Thursday, April 3, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Anthony Minghella // Arthur C. Clarke.
Anthony Mingella Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990)
Breaking and Entering (2006)
Arthur C. Clarke Saturday, March 15, 2008
Weeds, Season 3
So, since I've moved out to college, I haven't been able to watch Weeds (no Showtime!), which is completely upsetting to me to say the least. Weeds is, after all, my favorite television show of all time. Mind you, I don't watch Television that much, so I haven't got much say for other past and present television shows. But I do know my Weeds. And I do know my Mary Louise Parker. And I do know that this is one zany comedy that I can't help falling in love with over and over again.So now that I'm home for spring break (I'm actually leaving again tomorrow at noon), I was browsing through my parents' on-demand service and I came upon Showtime and Weeds and realized that I hadn't finished the 3rd season! To my horror, I remembered that I only saw the first episode before stopping and then never got around to watching it before moving off to college.
Let's just go over some of my thoughts. I'm not sure if I'm able to talk about everything that's happened, but I just want to comment over some of the goings-on:
- U-Turn. Haha. Oh my god. I really liked U-Turn, as ridiculous as that sounds. His thuggish-gangsta attitude and his influence on Nancy? Pretty brilliant. We know it isn't an ephemeral influence either, seeing as how she got that traffic sign tattoo and all. "The boat wouldn't fit." Hilarious.
- Mary-Kate Olsen? I'm pretty indifferent about her. I just hope she's not on the show for long at all. I don't know what it is about her that makes me feel uneasy. Maybe it's the fact that I watched her as a little baby on Full House and now she plays this pot-smoking crazy religously-driven insane fundamentalism weirdo? I don't know what it is, but that could be one of the reasons why she gives me the heeby-jeebies. It could also be because she's rail thin and she's grinding up on Silas, who is totally cute in the show, but kinda weird looking in real life. Whatever, no, no. Hunter Parrish is definitely cute and Mary-Kate doesn't ... deserve to do that to him! haha. Jealous me.
- I was a little frightened when Shane Botwin seemingly breaks the fourth wall. It seemed out of place because it is the first time the director employed this technique, I believe. But then we just realize what Shane is really talking to. I don't want to give away too many spoilers in case some people haven't seen it yet. The whole scene/episode/breaking the fourth wall business just further reinforces Shane's psychological development and his grievings/longings towards his deceased father. The scene disorients the viewers and lets you see into those big, weird bug eyes a true sadness and craziness. Very startling, indeed.
- Doug is as stupid as ever, yet still retains his own charm. Isabelle appears every now and then, becomes better friends with Shane, and embraces her total lesbian. Dean is Dean. Silas becomes part of the family business and is getting pretty manly himself, if I do say so myself. Andy, Heylia, Vaneeta, Conrad, all the other lovable people from previous seasons are all there, still contributing their varying personalities to the show, adding humor in their own special way.
- HAHA. SANJAY... is a revelation. I'm not gonna say anything about him, but his turn is quality.
- I hate, hate, hate Celia's character throughout most of the season. She's the
same old conniving bitch that she's always been and she screws up everything she touches. She also screws pretty much everything she touches. haha. But at least, we see why, in Season 3. It's obvious that she's so completely insecure about herself, her image, and her likeability factor that she presents herself in a way that gives people a justifiable reason to think she's an ugly person. But we finally see her in this vulnerable state and I'm glad the show gives her a more human side to balance the ugly. Also, the way her character completely shifts in the last couple of episodes is fantastic. She becomes this sort of puppy dog type who just wants in. Finally, she's allowing herself to be a part of a group... even if she's still worried about being accepted in or not, to the point of pleaing and begging to make certain she really is included. Bitch or not and as much as I hate(/d) her character, I have always given mad props to Elizabeth Perkins for being one of the funniest/best players in the show (second to Parker's Nancy Botwin, of course). - I cannot wait to find out where the Fourth Season is heading. What direction does the wind blow for this messed up, lovable family? With at least 13 more episodes planned and in production, who knows what crazy shenanigans will go down? I'm so nervous about the whole thing. No more Agrestic because it becomes Majestic. And what will happen to the over-religious zealots of Majestic after the extraordinary events that occur within the last two episodes of the third season? Hmm...
I'm not sure if I can continue commenting. I just have too much to say and it's really quite hard to put all these thoughts down into my blog from my jumbled head. Right now, I've got a lot of visuals, a lot of laughs, a lot of quaint memories of the show in my head that I'm mulling over, pondering about, and smiling at. Gah, I really wish I could watch the First and Second seasons all over again. I just need to go back in time to remember the simpler days. I mean, we did have Kat and Abumchuck, who for some bizarre reason, I miss so dearly. Zooey Deschanel is the shiz. Anyways, that's all for that. I really doubt a lot of the stuff I typed out made much sense at all. If it didn't, I apologize. My head thinks far faster than my fingers could ever type.
WEEDS. If you haven't been watching it, then DO watch it. It's one great comedy, I'm not going to lie. I once wrote about it for one of my high school German papers. Haha. I didn't get in trouble or anything for talking about a television show that's all about drugs, which is great. What's also great is that my paper sparked an interest in my German teacher and now he really enjoys the show. I feel absolutely fantastic about that fact. I feel like I've done my job. And by blogging about it even more, I'm pretty much at the top of the Weeds fan ladder.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Two Films
For "Harry Potter" and Hollywood, eight is the magic number.Warner Bros. Pictures and the producers behind the $4.5-billion film franchise featuring the beloved boy wizard will split the seventh and final novel in the J.K. Rowling series into two films. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I" will hit theaters in November 2010, followed by "Part II" in May 2011, a decision that is being met around the world with fans' cheers but also plenty of cynical smirks. The publishing industry is learning to live without new "Potter" releases, but Hollywood just pulled off a trick that will keep its profitable hero on his broom into the next decade.
So in order to save some of the plot of the seventh installment of the Harry Potter books, two films will cover the entirety of The Deathly Hallows. How fascinating! I'm actually glad they are doing this. I mean, I understand that Warner Brothers is more than willing to do this (more mullah in their pockets!) but fans will also appreciate the fact that more of the storyline will be put into film. A lot of people have been complaining about them cutting and removing certain details, certain subplots. Are you guys happy now? I've always wanted the production to go a little more in depth with the whole Harry Potter world by possibly having Lord of the Rings-length movies. But two is totally fine with me. Hurray!! Here's to hoping that this strategy is totally boss and doesn't bomb. I think it'll work perfectly. The key, then, is finding that one essential moment in the book that will serve as the splitting point between the two films. Hmmm... I can't recall any good places but that's because I haven't read the book since the first weekend it came out. Hehe.
More at the Los Angeles Times.
I know I fail to update this sometimes. I realized I missed last Monday's Magical Movie Moment. Ah, such is the power of spring break, passively-angry parents, dutifully hangings-out with old friends, catching up on the third season of the best show ever on television - Weeds, watching some good ol' movies, rocking out hardxcore on rock band (lead vocalist right herre), attempting to read The Iceman Cometh, and generally just being way lazy, avoiding facebook because I'm not in my usual college setting, and generally not being online. Awesome stuff, broham.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Analyzing the Disney Formula: Aladdin (1992)
Walt Disney, probably the largest producer of animated film classics and undoubtedly the most famous, essentially uses the same formula for each of their movies – and they do this because the formula works. Two of the most prominent, which I’ve noticed even before reading Janet Wasko’s “Understanding the Disney Universe,” are the themes of escape and fantasy (characters’ longing to live in a world unlike their own) and sexual stereotypes (the role of the dominant male and submissive female), both of which are very evident in Aladdin.
Not surprisingly, Disney constructs Jasmine and Aladdin to fit these themes. In terms of escape and fantasy, each wishes for a life like that of the other. Jasmine, imprisoned within the walls of her palace, wishes to escape and explore the world beyond her walls as Aladdin does. We see her sneak off into the marketplace, obviously naïve in its workings as she unknowingly steals an apple from a merchant’s cart and does not realize what she does is wrong. Aladdin, on the other hand, tires of pilfering food just to survive and having to live such a difficult life. Upon meeting Jasmine, he longs to become a prince in order to marry the princess, an unfathomable task and transformation which he realizes as such due to his social status as a mere “street rat” with no money and no other resources.
Though they ride on this magic carpet, it is essentially Aladdin - the man, the hero that “saves” Jasmine from her prison and takes her on this outing. With sequences just like this, Disney blatantly conveys sexual stereotypes as a theme in their films. 
sexuality to distract Jafar while Aladdin attempts to steal the lamp. Aladdin, in the end, uses his quick thinking to trick the villain into defeating himself. Whereas Aladdin uses his cunning and wits instinctively, Jasmine – I guess, intrinsically as well? – thinks of using her body, even resorting in kissing a man she hates, anything she can do, to assist Aladdin in saving the day.Janet Wasko, along with this presentation of the Disney formula, asserts very interesting views on Disney as a company, all of which I can’t say I disagree. I grew up with Disney – my family owns many VHS’s and DVD’s of all the classic films, we’ve attended Disneyworld in Orlando, and we continue to support the franchise by seeing new releases and expanding our collection of movies. Disney has always been something of a struggle for me to accept. Though I am a complete fan of its works, I can’t say I agree with their corporate management and handlings. They’re like Wal-Mart to me – they do what they do not for their consumers or fans, but for money, and the fact that Disney is a corporate giant and at times, an unethical company, incites anger in me. Lately, their formula has overtaken their desire to produce art (like Walt’s vision in the early stages of his career), and in doing this, they produce merely products. Though I don’t like the fact that a lot of the films they produce are racist and sexist, I suppose they only reflect the views of our life and time.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Texas Primary/Caucus -- Hillary in the Lead
I will be updating this every now and then...
In case you wanted to know, I voted for this charismatic man. Barack the vote, y'all!
8:00
54 % Barack
45 % Hillary
1 % of votes counted.
More, more more to go. Hillary has the Valley/Border/San Antonio votes and Obama has Dallas/Houston/Austin votes that still need to be counted. It could be very close.
JOHN MCCAIN RECIEVES THE REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION!!!
Wow!!! I knew he was going to get it. I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. My Oscars predicting skillz have translated to the presidencies. God, I'm awesome. And I saw him speak too!!
Which means... if Barack gets the Democratic vote, I'll have seen both presidential candidates live and in person. How fantastic!
8:41
53 % Barack
46 % Hillary
4 % of votes counted
You know what. I'm just going to update waaayyyy later. I really need to get writing up a 4 page paper for my Communications class.
8:46
Obama just Vermont
Clinton won Rhode Island
[McCain (R) won all of his, as we all know, haha]
9:33 - TIED - oh no!
49% Obama
49% Clinton
19% of votes counted.
9:47 - Hillary overtakes Clinton in terms of popular votes
Still 49/49
23% of votes counted.
10:01 - Hillary projected to win Ohio
Texas is still close, Hillary ahead. Hillary the "comeback kid" -- gaining momentum.
March 5, 2008 - 12:20 a.m.
Hillary has taken Ohio and she has won the Texas Primary. The Texas Caucus votes are still being counted and she is still behind in delegates (roughly 80). This is because of the proportional distribution of delegates per vote (it's not a win all-take all) and Hillary hasn't been winning by too, too much. Anyways, I'm not going to keep track for the rest of the night because my roommate has retired to a light slumber and has turned off his television. We shall check the news tomorrow, I guess.
Goodnight!! If you were wondering, I have only written my introduction to my communications paper. UGH.
Marry Me, Anderson Cooper!
So, my roommate was watching Anderson Cooper 360 last night while I was trying to study for my English Lit. test today. It got my attention because he was talking about Marion Cotillard's big anti-American 9/11 and man-on-the-moon conspiracy, but once I looked up, I didn't care anymore (I knew about it already anyways). I couldn't help but drool over Anderson Cooper, as sad as that sounds. He's probably the only man with a complete head of
Is he gay? Is he not gay? It really doesn't matter. What does is that he looks absolutely gorgeous and he has an entire show dedicated to him on CNN, which, once I get my own television in my new apartment next year, I will watch every night! Well now, I have dedicated a blog entry just for him. I scrounged around the internet for some photos of him that I absolutely adore. So here, I thus proclaim my love for Anderson Cooper.
Heritage: English, Irish, Dutch, Spanish
Secondary School: The Dalton School
Major: Political Science and International Relations
Class of 1989
Height: 5'10"
Natural Hair Color: Brown
Current Hair Color: "Gunmetal Gray"
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Fact
oids: - Contracted malaria in southern Africa at the age of 17
- Is dyslexic.
- Has never been married -- yesss, more chances for me.
- He won an Emmy for his contribution to ABC's coverage of Lady Diana's funeral.
What a manly man. He just is absolutely stunning! And he looks great amidst nature's grandeur -- with his strong build and all! He's only 40 too which means the age gap between him and me is about 20 years. That is nothing, I say. Age is but a number, age ain't nothing but a thing. It's still going to happen.To encourage myself, I took the risk and looked up the compatability of a Gemini (Anderson Cooper) and an Aquarius (me) and this is what it gave me. I hoped to dear Jesus that it wasn't something bad because I would've cried myself to sleep with a slightly broken heart tonight.
"When these two air signs hook up, there will be sexual attraction and an endless curiosity about the other. Both signs will want to hit the party circuit and mingle together. Gemini is very attracted to outgoing and independent Aquarius."
I like that the sexual compatability says when these two hook up... which means, it is going to happen. Anderson Cooper, you don't know it yet but you and I are going to be together forever!!
Look at the way he holds that camera. So strong and firm. There's just something about that man that makes him more appealing when he's in action -- and when I say "in action," I mean when he's doing his job as a journalist. I too am a journalist now -- not television, but newspaper. I got my first movie review published yesterday by my university's daily newspaper!!! My City of God review was picked to be published!!! I took about 10 copies to give to my friends and family and I called a few people and told them the good news. It was pretty grand. So seeing as how Anderson and I are both journalists, that means we're meant for each other right?
Anderson: "We are definitely meant for each other."
Cookie Monster: "Like milk and cookies."
Monday, March 3, 2008
Magical Movie Moments: On the Waterfront
ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
Players:
Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy
Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle
Scene:
Eva Marie Saint, accidentally drops her glove while walking with Marlon Brando towards a swing set. Brando, the method acting pro that he is, quickly and naturally reacts, and the scene continues as planned. This improvisation is truly magical as the two continue to talk while the glove provides an amusing visual that helps to convey the coyness of Saint's character, Edie Doyle, and the growing emotions that each begins to feel for the other. Edie: "It's just a regular college. It's run by the sisters of St. Anne."
Terry: Where is that?
Edie: In Tarrytown.
They continue to walk towards the direction of Edie's house, coming up with more small talk and getting to know each other just a little bit better. Terry (notice the glove on his left hand) brings up knowing Edie when they were younger and, with a huge boost of typical Brando charm (or maybe it's just Malloy's not knowing how to talk to a lady?), attempts to explain with some crazy hand motions the style of her hair back then.Terry: Looked like a hunk of rope. And you had wires on your teeth and glasses, everything. I mean, you was really a mess.
And they continue the conversation, with Doyle jokingly expressing her wishes for Malloy to leave. Obviously, that doesn't happen and they continue to walk further together. What is fascinating though is the way in which Saint effortlessly pulls her glove off Brando's hand. This entire scene just seemed completely choreographed and so perfectly executed -- that's why it's fascinating that the whole glove thing was improvised by the two lead characters. Terry: Now listen. Don't get sore. I was just kiddin' ya a little bit. I just needed to tell ya a joke. You grew up very nice.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Album Review: Dengue Fever
Dengue FeverRelease Date: January 22, 2008
Bridging complex and fine-tuned Western psychedelic arrangements with lyrical and soulful Cambodian pop, Dengue Fever provides a unique and worldly experience that should not be passed over merely because of the "language barrier" (a few songs are actually sung in English). Their sound is undoubtedly unlike anything even in the indie scene, let alone the mainstream. A wide variety of instrumentations and lush textures give strong backing to Cambodian lead singer, Chhom Nimol's voice, which sounds airy and whimsical at times, yet warm and round when she needs to make the switch. Zac Holtzman, who also lends his voice in certain tracks like "Tiger Phone Card," very obviously reveals, through his duets with Nimol, the disparities between the two musical styles – disparities that no doubt complement the other. The opportunity to check out this distinctive band approaches; Dengue Fever will play at Club de Ville right here in Austin on March 28.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
City of Men
City of Men, directed by Paolo Morelli as a film adaptation of the TV-series of the same name and the companion piece to Fernando Meirelles’s critically-acclaimed City of God, tells the story of two friends whose lives ebb and flow with the unpredictable world they live in. Ace, an 18 year-young father, and Wallace, his best friend who is eager to learn of his past, have grown up together in the favelas (the slums) of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the commonality of having a father figure absent from their lives. Simply and linearly told (save the flashbacks that occur with each plot revelation), the normalcy of the boys’ lives are shaken up by the discoveries of their fathers’ hidden histories and the dangers of a long, unrelenting gang war between two opposing hills. Although it will inevitably garner comparison to Meirelles’s masterpiece, City of Men has the substantial storyline, the developed character arcs, the stunning imagery (with a gritty cinematography similar to its companion), the solid direction, and an emotional conclusion that allows it to stand strongly as a piece of its own.
