located in a mine at Bonne Terre, Missouri.The lower levels of the mine form a 17 mile illuminated lake. Jacques Cousteau even dove this baby. All of this is located under "The Show Me State". The name is attributed to Rep. Willard Van Diver in 1899 and connotes a certain self deprecating stubbornness and devotion to simple common sense. I might need to move there!
Our movie used the clear water with visibility to 100 feet year round to shoot many of the underwater scenes in "The Abyss". At 2000 ft plus underwater we get to witness the end and rebirth of a marriage,
military "Intelligence", bravery, self sacrifice . I know I held my breath too long a few times. They also toss in a bunch of cool underwater toys with a pinch or two of science.

Movies from every state day 30- Louisiana

Early European settlers were impressed by the abundance of and the generous nurturing attitude toward their young that the Brown Pelicans displayed. The Brown Pelican completely disappeared
for a time, they had quit nesting in the area due to the heavy use of pesticides. They were put on the endangered list and years later repopulated with birds from Florida. They are doing well now. Louisiana has several nicknames, like, Bayou State, Sugar State, Creole State and others including one that I like "The Child of the Mississippi" because silt from the river has added land mass to the state. Since the Pelican is the state bird, on the state flag and seal, it wins the nickname honors.
If you're going to visit the state you can't miss New Orleans.  A error in a medical check causes our star to quit her job, cash in her retirement and pursue her "Possibilities". As she tries to live the good life before she dies by spending every dime she has, amazing things start to happen including winning a bundle at the gaming tables, impressing a bunch of stuck ups, meeting her idol chef and getting the guy and career of her dreams. Queen Latifah is a perfect fit for this role. Remember the secret to life is Butter!
 

Movies from every state day 29-Iowa

 There is absolutely no other movie for " The Hawkeye State" than the choice for tonight, but first we must take care of  another little tidbit of history. The nickname got official recognition by "Territorial Officials" in 1838. It was introduced by two Iowa promoters from Burlington, Judge Rorer and News Publisher Edwards after the 1832 Black Hawk War to pay tribute to Chief Black Hawk. There you go!
We will visit Dubuque, Dyersville and Farley, IA home of the PTA meeting of the "Book Burning Nazi Cow" Field of Dreams is a favorite in the Sadler household. When you're total broke and your only hope to survive is your corn crop, what better thing to do than mow it down to create a fantastic baseball field to satisfy the voice in your head that you alone can hear, then go on a road trip in an old VW bus. Things work out, the farm is saved and everyone can hear the voice and see the ghosts. Oops, I shouldn't have given away the ending, but too late now! Enjoy!!

Movies from every state day 28- Minnesota

Minnesota 'the North Star State" because it's given people a sense of direction over time.? Not sure where that came from. I can understand where "Land of 10,000 Lakes" on their license plates comes from even though they sell themselves short, since they have closer to 12,000.

I really like tonight's show and since it takes place in so many Minnesota locations it's now number one as far a shoot locations in one state, so far.  Joe Somebody, with Tim "The Toolman "Allen is funny with Joe who wants to become a new man, be noticed, take on the big bully, only to find out that the ones that mattered like him the way he was. He's got a great daughter who helps him get straightened out. 

The karaoke scenes take place at Grumpy's Bar and grill in Minneapolis, Target store shoot was in Plymouth and the Fine Arts Resource School located in Crystal help round out the plethora of MN locations. Joe works as a AV guy at a pharmaceutical company putting out a new medication that " Makes You Better Than You Really Are" with minimal side effects, like depression, distorted vision, dizziness, dry mouth, lockjaw, heart palpitations, .............................................................................................. and possibly sudden death, 

but Makes You Better Than You Are!!

 

Movies from every state day 27-Wisconsin

 The badger is one ferocious little bugger and has been has been associated with tonights state since territorial days but became the official state animal and nickname of Wisconsin in 1957. Another of the shows I've watched several times and don't tire off is "Iron Will".  It's the "Rudy" the "Rocky" of dog sledding. During the race we'll visit Oliver and Superior Wisconsin. The story of a young man that looses his father and enters a long distance dog race to save the family farm. Will Stoneman is like the badger in that he bit into an dream and refused to let go. A great Disney movie that would have made Walt proud.

 

 

 

 

Movies from every state day 26-Illinois

I'm having a little problem with Illinois and it's nickname, actually all 6 of them. The better known Prairie State and Land of Lincoln have fairly obvious origins and according to my baby brother, the Corn State would be appropriate, but, The Garden of the West, and Egypt ( for the Southern area) might be a stretch. There is my favorite and far less known "The Sucker State" now who wouldn't want to be from there. There are at least five possible sources for that one, but who really cares.
For tonight we have choices. We've narrowed it to two. My Big Fat Greek Wedding is OK, but it's so
freaking hot out we're going with "Christmas Vacation" after all there are only 107 shopping days left. Christmas Vacation had filming locations at the John Hancock Center (Clark's Boss's office) and
Marshall Field & Company Department Store where Clark is thinking of nothing else but his wife's gift. Both places in Chicago. Clark is also wearing a Chicago Bears hat on the tree hunting expedition. I can really relate to Clark. In one way or another I have attempted most, if not all of his holiday decorating techniques. With pretty much the same results.
It is working though, we're both feeling cooler.

Movies from every state day 25- Indiana

 Wow, we're going to be half way through the states after tonight's visit to Indiana "The Hoosier State". Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer as to where or why Hoosier was adopted as the states nickname. Some have it coming into use after a poet by the name of Finley wrote a poem "The Hoosier's Nest". Hoosier was also a derogatory term used in the South for a hick or country simple man and that they supposedly moved North. Another possibility, and one that is easier for me to grasp is that early visitors to pioneer cabins would hail and be answered by " Who's yere?". Well, it's as probable as any explanation! 
Where else would we be going in Indiana, but Notre Dame. A movie that truly shows what tenacity and hard work can get you. Rudy is a great example of both. That dang kid wouldn't take "no" for an answer from anybody. Kind of reminds me of someone I know that has always put every thing he has into the game and brings the best out of his team with his effort, skill and attitude. I'm talkin' about the "Rally Man" himself, our son!

Movies from every state day 24-Michigan

 Ohioans gave Michigan the nickname "The Wolverine State" around 1835 during a dispute over a strip of land that became the Toledo War, because Michiganians were as mean as wolverines. I prefer the "Great Lake State" for a couple of reasons. It borders 4 of the 5 great lakes. It has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more importantly it beats the heck out of Walmart who claims you're never more than 15 miles from one of their stores. In Michigan you're never more than 6 miles from a lake! 
With that fantastic bit of trivia out of the way, we're going to visit two locations in Michigan tonight. Not only do we get to see Detroit, we get to visit Port Huron as well. I'm not a huge fan of Danny DeVito, but he does a pretty good job with his character in "Renaissance Man". He's out of work in advertising and takes a job as an instructor on a Army base where he ends up helping some struggling soldiers find themselves. For Michigan we could have gone with two other choices in our library, Grand Torino or Beverly Hills Cop, maybe next road trip we'll be in the mood for one of them. 
PS. Just finished it and I had forgotten that it's a dang fine "feel good" show.

Movies from every state day 23- Kentucky

Kentucky "The Bluegrass State" is on tonights schedule. Bluegrass isn't really blue, it's grass so it's green, but in the spring it produces a bluish-purple bud and when seen in large fields gives a blue cast to the grass. Early pioneers found it growing in the rich limestone soil and wanted "some of that there blue grass from Kentucky". The name stuck.
Tonight, since Karrie is such a good sport to sit though another dang action movie, we're going to watch U.S. Marshalls with Tommy Lee Jones and Wesley Snipes. Guys get shot, tow truck wreck, plane crash, more guys get shot, good guy swings from tall building to roof of moving train, even more guys get shot, good guy gets girl back and proves he's innocent. What more could anyone ask for? Oh, it does cover our state visit requirements by using film locations in Benton and Eddyville Kentucky. We're slowly moving West with hopes of finding a state with a somewhat lighter movie topic.

Movies from every state day 22- Ohio

"The Buckeye State" is our next destination. The name has native origins. The tree that once covered the hillsides and valleys has a nut with markings resembling the eye of a buck. They called it "hetuck" or "buckeye". Because he was know to drink and live in a log cabin built of buckeye, during his 1840 presidential campaign, William Harrison's backers walked with buckeye canes and rolled whiskey barrels in parades causing people to dub "Old Tippecanoe" from being the " Buckeye State " candidate. He won too.
Tonight's show shares a location with Shawshank Redemption. That movie and our feature tonight may have saved the Mansfield Reformatory from demolition. It had lain dormant for four years before being used in two films as a prison. In "Air Force One" it's used as the Russian prison. I'll vote for Harrison Ford for President if he'll be like the one in this show. He'd have to get new security people though, these didn't do a very good job and most of them are dead anyway. Does Air Force One really have an escape pod? The Air Force says no, but I too, wouldn't tell everyone if it did. Good deal of excitement, the good guys win, the President kicks some bad guy butt and the object was to visit Ohio. Mission accomplished.

Movies from every state day 21- West Virginia

West Virginia " The Mountain State" because of  the Appalachian Mountains. It was the only state formed during the Civil War. It's also home to the first organized golf club in America.
"We Are Marshall" is about a school, town and state that suffered a horrific disaster that killed most of the football team and many prominent citizens. I touch people all across the country. It's about Marshall University's President and a football coach, who's hope was to restore the program and community. It's a true story filled with sadness and humor that must have helped in healing. They did move on, but they've remembered the event, day and time every year since. No matter if you're a sports fan or not, the spirit required to overcome this test is truly amazing. Karrie must have been cuttin' onions again during this one.

Movies from every state day 20-Vermont

   
"The Green Mountain State" Verd Mont was a name given to the Green Mountains in 1761 by Rev. Peters. In 1791 Vermont became the first state after the original thirteen.
On one of our hottest days of the year what better way to celebrate Vermont than by watching "White Christmas" I'll not ruin one of our favorite holiday classics by telling you that the two trains shown taking them from Florida to Vermont never ran on the east coast or that the Columbia Inn Station Wagon that picks them up at the Vermont train station actually had black and yellow California license plates (because it was a shot in California) or that Vera-Ellen as Judy Haynes actually only sings one song, Probably because she was so weak from malnutrition. My God she could have worn Hunters collar as a belt. The part were Crosby and Kaye do the girls part wasn't in the script. They were goofing off and everyone thought it was great and left it in.
It's a great show not because of the music, dancing or goofs, but because it's all about friends helping out friends when their in a bind. As far as I'm concerned it will always end with a White Christmas in Vermont. 

Movies from every state day 19-Maine

Well, This is the last state on the Atlantic coast. It was tough finding movies for a couple of these upper East coast states. Maine, The Pine Tree State, for it's prolific white pine, we'll showcase "run" Forrest "run" Gump. I didn't realize that Forrest taught Elvis all his moves. Looking back it is amazing that segregation was still so deep seated. I'm real glad I went to Germany instead of Vietnam. Just like peas and carrots, Jenny and Forrest. He takes a little jog across America and on the West to East leg of the trip ends up at the Marshall Point Lighthouse, near Point Clyde, Maine. Forrest might have been considered "simple" but he'd do anything for people and that's the way it should. I could sure go for some Budda Gump Shrimp right about now! I still crack up every time I see Forrest jump off his boat to see Lieutenant Dan.  Sometimes in life "There's just not enough rocks" but "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you'll get" This one sure has a good soundtrack even though they don't play much of each song.
We're working our way West from here.

Movies from every state day 18-Rhode Island

I guess Rhode Island can't make up it's mind. Tourism names it "The Ocean State" because it's Like on the Ocean! It's also known as the "Plantation State" due to it's official name of  "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" It's very appropriate that it has the longest name of any state being that it also suffers from the "Smallest State Syndrome".  Since I'm comfortable with my manhood, tonight we'll be watching "27 Dresses". This one was filmed all over the place in RI. including Club Hell in Providence. Weddings are all great and everything, but there has to be some kind of cruel conspiracy against the Maid of Honor. That closet has got to be full of the most impractical collection of dresses ever. I have it on good authority (Karrie) that no one ever actually cuts them down to wear later. I guess my appreciation of movies is well rounded, because this one was very entertaining and just plain fun. Who can't have fun singing out loud B B B Benny and the Jets. Just watch out for siblings, coworkers, writers and if you're actually going wear dresses of those styles and colors, and pay for them, OMG, figure out some way to recycle them. Don't, under any circumstances, let them wilt in the closet or worse yet multiply. For Heavens sake watch out for those repressed feelings too!!

Movies from every state day 17-North Carolina

Where in the heck did they come up with the Tar Heels? Well like the rest of my state blogs, I'm going to tell you whether you want to know or not! There are several versions of the origin of the name, but I really like the one on the States official web-site. They trace the nickname as far back as the Civil War when retreating soldiers left a column of North Carolinians to battle the enemy alone. Later, they met the fleeing troops and told them that for the next battle they were going to put tar on their heels to make them stick. Gen. Lee exclaimed " God bless the Tar Heel Boys". For our viewing pleasure tonight we'll watch a movie where the final scene was shot at Lake James, Burke County, North Carolina. The Hunt for Red October is one of my favorite Sean Connery films, right up there with all his Bond, James Bonds. I love the quote in it "The hard part of playing chicken is knowing when to flinch'. It's amazing what might go on under the surface of our oceans. There's no way I would have made it as a submariner, in a metal tube, under water with no windows.

Movies from every state day 16- Florida

Florida "The Sunshine State". Well, I guess that one doesn't need much explanation, although this past week people weren't fleeing the state because of it's sun. The Sunshine State nickname wasn't adopted by the legislature until 1970, I guess they thought that "The Alligator State" wasn't a great nickname if they wanted to be known as a family vacation paradise or a retirement haven. One of Karrie and my favorite "pick me up" movies was partially filmed at Hialeah Race Course in South Florida. Richard Dreyfuss as Trotter is "Having a Really Good Day!" Let it Ride, with Richard Dreyfuss as Trotter, Terry Garr as Pam, Jennifer Tilly as Vicky, along with a bunch of other great characters make this a must see fun movie. It's fun to dream, but personally, I don't have the guts to "Let it Ride". Another important aspect of this one is the lesson learned about the proper etiquette(s) involved in the consumption of fortune cookies.

Movies from every state day 15-Virginia

What the heck is The Old Dominion State. Well, I'll tell you. It seems that in 1663 Charles 11 of England added the area of Virginia to his dominions that included France, Ireland and Scotland. Not that exciting, but I didn't name the place. Tonight we visit Richmond,VA. It just so happens that this will be Karrie's second visit to Richmond. She and her family visited while Karrie's dad was a Lt Colonel in the US Marines. Richmond was used in one of the scenes in "DAVE". Some poor schmuck that happens to look like the President and is currently doing impersonations of him. He is pushed into filling in for the President who happens to have a stroke while doing something very un-presidential. I shouldn't be so judgmental, this may be normal Presidential behavior. It's one of those no brainier movies that's just entertaining to watch without taxing ones mental capacities.

Movies from every state day 14- New York

New York "The Empire State" Some think it's because of the states Wealth and Resources, but they've been unable to verify the source or date. President Washington wrote in a letter to the mayor of New York in 1785 and mentioned in it that he thought of the city as "the seat of the Empire". So, I'm sticking with Washington starting the whole thing. I know I said we were going to New York for a change of pace and to get away from the emotional touchy feely stuff, but I decided to go with the second in a series and watch Bourne Supremacy. You're thinking, what is he thinking. This is filled with violence and evil government agencies. Well, this whole series Bourne Identity, Supremacy and Ultimatum are very touchy feely, it's just that everyone Jason Bourne touches ends up dead. Even if you don't like this kind of movie, Matt Damon plays the role very well. All of them are shot on location in many different and exotic countries including the last few seconds of this one in Manhattan, New York, New York.

Movies from every state day 13- New Jersey

I know, I know. We didn't finish New England, but I'm having trouble finding films from our collection for the last three states there. Never fear we will be back and tonight we're not going far. New Jersey "The Garden State"? The governor even vetoed the name in 1954, but was overridden. I remember Fort Dix, NJ, but I suppose that's not giving the state an even break. A part of tonight's movie takes place at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. To me "When Harry Met Sally" is best known for the scene in the restaurant when Sally (Meg Ryan) shows Harry (Billy Crystal) how his previous dates may have been actually faking their orgasms. The best part of that scene is the response from a near by dinner.
A quirky love story that years to get them together. I'm a quart low on action, destruction and general badness, so we might hop to New York next.

Movies from every state day 12-Connecticut

Next stop Connecticut "The Constitution State" something to do with the The Fundamental Orders of 1638-39 comprised, which may or may not have been the first written constitution in history.
Our video library does have it's limits. Although the movie tonight may not ever mention Connecticut it is a verifiable fact that in the show the home of Beck's parents is actually located at 16 Essex Street in Fairfield, Connecticut. There may be those, I'm not saying who KS, that think this is close to cheating, but the object was to visit every state and Fairfield is in Connecticut isn't it? 
Oh, I guess I should say something about the movie.
The Shopaholic.
If you tell anyone I think this one is just plain fun to watch, I'll deny it, but
I have and it is!

Movies from every state day 11-New Hampshire

Self-sufficiency and geology were reasons for naming New Hampshire "The Granite State. The draw of a great summer home on the water, very talented actors and boats make "On Golden Pond" a must see. This one has some fantastic humor along with extremely emotional scenes. I know I cried my eyes out when they wrecked the 1951 Chris Craft. Those that have been long term couples can relate to how these two communicate with each other. Personally I relate to Norman because I too can enjoy rereading books since I can't remember how the ended last time. Saves on money too! Filmed at Squam Lake, Holderness, New Hampshire. The scenery is spectacular although it's certainly not what I'd call a pond. The owner of the summer home allowed the film crew to modify the house for the movie as long as they returned it to it's original condition. They added a second story and deck to it. The owner loved it so much he asked them to leave it as is.

 

Movies from every state day 10-Massachusetts

We need to apologize to our hordes of faithful fans. We've been away a week with late nights at work and a weekend at Karrie's family tree farm. We really regret the neglect that you all must be feeling.
Thank goodness we're back to visit more of New England. Tonight we're in Massachusetts, which if you don't count South Carolina, which you can't because South is a direction not a name, has the longest name of all the states. Most people probably think of it as the Bay State since it's close proximity to several large bays. Cape Cod is our destination. Although a lot of the movie happens in Chicago and North Carolina, one of the main characters, while on vacation to Cape Cod, finds a bottle with a message in it. It may or may not be just the writers imagination, but this show portrays the ability of men to be sensitive. Since we're a quart low on salt air, this is a good one. Karrie says this movie is one of many that makes me cry. You would think that after all these years she'd know that it has nothing to do with emotion, it's just that we always seem to watch these while someone somewhere is dicing onions.

Movies from every state day 9-Delaware

Today we're in "The First State"  Delaware. Just so happens it was the first state to ratify the US Constitution. We'll visit St. Andrews school in Middletown, DE which for some reason they decided to rename it Welton Prep. Personally I like St. Andrews better, but what do I know. Robin Williams plays the quirky teacher we all wanted, that none of the stuffed shirt administrators or instructors wanted anything to do with. Many emotional highs and low in this movie, but the moral is"Carpe Diem" Seize the Day or just plan make every day count because you don't know how many you've got or if you're anything like me, just try not to screw it up too much, if possible!
See you tomorrow we're headed into New England.

Movies from every state day 8-Maryland

Tonight we go to the "Old Line" state Maryland. Seems these folks had sturdy ancestors that drew a line to stop the northern march of the South. We're going specifically to Hale Maryland to watch " The Runaway Bride" a hardware store owner flee, yet another wedding. She's on number four, but she really knows her hardware, so she's got to be OK! With Julia Roberts and Richard Gere has to be good, right? Karrie wants a dang koon hound like Skipper. Lots of good characters in this show.

Movies from every state day 7-Pennsylvania

Day 7 on 8/6/11 brought us to the Keystone state, Pennsylvania. Seems PA was the Keystone with it's central location to the 13 colonies. You can't think of PA without thinking of "Rocky" all residents of PA might want to forget. I can't imagine anything more thrilling than watching one guy beat the hell out of another by smashing his face into their fists as many times as possible.

Movies from every state day 6-So.Dakota

Day six on 8/5/11 we went east one state to visit the biggest stone faces around in South Dakota the Mount Rushmore State with "National Treasure 2". Many fun things about this one. Is there really a presidents book? I want a remote helicopter with camera. Of course finding a city of gold would be nice too!

Movies from every state day 5-Montana

Day five was 8/4/11. It's been a little humid in the south so we headed to the Treasure state, because of it's big time mining, Montana. We're going there for the greatest 30 seconds, or so, of fishing scenes. Because of the rivers and the fly fishing "A River Runs Through It" is one to watch. It's packed with family sadness but if you know how to time your bathroom breaks you can miss most of them.

Movies from every state day 4- So.Carolina

Day four was 8/3/11. We decided to hang out in the south one more day to watch "Doc Hollywood" In the Palmetto state, named for it's tree the Sabal Palmetto, So. Carolina. I love the car. I love the pig, the house calls to read family gossip letters and who the heck wouldn't want to visit the squash capitol of America?

Movies from every state day 3-Tennessee

Day three was 8/2/11 and we visited the Volunteer, because of it's record number of volunteers for the War of 1812 and Mexican War, state of Tennessee to see the best and worst in lawyers. "The Firm" makes you think twice about what might constitute billable hours. I can't watch it and see the two Chicago mob guys and not think of them when they were in "See Spot Run" and the boss ended clicking as he walked.

Movies from every state day 2-Georgia

Day two was 8/1/11 and we traveled to the Peach state of Georgia for my favorite Will Smith movie of all time "Bagger Vance" as a want to be good, but falling way short of it, golfer, I have always loved the views on every course I've played, I would really like to go to this one. Especially if they didn't have the large wildlife in their hazards.

Movies from every state day 1-Alabama

With many movies of our own and little time and money for travel we decided to have some fun and travel the country by movie. This may not be "Julie and Julia" at least I hope not!
Day one Sunday 7/31/11 We start our journey in the Yellowhammer (woodpecker) state of Alabama with
"Sweet Home Alabama" Always like this one. Does lightning really do that in sand?
One down, forty nine to go. Do we include Wa. DC for fifty one?