no.127 The Wackness
You know a movie is starting on the right foot when you see a fantasy evoking the Fly Girls. Seriously, I needed this movie tonight. Not just for reminding me where I was the summer of 1994 (in Shapiro's shoes ready to walk into the rest of my life,) but for reminding me that you must keep everything in perspective.
"...you have this really shitty way of looking at things, ya know. I don't have that problem, I just look at the dopeness. But you, its like you just look at the wackness."
This is all about the journey of two men at very different and very similar points and times in life, crossroads, beginnings, endings all in one. Parallel honeymoons coming to the same unfortunate conclusion - be careful once you start tagging things or marking your territory. It's really a beautiful thing to see two very different people come together and be what the other needs, sometimes asking for help, sometimes offering.
I, too, felt the same as Shapiro about becoming a shrink, "I figure I'm an expert because everyone around me is so fucking crazy." The music was great, it really felt like that summer - well, if I would have been able to go to Fire Island rather than Woodstock's 20th anniversary. I remember all the talk about how Giuliani was changing the town - it's great to see how that time has stamped it's vibe. Anyone who didn't live in the city felt that Giuliani's clean up of Time Square's XXX peep shows was the next best thing to sliced bread. In fact, when I was in the city last month, I had to remind a friend's mom that the subway isn't what she remembered from her visits in her youth. It's interesting to see how some of the city felt that he might have been taking away a bit of their liberties. I can't imagine sitting in the park with a forty and a joint, and I am far from square. Best quote, "Try to fuck a black girl, I never got to in college." Believe me, we all can use a little variety and to have our hearts broken.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
horrible!
no.126 Dr Horrble's Sing-A-Long Blog
Technically, I haven't posted this yet this year, although, I've seen it a few times, but never on my tv screen until today, so now it counts. NPH, Nathan Fillion (ahhhh) and Felicia Day made my really shitty day. You can't help but giggle at the simple pleasure of a musical commentary. I mean, even if it sucked, although it didn't, you have to wink at the pure impishness of accomplishing the feat. "Better than Neil", "Asian Like Me" are so cheeky. Yes, I am a "huge fucking nerd" who thinks Neil isn't alone or just a douche ;)
If you haven't seen this, run, fast. Free at Hulu, although, it's so cheap to purchase, its worth it for when you just have a bad day and need a Horrible laugh. Don't forget, like pie, the third layer is just like the first.
Technically, I haven't posted this yet this year, although, I've seen it a few times, but never on my tv screen until today, so now it counts. NPH, Nathan Fillion (ahhhh) and Felicia Day made my really shitty day. You can't help but giggle at the simple pleasure of a musical commentary. I mean, even if it sucked, although it didn't, you have to wink at the pure impishness of accomplishing the feat. "Better than Neil", "Asian Like Me" are so cheeky. Yes, I am a "huge fucking nerd" who thinks Neil isn't alone or just a douche ;)
If you haven't seen this, run, fast. Free at Hulu, although, it's so cheap to purchase, its worth it for when you just have a bad day and need a Horrible laugh. Don't forget, like pie, the third layer is just like the first.
deception
no.126 Deception
This film stars two men I wish would show up in my dreams, so I should take the time to write something, but I won't. #1 Predictable #2 Falls flat on its face #3 Thank god it only took seven weeks to shoot and they could move on to better projects.
Ewan and Hugh give it a go, but it doesn't and didn't go anywhere. Too bad. The best thing about the film might be the black backless dress that looks amazing on Michele Williams.
This film stars two men I wish would show up in my dreams, so I should take the time to write something, but I won't. #1 Predictable #2 Falls flat on its face #3 Thank god it only took seven weeks to shoot and they could move on to better projects.
Ewan and Hugh give it a go, but it doesn't and didn't go anywhere. Too bad. The best thing about the film might be the black backless dress that looks amazing on Michele Williams.
appaloosa
no.125 Appaloosa
For the most part, I really dig the modern approach to the Western and I make it a point to see every new release of the genre. I was really hopeful for this film, being Ed Harris' directorial debut, being a big Viggo fan... Unfortunately, this totally fell short. Right off the bat, you knew Renee Zellwegger was going to be the root of all evil, very transparent. I thought the casting of Jeremy Irons was interesting, we've seen him as the villain so many times, but not in this setting. Too bad we didn't get to see more of his charming evil silky tongue.
For the most part, I really dig the modern approach to the Western and I make it a point to see every new release of the genre. I was really hopeful for this film, being Ed Harris' directorial debut, being a big Viggo fan... Unfortunately, this totally fell short. Right off the bat, you knew Renee Zellwegger was going to be the root of all evil, very transparent. I thought the casting of Jeremy Irons was interesting, we've seen him as the villain so many times, but not in this setting. Too bad we didn't get to see more of his charming evil silky tongue.
samurai fiction
no.124 Samurai Fiction
This is one of the best things I've seen in ages! Made by an MTV Japan staple, it brings Kurosawa fiefdom storytelling together with amazing music - the music creating an amazing mood, literally a character of itself. The story totally is based on Kurosawa-esque iconic characters, or well, caricatures there of, just a little over the top idiom players.
Filmed in 98, this was considered Volume One, but there were no further stories, unfortunately. This was so witty and a great way for the original MTV Generation (of which I totally consider myself) to be introduced to Japanese film. Granted, that's more for the Japanese, but I really think this could be a must first for Americans to enter into the amazing world on Asian cinema.
This is one of the best things I've seen in ages! Made by an MTV Japan staple, it brings Kurosawa fiefdom storytelling together with amazing music - the music creating an amazing mood, literally a character of itself. The story totally is based on Kurosawa-esque iconic characters, or well, caricatures there of, just a little over the top idiom players.
Filmed in 98, this was considered Volume One, but there were no further stories, unfortunately. This was so witty and a great way for the original MTV Generation (of which I totally consider myself) to be introduced to Japanese film. Granted, that's more for the Japanese, but I really think this could be a must first for Americans to enter into the amazing world on Asian cinema.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
mad for jon hamm
My weekend spent inside was not wasted - I managed to watch all 13 episodes of Mad Men's second season, which is excellent, I can start the season with the opener on 8/16, which makes me very happy. So far, I'm on par with my summer shows.
The writing on this show amazing me. How many shows have a writing staff deep enough to pull off four of the five Emmy nods this year? (#5 belongs to Darlton and The Incident, but do they even have a chance?) Sometimes I'll watch a period piece and really feel that the character are just cut out of an old Time magazine, they look good but they are flat and not real, a pale comparison, a sad attempt at a xerox, if you will. The depth of the characters, the red blood that I can feel pulsing through their veins compels me to spend my entire weekend watching On Demand...Season Two was in my queue, but when I realized I didn't have to wait (I'm already trying to plow through Torchwood 1 & 2) I grabbed my remote. I'll still line it up in order to watch the special features, which if I remember correctly, were pretty fantastic on the first go round.
One of my favorite stack em up, knock em down devices was used at the beginning and end of a few episodes. Working with stars, I've always told my friends that they're just people, they put their pants on one leg at a time just like we do, granted, they might be $1500 pants, but pants just the same. I loved showing how everyone puts on a face and even more so, the wear and tear at the end of the day when that mask is pulled off. I think it started with Maidenform, but it wasn't just the girls with a little Decemberists sprinkled on top, we see the guys as well, with Pete's wife handling his cuff links. What made this most real was Joan's bra straps, when we think of her, we think of that figure, for her, at the end of the day, she feels the pain of that persona. Colin Hanks really drove that home - which is more identifiable when you think of him as a priest, taking off his clerical black and white, removing his collar before he sits on his bed on his undershirt, with his guitar. Sometimes, even a priest just wants to be a rock out to Peter, Paul and Mary.
I could go through each character, their growth, their turn down a path they don't want to take but must, but that could take me hours. What are my highlights? Of course, everyone wants to know about Don, who the hell is he? Meeting Mrs. Draper, the path that took us there was well worth the nailbiting. Peggy is my bright star - Elizabeth Moss plays her so well - you never really know if Peggy's just a little slow, too dry, modest, etc, etc, but she pulls that silk handkerchief out of her sleeve so well. Just when you thought she might cave, she slams Pete out of no where, reminds you that despite her little visit to St. Mary's, she's a woman who actually does know what she wants, where she wants to go and that although she's no Joan, she's still learning how to walk in heels - the need to know what to do to get there - she's working on it. Granted, she's no Joanie, and quite frankly, I'm really sad for her character, horrified, actually. But it's Joanie and we know that her true colors will come through and she'll be resilient after the Missile Crisis blows over on Monday morning.
My big question is whether or not Betty will string Don along...we know the cat in her can come out, it's just a matter of whether or not she's going to do that to Don as a pay back. Don can talk anyone into anything; was this the purpose of his letter? Was he really being honest with Betty that although she can find another life after him, that he cannot? I think he was, he's past the point of playing games, we've seen his hand, really know him now. Will Betty allow him to think that she was with AWESOME (how awesome was it that Awesome was her fling?!) before that night and the bump isn't his? Does Don's letter allow her to play out a game? Honestly, I don't think Don cares, he wants his family back, whether or not it's his. I think grasping her hand was his gesture that he will do anything to be with her and his family.
Seriously, just how beautiful is Jon Hamm? Although the SoCal heat knocked him out, he looked dashing in white with a tan. Please tell me I'm not the only one who cringed thinking that Father Gill was gonna try to get a little cozy with Peggy? Personally, I have a notion she's gonna start taking Communion again. Father Gill might be a little confused because she hasn't confessed to him, but I don't know what else you'd call her little one on one with Pete, other than a nice tail between his entitled little legs.
The writing on this show amazing me. How many shows have a writing staff deep enough to pull off four of the five Emmy nods this year? (#5 belongs to Darlton and The Incident, but do they even have a chance?) Sometimes I'll watch a period piece and really feel that the character are just cut out of an old Time magazine, they look good but they are flat and not real, a pale comparison, a sad attempt at a xerox, if you will. The depth of the characters, the red blood that I can feel pulsing through their veins compels me to spend my entire weekend watching On Demand...Season Two was in my queue, but when I realized I didn't have to wait (I'm already trying to plow through Torchwood 1 & 2) I grabbed my remote. I'll still line it up in order to watch the special features, which if I remember correctly, were pretty fantastic on the first go round.
One of my favorite stack em up, knock em down devices was used at the beginning and end of a few episodes. Working with stars, I've always told my friends that they're just people, they put their pants on one leg at a time just like we do, granted, they might be $1500 pants, but pants just the same. I loved showing how everyone puts on a face and even more so, the wear and tear at the end of the day when that mask is pulled off. I think it started with Maidenform, but it wasn't just the girls with a little Decemberists sprinkled on top, we see the guys as well, with Pete's wife handling his cuff links. What made this most real was Joan's bra straps, when we think of her, we think of that figure, for her, at the end of the day, she feels the pain of that persona. Colin Hanks really drove that home - which is more identifiable when you think of him as a priest, taking off his clerical black and white, removing his collar before he sits on his bed on his undershirt, with his guitar. Sometimes, even a priest just wants to be a rock out to Peter, Paul and Mary.
I could go through each character, their growth, their turn down a path they don't want to take but must, but that could take me hours. What are my highlights? Of course, everyone wants to know about Don, who the hell is he? Meeting Mrs. Draper, the path that took us there was well worth the nailbiting. Peggy is my bright star - Elizabeth Moss plays her so well - you never really know if Peggy's just a little slow, too dry, modest, etc, etc, but she pulls that silk handkerchief out of her sleeve so well. Just when you thought she might cave, she slams Pete out of no where, reminds you that despite her little visit to St. Mary's, she's a woman who actually does know what she wants, where she wants to go and that although she's no Joan, she's still learning how to walk in heels - the need to know what to do to get there - she's working on it. Granted, she's no Joanie, and quite frankly, I'm really sad for her character, horrified, actually. But it's Joanie and we know that her true colors will come through and she'll be resilient after the Missile Crisis blows over on Monday morning.
My big question is whether or not Betty will string Don along...we know the cat in her can come out, it's just a matter of whether or not she's going to do that to Don as a pay back. Don can talk anyone into anything; was this the purpose of his letter? Was he really being honest with Betty that although she can find another life after him, that he cannot? I think he was, he's past the point of playing games, we've seen his hand, really know him now. Will Betty allow him to think that she was with AWESOME (how awesome was it that Awesome was her fling?!) before that night and the bump isn't his? Does Don's letter allow her to play out a game? Honestly, I don't think Don cares, he wants his family back, whether or not it's his. I think grasping her hand was his gesture that he will do anything to be with her and his family.
Seriously, just how beautiful is Jon Hamm? Although the SoCal heat knocked him out, he looked dashing in white with a tan. Please tell me I'm not the only one who cringed thinking that Father Gill was gonna try to get a little cozy with Peggy? Personally, I have a notion she's gonna start taking Communion again. Father Gill might be a little confused because she hasn't confessed to him, but I don't know what else you'd call her little one on one with Pete, other than a nice tail between his entitled little legs.
inkheart
no.123 Inkheart
So rarely do I get to say...I loved this!!! I didn't know anything about it other I normally watch anything Brendan Fraser does and it was a children's book adaptation, so the story was a wonderful surprise. What would be better than to read aloud a passage from a book, words that you hold to your heart, possibly bringing to life your heart's desire? Let me tell you, if it hadn't already appeared on screen as perfectly as it was written, there is this perfect hot scene in a terribly good book...I'll keep that to myself.
This glowing review is really short of the norm. Had I known this book and wasn't like a little kid with my bowl of popcorn, excited to see what happened next, I would be able to say this really fell a little flat, but I'm not going to ruin my fun by dicing this up. I loved the idea and the characters, but the second watch might hurt, once the shine wears away and I'm actually paying attention to the film. The acting was a bit phoned in at times. I'm not a kid and don't need how Mo became a Silvertongue, but there were some gaps, to say the least.
Moral of the story is that I will pick up the book - what I'm reading, now that I'm checking on actor's spelling, is that reviews were not good.
I was gleefully giggling as I realized who and WHAT was in the stable...Pan's Crocodile, the flying monkeys! oh yeah, and a unicorn, god only know where that was from ;) Although I normally melt watching the charming Fraser, it was great to see him as the smart guy, not the physical hero. He tried to act clumsy on the roof, but the next minute he's bounding up stairs three at a time, his normal aptitude. Rafi Gavron was the adorable thief (remember the cute slave in Rome?) As for Paul Bettany, my jaw dropped at his, well, fire throwing ability while, um, shirtless. How cute was it that Jennifer Connelly played the little part of his wife? Helen Mirran is great as the old dame who decides its time for her own adventure. Andy Serkis, is, well, Andy Serkis, I can never say words that are befitting other than Andy is as Andy does..and it is always a guilty pleasure to watch him. Jim Broadbent's intro was spot on, especially with cake batter on his face. Now that I've practically gone through the entire cast...
So rarely do I get to say...I loved this!!! I didn't know anything about it other I normally watch anything Brendan Fraser does and it was a children's book adaptation, so the story was a wonderful surprise. What would be better than to read aloud a passage from a book, words that you hold to your heart, possibly bringing to life your heart's desire? Let me tell you, if it hadn't already appeared on screen as perfectly as it was written, there is this perfect hot scene in a terribly good book...I'll keep that to myself.
This glowing review is really short of the norm. Had I known this book and wasn't like a little kid with my bowl of popcorn, excited to see what happened next, I would be able to say this really fell a little flat, but I'm not going to ruin my fun by dicing this up. I loved the idea and the characters, but the second watch might hurt, once the shine wears away and I'm actually paying attention to the film. The acting was a bit phoned in at times. I'm not a kid and don't need how Mo became a Silvertongue, but there were some gaps, to say the least.
Moral of the story is that I will pick up the book - what I'm reading, now that I'm checking on actor's spelling, is that reviews were not good.
I was gleefully giggling as I realized who and WHAT was in the stable...Pan's Crocodile, the flying monkeys! oh yeah, and a unicorn, god only know where that was from ;) Although I normally melt watching the charming Fraser, it was great to see him as the smart guy, not the physical hero. He tried to act clumsy on the roof, but the next minute he's bounding up stairs three at a time, his normal aptitude. Rafi Gavron was the adorable thief (remember the cute slave in Rome?) As for Paul Bettany, my jaw dropped at his, well, fire throwing ability while, um, shirtless. How cute was it that Jennifer Connelly played the little part of his wife? Helen Mirran is great as the old dame who decides its time for her own adventure. Andy Serkis, is, well, Andy Serkis, I can never say words that are befitting other than Andy is as Andy does..and it is always a guilty pleasure to watch him. Jim Broadbent's intro was spot on, especially with cake batter on his face. Now that I've practically gone through the entire cast...
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