Okay folks, two out of three ain't bad. I just stated an excellent new book - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - so you only have a movie and television show for the week. I'm sure you'll make do.
Film: Burn After Reading
Ignore the critics as they know nothing! This new addition to the black comedy genre comes from the two contemporary film geniuses, Joel and Ethan Coen. Can these two do no wrong? I laughed my ass off throughout the whole film. You need to go for the awesome cast. Don't let anyone (those nasty critics again) say anything bad about John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Frances McDormand. They are all hysterical as selfish, self-centered, wack jobs. The plot is foolish, but then what dark comedy has a serious plot? The point of this film is to let that amazing bunch of actors act silly. There will be a couple of plot surprises. (I will say no more.) And the end will make you throw up your hands and shake your head. (But in a good way.) If you get the chance, run down to the local cinema and catch this film before it leaves. Will it give the Coen brothers their next Oscar? Absolutely not. But I bet they didn't make it for Oscar glory. Instead, I bet they, like their actors, just had a good time.
Television Recap: Heroes
Heroes stated with a bang. I had lost interest during last season; thank goodness it was cut short due to the writer's strike. I was concerned with how the new season would begin. Creator Tim Kring did not pull a single punch. There is Future Peter and current Peter-trapped-in-a-bad-guy's-body, there is the potential of an Ando with powers, and Mrs. Petrelli seems to be reunited with a third son. That is just three storylines. Somthing's wrong with Claire, Nathan can heal, and Matt Parkman is in Africa. Not to mention a bunch of big bads escaped from Level 5. All that in the first episode. I can't wait to see where Kring goes from here. I am hoping that he sticks with his promise to return to his roots of Season 1. If he can pull off half of the plotlines he introduced last Monday, Season 3 will be a roller coaster ride of good times. I can't wait!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Slow Week
I didn't do a lot of new stuff this week. That said, I still have a few recommendations up my sleeve.
Film: Citizen Kane
I recently rewatched Orson Welles's 1941 masterpiece. I hadn't seen it since my undergrad days and had therefore forgotton much of it. I have to say, it was truly a pleasure to rewatch this film. Of course, people and organizations like the AFI are always hyping Citizen Kane as one of the best films of all time. In this case, they are right. Orson Welles's film still stands the test of time. The film seeks to discover the meaning of Charles Kane's last word, "Rosebud." In the process, viewers learn about the life of a rich newspaper mogul who becomes an eccentric recluse. The story isn't shocking, especially by today's standards. What is amazing is how Welles filmed this story. His use of lighting and camera angles is magnificent. Somehow Welles makes the tyrant Kane into an utterly sympathetic human being. Even after his second wife, Susan, finally leaves his abusive household, viewers feel more sorry for Kane than Susan. That is remarkable filmmaking. Do yourselves a favor and go rent this classic or catch it on TCM. You'll be happy you did and you'll finally discover what all the hoopla is about.
Television: Project Runway
It's taken me awhile to write about this season's Project Runway. I have to admit, it is not my favorite season. Most of the designers are annoying, especially Kenley. (Earth to Kenley, "Get over yourself!") At least Suade has stopped referring to himself in the third person. No one has really impressed me yet. Also, since it is Bravo's last season with Project Runway, they are getting as much money as possible with product-placement challenges. There was one challenge that involved using pieces from a Saturn car and another that hocked American Express. It is truly a lackluster season and I am sorry that Bravo had to run the show into the ground. That said, I still watch it every week for Tim Gunn and the drama. (What little of it there is. Did I mention that the contestants have no personalities?) My three picks for Fashion Week are Korto, Leanne, and Jerell. I thought Terry would be in the final three and was shocked when she was sent packing.
Book: Three Cups of Tea
This 2007 release is this month's book club book and I loved it! Co-authored by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, the book is the story of Mortenson's mission to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Having failed to climb K2, Mortenson wanders, half dead, into the extremely rural and poor village of Korphe, Pakistan. After being welcomed into their village, he promises to return to build the children - both boys and girls - a school since the Pakistani government had not. A year later, he returns and succeeds in building the school. Thus begins Mortenson's life of philanthropy. The story tells of his successes with the schools, his failures with fundraising, his kidnapping and perilous travels, and much more. Every American should read this book!!! The War on Terror is not going to be won by military might, at least not alone. Mortenson makes an excellent case for the education of young people, especially girls. The education of girls truly will change a culture; the Puritans believed this way back in the 1600s. If the children of the Middle East have an option other than madrassas - those breeding grounds for extremists - most of them will take it. These people are peaceful Muslims and their story needs to be told. Thanks to Greg Mortenson, it finally is.
Film: Citizen Kane
I recently rewatched Orson Welles's 1941 masterpiece. I hadn't seen it since my undergrad days and had therefore forgotton much of it. I have to say, it was truly a pleasure to rewatch this film. Of course, people and organizations like the AFI are always hyping Citizen Kane as one of the best films of all time. In this case, they are right. Orson Welles's film still stands the test of time. The film seeks to discover the meaning of Charles Kane's last word, "Rosebud." In the process, viewers learn about the life of a rich newspaper mogul who becomes an eccentric recluse. The story isn't shocking, especially by today's standards. What is amazing is how Welles filmed this story. His use of lighting and camera angles is magnificent. Somehow Welles makes the tyrant Kane into an utterly sympathetic human being. Even after his second wife, Susan, finally leaves his abusive household, viewers feel more sorry for Kane than Susan. That is remarkable filmmaking. Do yourselves a favor and go rent this classic or catch it on TCM. You'll be happy you did and you'll finally discover what all the hoopla is about.
Television: Project Runway
It's taken me awhile to write about this season's Project Runway. I have to admit, it is not my favorite season. Most of the designers are annoying, especially Kenley. (Earth to Kenley, "Get over yourself!") At least Suade has stopped referring to himself in the third person. No one has really impressed me yet. Also, since it is Bravo's last season with Project Runway, they are getting as much money as possible with product-placement challenges. There was one challenge that involved using pieces from a Saturn car and another that hocked American Express. It is truly a lackluster season and I am sorry that Bravo had to run the show into the ground. That said, I still watch it every week for Tim Gunn and the drama. (What little of it there is. Did I mention that the contestants have no personalities?) My three picks for Fashion Week are Korto, Leanne, and Jerell. I thought Terry would be in the final three and was shocked when she was sent packing.
Book: Three Cups of Tea
This 2007 release is this month's book club book and I loved it! Co-authored by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, the book is the story of Mortenson's mission to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Having failed to climb K2, Mortenson wanders, half dead, into the extremely rural and poor village of Korphe, Pakistan. After being welcomed into their village, he promises to return to build the children - both boys and girls - a school since the Pakistani government had not. A year later, he returns and succeeds in building the school. Thus begins Mortenson's life of philanthropy. The story tells of his successes with the schools, his failures with fundraising, his kidnapping and perilous travels, and much more. Every American should read this book!!! The War on Terror is not going to be won by military might, at least not alone. Mortenson makes an excellent case for the education of young people, especially girls. The education of girls truly will change a culture; the Puritans believed this way back in the 1600s. If the children of the Middle East have an option other than madrassas - those breeding grounds for extremists - most of them will take it. These people are peaceful Muslims and their story needs to be told. Thanks to Greg Mortenson, it finally is.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Yeah For Television!
The new television season is upon us. I watched two shows this week and you'll see my comments below. I still have a few more shows that look promising so I'll review them in coming weeks.
Film: Lars and the Real Girl
As promised, here is my review of Lars and the Real Girl. It is awesome! This 2007 film is about a young, socially awkward man (Lars) who buys a sex doll and treats her like a real woman. The story is really about a man finding his place in life and the people around him who love him and help him to get there. When Bianca (the doll) is first introduced, you may cringe from the extreme awkwardness, but soon you will find yourself treating her like a real person. This movie is very sweet and everyone should rent it. Had Daniel Day-Lewis not been nominated for the Best Actor Oscar this last year, Ryan Gosling would certainly have won for his portrayal of Lars. This quirky romance will make you feel good about humanity and will make you wish you lived in a close-knit, small-town community.
Television 1: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chonicles (Mondays at 8)
I am so glad that Sarah, John, Cameron, and Derek are back in action. The season premiere was not as good as I had hoped but still very enjoyable. Cameron is not evil, thankfully. And they brought back the T-1000. How cool! Derek didn't get as much play time this episode as I would have liked. Detective Ellison looks like he's going to be an interesting character this year. Will he or won't he knowingly work for a Terminator? And, more importantly, can the second-generation Terminators learn how to love? Good questions asked but not answered this past week.
Television 2: Fringe (Tuesdays at 8)
I have to say that I'm not sure I'll make it through the whole season of Fringe but I enjoyed the first episode. First the likes. I actually like Joshua Jackson in the role Peter Bishop. I think the dynamics between Peter and his father will be an intrguing aspect of the show. His father's insanity, however, will get old fast if not done well. I also like the secretive aspect of Olivia's government bosses. That could get interesting. And of course J. J. Abrams knows how to spin a serialized yard. Now the concerns. This could prove to be an X-Files clone. I'm rather concerned about that. Bones works because it's something a bit different (no supernatural angles). Fringe, however, could easily become a Mulder/Scully, government-conspiracy, "the-truth-is-out-there," paranoia-fest. That would be bad. A less brilliant writer/director would fall into that trap. Abrams may be able to pull it off; time will tell and I'll certainly stick around for at least some of the ride.
Film: Lars and the Real Girl
As promised, here is my review of Lars and the Real Girl. It is awesome! This 2007 film is about a young, socially awkward man (Lars) who buys a sex doll and treats her like a real woman. The story is really about a man finding his place in life and the people around him who love him and help him to get there. When Bianca (the doll) is first introduced, you may cringe from the extreme awkwardness, but soon you will find yourself treating her like a real person. This movie is very sweet and everyone should rent it. Had Daniel Day-Lewis not been nominated for the Best Actor Oscar this last year, Ryan Gosling would certainly have won for his portrayal of Lars. This quirky romance will make you feel good about humanity and will make you wish you lived in a close-knit, small-town community.
Television 1: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chonicles (Mondays at 8)
I am so glad that Sarah, John, Cameron, and Derek are back in action. The season premiere was not as good as I had hoped but still very enjoyable. Cameron is not evil, thankfully. And they brought back the T-1000. How cool! Derek didn't get as much play time this episode as I would have liked. Detective Ellison looks like he's going to be an interesting character this year. Will he or won't he knowingly work for a Terminator? And, more importantly, can the second-generation Terminators learn how to love? Good questions asked but not answered this past week.
Television 2: Fringe (Tuesdays at 8)
I have to say that I'm not sure I'll make it through the whole season of Fringe but I enjoyed the first episode. First the likes. I actually like Joshua Jackson in the role Peter Bishop. I think the dynamics between Peter and his father will be an intrguing aspect of the show. His father's insanity, however, will get old fast if not done well. I also like the secretive aspect of Olivia's government bosses. That could get interesting. And of course J. J. Abrams knows how to spin a serialized yard. Now the concerns. This could prove to be an X-Files clone. I'm rather concerned about that. Bones works because it's something a bit different (no supernatural angles). Fringe, however, could easily become a Mulder/Scully, government-conspiracy, "the-truth-is-out-there," paranoia-fest. That would be bad. A less brilliant writer/director would fall into that trap. Abrams may be able to pull it off; time will tell and I'll certainly stick around for at least some of the ride.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Sorry for the Delay
Last week was crazy. I barely had time to do my errands and make food let alone jot down a blog entry. But that's okay because I also didn't have any time to actually read or watch anything either.
Film: Hamlet 2
I was going to discuss Lars and the Real Girl (next week, I promise) this week but then last evening I went and laughed my way through Hamlet 2. Let me begin by saying that this film is not actually a sequel to the play. It's about a sad, sad bad-actor-turned-drama-high-school-teacher named Dana (played by the utterly hysterical Steve Coogan). When his position is cut, he decides to write a play about his relationship with his father, thus the birth of Hamlet 2, the play-within-a-movie. This film will offend everyone about something. Whether it is the song "Sexy Jesus" or the racial and sexual stereotyping, it has a little something for everyone. The thing is, the film really isn't being mean in any way, shape, or form. In fact, the film points out the stupidity of close-mindedness. And that's what makes it funny. Plus, it's about the struggles of a truly clueless but lovable man. You really want Dana to make a difference and succeed, even if you've seen his naked ass a few too many times. Go see this film right now! But don't yell at me if you can't get the final credits song out of your head for a week.
Television: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Tomorrow night at 8pm on Fox the new season begins! I'm so excited! Although only nine episodes in length, Season 1 completely captured my interest. When the show ended in March, there were hints that Cameron may not be all she seemed, John and Derek were bonding, and Agent Ellison had discovered the terminator FBI agent. Shock of shocks!!! Now it's time to see where we go from here. Will John and Sarah be able to take down Skynet? (Doubtful given the upcoming Terminator 4.) Will Derek be the uncle and father-figure John never had? Will Cameron prove to be evil? I have me theories about these questions but I'll wait until the season has progressed before passing any judgments myself. All I can say for certain is that I'll be front and center tomorrow night for the season premier.
Book: Floating Dragon
This is a classic novel dating all the way back to 1982. Just kidding! It's not really that classic. Actually, it's a fun horror novel from Peter Straub. I had only read one Straub novel before this one (Ghost Story) but really enjoyed it. I also very much enjoyed his partnership with Stephen King on both The Talisman and Black House. I picked up Floating Dragon at a book store for a dollar and read it this summer. It tells the story of a Connecticut town where an ancient devil - The Dragon - and a man-made poisonous cloud collide to cause all sorts of trouble. Four surviving members of the town's original four founding families band together to defeat The Dragon. Like King, Straub has an excellent pace to his storytelling. The events unfold just as they should in Floating Dragon. Unlike King, Straub keeps the narrative a bit more tightly contained. In the end, I like both authors and would recommend you find a couple of Straub's novels in the bargin bin of your local book dealer. He'll be great for the upcoming long winter nights when you just want to curl up under a blanket and enjoy a good story.
Film: Hamlet 2
I was going to discuss Lars and the Real Girl (next week, I promise) this week but then last evening I went and laughed my way through Hamlet 2. Let me begin by saying that this film is not actually a sequel to the play. It's about a sad, sad bad-actor-turned-drama-high-school-teacher named Dana (played by the utterly hysterical Steve Coogan). When his position is cut, he decides to write a play about his relationship with his father, thus the birth of Hamlet 2, the play-within-a-movie. This film will offend everyone about something. Whether it is the song "Sexy Jesus" or the racial and sexual stereotyping, it has a little something for everyone. The thing is, the film really isn't being mean in any way, shape, or form. In fact, the film points out the stupidity of close-mindedness. And that's what makes it funny. Plus, it's about the struggles of a truly clueless but lovable man. You really want Dana to make a difference and succeed, even if you've seen his naked ass a few too many times. Go see this film right now! But don't yell at me if you can't get the final credits song out of your head for a week.
Television: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Tomorrow night at 8pm on Fox the new season begins! I'm so excited! Although only nine episodes in length, Season 1 completely captured my interest. When the show ended in March, there were hints that Cameron may not be all she seemed, John and Derek were bonding, and Agent Ellison had discovered the terminator FBI agent. Shock of shocks!!! Now it's time to see where we go from here. Will John and Sarah be able to take down Skynet? (Doubtful given the upcoming Terminator 4.) Will Derek be the uncle and father-figure John never had? Will Cameron prove to be evil? I have me theories about these questions but I'll wait until the season has progressed before passing any judgments myself. All I can say for certain is that I'll be front and center tomorrow night for the season premier.
Book: Floating Dragon
This is a classic novel dating all the way back to 1982. Just kidding! It's not really that classic. Actually, it's a fun horror novel from Peter Straub. I had only read one Straub novel before this one (Ghost Story) but really enjoyed it. I also very much enjoyed his partnership with Stephen King on both The Talisman and Black House. I picked up Floating Dragon at a book store for a dollar and read it this summer. It tells the story of a Connecticut town where an ancient devil - The Dragon - and a man-made poisonous cloud collide to cause all sorts of trouble. Four surviving members of the town's original four founding families band together to defeat The Dragon. Like King, Straub has an excellent pace to his storytelling. The events unfold just as they should in Floating Dragon. Unlike King, Straub keeps the narrative a bit more tightly contained. In the end, I like both authors and would recommend you find a couple of Straub's novels in the bargin bin of your local book dealer. He'll be great for the upcoming long winter nights when you just want to curl up under a blanket and enjoy a good story.
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