Hey all,
In accordance with yesterday's post on my comic book pick of the month, today I wanted to post on the film adaptation of Wanted. Wanted stars James Macavoy as Wesley Gibson, the same loser we knew and loved from the book. His girlfriend is a nagging bitch, his best friend is sleeping with her, and he has to take anxiety pills to keep from having a breakdown at his loser office drone job. Wesley hates his life, until he meets Fox, played by Angelina Jolie.
Fox tells him his dad was a super powered assassin with killer reflexes, speed, and incredible abilities with guns, like being able to shoot any target or bend bullets around space. They both worked for an organization of assassins called The Fraternity, who have been deciphering an ancient form of communication to determine what targets fate wants them to kill. Except one of their members have gone rogue, an agent named Cross, and only Wesley has the skills to take him down.
In correspondence with the book, they spend the first third of the movie on Wesley's transformation from schlub loser to desensitized killer. Honing his abilities and learning about his father's past and the past of the Fraternity. After this point the film really breaks away from the book, though not in a bad way. Wesley begins learning his craft and attacking targets, until he finally gets his chance at cross, except that there is more to the mystery than seemed before, and ultimately it leads Wesley to a showdown between himself and the Fraternity, and the people who trained him. Including Fox, who Wesley has feelings for.
For being such a fan of the comic, it was hard for me to truly keep an open mind. They really downplayed the super hero and costume angle that the book had, focusing on a more grounded approach to these individuals unique powers. Macavoy is great as loser turned hard ass Wesley, and no one plays tough kick ass girls like Jolie, who really amps up her sex appeal and tough as nails approach. Morgan Freeman plays the head of the Fraternity and really brings a level of respect and credibility to the fantastic stunts and over the top environment.
While the middle and end of the book don't match the movie (except the fact that Wesley goes against the Fraternity, Wanted stands as its own film through the most of it. As the product of a pure piece of action and adrenalin, Wanted delivers. The effects and things they do in the gun play are inventive, akin to watching the first Matrix film. The movie moves at a breakneck pace, keeping the dark humor and action at a constant. If you like action movie and just want to be entertained for 2 hours, Wanted hits the mark.
I liked Wanted, though not as much as the book, I still recommend you check it out.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Word Balloon: Wanted
Hey all,
This month's edition of the Word Balloon is dedicated to the comic book series, Wanted, published by Image from Top Cow Studios by writer Mark Millar and series artist J.G. Jones. Wanted is the story of an office drone loser, Wesley Gibson. He hates his life and himself. He lives in a "shitty" apartment with his girlfriend, who is sleeping with his best friend. Wesley knows that this is happening, but he is to much of a "pussy" to do anything about it.
When Wesley is approached by a character named Fox, he learns of the truth of his life. His father was the world greatest super powered assassin, The Killer, and he was killed. Wesley now inherits his father's powers, enhanced speed and reflexes, as well as his deadly skills with all weapons. After embarking on a journey of training with Fox, in which Wesley is desensitized to violence and turned into a take no shit stone cold killer, he leaves his old life behind, breaking up with his girlfriend and killing his best friend to join The Fraternity, a league of Assassins.
The Fraternity have killed all the world super powers and run things from behind the scenes. Having used their extensive powers, including time travel, mind control, science and magic, the populous knows nothing of super heroes or the Fraternity's power. The Fraternity has divided its leading councils into continents, and Wesley becomes the right hand of North America's council leader. When Australia's council head, Mr. Rictus, decides that he wants more, he sparks a war between the villains.
After Wesley's boss is killed, and he and Fox are targeted for death, Wesley heads to council headquarters to take on Rictus and the assassins under his control. Ultimately, the book ends with a great twist, and one final confrontation that Wesley may not have the ability to overcome.
Wanted is a dark book, it's not about the good guys winning or the bad guys losing, its about what happens to one man when suddenly he can do anything he wants without consequence. Wesley is a villain, and though you root for his victory, you find yourself cheering a guy who kills indiscriminately, a man who has lost his moral compass. Yet underlying, there is still a small part of the man he use to be there, and the books final confrontation brings those feelings to the front. I've read that Wanted is a super villain version of Watchmen, and while I wouldn't say that, it IS an interesting look at what would happen to a person who has no culpability.
I particularly enjoyed the homages to many of Marvel and DC's great villains through the book, blending the dark and deranged with the funny and absurd very well. Characters like Mr. Rictus (a combination of The Red Skull from Capt. America and the Joker) or Fox (basically Catwoman with a gun) as well as the darkly funny, Fuckwit (a Bizarro version of their Superman hero) Shithead (a walking pile of feces modeled after Batman villain Clayface, or Johnny Two-Dicks ( based off Batman villain Two-Face but who's other personality is in his penis). Even the heroes who they have dealt with, the Batman and Robin heroes think they have been actors in a cheesy TV series or that the Wonder Woman character thinks she is an actress all have a homage to an earlier incarnation of their own characters.
I liked Wanted because its a darkly violent adult book that pulls no punches. You see super hero comics from the other side of the veil, the villains and a peak into their motivations, something we don't see enough of in comics. Often the villains are the most interesting characters, but who get the least amount of development. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any fan of action adventure. Check it out, Mark Millar and J.G. Jones Wanted, from Image Comics and Top Cow Studios. The entire six issue run, plus the behind the scenes source book is available in both soft cover and hardback trade paperbacks. With the release of the movie adaptation (who's review I will post tomorrow) the book should be available at most book dealers. Thanks for reading!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Movie Time: Rewind: The Forbidden Planet
Hey all,
June's installment of the rewind will highlight one of the great science fiction classics of all time. The 1956 MGM film, The Forbidden Planet, starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, and a neophyte Leslie Nielsen (in a very straight laced role).
The basic plot is that a team of astronauts, led by Nielsen's Commander Adams, is dispatched to a distant planet to discover why communication has been lost. When he and his crew arrive, they discover that all of the settlement's inhabitants have died save two, Walter Pidgeon's Dr. Morbius, and his daughter, Altaira, played by Anne Francis. Altairia has never met another person before save her father, and is curious about the newcomers. Morbius, though, has made a discovery that he has no intention of sharing. It concerns an alien race that left behind it's technology, and wiped itself out overnight.
What I loved about Forbidden Planet, is that unlike so many of the sci-fi films of the 50's, this one never comes across as a "B' Movie. The effects are top notch, especially considering the time and abilities of movies in the 50's. This film also introduces Robbie the Robot, one of the most iconic and well known movie props of all time. The craftsmanship and effects are really apparent in the film, MGM spent fortune on props and animation, Robbie alone cost $125,000, the most expensive prop ever made up until that time. The final battle with the monster of the id was animated in by one of Walt Disney's top animators.
It's truly the first sci-fi film driven by plot. You could make an argument for The Day the Earth Stood Still or any number of other films from the time, but Forbidden Planet is the first one that paints an epic picture. Combining elements of sci-fi, action, romance, psychology, animation, and history, Forbidden Planet delves into a deeper pool than the other films of it's genre.
I remember the first time I watched it, about 2 years ago with my Dad, who had seen it when he was a young boy, and being amazed at what 50 year old effects looked like, and how well they held up. What the filmmakers had managed to craft was the first timeless movie about the future.
Forbidden Planet influenced many other sci-fi staples that we enjoy today, particularly Star Trek, who borrowed the plot outline for several episodes. As well as shows like Space: Above and Beyond and Joss Whedon's Firefly, using words or locales from the film in their shows. Robbie the Robot was reused in several other MGM films, proving to be so popular that he even ended up on The Twilight Zone. He also stared off against his next generation counterpart in the Robot from Lost in Space for 2 episodes.
That being said, the only slightly dis-jarring part of the film is seeing Leslie Nielsen, an actor symbolic with screwball comedy now, playing such a serious character, as the dashing hero and love interest. Once you get past the typecasting, Forbidden Planet won't let you down. I challenge you not to be impressed with the monster of id attacking the ship or cracking down the wall, and consider the struggles of not having computer animation to make the shot for you.
Please check it out, from 1956, MGM's Forbidden Planet.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
June's installment of the rewind will highlight one of the great science fiction classics of all time. The 1956 MGM film, The Forbidden Planet, starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, and a neophyte Leslie Nielsen (in a very straight laced role).
The basic plot is that a team of astronauts, led by Nielsen's Commander Adams, is dispatched to a distant planet to discover why communication has been lost. When he and his crew arrive, they discover that all of the settlement's inhabitants have died save two, Walter Pidgeon's Dr. Morbius, and his daughter, Altaira, played by Anne Francis. Altairia has never met another person before save her father, and is curious about the newcomers. Morbius, though, has made a discovery that he has no intention of sharing. It concerns an alien race that left behind it's technology, and wiped itself out overnight.
What I loved about Forbidden Planet, is that unlike so many of the sci-fi films of the 50's, this one never comes across as a "B' Movie. The effects are top notch, especially considering the time and abilities of movies in the 50's. This film also introduces Robbie the Robot, one of the most iconic and well known movie props of all time. The craftsmanship and effects are really apparent in the film, MGM spent fortune on props and animation, Robbie alone cost $125,000, the most expensive prop ever made up until that time. The final battle with the monster of the id was animated in by one of Walt Disney's top animators.
It's truly the first sci-fi film driven by plot. You could make an argument for The Day the Earth Stood Still or any number of other films from the time, but Forbidden Planet is the first one that paints an epic picture. Combining elements of sci-fi, action, romance, psychology, animation, and history, Forbidden Planet delves into a deeper pool than the other films of it's genre.
I remember the first time I watched it, about 2 years ago with my Dad, who had seen it when he was a young boy, and being amazed at what 50 year old effects looked like, and how well they held up. What the filmmakers had managed to craft was the first timeless movie about the future.
Forbidden Planet influenced many other sci-fi staples that we enjoy today, particularly Star Trek, who borrowed the plot outline for several episodes. As well as shows like Space: Above and Beyond and Joss Whedon's Firefly, using words or locales from the film in their shows. Robbie the Robot was reused in several other MGM films, proving to be so popular that he even ended up on The Twilight Zone. He also stared off against his next generation counterpart in the Robot from Lost in Space for 2 episodes.
That being said, the only slightly dis-jarring part of the film is seeing Leslie Nielsen, an actor symbolic with screwball comedy now, playing such a serious character, as the dashing hero and love interest. Once you get past the typecasting, Forbidden Planet won't let you down. I challenge you not to be impressed with the monster of id attacking the ship or cracking down the wall, and consider the struggles of not having computer animation to make the shot for you.
Please check it out, from 1956, MGM's Forbidden Planet.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Flash Fiction: Under a Dead Sun
Chapter 23
Part 2
Billy threw himself at Root.
The impact drove the breathe out of Billy's already battered body, landing atop the one armed Sheriff with a huge huff of exhaling breath. Billy tried to catch a quick breath when Root suddenly clubbed him in his already bleeding ear.
"Arghhh!" Billy coughed out a bellow of pain as Root drove his knee hard into Billy's midsection. Hurt and dazed, Billy fought to stay conscious. Root reared his foot into Billy's chest and flung him backward. Billy's head cracked against one of the support railing on the roof and his vision filled with stars. Root pulled himself up, blackened and bleeding, the gruesome hole wear his arm use to be burned and flaking.
"Billy, you don't understand. The only way for us to be safe is to die. Those creatures set upon me and I can feel it changing in me. The beasts have to die, so that others can live. Your going to turn into one of those things, trust me. I already blew up some of them, now I'm going to take care of you.
Billy watched dazed as Root fixed the stick of dynamite in his teeth and reached into his pocket for a box of matches. Striking one off his belt, he raised it to the wick in his lips.
Then the thunderous roar filled Billy's ears.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Part 2
Billy threw himself at Root.
The impact drove the breathe out of Billy's already battered body, landing atop the one armed Sheriff with a huge huff of exhaling breath. Billy tried to catch a quick breath when Root suddenly clubbed him in his already bleeding ear.
"Arghhh!" Billy coughed out a bellow of pain as Root drove his knee hard into Billy's midsection. Hurt and dazed, Billy fought to stay conscious. Root reared his foot into Billy's chest and flung him backward. Billy's head cracked against one of the support railing on the roof and his vision filled with stars. Root pulled himself up, blackened and bleeding, the gruesome hole wear his arm use to be burned and flaking.
"Billy, you don't understand. The only way for us to be safe is to die. Those creatures set upon me and I can feel it changing in me. The beasts have to die, so that others can live. Your going to turn into one of those things, trust me. I already blew up some of them, now I'm going to take care of you.
Billy watched dazed as Root fixed the stick of dynamite in his teeth and reached into his pocket for a box of matches. Striking one off his belt, he raised it to the wick in his lips.
Then the thunderous roar filled Billy's ears.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
One Final Cut
Hey all,
Been a long time since I did a poem and this is one of several I have been fumbling with for the last few months. Definitely a retreat to my earlier darker works, I hope that I can post the next poem, a love poem, soon. My intent is to get some flash fiction posts up as well as my movie and book recommendations over the next 4 days. I have a lot to write about and I really want to make up for lost time. I'd love some feedback on the poem, probably not my best work though. I was at a very dark place in my work life last week so that's where the dark overtones sprung in.
Don't take the suicide overtones to seriously. Mostly this was a sensationalized attempt to take some of my self doubt and anger and depression and channel them into something that I could safely express. Thanks for reading.
One Final Cut
A single cut of verdant red,
Two more cuts until I'm dead.
Blood runs bright in flowing stream,
To die a death of somber dream.
Trailing pooled to crimson stain,
A second cut to absolve the pain.
Twin led paths across my wrist,
Vision paled, a hazy mist.
So deep, so slow, life pumping free,
Though broken heart did first kill me.
The world grows thick through my eye,
Yet still another cut ahead does lie.
Hurt and doubt I feel no more,
Blood red path walked unto Death's door.
Lowered head now lost all prayer,
Shuffle from this loveless lair.
Close my eyes to await the end,
So tired, deeply, my soul can't fend.
One final cut to pierce the veil,
Leave my life and fade to pale.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Been a long time since I did a poem and this is one of several I have been fumbling with for the last few months. Definitely a retreat to my earlier darker works, I hope that I can post the next poem, a love poem, soon. My intent is to get some flash fiction posts up as well as my movie and book recommendations over the next 4 days. I have a lot to write about and I really want to make up for lost time. I'd love some feedback on the poem, probably not my best work though. I was at a very dark place in my work life last week so that's where the dark overtones sprung in.
Don't take the suicide overtones to seriously. Mostly this was a sensationalized attempt to take some of my self doubt and anger and depression and channel them into something that I could safely express. Thanks for reading.
One Final Cut
A single cut of verdant red,
Two more cuts until I'm dead.
Blood runs bright in flowing stream,
To die a death of somber dream.
Trailing pooled to crimson stain,
A second cut to absolve the pain.
Twin led paths across my wrist,
Vision paled, a hazy mist.
So deep, so slow, life pumping free,
Though broken heart did first kill me.
The world grows thick through my eye,
Yet still another cut ahead does lie.
Hurt and doubt I feel no more,
Blood red path walked unto Death's door.
Lowered head now lost all prayer,
Shuffle from this loveless lair.
Close my eyes to await the end,
So tired, deeply, my soul can't fend.
One final cut to pierce the veil,
Leave my life and fade to pale.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Movie Review: Get Smart
Hey all,
Sorry for the gap in posting again, my store finally sold and I am getting transferred to a new one next week, there I will have more managers and hopefully a bit better balance in my personal life. Let's see though, shall we?
Anyway, My roommate and I caught Get Smart, with Steve Carrell, Anne Hathaway, and Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson today. Overall, I had a good time, but I wouldn't call it a great film. There were many aspects that I did enjoy, and some that I didn't. Let's start with the good.
Casting this film is a challenge, Both Don Adams and Barbara Felton are such iconic TV characters that you really need actors who can convey both the comedic timing of the duo, as well as the underlying romance that percolated through the series. Adam Arkin as the Chief and Dwayne Johnson as super Agent 23 were perfectly cast in their roles as well. The humor, while never over the top, makes you laugh and keeps it entertaining. I can't think of an actor other than Carrell who can skirt the line between serious and silly and better. I'll say this too, Anne Hathaway got uber-hot real fast!
The bad about the film is that I never felt like it reached a good balance. Was it comedy or action? I know you have action/comedy films all the time, but Get Smart for me never decided what it was first. Movie like the Rush Hour series, which blends the two so well, is clearly an action movie with comedy. Get Smart never defined itself as a comedy with action, which is what it should be. It seemed perpetually between the two. My roommate thought that Agent 99 is a little frosty through the film, though I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt in trying to flesh out her role as the veteran versus Smart's rookie status, and her battle between her frustration with him and the attraction she feels towards him.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of redeeming qualities in the film. Carrell is channeling a dead on Don Adams, with just enough flair of his own. Hathaway brings that 60's vibe from the TV show to the modern day with her persona and styles. The last action sequence with Smart on a runaway car is both funny and suspenseful.
All in all, Get Smart is a fine distraction for 2 hours, there are other better films out there, but Get Smart is a fun distraction that will entertain you.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Sorry for the gap in posting again, my store finally sold and I am getting transferred to a new one next week, there I will have more managers and hopefully a bit better balance in my personal life. Let's see though, shall we?
Anyway, My roommate and I caught Get Smart, with Steve Carrell, Anne Hathaway, and Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson today. Overall, I had a good time, but I wouldn't call it a great film. There were many aspects that I did enjoy, and some that I didn't. Let's start with the good.
Casting this film is a challenge, Both Don Adams and Barbara Felton are such iconic TV characters that you really need actors who can convey both the comedic timing of the duo, as well as the underlying romance that percolated through the series. Adam Arkin as the Chief and Dwayne Johnson as super Agent 23 were perfectly cast in their roles as well. The humor, while never over the top, makes you laugh and keeps it entertaining. I can't think of an actor other than Carrell who can skirt the line between serious and silly and better. I'll say this too, Anne Hathaway got uber-hot real fast!
The bad about the film is that I never felt like it reached a good balance. Was it comedy or action? I know you have action/comedy films all the time, but Get Smart for me never decided what it was first. Movie like the Rush Hour series, which blends the two so well, is clearly an action movie with comedy. Get Smart never defined itself as a comedy with action, which is what it should be. It seemed perpetually between the two. My roommate thought that Agent 99 is a little frosty through the film, though I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt in trying to flesh out her role as the veteran versus Smart's rookie status, and her battle between her frustration with him and the attraction she feels towards him.
Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of redeeming qualities in the film. Carrell is channeling a dead on Don Adams, with just enough flair of his own. Hathaway brings that 60's vibe from the TV show to the modern day with her persona and styles. The last action sequence with Smart on a runaway car is both funny and suspenseful.
All in all, Get Smart is a fine distraction for 2 hours, there are other better films out there, but Get Smart is a fun distraction that will entertain you.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Diet Riot
Hey all,
I thought today that I would drop a quick update on how the week of no meat, chicken or fish went. As you may have read, my roommate and myself agreed to go vegen for one week in an attempt to de-toxify our systems. I can honestly say that this is the longest period I've gone without eating a hamburger, let alone any other type of meat. I can't say that it has been hard, but there have been urges and cravings that have struck. I just take each day one at a time, and I ended the week on Monday, no worse for wear.
In fact, Jason cast doubt on my ability to continue the trend for one month, a challenge I agreed to. I will continue this diet, supplemented by some daily vitamens for an additional three weeks. My only challenge will be on the occasions that we go out to eat, but I think I am up to the task. The hardest thing has been swearing off carbonated and sugar beverages. I have limited myself to mostly regular and flavored water, as well as fruit juices, though I am allowed to splurge on an occasional Powerade or HI-C at work or the movies. Take into consideration though that a year ago at this time I was drinking 4 or 5 medium cokes at work, and several cans a day, I think I have come a long way into curtailing that intake and having more healthy alternatives.
I did say that I would be off this limitation by the time I gear up for my vacation at the end of July. Th ebottom line is trying to find a better balance in my diet and in my choices. I have also noticed that on this diet, I eat out much less and therefore and saving some much needed cash. At any rate, 2 and a half more weeks and I'll be ready to go.
Have that Fool's Gold Sandwich ready!
BTW My Spellcheck is acting up again, any errors rest entirely on me.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
I thought today that I would drop a quick update on how the week of no meat, chicken or fish went. As you may have read, my roommate and myself agreed to go vegen for one week in an attempt to de-toxify our systems. I can honestly say that this is the longest period I've gone without eating a hamburger, let alone any other type of meat. I can't say that it has been hard, but there have been urges and cravings that have struck. I just take each day one at a time, and I ended the week on Monday, no worse for wear.
In fact, Jason cast doubt on my ability to continue the trend for one month, a challenge I agreed to. I will continue this diet, supplemented by some daily vitamens for an additional three weeks. My only challenge will be on the occasions that we go out to eat, but I think I am up to the task. The hardest thing has been swearing off carbonated and sugar beverages. I have limited myself to mostly regular and flavored water, as well as fruit juices, though I am allowed to splurge on an occasional Powerade or HI-C at work or the movies. Take into consideration though that a year ago at this time I was drinking 4 or 5 medium cokes at work, and several cans a day, I think I have come a long way into curtailing that intake and having more healthy alternatives.
I did say that I would be off this limitation by the time I gear up for my vacation at the end of July. Th ebottom line is trying to find a better balance in my diet and in my choices. I have also noticed that on this diet, I eat out much less and therefore and saving some much needed cash. At any rate, 2 and a half more weeks and I'll be ready to go.
Have that Fool's Gold Sandwich ready!
BTW My Spellcheck is acting up again, any errors rest entirely on me.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Movie Review: The Happening
Hey all,
Caught two movies this weekend, the second was M. Night Shymalan's The Happening, with Mark Walhburg and Zooey Deschenal. I have to say that I really hated this movie. From premise to casting to effects, I was disapointed. M. Night has not had the most successful box office results from his last few films, though I enjoyed Lady in the Water and The Village moe than the critics did.
With The Happening, I just couldn't get into it. The premise is that plant life in northeast America strikes back at humanity with an airborn infection that overrides man's ability to self regulate the behaviors that prevent us from killing ourselves. Walhburg is a high school science teacher who flees Philadelphia with his slightly estranged wife, played by Deschenal, and his best friend and his daughter. I had a had time buyng Walhburg as a science teacher first, a guy who has a history of playing tougher characters, I never bought his as the thinker. I'm a fan of Deschenal, but she was against type in this movie as the introverted and troubled wife. She is better at playing quirky and outspoken characters. Even the ancillary characters are poorly fleshed out, I never really developed a bond or rooted for any of them.
The twist, the benchmark of the M. Night film, is that there really isn't a twist. Tack on the R rating, which really wasn't that distrubing to begin with, and I was wondering just what the intent was. The movie came across as preachy as self important, and I just didn't like it. I got the message, we need to listen and cure the damage that we are doing to the Earth, but it was so ham fisted in presentation that you dn't really asorb anything.
I also just wanted to say that there are a few CGI scenes that honestly I thought belonged on a Sci-Fi orginal movie. Poor cut and paste efforts, if you happen to see the movie look particulary in the lion's den clip. I just expect more from a real Hollywood movie, and from it's writer/director.
At any rate, skip The Happening.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Caught two movies this weekend, the second was M. Night Shymalan's The Happening, with Mark Walhburg and Zooey Deschenal. I have to say that I really hated this movie. From premise to casting to effects, I was disapointed. M. Night has not had the most successful box office results from his last few films, though I enjoyed Lady in the Water and The Village moe than the critics did.
With The Happening, I just couldn't get into it. The premise is that plant life in northeast America strikes back at humanity with an airborn infection that overrides man's ability to self regulate the behaviors that prevent us from killing ourselves. Walhburg is a high school science teacher who flees Philadelphia with his slightly estranged wife, played by Deschenal, and his best friend and his daughter. I had a had time buyng Walhburg as a science teacher first, a guy who has a history of playing tougher characters, I never bought his as the thinker. I'm a fan of Deschenal, but she was against type in this movie as the introverted and troubled wife. She is better at playing quirky and outspoken characters. Even the ancillary characters are poorly fleshed out, I never really developed a bond or rooted for any of them.
The twist, the benchmark of the M. Night film, is that there really isn't a twist. Tack on the R rating, which really wasn't that distrubing to begin with, and I was wondering just what the intent was. The movie came across as preachy as self important, and I just didn't like it. I got the message, we need to listen and cure the damage that we are doing to the Earth, but it was so ham fisted in presentation that you dn't really asorb anything.
I also just wanted to say that there are a few CGI scenes that honestly I thought belonged on a Sci-Fi orginal movie. Poor cut and paste efforts, if you happen to see the movie look particulary in the lion's den clip. I just expect more from a real Hollywood movie, and from it's writer/director.
At any rate, skip The Happening.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Movie Review: The Incredible Hulk
Hey all,
Caught two new movies this weekend, the first of which was The Incredible Hulk, with Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth and William Hurt. Not exactly a sequel to the 2003 film by Ang Lee, it's also not a stand alone feature. I really liked Hulk, where the first film really didn't "Get" the type of vibe that the Hulk fans were looking for, director Louis Lettier and co-writer Edward Norton do.
Combining the big screen action and CGI of the first film, with the guilt ridden man on the run motif from the beloved 1970's TV series, this new hulk finds a great balance. Norton does pathos and anger better than almost any other actor working today, playing characters with deep psychic flaws so perfectly, and as Bruce Banner he finds a perfect vehicle for his talents. Norton brings a real feeling of helplessness and regret to the role, and you really feel for this guy who can't control what's inside of him, and who is tormented by his missing love, Betty Ross (Tyler).
The supporting cast is great too. Tyler never feels like a damsel in distress ad brings a toughness to the role. A combination of brains, devotion and beauty she really makes you believe that someone could love Bruce Banner, despite what has happened to him. William Hurt as General "Thunderbolt" Ross is also a great casting choice, as the obsessed Army general who wants to capture Banner and turn him into a weapon. Tim Roth, the Hulk's opponent, plays a crack military officer assigned to take down Banner. After his first tussle with the Hulk, he becomes obsessed himself at the thought of beating the Hulk, going so far as to undertake treatments to become the ultimate soldier, and when that fails, undergoing the same treatment that cursed Bruce Banner to turn into the Hulk, he becomes the Abomination. In my mind, Roth may have been a bit old to play the role, but it's not so bad that it's truly distracting, just a bit off putting.
I really enjoyed the fight between the Hulk and the super soldier version of Roth, it almost made you beleave that one man could have a chance versus the monster.There was just such a good balance between action and character development in this version. The whole film Banner is adamant that he doesn't want to control the Hulk, only cure himself, then to find that in the end, control is the only thing he may be able to have.
I've read that there is still some bad blood between Norton and the executives at marvel Studios over the final cut of the film. I do hope that they can resolve their difference and gear up for another Hulk film. Or better yet as The Incredible Hulk has on screen ties to this summer's other Marvel film Iron Man, have the Hulk be the threat in an Avengers film. Anyway you look at it, you can't go wrong with The Incredible Hulk, it's a fun summer popcorn movie that has a little more to offer than most. With the recent slate of box office disappointments, I was glad to see something good come out. Go see it!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Caught two new movies this weekend, the first of which was The Incredible Hulk, with Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth and William Hurt. Not exactly a sequel to the 2003 film by Ang Lee, it's also not a stand alone feature. I really liked Hulk, where the first film really didn't "Get" the type of vibe that the Hulk fans were looking for, director Louis Lettier and co-writer Edward Norton do.
Combining the big screen action and CGI of the first film, with the guilt ridden man on the run motif from the beloved 1970's TV series, this new hulk finds a great balance. Norton does pathos and anger better than almost any other actor working today, playing characters with deep psychic flaws so perfectly, and as Bruce Banner he finds a perfect vehicle for his talents. Norton brings a real feeling of helplessness and regret to the role, and you really feel for this guy who can't control what's inside of him, and who is tormented by his missing love, Betty Ross (Tyler).
The supporting cast is great too. Tyler never feels like a damsel in distress ad brings a toughness to the role. A combination of brains, devotion and beauty she really makes you believe that someone could love Bruce Banner, despite what has happened to him. William Hurt as General "Thunderbolt" Ross is also a great casting choice, as the obsessed Army general who wants to capture Banner and turn him into a weapon. Tim Roth, the Hulk's opponent, plays a crack military officer assigned to take down Banner. After his first tussle with the Hulk, he becomes obsessed himself at the thought of beating the Hulk, going so far as to undertake treatments to become the ultimate soldier, and when that fails, undergoing the same treatment that cursed Bruce Banner to turn into the Hulk, he becomes the Abomination. In my mind, Roth may have been a bit old to play the role, but it's not so bad that it's truly distracting, just a bit off putting.
I really enjoyed the fight between the Hulk and the super soldier version of Roth, it almost made you beleave that one man could have a chance versus the monster.There was just such a good balance between action and character development in this version. The whole film Banner is adamant that he doesn't want to control the Hulk, only cure himself, then to find that in the end, control is the only thing he may be able to have.
I've read that there is still some bad blood between Norton and the executives at marvel Studios over the final cut of the film. I do hope that they can resolve their difference and gear up for another Hulk film. Or better yet as The Incredible Hulk has on screen ties to this summer's other Marvel film Iron Man, have the Hulk be the threat in an Avengers film. Anyway you look at it, you can't go wrong with The Incredible Hulk, it's a fun summer popcorn movie that has a little more to offer than most. With the recent slate of box office disappointments, I was glad to see something good come out. Go see it!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Flash Fiction: Rocket's Race
Day 11
While this day dawns, one step closer to the end, this entry is far more about the events of day 10. The day I started drinking. As I have been as white bread and straight laced as a person could get in this day and age, I have never turned to drink or narcotics to fill the empty parts. Last night I determined that if this was to be my final days, shouldn't I experience all positives? Shouldn't I determine for myself the possibility that I could be stuck to far up my own ass?
With that thought in mind, I headed to a bar. Not a TGI Fridays bar, or something you would see on an NBC sitcom, but a real bar with real drinks and real people. As I paid my cover charge and worked my way to the bar keep, I inhaled the acrid smoke and the smells of age and decay. The smell of regrets, a smell I had just learned to recognize.
I slipped the bar keep a $50 and told him to send me around the world, any type of drink, as long as it wasn't the same as before. I remember the first few drinks, and the last one, but the 6 or 7 hours between are pretty fuzzy. I remember stumbling from a cab, and lurching into bed, my clothes covered in my own filth, but I don't remember what it was like to be drunk. That loosening of inhibitions that comes with inebriation. I just remember drinking more, and feeling worse than I did before. I remember being sick all over myself, and I remember feeling ashamed when I woke up this morning.
Maybe alcohol isn't the answer for me. then again, maybe I should have tried moderation. But when life is staring you between the eyes, it's all or nothing. I haven't got time to do things halfway anymore.
I did leave last night with a chuckle though, after my first beer, the bar keep gave me a cigarette. Having never smoke or drank until that point, what did I have to lose? As I took a coughing drag off the smoke, one of the waitress looked at me and said,
" Honey, you shouldn't that habit. It could kill ya."
I smiled and said,
"It wouldn't be the first thing to do so...."
End of Line.
Gerrad!
While this day dawns, one step closer to the end, this entry is far more about the events of day 10. The day I started drinking. As I have been as white bread and straight laced as a person could get in this day and age, I have never turned to drink or narcotics to fill the empty parts. Last night I determined that if this was to be my final days, shouldn't I experience all positives? Shouldn't I determine for myself the possibility that I could be stuck to far up my own ass?
With that thought in mind, I headed to a bar. Not a TGI Fridays bar, or something you would see on an NBC sitcom, but a real bar with real drinks and real people. As I paid my cover charge and worked my way to the bar keep, I inhaled the acrid smoke and the smells of age and decay. The smell of regrets, a smell I had just learned to recognize.
I slipped the bar keep a $50 and told him to send me around the world, any type of drink, as long as it wasn't the same as before. I remember the first few drinks, and the last one, but the 6 or 7 hours between are pretty fuzzy. I remember stumbling from a cab, and lurching into bed, my clothes covered in my own filth, but I don't remember what it was like to be drunk. That loosening of inhibitions that comes with inebriation. I just remember drinking more, and feeling worse than I did before. I remember being sick all over myself, and I remember feeling ashamed when I woke up this morning.
Maybe alcohol isn't the answer for me. then again, maybe I should have tried moderation. But when life is staring you between the eyes, it's all or nothing. I haven't got time to do things halfway anymore.
I did leave last night with a chuckle though, after my first beer, the bar keep gave me a cigarette. Having never smoke or drank until that point, what did I have to lose? As I took a coughing drag off the smoke, one of the waitress looked at me and said,
" Honey, you shouldn't that habit. It could kill ya."
I smiled and said,
"It wouldn't be the first thing to do so...."
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Di-Vinyl and Food for Thought
Hey all,
Saturday night saw my best friend Jason, his girlfriend Autumn, and yours truly down at a place called Red Hot Robot for the celebration of the store's 1 year anniversary. As I've blogged previously, all of us are huge into this small urban and vinyl art toy phase, and any opportunity to have some fun, check out some new merchandise, and get a free beer is welcome for me.
While we were down there, a representative from The Phoenix New Times, our underground and pop culture paper, was there covering the party and taking pictures. Jason and Autumn both posed for shots as well as me, though the main reason I got picked was my kick ass t-shirt. It says Hopeless Romantic Seeks Filthy Whore. Very funny and very provocative, I always get a nice range of applause or disgust while wearing it. For that reason alone its my favorite shirt. We picked up some goodies, including 2 new dunnys that Jason and I needed, as well as some new items, called Fatcaps. I've posted a picture of them above, but they are close to dunnys. except the head has been replaced by an aerosol nozzle. Sort of a reiteration of the urban graffiti culture these toys originally sprang from.
After the party we headed to George and the Dragon, an authentic English pub located downtown. I tried a new dish, called a Cornish Pastie, as well as indulging in an old favorite, the Scotch Egg. A Cornish Pastie is a sort of pie, stuffed with diced meat, onions, and potatoes. Vegetables, like corn, carrots and peas may or may not be added. Researching the pastie, vegetables often indicate inferior quality in Europe, though are marketly accepted here. Mine had no vegetables, though it was served with a large helping of mashed potatoes and peas. All in all I liked it a lot, though not as much as the Scotch Egg. Defiantly want to head back and check out some more of their fare, as well as trying some new dishes from a Filipino restaurant that Jason was telling me about.
I should mention as well, a dish I rediscovered recently. Called a Monte Cristo, a sandwich made from ham, turkey an Swiss cheese, served with fruit preserves on a powdered sugar in battered or fired bread. Basically a French Toast sandwich. Different regions serve it in different manners, and different quality. I recently went to a small sandwich shop, called Which Wich, that serves them on a toasted roll sprinkled with powdered sugar, with ham, Swiss cheese and grape jelly. While it is not as good as some I have had in the past, it has been years since I had one and I loved it. It may sound an odd blend of tastes, but I assure you, the sweetness of the sandwich blends the tastes wonderfully. Check one out.
I'll be back on tomorrow with some flash fiction, thanks for reading!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Diet Riot
Hey all,
It's been kind of a crazy week, but with two straight days off after today I plan on doing some serious posting. The first thing I'd like to note about is a bit of a deal I have going on with my roommate. Both of us have agreed to cut out meat, chicken, and fish out of our diet for 1 week. We also limit our cheese and milk intake, keeping it soy of fat free, as well as any and all soda, even Sprite. We have both been off caffeine for a while now, except what you get in the occasional piece of chocolate, so that should make quitting those drinks easy.
It has been a long time since I went without some kind of meat or chicken though, at any rate it should be a fun challenge. Simply buying groceries was kind of sad as so much of what I would normally buy (on those rare occasions I do go to the store pop up) was full of meats and chicken. Now, we are not going off them permanently, just 1 week to see what we can do to detoxify our system a little bit. I can say that on day 1, I ate a salad (no chicken) some apple slices, and 2 bowls of cereal. I also snacked on some carrot sticks while writing this and tossed them back up. Kind of sad, 1 day without meat and I am throwing up vegetables!
As this is a minor setback, I still plan to finish this out. When I set my mind to finishing something, I like to follow through to the end.
Tomorrow I plan on posting about the sweet vinyl toy party we went to as well as some new food for thought. Thanks for reading!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
It's been kind of a crazy week, but with two straight days off after today I plan on doing some serious posting. The first thing I'd like to note about is a bit of a deal I have going on with my roommate. Both of us have agreed to cut out meat, chicken, and fish out of our diet for 1 week. We also limit our cheese and milk intake, keeping it soy of fat free, as well as any and all soda, even Sprite. We have both been off caffeine for a while now, except what you get in the occasional piece of chocolate, so that should make quitting those drinks easy.
It has been a long time since I went without some kind of meat or chicken though, at any rate it should be a fun challenge. Simply buying groceries was kind of sad as so much of what I would normally buy (on those rare occasions I do go to the store pop up) was full of meats and chicken. Now, we are not going off them permanently, just 1 week to see what we can do to detoxify our system a little bit. I can say that on day 1, I ate a salad (no chicken) some apple slices, and 2 bowls of cereal. I also snacked on some carrot sticks while writing this and tossed them back up. Kind of sad, 1 day without meat and I am throwing up vegetables!
As this is a minor setback, I still plan to finish this out. When I set my mind to finishing something, I like to follow through to the end.
Tomorrow I plan on posting about the sweet vinyl toy party we went to as well as some new food for thought. Thanks for reading!
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Flash Fiction: Rocket's Race
Day 7
Hey all, it's me, Rocket. In my waning days of life I want to grab every experience that I can. One of the things I had always dreamed about, but never got was a tattoo. For me, a tattoo represented confidence, strength, dynamism, you know, pretty much all the things I'm not. Today that's gonna change. I had thought alot over the years of what I was gonna get f I ever did get the courage to get inked, but after my diagnosis I knew. There was only one tattoo that meant anything anymore.
I went down to the parlor and rolled up my sleeves. I handed the guy a wad of cash and told him what I wanted. He asked me a bunch of questions about this being my first tattoo and was I sure that this what I wanted. I told him yeah, even if I did regret it, it wouldn't be for long. He kind of looked at me funny, but started anyway.
Strangely I wasn't nervous about the pain or the feelings that were about to come. Dying really puts all that in perspective you know? All that stuff about the pain and the needle feeling good was shit though. It hurt. Some friends had said they liked the feeling that came with the experience. I don't know.. I didn't feel it. The only thing about the pain that I did like was the sense of focus I got, almost a level of clarity. Sort of like concentrating all of my being on controlling the experiences of one place on my person. It was an interesting concept that I felt I should explore more. What the body can feel. What the body can endure. How far can one person push themselves. I intended to find out.
As the artist finished up his work I looked down to see the end result. Three numbers staring back at me in bold black print. 8-21-2008. The day I was supposed to die.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Hey all, it's me, Rocket. In my waning days of life I want to grab every experience that I can. One of the things I had always dreamed about, but never got was a tattoo. For me, a tattoo represented confidence, strength, dynamism, you know, pretty much all the things I'm not. Today that's gonna change. I had thought alot over the years of what I was gonna get f I ever did get the courage to get inked, but after my diagnosis I knew. There was only one tattoo that meant anything anymore.
I went down to the parlor and rolled up my sleeves. I handed the guy a wad of cash and told him what I wanted. He asked me a bunch of questions about this being my first tattoo and was I sure that this what I wanted. I told him yeah, even if I did regret it, it wouldn't be for long. He kind of looked at me funny, but started anyway.
Strangely I wasn't nervous about the pain or the feelings that were about to come. Dying really puts all that in perspective you know? All that stuff about the pain and the needle feeling good was shit though. It hurt. Some friends had said they liked the feeling that came with the experience. I don't know.. I didn't feel it. The only thing about the pain that I did like was the sense of focus I got, almost a level of clarity. Sort of like concentrating all of my being on controlling the experiences of one place on my person. It was an interesting concept that I felt I should explore more. What the body can feel. What the body can endure. How far can one person push themselves. I intended to find out.
As the artist finished up his work I looked down to see the end result. Three numbers staring back at me in bold black print. 8-21-2008. The day I was supposed to die.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Flash Fiction: Under a Dead Sun
Chapter 23
Part 1
Root advanced on Billy, the blackened stump of his arm hanging at his side. Billy looked at Root's face, twisted in anger. He wasn't even sure how Root was upright, or even what the hell Root had been talking about.
"I cured my infection Billy... I can cure you too. See if I kill you, then you wont become one of them. I'll just put a bullet in your head. Then I'll save Katee."
"What the hell did you do to yerself Root? What happened up there?"
"I died Billy. Now its your turn."
Billy crouched on his feet, head still ringing from the explosion. He wiped the blood from his mouth, though his ears still trickled blood. He had heard what the Sheriff had said, though everything still rung in his head. He didn't see his pistol, and looked to Root as he clutched another stick of dynamite. Billy spared a quick glance behind his, but didn't see Katee. looking back to Root, he balled his fist up, and prepared to launch himself at Root, and the dynamite.
"God, I don't know what yer plan is, but keep Katee safe for me."
That's when Billy threw himself at Root.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Part 1
Root advanced on Billy, the blackened stump of his arm hanging at his side. Billy looked at Root's face, twisted in anger. He wasn't even sure how Root was upright, or even what the hell Root had been talking about.
"I cured my infection Billy... I can cure you too. See if I kill you, then you wont become one of them. I'll just put a bullet in your head. Then I'll save Katee."
"What the hell did you do to yerself Root? What happened up there?"
"I died Billy. Now its your turn."
Billy crouched on his feet, head still ringing from the explosion. He wiped the blood from his mouth, though his ears still trickled blood. He had heard what the Sheriff had said, though everything still rung in his head. He didn't see his pistol, and looked to Root as he clutched another stick of dynamite. Billy spared a quick glance behind his, but didn't see Katee. looking back to Root, he balled his fist up, and prepared to launch himself at Root, and the dynamite.
"God, I don't know what yer plan is, but keep Katee safe for me."
That's when Billy threw himself at Root.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Assorted Nuts
Happy June all!
Another month down in 2008, seems like time is just moving on this month. Today is just a general update to let you all know what's going on. First off, I work at a McDonalds and it is being sold to a franchise owner (I work for corporate McDonalds) so there has been a ton of drama going on at the store. Between fighting the fires of dissension at the thought of the sale to my boss being on a cleanliness warpath, they are just quickly breaking me down. Doing the best I can as it is, it's weird to think that in like 3 weeks, I will be at another store with a new team of managers, after a year and a half I have mixed emotions about it.
On one hand, I welcome the change and the challenge of a new locale, on the other my comfort level with my expectations here are really good. I guess it will be a mixed blessing. We will see how it goes.
On the Flash Fiction front I have mapped out the next few installments of Rocket's Race as well as another 2 chapters of Under a Dead Sun. I think I am getting close to the end of that series, maybe another 8 or 9 installments, I have the last chapter done in my head, but it's filling in the gaps that I want to get to. I also have another flash fiction piece I am writing specifically for Jason. I really I want to give him a few options to look at for possible pencilling.
Poetry is pretty stale, I have 2 inklings worked out, but my early attempts at them have not panned out the way I hopes. I do intend to dedicate a solid day next week to working on my posting. Probably Tuesday or so next week, after these initial inspections.
In terms of pop culture, Lost has easily cemented itself as perhaps the best show on television ever after that season finale. The show has really pushed the envelope in terms of episodic content and expectations from a TV show. I cannot wait for the fall and the return of Lost, as well as Heroes, Pushing Daisies, and Battlestar Galactica. Which by the way had a really slow buildup this season, but I think we are going to get big time payoff once the next season rolls around.
The XBox is also still seeing it's fair share of action, specifically in the games Mass Effect and the Penny Arcade game, On The Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness. Should be winding down Mass Effect within the week, so that will be one less distraction!
I did watch the excellent documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, about 2 men who develop a rivalry over having the world record score in the 1981 classic arcade game, Donkey Kong. The two men, upstart lovable loser Steve Weibe against the world champ for the last 23 years, Billy Mitchell. The story is a total tale of nerd devotion, but by about 20 minutes or so into the film, you really start to root for Weibe, and want to see if he can beat the master, Mitchell. Mitchell knows every trick in the book and uses them to keep Wiebe at a disadvantage. It was really interesting. You should check it out.
Anyway, stay tuned for further updates. I'll try to post again tomorrow.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
Another month down in 2008, seems like time is just moving on this month. Today is just a general update to let you all know what's going on. First off, I work at a McDonalds and it is being sold to a franchise owner (I work for corporate McDonalds) so there has been a ton of drama going on at the store. Between fighting the fires of dissension at the thought of the sale to my boss being on a cleanliness warpath, they are just quickly breaking me down. Doing the best I can as it is, it's weird to think that in like 3 weeks, I will be at another store with a new team of managers, after a year and a half I have mixed emotions about it.
On one hand, I welcome the change and the challenge of a new locale, on the other my comfort level with my expectations here are really good. I guess it will be a mixed blessing. We will see how it goes.
On the Flash Fiction front I have mapped out the next few installments of Rocket's Race as well as another 2 chapters of Under a Dead Sun. I think I am getting close to the end of that series, maybe another 8 or 9 installments, I have the last chapter done in my head, but it's filling in the gaps that I want to get to. I also have another flash fiction piece I am writing specifically for Jason. I really I want to give him a few options to look at for possible pencilling.
Poetry is pretty stale, I have 2 inklings worked out, but my early attempts at them have not panned out the way I hopes. I do intend to dedicate a solid day next week to working on my posting. Probably Tuesday or so next week, after these initial inspections.
In terms of pop culture, Lost has easily cemented itself as perhaps the best show on television ever after that season finale. The show has really pushed the envelope in terms of episodic content and expectations from a TV show. I cannot wait for the fall and the return of Lost, as well as Heroes, Pushing Daisies, and Battlestar Galactica. Which by the way had a really slow buildup this season, but I think we are going to get big time payoff once the next season rolls around.
The XBox is also still seeing it's fair share of action, specifically in the games Mass Effect and the Penny Arcade game, On The Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness. Should be winding down Mass Effect within the week, so that will be one less distraction!
I did watch the excellent documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, about 2 men who develop a rivalry over having the world record score in the 1981 classic arcade game, Donkey Kong. The two men, upstart lovable loser Steve Weibe against the world champ for the last 23 years, Billy Mitchell. The story is a total tale of nerd devotion, but by about 20 minutes or so into the film, you really start to root for Weibe, and want to see if he can beat the master, Mitchell. Mitchell knows every trick in the book and uses them to keep Wiebe at a disadvantage. It was really interesting. You should check it out.
Anyway, stay tuned for further updates. I'll try to post again tomorrow.
End of Line.
Gerrad!
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