The Pristine Chappell

Queue Tips

2011-11-14T20:32:00.002-05:00

Occasionally I think I will suggest something to watch on instant streaming of the Netflix variety. Today's recommendation?

The film "Troll Hunter"!

This is a foreign found footage film about a group of students/animal rights activists track down a hunter they believe is poaching bears in Norway. That said to their shock and amazement the man is actually a government employed hunter who tracks trolls who have ventured outside of their territories. Its all part of a big government cover up and such. Sounds silly right? Fact is it is actually a very fun movie. The animation/creature effects are top notch and there are several fun suspenseful scenes. If you can get past the subtitles check it out.

Future Blog Schedule, Beginning 6.20

2011-06-14T20:29:00.002-04:00

Monday -OFF DAY-

Tuesday Various

Wednesday Trailer and Upcoming Film

Thursday Classic Film or Documentary Review

Friday Netflix- Queue Tip

Saturday Board Game Review

Sunday Weekly Recipe Suggestion

The Town, 2010

2010-12-18T13:46:00.002-05:00

The Town is the second Boston crime drama to be directed by Ben Affleck following Gone Baby Gone. Most of you know that I am a very big fan of Gone Baby Gone, the best movie of it's year in my opinion, and the bar was set high for Affleck's second run behind the camera, especially considering he stars in this film as well.

The Town is story of Doug McCray, a townie (apparently people from Charlestown are referred to as townies, news to me, who is the architect of a heist unit. The Town begins with Doug's crew holding up a bank in downtown Boston, taking the bank manager, Claire, hostage. Doug's crew escapes, Claire is set free, and all is right with the world. Not so much. Doug's colleagues are a little concerned Claire could turn them in after they realize she lives roughly 4 blocks away from their own homes. Doug then enters Claire's life as a charming townie, a begins a the relationship that sits as the catalyst for most of the tension and character development of the film.

The story of the Town does sound a bit absurd, but I assure you it works. The romance is only a vehicle for what the film is truly about, the lives of men who are living as they can with what life dealt them. Of course I believe anyone can choose where they lead their lives, but it is the characters of The Town are truly believable, as the decisions they make aren't rushed and well in the simplest way, make sense.

Ben continues to excel behind the camera, as a writer, and is evolving as an actor. Still the performance of the film has to go to Jeremy Renner, who continues to be a very strong force on the screen after his work in last years The Hurt Locker.

If you enjoyed Gone Baby Gone, or want a bank heist movie with a real story, some real direction check out The Town. You odds are won't be disappointed, easily one of the years best.

The Town, 3.5/4

Waking Sleeping Beauty, 2010

2010-12-13T20:29:00.003-05:00

Waking Sleeping Beauty is a documentary that takes a look into the changing of the guards and evolution of the Disney Animation studios during the Disney Renaissance period. Those of you unfamiliar with the phrase should know this refers to the period between 1984 and 1994 when it Disney's animation studios rebounded from rock bottom. The time frame began with the release of The Little Mermaid and ended with the release of The Lion King in 94.

I thought from the trailers I would be up for an interesting look at the animators and creative influences that put the mouse back on top. What you actually get to see is the dark ego filled business war between Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenburg. This was a time when Roy Disney was failing at running the company and brought in Eisner and Frank Wells to bring the sinking ship back to safe waters. Jeffrey was hired by Wells and Eisner to assist in renovating the house the mouse built, mainly the animation department.

This is all very interesting, seeing two men compete to get the acknowledgement of rebuilding Disney's animation branch and the title of being the new Walt Disney. Problem is however the best parts are when we get to see the animators. Young John Lassister, Tim Burton, song writer Alan Menken, and the tragic story of Howard Ashman. These stories shine, these stories captivate. These are really the creative minds that helped the mouse rebound from a year when they were beat at the box office by The Care Bears movie, take that Black Cauldron.

The times you get to peak into these windows you get a glimpse of what make believe world you'd imagine it would be like working for Walt Disney Studios. Of course queue Eisner to bring you crashing back to Earth.

Perhaps one of the more interesting segments is about Beauty and the Beast. Originally meant to be a darker animated film sans musical numbers, the group made the correct choice of scrapping the project and moving it back to Beuna Vista to start over. It is here that Ashman and the animators crafted the only animated film to ever be nominated for Best Picture, at least I believe it was. Oops if I am wrong. This is also one of the saddest moments in the film as Ashman passes away after being diagnosed as HIV positive before he is able to ever see his finished master piece.

Other than making it apparent that my deep seeded dislike of Michael Eisner is not at all misplaced, the documentary pulls back the curtain on fantasy. Just like anywhere else the house that Walt built is a business empire first.

2.5/4

Polarizing Films

2010-12-12T11:54:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I rented The Last Airbender, luckily for a $1. Where to begin here? First I did spend some time watching book 1 of the animated series. Always like to give the source material a fair shake, this may have been my first mistake. See the series is lite, fun, but overall has a story arc that enriches character development. For a kids friendly series it at times excelled in it's writing and plotting.

The movie on the other hand is Shyamalan's latest failure. Where did things go wrong here? Perhaps a list is the best choice here:

1. Poor writing, and jamming a 26 episode story arc into 2 hours.

2. Absolutely horrid acting from the kids up front, Jackson Rathbone after this and the Twilight series you may want to retire and go out on top, cause this is probably as good as it gets for you.

3. The special effects and the bending process. You have air benders, earth benders, fire benders, water benders, all of which must halt and do an elaborate dance to pick up a rock ever so slowly, then proceed to do the cha cha to hurl it at an opponent? Who thought this wouldn't look absolutely ridiculous?

4. Shyamalan it's time that you take a break, and really find what made your first few films so good, heck I even liked Lady in the Water, but this and The Happening weren't good. Sorry you can defend you work all you want, but they just were not good. You've got talent, but I'm starting to think you are a bit too arrogant for your own good. Yeah I saw you pop in as a fire nation soldier, and sadly that may have been the best performance in the film. Cause it lasted all of 2 seconds.

So what does one do to wash the stink of an absolutely horrid film off? Well you spend the evening with a depressing WWII tale about the friendship of two boys.

In the Boy With the Striped Pajamas we find a twist on the standard viewpoint of the war, through the eyes of innocence. Bruno is the son of a concentration camp commander. He believes that the new camp is farm, and is unaware of the travesties taking place in his back yard. We all want to believe our parents are good, and this is ongoing struggle that Bruno faces.

Bruno soon befriends Schmuel, a Jewish camp prisoner. The two chat, play checkers over a fence line, and bond. Problem here is that you know this story can't end well. Schmuel is hardened and a child thrusted into adulthood, and it is here that Bruno slowly begins to have the curtains drawn open on reality.

If you have the opportunity I'd suggest giving this one a try. I'll tell you up front things don't end well, and near the end of the film you'll start to understand what exactly is going to occur. Supporting performances from David Thewlis and Vera Farmiga help sell the emotions in the film, and the fact is that the two child actors here: Asa Butterfield (Bruno) and Jack Scanlon (Shmuel) are fantastic. Take that Last Airbender.

The Last Airbender 0/4 ( couldn't watch it)

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 3/4

Toy Story 3, 2010

2010-06-21T12:35:00.003-04:00

I love Pixar. Let's face it, a lot of studios out there would of shelled out another Toy Story sequel some time ago, it took Pixar 11 years to come up with a story that would be a satisfying conclusion, and satisfying it is.

Toy Story 3 opens with Andy headed to college. The toys, Rex especially as always, are quite distraught. The plan is to go into attic mode, and to wait there until Andy needs them again. Things don't always work out as planned, through a mix up the Toys are donated to Sunny Side Daycare. They are thrilled, except for Woody of course, loyal Woody always needs to get back to Andy, but for everyone else who was attic bound the chance to be played with daily is too much to pass up on. Things aren't always as the seem though, wouldn't make for a good story if they were.

Toy Story 3 delves into mortality more deeply than most oscar baited films you will find out there. Mortality, family, purpose, they are all explored upon, and Pixar may have their swan song. I highly recommend this film, especially those of you who have seen the first two, and grown up with them as I have. If you haven't shame on you, go rent them, then see this one.

5/5 Perfection

Best Picture Ranking

2010-06-21T12:20:00.002-04:00

9. Up in the Air, 2009

A character study that delves into the mindset of a workaholic and a man who has constructed a life that allows no one the opportunity to become close to him. Ryan Bingham lives out of hotels and airplanes travelling the world doing big companies dirty work. Is it too late for Ryan, has his life style been justified, find out this in and more...

3.75/5

Best Picture Ranking

2010-06-18T19:08:00.003-04:00

10. The Blind Side

Truth is that I really enjoyed The Blind Side. Thing though is I have to wonder if this movie would have resonated so well with its' audiences if it were released in a time where the economy and overall morale of the country wasn't so low.

Sandra Bullocks performance was great, really something that drove the movie. She was not however the best actress of the year. Just letting you all know.

Personally I believe the Blind Side was an above average feel good story, but wasn't something I think should of made the nominations list. I know its a true story, but really was it any better or more moving than any other similar genre movie.

3.5/5

Update

2010-06-17T14:29:00.000-04:00

So folks things seem to be slowing down a bit. Got a job and got married in the past couple of weeks. Of course that means I need a blog update right? Starting in the next couple of days I intend to rank the 2009 Best Picture nominees based on my preferences of course. I will then follow this up with a best of list of my own.

Peace people.

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, 2009

2010-05-06T18:44:00.002-04:00

Precious, is the story of Clarice Precious Jones, a young black woman given the opportunity to turn her life around, and it is seemingly a long shot. The film is graphic, and extremely difficult to watch at times. This doesn't mean that it isn't worth viewing if you have reservations, some of you may stay away from the depictions of physical and emotional abuse.

We find out early on that Precious, played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, is pregnant for the second time in her life, both of which are by her father. Precious has been molested and raped by her absent father through out her life, and her mother Mary, played by Monique, is just as abusive. Monique did and amazing job in the role, and is definitely deserving of her Oscar win, sadly given her career I think she's nothing more than a one hit wonder, we will see of course. If she can keep up at this level she's welcome to stick around. Gabourey is also brilliant here, the pain and suffering the young woman depicts through out the film are truly believable and nomination deserving. Actually she definitely deserved the Oscar over Sandra Bullock, and I loved the Blindside.

Since this is Precious's second pregnancy she is removed from the public school system and placed in an alternative educational program. Here she is in a class of six and taught by Ms. Rain, actress Paula Patton. It is here that Precious begins to heal, she makes friends, a support network, and begins to learn. This in turn gives Precious the courage and determination to right her life, but has the abuse she has lived through to this point made her life in reparable? Precious is not a movie with a super happy ending, with singing birds and meadows of joy. It's bittersweet, it's realistic. Still if you are up for it take a moment to see this film, if not only for the performances. The two leads are superb, but the movie works because not one single member of the cast is unable to carry the dramatic load of the film.

There are some social issues I have with the movie. It is very true that the educational system is more favorable to some races and communities, and Precious has definitely grown up in one of the worst. The issue I have is while watching a brief documentary on the special features with Oprah and Tyler Perry they discuss the abuse as something being specific to their community. I am not aware of any statistics that state this, but physical and emotional abuse to children is not race discriminate. Precious's story in that aspect is not specific to her race, but the school system she grew up in could definitely help enable it. Interesting things to ponder over.

3.5/5

The Sunday Trailer

2010-05-02T13:44:00.001-04:00

The Last Airbender, 2010

The animated series this is based off of is actually quite excellent, and love him or hate him Shyamalan can tell a story. Here's hoping that since this isn't based off of some crazy story he crafted on his own this one will be as good as it should be.

Defendor, 2009

2010-04-30T11:35:00.003-04:00

Woody Harrelson quietly had a big year in 2009. Zombieland, The Messenger, and this little gem Defendor! Woody plays a slower man who dawns the guise of Defendor, a superhero after Captain Industry. The movie opens with Arthur Poppington, or Defendor, being interviewed by a court appointed shrink. Apparently Defendor has gotten himself arrested, makes sense for a vigilante.

Through his court appointed mental evaluations we are caught up on the story of Defendor, whether it be his crack addict mother from his childhood, building a friendship with a local prostitute, or tracking Captain Industry, Arthur is endearing. You understand why it is that Arthur is doing what he is doing, and like this years Kick Ass! the movie asks us why there are no real life superheroes? Probably because for such a hazardous jobs the health benefits suck, maybe this health care reform will see an influx of heroes out there.

Defendor is a charming movie that packs a lot of heart. It's also quite hilarious. Some of you may have to look past the occasional bits of language, but you will definitely enjoy a superhero who uses marbles and wasps, yes wasps as weapons. This one is already out of theaters, not sure it was ever there except for a limited run being a small independent film. Check it out, you won't be dissapointed.

4/5

The Sunday Trailer

2010-04-25T14:21:00.003-04:00

New idea!! Every Sunday I am will present to you all a movie trailer. Now this is in no way a guarantee that the movie previewed will be any good, but there are such things as good trailers to bad movies. I'll have to figure out which the movie is once it hits theaters.

Question? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take every 80's and 90's action star you could think of team them up, and just unleash them for a good hour and a half? Can't really say that I have, but I sure am glad that someone did! Check this one out,

THE EXPENDABLES, Starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundren, Mickey Rourke, and cameos by pretty much anyone you can think of.

This Momentary Marriage, Jon Piper

2010-04-22T19:13:00.004-04:00

This Momentary Marriage may be one of the most thought provoking books I have read in a while. Jon Piper is such a great author and minister. It is very nice to find someone who is writes to help me understand and study scripture by including scripture in his text. This isn't a dumbed down book, but one that is substantially supported by scripture. Jon does not present one idea that is not supported by referenced scripture.

Now on to what the text is about. Most of you know that I am getting married June 5th. I like most men who approach this momentous occasion have been having my nerves tested. I found myself really questioning what marriage was supposed to be about, what exactly am I getting into, but primarily how do I make sure that I am a good husband for Jess. I found a review of Pipers book on a friends blog, www.se7enty6ix.com and decided to give it a whirl. I am glad I did.

What is marriage? Its a very good question. Most would say its a lifelong union between a man and a woman, some today would even argue that it is a temporary contractual agreement that is voided when times get hard or someone gets a little overly annoying, but Piper sets this all straight. Marriage is a covenant set up between man and woman as a reflection of the covenant between Christ and his bride the church.

Guys you want to know how to be a good husband, look at how Christ lead the church. Women you want to be a good wife, look at how the Church is meant to follow Christ. So many questions out there I thought about over and over these past couple of months. For example I spent sometime wondering what exactly the bible meant when in Ephesians it says Wives submit to your husbands, and husbands love your wives as Christ did the church? Is this some sexist statement. Not at all. The husband is meant to be the spiritual leader of the household, the one accountable for the spiritual well being of his family, think about that responsibility before you consider marriage for yourself.

What does it mean for a wife to submit? Piper quickly uses scripture to knock down any ideas of egalitarianism. Women are not to never challenge their husband, they aren't meant to leave their brains at the alter. They are meant to support their husband. Biblically the marriage covenant is broken up in to well defined roles. Headship for the husband, and the nurturer for the wife. Guys headship is not dictatorship. Christ displays true leadership through out scripture, by serving his disciples and laying his life down for us all. This is what a husband is meant to do, to lead his family, to serve them, and to lay his life down for them. We should all make sure we are spiritually ready for this before we take this step, I pray that God gives me the strength to be this for Jess.

Piper also addresses issues of change. People will change, your spouse will change over time. Remember you are married for better or for worse, people don't always improve over time. One of my favorite parts of Pipers book is a chapter where he discusses this change. Next time you are faced with confrontation and worn down because you want your spouse to change something, step back and change yourself. Odds are there are things you could change within yourself for your spouse as well. Piper put it best like this, we are responsible in the end for answering for ourselves, we need to take strides in improving ourselves spiritually. Whats best about this is that when your spouse accepts and feels like you accept them and will continue to be with them without their change they will in fact change. It's when change is not brought to us as an ultimatum that we as people find it easiest to work on ourselves.

I have rambled here, and hope that I have not misrepresented anything that Piper wrote about. I am rereading many chapters of this book, looking over scripture, and praying that when I marry Jessica that I will endure and will love my wife as Christ loved the church, selflessly.

I also want to note that the book is valuable to both singles and married people alike. Piper also addresses those of us who are meant to be or have chosen a life of singleness. Christ has plans for both, and each carries different blessings.

5/5

Kick Ass, 2010

2010-04-19T15:23:00.004-04:00

Kick Ass, 2010

Where to begin? I am first going to say this, if gore or a 13 year old who swears a lot offends you greatly, this is not the movie for you.

Kick Ass is the story of Dave Lizewski. Dave wonders why there are no real life superheroes? What better way to find out than first hand experience. Dave, or Kick Ass, sets out in a green scuba outfit to become the world's first. His first attempt at stopping a couple of thugs from stealing someones vehicle doesn't turn out so well. This isn't at least in the beginning an unrealistic movie. Dave doesn't have any training, there is no reason he should succeed and he doesn't. What Kick Ass needs is time to develop, to become a real hero, but what are the ingredients to this?

Enter Big Daddy and Hit Girl, a framed cop and his daughter who are set to take on the drug ring that ruined their lives. Big Daddy has years of police training, and his daughter has been trained her entire life for this, and they are incredible. Kick Ass's first run in with these two leaves him doubting whether or not the super hero role is for him. What does he have worth fighting for, can someone be a hero if they have nothing to lose? What Dave does have is heart, and so does this movie.

Kick Ass asks us who has the real issue, some nut job who jumps in to save a guy being mugged at terrible odds, or the few who stand around and watch and do nothing? Can anyone be a hero? This is where the heart of this movie is. Now the cool factor comes from the presentation. There are few scenes anymore that really get me glued to the screen. Kick Ass had several. Whether it be Big Daddy dropping in on a drug deal, the bad guys trying to make a point that being a hero is bad for your health, or some kid finally becoming the hero he set out to be Kick Ass delivers.

Not to mention the many nods to the inner geek the movie generates. Whether it be the usage of scores from other cult movies, such as Sunshine or 28 Days Later, or obscure references to comics and other superhero films it delivers laughs. For instance Nicholas Cage is Big Daddy, and of course Big Daddy resembles Batman quite a bit. The funny part of all of this is the voice he uses while in costume. While Bale uses Carrie Fishers' "I should have quit smoking 10 years ago voice", Cage is all Adam West. It was fantastically hilarious.

My only complaint with the movie is that at times Dave isn't the most interesting character. Big Daddy and Hit Girl, played by Chloe Moretz still the show. The movie just doesn't give there characters enough screen time, it spends just a bit too long trying to prove to us that Dave is a loser. I for one figured that out pretty early on.

Do yourself a favor and if you aren't thrown off by the things I mentioned earlier take some friends and see Kick Ass. It may not be for everyone, but I definitely enjoyed it and am thrilled that this movie, at least I am considering it to be, kicked off the summer film season.

4/5

Clash of the Titans, 2010

2010-04-14T16:22:00.004-04:00

Where to begin with this one?

First off I believe this is the first movie to come out to really hurt the argument for 3D. It was filmed in 2D and converted in post processing, unlike Avatar which was filmed with the intent of being in 3D. Why does this matter, other movies have done that and been fine right? Yeah, they weren't as frenetic. See your brain doesn't recognize 3D unless a scene is constant for 2 seconds, it needs this time to adjust, Clash of the Titans was not filmed this in mind. The action sequences are fun, but you might find yourself wondering why this guy is 3D but his hair isn't. Really a terrible job in cutting room here, an attempt to cash in on the new 3D craze.

The two main action sequences in the movie, one with scorpions and one with Medusa are about the only high points of this movie. Sam Worthington follows up Avatar with an absolutely horrid performance. I didn't realize that all human emotion could be expressed by one of two things, either yelling, or some angry constipated face. The best performance in the movie really would have to go Mads Mikkelsen whom some of you may know as Le Chiffe from Casino Royale. Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes really let me down in this one as Zues and Hades respectively. Now don't get me wrong, the original was a b-movie that garnered a cult following, and the remake may have been attempting to recreate this.

Problem is the movie had no heart and little fun through out it. The entire premise is this hour and a half long build up to the final showdown with the Kraken. This is really bad news. Everything here feels rushed. They dispense of all of the minor characters so Mr. Worthington can go and ride a Pegasus, and I don't want to ruin anything, but the ending was just poor and anticlimactic. I left the theater thinking that was it, the final showdown, are you kidding me? Do yourself a favor and save your money. I should have, I could've gone and seen Crazy Heart or The Crazies at the local dollar theater.

2/5

Up In the Air

2010-04-11T21:41:00.002-04:00

Up In the Air, 2009

I finally got around to watching this one today and found it to be enjoyable. The story follows Clooney's character who has basically built a lifestyle that completely disconnects him from any meaningful relationship. In his older age is he going to come to terms with his choices, or perhaps are they going to be validated. Interesting to see a character that is brought to the fork in the road, and is set to make a life changing decision, face certain realities. Is it too late for him?

Clooney was excellent as was Anna Kendrick. Who knew she could act? I've seen her in the Twilight movies with Jessica, which are abysmal pieces of garbage that I wouldn't recommend anyone watch, ever!

You have in this film between the two aforementioned characters a young woman set to shape her life full of youthful ambition, and a grouchy man in the prime of his corporate life. The two work for a company that is hired to fire employees of other companies. Clooney sees the need for personal interaction, while Anna is introducing a new streamlined format through voice chat to cut company cost. This grounds Clooney, who before now has been flying around the country daily to these companies to do their dirty work. This grounding is the catalyst to his characters change.

Up in the Air is an interesting look at the human condition, and rings home in our current economic situation.

4/5

Book Review

2010-04-03T10:37:00.002-04:00

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by: Gregory Maguire

About a month or so ago I started reading Wicked since I will be taking Jessica to see the musical stage version this May for her birthday. I had been forewarned by numerous individuals that I may despise the book but would definitely enjoy the musical. Apparently they are night and day different. Question was would this be a good thing?

It took me far longer than expected to get through this book. There were segments that I burned right through, excellent storytelling, then there were segments that caused me to consider walking away from this one. I always finish books I begin though.

Wicked is not a bad book at all. Its a retelling of the life of the Wicked Witch of the West that paints her as a misunderstood heroine with daddy issues, and retools the Wizard as an overbearing dictator. So when I started I had plenty of questions, whats with the water, why is she green, what's so special about the ruby red slippers and really only the latter is ever answered, or at least approached.

Maguire is a well crafted writer who understands pacing and how to develop your characters. Elphalba, the Wicked Witch, who you must separate from the beloved Wizard of Oz to truly appreciate, is one of the most fleshed out characters I have ever come across. From childhood to untimely death her layers are fully explored. The only issue I came across was that some of her layers are quite that interesting.

The book is broken into a series of smaller books, at least thats how I look at it. In these different sections we are following the same characters, the same world, and the same story, it just picks up at different points in Elphalba's life. As a character she is always interesting, but like us all what develops us into who we are is not always that showy. Which is realistic and probably why Maguires story for me at least bogged down here and there. Don't get me wrong, she does lead a fantastical life that is completely unrealistic, but where I find her time in Shiz, love life, and the beginnings of Kiamo - Ko interesting enough, her childhood and wonderings just didn't do it for me.

Now I have decided recently to change my rating system. I will no longer grade books or movies or whatever I review on a system out of 5. I will just simply give it a recommendation from me or not. I don't want to give some a lower grade and lower your expectations, but for Elphalba I would recommend that anyone with any interest in her story should definitely pick it up at your local library and give it a whirl.

On a side not I will also point out that this is not a children's book and there are a lot of adult themes and situations in it that I didn't necessarily expect. Maguire writes for a mature audience, keep that in mind.

Recommended

Day 1

2010-03-29T22:26:00.002-04:00

So my wedding is fast approaching. Planning is stressful and I am still in the midst of the job hunt. So I decided maybe a good exercise regiment is needed. I got a copy of the P90x work out program today. I am in no means in good shape as of now and don't believe that I will be able to keep up with Horton's plan initially. Still I hope to stick with it and get through the 90 day plan. I am currently weighing in at 210 lbs., feeling healthier with the recent diet changes but want to get to 190 lbs. by June 5th, which is reasonably healthy and change my overall composition by the time this is all over.

Wish me luck.

Also on a side note Jess and I went and saw How to Train Your Dragon and it was awesome. Definitely a step above other Dreamwork's movies as in it doesn't have a bunch of needless pop culture references, but stands on its own.

Lastly got tickets to see Wicked, and expect to see a book review up sometime this week. Just as soon as I figure out what I've read. Interesting pacing in this one.

Movie Review: A Serious Man

2010-02-21T10:21:00.003-05:00

During the great snow storm of 2010 I spent a day developing cabin fever and running up the cable bill renting movies on demand. Which by the way is an amazing feature, and I am sure one that may cause me to foreclose on my mortgage. I always try to watch all of the best picture nominated films. The academy was on to me and to boost the box office increased the nominations to 10.

The only film that is was on demand that I hadn't seen from the list was Joel and Ethan Coen's A Serious Man. The film is a modern day retelling of the story of Job, with a twist of course. Here Larry Gopnik must try to make sense of his life. He is a physics professor who teaches principles of uncertainty. Which is interesting because several times in the film you see him in front of his blackboard showing his students that the universe is full of uncertainty, but Larry still struggles with make sense of the events in his life.

We begin by seeing Larry's family, a daughter with sticky fingers, and son with no respect, a wife who is leaving him for Sy Ableman, and a socially awkward genius brother who lives on his sofa. Larry has lived with his eyes closed up to this point, disregarding the issues surrounding his family, but until now most of his stress has come from home. He is both bribed and blackmailed by a failing student at the University, doesn't know if he will get his tenure, and things just keep piling up. Just as God took everything away from Job, Larry seems to be losing it all.

The question for Larry is how does he be a Serious Man, or a good man who continues to follow in his faith. He consults the rabbis, three very different rabbis varying in age from the rookie to the senior with one foot in the grave. All give him very different responses, and may not seem very helpful at first, question is is there a reason for all of this, and what do you do when the world around you begins to crumble away? Do you persevere like Job? Well check out the film and see if Larry passes or fails God's test, or if everything happening is just a result of uncertainty. I believe the film is left to a bit of personal interpretation, but the ending spoke pretty clearly to me.

Some of you may see this movie as more of a continuation of No Country for Old Men's view of randomness. How in the end we are all the victims of uncertainty, how no one is ever in complete control. It does delve further into that, but there is definitely the idea here that there is in fact a higher power, whether or not Joel and Ethan believe that themselves.

Also I want to point out that the Coen brothers made a film here that parallels a biblical story. The movie is not a g-rated affair and definitely earns its R rating. It may have some interesting themes that some of you may want to check out, I just want you all to know this isn't a Christian film, just FYI.

A Serious Man, 4/5.

Health Drive

2010-01-25T21:37:00.002-05:00

SO its January 2010 and I could potentially start the new year off with a resolution. I'm not going to do that. I am hoping to change my lifestyle. In an effort to lose weight before I get married this June, and I am not going on a diet.

See here is the issue with diets. They end and are usually not fully balanced nutritionally. So steadily I am going to change how I view foods, and find healthier ways to cook and live my life.

Well I need motivation. So I am going to start to update you all on my health and weight. Kind of silly, but at the same time if anyone actually reads this I may feel the need to keep up the work. Currently I weigh in at a 205.5 lbs and am all pudge. I will also supply you all with any nutritional facts and fun things I find out on my way. Exercise routines and healthy articles I find will be posted here for you all to enjoy.

I am going to begin by starting my days with either a brisk jog or kettle bell work. The jog will of course help burn calories, while the kettle bell is an excellent source of cardio and strength exercises rolled up in one package.

Now for a fun fact, very basic:

Start your day with a breakfast high in fiber. I listen to a local radio station health show on the way home a few nights a week. Here is this reasoning. A breakfast high in fiber will help curb hunger throughout the day and boost your metabolism. I start off with a bowl of oatmeal, I add a little natural peanut butter, and some almonds. Fruit is also a good addition.

Enjoy. I gotta go get ripped.

Movie Review: Funny People and a horrible joke.

2010-01-17T13:23:00.003-05:00

Funny People (2009)

Directed by: Judd Apatow
Written by: Judd Apatow
Starring: Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen

Where to begin with Funny People. First off it isn't very funny. It may have been in the past, but I have to credit Funny People with putting in perspective a bit of my own personal maturing. Funny People isn't crude humor, its a bunch of sex jokes. The premise of the film is endearing enough, a world famous comedian, Sandler, finds out he is dying and hires a struggling writer to go with him on one last tour. The two become friends, Sandler seems to be closing out his life and righting wrongs and all that good stuff people are supposed to do when the end is near.

The movie proposes and interesting enough question though, if you are suddenly alright, what do you do? Do you continue on being a better person or do you devolve back into the lonely man no one loved. Sadly I think that most of us, like Sandler find it pretty easy to fall back on our old ways and put redemption on the back burner.

Now about the movies performances. Sandler gives us one of the best of his career, while Seth Rogen continues to play the same character in every movie. Seriously Seth try stretching out the acting chops, or continue down the path of Ben Stiller. Eric Bana also has a role in the film that I found very refreshing in the tediously slow pacing of the movie. The writing aspect of the movie suffers from the fact that Judd Apatow seems to be stuck in the same mode that brought us Knocked Up and The 40 Year Old Virgin. Judd you to may need to try something a little different, at least get new actors to play the same old characters.

2/4 Stars

Now the Joke, it comes from Louis in Alaska.

Charlie is a painter and has stockpiled quite the fortune in his day. Charlie is a businessman, and at the start of his career Charlie learned that he could make a lot more money if he thinned his paint and could then under quote the competition. For years Charlie continued to scheme, but his day of reckoning was quickly approaching.

A local Baptist Church was in need of a face lift. The congregation decided the exterior needed a new coat of paint. Charlie being the crafty man he was offered his services at a discount price. The church seeing Charlie as a great value quickly hired him for the job.

The next weekend Charlie began his work on the church. He used his age old thinned paint and quickly painted a coat on the church. he then got out his ladder and climbed up to the steeple to finish his job. At this time the sky grew dark and thunder and lightning came and a gust of wind knocked Charlie down from his ladder into the church yard. The rain washed all of the thinned paint from the walls and Charlie new God was not happy with his ways. Then Charlie heard it, a distant voice,

"Repaint, repaint, and thin no more!!"

That is such a bad joke.

Movie Review: The Hurt Locker

2010-01-16T23:05:00.002-05:00

I'll start with a rant, Blockbuster has to have the most idiotic advertising department in the world. It is of no surprise to me that they are going bankrupt, and that I am now a fan of the redbox.

The Hurt Locker

Rewards season is upon us and it just happens that the year the academy decides to expand the best picture category nominee group to 10 is the year that Hollywood decided to make dud after dud. The Hurt Locker just happens to be a fluke this season. It is an excellent suspense filled drama about the psyche of 3 separate members of the EOD. The EOD are the guys over in Iraq disarming roadside bombs and any other explosives that have been rigged to cause some damage.

The film has the ability to interweave a very suspenseful and intelligent story with some very high quality and realistic action sequences. This isn't a Micheal Bay film, what it is a very raw look at the daily conflict these soldiers face. I don't want to elevate this movie to the level that many have though, the truth is it has a few moments where takes a few turns I felt were unnecessary and a little cliche. These moments really cause the film to lose its pacing. Don't get me wrong it quickly corrects itself and is back on track, but as the credits rolled I found myself asking why, more than dissecting the characters that I was presented with. I did this of course, I've spent plenty of time today thinking back about the film.

There are questions of morality, questions that may cause a bit of self introspection. We are presented with three very real characters; the adrenaline junky, one that hides his own fears behind a stern strong exterior, and of course the one that wears his fear on his sleeve. Its a strange scenario that we are presented with. The team consists of these three soldiers. Two of these guys are doing everything they can to survive and get home, and they must both trust and fear their new team leader, who has the most to lose at home, but by far is the most reckless. I have to say the dynamic works, and it does so because of some very strong performances, especially Jeremy Renner, who I think gives us one of the better performances of the year.

So if I had written this last night I probably would of given in about a 2/4, but do yourself a favor and give it a try yourself. The film treats you as an intelligent viewer, and I am sure most will have no issues with the few parts that I found cliche. Overall I recommend it, and hey its only a $1 at the Redbox.

Rating: 3.5/4

I hope my first review wasn't too poorly written. Need to work on talking more about the movie, just don't want to give you any real spoilers.

Why Bible Tracts are Not Good Tips!

2009-11-23T18:42:00.003-05:00

Hi all. Sorry I haven't posted. Jess and I are trying to close on our house and there is a lot of stress with this. Apparently the banks are really hesitant to take our money. Who knew banks didn't like money.

Now to the post subject. As most of you know I have been waiting tables at a Logan's Roadhouse for about 5 1/2 years. Wednesday morning of last week I got perhaps one of the most infuriating tips of my service career.

I waited on a table of 3, who seemed like nice enough people. They all ordered steaks, soft drinks, even desert. Then came the bill. Their check totaled over $65 and the kicker is that I got a whopping $3 tip total. The real issue here, other than the fact that you should never tip your server less than 15%, unless he/she is absolutely horrid is, is the fact that they placed a bible tract with the tip. Now I am a Christian, and I believe that this has to be the worst possible thing these people could have done.

First off, Bible tracts are not made to be left in a tip book, in a bathroom stall, or anywhere else. They are booklets made to help you witness to someone and to leave something with them if they have questions. Secondly, the idea here is that the Word of God is the best tip I could get I am sure, sorry folks as much as that is true, the damage done here is too much and I was short changed. They are lucky I was the one who got the table. People who do not attend church, are usually looking for any reason to dislike Christians or to skip out on church, would you attend a church if its christ like members would use the Word of God as an excuse to cheap out.

The bible tract had the name of the church and a number to call. I have tried to contact the minister of the local church a few times. I figure that these are passed out to the congregation, and the damage that this ministers flock is doing needs to be stopped. I know some of you are probably thinking I am overacting, and that tipping isn't necessary in the first place, but people have dumber reasons for not going to church, and if you eat at a place that requires a server its common knowledge that tipping is required. You don't want to tip, go to McDonalds or stay home.

Sorry it just infuriates me, and I know I am rambling. So I will try and stay on topic. The Word of God is not a tip at a restaurant, it is the single most important thing we should all share with each other, but in this situation it does not fit. If you leave these in a tip book, you had better be tipping 20 or 30 percent, or you are doing some damage. You are putting a stumbling block in someones path. The economy is down, tips are down, Christians who can afford to spend $65 on a meal, should be kind enough to take care of another human being. Lastly FYI, this was the only tip I got the entire day that was less than 15%. I were not a Christian, I gaurauntee these people would of given me every reason to dislike the Church more.

Feel free to share God's Word. Just don't use it as a bail out for your wallet. God wouldn't approve, pretty sure thats biblical.

Best Films of Summer 2009

2009-11-16T19:46:00.002-05:00

I really need to start updating this regularly if I want anyone to read it. So I'll start getting back on track tonight. First off this thread comes to fruition from my own pondering of what should be the first movie I watch in my new home. Yes I officially become a new home owner this weekend. Very exciting.

So thinking over the movies I have seen this summer, I have decided to dish out a few awards. First though I have to admit I have not seen 500 Days of Summer, which I think looks to be very good, and haven't seen GI Joe, which should not effect this list in any way.

Lets start:

Biggest summer Disapointment:

XMEN Origins: Wolverine

Well what can I say about this one. Nothing here was good. Hugh Jackman had made Logan a very likeable character in the original XMEN trilogy, maybe the only good part of the final movie. So why not completely destroy the character. Its like no one would let Jackman really rekindle the awesomeness he crafted before. This was like Wolverine lite. Not to mention the terrible use of many characters that I looked forward to for some time. Gambit was completely useless, and Deadpool played by Ryan Reynolds was spectacular in the few scenes he was in, then they decided to get rid of him. Really just an obvious movie made to cash in on a franchise. Marvel better learn something from this one.

Top 5 Summer Films:

5: The Hangover

I can in no way morally endorse this film, parents don't let your kids watch this. Now for the older crowd, it was pretty funny. The main reason really was the ability of the male leads to really make you believe they had been life time friends. Buddy movies usually fail because you can never believe the comradery that is onscreen. Here you could, and really it was nothing more than crude college humor, well done though.

4: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

I would place this one higher but I was a bit dissapointed by plot focus. The relationships of the Harry and Ginny, Ron and Hermoine took the forefront. It was like watching an episode of Saved by the Bell on occasion. When the movie hit its stride it was spectactular. I was also dissapointed in some changes from the book. The fact that Harry was not paralyzed when Dumbledore dies in my opinion changes his character. He would of acted here if not for being paralyzed. Also the lack of funeral was a loss, and I know it may have been repitive to have the Hogwarts fight here for the next film, but when does it come out, pretty sure I would of had enough break between. A solid movie though, fun and did the books justice enough.

3. Inglorious Basterds

This is one of my favorite Tarantino movies. My ownly complaint was the casting of Eli Roth, still as time goes on I have to admit that maybe its the hatred I have for the man and not his performance. I would of liked to see Liev Shreiber as the bear Jew, hope I spelled his name correctly. By the way Pitt was good, but Laurent and Christopher Waltz steal the show here. Waltz was a delightful villain, and Laurent played the vengeful part very well.

2. UP

Can Disney's Pixar group do any wrong? I have to admit the concept of this movie through me off a bit at first. Then I went and saw it. The opening scene was probably the most emotional 10 minutes I spent in a theater this year. Pixar at its finest. The only issue here was that Pixar did occaisionally dip into some jokes that really catered solely to the kids. I think they have always been very balanced with all ages, which makes their movies excellent family films.

1. District 9

This is easily the best Sci-Fi movie to come out in a very long time. Children of Men was excellent, this was fantastic on a higher level. The premise, which starts as a documentary about an alien ship appearing over Johannesburg, South Africa quickly evolves into a film about a mans survival and transition. The lead plays his role well, and we see a character who develops fully from opening to closing credits. Not to be out done though is some of the better CG I have seen in a while. The aliens, crustacean like in apperance, display emotion, relate to the audience, and are in no way the bad guys here. I hope everyone gives this a shot.

Honorable Mention

Drag Me to Hell

Sam Raimi leaves Spiderman behind and returns to the horror camp he crafted his career with. Fans of the Evil Dead series will appreciate this one. Others will get to take part into what I consider the most fun I have ever had in a theater. People screamed, laughed, and really just enjoyed a film. Watch this one with the speakers cranked up, and with a group of friends. Its an excellent time.

Dracula Returns...what?! and other literay fun.

2009-10-23T19:11:00.000-04:00

So Jessica, my future wife, and I are walking through Borders this afternoon. By the way if you have one in your town, the Half Price Bookstore is a much better option, but while at Borders we happened upon the usual October horror promotional table. Up front was Twilight, which I equate to literary trash, and Guiermo Del Toro's book The Strain, which I haven't read but have had recommended to me by several.

Now the interesting fine was actually a book called, Dracula: The Un-dead. It was subtitled in context to be the direct sequel to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Best part get this, is that it is written by Dacre Stoker, Bram's great grandnephew, not even sure how that works down the family line, but seriously what? You have some stones to write a sequel to a literary classic, and not some Emily Bronte garbage classic, but a real horror classic. I know that the death of Dracula completely leaves it open for his continued existence, the subject matter that had been hit on before in novels and comics, such as the League of Extraordinary Gentleman. I don't know what to expect, garbage or greatness, who knows?

So let me recommend quickly some horror novels for the Halloween month:

The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova

The Shining, Stephen King

World War Z, Max Brooks

Also I am still currently reading George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and avidly following the casting of the HBO series. So of course recommended for all.

The beginning..

2009-10-18T22:24:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone.

This is of course my inaugural post. I'll start things off by saying if I do gather any fans, my post here may be very random. I like video games, movies, tv, books, sports, and general thought patterns so hopefully you can all follow along.

First off I thought of an interesting idea to start everything off with. I will on Sundays give out the first ever Epic Fail award. Reserved for those who just fail hard. Of course being a Titans fan this one hurts a bit, but you Titans really just failed in about every way possible today. Never has a game been pulled to televise the Bills in the history of the NFL. Today you acheieved a place in record books. Too bad your the team Tom Brady threw 5 TD's against in a quarter against. You really want to be on the other side of history. Too bad there's always next week. Who are we kidding. Seasons over folks.

Anyway just starting out. Lets see how this works.