Monday, November 28, 2005

Kong is Coming!

I am positively dying to see this film!

I admit, the first time I saw the trailer for it, I was less than giddy, but after digesting every little tidbit out there on the making of this film, I became more and more excited. I watched the trailer in High Definition, I watched the newer trailer in DLP at the Cinemark Legacy theater in Plano, and even watched several behind-the-scenes videos that chronicle the making of the picture. The highlight of which is the one and only Andy Serkis's take on the ship's greasy cook. You've never seen a tour guide quite like him! And best of all, Andy's playing the "man in suit", so to speak. He's the human actor bringing the digital Kong to life. After seeing his immortal work as Gollum, I have no doubt he'll be the life of the picture.

Follow this link to read an excellent Newsweek article by Devin Gordon, who's seen the most recent cut of the film, just days before it's completion.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10216525/site/newsweek/

War Of The Worlds ***

I just saw the movie over the Thanksgiving holiday at my parents' house, and I'm disappointed.

I'm disappointed that I did not go and see this in the theater. Talk about intense! Of course, to get the full effect, you have to have a powerful sound system. There's just no way around it. And boy, did I get the full effect! My dad had purchased and had just received a new speaker system, and it was terrific, to say the least. He already owns a stellar subwoofer, and the new system includes another subwoofer, so you can bet we were pounding! They blended seamlessly together, and the impact was nothing short of astounding!

I won't give any details as to what happens, only to make you aware that this is a remake of a very old movie and an even older book. I remember being terrified of the original War Of The Worlds movie as a child. This version does a fine job of scaring you out of your wits! The alien war machines look SWEET! Regardless of what Roger Ebert thinks of them. They seem otherworldly, and nothing compares to the sound they make when they alert their bretheren of the flocks of humans to be destroyed.

I'm totally hooked on this movie right now, and am watching the DVD this moment. Problem is, it's a Paramount DVD release, and Paramount is notorious for their dismal efforts. The DVD doesn't even have an inner booklet, is only one disk, has one short, feeble attempt at some behind-the-scenes footage, has no other extras or commentary, and still costs $20. Phooey. I've never been impressed with Paramount. They are nothing compared to New Line, which packs their DVD releases with as much content as possible.

Anyway, do see this film in a dedicated home theater. Seeing it on a small screen without surround sound is meaningless. The film isn't all that thick with plot intricacies or character development, and is meant to be enjoyed in full volume, as visceral as possible.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

In the Truest Sense of the Word

Oxymoron
(ox·y·mo·ron)

1. n. pl. ox·y·mo·ra (-môr, -mr) or ox·y·mo·rons
A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist.

2. n : conjoining contradictory terms (as in deafening silence)

3. Gay Priest.


Sorry, it's just that simple. Ever hear of Sodom and Gomorrah? It's a Biblical tale told to everyone who's ever gone to Sunday School. Anyone who's read the Bible knows God's stance on homosexuality. How you can dedicate your life to the teaching and shepardship of those who need God and go against His word is beyond me.

I was watching a CNN interview of a "Gay Priest", not in the sense of physical abuse with minors in the Catholic Church, which is all the more vile, but just a Priest who just so happens to be Gay. I just don't understand how you can skirt the issue. God didn't create another man to be man's companion, he created woman. It's a basic law of life that has been here since the beginning of our species.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Read this Review!

Are you a Star Wars fan?

or...

Do you hate that Star Wars crap those fanboys continue to heap unjust praise upon?


Be you either one, I encourage you to read this review. DVD Verdict is a fine website, devoted to reviewing the latest DVD releases in a detailed, yet clever and fun way. In this particular review of the final episode of Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith, seven "judges" get together and do an in-depth, comprehensive review of the film, and no, they are not fanboys, so you can expect a decent amount of criticism, but not undue criticism.

Follow the link here: http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/starwarsrots.php

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire ***1/2

I am posting my full review here:

Follow me to Randomatia Relevanta

Beware, it is chock full of spoilers.

I really liked this movie. A lot! It's the best Potter film yet, and I plan to go see it at least 3 more times! While DLP is the best way to experience it, I'm quite content to deal with less-than-satisfactory presentations just to see the film. It's truly worth it.

Friday, November 18, 2005

MUST SEE!!

Well I've gone and done it. I have just purchased my ticket to see Goblet of Fire tomorrow at 11:30am @ the Cinemark Legacy theater in Plano, Texas. I will be there probably by 8:30 or 9am, my copy of The Princess Bride by William Goldman in hand, prepared for the long wait. I don't care. I must see it NOW!!

Thursday, November 17, 2005

I Want! I Want!

Dream Machine

Here's a review of the newest Power Macintosh. Dual 2.5 GHz dual-core processors. That's QUAD BABY!! I can only dream of the elation I'd feel if I had one of these at work. My workflow would more than quadruple! Hear that, boss? Get me one of these!!! Imagine working with a 12 inch by 12 inch graphic @ 300 dpi. Enough to slow down any computer. Now try to render a 3-D effect on it. Major slowdown. But not with a Quad G5. It would blaze through anything you threw at it, even the most demanding professional work. With a cost of $3,299, this computer is obviously not for everyone. If you just browse the internet, do word processing or play an occasional game, buying this machine is overkill, to say the least. But if you work in a professional creative environment, produce lots of digital content, than this baby is heaven on earth. This thing can support an astonishing 4 terabytes of system memory!! Considering that the average machine can hold up to a few gigabytes of system memory, 4 terabytes is like a supernova compared to a cap gun! Of course, today's standards prohibit such a huge number, but it provides plenty of hope for the future. Here's Apple's webpage on the subject: http://www.apple.com/powermac/dualcore.html

I just need to know who to beg at my workplace to get one of these. I am not above laying down in front of their cars!

Say It Ain't So!

Headline: Madonna slams Bush. Say it ain't so!

So here's the material girl going on a rant about our President. imdb.com ran this news entry today. You can read it here. Just scroll down toward the bottom of the page.



Madonna Slams Bush


Madonna has urged US citizens to turn against President George W. Bush over his failure to provide adequate aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in August. The singer was "devastated" when Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 didn't stop Bush winning the 2004 election and insists America must now realize his incompetence. She says, "I was just frigging devastated, It was a real sad day. I don't get how people can have all these facts and still turn away from them. 9/11 was too ambiguous. You couldn't prove how the government was somehow in on the deal. You could say 'Oh that's just Michael Moore'. New Orleans was undeniable irresponsibility."




So, according to Madonna, "Fahrenheit 9/11" contained facts? First of all, getting Republicans to believe anything put out by Michael Moore is like getting Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer to profess the superiority of Apple Computers. It just ain't gonna happen. If anything, it just strengthened the resolve of the Republican voters to go out there and show support for their party, regardless of the "documentary" put out by a well known liberal propagandist. Second of all, blaming the devastation solely on Bush is irrational. I don't recall this happening in Florida. They must deal with hurricanes far more often than New Orleans. I see this as more of a local government fault. I blame the corrupt New Orleans leaders and their dodgy police force. I remember well the drive back to Dallas I took after a visit to my family in Oklahoma City. There were several convoys of military vehicles on their way to New Orleans. I could see many trucks carrying pallets and pallets of bottled water. Each convoy was at least 6 trucks. But then, of course, it's always easier to just blame the head cheese. After all, it all goes up to the big boss. I'd expect nothing less from Madonna. In my opinion, she can go back to her sprawling estate in Britain and practice her Kaballah Yoga crap. I chose not to listen to her convoluted opinion.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Syriana

George Clooney.

Matt Damon.

A movie about oil.

"Gasonline. Imagine $20 at the pump..." the voiceover says.

Government conspiracies.

"Why am I being investigated???" Clooney demands.

"Someone's going to die." another voiceover ominously says.




Should I go see it?

Will it present the issues in a fair and balanced way?

Will it open the eyes of the public, yet entertain them at the same time?

Is Global Warming a more serious issue than the fight against terror?

Is Al Gore the inventor of the internet?

No.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Quote of the Day

"I used to be a lifeguard, until some blue kid got me fired."

-Larry the Cable Guy

Thursday, November 10, 2005

When Will They Learn

So I'm sitting here at work this morning, catching a quick glimpse of
the Today Show, as Donald Trump appears with his Star Wars entourage,
promoting his upcoming episode of "The Apprentice" which features
Darth Vader. They are all standing outside in Times Square, the
tradition of the Today Show; lo and behold, the Donald is TALLER than
Vader! What is this travesty?!?! Any Star Wars fan knows that Vader
was taller than most people. The actor who portrayed him was 6'7"
tall, and yet, here we have a dope in a Vader costume who is shorter
than Trump! SPARE ME THIS MOCKERY OF STAR WARS!!! To add insult to
injury, the guy in the Vader suit wasn't even remotely imposing or
frightening, not bulky or beefed up, as Vader no doubt was. You can't
just put on a Vader costume and become the part. You gotta be large
and imposing to being with!

When will they learn...

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Third Time's a Charm

I have just finished reading the Harry Potter series for the third time.

That's currently six novels. The seventh is on the way, though the wait will be most arduous. J.K. Rowling, the author, has said that she will not begin writing the final novel full-time until 2006. That means it is safe to say that the world won't be reading it until sometime in 2007. Oh the HUMANITY!!!

I am by no means an avid reader, and I would venture a guess that the number of novels I've read in my lifetime would be aroud 50 or so. But beyond doubt, the Potter series is the best I've ever read. Better than The Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings, better than Michael Chricton (who used to be my favorite author), better than anything.

There are those who would scoff at this. Those who would laugh that a 28 year old man would like Harry Potter novels. That I would like reading about a boy wizard, and wands, and broomsticks and such. If you think it's stupid/childish/annoying/boring/insignificant/rubbish... I don't care. I will continue to gain great pleasure in reading them again and again, and will do so for the rest of my life. Your loss, my gain.

With the fourth Harry Potter movie looming on the horizon, I eagerly await another headlong dive into the fantasy realm of the boy with the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.

Monday, November 07, 2005

November in the Tropics

I do not live in the tropics.
It is currently the month of November.
It is officially the "Fall" solstice.


So why is it so gosh darn HOT?!?!


Anyone who knows me is well aware of my feelings toward Dallas' weather. It always seems to be hotter than normal earth temperature. Here it is in the beginning of November, and people are sweating!!! I don't know how it is in your neck of the woods, but today I wore a short sleeve shirt to work, and it felt warm when I left my apartment at 7:30 this morning. Silly part is, it was nice and COLD last month. Heck, it even got below 50 degrees some nights. Nice, crisp cold. Yet, where did it go?

Come back, cold weather! It's November! All the stores have put out their Christmas inventory already! Get with the program!

Sheesh.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Title

Hmmm....

...thinking of what to write.
I need to post a blog entry. What should I write about? Something witty, clever, and relevant. Dazzle them with my writing prowess; keep them poised on the edge of their seat, brimming with anticipation at the mystery of what I might say... Eager for the astounding revelation just over the horizon...

Ok. Here goes...







So. How's about that Carson Daly, eh? Don't know why I think he's so odd. Must be that misshaped head...






Thank you! I'll be here all weekend. Be sure to tip your waitress.

Puppets and Changes

It seems that a rumor has surfaced regarding the Yoda puppet in the first Star Wars prequel: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace. Originally, it was a puppet performed by the great Frank Oz. However, rumor has it that it will be replaced by a digital Yoda similar to the one in Episodes 2 and 3. There is a featurette on the recently released Episode 3 DVD that has a digital Yoda performing the line from Episode 1: "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate...leads to suffering!"

I have just watched the featurette in question: "The Chosen One". It does have a digital Yoda reading this line. I assume they will be updating Episode 1 to include this digital Yoda. There was much joking throughout the Star Wars community at the sight of the puppet Yoda from Episode 1. One joke was that he looked like a drugged up Yoda from the 70s. I guess Lucasfilm took this to heart. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they replaced the puppet with the digital Yoda for continuity. I did however like how Yoda looked when he walked at the end of Episode 1.

Lucasfilm be warned: If you even TOUCH the puppet Yoda from Episodes 5 and 6, I'll come over there and start cracking heads!!!

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

A Visit to the Ranch

I... have a dream...

That I, and several close friends, might one day travel out to the Holy Grail of cinema magic, Skywalker Ranch.

There resides the Lucasfilm screening room. In use there is probably the most advanced THX system in the world. It's where it all begins. When George Lucas or any of his minions need to experience what the final product will be, they watch it in the Lucasfilm screening room. The audio, video, seating, and construction of this theater are all top notch, to say the least. When you have as much clout and endless resources as Lucasfilm, you can afford the best.

My dream is this: to watch the entire Star Wars saga in that room. Sure, my dream is pointless compared to dreams of world peace and food for all the peoples of this planet, but at least my dream is not all together impossible.

So far, my cinematic Star Wars experience has been so-so. By far, the best sound I heard was at the now infamous Galaxy 10 theater in Garland, Texas. Odd thing is, it only happened once, during the first run of Episode 1, The Phantom Menace. It was as if they had just installed a massive THX system the day before. I had never experienced such a powerfully visceral presentation, nor have I since. The best video presentations have been all the screenings at the Cinemark Legacy theater in Plano, Texas. I have Texas Instruments' DLP to thank for that. Just seeing Yoda spin like a top and brandish his lightsaber like a bolt of lightning was so awesome on that huge screen! No "film" projector has come close. But before you go into a rant on the inarguable superiority of celluloid to digital, just remember that I am talking about local cinemas that could care less about perfect presentation quality, nor would spend the money to make it possible. The only exception to this had been the Northpark General Cinema 1 in Dallas, but sadly, that's a distant memory.

But to see these great films in the absolute best possible environment is the only true way to do them justice. With George Lucas' pioneering effort to promote the use of High Definition digital cameras as opposed to old-fashioned film cameras, and his creation and utilization of the THX audio program, a screening of the full 6 part epic at Skywalker Ranch is every Star Wars fan's dream come true.

And with that, I'm off to slumberland, anxiously awaiting the hopeful transition from dream to reality.

"Remember, the Force will be with you. Always."