Everyday I wake up, wonder why
I'm alone when I know I'm a lovely guy
Birds come down from sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you
Every night I carry out my plan
Pray to God that one day I could be your man
Birds come down from sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with
You'd be my only friend in the world
Well you could just be my girl
And if I do run away from this life
There won't be much for me in the afterlife
Although I know that you don't even care
I'd rather stay in a world where
Birds come down from sky so blue
See all the beautiful things you do
Why can't I just get with you
-"All the Beautiful Things" by Eels
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Meditations
I'm starting to feel like I've lost my respect for movies. (I do realize that many of you are scoffing at those opening words. If you've ever heard me talk about Away We Go or any number of films, you will think it's silly for me to say such a thing.)
But it is my feeling. And I believe it to be true. I pondered today on this. 2 years ago, I would see movies alone, dressed nicely (i.e. Jeans and a blazer) to show repsect for the power that I know film has. The medium has changed my life. But it has been a while since I've done a movie old-fashioned, and, in my opinion, the good way. So tonight, seeing as I had no plans, I did a movie; 2008 style. Suited up, got some Wendy's to sneak in, even listed to music I was crazy about then. I'm very glad to say, it worked out and I had a resplendant cinematic excursion.
The film on the docket was Eat Pray Love. Yes, I know the face you're making. However, I'd heard from sources, that I consider reliable, that I should check it out. It is based on the memior by Elizabeth Gilbert, who, after a nasty divorce and a follow-up fling, decides to take a hiatus. She's stuck on the end of a teeter-totter and needs to find some balance. So, she goes on a year long journey to Italy, India, and Bali where she literally learns how to Eat, Pray, and Love (crazy. That's the title.)
It ended up being a very personal experience for me (I won't bore you with the details), but I am very glad I saw it alone. I am a firm believer that your experience with a movie can easily change with an additional member in your party. For some movies, that is ok. Others, I like to see alone first. I end up liking more movies that way.
But it is my feeling. And I believe it to be true. I pondered today on this. 2 years ago, I would see movies alone, dressed nicely (i.e. Jeans and a blazer) to show repsect for the power that I know film has. The medium has changed my life. But it has been a while since I've done a movie old-fashioned, and, in my opinion, the good way. So tonight, seeing as I had no plans, I did a movie; 2008 style. Suited up, got some Wendy's to sneak in, even listed to music I was crazy about then. I'm very glad to say, it worked out and I had a resplendant cinematic excursion.
The film on the docket was Eat Pray Love. Yes, I know the face you're making. However, I'd heard from sources, that I consider reliable, that I should check it out. It is based on the memior by Elizabeth Gilbert, who, after a nasty divorce and a follow-up fling, decides to take a hiatus. She's stuck on the end of a teeter-totter and needs to find some balance. So, she goes on a year long journey to Italy, India, and Bali where she literally learns how to Eat, Pray, and Love (crazy. That's the title.)
It ended up being a very personal experience for me (I won't bore you with the details), but I am very glad I saw it alone. I am a firm believer that your experience with a movie can easily change with an additional member in your party. For some movies, that is ok. Others, I like to see alone first. I end up liking more movies that way.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Going Mad
I had been thinking about starting to watch the television show Mad Men for quite some time. I mean, it kinda seems like something I would watch. Its won critical as well as fan adoration. So, the other, day I downloaded the first season to my portable video machine and I'll just say it is an intruiging 47ish minutes of television.
It takes place in the 1960, as you could see by the dress code. The main man is Don Draper, the creative director of "Sterling/Cooper Advertising Agency" over on Madison Avenue. He, along with 2/3 of the rest of the male characters, are some of the most dispicable people I have encountered in all my years in TV land. They all have wives and they all have at least 1 mistress. To be fair, they do have issues of their own, but seeing a therapist is considered immasculation.
The poor messed up women in their lives. Betty Draper, (Don's wife) is played by January Jones, who is probably one of the most stikingly beautiful women I've ever seen. Betty got married too young, had kids too young, basically settled too young. She has issues. Christina Hendricks plays Joan Holloway, the head lady of the steno pool. She is a mistress. Everyone is in love with her. That must be hard. Did I mention she's a redhead? I have a thing for redheads.
Along with learning about these screwed up people (as well as seeing some of Nixon/Kennedy campaign footage), the show can be quite depressing as well is interesting. All of these people are drowning in lives they aren't happy with.
Maybe that why I like it. I feel like I'm drowning alot.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
What I wish I could say is,,,
Though I've tried before to tell her
Of the feelings I have for her in my heart
Everytime that I come near her
I just lose my nerve
As I've done from the start
Do I have to tell the story
Of a thousand rainy days since we first met
It's a big enough umbrella
But it's always me that ends up getting wet
I resolved to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
Long before my tongue has tripped me
Must I always be alone
Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Know I know my love for her goes on
Of the feelings I have for her in my heart
Everytime that I come near her
I just lose my nerve
As I've done from the start
Do I have to tell the story
Of a thousand rainy days since we first met
It's a big enough umbrella
But it's always me that ends up getting wet
I resolved to call her up a thousand times a day
And ask her if she'll marry me in some old fashioned way
But my silent fears have gripped me
Long before I reach the phone
Long before my tongue has tripped me
Must I always be alone
Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she does just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Know I know my love for her goes on
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Cinematin Weekend: Female Empowerment Edition (SPOLER ALERT)
Yes, alas another cinematic weekend has occurred. Again, I saw two very different movies aimed at two DIFFERENT sects of people. So...let's get to it.
Salt is another empowered female character for Angelina Jolie to add to her arsenal. Evelyn Salt is a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Of course, she runs. Because, in movies, you have to prove your innocence yourself rather than leave anything to the authorities. And its a good thing too, since a colleague is actually one of the various said sleeper agents. Angelina definitely pics a type and there is a reason. She's great at portraying those characters. Yes, they are all similar but she makes them different enough that you don't really mind seeing her shooting anything that is a noun, jumping from moving vehicle to moving vehicle, or perhaps, strangling someone with handcuffs.
Salt is your typical summer action blockbuster. However, what I liked most about the film was it went back to one of the most simple concepts in film making. It asked a question. Perhaps blatantly, as seen in the poster above, but it was nice to see a clear, simple question and have it answered. "Who is Salt?"
Was the movie a masterpiece? No. Was it fun and an escape from your bland, no-gun-totting, unrisk taking life? Hell yes!
B
Ok. So The Kids Are All Right is a movie I'd wanted to see for a few weeks. Its indie. Which normally signifies that I will enjoy it. Yeah...I was wrong.
It is a tale of a lesbian couple who's kids decide to meet their sperm donor father and how that decision affects all of their lives. Now, i consider myself pretty liberal for a boy raised in Mormonville, Utah. But I have to say, I felt like so much of the movie was so intensely pro-gay and even a little anti-straight.
That's not to say the movie wasn't well made. It really was (for the most part), well put together. But for a story that involves a marriage that overcomes infidelity, I couldn't see much reason to try and get past the mistake.
Annette Benning and Juliane Moore play Nic and Jules. Nic is a career woman who likes control and red wine. Jules is a trophy wife/house mom who never reached her full potential. From the minute the two share screen time, you know there is some tension. As the story continues (sometimes veering into the realm of unnecessary), you see that rather than being a couple, they are just two people, who it seems feel out of love some time ago. Its become a marriage of convenience rather than love. And while yes, there is something to be said for sticking together through tough times, when infidelity comes into play and the two are already disconnected...well, its hard to root for something like that.
Benning and Moore, both did a great job of crafting their characters. Its the union between them I have trouble buying. I don't really know who to blame for that. Actually I do. Director/Co-Writer Lisa Cholodenko.
I really wanted to like the movie. i was rooting for it. But one thing is evident to me.
The Kids Ain't All Right.
Salt is another empowered female character for Angelina Jolie to add to her arsenal. Evelyn Salt is a CIA agent accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. Of course, she runs. Because, in movies, you have to prove your innocence yourself rather than leave anything to the authorities. And its a good thing too, since a colleague is actually one of the various said sleeper agents. Angelina definitely pics a type and there is a reason. She's great at portraying those characters. Yes, they are all similar but she makes them different enough that you don't really mind seeing her shooting anything that is a noun, jumping from moving vehicle to moving vehicle, or perhaps, strangling someone with handcuffs.
Salt is your typical summer action blockbuster. However, what I liked most about the film was it went back to one of the most simple concepts in film making. It asked a question. Perhaps blatantly, as seen in the poster above, but it was nice to see a clear, simple question and have it answered. "Who is Salt?"
Was the movie a masterpiece? No. Was it fun and an escape from your bland, no-gun-totting, unrisk taking life? Hell yes!
B
Ok. So The Kids Are All Right is a movie I'd wanted to see for a few weeks. Its indie. Which normally signifies that I will enjoy it. Yeah...I was wrong.
It is a tale of a lesbian couple who's kids decide to meet their sperm donor father and how that decision affects all of their lives. Now, i consider myself pretty liberal for a boy raised in Mormonville, Utah. But I have to say, I felt like so much of the movie was so intensely pro-gay and even a little anti-straight.
That's not to say the movie wasn't well made. It really was (for the most part), well put together. But for a story that involves a marriage that overcomes infidelity, I couldn't see much reason to try and get past the mistake.
Annette Benning and Juliane Moore play Nic and Jules. Nic is a career woman who likes control and red wine. Jules is a trophy wife/house mom who never reached her full potential. From the minute the two share screen time, you know there is some tension. As the story continues (sometimes veering into the realm of unnecessary), you see that rather than being a couple, they are just two people, who it seems feel out of love some time ago. Its become a marriage of convenience rather than love. And while yes, there is something to be said for sticking together through tough times, when infidelity comes into play and the two are already disconnected...well, its hard to root for something like that.
Benning and Moore, both did a great job of crafting their characters. Its the union between them I have trouble buying. I don't really know who to blame for that. Actually I do. Director/Co-Writer Lisa Cholodenko.
I really wanted to like the movie. i was rooting for it. But one thing is evident to me.
The Kids Ain't All Right.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hang with Robyn
I feel like if you don't know about Robyn, Watch this video and fall in love with her!
DO IT!
DO IT!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Nolan vs. Turteltaub
I am a religious reader of Entertainment Weekly. I get a lot of enjoyment out of this publicataion, until I begin to read the movie reviews.
This magazine has had the same two critics ever since I remember. I have read more reviews by Lisa Schwartzbaum and Owen Gleiberman than I honestly care to say and here is why.
THEY ARE BOTH IDIOTS! Seriously!
I was just reading Mr. Gleiberman's review of the new Disney movie The Sorcerer's Apprentice and he contridicts himself constantly. He names something that is awful then excuses it instantly.
"The Sorcerer's Apprentice is brought to you by the folks who created the National Treasure movies, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, and you can imagine them having a meeting in which they said: Let's make a movie in the same vein — only fizzier and dumber, even more kid-happy, with a lot more meaningless effects. In other words: Let's do a movie that makes the National Treasure films look sophisticated. You may think that I'm about to sneer, but I found the ticky-tacky, hocus-pocus foolishness of The Sorcerer's Apprentice appealing in a turn-off-your-frontal-lobes way. Watching the film, you don't have to pretend to care about rescuing the Declaration of Independence, and that's a relief."
NonononononoNONONONONO! You can't say it is "dumber" with "more meaningless special effects" and go on to say you liked it because they movie wasn't about "rescuing the Declaration of Independence". You still want to be taken seriously after that? That is a complete cop out. But then again this is the man that gave Madagascar an A.
Then I flip back a page and see that Lisa Schwartzbaum gave Inception, easily one of the best films out this year a B. Which is what Owen gave Apprentice. How you two dumbasses even put those two films on the same scale, I will never know. Let's compare shall we? Christopher Nolan vs. Jon Turteltaub? Leonardo Dicaprio and Ellen Page vs. Nicolas Cage and...Jay Baruchel? Am I insane here? Is there not a clear winner?
In the event that either of them ever reads this, I will ask one favor.
Owen and Lisa, step down as movie critics of my beloved magazine and for the worlds sake, NEVER WRITE ANOTHER REVIEW FOR ANY FILM EVER AGAIN!
If you'd like to read the full review among others you can do that here
This magazine has had the same two critics ever since I remember. I have read more reviews by Lisa Schwartzbaum and Owen Gleiberman than I honestly care to say and here is why.
THEY ARE BOTH IDIOTS! Seriously!
I was just reading Mr. Gleiberman's review of the new Disney movie The Sorcerer's Apprentice and he contridicts himself constantly. He names something that is awful then excuses it instantly.
"The Sorcerer's Apprentice is brought to you by the folks who created the National Treasure movies, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, and you can imagine them having a meeting in which they said: Let's make a movie in the same vein — only fizzier and dumber, even more kid-happy, with a lot more meaningless effects. In other words: Let's do a movie that makes the National Treasure films look sophisticated. You may think that I'm about to sneer, but I found the ticky-tacky, hocus-pocus foolishness of The Sorcerer's Apprentice appealing in a turn-off-your-frontal-lobes way. Watching the film, you don't have to pretend to care about rescuing the Declaration of Independence, and that's a relief."
NonononononoNONONONONO! You can't say it is "dumber" with "more meaningless special effects" and go on to say you liked it because they movie wasn't about "rescuing the Declaration of Independence". You still want to be taken seriously after that? That is a complete cop out. But then again this is the man that gave Madagascar an A.
Then I flip back a page and see that Lisa Schwartzbaum gave Inception, easily one of the best films out this year a B. Which is what Owen gave Apprentice. How you two dumbasses even put those two films on the same scale, I will never know. Let's compare shall we? Christopher Nolan vs. Jon Turteltaub? Leonardo Dicaprio and Ellen Page vs. Nicolas Cage and...Jay Baruchel? Am I insane here? Is there not a clear winner?
In the event that either of them ever reads this, I will ask one favor.
Owen and Lisa, step down as movie critics of my beloved magazine and for the worlds sake, NEVER WRITE ANOTHER REVIEW FOR ANY FILM EVER AGAIN!
If you'd like to read the full review among others you can do that here
Monday, July 5, 2010
4th of blegh-lie
The 4th of July used to be my favorite holiday. It was the only calm holiday that i experienced growing up (fighting and anger and sadness have tainted the rest of them).
Its not really my favorite anymore. It's gotten tainted like the rest. Yesterday, was particularly awful. However, I accepted that it was gonna be no good early on in the day. Doing so allowed any cheer to increase 10 fold. Here are two items that saved my 4th from dismal obscurity.
The Scissor Sisters' new album Night Work is freaking amazing. I loved their songs "Take Your Mama" and "Laura" so I gave this album a try and I am so glad I did. It cheered me up, how ever minutely.
Yes, this is dorky. I know. A super dork factor is involved for even mentioning it. But it was very helpful in the distraction process.
So thank you Scissor Sisters and Japan for providing me with distractions from the abysmal crap that was my holiday weekend.
Its not really my favorite anymore. It's gotten tainted like the rest. Yesterday, was particularly awful. However, I accepted that it was gonna be no good early on in the day. Doing so allowed any cheer to increase 10 fold. Here are two items that saved my 4th from dismal obscurity.
The Scissor Sisters' new album Night Work is freaking amazing. I loved their songs "Take Your Mama" and "Laura" so I gave this album a try and I am so glad I did. It cheered me up, how ever minutely.
Yes, this is dorky. I know. A super dork factor is involved for even mentioning it. But it was very helpful in the distraction process.
So thank you Scissor Sisters and Japan for providing me with distractions from the abysmal crap that was my holiday weekend.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Are you angry?
I don't know about the rest of you, but I find myself to be full of anger as of late. I just wanna scream and yell and rip open locked doors (that last one I did earlier). If you feel like you need some music to go with your angry mood, here's my mini-playlist of super angry tunes.
Eminem- My Name Is
Puddle of Mudd- She Hates Me
Sex Pistols- Liar (lyrics for this are actually the entry right before this one. Just scroll down)
Linkin Park- In the End
Metallica- Holier Than Thou
Sex Pistols- No Feelings
Hopefully, you'll be able to stomp out your fury by blasting these songs. I'm not doing so well, with that.
Eminem- My Name Is
Puddle of Mudd- She Hates Me
Sex Pistols- Liar (lyrics for this are actually the entry right before this one. Just scroll down)
Linkin Park- In the End
Metallica- Holier Than Thou
Sex Pistols- No Feelings
Hopefully, you'll be able to stomp out your fury by blasting these songs. I'm not doing so well, with that.
LIAR
Lie lie lie lie liar you lie
lie lie lie lie tell me why tell me why
Why d'you have to lie
should've realised that
you should've told the truth
should've realised
you know what I'll do
You're in suspension
you're a liar
How I wanna know know know know
I wanna know why you never look me
in the face
Broke a confidence just to please
your ego
Should've realised
you know what I know
You're in suspension
you're a liar
I know where you go everybody you know
I know everything that you do or say
So when you tell lies
I'll always be in your way
I'm nobody's fool
and I know all 'cos I know
what I know
you're in suspension
you're a liar you're a liar you're a liar
A lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie
Lie lie lie lie
Liar you lie lie lie lie lie
I think you're funny
you're funny ha ha
I don't need it don't need your blah blah
should've realised
I know what you are
you're in suspension
you're a liar you're a liar
you're a lie
lie lie lie lie tell me why tell me why
Why d'you have to lie
should've realised that
you should've told the truth
should've realised
you know what I'll do
You're in suspension
you're a liar
How I wanna know know know know
I wanna know why you never look me
in the face
Broke a confidence just to please
your ego
Should've realised
you know what I know
You're in suspension
you're a liar
I know where you go everybody you know
I know everything that you do or say
So when you tell lies
I'll always be in your way
I'm nobody's fool
and I know all 'cos I know
what I know
you're in suspension
you're a liar you're a liar you're a liar
A lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie lie
Lie lie lie lie
Liar you lie lie lie lie lie
I think you're funny
you're funny ha ha
I don't need it don't need your blah blah
should've realised
I know what you are
you're in suspension
you're a liar you're a liar
you're a lie
Monday, May 31, 2010
Weekend at the Cinema
I had a cinematic weekend experience. Two very opposing movies in two nights. It was much needed for I hadn't sat in some cushioned stadium seating in near three weeks. It was about time.
The first film on the docket, was the video game-realized Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. I will fully admit that I was skeptical about this one. I mean, it has a very similar look as The Scorpion King and we all know how that turned out. Other odds were working against it as well. Mike Newell was directing. Remember the last big budget project he was given? He made Harry Potter and the Suckfest of Fire. He took a ship that needed a Captain and let it sink after hitting some very jagged rocks. So what was to stop him from doing it with a video game adaptation.
Its staring Jake Gyllenhaal, who, unfortunately, to me has just been the gay-er of the two cowboys for the last few years. Plus, in the trailer he was trying to do some accent that was kinda indistinguishable. Again, there is a crappy predecessor for big budget flicks with an American leading man "using" an accent (Brad Pitt in Troy, for those of you catching up).
But even with those insurmountable obstacles, I have to say, I really liked it. None of the afore mentioned crap-stacles got in its way. In fact, they all contributed to its success. Jake is now Dastan to me, badass acrobat. Mike Newell...well, I'm still really bothered about Harry Potter but this was a good start at making it up. So if you like action/adventure summer popcorn movies, I recommend:
Film 2:
Just Wright
This is definitely one of those chick-flicks that will be lost in time, but that's too bad because it quite enjoyable. Queen Latifa stars as Leslie Wright, a physical therapist who has always been the homegirl never the girlfriend. Common is Scott McKnight, a basketball player with a knee injury to rehabilitate. Cue predictability factor...Now.
Even though you know everything that is going to happen (somethings from the opening credits, some just seconds before) this movie did it with a charming touch. The dialogue is pleasant and witty (although sometimes over-acted. Queen Latifa, I'm talking to you) and gives you a male lead that knows when to take it slow. Common brings a likability to Scott when the character, in other hands, could have turned into douche-city.
There's a scene where Scott's fiancee comes back, after dumping him when he got injured, and wants to go forward with their previous plans of marriage right away. He stops her and says that that's moving way two fast when they JUST got back together.
He's a good guy that actually thinks before he acts. Its about time we had some cinematic representation.
If you want to see a predictable, dude-friendly chick flick, I recommend:
The first film on the docket, was the video game-realized Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. I will fully admit that I was skeptical about this one. I mean, it has a very similar look as The Scorpion King and we all know how that turned out. Other odds were working against it as well. Mike Newell was directing. Remember the last big budget project he was given? He made Harry Potter and the Suckfest of Fire. He took a ship that needed a Captain and let it sink after hitting some very jagged rocks. So what was to stop him from doing it with a video game adaptation.
Its staring Jake Gyllenhaal, who, unfortunately, to me has just been the gay-er of the two cowboys for the last few years. Plus, in the trailer he was trying to do some accent that was kinda indistinguishable. Again, there is a crappy predecessor for big budget flicks with an American leading man "using" an accent (Brad Pitt in Troy, for those of you catching up).
But even with those insurmountable obstacles, I have to say, I really liked it. None of the afore mentioned crap-stacles got in its way. In fact, they all contributed to its success. Jake is now Dastan to me, badass acrobat. Mike Newell...well, I'm still really bothered about Harry Potter but this was a good start at making it up. So if you like action/adventure summer popcorn movies, I recommend:
Film 2:
Just Wright
This is definitely one of those chick-flicks that will be lost in time, but that's too bad because it quite enjoyable. Queen Latifa stars as Leslie Wright, a physical therapist who has always been the homegirl never the girlfriend. Common is Scott McKnight, a basketball player with a knee injury to rehabilitate. Cue predictability factor...Now.
Even though you know everything that is going to happen (somethings from the opening credits, some just seconds before) this movie did it with a charming touch. The dialogue is pleasant and witty (although sometimes over-acted. Queen Latifa, I'm talking to you) and gives you a male lead that knows when to take it slow. Common brings a likability to Scott when the character, in other hands, could have turned into douche-city.
There's a scene where Scott's fiancee comes back, after dumping him when he got injured, and wants to go forward with their previous plans of marriage right away. He stops her and says that that's moving way two fast when they JUST got back together.
He's a good guy that actually thinks before he acts. Its about time we had some cinematic representation.
If you want to see a predictable, dude-friendly chick flick, I recommend:
Monday, May 24, 2010
It's safe to dance
Sorry to be so video heavy, but at least it's always awesome stuff. Its from last weeks Glee episode. Its just an killa dance!
Friday, May 21, 2010
I'm not the guy you're taking home...
This video is amazing.
Robyn, I'll be more than happy to come dance with you. No stress, alright? It's gonna be ok.
Robyn, I'll be more than happy to come dance with you. No stress, alright? It's gonna be ok.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Faith
I don't know that I have any. I'm working on it. I wish I had it but it is a concept that has eluded me for many years. I grew up in a church where that was a main topic, so you think it'd come alot easier for me but for some reason it doesn't.
Things aren't ok. But I've gotten so used to them being not ok that when things start getting good, I subconsciously mess it up because I don't know how to handle the good times. They come so rarely that I'm unprepared for them. Again, I'm working on it.
I don't have complete faith that things will get good again for a while (my hunch is 2012). Just when I think I hit rock bottom, it turns out
-Rock bottom
--50 ft. of crap
--- then there's me
I do think that hope and faith are different. It's like wanting and knowing. I don't know that things are gonna change. If there's any sort of set pattern, it's not gonna. I'm glad that life seems to be good for everyone else around me. But I'd like some of the good. Just a sip. yeeeeeeeahhhh. A sip of good right now would be amazing.
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