Monday, December 29, 2008
X Files: I Want To Believe
I'm not even going to justify this review with a picture or video of the trailer. I heard from a few people how bad this movie was but I got it on Netflix and figured I'd give it a shot.
Holy Fuck A Cactus, was this movie horrible. I couldn't even believe how bad this movie was. Horrible. The plot was very lacking and you can tell this movie was thrown together just for any possible profit it could have made since it was done right at the beginning of the writer's strike. Just pull this script off the shelf. Californication had gone into hiatus and Duchovney needed work.
Christ in a corn field, this movie is not worth sitting through. I could barely sit through it. I'm trying my best to not list any spoilers for anyone still interested in seeing it.
Gah!
1 star...and I'm being nice.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Common - Universal Mind Control
This is going to be short.
I just picked up the new Common CD "Universal Mind Control". Even though it's a bit of a different direction from his previous work, it's still an amazing piece of work. A lot of the songs are more dancey club style songs but still with more style than most of the shit on the radio.
Go take a listen...the whole album is available on his MySpace.
Common's MySpace
Cadillac Records
I am going to begin this by saying I am biased. Biased in the sense that I am a huge blues fan and Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf are two of my all time favorite blues musicians. When I heard this movie was being made, I could barely contain myself. So of course I saw it opening weekend.
I'll start by saying that I'm not too impressed with Adrian Brody but he works well enough in this story. I was there for the two blues musicians I mentioned above. Now, even though Jeffrey Wright looks nothing like Muddy Waters, he brought a dedication to the role that soon had me forgetting that detail. It's like Pacino's accent in Scarface. He was dedicated to the accent even though it was not a correct dialect.
I am so happy Jeffrey Wright is working more. He was amazing in this role. All the actors sang their own renditions of the classics these musicians made famous. Mos Def was great as Chuck Berry. Even though I am quite sick of Beyonce, I have to see she too did a good enough job. I mean, don't get me wrong. She can sing of course. She has a bit of acting talent. But I couldn't help think that she just put on a wig and read the lines in a passionate way. Yeah, and she cussed alot in between expressing the daddy issues. I am wondering if she ever spoke with Etta James about the role before committing to it in her preparation. Either way, I can't avoid saying this, she be hot too. Both of them. Etta and her. Ok...moving on...
It was an enjoyable experience to watch the story of these artists unfold on the big screen. I don't think there will be any Academy Award nods for the actors' portrayals of these iconic characters but it's still worth the money...especially if you're a fan of the music like myself. It's also good to understand or learn how the music we listen to nowadays originated. Hell, I found it pretty damn cool they had a nod to Alan Lomax, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones. Some people still don't know that Rock & Roll, R&B, and Hip Hop music all was derived from The Blues.
If I had em, it gets 4.
Milk
I've gotta say, this movie really touched me. I remember a number of years ago, catching the documentary about Harvey Milk on cable. It was such a moving story. When I heard they were making a movie with Sean Penn starring as Milk, I knew it was something to check out.
Everyone should see this. Especially with how Prop 8 has ended up going. This movie takes place 30 something years ago, yet the subject matter is something that still signifies a struggle which exists today.
The cast is amazing. Gus Van Sant is a great director and he does good work here. Once again, Josh Brolin is in a movie I'm raving about. Seriously...go see the damn movie. Sean Penn will probably be nominated. He personified the role and seriously became Harvey Milk in his voice and mannerisms. The casting was perfect.
If I had stars, it'd be 4 1/2 out of 5.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
I got a little over a month to wait
Dare I say, fuck Heroes, screw Lost...Jack Bauer is returning in a month. You two get a back seat.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Terminator Salvation Motion Poster
I found these on the Icons Of Fright blog. Too good not to repost.
This is a pretty badass concept. I approve.
Click below for the complete motion poster.
Terminator Salvation
Monday, November 24, 2008
Quantum Of Solace
I love a good James Bond movie. However, I started getting bored with the Pierce Brosnan movies. I really felt the series needed a change of direction. I always liked the classic films with Sean Connery playing Bond. As well, I remember thinking that when the Jason Bourne movies came out how much more entertaining and downright awesome they seemed to be.
I think the people behind Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace shared my view. When I first heard Daniel Craig was to be the new Bond, I was skeptical. I knew of him as an actor but he was too rugged looking for me to accept him as a smooth talking 007. I realized, that was exactly the point. Casino Royale was an awesome movie. It was a bit long for my liking but I really appreciated the story line of a new upgrading an agent to double O status.
Quantum Of Solace started at the point right where Casino Royale ended. This movie was badass. Any action film fan would enjoy it. I think it worked on many levels, including as a James Bond movie. There's something about Daniel Craig's version of Bond that reminds me of classic Connery. Yet, it also infuses a more contemporary James Bond as well.
My one gripe with the movie was the sticking with the issue of Vesper from the previous film. I think I understand why they did it. To show the arc of the new James Bond in learning the rules of the road and keeping his emotional instability at bay. Still...it seemed a bit tiresome at points.
All in all, though, this movie had everything a James Bond fan would want. There was no Q. I'm wondering if there will ever be the Q character. Besides that, there were the sleek fast cars, the hot Bond women, enough action to satisfy any action fan, and the classic flavor of the Bond series is still there.
I'd give it 4 1/2 out of 5.
Oh....and I can't get enough of the theme song either.
W.
As I mentioned in the last blog post, I've been slacking off on the reviews. I went and saw W. the week it came out which was I believe the week before the election. I'm just getting around to writing about it now.
I enjoyed this movie. The one thing I went to see was Josh Brolin's performance. I'm sure a lot of people were on the same page. Much like the movie Ray, or Walk The Line, I was wanting to see this actor portray this larger than life individual who is still our president. I say "larger than life" the way I would to describe a cartoon character. It's not meant really to be complementary or insulting.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this movie. The thing I found was that it didn't seem as much to be a partisan leaning message trying to sway the audience one way or the other. It really came off like a life story, in a sense, of this interesting character. Dare I even say, I found myself actually liking the guy towards the middle of the movie. I felt empathetic towards him. I found myself wondering if this is actually what it was really like. If our President is really like this. I felt sorry for him.
Josh Brolin's performance was amazing. And once again....we have a review of a movie that has Elizabeth Banks in it. Marry me, Ms Banks!
James Cromwell played George HW Bush. I wasn't too sold on it. He did well but I just wasn't sold on him being Bush Sr.
The movie does have a great cast. Ellen Burstyn as Barbara Bush, Scott Glenn as Donald Rumsfeld, Jeffrey Wright as Colin Powell. The three, though, who stand out as a casting job very well done were Thandie Newton as Condoleeza Rice, Toby Jones as Karl Rove, and Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney. Seriously...Richard Dreyfuss's portrayal of Dick Cheney was uncanny.
I'd suggest anyone go see this movie. It was enjoyable. Very much a character study of modern times.
I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.
Zach And Miri Make A Porno
Ok. I've been kinda slacking off on the reviews here. I went and saw Zach And Miri Make A Porno almost a month ago and I've been meaning to write a little blurb about it. I have no excuses. I've just been slacking off I guess.
Anyway, this movie blew away the expectations I had for it. It was much funnier than I was expecting it to be. Mind you, I've already decided I'll see any Seth Rogan movie. I've also decided Elizabeth Banks is going to be my future wife.
Yes, it's a Kevin Smith movie so off the bat, I knew it would be enjoyable. It was more than that. Dirty humor all around. What I didn't expect was the underlying love story and that gave the movie more depth and story arc to enjoy on more than just the superficial dirty joke level.
There was one scene in particular that I think stole that show and that was the scene between Justin Long and Brandon Routh (the short lived new Superman). This scene was fucking brilliant. I won't give any spoilers. You'll see what I mean. Just go see it.
If I had stars, it'd get 4.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Spacious Thoughts
Sweet Baby! This collaboration has got me all giddy.
Kool Keith and Tom Waits.
Oh man just listen.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pollen Botanical Design
Eagle Rock, California's Pollen Botanical Design Studio's got a new online community. It's still in the process of being finalized but anyone who's interested, click the link and maybe even join if you'd like.
Pollen Botanical Design
Friday, November 07, 2008
Steven Spielberg & Will Smith Remaking OLDBOY?!
The following story has been taken from www.iconsoffright.com....
Could it be?! Variety is reporting that "Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in early discussions to collaborate on a remake of Chan Wook-Park's cult classic OLDBOY." The article states that Dreamworks is in the process of securing the remake rights for distribution through Universal.
"In the 2003 Korean original, a man gets kidnapped and held in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. Suddenly, he's released and given money, a cell phone and clothes and is set on a path to discover who destroyed his life so he can take revenge.
Spielberg had been looking for an opportunity to make a film with Smith, who would play the kidnapped man if all the pieces fall into place. Spielberg is looking for a writer to begin the development process."
Seriously...I've already said I would pretty much go see any movie Will Smith does. I mean, I did see Hancock. I just watched this trailer for Seven Pounds.
So yeah....that looks promising and I'll see it.
The idea of remaking Oldboy gives me pause but I'll give it consideration if Spielberg and Smith stay attached to it and it actually happens. For those who haven't seen Oldboy, I highly suggest watching it. It's a pretty fucked up movie and part of the cult classic Vengeance trilogy.
This right here is one of the best, if not THE best scene in the film.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Cadillac Records
Anyone who knows me well, knows I'm big on the Blues. Especially the music that existed during the 1920s to 1950s. The Chitlin Circuit era. I saw the trailer above and damn near flipped. Two of my all time favorite blues musicians Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf are being portrayed in it. Beyonce looks like she does a great job as Etta James. Even Mos Def playing Chuck Berry....I mean damn!
I saw this trailer and now I can't stop listening to my collection of Blues.
So until then, I will tide myself over with these.
Muddy Waters
Howlin Wolf
John Lee Hooker
Big Mama Thornton
Buddy Guy
And although it seems heaven sent...
...Yeah Tupac....we now seem to be ready to have a black president.
As soon as Barack (we're on a first name basis, he emails me) clenched it on Tuesday, the first thing I thought about was that song Tupac put out.
But seriously. Wow. It hasn't completely sunk in yet. I went to the Democratic Headquarters in my neighborhood for bbq catering, beer, and to watch the results come in on the big screen. They had the timing wrong slightly because a minute after they announced the food was ready and everyone crammed themselves into the poor excuse of a structured line, the Presidency was announced for Obama. I missed the announcement!
My response was, as I was in line on the other side of the building was 'Really? Already? Wow!'.
It was amazing, almost surreal. I felt like I should have been jumping and screaming but I found myself sitting there, once I got back to my seat with my food, with a huge smile on my face.
So that was great. That IS great. What isn't great is this Proposition 8 bullshit. I mean....we have broken down a major wall of intolerance and discrimination in nominating our first black president only to find another wall which stops people from getting married. I just don't get it.
I mean, I get the argument. I understand the opposing view point in the extent that I'm not an idiot. But I don't get it and don't understand the underlying prejudices that comes with the passing of the Proposition.
One step forward, one step back.
Re-Open Prop 8
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
According To Patton
Today, started at 4:30pm Pacific Time, one of my favorite comedians Patton Oswalt will be live blogging on Comedy Central's Indecision 2008 Blog.
I will probably miss this, but I'm looking forward to reading the archive.
For those who are interested, and who wouldn't be...really....
According To Patton
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Midnight Meat Train
Last night I had the opportune chance to view a screening of Midnight Meat Train in an actual theater. It was playing in a double feature bill with Candyman at The New Beverly Theater in West Hollywood, Ca. Clive Barker was there to participate with a Q&A from the audience and introduce the film.
The film was originally planned for release in May but due to politics over at Lionsgate Films, the movie was pretty much shoved aside and eventually came out in August. This happened when a new big wig took over Peter Block's job. Mr. Block was in charge of getting Midnight Meat Train out there to the many movie theaters it would play at. Well this didn't happen and it was subsequently released in about 100 movie theaters across the country without any advertisements or trailers played anywhere. You can read more about this HERE
Anyway, I have to say it was a refreshing night for me to actually see a true horror film on the big screen. With all the watered down teen scream flicks out these days, obviously just to make money, it was really nice experiencing a Clive Barker movie in a theater. I haven't had that experience since Lord Of Illusions....even though the movie really let me down. That, too, was a movie adaptation of a Clive Barker short story. With short stories, you only have so much material to work with, so I was happy with the length of the movie and vague explanation of the turn of events in the movie towards the end. To me, this movie was all about the experience. The director, Ryuhei Kitamura, seemed to be quite fond of putting the audience in the perspective of the victims on screen. There were a few moments where it was very successful. I haven't really seen this type of camera work done before. Don't take my word for it, if you watch the movie, you'll understand what I mean with the eyeball scene in the subway.
I'm hopeful we'll get the horror genre back on track. This movie gave me hope even though it was literally thrown under the bus by it's own movie studio. There can only be so many Saws and Hostels before people feel oversaturated with violence and gore without there being any real story or reason in the plot to justify its use.
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of gore and violence in this movie but to me it didn't seem like it was gore for gore's sake. That's Eli Roth territory. Between that and the endless supply of remakes, things have gotten quite grim for original ideas to get their time of day and audience appreciation.
Anyway, I've gone on a bit of tangent of my issue with the state of horror movies today.
I give the movie 4 out of 5, if I had em. Stars, that is.
Hellraiser Remake News
'Hellraiser' redo in Laugier's hands
Writer-director to help realize Dimension's relaunch
By Borys Kit and Gregg Goldstein (story taken from www.thehollywoodreporter.com)
Oct 29, 2008, 01:00 AM ET
Pascal Laugier, whose horror film "Martyrs" stirred controversy in his native France, is in final negotiations to write and direct Dimension's re-imagining of "Hellraiser," one of horrormeister Clive Barker's best-known creations.
Released in 1987, "Hellraiser" told the story of an unfaithful wife who attempts to assist her dead lover in his escape from hell. The movie introduced viewers to a race of demons called Cenobites, most notably one nicknamed Pinhead -- who became one of the most enduring horror characters of the decade -- who was summoned using an antique puzzle box.
Dimension has been hoping to relaunch the franchise for the past couple of years, first hiring Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo to write and direct a remake then tapping Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton to write a new draft.
ICM-repped Laugier at least seems to have thematic sympathies with the material, with his "Martyrs" beginning as a revenge movie then entering the grounds of spiritual horror, with torture figuring as a focal point. Torture -- though not the so-called horror subgenre of torture porn -- also is a key point in "Hellraiser."
"This is a dream project for me," Laugier said. "I know Clive Barker's work very well, and I would never betray what he has done. Fans are expecting a definitive 'Hellraiser,' and I don't want to take that away from them."
"Martyrs" has been dividing audiences since appearing at the Festival de Cannes because of its unrelenting violent nature. The movie was hit with a 18+ rating -- a rarity in France and an equivalent of NC-17 in the U.S. -- sparking a protest by the country's Society of Film Directors.
At the Toronto International Film Festival, several people reportedly fainted during its midnight screenings. The Weinstein Co. is the domestic distributor, but no dates have been announced.
The remake is part of Dimension chief Bob Weinstein's master plan.
"If I could make all my films from franchises, I would," the Weinstein Co. co-chairman said at the recent Media and Money conference in New York. At the event, presented by Dow Jones and the Nielsen Co., parent company of The Hollywood Reporter, he rattled off a list of other films that he hopes to continue sequelizing, including "Scream" and "Scary Movie."
Borys Kit reported from Los Angeles; Gregg Goldstein reported from New York.
And just because I wanted a taste of what this new director can do, I rewatched the trailer for Martyrs. Here it is.
This Hellraiser remake gives me hope. Hope that it won't suck balls like the Halloween remake.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
RIP Barry Rick of BRick Entertainment
Ten years ago, I gained new commercial representation (I am an actor) with Barry Rick. He was, at the time, running the commercial department through Zanuck, Passon, and Pace. In 2003, he split from them and created his own commercial agency which quickly gained notoriety and a great reputation among actors and the casting world.
Barry was the first and only commercial agent I've ever had that dealt with me more like a person and less like a detached agent focused solely on money. He came from a manager background and was able, almost seemlessly, to pay attention to his clients equally while also negotiating well with advertisers regarding pay.
I booked a total of 15 commercials during the ten years I was repped by him. He was key in the direction my commercial career moved. He wasn't just an agent, he was also a friend, gave great advice, and was a patient listener.
This past year found him moving back home to Maryland where he dealt with medical complications which only got worse as the year progressed. I lost touch with him a month ago when complications got worse. I was communicating with his replacement, Kenny, and he kept me up to date on Barry's health when he had news to give.
I found out today that Barry passed away last week.
I know I just typed a handful here but words can't really express how I'm feeling.
Below is taken from the email I received about his passing:
To honor Barry's commitment to education and his support of the Emerson College Los Angeles Center internship program, a scholarship has been established in his name to award funds to Emerson students who are selected for internships at BRick Entertainment during their semester-long studies in Los Angeles. Contributions should be made payable to Emerson College with a notation "Barry Rick Scholarship" in the memo line.
Contributions should be sent to
Amy Meyers
Emerson College
120 Boylston Street, 7th floor
Boston, MA 02116-4624
My Own Worst Enemy
I was wondering for a good few years what really happened to Christian Slater. I enjoy him as an actor. The last movie I remember seeing that had him in it was Very Bad Things and then he sort of fell off the map, only resurfacing in smaller indie movies.
I watched My Own Worst Enemy last week. This show has promise, in my opinion. I really enjoyed the protagonist/antagonist element that he poses to his alter ego.
I think this'll be a show to watch.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Burn After Reading
I was in San Francisco over the weekend and during my time there, my cousin wanted to check out Burn After Reading. I'm always up for a movie so I went, of course. I had heard mixed reviews on the film. After watching it, I understand them.
See, I enjoyed the film overall. Yet, there was a definite plot point in the film that made me sit up and say, 'What the fuck?' A few more of these moments happened. It threw off my complete understanding of the movie. It was as if the Coen Brothers went through their normal writing process of this script and got stuck at a certain point where they then opted to throw in a few moments no one would expect that would then tie the movie together. The problem, in my mind, was that the first plot point I am referring to got rid of an enjoyable character. As soon as that character was gone, I enjoyed the film less. It wasn't as amusing to me and the other moments and the final closing of the movie felt too convenient.
The movie is quirky and silly and maintained my attention but it didn't live up to my expectations of what a Coen Brothers movie should be. It's a far cry from Fargo, Raising Arizona, and The Big Lebowski...that's for sure.
The actors do a great job. I always love seeing George Clooney work. Brad Pitt does well with anything he's given. It just seemed the subject matter could have been punched up a bit.
If I had stars, I'd give it 3.
Religulous
I saw this movie a couple of weeks ago but am only having the time now to be able to write a little thing about it. I found this film smart, funny, and scary. You can pretty much gauge from the trailer what it's about. Basically, Bill Maher, contests organized religion throughout the film and touches on how religion has probably done more harm than good throughout civilization's history.
I really enjoyed the movie. The thing I found that stood out the most was the fact that he wasn't insulting religion. He was questioning Fate and bringing forth to the table Doubt in every form for each religion he touched on.
If I had stars, I'd give it 4 out of 5.
Oh and if you want to be entertained, go view the trailer on Youtube and read all the dumb comments beneath it.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Choke
Well I am finally getting around to writing up this short little review of this little gem of a film. I first read Choke in 2002 I believe. Being that I was still at the height of my reading frenzy of any Chuck Palahniuk book I could get a hold of, this was third on my list (Before it were Fight Club and Invisible Monsters...after it were Survivor and Diary). I really enjoyed the book. So when I heard the movie version was finally coming out, I was thrilled.
Moreover, I love Sam Rockwell. He is definitely not as big as he should be in this industry. The performance he brings to Vincent is fantastic. There are many correlations between this story and that of "Jack" in Fight Club. They are both attending recovery group meetings and both have a similar arc regarding discovery of identity. But this movie is more-so a comedy that deals with some seriously deep issues regarding loss during one's childhood. Or...a loss of one's childhood altogether, bringing about a dire need of seeking acceptance of anyone. Whether it's having sex with every woman who works at the hospital your mother is a patient at. Or choking on food at restaurants to be saved by strangers.
Like the book, the movie does a great justice to tying all these elements of the story together in almost a natural way to bring about the cohesive ending and closure of the character's problems.
I just did my best to talk about it without really talking about it. Sadly, this movie will make no money in the box office. I wish it would because it was great. Here's hoping we won't have to wait another 10 years for another Palahniuk book to be made into a movie.
If I had stars, it'd get 4 out of 5.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
I must thank TV for saving my sanity
Given how my life has been going over the past year, I tend to go to many a movie to get my escapist entertainment fix. More and more, however, television has been filling that need as well. Here are some shows I can't get enough of:
Honorable mention: It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Mythbusters, and Man Vs Wild
Of course, this is limited to basic cable shows. If not, I'd definitely be adding some Dexter footage.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Viacom Buys Social Project
I've had a bit of a lapse in blogging due to a major acquisition that affects my work.
Viacom Buys Social Project
Since I work at Social Project, now I am a Viacom employee. So I have been quite busy over the past two weeks.
I will return you to your normally scheduled programming here shortly.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
9/11 tm
I'm not going to go on for long about this. It's September 11th, 2008. I am saddened every year to remember what the country went through 7 years ago and those who have experienced great loss. A few years ago, though, I started feeling a bit annoyed with all the "Never Forget" bulletins and comments I read on the internet every time this date comes around. Why annoyed? I feel like, it's turned into a bit of a brand name/vehicle/piece of propaganda. I felt I was in the minority in feeling this way, until I saw the video below. The same thing goes for me when I hear people question patriotism when a politician doesn't wear a flag pin. I feel it when I see an American Flag sticker on a car or when those American flags were attached to car windows forever. I know what country I live in. I am proud of where I come from. But I believe there is a fine line between that sense of pride and using it as a jumping off point into a bigger argument or worse yet, an agenda.
For what it's worth, my thoughts go out to those who lost someone in the attacks. I feel we all lost something that day, whether we lived in NY or elsewhere. I don't think it's possible anyone can ever forget.
Lights In The Sky at The Forum
This is a pretty good review of the show from Saturday at The Forum. I took it from www.artistdirect.com
It's hard to forget a Nine Inch Nails show. Each NIN tour has become legendary in its own right. In 1994, the Self Destruct Tour saw the band become an arena rock juggernaut in the wake of their essential classic, The Downward Spiral. The trek culminated with NIN's famous 1994 Woodstock set, which left a mud-covered crowd salivating for more. In 2000, the Fragility 2.0 trek saw the band emerge from years of silence and leave a trail of stunned, sold-out audiences behind them. Their 2005 headlining gig at Coachella caused jaws to collectively drop across the Indio valley, as did the With Teeth tour that followed. Those instances all have a healthy amount of time between them, and NIN's career seems marked by that prolonged quiet before the flashes of recorded brilliance.
However, since 2005, it's seems as if NIN hasn't left the road. So with that, Mr. Reznor has to keep crowds guessing. As prolific as ever—both Ghosts I-V and The Slip were released online this year—Trent decided to step his game up even more. It's because of that mentality that Lights In the Sky happened this summer. It's quite possibly one of the most thrilling aural experiences of the year. The show shouldn't even be called a simple "concert." It's much more than that.
Along with Kanye West's Glow In the Dark Tour, one of NIN's best attractions on this run is the light show. It's hard to compete with Reznor's epic vision on record, but live, it's even harder. At The Forum in Los Angeles, NIN kicked off a two-hour plus set with the pummeling combination of "1,000,000" and "Letting You." Immediately, a bombast of strobe lights ignited a sensory overload. The lights' intensity matched the music's staccato, industrial punishment. Reznor, clad in a blood-red shirt and black pants, commanded the death march. His razor sharp wail sounded more pained than ever, and he synched up with the gnashing guitars through each and every howl. Then came "March of the Pigs." As the band tore through the classic, the crowd went unequivocally crazy for the first time that night. From 666-emblazoned goth girls to blackberry-wielding L.A. industry types, everyone lost his or her mind to the din of Reznor's apocalyptic industrial thrash. When the keyboards took over, and he screamed, "Now doesn't it make you feel better," all eyes couldn't leave the stage. At the end of the song, he brought the audience back to 1994 again as he violently whipped the mic stand, throwing it across the stage. Meanwhile, the lights opened and closed like some kind of bionic curtain fluttering in the winds of pure aggression.
"The Frail," from the band's arguably most underrated album The Fragile, gave a slow, moody reprieve. Reznor took over the keyboards alone. One lone spotlight shone on him, as he strangled the crowd's attention with a maudlin, neo-classical piano melody that could serve as the most beautiful funeral dirge ever. The song's buildup was big and ominous, chronicling NIN's darkest hour within it's brightest show. During a heavier jam on the depressive stripper anthem "Closer," red lights bent back and forth, and everyone in the crowd chanted the song's church-prodding chorus.
"Gave Up" exploded with a viral intensity that flooded the crowd like a shockwave. It was a fiery explosion of energy, and then the curtain dropped. Sticks of light began dancing and gyrating, as Reznor and Co. stood behind a transparent screen. Their shadows resembled a gothic painting as the lights flashed around, faintly illuminating them during "The Warning."
After "Vessel," the band played an instrumental acoustic set culled from Ghosts. The set was quiet and trippy. It proved to be a bit long, but the outdoor backdrops gave the stage an entrancing depth that made up for the quaint ere. However, Trent quickly turned things around with a creepy, almost-acoustic rendition of "Piggy" at the end of the Ghosts section. Even though the instrumental section wasn't as powerful as the rest of the set, it still saw NIN pushing their own limits.
Suddenly, the snowy red foreground on the screen was erased like a skyscraper window cleaner, and the opening strains of "Pinion" began. Trent launched into "Wish," and its avalanche of lights and distorted energy simply bludgeoned. The raw feedback and massive groove were enough to spark equal amounts of moshing and dancing. "Head Like A Hole" resounded like a goth national anthem, while on "Only," Trent appeared within a snow of lights in front of the screen, washing away the fuzz. "Survivalism," "The Hand That Feeds" and "The Big Comedown" all proved equally incendiary.
Near the end of the set, Reznor spoke for the first time, asking, "Do you want to hear something happy and light or something depressing and horrible?" With a smirk, the band began the rarely played "Reptile," and its sensually strangling chorus ripped with a vile sexuality. The green lights and smoke functioned as the perfect foreground.
"Hurt" proved ever the poignant closer. As the last feedback strains rotted through the silence, it felt like NIN had become stronger than ever. A more positive ending, "In This Twilight" came as an encore, pushing NIN into the stratosphere. Lights In the Sky was nothing short of epic, and, in true Nine Inch Nails fashion, it'll be talked about for years to come.
—Rick Florino
09.08.08
Friday, September 05, 2008
I'm getting pretty politicked off
See what I did there? Politicked? I'm funny.
But seriously, this may come off a bit jumbled and ranty but I am tired of thinking a lot about this recently without getting it out there. I'm a pretty open minded, dogmatic person. I do my best to see the good in people and the bright side of every view point, even the ones I don't agree with.
That being said, I watched a lot of the Republican National Convention this past week. I figured it was only fair of me to do. If I am to be open minded and dogmatic, I felt I needed to infiltrate the enemy's lair and see what bedtime stories they give their evil baby dragon children before evil dragon naptime.
It scared the crap out of me.
Seriously. I needed a diaper after watching, because the crap was literally scared from out of me.
It started with them bringing out a former football player turned preacher to talk about God, his judgement upon our actions, and reference some Bible passages. They prayed a bit too. I'm not too keen on religion. What baffled me was that it seemed, in that instant, there was no separation between church and state. It seemed it was now just a concept, no longer a rule we adhere to in this nation. Jesusland. I'm a Jew. So was Jesus. Whoop dee frickin' frogger....don't care when it comes to the direction our nation has been taken in this Mr. Toad's Wild Ride of a decade.
I watched Sarah Palin's speech. It was almost like watching a Stepford Wife up there. With all this woman believes, her stances on abortion, making sure the baby gets enough camera time, the pregnant daughter issue, teaching creationism in schools, banning books for bad language or references to two male parents in a children's book....well....it baffled me. At the same time, I saw why everyone was eating it up. She's kinda hot. She reads well. She's smart. She's sassy.
She's contradictory. She's annoying. She fits the McCain ticket pretty well. To say John McCain didn't pick her to pander to the Clinton fans, to me, is like saying a bacon fat diet based solely on bacon fat ingestion is the healthiest thing out there. Seriously. Bullshit. Her speech after he announced her as his choice, with her reference to Hilary and then the comment about the glass ceiling further clinched it for me. Sure, it'd be awesome to have a woman in office. But to suggest women should vote for her because she is a woman and not touch on all the anti-woman (I use that term cuz I am tired and can't think of something better) beliefs that drive her.
The thing that scared me more than her, was the overall message from the three and a half days of the convention. Country First is a great idea. John McCain seems like a good guy. I've always thought that. But, the convention came off to me like a bunch of posturing and not a lot of substance. Sure, McCain went through some horrible experience in Hanoi. Everyone knows this. Everyone recognizes his bravery and no one questions his patriotism. But to throw that in everyone's faces along with Jesus, war propaganda, more Jesus, the American Flag, more propaganda, finger pointing, and let's just say a bit of a Jesus and war propaganda stew....all in the name of "Peace" and the theme of 'Country First' without ever really going into the real issues that the country is facing regarding economy and health care really seems like a cop out. To state that Obama is inexperienced is fine. I understand the argument and point there. To state that you have a bunch of experience is great too. But to constantly throw that in one's face every day, in every speech, and only discuss military action in Iraq and nothing else is just ludicrous. Yet, they've gotten a considerable bump from the convention.
It saddens me to think that, yet again, our country may vote for a president that they relate to more than someone who will truly make this place better. I hope history won't repeat itself....but somehow....it always does. Let's just hope it repeats itself in a different manner this time, than how the last 8 years have gone. If not, I'm seriously considering moving out of the country. But, I've said that for the last two elections and I'm still fucking here.
Oh, and on a side note, I'd like to slap Rudy Giuliani with a giant bag of freshly picked arugula.
Ghostbusters 3?
Is this finally happening? I was recently under the impression that the only thing that will closely constitute a sequel is the much anticipated Ghostbusters video game that will be coming out in the not so distant future. This video game, in itself, would be the reason I finally get an XBOX 360 (and plan on use it).
But now, I read on the Icons Of Fright blog there is possibly a third movie in the works.
You can read about it here: Who Ya Gonna Call?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
P.U.M.A.
I'm not going to go on a long rant about this. Decide for yourself. The organization called Party Unity My Ass (P.U.M.A.) is a group of disgruntled Democrats who believe Hilary Clinton was railroaded into not getting the nomination because Barack Obama played unfair. I'm sure this is referring to Florida and Michigan. If I remember correctly, Hilary Clinton made the decision to not count those delegates when they "didn't matter". Whatever, pointing fingers at this point, is futile. The idea that they will not vote for a member of their own party because of harsh feelings like this, seems like a temper tantrum that is just a futile. I'm sure it's to make a point, to send a message, to teach a lesson. But, if the outcome of said lesson puts our country in a sadder and worse state, what kind of lesson/message/point will that be? That we are sore losers who have lost site of the bigger picture and what Democrats, as a party, stand for?
The idea that hurt feelings because the person you wanted didn't get the nomination would in turn make you not vote for the candidate that did get the nomination just because of semantics such as those makes me sad and worry. To not vote or vote for the other party's candidate makes me want to run face first into a wall. It's almost like giving up.
Here's the site I'm referring to:
www.puma08.com
And just for the record, if Barack Obama didn't get the nomination, I'm sure people would be claiming it's racism instead of sexism. But if he didn't get the nomination, I'd still vote for Clinton. It's just simple logic.
Notes On A Scandal
Wow. Holy crap. This movie was amazing. I was not expecting how great this movie was going to be. I suppose, if I was, I would have seen it in the theater. Judy Dench blew me away in this movie. Seriously. She really grasped the element of how a state of solitary depression can translate into obsessive and manipulative behavior. The thing I loved best about this movie was that it was mostly told through her quiet, thoughtful, and justified narrative. As if we were not only hearing her thoughts on what was happening, but seeing things through her eyes. Cate Blanchet was also awesome. I loved how they threw a tiny tidbit about her past being a punk and had an obsession with Siouxsie and the Banshees. For some reason, that little tidbit made this movie feel more honest and real. With the stories, like this one, that have been seen on the news and in tabloids before, it was interesting to see how this fictional story played out with all the different elements and angles.
Definitely a movie to check out.
If I had stars, I'd give it 4 1/2 out of 5.
Straight To Hell in some Paper Planes
When I first heard Paper Planes by M.I.A., I found the song slightly annoying but slightly catchy. Actually, the only thing I found really catchy about that song was the riff that repeats itself over and over in the song. There was something familiar about it but I couldn't put my finger on it.
Lo' and Behold, here I am today listening to The Clash after watching "The Future Is Unwritten" last night and the song Straight To Hell comes on. I haven't heard this song in quite a long time. And there it is! The same riff!
So, I'm kinda torn now about how I feel about Paper Planes as a song. I still find it catchy. But it's the same thing I found catchy about Straight To Hell. Now I'm curious if she is paying homage to The Clash and their message as well, since there are similarities in her's. Of course, they are definitely two different songs if you listen to the structure but that riff...without it Paper Planes would be damn boring to listen to.
As an addendum, I'd like to add that I find it a bit disconcerting that people think the song "Paper Planes" is about getting high and smoking weed. To quote M.I.A. from a recent interview: I was having this stupid visa problem and I didn't know what it was, aside from them thinking that I might to fly a plane into the Trade Center - which is the only reason that they would put me through this. I actually recorded that in Brooklyn, in Bed-Stuy. I was thinking about living there, waking up every morning - it's such an African neighborhood. I was going to get patties at my local and just thinking that really the worst thing that anyone can say [to someone these days] is some s--t like: 'What I wanna do is come and get your money.' People don't really feel like immigrants or refugees contribute to culture in any way. That they're just leeches that suck from whatever. So in the song I say 'All I wanna do is [sound of gun shooting and reloading, cash register opening] and take your money.' I did it in sound effects. It's up to you how you want to interpret. America is so obsessed with money, I'm sure they'll get it."
Monday, August 18, 2008
Tropic Em Effin' Thunder
Well leave it to Tropic Thunder to finally push The Dark Knight out of the top slot at the box office. I went and saw this movie on Saturday. I was really really really looking forward to this movie. I have mixed feelings about Ben Stiller, but that's mostly from personal experiences I've randomly had with the man. But over the years, one thing he has proven is that he writes well and is a truly funny guy. Apparently Tropic Thunder was something he was working on for the past decade.
I enjoyed the movie alot. I'm going to give one spoiler because it has to be said, and was already touched on when he was the guest on The Daily Show last week. Tom Cruise was the best thing about this movie. I am not a big fan of that man but I think his turn in this film just may have revived his career.
A close second is Robert Downey Jr. He seriously is one of my favorite actors out there now, again, like he was in the 90s with Chaplin and Short Cuts. Sure, there's this controversy of him wearing the black face. But the depth of the character that is playing another character is amusing and what keeps this performance in check, in my opinion, is that it's overtly theatrical. His character as Kirk Lazarus, the 5 time Academy Award winning Aussie actor is remeniscent of a cross between Daniel Day Lewis and Russel Crowe. His character that the aussie is playing in the fictional movie of Tropic Thunder, seems to have been based on bits and pieces of African American culture from blacksploitation films and sitcoms from the 70s. I believe that offers enough of a disconnect, given the time that has gone by, that it keeps this as entertainment and doesn't go into the racism category. At least for me. Plus...having the character of Alpha Chino there to keep this fake black man in check added a hilarious element to the film. It's almost like Ben Stiller acknowledged how wrong this was and put a real black man in the movie to stay on his ass.
Ben Stiller and Jack Black delivered, as usual. I wasn't too impressed beyond what I had already expected from either of them. That's not a bad thing. Like in Pineapple Express with James Franco, I feel Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr are the main reasons anyone should really see this movie.
The action was great. Nick Nolte was surprising, coming back to comedy after like three decades. I loved the elements in this film that obviously poke fun at Hollywood and the way things work behind the scenes. Now, given that last statement, I find it absurd that there's this controversy over the use of the word retard in the movie. Sure, retard is not a complimentary word. Ben Stiller's character "Tugg Speedman" had made a movie called "Simple Jack" about a mentally disabled person that went horribly wrong at the box office. This character reminded me of Of Mice And Men.
So what I gather is that people are up in arms about the use of the word retard and how Ben Stiller, and the movie, are mocking mentally disabled people. Where it seems to me that the movie is mocking those that use that term, the way Hollywood treats actors who play those types of characters, and is not necessarily making any direct insults or comments focused towards these disabled people.
Did that make sense? Hell, I don't care if it didn't. People will boycott what they wanna boycott.
Rounding out the cast is Danny McBride. Yeah that guy who was in the Foot Fist Way and Pineapple Express. Keep an eye on this guy. I think he'll be doing some really cool things in the coming years.
If I had stars, it'd get 4 1/2 out of 5 from me.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Brave One
The Brave One was the latest dvd I received through Netflix. I remember when the movie came out, I was not very interested in seeing it. There's something about Jodie Foster that makes me either really want to see a movie or really not. So I passed this one by. I did hear, however, from my best friend that this movie was really worth my time.
It was.
Damn this movie kicked ass! Neil Jordan is a great director and really has this talent for making fear and an impending sense of doom into some twisted romance. Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard were great. Above that, I loved the story. I think you pretty much get it from the trailer. This movie explores the human psyche of a woman who loses everything in her lover who is murdered and gets fed up with the law, therefore taking matters into her own hands. It had me questioning if I'd be able to do such a thing.
Don't get me wrong. I don't think this is a romantic movie. But there were moments where it did feel dreamlike. I can only imagine how it would feel to murder people, how things would work in one's head. Possibly a dreamlike state? Whatever....this movie pulls no punches, literally. It's also a bit dark and violent, so for those out there with weak stomachs like my mother (who walked out of the room), this ain't for you.
4 out of 5 stars
Pineapple Express
Yep. I saw it. I loved it. From start to finish, this movie was great. I may have never smoked weed, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating the story and the talent of the actors. I just really now want to work with both Seth Rogan and Judd Apatow. Someone make this happen!
James Franco and Danny McBride were the highlights of the movie to me. I really need to check out The Fist Foot Way. I hear McBride is awesome in that movie.
I didn't get to hear Paper Planes by M.I.A. during the movie which is now one of them songs that I can never get sick of. I did, however, get to hear a new Huey Lewis song during the credits which also brought me some sort of nostalgic joy.
4 stars, if I had em.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
I heard about this movie through a co-worker of mine a couple of months ago. He started a conversation with me about movies and asked me if I ever heard of this one, which I hadn't. It apparently is one of those gems that never got theatrical distribution. I added it to the Netflix queue and just had the time recently to sit down and watch it.
I think Philip Seymore Hoffman is one of those actors that I can watch in almost anything....Capote was too boring. Him and Ethan Hawke star in this one as brothers who get involved in some not so brotherly activities. Albert Finney plays their father. Also in the movie is Marisa Tomei who is topless alot. So you get to see Tomei Ta-Ta's!
I think it's also worth pointing out that this is one of Sidney Lumet's last films before he passed away. In case you're wondering, he's the director that is responsible for gems like 12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico and Network.
I really enjoyed this film. But I'll say this, it's one fucked up movie. It is kind of in the same vein as Happiness and A Simple Plan in regards to how the events unfold into worse and even worse circumstances. Both Hawke and Hoffman are excellent in this one. I think the story was presented in an interesting narrative. The film jumps back and forth into different characters' time lines which I like if it's done well.
Overall, I'd if I had stars, I'd give this movie 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Step Brothers
I've been a fan of Will Ferrell for quite a while. His comedy and timing is always spot on for me. I believe he understands how comedy works. I also have become a fan of John C Reilly's work in recent years. Walk Hard had me rolling.
Yes I've seen Talladega Nights. I wasn't a huge fan of the movie but I did leave with the funny catch phrases and one liners still in my mind. That movie gave me a fair share of chuckles. I figured I'd have the same experience with Step Brothers.
I was right. The movie didn't amaze me. I wasn't blown away by smart writing and hilarious situations. But I did find the movie amusing. I did find myself laughing at the rivalry between the two men, as well as the other side stories and characters. But I was also reminded of this thought that the movie's story was by both actors and Adam McKay who also directed Talladega Nights. I felt, much like when I was watching Dude Where's My Car, or Harold And Kumar for the first time, that they just went wherever the funny took them when writing the story. Kinda like they were phoning it in. I felt the same way with Talladega Nights. Sometimes just relying on the funny, isn't enough. At times, it was a bit absurd. I kind of expected that, though.
All in all, I enjoyed myself and did get to see the Pineapple Express trailer on the big screen.
If I had stars, this one gets 3 out of 5.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Earthquakes and Kamikaze Pigeons
We had an earthquake today in Los Angeles. It was one of them medium ones, as if it were a breed of salsa that the fault lines produced. Not that I'd eat that or dip my chip into it, but just go with me on that metaphor.
Thank you.
It's one of those things, being an L.A. native, that I can pretty much gauge the size of tremor by just experiencing it. It's never a pleasant thing, as I like my ground to remain grounded. But at the same time, it's not like this is a new experience. It can be a scary one. Yet, I was more nervous than scared since I needed to drop the kids off at the pool (poop for you not so savvy folks) and I didn't want to get stuck in the bathroom during a possible aftershock.
Then there are those people who feel the need to post bulletins about the earthquake on MySpace, call you to inform you there was an earthquake, or start in on a recollection of where they were during the Northridge quake. In case you were wondering, I was in bed, wrestling with my blankets which had taken hold of my leg and in turn threw me to the floor, as I awoke from dreaming that the Russians had attacked and WW3 had begun.
It gets a bit annoying.
Not scary, at least not the one that happened today.
Last week, a pigeon with a death wish was kicked by some wanna be Yakuza member as I was meandering along the 3rd Street Promenade on my lunch break. Said pigeon proceeded to fly directly into my face. It happened in Hitchcock-ian speed that I didn't quite register what had happened until I saw the douchebag proceed to kick the thing again as it so stupidly landed on the ground and walked beside him.
This isn't the first time I have come in close contact with death wish pigeons in this area. I don't know what they've been putting in their beaks to make them act this way. Maybe it's all the McDonald's french fries I see tourists feeding them. Could french fries be the tool that turns these rats with wings into demon birds?
If so, Burt will be so sad panda depressed that no sort of Ernie loving will stop the tears from waterfalling.
A Murder In The Fall
One day, I stabbed young Eli Pope
It was a Monday when I watched him slip
His eyes emptied out any sense of hope
I left the knife in him to dry the drip
See, he was sleeping with my dear lady
I found picture proof one fine old day
Their actions bared fruit, oh so shady
The Lord set it upon me to make them pay
One day, I shot my dear lady in the back
It was a Tuesday and it happened in the Fall
Her beautiful body collapsed onto the track
Veins rained red against the old white wall
It was cold outside and it was raining
I remember I was wearing one black glove
The dark tree is where I left her hanging
In the dirt is where I buried our love
On a Wednesday, I set fire to the house
I laid on the bed overcome by the heat
Flames took hold of everything I knew
Placing my body onto the mercy seat
The clouds shot down the heavy rain
Against the flames, it waged its war
I closed my eyes and took the blame
The air soon left me, to breathe no more
7/29/08 AP
Glitter And Doom on NPR.ORG!
Oh just when I thought I'd have to wait forever to at least somewhat relive the glory that was seeing Tom Waits live in Arizona back in June, I just found out the over at the NPR website, they are offering a full 2 and a half hour setlist of Tom Waits performing his Glitter and Doom show in Atlanta, Ga.
Check it!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sequels galore
It seems to me that Die Hard 4 and Indiana Jones 4 opened the flood gates for sequels to be greenlit of movie franchises long since dead. Beverly Hills Cop 4 is in pre-production. Tron 2 is set to come out in 2011, 29 years after the original's theatrical debut. That director is also said to be doing a remake of Logan's Run but with a younger cast. There's a sequel to Sleepaway Camp coming out shortly. Platinum Dunes, Michael Bay's production company, is close to wrapping the new remake of the original Friday The 13th which I think is just blasphemy. He said they have mixed the first two films into one but then took their own liberties with the story. Then there's the remake of A Nightmare On Elm Street, also by Michael Bay's company. That just makes me almost be unable to stifle vomiting on my computer screen. I'm unsure what the state is of the new remake of Hellraiser since the directing team that Clive Barker signed off on is no longer attached to the project. There's talk of a Scream 4 which does not yet have Wes Craven attached, a new Shrek movie, a new Pirates Of The Carribean movie, a remake of The Last House On The Left which is one of my least favorite Wes Craven films (and in my opinion, the most boring), a possible remake of The People Under The Stairs, Monster Squad, and others I can't bring myself to think of right now.
All this has me wondering...do the movie studios just not want to invest in original ideas anymore? Everything I see nowadays are movies based on comic books, video games, and remakes or sequels. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of those movies. But there's gotta be some original material out there. We need more Junos, more Little Miss Sunshines, etc.
I just got back from Comic Con and this is pretty much all I saw everywhere I looked...of course...it was Comic Con. But this was also the topic of conversation in the car so I figured I'd vent about it in my post Comic Con headache ridden haze.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Tron 2 Teaser Leaked at Comic Con!
Until there's a better version to view, I'll settle for this. I think I heard Sean Connery will be the voice of Master Computer. This excites me to no end.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Amon Tobin
There has been recent updates made to Amon Tobin's website. I received word from his management company and I figured I'd relay the info to the tiny handful of readers who peruse this blog. Amon Tobin's site can be found here. The overhaul is pretty impressive.
Below is the press release I received from Amon Tobin's management:
There are run-of-the-mill artist websites where nothing ever changes and flash looks disguise lack of content. That’s around 90% of them accounted for. Then there are those few where you get stuff you’re not getting anywhere else.
Once a month for the next six months, Amon Tobin will be releasing one exclusive track (not previously released on any album) made available for sale directly through his web site at http://www.amontobin.com. But not only is there exclusive material, there’s the chance to generate your own exclusive material. Site users are being invited to submit videos for these songs for compilation on an eventual DVD release.
Tobin’s web site already features a community element. The Fans’ Videos section of the site provides a platform for people to submit their own films for his tracks. Tobin’s music is known for being cinematic and providing a perfect accompaniment to moving pictures (as evidenced in his score of films such as “Taxidermia” and games such as “Splinter Cell 3: Chaos Theory”). You only have to look at the list of his scored and licensed works (also on the site, in the Media section) to see that. Amon Tobin has decided to embrace this marriage of music and image and see what results are forthcoming.
Don’t get us wrong, though – Tobin’s site has enough bells and whistles to keep any midget-attention span satisfied. Check out the game that’s prominently featured - through a 360 degree search and a series of clicks, you can unlock the creatures that live within the site to witness a unique demonstration of 3D animation in synch with Amon’s scores. Set up the right speakers and note that the whole experience is in surround sound.
In addition to the exclusive tracks in the coming months, Tobin will be offering a digital release of his soundtrack to “Taxidermia”, live mixes, ringtones and ringbacks, as well as new designs for t-shirts, hats, posters, desktops, CDs and vinyl. You can stay posted by grabbing the Amon Tobin gydget (link).
Stop reading, log on, enjoy.
www.amontobin.com
A New Robocop Movie?
Below is the press release from MGM as I found on the Icons Of Fright website:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) has signed Darren Aronofsky to direct and David Self to write a new installment for its "RoboCop" franchise. Aronofsky, the director of The Fountain, and Self, the writer of Road to Perdition, make a formidable creative team, fast tracking the RoboCop motion picture and spotlighting it as one of the most anticipated new films for 2010.
In making the announcement Parent said: "Darren is undeniably one of the most talented, original and visceral film makers, and David is one of the greatest writers in Hollywood. All of us at MGM couldn't be more excited."
Phoenix Pictures' Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Brad Fischer and David Thwaites will produce "RoboCop." Cale Boyter, Executive Vice President Production at MGM will oversee the project for the studio.
Phoenix Pictures' Chairman and CEO Mike Medavoy said: "After making the first 'RoboCop' at Orion more than 20 years ago, I'm thrilled to be helping to return this character to the screen with our partners at MGM and through the eyes of Darren Aronofsky and David Self."
Phoenix co-presidents Brad Fischer and David Thwaites added: "With a filmmaker of Darren Aronofsky's vision and imagination and a writer of David Self's caliber, we are poised to bring to the screen an entertaining and provocative film, which will now be under the creative guidance of two of the best storytellers working in our industry today."
The original RoboCop, which premiered in 1987, was "part man, part machine and all cop." The film's storyline focused on the future of law enforcement as a terminally wounded cop returns to the police force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories. The original film was nominated for two Academy Awards -- Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
I recently had an argument with my best friend about how Terminator was way ahead of the game in comparison to Robocop. That being said, where I can agree with him on how amazing T2 still is to this day, I still have a soft spot for the gruesome cheesy cult classic that Robocop became. To think that Daron Aronofsky is going to come in and do a sequel makes me excited to see the visuals that he can come up with. Every movie I've seen of his has been so visually stunning in one way or another.
I wonder if Peter Weller will reprise his role.
The Dark Knight
I'm going to keep it brief on this one. Heath Ledger will win the Academy Award. The movie blew me away. If you haven't seen it, go!
5 Stars, plain and simple.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
24:Exile
Set for a November 23rd release, this is the unofficial trailer leak of 24:Exile. It's the two hour television movie that will be bridging the gap between Season 6 and Season 7 of 24.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wall - E
Finally, after a month of going to the theater and being at least a little let down by movies, I am happy to say I loved Wall-E. Yeah...like everyone else. This movie was great. Leave it to Pixar to never let me down. I loved Ratatouille more but this movie is definitely up there.
I remember when I first heard about this movie last year and I ran across a few A.R.G. sites tied in with the film. One of the sites was BuyNLarge and when I visited it then, it was made up to look similar to that of Target's site or Wallmart. Buy N Large is the conglomerate in the movie that looks to own everything including the President. If you visit the site now, it redirects you to Disney's site for Wall-E. I just spent a good ten minutes playing the Build A Bot game they offer.
Anyway, I suggest anyone go see this movie. Dare I say, I almost cried at the end.
If I had stars, it would get 5.
And now, here's a handful of promo videos. You can find more on YouTube.
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