"Reflections II" [PG-13] - 1/1

"REFLECTIONS II"

RATING: [PG-13] Adult language.
SUMMARY: Friends and family reflect on the latest development between Cole, Olivia and Phoebe. Set after "Spells, Lies and Remorse" - AU between S5 and S6.
FEEDBACK: deerush76@yahoo.com - Be my guest. But please, be kind.
DISCLAIMER: The Charmed Ones, Leo Wyatt, Darryl Morris and Cole Turner belong to Constance Burge, Brad Kern and Spelling Productions. The McNeills and Cecile Dubois, are thankfully, my creations.


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"REFLECTIONS II"

HARRY McNEILL:

None of us still can believe it. About Olivia and Cole, I mean. They've broken up. Kaput. Over. And all because fucking Leo and his Wiccan boy scout had decided to play havoc with Livy's mind.

That's right. It seemed that Leo had learned about some bullshit prophecy that Cole would reorganize the Source's realm and introduce a new Source. Or become the new Source, himself. Apparently, the whitelighters cannot make up their minds. And due to Cecile Dubois' premonition about Olivia killing Cole, Leo had decided to make sure that the vision would really happen. In the end, he had recruited that asshole, Paul Margolin, to cast a spell on Livy - one that would give her the incentive to kill Cole.

Since his resurrection and return from the Wasteland, Cole had become very powerful. Almost impossible to kill. I say almost, because a) his powers can be stripped from him - which Paige had proven nearly a year ago; and b) he is also susceptible to telepathic powers. In other words, only Gran, Cecile and myself have the power to kill him by giving him a good, old-fashioned brain aneurysm. Other than that, Cole cannot be killed by the usual methods - supernatural or otherwise. That is - until Olivia got her hands on him. Instead of using brute magical force to kill him, she settled on a method that she and Bruce had once devised to kill the Source - a good old-fashioned supernatural virus, combined with an incantation. They never had a chance to use it on the Source, but Olivia used it on Cole. And it would have worked if Bruce, Paige and I had not interfered.

In the end, we had to save Cole. Bruce and I concocted a potion to free Olivia from the spell. And Paul ended up dead. His ass smashed into a million pieces. Paige, Bruce and I had to get rid of all evidence of Paul's presence at Olivia's apartment building. We erased his image from the lobby security tape, and teleported his car back to the courthouse parking lot. On the other hand, we could do nothing about Olivia and Cole's relationship.

They could have salvaged their relationship after Leo and Paul's little act of perfidy. Unfortunately, Phoebe Halliwell had decided, at that moment, to re-enter Cole's life. While Olivia was busy plotting Cole's death, Phoebe had discovered that her previously reviled ex-husband had actually been the victim of demonic possession, thanks to a series of visions she had experienced. She couldn't trust Paige's word and Cecile's visions from last December, mind you. She had to experience her own visions. Cole and Phoebe's reconciliation could have ended in friendship . . . if Livy had not been under Margolin's dumbass spell.

The entire incident seemed to have left chaos in its wake. Margolin ended up dead, and is now considered missing by the authorities. Olivia and Cole are no longer together. And Cole is back with an ex-wife that never really understood him. Or bothered to try. Leo has been regulated to the status of dog shit by the McNeills and his sisters-in-law. And poor Piper has to deal with Cole back in Phoebe's life. What a fucking mess!

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PIPER HALLIWELL:

What a mess! I can't . . . I just can't believe it! Cole is back into Phoebe's life, again! I mean, hasn't she learned anything?

Okay, maybe it's not all Phoebe's fault. I hate to say it, but Leo, more than anyone else, is responsible for this mess. If he and Paul had not interfered with Cole and Olivia, I would not have to deal with Cole Turner in our lives, for the umpteenth time.

What in the hell was Leo thinking? Putting Olivia McNeill under a spell, so that she could kill Cole? Well . . . a part of me could understand. Leo had learned from some whitelighter seer that Cole might re-organize the Underworld sometime in the near future. Naturally, my former brother-in-law had to be stopped. But . . . how could Leo have used Olivia like that? All because Cecile Dubois had some premonition about Olivia killing Cole? Of course, I thought the whole thing seemed ridiculous. After all, when Barbas had Cole's powers, we - and I mean the Power of Three - weren't able to vanquish the bastard, using the same spell we had used on the Source. And Cole was the only one able to use his powers on the day of Wyatt's birth. He's that powerful. Yet somehow, Olivia had managed to come close to killing him. I wonder how she did it. I had asked Paige, but she didn't know. Or maybe she didn't want to tell me.

As for Leo's scheme, it bombed. Big time! The McNeill brothers and Paige had managed to stop Olivia from vanquishing Cole. Drat. Paul tried to freeze Paige and ended up frozen, thanks to Bruce. And Olivia accidentally shattered him into tiny pieces. Meanwhile, Phoebe had decided to give her relationship with Cole another chance. Hmmm, I wonder if she has told Jason, yet. I doubt it. I think she wouldn't have made this decision, if Olivia had not dumped Cole, while under Paul's spell. Or if Phoebe had never experienced those visions of Cole as the Source.

Oh God! I certainly don't want to think about that awful time. But I can't help it. It seemed bad enough, when Paige had dumped that tale on us about Cole being possessed. All because of the Voodoo Queen's visions. Now, Phoebe is claiming this, as well. Did they really expect me to accept the possibility that I . . . we may have wronged a powerful demon, with a century's worth of evil deeds in his past? Are they kidding me? I mean, we're supposed to be the Charmed Ones! We fight evil! We're not supposed to be the evil ones!

Sigh! God, I wish Prue was still alive. It doesn't matter anyway. Phoebe and Cole have found closure over the whole Source matter. Apparently, she has decided to forget about Ed Miller - the slumlord that Cole had murdered, last year. When I reminded her about Mr. Miller, Phoebe threw Cole's own death back in my face. Along with the death of that demon from the Gimle Order or the fact that we had nearly killed Cole's uncle. Like I should care about a bunch of demons! (Pause) Okay, maybe Phoebe had a point. I mean . . . the Gimle demons ARE the good guys. Protectors of innocents, like us. And we had killed one and nearly killed another. And I can't dismiss what Leo had done. Granted, the idea of Cole being dead doesn't bother me. But what Leo and Paul had planned had amounted to plain attempted murder.

But what if Leo and that other whitelighter are right? What if Cole does end up reorganizing the Underworld? The McNeills might see this as a solution to the so-called chaos in the magical world, but I don't. And I'm sure that neither will Phoebe. If the opportunity ever does arise, will she be able to stop Cole from making this mistake? Or will she end up being hurt by him, again? I wish I could say that Phoebe will have nothing to worry about. But unfortunately, I . . . I can't.

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CECILE DuBOIS:

There are days when I wish I was never a seer. Like now. (Sighs) Several days ago, I had received this phone call from Paige Matthews in San Francisco, and I am still in shock. Can you believe it? Apparently, Olivia had nearly killed her half-daemon boyfriend, Cole. And now he's back with his ex-wife and Paige's sister - Phoebe Whatshername. All because of that damn vision I had experienced of Olivia killing Cole, last spring.

I knew even then I should have kept my mouth shut. If I had, Olivia's old whiteligher would have never found out about the vision. Nor would he have convinced that Margolin witch to cast a spell on Livy, so she could kill Cole.

From what Paige had told me, Livy came pretty close to fulfilling my vision. It took Harry's telepathy to stop her from killing Cole. Too bad, he wasn't able to stop her from breaking up with Cole, while she was under that spell. Paige also added that during that time, Cole and Phoebe had finally reconciled. Talk about bad timing. Paige believes that Cole is using Phoebe for rebound, after Olivia had dumped him. I don't know if this is wishful thinking on her part. Then again, she might be right. Paige had always struck me as a good judge of character. Well, sometimes.

I had finally called Olivia about an hour ago to hear her side of the story. She told me that she didn't want to talk about it. Then a minute later, she told me everything about what happened inside Cole's apartment. If I didn't know better, I would swear that Cole's ex-wife had taken advantage of the situation to keep her hands on him. Instead of considering the possibility that he might want to go back to Livy, now that she was no longer under that spell. Pretty slick, if I'm right. Knowing Olivia's insecurity regarding Phoebe, I'm not surprised that she didn't put up a fight for Cole. But how long will that last? How long will Livy stay away from Cole, until she realizes how badly she really wants him? Something tells me that Phoebe's little victory isn't going to last very long.

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DARRYL MORRIS:

It's been a few days since the whole Cole/Olivia/Margolin situation had blown up in our faces, and I still can't believe that it happened. On second thought, considering Olivia's mood lately, maybe I can.

I'm still in shock over what Paige and Harry had told me. About what Margolin and Leo had done to Olivia. I never thought a whitelighter would pull something like that. Shit, one might as well call it supernatural rape. If you think about it, Margolin had violated Olivia with that spell. Robbed her of control of her emotions.

Speaking of Paul Margolin, the Department has declared him missing. Especially after he had failed to show up at the DiMatteo sentencing. In the end, the D.A. had to take his place at the courthouse. Olivia told me what really happened to Margolin. Naturally, neither of us could tell the authorities that he had attacked Paige with some freezing power and ended up becoming a popsicle, thanks to Bruce. Or that Olivia had accidentally killed him by knocking him over, when she used her telekinesis on the others. Paige and Harry also told me that they had made sure that any traces of Margolin showing up at Olivia and Cole's apartment building, had been erased. They had used magic, of course. For once, I didn't have to take part in any cover-up.

So, Margolin is dead, Olivia is in a state of funk, and Cole is back with Phoebe. Man! I never thought I would see those two together, again. Especially after the divorce. I guess that true love does conquer all. Or does it? I realize that Phoebe has now accepted that Cole had been a victim of the Source, but does that mean she's willing to accept Cole as himself? I wonder if she's going to demand that he become completely human, again.

And what about Cole? Is he really happy to be back with Phoebe? Neither Paige nor Harry seemed to think so. They believe that Cole had rebounded with Phoebe, while Olivia was under Margolin's spell. And that he's now trapped in some kind of promise to stay with Phoebe. I don't know. Doesn't sound like true love to me.

Olivia, on the other hand, has been making a great effort to act as if nothing has happened. She still talks to the others at the station. Does her job. But every now and then, I would catch her staring at her computer screen, with a miserable expression on her face. Nor will she tell me about what happened between her, Cole and Phoebe. That's Olivia for you. Suppressing her emotions in true style. Man, I really feel sorry for her. I really do.

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PAIGE MATTHEWS:

Looks like Phoebe has another date with Cole, tonight. This is the fourth one, since they had officially become a couple, again. I guess after a year and three months apart, they have a lot to make up. Only . . . they haven't had sex since they got back together. That's right. No sex. At least according to Phoebe.

It seems that Cole is trying to take it easy with their relationship, this time, and not rush into things. Maybe he simply wants to be friends with Phoebe, first. Like he had been with Olivia. Needless to say, my big sister seemed to find his attitude a little frustrating. Piper and I found "her" attitude a little ironic, considering how long she had waited before having sex with Jason. Maybe Phoebe simply wanted to pick up where she and Cole had left off. Before they were married.

Personally, I suspect that Cole didn't have this kind of reconciliation in mind, when he and Phoebe first made their peace over the whole "Source" situation. I've noticed that not only has he seemed uncomfortable about being inside the hallowed walls of the manor, but also over Phoebe's intimate manner. This is certainly not like the old Cole, who would not have minded having Phoebe's hands all over him. Honestly? I think that Cole is still in love with Olivia and wants her back. Which leads me to believe that he's using Phoebe as rebound. How else can one explain why he had forgiven her so easily over the whole Source mess? Hell, not even I was forgiven that easily. Worst of all, I think that Phoebe knows she's being used as rebound. But she wants Cole back so badly that she's willing to put up with it.

Of course, I don't dare mention this to Phoebe. She's going to have to figure this out for herself. Or Cole will finally have to admit his true feelings. Both Piper and Leo believe that Cole's feelings for Phoebe haven't changed. Which is why both aren't exactly thrilled that Phoebe and Cole are an item, again. But neither has said a word to Phoebe. Piper seemed very reluctant to start another family feud. And Phoebe has been giving Leo the cold shoulder, lately.

Poor Leo. His life has been a world of shit, lately. The McNeills - especially Olivia and Bruce - have refused to talk to him. Cole pretends that Leo doesn't exist, whenever he visits Phoebe. My dad has told me that the Whitelighters Council are disappointed that Leo and Elder Mathilda (or whatever her name is) had failed to inform them about the plan, in the first place. Most importantly, the Council is disappointed that the plan had failed. Bastards.

At least Leo's bruises from Olivia's attack are finally healing. It's strange. Neither I, my dad or anyone else from the Whitelighter Realm were able to heal them. One would think that since Olivia had struck Leo in anger, his bruises would be magically healed. I guess . . . I don't know. Maybe this is Fate's way of saying that Leo got what he had deserved. (Pauses) I certainly think so.

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GWENETH McNEILL:

Poor Livy. My poor Livy. I'm not really surprised by what has happened between her and Cole. Well, Leo's scheme to kill Cole did surprise me. All of us, really. But Cole's reconciliation with Phoebe? Definitely not a surprise. To be perfectly honest, I had no idea that a spell and Phoebe's visions of the past would be the catalyst that would lead Cole to a romantic reconciliation with her. But I suspected they would eventually reconciled. Especially with the matter regarding the Source remaining unresolved between them. And they did. Poor Livy.

I finally had the chance to visit her fla . . . uh, apartment, about a week after the breakup with Cole. What can I say? I had expected to find her . . . and the apartment a complete mess. Clothes and other objects, strewn about. Instead, the apartment looked completely clean. Spotless. Every piece of clothing, furniture and object all in order and put in its proper place. However, I found Livy rather shabbily dressed in an undershirt and sweatpants.

She managed to maintain a polite façade. At least for a while. I chided her for failing to appear at the family's last Sunday brunch. Or the fact that no one - aside from her fellow police officers - has seen neither hide or hair of her during the past several days. At first, Olivia made excuses about being busy with no time available for socializing. Yet, I when I pointed out that she obviously had plenty of time to make her flat cleaner than the Fairmont Hotel's lobby, she finally broke down.

Olivia told me everything about her last visit to Cole's penthouse. The surprise at finding Phoebe there. Learning about the premonitions about Cole's problems with the Source. But the real shocker - at least for Livy - came when Phoebe had revealed her and Cole's decision to give their romance a second chance. The moment Livy told me that little tidbit, she broke down in tears.

I wish I could feel anger and outrage at Cole for breaking my little girl's heart. But I knew this entire mess would have never occurred if Paul Margolin had not cast that spell on her. Bloody git! And by the time Cole had learned about the spell, it was too late for him to back out of whatever agreement he and Phoebe may have formed.

There was another reason why I could not feel any anger toward Cole. His breakup with Olivia reminded me of a similar situation I had experienced with Jack and his former girlfriend - Pamela Davidoff. I told Livy about her father's romance with Pamela, some thirty-seven years ago, the breakup over Marbus, our romance and Jack's brief reconciliation with Pamela. In all, their reconciliation had been a difficult period for me.

My story led Livy to tearfully ask if I thought Cole and Phoebe's reconciliation would remain permanent. I wish I could have said no. That Cole would be unable to recapture the past. But to be perfectly honest, I had no idea what the future would bring. Instead, I stroked Olivia's hair and suggested that she be patient. (Sighs) My poor Livy.


THE END

"JANE EYRE" (1997) Review

"JANE EYRE" (1997) Review

There have been many adaptations of Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel, "Jane Eyre". And I do not exaggerate. If I must be honest, I really have no idea of the number of adaptations made. I have seen at least six of them – including his 1997 television movie that aired on the A&E Channel in the U.S. and on ITV in Great Britain.

Directed by Robert Young, and starring Samantha Morton as the titled character and Ciarán Hinds as Edward Rochester; "JANE EYRE" told the story of a young and impoverished English woman forced to become a teacher at a girls’ school in early Victorian England. Bored and dissatisfied with working at Lowood – the very school where she had also spent six years as a student, Jane Eyre places an advertisement that offers herself as a governess in a private household. A Mrs. Fairfax of Thornfield Hall responds to the advertisement and hires Jane. Upon her arrival, Jane discovers that Mrs. Fairfax is Thornfield Hall’s housekeeper and that her new student is Adèle Varens, the French-born ward of the estate’s owner, Edward Rochester. It is not long before Jane finds herself falling in love with Mr. Rochester and being drawn to a mystery surrounding him and a maleficent presence at Thornfield Hall.

Judging from the movie’s 108 minute running time, one could easily see that Richard Hawley’s screenplay had cut a great deal from Brontë’s original novel. Jane’s time at Lowood seemed rushed. Her disappointing reunion with the Reeds was completely cut out. And her time spent with St. John and Diana Rivers was censored heavily. The screenplay even failed to point out Jane’s family connections with the Rivers family and her small financial inheritance. Most of the cuts were made to fit the movie’s short running time and emphasize Jane’s relationship with Rochester. Did it work? That is a good question.

I did have some problems with this production. One hundred and eight minutes struck me as a rather short running time for an adaptation of a literary classic. Hollywood could have gotten away with such a running time during its Golden Age, but I am not so certain that it would have been able to do so, today. The movie’s limited running time was certainly apparent in its failure to depict adult Jane’s reunion with her Reed cousins. Her negative childhood in the family’s household had played an important part in Jane’s formative years. I found it ironic that Hawley’s script was willing to convey Jane’s unhappy childhood with the Reeds, but not follow up with her return to their home in the wake of a family tragedy.

This version also excluded Rochester’s barely veiled contempt toward young Adele, his ward and the daughter of his former mistress. Considering Rochester’s paternalistic attitudes and occasional sexism – conveyed in his penchant for blaming Adele for her mother’s perfidy – by ignoring his hostile attitude toward his ward, Hawley seemed to have robbed some of the landowner’s original character in order to make him more palatable. I could also say the same for Hawley and director Young’s decision to remove the incident involving Jane’s encounter with Rochester disguised as a gypsy woman. And a great deal of Jane’s stay with St. John and Diana Rivers was also deleted from this version. One, it robbed the production of an interesting peek into the St. John Rivers character. Although not a favorite of mine, I have always found him interesting. The brief focus on the Rivers sequence made the movie’s pacing within the last half hour seem rather rushed.

But Hawley’s script and Young’s direction more than made up for these shortcomings in the movie’s portrayal of Jane and Rochester’s relationship. I must admit that I found the development of their relationship fascinating to watch. I especially enjoyed how Jane managed to hold her own against Rochester’s persistent attempts to inflict his will upon her . . . earning his love and respect in the process. And in turn, Rochester manages to earn Jane’s respect and love with his intelligence, wit and gradual recognition of her virtues.

The most fascinating sequence in the entire movie was not, surprising, Rochester’s revelation of his insane wife, Bertha. Mind you, I did find that particular scene rather interesting. For me, the most fascinating scene turned out to be Rochester’s attempt to prevent Jane from leaving Thornfield Hall. He used every emotional response possible – passionate pleadings, contempt, desperation, anger and declarations of love – to get her to stay. He even suggested that she become his mistress and travel to the Continent with him in order for them to stay together. What I found amazing about his actions was his lack of remorse or regret for attempting to draw Jane into a bigamous marriage or make her his mistress. But what I found equally amazing was the fact that Jane’s love for him did not die, despite his words and actions. More importantly, she showed amazing strength by resisting him and his promises of an illicit relationship.

Aside from the movie’s writing and direction, the performances of Samantha Morton and Ciarán Hinds really drove the above mentioned scene. They were simply superb. To be honest, they gave first-rate performances throughout the entire movie. I have yet to see Ruth Wilson’s performance as Jane Eyre. But I must admit that I believe Samantha Morton gave one of the two best portrayals of the character – the other came from Zeulah Clarke in the 1983 adaptation. Morton was barely 19 or 20 when she made this film. And yet, she infused a great deal of subtle strength, warmth and passion into the role. Not only did she managed to create a strong chemistry with her leading man, but also hold her own against him, considering that he happened to be at least 24 years older than her. As for Ciarán Hinds, he also gave a first-rate performance. Mind you, there were moments when Hinds chewed the scenery . . . excessively. Perhaps that came from a theatrical style he had failed to shed for motion pictures around that time. But he did capture all aspects of Edward Rochester’s emotional make-up – both good and bad. I would not go as far to say that Ciarán Hinds was my favorite Edward Rochester. But I must admit that I found him to be a memorable one.

This movie also had the good luck to possess a solid supporting cast. However, I only found myself impressed by only a few. One of those few happened to be Timia Bertome, who portrayed young Adele. She did a very good job in not only capturing her character’s self-absorbed nature, but also Adele’s sunny disposition. Rupert Penry-Jones turned out to be a very interesting St. John Rivers. In fact, I would not hesitate to add that Penry-Jones effectively gave a new twist on the character by portraying him as a superficially friendly soul, but one who still remained arrogant, sanctimonious and pushy. It seemed a pity that the actor was never given a chance to delve even further into St. John’s character. Screenwriter Richard Hawley gave a subtle, yet effective performance as Rochester’s brother-in-law, Richard Mason. And Sophie Reissner is the first actress to make me sympathize over the plight of Rochester's mad West Indian wife, Bertha Mason Rochester. Abigail Cruttenden not only effectively portrayed the beautiful, yet vain Blanche Ingram; but also managed to inject some intelligence into the role. But my favorite supporting performance came from Gemma Jones, who portrayed Thornfield Hall’s housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax. Superficially, she portrayed the housekeeper as a cheerful soul that kept the Rochester household running efficiently. Yet, she also conveyed Mrs. Fairfax’s anxiety and doubt over Jane’s blooming romance with Mr. Rochester and the presence in the manor’s attic with great subtlety. Jones gave the third best performance in them movie, following Morton and Hinds.

For a movie with such a short running time, I must admit that I found its production values very admirable. Cinematographer John McGlashan did an excellent job in injecting a great deal of atmosphere into his shots without allowing the movie to look too gloomy. However, I did have a problem with that slow-motion shot that featured Edward Rochester’s introduction. It seemed out of place and a bit ridiculous. Also, production designer Stephen Fineren and art director John Hill managed to maintain the movie’s atmosphere and setting. I found Susannah Buxton’s costumes surprisingly enjoyable. The costumes perfectly captured the 1830s in the film’s sequences featuring Jane’s childhood with the Reeds and at Lowood School and also the 1840s in which the rest of the movie was set. I especially have to congratulate Buxton for limiting the Jane Eyre character to only a few costumes, which seemed fitting for the character’s social and economic situation.

This version of ”JANE EYRE” was not perfect. I found its 108 minute running time too short for its story. And because of its limited running time, Richard Hawley’s script deleted or shortened certain scenes that I believe were essential to the story and the leading character. But I must admit that despite these shortcomings, I found this adaptation to be first-rate thanks to the focus upon the Jane Eyre/Edward Rochester relationship; a production design that reeked of early Victorian England and an excellent cast led by the superb Samantha Morton and Ciarán Hinds.

"CHARMED" RETROSPECT: (3.22) "All Hell Breaks Loose"

Over a year ago, I had written an ARTICLE about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy that struck the Halliwell household in the Season Three finale episode called (3.22) "All Hell Breaks Loose". Yesterday, marked the episode's 10th anniversary of when it first aired. It also marked the last appearance of Shannen Doherty as Prue Halliwell. Below are images from this landmark episode:


"CHARMED" RETROSPECT: (3.22) "All Hell Breaks Loose"

"LIMITLESS" (2011) Review

"LIMITLESS" (2011) Review

When I first saw the movie trailer for the new "techno-thriller" called "LIMITLESS", I must admit that I found myself intrigued by the plot’s premise. But I never felt any real anticipation to see the movie. Its premise struck me as the type that could easily make or break a film.

Based upon Alan Glynn’s 2001 novel, "The Dark Fields", "LIMITLESS" told the story of a New York City writer named Eddie Morra, who is approached by his former brother-in-law (also drug dealer) to try out a new experimental drug. According to brother-in-law Vernon Grant, this NZT-48 has the ability for humans to access 100% of the brain's power, as opposed to the normal 20% (which is in reality, a myth). Eddie accepts, and, much to his surprise, the drug works, allowing him to finish his book. Determined to continue using NZT-48, Eddie returns to Vernon for more of the drug. He runs a few errands for Vernon, returns to the latter’s apartment and finds him dead. Eddie also finds a large supply of NZT-48 hidden in Vernon’s oven. Thrilled by the impact of NZT-48, Eddie turns to the world of finance and attracts the attention of a high powered businessman named Carl Van Loon. He also attracts the attention of a Russian gangster named Gennady, from whom he borrowed money in order to enter the stock market on a large scale. And Eddie eventually discovers that the mysterious person who had killed Vernon, has been stalking him. Even worse, he learns from his ex-wife Melissa that anyone who ceases to use NZT-48 for a period of time, risks his or her health

I must admit that I was very impressed by "LIMITLESS". First of all, I feel that Leslie Dixon wrote an excellent screenplay that had at least one or two minor flaws. I could not compare his screenplay to Glynn’s novel, because I have never read the latter. A family member who had read the novel informed me that Dixon did maintain the first person narrative, allowing leading actor Bradley Cooper to provide a first-rate narrative. Dixon also maintained the novel’s peek into the human psyche and our desire for power, prestige and money through any means possible. A good example of this desire came from the main character’s willingness to use the NZT-48 to make more money and at the same, not bother to hide his accomplishments. This unwillingness on Eddie’s part to bypass open acknowledgement led to a great deal of unwanted attention from people like Carl Van Loon, Gennady and his murderous stalker. One would think that "LIMITLESS" could easily be an ode to human brain power. And yet . . . I found it ironic that despite using 100 percent of their brains after using NZT-48, characters like Eddie and a few others failed to consider all aspects of their situations. And this failure either endangered their lives . . . or ended it. So, exactly how limitless was this drug?

As I had stated in the above paragraph, there were a few aspects of the movie’s plot that I would consider as flaws. After an encounter with the Russian thug Gennady, Eddie found himself without a NZT-48 pill and his life endangered. He had to go to his girlfriend Lindy’s office and recruit her to fetch his supply, which he had hidden inside her apartment. On her way back to her office and Eddie, Lindy found herself being followed by Eddie’s mysterious stalker. Why was he following her? How did he know that she had Eddie’s supply of NZT-48 on her in the first place? How did he know that she had gone to her own apartment for Eddie’s pills? I am certain that someone can explain this . . . mystery to me. Because I still cannot explain it. In the movie’s final sequence, which featured a last meeting between political candidate Eddie and Van Loon, the latter revealed his knowledge of the NZT-48 pills that Eddie had been taking, his purchase of the company that had been manufacturing the drug and his shutdown of Eddie’s private supply lab. Exactly how did Van Loon find out about the NZT-48 drug? Who told him? Because the businessman never did reveal how he had found out. The only thing he was ascertained of was Eddie’s occasional bizarre behavior.

I was very impressed by Neil Burger’s direction of the film. One important factor to the success of the film was that Burger managed to maintain a brisk pace throughout the entire film. And this is an important factor for me, because if there is anything that will divert my attention from any movie, it is slow pacing. Two, with cinematographer Jo Willems, and editors Tracy Adams and Naomi Geraghty; Burger presented this tale with original photography and editing that at times I found rather mind blowing. One of my favorite sequences featured Eddie’s discovery that the NZT-48 drug allowed him transport from one location to another without his knowledge. I felt as if I was on a PCP trip, while watching the sequence, without feeling any confusion whatsoever. Another favorite sequence of mine featured the last meeting between Eddie and Van Loon, at the former’s campaign headquarters. It was a sequence filled with snappy dialogue, great pacing and superb performances by both Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. Overall, I think that Burger’s original direction did justice to Dixon’s script and especially to Glynn’s novel.

The cast for "LIMITLESS" was outstanding. Tomas Arana gave a quiet and intense performance as the mysterious man in the tan coat, who was stalking Eddie. And Abbie Cornish was intelligent as Eddie’s book editor girlfriend, Lindy. Aside from one sequence, I thought her role could have had a stronger presence. On the other hand, Anna Friel made the most of her one scene in the movie, as Eddie’s former wife Melissa Gant, who had also taken the NZT-48. I was also impressed by Johnny Whitworth’s performance as Vernon Gant, the drug dealer who had hooked Eddie on to NZT-48. Sleaze had never looked classy. Welsh actor Andrew Howard injected style, if not class into his role as the Russian thug Grennady. And he did so without developing his character into a cliché. It has been a while since I have seen Robert DeNiro in a worthwhile role. And I must say that I found his portrayal of the subtle and intelligent Carl Van Loon as one of his best in several years. He was right on target in portraying a no-nonsense and powerful businessman that had risen to the top by his own intelligence and hard work. But the man of the hour . . . or movie was Bradley Cooper. And he gave a complex and superb performance as the novelist, whose life is changed by one little pill. Cooper proved that he had what it takes to become a Hollywood powerhouse, as he guided the role of Eddie Morra from a sad sack loser to a self-assured think tank through various little triumphs and setbacks. He certainly deserves to become a full-fledged star, thanks to his performance in this movie.

"LIMITLESS" has its minor flaws. After all, no movie is perfect. But I must admit that I found it a very entertaining and intelligent film. Director Neil Burger did justice to both Alan Glynn’s novel and Leslie Dixon’s first-rate script. And he had a superb cast, lead by a very talented Bradley Cooper to help him. This is one movie I can never get tired of watching.

Favorite Movies of the 1950s

Below is a list of my favorite movies released during the 1950s:


FAVORITE MOVIES OF THE 1950s



1. "Some Like It Hot" (1959) - Billy Wilder directed and co-wrote with I.A.L. Diamond this superb comedy about two struggling musicians who witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and try to find a way out of the city before they are found and killed by the mob. The only job that will pay their way is an all girl band so the two dress up as women. Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon star in this classic comedy.





2. "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) - Here is another classic directed by Billy Wilder, who co-wrote the script with Charles Brackett; in which a hack Hollywood screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent-film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity. Co-written by Charles Brackett, the film starred Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich von Sroheim and Nancy Olson.





3. "The Searchers" (1956) - John Ford directed this Western classic about a Civil War veteran who spends years searching for a young niece captured by the Commanches. As the years wear on, his young companion finds his motivation increasingly questionable. John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Harry Carey Jr. and Natalie Wood starred.





4. "Gigi" (1958) - Vincente Minelli directed this Oscar-winning musical adaptation of Collette's story about a rich playboy, weary of the conventions of turn-of-the-century Parisian society, who enjoys a platonic friendship with a youthful courtesan-in-training. Leslie Caron, Louis Jordan, Hermioine Gingold, Isabel Jeans, Eva Gabor and Maurice Chevalier starred.





5. "King Solomon's Mines" (1950) - Stewart Granger starred in this Oscar-nominated adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's novel about hunter/guide Allan Quartermain who helps a married woman search for her missing husband in the unexplored regions of East Africa. Deborah Kerr and Richard Carlson co-starred.





6. "Singin' in the Rain" (1952) - Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly co-directed this classic musical about Hollywood's transition to sound in the late 1920s. Kelly co-starred with Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor and Jean Hagen.





7. "Friendly Persuasion" (1956) - William Wyler directed this adaptation of Jessamyn West's novel about a pacifist Quaker family in Indiana during the Civil War. Gary Cooper, Dorothy McGuire and Anthony Perkins starred.





8. "The Big Country" (1958) - Again, William Wyler filmed another adaptation of a novel; namely of Donald Hamilton's story about a feud between two ranchers in 1870s Texas. Gregory Peck is the Easterner who finds himself caught in the middle. Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston, Carroll Baker, Chuck Connors, Charles Bickford and Oscar winner Burl Ives co-starred.





9. "Pillow Talk" (1959) - Rock Hudson and Doris Day starred in this Oscar winning comedy about a New York playboy and a decorator who share a telephone line and despise each other. But then he has fun by romancing her with his voice disguised. Tony Randall and Thelma Ritter co-starred.





10. "Written on the Wind" (1956) - Douglas Sirk directed this adaptation of Robert Wilder's novel about a New York secretary who marries a wealthy alcoholic playboy and ends up regretting it. Rock Hudson and Lauren Bacall starred. Oscar nominee Robert Stack and Oscar winner Dorothy Malone portrayed the bad seeds of a wealthy Texas oil family.

"ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE" (2007) Photo Gallery

Below is a gallery featuring photos from the new sequel to the 1998 film, "ELIZABETH". It is called:

"ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE" (2007) Photo Gallery

"The Many Loves of Rafe McCawley" [PG-13] - 2/6

"THE MANY LOVES OF RAFE McCAWLEY"

PART 2 - The Shelby Belle

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK; DECEMBER 1940 . . . The two officers walked away from the station, desperately trying to resist the urge to rub their painful backsides. "Why in the hell do they have to stick those damn needles there?" Rafe grumbled. "Haven't they ever heard of the arm?"

Danny glanced warily at this friend. He recognized that disgruntled voice anywhere. It was a sign of Rafe's bad mood. And Danny suspected that the older man's present mood had nothing to do with the shots they had just received.

"Okay Rafe, what's your beef?" Danny demanded. "And don't tell me that it's the shots. You were already pissed before you received yours."

Rafe responded with a glare. "Oh really? And what exactly am I pissed about?"

"Mary Ann."

"Her name was Mary Jo, Danny!" Rafe retorted. "Not Mary Ann! Godalmighty! Did you dislike her so much that you can't even remember her name?"

Danny took a deep breath. Amazing. Nearly fourteen years had passed and Rafe still bore a grudge. "Dammit Rafe! I was almost ten years old at the time! I didn't know any better and I was feeling insecure about the whole thing. Besides, you didn't have to dump her."

A heavy sigh left Rafe's mouth. "I guess you're right." Both he and Danny stepped into the line for the next station. Ahead, a youthful-looking nurse with blonde hair, wrapped a black blood pressure band around a soldier's arm. Rafe continued, "I guess I shouldn't have abandoned Mary Jo like that. But I wouldn't have done it if you hadn't turned on me, like that." Brief hostility flared in his dark brown eyes.

"I know." Danny hung his head low. "I'm sorry I did it, Rafe. It's just that . . ."

"What?"

Danny shrugged. "I don't know. I reckon I was jealous."

Rafe took a step forward in line. So did Danny. The former heaved another sigh. "It sure took you a hell of a long time to admit it. Oh well. I guess Mary Jo and I weren't meant to be, after all. Especially, after her family moved, later that summer."

Danny remained silent. He decided that the less said about Mary Jo Burnett, the better.

"Besides, Mary Jo ain't the only one you stopped me from seeing," Rafe continued. "Remember Lila Hopkins?"

Memories of lilac perfume, a bedroom, decorated in canary yellow, and a voluptuous chestnut-haired woman in a creamy yellow silk robe, flooded Danny's thoughts. Oh yes. Lila Deakins. He doubt there was a young man around his age in all of Shelby County, who would not be able to remember the Shelby Belle.

"Yeah, I remember Lila," Danny replied. "And if you expect me to feel guilty for what I did, you might as well hold your breath. Because I don't. You were out of control, Rafe. Remember?"

* * * *

SHELBY, TENNESSEE; JULY-SEPTEMBER 1931 . . . Strains of "I'm Through With Love" poured from the two-story frame house, situated in a hollow, off Shelby Road. Two adolescent boys, one fifteen years-old and the other, fourteen, stared at the house from behind an Oldsmobile, parked several yards away.

"That's it," Rafe said with breathless anticipation. "The Shelby House. C'mon." He stepped from behind the Oldsmobile and started toward the house. Seconds passed before he realized that Danny had not moved an inch. "Hey Danny! C'mon!"

Anxiety flared in his best friend's brown eyes. "I don't know, Rafe. I'm not sure about this."

Rafe heaved an exasperated sigh and grabbed Danny's arm. "C'mon scairdey-cat! She ain't gonna bite you."

"How do you know?" Danny demanded. "You haven't been here, before."

Which was the truth. Rafe had first heard about the Shelby House, two months ago - when he had spotted a woman leaving the local bank in town. It took one glance at her heart-shaped face - just once glance - for the fifteen year-old to fall in love. Well, perhaps fascination would be the best word . . .

Rafe heard his mother's disdainful sniff at the young woman. "So, that's the Shelby Belle," Brewton McCawley declared in a disapproving tone. "Looks more like trash to me." Her eyes brimmed with hellfire and righteousness. A look Rafe had never seen in his mother's eyes. "Rafe, I hope you never have anything to do with women like that. They're nothing but trouble."

The wrong words for anyone to say to a curious and lovesick fifteen year-old. Mrs. McCawley's warning had only increased Rafe's interest in the beautiful woman. And his determination to meet her. To learn the true identity of the "Shelby Belle", he asked several men around the county. Men who would never say a word to his parents. Or hesitate to answer. He received his answer from a local mechanic named Farley Bates.

"Ah, the Shelby Belle!" the stocky man had declared in a wistful tone. "You must be talking about Lila Deakins."

An impatient Rafe demanded, "Who is she?"

Farley gave the fifteen year-old boy a knowing look. "Probably the most infamous whore in this here parts. The most beautiful . . . and the most expensive. 'Course, after one gander at your pretty face, Lila just might give you a discount. Or let you stick your carrot in for free."

"You think so?" Rafe bit back his tongue, when he realized how hopeful he sounded.

A smile creased Farley's grimy face. "Boy, you are really smitten over that gal. Tell you what." He dug into the pockets of his overalls and retrieved a handful of bills. "Here. Why don't you use this money for a visit to the Shelby House. There's enough for your friend, Danny. You two are practically brothers." After Jake Walker's fatal heart attack, three years ago, Danny had moved in with the McCawley family.

"Hey, thanks Farley! I really appreciate it!" Rafe had beamed at the mechanic, before stuffing the bills into his pockets . . .

Danny said, "You mean it was Farley who gave you the money for this? What if your daddy finds out? After all, Farley does fix his airplane."

"C'mon Danny! What do you think Farley is gonna do? Confess? Not if he wants Daddy to continue hiring him." Rafe grabbed his friend's arm. "Now, c'mon! You act like we're going to a hanging."

The two boys slowly approached the house. A tall, black woman, holding a broom, stepped onto the porch and peered at the new arrivals. "What are you two boys doing here?" she demanded.

Feeling more nervous than he looked, Rafe cleared his throat. "We're here to see the Shelby Belle," he declared. Did his voice crack?

The woman scrutinized the two boys with world-weary eyes. "Uh huh. Ain't you boys a little young to be coming to a place like this?" Before Rafe or Danny could respond, she added, "Never mind. Miz Lila likes 'em young, anyway. C'mon in." She stepped aside, while the pair entered the house.

Nice place, Rafe thought. His eyes drank in the old-fashioned furnishings and well-stocked bar at the other end of the parlor. Aside from the bar, the interior of the Shelby House reminded him of the McCawley residence.

The housekeeper set aside the broom and started toward the staircase. "Have a seat. And I'll let Miz Lila know that she has company." As she started upstairs, Rafe and Danny nervously sat down on the nearest sofa.

A minute later, two scantily clad young women entered the parlor. Both Rafe and Danny stared at the abundance of flesh that stood before them. Giggling, they approached the two boys. "And who might you be?" asked a leggy blonde with bright blue eyes and heavy make-up. Still staring, neither boy seemed able to respond.

A throaty voice said, "They . . . are my customers." All eyes riveted upon a shapely woman, whose heart-shaped face not only possessed delicate features and hazel-green eyes, but was also framed by wavy auburn hair that bobbed near her chin. She wore a yellow Oriental gown over a pale-green full slip and stockings held up by green garters. Yet, none could hide the curves that made the other two women resemble schoolgirls.

"If you two girls don't mind," the Shelby Belle continued, "I suggest you scram! I assume you have other things to do." The two women scowled at their colleague and left the parlor. Hazel-green eyes focused on Rafe and Danny. "Now, who's first?"

Rafe shot up from the sofa like a bullet. "Me!" he crowed.

The Shelby Belle gave him a sultry smile and indicated the staircase.

* * * *

"First time, young man?"

"Huh?" Inside the yellow-and-white bedroom, Rafe sat on a large bed and gawked at the prostitute. Who was in the process of removing her robe.

The Shelby Belle smiled and stepped forward. Grabbing one arm, she gently forced Rafe to his feet and began to unfasten his shirt buttons. "I said, is this your first time?"

Rafe nodded, "Yes ma'am."

"Oh honey, you don't have to call me that. Makes me feel like an old spinster. My name is Lila. What's yours?" She slowly removed his shirt, following his undershirt.

Trembling, Rafe remained rooted to the floor. "My name is Rafe. Rafe . . ."

"That's okay, honey. No need for last names." Lila slid the green slip off her body. The fifteen year-old Rafe found himself staring at the prostitute in all her naked glory. His entire body grew immediately hard.

Rafe gulped. Aloud. "Did you say something, honey?" Lila asked.

"No ma . . ." Rafe paused and took a deep breath. "I mean, no. No, I didn't."

Lila slowly walked toward Rafe and gently shoved him on the bed. "Well Rafe. Let's see about getting you out of those pants. Shall we?" Slender hands reached for the fastener to Rafe's trousers.

* * * *

Rafe knew that for as long as he lived, he would never forget those first thirty minutes with Lila Deakins. She had introduced him to a world of sensuality and passion he had never thought possible. He almost had to fight a surge of jealousy when time for Danny's minutes with the Shelby Belle arrived.

Twenty minutes had passed when Danny finally returned downstairs to the parlor. Only a blind man would not have noticed the dazed expression on the fourteen year-old boy's face.

"Well?" Rafe demanded. "How was it?"

Danny took a deep breath. "It was . . . I, uh . . . Gee! I've never been through anything like that before," he finally declared.

Rafe grinned and threw an arm around his friend's shoulders. "Thought you might feel that way. Hell, I feel as if I just had the best day of my life! I'm gonna come back here, if it takes me a year."

* * * *

It took Rafe, exactly two weeks to pay a second visit to the Shelby House. Reluctant to ask Farley for extra funds, he saved enough from the money he had earned from his paper route.

Much to his delight, Lila greeted him like an old friend and proceeded to teach him more on the joys of sex. "Oh honey, you seemed to be real good at this!" Lila declared breathlessly, after their bout between the sheets. "For a youngster, you sure do put many of my other customers to shame." She drew a long fingernail along the middle of Rafe's bare chest. "I'd like to see you again."

Rafe let out a heartfelt sigh. "I wish I could, Lila, but . . ."

"But what?"

"I, uh . . . I probably won't be able to see you for a while."

Lila's voice oozed with disappointment. "And why not?"

Rafe replied in a low voice, "Money. I . . . I won't be able to afford to see you for at least a month or two."

"Hmmm." Lila pressed her soft, warm body against Rafe's. "Tell you what. I usually don't start work until two o'clock in the afternoon. If you can make it over here before then, maybe we can spend some time together - free. How do you like that?" She gave his left thigh a squeeze.

It took all of Rafe's self-control not to throw himself on Lila's body and plant it with a thousand kisses. Instead, he cried out in delight, "Hey, that's swell of you, Lila! Thanks!" He kissed one of her cheeks.

A pink flush crept up the prostitute's face. "My pleasure, honey," she warmly replied.

* * * *

Rafe could not wait to tell Danny, after leaving the Shelby House. He had meant to convince his friend to join him for his second visit, but the latter had a doctor's appointment in nearby Memphis. Rafe had to wait until after his mother and Danny's return, to reveal Lila's delightful proposal.

"You think that's wise, Rafe?" Danny's voice expressed concern. The two friends sat on their beds, inside the bedroom they shared. "I mean . . . I reckon it's okay for that one visit. But every day?"

Rafe could not believe his friend's attitude. "It won't be everyday," he protested. Just once in a while. Hell, how many fellas can claim they've been with the Shelby Belle that many times?"

"Anyone with enough money," Danny calmly replied. "Like Carl Jordan's daddy."

A snort escaped Rafe's mouth. "Lance Jordan couldn't buy six minutes with Lila! At least, not anymore. Especially since he lost all his money after the stock market crash, nearly two years ago."

"Well, there are other men with . . ."

Exasperated by what Rafe saw was his friend's stubbornness, he cried out, "Good Lord, Danny! What are you getting at?"

Danny sighed. "What I'm trying to say is that Lila Deakins isn't the type of gal you should waste your time with. Dammit Rafe, it ain't healthy being involved with a whore like that!"

"She ain't no whore!" Fearful that his parents may have overheard his outburst, Rafe added in a lower voice, "Lila happens to be a lady."

Danny shrugged. "Maybe she is to you. But she ain't to other men. And if you keep seeing her, maybe you'll catch something. Like the crabs."

"Lila makes sure that both of us are clean before we . . . well, you know."

To Rafe's surprise, Danny's face turned red. Even after a trip to a whorehouse, his friend managed to remain shy about sex. "Okay, what about this?" Danny continued. "What if someone who knows your folks, sees you there? I reckon there are a few of your daddy's friends who drop by the Shelby House, every once in a while."

Rafe barely heard Danny's words. "Maybe," he murmured. "Then again, maybe not. Lila wants me to visit before she starts work around two. I reckon no one would see me, if I do that."

"Rafe . . ."

Mrs. McCawley's voice rang from the hallway. "Rafe! Danny! Time for supper!"

"Yes ma'am!" Rafe shouted back. He shot his friend a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, Danny. Everything will turn out fine. You'll see."

* * * *

Rafe and Lila only had another six weeks together. Whenever the opportunity arose, Rafe usually found himself at the Shelby House, anywhere between eleven and two o'clock. The housekeeper, Velma, would allow Rafe to enter the house through the back door and from there, he would make his way to Lila's bedroom. The back door was the only impediment to Rafe's otherwise perfect month. Lila had insisted that he use it - in case of a close call with an unexpected visitor.

That close call eventually happened, one afternoon in early September. After Velma allowed Rafe through the back door of the Shelby House, he immediately sprinted upstairs. He made his way along the second floor hallway, when the door to Lila's bedroom swung open. Rafe immediately assumed it was the love of his life. He started toward the open door, when the sight of a familiar figure stopped him in his tracks. The figure turned out to be one of his father's poker friends - Mr. Bateman. Rafe quickly darted into an empty room nearby and waited for the man to head downstairs. Later that evening, Rafe told Danny about his close call. Two days later, his relationship with Lila screeched to a halt.

* * * *

He stared at the auburn-haired woman with disbelieving eyes. "Say that again?" he demanded.

Inside her bedroom, a scantily clad Lila heaved an impatient sigh. She retrieved a cigarette from a tin box on her dresser and stuck it between her teeth. "You heard me, Rafe. It's over. I don't want you here, anymore."

"Why?"

Hands on hips, Lila glared at him. "Because it's over. Dammit boy! Are you deaf? It was fun for a while, but not anymore. I need to be with someone new." She struck a match and lit her cigarette.

"Like that fella who was here, two days ago?" Rafe demanded.

Hazel-green eyes rolled upward in disgust. "Good Lord! He was right! You really are too young for me."

"He?" Rafe's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Who's 'he'?"

Lila took a puff on her cigarette. "No one in particular. Just forget it."

"Does that mean I can . . .?"

"No!" Lila's harsh response came as a slap across the face. Rafe blinked. "No, that doesn't mean you can come back. I don't want you here, anymore! Period! How many damn times do I have to tell you?"

"Why?"

Lila retorted, "Because you're too young for me! And I don't want to go to jail for messing around with fifteen year-old boys!"

Rafe's eyes widened in shock. "I never told you I was fifteen years old," he murmured. "How did you . . .?"

"Never mind on how I found out," Lila shot back. She paced back and forth across the room like an angry tigress, puffing on her cigarette. "All that matters is that you stay the hell away from this place, until you're old enough. Maybe you can come back in another two or three years from now. I suggest you stick to girls around your own age. Miz Enid and the rest of us don't need a spell behind bars for statutory rape. Now get out of here!" Lila pointed an angry finger at the door.

His head hung low, a defeated Rafe dragged his feet toward the door. All sorts of thoughts and emotions whirled within him. How could Lila throw him out like that? And who exactly was this 'he'? Certainly not his daddy's friend. Mr. Lammers had not even seen him. And who told Lila that he was fifte . . .

An ugly suspicion immediately formed in Rafe's mind. A suspicion that projected in the image of his best friend. "Danny!" Rafe paused and confronted Lila. "It was Danny who told you I was fifteen! When did he talk to you?"

A guilty expression flitted across Lila's face, before the latter hardened. "It doesn't matter who I talked with!" she snarled. "Just get the hell out! You're bad for business!"

"And you're bad for me, lady!" Rafe retorted. "If a fella can call you one!" Filled with anger, he marched out of Lila's room, slamming the door shut. It would be his last visit to the Shelby House.


END OF PART 2