For someone who is new in the world of screenwriting, this book is an excellent introduction to the structure and tricks screenwriters use to make a good script great. Linda Seger lays out each step clearly and in a fashion easily comprehendible, including excerpts from films that excel at each step. I would recommend, though, watching some of the films mentioned prior to reading the book. Unforgiven, Out Of Africa, Back To The Future, Witness, and Tootsie are a few. Out of all the screenwriting books, Linda Seger's 'Making A Good Script Great' has to be one of the easiest to read, and the best for beginners.

Many critics have reviewed this film as being a disgrace to the National Lampoon name. How can they claim that? All National Lampoon films are based on slapstick humor, and most are spoofs on other serious films. Loaded Weapon 1 is no different, taking off of Mel Gibson and Danny Glovers' rolls in Lethal Weapon 1 & 2. There is even a take off from a famous Silence Of The Lambs scene with F. Murray Abraham as Dr. Leacher. With all the spoof and slapstick moments, the requirements for a National Lampoon film are definitely met with this hilarious, underrated comedy.

Emilio Estevez is Jack Colt, a trigger happy, individual who has it out for everyone since the dog napping of his Golden Retriever. Colt's soon to be partner, Wes Lugar, is played by Samuel L. Jackson, who's about to retire from the force. The two become partners when Sergeant York (Whoopi Goldberg), is murdered. Tim Curry is hysterical in this scene as the Wilderness Girl murderer. From there the plot thickens with numerous take offs from famous films, guaranteed to crack you up.

To say the least this is one of the funniest National Lampoon films to date. It may also be one of the best slapstick/spoof films as well. Don't believe the critics when they say Loaded Weapon 1 is one of the worst Nation Lampoon productions. Go rent it and see for yourself . If you are a true lover of spoof comedies or slapstick in general, this film will be extremely enjoyable and possibly a favorite.

Jim Henson was quoted as saying, in the DVD special feature Inside the Labyrinth A Documentary, "when I go to a movie I want to feel better coming out than I did going in". This is exactly the case with this fun puppet adventure.

Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie make a great pair, battling each other for baby Toby. David Bowie is Jareth the goblin king. Jennifer Connelly is Sarah, Toby's sister. After getting stuck babysitting a crying child, Sarah wishes that the goblin king would come and take Toby far away. When her wish comes true Sarah is forced to go through the labyrinth to the goblin city, and get back her baby brother back.

Of coarse, it's sounds easier than it turns out to be. Sarah finds many pitfalls along the way, and some interesting friends as well. The puppeteering is incredible, engineering the plot to a higher level, and also spurring many humorous moments. This film is a perfect example of Jim Henson's creative expertise, and a wonderful film that will leave you with a grin on your face.

The Big Lebowski is a wonderful, underrated comedy with great acting and an interesting plot. The unusual characters bring on a love hate relationship. If you love them this comedy might become one of your favorites. If not, give it a chance, you might change you mind on your second viewing.

Jeff Bridges plays "the dude" who is an unemployed, laid back hippie. John Goodman is Walter Sobchak, an over reacting, Vietnam veteran who thinks that every situation has at least a literal connection to the Vietnam war. Finally Steve Buscemi plays Donnie, who is pretty clueless individual, always cutting in on the middle of a conversation. "Out of his element" Walter says to Donnie. These three opposites make up a league bowling team. Nearly half the film revolves around bowling. The plot begins when Jeffrey Lebowski (the dude) has his house broken into, his head repeatedly forced into a toilet bowl, and his rug peed on, an item which "ties the room together". It turns out that the assailants goofed, originally planning to harass the other Jeffrey Lebowski, the older richer Jeffery Lebowski, who's "trophy" wife, Bunny, owes money around town, even to known pornographers. These "rug pee-ers" came to collect, but showed up at the house of the wrong Jeffery Lebowski. This sounds bizarre, but don't worry the film gets even more bizarre as it goes on.

Jeff Brides, John Goodman, and Steve Buscemi are all fantastic at these unusual rolls, enhancing the humor of the nihilistic plot. However, some audiences might find this film perverse and unappealing. Give it a chance though. This is one of those films you might dislike at first, but it may grow on you after your second viewing.

This enjoyable romantic comedy stars John Cusack as the love confused Rob Gordon. The movie starts with Rob's breakup with his current girlfriend Laura, leading us into an explaination of his five worst breakups. Cusack delivers a superb preformance (he also co-wrote the film) with the same charm that made him so popular back in the eighties. There are many famous notables. Tim Robins plays Rob's new-age neighbor, who dates Laura after her bad breakup with Rob. Catherine Zeta Jones and Lili Taylor appear as two of Rob's worst breakups. Also keep your eyes open for the whole Cusack family. Once again this is a movie saved by the greatness of John Cusack, by both his personal charm and his ability as a writer. Remember, Cusack is an actor who helped make the romantic comedies of the 80's great. His writing style and acting in High Fiedelity reflect that, making this film one of the best romantic comedies of the nineties and the closest we have seen to the great ones of the eighties.

Clint Black returns with his first album in two years, Nothin But The Tailights. It's not his best, but it contains beautiful lyrics, proving again why Clint is one of the greatest lyracists of today.

The unique things about country music are the down to earth lyrics and ideals that the singers try to portray. Clint Black is a master at that and proves again why he is, with this album and more specifically with the song 'Something That We Do'. It's a simple love tune explaining that love isn't something that we have, or something that we're in, or something that we find, rather it's something that we do. What a beautiful concept.

The other tracks on this album are classic Black, the title track, 'The Shoes You're Wearing', 'That Something In My Life, and a beautiful duet with Martina McBride called 'Still Holding On', to name a few. Overall this album might not be Clint's best. However, if you listen to music for the beautiful lyrics and ideals the singers portray, than this album will be extremely enjoyable.

John Cusack's character in Say Anything, Lloyd Dobbler, is a cinematical stud. No he's not a sports champ, or the smartest guy around. He's just a good honest guy who knows how to treat others.

After Lloyd takes Diane Cort out on their first date, they walk across a Seven-Eleven parking lot. Diane is about to step in a pile of broken glass when Lloyd jumps ahead and clears her path. Not that big of a deal, but that's the type of caring gesture that men should preform on a regular basis. Lloyd continues these acts throughout the movie, delivering his best preformance toward the end. When things are looking grim between Lloyd and Diane(an obvious happening in chick flicks), Lloyd stands outside of Diane's house by his Chevy Malibu, lifts up his radio, and plays 'In Your Eyes' by Peter Gabriel. This scene, of coarse, will go down as one of the most romantic scenes in cinematic history.

Now I'm not saying that us single men should use Lloyd Dobbler as a roll model. Nor am I suggesting that the next time your romantic life turns sour to run over to your girlfriends house with a boombox and play some romantic toon to her opened bedroom window (although it did work for a friend of mine). Granted Lloyd is purly fictional. However, he does appear to be a genuine guy who could teach us all a thing or two.

I remember listening to a CD my brother got in a music magazine. It was one of those new band compilations. One of the tracks was Brian Wilson by BNL. Both being impressd, my brother special ordered Gordon from the local music shop, and later saw them in concert at the Keswick Theater in Glenside PA. He was one of fifty. It's amazing how times have changed.

BNL now has four studio albums; Gordon, Maybe You Should Drive, Born On A Pirate Ship, and Stunt. They also have legions of teenage fans that are nuts about their latest release, Stunt. In the midst of all the hype, Gordon remains their best to date, although Maybe You Should Drive is very strong as well. Bands tend to be more origional in their youth states, before they hit the big time. This appears to be the case with BNL. Yes their last few studio releases have had bright spots, but they seem to be pleasing a crown rather than delivering the music that made them great.

With this in mind, all I have to say is go back. Go back to what made BNL what they are. Back to the days they were unknown and played for crowds of fifty. Go back to the days of Gordon.

This is a nice compilation of various Police and Sting greats. It's a perfect introduction for those who don't know much about Sting/the Police and whish to find out more. However, for you die hard fans this compilation won't reach expectations.

Obviously with only 14 tracks some familiar titles won't be present. A few biggies that are present include 'Message In A Bottle', 'Fields Of Gold', 'If I Ever Lose My Faith In You', and 'Every Breath You Take'. Most of the tracks on this compilation are the more popular Sting/the Police songs. However, important tracks such as 'Fortress Around Your Heart', 'King Of Pain', and 'De Do Do Do De Da Da Da' aren't included here.

The lack of tracks is a big fault for those who know Sting best. However, this is not the biggest problem. The final track on this compilation is a remix of the Police's song 'Roxanne', preformed by Puff Dady. Here you get 14 great tracks by Sting/the Police followed by a rap song. Where is the concistancy? Most likely people who listen to softer material such as Sting don't indulge in rap music. How could Sting allow this musical foux pas? I'm hoping that it was the record label's fault.

It is a shame that the final track is inconsistant with the previous fourteen, however it doesn't take away from the great musicianship of Sting. Overall it's a good mix.

For all of you that haven't seen the movie, four songs in this compilation make this disc a must. Sting sings three jazz tunes that are among his best of all time, Angel Eyes, My One And Only Love, and It's A Lonesome Old Town. Don Henley contributed a track as well called Come Rain Or Come Shine, which also has a jazzy feel to it. Never have I bought a twenty track CD simply for four of its songs, however, the Leaving Las Vegas Soundtrack is an exception.