Thursday, February 28, 2008
Snow Angels
Book number 5 of the year is Snow Angels. My main reason is picking up this book is that next week this will be the 4th feature film from the extraordinary director David Gordon Green. It has a lot to live up to as I love all of the first three efforts.
The novel interweaves two stories set in a poor town outside of Pittsburg in the fall of 1974. The story echoed the themes of some of Atom Egoyan’s films, Exotica or The Sweet Hereafter. While Stewart O’Nan’s debut novel is interesting and well written it doesn’t pack the emotional punch that either of those two works did.
Most of the novel is told in flashback. It starts with Annie being shot and the blasts being heard by 15-year-old Arthur, whom Annie formerly babysat. The backstory of Annie and her husband during separation is quite interesting. Her story of living in a dead end town is whose life unravels under two tragedies comes alive with real characters and details. One drawback is that you can see the first tragedy unfolding as soon as the chapter begins and the buildup to the second tragedy, the shooting, seems a bit too literary an ending.
The parallel story of the dissolution of Arthur’s parent’s marriage doesn’t have need the interest of the first. This is mostly due to Arthur’s mother being completely one-dimensional and unappealing. Arthur’s coming of age, especially with his changing feelings toward Lila, the even poorer classmate who is the only other family living in the run down complex his mother is forced to move to post-separation. I’m really excited to see how DGG handles this part of the story given his success with similar parts of Undertow and All the Real Girls.
Another bothersome aspect of the book is the way it treats the female characters. Most of the male characters don’t seem to be judged. Annie meanwhile is abusive, hot-tempered, and cheats on her husband and friends. Her own mother even blames her for causing the situation she’s in. While she doesn’t deserve to die, the reader is lead to think she deserves almost what happens to her. And as stated before, Arthur’s mother is unappealing with much of the same attributes.
The novel interweaves two stories set in a poor town outside of Pittsburg in the fall of 1974. The story echoed the themes of some of Atom Egoyan’s films, Exotica or The Sweet Hereafter. While Stewart O’Nan’s debut novel is interesting and well written it doesn’t pack the emotional punch that either of those two works did.
Most of the novel is told in flashback. It starts with Annie being shot and the blasts being heard by 15-year-old Arthur, whom Annie formerly babysat. The backstory of Annie and her husband during separation is quite interesting. Her story of living in a dead end town is whose life unravels under two tragedies comes alive with real characters and details. One drawback is that you can see the first tragedy unfolding as soon as the chapter begins and the buildup to the second tragedy, the shooting, seems a bit too literary an ending.
The parallel story of the dissolution of Arthur’s parent’s marriage doesn’t have need the interest of the first. This is mostly due to Arthur’s mother being completely one-dimensional and unappealing. Arthur’s coming of age, especially with his changing feelings toward Lila, the even poorer classmate who is the only other family living in the run down complex his mother is forced to move to post-separation. I’m really excited to see how DGG handles this part of the story given his success with similar parts of Undertow and All the Real Girls.
Another bothersome aspect of the book is the way it treats the female characters. Most of the male characters don’t seem to be judged. Annie meanwhile is abusive, hot-tempered, and cheats on her husband and friends. Her own mother even blames her for causing the situation she’s in. While she doesn’t deserve to die, the reader is lead to think she deserves almost what happens to her. And as stated before, Arthur’s mother is unappealing with much of the same attributes.
Labels: Books
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Final Week
Six days from now is vote time and Texas will be dropped like a high school girl who just put out in favor of another conquest. It’s been an interesting week or so and these final days should be even more so. I’m been reading story after story that focus on how bad the Clinton campaign is going and making it sound like she has as much chance as the defenders at the Alamo. But I’m not counting them out. Remember they always seem to bounce back and the losers at the Alamo ultimately won the war.
But a number of comments make things bleak. Much is being made of Hillary’s campaign seems to being run without a clear focus. Maureen Dowd comments that her multiple looks doesn’t work in the Information Age and just makes her look even more manufactured. Mayhill Fower, of Huffington, reports of the aimless campaign stops that seem too little and aren’t hitting the right people.
Locally you see Bill Clinton, the former most charismatic man in politics, drawing only a few hundred to a stop at a city park while Barack Obama, the current most charismatic man in politics, draws and overflow crowed of over 17,000 at sports arenas.
The Clintons have no answer to Obama’s charisma. At debates he seems at ease in either taking the offensive or being in the defensive, as he was for much of the time in Cleveland. But Hillary can make no dent and comes off looking even whineier with her comments of always getting the first question. Bill is even more perplexed. He’s not used to being upstaged by someone preaching change with lots of style.
With super-delegates beginning to bend to the will of the popular vote this might get nasty before it’s over with the Clintons feeling they are being backed into a corner.
But a number of comments make things bleak. Much is being made of Hillary’s campaign seems to being run without a clear focus. Maureen Dowd comments that her multiple looks doesn’t work in the Information Age and just makes her look even more manufactured. Mayhill Fower, of Huffington, reports of the aimless campaign stops that seem too little and aren’t hitting the right people.
Locally you see Bill Clinton, the former most charismatic man in politics, drawing only a few hundred to a stop at a city park while Barack Obama, the current most charismatic man in politics, draws and overflow crowed of over 17,000 at sports arenas.
The Clintons have no answer to Obama’s charisma. At debates he seems at ease in either taking the offensive or being in the defensive, as he was for much of the time in Cleveland. But Hillary can make no dent and comes off looking even whineier with her comments of always getting the first question. Bill is even more perplexed. He’s not used to being upstaged by someone preaching change with lots of style.
With super-delegates beginning to bend to the will of the popular vote this might get nasty before it’s over with the Clintons feeling they are being backed into a corner.
Labels: Politics
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Addicting Game
A friend sent me this yesterday. It’s a geography quiz that I’m obsessed with right now. The highest level I’ve gotten to in the World game is level 11. I don’t think I’ll stop playing until I make it to the 12th and last level.
The Traveler IQ Challenge
The Traveler IQ Challenge
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Oscars
So the 80th annual Oscars have been given. If nothing else it was a very fast moving show with no major production numbers that grinded things to a halt. The nice thing about this year’s ceremony is that of all the major categories there were nobody that by winning would irritate me. As it turned out no one won that I thought was glaringly undeserving.
So what were my favorite moments:
So three questions for the Oscar trivia pile:
So what were my favorite moments:
- Marion Cotillard for Best Actress. An extremely strong performance in an average film. She carried La Vie en Rose more so than the favorite Julie Christie.
- Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová for Best Song. Once was my favorite film of the year and while I didn’t love the songs they have grown on me. And Falling Slowly was far better then the other four fairly average nominees.
- Tilda Swinton for Best Supporting Actress. She’s done consistently great work for years and it is time she got recognized. I would have been equally happy for Amy Ryan.
- Jon Stewart pulling Markéta Irglová back on stage for her acceptance speech. I’m all for moving the show along but when these people are saying something interesting let them have an extra minute or two.
- The speeches overall. I really enjoy the speeches when they are not a laundry list of people they pay well and then thank. With very few exceptions the speeches were quite interesting with Jarvier Barbem and Marion Cotillard given two pretty good ones.
So three questions for the Oscar trivia pile:
- With the Coen Brothers winning three Oscars in one night, has that happened before?
- At 97 years, 137 days is Robert F. Boyle, who received the Honorary Oscar, the oldest person when receiving an award?
- All four acting winners were born outside the United States. Has that ever happened?
Labels: Film
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Spus Win League Cup
What a difference a day makes. While yesterday was a terrible day in sports, today might be one of the all-time recent high points. I’m just pissed that I had so little faith that I didn’t wake up early to make it to Trinity Hall to see the game at 9:00am.
Today in their first trip to new Wembley Spurs beat Chel$ki 2-1 in extra time. From all accounts Spurs dominated the game but Chelsea had a 1-0 HT lead with a goal at the 38 minute mark. Spur came back in the second with a Berbatov shot at 69 minutes. The took the lead for good 2 minutes into ET with a Woodgate header off a Jenas free kick.
Is this the beginning for greater things? Since hiring Ramos the team has won 15 games with only 5 losses and 8 draws. Oddly Romos has never lost in a Cup final. This is the first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 1999 and guarantees a third straight trip to Europe. But that is next year, we are still alive in Europe being part of the round of 16 in the UEFA Cup. Net up is a tie with Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven in March.
Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur
Today in their first trip to new Wembley Spurs beat Chel$ki 2-1 in extra time. From all accounts Spurs dominated the game but Chelsea had a 1-0 HT lead with a goal at the 38 minute mark. Spur came back in the second with a Berbatov shot at 69 minutes. The took the lead for good 2 minutes into ET with a Woodgate header off a Jenas free kick.
Is this the beginning for greater things? Since hiring Ramos the team has won 15 games with only 5 losses and 8 draws. Oddly Romos has never lost in a Cup final. This is the first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 1999 and guarantees a third straight trip to Europe. But that is next year, we are still alive in Europe being part of the round of 16 in the UEFA Cup. Net up is a tie with Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven in March.
Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur
Labels: Sports
Friday, February 22, 2008
Armed and Dangerous
I just put down my fourth book of the year. At this rate I could get to 30. Still nowhere near the 50 of the Internet challenge but a far greater number that I would think possible.
First, I am a walking paradox. While I thing that most police are power-hungry bullies I am completely fascinated by the entire legal process. My favorite time waste television program is Cops. I’m addicted to all of the Law & Order franchises. One of my all time favorite shows is Hill Street Blues. And I love reading crime fiction and non-fiction.
My latest read fell into the last category: Armed and Dangerous: The Hunt for One of America’s Most Wanted Criminals. Not a great book but a quick read and highly entertaining if you are into the subject. Sort of beach reading for crime junkies.
This book is about the author’s process to put together a team and go into the hills around California’s Inland Empire to go catch a psycho back in the mid-80s. The problem is he lives off the land selling marijuana, knows the area better than the cops, and with his fragile mental state might kill someone soon. While I probably won’t want to read another book like this, it does show how unglamorous police work can be. The actual operation is rather anticlimactic with the biggest cliff hanger being will his superiors approve such a risky mission?
So to fill in empty space William Queen talks about many of the smaller cases he worked while building his big case. Most of them are quite interesting. The best is a drug and gun buy that goes bad when the bad guy brings live explosives, to sell, at the meet next to a high school with students around. This brings up an interesting point, which could easily another book. The ATF handled things differently in the mid-80s vs. the post-9/11 00s.
First, I am a walking paradox. While I thing that most police are power-hungry bullies I am completely fascinated by the entire legal process. My favorite time waste television program is Cops. I’m addicted to all of the Law & Order franchises. One of my all time favorite shows is Hill Street Blues. And I love reading crime fiction and non-fiction.
My latest read fell into the last category: Armed and Dangerous: The Hunt for One of America’s Most Wanted Criminals. Not a great book but a quick read and highly entertaining if you are into the subject. Sort of beach reading for crime junkies.
This book is about the author’s process to put together a team and go into the hills around California’s Inland Empire to go catch a psycho back in the mid-80s. The problem is he lives off the land selling marijuana, knows the area better than the cops, and with his fragile mental state might kill someone soon. While I probably won’t want to read another book like this, it does show how unglamorous police work can be. The actual operation is rather anticlimactic with the biggest cliff hanger being will his superiors approve such a risky mission?
So to fill in empty space William Queen talks about many of the smaller cases he worked while building his big case. Most of them are quite interesting. The best is a drug and gun buy that goes bad when the bad guy brings live explosives, to sell, at the meet next to a high school with students around. This brings up an interesting point, which could easily another book. The ATF handled things differently in the mid-80s vs. the post-9/11 00s.
Labels: Books
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Malcolm McDowell
Tonight I was able to see a 40th anniversary screening of Night of the Living Dead. Put on by both AFI and Texas Frighmare it was a very fun evening. Appearing at the screening for Q&A were George Romero, his co-writer and the actors who played the brother and sister, Sheriff, daughter and the first zombie seen at the cemetery.
It was fun to see the film on the big screen from a print with a packed house that was really into the film. The discussion afterwards was quite interesting with the old friends remembering the film, much like the best DVD commentaries. But the big reason I was so interested to go was because Malcolm McDowell was present and hosted the post-film discussion.
While I’m not a big autograph hound there are a few people I would like to have them sign copies of DVDs I own. McDowell has to be high on the list. After the film, I made a dash up to the back of the theater where the guests were waiting and was very happy to get him to sign a DVD. Surprisingly this was the first person I’ve met since being an adult that I was actually nervous. After meeting him I was literally shaking while putting the cover back in the keep case. I’m met filmmakers I consider geniuses (Peter Greenaway & Wim Wenders) and actresses who are extremely gorgeous (Maura Tierney & Sarah Polley) and never felt this way. This is probably a combination of him being nice and me being a fan of his since high school.
I didn’t want to have him sign A Clockwork Orange. That seemed a bit too fan boy and I’m sure he’s sick of being that film. So I brought O Lucky Man! A personal favorite of mine that few people have seen and he is credited with the story idea.
When I got my chance I handed him the box asking "If you don’t mind could you please sign this for me?"
He took the case and the pen, paused for a second, then tapped the case with the pen and in his distinctive voice uttered very deliberately, "This is a good film."
At this point my night was made and I didn’t want to screw it up but was able to respond, "I was so happy it finally made it to disc last year."
"So have you seen it?" he asked.
"Yes over 20 years ago. It’s one of my favorites"
"Good to hear," and he handed it back to me.
Labels: Film
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Jury Duty
I did my civic duty today: Jury Duty. As it always happens, nothing happens for weeks and then two events converge on the same day. By coincidence another part of our uniquely form of American government happened today that I wanted to be a part of and that was attending the Obama rally.
Yes I did want to be part of the jury. This is only the second time I’ve ever been called, the last was about six years ago, and both were DWI cases. The first time I was in the hot zone, I think I was juror #7, but was skipped. This time I was #11 so it wasn’t too likely they would take me. As it turned out the last juror picked, they only take 6, was juror #10. Two people that they skipped were a woman who was injured in a DWI wreck and couldn’t give a fair opinion and a man who was a patent attorney.
I sounded like it had some interesting aspects to the case. Not enough for me to stay and watch but I would have liked to know the outcome. The defendant was a fairly cute blond stick who looked like one drink would put her over. From the voir dire, it looked like there was not breath or blood test. It was hinted that there was a video tape of the field sobriety test and that defense was going to challenge the validity of how the test was given.
Yes I did want to be part of the jury. This is only the second time I’ve ever been called, the last was about six years ago, and both were DWI cases. The first time I was in the hot zone, I think I was juror #7, but was skipped. This time I was #11 so it wasn’t too likely they would take me. As it turned out the last juror picked, they only take 6, was juror #10. Two people that they skipped were a woman who was injured in a DWI wreck and couldn’t give a fair opinion and a man who was a patent attorney.
I sounded like it had some interesting aspects to the case. Not enough for me to stay and watch but I would have liked to know the outcome. The defendant was a fairly cute blond stick who looked like one drink would put her over. From the voir dire, it looked like there was not breath or blood test. It was hinted that there was a video tape of the field sobriety test and that defense was going to challenge the validity of how the test was given.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ace in the Hole
While watching Ace in the Hole I both see the genius in the film making and understand why it did poorly with audiences in 1951. This is an amazingly cynical film. Outside of the Leo Minosa, who is stuck in the hole, and a couple of characters no one escapes Wilder’s wrath. Everyone is to blame: the opportunistic press, corrupt law, money hungry wife, and thrill seeking public. While he has certainly made a film that was well ahead of its time, and thus holds up well today, that makes it no less difficult to watch.
Wilder has made a film that is technically sound as any of his films. It is well written and well edited to drive a film that becomes painfully obvious that all will not end well. Kirk Douglas gives a career performance as Chuck Tatum, the man behind the strings. He is helped by a very strong supporting cast with standouts being Jan Sterling, Porter Hall, & Ray Teal as the victim’s wife, Albuquerque newspaper boss, and sheriff respectively.
Wilder certainly was able to see into the future. The term "media-circus" is now well known. With stories such as Princess Diana and Britney Spears the public has no problem believing that the press will perpetrate and become involved in the actual story. Many of the things shown in the film have happened many times. Recent media events have spawned both fly-by-night novelty songs and support businesses that pop up to deal with the huge crowds. Though I have to admit an actual carnival is a bit much.
But this film does have its faults. There is nothing subtle about this film. Wilder, much like Chuck Tatum in the film, paints himself into a corner and has a difficult time ending things. I’m also unsure what to make of Tatum’s change at the end. It’s hard to accept that he is now becoming human only to sacrifice himself to martyrdom.
A very good Wilder film but not a masterpiece like both Double Indemnity and Sunset Blvd.
Guardian 1,000: 665 seen, 334 remaining.
Wilder has made a film that is technically sound as any of his films. It is well written and well edited to drive a film that becomes painfully obvious that all will not end well. Kirk Douglas gives a career performance as Chuck Tatum, the man behind the strings. He is helped by a very strong supporting cast with standouts being Jan Sterling, Porter Hall, & Ray Teal as the victim’s wife, Albuquerque newspaper boss, and sheriff respectively.
Wilder certainly was able to see into the future. The term "media-circus" is now well known. With stories such as Princess Diana and Britney Spears the public has no problem believing that the press will perpetrate and become involved in the actual story. Many of the things shown in the film have happened many times. Recent media events have spawned both fly-by-night novelty songs and support businesses that pop up to deal with the huge crowds. Though I have to admit an actual carnival is a bit much.
But this film does have its faults. There is nothing subtle about this film. Wilder, much like Chuck Tatum in the film, paints himself into a corner and has a difficult time ending things. I’m also unsure what to make of Tatum’s change at the end. It’s hard to accept that he is now becoming human only to sacrifice himself to martyrdom.
A very good Wilder film but not a masterpiece like both Double Indemnity and Sunset Blvd.
Guardian 1,000: 665 seen, 334 remaining.
Labels: Criterion, FilmReview, Guardian1000
Monday, February 18, 2008
Washington's Birthday
So today is President’s Day. Actually not. It is officially Washington’s Birthday. But for some reason everyone thinks we have lumped celebrating Lincoln’s birthday into day and that will sell more crap at Macy’s. But Lincoln wasn’t born today. He was born last Tuesday. No president was born today. The best we can do is that Wendell Willkie was born on this day in 1892. He was the GOP candidate in 1940 losing to FDR. But his most odd claim to fame is having an affair with Madame Chiang Kai-shek in her bizarre ambition to become the most powerful woman in the world.
So why today? In 1971 congress moved Washington’s Birthday to be celebrated on the third Monday in February along with moving to Mondays Memorial and Veterans Days. This is also when Columbus Day was created. But in 1978 they decided to move Veterans Day back to its actual day of November 11.
So when exactly was George Washington born? That’s a great question! Today it is listed as 22 February 1732. But when he was born it was 11 February 1731. Yes you read that right. When he was born we were still on the Julian calendar so the new year began on 25 March. The day after 24 March 1731 was 25 March 1732. In 1752 England converted to the Gregorian calendar. To align the years 1752 began on 25 March and ended on 31 December and 2 September 1752 was followed by 14 September 1752, 11 days missing.
So Washington’s Birthday was moved forward 11 days from the 11th to the 22nd. So when will we celebrate the government holiday on his actual birthday? NEVER! The third Monday has to be between the 15th and the 21st missing out on both days.
So why today? In 1971 congress moved Washington’s Birthday to be celebrated on the third Monday in February along with moving to Mondays Memorial and Veterans Days. This is also when Columbus Day was created. But in 1978 they decided to move Veterans Day back to its actual day of November 11.
So when exactly was George Washington born? That’s a great question! Today it is listed as 22 February 1732. But when he was born it was 11 February 1731. Yes you read that right. When he was born we were still on the Julian calendar so the new year began on 25 March. The day after 24 March 1731 was 25 March 1732. In 1752 England converted to the Gregorian calendar. To align the years 1752 began on 25 March and ended on 31 December and 2 September 1752 was followed by 14 September 1752, 11 days missing.
So Washington’s Birthday was moved forward 11 days from the 11th to the 22nd. So when will we celebrate the government holiday on his actual birthday? NEVER! The third Monday has to be between the 15th and the 21st missing out on both days.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Bad Boy Bubby
I'm still processing this very odd film.
Guardian 1,000: 664 seen, 335 remaining
Guardian 1,000: 664 seen, 335 remaining
Labels: FilmReview, Guardian1000
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Halsey's Typhoon
My favorite type of book to read is something that I like to call "micro-history." Books that focus on a specific event or trend and discuss the history that led up the happening while focusing on the people affected. These are usually historical aspects that were not taught in school or just glossed over. I’ve read books on the Galveston Hurricane, San Francisco Earthquake, and sinking of the Slocum. Some of the best books in this genre include Into Thin Air, The Perfect Storm, and Longitude. As you can see most of the books involve disasters and need not be about old events.
The third book I’ve read this year, Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue, recounts the typhoon that his the Pacific Fleet in the later part of World War II. I had no memory of this event happening and was interested when I picked this book up at half price.
This book is an interesting quick read that is told from many interviews of the survivors of the three ships that went down and the main rescue ship. The book really takes off in the second half when the survivors are floating in the open ocean hoping for rescue and still battling the typhoon.
However, this might not be the book to read on the subject. Another book was released after this one on the same subject and has much better reviews on Amazon. Military buffs complain of the numerous errors in this book. While I couldn’t pick any out, they didn’t seem to ruin the spirit of first hand accounts. I did notice that the list of the dead in the appendix did seem to contain a few annoying errors. It also seemed like the heroes were portrayed as too saintly and the ones at fault a bit too incompetent.
I do recommend reading more on the story if for nothing else it made a war hero of Gerald Ford, involved the controversial Admiral Bull Halsey, and hurt the military career of John McCain, grandfather of the current presidential candidate.
The third book I’ve read this year, Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue, recounts the typhoon that his the Pacific Fleet in the later part of World War II. I had no memory of this event happening and was interested when I picked this book up at half price.
This book is an interesting quick read that is told from many interviews of the survivors of the three ships that went down and the main rescue ship. The book really takes off in the second half when the survivors are floating in the open ocean hoping for rescue and still battling the typhoon.
However, this might not be the book to read on the subject. Another book was released after this one on the same subject and has much better reviews on Amazon. Military buffs complain of the numerous errors in this book. While I couldn’t pick any out, they didn’t seem to ruin the spirit of first hand accounts. I did notice that the list of the dead in the appendix did seem to contain a few annoying errors. It also seemed like the heroes were portrayed as too saintly and the ones at fault a bit too incompetent.
I do recommend reading more on the story if for nothing else it made a war hero of Gerald Ford, involved the controversial Admiral Bull Halsey, and hurt the military career of John McCain, grandfather of the current presidential candidate.
Labels: Books
Friday, February 15, 2008
2007 Top 4 Films
Here are the top 4 films of 2007. As I said yesterday these are the 10 star films of the year. I could easily order them in any way and on another day with my feelings different that might have been the case.
What made these films different is that everything comes together with these films. They dazzled me technically, with its acting, and completely drew me in emotionally. I easily could have watched them two or three times in a row.
I haven't been able to compete the summaries. I'll add them bit by bit.
4. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
3. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
2. No Country for Old Men
1. Once
What made these films different is that everything comes together with these films. They dazzled me technically, with its acting, and completely drew me in emotionally. I easily could have watched them two or three times in a row.
I haven't been able to compete the summaries. I'll add them bit by bit.
4. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
3. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
2. No Country for Old Men
1. Once
Labels: FilmReview
Thursday, February 14, 2008
2007 Films Top 10 (5 to 10)
This is my top 10 films of 2007. I planned on listing 6-10 today and the top 5 tomorrow. But I split it at 6 and 4 since there is a very distinct break after the top 4. The top 4 are the 10 out of 10 films while these 6 are 1 step below.
I haven't been able to compete the summaries. I'll add them bit by bit.
10. The Wind That Shakes the Barley
9. Michael Clayton
8. Juno
7. Sunshine
6. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
5. Zodiac
I haven't been able to compete the summaries. I'll add them bit by bit.
10. The Wind That Shakes the Barley
9. Michael Clayton
8. Juno
7. Sunshine
6. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
5. Zodiac
Labels: FilmReview
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
2007 Top 20 Films
Below are the films that I put in spots 11 to 20. I haven't decided to rank them so they are listed in alphabetical order.
I haven't been able to compete the summaries. I'll add them bit by bit.
Across the Universe
Black Book
Charlie Wilson's War
Eastern Promises
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
Lars and the Real Girl
My Kid Could Paint That
No End in Sight
Rescue Dawn
2 Days in Paris - The biggest surprise of the year. I wasn’t expecting much since I’m not a big Julie Delpy fan. But she is wonderful her both in front and behind the camera. This look at a strained relationship at the end of an European trip is neither smug nor pretentious. Adam Goldberg is perfect as the fish out of water with a wonderful sense of humor and an equal distance for ugly Americans and pompous French. Topping off the fun are Delpy’s real parents playing her nutty parents in the film. They are completely endearing and exasperating at the same time.
Labels: FilmReview
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
2007 Honorable Mention Films - Part 2
Paris, je t'aime - Usually films like this either are a complete mess or are average at best. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this really works. I don’t think a single segment didn’t work at all while most were very enjoyable. There is pretty much something for everyone. My favorites included themes from the Coen brothers dark comedy, two segments by Richard LaGravenese & Gérard Depardieu featuring older actors, Wes Craven’s piece featuring Oscar Wilde, Alexander Payne’s moving piece of a poster works & Oliver Schmitz’s sad segment on a hate crime.
Persepolis - A very good animated film from France that is both a visual and narrative treat for adults. Drawn in mostly stark black and while it tells the story of a girl coming of age in 1980s Iran with a brief stopover in Vienna. Since it was condensed from four graphic novels, the film at 95 minutes seems to change focus quite a bit. It works better when dealing with growing up in a police state than as a coming-of-age film. But there is a lot to like in this film. Not the least of which is Catherine Deneuve and Danielle Darrieux voicing the mother and grandmother.
Ratatouille - Another animated film and another film set in Paris. This is another wonderful entry from Pixar. This succeeds because they got away from casting "names" and picked the best voice for each role. They also have a very solid story that adults, especially anyone into cooking, will enjoy just as much as the kids. That’s not to say the animation isn’t excellent, it is some of the best ever, but that doesn’t make a classic animated film. And this is one of the best they’ve put out.
The Savages - The interplay between a brother and sister make this a very entertaining film. Philip Seymour Hoffman is solid as the brother with a few issues and Laura Linney is excellent as the sister with a lot of issues. The declining health of their long estranged father, nicely played by Philip Bosco, spurs them to take stock of their lives and both show signs of improvement. A script that doesn’t over dramatize the family issues it just presents things in a very realistic manner.
The Simpsons Movie - With almost 20 years of television shows, the likelihood of failure was high. Yet almost all of the top talent from the history of the show didn’t disappoint. They moved to the big screen with a fine story that holds up for 90 minutes with wonderful jokes and pop-culture references. Yet it always seemed like I was watching an expanded television show on a big screen. But is that a bad thing? Not every film is Oscar worthy but there is nothing wrong with this effort.
There Will Be Blood - While many people consider this the film of the year, this began as the film of the year before staying just a bit past its welcome. The first half of this film is brilliant. Beginning with the wonderful look of the opening sequence of Day-Lewis looking for minerals to his persuasive takeover of land in California this captures the wild southwest of the early 20th century. Paul Dano is amazing throughout as the hypocritical religious leader. But Day-Lewis’ performance is one of the problems I have with the film. He is excellent at the beginning but later on, much like the film, it becomes a bit too over the top. I’m also unsure about the resolution of the film. I’m sure P.T. Anderson is trying to say something but with so many flawed characters, it isn’t clear what the point of the film is except religion and business are both bad.
3:10 to Yuma - A very strong remake that might not fully revive the western, as some people keep trumpeting, but is effective enough to green-light a film or two a year. The originally wasn’t big on action and while this film is longer and opens up a bit its success is totally dependent on the actors. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale more than deliver. They work together perfectly and the audience will be rooting for both of them even though Crowe is the criminal. The real criminal in the film is Crowe’s second in command, Ben Foster, playing a sadistic loon to the edge without being over-the-top. There are also a few nice touches rarely seen in westerns. One is the opportunistic townsmen at the end siding with whoever has more guns and money.
This Is England - A raw and powerful look at a skinhead gang set in 1983. Told from the viewpoint of a 12-year-old who lost his father in the Falkland War. He is desperately looking for a father figure as his mother is ineffectual in helping him cope in school. He is adopted by a gang that is about fashion, music, and dealing with the economic despair. The even has a couple of blacks as friends. It’s not until a racist college gets out of prison that things go bad. Thomas Turgoose as the young boy is wonderful young actor with a very expressive face that conveys both the joy and disillusion in following his new friends.
An Unreasonable Man - This very interesting doc about the professional life of Ralph Nader. He is mainly known as the man who caused Al Gore to loose the election. Over half of the film is devoted to the 2000 election with clever editing between the talking heads of his supporters and detractors both refuting each others claims about who was right. The rest of the film documenting his early success is just as interesting. His battles with business and relative little support from the government in charge, either Republican or Democrat, shed light on his distain for today’s ruling two parties. Surprisingly one of the most interesting speakers if fellow third party candidate Pat Buchanan.
Persepolis - A very good animated film from France that is both a visual and narrative treat for adults. Drawn in mostly stark black and while it tells the story of a girl coming of age in 1980s Iran with a brief stopover in Vienna. Since it was condensed from four graphic novels, the film at 95 minutes seems to change focus quite a bit. It works better when dealing with growing up in a police state than as a coming-of-age film. But there is a lot to like in this film. Not the least of which is Catherine Deneuve and Danielle Darrieux voicing the mother and grandmother.
Ratatouille - Another animated film and another film set in Paris. This is another wonderful entry from Pixar. This succeeds because they got away from casting "names" and picked the best voice for each role. They also have a very solid story that adults, especially anyone into cooking, will enjoy just as much as the kids. That’s not to say the animation isn’t excellent, it is some of the best ever, but that doesn’t make a classic animated film. And this is one of the best they’ve put out.
The Savages - The interplay between a brother and sister make this a very entertaining film. Philip Seymour Hoffman is solid as the brother with a few issues and Laura Linney is excellent as the sister with a lot of issues. The declining health of their long estranged father, nicely played by Philip Bosco, spurs them to take stock of their lives and both show signs of improvement. A script that doesn’t over dramatize the family issues it just presents things in a very realistic manner.
The Simpsons Movie - With almost 20 years of television shows, the likelihood of failure was high. Yet almost all of the top talent from the history of the show didn’t disappoint. They moved to the big screen with a fine story that holds up for 90 minutes with wonderful jokes and pop-culture references. Yet it always seemed like I was watching an expanded television show on a big screen. But is that a bad thing? Not every film is Oscar worthy but there is nothing wrong with this effort.
There Will Be Blood - While many people consider this the film of the year, this began as the film of the year before staying just a bit past its welcome. The first half of this film is brilliant. Beginning with the wonderful look of the opening sequence of Day-Lewis looking for minerals to his persuasive takeover of land in California this captures the wild southwest of the early 20th century. Paul Dano is amazing throughout as the hypocritical religious leader. But Day-Lewis’ performance is one of the problems I have with the film. He is excellent at the beginning but later on, much like the film, it becomes a bit too over the top. I’m also unsure about the resolution of the film. I’m sure P.T. Anderson is trying to say something but with so many flawed characters, it isn’t clear what the point of the film is except religion and business are both bad.
3:10 to Yuma - A very strong remake that might not fully revive the western, as some people keep trumpeting, but is effective enough to green-light a film or two a year. The originally wasn’t big on action and while this film is longer and opens up a bit its success is totally dependent on the actors. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale more than deliver. They work together perfectly and the audience will be rooting for both of them even though Crowe is the criminal. The real criminal in the film is Crowe’s second in command, Ben Foster, playing a sadistic loon to the edge without being over-the-top. There are also a few nice touches rarely seen in westerns. One is the opportunistic townsmen at the end siding with whoever has more guns and money.
This Is England - A raw and powerful look at a skinhead gang set in 1983. Told from the viewpoint of a 12-year-old who lost his father in the Falkland War. He is desperately looking for a father figure as his mother is ineffectual in helping him cope in school. He is adopted by a gang that is about fashion, music, and dealing with the economic despair. The even has a couple of blacks as friends. It’s not until a racist college gets out of prison that things go bad. Thomas Turgoose as the young boy is wonderful young actor with a very expressive face that conveys both the joy and disillusion in following his new friends.
An Unreasonable Man - This very interesting doc about the professional life of Ralph Nader. He is mainly known as the man who caused Al Gore to loose the election. Over half of the film is devoted to the 2000 election with clever editing between the talking heads of his supporters and detractors both refuting each others claims about who was right. The rest of the film documenting his early success is just as interesting. His battles with business and relative little support from the government in charge, either Republican or Democrat, shed light on his distain for today’s ruling two parties. Surprisingly one of the most interesting speakers if fellow third party candidate Pat Buchanan.
Labels: FilmReview
Monday, February 11, 2008
2007 Honorable Mention Films - Part 1
Since I can’t think of anything else to write about and am sick of fighting with my home computer, more on that probably later, I will continue with my wrap-up of films of 2007. When I left off I talked about the 21 films that I considered above-average. The number of films per day will now get shorter but I’ll be writing more per film.
Today and tomorrow are the honorable mention films. These received serious consideration for top 20 status and only missed out due to a minor flaw or another there was not enough room at the top. Since 19 films made this level, I’ll discuss half today, and half tomorrow.
After the Wedding - Scandinavia is very good at producing films of fucked up families. The trailers can just read, "secrets were revealed, lives were altered, relationships were destroyed." Last year’s Oscar nominee from Denmark is that and a lot more. This film has a look that can be described as Dogma-lite. It resembles those films but doesn’t put adhering to those rules as gospel. It is directed by Susanne Bier who did this year’s Things We Lost in the Fire and maybe it is the female touch that sets this film apart.
The film premise is simple. A man who runs an orphanage in India returns to his native Denmark to secure funding for his charity. His future benefactor casually invites him to his daughters wedding while he is unaware that he knew the man’s wife years ago. The script is first rate with a number of twists that some can be guessed but some probably not. The characters react in ways that you probably wouldn’t but seem consistent and the acting is top notch by all. Noticeable are Mads Mikkelsen (Le Chiffre from Casino Royale) as the head of the orphanage and Stine Fischer Christensen (looking like Emily Mortimer) as the daughter.
Atonement - A very solid story that when translated to film resolves some of the problems I had with the book. Technically the film is excellent, the costumes are gorgeous, Keira Knightly has never looked more beautiful and Saoirse Ronan is a wonderful acting find.
The pre-war sequence is where this film is strongest. It very successfully portrays the same scenes from two different points of view that prove to be the fatal catalyst of the story. As it moves to World War II it is no less beautiful but it loses much of the emotional punch. It does end of a high note with the appearance of Vanessa Redgrave but I, as with the book, I question how much atonement went on.
Broken English - A real surprise as film by a Cassavetes that is light comedy, starring Parker Posey no less. One of a number of films featuring Paris in a romantic setting this year works due to Posey in a job she hates and the only person in her social circle that is not in a long term relationship. She has a few misses then she finds the perfect man but he is geographically wrong. If it was a Hollywood film it would rely too much on slapstick with someone like Debra Messing in the lead. This film is plays like they are normal people and works perfectly.
The Bourne Ultimatum - A highly entertaining film that’s main negative is being compared to the previous two Bourne film. As an action film this has some wonderful set pieces. The Waterloo Station sequence is one of the best ever put to film that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The New York cat and mouse game was equally entertaining but the chase in Tangier seemed to go a bit too long for me. At the end when the plot took over, it seemed too Rambo-ish and I really didn’t care about the ins and outs of the corrupt government. However, I would welcome a fourth film just to see Damon, Allen, & Stiles, who was very strong in this film, in these characters again and to answer the Bourne/Nicky Parsons history question.
Crazy Love - The first of the many documentaries mentioned from here on out. In 1959, a New York ambulance chasing attorney threw acid in the face of his 22 year old girlfriend in a jealous rage. Fifteen years later, thinking no one else would want a blind and scared wife, they marry. This is the stuff for E True Hollywood Story. But director Dan Klores, in his first theatrical doc, puts together a fairly captivating tale. He includes accounts from many friends and relatives, including New York icon Jimmy Breslin, that will come off to outsiders as more crazy New Yorkers. He skillfully edits between everything in a nice pace that is far more than the subject deserves.
Diggers - A nice small film that I might have been one of the few to see. Director Katherine Dieckmann expertly handles the familiar story of four close male friends who aren’t as mature as their age and the women that surround them. Set in a Long Island clam digging town during the 1970s it explores the backdrop of big business driving families out of what they have been doing for generations. But the strength is the real interplay between the actors. Paul Rudd and Maura Tierney are wonderful as brother and sister while Lauren Ambrose has a nice turn as the outsider; a rich girl from the city slumming it for the summer.
Gone Baby Gone - Maybe Ben Affleck has found his calling. Having read all of Dennis Lehane’s works I was worried it could be a mess. But Affleck understands the raw nature of the source material and puts together a film that is better than the glossier and more praised Mystic River. Casey Affleck, who had a great 2007, holds this film together as the detective who knows that streets who tries to do the right thing. Amy Ryan, who gets to breakout from The Wire, is excellent as the bad mother who starts the whole process.
Affleck shows South Boston in all its raw glory. Some complain he exploited the underbelly, but I disagree. He finds actors that you believe are at the lowest end of the economic ladder. Scenes play out like you are watching real people. Two in particular, coincidentally both are in bars, have such real tension you will find yourself sweating. You might put all the pieces together before the detectives but you have to agree it is some of the best twists in a crime whodunit in years.
In the Shadow of the Moon - Being highly interested in the space program I was looking forward to this and was not disappointed. It covers much of the same ground that countless other docs on the Apollo have already covered so the casual fan might not be as interested. However the visuals look great and this film is unique in being told completely from the astronaut point-of-view. I was glad to see it had them discussing the feeling of being so close to the moon but unable to go to the surface. The discussion of Armstrong landing the lunar module was very interesting, was it really that close a call? And something I never thought of but some mentioned being uneasy in being labeled heroes while colleagues were dying in Vietnam.
Manufactured Landscapes - Another good doc in a year with a number of strong documentaries. This is the one film I saw on DVD that I wished I had seen in the theater. The visuals are amazing beginning with the long 10 minute tracking shot of a Chinese factory. Both the artist profiled and the film pose important questions about why we have allowed things get so polluted. However they don’t delve as deep into the problems of the human condition. That is probably another film but as this is shot in China it is impossible to not think about that while watching. It is further brought out while watching the excellent DVD extras that highlight their governmental escort and the numerous places they were not allowed to film.
Margot at the Wedding - The American version of After the Wedding in terms of family dysfunction. Viewers might find it hard to connect with the relatively plotless film with no real beginning and a very abrupt ending. Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Jason Leigh are two sisters with a lot of baggage and history. We learn little of the history in the brief look at these characters. Kidman’s character might further alienate viewers. She plays one of the nastiest, self-centered, most manipulative characters in recent history. Ms. Leigh actually plays a fairly normal person who seems happy with her life until her sister appears to tell her she is wasting herself. Jack Black is actually very good, as is the entire cast, especially the younger actors. My only complaint is a clichéic plot development involving Jack Black that further screws up this family.
Today and tomorrow are the honorable mention films. These received serious consideration for top 20 status and only missed out due to a minor flaw or another there was not enough room at the top. Since 19 films made this level, I’ll discuss half today, and half tomorrow.
After the Wedding - Scandinavia is very good at producing films of fucked up families. The trailers can just read, "secrets were revealed, lives were altered, relationships were destroyed." Last year’s Oscar nominee from Denmark is that and a lot more. This film has a look that can be described as Dogma-lite. It resembles those films but doesn’t put adhering to those rules as gospel. It is directed by Susanne Bier who did this year’s Things We Lost in the Fire and maybe it is the female touch that sets this film apart.
The film premise is simple. A man who runs an orphanage in India returns to his native Denmark to secure funding for his charity. His future benefactor casually invites him to his daughters wedding while he is unaware that he knew the man’s wife years ago. The script is first rate with a number of twists that some can be guessed but some probably not. The characters react in ways that you probably wouldn’t but seem consistent and the acting is top notch by all. Noticeable are Mads Mikkelsen (Le Chiffre from Casino Royale) as the head of the orphanage and Stine Fischer Christensen (looking like Emily Mortimer) as the daughter.
Atonement - A very solid story that when translated to film resolves some of the problems I had with the book. Technically the film is excellent, the costumes are gorgeous, Keira Knightly has never looked more beautiful and Saoirse Ronan is a wonderful acting find.
The pre-war sequence is where this film is strongest. It very successfully portrays the same scenes from two different points of view that prove to be the fatal catalyst of the story. As it moves to World War II it is no less beautiful but it loses much of the emotional punch. It does end of a high note with the appearance of Vanessa Redgrave but I, as with the book, I question how much atonement went on.
Broken English - A real surprise as film by a Cassavetes that is light comedy, starring Parker Posey no less. One of a number of films featuring Paris in a romantic setting this year works due to Posey in a job she hates and the only person in her social circle that is not in a long term relationship. She has a few misses then she finds the perfect man but he is geographically wrong. If it was a Hollywood film it would rely too much on slapstick with someone like Debra Messing in the lead. This film is plays like they are normal people and works perfectly.
The Bourne Ultimatum - A highly entertaining film that’s main negative is being compared to the previous two Bourne film. As an action film this has some wonderful set pieces. The Waterloo Station sequence is one of the best ever put to film that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The New York cat and mouse game was equally entertaining but the chase in Tangier seemed to go a bit too long for me. At the end when the plot took over, it seemed too Rambo-ish and I really didn’t care about the ins and outs of the corrupt government. However, I would welcome a fourth film just to see Damon, Allen, & Stiles, who was very strong in this film, in these characters again and to answer the Bourne/Nicky Parsons history question.
Crazy Love - The first of the many documentaries mentioned from here on out. In 1959, a New York ambulance chasing attorney threw acid in the face of his 22 year old girlfriend in a jealous rage. Fifteen years later, thinking no one else would want a blind and scared wife, they marry. This is the stuff for E True Hollywood Story. But director Dan Klores, in his first theatrical doc, puts together a fairly captivating tale. He includes accounts from many friends and relatives, including New York icon Jimmy Breslin, that will come off to outsiders as more crazy New Yorkers. He skillfully edits between everything in a nice pace that is far more than the subject deserves.
Diggers - A nice small film that I might have been one of the few to see. Director Katherine Dieckmann expertly handles the familiar story of four close male friends who aren’t as mature as their age and the women that surround them. Set in a Long Island clam digging town during the 1970s it explores the backdrop of big business driving families out of what they have been doing for generations. But the strength is the real interplay between the actors. Paul Rudd and Maura Tierney are wonderful as brother and sister while Lauren Ambrose has a nice turn as the outsider; a rich girl from the city slumming it for the summer.
Gone Baby Gone - Maybe Ben Affleck has found his calling. Having read all of Dennis Lehane’s works I was worried it could be a mess. But Affleck understands the raw nature of the source material and puts together a film that is better than the glossier and more praised Mystic River. Casey Affleck, who had a great 2007, holds this film together as the detective who knows that streets who tries to do the right thing. Amy Ryan, who gets to breakout from The Wire, is excellent as the bad mother who starts the whole process.
Affleck shows South Boston in all its raw glory. Some complain he exploited the underbelly, but I disagree. He finds actors that you believe are at the lowest end of the economic ladder. Scenes play out like you are watching real people. Two in particular, coincidentally both are in bars, have such real tension you will find yourself sweating. You might put all the pieces together before the detectives but you have to agree it is some of the best twists in a crime whodunit in years.
In the Shadow of the Moon - Being highly interested in the space program I was looking forward to this and was not disappointed. It covers much of the same ground that countless other docs on the Apollo have already covered so the casual fan might not be as interested. However the visuals look great and this film is unique in being told completely from the astronaut point-of-view. I was glad to see it had them discussing the feeling of being so close to the moon but unable to go to the surface. The discussion of Armstrong landing the lunar module was very interesting, was it really that close a call? And something I never thought of but some mentioned being uneasy in being labeled heroes while colleagues were dying in Vietnam.
Manufactured Landscapes - Another good doc in a year with a number of strong documentaries. This is the one film I saw on DVD that I wished I had seen in the theater. The visuals are amazing beginning with the long 10 minute tracking shot of a Chinese factory. Both the artist profiled and the film pose important questions about why we have allowed things get so polluted. However they don’t delve as deep into the problems of the human condition. That is probably another film but as this is shot in China it is impossible to not think about that while watching. It is further brought out while watching the excellent DVD extras that highlight their governmental escort and the numerous places they were not allowed to film.
Margot at the Wedding - The American version of After the Wedding in terms of family dysfunction. Viewers might find it hard to connect with the relatively plotless film with no real beginning and a very abrupt ending. Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Jason Leigh are two sisters with a lot of baggage and history. We learn little of the history in the brief look at these characters. Kidman’s character might further alienate viewers. She plays one of the nastiest, self-centered, most manipulative characters in recent history. Ms. Leigh actually plays a fairly normal person who seems happy with her life until her sister appears to tell her she is wasting herself. Jack Black is actually very good, as is the entire cast, especially the younger actors. My only complaint is a clichéic plot development involving Jack Black that further screws up this family.
Labels: FilmReview
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Roy Scheider 1932-2008
I was sad to read tonight that Roy Scheider passed away today at the age of 75. His acting heyday was in the 1970s and while he was in relatively few films he seemed to pick the right few. His role in film history is set due to starring in Jaws, at the time the top earning film in history and regarded as the birth of the summer blockbuster.
My favorite role of his is Joe Gideon, the alter-ego of director Bob Fosse in All That Jazz. This is one of my favorite musicals. Much is do to the great songs and staging of Fosse but the film wouldn’t work without Scheider’s presence throughout. He also gets to be in one of the great song numbers and holds his own to the great Ben Vereen in the finale.
Next he is known for three supporting roles. In Klute, The French Connection, and Marathon Manh gave memorable performances while working with some of the best every performers.
His other lead roles of note are in flawed but still interesting films. The Seven-Ups, a loose sequel to The French Connection; the William Friedkin remake Sorcerer; and helicopter action film Blue Thunder.
My favorite role of his is Joe Gideon, the alter-ego of director Bob Fosse in All That Jazz. This is one of my favorite musicals. Much is do to the great songs and staging of Fosse but the film wouldn’t work without Scheider’s presence throughout. He also gets to be in one of the great song numbers and holds his own to the great Ben Vereen in the finale.
Next he is known for three supporting roles. In Klute, The French Connection, and Marathon Manh gave memorable performances while working with some of the best every performers.
His other lead roles of note are in flawed but still interesting films. The Seven-Ups, a loose sequel to The French Connection; the William Friedkin remake Sorcerer; and helicopter action film Blue Thunder.
Labels: Film
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Obama Saturday Sweep
The first day of voting after Super Tuesday and maybe Obama is gaining momentum. I discussed with a friend from California Monday evening and she though that Obama would have a hard time winning California due the Hillary probably taking most of the absent vote. But hopefully Obama would cut into her lead as he seems to be doing and keep gaining momentum. I was concerned about the way the press reports it like a sports score just noting the states won and if Hillary won more states people wouldn’t realize that it is still close since everything is proportional.
Well I didn’t have to worry about the press since the result was 13 states to Obama, 8 to Hillary, and 1 a virtual tie. And it looks like the momentum is building as he won all 4 states and territories today by big margins. I’m not too surprised by Louisiana and Nebraska since he should do well in the south and mid-west. But Washington! A state in the far north-west and he wins 68% to 31%. A big win in a big population state.
(Edited Sunday to add: Make that a clean sweep for the weekend. A big win in Maine and now the Hillary camp as news that she has replaced her campaign manager. Next up Tuesday is three contests in the south that Obama can win easily. KEEP IT UP!)
Well I didn’t have to worry about the press since the result was 13 states to Obama, 8 to Hillary, and 1 a virtual tie. And it looks like the momentum is building as he won all 4 states and territories today by big margins. I’m not too surprised by Louisiana and Nebraska since he should do well in the south and mid-west. But Washington! A state in the far north-west and he wins 68% to 31%. A big win in a big population state.
(Edited Sunday to add: Make that a clean sweep for the weekend. A big win in Maine and now the Hillary camp as news that she has replaced her campaign manager. Next up Tuesday is three contests in the south that Obama can win easily. KEEP IT UP!)
Labels: Politics
Friday, February 08, 2008
Ticketmaster is pure evil
So I was thinking about seeing Feist in April at the Palladium. Not a hugh fan but she is a hot artist with the Apple commercial and all and though it might be fun.
So I log onto Ticketmaster...
Tickets : $25.00 (thats cool I can handle that)
Convenience Charge : $8.25 (a little high, I would expect $5 but I can live)
Additional Taxes : $0.89
Order Processing Charge : $5.10 (this is where it's getting ridiculus. If you are going to charge me $8 per ticket then that's pretty ballsy to hit me up with an order fee.)
TicketFast Delivery : $2.50 (to be emailed the fucking tickets. are you kidding me?)
Total Charge : $41.74
OK a $25 dollar ticket should only coast at most $32 dollars with the added fees.
I know that this is old news that Pearl Jam talked about years ago but when you are paying $75 for a major show its not a big deal but for this I really have to re-thing my modivation to see an artist that I'm only marginally interested in.
That works out to $15.85 going straight to Ticketmaster or 63% of the ticket price.
Say the Palladium gets 1,000 people and most buy in groups of 2. That is $12,050 for Ticketmaster when they really didn't do all that much.
Since they have the monopoly on tickets at AAC if a show there sells 18,000 tickets, using the same logic that's $216,900 into the pockets of Ticketmaster.
That is the worst thing about losing Gypsy and Trees is you now have to go through this money hungry outfit to get tickets. Maybe they have a boxoffice where I can save a little money.
So I log onto Ticketmaster...
Tickets : $25.00 (thats cool I can handle that)
Convenience Charge : $8.25 (a little high, I would expect $5 but I can live)
Additional Taxes : $0.89
Order Processing Charge : $5.10 (this is where it's getting ridiculus. If you are going to charge me $8 per ticket then that's pretty ballsy to hit me up with an order fee.)
TicketFast Delivery : $2.50 (to be emailed the fucking tickets. are you kidding me?)
Total Charge : $41.74
OK a $25 dollar ticket should only coast at most $32 dollars with the added fees.
I know that this is old news that Pearl Jam talked about years ago but when you are paying $75 for a major show its not a big deal but for this I really have to re-thing my modivation to see an artist that I'm only marginally interested in.
That works out to $15.85 going straight to Ticketmaster or 63% of the ticket price.
Say the Palladium gets 1,000 people and most buy in groups of 2. That is $12,050 for Ticketmaster when they really didn't do all that much.
Since they have the monopoly on tickets at AAC if a show there sells 18,000 tickets, using the same logic that's $216,900 into the pockets of Ticketmaster.
That is the worst thing about losing Gypsy and Trees is you now have to go through this money hungry outfit to get tickets. Maybe they have a boxoffice where I can save a little money.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Mamma Roma
With the possible exception of the United States no country has produced more film genres than the Italian film industry. It has given us neorealism, sword and sandals, spaghetti westerns, giallo, and the sentimental works of the late 1980s and early 1990s to name a few.
But the 1970s brought surreal, films loaded with symbolism and bizarre orgies of S&M laden sex. Fellini dabbled in the genre but it is more closely identified with Pier Paolo Pasolini with his films The Decameron, The Canterbury Tales and Salo (one of the most infamous film in history.) As odd as this work is, his early work is at the other end of the spectrum in beauty. The Gospel According to St. Matthew is one of the best works based on the Bible and Mamma Roma, the film I recently watched, is just as hypnotic.
The story of Mamma Roma is simple. A former prostitute (Anna Magnani) tries to leave her old life and raise her son to be respectable as she works in a fruit stand. Her son, fascinated by the local tramp and the local youths, is more drawn to the life of a petty thief. Magnani enlists the help of some of her former associates to get her son a decent job but in the end it doesn't matter.
This film is all Magnani. She gives a great performance even though both her and Pasolini don’t thing so, for different reasons, and fired barbs at each other in the press. The scenes with her have amazing energy but when the film concentrates on her son it loses some of this intensity. A couple of her most interesting scenes are also the most technically interesting. She walks down a dark street while former customers and workers approach to talk then fall back while another appears. These scenes are done in one take with one lasting over four minutes. The black and white photography is another high point especially in these scenes where the audience can see little outside of the speakers. The classical music, much of it by Vivaldi, further adds to the mood.
This film is rich in symbolism. Magnani’s character can be seen as a stand in for Italy as she is caring, coarse, religious, and suffers through it all. There are numerous religious and political allusions, most notably the ability to change you social status. Even the mother-son relationship has some oedipal overtones.
The film was labeled immoral upon its 1962 release. One reason was due to its vulgar language. But as Pasolini has explained that is how this social class, which as drifted away, lived.
Guardian 1,000: 663 seen, 336 remaining.
Hot Chick Born Today
Robin Lively, 36, she doesn't work too often now but she southern looks made her one of the most beautiful around in the 90s when she went from the television shows Doogie Howser, Chicago Hope, & Savannah.
But the 1970s brought surreal, films loaded with symbolism and bizarre orgies of S&M laden sex. Fellini dabbled in the genre but it is more closely identified with Pier Paolo Pasolini with his films The Decameron, The Canterbury Tales and Salo (one of the most infamous film in history.) As odd as this work is, his early work is at the other end of the spectrum in beauty. The Gospel According to St. Matthew is one of the best works based on the Bible and Mamma Roma, the film I recently watched, is just as hypnotic.
The story of Mamma Roma is simple. A former prostitute (Anna Magnani) tries to leave her old life and raise her son to be respectable as she works in a fruit stand. Her son, fascinated by the local tramp and the local youths, is more drawn to the life of a petty thief. Magnani enlists the help of some of her former associates to get her son a decent job but in the end it doesn't matter.
This film is all Magnani. She gives a great performance even though both her and Pasolini don’t thing so, for different reasons, and fired barbs at each other in the press. The scenes with her have amazing energy but when the film concentrates on her son it loses some of this intensity. A couple of her most interesting scenes are also the most technically interesting. She walks down a dark street while former customers and workers approach to talk then fall back while another appears. These scenes are done in one take with one lasting over four minutes. The black and white photography is another high point especially in these scenes where the audience can see little outside of the speakers. The classical music, much of it by Vivaldi, further adds to the mood.
This film is rich in symbolism. Magnani’s character can be seen as a stand in for Italy as she is caring, coarse, religious, and suffers through it all. There are numerous religious and political allusions, most notably the ability to change you social status. Even the mother-son relationship has some oedipal overtones.
The film was labeled immoral upon its 1962 release. One reason was due to its vulgar language. But as Pasolini has explained that is how this social class, which as drifted away, lived.
Guardian 1,000: 663 seen, 336 remaining.
Hot Chick Born Today
Robin Lively, 36, she doesn't work too often now but she southern looks made her one of the most beautiful around in the 90s when she went from the television shows Doogie Howser, Chicago Hope, & Savannah.
Labels: Criterion, FilmReview, Guardian1000
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
KOP
I just finished my second book of the year. It is Kop, the debut science fiction novel from Warren Hammond. It would be more appropriate to label this as a film noir set in a futuristic world. I picked it up cold from the new acquisitions section of the library. There are 14 user reviews and all have given it 5 stars. I would not disagree.
The film noir story is an aging corrupt cop, Juno, from vice is assigned to investigate a murder by the chief of police, Paul Chang, his former partner. The chief is corrupt and wants Juno to team with a beautiful young recruit that is squeaky clean and try to connect the murder to a corrupt mayor who is trying to take down the power in the police force.
While the cops are corrupt they try to do things that benefit the planet as a whole. The jungle planet Lagoto had an economic boom due to its brandy crop. People made the journey to live a better life but the economy collapsed while many were en-route only to find no work. Rival drug gangs took over and Chang supported one gang for peace and geographical sections of safety while the politicians sold out any remaining economic opportunity to off-world interests leaving the planet in a perpetual third world state.
A interesting, fast paced read that mirrors history with a story of a futuristic planet with mostly poor inhabitants and the rich off-world people who can afford the latest in heath care, vanity body enhancements, and the latest technology. While this story is completely resolved the author has a sequel scheduled for release this summer that I am looking forward to.
Hot Chick Born Today
Megan Gallagher, 48, I've been a fan since her Slap Maxwell days but she really hit her peak as Wayloo Marie Holmes in China Beach.
The film noir story is an aging corrupt cop, Juno, from vice is assigned to investigate a murder by the chief of police, Paul Chang, his former partner. The chief is corrupt and wants Juno to team with a beautiful young recruit that is squeaky clean and try to connect the murder to a corrupt mayor who is trying to take down the power in the police force.
While the cops are corrupt they try to do things that benefit the planet as a whole. The jungle planet Lagoto had an economic boom due to its brandy crop. People made the journey to live a better life but the economy collapsed while many were en-route only to find no work. Rival drug gangs took over and Chang supported one gang for peace and geographical sections of safety while the politicians sold out any remaining economic opportunity to off-world interests leaving the planet in a perpetual third world state.
A interesting, fast paced read that mirrors history with a story of a futuristic planet with mostly poor inhabitants and the rich off-world people who can afford the latest in heath care, vanity body enhancements, and the latest technology. While this story is completely resolved the author has a sequel scheduled for release this summer that I am looking forward to.
Hot Chick Born Today
Megan Gallagher, 48, I've been a fan since her Slap Maxwell days but she really hit her peak as Wayloo Marie Holmes in China Beach.
Labels: Books
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Sadly there was no Jane...
...but it was still a great concert. As you can see from the picture I was very close (only one person standing in front of me).
We had to wait outside in the rain for 30 minutes until they opened the doors but as usual with House of Blues’ shows it moved on time. Fastball took the stage at 8:00pm and plays a very good 30+ minute set. I was standing with a couple of groups: 2 gay men and 3 girls and we were all trying to figure out who Fastball was. We remember them but could not remember their 1 or 2 hits. A few songs in they played Out of My Head and we all went "there’s the hit." I was pretty excited since that is the song played in the great, original trailer for Wonder Boys. Later they played The Way and we were wondering how we could forget the song we couldn’t forget in 1998.
I have to mention, people are assholes. I saw this at Joss Stone but this time it was in from of me. If you are not humping the ass of the person in front of you and leave any courtesy space some jerk is going to squeeze in front of you after the opening act. Two bitches tried just that but the six of us yelled at them enough to where the completely left our area.
A little after 9, Kathy and Charlotte came out to make the sad announcement that Jane left the tour 2 days ago to be with her dying mother. She was replaced by Austin musician, Eve Monsees, who did a very good job but, while I’m sad for Jane, I really wanted to see the S&M goddess.
As you see from the photo, I picked the left side of the stage and spent the entire evening in front of the still very hot Belinda & Charlotte. They played every one of their hits in a show that ran just under an hour and a half. They seemed to have fun with the audience. They mentioned with Jane not being there they had more time to talk between songs since she gabs the whole time. Charlotte asked about Dallas weather. They arrived at noon it was hot, then it went from rainy, windy, humid and cold. Kathy bounced around the stage with a wireless base and Gina came out from behind the drum set to talk and survey the crowd before and after the encore.
All the songs were great with The Whole World Lost Its Head being fun as they threw updated lyrics into the crowd and we sang with them to lines such as "the idiot became the president, Britney goes crazy daily, the rich twins dress like homeless people." The big question we had between acts is would they do Belinda’s solo stuff? And yes, Mad About You was a crowd favorite. After a very brief break, the encore opened with a long, rocking version of my favorite Head Over Heels. The finale was the Shangri-Las’ song Remember (Walking in the Sand) that really showed off Belinda’s vocal range. A great end to a very fun concert.
Monday, February 04, 2008
I need a day to myself
I really don’t know what to write about so please indulge me in this free flow rant.
One of my biggest problems is I don’t know how to relax and enjoy the moment. I’m always thinking about something else I need to be doing. When I’m watching a movie I begin thinking of what I need to be doing after the film. When watching a dvd at home I begin looking around the room at other things needed to be done. While reading a newspaper or something on the web I begin to thing how I can be more productive.
I know this is something I need to work on and try to find something a few times each week where I can completely lose myself and relax. Maybe I can try yoga, tai chi (I was always mesmerized when seeing the groups doing this in San Francisco) or find a spare sensory deprivation tank.
I’ve basically felt this way over the past week as it seems like a number of things derail my mental state. I’ve been trying to improve myself this year with a number of resolutions, for want of a better word. I think I’ve done pretty well keeping up with things, such as: studying, eating right, working out, blog posting, reading stuff and such. But last week I had a huge car repair bill, have been dealing with moving my work office to another building, my dad’s continuing health issues have made me want to shut down for a while and just do nothing. Then I feel like I’m behind in things and it begins a vicious cycle that makes me want to shut down even more. Times like this I just wish I had an extra day to catch up where this is no stress and I have 100% of the time to myself.
I really don’t know what this is to accomplish other than give me a chance to step back, take a breath, and look at things anew.
One of my biggest problems is I don’t know how to relax and enjoy the moment. I’m always thinking about something else I need to be doing. When I’m watching a movie I begin thinking of what I need to be doing after the film. When watching a dvd at home I begin looking around the room at other things needed to be done. While reading a newspaper or something on the web I begin to thing how I can be more productive.
I know this is something I need to work on and try to find something a few times each week where I can completely lose myself and relax. Maybe I can try yoga, tai chi (I was always mesmerized when seeing the groups doing this in San Francisco) or find a spare sensory deprivation tank.
I’ve basically felt this way over the past week as it seems like a number of things derail my mental state. I’ve been trying to improve myself this year with a number of resolutions, for want of a better word. I think I’ve done pretty well keeping up with things, such as: studying, eating right, working out, blog posting, reading stuff and such. But last week I had a huge car repair bill, have been dealing with moving my work office to another building, my dad’s continuing health issues have made me want to shut down for a while and just do nothing. Then I feel like I’m behind in things and it begins a vicious cycle that makes me want to shut down even more. Times like this I just wish I had an extra day to catch up where this is no stress and I have 100% of the time to myself.
I really don’t know what this is to accomplish other than give me a chance to step back, take a breath, and look at things anew.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Super Bowl
Today I spent doing basically two things.
One was watching the Super Bowl. I really didn't care anything about the two teams but I was rooting against New England to have a perfect season. So at least I was happy about that. For the most part the game was boring as hell until the last half of the last quarter then it had one of the greatest finishes in Super Bowl history. Also the commercials were pretty boring. I didn’t find any particularly funny and the only one that was interesting was the Godfather inspired Audi ad, mainly due to that being a bad-ass looking car.
The second thing I did was spend way too much time dealing with the Guardian 1,000 list. Part of the reason is that I have too many lists to work off of and need to consolidate. I have an Excel spreadsheet that I used to create the initial list. This was updated but I wanted to move away from this. I added a field to my Access database that indicates if a film is a Guardian entry. This all went fine.
This I decided to update my list on List of Bests. Here is where I wanted to kill myself. There were only 997 entries on the list. While the List of Bests is an interesting social network you have to deal with idiots screwing things up and different versions of the film on different lists. So for some reason I took it upon myself to QC the entire list and found two films that should not have been on the list and added the missing four films. At least in the process I was able to bring current the films that I can check off. So according to the list, I’m 66% complete.
One was watching the Super Bowl. I really didn't care anything about the two teams but I was rooting against New England to have a perfect season. So at least I was happy about that. For the most part the game was boring as hell until the last half of the last quarter then it had one of the greatest finishes in Super Bowl history. Also the commercials were pretty boring. I didn’t find any particularly funny and the only one that was interesting was the Godfather inspired Audi ad, mainly due to that being a bad-ass looking car.
The second thing I did was spend way too much time dealing with the Guardian 1,000 list. Part of the reason is that I have too many lists to work off of and need to consolidate. I have an Excel spreadsheet that I used to create the initial list. This was updated but I wanted to move away from this. I added a field to my Access database that indicates if a film is a Guardian entry. This all went fine.
This I decided to update my list on List of Bests. Here is where I wanted to kill myself. There were only 997 entries on the list. While the List of Bests is an interesting social network you have to deal with idiots screwing things up and different versions of the film on different lists. So for some reason I took it upon myself to QC the entire list and found two films that should not have been on the list and added the missing four films. At least in the process I was able to bring current the films that I can check off. So according to the list, I’m 66% complete.
Labels: Sports
Saturday, February 02, 2008
L’Appartement
I’ve been away from the computer for a couple of days, but I made some notes and now have formalized in a blog entry.
Today watched the French film L’Appartement, another winner off of the Guarding 1,000 list. This wonderful Hitchcockian film, as the French seem pretty good at making, is the only feature from director Gilles Mimouni. He mixes themes from several different films, such as Vertigo and Rear Window, in a seamless manner to create a fairly fresh film.
The main actors are all great in roles fairly early in their careers. Vincent Cassel, far from the scruffy character he is typecast today, is a businessman who delays a trip to Japan to try and track down a former lover who he thinks he caught a brief glimpse. The former lover is Lisa, played by Monica Bellucci, who at 32 is stunningly beautiful. The lady he tracks down is the 23-year-old Romane Bohringer. She tells him her name is also Lisa but there is obviously more going on than it seems.
The story plays out in a flashback structure that may be hard for some to follow. The flashbacks go back to the end of the previous relationship, 2 years ago, and continue up until the opening scene when Cassel first spies Lisa. There are a number of questions you have about what is going on but by the end all will be nicely answered. But like many of Hitchcock films, probably not resolved in a way that is good for many of the characters.
Guardian 1,000: 662 seen, 337 remaining.
Today watched the French film L’Appartement, another winner off of the Guarding 1,000 list. This wonderful Hitchcockian film, as the French seem pretty good at making, is the only feature from director Gilles Mimouni. He mixes themes from several different films, such as Vertigo and Rear Window, in a seamless manner to create a fairly fresh film.
The main actors are all great in roles fairly early in their careers. Vincent Cassel, far from the scruffy character he is typecast today, is a businessman who delays a trip to Japan to try and track down a former lover who he thinks he caught a brief glimpse. The former lover is Lisa, played by Monica Bellucci, who at 32 is stunningly beautiful. The lady he tracks down is the 23-year-old Romane Bohringer. She tells him her name is also Lisa but there is obviously more going on than it seems.
The story plays out in a flashback structure that may be hard for some to follow. The flashbacks go back to the end of the previous relationship, 2 years ago, and continue up until the opening scene when Cassel first spies Lisa. There are a number of questions you have about what is going on but by the end all will be nicely answered. But like many of Hitchcock films, probably not resolved in a way that is good for many of the characters.
Guardian 1,000: 662 seen, 337 remaining.
Labels: FilmReview, Guardian1000
Friday, February 01, 2008
Return to the Guardian List
Last week I did a final, major push to watch films from 2007. That was to prepare for this weeks film countdown, which is obviously being delayed at least another day, I have now turned my attention to again working on the Guardian 1,000 list. The last time I was actively working on the list. back in August of last year, I had 346 movies left on the list. Currently, I have 340 movies left to see.
Since August, I knocked these 6 films off the list without even trying:
Dodgeball
Elevator to the Gallows
The Italian Job
The Science of Sleep
The Thomas Crown Affair
Under the Skin
This week I've brought that number down to 338, having seen:
American Movie - An enjoyable documentary about a marginally talented filmmaker who is trying to make the next The Blair Witch Project. This was the hit of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and I'm not sure it lives up to the hype. While it probably runs a bit too long as Mark Borchardt, the film-maker who drinks too much, wears out his welcome. There are a number of scenes well worth seeing. Two that highlight just how low-budget the film being made is: Uncle Bill needed 31-takes to record a simple line, and still not getting it right, and trying to slam a head through a not-so-breakaway door. However not one I'd put on a 1,000 film list.
Come and See - Wow, what a film! I started watching this late at night and only planned on getting a good start before bed. Two hours later I was still watching being captivated by the images. This is one of the best films every made to convey the horrors and insanity of war without either making it look heroic or the film lapsing into insanity itself. This is the last film the director made, even though he was 52 and would live for 18 more years. He certainly went out on a high. The young lead, in his first film, does an amazing job. He says very little but has such an expressive face as he witnesses the horrors. Equally good is the young female, in her only list role on IMDB. She reminds me of Jennifer Jason Leigh and a pity she didn't work more. A must see.
Since August, I knocked these 6 films off the list without even trying:
Dodgeball
Elevator to the Gallows
The Italian Job
The Science of Sleep
The Thomas Crown Affair
Under the Skin
This week I've brought that number down to 338, having seen:
American Movie - An enjoyable documentary about a marginally talented filmmaker who is trying to make the next The Blair Witch Project. This was the hit of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and I'm not sure it lives up to the hype. While it probably runs a bit too long as Mark Borchardt, the film-maker who drinks too much, wears out his welcome. There are a number of scenes well worth seeing. Two that highlight just how low-budget the film being made is: Uncle Bill needed 31-takes to record a simple line, and still not getting it right, and trying to slam a head through a not-so-breakaway door. However not one I'd put on a 1,000 film list.
Come and See - Wow, what a film! I started watching this late at night and only planned on getting a good start before bed. Two hours later I was still watching being captivated by the images. This is one of the best films every made to convey the horrors and insanity of war without either making it look heroic or the film lapsing into insanity itself. This is the last film the director made, even though he was 52 and would live for 18 more years. He certainly went out on a high. The young lead, in his first film, does an amazing job. He says very little but has such an expressive face as he witnesses the horrors. Equally good is the young female, in her only list role on IMDB. She reminds me of Jennifer Jason Leigh and a pity she didn't work more. A must see.
Labels: FilmReview, Guardian1000
