Some weeks I feel as if I don't have any time to actually enjoy pop culture. This past week was one of those weeks. Have no fear! I didn't get around to a post last Sunday so I have two weeks from which to choose my recommendations.
Film: Duplicity
Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, and Paul Giamatti. I shouldn't have to go further. But I will. The story is a classic con job. And we all know how much I enjoy those! But don't go thinking this is some kind of Ocean's 11. Nope. The con is very complex and kind of difficult to follow in places. Both Owen and Roberts are ex-MI-6/CIA, respectively, agents trying to con Tom Wilkinson's Howard Tully out of a revolutionary product, which they will then sell for millions of dollars. Will they pull it off? You have to see it to believe it. For a fun film on a chilly Saturday night, this is an excellent choice. Plus, Owen and Roberts have an amazing chemistry and Giamatti is clearly just having fun with his role.
Book: The Film Club
David Gilmour's memoir is a bright spot in a rainy, dreary spring. He allows his sixteen-year-old son to drop out of high school provided the son will watch and discuss at least three films a week with his old man. When I saw this book review, I thought, "What films would Gilmour choose to show?" As a film critic/interviewer, Gilmour is an expert in his subject. The films are wonderfully diverse and I found a few gems I had never heard of. But what I expected to be a brief discussion of good (and bad) films ended up being a memoir about life and love. The depth of emotion in this book is riveting. I suspect that any parents out there would really latch on to the father/son relationship and see the films as a side story. I was pleasantly surprised when this book turned out to be something more than just a film club list.
As you can see, there are no television picks for this week. What do you expect in a pretty bleak spring tv line-up? Perhaps I'm missing something. If you've got a television recommendation for me, let me know. Just keep in mind that I refuse to splurge for movie channels when I have Netflix so it may be some time before I get around to watching some shows.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Short Week But Good Stuff
I am posting a day early this week as I am heading out of town tomorrow for a much-needed roadtrip. Don't panic, I am leaving you all with some excellent pop culture nuggets.
Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
I hadn't seen this film since college. What was I thinking taking so long to rewatch it? It just makes me wish Washington was better place. If you don't know the story, a senator and newspaper man con Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) into taking on the role of junior senator from Washington (state) in an attempt to get him to vote for an illegal dam-building project. Unfortunately, Jefferson turns out to be a smarter person than that, thanks to the help of Clarrisa Saunders (Jean Arthur). He ends up staging a 23-hour filibuster in the hopes that people back in Washington (state) will come to his aid. This is a Frank Capra film so the seemingly happy ending is fraught with pessimism about the American political landscape. This isn't quite the feel-good film that It's a Wonderful Life is, but Jimmy is never better. Go out and rent this classic film to remind yourself that optimism isn't such a bad thing, but don't get discouraged if you realize that one person really can't make a difference.
Television: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
I have loved Guy Fieri since he won the second season of the Food Network's Who Wants to Be a Food Network Star? While I watch some of his cooking shows, I like Diners... far better. I have decided that New Mexico may have some of the best food on the planet with The Burgh a close second. I have actually eaten at one of the restaurants featured on this show. I had excellent meatloaf and corn bread. I salivate for the entire thiry minutes the show is on. If you love good home cooking, check out Guy and his diners, drive-ins, and dives.
Book: The Collected Short Stories of Philip K. Dick
Over the past couple of months I've been reading through some of Dick's short stories. In case you don't know, this is the guy who wrote "Do Andriods Dream of Electric Sheep" which was then adapted into a little film called Blade Runner. I never really read a lot of Dick's work but I have certainly been enjoying it. So far my favorite short story is "The Gun." I think the story is a fascinating look at world power and the dangers of needing the biggest gun. Dick is a sci-fi writer and his stories will definitely make you think. They are pretty easy to read; I usually pick up the book when I have thirty minutes to spare and can get one or two stories read in that time.
That's it for the week, folks. I should probably go pack. Chat away and I'll catch up on the postings when I return.
Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
I hadn't seen this film since college. What was I thinking taking so long to rewatch it? It just makes me wish Washington was better place. If you don't know the story, a senator and newspaper man con Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) into taking on the role of junior senator from Washington (state) in an attempt to get him to vote for an illegal dam-building project. Unfortunately, Jefferson turns out to be a smarter person than that, thanks to the help of Clarrisa Saunders (Jean Arthur). He ends up staging a 23-hour filibuster in the hopes that people back in Washington (state) will come to his aid. This is a Frank Capra film so the seemingly happy ending is fraught with pessimism about the American political landscape. This isn't quite the feel-good film that It's a Wonderful Life is, but Jimmy is never better. Go out and rent this classic film to remind yourself that optimism isn't such a bad thing, but don't get discouraged if you realize that one person really can't make a difference.
Television: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
I have loved Guy Fieri since he won the second season of the Food Network's Who Wants to Be a Food Network Star? While I watch some of his cooking shows, I like Diners... far better. I have decided that New Mexico may have some of the best food on the planet with The Burgh a close second. I have actually eaten at one of the restaurants featured on this show. I had excellent meatloaf and corn bread. I salivate for the entire thiry minutes the show is on. If you love good home cooking, check out Guy and his diners, drive-ins, and dives.
Book: The Collected Short Stories of Philip K. Dick
Over the past couple of months I've been reading through some of Dick's short stories. In case you don't know, this is the guy who wrote "Do Andriods Dream of Electric Sheep" which was then adapted into a little film called Blade Runner. I never really read a lot of Dick's work but I have certainly been enjoying it. So far my favorite short story is "The Gun." I think the story is a fascinating look at world power and the dangers of needing the biggest gun. Dick is a sci-fi writer and his stories will definitely make you think. They are pretty easy to read; I usually pick up the book when I have thirty minutes to spare and can get one or two stories read in that time.
That's it for the week, folks. I should probably go pack. Chat away and I'll catch up on the postings when I return.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise (One Out of Three Ain't Bad)
Sorry about last week, folks. I came down with the flu and spent all weekend curled up on the couch. But I'm better now! This week's highlight was the most anticipated graphic novel adaptation ever...
Film: Watchmen
Who watches the Watchmen? Apparently a lot of folks considering the theater I was in was pretty packed last night. Despite a law suit, Zach Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel - possibly the best graphic novel EVER - premiered this weekend. I loved it. It was a very true adaptation meaning that Snyder rarely strayed from the dialogue and artwork of the original. This means, folks, that the film is explicit with both sex and violence. I would not recommend this film for kids or even young teenagers. The film has the look and feel of the graphic novel as well as the 1980s (which is when the story takes place). The cast of (mostly) unknowns is great. I will say, however, that Patrick Wilson (Dan Dreiberg/Nite Owl) looks a little too much like Clark Griswald for my taste. Otherwise, the film is great. If you love the graphic novel, go see it. If you don't like graphic novels/comic books, don't because you won't like this film at all.
Television: Amazing Race
I have no idea what season of Amazing Race this is, but it doesn't matter. I don't always watch the entire season of this reality show. I only watch when the mix of teams is interesting. This season, that mix is very interesting. There are more "normal" teams than usual, meaning that the number of him/bimbos are at a minimum. I especially like the mom/son and father/son teams. I've talked about Race before, I know. There is just something about this show that draws my attention. You have to be somewhat knowledgeable about the world to win this show. For example, one of the tasks tonight was to put the following letters in order - VEHOKCH - to form the name of a Russion playwrite. Many teams struggled. How would you do?
Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie rocks. Need I say more? If so, let me tell you that his young adult, autobiographical novel is so much fun to read. Diary takes the reader on a tour of reservation life versus the white culture. I'd like to say that the non-indigenous Americans have come a long way in their relations with the native cultures; sadly, we haven't. Alexie brings that tough fact home in a brilliant and funny way. You'll laugh as you read, but you'll also pause to think about how bad the reservations really are. I had no idea what kind of poverty and alcoholism ran rampant on reservations until reading this book. But don't think the novel is entirely a downer. The message is a bright one: be yourself and try your best and things will work out. Indian also has a collection of quirky illustrations that will make you smile.
Film: Watchmen
Who watches the Watchmen? Apparently a lot of folks considering the theater I was in was pretty packed last night. Despite a law suit, Zach Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel - possibly the best graphic novel EVER - premiered this weekend. I loved it. It was a very true adaptation meaning that Snyder rarely strayed from the dialogue and artwork of the original. This means, folks, that the film is explicit with both sex and violence. I would not recommend this film for kids or even young teenagers. The film has the look and feel of the graphic novel as well as the 1980s (which is when the story takes place). The cast of (mostly) unknowns is great. I will say, however, that Patrick Wilson (Dan Dreiberg/Nite Owl) looks a little too much like Clark Griswald for my taste. Otherwise, the film is great. If you love the graphic novel, go see it. If you don't like graphic novels/comic books, don't because you won't like this film at all.
Television: Amazing Race
I have no idea what season of Amazing Race this is, but it doesn't matter. I don't always watch the entire season of this reality show. I only watch when the mix of teams is interesting. This season, that mix is very interesting. There are more "normal" teams than usual, meaning that the number of him/bimbos are at a minimum. I especially like the mom/son and father/son teams. I've talked about Race before, I know. There is just something about this show that draws my attention. You have to be somewhat knowledgeable about the world to win this show. For example, one of the tasks tonight was to put the following letters in order - VEHOKCH - to form the name of a Russion playwrite. Many teams struggled. How would you do?
Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Sherman Alexie rocks. Need I say more? If so, let me tell you that his young adult, autobiographical novel is so much fun to read. Diary takes the reader on a tour of reservation life versus the white culture. I'd like to say that the non-indigenous Americans have come a long way in their relations with the native cultures; sadly, we haven't. Alexie brings that tough fact home in a brilliant and funny way. You'll laugh as you read, but you'll also pause to think about how bad the reservations really are. I had no idea what kind of poverty and alcoholism ran rampant on reservations until reading this book. But don't think the novel is entirely a downer. The message is a bright one: be yourself and try your best and things will work out. Indian also has a collection of quirky illustrations that will make you smile.
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