What's playing, these days:
1. High Violets: To Where You Are (album) - discovered today @
3hive.
2. Garbage: Bleed Like Me (album) - iTunes.
3. Elnea: "MJOLNIR's Child" (track) - posted weeks ago at HBO, downloaded today; love the lyrics and her voice.
4. Brian Hempel: "Dragonfly" (track) - Seventh Column Contest.
5. Lemon Demon: "Telekinesis" / "Word Disassociation" (tracks) - from the cats that brought us "The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny".
6. Jimi Hendrix: "All Along the Watchtower" (track) - from my CD collection.
7. Weird Al Yankovich: "Dare to be Stupid" (track) - iTunes, for some reason, it felt important to download this week.
8. The Cardigans: "My Favorite Game" (track) - iTunes, this makes driving fun.
9. Trocadero: "Blood Gulch Blues" (track) - from the cats who perform the Red vs. Blue theme, I got this one from the Halouvre.
10. Martin O'Donnell: "Mombassa Suite" (track) - from my CD collection.
11. Randy Edelman: "Pickett's Charge" (track) - from my CD collection.
12. Sarah McLachlan: "Time" (track) - from my CD collection.
13. Holst: "The Planets, Op. 32 - 1. Mars, The Bringer of War" (track) - from my CD collection.
14. Martin O'Donnell: "Earth City" (track) - from my CD collection.
15. Martin O'Donnell: "Truth and Reconciliation Suite" (track) - from my CD collection.
16. The Von Bondies: "C'mon, C'mon" (track) - iTunes
Friday, June 30, 2006
Superman Returned
I made my regular pilgrimage to Alamo Drafthouse, on Tuesday, to catch my weekly Screen 8 Fare (everything I've gone to see on Tuesday evening has been on Screen 8, I've grown attached to it, I think I'm just going to start asking for a ticket to whatever's in Screen 8). Fortunately, this week, the showing turned out to be Bryan Singer's Superman Returns. I'm hardly what could pass for a Superman fan. Rather, I prefer the Dark Knight, quite a bit more. Superman has always seemed too easy, too simple, too predictable, too self righteous.
However, there's something captivating about Superman. If there weren't, the character would've fallen by the wayside. Perhaps fading into obscurity, like Captain America. Or folly, like Aquaman. Instead, the virtue that makes him so basic, the integrity that makes him so noble and the strength that makes him so admirable have been mainstays of heroic fantasy for almost seventy years.
Somehow all of Superman's traits were ignored, in the 1980's, in favor of box office receipts. The plots of the third and fourth movies were so clunky and dated, they were meaningless by the time revenue began to return on them.
Fortunately, there has been a trend for the better, lately, in heroic cinema. Batman has been repaired and Spiderman has proven more insightful than many Oscar nominees. XMen appeared to be following the trend, but, well, Brett Ratner. I can't say more than that.
That being said, Singer has helmed Superman Returns with a careful devotion, which has been the center of a great deal of optimism and criticism. Given the overall simplicity of any Superman story, it doesn't seem fair to rebuke efforts toward a creative, timeless and fantastical attempt. I'm at a loss, therefore, to understand some of the harsh words used to describe this flick. My feedback is more basic, I think. Very simply, I felt:
1. Kevin Spacey was an excellent choice for the Lex Luthor role. He has the capacity and ability to play a villain of this caliber with little more than printed word. I genuinely hoped that he'd be afforded the screen time to consume himself with the role, to demonstrate that obscenely off-kilter nature so consistent with his most profound characters. Alas, it was not to be. While he was afforded memorable moments as one of the most entertaining villains of all time, those moments were cut far too short. One can only hope that a follow up is in the works, where Spacey's reins aren't held quite so tight.
2. The final 10-15 minutes were nearly interminable. It is only fair to mention that I had to excuse myself to the men's room before I died. However, the movie didn't seem to want to wrap itself up, once all was returned to right.
On the whole, the movie worked quite well. Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey are more than capable of adopting their mantles, here. Each of them nearly channelling their predecessors. Kate Bosworth fit Lois Lane far better than Margo Kidder ever could have. She was less a stubborn damsel in distress and more a capable foil to Superman's righteous persona. Most importantly, James Marsden (again, with precious little screen time) engaged a new element to the story that took the film beyond what any other had done. He has interfered with the romantic dynamic between Lois and Superman in such a way that Superman cannot interfere. It would contrary to his personality and detrimental to the character as a whole. Simply because one cannot help but like Marsden's character.
I hope the same attention to detail will accompany any followups. Most importantly, I hope the studios respect Singer's efforts to make this film more than just a summer blockbuster and take every step necessary to avoid replacing him with the likes of Brett Ratner. Ever again.
SQL> Select HeroFlicks From tbl_Movies Where Stars = 5;
However, there's something captivating about Superman. If there weren't, the character would've fallen by the wayside. Perhaps fading into obscurity, like Captain America. Or folly, like Aquaman. Instead, the virtue that makes him so basic, the integrity that makes him so noble and the strength that makes him so admirable have been mainstays of heroic fantasy for almost seventy years.
Somehow all of Superman's traits were ignored, in the 1980's, in favor of box office receipts. The plots of the third and fourth movies were so clunky and dated, they were meaningless by the time revenue began to return on them.
Fortunately, there has been a trend for the better, lately, in heroic cinema. Batman has been repaired and Spiderman has proven more insightful than many Oscar nominees. XMen appeared to be following the trend, but, well, Brett Ratner. I can't say more than that.
That being said, Singer has helmed Superman Returns with a careful devotion, which has been the center of a great deal of optimism and criticism. Given the overall simplicity of any Superman story, it doesn't seem fair to rebuke efforts toward a creative, timeless and fantastical attempt. I'm at a loss, therefore, to understand some of the harsh words used to describe this flick. My feedback is more basic, I think. Very simply, I felt:
1. Kevin Spacey was an excellent choice for the Lex Luthor role. He has the capacity and ability to play a villain of this caliber with little more than printed word. I genuinely hoped that he'd be afforded the screen time to consume himself with the role, to demonstrate that obscenely off-kilter nature so consistent with his most profound characters. Alas, it was not to be. While he was afforded memorable moments as one of the most entertaining villains of all time, those moments were cut far too short. One can only hope that a follow up is in the works, where Spacey's reins aren't held quite so tight.
2. The final 10-15 minutes were nearly interminable. It is only fair to mention that I had to excuse myself to the men's room before I died. However, the movie didn't seem to want to wrap itself up, once all was returned to right.
On the whole, the movie worked quite well. Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey are more than capable of adopting their mantles, here. Each of them nearly channelling their predecessors. Kate Bosworth fit Lois Lane far better than Margo Kidder ever could have. She was less a stubborn damsel in distress and more a capable foil to Superman's righteous persona. Most importantly, James Marsden (again, with precious little screen time) engaged a new element to the story that took the film beyond what any other had done. He has interfered with the romantic dynamic between Lois and Superman in such a way that Superman cannot interfere. It would contrary to his personality and detrimental to the character as a whole. Simply because one cannot help but like Marsden's character.
I hope the same attention to detail will accompany any followups. Most importantly, I hope the studios respect Singer's efforts to make this film more than just a summer blockbuster and take every step necessary to avoid replacing him with the likes of Brett Ratner. Ever again.
SQL> Select HeroFlicks From tbl_Movies Where Stars = 5;
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Nachos Grande Libre Pain
Mild stomach pain, that's why I've avoided movie theater nachos all my life. Ugh.
I went to Alamo Drafthouse to see Nacho Libre and ordered the matinee special nachos and beer. The nachos sucked and the beer was only "ok".
Unfortunately, the same can be said for the movie. The first thirty minutes were pretty entertaining, lots of good gags. Surprisingly few of them were potty humor, which really pleased me. Everything went downhill after that, though. The rest of the flick lost all the early spark and charm and just sorta droned on and on and on until the credits started to roll.
I thought the crazy Super Luchadore Hero stuff from the 50's that ran before the movie was funnier. Of course, that was Heckler Vision at its finest, I mean, he was subduing criminals in a long sequined cape in poorly dubbed English.
Oh well, I got it out of my system.
Sorta leaves me with nothing to go see over there tonight. I guess that was stupid of me. Oh well. I'll find something to do tonight.
SQL> Select Fiber From FruitsAndVegetables Where IAteCheapCheese = True;
I went to Alamo Drafthouse to see Nacho Libre and ordered the matinee special nachos and beer. The nachos sucked and the beer was only "ok".
Unfortunately, the same can be said for the movie. The first thirty minutes were pretty entertaining, lots of good gags. Surprisingly few of them were potty humor, which really pleased me. Everything went downhill after that, though. The rest of the flick lost all the early spark and charm and just sorta droned on and on and on until the credits started to roll.
I thought the crazy Super Luchadore Hero stuff from the 50's that ran before the movie was funnier. Of course, that was Heckler Vision at its finest, I mean, he was subduing criminals in a long sequined cape in poorly dubbed English.
Oh well, I got it out of my system.
Sorta leaves me with nothing to go see over there tonight. I guess that was stupid of me. Oh well. I'll find something to do tonight.
SQL> Select Fiber From FruitsAndVegetables Where IAteCheapCheese = True;
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Pulpular Media
Cars
Cars was great. I'm not sure what the bad reviews were about. Perhaps the lousy critics are trying to be the first to find a flaw in Pixar's methods. Personally, I think they need to get bent.
Cars wasn't nearly as meaningful as prior Pixar films. Nor was it as endearing. But it was a perfect escape, with a great story, beautiful imagery and a lot of fun. All of the references to their past were excellent, the humor bright and decidedly adult in many places and each over the top moment perfect.
I can't think of a reason not to purchase a copy on DVD.
Take that, critics who admired filth like "War of the Worlds".
Yesterday I pointed out Penny and Aggie, a great little webcomic. I've spent some more time on Keenspot in the last twenty-four hours and decided that Two Lumps and Count Your Sheep are great too.
'Lumps reminds me entirely too much of the goings on at my mother's house. Right down to the fact that, for years, I referred to two of her cats as Lump and Loaf (inspired by Ren and Stimpy). The collective personalities of mom's cats more than remind me of Eben and Snooch. Eben reminds me of a number of mom's cats. Snooch, on the other hand, can pretty much be pinned upon two... the original Loaf and the Clueless Wonder. Either of which has perpetrated many similar horrors upon the household. When you find the time, go check it out.
Count Your Sheep is a charming look on life that reminds me, in some ways, of Calvin and Hobbes. I really enjoy its simplicity, honestly and artwork.
Cars was great. I'm not sure what the bad reviews were about. Perhaps the lousy critics are trying to be the first to find a flaw in Pixar's methods. Personally, I think they need to get bent.
Cars wasn't nearly as meaningful as prior Pixar films. Nor was it as endearing. But it was a perfect escape, with a great story, beautiful imagery and a lot of fun. All of the references to their past were excellent, the humor bright and decidedly adult in many places and each over the top moment perfect.
I can't think of a reason not to purchase a copy on DVD.
Take that, critics who admired filth like "War of the Worlds".
Yesterday I pointed out Penny and Aggie, a great little webcomic. I've spent some more time on Keenspot in the last twenty-four hours and decided that Two Lumps and Count Your Sheep are great too.
'Lumps reminds me entirely too much of the goings on at my mother's house. Right down to the fact that, for years, I referred to two of her cats as Lump and Loaf (inspired by Ren and Stimpy). The collective personalities of mom's cats more than remind me of Eben and Snooch. Eben reminds me of a number of mom's cats. Snooch, on the other hand, can pretty much be pinned upon two... the original Loaf and the Clueless Wonder. Either of which has perpetrated many similar horrors upon the household. When you find the time, go check it out.
Count Your Sheep is a charming look on life that reminds me, in some ways, of Calvin and Hobbes. I really enjoy its simplicity, honestly and artwork.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Demographics
As a 30 year old male, I'm more than likely quite outside the intended demographic of this webcomic. All the same, I think it's charming, well written and well drawn. So, there, market analyst man.
I have no clue if the creators intend it to be a biting indictment of teenage rivalries, social development or the geek inheriting the earth. It's not my place to interpret their purpose. However, from my own little perspective, it's quite the send up and somewhat reassuring that my people are gaining some prominence and respect.
Spend some time visiting Penny and Aggie, when you get a chance. It's great stuff. Kudos, once again, to Scott Kurtz of PVPOnline for helping me find great stuff!
SQL> Select Title From WebComics Where Value = 'Unmeasured';
I have no clue if the creators intend it to be a biting indictment of teenage rivalries, social development or the geek inheriting the earth. It's not my place to interpret their purpose. However, from my own little perspective, it's quite the send up and somewhat reassuring that my people are gaining some prominence and respect.
Spend some time visiting Penny and Aggie, when you get a chance. It's great stuff. Kudos, once again, to Scott Kurtz of PVPOnline for helping me find great stuff!
SQL> Select Title From WebComics Where Value = 'Unmeasured';
Friday, June 09, 2006
... movies ...
Yeah. Again.
Really.
I just watched "Napoleon Dynamite" again. I have it on DVD. You see that part, Spielberg, Lucas and every other big name special effects director in Hollywood? I won't buy YOUR movies, but I'll buy "Napoleon Dynamite". There isn't one special effect in this flick. Even the time machine.
But I'll buy it.
Go find something worthy of my time.
SQL> Select * From Movies Where Charm = 'Simplicity';
Really.
I just watched "Napoleon Dynamite" again. I have it on DVD. You see that part, Spielberg, Lucas and every other big name special effects director in Hollywood? I won't buy YOUR movies, but I'll buy "Napoleon Dynamite". There isn't one special effect in this flick. Even the time machine.
But I'll buy it.
Go find something worthy of my time.
SQL> Select * From Movies Where Charm = 'Simplicity';
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