Editor’s note: A Jacksonville resident has been reviewing movies for friends for several years and has offered to share his thoughts with Daily Progress readers. His reviews come in personal letters to his nicknamed friend, Spud Nut. Our reviewer is Tater Tot, so consequently, the movies get ratings based on potatoes.
Spud Nut,
The movie 9 (rated PG-13, 79 minutes) is an apocryphal, animated fable set in a world when mankind has been destroyed by automated technology. Nine hand-sewn, living burlap cloth dolls fight to survive against intelligent machines that control the world. The dolls have been numbered, and the ninth doll is the lead character drawn in brilliantly illustrated graphics. This tale reminds me of the fantasies in Edward Scissorhands, even though it has more in common with Terminator 3, War of the Machines. The director and writer, Shane Acker, uses themes and tones that have made Tim Burton famous (which is why Burton is one of the movie’s co-producers). Consequently, this film may not be for young children, although the scenes will entertain all ages. Maybe the show’s ending is a moral that needs to be said again, “This is our world now. We can make it our own.” This feature may only appeal to a select audience who appreciates aesthetics, but I give it a three potato rating just the same.
• • •
Toy Story 1 & 2 in 3-D (rated G, 162 minutes) have been re-released as an advance promotion for the coming new Toy Story 3 in 2010. The first version came out in 1995 and a whole generation has missed out on seeing this delightful animated comedy. Who can forget the voice of the hero, Tom Hanks? These Disney films are minor classics and deserve to be shown again for those who have not seen them already. In their time these movies deserved a solid three-plus potato rating, and they still do.
Tater Tot
Opinion
‘9’ reminiscent of ‘Edward Scissorhands’
- Opinion
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Jacksonville will always be her home
The newsroom is always changing. You never know who is coming, who is going, as so many public officials told me when I first came to the Daily Progress over the summer.
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Not just who we are, but who we aspire to be
Rarely in our country's history have non-elected officials had a profound effect on public policy. While rare, it does happen from time to time.
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Just Ask Janet: Update on circulation situation at JDP
In keeping with my ongoing commitment to communicate with you about things at the paper, let me update you on our circulation situation.
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County budget discussion needs to begin soon
When county commissioners were forming the current fiscal year's budget this past summer, there was a lot of talk.
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Silence from LMC can be deafening
Each time there's news about a change at Lon Morris — whether it be the departure of an official or the delay of paychecks — the rumor mill in the area begins to fire up again.
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Transparent government a must for JEDCO, city
The concept is simple — those who handle public funds should do so in as open and transparent a manner as possible.
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Just Ask Janet: Kudos to the engines behind the hit parade
I went to the Christmas Parade Thursday night, and I am so tickled to tell you that it was wonderful! I say kudos to the Chamber of Commerce and all those who participated in the parade for making this year’s event so much fun.
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Just ask Janet
This year, for the first time, the Marine Corps League is collecting toys in Cherokee County for needy children. All toys collected will remain in Cherokee County and go to Cherokee County children.
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Don’t outsource tax collections
Received my letter from the appraisal district, very alarming. It seems someone (little/flowers) is discussing to combine the appraisal district and the county tax office.
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Just ask Janet
This time last year I ran a survey in the paper asking you what you like and don’t like about the Jacksonville Daily Progress.
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