no. 62 Goya's Ghosts
Seriously, who put their money into this shit? You've got a handful of talented actors and this is Milos Forman's product? The script threw together the Spanish Inquisition and the French Revolution in the guise of being a tribute to Goya, but I learned nothing about him.
Natalie Portman's hours in the make-up trailer were worth it, but overall, it was a waste of my two hours. For all those women who think Javier Bardem is such a stud, here's another hunchback with a wispy voice. I'm not saying he's not talented, because he is.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
stardust
no. 61 Stardust
Don't care how many times I've seen it, read it, etc, gotta turn it on, even it it's only for ten minutes. I got lucky last night and turned in at the very beginning. It's said that Neil Gaiman wanted to write an adult fairytale, kinda like the Princess Bride v.2. Did it, love it, can't not watch it. On page, it's great. Even better seeing Michele Pfeiffer's tits drop, Robert De Niro's flaming pirate, Claire Daines' glow, Charlie Cox's physical transformation, a snooty Sienna Miller, Henry Cavill's turn as a toe head (like his better as a rough Brandon on the Tudors), a little giggle from Ricky Gervais, all the dead princes...I'd add more, but it will just make me run to watch it again! So little time, too many movies!
Don't care how many times I've seen it, read it, etc, gotta turn it on, even it it's only for ten minutes. I got lucky last night and turned in at the very beginning. It's said that Neil Gaiman wanted to write an adult fairytale, kinda like the Princess Bride v.2. Did it, love it, can't not watch it. On page, it's great. Even better seeing Michele Pfeiffer's tits drop, Robert De Niro's flaming pirate, Claire Daines' glow, Charlie Cox's physical transformation, a snooty Sienna Miller, Henry Cavill's turn as a toe head (like his better as a rough Brandon on the Tudors), a little giggle from Ricky Gervais, all the dead princes...I'd add more, but it will just make me run to watch it again! So little time, too many movies!
forever young
no. 60 Forever Young
Forgive me, it was 1:15, I turned something on to fall asleep to, how did I know I'd want to make it through the film?
It's not hard to see why women went crazy for Mel Gibson for so many years. He really is good looking, I guess I was just young and too into guys wearing sloppy clothes and unwashed hair. Elijah Wood steals this film, I guess this would have been his first big vehicle before The Good Son, which is the first real film I remember him in. Acting is a natural gift, handed to the gods to an infant. He's so expressive - haven't seen him in anything of late...
Mel Gibson on the aging process. It's been almost twenty years and I'll tell you, he looks a hell of a lot better than what they assumed he'd look like. I caught him on Jimmy Kimmel a bit ago and he is still one hell fire. Loved the handlebar moustache. Can you believe he's worth a BILLION? Couldn't he have kept it in his pants?
Forgive me, it was 1:15, I turned something on to fall asleep to, how did I know I'd want to make it through the film?
It's not hard to see why women went crazy for Mel Gibson for so many years. He really is good looking, I guess I was just young and too into guys wearing sloppy clothes and unwashed hair. Elijah Wood steals this film, I guess this would have been his first big vehicle before The Good Son, which is the first real film I remember him in. Acting is a natural gift, handed to the gods to an infant. He's so expressive - haven't seen him in anything of late...
Mel Gibson on the aging process. It's been almost twenty years and I'll tell you, he looks a hell of a lot better than what they assumed he'd look like. I caught him on Jimmy Kimmel a bit ago and he is still one hell fire. Loved the handlebar moustache. Can you believe he's worth a BILLION? Couldn't he have kept it in his pants?
what kind of name is garp?
no. 59 The World According to Garp
I love seeing Robin Williams in a sedate situation. The man is funny but I can only take him in small amounts. He is restrained and contained, which was the reason I could enjoy this John Irving adaptation. Feminism, lust, fatherhood, death, family, never taking themselves too seriously. I mean castration via car accident? Who can't laugh about that, especially given where they go to recoup!
One thing that I think wasn't covered so well was the topic of celebrity. The assassination would have made more sense if the concept of celebrity was fleshed out. Maybe this was in the book, dunno. There is a certain air of irony in what Jenny and Garp have - how the lack of what one has given the other is made up in their own lives. Fatherhood is a great point in case - Garp has no sense of having a father, he lives in his imagination, yet he appears to be the embodiment of fatherhood. Lust had no relevance in Jenny's life, but Garp's world tumbles due to an abundance.
I love seeing Robin Williams in a sedate situation. The man is funny but I can only take him in small amounts. He is restrained and contained, which was the reason I could enjoy this John Irving adaptation. Feminism, lust, fatherhood, death, family, never taking themselves too seriously. I mean castration via car accident? Who can't laugh about that, especially given where they go to recoup!
One thing that I think wasn't covered so well was the topic of celebrity. The assassination would have made more sense if the concept of celebrity was fleshed out. Maybe this was in the book, dunno. There is a certain air of irony in what Jenny and Garp have - how the lack of what one has given the other is made up in their own lives. Fatherhood is a great point in case - Garp has no sense of having a father, he lives in his imagination, yet he appears to be the embodiment of fatherhood. Lust had no relevance in Jenny's life, but Garp's world tumbles due to an abundance.
grey gardens
no.58 Grey Gardens
Yes, I know I should have waited to see the gay docu classic before watching the HBO take on the Edies, but I just couldn't wait! Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore are exquisite and breathtaking. It's unbelievably sad to see how far the upper class can tumble based on their own denial and ignorance. Never a moment do they allow their destitution take control of their emotional journey or gnaw away at their vim and vigor.
Yes, I know I should have waited to see the gay docu classic before watching the HBO take on the Edies, but I just couldn't wait! Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore are exquisite and breathtaking. It's unbelievably sad to see how far the upper class can tumble based on their own denial and ignorance. Never a moment do they allow their destitution take control of their emotional journey or gnaw away at their vim and vigor.
ordinary people
no. 57 Ordinary People
Although dated, it fantastic to see a realist approach to family in crisis (they're still in crisis even though, the "crises" have past) and a decent take on modern talk therapy. This marked the directorial debut for Robert Redford and having seen so many of his movies, this definitely shows his stamp, albeit the earliest.
This really is your typical take on upper middle class guilt, blame and the effort made to make everything appear as normal as possible when in denial over death and suicide. Timothy Hutton is fabulous and fierce in his take as a younger brother who in all senses agrees he was the lesser brother, post-suicide/hospital, awkward injection of a "new" him into his "old" life. You don't go back to being the same person, he can't face his friends or really confront the issue with his family. Judd Hirsch plays a hard nosed but real therapist, who challenges Conrad to search for the answers within his feelings. He brings Conrad to the conclusion that he cannot change his mother, only accept her for the cold person she has become. Donald Sutherland really toes the line between caring family man and coping with his own neuroses.
I'm SO glad that a week on the couch offered me this gem I might not have seen.
Although dated, it fantastic to see a realist approach to family in crisis (they're still in crisis even though, the "crises" have past) and a decent take on modern talk therapy. This marked the directorial debut for Robert Redford and having seen so many of his movies, this definitely shows his stamp, albeit the earliest.
This really is your typical take on upper middle class guilt, blame and the effort made to make everything appear as normal as possible when in denial over death and suicide. Timothy Hutton is fabulous and fierce in his take as a younger brother who in all senses agrees he was the lesser brother, post-suicide/hospital, awkward injection of a "new" him into his "old" life. You don't go back to being the same person, he can't face his friends or really confront the issue with his family. Judd Hirsch plays a hard nosed but real therapist, who challenges Conrad to search for the answers within his feelings. He brings Conrad to the conclusion that he cannot change his mother, only accept her for the cold person she has become. Donald Sutherland really toes the line between caring family man and coping with his own neuroses.
I'm SO glad that a week on the couch offered me this gem I might not have seen.
passion of ayn rand
no. 56 The Passion of Ayn Rand
Yes, I am embarrassed to say that I've never read Ayn Rand. It's not that she's not on the list, it's not that I don't own The Fountainhead. I've just never gotten there.
With that being said, I'm so sure that everything went over my head in watching this film. It was well made, Helen Mirren is beautiful in all she does, Eric Stoltz is, well, Eric Stoltz. Peter Fonda is elegant, in his own sad way.
Moral of the story, pick up the god damned book (the real Rand, not the book the movie's based on.)
Yes, I am embarrassed to say that I've never read Ayn Rand. It's not that she's not on the list, it's not that I don't own The Fountainhead. I've just never gotten there.
With that being said, I'm so sure that everything went over my head in watching this film. It was well made, Helen Mirren is beautiful in all she does, Eric Stoltz is, well, Eric Stoltz. Peter Fonda is elegant, in his own sad way.
Moral of the story, pick up the god damned book (the real Rand, not the book the movie's based on.)
good luck chuck
no. 55 Good Luck Chuck
I know the kids LOVE them some Dane Cook, but I've honestly never got on the bandwagon - I've never even seen his stand up, so shoot me. I needed a funny movie rather than the serious blither I'd been watching while stuck on the couch. This did what it needed to do - gave me a funny buddy duo and a bunch of laughs. It wanted to get raunchy, but it didn't quite hit the mark. It tried, for sure, but never hit the Apatow level it needed. Jessica Alba really does do comedy well, her slapstick works, with or without clothes.
I know the kids LOVE them some Dane Cook, but I've honestly never got on the bandwagon - I've never even seen his stand up, so shoot me. I needed a funny movie rather than the serious blither I'd been watching while stuck on the couch. This did what it needed to do - gave me a funny buddy duo and a bunch of laughs. It wanted to get raunchy, but it didn't quite hit the mark. It tried, for sure, but never hit the Apatow level it needed. Jessica Alba really does do comedy well, her slapstick works, with or without clothes.
music from another room
no. 54 Music From Another Room
Yet another Jude Law flick. Can't help myself, he's just too, well, oh. This has a 98 release date, but the music and his youth aren't very convincing. Just another rom-com, nothing spectacular, other than the premise. A young boy helps give birth to a baby girl and claims he is going to marry her. He moves off to another country not long after.
So how'd we get a silly movie with Gretchen Mol, a blind Tilly sister and a militant feminist Martha Plimpton? Yeah, that's what I said.
The best thing about the movie is it's title and it's reference to how Law's character describes being in love. It's a great image, excellent metaphor.
Yet another Jude Law flick. Can't help myself, he's just too, well, oh. This has a 98 release date, but the music and his youth aren't very convincing. Just another rom-com, nothing spectacular, other than the premise. A young boy helps give birth to a baby girl and claims he is going to marry her. He moves off to another country not long after.
So how'd we get a silly movie with Gretchen Mol, a blind Tilly sister and a militant feminist Martha Plimpton? Yeah, that's what I said.
The best thing about the movie is it's title and it's reference to how Law's character describes being in love. It's a great image, excellent metaphor.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
alvin!
no. 53 Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Yes, I did watch this. When you're stoned on Percocet, what better thing to watch then a bunch of singing chipmunks? The story was timely, a bunch of talented kids spoiled until they don't even recognize themselves. Sounds familiar? There was a little girl named Brit Brit who walked this path...too bad she hadn't seen this first. I like that Jason Lee has been doing a good balance of kid stuff. So often, I find it terrible trite to hear an actor spew the requisite line "I wanted to do something my kids could watch," and I want to vomit in my mouth. For some reason, I think the kid in him digs doing these fun movies.
Yes, I did watch this. When you're stoned on Percocet, what better thing to watch then a bunch of singing chipmunks? The story was timely, a bunch of talented kids spoiled until they don't even recognize themselves. Sounds familiar? There was a little girl named Brit Brit who walked this path...too bad she hadn't seen this first. I like that Jason Lee has been doing a good balance of kid stuff. So often, I find it terrible trite to hear an actor spew the requisite line "I wanted to do something my kids could watch," and I want to vomit in my mouth. For some reason, I think the kid in him digs doing these fun movies.
gumshoes?
no. 52 Watching the Detectives
UGH. Come on, if you want to make a quirky, indie flick, do something with it. Cillian Murphy is really talented, so use it. Lucy Liu is this adorable goofball who thinks of outrageous scenarios to test a boy to see if #1 he's worthy and #2 she's bored with life. The concept really could have gone somewhere, it was cute, but a hand badly played.
The least they could have done was name it after a bad song. Poor Elvis.
UGH. Come on, if you want to make a quirky, indie flick, do something with it. Cillian Murphy is really talented, so use it. Lucy Liu is this adorable goofball who thinks of outrageous scenarios to test a boy to see if #1 he's worthy and #2 she's bored with life. The concept really could have gone somewhere, it was cute, but a hand badly played.
The least they could have done was name it after a bad song. Poor Elvis.
brave one
no. 51 The Brave One
Started watching this months ago, finally finished. Had potential, Terrance Howard was pretty good, but Jodie Foster on the hell bent revenge path didn't do it for me. She's done a handful of "you fucked with my family" movies, it's gotten old. I want to see Mims, hoping she can bring something new back to the screen. She's so talented, I wish she'd do something fun again.
Started watching this months ago, finally finished. Had potential, Terrance Howard was pretty good, but Jodie Foster on the hell bent revenge path didn't do it for me. She's done a handful of "you fucked with my family" movies, it's gotten old. I want to see Mims, hoping she can bring something new back to the screen. She's so talented, I wish she'd do something fun again.
lots of movies
The list has been mounting and I've not been feeling well enough to take the time and post each. I've watched alot of crap, some good stuff. I'm working on the list, but so often, I want to ponder on a piece before I write my five sentences. Zach and Miri will be one of those, watched a while ago (twice and ALL the bonuses), but will take a bit.
Monday, April 27, 2009
leatherheads
no. 50 Leatherheads
As usual, George Clooney is charming, mischievous and gets the girl. Renee Zellweger has already played period women who are outside the norm, happy with their single hood (but secretly waiting for the right man.) The 60s and Victorian England suited her just as well.
There's a cast of regulars that are in Clooney's oddballs, but John Krasinski pulled off the lovable jock, just trying to live with the story that gets bigger everyday. People that are so used to "Jim" will like the turn to a very different character.
How true was this story to the beginning of the NFL? Not a bad directorial debut, it was cute and funny, I did like it, although, I think I remember it being a really soft release?
As usual, George Clooney is charming, mischievous and gets the girl. Renee Zellweger has already played period women who are outside the norm, happy with their single hood (but secretly waiting for the right man.) The 60s and Victorian England suited her just as well.
There's a cast of regulars that are in Clooney's oddballs, but John Krasinski pulled off the lovable jock, just trying to live with the story that gets bigger everyday. People that are so used to "Jim" will like the turn to a very different character.
How true was this story to the beginning of the NFL? Not a bad directorial debut, it was cute and funny, I did like it, although, I think I remember it being a really soft release?
bilateral turbinate reduction
In other words, I had surgery on my sinsus on Thursday and have watched ALOT of tv
Kings - Interesting mix of primetime soap opera and Shakespeare. It made the dreaded move to Sat nights, but something was in its place...I really hope they didn't cancel it after I watched about six hours to catch up. Ian McShane, he's just delicious. And the "hero" looks like a carbon copy of Ryan Phillipe. Yum.
Tudors - Poor Jane Seymore dies. Prince Edward's home is scrubbed three times a day. King Henry locks himself up with the court jester (Filtch, no less) to rework the Lord's Prayer. Brandon, while trying to have an innocent fly fishing afternoon with his son, starts seeing the men he was responsible for murdering and his wife hates her unborn child. When do we get a new queen?
Kings - Interesting mix of primetime soap opera and Shakespeare. It made the dreaded move to Sat nights, but something was in its place...I really hope they didn't cancel it after I watched about six hours to catch up. Ian McShane, he's just delicious. And the "hero" looks like a carbon copy of Ryan Phillipe. Yum.
Tudors - Poor Jane Seymore dies. Prince Edward's home is scrubbed three times a day. King Henry locks himself up with the court jester (Filtch, no less) to rework the Lord's Prayer. Brandon, while trying to have an innocent fly fishing afternoon with his son, starts seeing the men he was responsible for murdering and his wife hates her unborn child. When do we get a new queen?
Sunday, April 19, 2009
let the right one in
no. 49 Let The Right One In
Amazing, amazing. I never would have gotten that this was set in 1982, but then again, I don't live in Sweden and everything is so 1980s these days, the clothes meant nothing to me!
The story is that of a vampire and her new friend...but she's twelve and befriends a boy who very well may grow up to be the next Jeffrey Dahmer (although, not quite that obscene or bizarre. They just look alike.) Oscar gets teased and beaten at school - he dreams of all the things he wishes he could do in his own defence, hence the "serial killer scrapbook." She has to murder to live, but he would murder for revenge. Eli represents the violence he wants to see in himself, but he is too weak.
He teaches her Morse code so that they can talk through the wall at night, but at the end, we find it is also another means of communication :) During the pool scene, I wonder if he is calm, almost resigned to his own death so that he can be with her. At this point, they've had real conversation about what she is, and unfortunately, he's seen her at her worst.
Will be become her killer? (We never understood her relationship to the old man in the first place)
This wasn't gory at all. In fact, I think the "premise" might put people off, but they'd be missing one of this year's gems.
Amazing, amazing. I never would have gotten that this was set in 1982, but then again, I don't live in Sweden and everything is so 1980s these days, the clothes meant nothing to me!
The story is that of a vampire and her new friend...but she's twelve and befriends a boy who very well may grow up to be the next Jeffrey Dahmer (although, not quite that obscene or bizarre. They just look alike.) Oscar gets teased and beaten at school - he dreams of all the things he wishes he could do in his own defence, hence the "serial killer scrapbook." She has to murder to live, but he would murder for revenge. Eli represents the violence he wants to see in himself, but he is too weak.
He teaches her Morse code so that they can talk through the wall at night, but at the end, we find it is also another means of communication :) During the pool scene, I wonder if he is calm, almost resigned to his own death so that he can be with her. At this point, they've had real conversation about what she is, and unfortunately, he's seen her at her worst.
Will be become her killer? (We never understood her relationship to the old man in the first place)
This wasn't gory at all. In fact, I think the "premise" might put people off, but they'd be missing one of this year's gems.
a little town in upstate new york
no.48 Synecdoche, New York
Charlie Kaufman will walk and I will follow. Although, this time, I did get a little confused ;( Wish I would have written this like ten days ago when I watched it. Thinking real hard... This film is amazing, but also difficult, you've got to work for this one. Normally, Kaufman's films are easy to me, but this one I had to stop and regroup.
The story spans fifty years, it's what they called "applying dream logic to reality." Caden (Phillip Seymore Hoffman in yet another brilliant part) is a director, mediocre at best, who steps out to make the greatest project ever, commenting upon life, the most brutal and honest ever, most literally, starting with just his basic everyday and becomes about the neighbors, and the neighbor's neighbors. He moves the project into a warehouse, which starts this massive warehouse with a warehouse with in a warehouse to contain "the project". I can't imagine the continuity for this film - ten times worse than LOST!
I think I remember Hoffman saying something about this being Kaufman's vision of a beautiful but crumbling world. Hazel's house is on fire, she's lived in it for fifty years. What does that say about her state of being and crumbling?! Caden seems to be a man overwhelmed with sadness, a sadness that continually disappoints him, as if he expect more. He's also obsessed with death, which continually seems to allude him. The whole plot line with his daughter is this close to being off the charts. Although, the dying Olive, the petals of her flower tattoos literally falling off her skin? That was nothing short of brilliant.
Definitely a film you've got to watch a couple times over. I will rent again, but not until I plow through a huge list of must sees. Great cast - Catherine Keener taking another swing on Charlie's merry-go-round.
Charlie Kaufman will walk and I will follow. Although, this time, I did get a little confused ;( Wish I would have written this like ten days ago when I watched it. Thinking real hard... This film is amazing, but also difficult, you've got to work for this one. Normally, Kaufman's films are easy to me, but this one I had to stop and regroup.
The story spans fifty years, it's what they called "applying dream logic to reality." Caden (Phillip Seymore Hoffman in yet another brilliant part) is a director, mediocre at best, who steps out to make the greatest project ever, commenting upon life, the most brutal and honest ever, most literally, starting with just his basic everyday and becomes about the neighbors, and the neighbor's neighbors. He moves the project into a warehouse, which starts this massive warehouse with a warehouse with in a warehouse to contain "the project". I can't imagine the continuity for this film - ten times worse than LOST!
I think I remember Hoffman saying something about this being Kaufman's vision of a beautiful but crumbling world. Hazel's house is on fire, she's lived in it for fifty years. What does that say about her state of being and crumbling?! Caden seems to be a man overwhelmed with sadness, a sadness that continually disappoints him, as if he expect more. He's also obsessed with death, which continually seems to allude him. The whole plot line with his daughter is this close to being off the charts. Although, the dying Olive, the petals of her flower tattoos literally falling off her skin? That was nothing short of brilliant.
Definitely a film you've got to watch a couple times over. I will rent again, but not until I plow through a huge list of must sees. Great cast - Catherine Keener taking another swing on Charlie's merry-go-round.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
LOST hoth?
LOST Some Like It Hoth.
I must admit, I wasn't sure what to think about this episode, what the name could potentially imply, it's cheese factor, etc. However, I think it was well named, very witty and apt.
Miles centric was really good. Ken Cheung pulled off the angst of a duel-skunk-hawk and enough piercings in his face to make me almost vomit in my mouth. The Laurel and Hardy/R2D2 and C-3PO/Captain and Tennille relationship between Miles and Hurley worked as a great vehicle to explore Miles' backstory all while spending time in a Robin Egg Blue Dharma Van. Who said it's not a fun ride?
Miles' ability to commune with the dead started at about age five or six. Unlike Hurley's chats with ghosts, Miles gets a feeling, a sense. In the dead world according to Miles, "when some body's dead their brain stops functioning, which means there's no more talking. It's just who they were and whatever they knew before they died." In other words, Miles can interpret who someone is, what they were thinking about or doing before they died. In the case of Naomi, he was able to ascertain how she died. (Hurley's power is so much better. Come on, chess? For the record, I find that scene one of the worst, it scrapes the bottom of the barrel, ya know?)
Did I mention that the dude has serious daddy issues? "That douche is my dad." Great line, only the smarmy ass we've come to know as Miles could pull that off. We're lead to believe that somehow, Miles and his mom got off the island - he had to have been young because he doesn't seem to remember, the story he's fed is that his father kicked them out when he was a baby, he didn't want anything to do with them and that he's been dead for a long time. When Miles wants to commune with his body, he's told that it's "somewhere you can never go." It's actually really cute, again, Hurley, our moral compass pointing out what we should be feeling, reminding Miles that he wouldn't have brought up his father if he wasn't in pain and didn't want to talk about it. All those years of therapy have taught Hurley well, he's able to express his own journey with his father as a means to communicate that things can change, Miles can have a meaningful relationship with his father now, regardless the weird perimeters. He even tries to set up a small world play date. Miles masks his pain in time travel bullshit, what happened, happened: I've gone through all the pain already, he wasn't a part of my life, connecting with him now can't change any of that loss I experienced.
Hurley should have "Master of the Obvious" and "Secret Un-Keeper" on his jumpsuit rather than "Cook". You have to admit, there's nothing more Back to the Future than running into your mother in the cafeteria line. I was waiting for Miles to start wiggling his fingers :)
As I was jotting down notes, I wrote the perfect line - Miles is going off on Hurley about getting into his business, he's striking back at Hurley for making him talk about this huge secret he's been carrying by stealing Hurley's Dharma journal. And what is he writing? The script to Empire Strikes Back. Get it? Strikes back? ha! Seriously, it is kinda stupid, and interesting, that Hurley would think he could write the script and send it to Lucas before he writes his own...with some improvements. Yeah, I've seen Empire like two hundred times, but I don't think I could recreate it in an essay book from memory. Although, it might be alot better.
So does the Empire example hold? Does it have legs? Yeah, except for the fact that Chang loses an arm and not Miles...unless we get a like father like son scene!?
Miles = Luke, Chang = Vader. Instead of putting aside his fear (lightsaber) and talking about their all the sudden apparent relationship, Miles stands outside Chang's home, watching as his father is doting over him as a child, reading to him, laughing, kisses him. Miles is thinking about the promise that he sees between a father and his son, what was his promise in life, he's weeping, thinking about the possibility. Luke over reacts and gets his hand cut off (Chang comes out of the house, "Miles, I need you." Miles eyes are wide open, open to the chance that..."you do?" to find out that he's needed for work, Miles is suddenly composed, surly old self)
Hurley says that they eventually work it out, but at what cost? Another Death Star was destroyed, Boba Fett got eaten by the Sarlacc and we got the Ewoks. It all could have been avoided if they communicated. (And let's face it, the Ewoks suck.) Again, another great example of how Hurley, in his own geeky way, tries to tell Miles that he can find a relationship with his father, granted, the pain of his past can't be salvaged, it will still be collateral damage, but there is a future where he does have a father (we just dropped him off!)
I'm glad that we got to see a softer side of Miles. Granted, that also came with a douche bag who asks for $3.2 mil. Although he's all angsty looking, he's genuinely soft spoken and looking to his mother for answers. If I talked to dead people, I wouldn't wait twenty years until my mother's on her death bed. WTF? Then again, he does turn off the charm when he's told that daddy is dead. He really is in pain knowing that his father didn't want him, that he didn't have the chance to know his father. He makes that evident in telling Mr. Gray that he should have told his son how he felt when he was alive, that his guilt regarding how he treated his son is his pain and it can't go away with a visit from John Edward.
On another note, Kate is still dealing with her new mommy issues. She's trying to find a way to ease Roger's pain, his anxiety over Ben's "kidnapping". Unfortunately, she's thinking with her heart and not her head. Roger doesn't fall for her pep talk, tells her to mind her own business, he knows Kate's up to something, but here comes the Doc to the rescue! Who better to tell a father that he's had one hell of a day and can chalk up his crazy ideas to the fact that he managed to tie one on in the playground (what's up with seeing the swing set all the time now? Gotta be something important.) Sawyer gets this served to him like a nice cup of coffee; just when Sawyer's established his dominance, here comes the Doc to save the day. Too bad Phil showed up with that pesky video tape! Nothing says I love you more than "Get some rope."
Dude, who saw Dan getting off the sub? Seriously, people have been thinking he was the body. How the hell did he get off the island in 1974 and make his way to Ann Arbor? Maybe he, like Sawyer, worked his way in, they realized he was an asset and got shipped off to the main land to work with the other scientists. I was really hoping we'd see the DeGroots, but that's never gonna happen.
I think Hurley should make a bumper sticker: EMG happens. Poor Alvarez bit the big one because he had a cavity. That sucks - maybe more than Ewoks. Again, what's up with the pork references? Ham and cheese sandwiches? And the carpool thing, only Hurley can get away with saying shit like preventing global warming.
What most interests me is Naomi's explanation of recruiting Miles. "I'm leading an expedition to an island and on the island it a man who will be very difficult to find. This island has a number of deceased individuals residing on it. And as this man is the one responsible for them being deceased, we believe they can supply invaluable information as to his whereabouts." I find many things disturbing about this statement. First, she's referring to the deceased as if they exist. There's dead in the ground like the mass Dharma grave or someone like Christian Shepard. Does she know about the Kas running around the island? Second, who is the man she's referring to? We easily assume it is Ben, but what if it's not? Ben said the Purge wasn't his call, we've assumed it was Charles' but what if it really came from Jacob? What about Richard? Yes, Keamy and the goons were gunning for Ben under the employ of Widmore, but is there any chance there was a tertiary protocol? hmmm.
I think the writers threw us a bone - or maybe a stick. Miles identifies Felix, who could have been a messenger delivering info to Widmore. I believe that Felix merely gives us the fact that mass graves were dug up and a plane was purchased. It does not mean that Widmore ordered it. He could be receiving intel on another party. The writers WANT to misdirect us, of that I am certain.
And last but certainly not least, let's talk about what's under the shadow of the statue. We've been told there's a war coming, there are sides and something about God help us. But who's really fighting? Honestly, I can see a lot of sides, but some might really be allies, I don't know if we'll find out in the last two hours we get this year. Naomi and said freighter are on Widmore's side. You've got Ms. Hawking who's helping Benjamin get back, but I don't necessarily think they are allies. Maybe more like the lesser of two evils thing. Who's got Ben's back? By the look of the island circa 2007, I'm wondering if the Others are still hanging out at the Temple or is all hell truly has broken loose. Bram and Ilana, the 316 gang on the beach...could they potentially be Dharma? They're still making drops to the Swan, Hawking is still using the LampPost. It's gonna be one hell of a fight, once we can figure out who's in it.
Of note:
1. All the Egyptian info on the chalkboard, which Jack so swiftly erases!
2. Who the hell is this Porter guy Roger refers to? Could he be related to Walt's adoptive father Brian?
3. How weird is it that your dad is the dude from all those movies? Marvin Candle - was that his stage name?
4. They were weighing Polar Bear poo?
5. Referring to a dead body as a "package" is way too meta for me.
6. Miles' mom was a jazz fan, but Daddy loved his Willie Nelson.
7. I wasn't aware there were circles - the man is smart, but obviously, he passed his social skills to his son.
8. Bram called Miles "my friend". Caesar used this quite a bit...before Ben put a hole in him. Is it part of the secret handshake?
9. If you don't know what lies at the shadow of the statue, then you are not ready to go to the island.
10. Poor Hurley gets to see the minions stamp his numbers on the hatch. How fucked up is that?
11. Phil's gonna have one hell of a headache tomorrow morning.
I must admit, I wasn't sure what to think about this episode, what the name could potentially imply, it's cheese factor, etc. However, I think it was well named, very witty and apt.
Miles centric was really good. Ken Cheung pulled off the angst of a duel-skunk-hawk and enough piercings in his face to make me almost vomit in my mouth. The Laurel and Hardy/R2D2 and C-3PO/Captain and Tennille relationship between Miles and Hurley worked as a great vehicle to explore Miles' backstory all while spending time in a Robin Egg Blue Dharma Van. Who said it's not a fun ride?
Miles' ability to commune with the dead started at about age five or six. Unlike Hurley's chats with ghosts, Miles gets a feeling, a sense. In the dead world according to Miles, "when some body's dead their brain stops functioning, which means there's no more talking. It's just who they were and whatever they knew before they died." In other words, Miles can interpret who someone is, what they were thinking about or doing before they died. In the case of Naomi, he was able to ascertain how she died. (Hurley's power is so much better. Come on, chess? For the record, I find that scene one of the worst, it scrapes the bottom of the barrel, ya know?)
Did I mention that the dude has serious daddy issues? "That douche is my dad." Great line, only the smarmy ass we've come to know as Miles could pull that off. We're lead to believe that somehow, Miles and his mom got off the island - he had to have been young because he doesn't seem to remember, the story he's fed is that his father kicked them out when he was a baby, he didn't want anything to do with them and that he's been dead for a long time. When Miles wants to commune with his body, he's told that it's "somewhere you can never go." It's actually really cute, again, Hurley, our moral compass pointing out what we should be feeling, reminding Miles that he wouldn't have brought up his father if he wasn't in pain and didn't want to talk about it. All those years of therapy have taught Hurley well, he's able to express his own journey with his father as a means to communicate that things can change, Miles can have a meaningful relationship with his father now, regardless the weird perimeters. He even tries to set up a small world play date. Miles masks his pain in time travel bullshit, what happened, happened: I've gone through all the pain already, he wasn't a part of my life, connecting with him now can't change any of that loss I experienced.
Hurley should have "Master of the Obvious" and "Secret Un-Keeper" on his jumpsuit rather than "Cook". You have to admit, there's nothing more Back to the Future than running into your mother in the cafeteria line. I was waiting for Miles to start wiggling his fingers :)
As I was jotting down notes, I wrote the perfect line - Miles is going off on Hurley about getting into his business, he's striking back at Hurley for making him talk about this huge secret he's been carrying by stealing Hurley's Dharma journal. And what is he writing? The script to Empire Strikes Back. Get it? Strikes back? ha! Seriously, it is kinda stupid, and interesting, that Hurley would think he could write the script and send it to Lucas before he writes his own...with some improvements. Yeah, I've seen Empire like two hundred times, but I don't think I could recreate it in an essay book from memory. Although, it might be alot better.
So does the Empire example hold? Does it have legs? Yeah, except for the fact that Chang loses an arm and not Miles...unless we get a like father like son scene!?
Miles = Luke, Chang = Vader. Instead of putting aside his fear (lightsaber) and talking about their all the sudden apparent relationship, Miles stands outside Chang's home, watching as his father is doting over him as a child, reading to him, laughing, kisses him. Miles is thinking about the promise that he sees between a father and his son, what was his promise in life, he's weeping, thinking about the possibility. Luke over reacts and gets his hand cut off (Chang comes out of the house, "Miles, I need you." Miles eyes are wide open, open to the chance that..."you do?" to find out that he's needed for work, Miles is suddenly composed, surly old self)
Hurley says that they eventually work it out, but at what cost? Another Death Star was destroyed, Boba Fett got eaten by the Sarlacc and we got the Ewoks. It all could have been avoided if they communicated. (And let's face it, the Ewoks suck.) Again, another great example of how Hurley, in his own geeky way, tries to tell Miles that he can find a relationship with his father, granted, the pain of his past can't be salvaged, it will still be collateral damage, but there is a future where he does have a father (we just dropped him off!)
I'm glad that we got to see a softer side of Miles. Granted, that also came with a douche bag who asks for $3.2 mil. Although he's all angsty looking, he's genuinely soft spoken and looking to his mother for answers. If I talked to dead people, I wouldn't wait twenty years until my mother's on her death bed. WTF? Then again, he does turn off the charm when he's told that daddy is dead. He really is in pain knowing that his father didn't want him, that he didn't have the chance to know his father. He makes that evident in telling Mr. Gray that he should have told his son how he felt when he was alive, that his guilt regarding how he treated his son is his pain and it can't go away with a visit from John Edward.
On another note, Kate is still dealing with her new mommy issues. She's trying to find a way to ease Roger's pain, his anxiety over Ben's "kidnapping". Unfortunately, she's thinking with her heart and not her head. Roger doesn't fall for her pep talk, tells her to mind her own business, he knows Kate's up to something, but here comes the Doc to the rescue! Who better to tell a father that he's had one hell of a day and can chalk up his crazy ideas to the fact that he managed to tie one on in the playground (what's up with seeing the swing set all the time now? Gotta be something important.) Sawyer gets this served to him like a nice cup of coffee; just when Sawyer's established his dominance, here comes the Doc to save the day. Too bad Phil showed up with that pesky video tape! Nothing says I love you more than "Get some rope."
Dude, who saw Dan getting off the sub? Seriously, people have been thinking he was the body. How the hell did he get off the island in 1974 and make his way to Ann Arbor? Maybe he, like Sawyer, worked his way in, they realized he was an asset and got shipped off to the main land to work with the other scientists. I was really hoping we'd see the DeGroots, but that's never gonna happen.
I think Hurley should make a bumper sticker: EMG happens. Poor Alvarez bit the big one because he had a cavity. That sucks - maybe more than Ewoks. Again, what's up with the pork references? Ham and cheese sandwiches? And the carpool thing, only Hurley can get away with saying shit like preventing global warming.
What most interests me is Naomi's explanation of recruiting Miles. "I'm leading an expedition to an island and on the island it a man who will be very difficult to find. This island has a number of deceased individuals residing on it. And as this man is the one responsible for them being deceased, we believe they can supply invaluable information as to his whereabouts." I find many things disturbing about this statement. First, she's referring to the deceased as if they exist. There's dead in the ground like the mass Dharma grave or someone like Christian Shepard. Does she know about the Kas running around the island? Second, who is the man she's referring to? We easily assume it is Ben, but what if it's not? Ben said the Purge wasn't his call, we've assumed it was Charles' but what if it really came from Jacob? What about Richard? Yes, Keamy and the goons were gunning for Ben under the employ of Widmore, but is there any chance there was a tertiary protocol? hmmm.
I think the writers threw us a bone - or maybe a stick. Miles identifies Felix, who could have been a messenger delivering info to Widmore. I believe that Felix merely gives us the fact that mass graves were dug up and a plane was purchased. It does not mean that Widmore ordered it. He could be receiving intel on another party. The writers WANT to misdirect us, of that I am certain.
And last but certainly not least, let's talk about what's under the shadow of the statue. We've been told there's a war coming, there are sides and something about God help us. But who's really fighting? Honestly, I can see a lot of sides, but some might really be allies, I don't know if we'll find out in the last two hours we get this year. Naomi and said freighter are on Widmore's side. You've got Ms. Hawking who's helping Benjamin get back, but I don't necessarily think they are allies. Maybe more like the lesser of two evils thing. Who's got Ben's back? By the look of the island circa 2007, I'm wondering if the Others are still hanging out at the Temple or is all hell truly has broken loose. Bram and Ilana, the 316 gang on the beach...could they potentially be Dharma? They're still making drops to the Swan, Hawking is still using the LampPost. It's gonna be one hell of a fight, once we can figure out who's in it.
Of note:
1. All the Egyptian info on the chalkboard, which Jack so swiftly erases!
2. Who the hell is this Porter guy Roger refers to? Could he be related to Walt's adoptive father Brian?
3. How weird is it that your dad is the dude from all those movies? Marvin Candle - was that his stage name?
4. They were weighing Polar Bear poo?
5. Referring to a dead body as a "package" is way too meta for me.
6. Miles' mom was a jazz fan, but Daddy loved his Willie Nelson.
7. I wasn't aware there were circles - the man is smart, but obviously, he passed his social skills to his son.
8. Bram called Miles "my friend". Caesar used this quite a bit...before Ben put a hole in him. Is it part of the secret handshake?
9. If you don't know what lies at the shadow of the statue, then you are not ready to go to the island.
10. Poor Hurley gets to see the minions stamp his numbers on the hatch. How fucked up is that?
11. Phil's gonna have one hell of a headache tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
f*cking grover
I am way behind on my Pop Watch, but I had to share this. Not my normal entry... but Jimmy NEVER fails.
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/clip-du-jour-ji.html?xid=rss-popwatch-Clip+du+Jour%3A+Jimmy+Kimmel%27s+unnecessary+censorship
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/clip-du-jour-ji.html?xid=rss-popwatch-Clip+du+Jour%3A+Jimmy+Kimmel%27s+unnecessary+censorship
darwin would have killed this
no. 47 The Darwin Awards
I must admit, I had no interest in watching this until I saw Joseph Fiennes name, of whom, I have a must see hard on for. His brother doesn't do it for me, but the younger, oh yeah.
Too bad this movie sucked Tijuana donkey dick. Seriously. Winona Rider? Even with the celebrity cavalcade, this thing had no chance in survival of the D-movie fittest.
He's still hot.
I must admit, I had no interest in watching this until I saw Joseph Fiennes name, of whom, I have a must see hard on for. His brother doesn't do it for me, but the younger, oh yeah.
Too bad this movie sucked Tijuana donkey dick. Seriously. Winona Rider? Even with the celebrity cavalcade, this thing had no chance in survival of the D-movie fittest.
He's still hot.
baby fey
no. 46 Baby Mama
Everyone is all about Tina Fey...I haven't watched SNL for over 15 years, so I didn't get on her ship when she was on. I'm not a 30 Rock viewer, which I know I will be promptly stoned by anyone who reads this (no one does, so I think I'm fine.) The girl has great timing, she and Amy Poehler are hysterical together. Somehow I missed that Greg Kinnear was in the movie - he didn't get a big billing, but loved his corporate lawyer turned local smoothie maker. Steve Martin's new age bullshit was meant to be funny, I just thought it wasn't, period.
Good to see Phila get a good movie! Although, most people might think the snow, then no snow, then xmas might have been a production slip, but those who live in PA know the fucking weather blows.
Everyone is all about Tina Fey...I haven't watched SNL for over 15 years, so I didn't get on her ship when she was on. I'm not a 30 Rock viewer, which I know I will be promptly stoned by anyone who reads this (no one does, so I think I'm fine.) The girl has great timing, she and Amy Poehler are hysterical together. Somehow I missed that Greg Kinnear was in the movie - he didn't get a big billing, but loved his corporate lawyer turned local smoothie maker. Steve Martin's new age bullshit was meant to be funny, I just thought it wasn't, period.
Good to see Phila get a good movie! Although, most people might think the snow, then no snow, then xmas might have been a production slip, but those who live in PA know the fucking weather blows.
you DIDn't?!
I'll tell you once more, if you haven't watched the United States of Tara - what the fuck are you waiting for? Seriously, Diablo Cody just continues to prove her prowess.
Friday, April 10, 2009
another dose of sense
no. 45 Sense and Sensibility
Every Jane Austen book has it's fair share of propriety, potential relationship drama, real relationship drama, men who aren't what they appear to be, woman who try to be tough but are pissed off that they are digging up their own potatoes because they married for love and not money. Emma Thompson pulled all of that off on celluloid, love her for it. I don't think that anyone has done Jane Austen better due.
This is the to die for English casting. I know everyone loved Colin Firth in BBC's Pride and Prejudice, but nada. A film with Hugh, Emma, Kate and my love/hate Alan Rickman, is just a taste of the depth of talent.
Every Jane Austen book has it's fair share of propriety, potential relationship drama, real relationship drama, men who aren't what they appear to be, woman who try to be tough but are pissed off that they are digging up their own potatoes because they married for love and not money. Emma Thompson pulled all of that off on celluloid, love her for it. I don't think that anyone has done Jane Austen better due.
This is the to die for English casting. I know everyone loved Colin Firth in BBC's Pride and Prejudice, but nada. A film with Hugh, Emma, Kate and my love/hate Alan Rickman, is just a taste of the depth of talent.
enchanted
no.44 Enchanted
Just because I've watched something before doesn't mean I can't watch it in it's saccharine-coated beauty again! There's nothing better than giving little girls the hope of the possibility that a woman can find happiness and true love. Make sure you turn off Desperate Housewives in their presence.
Only Disney could close down huge sections of Central Park, mount huge dance and musical sequences and manage to have beautiful blue skies with perfect clouds. Well, it is Disney, and it has to be perfect, but would they dare to CGI that? ;)
Amy Adams is adorable in Junebug, she's shown that she is so completely enchanting in Miss Pettigrew, she is just amazing, hands down. And too cute to be hot, but not too cute to be beautiful. Does that make any sense? She manages to melt away the true New York cynicism of Patrick Dempsey's divorce attorney. Idina Menzel as the other woman? The irony in having the wicked witch...Speaking of wicked, who else could pull off a Drag Queen entrance in Times Square in those monster platform hooker shoes better than Susan Sarandon? The only other beautiful witch on screen that year was Michele Pfeiffer when her tits dropped in Stardust.
Timothy Spall is always so slimy, gotta love him. Let's not discount James Marsden's turn as the ever charming Prince. Although, I'm more charmed by PD.
Just because I've watched something before doesn't mean I can't watch it in it's saccharine-coated beauty again! There's nothing better than giving little girls the hope of the possibility that a woman can find happiness and true love. Make sure you turn off Desperate Housewives in their presence.
Only Disney could close down huge sections of Central Park, mount huge dance and musical sequences and manage to have beautiful blue skies with perfect clouds. Well, it is Disney, and it has to be perfect, but would they dare to CGI that? ;)
Amy Adams is adorable in Junebug, she's shown that she is so completely enchanting in Miss Pettigrew, she is just amazing, hands down. And too cute to be hot, but not too cute to be beautiful. Does that make any sense? She manages to melt away the true New York cynicism of Patrick Dempsey's divorce attorney. Idina Menzel as the other woman? The irony in having the wicked witch...Speaking of wicked, who else could pull off a Drag Queen entrance in Times Square in those monster platform hooker shoes better than Susan Sarandon? The only other beautiful witch on screen that year was Michele Pfeiffer when her tits dropped in Stardust.
Timothy Spall is always so slimy, gotta love him. Let's not discount James Marsden's turn as the ever charming Prince. Although, I'm more charmed by PD.
stay
no. 43 Stay
I've seen this before and I know I wrote somewhere about it, I just can find it, which is terribly frustrating...
Stay is an extraordinary film. It's so well written and shot - the very specific framing and locations were nothing short of amazing. Stay is about illusion, but in the sense of our own fragile memory. The title refers to the pleading "stay with me", however, for Henry, this is not about his physical body, but about his mental battle. I believe Henry chose Sam, the doctor who is helping to save his life on Brooklyn Bridge, as the means to work through his confusion over the accident, the death of his to-be fiance and parents and ultimately, his own.
We're watching Henry's collective memory projected as a relationship between he and a Psychiatrist (his choice of of how to play it out). The switch in altered perception and POV between Sam and Henry - the irony lies in the transference of psychosis and positive/negative features of Schizophrenia (at it's very basic an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality, scewed perception, NOT DID or multiple personalities) from patient to doctor. Granted, this is all just the means in which Henry is processing his mental detachment from his physical body and death. Although we may read this projection as pretty bleak, in his process, he's choosing to take his own life rather than to have it taken from him, which is happening in his reality. "An elegant suicide is the ultimate work of art." Henry sees suicide as a way to be in control of the mind/body separation and wants to believe his life was a beautiful work of art.
The "bar" scene is gorgeous, with all the polaroid projections of Henry's life.
I'm sad to say that I've used Lola's lines about her suicide attempt to stop people in their tracks when they speak to me, ask about their loved one's mental health issues, begging me to tell them how to get them to share. Unless you've been there, you don't understand suicide, see it as selfish and weak. Lola's experience and strength has shown people a different side, even if they can't understand it.
"There's just too much goddamn beauty to quit."
I've seen this before and I know I wrote somewhere about it, I just can find it, which is terribly frustrating...
Stay is an extraordinary film. It's so well written and shot - the very specific framing and locations were nothing short of amazing. Stay is about illusion, but in the sense of our own fragile memory. The title refers to the pleading "stay with me", however, for Henry, this is not about his physical body, but about his mental battle. I believe Henry chose Sam, the doctor who is helping to save his life on Brooklyn Bridge, as the means to work through his confusion over the accident, the death of his to-be fiance and parents and ultimately, his own.
We're watching Henry's collective memory projected as a relationship between he and a Psychiatrist (his choice of of how to play it out). The switch in altered perception and POV between Sam and Henry - the irony lies in the transference of psychosis and positive/negative features of Schizophrenia (at it's very basic an inability to distinguish fantasy from reality, scewed perception, NOT DID or multiple personalities) from patient to doctor. Granted, this is all just the means in which Henry is processing his mental detachment from his physical body and death. Although we may read this projection as pretty bleak, in his process, he's choosing to take his own life rather than to have it taken from him, which is happening in his reality. "An elegant suicide is the ultimate work of art." Henry sees suicide as a way to be in control of the mind/body separation and wants to believe his life was a beautiful work of art.
The "bar" scene is gorgeous, with all the polaroid projections of Henry's life.
I'm sad to say that I've used Lola's lines about her suicide attempt to stop people in their tracks when they speak to me, ask about their loved one's mental health issues, begging me to tell them how to get them to share. Unless you've been there, you don't understand suicide, see it as selfish and weak. Lola's experience and strength has shown people a different side, even if they can't understand it.
"There's just too much goddamn beauty to quit."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
dead is dead...even here?
Dead is Dead cont...
Ben's reaction confirmed he knew who Christian was. However, he states that Dead is Dead in regards to Locke. If he's scared of the concept of the resurrected Locke, which I'm inclined to believe, then what makes him different from Christian? Ben must know the difference?
Desmond should have a bullet in him. It hit the groceries, but there was no indication of contact on his shirt or during that miraculous beat down. If anything, I relish my Wednesday nights due to Benjamin Linus beatings.
What lies in the shadow of the statue? I think that someone planted quite a few people on 316. I don't believe they knew each other, but used the question to weed each other out. Much like Inman's snowman question. Could they be Widmore's? When Ben calls from the Marina, Widmore says that he can't get back to the island, but he has proven that he can send people there.
Great Ben line, "I found sometimes friends can be significantly more dangerous than enemies, John."
Back to Richard and Charles. After a second watch, I'm still not sure that Richard is telling the truth that Jacob wanted to save Ben. It's almost as if invoking Jacob's name was throwing a trump card, the buck stops here. He couldn't question it. Richard's body did not act like it was telling the truth.
It also appears that Charles may not have been lying about being the leader for three decades. Although he was cuffed and escorted by gun, he was definitely exiled, whether or not Ben employed trickery, is to be seen. If it was just based on an off island romance and leaving the island (hello, Ben's passports and suits?) then maybe. This scene on the dock marks the transition between Charles and Ben's rule of the others. I believe there is much more story to be told, how it came to pass, but the writers could get off the hook with this simple dialogue, which would be a bummer.
Ben's cycle/Alex's death was called by Charles as he was leaving the island. "...I won't be selfish because I'll sacrifice anything to protect this island." "You wouldn't sacrifice Alex." "You're the one who wanted her dead, Charles, not the island." "I hope you're right, Benjamin, because if you aren't and it is the island that wants her dead, she'll be dead and one day you'll be standing where I'm standing now. You'll be the one being banished and then you'll finally realize that you cannot fight the inevitable. I'll be seeing you, boy."
Much like Hurley is our moral compass, Lapidus is calling it like we are. "For God's sake, watch your back."
"Any higher you're gonna fly right off the island." Richard to Alex as Ben is pushing her on the swingset.
Locke looks Ben over, judges him, tries to read him. Locke has got that trademark twinkle in his eye, but his smile is almost smug, like he's got something on Ben. We know that Ben has already thought about killing John but the island put him in his place. Will he stay there? Does he dare?
Ben's reaction confirmed he knew who Christian was. However, he states that Dead is Dead in regards to Locke. If he's scared of the concept of the resurrected Locke, which I'm inclined to believe, then what makes him different from Christian? Ben must know the difference?
Desmond should have a bullet in him. It hit the groceries, but there was no indication of contact on his shirt or during that miraculous beat down. If anything, I relish my Wednesday nights due to Benjamin Linus beatings.
What lies in the shadow of the statue? I think that someone planted quite a few people on 316. I don't believe they knew each other, but used the question to weed each other out. Much like Inman's snowman question. Could they be Widmore's? When Ben calls from the Marina, Widmore says that he can't get back to the island, but he has proven that he can send people there.
Great Ben line, "I found sometimes friends can be significantly more dangerous than enemies, John."
Back to Richard and Charles. After a second watch, I'm still not sure that Richard is telling the truth that Jacob wanted to save Ben. It's almost as if invoking Jacob's name was throwing a trump card, the buck stops here. He couldn't question it. Richard's body did not act like it was telling the truth.
It also appears that Charles may not have been lying about being the leader for three decades. Although he was cuffed and escorted by gun, he was definitely exiled, whether or not Ben employed trickery, is to be seen. If it was just based on an off island romance and leaving the island (hello, Ben's passports and suits?) then maybe. This scene on the dock marks the transition between Charles and Ben's rule of the others. I believe there is much more story to be told, how it came to pass, but the writers could get off the hook with this simple dialogue, which would be a bummer.
Ben's cycle/Alex's death was called by Charles as he was leaving the island. "...I won't be selfish because I'll sacrifice anything to protect this island." "You wouldn't sacrifice Alex." "You're the one who wanted her dead, Charles, not the island." "I hope you're right, Benjamin, because if you aren't and it is the island that wants her dead, she'll be dead and one day you'll be standing where I'm standing now. You'll be the one being banished and then you'll finally realize that you cannot fight the inevitable. I'll be seeing you, boy."
Much like Hurley is our moral compass, Lapidus is calling it like we are. "For God's sake, watch your back."
"Any higher you're gonna fly right off the island." Richard to Alex as Ben is pushing her on the swingset.
Locke looks Ben over, judges him, tries to read him. Locke has got that trademark twinkle in his eye, but his smile is almost smug, like he's got something on Ben. We know that Ben has already thought about killing John but the island put him in his place. Will he stay there? Does he dare?
LOST dead is dead...or is it?
LOST Dead is Dead
The best episode of the season, by far. One of the best ever, but that's what happens when you put Michael Emerson and Terry O'Quinn together for a whole ep.
First off, Ben, as usual, used words in his favor, but he never truly, truly, lied about John's death. I believe we are seeing the Doubting Thomas, not Jack, but Ben. He also tells the truth about coming back to the island, about being judged, although he strings that out. Noted "truths":
1. "My God, you're alive. I knew this would happen. It's one thing to believe it, John. It's another to see it."
2. "You had critical information that would have died with you and once you'd given it to me, well, I just didn't have the time to talk you back into hanging yourself, so I took a short cut" (one of the best lines the writers have come up with!)
3. "Are you trying to tell me your friends were in the Dharma Imitative? (You don't know about this?) Of course not."
4. Sun thinks that Jack lied, John wasn't dead in the coffin. "Trust me. I'm sure."
5. AND THE BEST half TRUTH that seems to sum it all up: Sun asks if Ben knew Locke would be resurrected. "Sun, I had no idea it would happen. I've seen this island do miraculous things. I've seen it heal the sick. Dead is dead. You don't get to come back from that. Not even here. So the fact that John Locke is walking around this island scares the living hell out of me."
Whether or not John is Jacob is to be seen. Lots of ideas point in its favor, but I'm not 100% sold. I do know that he is acting/questioning Ben as if he is the island, wanting answers. He's also leading Ben where Ben should already know what to do. I loved seeing them together in Ben's Hydra office. Not sure if Ben really wanted the picture of he and Alex or if he wanted to make sure there was no trace of him in the office. Either way, Locke slid behind the desk, almost making it his, mocking Ben as leading in a very corporate, not island, way.
1. " If everything you've done has been in the best interest of the island then I'm sure the monster will understand. Let's go.'
2. "I don't think you care about rules. You're being judged for killing your daughter."
3. Who's idea was it to move into the houses? "It just doesn't seem like something the island would want."
4. The light in Alex's room. "I suppose you should go over there and check it out."
5. About finding Jin "I'm all the help you need. I have some ideas."
6. "Ben has something to do first, isn't that right, Ben? Better get to it then."
7. Looking for Smokie. "We'll have to go to it." (I don't know where it actually is.) "I do."
8. John leads them to the temple, but Ben explains. Locke physically leads Ben underground, through the passage, as if he knows exactly where Smokey is, until Ben falls. It's as if real Locke turns back on, wanting to help him, pull him back up.
We get to see that Ben might not be the bad guy after all. He saves Alex - never knowing that a child was in the mix. I think this is his big first move against Charles (and maybe Charles big move knowing this might be coming) He won't kill Alex and questions if this is Jacob's wish? Every eye is on Ben, for sure. Ben can't let himself kill Penny, his gun drops at the sight of little Charlie. We know that he doesn't remember being shot - he talks to Charles right after Richard takes him into the temple. Does someone tell him that his life was saved mearly because he was a child? Its as if he's paying it back.
Ben really does show that his loyalty is to the island, allowing Alex to be killed. "The rules" have been thrown around so much I find it petty at this point, but I'm wondering if it's really about killing another Other. Ben did what he had to do save the island - Charles asked him on his exit -
More later, it's just too late.
The best episode of the season, by far. One of the best ever, but that's what happens when you put Michael Emerson and Terry O'Quinn together for a whole ep.
First off, Ben, as usual, used words in his favor, but he never truly, truly, lied about John's death. I believe we are seeing the Doubting Thomas, not Jack, but Ben. He also tells the truth about coming back to the island, about being judged, although he strings that out. Noted "truths":
1. "My God, you're alive. I knew this would happen. It's one thing to believe it, John. It's another to see it."
2. "You had critical information that would have died with you and once you'd given it to me, well, I just didn't have the time to talk you back into hanging yourself, so I took a short cut" (one of the best lines the writers have come up with!)
3. "Are you trying to tell me your friends were in the Dharma Imitative? (You don't know about this?) Of course not."
4. Sun thinks that Jack lied, John wasn't dead in the coffin. "Trust me. I'm sure."
5. AND THE BEST half TRUTH that seems to sum it all up: Sun asks if Ben knew Locke would be resurrected. "Sun, I had no idea it would happen. I've seen this island do miraculous things. I've seen it heal the sick. Dead is dead. You don't get to come back from that. Not even here. So the fact that John Locke is walking around this island scares the living hell out of me."
Whether or not John is Jacob is to be seen. Lots of ideas point in its favor, but I'm not 100% sold. I do know that he is acting/questioning Ben as if he is the island, wanting answers. He's also leading Ben where Ben should already know what to do. I loved seeing them together in Ben's Hydra office. Not sure if Ben really wanted the picture of he and Alex or if he wanted to make sure there was no trace of him in the office. Either way, Locke slid behind the desk, almost making it his, mocking Ben as leading in a very corporate, not island, way.
1. " If everything you've done has been in the best interest of the island then I'm sure the monster will understand. Let's go.'
2. "I don't think you care about rules. You're being judged for killing your daughter."
3. Who's idea was it to move into the houses? "It just doesn't seem like something the island would want."
4. The light in Alex's room. "I suppose you should go over there and check it out."
5. About finding Jin "I'm all the help you need. I have some ideas."
6. "Ben has something to do first, isn't that right, Ben? Better get to it then."
7. Looking for Smokie. "We'll have to go to it." (I don't know where it actually is.) "I do."
8. John leads them to the temple, but Ben explains. Locke physically leads Ben underground, through the passage, as if he knows exactly where Smokey is, until Ben falls. It's as if real Locke turns back on, wanting to help him, pull him back up.
We get to see that Ben might not be the bad guy after all. He saves Alex - never knowing that a child was in the mix. I think this is his big first move against Charles (and maybe Charles big move knowing this might be coming) He won't kill Alex and questions if this is Jacob's wish? Every eye is on Ben, for sure. Ben can't let himself kill Penny, his gun drops at the sight of little Charlie. We know that he doesn't remember being shot - he talks to Charles right after Richard takes him into the temple. Does someone tell him that his life was saved mearly because he was a child? Its as if he's paying it back.
Ben really does show that his loyalty is to the island, allowing Alex to be killed. "The rules" have been thrown around so much I find it petty at this point, but I'm wondering if it's really about killing another Other. Ben did what he had to do save the island - Charles asked him on his exit -
Ben does seem repentant. Locke looks him up and down, checking him out, trying to read him, see if there are cracks. Smokey really checks him out, but he's 99 34/100 percent pure. The whole thing was very Indiana Jones/Arc of the Covenant. Although, it appears that he was planning to kill Locke again, which is very interesting, not surprising. Nada, the island says you better stay in line and follow the man.
Was Richard lying to Charles when he said that Jacob wanted to save Ben? He looked like he might be bluffing.
I can't find the exact quote, but when Charles wanted to talk trash about Ben, he called him dangerous. Ben calls Charles a really terrible human being. Wow, that's really getting to the core of a person, debasing them to pond scum.More later, it's just too late.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
twi-low
no. 42 Twilight
I might get lambasted for this, but it was just okay. I'm all about delayed gratification but the pace totally fucked with me. Yeah, if I were 13 and kissing a mysterious boy were still interesting, then the pace was fine. I guess for a movie that has all of three kisses, it's way slow for a woman my age :) Granted, Catherine Hardwicke did a great job shooting the film. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison definitely had chemistry. It was just way too tween for me.
The only people I know who LOVED it are girls who are still stuck on the fact that mysterious boys/men like Edward are still out there and available (doubtful) and my lovable gay contingency.
I might get lambasted for this, but it was just okay. I'm all about delayed gratification but the pace totally fucked with me. Yeah, if I were 13 and kissing a mysterious boy were still interesting, then the pace was fine. I guess for a movie that has all of three kisses, it's way slow for a woman my age :) Granted, Catherine Hardwicke did a great job shooting the film. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattison definitely had chemistry. It was just way too tween for me.
The only people I know who LOVED it are girls who are still stuck on the fact that mysterious boys/men like Edward are still out there and available (doubtful) and my lovable gay contingency.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
what happened, happened
LOST, ep overthehump, What Happened, Happened
I put my notebook down and watched this solo, it was so good, you know it was going to be, I didn't want to miss enjoying it fully, in one piece.
Lots of purpose. Last week, Sayid got his purpose. This week, we're getting loads of it.
I'm really touched that the writers chose for Kate to return for Aaron, to look for his mum. I felt as if her return to the island pretty much negated her personal growth off the island. No, her return truly shows just how far she has come, the fact that regardless of what Ben would/will become, she continues to make a choice with the interest of a child rather than be one herself. Kate, she did alot of work. Not only did she find Cassidy and give her some money, they apparently became BFFs. She spilled the beans big time, despite Cassidy calling Sawyer a coward, that he jumped off the helio because he couldn't face the life that he and Kate could have had together (which he doesn't deny.) Although, she won't tell the truth about Aaron, "because I have to." She made friends with Roger Workman, which was heartfelt. She could see him as a dad, trying to do his best. "I thought I was gonna be the greatest father, ever. Guess it didn't turn out that way. I guess a boy just needs his mother."
Jack has turned into the world's biggest dick. Not only will he not help little Ben, he throws the surgery he already performed in Kate's face, that he did it for her and he doesn't need to do it again. No one likes the new Jack. Juliet gets in his face. He came back because he cared and wanted to save her, but she didn't need saving, period. Jack came back because he was supposed to. Supposed to what? asks Juliet. I don't know yet. "Well you better figure it out." Looks like Sawyer isn't the only one who wants to keep playing house, as Juliet points out, they didn't need saving.
Hurley and Miles go at it about time travel. As always, we can count on Hurley to ask the big questions. He pulled the whole Marty McFly and waved his hand, looking to see if he was disappearing. Miles tries to explain the whole, yes this happened, but it didn't happen to us in the here and now. Hurley keeps throwing new things, Miles gets confused. The Odd Couple meets Doc Brown.
Sawyer isn't helping Kate to save Ben, "She (Juliet) said, no matter what he's going to grow up to be, it's wrong to let a kid die. So that's why I'm going this. I'm doing it for her." Good for Sawyer, yes, he admits that he jumped off the helio because he wasn't fit to be Kate's boyfriend or Clementine's father, but it takes alot of self awareness and soul searching to admit to that. His expressions are priceless, you see the curiosity of a father wanting to know all about his little girl, but the pain and loss not being able to witness it himself. "She looks just like you when she smiles."
Ben will be saved, but in return, he will not be the same person, he will not "remember" (just the shooting? who helped him?) but he will lose his innocence and always be one of us, an Other. I think it's a transformation much like Anakin becoming Darth Vader. Good intentions sometimes create a bad outcome. Maybe I could articulate that better...
As for Roger Linus, I think we're meant to see him as a worried father not as redemption, rather to show that even the "bad guys" start with good intentions, ie. little Ben's words to Kate hoping his father will forgive him for stealing the keys.
I'm sure I have more to say, but I gotta get to State College...
I put my notebook down and watched this solo, it was so good, you know it was going to be, I didn't want to miss enjoying it fully, in one piece.
Lots of purpose. Last week, Sayid got his purpose. This week, we're getting loads of it.
I'm really touched that the writers chose for Kate to return for Aaron, to look for his mum. I felt as if her return to the island pretty much negated her personal growth off the island. No, her return truly shows just how far she has come, the fact that regardless of what Ben would/will become, she continues to make a choice with the interest of a child rather than be one herself. Kate, she did alot of work. Not only did she find Cassidy and give her some money, they apparently became BFFs. She spilled the beans big time, despite Cassidy calling Sawyer a coward, that he jumped off the helio because he couldn't face the life that he and Kate could have had together (which he doesn't deny.) Although, she won't tell the truth about Aaron, "because I have to." She made friends with Roger Workman, which was heartfelt. She could see him as a dad, trying to do his best. "I thought I was gonna be the greatest father, ever. Guess it didn't turn out that way. I guess a boy just needs his mother."
Jack has turned into the world's biggest dick. Not only will he not help little Ben, he throws the surgery he already performed in Kate's face, that he did it for her and he doesn't need to do it again. No one likes the new Jack. Juliet gets in his face. He came back because he cared and wanted to save her, but she didn't need saving, period. Jack came back because he was supposed to. Supposed to what? asks Juliet. I don't know yet. "Well you better figure it out." Looks like Sawyer isn't the only one who wants to keep playing house, as Juliet points out, they didn't need saving.
Hurley and Miles go at it about time travel. As always, we can count on Hurley to ask the big questions. He pulled the whole Marty McFly and waved his hand, looking to see if he was disappearing. Miles tries to explain the whole, yes this happened, but it didn't happen to us in the here and now. Hurley keeps throwing new things, Miles gets confused. The Odd Couple meets Doc Brown.
Sawyer isn't helping Kate to save Ben, "She (Juliet) said, no matter what he's going to grow up to be, it's wrong to let a kid die. So that's why I'm going this. I'm doing it for her." Good for Sawyer, yes, he admits that he jumped off the helio because he wasn't fit to be Kate's boyfriend or Clementine's father, but it takes alot of self awareness and soul searching to admit to that. His expressions are priceless, you see the curiosity of a father wanting to know all about his little girl, but the pain and loss not being able to witness it himself. "She looks just like you when she smiles."
Ben will be saved, but in return, he will not be the same person, he will not "remember" (just the shooting? who helped him?) but he will lose his innocence and always be one of us, an Other. I think it's a transformation much like Anakin becoming Darth Vader. Good intentions sometimes create a bad outcome. Maybe I could articulate that better...
As for Roger Linus, I think we're meant to see him as a worried father not as redemption, rather to show that even the "bad guys" start with good intentions, ie. little Ben's words to Kate hoping his father will forgive him for stealing the keys.
I'm sure I have more to say, but I gotta get to State College...
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