Welcome

Welcome to my ever-evolving blog. It started out as a blog on Beachbody workouts and products, mainly when I was a Beachbody coach. I no longer coach, not because I don't believe in Beachbody's programs (I subscribe to Beachbody on Demand and use their workouts every day), I am just not a salesperson and hated that aspect of it. I am more than willing to answer questions about my experiences with their products and the various workouts, and I feel freer to do so without the appearance of giving a biased review of something.

I have also started adding reviews for various things I have purchased like movies, books, CDs, and other products. This was brought about by a fight with Amazon in which all of my reviews were removed over a completely bullshit allegation that I posted a review that violated their terms of service. After going back and forth with the morons in the community-reviews department (even after they admitted that my posts did not violate their guidelines) they restored my account (which took them six months to do), but I have been posting my reviews on my blog to have them preserved in case something like that happens again. And here, I will post uncensored reviews so I will swear from time to time and post reviews that may be longer than Amazon's character limit. Everything I post here on any topic or product is my personal opinion, and I take no compensation for any product reviews I post. I am a member of Amazon's vine program and because I get those products for free, I keep those reviews on Amazon only, but everything I have purchased with my own money, whether from Amazon or some other store/website/outlet, I will post here.  

I also plan to do some longer blog posts on various topics, such as how to learn physics, how to get through calculus, and longer reviews of workout programs as I do them. Basically, whatever strikes me as interesting at the time.  As you can see if you navigate around the blog, I had many years in between postings. During that time I was going back to school to get an engineering degree, and learning material that I avoided my first time through college was a different experience and one that gave me a lot of insight into how to do well in those classes, which I will try to impart here for those who are looking to get a science or engineering degree. 

Thursday, March 31, 2022

DVD Review: Roger Dodger

 



Roger Dodger is a 2002 movie that is set in New York, involving a night out between Roger (played by Campbell Scott), a womanizing ad-executive who is not over the fling he had with his boss, Joyce (Isabella Rossellini), and his teenaged nephew, Nick (Jesse Eisenberg). Nick basically wants his uncle's help to hook up with someone and lose his virginity. Roger tried to give Nick lessons in the art of seduction, some of which has a lot to be desired. The highlight of the movie is probably the scenes at the singles bar with Roger, Nick, and two single women, Andrea (played by Elizabeth Berkley) and Sophie (played by Jennifer Beals) who also impart advice to Nick.

The movie comes down to being about sex and relationships. Roger is pretty much a sleazeball who hooks up with women but never seems to have a successful relationship with one. It is billed as a comedy-drama, but it is far more drama than comedy, although there are some humorous moments in it. The writing and acting are great, this was really Eisenberg's first major role (even though it is definitely an independent film and not even close to a blockbuster) and he did a great job playing a pretty conflicted character and Scott played a great womanizer who seemingly had everything he wanted in life but really did not.

For those who get the DVD, the extras are pretty extensive, especially for an independent film. There are multiple commentary tracks on the movie, several making-of features, a walking tour of NY with Jesse Eisenberg, deleted scenes, the trailer, and a "players guide". So, a lot there if you like going through the extras.

Overall, the movie is very good, but probably not for everyone. It has frank discussions about relationships and sex, but there is not much actual sex in it. It also deals with ethical issues like whether to take advantage of someone who is drunk. It definitely has the feel of an independent movie, but it is a very good one. It holds up well even after 20 years and is worth checking out.

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