C - Sam the Cooking Guy. He's a local (local as in San Diego) cooking show host who just released a pretty solid cookbook. Nifty.
L - David Day's office. *GULP*
O - An elusive copy of The Usual Suspects that doesn't cost me $20.
S - Trying to get my old video editor job back at the library.
A - Losing an important prop for a film shoot that shoots tomorrow. Awesome, right?
T - Expectations: they'll kill any chance of a great experience.
So, I saw Indiana Jones. The new one. The Crystal Skull, as they call it. I came out of it with a very ho hum attitude. I was frustrated. I was let down. I was, like so many, disappointed in the film. It felt weak, unnecessary, and at times, utterly ridiculous. I sat around in a pity storm all day, thinking about how sad I was that a beloved franchise and character were completely mishandled and mistreated. Why so much CGI? Why the trip into the science fiction? Why Lucas? Why Spielberg? WHY?
However, in spite of my unrelenting questioning of the filmmaker's motives, I couldn't help but wonder how so many critics, who usually tend to be very harsh on films of this nature, are almost unabashedly accepting of it. The film currently ranks a 79% Fresh rating at RottenTomatoes.com (which is an amalgamation of critical reviews from across the internet). They hold no shame in proclaiming that Indy is back, and that this film serves the franchise well. Huh? Did we see the same film?
So, I kept thinking. A lot. Did I miss something? Was the magic there, but I chose not to see it? Did I accentuate the negative? Was I, in spite of my long-running, pre-film mantra of "This'll never be Raiders", really expecting the second coming of a classic? I don't know. I really can't say. I do know that I'm not alone in my distaste for the film. Several friends absolutely hated it, calling it terrible names and pushing it off the swings into the dirt at one point. This, of course, angered me. Why? I dunno. Probably because I want to like it. I want it to be the Indy I remember.
I've been thinking a lot about phenomenology (thanks theory), and Indy is a perfect example of this idea. Phenomenology, according to Dudley Andrew, says that a film-going experience is not solely shaped by the narrator's (the filmmaker's) presentation of the film, but also by the experiences of the viewer. It is clear that, in spite of what my friends may believe, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull's failure as a film cannot be solely placed on the filmmaker's shoulders (which is where they instantly went to). Why is this? Because while they disliked it, many people did not, critics included. Thus we see phenomenology at play: [LONGTIME FANS + MIDNIGHT SHOWING] (high expectations, or their own personal experience) + [SUBPAR SEQUEL] (yes, the filmmakers are at fault for many things) = [PURE UNADULTERATED DETEST]. However, lets plug in the critics to this equation: [LONGTIME FANS] (who isn't?) + [FREE CRITICS SCREENING] + [SUBPAR SEQUEL] + (and here's the x factor)[LOWERED EXPECTATIONS FOR ANY AND ALL BIG BUDGET BLOCKBUSTERS] = [A RATHER PLEASANT, FUN, FILMGOING EXPERIENCE].
So, class, what have we learned? Well, that maybe, Indiana Jones is not plagued by a bad script, or bad ideas, but rather by an audience not ready to accept a new Indy film. They may pretend to be; they may have even lined up, hundreds upon hundreds of 'em, at 9:30pm on Wednesday the 21st to see the film at 12:01am, but they weren't ready. I wasn't ready. Count me among the many incapable of letting this new entry into the canon of fantastic adventure films. Is that so wrong? No, probably not, as we are all entitled to our opinions, and certainly phenomenology insists that we allow our own experiences to play into the film viewing, but that's not the point. My point is, I think, that we need to stop blaming Spielberg, Lucas, Ford, LaBeouf, Allen, Winstone, Koepp, Hurt and maybe, if we're super vindictive, Connery. Yes, the film stumbles, and is without a doubt superbly inferior to the best of the series, but can we honestly say, given our excessive fandom for this beloved series, that this was indeed a bad film? No. We cannot. We are a biased majority, bent on destroying all that does not please. It's in our very nature. Fans are ruthless consumers of anything out of the ordinary. Lost anyone? The show strays from answering mythology questions for barely one half of a season (it's a character-based show, people, not some elaborate video game enigma for you to solve at your own disposal and patience level), and there's a significant (10 million viewers) drop in viewership, and constant cries from all sorts of detractors that the show is dead, and that it's lost what it once had (pretty quick to judge a show after only one season...Oh, and by the way, most of those detractors have eaten their words....).
I plan on seeing Indy again, and in the very near future. Am I crazy? Maybe. But I just got a job, and $5.50 (yeah, cheap!) is pretty expendable at this point. I want to enjoy it. I need to enjoy it, or else my summer will be ruined. Yeah, that might sound premature and childish, but I cannot continue to believe that my own high expectations didn't, in some regard, hurt my acceptance. I can't live with that, and I'm certainly not waiting until DVD to find out.
But, please, humble blogites, see this movie and judge for yourselves. The fans'll have their opinion, and they'll fight it till the day they die, but it's up to you to know how the film is. Keep your expectations low. Remember that both Spielberg and Lucas have both changed as filmmakers. Remember that this is Indiana Jones, a series made famous for having the spirit of God melt the faces of Nazi's, ruthless cults tear the hearts out of humans (who continue to live), and a 1,000 year old knight guarding a carpenter's cup that can heal a bullet wound like OxyClean gets out red wine stains from the whitest of carpets; it's all ridiculous... It's all out of this world. Remember that, and maybe this film's leap into the 1950s won't feel all that dissimilar.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I'm On The Pill Now
For those of you under a rock, How I Met Your Mother is consistently one of the funniest shows on TV, and this week they continued the saga of Canadian teen pop icon of the 90s Robin Sparkles, née Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders) with a brand new single to follow up her not even close to platinum hit "Let's Go To The Mall". This, my friends, is right up there with "Werewolf Bar-Mitzvah" in terms of absolute perfection. Check it out below! And yes, that is Dawson... And Tiffany... And Jason Seaver.
Robin Sparkles – Sandcastles in the Sand
So rad, eh? Told ya so!
And, well, if you haven't seen it, here's her first hit below. Mid-90s Pop Gold!:
Let's Go To The Mall
Oh, and a side note: the 80s didn't come to Canada until the 90s, hence the anachronistic clothing choices.
Robin Sparkles – Sandcastles in the Sand
So rad, eh? Told ya so!
And, well, if you haven't seen it, here's her first hit below. Mid-90s Pop Gold!:
Let's Go To The Mall
Oh, and a side note: the 80s didn't come to Canada until the 90s, hence the anachronistic clothing choices.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Boxy Brown
C - Tina Fey. If you need to ask why, you really don't know me, or anything, for that matter...
L - Bunguren's car, where we discussed Hugh Nibley and his Marxist tendencies, and how that relates to media theory.
O - DVDs! Four of them! For my birthday!
S - Having to carry my bag, under my arm, all around campus today because the shoulder strap broke today, after 4 long years of loyal service.
A - Watching new episodes of 30 Rock and How I Met Your Mother. Deborah has the bearing of a queen, and Ted Mosby is not a jerk.
T - Trust everyone.
My apologizes for the last post, with all of the links to YouTube and what not. I hope you enjoyed them, in spite of their load times.
I celebrated my birthday last weekend, and it was quite the celebration. Wednesday was party time chez the Fudges, where we watched a creepy film (Joshua), ate some really good dip, and some cheap pizza, but mostly we enjoyed each other's company, I think. Thursday, I spent the whole day at school, which sucked, considering that was indeed my birthday, but Johanna made my evening by taking me for frozen yogurt, and by having me come to her work to help her fix a wedding video she had some issues with. I was able to watch it, and it was pretty fantastic. Friday was a bigger day. Johanna and I went to a really great play, and then to dinner (we discovered a fantastic Mexican place. Ask me or her about it), and then dessert at Maestro's for gelato and European drinking chocolate, which was delicious. Overall, a great birthday. I thank you all.
The semester ended today. I managed to survive, amazingly enough. Considering all of the garbage I've been put through on several fronts, I'm happy to be done, and move on.
Okami came out today, and so did Juno. I want both, but cannot afford either. *sigh*. Why? Because I bought this coupon card for a mechanic's shop, that I hope to use, but fear that I won't. Yeah, it's an investment, but one that I wasn't really hoping to make right now. Oh well.
So, yeah, that's all from here, I think... Stay tuned for more late-breaking developments on whatever may or may not be happening in my life.
L - Bunguren's car, where we discussed Hugh Nibley and his Marxist tendencies, and how that relates to media theory.
O - DVDs! Four of them! For my birthday!
S - Having to carry my bag, under my arm, all around campus today because the shoulder strap broke today, after 4 long years of loyal service.
A - Watching new episodes of 30 Rock and How I Met Your Mother. Deborah has the bearing of a queen, and Ted Mosby is not a jerk.
T - Trust everyone.
My apologizes for the last post, with all of the links to YouTube and what not. I hope you enjoyed them, in spite of their load times.
I celebrated my birthday last weekend, and it was quite the celebration. Wednesday was party time chez the Fudges, where we watched a creepy film (Joshua), ate some really good dip, and some cheap pizza, but mostly we enjoyed each other's company, I think. Thursday, I spent the whole day at school, which sucked, considering that was indeed my birthday, but Johanna made my evening by taking me for frozen yogurt, and by having me come to her work to help her fix a wedding video she had some issues with. I was able to watch it, and it was pretty fantastic. Friday was a bigger day. Johanna and I went to a really great play, and then to dinner (we discovered a fantastic Mexican place. Ask me or her about it), and then dessert at Maestro's for gelato and European drinking chocolate, which was delicious. Overall, a great birthday. I thank you all.
The semester ended today. I managed to survive, amazingly enough. Considering all of the garbage I've been put through on several fronts, I'm happy to be done, and move on.
Okami came out today, and so did Juno. I want both, but cannot afford either. *sigh*. Why? Because I bought this coupon card for a mechanic's shop, that I hope to use, but fear that I won't. Yeah, it's an investment, but one that I wasn't really hoping to make right now. Oh well.
So, yeah, that's all from here, I think... Stay tuned for more late-breaking developments on whatever may or may not be happening in my life.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Cucumberwang!
C - Diablo Cody. Why? I don't know. Because she's funny, and I envy her success, and I just found out today that she'll be featured on the commentary track for Spaced, the greatest British TV show America hasn't seen. Yet (see below). Check out her blog. (Warning: contains colorful language)
L - Panda Express, where I actually asked the poor lady there for two helpings of Panda Express... I meant Orange Chicken, but I somehow crossed the streams, and my words went all manic-a-what. Side note: Their Beijing Beef is pretty fantastic. Check it out before it's a goner.
O - A new belt. After 6 years, I finally purchased a new belt. Believe me, the time had come, many a moons ago. And, to boot, it's reversible, so I now have the ability to coordinate my colors with a simple pull and click action. What a world we live in!
S - The Tom Hanks-a-thon, currently in progess. First it was Catch Me If You Can (featuring the best score John Williams has ever composed), and now we are indulging in a little That Thing You Do! (featuring one song that doesn't seem to get old, even though they play it at least 8 times during the course of the film).
A - Neglecting to write a single word on either one of my scripts. Why? Even boredom can't cure writer's block...
T - Be kind, rewind.
Saw The Kingdom - Decent action flick, with a shallow attempt at some sort of political message. Jen Garner swears a bit (why Sydney? WHY!?) but kicks some serious terrorist behind, and Jason Bateman makes me laugh, even though he's kidnapped and nearly decapitated. The other two were just Oscar-winning showboaters (the usually fantastic Chris Cooper and the okay Jaime Foxx) feigning sentimentality; I could have lived without them, frankly. Overall, a nice weekend rental.
I found my little black notebook with tons and tons of secret things (mostly film ideas). I was glad it was only under my bed, and not in the hands of some evil-doer. While I doubt anyone would have the know-how to take my ideas to La La Land and pitch them to the folks at Dreamworks, you never know sometimes... The mind makes up some pretty interesting stories when you can't sleep (thanks Kent), and so I became relatively obsessed with getting it back.
My senior project approaches. I don't know what to think or say about it at this point. More work needs to be done. If anyone knows a good songwriter, let me know... I am in need, like yesterday, for a song. Talk about writing oneself into a corner!
Oh! If any of you fools get the BBC, or its American equivalent BBC America (whoa!), then you need to check out my newest addiction, That Mitchell and Webb Look. This show borders on Python-esque genius, I kid you not. There are loads of clips on YouTube. I think I'll post my favourites (wink wink) here below:
So, enjoy. Mind you, the language is a bit coarse at times, but their British accents make it sound so regal that it's hard to feel cross. I just wanted to spread the love.
And, finally, as I mentioned earlier, Spaced, the brilliant show from Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes (née Stevenson), Nick Frost and Edgar Wright, will finally make its Region 1 debut this July, with all new commentaries, and loads of new stuff. I have seen most of this series, and can vouch for its uncanny brilliance. It launched the careers of these folks, and helped get two of the greatest po-mo comedies of this decade made (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz). More deets to come. Video below!
L - Panda Express, where I actually asked the poor lady there for two helpings of Panda Express... I meant Orange Chicken, but I somehow crossed the streams, and my words went all manic-a-what. Side note: Their Beijing Beef is pretty fantastic. Check it out before it's a goner.
O - A new belt. After 6 years, I finally purchased a new belt. Believe me, the time had come, many a moons ago. And, to boot, it's reversible, so I now have the ability to coordinate my colors with a simple pull and click action. What a world we live in!
S - The Tom Hanks-a-thon, currently in progess. First it was Catch Me If You Can (featuring the best score John Williams has ever composed), and now we are indulging in a little That Thing You Do! (featuring one song that doesn't seem to get old, even though they play it at least 8 times during the course of the film).
A - Neglecting to write a single word on either one of my scripts. Why? Even boredom can't cure writer's block...
T - Be kind, rewind.
Saw The Kingdom - Decent action flick, with a shallow attempt at some sort of political message. Jen Garner swears a bit (why Sydney? WHY!?) but kicks some serious terrorist behind, and Jason Bateman makes me laugh, even though he's kidnapped and nearly decapitated. The other two were just Oscar-winning showboaters (the usually fantastic Chris Cooper and the okay Jaime Foxx) feigning sentimentality; I could have lived without them, frankly. Overall, a nice weekend rental.
I found my little black notebook with tons and tons of secret things (mostly film ideas). I was glad it was only under my bed, and not in the hands of some evil-doer. While I doubt anyone would have the know-how to take my ideas to La La Land and pitch them to the folks at Dreamworks, you never know sometimes... The mind makes up some pretty interesting stories when you can't sleep (thanks Kent), and so I became relatively obsessed with getting it back.
My senior project approaches. I don't know what to think or say about it at this point. More work needs to be done. If anyone knows a good songwriter, let me know... I am in need, like yesterday, for a song. Talk about writing oneself into a corner!
Oh! If any of you fools get the BBC, or its American equivalent BBC America (whoa!), then you need to check out my newest addiction, That Mitchell and Webb Look. This show borders on Python-esque genius, I kid you not. There are loads of clips on YouTube. I think I'll post my favourites (wink wink) here below:
So, enjoy. Mind you, the language is a bit coarse at times, but their British accents make it sound so regal that it's hard to feel cross. I just wanted to spread the love.
And, finally, as I mentioned earlier, Spaced, the brilliant show from Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes (née Stevenson), Nick Frost and Edgar Wright, will finally make its Region 1 debut this July, with all new commentaries, and loads of new stuff. I have seen most of this series, and can vouch for its uncanny brilliance. It launched the careers of these folks, and helped get two of the greatest po-mo comedies of this decade made (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz). More deets to come. Video below!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Insolent Noise...
C - Anthony Minghella, who just this morning passed away at the too young age of 54. I've loved every movie of his I've seen, and this is truly a sad, sad day for the film world. He will be missed, but fondly remembered thanks to his beautiful films.
L - The lobby at Novell, again, where we had to plaster a 30 pound directory sign up on a marble pillar with 14 3M adhesive strips. Surprisingly enough, it stuck, so good on us, right? Too bad getting it off wasn't quite as nice... Thank you Windex!
O - The Hellboy 3-Disc Director's Cut for only 10 bucks at Wal-Mart. All my dislike for WallyWorld aside, that's a price I can't ignore.
S - Going to see Be Kind Rewind at the last minute, and loving it. This is a film for filmmakers, or anyone who has ever experienced the transcendental bliss of watching their creation on screen.
A - Buying Silk (the vanilla flavor), and liking it. Makes my Special K all the more special...
T - It is decidedly difficult to argue that Titanic did not deserve the Best Picture Oscar in 1997, but it could prove to be a worthy challenge.
Nothin' big to say now. This post was really my tribute to Mr. Minghella, whose sudden death really hurts to think about. He was a talented writer, and an equally as talented director, and he will be missed, for sure. Sad, sad day...
L - The lobby at Novell, again, where we had to plaster a 30 pound directory sign up on a marble pillar with 14 3M adhesive strips. Surprisingly enough, it stuck, so good on us, right? Too bad getting it off wasn't quite as nice... Thank you Windex!
O - The Hellboy 3-Disc Director's Cut for only 10 bucks at Wal-Mart. All my dislike for WallyWorld aside, that's a price I can't ignore.
S - Going to see Be Kind Rewind at the last minute, and loving it. This is a film for filmmakers, or anyone who has ever experienced the transcendental bliss of watching their creation on screen.
A - Buying Silk (the vanilla flavor), and liking it. Makes my Special K all the more special...
T - It is decidedly difficult to argue that Titanic did not deserve the Best Picture Oscar in 1997, but it could prove to be a worthy challenge.
Nothin' big to say now. This post was really my tribute to Mr. Minghella, whose sudden death really hurts to think about. He was a talented writer, and an equally as talented director, and he will be missed, for sure. Sad, sad day...
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Corybungus
C - Hayley Smith, whose blog gives me endless amounts of joy. What is so bittersweet is while her blogs on London and nannying are simply divine, she's not around to make me laugh in person. We all miss her (you, if you're reading this, Hayley).
L - The Family Parkin's humble abode, for game night, which turned into movie night (a short one, but quite the setup, though, I will say...), which became "Let's hear Jeff tell us weird stories about skinny dipping and ticks." I'm not complaining... 'Twas a blast.
O - New headphones! I bought some semi-nice Sony headphones to use with my computers, mostly, and I adore them. The cord is long, and the comfort is exceptional. Bravo.
S - Getting a cold just in time to work on-set for one more weekend. Ironic? Maybe...
A - Watching the second season of Alias (finally, I know). It's truly awesome. I dig.
T - Life is fierce. A fierce, hot tranny mess... tranny... Fierce.
A'ight. Here's a quick video I created in less than 10 minutes yesterday while skipping class to chill with Bunguren (pardon the hand...):
Pretty sweet, no? It's this cool program called "SingleFramer", and its free, and I recommend you all download it if you have a MiniDV camera, or an iSight attached to your computer. It's loads of fun.
Now, I must go and convalesce before I have to go back to class, and then to set, and then back to class. Grrr.... Shame on me for being so helpful and agreeable!
L - The Family Parkin's humble abode, for game night, which turned into movie night (a short one, but quite the setup, though, I will say...), which became "Let's hear Jeff tell us weird stories about skinny dipping and ticks." I'm not complaining... 'Twas a blast.
O - New headphones! I bought some semi-nice Sony headphones to use with my computers, mostly, and I adore them. The cord is long, and the comfort is exceptional. Bravo.
S - Getting a cold just in time to work on-set for one more weekend. Ironic? Maybe...
A - Watching the second season of Alias (finally, I know). It's truly awesome. I dig.
T - Life is fierce. A fierce, hot tranny mess... tranny... Fierce.
A'ight. Here's a quick video I created in less than 10 minutes yesterday while skipping class to chill with Bunguren (pardon the hand...):
Pretty sweet, no? It's this cool program called "SingleFramer", and its free, and I recommend you all download it if you have a MiniDV camera, or an iSight attached to your computer. It's loads of fun.
Now, I must go and convalesce before I have to go back to class, and then to set, and then back to class. Grrr.... Shame on me for being so helpful and agreeable!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
C - Desmond Hume, who, due to a heavy dose of electromagnetism, has become unstuck in time, and therefore has to seek out the one constant in each time period, who naturally is the love of his life, Penny Widmore.
L - A lonely Tokyo hotel room, with a tiny shower, and your own personal prostitute, who will demand you to lip her stockings.
O - A parkay sofa table that needs to be returned to the studio prop shop. Curses.
S - Bracing oneself for another lonely Friday. Just me and my laptop, writing lame page after lame page of whatever script I'm compelled to work on.
A - Wishing I was at home with my sister. Her life kinda sucks right now, and it kills me to be away.
T - Even if a dwarf tells you he's been boffing your dad, that's still no excuse to tie him up and feed him "valium". It can only turn out bad... and hilarious...
Just one thought for today:
Am I crazy, but is Lost in Translation one of the most romantic movies ever? That, along with Once are two films that really prove to me that love is best served between soul mates, and not necessarily romantic love. I mean, really, both films feature romances that are filled with love, and passion, but none of the icky stuff that seems to doom even the most optimistic couples. Instead, they're simple, sweet, and feature two of the most picture perfect endings, ever. Life could only dare to be as blissfully uncomplicated. Ah, to be lost and in love.
L - A lonely Tokyo hotel room, with a tiny shower, and your own personal prostitute, who will demand you to lip her stockings.
O - A parkay sofa table that needs to be returned to the studio prop shop. Curses.
S - Bracing oneself for another lonely Friday. Just me and my laptop, writing lame page after lame page of whatever script I'm compelled to work on.
A - Wishing I was at home with my sister. Her life kinda sucks right now, and it kills me to be away.
T - Even if a dwarf tells you he's been boffing your dad, that's still no excuse to tie him up and feed him "valium". It can only turn out bad... and hilarious...
Just one thought for today:
Am I crazy, but is Lost in Translation one of the most romantic movies ever? That, along with Once are two films that really prove to me that love is best served between soul mates, and not necessarily romantic love. I mean, really, both films feature romances that are filled with love, and passion, but none of the icky stuff that seems to doom even the most optimistic couples. Instead, they're simple, sweet, and feature two of the most picture perfect endings, ever. Life could only dare to be as blissfully uncomplicated. Ah, to be lost and in love.
Monday, February 25, 2008
No Direction Home
C - Natasha Haught-Fudge, who I still love and adore, even though she hated my favorite movie of last year oh so passionately. I would link you there, but I know she's embarrassed by it, so I'll spare her that.
L - Brown Brother's Gallery, where I spent a bit of my Friday being an extra for Nick Stenzel's four-one-nine. Sweet place... Gotta love that BL!!!
O - An Oscar, for Diablo Cody, Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, and Marion Cotillard. You all deserved it! Way to go!
S - Realizing that I'm losing friends left and right, and that eventually, I'll have to move back home and accept reality. Oh August! Please do not make haste!
A - Seeing three movies, in the theatres, over the course of 5 days. Haven't done that in a long while.
T - The Film Faculty doesn't care about you, or your films. Accept it, and you might do well. Forget it, and it'll break your heart.
So yeah, three movies. Here they are!
The Spiderwick Chronicles - Decent, fun, family entertainment. Scarier than I had imagined, but overall, something nice for the 8 year olds of the world to enjoy. I saw it cause my screenwriting prof saw it with his young'uns, and liked it. I liked it too.
Dan in Real Life - Yep, I went and saw it. Funny, really funny. Schmaltzy, of course, but genuinely entertaining. Steve Carell is pretty great, and I really do love Juliette Binoche. Vive la France!
Vantage Point - Meh. I cannot say that I wasn't entertained, because I was, BUT! they use a cinematic conceit more suited for television to tell their story. Let me explain: we all know the premise from the trailers which have played ad nauseum for the better part of 8 months (8 strangers, 8 points of view, one truth, blah blah). Well, every time the point of view switches, we get this lovely white fade out, and then we are subjected to a rewinding of the events we previously saw, and then a lovely clock, a la 24 shows up in the bottom left hand of the screen, telling us what time it is. It was nice, the first time, but the filmmakers decided, as I previously stated, to do it every time we switched perspectives! Thankfully, we only have to suffer through this brief lapse of judgement four times, but man alive did it get old fast. Still, all preposterousness aside, the film was a nice thriller, with a kinda surprising twist. I felt that, for the most part, this story would have been great as a 6 episode miniseries, where each episode was one perspective. Then, we could have gotten to know our characters more, and thus making it less one-dimensional. Oh, and also the film features the most AWKWARD bit of exposition I've seen in a long time, save for that news reporter bit in War of the Worlds. I shudder when I think about it. A nice rental on a lazy Saturday evening. Nothing more. I only paid $5.50, so I'm not complaining.
The Oscars were last night, and they were actually fun. I watched them live for the first time in a while, which wasn't as painful as it usually is. The speeches were nice and short, and there were some nice surprises, especially Marion Cotillard's much deserved win for La Vie en Rose. All those women were worthy of the prize, but she stood out to me big time. Oh, and Once winning best song, and seeing Colin Farrell get choked up presenting it was a nice tender moment. Oh, and don't forget Jon Stewart's lovely gesture of bringing dear sweet Marketa back on stage to give a very moving speech after Bill Conti (orchestra guy) oh so rudely interrupted her. Talk about classy. I don't know what it is about that film, but it raises my spirits in ways I don't think any other film has. As much as I loved No Country, I want more positive, hopeful cinema. It's why I dug Juno so much, I think: it took teenage pregnancy and didn't make it about parenting issues, or anything overly serious. Instead, it made us laugh, and it made the character's arc more about finding her identity as a teenager than her identity as a mother (which is often how those movies play out). It made me smile in the end, which was a welcome change. And no, Tash, that wasn't a jab at you and your blog. Really...
And, in other news, my senior project made it into the third round of production (yay!). No real surprise there, as I know that there's been little concern about it since the beginning (keepin' it simple!). But, not all is well in Zion. For you see, during our little meeting with the big wigs of the Media Arts department, I had a dark epiphany: There are two individuals on that committee would couldn't care less whether or not I made a film. I won't name names for privacy sake, but anyone familiar with our department should known darn well who they are. In fact, even those not familiar at all with our department should know one of them, but in a VERY different context. ANYway, the fact of the matter is, despite these person's place on the Project Review Committee, it is disturbingly clear after our last encounter that their interest in students and projects is at about 10%, which is probably a generous amount, but they do show up to these pitches, so I guess that accounts for something. I'm just fed up with it. I'm fed up with the lack of support. Instead of support, we have to jump over a billion hurdles, and then climb a few walls. THEN, we have to white water raft down a river with Kevin Bacon, gun firmly planted on our temples, all while singing the university's fight song (which no self-respecting Media Arts student knows, which makes this uber impossible). Yeah, it's that ridiculous. Misunderstandings, lack of communication, and a general lack of interest are all adding up to equal serious frustration on my part, while they couldn't care less. Really. It's sad, isn't it? Shouldn't they be supporting us? The people who pay their salaries? Isn't that what they should but don't do as professors? Seriously! It makes no sense to me sometimes.
A'ight, rant over. It really gets me going when I think about it.
Dang it. I'm exhausted. I'm sure I had more to say, but it all escapes me. Oh, let me just say this before I close: I am in love with Tina Fey. Absolutely in love with her. In fact, I'm so in love with her, I don't even care that she's supporting Hillary. The very fact that Tina Fey is living and breathing, and currently writing super awesome episodes of 30 Rock makes me giddy. She hosted Saturday Night Live this past weekend, and it was actually pretty grand. Tina was at her usually awesomeness, in spite of some pretty bad sketches. Other great moments were Bill Hader's spot-on impression of Daniel Plainview from There Will Be Blood (the Daniel Day-Lewis role), the Celebrity Apprentice spoof, the Annuele drug ad, and the cold open, which had me laughing almost too hard. Oh, and Tina's monologue with Steve Martin, and her Weekend Update bit: Awesome and awesome. And, in spite of himself, I'm much more endeared to Mike Huckabee than I was before after he so wonderfully spoofed himself. Pretty great. I'm stoked for our dear Ms. Ellen Page to host next week. She's a bundle of awesome as well, and probably a much healthier crush, as she's much closer to my age than Tina, and not married with a baby. A cute baby, but a baby nonetheless.... *sigh*...
See y'all later...
L - Brown Brother's Gallery, where I spent a bit of my Friday being an extra for Nick Stenzel's four-one-nine. Sweet place... Gotta love that BL!!!
O - An Oscar, for Diablo Cody, Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, and Marion Cotillard. You all deserved it! Way to go!
S - Realizing that I'm losing friends left and right, and that eventually, I'll have to move back home and accept reality. Oh August! Please do not make haste!
A - Seeing three movies, in the theatres, over the course of 5 days. Haven't done that in a long while.
T - The Film Faculty doesn't care about you, or your films. Accept it, and you might do well. Forget it, and it'll break your heart.
So yeah, three movies. Here they are!
The Spiderwick Chronicles - Decent, fun, family entertainment. Scarier than I had imagined, but overall, something nice for the 8 year olds of the world to enjoy. I saw it cause my screenwriting prof saw it with his young'uns, and liked it. I liked it too.
Dan in Real Life - Yep, I went and saw it. Funny, really funny. Schmaltzy, of course, but genuinely entertaining. Steve Carell is pretty great, and I really do love Juliette Binoche. Vive la France!
Vantage Point - Meh. I cannot say that I wasn't entertained, because I was, BUT! they use a cinematic conceit more suited for television to tell their story. Let me explain: we all know the premise from the trailers which have played ad nauseum for the better part of 8 months (8 strangers, 8 points of view, one truth, blah blah). Well, every time the point of view switches, we get this lovely white fade out, and then we are subjected to a rewinding of the events we previously saw, and then a lovely clock, a la 24 shows up in the bottom left hand of the screen, telling us what time it is. It was nice, the first time, but the filmmakers decided, as I previously stated, to do it every time we switched perspectives! Thankfully, we only have to suffer through this brief lapse of judgement four times, but man alive did it get old fast. Still, all preposterousness aside, the film was a nice thriller, with a kinda surprising twist. I felt that, for the most part, this story would have been great as a 6 episode miniseries, where each episode was one perspective. Then, we could have gotten to know our characters more, and thus making it less one-dimensional. Oh, and also the film features the most AWKWARD bit of exposition I've seen in a long time, save for that news reporter bit in War of the Worlds. I shudder when I think about it. A nice rental on a lazy Saturday evening. Nothing more. I only paid $5.50, so I'm not complaining.
The Oscars were last night, and they were actually fun. I watched them live for the first time in a while, which wasn't as painful as it usually is. The speeches were nice and short, and there were some nice surprises, especially Marion Cotillard's much deserved win for La Vie en Rose. All those women were worthy of the prize, but she stood out to me big time. Oh, and Once winning best song, and seeing Colin Farrell get choked up presenting it was a nice tender moment. Oh, and don't forget Jon Stewart's lovely gesture of bringing dear sweet Marketa back on stage to give a very moving speech after Bill Conti (orchestra guy) oh so rudely interrupted her. Talk about classy. I don't know what it is about that film, but it raises my spirits in ways I don't think any other film has. As much as I loved No Country, I want more positive, hopeful cinema. It's why I dug Juno so much, I think: it took teenage pregnancy and didn't make it about parenting issues, or anything overly serious. Instead, it made us laugh, and it made the character's arc more about finding her identity as a teenager than her identity as a mother (which is often how those movies play out). It made me smile in the end, which was a welcome change. And no, Tash, that wasn't a jab at you and your blog. Really...
And, in other news, my senior project made it into the third round of production (yay!). No real surprise there, as I know that there's been little concern about it since the beginning (keepin' it simple!). But, not all is well in Zion. For you see, during our little meeting with the big wigs of the Media Arts department, I had a dark epiphany: There are two individuals on that committee would couldn't care less whether or not I made a film. I won't name names for privacy sake, but anyone familiar with our department should known darn well who they are. In fact, even those not familiar at all with our department should know one of them, but in a VERY different context. ANYway, the fact of the matter is, despite these person's place on the Project Review Committee, it is disturbingly clear after our last encounter that their interest in students and projects is at about 10%, which is probably a generous amount, but they do show up to these pitches, so I guess that accounts for something. I'm just fed up with it. I'm fed up with the lack of support. Instead of support, we have to jump over a billion hurdles, and then climb a few walls. THEN, we have to white water raft down a river with Kevin Bacon, gun firmly planted on our temples, all while singing the university's fight song (which no self-respecting Media Arts student knows, which makes this uber impossible). Yeah, it's that ridiculous. Misunderstandings, lack of communication, and a general lack of interest are all adding up to equal serious frustration on my part, while they couldn't care less. Really. It's sad, isn't it? Shouldn't they be supporting us? The people who pay their salaries? Isn't that what they should but don't do as professors? Seriously! It makes no sense to me sometimes.
A'ight, rant over. It really gets me going when I think about it.
Dang it. I'm exhausted. I'm sure I had more to say, but it all escapes me. Oh, let me just say this before I close: I am in love with Tina Fey. Absolutely in love with her. In fact, I'm so in love with her, I don't even care that she's supporting Hillary. The very fact that Tina Fey is living and breathing, and currently writing super awesome episodes of 30 Rock makes me giddy. She hosted Saturday Night Live this past weekend, and it was actually pretty grand. Tina was at her usually awesomeness, in spite of some pretty bad sketches. Other great moments were Bill Hader's spot-on impression of Daniel Plainview from There Will Be Blood (the Daniel Day-Lewis role), the Celebrity Apprentice spoof, the Annuele drug ad, and the cold open, which had me laughing almost too hard. Oh, and Tina's monologue with Steve Martin, and her Weekend Update bit: Awesome and awesome. And, in spite of himself, I'm much more endeared to Mike Huckabee than I was before after he so wonderfully spoofed himself. Pretty great. I'm stoked for our dear Ms. Ellen Page to host next week. She's a bundle of awesome as well, and probably a much healthier crush, as she's much closer to my age than Tina, and not married with a baby. A cute baby, but a baby nonetheless.... *sigh*...
See y'all later...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Captain Subtext
C - Johanna McCuen, who's collection of Mystery Science Theaters makes me jealous. But, also the mere fact that she's awesome helps to endear her to me on a regular basis.
L - The Fudges. For 7 hours. Boring? Now, why would you say that? It's the Fudges for pete's sake! We had cake! With Nutella frosting! And Arrested Development!
O - An iPod touch. No, I didn't buy one, but I sure have been lusting. Seriously. It's become such a problem, I can almost guarantee you that Kevin Spacey will visit me, and murder me all clever-like...
S - Waking up with a migraine again. I'm not sure what's wrong, but it's frightening me the more I think about it. I haven't had this happen since Paris, so I don't know what's up... I really don't.
A - Finally finishing Cormac McCarthy's The Road, which was equal parts brilliant and sad. It ended better than I expected, but still, a hard one to get through, especially in our day and age.
T - True sadness is achieved whilst eating the last piece of Orange Chicken in the box... *sniff*
I just barely saw two films worthy of note in terms of the year's best: Michael Clayton and The Darjeeling Limited.
Michael Clayton - This was a pretty intense legal thriller. While I knew where it was heading for the most part, the character of Michael Clayton himself made the piece a bit different than what we've seen in the past. Flawed, complex, and brilliantly acted by George Clooney, it's a tour de force character who we are constantly struggling to understand. We're told he's a "Fixer", or as he puts it a "Janitor", and it isn't until the film's end that we really get a sense of what exactly that means. When I saw it's Oscar nod for Best Picture, I was indeed shocked, but after having seen the film, it's not surprising. Is it deserving? Probably not, but it's a great thriller, unlike many supposed thrillers we've seen in the months and even years past. Director/writer Tony Gilroy has a sense for great pacing, and being able to engage us with fantastically rendered characters (he wrote the last two Bourne films). Check this one out.
The Darjeeling Limited - I had heard a lot of bad mouthing in regards to this film, and a lot of it is probably deserved. It is most assuredly esoteric, odd, distancing, and many other adjectives often associated with Wes Anderson films, but it also has a lot of heart, and that's hard to ignore, in this person's opinion. For all of the wide angle shots, and all of the slow mo moments, Anderson, and co-writers Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman manage to actually make us come to love our three leads over time, and not instantly. Lush visuals of a rather colorful India (a perfect fit for Anderson's normal obsession with production design), typical non-sequiturs spouted by ambiguous but charming characters, and an interesting turn of events makes this film a nice entry into Anderson's Canon of Quirk. I liked it, a lot more than I expected to. See it!
I may go check out yet another film tonight, Dan in Real Life. I chanced upon the opening sequence awhile back thanks to one of my professors (WGA member, with a screener), and it intrigued me greatly. It starts in an hour and half or so. We'll see... I still have the migraine from this morning... Ugh... And I thought a little bit of Panda could cure all ails. Not so... *sigh*.
Maybe a second shot at some OC would help........
.......
.....
....
..
.
I joke, really... Honest....
Oh, and let me know what you think of the new title. I'm not completely sold on it, but it's clever. I do so miss the old Haberdashery, but this title fits... What should I do? Keep this one, or go back to the tried and true? Quite the conundrum...
L - The Fudges. For 7 hours. Boring? Now, why would you say that? It's the Fudges for pete's sake! We had cake! With Nutella frosting! And Arrested Development!
O - An iPod touch. No, I didn't buy one, but I sure have been lusting. Seriously. It's become such a problem, I can almost guarantee you that Kevin Spacey will visit me, and murder me all clever-like...
S - Waking up with a migraine again. I'm not sure what's wrong, but it's frightening me the more I think about it. I haven't had this happen since Paris, so I don't know what's up... I really don't.
A - Finally finishing Cormac McCarthy's The Road, which was equal parts brilliant and sad. It ended better than I expected, but still, a hard one to get through, especially in our day and age.
T - True sadness is achieved whilst eating the last piece of Orange Chicken in the box... *sniff*
I just barely saw two films worthy of note in terms of the year's best: Michael Clayton and The Darjeeling Limited.
Michael Clayton - This was a pretty intense legal thriller. While I knew where it was heading for the most part, the character of Michael Clayton himself made the piece a bit different than what we've seen in the past. Flawed, complex, and brilliantly acted by George Clooney, it's a tour de force character who we are constantly struggling to understand. We're told he's a "Fixer", or as he puts it a "Janitor", and it isn't until the film's end that we really get a sense of what exactly that means. When I saw it's Oscar nod for Best Picture, I was indeed shocked, but after having seen the film, it's not surprising. Is it deserving? Probably not, but it's a great thriller, unlike many supposed thrillers we've seen in the months and even years past. Director/writer Tony Gilroy has a sense for great pacing, and being able to engage us with fantastically rendered characters (he wrote the last two Bourne films). Check this one out.
The Darjeeling Limited - I had heard a lot of bad mouthing in regards to this film, and a lot of it is probably deserved. It is most assuredly esoteric, odd, distancing, and many other adjectives often associated with Wes Anderson films, but it also has a lot of heart, and that's hard to ignore, in this person's opinion. For all of the wide angle shots, and all of the slow mo moments, Anderson, and co-writers Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman manage to actually make us come to love our three leads over time, and not instantly. Lush visuals of a rather colorful India (a perfect fit for Anderson's normal obsession with production design), typical non-sequiturs spouted by ambiguous but charming characters, and an interesting turn of events makes this film a nice entry into Anderson's Canon of Quirk. I liked it, a lot more than I expected to. See it!
I may go check out yet another film tonight, Dan in Real Life. I chanced upon the opening sequence awhile back thanks to one of my professors (WGA member, with a screener), and it intrigued me greatly. It starts in an hour and half or so. We'll see... I still have the migraine from this morning... Ugh... And I thought a little bit of Panda could cure all ails. Not so... *sigh*.
Maybe a second shot at some OC would help........
.......
.....
....
..
.
I joke, really... Honest....
Oh, and let me know what you think of the new title. I'm not completely sold on it, but it's clever. I do so miss the old Haberdashery, but this title fits... What should I do? Keep this one, or go back to the tried and true? Quite the conundrum...
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Polyphonic Spree
C - Chloè (mind the accent) Huber, who just turned 21, and whose roommates threw her the most wicked birthday celebration ever.
L - The Sunda Trench, which is where they "found" Oceanic 815. We all know its a lie, people...
O - A bucket of red paint... With a sponge brush and a paint brush...
S - Trying to write 3 scripts at once: two shorts and one feature... Awesome, sure, but stressful sans doute...
A - Sawing a tree in half, in order to cross a large trench, and get the treasure of Barbaros, and save the day...
T - Valentine's Day is for suckers... Nice red, heart-shaped suckers...
Okay, so on Wednesday, my dear friend Chloè Huber had a birthday, and I had the immense privilege of celebrating it with her, complete with cake and well wishes. BUT! The best part, most assuredly, had to be the jumpsuits, goggles, shower caps and the numerous paint buckets that we all carried about, and proceeded to thrown on each other, and the tent in which we were encompassed. It was mighty fantastic. While the fumes were a bit much, and I managed to get paint in my mouth more than a few times, it made for quite the evening. The best part was the look on my roommates faces as Kent and I walked in, paint all over our faces in several different shades. Loads of fun. Thanks Chloè, and Emily, and Chloè's other roommate, whose name escapes me at the moment! Well worth the cold trip through the snow to get there...
One thing I've failed to mention, but I can't help but be completely obsessed with is the return of Lost to the airwaves. Three weeks ago, we were given the much anticipated season premiere, which was good, but not great. Why was it not great? Because the two episodes that have proceeded it have been even better. I'm still reeling from last night's unbelievable revelation that... HA! I'm not going to spoil it. Watch it. If you've given up on the show, all of the episodes from all three seasons are on ABC.com, and they're pretty great. Season 3 is quite possibly the best renaissance of any show I've ever seen, totally giving us everything we've wanted from the show, but were denied in Season 2 (even though I've heard repeatedly that season 2 is MUCH better in consecutive chunks, and not week to week like I watched it). I can't praise the show enough, because it just keeps getting better, even in a season that most shows fail to enthrall. Chalk that one up to Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (or Darlton, as we lovingly call them), whose deft leadership of the show has not wavered, even when their fearless creator and spear-header, J.J. Abrams, barely stops by for a visit anymore (*sniff*). They managed to get ABC to give them an end date for the show (May 2010), and also to allow them to air 16 episodes back to back each season, no reruns. Talk about loyalty to the fans. I love this show. It has yet to disappoint me, even at its worst. Why? Because even at its absolute worse ("Stranger in a Strange Land", Season 3), its still better than 90% of what's on TV. 'Nuff said...
Another thing: For all you Wii-ites out there, do yourself a favor and pick up Zack and Wiki (or Z-Dub as the fans have named it). It is loads of fun, and its a real brain teaser. It's sure to exercise your noggin in ways you couldn't imagine.
Recent Films: Eagle vs. Shark - Not bad. Basically Napoleon Dynamite for the Kiwi-set. Manages a few chuckles, and a heart-felt end, but its nothing more than a sophisticated rip-off. Sad to say. Irony: Jemaine Clement, the "Eagle" of the film's title, and Napoleon's Kiwi cousin, will be starring in Jared Hess's newest film, Gentleman Broncos. Talk about hilarious... I can't wait. I love Flight of the Conchords.
Rocket Science - Another odd duck, from the director of Spellbound, a pretty entertaining doc about the National Spelling Bee. Fantastic performances, but its the dialogue that got me down: too good to be true. It is a heightened world, but some of the characters were a bit too much for me. Overall, a nice film. Weird, but nice.
Seven Samurai - Kurosawa. Classic. Brilliant. Entertaining. Three and half hours. That's all I need to say.
Music: I'm completely in love with Mika and Amy Winehouse right now, two people I've failed to hear much of, due to my lack of radio listening (I'm an NPR nerd, and a classic rock whore). "Lollipop" and "Rehab" are two of the catchiest songs I've heard in a long time. Way cool.
In other news: The strike is over. Woo Hoo! Bring on 30 Rock!!! That's all I have to say on that...
L - The Sunda Trench, which is where they "found" Oceanic 815. We all know its a lie, people...
O - A bucket of red paint... With a sponge brush and a paint brush...
S - Trying to write 3 scripts at once: two shorts and one feature... Awesome, sure, but stressful sans doute...
A - Sawing a tree in half, in order to cross a large trench, and get the treasure of Barbaros, and save the day...
T - Valentine's Day is for suckers... Nice red, heart-shaped suckers...
Okay, so on Wednesday, my dear friend Chloè Huber had a birthday, and I had the immense privilege of celebrating it with her, complete with cake and well wishes. BUT! The best part, most assuredly, had to be the jumpsuits, goggles, shower caps and the numerous paint buckets that we all carried about, and proceeded to thrown on each other, and the tent in which we were encompassed. It was mighty fantastic. While the fumes were a bit much, and I managed to get paint in my mouth more than a few times, it made for quite the evening. The best part was the look on my roommates faces as Kent and I walked in, paint all over our faces in several different shades. Loads of fun. Thanks Chloè, and Emily, and Chloè's other roommate, whose name escapes me at the moment! Well worth the cold trip through the snow to get there...
One thing I've failed to mention, but I can't help but be completely obsessed with is the return of Lost to the airwaves. Three weeks ago, we were given the much anticipated season premiere, which was good, but not great. Why was it not great? Because the two episodes that have proceeded it have been even better. I'm still reeling from last night's unbelievable revelation that... HA! I'm not going to spoil it. Watch it. If you've given up on the show, all of the episodes from all three seasons are on ABC.com, and they're pretty great. Season 3 is quite possibly the best renaissance of any show I've ever seen, totally giving us everything we've wanted from the show, but were denied in Season 2 (even though I've heard repeatedly that season 2 is MUCH better in consecutive chunks, and not week to week like I watched it). I can't praise the show enough, because it just keeps getting better, even in a season that most shows fail to enthrall. Chalk that one up to Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (or Darlton, as we lovingly call them), whose deft leadership of the show has not wavered, even when their fearless creator and spear-header, J.J. Abrams, barely stops by for a visit anymore (*sniff*). They managed to get ABC to give them an end date for the show (May 2010), and also to allow them to air 16 episodes back to back each season, no reruns. Talk about loyalty to the fans. I love this show. It has yet to disappoint me, even at its worst. Why? Because even at its absolute worse ("Stranger in a Strange Land", Season 3), its still better than 90% of what's on TV. 'Nuff said...
Another thing: For all you Wii-ites out there, do yourself a favor and pick up Zack and Wiki (or Z-Dub as the fans have named it). It is loads of fun, and its a real brain teaser. It's sure to exercise your noggin in ways you couldn't imagine.
Recent Films: Eagle vs. Shark - Not bad. Basically Napoleon Dynamite for the Kiwi-set. Manages a few chuckles, and a heart-felt end, but its nothing more than a sophisticated rip-off. Sad to say. Irony: Jemaine Clement, the "Eagle" of the film's title, and Napoleon's Kiwi cousin, will be starring in Jared Hess's newest film, Gentleman Broncos. Talk about hilarious... I can't wait. I love Flight of the Conchords.
Rocket Science - Another odd duck, from the director of Spellbound, a pretty entertaining doc about the National Spelling Bee. Fantastic performances, but its the dialogue that got me down: too good to be true. It is a heightened world, but some of the characters were a bit too much for me. Overall, a nice film. Weird, but nice.
Seven Samurai - Kurosawa. Classic. Brilliant. Entertaining. Three and half hours. That's all I need to say.
Music: I'm completely in love with Mika and Amy Winehouse right now, two people I've failed to hear much of, due to my lack of radio listening (I'm an NPR nerd, and a classic rock whore). "Lollipop" and "Rehab" are two of the catchiest songs I've heard in a long time. Way cool.
In other news: The strike is over. Woo Hoo! Bring on 30 Rock!!! That's all I have to say on that...
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Nudity Clauses
C - Daniel Day-Lewis, who I swear could act his way into Fort Knox. He is phenomenal (I mean, phenomenal), in There Will Be Blood. See it and believe it.
L - BBC America, my new favorite channel... It's like going to England, except that I'm still stuck here...
O - Orange Chicken, which I'm convinced is what God eats everyday... It has to be... It's just that good...
S - Watching Notting Hill, alone, on a Saturday night, and not fretting it. It's a fine film, with fantastic performances... I swear.
A - Taking a leak three times in one hour. Gross, I know, but it was an accomplishment. Why? Cause it was clear! Hooray for Hydration!
T - When times get you down, compromise your morals, and maybe you will be able to dig on many a tract of land, and potentially strike oil, which you will then suck up like a milkshake! I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!
For all four of you that read this, I apologize for the delay in updating. The reason being is that the semester has begun, and I actually did in fact have a post about two weeks ago, but I failed to post it, for whatever reason.
Excuses aside, I'm happy to be back, and with a nifty new logo. I made that sucka almost three months ago, and it didn't work the first time, so I abandoned it. I tried it again on a whim last night, and voilà! It worked! So, enjoy. I intend to fix it a bit in Photoshop or something, give it an edge or whatever.
As I noted above, I saw There Will Be Blood today, and I can only really say "wow", because this film is a superb achievement in filmmaking, and a film that will probably be remembered years down the line as a pinnacle of perfection. I doubt it will win Best Picture this year, because that would just be too perfect.
As for my top ten list, it's still brewing in the brain, because I can't quite decide what will make the top of the list. It's sooooooo close between a few (No Country, Juno, and There Will Be Blood). I think, based solely on my pure exuberance after having seen it, Juno takes it, but seeing There Will Be Blood has shaken that. Well, actually... Here's the list...
1. Juno
1. There Will Be Blood
1. No Country For Old Men
4. Hot Fuzz
4. Once
4. Zodiac
4. Ratatouille
8. Atonement
9. Paris, je t'aime
10. Hairspray
Some honorable mentions: Sweeney Todd, 3:10 To Yuma, The Host, The Bourne Ultimatum, Knocked Up, Enchanted, The Simpsons Movie, Waitress, Bridge To Terabithia...
So, there it is. I think. It's not gospel, nor shall it be canonized, but it should appease the masses, as they say. I pulled a Princeton Review and gave several films the same number... Deal with it. I really honestly cannot choose between them and give them numbers. I debated not giving numbers, but then the list would have been long, and confusing for those people who just cannot live without numbers.
Et, voilà!
L - BBC America, my new favorite channel... It's like going to England, except that I'm still stuck here...
O - Orange Chicken, which I'm convinced is what God eats everyday... It has to be... It's just that good...
S - Watching Notting Hill, alone, on a Saturday night, and not fretting it. It's a fine film, with fantastic performances... I swear.
A - Taking a leak three times in one hour. Gross, I know, but it was an accomplishment. Why? Cause it was clear! Hooray for Hydration!
T - When times get you down, compromise your morals, and maybe you will be able to dig on many a tract of land, and potentially strike oil, which you will then suck up like a milkshake! I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!
For all four of you that read this, I apologize for the delay in updating. The reason being is that the semester has begun, and I actually did in fact have a post about two weeks ago, but I failed to post it, for whatever reason.
Excuses aside, I'm happy to be back, and with a nifty new logo. I made that sucka almost three months ago, and it didn't work the first time, so I abandoned it. I tried it again on a whim last night, and voilà! It worked! So, enjoy. I intend to fix it a bit in Photoshop or something, give it an edge or whatever.
As I noted above, I saw There Will Be Blood today, and I can only really say "wow", because this film is a superb achievement in filmmaking, and a film that will probably be remembered years down the line as a pinnacle of perfection. I doubt it will win Best Picture this year, because that would just be too perfect.
As for my top ten list, it's still brewing in the brain, because I can't quite decide what will make the top of the list. It's sooooooo close between a few (No Country, Juno, and There Will Be Blood). I think, based solely on my pure exuberance after having seen it, Juno takes it, but seeing There Will Be Blood has shaken that. Well, actually... Here's the list...
1. Juno
1. There Will Be Blood
1. No Country For Old Men
4. Hot Fuzz
4. Once
4. Zodiac
4. Ratatouille
8. Atonement
9. Paris, je t'aime
10. Hairspray
Some honorable mentions: Sweeney Todd, 3:10 To Yuma, The Host, The Bourne Ultimatum, Knocked Up, Enchanted, The Simpsons Movie, Waitress, Bridge To Terabithia...
So, there it is. I think. It's not gospel, nor shall it be canonized, but it should appease the masses, as they say. I pulled a Princeton Review and gave several films the same number... Deal with it. I really honestly cannot choose between them and give them numbers. I debated not giving numbers, but then the list would have been long, and confusing for those people who just cannot live without numbers.
Et, voilà!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Ginger Balls
C - David Letterman, and his crack team of writers, back again, to stay (we hope)
L - A 7-11, located just behind my alma mater (high school-wise)
O - The 16-Disc Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus
S - Watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in The Gay Divorcee for the second time, and not realizing it
A - Trying to chop up almonds in a blender, with a really high blade.
T - Life without water makes a lot of things really difficult
My dad keeps turning the water on and off in order to fix a leak in my parent's bathroom. It's caused a lot of grief, especially yesterday when we were trying to do laundry and dishes (my sister and her husband had a band of hooligans over for some UFC fight last night, so lots of things were being made, and no water with which to wash them). It's getting old.
But! Here's the real reason for today's entry: I've been itching, ever since Matt Roush at TV Guide did this a few weeks back, to write out my top 10 television programs of the year. A lot of good TV, especially this summer, and with this writer's strike, it helps to remember why they deserve what they are asking for: because they write some of the most compelling stuff TV has seen in years.
So, without much else to blab about, here it is:
1. Lost - While a bit inconsistent in its first six episodes, Lost turned around at the beginning of 2007, giving us 15 (only one dud. Thanks a million, Jack's tattoos.)of the finest hours television has seen, and in all honesty, the most exhilarating and surprising season finale this humble television viewer has ever seen. Season 4 looks to keep the pace up, once it begins at the end of January. My hope is more viewers who left this island come back to its warmth, and realize what they missed last season. It was a thrill ride not seen on TV since I don't even know what. With a guaranteed end in 2010, this show has the makings of a television classic, and I refuse to miss one moment of it.
2. 30 Rock - This show's laugh per minute ratio is off the charts. The first half of its first season was chock full of some nice moments, but the show hit its stride near the end of last season, and hasn't stopped well into its second season. Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan are unbelievably brilliant in their respective roles, with Tina Fey holding it all together as the funniest straight [wo]man since Jason Bateman on Arrested Development. No longer is The Office the funniest show on Thursdays; Liz Lemon and friends take the cake. I can't get enough of this show, I really can't.
3. Mad Men - AMC really knocked it out of the park with this subtle, quiet, yet ultimately engaging series about the ad world in the early sixties. Every episode was pitch perfect (save for one off moment in the series' season finale), thanks to its brilliant writing, fantastic acting, and lush production design. This show, along with Damages on FX, really saved me this summer from going crazy during the annual quality television drought. I lapped up every moment of this show, and cannot wait for its second season.
4. Pushing Daisies - The best new show of this past season. Funny, dark, touching, and just all around amazing. I can't say enough about this show as a whole, firing on all cylinders to create a beautiful product that week in and week out has been absolute perfection, not to mention one heck of a cliffhanger, whose conclusion, sadly, awaits us after this strike ends. Keep it up Bryan Fuller. Please...
5. Friday Night Lights - I wasn't all that into this show towards the beginning of last season, but constant curiosity kept my interest piqued, and I was able to catch up on the show during off hours at work, and boy was I surprised with what I saw. I can say that season one was one of the most satisfying experiences I've had with TV in awhile. Just awesome.
6. Flight of the Conchords - Great music and great comedy make for an incredibly entertaining series. The second season should be round this next summer, and I couldn't be happier.
7. Brothers and Sisters - I love this show. It's sweet, funny, dramatic and very beautifully shot (gotta love ABC's aesthetic). I've grown to love these characters like my own family, and that makes for a great experience. I look forward to watching this every Monday via TiVo more than a lot of shows. It's just a great time.
8. How I Met Your Mother - One of the finest comedies on television right now. This one has managed to make the traditional sitcom hip and engaging. Neil Patrick Harris' Barney Stinson is probably one of the funniest characters on TV, and Cobie Smoulders is gorgeous to look at. But, there is more to it than that, thankfully, and it's just an all around great show.
9. Damages - This show was a creepy good time. Twisty, turny, crazy fun. Not much else to say. It was rather inconsistent, with red herrings galore, but I still enjoyed it, thanks mostly to fantastic performances, and an overall mood that remained consistently dark and foreboding. Plus, the season finale promises a fantastic second season that couldn't come any sooner.
10. Battlestar Galactica - Unfortunately, this past season was mostly a disappointment, but the show ended on a bang, and with the Razor TV movie this past November, the show proved to me it still had what it takes to be exciting and surprising, turning this past season's finale on its head, making us question how this show will end this coming season. I can't stand waiting until March, but it'll be worth it.
L - A 7-11, located just behind my alma mater (high school-wise)
O - The 16-Disc Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus
S - Watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in The Gay Divorcee for the second time, and not realizing it
A - Trying to chop up almonds in a blender, with a really high blade.
T - Life without water makes a lot of things really difficult
My dad keeps turning the water on and off in order to fix a leak in my parent's bathroom. It's caused a lot of grief, especially yesterday when we were trying to do laundry and dishes (my sister and her husband had a band of hooligans over for some UFC fight last night, so lots of things were being made, and no water with which to wash them). It's getting old.
But! Here's the real reason for today's entry: I've been itching, ever since Matt Roush at TV Guide did this a few weeks back, to write out my top 10 television programs of the year. A lot of good TV, especially this summer, and with this writer's strike, it helps to remember why they deserve what they are asking for: because they write some of the most compelling stuff TV has seen in years.
So, without much else to blab about, here it is:
1. Lost - While a bit inconsistent in its first six episodes, Lost turned around at the beginning of 2007, giving us 15 (only one dud. Thanks a million, Jack's tattoos.)of the finest hours television has seen, and in all honesty, the most exhilarating and surprising season finale this humble television viewer has ever seen. Season 4 looks to keep the pace up, once it begins at the end of January. My hope is more viewers who left this island come back to its warmth, and realize what they missed last season. It was a thrill ride not seen on TV since I don't even know what. With a guaranteed end in 2010, this show has the makings of a television classic, and I refuse to miss one moment of it.
2. 30 Rock - This show's laugh per minute ratio is off the charts. The first half of its first season was chock full of some nice moments, but the show hit its stride near the end of last season, and hasn't stopped well into its second season. Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan are unbelievably brilliant in their respective roles, with Tina Fey holding it all together as the funniest straight [wo]man since Jason Bateman on Arrested Development. No longer is The Office the funniest show on Thursdays; Liz Lemon and friends take the cake. I can't get enough of this show, I really can't.
3. Mad Men - AMC really knocked it out of the park with this subtle, quiet, yet ultimately engaging series about the ad world in the early sixties. Every episode was pitch perfect (save for one off moment in the series' season finale), thanks to its brilliant writing, fantastic acting, and lush production design. This show, along with Damages on FX, really saved me this summer from going crazy during the annual quality television drought. I lapped up every moment of this show, and cannot wait for its second season.
4. Pushing Daisies - The best new show of this past season. Funny, dark, touching, and just all around amazing. I can't say enough about this show as a whole, firing on all cylinders to create a beautiful product that week in and week out has been absolute perfection, not to mention one heck of a cliffhanger, whose conclusion, sadly, awaits us after this strike ends. Keep it up Bryan Fuller. Please...
5. Friday Night Lights - I wasn't all that into this show towards the beginning of last season, but constant curiosity kept my interest piqued, and I was able to catch up on the show during off hours at work, and boy was I surprised with what I saw. I can say that season one was one of the most satisfying experiences I've had with TV in awhile. Just awesome.
6. Flight of the Conchords - Great music and great comedy make for an incredibly entertaining series. The second season should be round this next summer, and I couldn't be happier.
7. Brothers and Sisters - I love this show. It's sweet, funny, dramatic and very beautifully shot (gotta love ABC's aesthetic). I've grown to love these characters like my own family, and that makes for a great experience. I look forward to watching this every Monday via TiVo more than a lot of shows. It's just a great time.
8. How I Met Your Mother - One of the finest comedies on television right now. This one has managed to make the traditional sitcom hip and engaging. Neil Patrick Harris' Barney Stinson is probably one of the funniest characters on TV, and Cobie Smoulders is gorgeous to look at. But, there is more to it than that, thankfully, and it's just an all around great show.
9. Damages - This show was a creepy good time. Twisty, turny, crazy fun. Not much else to say. It was rather inconsistent, with red herrings galore, but I still enjoyed it, thanks mostly to fantastic performances, and an overall mood that remained consistently dark and foreboding. Plus, the season finale promises a fantastic second season that couldn't come any sooner.
10. Battlestar Galactica - Unfortunately, this past season was mostly a disappointment, but the show ended on a bang, and with the Razor TV movie this past November, the show proved to me it still had what it takes to be exciting and surprising, turning this past season's finale on its head, making us question how this show will end this coming season. I can't stand waiting until March, but it'll be worth it.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Pork Swords
C - Juno, a pregnant teenager with the wit and wisdom of a much older woman.
L - Somewhere cold, like Utah, but not as obnoxiously quirky and annoying.
O - A mailbox full of Tic-Tacs.
S - Eating lunch in the school trophy case.
A - Taking a swig of Sunny-D.
T - No matter how terrible the situation may be, all life is worth keeping, if only for the kinds of changes that can make one's own life all the more spectacular.
Today's CLOSAT is dedicated to Juno which is far and away the best film I've seen all year, and quite possibly one of the best films I've ever seen. The dialogue is crackling with wit not seen in hardly any films these days, and the story contains more heart than most dramas. Cinematic bliss is probably the only way to describe the experience. It was an awesome reminder as to why I went into film in the first place: to make films that matter, as well as entertain.
At first off-putting (too witty for its own good), I soon warmed to the sort of wacky nature of the film's presentation, thanks it part to its incredibly convincing performances, specifically from Ellen Page, who just simply knocks it out of the park. She owns the role of Juno, riding the thin line between quirk and heart with so much ease. J.K. Simmons is another standout, whose warmth and charm as Juno's father is unbelievably amazing. The rapport between the two of them is truly a sight. Jason Bateman is a joy, as usual, as is the impeccable Michael Cera. Allison Janney is her usual snarky self, and Jennifer Garner pulls in a surprising performance, capable of being icy cold in one moment, only to become the warm matriarch she is destined to be. It's simply one of those dream casts, with not a weak link among them. They all shine, taking hold of a film that is, all at once, grounded in reality, yet floating in fantasy.
I can't recommend it enough. I really can't. Find it, wherever you are. Find it, and see it, and love it. Films just don't get much better. I promise.
L - Somewhere cold, like Utah, but not as obnoxiously quirky and annoying.
O - A mailbox full of Tic-Tacs.
S - Eating lunch in the school trophy case.
A - Taking a swig of Sunny-D.
T - No matter how terrible the situation may be, all life is worth keeping, if only for the kinds of changes that can make one's own life all the more spectacular.
Today's CLOSAT is dedicated to Juno which is far and away the best film I've seen all year, and quite possibly one of the best films I've ever seen. The dialogue is crackling with wit not seen in hardly any films these days, and the story contains more heart than most dramas. Cinematic bliss is probably the only way to describe the experience. It was an awesome reminder as to why I went into film in the first place: to make films that matter, as well as entertain.
At first off-putting (too witty for its own good), I soon warmed to the sort of wacky nature of the film's presentation, thanks it part to its incredibly convincing performances, specifically from Ellen Page, who just simply knocks it out of the park. She owns the role of Juno, riding the thin line between quirk and heart with so much ease. J.K. Simmons is another standout, whose warmth and charm as Juno's father is unbelievably amazing. The rapport between the two of them is truly a sight. Jason Bateman is a joy, as usual, as is the impeccable Michael Cera. Allison Janney is her usual snarky self, and Jennifer Garner pulls in a surprising performance, capable of being icy cold in one moment, only to become the warm matriarch she is destined to be. It's simply one of those dream casts, with not a weak link among them. They all shine, taking hold of a film that is, all at once, grounded in reality, yet floating in fantasy.
I can't recommend it enough. I really can't. Find it, wherever you are. Find it, and see it, and love it. Films just don't get much better. I promise.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tim Tam Slam
C - Emma Walker, my cousin Kyle's adorable daughter who I met for the first time today. She blows her own nose! Seriously, can't get enough!
L - My uncle John's house. It's huge.
O - My most recent purchase: Flight of the Conchords, Season 1 on DVD. It's a freaky dream, Bret. A freaky freaky dream!
S - Having waaaaaay too much time on my hands. I'm not used to this, especially considering I've been so busy lately; actually having time to relax has kinda driven me batty...
A - Watching Season 1 of Lost again. Brilliant TV, my friends...
T - Never let your busy schedule make you forget what it's like to relax, because it may just make you crazy.
Saw two movies yesterday: The Mist and Enchanted. One was mystifying and the other was hilarious. I'll let you figure out which is which (and no, I'm not being ironic)(or punny).
Thanksgiving was today. I went up to my uncle's house and we ate, "we" being a small group of my family. It was nice. It still made me sad, mostly because I had intended for the last three weeks or so to be heading home to San Diego, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I love my extended family, but due to past issues (mostly distance), I'm not as close to them as I could or should be. It frustrates me, and it makes things difficult whenever I come to visit. So, my current attitude is of sadness and regret. I should be okay, because it's not like I'm alone at my house, wishing I was elsewhere. But, then again, I am elsewhere, and I really wish that I wasn't.
I love Arrested Development. I just wanted to say that. Cause it's true...
Whoa! Boone and Shannon are about to get freaky! Aren't they, like, related? How so very George Michael and Maeby of them!
Short aside about Lost: I realized I skipped two episodes during my current "Island Madness Marathon" (my race to watch all of the previously aired episodes of Lost before the new season begins in February). It made me sad. I think I'd be more sad if I hadn't seen the show before. Sorry. I told you it was an aside.
The Battlestar Galactica movie, Razor premieres this Saturday on Sci-Fi. Can you say "Holy Crap I Couldn't Be More Excited About A Stupid Science-Fiction Show!" ? Yeah, cause it's true...
L - My uncle John's house. It's huge.
O - My most recent purchase: Flight of the Conchords, Season 1 on DVD. It's a freaky dream, Bret. A freaky freaky dream!
S - Having waaaaaay too much time on my hands. I'm not used to this, especially considering I've been so busy lately; actually having time to relax has kinda driven me batty...
A - Watching Season 1 of Lost again. Brilliant TV, my friends...
T - Never let your busy schedule make you forget what it's like to relax, because it may just make you crazy.
Saw two movies yesterday: The Mist and Enchanted. One was mystifying and the other was hilarious. I'll let you figure out which is which (and no, I'm not being ironic)(or punny).
Thanksgiving was today. I went up to my uncle's house and we ate, "we" being a small group of my family. It was nice. It still made me sad, mostly because I had intended for the last three weeks or so to be heading home to San Diego, but I changed my mind at the last minute. I love my extended family, but due to past issues (mostly distance), I'm not as close to them as I could or should be. It frustrates me, and it makes things difficult whenever I come to visit. So, my current attitude is of sadness and regret. I should be okay, because it's not like I'm alone at my house, wishing I was elsewhere. But, then again, I am elsewhere, and I really wish that I wasn't.
I love Arrested Development. I just wanted to say that. Cause it's true...
Whoa! Boone and Shannon are about to get freaky! Aren't they, like, related? How so very George Michael and Maeby of them!
Short aside about Lost: I realized I skipped two episodes during my current "Island Madness Marathon" (my race to watch all of the previously aired episodes of Lost before the new season begins in February). It made me sad. I think I'd be more sad if I hadn't seen the show before. Sorry. I told you it was an aside.
The Battlestar Galactica movie, Razor premieres this Saturday on Sci-Fi. Can you say "Holy Crap I Couldn't Be More Excited About A Stupid Science-Fiction Show!" ? Yeah, cause it's true...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Caviar Garnish
C - Carrie Hakes, mi amiga de New Mexico, returning to town for one last ride! And some hot chocolate!
L - Panda Express for the first time in months. Man, I miss me some Orange Chicken!
O - Nifty Real D glasses that I get to keep and not use again. They really should let you bring them back to use again, because I'm on my third pair, and they're completely useless.
S - Dealing with hurt feelings from people who I once believed to be my friends. Long story. Let's not go there.
A - Watching You've Got Mail. Always a pleasure, I must say.
T - If you're not invited to see Beowulf with certain people, see it with better people. 'Nuff said...
Saw Beowulf today.
Pretty nifty.
DO NOT (seriously) see it in a normal theatre, without the aid of 3-D glasses. Part of the fun of this film is seeing it in 3-D. I honestly believe that it wouldn't have been half as cool without them. So, please, do what 'ere you can to see it in 3-D.
Yeah...
OH! Another warning: While it's PG-13, it's pretty violent, and contains a lot of nudity (mostly male bottom, but we do see some Jolie nudity, but she's covered in gold most of the time, and so there's nothing explicit). Just to warn you.
See it. It's pretty darn cool. In my humble opinion, 3-D, especially with blockbusters, is going to become the norm. It's such a fantastic way to immerse the audience in the experience, and with Beowulf there were many moments where I physically felt the film (does that make sense?). It's pretty cool. This is the 3rd film I've seen completely in 3-D (Monster House, The Nightmare Before Christmas), and two others I saw partly in 3-D (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Superman Returns). I'm convinced it's where Hollywood is going. Spielberg and Peter Jackson have recently announced a partnership to produce The Adventures of Tintin in 3-D, and James Cameron's Avatar will be completely in 3-D. Big names, big projects. Embrace it my friends. Not only is it fun, but it makes the theatre-going experience super fantastic.
L - Panda Express for the first time in months. Man, I miss me some Orange Chicken!
O - Nifty Real D glasses that I get to keep and not use again. They really should let you bring them back to use again, because I'm on my third pair, and they're completely useless.
S - Dealing with hurt feelings from people who I once believed to be my friends. Long story. Let's not go there.
A - Watching You've Got Mail. Always a pleasure, I must say.
T - If you're not invited to see Beowulf with certain people, see it with better people. 'Nuff said...
Saw Beowulf today.
Pretty nifty.
DO NOT (seriously) see it in a normal theatre, without the aid of 3-D glasses. Part of the fun of this film is seeing it in 3-D. I honestly believe that it wouldn't have been half as cool without them. So, please, do what 'ere you can to see it in 3-D.
Yeah...
OH! Another warning: While it's PG-13, it's pretty violent, and contains a lot of nudity (mostly male bottom, but we do see some Jolie nudity, but she's covered in gold most of the time, and so there's nothing explicit). Just to warn you.
See it. It's pretty darn cool. In my humble opinion, 3-D, especially with blockbusters, is going to become the norm. It's such a fantastic way to immerse the audience in the experience, and with Beowulf there were many moments where I physically felt the film (does that make sense?). It's pretty cool. This is the 3rd film I've seen completely in 3-D (Monster House, The Nightmare Before Christmas), and two others I saw partly in 3-D (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Superman Returns). I'm convinced it's where Hollywood is going. Spielberg and Peter Jackson have recently announced a partnership to produce The Adventures of Tintin in 3-D, and James Cameron's Avatar will be completely in 3-D. Big names, big projects. Embrace it my friends. Not only is it fun, but it makes the theatre-going experience super fantastic.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
You've Got Mail!
I found this to be pretty spot on brilliant. I guess that's just the geek in me coming out. This may be over some people's heads (Geocities, Prodigy, etc) but there are enough great gags that I think any fan of 24 would just love...
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Armani Wearing Prada
'Nuff Said...Here's a helpful link, in case you care:
Here's a good video explaining it all. Take note that DVD residuals are currently off the table. What they're really fighting for is Internet profits.
It's all about residuals, people, not salaries. Residuals keep unemployed writers (of which there are many) and their families fed. Call them spoiled, call them greedy, but they do have a right to the profits from their products, if only a ridiculously small portion.
I commend the writers for fighting for my future, and for standing strong. Here's hoping, however, that the two parties can meet, and television and film can get back to entertaining us.
Here's to you, my non-colleagues and maybe friends. I wish you the best.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Jovi Punch
C - Tracy Jordan, Jewish Werewolf
L - Corner house, 11:00pm, trying to watch "The Bone Collector", people at house being louder than loud...
O - New Chocolate cell phone! It's red!
S - Trying to re-write my 419 script for a meeting tomorrow with Jeff, but being unable to do so because of excessive guitar flirting and loud giggling...
A - Doing fake suicides, à la Joel McHale on "The Soup"
T - Silence can often be the best motivator.
L - Corner house, 11:00pm, trying to watch "The Bone Collector", people at house being louder than loud...
O - New Chocolate cell phone! It's red!
S - Trying to re-write my 419 script for a meeting tomorrow with Jeff, but being unable to do so because of excessive guitar flirting and loud giggling...
A - Doing fake suicides, à la Joel McHale on "The Soup"
T - Silence can often be the best motivator.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
